1.Cabinet has taken note of the impact of Cyclone ’Kalunde’ in all sectors of the economy in Rodrigues and of measures taken by the Ministry of Local Government and Rodrigues to extend emergency assistance. Cabinet has further noted that -
(a) the President of the Republic, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Technology & Natural Resources and the Minister of Local Government and Rodrigues, and Minister of Housing and Lands will proceed to Rodrigues to see de visu damages caused and to ensure that timely action is taken for post-cyclone rehabilitation by all authorities concerned;
(b) the Prime Minister will visit Rodrigues next week; and
(c) the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Technology & Natural Resources has made arrangements for the distribution of seeds and the provision of vaccines and drugs to farmers to prevent an outbreak of epidemics and further deterioration of animal health. 25 tons of livestock feed will also be shipped as an immediate relief measure.
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2.Cabinet has taken note that Dr Amara Essy, Acting Chairman of the Commission of the African Union, will visit Mauritius from 16 to 18 March 2003.
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3.Cabinet has taken note that HE Shri L.K. Advani, Deputy Prime Minister of India will not proceed with his visit to Mauritius in view of the deteriorating international situation.
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4.Cabinet has agreed to the introduction, into the National Assembly, of the Mauritius Institute of Health (Amendment) Bill which empowers the Mauritius Institute of Health to issue certificates, diplomas and awards with regard to training programmes organized by it, on its own or jointly with any other educational institution.
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5.Cabinet has agreed to the Passports Regulations being amended to provide for the extension of visa requirements to Afghanistan, Nigeria, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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6.Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the missions of -
(a) the Minister of Local Government and Rodrigues to South Africa from 4 to 7 March, where he participated in the Second Conference of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum; and
(b) the Minister of Health and Quality of Life to Geneva from 17 to 28 February, where he attended the Sixth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
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