In the news for the week of May 29, significant developments include the ban on vaping, the groundbreaking ceremony for a new US Embassy, and the election of new mayors and deputy mayors.
Ban on vaping in public spaces
Starting from May 31, the use of electronic cigarettes will no longer be allowed in public spaces. However, limited personal importation of vaping products is still permitted. The Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) Regulations 2008 strictly prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes. This measure aims to safeguard the health of Mauritian citizens, particularly the youth who are more susceptible to the harmful effects of nicotine. Additionally, the ban seeks to prevent the normalization of vaping, which could potentially lead young individuals to take up traditional smoking.
Plain packaging and other regulations
Mauritius has joined the group of 20 countries that have implemented plain packaging for cigarettes. This initiative, in conjunction with the new regulations, intends to enhance the visibility of warnings about the dangers of tobacco on packaging. The regulations also include prohibitions on the sale of chewing tobacco, rolling papers, and cigarettes near educational and recreational facilities.
Groundbreaking ceremony for new US Embassy Campus
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth participated in the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new US Embassy campus in Bagatelle. This milestone commemorated 55 years of bilateral partnership between Mauritius and the United States. During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized cooperation in combating terrorism, piracy, and regional maritime security, while highlighting an upcoming conference on maritime security in Mauritius. The discussions also touched upon strengthening trade, investment, and the United States' recent commitment of $55 billion for investment in Africa. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the United States and the Covax Facility for their donation of 400,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to combat the Covid-19 pandemic in Mauritius.
Election of new mayors and deputy mayors
Following the implementation of the Local Government Act, the mayors and deputy mayors of the five municipalities in Mauritius resigned on Saturday. Subsequently, new mayors and deputy mayors were elected on Wednesday by the respective municipal councils for a two-year term. Notably, Dooshiant Ramluckhun became the mayor of Quatre-Bornes, succeeding Nagen Mootoosamy. The municipality of Curepipe will be led by Devika Teewantee Pabaroo, with Samy Chellen serving as deputy. Rajeneedavee Mootoocaroppen will head Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill, with Jai Krishna Choolun as the deputy mayor. In Vacoas, Mike Mungur has been elected as the mayor, with Devianee Ramchurn as deputy mayor.
