In Memoriam: France Canabady
Obituary
The National Assembly paid tribute on Friday, 10 October 2025, to Mr France Antoine Canabady, a former Member of Parliament and distinguished educator, who passed away on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, at the age of 82.
In a special motion led by Prime Minister, Dr Navin Ramgoolam, and Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, Mr. Canabady was honoured as a man of “high principles and integrity.”
A Life of Education and Public Service
Born in Port Louis in 1943, France Canabady completed his primary schooling at the Central Boys’ Government School before attending the Royal College of Port Louis. He excelled academically, pursuing his tertiary education as a Commonwealth Scholar at the University of Manchester, England. He later secured a Maîtrise en Droit (Master’s in Law) from l’Université de la Réunion and an advanced diploma (Diplôme de 3ème Cycle) in Cooperation and Development from l’Université Libre de Bruxelles.
Mr Canabady was a highly respected figure in the education sector: Returning to Mauritius in 1967, he joined the Collège du Saint-Esprit, teaching English, English Literature, and General Paper. He rose to become the Head of the English Department and served as Dean of Studies until 1990. He later served as Head of the English Department, teaching English and English Literature, and eventually became the Deputy Head Master at Le Bocage International School before retiring from teaching in 1993.
He then embarked on a new career, serving as a Patents Translator with the World Intellectual Property Organisation until 2025.
Political and Civic Contributions
Mr Canabady entered politics in 1967. He was a committed member of the MMM, under whose banner he contested the 1983 general election.
His career in public office included: He was elected in Ward II of Quatre Bornes at the Municipal Council Elections in December 1982. He served as Mayor of Quatre-Bornes from January 1 to December 31, 1984. He was first elected as the second member for Constituency No. 16 (Vacoas/Floréal) in the 1982 general election under the Alliance MMM-PSM. He later became the 4th Member for the same constituency after being appointed as a Best Loser in the 1983 general election under the MMM banner, a position he resigned from in April 1984.
Even when not in active politics, Mr Canabady remained a keen and dedicated observer of national life. His deep sense of civic duty was evident in his decision to translate, on a pro-bono basis, the Mauritius submission to the International Court of Justice. He also contributed to the literary world by editing the book “Behind the Purple Curtain” by the late Jayen Cuttarree.
France Canabady will be remembered for his integrity, his service to education, and his contributions to Mauritian democracy.
We extend our deepest condolences to his spouse, Mrs Usha Dwarka-Canabady, his children, and all who are affected by his death.
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 17 October 2025
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