Fish business awarded to those close to Power: the most coveted contract

In Mauritius, certain contracts seem to change hands as political changes take place. That of the so-called by-catch fish is one of them. With each change of government, this market becomes one of the most coveted, but also one of the most monitored.

The observation is disturbing: from one power to another, this business almost always ends up in the hands of operators presented as close – sometimes very close – to the ruling circles.

After the new government came to power, the Agricultural Marketing Board (AMB) first awarded this contract to Eco-Tropic Company Ltd. However, this company did not exist before the elections. It was incorporated on November 26, 2024, after the change of government.

Among its shareholders and directors is Jean Carl Berty Elysée, presented as one of the Senior Advisors of the current Prime Minister. This detail is far from trivial in a case in which proximity to power is precisely at the heart of the questions. Eco-Tropic Company Ltd made its application on May 15, 2025. Less than a month later, on June 9, 2025, it received approval.

A few months later, a second company appeared in this coveted sector: Aquaris Company Ltd. It was incorporated on August 18, 2025. The same day, it filed its application. Its approval comes on September 3, 2025. Here again, the links with power are of concern. Zahir Hyda, Advisor to the Minister of Industry, SMEs and Cooperatives, reportedly acted as company secretary before later retiring.  Aquaris Company Ltd will eventually exit the fish business on January 20, 2026. Less than two months later, on March 11, 2026, the company is dissolved. This decision puts an end to his presence in the case.

After the withdrawal of Aquaris, another structure came on the scene: White Whale Fishmongers Co-operative Society Ltd. It was registered on September 5, 2025. This time, it is not only the registration date that attracts attention, but also the profile of its members.

All shareholders would be residents of Ward No. 19, Stanley/Rose Hill. However, this constituency is highly symbolic in the political architecture of the MMM. Among the people associated with this company is Jean Steven Brabant, known as one of Paul Bérenger's chief agents. He remained loyal to Paul Bérenger after his resignation from the MMM and as leader of this party. As proof, on Wednesday March 25, 2026, he was present at the latter's residence before holding a press conference.

Eco-Tropic and White Whale: two names, two different trajectories, but a common thread. At each stage, the societies concerned present, directly or indirectly, political or institutional connections with the power in place or its allies. It is precisely this pattern that fuels suspicion. Not because political proximity constitutes