<B>More powers for Ombudsperson for children </B>

The powers of the Ombudsperson for children have been increased with the Ombudsperson for Children (amendment) Act, voted in Parliament last Tuesday. As the Ombudsperson has recently launched a long-term campaign aimed at fighting and preventing violence, this new amendment should help. It empowers the Ombudsperson for children to summon witnesses, who have to give evidence under oath and produce documents that could help any investigation in progress. It also provides sanctions for various offences.

<B>Renewal of Labour political bureau</B>

The Labour party has elected the members of its new political bureau (PB). Dharam Gokool has been appointed as new party secretary general. He said this nomination ?constitutes a great challenge for him especially this year when Labour is going to do everything possible to get power back in its hands.? Indira Seeburn is the new administrative secretary general. New members on the PB are Shirin Joomun, Kamla Varma and Ravin Bhola.

<B>45-year sentence confirmed in Amicale case</B>

The four men accused of having set fire to the Amicale Casino, where seven people died have lost their appeal. Their lawyers raised 26 points of appeal to try and reduce their 45-year sentence but the Full Bench of the Supreme Court found that the initial sentence was fair and didn?t need to be reviewed. The Sumodhee brothers, Abdool Naseeb Kemaruth and Shaffick Nawoor now intend to lodge an appeal with the Privy Council.

<B>Successful lobbying for WTO directorship</B>

Jayen Cuttaree?s campaign to become the new director of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) seems to be going well. Last week, he paid a visit to the president of the Indian Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, who gave the guarantee that she supports his application for the post. In about a week, the WTO general council will start its first consultations with the member states. Jayen Cuttaree appears to be among the favourites though former EU commissioner Pascal Lamy is a serious contender.