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MO FILAO RESTAURANT
AIR MAURITIUS
BUCKLAND RETIRES
Flying the Mauritian flag proudly – a new and exciting addition to London’s diverse restaurant scene
Mauritius’ national carrier will make the move to Heathrow’s new Terminal Four building this coming November
Mauritius’ world class sprinter, Steve Buckland, has announced that he is quitting athletics at the age of 33
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mauritiusnow AUGUST 2010
www.mauritiusnow.co.uk
UK Award for PM
MAURITIAN OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2010 .................................. 27 The annual Mauritian Open Air Festival returns on Sunday 8th August 2010. We provide you with a comprehensive guide of what’s taking place on the day…
EVENTS .................................................. 26 SHOWBIZ .............................................. 29 TRAVEL ...................................................31 RESTAURANTS & BARS ................ 32 LIFESTYLE ............................................ 35 SPORT ....................................................40
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rime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam was last month conferred the honorary award of Doctorate, at the University of Staffordshire in the UK. According to the citation, the award was in recognition of his leadership in governance; his commitment to the development of forensic knowledge and skills in dealing with law and order in the tackling of crimes; his commitment to multiculturalism and community cohesion; and his commitment to tackling poverty through education. “I am greatly honoured by the mark of appreciation and MSM leaderconferred upon me. I accept this distinction with recognition Pravind Jagnauth much humility, coming as it does from an institution I hold
in high esteem and whose reputation is based on its commitment to high academic standards,” said the Prime Minister. He expressed his gratitude to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ramgopal, who took the initiative to seek a meeting with him about Staffordshire University’s forensic science programmes. This marked the start of the co-operation between the Country and the University in the field of forensic medicine. “We are indebted to you for the valuable assistance being provided to us in the fields of forensic science and criminology. I can announce today that we are about to appoint one of your staff to assist our Forensic Science Department,” announced Dr Ramgoolam. (Continued on page 2)
NEWS
Day of Honour for National Awardees
Editor’s Note This is to advise that the article entitled: “Mauritius – a force to be reckoned with” from the July 2010 issue of Mauritius Now was written by Mr. Fazil Hyda
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resident of the Republic, Sir Anerood Jugnauth presented insignia and medals to 32 National Day awardees at State House in Réduit last month. The highest republican award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.C.S.K.), was conferred upon former government minister, the late Dr James Burty David, for his “remarkable contribution in education, social and political fields”. Dr David, who was a stalwart of the Mauritius Labour Party, passed away at the age of 58 following a heart attack on December 13 last year. His son Fabrice collected the award. The ceremony took place in the presence of Lady Sarojini Jugnauth, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and his wife Veena, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development Pravind Jugnauth, the Speaker of the National Assembly Kailash Purryag, the Chief Justice Bernard Sik Yuen, several ministers, and close relatives of the recipients. The second highest republican award, the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.O.S.K.), was presented to the following four personalities: * Minister of Rodrigues and Fisheries, Nicolas Von Mally, for distinguished contribution to the political and social fields
CONTACT US Mauritius Now Ltd, 555 White Hart Lane, London, United Kingdom, N17 7RP Tel: 0843 289 5510 Fax: 0842 289 5510 Advertising: 0843 2895098 Editorial: 0843 289 5510 Web: www.mauritiusnow.co.uk Email: info@mauritiusnow.co.uk Advertising: advertise@mauritiusnow.co.uk Disclaimer While every effort has been made by the author(s) and the publisher to ensure that the information contained in this Newspaper is accurate and up to date at the date of publication, they accept no responsibility or liability in contract, tort, negligence, breach of statutory duty or otherwise for any inconvenience, loss, damage, costs or expenses of any nature whatsoever incurred or suffered by anyone as a result of any advice or information contained in this publication.
* Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service, Suresh Chandre Seeballuck, for distinguished service in the public sector * Barrister Sir Abdool Hamid Adam Moolan Q C, for outstanding contribution within the legal field * Chairperson of Mauritius Telecom, Appalsamy (Dass) Thomas, for outstanding contribution in the field of aviation and human resource development.
The Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (CSK) was presented to Guy Ah Leung for contribution in the development of airport services, Hassam Gorah Beebeejaun for dedicated service in the preservation of the national heritage, and Ravin Dajee for contribution to the banking and financial sectors. Mr Beejaye Coomar Appanna, Mrs. Nirmala Boodhoo, Mrs. Chelahshah Hamal Desha, Dr
UK Award for PM (Continued from page 1) The prime minister told those gathered at Staffordshire University that despite Mauritius being an island with no natural resources, it has always attached great importance to education. “Our people are our only wealth and the source of our strength. We have been fortunate that, eight years after Independence, free education up to secondary level was provided by the Father of the Nation, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. He was also instrumental in setting up the University of Mauritius,” said Dr Ramgoolam. “My own commitment to education is founded on the proven value of education as a means to development, gender equality, and the way to alleviate poverty.” The prime minister addressed some words of wisdom for the young graduates: “As you plan your future, I will urge you to consider taking a sustained interest in the affairs of your town, city and country. To paraphrase Edmund Burke, all it takes for mediocrity to prevail is for educated men to stay aloof and not to get involved.” Dr Ramgoolam dedicated the award to the people of Mauritius while he thanked the population “for the journey of reform and progress travelled together”. Mahesh Bugnath This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
Imrane Duffaydar, Mrs. Phoolo Draupadi Ramjoorawon and Mr Yves Chan Kam Lon were the recipients of the Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (O.S.K.). Sir Anerood also presented the Member of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (M.S.K.) to Mrs. Fareeda Hosenally Amide, Maulana Mohammed Shamim Ashraf Azhari, Dr Joseph Dumée-Duval, Antonio Félicité (who was represented by Mr Jean Claude Juliette), Pandit Vedeswar Goopee and Mrs. Indrabye Gunnoo. Mr Devanand Beejan and Mr Lakshman Bungaroo were conferred the President’s Distinguished Medal (P.D.S.M.) while the following were recipients of the President’s Meritorious Service Medal (P.M.S.M.): Mrs. Haimowtee Appiah, Mr Chandrosen Bappoo, Mrs. Indira Beeharry and Mr Ashit Baran Beezadhur. Sir Anerood Jugnauth presented the President’s Badge of Honour to Mr Hoogram Boodia, Mrs. Madwantee Gajadhar and Mr Mike Momine. He also handed over the President’s Certificate of Honour to Mrs. Sarojini Bundhoo, Mr Satyadeo Dassagne and Mr Baichundut Gondowrylall. After the ceremony, Sir Anerood and Lady Sarojini as well as Dr and Mrs Veena Ramgoolam met the awardees to congratulate them all. Sunil Gopal Photos © George Euphemie This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS
Air Mauritius on the up
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he fortunes of Air Mauritius seem to have done a 360 degree turn over the past 2 years. Facing an unprecedented crisis thanks to the global economic recession that rocked the airline industry, and huge financial losses due to poor fuel hedging decisions, the future of the airline looked uncertain, but Air Mauritius was not far off from making a profit in the last financial year. So what is the company doing so right to reverse its plight in such a short space of time? The airline narrowed its losses significantly from £75m to £5m in the last financial year. In fact, excluding fuel hedging costs (where the company agrees to by fuel at an agreed price based on current price in the future) profits doubled to £29m. Undoubtedly the airline learned some harsh lessons from the fuel hedging incident, but better decisions coupled with the weak exchange rate of the dollar have slashed the airline’s costs considerably. Thanks to the new Airbus A340E, the airline now offers a better Business Class product,
which is often cheaper than rival airlines. This has compromised Economy Class seat pitch slightly, but seat pitch still remains on par with other airlines, and there is now a better inflight entertainment product. The benefits of the new planes are only really being felt now, as the cost of buying the planes would have hit the airline’s pockets deeply 2 or 3 years back when they were first commissioned. There are other reasons as to why the airline is doing better. Better marketing no doubt has boosted revenues; the airline is doing better at advertising special rates, has improved its website and has recently recruited new marketing managers for specific regions. This has been crucial in establishing the airline’s brand beyond Mauritius. It has established itself as the biggest Mauritian brand, and the premium sponsor of big Mauritian events both in Mauritius and abroad. It’s codeshare agreement with Air France and the like means that it is now flying more frequently than ever. For example, it is now
possible to fly to Mauritius from London seven times a week via Paris. Air Mauritius are well aware of the routes it should be serving if it wants to make Mauritius more accessible to tourists, and now more than ever, to businessmen and women also. In particular, the airline has developed better links with Asia, introducing more flights from India and Malaysia. Air Mauritius has also restarted flights between Mauritius and Sydney, 18 months after the route was stopped amid the global recession. There is now a once a week flight from to Sydney via Melbourne, with a view to making it a bi-weekly service in the near future. The re-introduction of the MauritiusSydney route comes as part of an effort to increase the airline’s capacity by 15% this year, with the airline’s improved financial performance over the last 12 months. “We are now back on a path to growth, and the growth areas that we have seen appear to be around the Indian Ocean, and this includes Australia,” Donald Payen, head of Air Mauri-
tius communications said. Air Mauritius Now serves three Australian cities, with Perth and Melbourne being the other destinations. The airline also has one of the best value loyalty schemes in the industry, which has also helped boost Air Mauritius as the airline of choice for regular travellers. Making one or two trips a year can lead to some generous benefits such as excess baggage allowance, priority check-in and free flights. With other airlines you are forever collecting points and the benefits always seem to be more elusive than attainable. Air Mauritius, once a market leader, had fallen behind the pack in recent years, with the likes of Emirates and Virgin now running regular services to and from Mauritius. With the global recession threatening to ruin many airlines in the industry, Air Mauritius has done very well to put itself back on the road to growth and profitability, whilst re-establish itself amongst competitors. Sabina Jacobs
NEWS A new home for Air Mauritius O
n the 24th November 2010 Air Mauritius will make its first flight from Heathrow’s new Terminal Four building. Mauritius’ national carrier will make the move, from its current location at Terminal Three, over the course of this year. It comes as a result of the local airport authority’s decision to close Heathrow’s Queen’s building and Terminal Two, which is now no longer in existence. Anthony Cowles, Air Mauritius’ UK director, explains that the motivation for the move was the new terminal’s “superb check-in area which offers some wonderful facilities, from a user’s point of view.” He cites a magnificent selection of shops, restaurants and bars as an example of the improved experience on offer to Air Mauritius customers flying from Terminal Four. The check-in process itself, he says, “will be even more efficient and straightforward than it currently is.”
“We feel the securing of a spot in this wonderful new terminal is another step up for the airline” Furthermore, Mr Cowles and his team are currently in negotiations with the British Aviation Authority to reproduce the famous Air Mauritius SAS lounge within Terminal Four. The current lounge is widely revered for its superb facilities, which include communications networks and authentic cuisine, set within a Mauritian environment.
“If negotiations prove to be fruitful, our business lounge would follow a similar theme, although we would hope that it may be even better than our current offering.” Mr Cowles said. The move is intended solely to improve the flying experience of Air Mauritius customers; “there is no operational difference. Put simply, the planes will turn right instead of left.” However, outgoing passengers will find their experience further enriched and even more relaxing. The tens of millions of pounds that have been spent on making the new terminal amongst the finest in the world will serve to further improve the trips of travellers to Mauritius. Not only are the restaurants and shops of the highest quality, but the more practical passenger concerns have also been well addressed. Mr Cowles says that the new car park facilities are excellent, allowing passengers to arrive or get dropped off with minimum hassle, and close to the terminal entrance. It
is also easier to exit the new car park than it is the current one. Additionally, the check-in and boarding processes are going to be more fluid and efficient. He is however, quick to stress that the move is not an indictment on the airline’s current home: “we’ve had thirty very successful and very enjoyable years at Terminal Three but we feel the securing of a spot in this wonderful new terminal is another step up for the airline and a victory for our customers.” Mauritius Now can confirm that, in the last few days, the airline made its first test flight. According to Mr Cowles the process took “an awful lot of technical work, testing every aspect of the flight process, from arrivals to take-off” but, he says, the dummy-run was “a resounding success.” It looks then, as if people travelling to Mauritius from November onwards, can look forward to an unrivalled flying experience. Will Mathieson
NEWS
Debates on the Government Programme 2010-2015 P
iracy in the Indian Ocean can further affect the country’s international trade relations, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Arvin Boolell said during the debate at the National Assembly last month. He declared that Mauritius will further consolidate ties with islands of the region to try to put an end to piracy, adding that the African Union will provide full support to the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). But the minister added that the problem had to be resolved in Somalia itself. Dr Boolell said that he is expecting the arrival of experts who will look into the legal structure of the country with regard to the punishment for pirates arrested in the island’s exclusive economic zones. The Southern African Development Community has prepared a report that will soon be given to member countries on piracy and the transfer of captured pirates and their prosecution. Commenting on the political crisis in Madagascar, the minister said Mauritius is willing to dispense all help so that Madagascar can hold democratic elections. On the economy, Dr Boolell said that since the economic recovery is fragile, the question is whether to take austerity measures or extend the stimulus plan. While Mauritius is doing its best to capture new markets, it is important to conclude as many free trade agreements as possible. Speaking on the circular migration agreement with France, the minister said that around 850 Mauritian nationals will have the opportunity to take up employment there with the possibility of renewing their contracts. He announced that Mauritius has obtained a new visa waiver for Switzerland, adding that students who have been accepted at any university in Switzerland will not need a student visa. MP Ameer Meea said that modernity does not uniquely mean providing new buildings and better services to the public, but that government should also consider the way people behave. He said that the prime concern must be nation-building and a Ministry of National Unity should have been set up. He went on to say that in the absence of such a ministry, a special independent authority led by people of proven moral authority with a commendable track record should be created to act against anyone who might jeopardise the country’s social cohesion.
Ameer Meea
Mahen Seeruttun As Mauritius is a small island, the need for land to accommodate new development is a pressing issue but “we should be extremely cautious. Each square centimetre of land must be judiciously used” he added. The MP described the Mauritius Police Force as being an obsolete system. “Our wrongdoers are racing on horseback. Our cops are chasing them on a donkey’s back. How can they keep pace with crime?” Mr Meaa asked. Commenting on the press, he said that information must not be biased, censored or manipulated. People want to hear accurate information and news, “just like it is being served to the public in advanced countries”. On the controversial anti-drug documentary “Paradis en Dey” produced by Mr Jameel Peerally and his friends, he said that they should have been congratulated for their attempt to stand up against drug barons “who
Aurore Perrault
Arvin Boolell are destroying our brothers and causing havoc and despair in so many families”. He deplored that the authorities have “mistreated these artists”. MP Aurore Perrault said the 2010-15 programme shows that the government is willing to tackle the obstacles to sustainable development; the underlying theme is “building our future together”. She added that it is unacceptable that in 2010, there is major development on the one hand, but so many pockets of poverty on the other. The alleviation of poverty must not be restricted to only one community, one group, one region or one constituency. Poverty is the concern of each and everyone, she said. The MP said the government has come up with a series of measures such as implementing a free transport system, providing free education and health services.
The creation of a separate ministry to look specifically at social integration and economic empowerment is a “revolutionary measure” which shows that the government is still further consolidating its schemes to alleviate the problem of poverty in the country. She announced that the main areas of interest and intervention will be in social housing, training and education, capacity-building and employment. The main objective is to bring about behavioural change in these citizens which would eventually empower them and promote responsible citizenship. She said that the decision of the government to build 10,000 housing units is another commendable project. Commenting on the government’s five-year programme, MP Mahen Seeruttun said it caters for every section of the community. On the “duty-free island” project, he said that adding shopping to the existing sand, sun and sea concept will boost tourist arrivals in the country. He welcomed the idea of introducing a modern mass transit transport system, adding that to achieve success some conditions must be met. A modern Mauritius is possible only if we can strike balance between economic and sustainable development, said the MP. The government must adopt new means to control the country’s carbon emissions because the area of land under sugar cane plantation is being reduced with various development projects, said Mr Seeruttun. And he urged the government to give directives to the different ministries to buy hybrid vehicles when they are renewing their fleets. On education, he said the government will soon provide every lower six student with a laptop in a bid to ease access to information. The five-year programme also caters for a reinforcement of the country’s law and order system with the recruitment of 5,000 police officers. The programme, said Mr Seeruttun testified to the government’s commitment to consolidate national unity, adding that the creation of the Ministry of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment is solid proof of the commitment to alleviate poverty. The MP urged the government to consider the possibility of allowing people access to sports facilities in schools and colleges after school hours. Mahesh Bugnath This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS Indian oil giant urged to set up refinery on island I
ndia’s state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp. Ltd (ONGC) has been invited to set up a refinery in Mauritius in a joint venture with the State Trading Corporation (STC). The island does not have refining capacity of its own and gets petroleum products from ONGC’s subsidiary, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL). Minister of Commerce and Industry Showkutally Soodhun agreed to renew a three-year $2 billion petroleum products sourcing agreement between MRPL and STC. “We want the setting up of a refining hub in Mauritius. An equal participation joint venture with STC on the Mauritius side and ONGC on the Indian side can initiate the process,” Mr. Soodhun told reporters in New Delhi. “STC Mauritius can also be used to access the other African countries with which we have a great relationship. If it is a commercial proposition, why not?” replied R.S. Sharma, chairman and managing director, ONGC. Indian petroleum ministry officials however, say that given the size of the Mauritius market, it makes more sense to have a refinery in Africa to cater to the requirements of the region. State-owned Indian Oil Corp. Ltd (IOC), which already has a retail presence in Mauritius with 17 outlets, also plans to expand its operations here. Apart from Sri Lanka, Mauritius is the only foreign country in which IOC has retail outlets through Indian Oil Mauritius Ltd. “We are interested in expanding our operations there. We are also looking at pipeline infrastructure and product storage capacity,” said B.M. Bansal, chairman and managing director of IOC.
“I have been to Abu Dhabi and Dubai but I have noted that the offer made by MRPL is the best one for Mauritius“ Last month’s Mangalore agreement was signed in the presence of Mr. Soodhun, the Indian Minister for Oil and Natural Gas, Mr. Murli Deora, and Indian State Minister Jitin Prasada. “I have been to Abu Dhabi and Dubai but I have noted that the offer made by MRPL is the best one for Mauritius. This has led us to sign a new contract for the duration of three years,” said Minister Soodhun. He has also had a working session with the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Anand Sharma. The agreement, worth $2 billion over three years, signifies the willingness of Mauritius to strengthen commercial ties along with cultural affinities. The contract with MRPL was criticised recently when Leader of the Opposition, Paul Berenger, asked a Private Notice Question on the issue. He wanted that the supply of petroleum products be made subject to an international tender exercise that would guarantee transparency. Mr. Soodhun replied at the time that the preferred course of action of the government was to request quotations from different countries and compare them in regards to who would provide the best value. “We have launched the exercise even in India, Pakistan, Madagascar, Australia and the Middle East. Once we get it, then we can compare. Tomorrow, if Mangalore is giving us the better price, why not Mangalore! But let us have it internationally,” he said. The latest meeting of the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) approved a decrease in the prices of petrol, diesel and crude oil. The price of petrol has dropped by Rs3.45 a litre – it’s now Rs42.90. The price of diesel is down to Rs36.75 a litre. Sanjana Bhagmal-Cadervaloo This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS
Port Louis skyline to undergo change T
he Port Louis skyline will change yet again in the near future with Le Merrit Ikon Harbour Front, a 16-storey tower that will face the fishing port at the northern entrance of the capital. Le Merrit Ikon will be built at Farquhar Street on land that belongs to the IKS group.The land has an existing building which was housing the customs department of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA). The building is to be demolished. “This development will be unique as it will face the harbour front and will be situated at the entrance of Port Louis from the northern highway. It has been designed as an iconic tower that will be colourful during the day by using coloured glass and perforated panels and at night through LED lighting technology. Mauritian levenes flyer_Layout 1 12/04/2010 15:22
“It has been designed as an iconic tower that will be colourful during the day by using coloured glass“ “The colourful tower will reflect the multicultural rainbow facet of Mauritius. It will greatly help to contribute towards developing the economy as it will host various incubating businesses and small and medium enterprises,” says promoter Mr. Henri Loo, . Page 1
The Octagon Group will team up with the IKS Group to invest around Rs800 million to create this iconic tower. The tower will consist of a commercial floor hosting cafés and showrooms at ground floor level. The tower will be provide three floors of parking consisting of 78 parking slots dedicated to users and visitors. The fourth floor will provide facilities and services such as gym, wellness spa, and restaurant lounge with terrace decking and sun-tan relax areas. This office building will be the first in Mauritius to come with a swimming pool. This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
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NEWS Prison Break The Inside Story A
fter 11 days of tracking and questioning, the investigation by the Central Criminal Investigation Department (CCID) on the “great escape” is nearing completion. The only missing link is prison officer Ahmed Rostom, who is suspected to have provided prisoners with cell phones. He has been missing for several days. Kamlessing Beerbul, suspected as one of the “masterminds” of the escape, took part in a crime reconstruction at the GNRW prison where he explained to the CCID the exact routes taken by the detainees in their dash for freedom. Dog handler Shekar Prayag was also at the Line Barracks where he had to explain the series of events that led up to the escape of the 34 detainees on Sunday, June 27. He was also suspected to be an accomplice in the escape plan but after three hours of questioning, the officer was allowed to leave without any charges against him. The dog handler, according to reports, was the last officer to be attacked by the runaways. His dog was also “savagely” beaten. Mr. Prayag had been receiving medical treatment in hospital until Tuesday. Anouska Ganawa, the wife of Beerbul, was also in the headquarters of the CCID last month where she had to reveal the “instructions” she received in a phone call from her husband a week before the escape. Last Friday, she was charged with aiding and abetting a criminal. According to reports, Beerbul asked his wife to book a bungalow in Palmar and find a sum of Rs200,000. Mrs. Ganawa confirmed these facts to investigators. Beerbul was arrested in Palmar together with Ally Madhoo and their respective wives. The two children of Beerbul who were in the bungalow were handed over to the Child Protection Unit (CPU). From confirmed sources, NewsNow learned that the Beerbul statement corroborated with the statements of the other recaptured detainees. He will have to face prison guards Roopesh Boodhoo and Valaydon Sunassee in the coming days during an identification parade in the CCID office. Officer Sunassee, charged with supplying prohibited articles, is suspected to have provided some prisoners, in particular Steeve Monvoisin and Beerbul, with cell phones for payments of Rs5,000. Beerbul, in his statement, cleared prison officer Sunildutt Coonjoo who was the first officer to be arrested in the wake of the escape. Officer Coonjoo was charged with conspiracy together with officer Sunassee.
“A source close to the investigation revealed that prison guard Boodhoo was offered Rs1million to facilitate the escape“ Victorine Bertie, a recaptured fugitive, incriminated officer Coonjoo in his statement claiming that he helped the escape of the prisoners but this information was denied by Beerbul, considered along with Steeve Monvoisin to be the “masterminds” of the “great escape”. However, Beerbul quickly defended himself and said that he was just following orders from Monvoisin. He referred to Monvoisin as being the “main instigator”. He also revealed that Monvoisin had a sum of Rs600,000 to book a yacht that would take Beerbul, Monvoisin and Ally Madhoo to Madagascar. A source close to the investigation revealed that prison guard Boodhoo was offered Rs1million to facilitate the escape. He had to keep the central door of the GRNW prison opened and unlocked. Boodhoo was charged at the District Court of Port-Louis with conspiracy to facilitate the escape of the prisoners in breach of Section 109 (1) and 170 of the Criminal Code Act. According to the police investigation, these are the confirmed events, that led to the prison break. The escape plan was hatched a year ago at the Central Prison in Beau Bassin where both Monvoisin and Beerbul were
Back at the scene of the prison break
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teeve Daniel Monvoisin, who spent 12 days on the run after escaping from prison, was back at the scene of the crime where he took part in a police reconstruction at GRNW Prison. Thirty-four inmates were involved in the mass breakout – only one, Guillaume Augustin, remains at large. After Monvoisin’s brief return to the scene of the breakout, he will be transferred to the high security prison of La Bastille in Phoenix. According to confirmed sources, during five days of police questioning, Monvoisin maintained that Kamlessing Beerbul, another recaptured prisoner, was the “mastermind” behind the escape plan. Confronted with the various statements of other recaptured prisoners, Monvoisin maintained his stand that he was informed about the execution of the escape plan only an hour before it was put in motion on Sunday, June 27. In a bid to clear his name as “co-instigator of the great escape”, Monvoisin pointed out that he was already locked up in his cell before the mutiny started. “They (the other prisoners) opened my cell and I just went out,” was his answer to a question from an investigator. Monvoisin confirmed that some prisoners had ransacked and set fire to the pharmacy and the prison canteen but he did not reveal any names to investigators. Pressed for the descriptions and the names of the prisoners behind the arson, he calmly replied: “I do not remember their description nor do I know their names.” He also confessed to stealing a motorcycle with the help of another detainee once he was outside the GRNW Prison. The motorbike was parked near the GRNW Bridge. He used it to travel to Pointe-Aux- Sables where his fellow runaway detainee took the bike and rode on to Sainte-Croix. In his statement, Monvoisin revealed the identity of the people who helped him when he was on the run for 12 days. According to the recaptured prisoner, one of his close relatives brought food to him almost every day in his hideout in Pointe-Aux-Sables. Both the relative and a man who was called for help by Monvoisin will be quizzed by the CCID. They will be subject to a provisional charge of harbouring a criminal. As for the taxi driver who sheltered Monvoisin in his flat in La Tour Koenig, no charge has been made against him till now. Monvoisin was arrested in the flat while he was watching television. According to our information, the taxi driver is believed to have been forced to give refuge to the prisoner after he received threats. “Information revealed that he acted under duress,” said a source close to the investigation. Officers of the “special squad” of the CCID remain on red alert to recapture the last of the 34 escaped prisoners, Guillaume Augustin. Mayessen Nagapa-Chetty This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
detained. The plan of the great escape from GRNW prison was hatched last May in the “New Wing” of the Central Prison. The investigation by the CCID and the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) was unanimous that all the prisoners of the GRNW knew the full details of the “escape plan” a week before the wheels were set in motion. Sunday, June 27, was chosen as the perfect date as England were playing against Germany in the World Cup and the prison staff was at a low level. The plan also catered for the fact that there is normally no traffic on Sunday afternoons. The plan was to create a mutiny on June 27, assault the prison officers and lock them up in the cells. Monvoisin, Beerbul and Ally Madhoo were set to leave
Mauritius on board a yacht, which Monvoisin had taken the responsibility to look for. They were to go to Madagascar with a possible transit through Reunion Island. But the crucial part of the plan was to make all the 356 detainees of GRNW prison join the escape. However, only 34 detainees dashed for freedom. Monvoisin banked on “a massive prison break” which would confuse the police and grip the country in fear. Prisoners Monvoisin and Guillaume Augustine Laventure are still on the run. Mayessen Nagapa-Chetty This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS
In conversation with... Hervé Aimée H
ervé Aimée, minister of Local Government, meest up with Mauritius Now and talks about his commitment in politics, as well as his first steps as minister of Local Government. You have been engaged in politics for several years now. Do you feel that becoming a minister is a sort of reward for your hard work and commitment? I guess. Before engaging in politics I worked for twenty years in the social and sport fields. It was at this time that I realised that modest people in regions like Black River encountered a lot of difficulties and did not even have the proper infrastructure to practice sports or a place where they could get together in a social context. Since then I decided to try my best to help those less advantaged people and to somehow assist them in creating a better life for themselves. I knew that in order to be more useful I had to engage in politics. I was able to help develop my region even more when I managed to become a member of parliament and more recently Minister of Local Government. On a more personal level, to what extent has politics influenced your life? Being actively involved in politics has enabled me to be close to people and to fulfil my goals. Like my dad, I have always been close to people and being able to help when they need it fills me with joy. I really think that this has helped me to be a better person. How did you feel when you learnt that you were going to succeed James Burty David at the head of the ministry of Local Government? I must say that I was devastated when I learnt about his death; he has been one of the greatest politicians in Mauritius for a number of years and a sincere friend. I was really close to him right from the beginning, when I entered in to politics in the 90s. He was like a teacher to me. I owe him a lot as he taught me almost everything that I know about politics today. In the Labor Party we are all very close to one another, in fact, we are like family. I was really sad and as one can imagine, I never thought I would one day become a minister in this kind of situation. Now that I’m here, I try to do my best and I’m honoured to have been chosen to head the ministry.
What were your first months as a government minister like? It was a real challenge for me even if I have been a Member of Parliament for some years now, and junior minister for two years. Like any new member in a team, I want to do my best to be able to meet the responsibilities which I hold today. I must say that I didn’t know that the ministry of Local Government had so much responsibility; the ministry has to look after 116 villages, 4 district councils and 5 towns, as well as the Beach Authority and the outer islands. There’s a tremendous amount of work. Your ministry is actually working on a new Government bill which will replace the actual Local Government bill. What will this new bill change? This bill will help to modernise the way villages and towns are managed. We are going to create eleven new towns around the island. And to make this possible, we are going to update the public infrastructures in those regions so as to ensure proper services to the population. The creation of those new towns will no doubt boost the economic situation of those regions and provide to its inhabitants a better living condition. What would you like to say to the Mauritian Diasporas around the world? We all know that a large number of Mauritians flew away on the eve of the independence of the country because they feared that the situation could become worst. I want to tell them that Mauritius is still their country and that they can still contribute to its economical and social life. Jose Daniel
“This bill will help to modernise the way villages and towns are managed. We are going to create eleven new towns around the island”
NEWS Thousands vaccinated against Swine flu M
ore than 4,000 people were vaccinated against the flu virus A (H1N1) at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre in Pailles last month. The free flu jabs were given during the third annual Health Exhibition organised by the Heart Foundation and the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. Thousands of Mauritians visited the event. Health authorities have now confirmed the deaths of two people, a man and a woman both aged 51, due to the flu virus A (H1N1), more commonly known as swine flu. There is as of yet no confirmation of a third death, supposedly due to the virus, of a young man of 24 who passed away in July. Addressing a press conference and later replying to a Private Notice Question (PNQ) in Parliament, the Minister of Health and Quality of Life Maya Hanoomanjee deplored that only 5,613 people had come forward to be vaccinated against A (H1N1). She also revealed that the number of vaccines available is 171,387 doses. Speaking to NewsNow, Dr Ahaad Abdool, Director of Health Services, appealed to all those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so. The jabs are available in all Area Health Centres. “A specific timetable has been devised and displayed in all health centres. Members of the public are invited to take notice and take advantage of this free service.” Dr Abdool discounted the criticisms levelled against the ministry that it was too slow to communicate the cause of death to members of families concerned. “People seem to forget that we are bound by practical issues. We cannot just approach a family and blurt out the cause of death. We need confirmation. And that comes from the virology lab. The analysis takes time. ” He was also concerned that despite the aggressive information campaign, people are still reluctant to get the vaccination. “It is only when they hear about the death of somebody that they react,” he says. He also stressed that health authorities have now eliminated the consent form. Speaking about the strategy adopted to treat the virus, Dr Abdool said the management of the flu virus A (H1N1) was now in its treatment phase. Last year, when very few local or imported cases were present, the ministry had used a containment strategy to limit the spread of the virus. That strategy consisted of three steps; screening all passengers arriving at the airport from high-risk or endemic countries
for H1N1 using a thermal scanner and checking for visual signs of influenza at the ports of entry, isolation of patients after public health inspectors tracked down any suspected cases in the hotel or residence to ensure the people were not infected, and lastly the use of prophylaxis treatment of contact. “The containment strategy is normally used when the virus is introduced from infected cases and gradually spreads widely in the community,” the doctor explained. In accordance with the existing preparedness plan and the recommendations of World Health Organisation (WHO), the Ministry of Health has stopped the screening of incoming passengers because the virus is already present in the community.
Now that the containment phase is over, the ministry has shifted to the treatment phase, which consists of treating all suspected cases as being confirmed ones. “We have an established protocol that we apply. It is up to the treating doctor to assess the patient and put him or her on immediate treatment,” said Dr Abdool. Patients with a medical history of diabetes, asthma and bronchial problems are given special treatment. Sanjana Bhagmal-Cadervaloo and Nitesh Boodhoo This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
Visa fees increased Visa application fees for the UK have been increased by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), but according to Vice Consul of the UK High Commission to Mauritius, Colette Goddard, this is not necessarily to deter students from studying here. Mrs. Goddard told NewsNow that the hike in fees is a decision of the UKBA and not the High Commission. The visa processing fee is now Rs10,550. A press conference called by the High Commission was mainly to explain the new points-based system of visa applications to agents of overseas student recruitment agencies in Mauritius. Mrs. Goddard said that any student wishing to study in the UK needs to have an offer from an English institution which is approved by the UKBA, maintenance funds of £7,200 if studies are to be undertaken in inner London, and £5,400 if the course will be in outer London. She said that prospective students need to present their original academic certificates to the High Commission, their letter of acceptance and a bank statement showing the required funds on the student’s own account. The student can also provide the High Commission with his father’s or mother’s bank statement along with a letter stating that the money will be transferred to the student at any time if the need arises. Mrs. Goddard said that a joint bank account of the student is also acceptable. She also mentioned that any married student enrolled in a degree course will have the possibility to bring along his/her spouse. The spouse will be able to work full-time and students can work 20 hours per week during school term. Any prospective student will need to score 40 points to obtain a visa. The UKBA awards 30 points for a letter of acceptance at a British institution which is on its approved list and the remaining ten points is obtained for having the required maintenance funds. The International English Language Proficiency Test (IELTS) is also needed for studies in the UK. Nitesh Boodhoo This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS
The start of a beautiful T
his month the borough of Spelthorne in Kent celebrated the twentieth year of the twinning link with the town of Melun in France, and the first anniversary of its twinning with Grand Port Savanne in Mauritius. The mutual relationship between the three towns and their local legislatures is based on an ongoing allegiance focusing on the exchange of ideas and social policies for the continued benefit of each region. In order to mark this esteemed occasion, a symposium was held in Spelthorne between 26th and 27th July, in which delegates from Grand Port Savanne and Melun attended a series of events, staged by Spelthorne Council. The symposium culminated in a ceremony, held at Spelthorne’s Council Chamber, to honour the links established between the three communities. The theory behind twinning with other towns is that delegates can share their ideas
on international best practices for local legislatures and town planning initiatives. In this instance, visitors attended lectures on said issues given by Robin Hamilton, Professor of City Leadership at the University of West England, Jennifer Watson, a member of the Local Government Group’s European and International Unit, and Libby Ferguson, Partnership Manager for the UK Local Government Alliance for International Development. The speakers spoke about global issues that affect all of the councils, including waste, climate change, education, and the need to encourage reciprocal tourism and social cohesion. The ceremony itself was attended by all the delegates and local businessmen who had supported the event. It was also attended by His Excellency, Abhimanu Kundasamy, High Commissioner for Mauritius. Each party spoke about what they had gained from the symposium and the allegiance as a whole.
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friendship Councillor John O’Hara, Mayor of Spelthorne, addressed the chamber first: “We believe that it’s important for the communities, local businesses and their local authorities to continue to foster contacts, exchange visits, and share practices and experiences for the benefits of their communities; particularly our young people who are, obviously, our future.” The Mayor was followed in his address by a number of other speakers. The first of these was deputy leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Richard Smith-Ainsley. Mr. Smith-Ainsley praised the “informative and interesting” nature of the discussions on democracy, economic regeneration and sustainability and expressed his belief that they would be of genuine benefit to the future plans of each of the attending councils. He highlighted the diverse range of challenges faced by each of the attendees, and how the examination and discussion of these challenges could produce direct benefits to other members of the tripartite. He also expressed the collective excitement of the Spelthorne councillors, who are due to visit Grand Port Savanne this winter. After a speech from Melun’s President, Colette Melot, the Chairman of the Grand Port Savanne District Council, Vinaye Harcharan, was invited to address the chamber for the first time. He acknowledged the pivotal role that His Excellency, Mr. Kundasamy, had played in bringing the two councils together and explained that, in just over a year of collaboration, much had been learned on both sides. Mr. Harcharan then reiterated just how productive this newly forged relationship will become. He ended by proclaiming, “Long live the relationship between Spelthorne, Melun and Grand Port Savanne!” To explain the wider implications and benefits of this twinning to its constituent states, His Excellency was invited to the stand to address the delegates and members of the public. He began by paying his respects to the immense level of work put in by all of the delegates in ensuring that the first year of twinning and been both a successful and productive one. “Local governments are under a lot of pressure to provide better and more effective services. One of the things that can help local governance is to examine the practices of local governments around the world. There is something both unique and beneficial about the relationship between our two councils because it allows us to introduce new ideas to each other.
“This relationship could be used as test case for the future; we have two EU member states present, in France and the United Kingdom, and a member of the African Caribbean Pacific Group, in Mauritius. In Brussels, this is precisely the kind of relationship that is being encouraged, and I would highly recommend that this relationship be examined for its mutual benefits, in the hope that greater cooperation between the two institutions can be forged in the future. “This three-way relationship also reflects our deep rooted relationship with both countries. In Mauritius we are defined by our colonial past; there is nothing in either our public or private sector that does not have a French or British print engrained upon it. Before being called Mauritius, our country was known as L’Isles de France and many of us speak Creole. “This unique relationship reflects how things can be done. This can be used as a model for how local government can be improved in the future and to examine the issue of how we intend to offer better services to our citizens. I bring the best wishes of my Minister for Foreign Affairs, who offers his congratulations. Thank you very much everybody.” Following His Excellency’s speech, a tripartite Communiqué was signed by the three Council chiefs in attendance. Everyone in attendance was then invited to convene for a wonderful array of refreshments, provided by Spelthorne Council. Deputy Leader, Mr. Smith-Ainslie, explained afterwards that the twinning offered a continued opportunity to explore policies of good governance, and that the addition of Grand Port Savanne to the alliance was a wonderful one. He praised the Mauritian delegation for their contribution to this most recent symposium. Roberto Tambini, Spelthorne Borough Council Chief Executive, further emphasised just how successful the event had been. In light of increased globalisation, he explained, it is vital for officials at every level of governance to explore alternative methods employed in other regions. He stressed the crucial role that the council of Grand Port Savanne plays in the tripartite relationship – offering its unique position in geo-political terms as being a major benefactor to its English and French counterparts. Of particular importance is the wealth of prior knowledge that Mauritius can offer Europe regarding matters of sustainability and ecologically efficient expansion. William Mathieson
Tyreless worker Presidents and plumbers, ministers and masons...all have sought the skillTyre of 54- yearold Iqbal Dina. For 38 years, he has made a living repairing tyres. All kinds of tyres – from bicycles to buses. 300,000 of them during his time in the job, he estimates. His small shop in Labourdonnais Street in Port Louis is jam-packed...with tyres. “These are my friends,” he says as he surveys the black rubber which occupies every nook and cranny of the tiny business. He proudly tells NewsNow that he has repaired the punctured tyres of former finance minister Rama Sithanen – and even that of the car of the President of the Republic, Sir Anerood Jugnauth. “That was in 1990s. He came personally.” “This job,” he says with obvious satisfaction, “has allowed me to buy a home and educate my children.” Jamirouddin Yeadally This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS
Court for Rs1 million ‘illegal bookmaker’ A
n alleged illegal bookmaker, arrested last month by a team from the Brigade des Jeux led by Chief Inspector Hector Tuyau, appeared at the District Court of Port Louis. Chand Bungshy, a bookmaker’s clerk, was provisionally charged with illegal bookmaking. Investigators discovered that the suspect registered a total of Rs1million of illegal bets during one day. Investigators believe at least two punters had staked about Rs200,000. Investigators confiscated Rs199,025, believed to be the proceeds from illegal bets placed on football matches of the FIFA World Cup 2010. In his statement to the officers of the brigade, the suspect is thought to have revealed the identities of his regular customers. During a search of Bungshy’s house, investigators secured documents and other “evidence” on the operation of the network of illegal bets. Those suspected of placing illegal bets can now expect a call from investigators of the Anti Drug and Smuggling Unit. According to confirmed sources, it is believed that the name topping the list of the suspected “customers” is that of a police sergeant (PS) posted at the National Secu-
rity Service (NSS). It is also believed that his name corresponds with illegal bets placed on World Cup matches. Information gathered from sources close to the investigation revealed that the police officer might have placed a large sum of money on Argentina winning the World Cup and he allegedly covered his bet with Germany. Bungshy is not allowed to take any bets on World Cup matches. It is also suspected that he took illegal bets on the football matches on credit. According to investigators, the possibility that the policeman’s name has been used as a “cover” for the illegal betting habits of an important personality is not to be discarded. It is also believed that the names of a candidate who failed to be elected at the last general election, a political agent, and a member of the government are also on the list of suspects’. CI Tuyau’s team discovered “a piece of green paper on which were handwritten names and figures suspected to be records of betting transactions” as well as receipts of bookmakers and several record books containing details on illegal betting. Bungshy confessed he had been an illegal bookmaker for the past five years. A cheque
Water cuts to remain According to the Central Water Authority (CWA), reserves are at an average of 70%75% in all reservoirs island-wide, which is 20%-30% less than the level at the same time last year. As the country is entering a low rainfall period, the “severe” water cuts that were introduced last month will be maintained. The main regions concerned by the cuts are those on the central plateau, Curepipe, Forest Side, Floreal, Phoenix, Moka, Quartier Militaire, Nouvelle Decouverte and Valetta, amongst others. Water will be available for six hours in the morning (3am-9am) and six hours later in the day (3pm-9pm). According to Mr. Bhishek Narain, Communication Manager at the CWA, the Water Resources Unit met this week and after having taken stock of the available information decided to maintain the cuts, which have been applied since last month according to a strict timetable.
Says Mr. Narain: “We have noticed that there has been no major improvement in the water levels. This is why we are maintaining the cuts. “We are appealing to Mauritians to use water as sparingly as possible, as we are not going to get much rain during the coming three months.” According to the latest figures, Mare-auxVacoas is at 73.8% of capacity, La Nicoliere 85% and Piton du Milieu 72.2%. “The CWA is still engaged in a major programme to educate Mauritians not to waste water. Unfortunately, some people insist on washing cars, yards, avenues and even the streets in front of their gates,” says Mr. Narain. Sanjana Bhagmal-Cadervaloo This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
Deputy President of ACCA to visit
for Rs10,000 seized at his house was allegedly issued by a partner in one of the horseracing stables registered at the Mauritius Turf Club (MTC). Investigators believe that the cheque might be the settlement of a “credit account”. The police investigation is continuing. Mayessen Nagapa-Chetty This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
“Investigators confiscated Rs199,025, believed to be the proceeds from illegal bets placed on football matches of the FIFA World Cup 2010”
Mark Gold, the Deputy President of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), is to visit Mauritius on August 16 and 17. Mr Gold will meet key national policymakers, representatives of prominent financial and accountancy organisations and institutes, as well as ACCA members and senior executives from Ernst & Young, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Kemp Chatteris Deloitte and DCDM – a member of BDO International. He will also host the ACCA Mauritius New Members Ceremony, the first of its kind here, scheduled for August 17. Mr. Gold is a senior partner in Silver Levene, the largest ACCA accountancy practice in the UK. Silver Levene has won two prestigious awards – “The Smart Thinking Award for Innovation” and more recently “The Medium Size Firm of the Year Award”. ACCA Mauritius Country Manager Madhavi Ramdin said that the visit “will certainly be a landmark in the accountancy field in Mauritius, in tune with our country’s ambition to be a regional financial centre. The first of the ACCA new members ceremonies will also promote local accountants’ belonging to one of the most prestigious global certification bodies in this field”. ACCA, the global body for professional accountants, is highly renowned and valued in Mauritius. ACCA members hold influential positions in key sectors of the Mauritian economy and ACCA has built and maintains strong ties with public and private organisations as well as with training institutions. This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS Capital city gets in party mood P
ort Louis, Popular and Modern is the theme chosen by the municipality to celebrate the Fete de la cite. The activities were launched last month with a parade which gathered several associations, clubs, sports schools and cheerleaders. A parade started at the Soopramanien Bharati garden in Plaine Verte and end at City Hall where the activities were officially launched by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Rashid Beebeejaun. The project coordinator, Ehsan Juman, indicated that more than 50 organisations participated in the parade. Planned activities include a football match with a team from Reunion playing against a local side comprising young people of 13-17, treasure hunts as well as other events aimed various age groups.
Lord Mayor Sheik Mukhtar Hossenbocus emphasised that the celebration has been specially staged for the inhabitants of Port Louis. “The capital is very committed to modernity, without renouncing its ancestral heritage and culture. The collaboration of different social partners is significant for economic progress and development, and without their contribution the capital cannot do better.”
“The capital is very committed to modernity”
French help for ‘green’ Mauritius
Two French experts are advising Mauritius on the possibility of introducing “green” fuel to power motor vehicles. Last month, Minister of Industry and Commerce Showkutally Soodhun met Jean-Yves Dupré and Jean Delsey, who carried out a feasibility study on the use of ethanol in fuel to power cars. During the meeting, Mr Dupre, who is an engineer involved in agriculture, water and forestry, explained the possibility of introducing 5% or 10% of ethanol into fuel. “You will become less dependent on the price of petrol with the introduction of ethanol and it will also carry a priceless environmental value,” he told the minister. Mr Soodhun said he was convinced that the introduction of ethanol would be beneficial to the country, particularly because “we will not have to import ethanol. We will be self-sufficient.” The president of a steering committee at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Osman Mahomed, thanked the Agence Française de Développement for funding the study. Sunil Gopal This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS
Talking to RNT Trading F
or anyone purchasing their most beloved Mauritian groceries here in the UK, it is almost certain that they arrived thanks to Rashid Torbuth and his distribution company, RNT Trading. Mr. Torbuth’s company has come to be seen as the largest British importer of Mauritian foodstuffs, condiments and drinks. The company now distributes its products all over the country, with deliveries of dry foods and sauces arriving monthly by sea, and deliveries of fresh Mauritian vegetables arriving weekly by air. However, despite his primacy within today’s market, it has been a long and arduous journey, as he explained to Mauritius Now. Mr. Torbuth’s story began around twenty five years ago, whilst working as a community health worker. During a particularly draining night shift he had a “eureka” moment, prompting him to contact his brother in Mauritius to discuss the feasibility of importing vegetables from Mauritius to the UK. Buoyed by his brother’s response, Mr. Torbuth spent the next day visiting Spitalfields Market to question the stall owners about the idea. He approached one such trader and said: “I’m from Mauritius and I’m looking to bring over some Mauritian vegetables to sell here. Straight away he said ‘we don’t sell exotic vegetables here.’ I didn’t really know what to say, but then all of a sudden, he said, ‘do you sell breadfruit in Mauritius?’ When I replied ‘yes’, he invited me into his office and asked me not to mention it to any of the other traders. “As soon as I could I phoned my brother and told him to send me five hundred kilos of breadfruit. He had to send a driver down to pick it up from the airport because I didn’t really understand the rules of the industry at the time. The next morning, when I went to see him on his stall, I couldn’t see any of the breadfruit. I asked him what had happened and he turned to me and said, ‘they’re all gone; we sold out at five o’clock this morning!’” Following the popularity of his first shipment of breadfruit, Mr Torbuth increased his weekly delivery to one tonne, consistently selling his entire stock until the end of the season. At that time though, he found himself with no products to sell and with the prospect of waiting a year before he could begin importing again. He decided to import two hundred and fifty kilos of other Mauritian vegetables and began trading on his own. Being a relative novice though, he encountered obstacles at every turn, including no storage, no transportation and no place from which to trade.
“I took whichever vegetables I could store in my car and began to deliver to Mauritian workers around the hospital. It was very hard and I made a loss; I persisted for about two months but it was a very difficult situation and I ran out of capital. Then, one day, I met a shopkeeper based on Green Street who said I could sell my vegetables there. To my surprise they started to sell and before I knew it I was ordering five hundred kilos every week “Trade kept improving and soon I was bringing in one tonne of vegetables every week, and selling them to more and more shops. I often found that I had leftover vegetables, which equates to a loss, so I decided that the only way to avoid this problem was to get my own shop.” Within a year Mr. Torbuth had gone from selling his first piece of breadfruit to acquiring his own shop. However, due to some bad business advice and a degree of over-ambition, by 1986, Mr. Torbuth found himself losing £150,000 annually. Consequently, he was forced to sell his shop to cover his debts. He returned to his job as a community health worker with an air of dejection but still the belief that he could make a success of his concept burned away at him. In 1990 he returned to the industry; initially he was met with further losses – unable to cope with the rapid expansion of his business he struggled to monitor his stocks levels and recorded a loss of £22,000 in one foul swoop. This was made worse by the recession of the early nineties, which hit importers severely: “I started the business at a very hard time, and I’m not sure everyone could do that.” As the recession eased his fortunes began to improve; he started to import long life foodstuffs such as noodles, pickles and sauces by sea. The improvement was so marked that he found himself in direct competition with a number of new businesses that were copying his business model. By trying to undercut the prices offered by Mr. Torbuth, numerous businesses collapsed, leaving RNT Trading in a prime position to capitalise. “The beauty of my business is that there is no competition. I am the sole distributor of Mauritian products in this country. Each shipment costs around £45,000, which is paid up front without fail. These days RNT’s range of products has grown substantially. Its best sellers are its Mine Apollo noodles and Mauritian pickles.
There is also around 1.2 tonnes of fresh Mauritian vegetables arriving every week for distribution around the country. Additionally, thanks to the increase in Mauritian bars and restaurants opening in the UK, Mr. Torbuth has found that demand for authentic Mauritian soft drinks has rocketed. Looking to the future, Mr. Torbuth is looking forward to passing RNT Trading on to his nephews. He is very proud of what he has produced, from humble beginnings at Spitalfields Market, to establishing himself as the UK’s premier wholesaler of Mauritian food and drink. Below is a list of distributors in London stocking Mr. Torbuth’s goods: North London – Food Hall, Edmonton East London – Sun Fresh, Green Street South London – Deepak, Tooting RNT opens its doors to the public on Saturdays and Sundays for the wholesale purchase of its Mauritian goods. RNT will also be exhibiting a special shipment at this year’s Mauritian Open Air Festival.
NEWS In conversation with... Scorcher S
corcher is the current king of the underground London grime scene. Long lauded for his music by those in the know, he is on the verge of breaking into the mainstream with his new single, ‘It’s My Time’, tipped to make him an international success. No stranger to misdemeanours in his younger days, Scorcher now spends time speaking to youths about the dangers of choosing the wrong path. Mauritius Now caught up with him at a primary school in North London, where he was speaking to children about the dangers of crime and gang violence… Hi Scorcher, how’s it going? Yeah I’m good thanks. Could you tell us a little bit about grime music and more specifically, your take on it? Right now the sound that we’re coming with is raw. It’s still from the underground but there are lots of different elements that I like in there. My music has that raw grime but it also has rap, rock music…it’s a melee of different sounds that I like to use. Where did that sound come from? What influenced your style when you were starting out in music? The grimier side of things has been there since I started making music but I’ve also been into rock since I was knee high, so that’s where that fits in. And have you always known you wanted to be a musician? Spitting lyrics has always been a hobby for me and my friends but whenever I was rapping people used to react. One day I thought to myself, ‘maybe if I take this a bit more seriously…” The feedback was really positive so I kept plodding on, and while other people kept dropping out, I kept pushing on and pushing on. You mention Dizzee Rascal in your new single, and he’s someone who started out as a grime artist but now commands mainstream critical acclaim. Is that a position you’d like to find yourself in? I think that’s a great position to be in; making music that crosses boundaries is amazing. I’d love to go into the studio and record a song that everyone likes. That would be a great feeling.
when I thought a record deal was impossible, but now I’ve got one. At the moment a film is impossible but I did make the video to ‘It’s My Time’ through my own production company.
You’ve just signed a record deal with Universal. Is that the pinnacle of your career to date? The highlight for me, as important as a record deal is, may well be playing Glastonbury and Wireless this year. Glastonbury is the biggest, but Wireless was crazy……But actually, I don’t want to downplay how good Glastonbury was. It was my first big festival and there were a vast amount of people who didn’t know who I was, so to shut it down the way we did– it was great. It’s a crowd that can be intimidating to any artist, but I just went out there and did my thing and they embraced me. Your debut single, ‘It’s My Time’, comes out on the 29th August. How are you feeling about it? I eat, drink and sleep my single at the moment. You get so used to things being a certain way that it’s only when you stop and think to yourself, ‘hold on, this isn’t normal’ that you realise how big things have become. As much as I’m pleased when people are excited to see me, I just love it when people accept my music. Seeing people sing along to my songs, learning the words, enacting scenes from the videos, scribbling lightning bolts on their face…that for me is the exciting thing about the release of this single. Once the single has been released, what does the next year hold in store for you? If you look at my level of progression from the start of the year to now, I can assure you that it will only get bigger! But you’re keen not to be confined solely to music… I really want to make a film; I like to look at the impossible and make it possible. I remember
One hundred per cent! I’m all about the new territories. I’m keen to do more new places. I’ve played in Holland, the Czech Republic, Spain… I definitely wouldn’t mind Mauritius! If there’s anywhere that we can spread the music, I’m there!
And you’ve also got your own clothing label, ‘Sidewalker Clothing’. There must be something entrepreneurial about you… I come from a place where people do almost anything for money, but I’ve applied that logic in a business sense. Instead of going out and doing irrational things, it’s worth thinking that achieving the impossible is possible.
Readers can follow Scorcher at: www.skywalker.bigcartel.com Twitter.com/scorcherslife
You’ve travelled around the world. Is Mauritius a country that you’d like to take your music to in the future?
You can view the video for his new single at: www.youtube.com/scorchersskywalker William Mathieson
Scorcher’s debut single, ‘It’s My Time’ is available on 29th August.
NEWS
Mauritius prime location for Bollywood
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he romance between Bollywood and Mauritius has been a long and fruitful one. Over the years that relationship has become more pronounced with a long list of blockbusters being filmed on location in Mauritius; some featuring just a handful of scenes, and others shot completely on the island (such as Sorry Bhai, Gangster and Dil Jo Bhi Kahey). So what makes Mauritius one of the premier filming destinations for Indian producers? Bollywood started using Mauritius as a backdrop for its films back in the 70s, but the link between the two has really taken off in the last decade or so. This is for a number of reasons; Bollywood is now a bigger business than Hollywood, and with more box office receipts come bigger budgets. A good number of Indian films are not filmed in India at all these days. Mauritius is an attractive filming destination. Not
only is it a beautiful place to look at on screen,but there is also, of course, a large ethnic Indian population in Mauritius. Producers and actors will command a lot of respect in Mauritius and receive a warm welcome. Many actors have commented on the ease of settling into life in Mauritius when on location there. Mauritius is also a considerably cheaper destination than Europe, the US and even Australia. This does Mauritius plenty of favours, especially in light of the recent global economic crisis where some producers have had to cut back on production costs. Mauritius is also fairly close to India (well closer than other locations). This means that if producers fancy shooting a music scene on the beach in Mauritius, they can literally just send a team on the plane and do just that, So convenience is also a factor.
“Producers and actors will command a lot of respect in Mauritius and receive a warm welcome” Another reason as to why Mauritius is such a popular filming destination is the lack of red tape regarding filming permission and so on. The Mauritian government have realised that there is money to be made from allowing film crews to film on the island, and have thus made it very easy in order to be as attractive a location as possible. In India, a director would need permission and the relevant paperwork to film in every location, the
opposite is true of Mauritius. The same would apply to rival destinations such as London. The Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC) cites itself as a “one stop shop” for film crews wishing to film in Mauritius. It is the middleman between production crews and the local authorities, thereby making the negotiating and filming process much easier and smoother, as well as avoiding delays. The MFDC aims to have at least one Indian film being filmed in Mauritius at any one time. The relationship between Bollywood and Mauritius looks set to continue with a number of films already being shot this year in Mauritius, including the hotly anticipated Break ke Baad. With Bollywood bigger than ever, there has never been a better opportunity for the Mauritian government to use the industry to promote the island as well as profit from it. Sabina Jacobs
NEWS Emirates on the lookout for pilots in Mauritius E
mirates will visit Mauritius as part of its global pilot recruitment programme, aiming to attract top talent to the Dubai-based airline in support of new routes, new aircraft and increased frequencies. Information sessions for experienced First Officers are being held globally and Emirates’ recruitment representatives will conduct the open day in Mauritius at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, in Ebène. These sessions will provide information on Emirates; The selection programme, benefits of living and working in Dubai, as well as other details, with spouses of pilots also welcome to attend. According to Oomar Ramtoola, Emirates’ Manager for Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Islands, the First Officer positions “offer an ex-
ceptional opportunity for ambitious pilots to develop their career on one of the youngest high-tech fleets, with one of the fastest growing and most profitable airlines in the world”. Mr. Ramtoola added that Emirates continues to demonstrate that not only is it a strong partner for the island’s tourism industry, but also an active economic player at various levels. Selection programmes are conducted on a regular basis to meet the recruitment needs of the airline. To apply, candidates must have a minimum of 4,000 total and 2,000 multi-engine jet hours; or a total of 2,500 hours on a modern, commercial multi-engine, multi-crew jet aircraft, ICAO ATPL and ICAO English level (4 or above). Candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to Dubai to par-
Tourist arrivals buck Euro crisis trend
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ourist arrivals have increased by 9.7% over the month of May 2010 as compared to the same time last year. Arrivals reached 71,055 as compared to 64,761 a year earlier. This increase has been recorded despite the economic crisis in Europe which threatened the local tourism industry. The news on the revenue side has also been better. Tourism operators have seen their receipts increase by 24.4% in one year. Total receipts for the month of May stood at Rs3 billion against Rs2.4 billion a year earlier. On a cumulative basis, over the 12
months spanning June 2009 to May 2010, tourist arrivals reached 890,541, representing a marginal decrease of 0.5% over the corresponding period the year before. However, tourism receipts for the period June 2009 to May 2010 declined by 1.2% to Rs37.2 billion, but it is worth noting that the rate of decrease has taken a downward path, which means that the losses incurred are being compensated for. This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
Jameel Daureeawoo ticipate in a four-day selection process. The programme is designed to offer prospective employees the opportunity to experience both Dubai and Emirates.
Thirty-eight-year-old Jameel Daureeawoo, First Officer-Boeing 777, is a Mauritian national working with Emirates. Originally from Quatre Bornes, he joined Emirates four years ago. He is now based in Dubai, as are all Emirates’ flight crew. He says his flying career with Emirates has been a full and richly rewarding experience. “Emirates has exposed me to what I feel is one of the most advanced fleets in the industry with a diversified route network. The support that Emirates provides for both its employees and their families has made all aspects of the initial relocation and my subsequent personal life trouble-free”. This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS
Serge Lebrasse still S
erge Lebrasse celebrated 53 years of Sega on July 31, and his son, Toto, is putting on a unique show at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute to mark the event. NewsNow met Serge at his house in Rose Hill and for some 90 minutes, we took a trip down memory lane. His songs, “L’Ile Maurice, mo zoli pays” (Mauritius my beautiful country), “Mariaz pas ene badinaz” (Don’t play with marriage) or even “Anou danser Zarina” (let’s dance Zarina) were super hits in the 1960s. I will always remember my mother humming “Madam Euzene” whenever she was in a good mood. And the song was often referred to in conversations of elders whenever there was a girl in the family to marry off. “Many people ask me where I got the idea of the song. I cannot really say. For me it was a feeling, that’s all. I jotted down some lines for Madam Euzene when I was getting music training with Philip Ohsan. “I have never been able to sit down and write a song on command. No, this has never happened. Also I can never write a song for money. I just compose and sing. If people like it, than good, If not, its just too bad.” ‘We were not poor but then the untimely death of my father, Ignace, at the age of 33, turned our lives upside down’ Serge Lebrasse is known for wearing very colourful shirts. When I met him, he didn’t disappoint. “This is my trademark. I cannot see myself wearing dull colours. In the beginning I would wear bright colours because I was entertaining tourists in hotels, but then I started to get to really like it myself. It never comes to my mind to wear anything else.” The idea of a show to mark his fruitful and long career belongs to Toto. “He is the one who decided the whole thing. He says I have sung so many songs, made so many people dance that such an occasion should not be missed.” The singer, who was 80 in June, says he cannot imagine his life without his music. “I have been singing since I was 10 years old. I started in the choir of my parish in Rose Hill and also at parties. But then I would only sing songs of Tino Rossi and Luis Mariano.” The love of Sega came much later, when he met Alphonse Ravaton, also known as TiFrere, pioneer of Sega in Mauritius. “We were not poor, but then the untimely death of my father, Ignace, at the age of 33, turned our lives upside down. My mother,
Odette, had to struggle very hard to bring us up. We were three brothers and one sister,” says Serge. He recalls how his mother was getting a widow and orphans’ pension of Rs26.50. “Just imagine our lives with the help of this pittance. The rent also had to be paid with the same money, so my mother took up sewing to make ends-meet.” When his father died, he was around nine years old and his sister, the youngest, only three months. “I won a scholarship to continue my secondary schooling but had to forego it for medical reasons,” says a very emotional Serge. He decided to work to help his mother. Even then, luck was against him. After only a week in the job, he met with an accident and had to stop. In 1945, he landed a job as Assistant Forest Guard in Quartier Militaire. “This is when I met Ti-Frere. He was working as a ‘metteur ‘ (literally translated as the one who would make noise while hunting to make the prey come out in the open). He gave me this love for singing Sega.” In 1948 Serge joined the Royal Signals Corps of the British Army and served in Egypt as a telephone and teleprinter operator. He returned home in 1951 with the rank of corporal. He later joined the training school and became a teacher. “I have had to struggle during my whole life. Sega has been the one thing that has kept me going. But I would never have dared to go further had it not been for the invaluable help of some well-wishers.”
“In the beginning I would wear bright colours because I was entertaining tourists in hotels, but then I started to get to really like it myself. It never comes to my mind to wear anything else”
NEWS
king of Sega at 80 He mentions the name of Philip Ohsan, the then Police Band Master. “He has been more of a mentor and friend. He gave me training in music and also encouraged me along this line.” He confides that at that time the encouragement was worth its weight in gold. “Singing Sega at that time was not well perceived. This was left to those coming from the lower rung. I remember that just before I was to sing Madam Euzene for the first time I was discouraged by my friends. I decided to ignore their so-called advice, and because of that, today I have no regrets.” He has written and composed more than 150 songs and recorded numerous singles, cassette and CDs. In 1958, Madam Euzene also opened up new perspectives for Serge Lebrasse. He started singing in hotels and put together a small Sega group. “I would be getting some Rs125 per show and at the end of the day, after I paid the dancers, the musicians and taxi drivers, I would be left with some Rs30 to Rs40 – a fortune for me.” At the same time, he worked as a teacher in a primary school. Serge has performed regularly in the annual independence shows since 1969 and has entertained VIPS such as Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, Srimati Indira Gandhi, the late French president Francois Mitterrand, and many more. He has received several honours including the Member of the British Empire (MBE), the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal, Recognition Award from the Ministry of Tourism, and more recently the Radio Plus Lifetime Achievement
Award. During his 53 year long career he has performed in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Australia, London, Singapore, Hong Kong and Reunion Island. “I love whatever I have achieved, but life has not always been so easy and rosy. I have had to struggle. If I could change some of the things that happened to me and my mother, I would do it …” His mother Odette died aged 93 recently in Australia. ‘Take the music away, take the Sega away, and I am dead’ Would he ever be able to live without singing? “No, never. I’ll stop singing the day He calls me back to Heaven. My life has been so full of music that I cannot imagine myself living without it. “Take the music away, take the Sega away, and I am dead.” Serge is looking forward to the show on July 31. “It is going to be the summit of my career, the more so as I’ll be with all my family.” His three sons Toto, Sego and Sergio have all followed in their father’s footsteps. “They have done well for themselves and are good musicians. My two daughters have also done well.” For Serge, it has been very difficult for him to make a living out of music. “It has always been like this and it will continue.” He says he did not prevent his sons, especially Toto, from getting into the business. “I decided for myself, so it was natural that I let them decide for themselves. I did not become a millionaire with Madam Euzene and with my other songs – but I have collected so many fond memories.”
Serge says he was a good friend of the Father of the Nation, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. “He knew me and appreciated my songs. In fact, he never hesitated to do some steps with me on the stage whenever he could. He says the current President, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, also knows him personally. “I have met him several times when he was Prime Minister, and as MBE I am invited to official functions at State House. Anyway, we are of the same age group. He also turned 80 this year.” And last but not least, he mentions the name of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. “He also likes me and my songs very much. He is a friend.” Serge’s dream now is to have a compilation of his original music. “You would not imagine how difficult a task it is. I am still trying to
retrace some of them. You won’t believe me but one guy offered to sell me my own cassette for Rs600!” He didn’t have a choice so he agreed. “I have lived my life to the fullest and now I am happy when I see the recognition that I get,” he says. With his wife, Giselle, Serge is now enjoying a happy retirement. He stopped singing in hotels five years back when he was 75. “I am now leaving the stage for the younger generation but that does not mean I have put an end to my career. Never. I will sing until my last breath.” Sanjana Bhagmal-Cadervaloo This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
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MarCom Award winner Mrs Adeela Rawat-Feistritzer, President and CEO of MarCom, the marketing and communication branch of the British American Investment Group, was one of the winners of the CMO Asia Brand Leadership Award 2010. This international recognition rewards – for the first time – Mauritian talent and knowhow in the field of marketing. In fact, Mrs Rawat-Feistritzer is the first Mauritian to receive such an award, which underlines excellence in marketing and communication, leadership and constant innovation regarding the British American Investment brand. The award was given to Mrs RawatFeistritzer at the SUNTEC Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre in the presence of an international audience. Among the big names which also received awards were Yahoo! Middle East, Motorola and Coca Cola. Represented in more than 25 countries throughout Asia, the CMO Asia Awards is an annual event organised under the patronage of the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council of the United States of America and is supported by numerous partners, among which the highly respected Wall Street Journal as well as the Bloomberg UTV, which was the official television channel of the event. Mrs Rawat-Feistritzer said she was very proud to be recognised by such an important organisation as CMO Asia. “This award from CMO Asia values the best among the best in the fields of marketing and communication. It is a great honour which I dedicate to my father, my team at MarCom as well as to the big family of British American Investment.” Operational since 2003, MarCom is specialised in marketing, communications, public relations, advertising and event management. The company manages the image of some 50 local and international enterprises. This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu
NEWS History of Mauritius Sugar M
auritius is famous for sugar. The history of Mauritian sugar is a long and colourful one; one that is not pretty, but at the same time so important to the island’s history. Today, sugar is the island’s number one export and one of its biggest industries, but how did sugar first come about and how did it single-handedly drive economic growth in Mauritius? The sugar cane plant is actually not Mauritian in origin. It was brought over by the Dutch in the 16th Century from Java (Indonesia). Small plantations were manned by slave labour brought over from Africa. It was the French, in the 18th Century, who went about expanding sugar cultivation, forming towns and villages and importing slaves from Madagascar and Eastern regions of Africa. Mauritius was not originally suited to growing sugar cane- it had to be cleared of forest. Under French rule the first sugar mill was built in 1744 and sugar production became fairly profitable with more and more slaves being imported from Africa. By the time the British took over Mauritius, the French had developed just under 10,000 acres of sugar cane fields. However, it was the British that really accelerated sugar cultivation. Mauritius became a sugar colony (at one time producing 10% of the world’s sugar). Sugar production grew rapidly, thanks in part to the estimated 500,000 labourers brought over from India and China to work on the sugar cane fields, whilst production declined in other colonies due to the Abolition of Slavery Act in 1822 (it must be pointed out that Malagasy slaves were still illegally imported to Mauritius after this Act was passed). By 1854, sugar cane dominated 50% of land and produced 100,000 tonnes of sugar a year, compared to 11,000 tonnes in 1825. The big jumps in production levels were down to improved productivity, more labour and more land cultivation. Sugar propelled economic development, and the British established a school, health and judiciary system similar to that in Britain, making society prosper. Even by the time of independence, sugar still dominated the economy. By the early 1960s, sugar occupied 90% of farmable land, provided 99% of export earnings and employed 70% of the Mauritian workforce. That sugar remained such a successful crop in the 20th Century was largely down to preferential trade agreements with Britain, and then Europe. The Commonwealth Sugar Agreement n
the 1950s guaranteed a minimum price and export quota. Such agreements went some way to protect the industry during large fluctuations in prices and production thanks to natural disasters and the like. However, relying on just one crop meant the economy was exposed, suffering one year and buoyant the next. The late 19th Century had seen the discovery of sugar from beet, thus opening up more competition on the world sugar market. Large landowners sold off land to smaller Indian farmers, who then hadn’t the capital to compete on the world market. As a result, sugar production fell significantly. The 20th Century saw many ups and downs in the world sugar market, and Mauritius suffered from huge fluctuations in production levels. Sugar production remained very primitive in nature, meaning that it was very labour intensive. Disease would often wipe out large numbers of labourers. Mauritius could not carry on relying on sugar. The 1974 European Sugar Protocol guaranteed Mauritius a price three
times higher than the world market price, and the government used this income to start a process of economic industrialisation and diversification during the 1980s and 1990s. This was against a backdrop of high unemployment and plummeting world sugar prices- the country had to be ready for when the trade agreement ended. In so many ways, sugar made Mauritius the country it is today. It was the reason for mass migration to the island, and is responsible for the blend of ethnicities and cultures. It is responsible for the island’s economic success, quite clearly, transforming the island from a primitive forest laden country to a modern industrial society. Though for many, sugar is a bittersweet commodity, and by that, I refer to the abhorrent use of slave labour to cultivate sugar, it is undoubtedly the most important part of the island’s history, and the impact it has had in shaping Mauritius can be still be seen today. Sabina Jacobs
NEWS ADVERTISE WITH US
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NEWS
Mauritian businesses take off in UK
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e all know about the strength of the Mauritian community here in the UK, in London especially. Recently there has been a surge in Mauritian owned businesses that seek to represent Mauritius and all things Mauritian in a country renown for its diverse population. Mauritian restaurants are cropping up all the time, there are more shops than ever selling Mauritian products, and last month a Mauritian bar opened in North London. So what is driving this? As a journalist for Mauritius Now, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many Mauritian entrepreneurs here in London, particularly in the restaurant business. When I ask them why they do what they do, there seems to be a common trend in their answers: they are proud Mauritians and they want to spread the word to those who don’t know about what Mauritian culture and cuisine has to offer. So there seems to be two main reasons as to why Mauritians set up Mauritian linked businesses in the UK; firstly it’s all about representing Mauritius and putting the community on the map, and secondly but no less important, its about being able to serve the
“These UK based Mauritian entrepreneurs have seen the gaps in the market and seized upon them, providing a service such as a restaurant that specialises in Mauritian cuisine, or somewhere that sells a bottle of Phoenix beer”
growing Mauritian community who demand Mauritian produce. Go to any Mauritian event and there will be a big turnout, simply due to the fact that Mauritians love their country and are true patriots. These UK based Mauritian entrepreneurs have seen the gaps in the market and seized upon them, providing a service such as a restaurant that specialises in Mauritian cuisine, or somewhere that sells a bottle of Phoenix beer, whilst at the same time offering a unique experience to the non-Mauritian. Yet, Mauritian restaurants or other businesses haven’t always been easy to come by. The first Mauritian businesses in the UK were travel agents, specialising in flights between the UK and Mauritius. As the Mauritian community in the UK has risen, so has the opportunity for Mauritian businesses to thrive; the more Mauritians or those with Mauritian heritage, the bigger the demand for Mauritian cuisine, products and services. Back2Reality and Mauritianparty.com have been throwing more and more Mauritian parties as they become more popular with both Mauritians and non-Mauritians alike.
And with the UK economy now officially out of recession, there’s no better time to set up a Mauritian business. The recession itself is said to have acted as a catalyst in launching independent businesses, as people were laid off or had their salaries frozen. Many experts believe that because the recession left people going nowhere in their jobs, it helped them gain the confidence to go it alone. It seems now that there are many Mauritian entrepreneurs coming through the ranks. Only this year we’ve seen a number of restaurants as well as the Port Louis Bar open in London, to great success. A lot of those who own Mauritian businesses are Mauritians who were born and grew up here. This means they have both the passion for Mauritian, and the knowledge of how business works in the UK, giving them an excellent platform to launch and maintain their ventures with success. The Mauritian community will continue to grow stronger in the UK, and so there will always be an opportunity to establish Mauritian businesses to meet the needs of our ever growing UK based Mauritian population. Sabina Jacobs
EVENTS What’s on MAURITIAN OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2010
I
t’s the biggest Mauritian event of the year, and it’s nearly upon us. The Mauritian Open Air Festival returns on Sunday 8th August 2010, and after last year’s highly successful launch, the organisers are promising this year will be bigger, better, louder and prouder. This year there has been a bigger buzz and excitement surrounding the event, with those in the know promising some big surprises without giving away much. With MauritiusNow one of the sponsors of the event, we bring you a comprehensive guide of what to expect on the day. What is the Mauritian Open Air Festival? It is an outdoor Mauritian family event held in London. The clues are in the title, really. It is a festival that embraces everything Mauritian. There will be stalls selling Mauritian food and produce, memorabilia from the Island, a funfair, activities for the kids, and, of course, a Mauritian gathering is not Mauritian without the traditional singing and dancing. Gracing the main stage this year will be some big Mauritian artists. Open Air means exactly that, and Down Lane Park in Tottenham will be hosting the event once again this year, meaning locals and passers-by will be participating in the festivities. Eating and Drinking: Most of us will be looking forward to getting some authentic Mauritian grub into our bellies, so the food stalls will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the festival. Expect to see plenty of gateaux piments, gajaks, samosas, curries and, of course, dhal puri. These stalls will be popular, so do get down to the festival early. In addition, there will also be Chinese, Mediterranean and Caribbean food on offer, so there will plenty of choice. For those of you looking for those elusive Mauritian beverages, there will be Phoenix beer available in the beer tents, as well as traditional favourites such as Green Island Rum. Expect plenty of impromptu singing and dancing later on in the day. You’ll also get the chance to drink island style, out of fresh coconuts! Stalls: There will plenty of action on the stalls this year. If you are looking to travel to Mauritius soon, there will travel agents showcasing special offers. If you want to try your luck, tickets to Mauritius are also being given away via raffle. Make sure you visit the stalls to get your entry in. Want to drop a line to someone in Mauritius? The LycaMobile stalls will let you call Mauritius for 3 minutes absolutely free of charge. Kids: Kids are hard to please at the best of times, but this year’s funfair will be bigger and better than ever. There will be a bouncy castle, bumper cars, face painting, bungee runners, waltzers, gladiator jousts and inflatable sumo wrestling for the budding fighters. For those youngsters looking for something a bit sweeter than dhal puri, there will be plenty of candy floss available. Music: The who’s who in Mauritian music will be rocking the stage at this year’s Open Air Festival. Blakkayo and Master Kool B of the OSB Crew will be making an appearance, as well as the legendary “Mr Bhai Aboo” himself, Claudio Veeraragoo headlining, with the fantastic Omaz Sega band supporting on stage this year. The audience can therefore expect to sample a sweeping variety of the very best Mauritian music. There will also be plenty of other Mauritian bands and dance acts to keep you entertained, and don’t forget to look out for the Sega dancers! The Mauritian Open Air Festival 2010 will be held on Sunday 8th August 2010 at:
Dates for your diary Mauritian Open Air Festival Sunday 8th August Assumption if the Blessed Virgin Mary Sunday 15th August mauritianparty.com Sunday 29th August Eid-Ul-Fitr* Friday 10th September Ganesh Chaturthi Sunday 12th September Arrival of Indentured Labourers Tuesday 2nd November Divali Friday 5th November Christmas Saturday 25th December * The exact date of this festival is subject to confirmation as its celebration depends of the visibility of the moon.
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Down Lane Park, Park View Road, London N17 12pm till 8pm. Get there early to avoid the long queues! Why not purchase fast-track tickets in advance to avoid queuing at all? Prices: £5 for adults; free for under 10s. Fast-track ticket hotline: 0843 289 3231 Nearest tube: Tottenham Hale (Victoria Line & National Rail services) Parking available (single yellow) See you there!
Sabina Jacobs
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SHOWBIZ In conversation with… Bruno Raya and Blakkayo B
runo Raya and Blakkayo, the two charismatic leaders of Otentik Street Brothers (OSB) will be part of the Mauritian Open Air Festival 2010. The two singers talk to Mauritius Now about their expectations and their craving to perform in front of the Mauritian fans in the UK.
The two of you will perform at the Mauritian Open Air Festival for the first time this year. Are you looking forward to this event? Bruno Raya: I really can’t wait to be there! This Mauritian festival is important as it helps to promote the Mauritian music industry, and the Mauritian artists have to be very grateful for that. Every single artist has to perform at least once in a festival like this one. I’m sure it will be thrilling to perform in front of all these Mauritian people. I seize the opportunity to thank the organisers for giving me the opportunity to participate in such a great event. The organisation of this festival has been very professional. It’s important for people and artists to know that there are dedicated Mauritians in the UK doing a fantastic job in promoting local Mauritian music by helping artists to perform at important shows and functions in Europe. Blakkayo: I think that almost every artist in Mauritius has heard about this incredible festival, and all of them would love to perform there. Bruno and I are going to be the lucky ones this year and we will no doubt make the most of it. Being at this event is an occasion for both of us to promote not only our music, but also to share with all the people who will be attending the festival our love for the Mauritian culture. I’m very proud and excited to be part of it. How are you getting prepared for this big event? Bruno Raya: The OSB Crew has been lucky enough to perform in a number of shows throughout Europe. But participating in the Mauritian Open Air Festival will be different as we will perform in front of the London Mauritian Diaspora, and this is absolutely thrilling. We will do our best to make it a great show and make them all proud of their home country. Blakkayo: We are doing everything to make sure that the show will be unforgettable. It’s always a great experience to perform in front of Mauritian people. We will have everything ready by then to make sure everyone there enjoys the show. Both of you are going to play some popular songs from your repertoire. But are you going to play some new songs too? Bruno Raya: Why not, it will be a nice way to thank all these people who have been very supportive for some years now. We know that our fans in the UK really like our music and we will do our best to make them happy. Blakkayo: Bruno and I are going to play some OSB songs, and we have also planned to play some of our solo songs. It will be a way to promote our respective work and also make the Mauritian fans in the UK aware of our new material. I really can’t wait to be on that stage!
Do you want to say something to the fans who will attend the festival? Bruno Raya: I want to thank them all again for their support and hope that as many of them as possible are able to attend the festival. OSB are celebrating our 18th birthday this year, and it’s a real pleasure to be able to come and party with our fans in England. We owe them a lot for all the support they have given us over the years.
Blakkayo: I’m really excited about coming to England and performing in front of them all. I’m sure it will be a nice event and that we will all have a lot of fun together. I also want to share an important message with our fans: Please buy original CD’s only. That’s the only way to help the Mauritian artists earn a proper living and to continue to promote the Mauritian culture throughout the world. See you all in August… Jose Daniel
SHOWBIZ In conversation with… MC Zani B
eatboxing is the phenomenal act of producing sounds, drum beats and rhythms using one’s voice, mouth, lips, and tongue. In many cases, it has to be seen and heard to be believed. Popularised in the 1980s by hip hop artists such as Doug E Fresh and Biz Markie, beatboxing is now recognised as an art form in its own right. MC Zani is one of the UK’s finest proponents of beatboxing, and the 2008 UK champion. He took some time out of his busy summer schedule to speak to Mauritius Now about the future of this fascinating discipline…
You quickly realised you had a talent for music, and beatboxing in particular, but when did it start to become a serious career option? I was playing lots of local club nights and getting more offers than I could handle. I went to university to study audio engineering and the gigs kept rolling in. it got to the point when I was performing until six in the morning and then having to go to lectures at seven. I had to make a decision about taking it to the next level so I took a risk and left university to pursue music.
Hi Zani, thanks for talking to us. Could you start by telling the readers a little bit about what you do? Primarily, I’m a beatboxer, which means that I produce music from my mouth. By this I mean that I can produce riffs, tunes and basslines using my voice, rather than instruments.
Obviously the risk paid off! Yeah, it did. I’ve got to do some amazing things through music: I love to perform and I’ve played at some sick shows. In fact, I’ve just come back from Glastonbury and that was a mad time. I’ve played some unbelievable gigs all over the world, with some big artists; supporting Jay Sean on two US tours and playing with Sean Paul in Australia.
How did you get into something that is still considered a niche market? My dad is Mauritian and a musician in his own right, playing percussion in a band. When I was growing up there were always instruments lying around the house, so I encountered music from an early age. Back in the day, it was all about garage music and I found myself MC’ing to that, but I discovered I had a talent for beatboxing. I started performing on a pirate radio station (Flight FM) and it all went from there.
You mention two pretty big names there. Have you met anyone who has had a particularly significant impact upon your career? There are so many to be honest but a special mention has to go to some of my boys: Foreign Beggars, Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra, and The Roots. I’ve worked with these people a lot and they’ve all made a significant contribution to the success I’ve enjoyed. Amongst all that success does any one moment stand out as being extra special? There have been a few moments that have been so crazy: beatboxing live in front of 100,000 people in Poland was amazing! When I was touring with Jay Sean we got to play at Madison Square Garden; I mean, that place is the Mecca for live performers in America. I thought I’d only ever go there to catch a basketball game, but to actually perform there was off the chart. That was around the same time that Jay [Sean] went to number one in the US with a track that I’d collaborated on. That was a great moment to be fair. It was a true honour to win the UK beatbox championship in 2008. The beatboxing community is a very tight knit group so, to gain recognition from my peers meant a lot. As champion I won a car, which I gave to my mum. That was really nice because she has always been very supportive of my career. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of your career to date though, is your work with children… I’ve been teaching kids to beatbox for a couple of years now. Shlomo, Jes*, and I work with children at the Battersea outreach centre teaching young adults to develop their musical skills. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to help with these kids’ development and see them making the most of their potential. It gives me huge satisfaction to know that I can make a difference in my own way. I really enjoy doing it and hope to develop the programme further.
You mentioned that your father is Mauritian; what does having Mauritian heritage mean to you? It means a lot; Sega was my first introduction to music and the unique beats and rhythms encouraged me to pick up a guitar – the first instrument I learnt to play. I absolutely love Mauritian food, it’s amazing. It’s a shame that I haven’t had the chance to go there for a while but I plan to do it as soon as I can. The fact that Mauritians are so passionate about their music makes it an ideal place to perform. I’d love to put together a live show in Mauritius sometime in the future. Talking of the future, what does it hold for MC Zani? 2010 has been a very good year so far and I hope it continues to be so. I’ve got loads of festivals coming up this summer including the Royal Arena Festival in Switzerland, Festival Park in the Czech Republic and the Sziget Festival in Hungary. I’ve had a lot of offers to beatbox on adverts and TV programmes but that’s not what I’m about; I don’t want to undermine what I do by selling out to some naff advert. My real hope for the next year is to start putting together some productions of my own. I’ve collaborated with some of the world’s best artists but I’d like to produce my own studio album, to really showcase my talents. Hopefully the right offer will come along soon. Will Mathieson
TRAVEL
Preskil Beach Resort Located on the secluded south eastern coast of the island, the Preskil Beach Resort is a great place to spend some time whilst on vacation. Offering its guests complete privacy, this beach side resort is in fact situated on the most beautiful lagoons of the entire country and boasts of occupying a beach front location. Made of typical Creole architecture, this world renown hotel is truly a haven of peace set in a luxuriant tropical garden overlooking three idyllic white sandy beaches. Its 200 rooms spread out harmoniously into one-storey colourful units across the peninsula, all of them offering an exceptional stretch of unique clear blue water which leads to the astonishing marine park of Blue bay. There are also magnificent views over l’île aux Aigrettes where a unique bird sanctuary lies. You may wish to rent a bicycle or car to explore the nearby town of Mahébourg, a typical Mauritian town that hosts an exceptional crafts market every Monday. The Preskil Beach Resort furthermore owes its reputation to its two restaurants and its gastronomic cuisine. The Spices Restaurant offers meals in the morning and evenings. Specialising in local delicacies and varied international cuisine, the
meals are served buffet style. The beach front Tapas Bar and Grill offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a la carte lunches and exotic dinners at the beach. The other a la carte restaurant in the resort is the Charka Steakhouse and Bar which specialises in serving grilled delicacies amidst an African backdrop. The Indigo Bar serves refreshing cocktails and other beverages at select times of the day.
“The pristine beach is just a short walk from the resort’s entrance, and guests can treat themselves to a wide range of water sports and activities on the sandy sea shore”
During one’s holiday at the Preskil Beach Resort, one might seize the occasion to relax and simply enjoy the moment. The on-site Ylang Spa is a tasteful designed parlour that offers its guests a wide range of aromatic body and beauty treatments to choose from. The hotel also offers couples in search of a perfect wedding destination, special wedding packages. The pristine beach is just a short walk from the resort’s entrance, and guests can treat
themselves to a wide range of water sports and activities on the sandy sea shore. The resort also has its own certified diving school which offers diving classes and excursions to excellent diving sites in the surrounding areas. Some of the other activities offered by the hotel include wind surfing, canoeing kayaking, catamaran cruising, fishing and hobby cat sailing. Jose Daniel
Mo Filao 741 High Road, Tottenham, London N17 8AG Tel: 020 8885 0241 www.filaoplage.co.uk When approaching the Mo Filao restaurant on Tottenham High Road, one can see the Mauritian flag flying proudly outside the establishment. This is a new and exciting addition to London’s diverse restaurant scene, a fact reiterated by the enthusiastic response of the customers in front of me as I walk in. ‘Mo’, which is the patois for ‘my’, ‘Filao’ – the name of a famous tree that lines the beaches of Mauritius – has been open for little over a month but already the response has been positive, and so it should be. The owners – Christian and Sanjay are clearly very proud of what they have created – a warm and welcoming restaurant offering superb cuisine and excellent service. They are both immediately at pains to emphasise the vital roles played by all of their staff in ensuring that the restaurant retains its high levels of quality. It is a small team but every member carries out their function with meticulous attention to detail. I speak to Vikash, Mo Filao’s head chef, at length about the menu he has devised. He is very passionate about the dishes he has produced and explains that they mirror the
Win a meal for two! This month, Mauritius Now have teamed up with Mo Filao to offer one lucky winner a free meal for two – all you have to do is answer the following question: What is the popular name of the tree also known as ‘Casuarina equisetifolia’ that was planted along the coast of Mauritius in order to prevent erosion in sandy soil and protect the island against cyclonic winds? Please email your answers to: mo@mofilao.co.uk or text 07599 652720 The first prize will be a free meal for two up to £50.00 (food only) from the a la carte menu. The next 25 participants will get a 50% discount (Food only) from the a la carte menu. Answers will be chosen at random and the winners will be published in the September 2010 edition of Mauritius Now.
RESTAURANTS & BARS UK
RESTAURANTS & BARS UK
diversity of Mauritian society. Consequently there are a range of Chinese, Indian and Creole meals available. The menu authentically places a heavy emphasis on seafood; offering prawns, squid, lobster and a variety of fish that are found in Mauritian waters. There are also lamb and chicken options; including fried noodles, byrianis and fired rice, as well as a traditional halim soup and dholl puree. The restaurant offers a typically sociable environment in which to dine, and its owners plan to develop that concept into a series of themed evenings, which will include a four course meal, as well as drinks and dancing, in true Mauritian style. Mo Filao is wholly committed to delivering to the exact specifications of its customers and it seems that no request is too specific or difficult for its dedicated staff. The owners plan to offer the establishment as a space for functions, providing the same high quality food and service as they would to their diners. They already have prior experience in this field gained from offering a popular catering service, and will be giving festival goers a chance to sample the restaurant’s delights at the upcoming Mauritian Open Air Festival. Just to demonstrate how accommodating Mo Filao is of its customer’s requests, the takeaway menu – which offers noodles and rice dishes, as well as a number of specials that change on a daily basis – can be modified and adapted to suit individual requirements. Subsequently, someone can request to take away any
dish from the á la carte menu, with no objection from the staff. As they explain, they want to “meet the requirements of the customer and tailor the service to suit their needs.” On my visit to Mo Filao, I am treated to a bottle of the country’s famous Phoenix beer before dining, served by the restaurant’s affable barman, Kushal. The bar itself offers a mixture of Mauritian and British beers and spirits, as well as an extensive selection of wines. Lina, the efficient and unobtrusive waiter, brings me my first offering from Vikash, samosas served with Mo Filao’s speciality chilli sauce. The samosas were deliciously crisp and flavoursome, with no hint of grease or oil. However, there are not enough superlatives to describe the accompanying sauce, and I must confess to ordering both another serving and another plate of samosas to supplement it! I was then served a plate of calamari served with a tomato and fish stock dipping sauce. It is a very tricky dish to get right, as overcooking the squid can lead to it tasting chewy and rubbery. There were no such problems here as the calamari I tasted was amongst the best I have ever had. The batter was once again perfectly crisp and free of oil, and the squid beautifully fell apart in my mouth. The sauce too was mellow enough so as not to detract from the flavour of the squid. Vikash had also chosen a selection of main courses to sample; these were chicken and egg stir fried noodles, chicken biryani, and chicken, prawn and egg stir fried rice. I was told that these would give me a flavour of the wide variety of cooking styles found within Mauritian cuisine. This fact was certainly true of the dishes I tried; the biryani, which had authentically been cooking for hours, was richly aromatic and the taste of cloves and saffron was wonderfully apparent. The chicken itself fell away from the bone beautifully. The noodles had a fresh, ‘just fried’ taste that made them incredibly moreish. It was obvious why such a dish would prove so popular as a takeaway option. The rice, which I was advised to try with the restaurant’s speciality garlic sauce, was fragrant and light. The sauce itself offered a creamy juxtaposition to the weight of the dish. It is important to emphasise just how keen the staff at Mo Filao are to please their customers. The focus is completely on customer satisfaction, and quality is never compromised. It is a hugely enjoyable dining experience, equipped with welcoming owners, passionate staff, excellent service and, most importantly, Mauritian food of the highest quality. Mo Filao will be running a series of launch nights, on the 21st and 22nd August. As well as introducing the general public to the restaurant, there will be a program of activities during the day and theme nights taking place in the evenings. An Asian night will be held on the 21st and a Sega themed night on the 22nd.
Mauritian recipes Each month Mauritius Now will bring you a variety of delicious and exciting recipes presented to you by our very own specialist chef from Mauritius. Visit www.Mauritius Now.co.uk for all the latest recipes, which are updated every month.
Sauteed Pumpkin (Touffe Giraumon)
Gateaux Piments (Chilli Cakes)
Ingredients (serves 6) 3 tablespoons oil 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi) 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 medium onion (sliced) 1 clove garlic (slivered) 2 dried chillies (broken into small pieces) Some curry leaves 1 kg pumpkin (peeled and cut into small pieces) A small pinch of sugar Salt, thyme
Ingredients 250g dholl (split peas) 2 or 3 green chillies, 1 big bunch shallot (chopped fine) – about 4 tablespoons 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves 1 teaspoon baking powder (or 1/2 teaspoon sodium bicarbonate) 1 onion (chopped fine) Salt 1/2 teaspoon whole cumin seeds or powdered cumin Oil for frying
Method Heat oil and fry fenugreek and mustard seeds for about 30 seconds. Then add onion, garlic, chilli pieces and curry leaves and stir-fry for one minute. Then add pumpkin and sugar and some salt. Mix well, cover and cook till pumpkin is cooked and rather mushy. (Sprinkle a little water over mixture if needed). Off the heat, sprinkle over some thyme. Variation: The pumpkin can be cooked without the fenugreek and mustard seeds.
Method Wash and then soak dholl in water for at least 3 hours. Drain and grind dholl (food mill can be used). Add all the other ingredients to ground dholl. Mix in thoroughly. Shape mixture into small balls and deep fry them in very hot oil until crisp and golden brown. Drain and serve hot with buttered bread or by itself as a snack.
Extracts taken from Mauritian Delights by Mrs Lalita Sookhee, which contains over 300 absolutely delicious Mauritian recipes. To purchase, please contact Mrs Lalita Sookee: lalitabsookhee@hotmail.com | 1 Farquhar Street, Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius | Telephone: 230-425-3803/230-750-1860 | Fax: 230-425-3803
Shooters Sports Pub & Grill 1st Floor, L’observatoire Le Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis Phone: (230) 210 9737 Conveniently located within the confines of the Caudan Waterfront, the Shooters Sports Pub & Grill is a famous restaurant well known for its great atmosphere, and for being a place where customers are treated to a healthy diet of ESPN and SuperSport. In fact, weekends and big match days ensure that the place is heaving with big parties and tourists basking in the ambience. With LCD screens in every direction, a great view of the sporting action is obtainable from whichever corner of the bar you are in. The menu hints at elegance with grilled fish, served juicy and tender. Fresh meat along side
“This pub has quickly become a must for all sports and food lovers”
RESTAURANTS & BARS MAURITIUS
mouth watering salads, tasty burgers, and a touch of Mediterranean cuisine has also been the trademark of the Shooters Sports Pub & Grill since its opening. This pub has quickly become a must for all sports and food lovers. With its relaxing atmosphere and its live music, Shooters is one the best places you’ll find around! You can watch great sports, enjoy good music, tasty food, and sample a wide range of drinks from their fabulous cocktails, reputable wines, and quality scotch whiskies and spirits. Dine comfortably at a pub table, booth, at the bar, or on the patio overlooking the Port-Louis harbour. The Shooters Sports Pub & Grill owes its reputation to its festive and sport chic interior design. The restaurant’s walls are decorated with football, baseball and basketball players’ team shirts and memorabilia, whilst golf and tennis balls have been integrated in to the flooring. It’s no wonder the place is packed with dozens of sports fanatics! Should you wish to chill out with family, friends or colleagues in a cool, relaxing atmosphere with live music, then Shooters is the place to be! Jose Daniel
LIFESTYLE Lifestyle with Stef B
eing a lifestyle journalist I’m often asked for tips and advice. The most common question this time of year is whether or not to wear makeup. There isn’t a straightforward answer to it. It’s very much up to the person. Many women enjoy the freedom of not wearing foundation, powder, etc, in summer, whilst others wouldn’t be seen dead without their face on. If you wear makeup in summer, use products that don’t melt on your face and apply them sparingly. Good makeup should allow your skin to breathe, whilst acting as a protector against outside agents like pollution. Summer makeup tends to be lighter and fresher and its colours reflect the season: bright blues, corals, greens, hot pinks and gold are always popular during the hotter months. I’ve made a selection of products that are very wearable and picked a few fun accessories that will look fabulous on the beach without making you look over-accessorised.
Foundation Foundation can be tricky in the heat as it can cause perspiration and literally melt on the face. Airbase Airbrush Make Up (www.airbasemakeup.com) is heat resistant and contains silicon, vitamins A and E. It’s used by many film and TV makeup artists because it stays put for hours and doesn’t melt under the studio lights. It can be used with a spray gun (£134.95) small enough to fit in your handbag, or you can apply it with your fingers or a brush. The foundation is priced at £29.95 and comes in five shades to suit all skin colours.
Eyeshadow As discussed in this page a few issues ago, colourful eyes are a huge trend this season, with blues and greens being particularly fashionable. I love Frontcover Mermaid Dreams (£25). The palette includes 20 gorgeous colours that can be used dry or wet for a more dramatic look, and a Shadowline pen which can be dipped into any of the eyeshadows to turn them into eyeliners. Genius and fantastic value for money. Available from Boots or check out www.frontcovercosmetics.com
Mascara A coat or two of mascara opens up the eyes, but if you’d rather not wear it on the beach, a great option is to use an eyelash tint instead. Colorsport 30 Days Mascara (£7.49 for up to 16 applications) takes only ten minutes to apply and lasts for a whole month. It comes in black and dark brown and it’s available from Boots www.boots.com
Lipstick Bright colours always look gorgeous in summer. For those who’d rather not dare, candy-coloured hues are also very trendy and suit most people. Fashion make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury’s line, Myface Cosmetics has some stunning lip shades in her collection. I’m enamoured with her Gigabite Lipstick Strawberry Fields, a bright yet delicate red that goes well with colourful eyes and Sweetdreams, a very chic, subtle pink. Priced at £9.99 they are available from Boots or from http://www.myfacecosmetics.co.uk.
Accessories A nice pair of earrings and a pretty necklace have the ability to really lift an outfit. These dainty Annie Haak silver and pearl pendants (£23) and this super cute Tweet Tweet silver necklace (£40) are perfect for night and day and go with every outfit. Annie Haak has plenty of celebrity fans, including Fearne Cotton and Dannii Minogue. www.anniehaakdesigns.co.uk
NEW MAKEUP BRAND ALERT! Just launched in the UK, Edward Bess makeup makes gorgeous cosmetics of the highest quality. American model Edward Bess decided to create a unique brand consisting of luxurious cream to powder compact foundations that don’t cake or dry the skin, moisturising, long lasting lipsticks and lip glosses in key shades of reds, nudes and pinks; eyeshadows, lip and eye liners, mascaras, stunning cream and powder blushers and two beautiful highlighters. Perfect for white, Asian and black complexions, Edward Bess is truly a must have and you’ll love showing it off on your bathroom shelf. Available in the UK exclusively from www.zuneta.com, one of the best websites around for makeup lovers. Stef Bottinelli
CLASSIFIEDS
Green Island UK Limited
21 Turnpike Lane Wood Green London, N8 0EP
Finest Mauritian Rum, Spirit, Wine and Champagne Importer
TELEPHONE 020 8348 3388
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8881 8686 www.greenislandrum.com
RNT TRADING COMPANY LTD Main importer and distributor of mauritian products in the UK We specialise in: Dhall Pouri, Parathas, Pickles, Snacks, Fizzy Drinks, Massala Powders, Fresh Vegitables, Apollo Noodles, Sirop Dowlut plus many more Mobile: 07961 366 572 Email: rnt.enquiries@googlemail.com Fax: 0208 548 4702
Large group bookings taken We also cater for all occasions
JOSEPH MYNAH & CO SOLICITORS (Commissioner for Oaths) We care and respect our clients Crime, Immigration, Prison Law, Commercial Law, Conveyancing, Employment Unit 54 Grove Business Centre, 560-568 High Road, Tottenham, London, N17 9TA Tel: 020 8365 9940 Mob: 07985555447 (Raj/Krishen) Email: info@josephmynah.com Website: www.josephmynah.com
Open 12pm - 10pm 6 days a week (closed Wednesdays)
SPORT FUNDRAISER Haany Halim Update T
he terrible plight of the Chagossian people is something that is well known to Mauritians: in 1965 the British purchased the islands from Mauritius with the intention of seceding them to the United States who had earmarked them as a perfect location on which to build a military base. In order to make way for this base, 2500 native Chagossians were forcibly removed from their homes, their livestock slaughtered and their residences destroyed. What people may not be as aware of is that those people were forced to live in the slums of Mauritius where, to this day, almost 4000 Chagossians remain. Not only have they lost the right to inhabit their own land, the onset of poverty has also brought with it a myriad of social problems, namely depression; suicide; drug and alcohol addiction; overcrowding; and unemployment. The Mauritian government is working with its British counterpart to correct this wrongdoing but the immediate problems of the Chagossians are going unnoticed. However, help has come from an unlikely quarter; ex-American serviceman, Haany Halim, has decided to take matters into his own hands and embark on a charity fundraising effort for one such victim. Having seen a documentary from the investigative journalist John Pilger, Haany and his girlfriend were moved to take action themselves. He got in touch with Olivier Bancoult, leader of the ‘Chagos Refugees in Mauritius’ movement, and asked what he could do to help: “He told me about this specific case, of a lady who was getting kicked out of her house and I said I wanted to do something for her.” The case Olivier was referring to was that of Noelline Seballam, a Chagossian lady living in the Port Louis slum. Although her house only amounts to a shack, she has been asked to vacate the property, and is now homeless. Olivier explained to Haany that just £800 would be enough to secure Mrs. Seballam a property elsewhere. Haany says that, having seen the sterling work that Olivier had already done, “I said to him, ‘I’m with you’.” From there Haany devised an event that could raise the funds to secure the plot of land that Mrs. Seballam needed: “I don’t usually like asking people for money so I figured we had to come up with something crazy that would stick in people’s minds. Initially I only planned to tell family and friends about it but it seems to have got a bit bigger than that, which is great. “We came up with the idea of a hike – setting off from central London at about 4AM on Saturday morning and walking to a town called Godalming. It’s about 38 miles from the start to Godalming and we’ll aim to walk that on Saturday. We’ll sleep for a few hours and then get up at a similar time on Sunday morning and walk another 40 miles to the finish in Portsmouth. “Initially it was just going to be me and my girlfriend but when I spoke to a guy from work about it he wanted to jump on board. Then a girl from my girlfriend’s office also wanted to get involved, so there are four of us now!” The £800 that Haany and his fellow fundraisers are looking to raise will secure a small plot of land for Mrs. Seballam and a house to live in. as Haany says though, here in Britain we certainly would not call it a ‘house’ as it is more akin to the shelters that populate the shanty towns of the developing world.
The group will make the phenomenal journey, across Britain’s A roads and on foot, to Godalming – over 38 miles away – before resting for the evening. They will then repeat the process to reach their final destination on the south coast. To put this effort into perspective, it is equivalent to walking one and a half marathons each day, with cars whizzing past constantly. The idea comes from Haany’s childhood in Virginia, America; as he says, “I don’t like running and I don’t go to the gym – I’ve even got a nice belly on me – but I love hiking and I love doing extreme things. I’ve done no training whatsoever so I’m probably the least fit of the four of us. We’re going to be walking for about fifteen hours each day so it will have to be fast and, to make things worse, the weather forecast predicts temperatures of 29 degrees on Saturday!” Haany is keen to emphasise that every penny raised will go to Mrs. Seballam and her new property. All of the expenses incurred on the hike will come out of his pocket. He wants to give a special mention to the generous owners of the Inn on the Lake, the hotel that the foursome will be staying in in Godalming on the Saturday evening. Everyone at Mauritius Now would like to wish Haany and the group ‘good luck’ for the event. They will be starting out on the morning of 26th June and will arrive in Portsmouth at some point on the afternoon of Sunday 27th June. Haany is still looking for money to raise the full amount for Mrs. Seballam. If you would like to make a contribution to this worthy cause, please contact him via email at haanyhalim@gmail.com. We will be reporting back on how everything went in next month’s issue. Will Mathieson
SPORT The World Cup experience
Y
aemish Rughoo loves his football, so there was really nowhere else for him to be in June other than at the World Cup in South Africa, football’s biggest competition. Having applied for tickets to watch England at the group stages with his brothers back in 2009, his trip was meticulously planned and saved for, and he was absolutely delighted to meet fellow Mauritians enjoying the football in South Africa. “It was an unforgettable experience”, he told Mauritius Now. “The locals were welcoming and friendly and the atmosphere at the games was electric. The atmosphere and the buzz were especially incredible when England were playing but also on the days when South Africa had a game. Most of the visiting supporters wanted ‘Bafana Bafana’ to do well.” Meeting fans from other countries was a highlight for Yaemish. “Seeing all the colours of the different countries was amazing. Meeting other fans was great too. It really shows that football can bring everyone together.” Did he have a favourite set of fans? “The Argentines were great, very lively. The Algerians were a laugh and they gave us plenty of stick after that game.” Yet, out of everyone Yaemish met, meeting a fellow Mauritian at the England v Slovenia game stood out the most.
“The atmosphere and the buzz were especially incredible when England were playing” “I saw him in the stadium, draped in the flag” he explained. “We went over to talk to him and we chatted for a bit. He had come from Mauritius especially to watch the football. There were a few Mauritians over to watch the World Cup actually, but seeing him there at the World Cup, draped in the flag was nice to see.” Indeed it’s a small world, but it is no surprise that so many Mauritians did make the trip given the reverence football has in Mauritius, and of course the close proximity of South Africa. Yaemish may have been over in South Africa as an England fan, but as a Mauritian, being at an African World Cup was extra special and poignant. “It was my first time in Mainland Africa and it was just great to be with the people all coming
together for the same once in a lifetime event. They were so friendly and jovial. Even when the home nation went out, everyone was backing Ghana. There was a real solidarity and you could see how much it meant to Africa. As an African, it felt even more special to be there.” Yaemish was still buzzing even weeks after he came back from South Africa. He flew home the day before the Germany game, even though he had tickets. “England didn’t top the group as we had expected so we couldn’t get the flights to the Germany game. I begged the others to go, but to change our itinerary would have cost hundreds of pounds and I had work on the Monday morning. I’m so glad we didn’t go in the end,” he laughed. Despite Spain being crowned World Champions only last month, he is already planning to go to the next World Cup in Brazil. “Brazil will be better. I’ll start saving now. I’ll remortgage my house; I’ll do whatever it takes to get there! As a Mauritian, we have that spirit and passion for football that’s unrivalled.” And could you imagine if, by some miracle, Mauritius managed to get there? Brazil and Mauritius. What a beautiful combination that would be. Sabina Jacobs
SPORT Star sprinter Buckland retires at 33 S
tephan Buckland, the island’s world class 100m and 200m sprinter, has announced that he is quitting athletics. The athlete, 33, has been one of the most outstanding sportsmen Mauritius has produced. Buckland put Mauritius on the world sports map with sterling performances during various world athletic competitions. He acknowledged “with profound regret” that the time has come for him to leave the Mauritian athletics centre stage for the younger generation of Mauritian athletes coming through. “I have had my time and the moment has come for me to announce my retirement on this July 14, 2010,” he said. But he confirmed he will continue “to serve Mauritian athletes” as sprint trainer at the Centre International d’Athlétisme de Maurice (CIAM). He will also involve himself in the “world of fitness” as he wants to be a personal trainer.
Buckland is undoubtedly one of the greatest African 200m specialists, on the same terms as Namibian Frankie Fredericks. He is still the holder of the national record over 100m (10.13) and the 200m (20.06). He is one of the few athletes who reached a World Championship final three times in a row – 2001, 2003 and 2005. Mauritius and Mauritians everywhere will miss the extraordinary performances of Stephan Buckland. Mauritius Now would like to congratulate Stephen on his successful career and achievements, and wish him good luck with his future plans. Mayessen Nagapa-Chetty This article was exclusively provided by NewsNow: The First English-language daily internet newspaper in Mauritius. Visit NewsNow.mu