FRANKIE FREDERICKS CHARMS MAURITIUS

The renowned Namibian athlete was in Mauritius last week to lead training for young athletes at the Maryse Justin stadium in Réduit and the Auguste Vollaire stadium in Flacq. The event, sponsored by Powerade, l?express and Naïade Resorts, was a real success. The simplicity and charm of this world-star impressed both the youngsters who came for training and the parents who came with them. The sprinter was available for photos, autographs, and questions? But, more importantly, he took his role very seriously with the young runners, giving them judicious advice and helping them whenever they needed it.

INCREASED COOPERATION BETWEEN MAURITIUS AND SEYCHELLES

The Mauritian prime minister, Paul Bérenger, seized the opportunity of his official visit to the Seychelles to point out that both islands should harmonise their views on important international and regional issues. He said that the Seychelles should work with Mauritius in the African Union, the ACP countries and the World Trade Organisation in order that their preoccupations be taken into serious consideration. The Joint Statement, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fight drug trafficking and the MoU on tourism cooperation are agreements that should contribute towards strengthening ties between the two countries.

JOIN FORCES TO ERADICATE CORRUPTION

Everyone should feel involved in the fight against corruption. The reflection day organized by the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) to celebrate the International Day against corruption last Thursday was a good reminder to the public. The ICAC commissioner, Navin Beekarry, made it clear that only global action including state agencies and non-governmental organisations will boost anticorruption measures. Harry Ganoo, Head of the Civil Service, also made it clear that the public has an important role to play in this fight. The United Nations Convention, which proposes norms and regulations to develop international cooperation to fight the scourge, has been open to ratification since last year. Mauritius has signed the convention but it has not ratified it so far.