On 23 February 2026, Mauritius commemorates a milestone of profound historical and civic significance: the 90th anniversary of the Mauritian Labour Party (MLP). Founded in 1936 by Dr Maurice Curé, the Labour Party was born in an era of colonial hardship, economic inequality, and limited political rights. Its emergence was not merely the creation of a political organisation—it was the awakening of a nation’s conscience.
The Birth of a Movement
The 1930s were marked by poverty, social injustice, and the dominance of colonial oligarchies. Workers in the sugar industry, the backbone of the Mauritian economy, endured harsh conditions with little protection. Against this backdrop, Dr Maurice Curé, joined by pioneers such as Emmanuel Anquetil, launched the Labour Party on 23 February 1936. Their vision was radical for its time: to give voice to the voiceless, to challenge entrenched privilege, and to demand dignity for the working class.
The colonial authorities, threatened by this new force, responded with harassment and repression. Yet the Labour Party endured, sustained by the resilience of ordinary Mauritians who saw in it a vehicle for justice and equality.
Leadership Across Generations
Over nine decades, the Labour Party has been shaped by successive leaders, each leaving their imprint on the nation’s trajectory.
- Dr Maurice Curé (1936–1941): The founder, whose courage laid the foundation for organised labour politics.
- Emmanuel Anquetil: A tireless advocate for workers’ rights, remembered for his commitment to social justice.
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR): The architect of modern Mauritius, who steered the country to independence in 1968. His leadership transformed the Labour Party into the national movement for freedom.
- Sir Satcam Boolell, Sir Gaëtan Duval (in coalition contexts), and later leaders: Each contributed to shaping the party’s role in governance and opposition.
- Dr Navin Ramgoolam: In more recent decades, he carried forward the party’s legacy, embedding social democracy and expanding Mauritius’ global presence.
This lineage of leadership reflects continuity and renewal—a testament to the party’s ability to adapt while remaining anchored in its founding ideals.
Contributions to National Development
The Labour Party’s legacy is inseparable from Mauritius’ transformation into a modern, democratic, and socially progressive nation. Among its most enduring contributions:
- Independence (1968): Under SSR, the Labour Party led the struggle for self-rule, ensuring Mauritius could chart its own destiny.
- Universal Suffrage: The party championed electoral reforms that gave every Mauritian—regardless of class, race, or gender—the right to vote.
- Free Education: Introduced in 1976, this policy opened doors for generations, transforming Mauritius into a knowledge-driven society.
- Healthcare and Social Welfare: The Labour Party expanded access to healthcare and social protection, embedding dignity into the fabric of national life.
- Economic Diversification: From sugar to textiles, tourism, and financial services, Labour-led governments laid the groundwork for Mauritius’ economic resilience.
These achievements are not isolated policies but part of a broader vision: that the nation’s greatest resource is its people, and that investing in human capital is the surest path to progress.
The Labour Party and the Making of Modern Mauritius
The story of the Labour Party is, in many ways, the story of Mauritius itself. From colonial subjugation to independence, from poverty to prosperity, from exclusion to inclusion—the party has been at the heart of every major turning point.
Its ideology of social democracy and democratic socialism has consistently emphasised fairness, solidarity, and collective uplift. In a country without mineral wealth or strategic resources, the Labour Party recognised early that Mauritius’ strength lay in its people—their intelligence, resilience, and work ethic.
Challenges and Renewal
Like any political organisation, the Labour Party has faced challenges: internal divisions, electoral defeats, and the evolving demands of a modern electorate. Yet its survival over 90 years is itself remarkable. Few parties in the world can claim such longevity, especially in a small island nation navigating global currents.
The anniversary is therefore not only a celebration but also a call to renewal. The Labour Party must continue to adapt—addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, digital dignity, gender equality, and youth empowerment—while remaining faithful to its founding mission of justice and dignity.
A Legacy for the Future
As Mauritius reflects on 90 years of Labour Party history, several lessons stand out:
- Courage in Adversity: From colonial repression to modern political battles, the party has endured because it never abandoned its core values.
- Investing in People: Free education, healthcare, and social welfare remain pillars of national progress.
- Unity in Diversity: The Labour Party has consistently sought to bridge divides—ethnic, religious, and social—building a cohesive national identity.
- Visionary Leadership: From Curé to Ramgoolam, leaders have translated ideals into policies that changed lives.
The Labour Party’s journey is not merely political; it is deeply human. It is the story of workers demanding dignity, of families aspiring to education, of citizens claiming their rights.
Conclusion: Ninety Years of Nation-Building
On this 90th anniversary, the Labour Party stands as a living institution—one that has shaped the destiny of Mauritius and continues to inspire new generations. Its contributions to independence, universal suffrage, free education, and social justice are woven into the fabric of the nation.
As the country looks ahead, the Labour Party’s challenge is to remain relevant, visionary, and inclusive. The ideals of 1936—justice, dignity, and equality—are as urgent today as they were then.
The celebration of 90 years is therefore not only a tribute to the past but a pledge to the future: that Mauritius will continue to build on this legacy of courage and compassion, ensuring that the Labour Party remains, in the words of its founders, the voice of the people and the guardian of their dignity.
By Dharamraj Deenoo
Civic Steward