Rs 5.5 Million for Screwing Up

To a question asked by Radio Plus today, October 8, 2025, Navin Ramgoolam replied: « Dapre lalwa sa, mo piti. » He was in Phoenix, attending celebrations marking the International Day of Older Persons.

The question concerned Sithanen’s compensation package of Rs 5.5 million for leaving his position as Governor of the Bank of Mauritius (BoM). Since he invoked “the law,” Ramgoolam — himself a trained lawyer — should make the employment contract public. It would be wise for him to have it independently reviewed by a private lawyer to confirm whether such a payout is indeed contractually justified.

Let’s do the math. Sithanen worked for a total of 214 days, calculated as follows:

 Total days between November 16, 2024, and September 30, 2025: 319

 Less 91 weekend days (Saturdays and Sundays)

 Less 14 public holidays that fell on weekdays during his tenure

 Total working days: 214

The public deserves to know that Sithanen’s compensation for screwing up as BoM Governor equals roughly Rs 25,703 per working day (Rs 5,500,500 ÷ 214 days) — and that’s in addition to his regular salary.

Given that he resigned and his contract was for three years, Ramgoolam must disclose the formula that produced this Rs 5.5 million payout. If he refuses, Lesjongard should step up and demand the contract in Parliament. That’s  precisely the job of a Leader of the Opposition.

While he’s at it, he should also request details of Sithanen’s foreign trips — what were they for? The per diem allowance of Rs 2.2 million over the same period — about Rs 10,280 per day — raises eyebrows, especially when trips themselves cost Rs 2.1 million (Rs 4.3 million total minus Rs 2.2 million in per diem). Were these missions truly justified, or was there abuse of position?

This entire package is an exercise in irony. Here’s a man who once advised Ramgoolam to introduce austerity measures — including raising the retirement age to 65 — and a government that constantly insists the cupboard is bare, yet somehow finds Rs 5.5 million for a resigned central bank governor after barely 214 days of service.

Navin Ramgoolam thinks we are idiots. We are not.

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