Missing fishermen home

Clifford Lascarie and Jean Catley Allas are back in Mauritius. They were found near Raphaël Island by some fishermen of the company taking part in the search and brought back on board ?La Dérive?. They described how they survived by eating fish and drinking rainwater. After 5 days? rowing, they were dehydrated and exhausted, but otherwise well. Both of them intend to go back to sea as soon as possible.

MBC: who?s next?

The resigning MBC Chairman, Nassir Ramtoola, explained how he encountered many obstacles during his mandate, including the Board?s ?exclusion? from MBC ?core business?: ?The Board of Directors could not function because of the provisions of the MBC Act. I had a responsibility, which I could not shoulder.? There are many prospective candidates to replace him.

Confusion in Dantier case

The rape and murder case of 20-year-old Nadine Dantier is getting more and more obscure. The DNA results, which the police is keeping confidential, introduce a new suspect, though they do not exonerate prime suspect Marcelin Azie. The issue of the latter?s bail motion has been postponed to 19th February.

Lesage cover-up

The Mauritius Commercial Bank is now accusing its former Chief Manager, Robert Lesage, of having stolen documents relating to the Rs 881 million embezzlement from NPF deposit accounts. The bank believes he took those documents to cover up his crime. On the other hand, the judge refused to withdraw the provisional charge against Pierre-Guy Noël. The MCB General Manager, who is on leave, has been provisionally accused of money laundering.

Deadly weekend on roads

A series of accidents this weekend has caused three deaths and one badly injured victim: 23 year-old Cindy Stanley was killed when the driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree. Her 21-year old brother, Bruno Augustin died yesterday. Another passenger, Ludovic Ettia, is in a critical state. Besides, 17 year-old Raj Kutwaroo died following an accident on his motorcycle in Surinam. Finally, a driver lost control of his vehicle near Colville Deverell Bridge causing a pile-up, which could have proved lethal. Only one casualty was admitted into hospital.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Transport and Shipping and the National Road Safety Unit have launched a vast campaign for pedestrian safety. Leaflets and stickers will be distributed to students. The campaign will also include posters and radio spots.