Rodrigues Chief Issues Drug Warning Amidst Concert Permit Reform Plans

Rodrigues Chief Commissioner Franceau Grandcourt has issued a stark warning that “certain concerts” on the autonomous island are sadly being “associated with drugs”. The alarming concern was raised during the final session of the National Convention of Arts and Culture held in Rodrigues on Saturday, December 6.

Mr. Grandcourt, who delivered a frank overview of the arts and culture industry, stated: “We must know what profile is behind the organisation of the concerts… I am not saying that all organisers are involved, but drugs are starting to enter Rodrigues. We must be careful, because some have bad intentions.”

Avert the ‘Mauritius Problems’

The Chief Commissioner explicitly addressed the controversial organisation of concerts, a subject that has caused long-standing public discontent in Mauritius due to sector bans, such as those on alcohol sales.

Mr. Grandcourt voiced serious apprehension about the sector, noting that it involves more money than other artistic practices.

He warned: “There was a time when, in Mauritius, we stopped organising concerts because of various problems. Rodrigues does not want to have the same problems.”

The regional assembly remains cautious but is still seeking appropriate venues for concerts, provided they “do not disturb anyone” and there are no “problems with the environment police.”

New Online Permit System Unveiled

The convention marked the tenth and final consultation session, following nine held in Mauritius between September and November. It coincided with the Festival Kreol Rodrig 2025.

Arts and Culture Minister Mahen Gondeea, who travelled to Rodrigues with Deputy Minister Véronique Leu-Govind, invited participants to detail their feedback on an ongoing initiative: the creation of a one-stop shop to simplify obtaining concert permits.

The ministry, in collaboration with the Economic Development Board, is developing an online platform via the National Electronic Licensing System. Minister Gondeea assured attendees that for Rodrigues, there will be “no need to travel to Mauritius for the procedures.” Ministry technicians will instead monitor requests and identify blockages.

Strategic Plan for Future Growth

Mr. Gondeea explained that following the collection of all feedback, a National Open Arts Commission will draft a strategic plan. This document will be distributed for corrections before being finalised and submitted to the Council of Ministers for validation.

Deputy Minister Leu-Govind stressed the need for better movement of artists, saying: “Often Mauritian artists perform in Rodrigues, it is necessary that artists from Rodrigues have a platform in Mauritius. Not only events organised by the public sector, but also in the private sector.”

Preparing for ‘Explosive’ Transformation

Looking ahead, the Chief Commissioner predicted a surge in the arts sector. “Rodrigues will undergo major transformations with the opening of the new airport. The art industry is going to explode, we must prepare for it,” he stated.

However, he concluded by stressing the importance of preserving the island’s unique artistic heritage: “It is important that the authenticity, the rodriguan vibe, is preserved.”

Source: l’Express