<B>Record profits for national airline</B>

The local airline has made exceptional profits for 2004-2005. Such a good performance was unexpected from Air Mauritius as it started the year in quite difficult circumstances. But it has managed to make some Rs 742 million net profits in spite of rising oil prices Moreover, Megh Pillay, general manager of the company, is delighted at the decreasing number of empty seats. The targets of each flight have been better established, which explains the high productivity.

<B>Gérard Tyack?s last appeal</B>

Condemned to three years? imprisonment by former presiding magistrate of the intermediate court, Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, Gérard Tyack will now do everything to avoid this sentence. Next week, the Privy Council will hear his appeal after he called upon the proceedings through ?special leave? as the Supreme Court refused to give him the required authorisation. He was found guilty of embezzlement to the detriment of Air Mauritius.

<B>Frenchman accused of sexual abuse</B>

A French national was found guilty of sexual abuse on two young boys aged 13 and 14. The sentence will be known next Monday. Loic Andre Paul Blanchard confessed he had fondled both boys but said he did it with their consent. He asked the Court to be lenient towards him. The two boys were living at his house in Blue Bay when the man committed these indecent acts. They say they asked him to stop but he did not.

<B>Successful Corporate Mauritius</B>

The ?Top 100 Companies? for 2005, published by Business Magazine, shows that companies in Mauritius are doing well. In terms of turnover, Air Mauritius keeps its first position followed by Rogers, Mon Loisir, Ireland Blyth and Ciel. The latter has made the most progress in terms of profits before tax. Even if the national economy is not at its top level, such a performance by private companies gives some hope.

<B>China extends financial support</B>

China has decided to extend its financial aid for the implementation of thewastewater project in Plaines-Wilhems until 2007. The aid ? China has granted a loan with preferential interest rates to Mauritius for a sewage project in Quatre-Bornes ? was supposed to come to an end in June. With the renewal of the contract, the amount reaches Rs 550 million. The Mauritian government will have 15 years to pay it back with a three-year moratorium. The Chinese government also helps Mauritius in other fields, such as education, culture, housing and health.