● Towards a compromise ? Even though they had no permission to hold their demonstration, the Jamiat-Ul-Ulmiat did not hesitate to come in front of the Government House on Tuesday to pressure the government into taking a stand on the loudspeaker issue. Despite virulent words and violent behaviour from a few protesters, the crowd finally accepted to break up. PM Navin Ramgoolam, who said he would not give in to any ultimatum, nevertheless agreed to meet some religious representatives and the discussions are reported to have beeen positive on both sides. He insisted that a solution ? that would respect the rights of each and everyone ? was about to be found ?while respecting the law?.

● Increase in price of iron bars ? With the recent developments on the iron market, prices should fluctuate during the coming weeks. A 15% increase is even expected. After the decision to abolish customs duties on iron bars, it was thought the price of iron bars would go down but this will not occur for the moment. With the closing up of Desbro International, there has been a shortage of iron bars and some suppliers have taken advantage of this situation to make more profits. It might take some time before the situation gets back to normal.

● Unions boycott NPC meeting but government will not give in ? For trade unions, there is no question of accepting the implementation of the National Pay Council (NPC). While plans are that the council is supposed to meet in mid-May to determine the amount of wage compensation, unionists intend to boycott the meeting ? supposed to be composed of five members of the government, five representatives of workers and five of employers. They are meeting today to decide of the way forward but the minister of Labour, Vasant Bunwaree, has already stated his intention to proceed with the meeting. ?The NPC can?t be blamed if it decides of the amount of the compensation in the absence of trade unionists,? he declared to l?express.