<B>Municipal coucillor of Port Louis</B>

<B>You are 25 and the youngest councillor in Port-Louis. Why did you decide to enter politics ?</B>

I must admit my family has played an important part in this choice. My mother was in active politics for about twenty years and my sister stood as candidate for the last general elections. And we have always felt close to Labour. When I was a student, I used to help children of my neighbourhood at school; I’ve always been involved in social activities in Port-Louis and am a member of charitable organisations. So entering politics was logical for me after my studies in France. I want to use my skills and competences to serve the government and the people.

<B>Would you say that your age was an advantage or a disadvantage during the municipal elections ?</B>

In fact, I believe age has nothing to do with what someone can bring to his town as a person. I’ve never felt that my age could be a problem either for other candidates or for the electorate. The fact that I was elected on top of the list proves this right. On the contrary, I think that, as a young man, I have a huge responsibility to other young people to make them believe in their town again. The Social Alliance has given a chance to people who had new ideas – even if they were not famous people at a national level.

<B>What do you intend to do as a team for Port-Louis ?</B>

Well, there’s so much to do. Port-Louis is not only a town but also the capital; but Port-Louis reflects in no way what a capital in a developing country should do. During our door to door campaigning, we realised that Port-Louis was neglected and that inhabitants did not really feel concerned with their town. We intend to work with the citizens – make them enjoy their town again – make of Port-Louis a modern capital. Infrastructures have to be reviewed to create leisure areas or renovate existing ones like Salines Garden and Salines swimming pool; an effort should be made at the environmental level; the project of an underground parking at Cathedral Square is under study. We have already started to work and people should see a change in about six months.

<B>You are young and look determined… Are you sure that people of your team will be as motivated ?</B>

We are determined to change people’s lives. We are a competent and qualified team with the will to work with the people who put their trust in us.

<B>How do you see your future ?</B>

Well, as you may be aware, mayors and their deputies are elected for one year. I believe I could well be deputy-mayor in one or two years. These five years within the municipality will give me the necessary exposure and experience with the electorate and this might certainly help me stand as candidate for the next general elections in 2010.