Dear Prime Minister,

I heard today in the news that South African Businessmen were coming here to finalise a tourist development deal over the Island of Agalega. Why foreigners Mr Prime Minister ?

Would the Government of Mauritius be prepared to initiate a project in partnership with Mauritian entrepreneurs ?

This could be the spark in a new era of co-operation between Government and the private sector.

Mr Prime Minister, please do not sell our islands to foreigners.

Hoping that my humble suggestion shall have a favourable echo.

<B> A .Guy HAREL</B>

<B> To Philippe de Chasteauneuf</B>

Thirty months ago, we were listening to a fervent, yet solemn, explication from him, setting forth his post-retirement rest-and-recreation plus programme with a major role earmarked for big game fishing in the rivers of Southern Africa and the high seas off Mauritius.

Fate was to decree otherwise. Nor can we any longer call upon him for advice based on hard-earned experience and cool logic, well wrapped in amiable natural justice.

We remember his remarkable presence at the Sugar Insurance Fund Board, and his patient, probing queries, courteously phrased, to elucidate, in day-to-day language, many an intricacy of insurance and sugar price, weather and insurable sugar, high-tech and training, T-Bill and Fund- Manager, besides his perspicacity in helping constructive consensus to emerge from clashing perceptions.

At Ste Thérése, the other day, we learnt that he would have described his passing away as moving beyond presently perceptible horizons - also known as ?the Elysian Fields? or ?the Silent Land?. Yet, we know that from there, he is blessing us all ? beloved Family, Industry and Country. And we say anew ?Thank you, Philippe.?

<B> Jagadish MANRAKHAN

SIFB Chairman</B>

<B> ?Levity of People?s representatives? </B>

As a newly arrived tourist to Mauritius I watched the debate in the National Assembly on 2007-2008 budget and I was surprised at some National representatives' attitudes towards the person speaking. Some of them were talking or reading and the number of them who were absent seemed to indicate an indifference to the subject discussed.

This levity reflects badly on the national representatives who should treat the debate with the seriousness the budget deserved and their attitude precluded any constructive criticism that the budget merited.

Democratic principles entail that the peoples? representatives be aware of their responsibilities which seemed to be lacking on this special occasion.

<B> Peter Turnadge

Australian Tourist</B>

<B> Big thank you to health service in Mauritius</B>

My heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff team at the Cardiac Centre in Mauritius at the ?Hôpital du Nord?.

I went to Mauritius in April 07 to assist my dad (Mr D. Bhujun) for a heart operation at the Hospital du Nord. The whole Cardiac Centre Team was absolutely fabulous.

The staff Team was compassionate, friendly, professionaland caring.

The hospital had a very high standard of Hygiene and cleanliness. Staff attitude was friendly, helpful and professional at the same time. They attended to my dad?s needs effectivelywhen needed.

Bearing in mind my husband (Rajiv) is a first class chef in London, obviously I paid particular attention of my dad?s diet, whilst at the hospital, and the food from the hospital was superb with freshly steamed vegetables on a daily basis.

I had total faith and confidence that my dad had the best medical and professional care needed. He was very comfortable and being looked after very well. So please do not underestimate the Health service in Mauritius.

Thank You Again

<B> Priya Dabedeen

London</B>