Paul Bérenger resigns from the MMM, signaling a major shift in Mauritian politics
via Le Mauricien5 min read
Paul Bérenger has resigned from the Mouvement Militant Mauricien MMM, the party he founded in 1969. His daughter, Joanna Bérenger, and Chetan Baboolall also left the party, submitting a joint letter to the party's secretary-general. Bérenger described his departure as a "heartbreak," emphasizing his more than fifty years of commitment to the party and its historical role in advocating for workers' rights, freedoms, and democratic institutions. He cited a deviation from the party's principles, criticizing practices he once fought against, a lack of rigor in governmental action, and a departure from electoral promises. He specifically highlighted the MMM's continued presence in government without conditions as a decisive breaking point, stating that "remaining in power should never be an end in itself." The MMM's president, Reza Uteem, expressed sadness but noted that Bérenger chose not to heed the voice of the militants, as the party's central committee and delegates' assembly had approved remaining in government. Secretary-General Rajesh Bhagwan acknowledged a difficult moment but stressed the need to continue the political struggle within the Alliance du Changement to achieve electoral reform. Political analysts, including former minister Jean-Claude de l'Estrac, suggested Bérenger's resignation was inevitable, caught between the internal majority supporting the government and his own political stance. Many view this as a "end of a cycle" for traditional parties and a potent
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Suneeta Motala, Deputy CEO of Stewards Investment Capital, has been admitted to the Forbes Business Development Council, making her the first Mauritian professional to join this global platform for business growth leaders. This follows her 2024 inclusion in the Forbes Communications Council. The Forbes Councils, invitation-only organizations, select leaders and entrepreneurs based on their experience and contributions to global discourse. Ryan Paugh, President and Co-founder of Forbes Councils, stated that the organization aims to gather "the best entrepreneurial minds" to foster valuable exchanges and global opportunities. Motala, with over 30 years of experience in the financial sector, has contributed to over twenty expert panels and authored several articles during her time with the Forbes Communications Council. Her career spans roles at HSBC, AfrAsia Bank, and Stewards Investment Capital. Bilal Adam, CEO of Stewards Investment Capital, praised Motala as "a leader with a global vision and a rare ability to translate strategies into concrete growth," highlighting that her appointment reflects the group's increasing international presence. Motala views this as an "exceptional opportunity to continue learning alongside international leaders, while sharing perspectives on global business building."
The Lux Collective, a global luxury hotel group, announced that LUX Belle Mare has joined Virtuoso's portfolio of luxury travel partners. Virtuoso is an invitation-only network comprising over 2,200 preferred suppliers across 100 countries. This affiliation positions LUX Belle Mare among the world's leading luxury hotel establishments and connects it with Virtuoso's global community of elite travel advisors, supported by targeted marketing channels and industry events like Virtuoso Travel Week. The move also strengthens LUX Belle Mare's ties with major leisure travel agencies in Europe, North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Olivier Chavy, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective, stated that Virtuoso represents the highest standards in luxury travel and expressed pride in LUX Belle Mare's inclusion in this prestigious community. He added that the affiliation enhances their ability to connect with guests seeking authentic moments, intuitive service, and tailored experiences. Located on the East coast of Mauritius, LUX Belle Mare offers suites and villas with interiors reimagined by designer Jean-Marc Tang. The hotel has received the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award for three consecutive years and features one of the island's largest lagoon pools, innovative dining options including Duck Laundry and Amari by Vineet, led by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, and the LUX ME Spa.
The launch of Assad Bhuglah's book, "Community Identity in Multicultural Society," prefaced by former President Cassam Uteem, has sparked discussion on the multiple identities of Mauritians. Uteem describes Mauritians as inherently multicultural beings, cultural hybrids with intertwined identities. Bhuglah, a prolific author and columnist, emphasizes that communities are not mere administrative constructs but lived realities rooted in history, culture, religion, language, and shared experiences. His book is a sociocultural and sociopsychological essay that delves into identity, community belonging, nationalism, and religion, with a focus on the Mauritian Muslim community. Uteem highlights Bhuglah's ability to combine rigorous research with narrative talent, linking individual trajectories to broader social contexts. Bhuglah's work has brought to light figures such as Dr. Idrice Ameer Goumany and Dr. Hasssenjee Joomaye. Uteem explains that community identity is built around factors like culture, ethnicity, language, and religion, offering social and emotional support. He discusses the Islamic concept of Ummah, a global Muslim community united by faith, which encourages dialogue and cooperation rather than isolation. He also mentions Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, as an expression of social justice. Uteem draws parallels with Amin Maalouf's "Deadly Identities," warning against reductive views of identity and advocating for an inclusive approach that recognizes multipl
Must ReadMufti Azhar Peerbocus appeared before the Weekend Court on Sunday, April 19, 2026, where three provisional charges of child abuse were filed against him. Police objected to his release, citing a flight risk and the potential to influence witnesses. His defense, led by Me Yatindranath Varma, did not request conditional release. The investigation, conducted by the Bel Air CID with support from the SSU under the supervision of DSI Sahadew, is in its early stages, and no statements have yet been recorded. Magistrate Vellien ordered his detention in police custody until April 20, 2026, to allow investigators to continue their work. Mufti Azhar Peerbocus was arrested on Saturday, April 18, upon his arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Plaisance.