What are some creative ways of getting Mauritian work/resident visa?

Hi everyone, thanks in advance for your help. As my life experience in Mauritius becomes more encompasing, I look forward to helping others with their mind bugging questions.

I have done some research via web and ringing Ministries to find all the options for getting a work visa. I have an offer of employment from a small but powerful Sustainable Consultant firm. This would be my first professional job and as  such I would like to volunteer with them for a while, a 'trial' time if you like for both of parties involved.Do you know if I am able to do voluntary work on a tourist visa? 

And for longer term solution.....The option of salary/contract of minimum 45000 MR monthly (through BOI) and 35000 MR monthly salary ( plus return ticket, and statutory deposit ) through Ministry of Labour, does not seem that attractive as realistically I would work on 'project to project base', rather than set salary. So what other ways are there? Could I get a residence permit (with the right to work) if I prove that I have contacts here and enough money to cover basic living costs? Or how about an option of INternship? Right to work but for much less money on monthly level?

Thanks a bunch!
Maja