🇲🇺MauritiusEast Africa
Deputy Prime Minister Arianne Navarre-Marie presents Domestic Abuse Bill to National Assembly
via Le Mauricien2 min read
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender Equality, Arianne Navarre-Marie, presented the Domestic Abuse Bill for its second reading in the National Assembly, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of methods to combat domestic violence. She emphasized that domestic abuse must be treated as a serious criminal offense, highlighting the bill's aim to address shortcomings in the current system by providing better protection for victims and imposing stricter penalties on perpetrators. Navarre-Marie paid tribute to femicide victims, including Sneha and Vanessa, stating the bill is a collective commitment to prevent women from being killed by partners. She noted that domestic violence affects men as well, with 375 of 3,049 reported cases between January and May 2026 involving men. A key change in the bill is replacing the restrictive notion of domestic violence with domestic abuse, recognizing that psychological, financial, or verbal abuse can cause trauma as severe as physical harm, even without visible injuries. Navarre-Marie expressed concern over the high number of victims withdrawing Protection Order requests—95 out of 477 between January and May 2026—often due to fear, financial dependence, or family pressure. The bill allows the Director of Public Prosecutions' office to review such withdrawals to prevent further tragedies. The legislation also shortens the court review period for protection requests from fourteen to seven days and allows for the exclusion of abusers from
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
Mauritian artist and visual arts professor Erwin Bryan Utchanah is presenting his new ink artwork collection, "Ink Beyond Borders," in Zhengzhou, China. The exhibition reflects his conviction that emotions, introspection, and the search for meaning are crucial to human learning. Utchanah, who holds a doctorate in education from Atlantic International University and a master's in educational leadership from the University of Roehampton, has taught in foreign institutions for several years and currently teaches at Sias International School in Henan province. He describes the inspiration for his black ink series as an unexpected moment when a bottle of ink spilled, revealing a spontaneous beauty that sparked his artistic exploration. Utchanah views ink as a universal language transcending geographical, cultural, and generational boundaries. The exhibition is held in a wellness center specializing in traditional Chinese care, a setting he believes fosters observation, reflection, and creativity. His work is deeply interconnected with his background as an educational researcher, educator, and artist, drawing inspiration from neuroscientist Mary Helen Immordino-Yang. Utchanah's philosophy, "I feel, I think, I learn," guides his art, which seeks an equilibrium between emotions, creativity, learning, and well-being. Through his art, he pays homage to Chinese culture and acknowledges the contributions of the Mauritian community of Chinese origin. He describes black ink as a dialogue b
Mauritian percussionist Subhash Dhunoohchand completed his Tablatronic World Peace tour in Bangladesh and India, following his performance at the Sakifo Musik Festival in La Réunion. The tour, supported by Alliance Française branches in Chittagong, Dhaka, and Kolkata, and the Goethe-Institut in Dhaka, focused on non-violence, cultural diversity, and unity through the arts. Dhunoohchand, known for his fusion of tabla, electronic music, jazz, and local traditions, aims to use music as a tool for social cohesion. The tour began in Chittagong, where Dhunoohchand led a three-day artistic residency at Alliance Française, teaching the Ajrada Gharana style of tabla to a dozen students. These students later performed with him and Sunny Day at an opening concert on June 9. The evening also featured an improvised collaboration between Dhunoohchand and Odissi and Kathak dancers. Bruno Lacrampe, director of Alliance Française de Chittagong, highlighted Dhunoohchand's ability to bridge musical and cultural divides. In Dhaka, Dhunoohchand conducted a master class at the Butternut Jazz Café on June 10. On June 11, he performed a sold-out concert at the Goethe-Institut auditorium, a collaboration between Alliance Française de Dhaka and the Goethe-Institut. François Chambraud, director of Alliance Française de Dhaka, and Frank Werner, director of the Goethe-Institut, emphasized music's role in connecting nations. A notable moment was Dhunoohchand's improvised duet with Mohammad Jakir Hossain,
Must ReadSeveral trade unions in Mauritius plan to seek intervention from the International Labour Organization ILO and the International Trade Union Confederation ITUC regarding proposed amendments to the Public Gatherings Act PGA. They argue these amendments are repressive and aim to pressure the government to withdraw them. A union platform, formed by the Mauritius Trade Union Confederation MTUC and the Federation of Parastatal Bodies and Other Unions FPBOU, is urging workers to mobilize against the new provisions. Deepak Benydin, spokesperson for the platform, drew parallels to the 1970s Public Order Act POA, which was used to suppress strikes and protests, leading to arrests and imprisonment of unionists like Paul Bérenger. The POA was repealed in 1991 and replaced by the PGA. Benydin also referenced past legal actions against unionists under the PGA, including a 2006 case where six unionists, including himself, faced charges after a protest, and a 2012 incident where unionists were arrested for an allegedly illegal public meeting. The proposed amendments would quadruple the maximum fine from Rs 25,000 to Rs 100,000 and increase imprisonment from four to five years. Benydin questioned if the aim is to deter Mauritians from exercising their right to protest, emphasizing that freedom of assembly and the right to organize are guaranteed by fundamental ILO conventions ratified by Mauritius. He also noted that the 114th International Labour Conference reaffirmed the right to strike as