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In 1969, following the consent of the Government of Mauritius and the authorisation of the Duke of Norfolk, K.G., G.C.V.O., C.B.E., Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England, the Council was granted and assigned its armorial bearings.

 

It was the Royal College of Arms of London, which was responsible for the entire work and the process relating to the Letters Patent of the armorial bearings, the engrossment of the text and the registration of the document as well as the signing and the sealing of the Letters Patent.

 

The white and blue wavy divisions in the shield represent the pond of Beau Bassin. The golden rose at the top symbolises Rose Hill. As for the three golden fleurs de lys, they allude to France and the original development in Mauritius, of Beau Bassin-Rose Hill under the control of the Compagnie des Indes. The arrangement of the three piles, on which stand the rose and fleurs de lys, is suggestive of the sunrise on Corps de Garde, whilst the green portion represents the surroundings countryside.

 

From within the mural crown, which is symbolical of Civil Government, there arises the Centaur, a half-man and half-horse. This mythological figure of athletic fame typified by Chiron, patron of music and the arts as well as teacher and instructor of the young, symbolises the educational, cultural and sporting traits of the town.

 

The apt motto of Tenax et Fidelis, or firmness and faithfulness, to which the Municipal Council constantly strives to adhere, is inscribed at the bottom of the shield