Mauritius

How does one explain the poverty and marginalization of a group that lives in a remarkably successful economy and peaceful society? A native anthropologist, the author provides critical insight into the dynamics of contemporary Mauritian society. In her meticulously researched study of ethnic, gender and racial discrimination in Mauritius, she addresses debates carried out in many developing societies on subaltern identities, ethnicity, poverty and social injustice. The book therefore also offers important empirical material for scholars interested in the wider Indian Ocean region and beyond.

In 1598 a fleet of five East India ships from the Nether-lands landed on the uninhabited island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, which they claimed as a Dutch possession. Being rich in food and water and free of diseases, Mauritius became an important station for outward or homeward-bound ships of the Dutch East India Company, who built a fort, garrisoned the island, began cutting the island's ebony forests, and introduced slaves from Madagascar, some of whom succeeded in escaping Dutch rule and lived as refugees in the interior of the island. Even in the seventeenth century, Mauritius had a multiethnic population. This book describes the vicissitudes of the Dutch on Mauritius and examines the commanders of the island, from the successful Adriaen van der Stel to the despotic Isaac Lamotius, from the disastrous George Wreede to the diplomatic but harsh Roelof Diodati. Appendices list ships calling at Mauritius and the first foreign inhabitants of Mauritius.

Mauritian independence in 1968 marked the end of a regime favorable to the Franco-Mauritians, the island’s white colonial elite. Now, in postcolonial Mauritius, this group is faced with a much more diverse power constellation and often feels in competition with others vying for their privileges. Though this is a clear departure from the colonial heydays, Franco-Mauritians have been able to continue their elite position into the early twenty-first century. This book focuses on the power of white elites still lingering on in postcolonial realities, and with regards to elites and power in general, addresses anew how an elite group aims to prolong its position over time.

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that with subdued international prices, inflationary pressures in Mauritius declined in 2013, despite the public sector wage increases. The unemployment rate was unchanged compared with 2012 at 8 percent. Credit to private sector growth remained robust. On the external front, the current account deficit widened to almost 10 percent of GDP in 2013. The reserve cover of imports of goods and services stayed constant at 41⁄2 months with the Bank of Mauritius accumulating additional net international reserves. The structural primary deficit was broadly unchanged relative to 2011.

This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Mauritian economy has weathered the global economic slowdown relatively well. Economic output is expected to expand by about 5.3 percent in 2001/02 (July–June), only slightly below its trend rate of growth of the past 20 years. Tourism weakened somewhat in the second quarter of 2001 but picked up in the second half, partly reflecting Mauritius’ reputation as a safe destination. Notwithstanding the relatively robust economic growth over the past decade, unemployment has risen steadily and is projected to reach about 9 percent in 2001/02.

This edited volume analyzes the Mauritius economy and highlights what conditions and policies have contributed to the development of the country. The project gives a historical and economic analysis of Mauritius and provides comparative approaches looking at other developing states in Africa and Asia. This book is intended for a broad audience, consisting of not only economists with quantitative expertise but also other social scientists, policymakers and scholars interested in the intellectually fascinating exploration of Mauritius’s rapid rise and sustained growth performance.