1. Cabinet has taken note of the positive outcome of the visit of the delegation led by the Prime Minister to Rodrigues from 17 to 18 January 2004. Discussions with the private and public sectors and the “Forces Vives” were very fruitful and the Prime Minister has given the assurance that he will give urgent consideration to the issues raised in the course of the visit and see to it that follow-up action is taken to support the commendable efforts made by the Regional Executive Council to meet the numerous challenges of autonomy.
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2. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the participation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development at the Second Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in New Delhi from 9 to 11 January 2004 and the positive meetings he had with the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of India.
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3. Cabinet has reviewed arrangements for the launching of the Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations for the Eastern and Southern Africa Region in Mauritius from 3 to 7 February 2004. Mr Pascal Lamy, EU Commissioner, Mr J.R. Gouloungana, Secretary General of the ACP and Hon Youssuf Boutros-Ghali, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Trade will be among the dignitaries to be present.
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4. Cabinet has reviewed the situation following the death of 49 cattle on 9 January 2004 and has taken note of arrangements made for the import of 156 cattle from South Africa in two consignments to reach Mauritius on 24 and 25 January respectively to ensure that there is no shortage of animals for Qurbani festival and to meet the normal demand. A ship consignment of 630 weaners arrived on 17 January and another consignment of 650 slaughter cattle and 1000 goats will reach Mauritius on 4 February 2004.
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5. Cabinet has taken note of arrangements made for the admission of some 8500 students to lower VI in State Colleges, State Secondary and Private Secondary Schools. “O level” results were distributed to students on 21 January 2004 and students of State Secondary Schools, State Colleges and Mahatma Gandhi Institute VI Form College were provided with information on admission to Lower VI, subject combinations, and application forms which they have to fill and return on 23 January 2004 at their respective schools.
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6. Cabinet has taken note of the report of the Committee set up to review the organization of the “Sport Inter-Colleges” and has agreed that the report be released and the views of interested parties be sought thereon.
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7. Cabinet has taken note of the coming into operation as from 1 July 2004 of the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Act, in respect of the new system of reporting and compensation in case of minor road accidents ?Constat à l’Amiable’ and the compulsory display of insurance vignettes on motor vehicles.
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8. Cabinet has agreed that amendment be brought to the Bus Industry Employees Welfare Fund Act 2002 with a view to providing that employees on the Board be appointed after consultation with the Unions of Bus Industry Employees and the number of employees’ representatives on the Board being increased from two to four.
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9. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the Fifth meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organisation on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation of the Southern Development African Community (SADC) held in Maseru, Lesotho from 11 to 13 January 2004, and which was attended by the Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
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10. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council for the period 2004-2006 under the Chairmanship of Mr Jean Noël Humbert.
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11. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Board of Trustees of “La Clinique Mauricienne” for the year 2004 under the Chairmanship of Mr Georges André Robert.
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12. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Statutory Bodies Family Protection Fund Board for the year 2004 under the Chairmanshp of the Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Rodrigues.
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