● <B>What is your vision of your ministry?</B>

My vision of my ministry is very simple: I want to do justice to everybody. But this is a very bold statement coming from someone heading a ministry which in the past has not been seen as an active one or has been considered by the previous government as an appendix to the system instead of being an engine for reform. Achieving my vision will be a painful task because it needs patience, determination and imagination. Moreover, it is a ministry where you must be prepared for criticism because any change in the law is always attacked by some people, especially when you live in a country known for its prejudices. Fortunately, I have the support of a vast amount of people who are agreeable to changes in the judiciary.

● <B>After hearing about the “Equal Opportunities Act”, people are sceptical about it. Don’t you think its application will be a myth?</B>

First of all, the “Equal Opportunities Act” is meant to give the chance to everybody to carry on his/her career without being penalized by factors such as religion or sex. “Equality of opportunity” is an idea. The act will establish a mechanism to reduce inequality in opportunities and show that nobody is favoured above another through unfair means, which contravene human rights. So, we need to work on the act. Then we will see the reaction in the public when the bill is circulated. Secondly, we need a teething period for the “Equal Opportunities Act”. We must not proceed as we have done with the “Prevention of Corruption Act” and its “baby”, Icac. With Icac, there were lots of expectations soon after its creation. In fact, there was an “expectation crisis”. I have already prepared the bill for the “Equal Opportunities Act” and it is now in the hands of the prime minister, who has asked for fine tuning and for others to look at it. This is very wise on his part. We do need a second or third opinion! But I hope the bill will be accepted by the public. Obviously, there will be disagreements and debates. But I hope this will help change the mentality of everyone from every community. This bill will have its pedagogical aspects as it will trigger reflection. Anyone will be able to sit down and consider if he/she has equal opportunity of access to school and other institutions.

● <B>Does this mean you will go ahead with this bill? </B>

It is not for me to decide! It is the government that does so! However, I must say that it is the first time that we are taking further steps towards it. There is a clear commitment from the prime minister in the presidential address that the bill will go ahead. This gives you an indication how serious and determined the Prime minister is about this issue.

● <B>You are seen by many as a champion of ‘marginal’ people. How do you feel about this?</B>

I do not know if I am a champion! But I know that I espouse causes that are sometimes not well perceived by the public. Go and ask my close friends and they will answer your question. For example, on New Year’s eve, Rama Sithanen said in a speech in Quatre-Bornes that ‘Rama Valayden is the conscience of the government’. Coming from someone like Rama Sithanen, it does mean a lot. In 1995, I was very engaged in politics but I was against the idea of launching a political party. But people like Sunil Dowarkasing and Sir Gaëtan Duval convinced me that I would serve Mauritius better within a party. But as for saying that I am a champion, we should wait for my death to see whether this is true!

● <B>Former Lord Chancellor Mackay has submitted a reform plan for our judiciary system. Is it going to be applied? What is left to be done?</B>

There is a lot to do. In all reforms, especially in the judiciary, we must not take a partisan approach. Our PM rightly set up the commission presided by the former Lord Chancellor of Great Britain. Last Friday, the cabinet agreed to my proposal of having Sir Hamid Moollan to steer the committee to see what should be done. We want a view apart from the political one. In three months’ time, Lord Mackay is coming back here for a long period. He will advise the government and myself how to implement this reform. Moreover, in two weeks’ time, the PM will see Jacques Chirac in France. After that a top magistrate will come to work with a Supreme Court judge to discuss the feasibility of introducing a Mauritian “juge d’instruction”. Finally, my ministry and I will have a look at “law arbitration” because we have no such law. And by the end of June “law arbitration” should be implemented!

● <B>Lord Mackay’s reform involves many changes - will it be fully implemented?</B>

We will implement the whole reform! But it is a matter of time as it involves a lot of financial investment. Our economic problems could delay the implementation of the law. However the roadmap will soon be ready.

● <B>Recently, the minister for Women launched a white paper on domestic violence and the government has mentioned a family court. What is happening in connection with these issues? </B>

Pramila Patten is working with my ministry and we launched a paper on the family court. Now we are working on the laws. It is true that there is a lot of domestic violence! But we are working on it. Our main objective is to bring about education. We are working on awareness-raising programs both for adults and youngsters!

● <B>The ongoing trend of domestic violence shows that the law on protection seems useless. Does the government intend to remove this law? </B>

Actually, I disagree. You must know that when you bring in new laws, you need some time for them to take full effect. In fact, in 70% of cases, this law does work! When was the last time you heard that there was a crime? People tend to take wrong figures into consideration. What we have done is to try make people more aware of the problem, by working through non-governmental organizations against violence.

● <B>What concrete measures do you intend to take to protect human rights?</B>

<I>In three months’ time, Lord Mackay is coming back here. He will advise the government and myself how to implement the reform.We will implement the whole reform but it is a matter of time as it involves a lot of financial investment.</I>

We are doing a lot! And there is a lot still to be done! When we talk about human rights, we talk mainly about the protection of accused parties. We have welcomed the introduction of video-cameras in police stations. Secondly, we have visited some police cells and seen to it that most are well-equipped with equipment which respects human-rights norms. Thirdly, we have come up with a protocol for rape and laws regarding the cutting-off of water and electricity for people who are in arrears. There are many other laws. But we did not have a single cent to carry our activities to their logical conclusion! Finally, since this government took power, have you seen police stopping any demonstration? To answer this question, just look at last week’s demonstration by homosexuals! We are having problems, but we do respect people! We respect everybody!

<I>Since this government took power, have you seen police stopping any demonstration? We are having problems but we do respect people!</I>

● <B>Are you optimistic that your laws will be useful to society?</B>

Yes I am! I am passionate by nature! Nobody can tell me that I do not work passionately! I don’t do things that I don’t believe in! Therefore, all the things I am doing, I believe, will be in the best interests of people.