24 December 2007
interview
Port Louis — â-è What is the reason of the conflict between the chief-commissioner of Rodrigues, Johnson Roussety, and the central government in Mauritius?
The controversy is about the allowance to be paid to fishermen. The Regional Assembly of Rodrigues voted a motion last week to try and counter a cabinet's decision of June 2006. This decision was aimed at dividing Rodrigues into four areas for the payment of bad weather allowances to fishermen. But Johnson Roussety is in favour of maintaining the financial aid of Rs 1,085 every month according to criteria set by the government.
What has been the government's decision?
The central government seems to stick to its decision and the minister of Agro-industry, Arvin Boolell, declared: "My colleague, the Finance minister, and myself have tried to make the chief-commissioner understand through meetings and letters that he must abide by the decision of the cabinet, which is the supreme institution. Moreover, the ministry of Rodrigues forbid presenting such a motion. So, why such stubbornness?" So, it seems that each party is sticking to its position.
What will Johnson Roussety do, then?
He clearly said that it was time to start fighting for Rodrigues' independence. He had thought of resigning from his post but he finally decided to "start building our campaign to claim independence of Rodrigues as from today". He and his leaders insist that Rodrigues has acquired autonomy and that should allow them take such decisions without having to go along with cabinet decisions if they disagree with them.
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