PORT LOUIS (Reuters) – Mauritius forecasts unemployment in 2010 will increase to 7.5 percent from 7.3 percent last year, official data showed on Friday.

Government statistics showed unemployment in the first quarter of this year rose to 8.4 percent from 8.0 percent during the same period in 2009.

The global economic downturn has hurt demand in the Indian Ocean island’s tourism and key export sectors. But analysts say a 10.4 billion Mauritius rupee stimulus package and an aggressive easing of monetary policy have helped the economy weather the crisis better than expected.

«Unemployment is expected to increase by 1,200 from 41,500 in 2009 to 42,700 in 2010,» the Central Statistics Office (CSO) said in a statement.

A massive manhunt was underway last night after 33 prisoners smashed their way out of Grand Riviere North West Prison by overpowering about 15 prison guards.

Two officers were seriously injured. All branches of the Police Force, including the elite GIPM and the helicopter squadron, are involved in the hunt.

June 11, 2010 Manage-Consult Studio WEST-EAST Ltd. became the member of Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The company is looking forward for the active participation in the work of the MCCI and providing services to it’s members both in Russia/CIS and in Mauritius.

May 20th the traffic was stopped due to the more than 1 meter swings on the bridge that connects two parts of the city. This bridge started to operate since 2009.

Вы когда нибудь пробовали проехать на Маврикий на велосипеде, скажем вдоль дороги от Triolet до Grand Bay… Если нет то не испытывайте судьбу – это очень не безопасно. Мое мнение разделяет я думаю большинство, но есть и более оптимистично настроенные граждане. Например Глава Департамента Туризма Маврикия (MTPA).

Министерство Окружающей среды и Развития Маврикия запустит проект сортировки мусора в школах в рамках государственного курса за сохранение чистоты острова.