Rally Blood Donation 2010
As every year, the World Blood Donation Day was celebrated on the 14th June 2010 in 76 countries around the world to pay tribute to voluntary blood donors, sponsors, organizers, volunteers and all those who have contributed in one way or the other in saving lives. The theme for this year was “New Blood for the World”. In view of the increasing demand for blood, the Blood Donors Association proposed to launch a campaign this year to ensure sustainability of supply of blood in Mauritius. The MRA participated in the launching of a Rally on 14 June 2010, starting at 10am from the Municipality of Curepipe to proceed to Beau Vallon and to Mahebourg Waterfront where an official ceremony was held. The Minister of Health and Quality of Life the Hon. Mrs S.B Hanoomanjee was equally present for the ceremony with other distinguished guests.
Customs Seizure
The MRA Customs effected an important seizure of used scrap batteries and copper wires found undeclared in a consignment of scrap metal meant for exportation on 15 June 2010. A company submitted a Customs declaration of scrap metal meant for exportation and upon examination, the export section of the department found undeclared items namely 1500 pieces of used lead acid batteries ( Approx. 10 tons) and Copper Scraps, mainly copper wires( Approx 20 tons). The consignment was destined to Punjab, India and the declarant was found in breach of Section 158 (3) (b) of the Customs Act 1988 for false declaration. Furthermore, the company was also found to be in breach of Section 10 of the Hazardous Waste Regulation 2001, under the Environmental Protection Act 2002 for not holding the proper authorization from the Ministry of Local Government & Outer Islands required for such export. In this case, given that the copper wires are suspected to have been obtained as a result of a criminal offence (stolen goods), the case has been referred to Police for further investigation
Blood Donor Award 2010
The Association Of Blood Donation Organisers (ABDO) jointly with the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life and the World Health Organisation (WHO) organized a series of activities throughout Mauritius to mark the World Blood Donor Day 2010. On 12 June 2010, ABDO officially presented at the Town Hall, Municipality of Quatre Bornes, the 10 Best organizers award among which was the Mauritius Revenue Authority. A Certificate of Recognition was remitted to MRA for its altruistic and social action.
23rd International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
To mark the 23rd International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking this year, the National Agency for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Substance Abusers (NATReSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life and other stakeholders organized a series of activities to sensitise students, youth, families and the public at large on health and socio-ecomonic consequences of substance abuse. The theme selected this year is “Think Health, Not Drugs”. 10 Customs officers together with the section heads, Mr Ramburun and Mr Rajkoomar participated in this celebration which was held at Swami Sivananda SSS, Bambous on Saturday 26 June 2010. A shield was offered to the Customs Department in recognition of the contribution of the department in the fight against Illicit Drug Trafficking.
MRA Signs Memoranda of Cooperation
Signature of MoC with SARS
On 25th June 2010 at special signing ceremonies during the annual Council meetings of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels, Belgium, Mr. Sudhamo Lal, Director General of the MRA, signed a Memoranda of Cooperation (MoC) on Capacity Building in Customs with Mr. Oupa G. Magashula, Commissioner, of the South African Revenue Service(SARS). A second MoC was signed by Mr. Lal – this time with Mr. Vancho Kargov, Director General the Customs Service of the Republic of Macedonia.
Read more about the Memoranda of Cooperation.
E Filing of Company Income Tax Return
In order to move towards a paperless organization, MRA included on its website (http://mra.gov.mu) E Filing facilities for all companies having their accounting year ended 31 December 2009, to file their returns electronically by 30 June 2010. MRA encourages the use of E Filing so as to participate in the national effort to reduce the use of paper, thereby contributing in the national project of 'Maurice Ile Durable'.