1.Cabinet has discussed the prevailing situation in Rodrigues. The situation is now under control. However, measures have been taken to reinforce law and order on the island.
2.Cabinet has agreed that on the recommendation of the Central Tender Board, the contract for the construction of 1000 low cost housing units be awarded.
These semi-detached houses will be constructed on 14 sites across the country, and are destined for the very low income groups.
3.Cabinet has agreed to the introduction into the National Assembly, of the National Women Entrepreneur Council Bill.
The object of the Bill is to facilitate and promote women entrepreneurship. This decision is in line with the commitment taken by Government at the Beijing Conference to promote women self employment and involvement in income generating activities.
4.Cabinet has agreed to the introduction into the National Assembly of the National Art Gallery Bill. The object of the Bill is to provide for the establishment of a National Art Gallery to develop and conserve a National collection of works of art, promote the organisation of exhibitions of works of art and promote Mauritian art and artists.
5.Cabinet has been apprised that the First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Production, Stockpiling and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction is scheduled to be held in Mozambique from 3 to 7 May, 1999.
In line with our commitment to the elimination of anti-personnel landmines, Cabinet has agreed that, as a gesture of solidarity, an amount of US$50,000 be pledged as voluntary contribution, over the next five years, to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Clearance.
6.Cabinet has taken note of the grant of Certificates of Registration to 7 new small and medium Enterprises as recommended by the Small and Medium Industries Development Committee.
It is expected that these projects will give rise to investment in production equipment of approximately Rs 4.1m and create around 28 new jobs.
7.Cabinet has approved the preparation of a National Human Development Report on Governance with the assistance of the UNDP. The report which should be available towards the end of 1999 will cover four main areas: Parliamentary Democracy, Public Administration, Law and Order, the Media.
8.Cabinet has taken note of the organisation by the Secretariat for Eastern African Coastal Area Management, of an inter regional Capacity Building Workshop for NGOs from 10 to 14 May, 1999.
The aim of the course is to train some 20 NGOs from Mauritius, Seychelles and Reunion in local project management and development of coastal resources.
9.Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius hosting the Fifth Session of the Sino-Mauritian Joint Commission in Mauritius during the month of November, 1999.
10.Cabinet has taken note of progress regarding preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dutch authorities regarding projects to develop the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mauritius.
11.Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of participation of –
(i)the Minister of Women, Family Welfare & Child Development in the SADC Conference on Women in Politics and decision making held in Gaborone, Botswana from 28 March to 1 April, 1999; and
(ii)the Minister of Industry & Commerce to the US/SADC Forum held in Botswana on 14-15 April, 1999.