<B>Beachcomber exports hotel to Morocco</B>

The Beachcomber-New Mauritius Hotels group has stated its intention of investing in a luxury tourist complex in Morocco,where there seems to be a high potential for tourism. This project to be built near Marrakech will include a 150-suite hotel, two golf courses, swimming pools, a fitness centre and a spa. The group has chosen the name Royal Palm for this foreign endeavour. The project also involves 250 luxury 600 m? villas to be sold to both locals and foreigners. The hotel should be ready by the end of 2008.

<B>Suspect in MCB case could have left the country</B>

The police search for Laval Sambacaille, one of the main suspects in the MCB hold-up, has been fruitless up to now. The authorities fear that he might have already left the country. They have also mentioned that the bulk of the loot (Rs 48 million) is in his possession. Although this suspect is supposed to have said about a week ago that he would surrender, he has never been in touch with anyone since then. As the police do not know his whereabouts, they can?t contact Interpol for help? The manhunt goes on!

<B>Another thousand textile jobs threatened </B>

One of the last Hongkong companies left in the country, Grove Industries, will have closed down by next July. This firm had been experiencing difficulties for some time but the departure of US buyer Gap has tolled its death knell? However, this closure will be gradual as the company has to meet all its orders. The first batch of workers ? 350 out of 1010 ? will be laid off in April but the management has guaranteed that all compensations will be paid.

<B>The net closes around Teeren Appasamy</B>

At the request of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), presiding magistrate Aujaheb has issued an ?arrest warrant? against Teeren Appa-samy, suspected of being the main beneficiary in the MCB/NPF case. When the ICAC receives the file, it will submit it to the ministry of Foreign affairs, which will start extradition procedures with the British Home Office. If the latter find there is a prima facie case against the Mauritian businesman, the London police will then move to arrest him. But he already said he would refuse his extradition by using all legal device.