Kreol Festival: Unity, Respect, Justice Are 3 Core Values Against Division, PM Says

The Mauritian Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, has issued a severe warning against “pyromaniacs thirsty for power” who seek to divide the nation, delivering the message during the launch of the Festival International Kreole 2025 in Mont Choisy on Friday, December 5.

Ramgoolam’s stark message—delivered in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger and Tourism Minister Richard Duval—came as DPM Bérenger confirmed that the use of Kreol Morisien will soon be officially sanctioned in Parliament, pending the finalisation of a report.

Ramgoolam: Unity is Key

The Prime Minister explicitly cautioned citizens, stating that these unnamed individuals “seek each time to pit one community against another through false reasons.”

“We must be very careful and remain united around our values such as respect, solidarity, and justice,” Ramgoolam declared.

He stressed that “there are more things that unite us than things that divide us,” citing the “unifying force of the Creole language” as a key factor.

The Prime Minister, who noted he launched the festival in 2006, described the annual event as a celebration of “the soul and identity of our nation” and “a testament of pride in our history and our heritage.”

He also highlighted decisions taken for the preservation of Creole, particularly within the education sector, and thanked hoteliers and volunteers for their contributions to the festival’s organisation.

Creole’s Entry to Parliament Confirmed

During the same event, DPM Paul Bérenger announced that the National Assembly Speaker, Shirin Auleeruddu-Cziffra, is finalising a report to authorise the use of Creole in Parliament.

“The report will be made public very soon, and we will take a great step forward,” Bérenger stated, confirming the language’s “grand entrance.”

Bérenger also firmly asserted that the Creole language “is our national language” and “our mother tongue,” affirming that it is shared by all communities.

The Deputy Prime Minister additionally used his address to deny “malicious rumours” claiming that some communities receive more aid than others, clarifying that the current austerity policy and budgetary constraints affect all communities.

Economic Difficulties and Sector Support

Bérenger also touched upon the difficulties in the electricity sector, explaining that power cuts are imminent because motors over 25 to 30 years old are still in operation.

He praised hoteliers for agreeing to operate their generators at their own expense during peak hours to mitigate the disruption.

Tourism Minister Richard Duval saluted the crucial contribution of the private sector in the festival’s organisation, particularly the hoteliers and other partners who provided financial support, a necessity due to the country’s current economic situation.

Duval noted that many artists have suffered “much humiliation and injustice these last ten years,” including acts of violence, for claiming their rights.

He praised the theme of the year, authenticity of the Creole culture, saying the festival is an “affirmation of Mauritianism” and its unique ability to “celebrate our differences in unity.”

Source: Le Mauricien