Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi, the General Secretary of UNCTAD, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, was in Mauritius at the beginning of April as the guest speaker of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry 23rd annual dinner. The main theme of his speech was ‘Trade and Development: a Future Agenda.’

Pahlad Ramsurrun is a prolific writer. He is the author of several books published mainly in India. He is currently the director and chief editor of a trilingual literary magazine ‘Indradhanush’ published in Hindi, English and French.

The Chairman of the National Economic and Social Council, Radhakrishna Sadien has last week submitted his annual report on the Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on the Mauritian Economy. In his analysis of the economic situation, Radhakrishna Sadien is direct and to the point- Mauritius is adversely impacted and there is need for quick correction. Among the most affected are our Export, the Construction industry and the Tourism sector. New sectors of the economy like green tourism and aquaculture should be developed. 

Greg Collins, the Training Director of Surf Life Saving Australia was in Mauritius recently. Following a request from Surf Life Saving (Mauritius), he conducted courses for skilled and experienced lifesavers like those from the National Coast Guard (NCG), the Fire Services and the Fédération mauricienne de triathlon as well as for beginners. The training programme benefited from the support of the Australian High Commission and the sponsorship of DHL. News on Sunday met Mr. Collins and he shared some of his views with us.  

Mauritius is a land of religions and cultures, welcoming world known lecturers and religious leaders who come here to teach and guide the Mauritian population in their search for spirituality and happy living.

Suresh Yadowsun Boodhoo, holder of an MSC in Meteorology and Climatology, is the former president of the Commission for Climatology of the World Meteorological Organisation, (WMO)-(1997-2005). He is currently a Consultant in Climate matters for regional and international bodies, after having served as director of the Mauritius Meteorological Services for more than a decade.

Radhakrishna Sadien has been re-elected on 23 March 2013, as General President of the Government Services Employees Association, which is the largest civil service trade union in the Republic of Mauritius, founded on 3 October 1945.

Dr. Nikos A. Salingaros is regarded as one of the world's leading urbanists and architectural theorists. His books ‘Principles of Urban Structure’ and ‘A Theory of Architecture’ provide the foundation for a completely new approach to the built environment.