CABINET DECISIONS – 4 JULY 2008
1. In line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius signing an Agreement with the Government of the Republic of Seychelles on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two States. The delimitation line shall be the maritime boundary between the areas of EEZ in which the States exercise their sovereign rights, in accordance with international law.
2. In line with the Report of the Presidential Commission (the Mackay Report), Cabinet has agreed to the introduction into the National Assembly of the Courts (Amendment) Bill which provides for the retiring age of a Judge of the Supreme Court to be 67 years, though any person holding office as a Judge at the commencement of the Act, may elect to retire at the age of 62. The provision is made in compliance with the Constitution.
3. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures, 1999.
The Convention aims at simplifying and harmonising customs procedures and practices among the Contracting Parties with a view to facilitating international trade. The Convention establishes best practices in various areas of customs operations, including -
(i) Risk management;
(ii) Audit based controls;
(iii) Information technology;
(iv) Coordinated intervention;
(v) Provision of Information; and
(vi) Appeals in Customs matters.
Accession to the Convention will benefit traders from improved facilitation and reduced costs, shippers and transport operators from uniform customs controls and quicker movement of cargoes and Government from more effective controls and reduced revenue leakages.
4. Cabinet has taken note of developments in the implementation of the proposed coal fired power plant at Pointe aux Caves by the (Mauritius) CT Power Ltd.
5. Cabinet has taken note that, so far, nine Mauritian athletes in the following sports disciplines: archery (1), athletics (3), badminton (1), boxing (2) and swimming (2) - have secured qualification to participate in the Olympic Games to be held in Beijing, China from 08 to 24 August 2008.
6. Cabinet has taken note of the results of the pilot project for the testing of engine performance using a 1:9 ethanol/mogas mix. Twenty five vehicles, of different makes and ages, were used in the project, and the main conclusions are -
(i) the addition of 10% dehydrated ethanol in unleaded gasoline requires new specifications of reid vapour pressure of gasoline;
(ii) the use of E10 gasoline did not lead to any technical problem; and
(iii) E10 requires more strict standards and measurements than those for the gasoline at the level of the logistics of storage and distribution.
7. Cabinet has taken note of activities which would be organized by the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life to mark the World Population Day 2008, viz.-
(a) a workshop to finalize the Sexual Reproductive Health Strategic Framework & Plan of Action;
(b) TV & Radio programmes on Sexual & Reproductive Health services;
(c) talks on Population/Reproductive Health issues, including Family Planning in Schools, Youth Centres, Women Centres and Social Welfare Centres throughout the months of July and August; and
(d) a debate on Sexual and Reproductive Health, followed by a Workshop, involving youths/students and organized by the Mauritius Family Planning and Welfare Association.
The theme for this year, - “it’s a right, let’s make it real”, - is meant to reaffirm the right of people to plan their families.
8. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of –
(i) the Rehabilitation Youth Centre Board of Visitors with Mrs Renouka Brigemohane as Chairperson;
(ii) the Probation Hostel for Boys Managing Committee with Mr Tangavel Thodda as Chairperson;
(iii) the Probation Home for Girls Managing Committee with Mrs Sheila Baguant, C.S.K.,O.S.K., as Chairperson;
(iv) St. Antoine Planter's Cooperative Trust Board with Mr Mahendra Gondeea as Chairperson; and
(v) the National Women's Council with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women's Rights, Child Development, Family Welfare & Consumer Protection as Chairperson.