Resignation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
The whole country was shocked by the resignation of Nando Bodha as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and from his political party, Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM) last Saturday. He says he is disappointed with the situation in Mauritius and the functioning of the MSM in relation to his own values and principles. During his long career, Nando Bodha has served as the Minister of Tourism and that of Agriculture. From 2014 to 2019, he was also Minister of Public Infrastructure and Transport, thanks to which he lead the Metro Express project. Alan Ganoo, the current Minister of Transport and Light Rail, took office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following this event. Minister of Commerce Yogida Sawmynaden also resigned this week after being summoned by the Central Criminal Investigation Division (CCID). Yogida Sawmynaden is also involved in a judicial inquiry.
Thirty-one investment projects for the next five years
Over the next five years, thirty-one projects with an estimated value of Rs 21 billion should materialise in Mauritius. This was revealed by Ken Poonoosamy, Acting CEO of the Economic Development Board, to local newspaper Le Défi. The Ferney Technopole looks like the most outstanding one, including a business centre, light industrial and storage facilities and a data centre, and an Eco-Resort and housing, etc. This project will be developed over the next 20 years and should create some 2,000 jobs, as part of the Smart City Program.
Mauritian rally on Saturday, February 13
This Saturday, February 13, Mauritians will march in the streets of Port Louis's to say no to the worsening situation in the country and claim the actual government's resignation. The rally will be led by the opposition with the collaboration of local citizens' platforms. It will begin at 2 p.m. in front of the municipality of Port-Louis and end in front of the Government House. The Leader of the opposition leader, Arvin Boolell and social worker Bruneau Laurette will address the participants. The population has been called to unite against corruption so as to restore democracy in the country.
Study on the effects of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on Mauritians
Dr Catherine Gaud, Advisor to the Prime Minister's office, announced this week that a study would be conducted on Mauritians who have received their first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. The latest publication about this highly-controversial vaccine led South Africa to suspend its vaccination campaign until further notice. It seems like the vaccine has limited efficiency in relation to the South African variant. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether the vaccine is efficient enough for the vaccination campaign to proceed. Mauritius recently received 100,000 doses of Covishield from India, intended mainly for 50,000 frontline workers. The vaccination campaign began on January 26, and the country is looking to have at least 60% of the population vaccinated in the coming weeks.
Mauritius has the second most powerful passport in Africa
According to recently published Henley & Partners Passport Index, Mauritius has the second most powerful passport in Africa. This index assesses and compares 199 passports and 227 destinations around the world. It's worth noting that the Mauritian passport allows visa-free travel to no less than 146 countries thanks to bilateral agreements. Globally, the Japanese, Singaporean, South Korean and German passports top the list. Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Austria and Denmark share the 5th place while the French passport ranks 6th.
