🇲🇺MauritiusEast Africa
National Drug Control Commission holds first meeting, approves 2026-30 Masterplan
via Le Mauricien2 min read
The National Drug Control Commission NDCC held its inaugural meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, marking a significant step in the government's anti-drug efforts. The National Drug Control Masterplan 2026-30 was approved during this meeting, as stated in an official communiqué from the Prime Minister's Office. The NDCC includes eleven ministers whose portfolios are relevant to drug issues, such as Attorney General Gavin Glover, Senior Counsel, and the Chief Commissioner of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, Franceau Grandcourt. The NDCC serves as the central body overseeing the National Anti-Drug Commission NADC. The meeting aimed to introduce the new NADC leadership, assess current actions, and define future steps. Prime Minister Ramgoolam emphasized that the fight against drugs is a national emergency, as outlined in the 2025-29 government program. He advocated for a modern, data-driven, and coordinated approach, highlighting the need for a comprehensive response beyond just repression. Kunal Naik, CEO of the NADC, presented progress from the Technical Working Group on National Cannabis Policy Reform, with a press conference planned to detail its recommendations. Discussions also covered National Stakeholders Consultations to ensure policies are adapted to local realities. NADC Chairperson Nadia Peerun noted the Prime Minister's strong signal in validating the Masterplan, which now tasks the NADC with its implementation. The government's clear commitment t
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
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Quality Beverages Ltd QBL and EcoMoris Sustainable Solutions Ltd have formed a partnership to enhance plastic waste management and develop a local recycling value chain in Mauritius. This collaboration aligns with QBL's commitment to the circular economy and responsible waste management practices. A key objective is to create a closed-loop system for flexible plastics, specifically the shrink films used in beverage packaging. Inigo de Prado, Managing Director of Quality Beverages Ltd, stated that this partnership allows QBL to collect, track, and recycle used flexible plastics through EcoMoris, which are then reused to package their products. QBL plans to supply its plastic waste to EcoMoris for recycling and gradually integrate locally recycled materials into its secondary packaging operations. The goal is to reduce the company's reliance on imported plastic by up to 37% through this closed-loop system. Priya Rana, Chief Transformation Officer and Head of Sustainability at Quality Beverages Ltd, emphasized that this partnership supports QBL's sustainable development strategy and its ambition to contribute to a circular economy in Mauritius, where resources are valued and integrated into production cycles. Mauritius generates approximately 120,000 tons of plastic waste annually, much of which is currently landfilled. EcoMoris Sustainable Solutions Ltd, founded by Jay Lai Fat Fur and Sohaeb Pasha, was established to address this issue, developing industrial infrastructure for
Must ReadThe Mauritian Council of Ministers has noted the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation's plan to consult stakeholders on implementing a mechanism for verifying the identity of social media users. This initiative aims to address recurring online problems such as the spread of false information, identity theft, defamatory or hateful content, online scams, and the dissemination of illegal content like child pornography. Currently, most social media accounts can be created with just an email address or phone number, without systematic civil identity verification. The proposed mechanism could require users to prove their real identity using official documents, national ID card verification, certified phone numbers, or other digital authentication methods, theoretically making it easier to identify perpetrators of illegal or fraudulent posts. Supporters believe this reform would reduce fake profiles, disinformation campaigns, online scams, and cyberbullying, providing authorities with quicker means to trace those responsible for illegal content. However, the proposal raises concerns about privacy, personal data protection, and freedom of expression. Digital rights organizations argue that online anonymity can protect whistleblowers, victims, journalists, or citizens who wish to report situations without fear of reprisal. The government emphasizes that this is currently a consultation phase to gather stakeholder opinions before any potential reforms. Mauri