High-tech for cardiac sufferers

The Cardiology Centre of the Mascareignes, a partnership between City Clinic and Darné Clinic was officially opened by the prime minister last week. He declared his government would strongly encourage efforts to make Mauritius an outstanding medical centre in the region. He added that it was a shame to have to remind that Mauritius has one of the highest levels of cardio-vascular diseases in the world. The specialised centre in heart disease is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and ethical management ensures that treatment is of international standard but at a reasonable price.

Moratorium in Ralph Lauren saga

David Brown, the American representative of Ralph Lauren, and Peter Craig, the Mauritian trade commissioner in Washington, are in Mauritius for discussions. They are trying to find a solution for Ralph Lauren resellers in Mauritius. The latter are expecting a two-year moratorium to recycle factories and shops involved in manufacturing the brand. They hope the judgment will not be put into force immediately. This would mean the loss of thousands of jobs.

Another lethal fire

During the weekend, 94 year-old Afeeza Beekun was burned alive in a fire that destroyed her old wooden house in Deschartes Street, Port-Louis. It was apparently a candle that caused the fire. Even if Afeeza Beekun had electricity, she persisted in using a candle in her room at night. The fire also destroyed the homes of five families who rented rooms in the building.

Anti-pollution campaign

The ministry of environment has launched a health campaign to fight pollution. The minister declared that he was satisfied by the progress made during the last 3 years and was happy to note a change in people?s attitudes since the introduction of the ?environment brigade?. He promised tougher sanctions concerning pollution. According to him, mayors and district council presidents should review their rubbish collection systems. He named various places such as Rose-Hill market, which need special attention.

Solutions to traffic jams

The ministry of public infrastructure, transport and shipping wants to find a solution to road congestion. The latter are getting more frequent and heavier, especially on roads leading to the capital. Many possibilities are being studied like the introduction of a toll lane on the motorway, the prohibition of certain vehicles on the road during peak hours or the limitation on the number of buses coming from Coromandel.