1. Cabinet has taken note of the formulation of a National Broadband Policy for Mauritius in line with Government’s vision to make Mauritius a digitalized economy and the National ICT Plan 2011-2014 – “Towards i-Mauritius”. The National Broadband Policy would outline the overall policy objectives and targets for a Broadband i-Mauritius, spell out the strategies to be adopted and set out the methodology for a successful broadband development.
2. Cabinet has taken note that the Minister of Youth and Sports and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Republic of India, who would visit Mauritius shortly, would sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of sports and youth affairs. The Memorandum of Understanding provides for the necessary framework for cooperation in the field of research and science applied to sports, and exchange of programmes, experiences, skills, and techniques.
3. Cabinet has taken note of the status in the implementation of the Mauritius National Identity Card Project with the collaboration of the Government of Singapore. The Identity Card would be a multi-usage card using the SMART Card Technology. The first ID Card is expected to be issued by early July 2012.
4. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius establishing diplomatic relations with the Republic of Honduras to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote investment and trade.
5. Cabinet has taken note of the proposal of the Government of Palestine to establish formal diplomatic relations with Mauritius. It is recalled that Mauritius has always supported the Palestinian people in their struggle and legitimate aspiration for freedom and independence. Although not yet independent, Palestine has resident diplomatic representation at Ambassador level in a total of 83 countries, and maintains
Ambassador-level representation with the European Union, the League of Arab States, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference.
6. Cabinet has taken note that the National Workshop on the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework of the COMESA Medium Term Strategic Plan (MTSP, 2011-2015) would be held in Mauritius on 8 and 9 August 2011. The Medium Term Strategic Plan, adopted by the COMESA Summit in August 2010, provides for strategic direction to various areas of regional cooperation. About 30 participants from the public sector and the private sector involved in the implementation and monitoring of regional projects and programmes, would attend the Workshop.
7. Cabinet has taken note that an increase in the number of cases of gastroenteritis has been recorded during the month of July 2011. The Ministry of Health and Quality of Life is carrying out a campaign to sensitize the public on precautionary measures to be taken to contain the disease. The public is advised to take hygienic precautions.
8. Cabinet has taken note of the names of cyclones approved by the World Meteorological Organisation Tropical Cyclone Committee for Africa for Cyclone Season 2011-2012, viz.,
Alenga Joni Salama
Benilde Kuena Tristan
Chanda Lesego Ursula
Dando Michel Violet
Ethel Noyana Wilson
Funso Olivier Xavier
Giovanna Pokera Yekela
Hilwa Quincye Zaina
Irina Rebaone
9. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the recent mission of the Attorney General to Australia where he participated in the Meeting of Commonwealth Law Ministers. The Meeting reviewed the legal work of the Commonwealth Secretariat and considered a number of issues, including international judicial assistance; climate change and its impact on security and survival; ensuring the independence and integrity of Magistrates in the Commonwealth; international civil legal cooperation; forced and servile marriage; strategies to combat corruption; human rights and pre-trial procedures; victims of crime in the criminal justice process; recommendations for strategies and best practices against overcrowding in correctional facilities; and child abduction.