MAU News Mauritius

18/12/2023

Mauritian government officials, led by Minister Sudheer Maudhoo and Deputy Commissioner Rashid Ali Beekhun, participated in a U.S. Embassy-organized flight day to assess maritime conditions at St Brandon. Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Henry Jardine and Defense Attaché Commander Jeff Schwamb, they utilized a U.S. Department of Defense C-12 Huron aircraft, emphasizing maritime domain awareness.

The presence of figures like Mr. Devendre Gopaul and Cpt. Asiva Coopen highlights the collaborative nature of the initiative, fostering international cooperation.

Against the backdrop of recent Chagos negotiations and Mauritius' complex relationship with China, this joint effort may hold broader implications, potentially influencing geopolitical dynamics and collaborations between the U.K, USA, and Mauritius in the maritime domain specifically in the Chagos Archipelago pulling Mauritius away from the influence of the Dragon.

18/12/2023

In a daring maneuver, Rishi Sunak has unveiled a sweeping transformation of post-16 education in the UK, introducing the groundbreaking "Advanced British Standard" (ABS). This Baccalaureate-style qualification is set to supersede both A-Levels and T-Levels for 16 to 19-year-olds, seamlessly integrating academic and technical trajectories into a unified system.

The ABS offers unprecedented flexibility, empowering students to customize their studies based on their strengths and aspirations. Whether opting for a technical, academic, or hybrid approach, students can delve into a minimum of five subjects at diverse levels. The insistence on Maths and English education until age 18 underscores the commitment to foundational skill development.

For those charting specific career trajectories, the option of a "four-subject focus" facilitates in-depth exploration of specialized domains alongside core subjects. Additionally, high-achieving students can challenge themselves with four majors, akin to the existing four A-Levels alternative.

Addressing diverse learning styles, the ABS accommodates individual needs. While foundational Maths and English are obligatory, those facing challenges can choose a practical communication and application-focused foundational level.

The grading system remains shrouded in mystery, with the government emphasizing meticulous deliberation to ensure transparency for employers and universities.

This audacious initiative heralds a profound shift in the UK's educational terrain, aspiring to furnish students with comprehensive knowledge and contemporary skills.

However, as the projected implementation spans over a decade, lingering questions persist regarding the practicalities and potential hurdles of this ambitious endeavor.

18/12/2023

18/12/2023

Managers of private colleges have taken a decisive step by petitioning the Supreme Court for a judicial review of the recently revised "Comprehensive Grant Formula 2024-2026" (GFA).

Amidst claims of the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) harboring ill will, school principals contend that the GFA hampers their access to essential grants, directly compromising the quality of education imparted. The amended formula is under scrutiny for stripping colleges of crucial funding components, including provisions for equipment repairs, security services, and the training of non-academic staff.

These contentions serve as the bedrock of their legal challenge, shedding light on the potential ramifications for the operational dynamics of private secondary schools.

01/09/2023

13/08/2023

It all begins when a Grade 7 student, reportedly a victim of bullying as per his friends, was attacked within the school premises yesterday.

Other students attempted to come to his aid, which escalated into a violent altercation. From there, the situation escalated further, prompting the police to be called to the scene. According to students, this isn't the first such incident within the school's grounds.

The Ministry of Education's press service, which confirmed an investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances that led to this brawl. A former head boy, Kashav Dabeedyal affirmed that the current college administration has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to bullying.

13/08/2023

Krishnawtee Seerauj, 61, has been reported missing since Thursday afternoon, August 10.

The resident of Petit-Verger, Saint-Pierre, left her home around 4 p.m. for her usual walk to Le Pouce mountain. Her family has had no contact with her since. "She left for her Pouce walk as usual yesterday, but she didn't come back," said her sister-in-law Rosy. Despite intensive police efforts involving GIPM commandos, SMF, a police helicopter, and sniffer dogs on Pouce mountain, the search has yielded no results.

While she was spotted around 6:30 p.m. by a group of people, the circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear. Moka CID has launched an investigation and appeals to the public for any information.

13/08/2023

Tragic end for Anishka Pierre, 26, and her 1-year-old daughter Léone Pierre.

They were in a van with other family members, on thier way to a party in Petite Rivière. Around 1:45 AM, near Pailles, a tire punctured, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a barrier. Anishka hit her head on the windshield, and her baby was thrown from the vehicle.

Passersby took them to Jeetoo Hospital, where autopsies revealed multiple injuries as the cause of death. Anishka, survived by a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old daughter, and her husband, was known for her vibrant spirit.

The van's driver fled the scene but was apprehended, along with another man, suspected to be the initial driver.

13/08/2023

Krishnawtee Seerauj's mysterious disappearance has sparked a relentless search effort. Missing since Thursday, she remains unaccounted for, despite the initial efforts by Sergeant Judoo and his team from the Saint-Pierre police station.

Various police units have joined forces to locate the Petit-Verger resident, with Police Commissioner Anil Kumar Dip personally participating. On Sunday, August 13, he took to the skies in a police helicopter to survey the area around Moka.

The 60-year-old had gone jogging but failed to return home, leaving her family and authorities deeply concerned about her whereabouts.

13/08/2023

A constable was on surveillance duty outside a commercial bank on Desforges Street, Plaine-Verte, Tuesday, when he heard suspicious noises at the ATM. A woman (32 years old) informed him that her husband (32 years old) was forcing her to withdraw money from her account. Two more officers intervened as the suspect started using foul language and even attempted to strike an officer with a helmet. The officer fell onto parked motorcycles by the sidewalk. The thirty-year-old then physically attacked the other two officers who struggled to restrain him.

The drug addict fled, threatening to kill the police. They pursued him, and a Woman Police Constable (WPC) was hit on the head with a helmet. They called for backup from Plaine-Verte and Fanfaron police stations. The suspect entered a yard, ripped off a sink, and shouted, "I'm crazy. I'm the president of Mauritius." He was eventually apprehended.

During a search at Fanfaron police station, seven doses of drugs, a syringe, and rolling papers were found on him. He admitted to being a drug user. The police placed him in custody.

19/07/2023

Mohamad Fraben Shah, a 37-year-old man, caused quite a stir when he stole a CNT bus in the southern region of the island in the night of July 14th 2023.

The daring incident led to a high-speed chase, involving several police vehicles, lasting nearly 30 minutes. Mr Shah justified his reckless action by saying that he did not find a bus to go home so he took one and added that he did not notice the various police vehicles chasing him.

Fortunately, the authorities were successful in apprehending him, bringing the dangerous escapade to an end. It is not his first arrest; he was arrested in the past and did jail time for a case involing drugs.

Such incidents highlight the importance of strict security measures and a rapid response time from law enforcement to ensure public safety and discourage such nonsense.