<B>Bread... of contention</B>

The Minister of Trade has announced an increase in the price of bread due to rising prices of flour, raw materials and sea freight. The Association of Consumers of Mauritius says the increase is not justified even if salaries have gone up. It expects the government to subsidize the Rs 148 million increase due to world prices.

<B>New man In Albion crime</B>

New evidence in the rape and murder of 20 year-old Nadine Dantier in Albion eight months ago has cropped up. A preliminary report on the DNA tests carried out in South Africa confirms the presence of a second suspect on the scene of crime. This, however, does not clear or confirm the involvement of prime suspect, Marcellin Azie. The report will be tabled tomorrow at Bambous tribunal.

<B>Anguish over exam results</B>

While HSC students are on tenterhooks with results expected this week, the SC ones have given rise to joy and dilemma. 8,500 students are eligible for promotion to HSC. However, a number of students who have not scored the four compulsory credits to start HSC classes, are in an awkward situation. Several are at their second sitting and will have to leave school.

<B>Much fuss about nothing</B>

Anil Gayan, the Minister of Tourism and Leisure had declared himself not ?happy? about his transfer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and had made numerous complaints about various subjects. He later on explained his attitude to the MSM and the party decided it would turn the page.

<B>Two fishermen missing </B>

Clifford Lascarie and Jean Catley Allas both disappeared off St Brandon five days ago. They worked for Raphaël Fishing Co. Ltd. Their families are complaining that they have not been kept informed of what is happening. Only recently have they met the Prime Minister to speed up things. He was ?surprised? and said he would ?personally take care of this matter?.

<B>Link road to ease traffic</B>

The new road connecting the Réduit road to the motorway should help reduce traffic in Saint-Jean, Rose-Hill and at Réduit roundabout. According to Goolam Morea of the Road Development Authority (RDA), some 1200 vehicles should use this section every hour. The project of link road between Ebène and Vandermeersch is in the making.

<B>Cement price may rise</B>

Cabinet could ratify an increase rise in the price of cement. This is due to price of shipping, which has increased threefold. The Minister of Trade says that ?the government will do its level best to minimize this rise? so as to avoid penalizing consumers.