Prime Minister meets artists and religious movement to promote peace and unity

Representatives of the artistic community and the religious movement, Zezi Vre Zom (ZVZ), met with the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, this afternoon, at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis, to express their solidarity and outline their efforts to ease tensions following several incidents reported across the island.

In a statement, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that during the meeting the representatives had expressed their willingness to help restore calm in the country. She highlighted the role of ZVZ, which has an established presence in numerous communities and whose members can reach parents. She also underscored the influence of artists in conveying important messages to young people and encouraging them not to be manipulated.

It is noted that several minors had been implicated in the incidents. These incidents involved looting, possession of explosive substances, breaches of curfew orders, offences related to rogue and vagabond behaviour, arson, and damage to police stations, traffic lights and CCTV equipment.

Describing the meeting as constructive, Mrs Navarre-Marie indicated that participants had exchanged views and information. “Both the religious movement and the artistic community have outlined plans to strengthen their presence in communities across the island and amplify their messages of peace and unity,” she said.

The national Chaplain for the ZVZ, for his part, stressed the urgency of restoring peace through dialogue, attentive listening and grassroots engagement. He said the movement, present in seven regions with around 30,000 members, was committed to working alongside communities. He moreover called on families to remain united, urging parents to guide their children and instil in them sound values.

As for Artist Joelle Coret, she highlighted the important role of artists in promoting unity across society. Addressing young people, she reminded them that life was precious and should not be put at risk through actions that could lead to arrest. Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Union des Artistes, Mr Roshan Boolkah, stated that awareness-raising activities were being organised for young people. He spoke on the role of music in promoting peace, love and serenity.

15 October 2026

Email: gis@govmu.org

Website: https://gis.govmu.org

Mobile App: GIS News

Topics: Youth