*  *  *  “Our revels now are ended…” The Vice-president and our guest of honour; former Vice-presidents; Former Deputy Prime Ministers; Ministers; Former Ministers; Excellencies members of the Diplomatic Corps; Honourable Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr Paul Acquah, our special guest this evening; Members of the Board of the Bank of Mauritius, Chairman of the Mauritius Bankers’ Association; Chairman of the Joint Economic Council; Deputy Speaker; Honourable Members of Parliament; Mayors and Chairmen of District Councils, Members of the Press, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen: The first necessity for good speaking is a goodly audience: and I must say we certainly have that tonight!
I am delighted that we have with us on this occasion our special guest Dr Paul Acquah Governor of the Bank of Ghana. We are here for the finale of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary year of the Bank of Mauritius. I should add our congratulations to the Mauritius Bankers’ Association, who are with us in strength tonight, also in their 40th year.