This week's top news features new initiatives to safeguard sperm whales and enhance safety in tourist marine activities, over 1,800 foreigners to vote in the general elections, business leaders filing their request for a judicial review on salary relativity, and a rise in tourist activity.
Enhanced protection for sperm whales and safety measures for marine tourist activities
Mauritius is ramping up regulations to protect sperm whales and ensure the safety of marine tourist activities. Lindsay Morvan of the Mauritius Tourism Authority (MTA) has announced new measures in response to recent dangerous incidents, including a shark attack during an unauthorized excursion. These new regulations aim to close loopholes that currently permit activities threatening marine wildlife and tourists. The updated rules will require specific permits for operators conducting whale and dolphin watching excursions, mandating adherence to stringent standards. These include maintaining a safe distance from cetaceans and shutting off engines when in proximity. Additionally, boat captains will be mandated to undergo specialized training to ensure strict compliance with these new rules. The MTA is in the process of finalizing these regulations, which will include hefty fines for non-compliance. Concurrently, educational campaigns are being launched, with informational materials being disseminated on planes and at the airport to inform tourists about the regulations and the dangers of swimming with sperm whales.
Urgent measures implemented regarding water distribution in the Northern region
In response to significant decreases in reservoir water levels, notably at La Nicolière, which has dwindled to 48% capacity, the government has instituted emergency measures to address the situation. The Central Water Authority's (Dry Season) (Amendment No. 9) Regulations 2024 have been put into effect. A critical aspect of these measures includes halting irrigation from the Midlands-La Nicolière system to prioritize drinking water for the island's northern part. This action aligns with the ongoing suspension of irrigation in sugarcane fields during the harvest period. With current reserves hovering around 60% capacity, these steps are aimed at averting a more acute water shortage in the months ahead. These regulations have a profound impact on local farmers, particularly vegetable growers, who are now required to adjust to these new restrictions. Additionally, water distribution disruptions are becoming more common during daytime hours in Port Louis and its vicinity, heightening local concerns. Authorities are committed to implementing strategies to ensure a stable water supply for the affected regions.
General elections: 1,870 foreign nationals among eligible voters
The upcoming general elections on November 10 will see over 1,000 candidates vying for positions. The Electoral Supervisory Commission has registered 73 political parties and alliances for the contest. Candidate nominations are scheduled for this Saturday, October 22, at community centers across the island and in Rodrigues. A total of 1,002,857 voters are expected to vote and elect 62 MPs who will form the next government. Under Article 42 of the Constitution, any Commonwealth citizen who has resided in Mauritius for two years and is registered with the Electoral Commission is eligible to vote. As per the electoral register updated on August 16, 1,870 Commonwealth citizens will be eligible to participate in the vote.
Salary relativity: Business Mauritius files judicial review request
Business Mauritius has submitted an affidavit to initiate a judicial review regarding salary relativity. This legal action aims to clarify the scope of the Minister of Labor's authority under the Employment Relations Act (ERA), especially concerning sections 94 and 106 and how they interact with sections 91 to 93 of the same law. The court will now assess the merits of this request to decide if a judicial review is warranted. This move represents an effort to delineate the boundaries of ministerial powers in regulating salaries.
971,000 travelers to Mauritius from January to September
Tourism in Mauritius continues to flourish, with September alone bringing in nearly 102,500 international visitors, representing a 4.7% increase compared to September 2023. The island has welcomed over 971,800 tourists from January through September, showing a 7.8% increase from the previous year. The primary sources of these visitors include France, with 228,745; Germany, with 89,391; Italy, with 20,114; the United Kingdom, with 111,498; Reunion, with 98,036; and South Africa, with 74,218. In line with the surge in tourist numbers, revenues from tourism have also seen a 7% increase, totaling Rs 58.5 billion in the first eight months of the year.
