
The Sugar Investment Trust SIT is undergoing a major strategic overhaul to address significant debt and the evolving sugar industry in Mauritius. Historically tied to the sugarcane sector, SIT is transitioning to a more diversified, resilient, and sustainable economic model. The strategic vision, led by Chief Executive Officer Nishta Jooty-Needroo, focuses on activity diversification, renewable energy investments, governance modernization, and enhanced asset valuation. In the medium term, SIT prioritizes financial consolidation through debt reduction and rigorous resource management to stabilize its financial structure. The current strategy combines budgetary discipline, optimization of existing assets, and development of new income-generating projects. SIT's strategic framework now revolves around four complementary pillars: agriculture, real estate, energy, and the valorization of land and property assets, aiming to reduce historical reliance on sugar. Long-term goals include transforming SIT into a modern, high-performing, and sustainable institution that plays a structural role in the Mauritian economy while supporting small planters and its 55,000 shareholders. Diversification efforts include revitalizing sugarcane cultivation while developing food crops to modernize agricultural practices and enhance national food security. Real estate development is a key pillar, with residential and commercial projects like The Core and NG Tower optimizing property asset profitability
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Must ReadArthur Gregg Sulzberger, chairman of The New York Times, criticized artificial intelligence companies on Monday, May 1, for what he called "unscrupulous theft of intellectual property" from media organizations. Speaking at the World Media Congress in Marseille, Sulzberger warned that the passivity of media towards AI companies risks leading to "a future where there will be fewer and fewer journalists." He argued that AI companies are endangering journalism and disrupting its economic model. Sulzberger stated that the profession has been "too discreet, too passive, and too fragmented in the face of abuses committed by companies causing the artificial intelligence revolution." The World Media Congress is being held in Marseille until Wednesday.
Must ReadFormer Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy was questioned Under Warning by the Central CID for over two hours regarding a video he posted on social media. In the video, he allegedly claimed the Bank of Mauritius printed 83 billion rupees last year. Assisted by his lawyer, Me Raouf Gulbul, Padayachy stated the video was an opinion piece and denied spreading false information about the Central Bank. Police allowed him to leave, awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP on further action. Padayachy called for a calm economic debate and noted that as a former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, he had never filed a police complaint on an economic matter. He also commented on what he perceived as attacks on opponents. The Bank of Mauritius filed a complaint with the Central CID on May 16 following Padayachy's statements. The video, posted on May 11, also defended the 2020 transfer of 55 billion rupees from the Bank of Mauritius to the state during the Covid-19 pandemic and questioned criticisms while mentioning a presumed 83 billion rupee injection into the economy in 2025. The Bank of Mauritius refuted these claims in a May 12 statement, asserting that no monetary issuance or fund transfer to the government occurred last year. The matter was discussed in the National Assembly during Prime Minister's Question Time, where Leader of the House Navin Ramgoolam denounced Padayachy's statements as "false, unfounded and malicious." Ramgoolam also accused the pr
Must ReadA 45-year-old Malagasy worker, identified as Fandja, was deported from Mauritius to Madagascar the day after her poignant testimony at the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on May 17. Fandja, who lives with HIV, had shared her fears of losing her job, care, stability, and dignity if her status was disclosed, and of being repatriated "like a criminal." She had been working in a nursing home for several years, sending money to her family in Madagascar. Her deportation occurred after her employer was contacted by authorities, informing them of her HIV positive status and instructing them to send her away immediately. Fandja had initially tested negative for HIV upon arrival in Mauritius, but later tested positive after a partner's infidelity. She began treatment immediately and stated her treatment was working, and she could not infect anyone. Her employer had mandated a new HIV test for all staff without consent or confidentiality guarantees, despite Mauritian laws protecting individuals living with HIV from forced testing and discrimination. Nicolas Ritter, founder of PILS, highlighted that stigmatization persists and that Mauritius's practice of deporting foreign workers based on HIV status contradicts its own HIV & AIDS Act, Equal Opportunities Act, and Workers’ Rights Act, as well as international conventions. He emphasized that a country's value is also judged by how it treats the most vulnerable. The Immigration Act 2022 and the Non-Citizens Employment Restriction A

Evaco Ltd, a prominent Mauritian real estate developer and builder listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius, has been placed under judicial administration. Mushtaq Oosman and John Chung were appointed Receiver and Manager on May 26, 2026, with the decision officially announced on May 28. This development impacts approximately 350 employees, whose salaries reportedly have not been paid since April, and hundreds of buyers involved in off-plan sales VEFA. The company's flagship project, Cap Marina, located in Cap-Malheureux, had a potential sales value of nearly Rs 15 billion and attracted international clients. Evaco claims that the receivership was triggered by Silver Bank Limited over an outstanding amount of Rs 39.7 million, despite the company having assets valued significantly higher than the debt. Evaco also alleges that SBM Bank, a long-term banking partner, made a series of decisions between 2024 and 2026 that progressively constrained the group financially. Evaco had submitted four recovery plans to SBM between February 2025 and May 2026, including one with an investor ready to inject Rs 520 million. The company has filed a complaint with the Supreme Court of Mauritius against Terra Mauricia Ltd and its former CEO, Alexandre de Saint Pern, alleging conspiracy and deliberate actions that caused significant harm. SBM Bank has denied any wrongdoing, stating it acted in strict compliance with contractual obligations and banking practices. The future of Evaco's employees,