<B>Airbus & Boeing: the ongoing trial of strength…</B>

Airbus and Boeing turned on the charm a few months ago when they heard that Air Mauritius needed to replace some of its aircraft. But things seem to be clearer now. Airbus has already submitted its first business proposal and Boeing should follow in the coming days. However, this will only be the beginning of many discussions. Real negotiations will start after both companies have submitted their proposals. This aircraft renewal programme will be spread over several years and will cost the government a lot. “We’ve got three main choices: buy only at Boeing, only at Airbus or mix both of them,” the general manager of Air Mauritius explains. The game has begun !

<B>Mauritius and Beachcomber rewarded at Deauville</B>

The Top Resa tourism fair has provided an opportunity for rejoicing in Mauritius. On the one hand, the French travel professionals awarded the Beachcomber group the “Best hotel group 2004”. On the other, Mauritius was voted “Best destination of French professionals.” The third edition of Voyage Pro d’Or was the occasion for French travel professionals to give all these awards. With its eight hotels in Mauritius and Seychelles, Beachcomber welcomed 118,000 tourists last year. It’s the third time the Beachcomber group has received such a reward, which is “a proof of the regularity of the group with French travel professionals.” These prizes come at a time when the tourism industry needs a good boost.

<B>Thwarted attempt to implicate magistrate</B>

Inmate Yousouf Dabidin, currently detained at Petit Verger prison is expected to face trial soon following his attempts to bring the judiciary into disrepute. Two weeks ago, the inmate convicted on four counts of issuing bad cheques, made allegations to the effect that he had come to an arrangement with the presiding magistrate of the intermediate court, Mrs Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, who would grant him a reduced sentence in exchange for a Rs 5,000 bribe.The police inquiry has pointed towards a conspiracy to bring a member of the judiciary into disrepute. Dabidin’s lawyer also happens to be Dev Hurnam, who is said to be on a cruise for revenge since Rehana Mungly-Gulbul found him guilty in a case of conspiracy last year. Hurnam was also questioned by the police last week.