Mauritian Club Magazine - Issue 1

MAURITIANCLUB CLUB.COM ISSUE 1 SUMMER 2011

COVER GIRL DEVINA, 23

MAURITIAN TERRORIST IDENTIFIED

MAURITIAN STUDENTS RESORT TO PROSTITUTION

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IMMIGRATION RULES ARE CHANGING

WAYS TO PREVENT OR CONTROL DIABETES

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CONTENTS 4 6

Travel Made Easy

18

Diabetes

The death of Terrorism or The death of a mere Ter-

20

Sathya Sai Baba

8

Fashion Feature ‘Lida O’Reilly’

22

Top Mauritian Chef

10

The British Mauritian Terrorist

23

Beautiful Me

13

Crime Watch

24

Hunger Strike

27

Immigration Rules are Changing

30

Mauritius Football Competition

14 16

SeeYou2nite.com The Entertainment & Nightlife Search Engine My Beautiful British Dream

W

elcome to the first edition of Mauritianclub.com magazine. In this quarterly magazine, you will find different topics related to Mauritius and the Mauritian culture, not only will you find current affairs and scandals section, you will also find health and beauty sections where you can learn about health related topics which are affecting the Mauritian community as well as how to prevent or control such illnesses.

By the grace of God, Mauritianclub.com has been a well-known name in the travel agency department and now we aim to venture into the media sector by releasing this magazine.

We hope that we manage to make a place in your hearts and may you welcome and cherish this publication with open arms.

We look forward to your comments, criticism and advice. We hope that you enjoy reading the first edition of Mauritianclub.com; we’ll be releasing our next edition very soon, so look out for us!

Mauritianclub.com would like to wish the Mauritian Muslim Community a Happy Ramadan.

Thank you all for the love and support.

Best Wishes, From the team of Mauritianclub.com.

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TRAVEL MADE EASY

Travelling to Mauritius tends to give many people nightmares due to the price and distance. However, Ash Rummun, the founder of N9 Travel Centre aims to make things easier for his customers. N9 Travel Centre opened in December 2010 and has been a popular choice with people looking to fly abroad.

Ash Rummun tells us how he got into this business. ‘I have been working in the travel industry for 11 years now. I was a young boy when I started to work part-time at Clapham Travel Centre. After many years of hard work and experience, I have now created N9 Travel Centre with the major support of my uncle, Ray Tyeloo, as well as my cousin, Andrew Tyeloo.

I had a passion for this job and today I have made it my career.’

Ash Rummun goes on to show gratitude towards his customers. ‘I would like to give a big thank you to all my customers who have been supporting and encouraging me ever since I started this new venture.

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‘My Promise: The prices to Mauritius are not as low as it used to be a few years ago. This is due to the increase in fuel prices which has made the taxes and fuel charge up to £326. I have reduced my mark up so low in order to make sure that all our N9 Travel Centre customers get the best bargain and as usual, I will keep all of you posted of any special offers on flights to Mauritius.’

Register your details on www.mauritianclub.com so that we can send you regular newsletters for prices to Mauritius or telephone us at our office on 0208 803 7506 to leave your details.

If you are looking to fly to Mauritius, then look no further as N9 Travel Centre promises to beat the rest in price, quality and time.

Reshma Trilochun

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OSAMA BIN LADEN The Death of Terrorism or The Death of a mere Terrorist?

1st May 2011, a date that has created history, a date that shall be celebrated for years, a date that no one will ever be able to forget; the date that the most wanted terrorist in the world, Osama Bin Laden was shot dead.

Nearly 10 years since the deadly attacks on the twin towers took place in New York and the news of the death of Bin Laden has not only been a reason to celebrate for many but a sigh of relieve for people as well. It took nearly 10 years to capture him, but ultimately victory was found.

But many apprehensions have risen since the news of his death was declared. Many find this not to be the end of terrorism, but the beginning as many of Bin Laden’s supporters may create further havoc in the world; while many others

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do not buy into the news that he is dead. He was such a dangerous criminal, the mastermind behind several bloody attacks in the world and he received such an easy death? Where is his body? Why was he buried at sea? Why did we not get a glimpse of his corpse before it was buried?

So many questions have risen in the minds of people. The more we hear about his death, the more we become sceptical and the more we want to clarify our doubts, the more confused we may become.

Nonetheless, the death of this horrendous terrorist does not mean it is the end of terrorism in general; who knows what may be in stock for innocent people around the world who may fall victim of further attacks.

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Along with the 9/11 attacks in New York and the bomb blasts that took place in London in 2005, no one can forget the deadly attacks that took place in Mumbai in 2008, where many innocent people were kept hostage and killed.

The Mumbai attacks were done by the terrorist group, “Lashkar-e-Taiba”, an active militant Islamic terrorist group which is based in South Asia; predominantly in Pakistan.

to the crime and pain they have inflicted in society, to the victims and the minds and hearts of people in the world. Many Terrorists, such as Osama Bin Laden have been killed or captured, but does that mean we are victorious? Is it the end of terrorism yet and can the death of Bin Laden lament the fact that innocent people will no longer be victims of terrorism and will not have to sacrifice their lives?

Not only did this event terrorise people by making ghastly images of the attacks stay in mind but what also shook people was to know that a Mauritian identity card was found in the rucksack of a terrorist; considerably, the ID card of one of the terrorist who was allegedly of Mauritian nationality or a Mauritian citizen. The ID card belonged to Abu Islami, a terrorist who was captured during the attacks in Mumbai.

What is intriguing as well as deplorable to know is what drove a Mauritian to take part in such a horrific event. It gets people to think about why terrorist groups are formed in the first place but when you hear that someone from your own community, country or heritage was involved in these gruesome attacks, it leaves you shocked and appalled. Why would a Mauritian choose to be a terrorist? Someone who came from the “Paradise Island” chose to make the last day of his victim’s life hell.

Whatever the consequence, let’s just hope that this is the successful beginning in trying to annihilate terrorists and terrorism, making this world a much more peaceful and better place to live.

Reshma Trilochun.

What goes through the mind of a terrorist? Does he enjoy the pain he is giving victims? If we try to empathise with these terrorists and try to put ourselves into their shoes only to understand their mind set, we still will not get a coherent response until we know their entire story. It is usually known that terror is done in the name of “God”, using God and religion as an excuse to execute people and to build fear within their hearts. Some have been victims of circumstances themselves. They have gone through abuse and torture which has led them to feel hatred towards others, mostly from the same community that had mistreated them.

Others may have been brainwashed or tortured into becoming a terrorist; their family’s lives were at stake hence they had no other option but to become a terrorist.

There are many possibilities to why and how someone may have become a terrorist and some may have a tragic story behind it, nevertheless, they do not deserve any kind of sympathy due

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THE PRIDE OF MAURITIUS LIDA O’REILLY

Lida O’Reilly is one of the most aspiring yet influential names in the fashion industry and what makes her even more special is that she comes from the Island of Mauritius. It wouldn’t be foolish to claim that she was born with this passion for fashion as when she was a child, she used to cut up and make new outfits for herself out of clothes that belonged to her sisters. However, due to financial issues, she was unable to study Fine Arts at university.

After having worked in the tourism sector, being married and having embraced motherhood, she got back to what she did best- designing. In 1999, she enrolled herself onto a distant learning course via the internet for fashion designing. In 2001, she opened her first boutique in the North of Mauritius and by 2003, she had successfully established 7 boutiques all over Mauritius.

2007 was the turning point for Lida O’Reilly’s career as well as for Mauritian fashion. She came across the 2 Miss India 2007, Pooja Chitgopekar and Sarah-Jane Dias, who were in Mauritius for a tourism promotion event, organised by The Mauritius Tourism Promotional Authority (MTPA). They were besotted by the originality and novelty of her creations and ardently introduced her to the celebrity journalist .

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She was the first foreign fashion designer who joined the likes of renowned fashion designers Ritu Kumar, Deepika Gehani and Hemant Trivedi, who have created magnificent outfits for the Miss India contest for the past 10 years.

Lida O’Reilly has been a part of many integral fashion shows in Dubai, India, Paris and London where she has received positive feedback from the press as well as received a standing ovation from the spectators that were there.

She recently donated all her sales from her Spring/Summer 2011 collection at London Fashion week to Ashiana charity. They help young women who are affected by violence, rapes and honour killing.

Lida O’Reilly

Lida O’Reilly has definitely made Mauritians very proud and hopefully there will be more talented people from Mauritius who will manage to take Mauritius to the global level that she has.

Reshma Trilochun

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THE BRITISH MAURITIAN TERRORIST

THE UNTOLD STORY OF ADAM KHATIB

left, Adam Khatib A British Mauritian Muslim has been convicted of conspiring to murder civilians in a “deadly terrorist attack”. Adam Khatib, a factory worker from Walthamstow, east London, was part of a terror cell taking orders from Pakistan. The cell was led by Abdullah Ahmed Ali who is already serving a life sentence for plotting to blow up transatlantic passenger airliners in what prosecutors described as an act of terrorism “on an almost unprecedented scale”.

Khatib, who was a teenager when he was arrested, was a “loyal partner and servant” to Ali, travelling with him to Pakistan where it is believed the men received instructions from militants linked to al-Qaeda.

radical Islam.

Signing one of his school assignments “Adam Osama Bin Laden”, Khatib became a cause for concern to teachers worried about his increasingly extreme views, including antiSemitic outbursts in the classroom.

After leaving school, he befriended Abdullah Ahmed Ali, who is six years older. Ali egged on his younger charge and in June 2005 he took him to Pakistan, introducing him to a network of jihadis. Khatib, who has a Mauritian father and British mother, told the court he was curious to see the world.

Prosecutor Peter Wright QC said: “Khatib may not have been informed of the ultimate target, namely passenger aircraft... all that was required of him was an agreement to play his part in bringing about the murder of others.” But it is understood investigators believed Khatib was planning to be one of the team who would take a bomb onto a plane.

Though it is not known what the two did during their time in Pakistan, Mr Wright told at Woolwich Crown Court: “They may have been home-grown but the direction of these young men came from Pakistan.” They were there at the same time as Assad Sarwar, who is now serving a life sentence for his part as the chief bomb-maker in the conspiracy. Sarwar admitted learning to make bombs in Pakistan.

The 23-year-old had gone off the rails as a teenager when he beca me fascinated by

Soon after Ali and Khatib returned to the UK, the plot became operational. Khatib carried out

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“methodical, systematic” internet research into the properties of hexamine peroxide, one of the ingredients which Ali planned to use to make improvised explosives disguised in soft drink bottles. In typed notes Khatib warned his fellow plotters to: “be extremely careful: the powder is extremely volatile and any contact could cause an explosion and when it explodes, it makes a high-pitch popping sound”.

“Adam Khatib, has a Mauritian father and a British mother” But unknown to them, the cell members were being monitored. A covert police and MI5 surveillance team installed a hidden recording device and a camera in an empty flat Ali was using as his bomb factory. Khatib - who denied he knew anything about the plot to blow up seven planes in mid-flight over the Atlantic - was one of the few men allowed access into what prosecutors described as the “inner sanctum” at Forest Road where Ali and his right-hand man Tanvir Hussain experimented with prototype detonators.

The two men also used the flat to record their chilling suicide videos, justifying the planned attack. In his, Ali spoke of “floods of martyr operations” against non-Muslims which would scatter “your people’s body parts” across the streets. Though the police did not find a copy of a video recorded by Khatib, evidence heard at Abdullah Ali’s trial suggests that Khatib may have been one of the would-be bombers. On the Forest Road bug Ali is heard listing the volunteers for the mission. He mentions “Adam”.

During the three years since his arrest, Khatib has maintained he did not know what Ali was plotting. He claimed not to have extreme views though at his home police found jihadi videos including the recorded last will and testament of one of the 9/11 bombers. But the jury agreed with the prosecution that this was a man “who is wholly subscribed to a violent agenda”.

Known locally as Adam. William Frank, 22, a neighbour, described him as “someone with a good heart” but said that he may have been influenced by others at his mosque, Masjid ’e’ Bakr Trust.

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Mr Frank, a graphic designer, said: “There were a couple of people that may have influenced him because he is a really nice guy. His dad is from Mauritius and his mum was born in Hackney”.

William’s father, Ossie, said that he had lived in the street for 30 years and his neighbours had lived there even longer. He said two boys and two girls, who are teenagers and in their 20s, live at the address with their parents.

Khatib has been jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years for “conspiracy to murder” by plotting with Abdulla Ahmed Ali, the convicted ringleader of a foiled plan to blow up passenger jets.

He was found guilty on Wednesday 9th December 2009 by a majority of 11 jurors to one following a two-month trial at Woolwich Crown Court. Ali was jailed for a minimum of 40 years in September 2009 after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to murder by planning suicide attacks on transatlantic aircraft. Three other men, Assad Sarwar, Tanvir Hussain and Umar Islam were also convicted in September 2009 of playing key roles in the plot. Co-defendant Nabeel Hussain, 25, of Chingford, east London, was jailed for eight years.Hussain was found guilty of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts by meeting Ali twice in July 2006 and of possessing several items - a will, mobile phones and a £25,000 loan application - for use in terrorism. The question that has to be asked…

Ringleader Abdullah Ahmed Ali Is extremism a problem within the British Mauritian Muslim community? If so, is the community doing enough to prevent it? We want to hear your thoughts for our follow up article in the next edition.

Email us at editor@mauritianclub.com.

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THIEF FLEES TO MAURITIUS WITH £46K WHILST COUSIN IS JAILED FOR 2 YEARS The debt-ridden manager of a BP petrol station who staged a £46,000 bogus armed robbery was jailed for two years. Nishan Ramjhon, 42, opened the safe in the office at the garage on the A12 at Boreham as his cousin Mohamed Hosameea – with his face hidden by a scarf – pointed a gun at him for the benefit of CCTV cameras. Behind the closed office door £46,000 was loaded into carrier bags before Hosameea, known as Reaz, sprayed CS gas at his cousin, Chelmsford Crown Court was told. But Hosameea fled to Mauritius ten days later with all the cash, the judge heard.

Ramjhon, a father-of-two, of Callow Court, Seymour Street, Chelmsford, pleaded guilty to the theft which took place on September 12 last year. Judge Christopher Ball QC told him he accepted he was led into the mock robbery by his cousin, who was more criminally experienced and inclined than him. But he added: “You were persuaded by your cousin in this scheme to mock up a robbery to allow him to escape with the funds and doubtless you intended to benefit from them.”

Prosecutor Andrew Jackson said there was more cash on site than usual because the previous day’s takings had not been collected – something that alerted the investigating detectives. Ramjhon, £5,000 in debt, had been behaving oddly that day, according to staff interviewed afterwards.

He seemed to be keeping his eye on the cash and asked to borrow someone else’s mobile phone and then asked for the call to be deleted afterwards.That was to his cousin, who arrived at the filling station at around 10pm. “ The cousin put a scarf around his face and they acted out an armed robbery. The cousin had a gun, plainly visible on the CCTV, which was wielded and pointed towards this defendant,” said the prosecutor. “Finally to add a sense of even more reality to the proceedings the cousin discharged some CS type gas spray.” Initially Ramjhon denied, but then admitted to police the robbery was fake. He said they both needed money and his cousin raised the possibility of staging the robbery.

MAURITIAN FRAUDSTER JAILED FOR 7 YEARS

Two men involved in a £7m mortgage fraud and an attempted £12m VAT fraud have each been jailed for seven years today. HM Revenue & Customs investigators found Martin Conrad and Richard Murkin had hijacked plans of a hotel project in Mauritius. The pair signed contracts with furniture providers to furnish the project and tried to reclaim over £12m in VAT from HMRC, but the fraud was discovered before any money was paid out.

Around £8.8m was paid out to the fraudsters in mortgage payments in relation to the purchase of two commercial premises, but the Metropolitan Police says it prevented a further £70m in fraudulent payments being made. Conrad and Murkin pleaded guilty in January to fraudulent attempts to obtain the VAT repayment. They

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Martin Conrad, 32, also known as Mitain Conrad and Mitain Patel

also pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud, attempted mortgage fraud and money laundering offences.

They were both sentenced to five years for the mortgage fraud and two years for the VAT fraud.

HMRC assistant director of criminal investigation Chris Martin says: “HMRC worked alongside the Metropolitan Police to bring these fraudsters to justice. Tax evasion is serious, blatant theft and we will continue to pursue those trading fraudulently to the full extent of the law.

“The sentences handed down will serve as a deterrent to anyone who thinks that fraud is a risk worth taking.”

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SEEYOU2NITE.COM

THE ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE SEARCH ENGINE

ANDREW TYELOO THE MAN BEHIND IT! Q: How did you come up with idea and name? Well my dad likes buying web domain names and had Seeyou2nite for a few years.

He basically gave me a few to play around with.

Seeyou2nite stood out for me the most because the phrase was something that is said a lot and therefore really catchy. I did some research and felt there was a gap in the market for it. Who wouldn’t want a site where you could plan your whole night out from 1 site.

web designers (XU Creative) who made this

Q: How is the site different from it’s amazing site and keep it Bang tidy! Then there’s competitors? The main competitors are View my cousins wife Amanda and my cousin Diren London and Timeout. My site is different because it doesn’t just show what’s on, users are able to book club guest list and tables, restaurants, buy concert tickets, book hotel rooms and view the latest film trailers being shown in the cinema.

My site has a more visual side to it so you can actually see what the clubs, bars and restaurants look like inside.

Q: Have you used it yourself?

Yes and find it useful. It’s sort of weird but a great feeling when you hear strangers talking about it and referring friends to use it.

who help me with content on a day to day basis.

I should probably mention everyone close to me who have supported this and helped spread the word, THANK YOU. The great thing about this is that we all have that hunger and drive to make this project succeed.

‘Everyday I get new ideas, I even have trouble keeping up with myself a lot of the time.’

Q: What is the celebrity and fashion Q - Future plans? element? These two are all about Everyday I get new ideas, I even have trouble entertainment and nightlife. On a monthly basis I do an interview with a celeb and ask them 10 short questions. I like to keep it entertaining and within theme of the website. It also shows the public that celebs are really down to earth and normal. With the fashion stuff we show the latest outfits and trends and will be doing features on some big designers.

Q - How many of you work on this?

We are not a big corporate company, my team consists of family and close friends. I have two

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keeping up with myself a lot of the time.I would like to say what new features i’ll be adding to the site but you never know who’s reading this! My aim is to have everyone thinking Seeyou2nite. com when they’re looking to plan a night out.

I’d be grateful if the Mauritian community could check out my site, show support, use it and even send me feedback. At the end of the day the site was made to make peoples social life easier.

Follow Seeyou2nite on Facebook and Twitter.

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IMMIGRATION BLUES

MY BEAUTIFUL BRITISH DREAM Overseas students come to the UK with aspirations of achieving good education but some are left leaving with bad memories and experiences thanks to circumstances faced.

Reported by Reshma Trilochun.

The UK is the haven for potential students from overseas, who build their dreams of having a successful future on the aspiration of gaining first-class education abroad. The UK, especially London is the hotspot and first preference for many Mauritian students who come to the UK with the hope and the delusion of acquiring good education and a stress-free, luxurious lifestyle.

According to the statistics by the British Council in 2008, it was claimed that around 1,600 undergraduate and 800 post- graduate students came to the UK to study every year.

This statistic was a 10% increase from the previous year; so one can imagine the increase of Mauritian Students that arrived in the UK to study in 2010. There are many obstacles that a foreign student may have to face in an alien country, such as gaining a part-time job that would financially help them pay for their education, food and accommodation expenses.

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In this era of tough competition in all sectors, one may find it difficult if not near impossible to find themself a sustainable job which can provide them with a livelihood. Along with the obstacles of gaining sufficient income and the emotional instability due to being away from family and their hometown, people are driven to extremities in order to earn a living and to remain in the UK. Many people come to the UK with the notion that life will get better and easier there compared to their country of origin as the money in the UK is of more value. After finding it difficult to find a job, many resort to working undeclared, living in the country without a valid working visa while some go on to do petty crimes that ultimately lead to bigger ones.

“Prostitution for most Mauritian students is not an everlasting condition�

Many Mauritian girls have found it hard to live in the UK financially and in need of desperate help, they have resorted to prostitution. Many

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have endured violence in the course of prostitution only to gain income to help them pay for their education. Many earn up to as £250 a night, the amount that a student may earn whilst working part-time for a few weeks.

A Mauritian student, Tanya*, who took up prostitution confesses, ‘Prostitution for most Mauritian students is not an everlasting condition; it is a way for them to earn more money to pay for their education as well as a way to live a more comfortable life. This is the fast route that they choose in order to succeed and make something out of themselves.’

The Crown Prosecution Service website states, ‘Female prostitutes are often at risk of violent crime in the course of their work which can include both physical and sexual attacks, including rape. Perpetrators of such offences include violent clients or pimps. There tend to be higher levels of violence committed against street sex workers compared with off-street workers, which often go unreported to the police.

Prostitutes themselves often take their clients to out of the way places where they are less likely to be interrupted.’ All this violence and humiliation is endured for ransoms of money to help them keep going in life.

“Instead of working in McDonald’s, or shops for £8 an hour… sometimes it is easier to work in this industry, make more money quickly...”

Prostitution is not only limited to Mauritian students, this has become a popular choice among many students, both from overseas and natives girls. Students are faced with circumstances where they are left feeling desperate for help and in order of coming out of such financial crisis, they take up prostitution.

However, an ex-British student, Sophie, who took up prostitution spoke to The Times and said, ‘Instead of working in McDonald’s, or shops for £8 an hour… sometimes it is easier to work in this industry, make more money quickly, pay the rent and have time to do your reading.’ Sophie

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obviously did not see prostitution as a bad thing, especially since she was earning more money by charging for sex than she would be by serving burgers in McDonald’s.

Although this has been the fate for many Mauritians in the UK, it does not mean that everyone has faced these situations. Many have been fortunate and have not had to go through such severe and ghastly circumstances.

They have managed to complete their education with the help of a legal part-time job and have progressed into bigger and better fields. One should come prepared and expect hard work in order to survive and not live by the misconception that life is much easier in the West.

Vaneetah, a 24 year old Mauritian student from South Banks University had her shares of ups and downs in the UK. ‘My time in the UK is not exactly how I had imagined it. I started my studies at a college which is not well recognised and I always wanted to be at university. Although it took me time, I finally made it there. So to make my way to a University, I had to work hard. I had to save my money to pay for the fees which is a lot for a foreign student and I needed to achieve good grades. I was working a lot during the summer holidays to save up the money to pay the fees. Without the moral support of my family and my best friend, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my goal.’

Although there are many students who get misled and do deeds out of desperation for money, there still are students like Vaneetah who choose to work hard and follow the right path regardless of the amount of obstacles that come in their way.

There are so many untold stories by such victims of circumstances who go on to strive and go through trials and tribulations in order to make ends meet.

If you are a foreign student from Mauritius or know someone who has had to go through hardship in the UK, then we would love to hear from you. Email us your stories and comments on reshma@mauritianclub.com and we will include your comments in the next edition of Mauritianclub.com *Name withheld.

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HEALTH TOPIC DIABETES

In this section, we will be discussing health issues which are predominant within the Mauritian community. Diabetes is one such chronic disease which has gripped the Mauritian community and is no doubt, a major concern as well. Diabetes, which is also known as Mellitus, is caused by too much sugar and glucose in the blood.

What causes diabetes is when the insulin, which is a hormone produced by a gland behind the stomach, pancreas, is unable to function properly. Food enters the blood stream after digestion and insulin moves out glucose from the blood and into cells so that it is broken down to produce energy. Obesity can lead to Diabetes.

Diabetes is currently affecting around 2.8 million people in the UK. The World Diabetes Foundation claims that ‘while the global prevalence of diabetes is 6.4%, the prevalence varies from 10.2% in the Western Pacific to 3.8% in the African region.

However, a diabetic’s body is unable to break down glucose into energy as the body either does not have enough insulin to move the glucose or the insulin in the body is not working properly. An acute complication, Diabetic acidosis is a life threatening condition caused by the lack of insulin in the body.

However, the African region is expected to experience the highest increase.’ Additionally, diabetes.co.uk website suggests that ‘type 2 diabetes is up to 6 times more likely in people of South Asian descent [while] type 2 diabetes is up to three times more likely in African and Africa-Caribbean people’. This could be seen as a worrying factor as people of South Asian and African decent make up most of Mauritius’ population.

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Type 1 diabetes is often referred to as insulindependent diabetes as the body is unable to produce insulin, while in type 2 diabetes, the body produces far too little insulin or the cell is unable to react to the insulin. Type 2 is by far more common than type 1 diabetes and it could be controlled with a healthy diet. Obesity is also referred to type 2 diabetes, which is usually the cause of cardiovascular disease; another severe chronic disease.

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Furthermore, the symptoms for diabetes are general which can make people live with type 2 diabetes for years without being aware of it.

General symptoms for diabetes are: - feeling very thirsty and very tired, the frequency of micturition (going to the toilet a lot, especially during the night), losing weight (although the appetite often increases) and recurrent infection on the skin, such as boils.

It is essential to control diabetes with healthy eating and exercise as diabetes can also affect many organs in the body, such as the eyes.

If not taken care of, it can ultimately lead to blindness. It is important not just for diabetics but for everyone to live a healthy life consisting of healthy foods and exercise. Child obesity is at a rise in the UK and many countries around the world. Obesity leads to diabetes; therefore, it is necessary that even children practice healthy living from an early age in life for a much healthier and longer life.

Ways to prevent or control diabetes: Lose weight it has been proven that obesity leads to diabetes and heart diseases. If you are obese, or overweight, try to lose some weight in order to prevent the risk of getting diabetes.

If you are diabetic, losing weight can help you control your diabetes.

Exercise Regular exercise can help maintain your weight while it also controls the glucose and the fats in the blood.

Eat healthily maintain well-being, both for diabetics and non-diabetics. A healthy lifestyle means a healthy lifespan.

It is important that everyone goes to their GP for regular check-ups and tests; those who have a family history of diabetes should go more frequent as they may be more prone to diabetes because of their genetics. Your diet should consist of lots of fruits and vegetables but be careful not to go overboard as some fruits may be high in natural sugar as well. Reshma Trilochun

Last stage diabetic complications: Retinopathy (eye disease that can cause blindness) Diabetic kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure Diabetic neuropathy (nerve disease) that can cause foot ulcers and foot infections Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) particularly in smokers and those with high blood pressure and abnormal fat levels in the blood.

Diabetic Oatmeal Cookies

Ÿ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup oats Salt to taste 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees. Mix the flour, oats and salt together in a large bowl. Whip the oil in a bowl and slowly drizzle the oil into the mixture and mix. Add the ice water a few drops at a time and mix until the mixture forms dough.

Flour the surface and roll out the dough to cut into different shapes that you like. Place the cookies onto a greaseproof sheet on a baking tray and bake them for 10 minutes, or until the cookies turn light brown.

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SATHYA SAI BABA 1926 - 2011 Sai Baba, the healer, the spiritual leader and the “God� of many followers passed away on 24th April 2011. He had millions of follows around the world and they came from different faiths who believed in the healing powers of Baba. There are around 1,200 or more Sathya Sai Baba centres across 137 countries around the world.

There have been many stories behind the name and identity of Sai Baba, nonetheless, he was one of the most influential people in the world.

Born as Sathyanarayana Raju on 23rd November 1926 in the village of Puttaparthi in Chennai

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(formally known as Madras), many people believed that he was the incarnation of the saint, Sai Baba of Shirdi, while many see him as a spiritual leader who helped guide them in life.

However, there are people who believed that he is nothing more than an ordinary human being who does magic tricks to fool people. The truth..

We will never know.

It is not far-fetched to claim that the life of Sathya Sai Baba has been a controversial one. From his attire, the place he resides to the miracle he

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performed has been under the scrutiny of people who are always analysing and coming to conclusions about him.

There have been many documentaries about him, such as the 1995 documentary, Guru Busters, where Sai Baba’s “miracles” are questioned, broken down and even claimed as trickery. There have also been sexual allegations against Sai Baba but these allegations have neither been proven right or wrong.

Sai Baba’s credibility has always been a cause of debate. He was known as the ultimate healer, then why was he unable to heal himself? He had performed many miracles to aid people who were suffering, so why was he unable to save himself during a by performing a miracle? Did he really have healing powers? Or did his selfless nature forbid him from performing miracles for selfish reasons? He had suffered from several heart-attacks in his life and had even fractured his hip when a student and an iron stool fell on him. Baba had many human traits; he suffered like any ordinary human being would, so how could we claim that he was God? Or was he God’s chosen one, just like Jesus, who came on this Earth to save people from their sins?

Sathya Sai Baba was believed to have said that he takes all the problems and suffering of his followers upon himself. This could be a possible reason for his early demise, along with the other reason that he was aging and had suffered many heart attacks during his lifetime.

Are the reasons for his ailing health because he thought of everyone’s problems as his own and took upon himself the suffering of everyone? Or could it be that he was suffering from medical conditions that any ordinary human being would suffer, which eventually leads to death?

Baba had also predicted when he would die. He had predicted that he would die at the age of 96.

Additionally he had predicted that he would reincarnate into a girl, named Prema Sai Baba 8 years after his death. However, he died at the age of 84, making his predictions questionable.

How could his predictions go wrong? Were his predictions rational in the first place? These questions do arise in people’s minds.

spend a safe-guarded life as various attempts to assassinate the guru were made. In 1993, four assailants who were carrying knives with them as weapons had tried to enter the chamber of Sai Baba but were refused entry by Baba’s devotees. They then attacked four devotees, killing two of them and severely injuring the other two. An alarm was signalled and Sai Baba ran into his apartment as the assailants entered, trying to find Baba to attack him. The attackers were shot dead by the police and Baba escaped unharmed.

The reason for these attacks is still unknown. But the fact that Baba came out without a scratch could be sheer good luck or that the supreme almighty was watching over him, therefore he came out unscathed.

Whatever accusations and controversies may have surrounded Sai Baba during his lifetime, one cannot dismiss the fact that he had opened up many hospitals and schools for the underprivileged.

He had been selfless throughout his life and aimed his energies at helping those who were in need. Whether he was God himself, a saint or an ordinary man, we cannot shun the efforts he had made for people.

He was and still is worshipped by millions around the world, including places like India, Mauritius and the UK, not only by Hindus but also by people from many other faiths. Since he was 14 years old, Baba had been selflessly devoting his time to others and many asylums and temples have been made as a tribute to him.

Many people believed and still believe in the power of Sathya Sai Baba and claim that Baba has healed them in several ways. A person who selflessly gives to society and helps those in times of need, by opening up many educational institutes and medical establishments for those who are unable to afford treatment is surely someone to be praised and acknowledged.

Sathya Sai Baba, the Guru, the Lord or the human being; he was surely someone who only gave to people without expecting anything in return. He was truly a selfless person, a trait that is rare to find in people in this day and age.

Reshma Trilochun

Contrary to what one may believe, he did not

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TOP MAURITIAN CHEF CHARLES HOLTZ

Charles decorating plate.

Charles Holtz passion for food began at a young age and was influenced greatly by his parents.

Charles continued with his desire of becoming a chef and attended Westminster College and at the time trained at the RAC club, under the guidance of Chef Phillip Corrick. When Charles completed his training, his next move was to the Swallow International Hotel on Cromwell Road, where Chef Bernie Englehardt guided Charles onto the path in becoming a recognised chef within London.

In 2007, Charles attended the world famous Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne in Switzerland, where he undertook many master classes in cooking techniques. Upon graduating from here, Charles took on a position at the Covent Garden Hotel part of the Firmdale collection. Here Charles had the privilege to cook for stars of the big screen, namely Keanu Reeves and Kate Winslet.

Today, Charles determination to lead a talented brigade of chefs at Number Twelve is an exciting role and brings together a mix of cuisines and cooking styles.

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BEAUTIFUL ME Mauritius… ah! The first thing that springs into mind at the mere mention of Mauritius is the beach; then follows the swaying of the palm trees, white sandy beaches, and of course… the sun! Mauritius is by far one of the best places to go if you are in search for a relaxing holiday spent on the beach where you can top up your tan. However, many people go into the sun without finding it necessary to protect their skin… bad choice! You should always protect your skin when going out, regardless of whether you are in Mauritius or London, sitting in the sun or freezing in the snow. Skin protection should not be underestimated; it is one step away from getting skin related ailments or skin cancer.

Although there are many people who love getting a tan and show off their freshly accomplished dusky complexion, many people despise the thought of bronzing up. But worry not, as in this section you will find ways of enhancing your already beautiful self with different beauty tips in every edition. Whether you want to get rid of your tan or whether you want to enhance your tan, you won’t need to look elsewhere for tips.

And guess what? It’s much cheaper than going to the salon because you can find these products in your own fridge! Amazing, isn’t it?!

Scrub it all off…

Exfoliation is the best way to refresh your skin while cleaning and removing dirt that clogs up your pores.

For a face scrub for oily skin, you will need… oatmeal and an egg white. Yes… you’ve read correctly. That’s all you’ll need to help your oily, blackhead-prone skin. Mix the oatmeal with the egg white, apply it to your face and let it dry.

Once dried, dampen a cloth with water and gently scrub it off your face. Rinse your skin once finished. If you would like to be further pampered, you could soak cotton wool pads in rose water and wipe your face with it.

For a face scrub for combination skin, you will need… oatmeal and yoghurt. Mix oatmeal and yoghurt and apply it to your face and let it dry. Wash off when dry. This helps cleanse

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your skin while leaving your skin feeling tender and soft For a face scrub for dry skin, you will need…

Oatmeal again! Oatmeal is a great ingredient to use as a face scrub. It’s a much cheaper option as well. Mix oatmeal, honey, milk and a few drops of almond oil. Apply this paste onto your face and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Shine like a Star!

Skin Brightener This is an easy way to brighten your skin as well as an effective way to remove a tan that seems to not want to fade away. Mix yoghurt with a pinch of turmeric and apply it to your face and other regions which you would like to brighten up. Wash after 30 minutes. Do this everyday for effective results.

Try these techniques out and let us know what you think of these tips. Who doesn’t love to be pampered… especially when it isn’t burning a big hole in your pocket!

Reshma Trilochun

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BABA RAMDEV’S HUNGER STRIKE QUEST TO GET RID OF CORRUPTION However, Mauritius has gained a lot of criticism in the past for suspicions of Indian black money coming into the country. The “tax-friendly regime” of Mauritius is what has caused the most criticisms as claims are being made that this has been the cause of encouraging illegal money into the country.

Baba Ramdev is a global name thanks to his yogic principles which he shares with people from all around the world. But yoga is not the only reason that he has become famous for recently. His opinions about India, the government and politics have become very controversial as he goes on to claim that most corruption in India is thanks to politicians and the corrupt government.

He was also in the news for opposing against the law for the legalisation of gay relationships in India. He was very vocal about his displeasure of homosexuality in India.

Again, Baba Ramdev has become a controversial name as he has decided to go on a hunger strike from 4th June till death.

What led him to this decision is the black money that India has invested in banks in foreign countries such as Mauritius and Switzerland.

There are claims that Rs500 lakh crores, which is is approximately £680 billion worth of black money has been kept in foreign banks. Switzerland is known to be the ultimate placewhere you would find black money from India.

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The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in Mauritius have agreed to help India trace the black money route. However, similar to Switzerland, Mauritius has refused investigation of their bank accounts, which can cause further sensationalism. Furthermore, Mauritius has strongly disapproved for its name to be connected to every financial scandal that takes place.

Baba Ramdev’s demands are that the black money deposited in Switzerland and Mauritius is recovered, the names of such account-holders to be revealed and a ban on high-denomination currency notes.

Additionally, he wants the route to Mauritius, in regards to money laundering, to be closed.

Recently, Anna Hazare fasted in relations to the Lok Pal bill as he did not want it to be disregarded.

He was successful as the committee have announced to release a draft of the Lok Pal bill.

The Chief Minister of Kerela, V S Achuthanandan also fasted as he was seeking a nationwide ban on endosulfan pesticide. The decision of Baba Ramdev to fast until death shows how gravely he wants corruption to be extinguished within India and according to him, this is a direct way for the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh to notice him and do something against corruption in India.

Reshma Trilochun

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR DISCOUNTED PROPERTIES OR MORTGAGE?

Ackra Investments Ltd is a modern and dynamic real estate and commodity service provider in the UK and extending its expertise to Mauritius.

The company was set up by four ambitious partners from diverse backgrounds and origins, which have a passion and extensive experience within the property and commodities markets.

Two of the partners, Anusha Aukhaj and Kabir Nilmadhub, both of Mauritian origins and brought up in London have guided many investors in acquiring properties within London and advise fellow Mauritians on investments in the UK and Mauritius.

Ackra Investments offer unrivalled access to the entire property market and a fully bespoke approach.

“Our discrete and highly effective service is designed specifically to save our clients’ time, effort and expense throughout the buying, selling and renting process” says Anusha Aukhaj.

Kabir Nilmadhub further explains, “We listen to what our clients need, and use our knowledge and resources to deliver it to them. We also tailor our services to suit our clients’ individual situation”.

This is reflected in the company’s expanding its services to letting and managing a large portion of the investors’ portfolio.

The company has teamed up with market leaders in bringing you access to Repossession / Below Market Value Properties, Land, Development Opportunities, Luxury Accommodation, Commercial Acquisition and Disposal, Conveyancing and Mortgage Assistance (regardless or credit history).

Meet The Team

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Bilal Mattar Director/Partner

Contact us now to find out more:

Website: www.ackrainvestments.co.uk Email: enquiries@ackrainvestments.co.uk Facebook: ACKRA Investments Ltd Twitter: ACKRA_Invest

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IMMIGRATION RULES ARE CHANGING MAJOR REFORM WITH STUDENT VISA’S IN THE UK. The UK Government is determined to strengthen the student visa system in a bid to clampdown on abuses of the student route to the UK as well as reducing the number of international students coming to the UK. The Government claims to be focussed on introducing better controls and attracting talented international students to the UK. They want to be more selective about who can come to the UK and how long they can stay in the UK. They want to ensure that the brightest and the best can come to the UK to live, work and study.

They are adamant that the student route is a temporary one, and on completion oftheir studies, students will be expected to return to their countries of origin.

The Proposals in the consultation included: - reducing the number of people coming to the UK to study at below degree level.

- introducing a tougher English language requirement.

- ensuring that students wishing to extend their studies show evidence of academic progression.

- limiting students’ entitlements to work and their ability to bring in dependants.

- ensuring students return overseas after completion of their course.

Reducing the number of people coming to the UK. The Government’s intention to reduce annual net non-EU migration to the UK to tens thousands a year. The Government has already started its reduction programme through a limit on the number of non-EU economic migrants admitted to the UK to take up employment in the UK. The Government has made clear that the international student route is included in reducing net migration to the UK.

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Introducing tougher English requirements for students.

All Tier 4 (General) applicants including degree level and English language students will be subject to a secure English language test showing competence at level B2. Raising the Tier 4 English language bar from B1 to B2 of the on the Common European Framework of Referencefor languages (CEFR) will act as a key indicator of fitness to complete a higher level course as well as assisting with their integration with other students and wider society on arrival in the UK. Ensuring academic progression for extension of stay in the UK. Students who wish to extend their stay in the UK in order to study a new course will have to provide confirmation from their Tier 4 sponsor ( University of accredited college) that the new course represents progression to a higher level course, so that the UKBA can be satisfied that study is the real reason for a longer stay in the UK .

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Limiting students’ entitlements to work and to bring their dependants to the UK. At present, all Tier 4 (General) students are able to work full-time during their vacations, and parttime during term time. The number of hours work permitted during term-time depends on the level of the course the student is following 10 hours or 20 hours per week maximum during term time.

Remove permission to work for all dependants of Tier 4 students, except where they qualify in their own right under Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the PBS. Only those Tier 4 students studying for more than 12 months to be allowed to bring their dependants to the UK. Students should only be allowed to work on campus during the week and for any external employer at weekends and during vacation periods.

the UK every year for further studies at different levels as well as the Mauritian students already present in the UK.

Ensuring that student returns to their home countries after completion of their studies.

The student route is a temporary migration route, with students expected to leave on completion of their studies. However there are economic migrant students who prolong their studies as a vehicle for achieving protracted stays in the UK. Therefore, student may have to return to their home countries upon the expiry of their visa and apply for entry clearance again for their new course of study.

There are thousands of Mauritians whose dependants are currently allowed to work in the UK and they are self-financing students. The current policy is quiet flexible in the sense that it gives an opportunity for some people to study in the UK because they are supported by their dependant who are allowed to work in the UK. If they are not allowed to work in the UK then they may not be able to continue their studies in the UK.

Tier 1 Post-Study Work The Post Study Work route which enables international graduate students to move from study to work in the UK after being awarded a UK recognised bachelor’s or postgraduate degree, a UK Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Professional Graduate Diploma of Education (PGDE) or a Higher National Diploma from a Scottish institution. The Tier 1 Post Study Work allows them to stay in the UK for up to two years to look for skilled work, and then switch into one of the main work routes (Tier 1 or Tier 2) as soon as they are able to do so.

The government proposes to close the Tier 1 Post Study Work route in April 2012.

Opinion and Consequences These measures are likely to result in thousands job losses and a big cut in the annual contribution of ÂŁ5 billion to the British economy form the international student market.

These measures are likely to adversely affect thousands of Mauritian students who come to

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There are thousands of Mauritians whose dependants are currently allowed to work in the UK and they are self-financing students. The current policy is quiet flexible in the sense that it gives an opportunity for some people to study in the UK because they are supported by their dependant who are allowed to work in the UK. If they are not allowed to work in the UK then they may not be able to continue their studies in the UK. The Tier 1 Post Study Work visa enables many Mauritian and other international students to take up employment in the UK on a full-time

The Tier 1 Post Study Work visa enables many Mauritian and other international students to take up employment in the UK on a full-time basis for a maximum period of 2 years after completion of their study. Many self-financing Mauritian students use this opportunity to work and recover some of the cost spent on their study in University fees.

The proposed measures will not only cause international talents to avoid Britain but also cause fundamental damage to the British economy including job losses and significant loss of revenue from high fee-paying international students in this world competitive markets.

From Monday 23 May, Section 19 of the UK Borders Act 2007 brings into life Section 85A of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 whereby tribunals will not consider evidence submitted after an application has been made which was generally accepted by virtue of Section 85(4) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, in appeals relating to applications made in the UK under the points-based system.

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UK Border Agency statistics stated that around two-thirds of appeals allowed by immigration judges are due to late evidence being submitted at the hearing. The advent of the new rules change will apply to all applications made within the UK through the points-based system.

From the 9th May 2011 the Certificate of Approval for Marriage Policy has been withdrawn, couples no longer needs the certificate to get married. They need to give their intention to marry to their local registry office where the staffs are trained to spot sham marriages.

The statutory scheme requiring permission by the Home Office for marriage by people subject to immigration control or those who had entered the UK illegally contravened articles 12 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights guaranteeing the right to marry and prohibiting discrimination for nationality or religion.

The scheme was to be found in section 19 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc) Act 2004 and designed to identify sham marriages with the object of

managing the UK Borders and controlling immigration.

Good news for parents and children in the UK for the last 7 years.

Although the DP5/96 was withdrawn on the 8th December 2008. The DP5/96 postulated that if a child who has been in the UK for 7 years or more and who has integrated himself/herself in the UK social fabric should be granted the rights to stay in the UK and the parents would be de facto be given the rights to stay in the UK. Nevertheless, there has been a long and hard legal battle over the issue of Article 8 rights under the ECHR and the best interest of a child in the UK Jurisprudence from June 2010 until recently the Supreme Court unanimously held that the best interests of the child had to be considered and given paramount weight as part of the assessment of proportionality under Article 8 ECHR. Nevertheless, there has been a long and hard legal battle over the issue of Article 8 rights under the ECHR and the best interest of a child in the UK Jurisprudence from June 2010 until recently the Supreme Court unanimously held that the best interests of the child had to be considered and given paramount weight as part of the assessment of proportionality under Article 8 ECHR. Moreover, Mr Justice Blake submitted in recently that: “In the absence of any other policy guidance from the Secretary of State, it remains legitimate for Immigration Judges to give some regard to the previous policy that seven years residence by a child under 18 would afford a basis for regularising the position of the child and parent in the absence of conduct reasons to the contrary, in making a judicial assessment of whether removal is proportionate to the legitimate aim having regard to the best interests of the child.�

Bushand Deepchand Practice Manager Lambeth Solicitors Immigrations Specialists 102 Acre Lane Brixton London SW2 5QN 020 7095 9995

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MAURITIANCLUB.COM Official sponsors of the Mauritius Football Competition would like to congratulate the 2011 Champions Cosmos United Football Club.

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