<B>CAA report clears Air Mauritius </B>

Air Mauritius must be relieved. It is in a position where it could even sanction Russlan Ramdowar, the pilot who alleged that the local airline did not abide by international security norms. After such allegations, the Civil Aviation Department asked the British Civil Aviation Authority to enquire. But the delegate, David Gibb, cleared Air Mauritius of four (out of five) allegations made. As for the fifth one, the problem is said to be only one of designation. But this report doesn’t end the conflict between the management and the pilots of Air Mauritius regarding flight duration. But the airline insists that it abides strictly by CAA regulations.

<B>Government backs electoral reform</B>

PM Navin Ramgoolam revealed he would set up a high-powered committee that he would chair himself to examine recommendations made by South African judge, Albie Sachs. He made it clear that his aim was not to start the same procedures as the former government – the setting up of a select committee – but he only wanted to consult the opposition leader and other stakeholders. Proportional representation and abolition of the best loser system are once more in the limelight…

<B>Small planters get aid</B>

The Sugar Industry Efficiency (amendment) Bill was voted last Tuesday, allowing small planters who own agricultural land not exceeding one hectare to convert it into non-agricultural plots more easily. A few days before the end of the sugar protocol, this measure should help a certain number of small planters. They will be exempted from the payment of morcellement tax, land transfer tax, capital gains tax and transcription fees. In the case of sale of land, landowners will be able, after the Morcellement Board issues them with a letter of intent, to enter into an agreement to sell a portion of land.

<B>Gas and oil increase</B>

Kerosene, LPG and fuel oil prices increased last Friday after a cabinet decision. The 6- and12-kg gas cylinders rise from Rs 107 to Rs 125 and Rs 214 to Rs 250 respectively. Kerosene has gone up from Rs 8.75 to Rs 20.25 per litre and Rs 8.75 to Rs 17 for power stations. For fuel oil, the price jumps from Rs 5 to Rs 7.50 - a 50% rise.The rapid increase of fuel prices on the global market and higher freight cost account for this rise. The price of gas has increased by 70%. The CIF cost has gone up from 440 USD to 675 USD. The State Trading Corporation, which has lost Rs 700 m in all, states that, if the global price of gas had been applied in Mauritius, the 12-kg cylinder should have been sold at Rs 360. These losses are due to the former government’s decision not to pass on the increase to consumers.