GIS– 10 March, 2020: Today, Mauritius stands as an example for the world as a democratic Welfare State governed by the rule of law, which guarantees freedom for all citizens, with an independent judiciary, as well as a free press. The President of the Republic Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, was speaking, yesterday, at a flag hoisting ceremony held at the Brisée Verdiere Social Welfare Centre, in the context of the National Day celebrations 2020.
A symbolical ceremony, to celebrate the 52th Independence anniversary of Mauritius and the 28 years of the Republic, and, to strengthen the patriotism fervour among citizens, was organised by the Social Welfare Division of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. The Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Darsanand Balgobin, the Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, and other personalities were also present
In his address, President Roopun emphasised that the celebration of Independence marks a significant moment in the lives of Mauritians and enables one and all to pay homage to the contribution of each citizens in making Mauritius the prosperous country it is today. ‘We are a small country where there is harmony and which is stable on the economic and political spheres, but, what is most important is our cultural diversity making Mauritius a role-model for the globe’ he indicated.
On the economic front, he recalled, Mauritius is a top achiever on the African continent and ranks first on several international indices such as the Mo Ibrahim Index and the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report. Speaking about GDP, the President remarked that this has increased by 95-fold since Independence in 1968 and presently has reached MUR 405 billion. At the time of Independence, our GDP per capita was USD 190, and now, our GDP has peaked to USD 10 710 per capita, he pointed out.
Moreover, the President cautioned that despite the successes achieved by Mauritius on several fronts, it is vital for the population to respect the environment, in particular with challenges posed by climate change and given that the country is particularly vulnerable as a small island State.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: http://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov