1.Cabinet has agreed, in principle, to the introduction of the Electronic Voting Machines in Mauritius. In this connection, Bharat Electronics Ltd. of India will be invited to give a demonstration on 27 February 2004 at the Sir Harilall Vaghjee Hall. Further, a delegation comprising two MPs of the ruling alliance and two MPs of the opposition, one elected representative from each of the political parties in Rodrigues represented in the National Assembly, two representatives of the Electoral Supervisory Commission, two representatives from the Electoral Commissioner's Office and the Director, Central Informatics Bureau will visit India during the forthcoming general elections there to see de visu the functioning of the Electronic Voting Machines.
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2. Cabinet has reviewed the arrangements for the Eastern and Southern African Region/European Communities Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations meetings to be held at the Grand Baie International Conference Centre from 3 to 7 February 2004, and has taken note that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Regional Cooperation will lead the Mauritian delegation at the Ministers' Meeting on 6 and 7 February 2004. The Mauritian delegation at the Meeting at Ambassadorial/Senior Officials level to be held on 3 and 4 February 2004 will be led by Ambassador S. Gunnessee. In preparation for this Meeting, the Prime Minister will chair a meeting on Tuesday 3 February 2004 with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Agriculture, Food Technology & Natural Resources.
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3. Cabinet has agreed to the adoption of the National Telecommunications Policy Paper 2004 which outlines the overall policy objectives and targets for the telecommunications sector and spells out strategies. It also sets out the methodology to ensure fair, effective and sustainable competition for the new market paradigm.
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4. Cabinet has taken note that a delegation led by the Solicitor-General held Air Services Talks with France on 28 and 29 January 2004. The French side proposed two new carriers: Corsair and Star Airlines and after discussions, both delegations agreed to the designation of a second carrier by the French authorities to operate on the France-Mauritius route. Another meeting will be held in two months' time to pursue further discussions and to finalise issues related to ownership and control of airlines, multiple designation and capacities.
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5.Cabinet has agreed to the publication of a discussion paper on the Family Court prepared by the Law Reform Commission, and to invite members of the public to submit their views thereon.
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6. Cabinet has reviewed the situation regarding the availability of cattle on the local market and has taken note that further to the importation of 156 cattle from South Africa on 28 and 29 January, the number of cattle available for Qurbani amounts to some 1900 and will be sufficient to meet the demand. Further, Cabinet has agreed that the desirability of having a second cattle importer would be looked into.
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7. Cabinet has taken note of the recommendations of Mr. Hadi Saliba, UNESCO Expert, in his report relating to the inscription of Le Morne Mountain and Black River Gorges National Park as a World Heritage Site, and has agreed that the report be released. As the Expert has recommended that an extended area of the lands of the peninsula around Le Morne Mountain be kept as a buffer zone, the promoters of the Cap Brabant IRS Project at Le Morne will be requested to review their project.
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8. Cabinet has taken note with satisfaction that at the request of Government, the Indian Authorities have agreed to collaborate with ACP countries to ward off challenges levelled against the Sugar Regime by some countries.
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9. Cabinet has reviewed press reports concerning the alleged cancellation of the 'Jeux des Jeunes de l'Ocean Indien' scheduled to be held in Reunion Island in August 2004, and has agreed that Government will host an urgent Ministerial Meeting with representatives of the Indian Ocean Islands to examine the issue. The Prime Minister will meet the Head of delegations.
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10.Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius signing the agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
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11.Cabinet has agreed to the Terms of Reference for Consultancy Services for the improvement of port facilities in Agalega to take on board the ongoing and future developments in the island, and to ensure that cargo and passengers are embarked and disembarked under safe conditions.
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12.Cabinet has taken note of the visit of a group of children from the National Bal Bhavan of India from 5 to 12 February 2004 under the Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Mauritius. In November last, eight Mauritian children, including one from Rodrigues and one from Agalega participated in the International Children's Meet in New Delhi under the Programme.
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13.Cabinet has taken note of -
(i) the reconstitution of the National Pensions Board under the chairmanship of Mr. Yahya Paraouty; and
(ii) the appointment of Mr. Breejandranath Burrun as Chairperson of the National Art Gallery Board.
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