The fishing season is officially open, a boat is intercepted for illegal fishing, the Prime Minister announces facilitation of the reintegration of prisoners, and MCB analysts deplore Mauritius' poor economic performance.
Two boats intercepted for illegal fishing
On Monday, two boats were intercepted by officers of the Ministry of Fisheries for illegal fishing in Mauritian waters. The captains of the two boats were arrested for failing to inform the authorities of their presence and face a fine of up to $20,000.
The government wants to facilitate the reintegration of criminals
This week saw the inauguration of an aquaponics and hydroponics farm at the Beau-Bassin prison. "Prison should be a university for becoming a better citizen," said Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. According to the Prime Minister, the government has budgeted about Rs 422 million to improve the local prisons, including the installation of CCTV cameras.
With the construction of this farm at the Beau-Bassin prison, the Head of Government expressed his desire to focus more on the reintegration of prisoners into society. At the inauguration, he also reported on the work undertaken by the prison staff to facilitate the prisoners' life outside of prison.
The country's growth potential is declining
On Wednesday 1 March, analysts at the Mauritius Commercial Bank published the latest edition of MCB Focus. The report explains that Mauritius' growth potential has been declining for several decades. Indeed, in Mauritius, the annual growth rate would have gone from a little over 6% from the 80s to the 90s to 4.2% during the 2000s, to finally fall below 3.5% before the pandemic.
Gilbert Gnany, Chief Strategy Officer of the MCB Group, explains that the main causes of this phenomenon are related to factors such as labour availability and capital intensity. However, the effects of the pandemic would have accentuated this decline.
Opening of the fishing season
This Thursday, Mauritian and Rodriguan fishermen celebrated the reopening of the seine fishing season with the fish festival. In Rodrigues in particular, the 1st of March is traditionally a sacred day for all those who live from the sea. So, after the religious celebrations, seafarers from all over the country set sail to bring back fish.
