<B>Lawyer couple reach mutual agreement</B>

After going through numerous affidavits, a gagging order and a protection order, Pramila Patten and Ivan Collendavelloo have finally come to an agreement. Their house in Albion will belong exclusively to Pramila Patten, in return for Rs 1,25 million that Ivan Collendavelloo will use to buy a flat for their 11-year old son, who will be in his mother?s custody. Both parties have agreed not to divulge any information about their private life as a couple. In spite of that, Eshan Kodarbux, director of Le Defi Plus, is disputing the gagging order since he feels that extracts from the Patten affidavit are of interest to the public. He is going to the Supreme Court to explain his point of view on 14th April.

<B>Ex-MMM becomes Labour deputy-leader</B>

The Labour Party has gone through changes including the nomination of Rashid Beebeejaun as deputy leader, Kailash Purryag and Abu Kasenally as vice-presidents. There were rumours of Arvin Boolell?s discontent with Rashid Beebeejaun?s election, but the party leader declared that Arvin Boolell?s absence was only due to his presence in Algeria on a parliamentary mission. The deputy-leader himself claims that Arvin Boolell, who has maintained his office as Field Operations manager, has talked to him and assured him of his support.

<B>Mauritius-Madagascar bilateral cooperation </B>

The visit of the delegation led by PM Paul Bérenger to Madagascar is to promote cooperation between the two islands. The PM has explained the reasons for his visit: firstly, from a historical point of view, Madagascar is one of the countries from where Mauritians originate. Secondly, Madagascar has a big potential for commerce. Although investors were put off by the recent problems, the signature of an agreement to protect investment should attract investors. Lastly, Mauritius has the know-how in tourism to help Madagascar develop its cultural and natural potential. While the delegation went on a cultural excursion to Rova d?Ambohimanga, Paul Bérenger visited St Marie, an island off the coast where slaves stopped on the way from Africa to Mauritius. It could be one of the spots chosen for hotel developments.

<B>Architect accused of manslaughter</B>

Entrepreneur architect Jeetendranath Jodahsing is provisionally accused of manslaughter concerning the death of two masons in Bel Air last week, when the porch of a house under construction collapsed. After appearing in court, he was freed on bail and he has denied any responsibility in the affair. According to his close relatives, the architect and entrepreneur had been supervising the construction of the house (the owner being in France) for the last two months. The suspect claims that he had delegated responsibility to Lutchanah Bungary, one of the two victims, and that he was in fact only acting as intermediary between the owner and the mason.