Mauritius Labour Party celebrates 75 years

Mauritius Labour Party (MLP) leader and Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam is very confident that the young people of Mauritius will pursue the struggle to maintain human and social rights so that the poor can share in the economic wealth of the country. Speaking at a rally to mark the 75th anniversary of the MLP with the theme “75 years of Progressive Politics” at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre in Pailles, Dr Ramgoolam appealed to the next generation to take the leadership of the country.

But he warned the youth not to take the path of some politicians. “The young adults are taking the lead to rule the future. They must be aware that every politician is not the same. These politicians don’t have the same interest to fight for the country, for the poor.

“You must have the conviction and the commitment to fight for the vulnerable ones. You should not have as a main priority to come into power,” he told an audience made up of MLP supporters, ministers, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of foreign political parties.

Dr Ramgoolam said that if he wanted to remain in power in the year 2000, he would have chosen “the easy way” by entering into a coalition with the Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM), the then main opposition party.

“If the MLP had entered an alliance with the MMM, we would have won by a 60-0 score. But I’ve never chosen the easy path to remain in power. I’ve taken the risk to go alone with the PMSD, because we are guided by the principles of fairness. To remain in power just for the taste of remaining powerful is not of great interest for us,” he said.

“The MMM is capable of doing anything to remain in power,” he added. The prime minister said “it’s the flame of the MLP that we are passing to the youth so that they can contribute to building the future.

“As long as the Labour Party exists, you will not be afraid of anything. Keep the flame alight,” he said. During his 50-minutes address the prime minister stressed equity, social justice and freedom.

“Mauritius at the time when the MLP was created in February 1936 was a child of suffering and pains. “Life is a journey and a steady struggle. Seventy-five years ago there was despair, but now there is hope,” he said.

The population is made up of people from different corners of the world and Mauritius has no natural resources, “but its inner strength and determination have been the driving elements of today’s achievements, with the imprint of the Labour Party.

“No other political party has done so much for the poor. If the Labour Party is always strong, it’s thanks to its conviction that has always remained constant and unshakeable,” he said.

Speaking about MLP’s contribution to the country’s achievements such as the right to vote, Independence, free schooling, the welfare state and free transport for students and the elderly, Prime Minister Ramgoolam stated that the Labour Party’s philosophy has always reflected the wishes of the population.

“Since 1936, the Labour Party has catered for the well-being of each individual,” he said, adding that each child born in Mauritius has his or her own capability to succeed in life.

“Could you imagine life in 1936 without the Labour Party?” he asked, naming the founders of the MLP who were motivated by promoting social justice and human rights.

“There is nothing more precious in life than giving your time for the emancipation of your countrymen. It’s not money that is important, but the time you give to help the poor,” he said.

“The Labour Party has always said that investing in people is investing in the future. Our party has always been a partisan of a mixed economy, linking social justice to economic efficiency,” he said.

The MLP has never changed its principles, though some people would prefer that it did. “The dog barks, the caravan passes,” he said.

On education, Dr Ramgoolam said that it has always been his wish that poor children also have the right to study. “Education is the key to success, to development. Depriving a child of his right to study is a loss for the country.

“The respect of principles, which is an equal sharing of the wealth of the country for every human being is my priority.

“Life is a struggle. For 75 years, we keep on reinventing ourselves to face the challenges of life. Our vision is focused on the long term, as governing is to prepare for the future – that is a modern society, a united society.

“All my action depicts my commitment and is summarised thus: equality, national unity and modernity.” On Friday, the MLP elected its president and members of the Central Executive Committee.