News Mauritius
Communal Voting : The Hanging Sword
Last Sunday, the Voice of Hindu (VoH) openly declared that they will be favouring communal voting. They even mentioned “sensitising Hindus and instructing them how they will have to cast their votes for candidates of the Hindu community” for the general elections.
07 Nov 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Somali pirates cleared
The twelve alleged Somali pirates captured by the European Union Naval Force in January 2013 and detained in Mauritius have been cleared by the Intermediary Court on Thursday. Magistrate Wendy Rungen ruled out that there was not sufficient evidence to support the charge against them.
07 Nov 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
What Mauritian women want
A new government will soon take the reins of power in the country. As such, different sections of our society have high hopes on measures and/or policies that will be introduced, removed or improved to their benefits. What are the expectations of the Mauritian women? Three of them share with…
07 Nov 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Mauritius a ‘model of democracy and tolerance’ : Has India’s Minister for External Affairs Shushma Swaraj done her homework?
Shreemati Shushma Swaraj, Indian Minister for External Affairs (Foreign Minister) in newly elected Narendra Modi’s BJP government, who when in opposition, having survived the Gujarat atrocities in 2002, whose blame was put on the shoulders of BJP, especially on Narendra Modi (allegations never proven) who was Gujarat Chief Minister at…
07 Nov 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Leaders ready for the battlefield
As from next week, after the announcement of the election date, the Prime Minister is expected to be more present in his constituency (No. 5). According to political agents, Dr Ramgoolam “will begin to conduct meetings as from Wednesday November 5.”
31 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Electoral campaign – Next step: Writ of elections
The electoral campaign is likely to be officially launched next week. The issue of the writ of elections has been put on hold due to the scheduled visit of Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs of the Government of India in context of the 180th anniversary of the arrival of…
31 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
180th Anniversary of the Arrival of Indentured Labourers : Mauritius poising to be a hub of the Indian Diaspora
Mauritius will commemorate the “180th Anniversary of the Arrival of Indentured Labourers” this Sunday (2 November 2014). To mark this historic event, several international and regional activities are being organised throughout the island. The major ones are: an International (Regional) Hindi Conference (29 October to 1 November 2014); an International…
31 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Electoral campaign : Main issues take centre stage
The electoral fever is on. This week, all the leaders of different parties have been campaigning in various constituencies. Issues included the Métro Léger, the Second republic, unemployment and poverty, among others. News on Sunday highlights the main arguments brandished this week.
31 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
The first electoral violence
A brawl broke out after the meeting in constituency No. 9. Sailesh Fowdar, known as a labour activist and a partisan of Minister Anil Bachoo was beaten by a group of “bouncers” who were also present at the congress.
31 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Arrival of Indentured Labourers celebrated
The activities that are organised by the Ministry of Arts and Culture and the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund to mark the Arrival of Indentured Labourers in Mauritius take a special significance this year, as they commemorate the 180th anniversary of the landing of the first Indian immigrants on Mauritian soil.…
31 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Mauritius gains one place in Doing Business 2015
Mauritius tops Africa’s Sub-Saharan economies and is ranked at the 28th position worldwide on Overall Ease of Doing Business, according to the World Bank group’s Doing Business 2015 Report entitled: Going Beyond Efficiency, launched on Wednesday. It should be noted that the ranking methodology has changed, and under the new system, Mauritius ranks…
31 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Dr Sarita Boodhoo : “ Bhojpuri has proved to be very resilient”
The chairperson of the Bhojpuri Speaking Union, Mauritius Dr Sarita Boodhoo told News on Sunday that celebrating Bhojpuri as we commemorate the 180th Anniversary of the Arrival of Indentured Labourers is very appropriate because the Indian Immigrants brought along with them Bhojpuri and its rich culture.
31 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Lepep Alliance responds to Ramgoolam’s critics
The leaders of the Lepep alliance are holding meetings in various constituencies. The leader of the Alliance Lepep Sir Anerood Jugnauth held a congress in Carreau Laliane, in Constituency No. 15 on Monday night.
31 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Common postal stamp for Indian Ocean islands
Islands of the Indian Ocean- Mauritius, Madagascar, the Comoros, the Seychelles and France through Reunion, Mayotte and TAAF share a common stamp since last week. This is a unique happening in the history of world philately.
24 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
General Elections : Critical week for political leaders
The coming week will be very critical for leaders of the two main alliances. By hook or by crook, they will have to finalise their lists of candidates given that the Writ for election of the new Parliament will probably be issued on 3 or 4 November. If so, the…
24 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
World Rally Arc in Mauritius
After passing on the island of Cocos (Keeling), near Australia, the crews of the World Rally Arc landed in Mauritius last Sunday for the third time since 2012. The yachts, known to be some of the most famous nautical rallies in the world, were at the Caudan Waterfront until 23…
24 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
ACIM says no to light rail project
The ‘Association des Consommateurs de l’ile Maurice’ (ACIM) claims the light rail project will not be viable and will not benefit consumers. ACIM secretary Jayen Chellum told the press that this project will be disastrous for the economy.
24 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Divali brings political lull
Mauritians of the Hindu faith celebrated Divali with great fervour on Thursday. Divali, which spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, is an important festival in the Hindu calendar.
24 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
Who will Sino-Mauritians vote?
At the eve of Deepavali celebration when the Mauritian nation is actively preparing to celebrate the Festival of Light, the Sino-Mauritians are in deep sorrow after another series of profanation of their ancestors’ vaults at Bois Marchand Cemetery have been committed on 15 and 16 October.
24 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday
In the wake of dissolution of the National Assembly : Can the Parliamentary Private Secretaries stay in office?
The stand of the government regarding the role of Parliamentary Private Secretaries is still unclear in the wake of the dissolution of the National Assembly as from 6 October last. Can they still benefit from their salaries and other privileges including use of their offices at the National Development Unit…
17 Oct 2014, Le Defi News on Sunday