Mauritius — Birth Control or Starvation

From Our Archives – A Glimpse into 1961

Under this caption, the London weekly, New Statesman, of March 10, comments on the Titmuss Report as follows:

One of the results of the improvement of health facilities in colonial territories since the war is the rapid increase in population. Whilst this can be welcomed in, for instance, the African territories which can sustain much larger populations than at present, its effect can be catastrophic in small island communities such as Mauritius, Malta and the West Indies. The resultant economic and social problems are clearly expressed in two reports recently published about the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.

The Labour Party government of the island is to be congratulated on its initiative in appointing Professor Titmuss and Dr Abel-Smith to study social policy and welfare services, and Professor Meade to report on the economic and social structure of its community. This is the first time that a colonial government has attempted to set up practical schemes of social insurance and health services before it has even become independent.

The choice which faces the people of Mauritius emerges starkly from both reports. Between 1954 to 1960 the population of the island rose from 420,000 to 650,000. The reason for this is a successful attack on malaria, a lowering of infant mortality and better health services enabling longer lives. But the birth rate is so high that four infants are born for every person who dies. At this rate, by 1982 this present population will have doubled.

As there are tremendous difficulties in any rapid expansion of the economy, now almost entirely dependent on sugar production, this means that there will be less food, fewer houses, less medical attention and shorter education available for each individual, while unemployment will assume frightening proportions.

Thus, if there is to be any chance at all of introducing the social insurance, health service, school meals, free or cheap shoes free milk, sickness and unemployment benefits which are proposed in Professor Titmuss’s report, or the industrial effort proposed by Professor Meade, limitation of the population increase is essential. Professor Titmuss hinges his whole social security scheme on the statistical average of a three-child family instead of the present six to ten.

The Mauritius government introduced a birth control measure some time ago, but was forced to postpone discussion of it because of the outburst of religious feeling within its own party and among the public. Its efforts should be reinforced by these reports, with their specific proposal for birth control propaganda and assistance. But it will need all its courage to face an electorate still widely influenced by the Catholic Church; now, however, it has formidable evidence to convince Mauritian that their choice is between birth control and starvation.

Obituary

Dr A. G. Jeetoo

We learnt with grief of the passing away of Dr A. G. Jeetoo.

Dr Jeetoo had a brilliant career as a medical practitioner. For many years, he served as a physician with the Public Assistance Department. But, above all, Dr Jeetoo will be remembered by the working class as one of the founders of the Labour Party.

At a time when people were ostracised for being labelled socialists and had to suffer all kinds of humiliation, Dr Jeetoo joined hands with Dr Curé and others in the struggle for the betterment of the oppressed classes.

8th Year – No 342
Friday 24^th March, 1961

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 14 August 2026