The week started on a positive note with the commencement of the ourite fishing season in Rodrigues. Following this, there was a significant vote on a new law regarding the employment of foreigners in Mauritius, and Ananda Devi's victory in the Prix de la Langue Française.
Passing of the Private Recruitment Agencies Bill by the National Assembly
On Tuesday, the National Assembly approved the Private Recruitment Agencies Bill without any changes. This bill mandates the acquisition of a license to operate a recruitment agency and hire workers, both within Mauritius and abroad. Charging recruitment fees to workers, including travel expenses, is now prohibited. The primary goal of this initiative is to replace the previous law governing worker recruitment with a more suitable legislative framework.
Opening of the octopus fishing season
The annual opening of ourite fishing in Rodrigues occurred this Monday. Over 1,400 fishermen and fisherwomen set out to sea at dawn, and the results surpassed expectations, with three times the number of ourites caught compared to the previous season. A total of 40 tonnes of ourites were harvested on the season's first day, evenly distributed across various regions of the island. The ourite fishing season will remain open until January, promising positive economic benefits for the Rodriguan community.
Ananda Devi's win of the Prix de la Langue Française
For the second consecutive year, Mauritian author Ananda Devi secured the Prix de la Langue Française. This 10,000 euro prize, presented by the town of Brive-la-Gaillarde in southwest France, was awarded on Wednesday at the town's Foire du Livre to a distinguished figure in the literary, artistic, or scientific world who contributes to the prominence of the French language. Ananda Devi, a renowned Mauritian writer born in 1957, is well-known for her works such as "Le Rire des déesses," "Ève de ses décombres," "Le Sari vert," and "L'Ambassadeur triste." Her literary works explore themes like identity, migration, and women's experiences.
The prize jury consists of esteemed members from the Académie française, including Dany Laferrière and Danièle Sallenave, as well as members of the Académie Goncourt, including Tahar Ben Jelloun. The 41st edition of the Brive Fair, scheduled for November 10 to 12 this year, will be presided over by journalist Florence Aubenas. This year's event will focus on themes such as "Simenon, l'écriture du réel, la guerre, le travail, les faits divers."
