<B>Woman dies in suspicious circumstances</B>

Rajini Raujee, a 36 year-old, was found dead in her bed by her husband, Gajanand. The latter said he first thought it was a natural death. Forensic scientist, Dr. Satish Boolell, disagreed however. His report states that Rajini died of a subdural hemorrhage that could have been caused by a violent blow on her head or her head being struck on a hard surface. It was only then that her husband explained that his family had beaten him and his wife on the 1st January, implying that the blows she received could be the cause of her death. He said his family had never accepted his wife even after 20 years of marriage and despite the fact they had two children. But Gajanand Raujee’s relatives denied these allegations and said all this was due to the fact that the couple were both alcoholics.

<IRS projects to attract foreign investors</B>

After Bel-Ombre, it is the turn of the West and East of the island to experience tourism development. Médine, Morne Brabant and Ciel intend to start projects under the Integrated Resort Scheme soon to attract foreign investors. The first to launch its project will be Médine, which is expecting its investment certificate by the end of the month. Rs 600 million will be invested in Tamarina with the construction of 119 villas, one hotel with 30 lodges and a golf course. Ciel is planning Anahita in Beau-Rivage (near Trou-d’Eau-Douce, which includes a golf course, 200 to 250 villas, one marina, a five star hotel and a water centre. This should cost around Rs 800 million. The project of Morne Brabant, involving Rs 5 billion, also looks attractive. It iinvolves the construction of a hundred villas and hotels as well as a golf course on the Gambier property in Le Morne.

<B>Ombudsperson continues campaign </B>

The national campaign of prevention of violence against children launched on 19th November last year (“Adieu Violence!”) by the Ombudsperson for children, Shirin Aumeeruddy Cziffra, is ongoing in 2005. The first targeted meeting is to be hosted by the British Council (BC) and will welcome 52 participants – non-governmental organisations working with children – today. The BC in Mauritius is concentrating on the children’s rights issue. The Ombudsperson will discuss with NGOs on physical, sexual and psychological violence against children. They will try to define who perpetrates violence, against whom and where. They will also concentrate on means of preventing it.