PASSENGER PASSES AWAY Sadness and shock prevailed among passengers on-board of the Emirates Airlines aircraft after a man passed away............
HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMS
HERITAGE HOTEL WINS award
According to official figures released by the Ministry of Education, the success rate for the Higher School Certificate
A moment of pride for the Heritage Hotel as it bagged the Travellers Choice Award 2014 ....
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Mauritius ranks 1st in Africa & 29th worldwide Forbes Best Countries for Business 2013
M
auritius has not been sitting on its laurels after having topped the Overall Ease of Doing Business 2014 in the African region of the World Bank group’s Doing Business 2014 Report. The island got a good note as it ranked first among African countries and 29th worldwide in the latest Best Countries for Business 2013 poll by Forbes – released in January.
Mauritius is surely on the right track to reinforcing its status as the gateway to the emerging continent which is Africa. A report recently released by the famous international Magazine, Forbes has revealed that the island outran all its fellow African countries as it topped the charts in regards to doing business in 2013 in the African region. Countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia or even Botswana lagged behind Mauritius and stood at the 41st, 49th, 68th in their global rankings respectively whereas Mauritius grabbed the 29th place. Nigeria, which is Africa’s second largest economy trailed the list as it stood at the 114th position. In its report, Forbes highlighted that Mauritius “has developed itself from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist sectors since its independence”. We could say that this is not first time that Forbes laudably speak about the Mauritian economy as in its special issue of 2nd September 2013 in a report titled “Mauritius, Never Complacent”, it highlighted Mauritius’ comparative advantages as a first choice investment destination in the Indian Ocean and in Africa. According to Forbes, several factors have contributed into ranking of Mauritius as the top African country for business. A much improved infrastructure, increased life expectancy, a more equitable income distribution as Continued On Page 2 ....
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02 mauritiusnow February 2014 Continued From Front Page ....
well as a lowered infant mortality are
some of those several factors that has led Mauritius to beat the African chart.
Fellow island economies to Mauritius such as the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritania stood at the 72nd, 89th and 134th position respectively on their global rankings. In regards to its worldwide ranking, Mauritius stood at the 7th place concerning Trade Freedom, Monetary Freedom (75th), Property Rights (38th), Innovation (77th), Technology (61st), Red Tape (17th), Investor Protection (12th), Corruption (46th), Personal Freedom (34th) and Tax Burden at the 12th place Forbes further highlighted in its eighth annual survey of the Best Countries for Business 2013 that Mauritius has managed to attract more than 32 000 offshore entities many aimed at commerce in India, South Africa, and China. And investment in the banking sector alone has reached over USD 1 billion in 2013. “Mauritius, with its strong textile
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Editor Eshan Badal
Journalists & Contributors Jamirouddin Yeadally Leevy Frivet Lock Sohodeb Amishta Sohoraye Ludmilla Iyavoo Priya N. Hein Will Mathieson Des Hegarty Kerry Hegarty Kabir Jeetoo Avinash Nankoosing Vallisa Chauhan Deeshen Ruttun
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Photography Jamal Yeadally
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 invonvenience, loss, damage, costs or expenses of any nature whatsoever incurred or suffered by anyone as a result of any advise or information contained in this publication.
sector, has been well poised to take advantage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the country sound economic policies and prudent banking practices have helped mitigate negative effects of the global financial crisis in 2008-2009”, highlighted Forbes.
Courtesy Call Navin Ramgoolam with High Commissioner designate of India
The Forbes survey has also revealed that Mauritius continues to expand its trade and investment outreach across the world as the island accumulated a Gross Domestic Product in the range of 3 to 4%. The island’s GDP per Capita, as revealed by the survey, stood at USD 8 700 with a Trade Balance of -12.5%. However, inflation was reported to be at 3.9% and unemployment at 8.1% by Forbes. However, coming to the rest of the world, It is Ireland which received the to honours of Forbes for the first time as it stood at the very first place in the global survey after it ranked at the 6th place in last year’s ratings. It is worth to point out that Forbes rated 145 countries on 11 metrics, including property rights, innovation, taxes, technology, corruption, freedom (personal, trade and monetary), red tape, investor protection and stock market performance. On the other hand, the survey was based on values that were calculated as at December 2013 from market performance based on each country’s major stock index returns for 12 months. Everything was sourced from Heritage Foundation, World Economic Forum, Transparency International and Freedom House among others.
Anup Kumar Mudgal meeting with Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam
T
he Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam received the newly appointed High Commissioner designate of the Republic of India to Mauritius, Anup Kumar Mudgal on the 15th of January. It has been revealed that both government members discussed on the long friendly relationship that the two states shares.
Mr Mudgal also observed that links to Africa as a region and a continent are at the top priority of the Indian government.
“I look forward to do justice to this challenge, expectation and vision and will endeavour to pay my attention, time and capacity in addressing each and every aspect of this relationship’, said Mr Mudgal during his meeting with the Prime Minister.
Born in 1956, Mr Mudgal holds an MSc and M Phil degree in Botany, and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1984. He has since served in Indian diplomatic missions and posts in Mexico City, Lima, Belgrade, Brussels, Vienna, and Munich.
Mr Mudgal was also reported to have resented his credentials to the President of the Republic, Rajkeswur Purryag, during a visit at the State House, in Réduit ealier on the same day.
Noble Cause Persons with disabilities are now entitled to loans
T
he Employees Welfare Fund (EWF) proceeded in the launch of a soft loan scheme for persons with disabilities during a ceremony which was held on the 28th of January. Individuals suffering from disabilities will now have the opportunity to take up loans ranging from an amount of Rs 25 000 to Rs 300 000 at an interest rate of 4% per annum. This noble move from the government was warmly welcomed by ONG associations and disabled persons.
However, the loan with a repayment period of five years is eligible only to employees with disabilities or employees who have a member with disabilities in the house both in the public and private sector provided they are in full time employment.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Xavier-Luc Duval as well as the Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity and Reform Institutions, Mrs Sheilabai Bappoo graced the function and urged to disabled individuals to make the most of this noble initiative.
The objectives of the scheme are namely: to provide financial assistance to disabled employees and their families to acquire necessary assistive devices; to help people with disabilities to promote their independence in their daily living; to help them to enhance their health status, learning mobility and sensorial abilities; and enhance their
This type of loan is believed to cater for the special needs of the disabled as it will enable them to acquire specific devices to help with their well-being.
employability potentials. It will be noted that under the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Act passed in 1996 and amended in September 2012, all companies employing 35 or more employees are required to have 3% of their workforce comprising of persons with disabilities.
NEWS
mauritiusnow February 2014 03
EK 701 Emirates aircraft
On-board Emirates
A passenger of Mauritian origin dies in mid flight
S
adness and shock prevailed among passengers on-board of the Emirates Airlines aircraft after a man passed away on the plane which was heading to Mauritius on the 17th of January 2014. Steeve Ford, a passenger of Mauritian origin with a British passport died in mid flight to Mauritius. Police opened an
circumstances of this tragedy occurred in mid-flight.
An autopsy report carried out in Mauritius has revealed that the man died of natural causes.
suffered from a malaise shortly after the EK 701 took off from the Dubai airstrip. Navigating staff had said that they made several attempts to resuscitate the man by giving him a cardiac massage.
According to crew members and passengers, the 63-year old man
Officials of the airline, for their part, have said nothing on the exact
The Investigation is still ongoing.
investigation to shed light on this tragic event.
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Airport police officers have received a statement from the pilot of the flight EK 701.
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Economic Freedom Index
Mauritius ranks first among Sub- Saharan African countries
F
or the third year in a row, Mauritius has topped the chart among Sub-Saharan African countries in the latest Economic Freedom Index released by the Heritage Foundation in January. The island scored a 76.5 mark, making its economy the 8th freest in the 2014 Index, with the same rank as in last year.
counts among the ‘moderately free’ economies, while Africa’s second largest economy of Nigeria comes a lowly 129th, tagged among the ‘mostly unfree’ economies on the index. Top-ranked Hong Kong scores 90.1, followed by Singapore, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand and Canada.
Tailing the index was North Korea, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Eritrea as they were classified as the ‘most repressed’ countries on the index. Launched in 1995, the index published by the Heritage Foundation, has ranked 178 countries basis their commitment to free enterprise.
The index uses 10 categories, including fiscal soundness, government size and property rights and gives a score from 0 to 100. The higher up the scoreboard a county is, the higher is its economic growth, long-term prosperity and social progress.
“No other region has made greater strides in economic freedom than SubSaharan Africa over the past three years,” pointed out the report. On the other hand, the island managed to grab a place among the top 10 countries globally in the index measuring economic growth, long-term prosperity and social progress. But however, the report noted that Mauritius tumbled the row in regards to investment freedom, property rights, and business freedom. On the other hand, Botswana ranked 2nd among Sub-Saharan African countries and at the 27th place globally. The report indicated that Cape Verde stood at the 60th place, Rwanda (65th) and Ghana at the 66th place round up the top 5 countries from Sub-Saharan Africa on the index, and are designated ‘moderately free’ economies. Bad news for South Africa as the country lags at 75th place but still
Port-Louis, Mauritius
Enquiry
Government sets Commission of enquiry on property scams
A
Commission of Enquiry has been set up by the government to inquire into mechanisms, including parallel schemes, allegedly used by non-citizens to circumvent the provisions of the Non-Citizens (Property Restriction) Act in relation to land or other property in Mauritius. The commission of enquiry which is presided by David Chan Kan Cheong, judge sitting at the Supreme Court of Mauritius will have the task to inquire into cases involving sales or lease of residential or commercial units under a régime of co-ownership since the year 2000 to date. Mr Cheong will have the task to also inquire about cases of sales or lease of buildings through transfer of
The Supreme Court of Mauritius
shares and other interest in property, and involving fraudulent practices or transactions causing financial or other prejudice to potential purchasers, lessees, or transferees. He will have to report on the matters and make recommendations to the government. However, the Commission takes place in camera at the Supreme Court and is comprised of Mr David Chan Kan Cheong as Chairperson and Geeanduth Gopee and Phalgoony Ramrekha as Assessors. The Commission, which has already started sitting had invited members of the public at large including residents of Rodrigues to come forward and give information on the subject as well as evidences before the Commission.
NEWS
mauritiusnow February 2014 05
World Economic Forum 2014
Navin Ramgoolam: “Mauritius is no longer a small island but a large Ocean State”
S
peaking at the World Economic Forum 2014 in Davos, Switzerland on the 23rd of January, the Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam stressed to participants present that; “ Mauritius is no longer a small island but a large ocean state that handles more than 1.9 million square kilometres of marine resources. The exclusive economic zone of Mauritius is twice as large as that of Ireland. Although this country has an oil and gas industry, it represents less than 10% of its economic value”. Moreover, the Prime Minister explained that the exploitation of marine resources is a large-scale project that will have a profound impact on future generations as he spoke on four major topics; oceanic economy, climate change, the renewal of economic partnerships between nations and sustainable development. Also on his agenda, the Prime Minister met with world political leaders and economic policymakers during the Davos Summit in a bid to discuss the future of Mauritius. However, the Prime Minister also confirmed his meeting with the Finance Minister of India, Shri Palaniappan Chidambaram where they both discussed on the future of the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between the two countries.
“I clearly stated to Mr Chidambaram that I do not like the like the Indian position on the tax treaty and the amendments that the Indian government plans to make as it would not be to the advantage of the Mauritian offshore sector”, said Prime Minister Ramgoolam. On the other hand, the Executive Director of the international monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde spoke on the files that should be ‘reset ‘. She also warned against the dangers of deflation in Europe at the Summit. However, it is good to point out that the 2014 Davos meeting revolved around the theme “Remodelling of the world”. The not-profit foundation whose headquarters is in Geneva is known for its annual meeting which brings together business leaders, political leaders around the world as well as intellectuals and journalists to discuss the most urgent global problems in areas including health and the environment. Some 40 heads of State and Government have marked their presence in this meeting which brings together each year approximately 2,500 participants from more than 100 countries.
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Fruit Export
Mauritius to export 2 500 tons of fruits in 2014
A
ccording to the Ministry of Agro Industry, the island will be exporting at least 2 500 tons of fruits this year. However, in addition to the European market, Asia and the Middle East are also targets which the Ministry has identified.
years. For 2014, the island expects to exceed the bar of 2 500 tons and expand its customer portfolio to Asia and the Middle East which is a prominent market, according to the Ministry.
Fruits such as pineapples, lychees, mangoes and passion fruit continue their breakthrough in the European market.
It is worth to point out that a certificate is issued systematically to ensure the quality of the products which leave for abroad and in Mauritius, this particular sector enjoys a subsidy from the State to the order of Rs 3.50 per kilo on fruit exported which is seen as an aid to encourage local initiatives.
According to trade statistics, the export volume increased from 600 tonnes to 2 400 tonnes in just six
Higher School Certificate Exams Success rate for 2013: 77,93%
A
ccording to official figures released by the Ministry of Education, the success rate for the Higher School Certificate examinations was 77,93%. A slight decrease compared with that of 2012 (79%). The Higher School Certificate (HSC) results were announced on Monday, February 3, putting an end to a long wait. If elite colleges were acclaimed once again, newcomers have created the surprise. Ste Marie College in Palma and the Dr. James Burty David SSS in Bell-Village made their names famous as both state colleges have registered a laureate. However, school teen from colleges all around the island, specially those having registered a laureate, celebrated their “winners” with drums
and folkloric songs. “Many did not believe in us”, stated Michel Hugo, laureate of the Ste-Marie College. “I still find it hard to believe, I was not expecting to hear my name. But it is the result of two years of hard work,”he added.
Mauritius will be exporting around 2 500 tons of fruits this year
Economy
Future of maritime commerce, discussed
T
he 8th Edition of the Indian Ocean Ports and Logistics Exhibition Conference was held in Mauritius on the 22nd and 23rd of January at Le Meridien Hotel. Around 30 experts inculding regional ports directors attended the event in order to discuss how to improve the maritime commerce in the Indian Ocean region.
Shipping community. He pointed out that shipping lines are already mobilizing large container vessels, of over 8,000 TEU capacity, in the region, which cannot be accommodated in most African Ports.
However, Jimmy Wong Cheong Ahfat, laureate of the Dr. James Burty David SSS said that he worked hard in order to bag a place among the top hish scorers.
One of the key issues debated was the modernization of ports, who according to the majority of experts, lacks infrastructures to compete with the demands of the Shipping Lines.
To make matters worse, 11% of the existing container fleet and 47% of vessels on order are greater than 10,000 TEU capacity. This means that it is very likely that those vessels will also be operating in the Indian Ocean in a not too distant future.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam who announced the list of those having topped the rankings at a press conference, indicated that “our idea of democratization of education becomes a reality.”
The Director of the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA), Shekur Suntah insisted that there was a need for some changes if ports are to remain competitive. He added that there are tremendous development opportunities for ports in the region if they gear up to respond to the demands of the
Mr Suntah believes that unless regional ports can meet these requirements, their local cargo will continue to be transshipped at other hub locations, resulting in higher transportation costs and thus jeopardizing the competitiveness of their exports.
College teens after the proclamation of the 2013 HSC results The Director of the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA), Shekur Suntah (left) met with delegates and ports representatives from around the region
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mauritiusnow February 2014 07
Business and Celebration
Alastair Bryce: “We intend to be the world’s leading international banking”
F
rom the perspectives demonstrated by the Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Mauritius, Alastair Bryce, it is clear that HSBC wants to become the world’s leading international banking in 2014 and the go-to bank in Africa.
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“We have a China Desk in place to help promote trade to and from China and into Africa”, clearly indicated Mr Bryce at the Annual Chinese New Year Dinner celebrated by the bank at Domaine Anna on the 21st of January. Corporate as well as banks executives and HSBC clients were invited to kick start the “Hear of the Horse” which, as per the CEO, symbolizes good luck, fast victories and unexpected adventures. The African adventure to which the CEO have great aspiration and vision is the future of business. However, connectivity between our island and other regions and countries is one of the top priority of the bank. “Our theme this year will be co-operation between Mauritius, China and Africa”, highlighted Mr Bryce. This argument was supported by the Chinese Ambassador to Mauritius, Li Li who was the guest of honour for the bank during the celebrations. He added that Mauritius can help many countries of the continent to structure their financial needs. “Investors cannot ignore the contribution of the Mauritian financial platform. China is ready to bring its financial resources to accompany the development projects in Africa and Chinese financial institutions are more than ready to cooperate with Mauritians”, stated Mr Li Li.
According to CEO Bryce, the banking sector is entering an era of greater transparency and accountability everywhere, as regulatory controls are enhanced and risk management practices come under greater scrutiny. And HSBC believes that this factor will not deter the bank from its primary task which is working with its clients to help create the conditions in which their businesses flourish and their dreams and ambitions is realized. “We intend to be the world’s leading international banking, operating to the highest global standards and deserving of the trust that our customer place in us”, explained CEO Bryce. Talking about the Chinese currency, CEO Bryce stated that; “at HSBC we are perfectly positioned to help corporate and investor clients seize the opportunities that the Renminbi offers. We have the largest global RMB network, with capabilities in over 50 markets. In many ways the Renminbi can be thought of as re-ordering the world’s trade environment. Its significance in trade is undoubtedly growing and is only going to increase and we expect that the RMB will be fully convertible in five years. By then, over half of China’s trade with emerging markets will be settled in RMB”. CEO Bryce concluded by saying that there is much to be done in order to raise awareness of the trading advantages of using her RMB. “But as its internationalization gathers pace, businesses are clearly preparing to unlock its potential”.
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CEO of HSBC Mauritius (first from the right) in the company of delegates and guests
NEWS
08 mauritiusnow February 2014
Code sharing
Air France and Mauritius extends cooperation
A
lexandre de Juniac, President and CEO of Air France-KLM and Andre Viljoen, Director-general of Air Mauritius, have both signed an agreement which is believed to strengthen the existing collaboration between the two air carriers. The signing ceremony which was presided by Dass Thomas, President of the Board of Directors of Air Mauritius, took place at the Air Mauritius Centre on the 24th of January. This agreement will enable Air France in providing Air Mauritius with enhanced expertise in several areas including commercial operations, Revenue Management, cost management, procurement, maintenance and cost reductions, especially in fuel savings. Also, through this agreement, the two airlines companies will be able to offer up to 16 flights a week during the winter season, thus connecting passengers from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam international airport to Paris-Charles de Gaulle and vice versa.
Air Mauritius. Moreover, by combining our offer on the axis Paris-Maurice, we will be able to offer more frequencies and opportunities of flight connection particularly from our powerful hub which is Paris-Charles de Gaulle for all our customers”, highlighted Alexandre de Juniac. In addition, as part of this new partnership, Air France is reaffirming its commitment to provide its full support to Air Mauritius in its aim to join global airline alliance, SkyTeam. Andre Viljoen, CEO of Air Mauritius, on the other hand, stated that the extended agreement confirms the trust and collaboration that unites Air Mauritius and Air France.
On the other hand, the signed agreement, which was first inked in 2008, provides for the continuation of Air Mauritius and Air France code share operations.
“This extended agreement confirms the trust and cooperation that unites Air Mauritius and Air France. 2014 marks the sixteenth year of our collaboration, which has been the backbone of our operations on the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub, one of the pillars of our service network. Charles de Gaulle is indeed a crucial crossing point for access to European markets, which remain very important for tourism and business, both for our company and for our country”, stated Andre Viljoen.
“This agreement is part of the continuity of the historical presence of Air France in Mauritius which it has been serving without any interruption since 1946. We are thus strengthening our collaboration, including bringing our expertise in various key areas for
Moreover, in addition to being a business partner, Air France has also been a shareholder of Air Mauritius since the Mauritian airline was set up in 1967. The first agreement, signed on 21 October 1998, was subsequently renewed twice, most recently in 2008.
Malagasy President
Paul Berenger hails new President Hery Rajoanarimampianina
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eader of the Opposition, Paul Berenger spoke of his happiness that Madagascar has a newly elected President. The leader of the Mauves, however, assisted to the swearing in ceremony of the new Malagasy President which was held on the 25th of January in Madagascar. Mr Berenger stated that he has no doubts that Madagascar can get back on track following five years of political crisis and unrest. It is good to point out that Mauritius was represented at the investiture ceremony by the President of Republic, Kailash Puryag and Foreign Affairs Minister, Arvin Boolell. Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Secretary-General, Jean-Claude de
“Mauritius and Madagascar have maintained a strong relationship through the years. The island expects that Madagascar to turns out to be a potential land as it would be a good opportunity for businessmen from Mauritius to invest again in the textile and clothing sector”, said Jean-Claude de l’Estrac. The African Union has already reaccepted Madagascar as one of its members just three days after the swearing in of the new President, on the 28th of January.
The new Malagasy President, Hery Rajoanarimampianina during his swearing in ceremony as President held on the 25th of January in the capital city of Antananarivo
Sustainable and Equitable Development Mauritius receives EUR 27 257 000 from EU
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he European Union which has supported the economic and social reform programme of the Republic of Mauritius has granted Mauritius with a sum of EUR 27 257 000 (around MUR 1.125 billion). The amount of money will be paid directly into the Treasury Account of the Government as this grant shows the continued support of the EU to the economic and social reform programme of the Republic of Mauritius. However, this grant represents the first disbursement under the general budget support programme ‘Promoting Sustainable and Equitable Development Phase II’ (PSED II) that was signed in February 2013 by the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius. Under this programme, the Republic of Mauritius stands to benefit from a total of EUR 88 million over a three year period 2013-2015.
Sharing of documents from both airlines representatives
l’Estrac also made the trip to the capital city of Antananarivo to grace the special occasion. It should be noted that Madagascar is set to take the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Commission in 2014.
“We are pleased that the Government of the Republic of Mauritius has continued to show its commitment to
implement some hard reforms which are essential steps on the way to achieve the objective of Mauritius of graduating from a Middle Income Country to a High Income country. While the initial results achieved in our budget support programme, especially in the areas of procurement, social aid, sugar reform, parastatal re-engineering and review of the Certificate of Primary Education exams are satisfactory, the impetus should be maintained for even bolder reforms to be made possible over the next two years under the same areas of the programme and beyond”, stated Guy Samzun, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Delegation of the European Union. The grant was disbursed directly into the National Treasury account of the Government of Mauritius, so that it has the full flexibility to schedule expenditure based on the developmental priorities of the country, as contained in the Budget.
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Safety at the airport
SSRIA to boost efficiency with Excellence in Safety programme
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irports of Mauritius Limited (AML) has decided to embark on the APEX (Airport Excellence in Safety) programme which is the global benchmark for airports worldwide for operational efficiency and safety standards IN January 2014. Thus, a Safety Management System (SMS) workshop will be held from 27 to 29 January for around 30 major airport stakeholders involved in the safety and efficiency of operations. The aim is to bring synergy among stakeholders in the implementation of SMS initiatives while enhancing their knowledge and allowing them to pick up real change agents in view of enhancing security and safety systems. This SMS programme which is based on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards as well as Airports Council International (ACI) best practices, is believed to help the day to day operational needs of airports to maximise operational
efficiency while enhancing safety standards. To this effect, Serge Petit, CEO of AML, signed a declaration of commitment and collaboration with representatives of the APEX Review Team at the Holiday Inn Hotel on the 20th of January.
will stay in Mauritius up to January 24 to conduct a safety review. The team will further provide assistance in specific areas of
interest such as runway safety, aerodrome certification, wildlife hazard management, emergency response, and contractual issues
Serge Petit noted that the vision of the government is to make Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSRIA) a model in the region, adding that AML is continuously working towards raising safety standards. “Over the past five years, more than Rs 40 billion have been injected in the setting up of the airport infrastructure, covering the new terminal and taxiway, amongst others”, highlighted Serge Petit. The APEX Team, comprising representatives from ACI World, ACI Africa, Airports Company South Africa, Aéroports de Montréal and the ICAO,
A representative of the APEX Review Team signed a declaration of commitment and collaboration with AML at Holiday Inn Hotel on the 20th of January.
Maurice Allet during his court appearance
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Human Resource
HRDC trained 49 000 employees in 2013
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total number of 49 000 employees are estimated to have received training in 2013 under the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) training schemes. The Human Resource Development Council received positive response from Employers attending a briefing session on the HRDC Training Grant System organised on Wednesday 22nd January 2014. The aim of the briefing session was to sensitise Mauritian employers on the recent changes being brought to the HRDC Training Grant System. As announced in the National Budget Speech of 2014, government has increased the rate of levy attributable to the HRDC from 0.5% to 1%, applicable over the next three years, that is, from 2014 up to 2016. The main objective of the training levy is to create a National Training Fund out of which training incentives are offered to employers in order to allow them to meet part of the training cost of their employees and to support other training initiatives, including
apprenticeship training. Raj Auckloo, Director of the HRDC, explained that the refund ceiling for 2014 should normally have been based on employers’ contribution for the previous year, which was 0.5 % for 2013. “However, I am very pleased to say that exceptionally, the HRDC has taken the commitment to apply the grant refund ceiling based on 1% of the annual levy contribution starting from this year itself,” highlighted Mr Auckloo. Mr Raj Ragaven, Finance Manager at HRDC, said that; “With the refund ceiling having been increased to 1 % as from 2014, we anticipate businesses to invest more in the training of their employees. Employers have until 31 March 2014 to claim for training refunds for all courses ended in 2013, so we expect the number of employees trained under the National Training Fund to grow from 46,573 in 2012
Employees proudly shows their HRDC training award certificates
to about 49,000 in 2013. This is an encouraging figure showing the commitment of employers in the skill development of their employees.” For the record, the HRDC disbursed Rs 199 million as training grant in 2013. Statistics show that five main sectors have benefited most from the Training Grant System, namely Community, Social and Personal Services sector, Manufacturing
including Textile sector, Wholesale & Retail sector, the Financial Services sector and the Hotel sector. After the success of this briefing session, the HRDC is planning on organising more such events in the coming months to ensure that employers are kept abreast of any development in the Training Grant System.
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mauritiusnow February 2014 11
Bus Incident
College student propelled on asphalt from a moving bus
Economy in 2014
World Bank predicts growth rate 4.1% for Mauritius
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ccording to the World Bank, Mauritius is poised to achieve higher GDP growth over the next 3 years, moving up to 4.1% in 2014, 4.3% in 2015 and finally 4.2% in 2016. This is seen as a boon by Mauritian economist as the island will be able to take advantage of the economic recovery in developed countries.
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college student was seriously wounded after that he was propelled from a bus that was driving along the main in the village of Caroline Flacq. The incident took place on the 28th of January after school hours. Officers from Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Flacq has opened an enquiry. According to the police, the 13-year old student would not have fallen on the asphalt if the bus conductor had ensured that the bus door was properly closed. The boy however, stated to the police that he was close to the door. He was propelled outside
when the driver applied his brakes and the door accidentally opened. The teenager who suffered superficial bruises was admitted to the Flacq hospital where he was put under observation. On the other hand, the teenager’s parents has filed a statement to the bus company as they sought for damages. Police is still investigating this case. The 13-year old college student was admitted to the Flacq hospital where he was put under observation for three consecutive days
Unlike the World Bank, the Ministry of finance has foretasted a lower annual economic growth rate for 2014 (3.7%) while the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has for their part predicted a 3.4% economic growth rate for the island this year. Less optimistic, Statistics Mauritius promotes growth of only 3.8% for the Mauritian economy in 2014, due to a high unemployment rate of about 8%, combined with an employment market
overheating where some 5,000 young fresh graduates will land into. The Global Economic Prospects report for 2014 by the World Bank went on to forecast the region’s GDP growth at market prices at 5.3% for 2014, 5.4% in 2015 and 5.5% for 2016. Also, the region’s largest economy, South Africa, is expected to achieve GDP growth of 2.7% this year, 3.4% in 2015 and finally 3.5% in 2016, after a poor showing of 1.9% in 2013. The Mauritian economy will bounce back in 2014, after 4 years of slowdown due to the global economic crisis, which has sealed the State finance and Treasury local companies. According to the World Bank, Mauritius should benefit of a slight economic recovery in the coming months. This is seen as a raise that will result in an increase in economic growth.
Tragedy
Pacific brand fan explosion kills racing horse
Foreign Labour Force
Foreign workers get their right to unionise
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t last, foreign workers has got the right to enter as members in trade unions in order to defend their jobs rights in Mauritius after that the Employment Relations Tribunal has favoured this kind of possibility for them. Foreign workers will now have the possibilities, through trade unions, to fight for their rights at the Employment Relations Tribunal if they feel threatened of eviction from the Mauritian territory from their employers.
As a matter of fact, the number of immigrant workers in the island is in constant increase for these last years. 18 429 Bangladeshi, 9 105 Indian expatriates, 4 656 Chinese and 3 596 Malagasy were identified as foreign workers working in Mauritius. 29 846 foreign workers are thus employed in the manufacturing sector of the Island and 6 070 in the construction sector. The latest figures from the Ministry of labour had thus counted 39 032 foreign workers on the island, including 27 408 men and 11 624 women.
Slinga Malinga after winning a championship at the Chaps des Mars in November 2013
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tragedy which will remain etched in memory of race goers. Slinga Malinga, a racing horse at the Champs des Mars has died in its stable after it suffered from burns on its back following the explosion of a Pacific brand fan. The tragedy took place in the premises of Mauritius Turf Club (MTC), the sole organisation for horse-racing at Champde-Mars. The Pacific brand fan was at the heart of controversy last year as a model of the same brand exploded and blazed down a house which killed two small girls.
Immigrant workers in a textile company in Mauritius
According to the MTC, Slinga Malinga panic-stricken after the fan caught
fire. It is said that the horse severed head injuries and burns on its back and legs. However, the MTC indicated that Slinga Malinga had already died when security services attended the spot. On the other hand, Brian Glover who is the horse owner has urged the MTC to provide clarifications regarding the circumstances which led to Slinga Malinga’s death. The MTC has for its part, underlined that it initiated an enquiry in order to shed some light on this grim incident. However, the company importing such fans brand claimed that no servicing were made for this particular device since its purchase in 2010. The enquiry is ongoing.
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Tourism Heritage hotel bagged Travellers Choice Award 2014
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moment of pride for the Heritage Hotel as it bagged the Travellers Choice Award 2014 presented by TripAdvisor.com which is a travel website providing directory information and reviews of travel-related content. ‘Heritage The Villas’ shined in earning a place on the list of the best hotels in Mauritius in the family category.
However, it should be pointed out that this prestigious award was allocated to ‘Heritage The Villas’ based on the opinions of millions of travellers “ It is a recognition for us and to our team that had toiled hard for always offering the best service to our clients”, said the Manager of Heritage The Villas.
Located on the South coast of the island, Heritage The Villas is an ideal place for a holiday with family or friends in an exceptional environment. Nestled between the green hills and a magnificent lagoon, the resort’s prestige promises privacy, 5 stars services and a complete personalized attention.
Heritage The Villas
Anniversary
India celebrates 65th Republic Day
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early a thousand of Indian Nationals residing in Mauritius as well as Mauritian government officials celebrated the 65th Republic Day of India. The ceremony was held on the 26th of January at the Indira Gandhi Centre of Indian Culture (IGCIC) in Phoenix. A flag hoisting ceremony was also organised for the occasion. It is to be noted that the Republic day in India
is celebrated every year with great honour on 26th of January to honour the Constitution of India as it came into force on the same day in the year 1950. That followed the election of Rajendra Prasad as the President of the country. The 26th January is one of 3 national level holidays in India. This day is celebrated as a joy of freedom. A plant was put to earth on this occasion by officials from the Indian High Commission in Mauritius
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mauritiusnow February 2014 13
Training
EU collaborates with UNDOC to launch new maritime security partnership in Mauritius
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n the 27th of January, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will celebrate the renewal of their partnership under the EU-funded programme to promote Regional Maritime Security in the Eastern and Southern Africa – Indian Ocean region, better known under its acronym MASE.
overarching MASE programme, the EU signed an agreement with UNODC in November 2013 to the amount of EUR 5 million to continue supporting States in the Eastern and Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region to develop and strengthen national/regional legal, legislative and infrastructural capability for arrest, transfer, detention and prosecution of pirates.
The EU and UNODC have agreed to take the opportunity of an important training session in Mauritius to celebrate the renewal of their partnership under the programme to Promote Regional Maritime Security (MASE programme) in the presence of officials from the Government of Mauritius and criminal justice agencies, as well as representatives from the Indian Ocean Commission.
Under the EU-UNODC MASE partnership, the EU will provide funding for UNODC to continue its support to combating maritime crime for Eastern and Southern African and Indian Ocean States, including Mauritius.
Guy Samzun, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Mauritius and Robert McLaughlin, senior legal advisor and counter-piracy expert representing UNODC will deliver statements on this occasion. UNODC Maritime Crime Programme is dedicated to supporting States in the East African and Indian Ocean regions to combat maritime crime, with a focus on capacity building and criminal justice development. As part of the
This support takes many forms and includes training of Judges, lawyers, police and prison staff; provision of new equipment; legislative support; infrastructural development, mentoring and support to maritime crime prosecutions. Such assistance is contingent upon the cooperation of national partners.
Official Car
State buys Prime Minister official car worth Rs 15 Million
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he Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam seems to be very happy those days. He has all the reasons to be happy because, indeed, the State of Mauritius has recently purchased an official BMW car for him - estimated to be around Rs 15 Million. The gleaming BMW of series 760 li coming straight from the factory of the German manufacturer, has been entirely paid by the State. On the other hand, the purchasing of this car equipped with latest technology devices by the state has aroused much controversy among members of the opposition party as they see it as an extravagant expense. According to indications, the BMW 760 li provides latest technology equipments and functionality such as bulletproof window panes, armoured bodywork, a
mini bar and a television set. Just what it takes to ensure optimal comfort and seamless security to the Prime Minister. Not to mention, the engine of the car which has a titanic power of twelve cylinders (V12), can go from zero up to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. Another peculiarity of this luxury car is that it is equipped to detect any gas attack. In this case, an alarm will ring and the car will take control of the ventilation system and will automatically lock the door and pull up windows and as well pump purified air into the passenger compartment of the car. While controversy swells around the expensive purchase of this small jewel of the automotive industry, it is good to point out that the state allows such privileges to the Prime Minister.
It is to be recalled that the EU and UNODC have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with national criminal justice agencies in Mauritius and see this as a key component of the success of the new partnership under the MASE programme. BMW 760li
Political Press Conference
“The public must urge the government to prohibit jet skiing in the lagoon”
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eaders of the MMM-MSM parties clearly showed their anger after the public reported that jet ski was being carried out in the lagoon of Trou aux Biches public beach. It was during a press conference held on the 25th of January that the MMM-MSM alliance took as target the government for allowing such practice in the lagoon.“This kind of sport is dangerous as it can cause serious harm to public going for a bath in the lagoon of Trou aux Biches”, said Alan Ganoo, member of the opposition party. He called on the public to mobilize and hold protests to prevent such activities from taking place. “The public must urge the government to prohibit jet skiing in the lagoon”, urged Alan Ganoo as he added that the decision of allowing such
practices were carried out by the government in the interest of their “protected ones”.
banned this type of activity in 2004 after that a man died after being hit by this motorized device.
Previously, Alan Ganoo recalled that the MMM - MSM Government had
On the other hand, the opposition deplored the absence of the Prime
Alan Ganoo and Sir Anerood Jugnauth during the press conference Mauritius
Minister to the swearing-in ceremony of the new Malagasy president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina. Sir Anerood Jugnauth said that it would be in our interest to strengthen our ties with Madagascar.
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Communique
Sea Water Pollution
Police initiated enquiry after huge swarm of sardines were discovered dead on the shore
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ur sea waters are not safe any more. This can concluded after the discovery of a huge swarm of sardines that were washed up on the shores at Poudre D’or. Authorities were alerted by a local fisherman who made this grim discovery on the 27th of January. However, authorities indicated that they had set up an enquiry to shed light on this sad event. On the other hand, villagers filed a complaint to the police as they said they could not bear the foul odour emanating from the sardines in a state of advanced decomposition. “ The foul was like that of an animal in an advanced state of decomposition and breathing this kind of air could make you vomit”, said a
Grim view on the shores of the Poudre D’or Public Beach as sardines is seen in an advances state of decomposition
villager. “Hundreds of this kind of fish had already entered a decomposed state while others were still floating on the water surface”, said Jules Virieux, a local fisherman who came to capture fish travelling to the mouth of the River to find food. According to him, this is not the first time that he had found dead fish which died at this particular location. On the other, local authorities said that they took several water samples for analysis. The results will be known in few next weeks. The thesis of a pollution of the water was not ruled out as police continued its investigation.
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Increase in Trade Fees
AHRIM drags Council of Port-Louis and other District Councils to court
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first hearing was held on the 27th of January at the Supreme Court of Port-Louis after the Association des Hôteliers et Restaurateurs de l’île Maurice (AHRIM), filed a case against the increase in trade fees – introduced by the Town Councils in Mauritius. However, the case was postponed to be heard on the 10th of February. For the record, the City Council of PortLouis followed by urban and districts councils introduced an increase in Trade Fees which is imposed by the government in the beginning of January. Small business as well as the tourism industry will be forced to pay twice the amount they are already paying to the government and the Tourism Authority as commercial fees. According to the Councils, enterprises which are involved in hospitality management such as hotels will have to pay an amount ranging between Rs 50 000 and Rs 710 000 as imposed by the new tariffs. Whereas guest houses will have to pay an amount ranging from Rs 13 200 up to Rs 210 000 per year.
Tax
MRA flaunts increase in revenue collection +6.5%
For the record, AHRIM is representing the interest of hotel and restaurant owners in Mauritius and the plaintiff is represented by the CEO of AHRIM, Jocely Kwok. The defendants consist of all the urban councils and districts together with the City Council of Port Louis. The co-respondents are the ministries of local government and the outer island, Tourism and Leisure activities, and the Ministry of Economic and Finance Development. “Authorities should have been consulted us before introducing a rise in trade fees so that we could made suggestions to them”, said AHRIM’s CEO. However, these extra charges imposed by the government will also impact other small business working in the tourism sector such as tour operators, travel agencies and beauty salons. Taking into consideration the new tariffs, beauty salons will have to pay an additional sum of Rs 12 000 whereas travel agencies will be forced to pay Rs 20 000.
Director General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority, Sudhamo Lal, Mauritius
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igures released by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has shown an increase of 6.5% in the tax collection for the fiscal year 2013. Tax collected during 2013 amounted to approximately Rs 61.7 billion as compared to Rs 58 billion in 2012. The Director General of the MRA, Sudhamo Lal, expressed his satisfaction regarding revenue collection to the overall performance of the tax collection department during a press conference held on the 28th of January. This achievement, he said, can be attributed mostly to a number of initiatives taken at the MRA as he outlined the plan of action of the MRA for 2014. “The achievements of MRA have placed Mauritius on the international front as the country is ranked at the 13th place worldwide in the Ease of Paying Taxes indicator of the 2014 World Bank’s Doing Business Survey. Mauritius also stands at the 12th position in the Trading across Borders indicator. With the implementation of several reform measures especially those outlined in the 2014 Budget, the MRA is expecting to achieve much more in the coming years”, said Mr Lal. 2013 figures showed that the MRA has registered an increase in revenue collection in the following categories: tax
audits: assessment raised Rs 3.7 million; arrears collected Rs 1.7 million, 23 239 new taxpayers were registered, tax yield per investigation Rs 2.4 million, excise duties on cigarettes an amount of Rs 3.7 billion, tax amnesty schemes Rs 719 million, and the value of the total drug seizure amounted to Rs 194 million. The perspectives of the MRA for the year 2014 include the implementation of the budgetary tax measures, and some key business facilitation measures. The MRA has confirmed that it will introduce a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund scheme for middle income households on construction/purchase of a residential building/apartment who are eligible under the specified criteria of the MRA. Moreover, MRA is launching as from February a VAT sensitisation campaign to establish a Tax culture in Mauritius to enhance compliance by VAT registered persons. A lucky draw scheme will also be introduced and will be open to all individual customers who make a purchase from a VAT registered person. In a bid to detect frauds and deal with money laundering, financing of terrorism, narcotics and drug seizures, the MRA has announced that it will reinforce its policies at the level of the Customs Department and introduce new strategies.
Jocelyn Kwok, CEO of AHRIM Mauritius
Trade Fees Dilemma
Minister swore that he is not at fault
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ocal Government Minister, Herve Aimee has announced that he is ready to go before the Supreme Court of Mauritius in the trade fees uproar. Mr Aimee insisted, during a press conference on the 27th of January, that he was not at fault for all this trouble. For the record, Mayors and District Councils authorities had put the blame
on the minister for the rise in trade fees. “The law is clear as it is local authorities that makes decision whether or not to increase trade fees but my job consist of simply to approve them”, said Minister Aimee. However, he invited local authorities to reconsider and correct any aspect they believe is abnormal regarding trade fees.
He stated that he has even chaired a Ministerial Committee and that a status quo was maintained, that is, it is up to local authorities to do what they want. Herve Aimee believed he was unfairly accused in that controversy and is ever ready prepared to go to Supreme Court should any one feels that his rights has been breached. “ Going to the Supreme Court would clear all these misunderstandings and the truth will be known” he said. Minister Aimee during the press conference
16 mauritiusnow February 2014
REVOLUTION RESISTANCE Better to die fighting for freedom then be a prisoner all the days of your life Designed by CH Vision 2014
mauritiusnow February 2014 17
the story of LE MORNE
SLAVE RESISTANCE Special Report by British Correspondent Pritish Beesooa WHO explores THE HISTORY OF SLAVE RESISTANCE IN MAURITIUS
In the Mauritian calendar, the first of February is remembered as the day slavery was abolished in Mauritius. With this in mind, I travelled on behalf of CH Vision to the island to discover its long affiliation with slavery, resistance and its disguised transformation into the Indian Indentured labourer system (The Great Experiment) of the Eighteenth century. An island with a long colonial past, with occupation from many different colonial powers of the time including the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British, Mauritius has a fascinating brutal history. It is estimated by leading scholars and archeologists that slaves from Africa first arrived in the Sixteenth century to work the newly formed sugar cane plantations. As one can imagine brutality and working conditions on the fields was diabolical. Slaves were routinely beaten and worked to death. Ironically, it was during this period that the island took giant strides in development forming an international base for sugar. Indeed, Mauritius during the 18th century was the market leader in the supply of sugar to the entire British Empire, and thus the term “white gold� came into existence. France and Britain fought over control of the island during the Napoleonic period culminating in the only French Naval victory over the British at the Battle of Grand Port in 1810. Subsequently the British returned swiftly to avenge their defeat and took control over the island up until its independence in 1968. It was during the British occupation that slavery was both abolished and secretly transformed to serve the needs of colonial capitalism. The abundance of sugar cane plantations on the island meant that slavery was a normality and brutality a constant. Some slaves escaped the bleakness of their plight trying to find sanctuary on the island. Repercussions for any caught slave seeking freedom were extreme, barbaric and traumatic. In spite of this, escaped slaves in Mauritius found brief safe haven on the remote mountain of Le Morne Brabant.
The remote location of Le Morne Mountain in Mauritius meant that it had no monetary significance for colonial plantation owners thus was left untouched, unspoiled and provided natural amenities for survival. Within decades- escaped slaves formed a self-sustaining community away from the harshness of colonial rule and with the freedom to live a life. Le Morne became a symbol of slave resistance to the horror of colonial French plantation owners.
Upon British occupation, the abolishment of slavery throughout the island was a priority. Aware of the resistance in Le Morne, an expedition of soldiers was formed to attempt to make friendly contact with this remote community and inform them that hiding was no longer required and freedom and a new life was assured. It was during this expedition and the subsequent actions taken by the free slaves that etched Le Morne into the psyche of slave resistance for eternity. Unaware of the intentions of the approaching soldiers during the middle of the night, the slave community of Le Morne gathered together and ascended the highest peak of the mountain in a bid to hide from the soldiers whom they thought were on a mission to re-capture them and bring them back to the brutality of the plantation fields. Fearing the worst from the ever approaching sounds of soldiers and their dogs, the escaped slave community knew that their choice was simple: die a free person or die a long death shackled in slavery and debauched humanity. One by one men, woman and children leapt from the top of the mountain to their deaths in the Indian ocean- and all were gone when the British soldiers arrived to their horror. The slave community of Le Morne, in the ultimate act of defiance and resistance, broke the shackles of slavery and laid a marker that history will never forget.
In 2006, Le Morne Mountain was inducted and announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its cultural and historical importance. Excavated caves by archeologists have unearthed fascinating insights into the resistance and spirit of the slave community. Furthermore, the Mauritian government marks the symbolism of this act of defiance by an annual ceremony held at the mountain site on the 1st February to mark abolishment of slavery.
Written by Pritish Beesooa with design by CH Vision
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Indian Ocean Region
Government issues green light for vessel monitoring system
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he cabinet meeting held on the 24th of January under the chairmanship of the of the Acting Prime Minister, Rashid Beebeejaun has agreed that Mauritius sign a protocol relating to he setting up of a Regional Vessel Monitoring System for Member States of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). However, the main objectives of this system will be to make the monitoring of fishing activities in the exclusive
economic Zone (EEZ) of the Member States, as defined in their respective legislation and to provide data in real time on the activities of fishing vessels. The Protocol, defines, inter alia, the operation of the system and the exchange of data on fishing activities and the scope of cooperation to the nature of the data to be shared as well as the geographical areas that will be covered.
Bilateral Relations in quagmire
Slavery Day Celebrated
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India calls off meeting with Mauritius on tax issue
auritius and India trade relations has hit a new low after the Indian government has called off the Joint Working Group meeting on the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) which was scheduled to take place in India during the fourth week of January. The official reason advanced by New Delhi for the cancellation of the threeday meeting, considered to be crucial for the Mauritian offshore sector was the non-availability of the Indian head of delegation.
Ramgoolam during an interview to the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). It is to be noted that the Indian government has still not communicated a new date for the JWC meeting to take place. It is worth to point out that this annual meeting has entered into its eighth year since the creation of the Joint Working Group that supervises the treaty’s implementation.
However, rumours had it that the Prime Minister’s, Navin Ramgoolam remarks on the treaty during the World Economic Forum in Davos, had upset the Indian government.
Prime Minister urges population to endeavour
uring his first public appearance since his return to Mauritius after attending the Davos Summit, the Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam urged the population to endeavour. It was during his speech in the context of the 179th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Morne celebrated on the 1st of February.
parliamentary elections.He nevertheless rebelled against some politicians which he says ‘arsonists’ who are creating division among fellow citizens. Talking on slavery, the Prime Minister added that these were the darkest part of practices in the history of humans.
“You have to make efforts in order to progress in life and not to stand out in a crowd and out”, vehemently said the Prime Minister while addressed to the huge crowd present at the foot hill of the Le Morne Mountain. Mr Ramgoolam indicated, during his lspeech, that the government has established various facilities at the disposal of poor families in a bid to give tthem the opportunity to move forward in life and not to remain ditchekd in poverty.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam expressed his discontent with India’s position on the tax treaty, especially the amendments India was proposing, during a meeting with India’s Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram at the Davos Forum. “I do not think that the way the negotiations are being done is correct, and I made this clear to him”, said Mr
“Poverty should not be a fatality in our country”, insisted Mr Ramgoolamas he gifted poor school pupils of the Le Morne Primary School, with a touch pad. Another topic which the Prime Minister discussed was the forthcoming
Prime Minister Ramgoolam visiting an exhibition at the Le Morne Cultural Centre
Trade
SADC countries can import their goods duty free to Mauritius
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provided for the gradual elimination of all customs duties among SADC countries with a longer tariff phase-down period for sensitive products.
The implementation of the SADC Trade Protocol started in the year 2000 and
It is worth to point out that SADC members include Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
ountries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) were granted a go to trade their products duty-free to Mauritius on the 1st of January 2014. This means, all customs duties have now been removed on products including plastic products, edible oil, wheat flour, margarine, soaps, baby napkins, iron bars and soft drinks.
However, the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) issued a communiqué in January stating that all importers should take the necessary measures so that their documents are valid and bear the SADC certificate of origin for every imported product to be able to benefit from tax exemption. According to Statistics Mauritius, trade
with SADC countries for the first nine months of 2013 amounted to Rs 10 163 million on the imports front, while exports contributed Rs 8 998 million. South Africa remained our main supplier with a recorded trade of 71.8%, while Madagascar was the second largest buyer among SADC countries with a share of 37.2%.
NEWS
mauritiusnow February 2014 19
Drugs Trade
USD 6.5 million worth narcotics seized in Mauritius in 2013
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he value of drugs seized by the police in Mauritius revolved around an estimated value of USD 6 million in 2013 against USD 1.47 million in the precedent year. According to the narcotics department, the use of drugs in Mauritius is on a high rate ,and is constantly increasing. However, police services as well as the customs department indicated that drug seizure operations have subsequently increased in 2013. If for 2012, 25 interventions were carried out by drug
lords to enter total of 1.47 million dollars of narcotics into the island, 2013 was more consistent with 36 recorded operations. Police said that a value of around USD 6.5 million worth of narcotics were seized in the island last year to which heroine seizure representing more than 2/3 of the catch, USD 5.92 million. However, psychotropic drugs like Subutex stood at the second position.
Police has redoubled its efforts to combat the traffic of drugs in Mauritius
Stabbing in Flacq
Autopsy reports revealed Rachelle Rose was tortured to death
Atrocious Crime
Man accused of having strangled and dismembered his wife
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shish Takoordyal, 36, appeared before the District Court of Curepipe on the 27th of January charged with the murder of his wife. This inhabitant of Eau Coulée was charged of strangling and dismembering the body of his wife. However, Mr Ashish is expected to appear in court for a second hearing scheduled in the first week of February. Mr Takoordyal was arrested on the 26th of January after officers of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) discovered the remains of his wife, Deepa in a decomposed state at the foot cliff of Trois Mamelles. The young woman was reported missing since the 9th of January. After being quizzed by investigating officers, Avinash stated that he had killed his wife after a dispute by strangling her and dismembering her body with a
grinder before discarding her remains in bags at the foothill of Trois Mamelles. He explained to the police that he had then used a rented car to transport his gruesome cargo to the cliffs of Trois Mamelles. Autopsy specialists from the police department have said that they could not determine the exact cause of death because the body of the victim was in an advanced state of decomposition. However, they confirmed signs of strangulation. The Minister of Gender Equality condemned this atrocious crime while specifying that justice would prevail. “A couple should know how to manage their relationship”, stated Minister Martin.
The victim, Rachelle Géraldine Rose Mauritius
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he forensic services of the police department came to the conclusion that Thierry Stéphane Agathe, 22 tortured his ex-girlfriend, Marie Rachelle Géraldine Rose to death. For the record, the village of Residence Argy in Flacq witnessed the scene of a tragedy on the 26th of January after a young man allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend. The young man was arrested by the police and was charged for murder.
department has indicated that the victim had suffered a total of thirty stabs at the level of the abdomen.
Autopsy reports confirmed that Rachelle Rose suffered lacerations and other several cuts and punctures which was probably done with a knife before she was stabbed in the abdomen. The victims back as well as her face, right arm and neck suffered bruises and cuts, indicated the report. Besides, forensic
It is to be pointed out that the suspect was admitted to hospital as he tried to commit suicide with the same weapon he killed Rachelle after he murdered her. However, Thierry is expected to appeared before the District Court of Flacq next week (1st week of February).
Sudesh Kumar Gungadin and Prem Chaman, both autopsy specialist for the police department came to the hypothesis that Thierry Stéphane Agathe sat on Rachelle as to prevent her from moving in order to be able to lard her with a kitchen knife.
Avinash Takoordyal confessed to police of having strangled and dismembered his wife with the help of a grinder.
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mauritiusnow February 2014 21
BOLLYWOOD
22 mauritiusnow February 2014
Banter with Vallisa! Hi my name is Vallisa and I am a Radio Presenter,
Film Producer/Director/Scriptwriter, I have my own Female only DJ Roadshow and now I will be adding Writer to my list. Each month I will be bringing you banter from all over, including Bollywood, Bhangra and Urban Asian. So welcome to my page!
Salman Khan’s Love Life
Priyanka Chopra mobbed in London
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tarting off as a model Priyanka Chopra won the Miss World pageant in the year of 2000 and made her acting debut in 2003. She soon become one of the most sort after actress’s in Bollywood. Although her vocals were used in a few Bollywood films her singing career really got started in 2012 when she flew to LA to work on her debut single In My City, since then she has gone from strength to strength even working with Americna Rapper, Pitbull. Recently she made a flying visit to London where she was announced and the newest face of Guess and attended a meet and great at it’s flagship store in Regent Street. This is a massive step in the right direction for the actress as she is the first Indian face to be part of Guess. The photo’s for the holiday campaign shows Priyanka in black and white posing against the backdrop of a villa. In one of the pictures we can see Priyanka smiling with a tattoo of Daddy’s lil girl on her arm a dedication to her late father who passed away in 2013. Her visit saw hundreds of thousands of fans queuing outside the store to get a quick glimpse of the internationally known model/ actress and singer.
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he actor was born in 1965 making him 48 years and he has been linked to many female’s in the past. The most well known relationship was the one with Aishwariya Rai that lasted from 1999 to 2001 following sweet with his media frenzy relationship with Katrina Kaif, who admitted she had had a serious relationship with Khan for several years, ending in 2010. Recently on Koffee with Karan, Khan has said “I’m going to save myself for the one I get married to,” with Karan replying “Are you saying you are a virgin? Have you been holding hands all these years?” where Khan replied ‘Yes’ “I have never gone on record and said I had a
girlfriend. I’ve never had a girlfriend my entire life. I’ve had friends, no benefits. Tap on the back, like friends, buddies.”
The IIFA awards are upon us
only see bigger names.
he 2014 IIFA’s are being held in Tampa Bay this year and being in the USA will see major names from the Hollywood attending the ceremony.
Akon, who sang the track Chamak Chalo for the SRK film Ra One in 2011 could be one of the names attending the prestigious events.
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However, the Jai Ho actor has been linked to Romanian Iulia Vantur not so long ago, which was silenced with claims they had split. But recently when shooting a song for Jai Ho it was heard that he met up with Iulia in Romania and she is reported to be making her debut in Atul Agnihotri’s O Teri. She isn’t playing a lead but will be strutting her stuff to a song. Could this be the romance Sallu has been holding out for? Will he marry before he hits 50? Only time will tell.
Andre Timmins, director of Wizcraft International Entertainment, told IANS “We are expecting some names from Hollywood to be at the event. We are in serious talks, there are a couple of people who are already on board. We are waiting for the contracts because when you are working with people in Hollywood, you can’t say anything till you have a contract in hand. So we are waiting for that,”
Top 5 Bollywood Films 1. Dhadkan – released in 2000 it’s a Bollywood Romantic drama starring Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty and Sunil Shetty. There is just something about this film that I remember when watching it that kept me hooked The songs are amazing and even now I can watch it over and over again. 2. Neal n Nikki – Starring Uday Chopra and
Tanisha Mukherjee the film released in 2005. I love the character of Nikki and how care fre she is. It has always been my dream to live in the USA and I guess with the film being based in Canada it sort of ticked all the boxes for me.
3. Salaam Nameste – Produced Aditya
Chopra and Yash Chopra the film stars Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta in he lead roles playing Ambar and Nick. Ambar is a radio presenter and I remember when watching this film my eyes lit up as I wanted a job just like Ambar. I guess I made that happen
4. Diwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Back
in 1995 when this Shah Rukh Khan/Kajol film released I was around 7 years old and my mum took me to the cinema to watch this. When Kajol’s character finds the bell on the cows neck I stood up and shouted ‘Mum, Shah Rukh has turned into a cow’ my mum was embarrassed the whole cinema thought it was hilarious.
5. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum – this has
to be on my top 5 films list. Releaseing in 2001 the film had a all star cast with Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hritik Roshan, Kajol, Jaya Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor. I loved the storyline, the characters the songs, the whole film in my eyes was well written and portrayed and it doesn’t matter how many times you watch it you can always watch it again and again.
Back in 2011 when the awards were held in Toronto, Canada it saw the likes of Hilary Swank and Cuba Gooding Jr grace the presence of the red carpet so this year can
Bhangra/Urban Asian Banter
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e are a month into 2014 and already the Bhangra and Urban Asian music industry is booming with new music. Junai Kaden has released his brand new track ‘Tanha’ featuring the production of Mumzy Stranger. After the split of the stranger family Junai worked hard for 2 years perfecting his skill and working behind the scenes on his next release and Jan 2014 saw that release come to light with a bang. He topped the charts and showed that he is here and he is staying. The tracks was written by Yaz who previously wrote the lyrics for Nafees’ ‘Saaza’ and this track does not disappoint. Gin and Rees lost their vocalist Jagdev Jammu in a tragic accident last year. The brothers decided to release the album they had all been working hard on as a tribute to the singer. ‘Sohniyeh’ was the first release from the album and this month saw the release of a second single ‘Dil Di Rani’. Diljit Dosanjh became a household name in 2012 when he released his album Back to Basics featuring the floor banger ‘Kharku’. He had a fantastic year in 2013 where he played the lead in sequel to the 2012 Punjabi Film
Jatt and Juliet and this year it looks like he is not about to back down. He has started the year with a brand new track titled ‘Soorma’. Born in Libya to Pakistani parents Rochkilla’s family migrated to Canada where he grew up. He developed an interest in Reggae and Urban Music and in 1993 released an EP called Roachstafairan. He has been jumping from strength the strength now basing himself in the UK musical hub of Birmingham he has collaborated with some the of the biggest names in the Bhangra industry including Miss Pooja, Garry Sandhu, Gippy Grewal and Geeta Zaildar. Roachkilla is now looking to take his music mainstream with the newest release ‘Baby Girl’ following the likes of Jay Sean, Apache Indian and more recently Naughty Boy. This could be the start of something new for Rochkilla and a step in the right direction for the whole Urban Asian industry. Amrinder Gill has teamed up with Dr Zeus for the release of his new track Mera Deewanpan that has been taken from his album Judaa 2. Dr Zeus has had a good couple of years where he released Kanika Kappor’s track Jugni Ji, Bilal Saeed’s album 12 also working with the likes of Gippy Grewal, Saini Surinder, Sukhi Sivia, Aman Sarang, Shide Boss and
Jaz Dhami. Amrinder Gill hasn’t been to bad either and now they have worked together with ‘Mera Deewanapan’ being the result.
Shah Rukh Khan is like Family
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irector Rohit Shetty worked with Shah Rukh Khan on the blockbuster Chennai Express last year and says that SRK is now family. The had teamed up for the first time and Rohit has said in a PTI interview “No equations have changed for me after this film in the industry. It is just that I have made a great friend… a family member in Shah Rukh Khan,” Another close friend of Rohit’s is Ajay Devgan who has been in most of his films to date apart from Chennai Express. After finishing Singham 2 I am sure Rohit will work towards another film with SRK.
CLASSIFIED
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CULTURE
24 mauritiusnow February 2014
Cavadee
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he Tamil community around the world celebrated Cavadee in the month of January.
The legend behind this festival This celebration is based on the story of Idumban, a highly symbolic name, which means “arrogant”. He was a bandit and a disciple of a guru known as Agattiyar. He was ordered by Agattiyar to bring the summits of two mountain attached at the end of a cavadee (the cavadee, or kavadi, is a simple yoke, or in other words, a stick that is used to carry loads). He set on this mission with his wife. He firmly tied the two peaks on his yoke and set to return to Agattiyar. But Lord Muruga, the son of Shiva and Uma having disguised himself as a little boy hid himself in one of the peaks to disbalance the weight. When Idumban discovered him without knowing that he was his Lord he started a fight and Muruga killed him. Through their prayers, the wise Agattiya and many of other followers asked for the divine grace of Idumban and their wished were granted by their God and the dead man was resurrected. To thank His Lordship Cavadee is therefore carried to the temple with an aim for their wishes to be granted. The festival is celebrated many times during the year but the most famous is’ “Thaipoosam Cavadee” which either falls in January or February. In Britain it is seen as a symbolic day for the worshippers. The participants in the cavadee obey the fast for 10 days and perform all the rituals that have been passed on to them by their ancestors. During this a sacred period abstinence and prayers are maintained.
The night before the Cavadee procession they dress their cavadee with flowers, bells and peacock feathers. The temples are dressed with flowers and flag On the day of Cavadee At dawn on the tenth day, the penitents assemble at the temple. The rituals are not carried out in the same way as it is carried in Mauritius or India. In Britain all the rituals are carried out in the same place. Given the winter weather of the year which often brings unbearable snow, bitter wind and heavy rain it is accepted to have it indoor. After taking bath the penitents change into saffron or crimsonhued loincloths worn in the traditional manner. The male devotees do not cover the upper part of the body. Sacred ash is smeared on their foreheads, shoulders, and joints of arms, wrists, torso and chest. Offerings including small silver needles are placed on a plantain leaf in front of the Cavadee. Camphor is lit, and incense is burnt as part of a brief ceremony to invoke Muruga’s blessing. The priest and his attendants now go from one Cavadee to another, pouring fresh cow milk from a can, into two small brass pots. The pots are immediately covered with a plantain leaf and a small piece of cloth; they are then tied to each side of the Cavadee. In a supreme spirit of devotion and selfsacrifice, the penitents have their bodies pierced with the needles. The needles pierce the skin in symmetrical arcs and patterns on the chest, the back, the torso, the arms, the thighs. In some cases, in accordance with the penitent’s vow, a longer needle is driven through the cheeks and another needle is driven straight through the tongue
forming a sort of mouth lock. The devotee is thus unable to utter anything, communicating only through gestures. Some Cavadee carriers bristle with needles set in an elaborate pattern with interlinking chains. Others are pierced with hooks to which limes are suspended. Female devotees have either the cheeks or the tongue pierced. They carry a big brass pot filled with milk on their head. Devotees who do not have any part of their body pierced wear a piece of saffron-dyed cloth around the mouth instead. Each chariot carrier holds in one hand a rattan stick which stands for Muruga’s mace. All the needles, big or small, are sharp and pointed at one end, with the other end shaped like a spear. They stand for the vel (spear) that Lord Muruga always carries with him. The needle-shaped Cavadee is similarly in honour of the valorous Muruga. When the piercing ceremony has been completed, at a signal from the priest, the procession starts to move in the hall. The participants of Cavadee walk round the hallway. The Kolaattam is played with two sticks. There are special rhythmic songs for these. No stranger is allowed to join the procession. Most devotees walk on the way. Continuous reading is kept on. Once inside, the Cavadee is dismounted, and the needles removed. Sacred ash is sprinkled on the devotee amidst shouts of Arogara (Glory to God). Not a single drop of blood comes out. The devotee experiences no pain. After this the devotee brings the two brass pots filled with milk to the priest. The milk always remains pure, fresh and wholesome in spite of the heat and the
arduous journey. The milk is poured over the deity from head to foot. A little of this milk is collected in the brass pot and given back. This blessed milk is drunk and shared by everyone with deep veneration. Now and then the deity is washed with water. People rush to take this water in their cupped hands and drink it. There is great joy on everyone’s face. An act of great sacrifice has been consummated and Lord Muruga has blessed everyone. Vegetarian food is served to everyone, irrespective of creed and community. It is usually followed by a ceremony to Lord Muruga to shower His Grace upon one and all. Cavadees are then taken home. This time relatives and friends are allowed to carry them. Carriers choose their partners for the Cavadee dance and the Cavadees start weaving and rocking. The next day devotees again gather at the temple to take part in a brief ceremony which ends the very elaborate and austere festival called Thaipoosam Cavadee.
Makar Sankranti/ Pongal
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ast month saw the celebration of the Hindu festival, Makar Sankranti. It was one of the joyous moments for Hindus around the world. In the past there was very little importance attached to this festival but it is now celebrated with great pomp. This was reflected in the celebration organised by the Mauritius Hindu Association (UK) which took place at Park View School in North London on Saturday, 18 January 2014. The programme was well attended. Mr. Sunil Mungur, Chairman of the Mauritius Hindu Association (UK) was overwhelmed with the support from his members. In his annual speech he explained the significance of this festival:
What is this festival all about? The festival of Makar Sankranti usually falls on the 14th January of the year. This is the only festival which falls on the same day of the month of January. Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious occasions for the Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of the country in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion, fervour & gaiety. It is a harvest festival. It has been celebrated since the Vedic period. On this day the sun comes across the North of the equator. It is believed that on this very day that the morning of the deities commences. It signifies an event wherein the Sun-God seems to remind their children that ‘Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya,’ may you go higher & higher, to more & more Light and never to Darkness.
In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the two rice eating belts, people have special rice-centric meals. Rice and Til form two important ingredients of this festival. In the river Hoogly, near Calcutta, where most of the indentured labourers were recruited from, people from all over India come for a ceremonial cleansing here. This ceremony of this day is called the Gangasoyar Mela. Hindus start the day with prayers and pray to the Lord for a better harvest and good life. It is also taken as the beginning of a new year. They share sweets among the families and wear new clothes. Children are gifted with books; note pads and pen to excel in their educations.’ During this holy festival Mr. Mungur said: ‘We learn to feel our oneness with all creation; we
learn to be unselfish and to tread the path of love, purity and forgiveness. We learn that our real wealth is the goodwill and friendship of those around us, the land on which our foods grow, and the animals that help to make our work lighter. National sweet dishes are served. However, as Makar Sankranti is also known as kites’ day the Gujaratis community across the world make the most out of this festival.’ Mr Gyanchand thanks all those who had helped in putting the event together. The guests had an excellent time and they were entertained by Mr. Kunal Baboolall who was in the UK and Sanjay Pandoo for his Karoeke numbers during the interlude.
LAW
mauritiusnow February 2014 25
Legal article: Social media, its misuse and how it can easily lead to your dismissal.
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he last couple of years have seen the emergence and development of the use of social media. When using the words social media, I refer here to websites and applications that are used by people which allow them to interact, communicate and exchange ideas. Examples of well-known social media are Facebook and Twitter. Social media are very easy to use and it
looks that our society cannot live without them to the point that these are even use in the workplace. A recent survey has suggested that staff who use social media such as Twitter, Facebook and other networking sites costs UK Business in average £1.38 billion per year. Many of you reading this article would (I am sure) have used these social
However what can really happen if your employer or a third party finds out about the unwelcomed comment being made public? What if the criticism made about the colleagues turns out to be too strong? Well believe me your job could be on a line, many cases have been heard at the employment tribunal when it was found that the misuse of social media could in certain extent leads to your dismissal.
network websites at some points to express their feelings about their workplace: for example to express how you may hate your current job, to criticise your boss, mocking a colleague that gets on your nerves. Why not after all? Our society is a democracy based on the freedom of expression and we think in principle that social media could be used with no limits.
Recent case where inappropriate comments on Facebook has led to dismissal
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n a recent case, a manager of a Weatherspoons’ pub was dismissed for gross misconduct after making inappropriate comments on her Facebook page about some customers. Prior to posting the comments, she was in fact verbally abused by the customers and had asked them to leave the pub. She then posted some derogatory comments about them on her Facebook page while at work, thinking that the jokes would only be shared among her friends.
easily passed on to third party (for example can the information be easily re-twitted?)
However the customers found out about it and complained to Weatherspoons. The employee was dismissed for gross misconduct as it was considered that she had brought the company’s reputation into disrepute. It was also held that her actions were contrary to Weatherspoon’s internet policy. The employee took the company to the tribunal and it was decided that the dismissal was fair as the company has a clear internet policy which was also communicated to the employee. The employee was very unlucky as what started as a harmless joke actually ended up with her dismissal.
Therefore not all negative comments posted on social media would lead to a dismissal and if no proper procedures have been put in place by the employer and/or if the employee has not been warned about the prohibition of misusing social media about the workplace, then an employee having been dismissed may be able to claim that the dismissal was unfair.
Readers should note that not all derogatory comments made about a colleague, clients or third party via social media would automatically lead to dismissal as each case differs. However employers would in general consider the following points before considering dismissal:
· First it should consider whether the comments posted by the employee bring the employer’s integrity into disrepute. · Secondly whether the information posted was confidential in nature or caused damage to the employer. · Identify which persons received the information and whether the information can be
· Whether the employee has received adequate training, has he/she been consulted about the limit of media misuse? · Finally the employer should assess the importance of protecting an employee’s image and reputation.
Many people have criticised the recent tribunal findings stating that comments posted on social media should be protected by the right of freedom of expression. However the UK Court takes the view that the right of freedom of expression should not upheld when it relates to comment posted about employment conditions. The US Court on the other hand does not share the same views. In a case called Souza, which was settled before trial, the National Labour Relations Board argued that employees should have the right to discuss employment conditions on social media. It is probably only a matter of time until English cases follow suit. Therefore if you want to avoid an unwelcomed P45, my advice to you will be to use social media with great care, at least when it concerns work matters!
By Ludmilla Iyavoo (LLB Hons), Solicitor at KTS Legal Solicitors and Advocates. Nicholas House, 12 River Front, Enfield, EN1 3TF. Tel: 0208 367 0505, Fax: 0208 367 0404. Email: li@ktslegal.co.uk, web: www.ktslegal.co.uk
We offer our clients expert and focused legal advice, quality, care and efficiency • Residential Property and commercial property (WE CAN ACT FOR ALL THE LENDERS)
• Immigration • Intellectual Property • Company law • Landlord and Tenant • Outsourcing Law • Power of Attorney • Partnershiip Law
Residential Property and Commercial Property
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KTS Legal Solicitors & Advocates Tel:020 8367 0505 | Fax:020 8367 0404 Nicholos House, 12 River Front, Enfield, EN1 3TF Email: info@ktslegal.co.uk | Web:www.ktslegal.co.uk
26 mauritiusnow February 2014
Feno the little DODO About the Author
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riya N. Hein (nÊe Rughooputh) is the bestselling author of A Little Dodo Called Feno series published by EOI in Mauritius. Her latest book, Little Dodo’s ABC Book, published by Editions Orphie in France received the Coup de Coeur FNAC, Paris. Priya N. Hein lives in Munich with her husband and her two children and regularly visits Mauritius. For more information please visit: www.priyahein.com
odo / D e l t t i L e h Feno T n w o r u o pages! y y h t t i i v i w t c n a u f o Have tit Dod Feno Le Pe
KIDS
KIDS
mauritiusnow February 2014 27
Squawk Talk with Didi To squawk or not to squawk – that is the question! I was looking through my family history the other day and I came across these photos of my Great, Great, Great Uncle Dodi. Can you see the resemblance? He treaded the boards for many years boring audiences all over the world with his over-the-top and nauseating production of ‘Hamlet’. His reviews were so bad that I honestly think it brought about the extinction of us dodos (Sigh!) - Squawk! - Didi
Great, Great, Great Uncle Dodi’s Hamlet Horror!
Didi the Dodo is written and illustrated by: Des & Kerry ©
STUDENT LIFE
28 mauritiusnow February 2014
et or g r o f to e tend w do not , d e n m a i t f the of life ed and s n c i i s m a r Most o e b g, det gnore n i o y r l t p s , ing is. d k sim o n o i g h t how itive realise ower of pos ep real th
The power of positive thinking By Amishta Sohoraye
How to effectively use social media to get hired? A recent survey showed that 50% of the public are currently using social
media to look for a job.
People say, using social media is a waste of time, a bane, and you should go outside in the “real” world to go job hunting. Not quite true in this modern era, if you know how to make use of social media, it can be a boon for your future career. A study made by CareerBuilder and cited by Forbes has found that “37% of employers use social networks to screen potential job candidates” and “34% of employers who scan social media profiles said they found content that has caused them not to hire the candidate.” Some of these include; evidence of drinking and/or drug use, profile displayed poor communication skills, he/she bad mouthed previous employers, he/she made discriminatory comments related to race, gender, or religion or he/ she lied about his/her qualifications.
Read more about tips on how to be a good student on our website www.thestudentpress.co.uk Love The Student Press? Find us on Facebook: The Student Press P.S: if you have any further questions feel free to drop me a line at info@thestudentpress.co.uk.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a job, it’s always best to take down the things that will put you in an embarrassing situation, while shedding the limelight on your achievements and aptitudes. You’re marketing yourself. There are so many social media networks out there. If you are currently job hunting Linked In is one of the major ones. Firstly, have a profile picture – a proper one. Pick a picture where you are looking confident and professional. Keep those crazy nights out pictures to yourself. That’s not the kind of image you would like to give to prospective employers of university admission offices. Lastly, never lie about yourself or your qualifications and experience. Remember, these can be double checked and you do not want to come across as someone untrustworthy.
Now Happy Hunting!
SPORT
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THE RISE OF THE SAINTS
Some significant transfer activities in the January transfer market in the English premier League 2014
I
n a nutshell, it has to be mentioned that Liverpool, Man City, Southampton and Spurs have not reinforced in the January transfer. Having missed on their primary target in Yehven Konoplyanka after the owner of the club refused to sign the paperwork to release the player, Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he will allow the youths such as Jordan Ibe or Brad Smith to have an opportunity to break into the first team. Man City have not strengthened their already strong either but have also not allowed any of their key players to leave, unlike Chelsea who have lost Juan Mata and Kevin de Bruyne and have loaned more than 10 players. Spurs have also missed on their key targets and have agreed to sell Defoe
to the MLS but will have him till end of February. Fulham have lost Berbatov to Monaco but have bought serial scorer Kostas Mitrglou and if the latter can score goals for fun as he used to be, Fulham can have a chance of staying in the premier league. Furthermore, their fellow relegation competitors have also bolstered their respective squads with Crystal Palace snapping Tom Ince, an experienced keeper in Wayne Hennessey and a great defender in Scott Dann. Cardiff City have also done a good piece of business by popping two Man United Players and if Zaha can find his form, Cardiff might stay in the English Premier League.
PREMIER LEAGUE TRANSFERS JANAUARY 2014 PLAYER
FROM
TO
AMOUNT
Kim Kallstrom
Spartak Moscow
Arsenal
Loan
Ryan Bertrand
Chelsea
Aston Villa
Loan
Fabio Da Silva
Manchester United
Cardiff
£1.5m
Wilfried Zaha
Manchester United
Cardiff
Loan
Nemanja Matic
Benfica
Chelsea
£22m
Kurt Zouma
St-Etienne
Chelsea
£12.5m
Mohamed Salah
Basle
Chelsea
£11m
Juan Mata
Chelsea
Manchester United
£37.1m
Kevin de Bruyne
Chelsea
Wolfsburg
£13m
Micheal Essien
Chelsea
AC Milan
Free
Tom Ince
Blackpool
Crystal Palace
Undisclosed
Aiden McGeady
Spartak Moscow
Everton
£2.5m
Nikica Jelavic
Everton
Hull City
£6.25m
Kostas Mitroglou
Olympiacos
Fulham
£12m
Adam Morgan
Liverpool
Yeovil
Free
Anderson
Manchester United
Fiorentina
Loan
Yohan Cabaye
Newcastle
PSG
£19m
Ignacio Scocco
Internacional
Sunderland
£4m
David Ngog
Bolton
Swansea
£800,000
Lewis Holtby
Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham
Loan
Jermain Defoe
Tottenham Hotspur
Toronto
£8m
F
rom the brink of bankruptcy and obscurity in 2009 to challenging for the Europa League places in 2014, the last 5 years have been quite a roller coaster ride for the Southampton fans. Their parent company went into administration in April 2009, followed by a hefty 10-point deduction which made them drop to League One. Facing the imminent threat of bankruptcy, Southampton was given a new lease of life with the arrival of a guardian angel in the form of Markus Liebherr. Within a week of him buying the club, he appointed experienced manager Alan Pardew and went on to make his first signing, Rickie Lambert. This £1 million purchase turned out to be a stroke of genius as Lambert ended up scoring 100 goals in 193 appearances, winning the Saints’ Player of the Season award 3 times in 4 years and being the top goalscorer for every season he has been at the club. He also went on to represent England at international level, winning 4 caps and scoring 2 goals. The signing of Lambert coupled with some clever signings like José Fonte and Radhi Jaidi and the rise of wonderkids Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (who subsequently signed for Arsenal for around £15 million) and Adam Lallana, made sure Southampton charged up the table in the League One and the Championship and gained
promotion to the Premier League within 3 years. Unfortunately, Markus Liebherr died in August 2010, but his daughter Katharina took over, made sure the transition was smooth and didn’t affect the club’s excellent performance on the pitch. Flash forward to February 2014, Southampton has now smashed their transfer record 4 times in 2 years to bring the promising Jay Rodriguez, the flamboyant Gaston Ramirez, the midfield rock Victor Wanyama and the bad boy Pablo Osvaldo. They are currently 9th in the Premier League only 5pts behind current champions Manchester United and have delivered some fantastic display of exciting attacking football and taken points off Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United. With former Espanyol manager, Mauricio Pocchetino in charge, the team now has the perfect blend of experience and youthful exuberance with some Uruguayan flair, African grit and a solid English backbone. Southampton’s gorgeous style of football has won the hearts of many, but it is through hard work and shrewd management of the Liebherrs and all the Southampton staff along with the unwavering support of the fans that this fairy tale story has transpired; and may this serve as example to all the clubs currently facing terrible financial quandaries. It’s football, there’s always a glimmer of hope...
SPORT
30 mauritiusnow February 2014
National Sports Awards 2013
Fabrice Bauluck and Shalinee Valaydon, sports person of the year 2014
T
he suspense ended on the evening of Wednesday, January 29 at the Intercontinental hotel for all those who were nominated in one of the ten categories at the 28th National Sports Awards program. The kick-boxer, Fabrice Bauluck and the weightlifter ,Shalinee Valaydon were both nominated as the sport man and sport woman of the year 2013.
The shooter Fabrice Bauluck and weightlifter Shalinee Valaydon were sacred respectively unsurprisingly Sportsman of the Year and Holland of the Year on the evening of the XXVIII National Sports Awards 2013 held last night at the InterContinental hotel. The least that can be said, it is that logic has been respected in what concerns the winners in the ten categories.
Who will win the premier League this season?
A
s we reach mid-season, with the teams either fighting for honours or not to be relegated, we have witnessed one of the most exciting and thrilling season so far, with about 6 teams fighting for the title and about 8 teams battling for survival. It has to be one of the closest Premier League terms we have encountered since its creation with unceasing surprises happening almost every week in the most sensational league in the world. With the teams reinforcing on deadline day on the 31st of Jan, Manchester United seem to have done a great piece of business on this January transfer by snapping Juan Mata from Chelsea to make up for the horrendous and calamitous summer transfer window. After a dreadful start of the season, Man United seems to have gathered some momentum under their new manager David Moyes, with Juan Mata, Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and young Adnan Januzaj really bringing that command and strike force we all know United are capable of. However, winning the Premier League seems to be a hard nut to crack this calendar year with United trailing the leader Arsenal by 15 points, which is a heavy margin having in mind United were well in command the previous year and that since then, the other contenders have really progressed and have boosted their squads with great players. At this point, Man United main ambition is to pip their main rival Liverpool from a place to top 4, synonym of a place in Europe’s elite competition, which is the champion’s league. They are only 7 points behind fourth place Liverpool and the Merseyside club has still to pay a visit to Old Trafford. With one Manchester not doing what they normally do, that is challenging for the title, the other side of Manchester are well into it, and are tipped as the
favourite to win it. Man City, with 11 wins out of 11 at the Etihad, scoring 42 goals just in home territory and that’s better than the combined home and away goals of United with only 38. The blue half of Manchester are demolishing teams for fun, having put 6 past Tottenham, 5 past Arsenal and 4 past United and they have also improved on their away performances as well, putting them in the drive seat to win their second premier league title in 3 years. With the partnership of Aguero and Negredo in front, they have deadly attack force and strength in depth with Dzeko and Jovetic. Coupled with the performance of Yaya Toure who has been their main man this season, and with Silva and Kompany who just returned to full fitness, they have the players capable of mounting a serious title push and lift the trophy that evaded them last season when they finished runner up. The only team that has remained relatively unruffled to the relentless desolation caused by Man City is Chelsea, under the leadership of The Special One, Jose Mourinho. They are currently 3rd behind City and Arsenal but they are starting to look like a team that is hard to break and score against. Jose has struggled a little bit since he came back for his second spell at the club and it looked as if he was not the ‘happy one’ till Hazard started to show his immense talents and get Chelsea out of the quandary they were in. They now look a totally different team and will give City a run for their money in the title race. With the addition of Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah in the team, Chelsea have reinforced in areas that they think would be a predicament and they now look steady and ready to bring the title back to the Bridge. Pundits and journalists alike seem to forget that Arsenal is the current leader and a team that leads at the New Year would normally go on and win the trophy. But challenging and thorny fixtures in the upcoming months of February and
March looked to have dented Arsenal’s chances and with some many key players currently sitting out injured, the team has started to look a little bit feeble and unconvincing in certain areas of the field. It was clearly perceptible in their 2-2 draw away to Southampton where a key member of the squad in Flamini was sent off and will now miss three games. Manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that it is unlikely that any transfer activity will occur in this January transfer but he might also opt to sign Draxler in order to revive their chances of finally winning a trophy, which they have not done in nine years. The last time they won the Premier League was in 1990 and they looked as if they could do it when they were top at Christmas. Yes, indeed; reference is being made to Liverpool here. With the best possible start in the history of club and topping the chart at Christmas, it looked as if Liverpool would finally break the ice and stun the world of football by winning the highest prize in English football. But defeats to rival City and Chelsea have seriously shaken the
Merseyside time, languishing at fourth place after a brilliant start. A recent 2-2 draw at Anfield against a weak Aston Villa side and a 1-1 draw against West Brom have made it even harder for Liverpool but with the best attacking duo in the premier league with SAS Suarez and Sturridge, they look capable of producing a final push to give the fans something to cheer at last. Some of them would take the 4th place right now as it stands. Other teams like Tottenham with a bunch of new players and a new manager is an outsider for the title while the great Sir Alex Ferguson has labelled Everton as a team capable of making it till the end with their Belgium revelation like Lukaku and Mirallas. MY PREDICTION Man City Chelsea Arsenal Liverpool Manchester United Tottenham Hotspur Everton
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