1. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius signing the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which provides for the definition of acts of nuclear terrorism and for the extradition or prosecution of alleged offenders. It covers a broad range of possible targets, including nuclear power plants and nuclear reactors and encourages States to enhance international cooperation in preventing nuclear terrorist attacks by sharing information and assisting each other in criminal investigations and extradition proceedings.
The Prime Minister who will be attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, will sign the Convention.
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2. Cabinet has taken note that the following Meeting/Seminar would be held in Mauritius -
(a) the International Seminar on Improvement of Scientific and Technical Advice for Non-Community Fisheries organized by the Ministry of Agro Industry & Fisheries in collaboration with the European Union, on 21 and 22 November 2005. The objectives of the Seminar are to improve the scientific and technical management of non-community fisheries, i.e., fisheries in non-EU waters, and to identify the needs of participants so that the EU can envisage an action plan targeting the enhancement of scientific and technical knowledge for sustainable fisheries development; and
(b) the Regional Consultation Meeting on Epidemiological Surveillance organized by the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, in collaboration with the ‘Réseau de Vieille Epidémiologique’ and the World Health Organisation, from 12 to 13 September 2005. The objectives of the Meeting are to review progress of work for the past year on notification of infectious diseases, such as Malaria, Cholera or Chikungunya fever, to share experience and to elaborate on the future programme of work. The Meeting will also be an opportunity to consolidate and strengthen mechanisms for the notification of diseases and to mobilize assistance from International Organisations, such as WHO, in the event the Indian Ocean Region is affected by any major communicable disease with epidemic potential.
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3. Cabinet has agreed to expatriate jockeys riding for stables other than the one employing them on the occasion of classic and semi-classic races where some stables enter more than one horse, subject to certain conditions, viz., –
(i) an appropriate agreement between the stable employing the expatriate jockey and the one proposing to avail his services to ride on the occasion of a classic/semi-classic race has been entered into;
(ii) the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations & Employment being notified of any such arrangement between two or more stables prior to the race taking place; and
(iii) under no circumstances should the services of an expatriate jockey be enlisted to replace a Mauritian jockey once the race programme has been made public.
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4. In line with the policy of Government on matters pertaining to human resources development as well as to national strategies for the education and training sectors, Cabinet has agreed to ILO Recommendation 195 on Human Resources Development being adopted. The Recommendation advocates, inter alia –
(a) the implementation of employment-friendly and socially inclusive policy measures in respect of human resource development, education, training and lifelong learning;
(b) the integration of activities in the informal economy into mainstream economic life and the development of policies and programmes to create decent jobs and opportunities for education and training; and
(c) the promotion of equality as regards participation in education and training.
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5. Cabinet has agreed to ban the importation of air fresheners and deodorants containing benzene, a highly toxic chemical and carcinogenic agent.
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6. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the mission of –
(a) the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade & Cooperation to the Republic of India. During his visit, the Minister called on HE Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister, who promised to support Mauritius to negotiate successfully the difficult period of transition in sectors like ICT, Tourism, Financial Services, capacity building and the Centre of Excellence;
(b) the Minister of Women's Rights, Child Development, Family Welfare & Consumer Protection to Beijing, China where she attended the Conference to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. The main objectives of the meeting were to review the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Outcome Document of the 23rd Special Session of the UN General Assembly, to discuss emerging and urgent issues on women and counter strategies, and to promote experience sharing, international understanding and cooperation; and
(c) the Minister of Health and Quality of Life to Maputo, Mozambique where he attended the 55th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. During the meeting, the Minister intervened on the problem of migration of the health personnel to industrialized countries which was causing serious manpower problems to many African Countries. He also mentioned the Telemedicine project proposed by India to network African countries to share medical knowledge and technology for the advancement of medical practice in the region.
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7. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the mission of a team from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) which visited Mauritius from 24 August to 3 September 2005. The team reviewed the ongoing Rural Diversification Programme and continued discussions on the Country Strategic Opportunities Paper.
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8. Cabinet has taken note of activities to be organized to celebrate –
(a) the International Ozone Day on 16 September 2005. The theme chosen for 2005 is 'Act Ozone Friendly and Stay Sun Safe';. On this occasion, the Ministry of Environment & National Development Unit, with the support of UNEP, will launch a national awareness and sensitization campaign on issues relating to ozone depletion and its effects on human health and on the importance of adopting ozone-friendly practices; distribute a booklet entitled "Ozzy Ozone: Defender of our Planet" to pupils of primary schools; and organize two workshops on the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants as a new environment friendly refrigerant in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector; and
(b) the International Day for the Elderly on 1 October 2005. The theme chosen for this year is 'Ageing in the New Millennium – Focus on Poverty, older women and development. The Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and Senior Citizens Welfare & Reform Institutions will organize an Elderly Week on the theme'Vieillir dans le respect, la dignité et avec le sourire' and lay the foundation stones of the two Recreation Centres at Belle Mare and Riambel.
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9. Cabinet has agreed to Wednesday 5 October 2005 being decreed a school holiday on the occasion of the World Teacher’s Day.
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10. Cabinet has taken note that Government would recommend the nomination of Mr Sanjay Buckory as Chairperson and the following as members of the Board of Air Mauritius:
(i) Ms Amrita N.J. Maulloo – Representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Leisure & External Communications (External Communications Division);
(ii) Mr D. Dabee, Solicitor General;
(iii) Mr K. Guptar, Financial Secretary;
(iv) Mr Ramputtee Gujadhur; and
(v) Mrs Aisha Timol.
Cabinet has also taken note that two representatives of the State Investment Corporation (SIC), including the Managing Director, would also be recommended for appointment as member of the Board of Air Mauritius.
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11. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of –
(i) the Board of the State Investment Corporation (SIC) with Mr Raj Ringadoo as Chairman;
(ii) the Board of the CEB with Mr Patrick G. Assirvaden as Chairman;
(iii) the Board of the Mauritius Research Council with Professor Juggessur as Chairperson;
(iv) the Standards Council with Ms V.R. Bunwaree, Barrister-at-Law, as Chairperson;
(v) the Small Enterprises and Handicraft Authority Board with Ms I. Pochun as Chairperson; and
(vi) the Senior Citizens Council with Mrs Indranee N. Varma as Chairperson.
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12. Cabinet has taken note that Mr Sarat Lalah has been appointed Managing Director of Mauritius Telecoms.
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13. In view of the Village Council Elections scheduled for Sunday 11 December, Cabinet has agreed to CPE 2005 results being exceptionally released on Friday 9 December instead of Saturday 10 December 2005 and to the registration exercise for admission to Form I in 2006 taking place on Saturday 24 December 2005.
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14. Cabinet has taken note that the National Women’s Council will award Certificates of Attendance to women adult literacy trainees on 7 September 2005 to mark the International Literacy Day.
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15. Cabinet has taken note that a Danish business delegation will visit Mauritius from 2 to 5 December 2005 to establish contacts and exchange information about possible areas of business cooperation. The Danish have identified the following potential areas for future business cooperation:
(i) renewable energy/energy saving;
(ii) wastewater treatment;
(iii) agriculture/agro products;
(iv) food products/seafood hub; and
(v) sugar sector.
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16. Cabinet has taken note that, following the visit of the Minister of Public Utilities to the Kingdom of the Republic of Saudi Arabia to finalise arrangements in connection with the Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Government has agreed to the quota for visas being maintained at 2,000, the Royalty per pilgrim has been kept as US$ 30 for this year and strict measures would be applied to the organization of Hajj so as to ensure the security of pilgrims.
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