<B>And the winner is? Corsair ! </B>

In view of the good growth rate that the tourism industry achieved at the end of last year, there are reasons for rejoicing and taking appropriate steps to make sure it lasts. A greater air access is among those decisions which have led to authorisation being granted by the French civil aviation to Corsair for two weekly flights between Mauritius and France. The Association of Hotels and Restaurants of Mauritius (AHRIM) is happy with this decision as there is a need to fill the increasing number of hotels. Corsair will however have to wait for two weeks before it can operate to make sure there is no objection to this choice. Should it have the all-clear, its flights could start as from the second semester.

<B>No cold war? so far</B>

President Jugnauth?s refusal to ratify the appointment of Joy Beeharry as chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) could have started a new bout of ?cold war? between Le Réduit and Treasuty Building. But, astonishingly enough, it has not been the case. After Sir Anerood Jugnauth refused Joy Beeharry?s name and appointed Harris Balbogin instead, Navin Ramgoolam did not take it badly. On the contrary, the two men were seen deep in conversation with broad smiles on their faces?

<B>Neighbourhood fight</B>

The Manna family do not get along with the Savriacooty family. The Mannas, who live in Savannah, have been refused the right of access to a plot of land in Mauripark where the Savriacootys live. On Saturday afternoon, some members of the Manna family went to Mauripark village but were refused access to the plot of land by a member of the Savriacooty family. After a virulent discussion, each family went home but later, about fifteen people arrived and ransacked the Mannas? house. Soon after, a group arrived at Mauripark where a violent fight broke out causing seven people to be slightly injured. A fire was started at the Savriacooty family?s house and their car was burnt out.

<B>African court in Tanzania</B>

Hopes have vanished into thin air? The African court of Human Rights will not be established in Mauritius. Tanzania has been chosen by the voting countries of Eastern Africa. When the African Union was set up in 2001, minister Anil Gayan made a plea in favour of setting up the African Court of Justice in Mauritius. With our mixed judicial system ? English and French ? we have a clear advantage and most African countries seemed to agree. However, the final vote has decided otherwise.