ISSUES]Economy: Putting the “Integrated” back into IRS > pp. 28-29

Insert N° 2 • Friday 4 March 2011 INTERVIEW] “Democracy does start Editorial ] by Touria PRAYAG with free elections” A Sun Trust > pp. 30 - 31 proposal uch as the famous kiss between Brezhnev and former East German President Honecker was touted as evidence of the Kremlin’s regard for the latter, last week’s handshake Mbetween the Prime minister and his minister of Finance was meant to testify that the latter was once more in the good graces of the Prime minister. The MBC cameras zoomed in on it. The press photographers immortalised it: a sturdy, confi dent hand, lifting a diffi - dent drowning one to the surface and perhaps to safety. A graceful smile meets a grateful one. All is well. Clap clap clap. Move on! Before we do, we have a modest proposal to make. Since the Hi- ghlands City project has been frozen, we believe that there must be an immediate need for public offi ce space. We would therefore like to humbly suggest that Government buy the Sun Trust building immediately. We must declare here that we have nothing to gain by making this suggestion and that our motives are solely patriotic. The tender document could look something like this, “Proposals are invited from owners of concrete buildings located in Port Louis. The premises should be within walking distance of the British High Commission (English being our offi cial lan- guage, you know) and have to have served as offi ce space for the ministry of Education in the past. Preference will be given to buildings located in a street bearing the name of a woman. (Gender equality, you know)” We are reliably informed that a rough estimate of the market value for the building is around Rs. 250m, so we suggest that we get a few valua- tions done to reach the fair deal of Rs.1billion. The minister of Finance has, naturally, to declare his interest by saying, “this building belongs to my family trust but my family and I have different dining rooms, diffe- rent tastes and different dates of birth and, objectively speaking, buying Religious Mauritius these offi ces would be a damn good deal for the people.” He would then leave Cabinet just before the deal is struck. The Opposition, formal and informal, will ask questions which no one is obliged to answer. The ICAC will try very hard to justify its existence. Some journalists will go on and True faith or ritualistic on about obscure concepts like public morality, ethics and similar things which nobody is interested in and which, at any rate, do not rempli ventre and the ministers involved will, thankfully, remain ‘serene’. Their lawyer may even publicly state that we have shortchanged the owners! superstition? > pp. 32 - 33 Paying for this mari deal is simple. Consider this: from January 2010 to this day, 60,000 drivers have been fi ned for driving at perhaps 81km/hr on some stretches of the motorway, resulting in the State pocketing Rs 120m! We would, therefore, like to suggest that the fi ne be doubled and that the Road Traffi c Unit put more policemen in strategic positions to ambush the maximum number of motorists. By our estimate, it will take less than six months to raise enough cash to pay for the Sun Trust building. This purchase would save the country a lot of money in the long run, since when we lease the Sun Trust, we pay rental and when we terminate the lease agreement before term, we pay indemnities. So buying it would put an end to the problem for good. If Pravind Jugnauth kept the threat he brandished last time of gifting the money to the people of this country, he need not worry about how we spend it. It will, one way or the other, go back to him. With our blessings! [email protected] l’express [ Friday 4 March 2011 • Insert N°2 QUICKREAD] p. 26 Week at a glance ] Events ] Concert: Gerard Distress call of the factory workers Francois and friends Gérard François, supported by Fondation Spectacles et Culture is organising a classical music concert on Saturday 5th March at l’Al- liance Française in Bell Village at 8pm. The ins- truments played during the concert will include the guitar, the cello, the fl ute and the violin. Tickets cost Rs 200. Call Rezo Otayo for more information.

80s/ 90s Rewind Take a trip back to the past to rediscover the best music of the 80s and 90s. Organised by Event Creators, the Rewind event will take place on Saturday 5th March at l’Aventure du Sucre in Beau Plan as from 10pm. Three DJs, who were part of the country’s most popular discos during the late 80s and early 90s, will have you dancing the night away. They are Prakash Sumputh of Sam’s Disco, Giovanni Paul of Saxophone and David Posse of Palladium. DJs Patrice d’Avrincourt and François Li will also be part of the event. Tickets are available at Rs 250 through Rézo Otayo.

YANCE TANYAN YANCE Call 466 9999 for more information.

VisitV to Ilot Gabriel Bangladeshi women workers (above) at Santex Ltd, Goodlands, where a strike was held to protest against working and living conditions and (right) thehe JoinJo in the outing on Sunday 6th March, organised cramped living space offered to immigrant workers by the same company. by the Tourism Employees’ Welfare Fund (TEWF) to Ilot Gabriel, on board a catamaran. You will enjoy THE Inifi nity Saga opened a relaxingr sea trip and discover the beautiful lands- the fl oodgates to all sorts of dirty The problem capecap of the island. Transport will be available laundry that was hitherto kept fromfro various pick up points, namely Cure- under the carpet concerning is that the fo- pipepip town hall at 7am, Plaza in Rose Hill labor regulations and practices. at 7.30am7 and the Port Louis post offi ce Since then, the lacklustre perfor- reign workers’ at 8am.8 The outing will cost Rs 1150 for adults and Rs 600 for children, mance of the Ministry of Labour inspection includingincl transport and lunch. Call 211 4343 to make your reservations. has become all but obvious. This point has been unders- department cored by various industrial in- have always been respected. FR3E Drumming: cidents that marked this week, has only four Lack of safety and a decent mostly in the manufacturing sec- work environment are also rea- Concert postponed tor, putting employees’ lives at employees! sons behind the protest by fo- stake and forcing one to wonder reign workers at Santex Ltd, The FR3E Drumming concert organised if the system should not be re- hed between the machine he was who claim that they have no by the Conservatoire François Mit- examined. A young technician, repairing and the wall behind him, running water in the toilets and terrand, which was initially announced aged 26, lost his life, crushed by is striking. The fi re brigade which bathrooms and that their month- for end of February has been postpo- a ‘roller’ while doing repairs on a took two hours to reach the scene ly food allowance amounts to no ned until Friday 1st April because one of machine at Plaspak plastic plant. was far too late. An inspection by more than Rs 650. This has now the musicians was injured. As a reminder, Another young man, working for offi cers of the Labour ministry, been increased to Rs 900, still a the FR3E concept revolves around a series Mauritius Stationery Manufac- after a visit to the plastic factory, very low amount.Are the work of concerts entitled “3”, which will bring together three musicians, each turers (MSM) Ltd, is currently retained two charges against the inspectors aware of this situa- with their own unique style and unique approach to a specifi c family of in hospital and may lose the use company, namely ‘failure to pro- tion? Probably, considering the musical instruments. The concerts will be held every two months. of his hand after another ac- vide a safe place of work ‘ and ‘fai- length of time they have been cident at work. Following this lure to carry out risk assessment’. hearing about it. The problem incident, the employees of the Needless to repeat our local adage, is that the foreign workers’ ins- Concerts: Opera printing house, have organised “après la mort, la tisane.” pection department has only a sit-in to protest against the This same failure in relation four employees! So, taking legal Mauritius Choir lack of security measures in the to risk assessment seems to be action against the companies company. On the same day, 146 the cause of the injury suffe- contravening the Occupatio- The Opera Mauritius Choir and the Opera Mauri- Bangladeshi and Indian workers red by the MSM Ltd. Worker, nal Health and Safety Act or tius Children’s Choir, led by soprano Katrin Caine in Santex Ltd, a textile factory, though the exact circumstances the Labour Act, which Shakeel is organizing a series of free concerts to celebrate held a one-day strike to protest of the accident remain unknown. Mohamed wants to do, is impor- Independence Day. The concerts will be held against their inhumane living Jane Ragoo of the Private Indus- tant, but the ministry of Labour as follows: Saturday 5th March at 5pm at the and working conditions. try Workers’ Union stated that should also be reviewing how the Pointe Canon auditorium, Saturday 19th If one has to concede that ac- she had sent a letter to the com- work is being done and what re- March at 5pm at Plaza in Rose Hill and Sun- cidents do happen, it is diffi cult pany asking for a risk assessment sources are at its disposal to be day 20th March at 3pm at the Pamplemousses not to wonder why there is no sys- operation to be carried out but able to put its money where its Garden. The concerts will include popular tem in place to intervene in time. her request was rejected by the minister’s mouth is. songs from musicals and operas such as West Side Story, The case of the technician who company management who in- the Sound of Music and Carmen. About 40 adults and 20 children will be died, having half his body crus- sisted that all security measures Zubair HANSYE part of these shows. ILLUSTRATIONS : Stephane BENOIT p. 27 QUICKREAD] Insert N° 2 • Friday 4 March 2011 ] l’express 1000 arpents for food security to attain self-suffi ciency. will gradually be transferred to sance Alimentaire, says, “Mini The use of this land for agri- the government, reaching 2000 feed manufacturing units are cultural purposes is an important arpents in a few years. an essential part of reducing the part of the Food Security Strate- cost of animal feed, as they could gic Plan 2008-2011, developed Vertical planting produce 12 to 15 tonnes of feed. by the Ministry of Agro-Industry Support with the process of milk and various stakeholders from Meanwhile, agricultural as- pasteurisation would be an in- the sector. The plan outlines the sociations and cooperatives re- centive for milk producers.” Krit development of priority areas on ceived their land contracts from Beeharry says that onion curing this land, such as the production the hands of the Prime minister, and mechanisation schemes are of potatoes, onions, maize, pulses, Navin Ramgoolam. One hundred already being put in place and he fresh vegetables and fruits, as well and sixty arpents of land have advocates optimum use of diffe- as meat and milk. With enhanced been leased so far in Rouge Terre, rent technologies for planting as infrastructural development, Mare d’Albert and l’Esperance. land is a scarce resource. “Verti- agricultural land can be scarce, Krit Beeharry, president of the cal planting, for example, carried and the 1000 arpents scheme is Mauritius Agricultural Marketing out on one arpent, will give the a boost to the agricultural sector. Cooperative Federation explains equivalent of 4 arpents of vege- The 1000 arpents scheme that the cooperatives submitted tables in horizontal planting and originated from an agreement their projects to the Food Security hence free up space,” he says. between the Mauritius Sugar Fund, under the aegis of the Mi- Both Eric Mangar and Krit Producers Association (MSPA) nistry of Agro-Industry, and the Beeharry agree that the Food Se- and the government in 2007, in most viable projects were selected curity Fund must continue to push line with the reform of the sugar for the allocation of land. Alloca- these projects forward as effi ciently industry and its move towards ting the land to these groups of and quickly as possible. And, as a becoming a cane industry. The planters gives experienced stake- net food importer, Mauritius is MSPA agreed to transfer 2000 holders the opportunity to parti- very vulnerable, hence the need to arpents of land to the govern- cipate in the enhancement of local move away from this trend. The The Prime minister addressing the audience at the project launch. ment, so 1000 arpents could food security. work is underway but it will take be allocated to social housing, The development of these time. Thankfully, more such sche- IT goes without saying that Prime minister, of the fi rst food and another 1000 could be re- lands, of course, will necessi- mes are in the pipeline and there food is one of our most vital re- security projects under the 1000 served for food production. So tate support from the govern- are plans for more projects to be sources and, with rising prices arpents scheme, held at Rouge far, 400 arpents of land have ment, through various schemes launched at Riche en Eau, La Lau- around the world, food security Terre in Fond du Sac last Friday already been identifi ed and and technological support. Eric ra, Caroline and La Chaumière. has increasingly become a cause is, therefore, a step forward in transferred to the ministry of Mangar, who is in charge of the for concern. The launch, by the enhancing our country’s efforts Lands and Housing. More land Mouvement pour l’Autosuffi - Melissa LOUIS Kadhafi Square: What’s in a name? THE French revolutionary Saint Just delivering the goods, embarking on a de- once noted, “Those who make half a revo- velopmental path that left the majority of lution dig their own graves.” its people out of the loop, with the state be- The brutality with which the Kadhafi coming nothing more than a vehicle of per- regime in Libya is dealing with protestors sonal accumulation. It is not so surprising, and insurgents from the ranks of its own then, that movements aimed at toppling a army has led to calls for renaming Kadhafi Ben Ali in Tunisia, or a Hosni Mubarak in square in Plaine Verte in Port Louis. Is there Egypt, or against Al-saleh in Yemen were any rationale behind such a move? enough to galvanize a similar movement In 1969, Kadhafi emulated popular against Kadhafi . The people themselves no coups that had occurred in Egypt, Iraq, longer make a distinction between them. South Yemen and Algeria which were led A dynastic political system embar- by young, left-wing junior army offi cers, by king on a neoliberal path, increasing le- overthrowing the corrupt, comprador King vels of poverty and unemployment, with Idriss. An admirer of Arab Socialism and cronyism and political connections as Nasser, Kadhafi quickly gravitated towards shortcuts to wealth, sounds quite fami- the Soviet bloc. The American Wheelus air liar actually. And who, pray tell, replaces force base, granted by King Idriss was dis- KRISHNA PATHER Kadhafi on the square? The man whose mantled; property belonging to ex-colonial name will grace the square instead is Ab- ruler Italy and oil multinationals was swiftly The square with the now embarrassing name in the centre of Plaine Verte, Port Louis. dul Razack Mohamed who, even as his nationalized. Health, education and housing sympathetic biographer Moomtaz Emrith were declared free for all Libyans. In terms ideologists, including Professor Anthony Not surprisingly, revolutionary Libya affi rms, “hated agitators and dissenters” of foreign policy, Kadhafi espoused solida- Giddens, the infamous architect of Blair’s became, not so much the beacon of Arab and goaded the government in the seven- rity with the Palestinians, the IRA, African neo-liberal ‘New Labour’ project. In terms nationalism and third world solidarity as ties to enact “tougher labour laws against national liberation struggles and other an- of economic policy, state-owned enterprises it originally presented itself, but rather a strikes and demonstrations” and ban op- ti-imperialist and anti-colonial movements, were swiftly being privatized. Turning Tri- sclerotic dictatorship increasingly resem- position newspapers. A symbol for politi- earning him the friendship of Nelson Man- poli into a gaudy Miami (or Las Vegas) was bling its equally moth-eaten and corrupt cal freedom indeed! And that perhaps is dela and Fidel Castro amongst others. seen as synonymous with development. In neighbours, complete with its own dynastic the greatest irony of all. Following 9/11 and sick of his polecat return, Kadhafi became a pariah-turned lineage. Saif al-islam, Kadhafi ’s son, a sup- Change the name of the square if you status internationally, Kadhafi began revi- statesman, earning up to $36 billion a year porter of the right-wing shift, was designa- must, but understanding why is another sing his ideological orientation and policies. through oil exports, mostly pocketed by ted heir-apparent. All this was held together thing altogether, a realization which will Old anti-imperialist rhetoric having been the regime and its cronies, and lavished by references to Kadhafi ’s past anti-impe- entail a great number of squares and streets dampened, he accepted responsibility for with arms from the United States, Britain rialist and leftist credentials and personality on our island being rebranded. the Lockerbie bombing and began recei- and France. Kadhafi had now become the cult. Like its other western-backed neigh- ving and being feted by western leaders and west’s favourite, albeit eccentric, dictator. bours, it became a regime that stopped Iqbal Ahmed KHAN l’express [ Friday 4 March 2011 • Insert N° 2 ISSUES]p. 28 Left Field] Economy By Nicholas RAINER Putting the “In

The day the Integrated Resort A lot has been said and writ- Mauritius Outlook attributed this Schemes are the ten in the past few years about growth to “investment in hotels music sighed the Integrated Resort Schemes and IRS projects”. In its Focus stuff that pole- (IRS) concept. It has been both No.36, the Mauritius Commer- hat a relief! The Mauritius Police Force mics are made off. vilifi ed as a possible form of social cial Bank (MCB) put the mean is well on its way to winning its fi ght Some accuse them apartheid and hailed as an almost fi scal contribution generated by against that well-known breeding ground bottomless source of Foreign Di- an IRS at “around 20% of its va- Wof subversion and moral decay that is of being ghettos rect Investment (FDI). As a re- lue”. This also had a knock-on live music. Indeed, in the space of barely a month, two for the rich while sult, most Mauritians have strong effect on other sectors, such as leading live music hotspots – the Banana in Grand others say they’re opinions on the matter, opinions the construction industry, which Baie and the Blue Bamboo in Pointe d’Esny - have ei- that have only been reinforced grew by 15% in 2007. ther had to stop local artists from performing on their an important part by government’s unwillingness premises or to shut down shop completely because of of the economy. to address concerns in a meanin- Negative perceptions overzealous police offi cers. This news would’ve been a Both camps have gful way. Indeed, apart from the bit more palatable if the long arm of the law demons- a point. habitual gaggle of fi gures that is Given that public sector in- trated similar levels of fervour whilst pursuing more wheeled out at the launch of each vestment dropped by more than clear and present menaces to society, such as drug new IRS project, relatively little 24% in the same year, it’s evident traffi ckers. But no, our men in blue are far more par- is known about the long-term that IRS’ were destined to play an tial to coming down on soft targets, such as live music economic and social impacts of increasingly important role in the venues showcasing the work of local artists. Given this policy. Given that it will turn country’s economy. And then the what a cultural desert Mauritius is, this repression is ten in 2013, it might be time to world economy came crashing not only misguided but objectionable too. conduct an in-depth study on this down. Almost overnight, new Take the case of the Banana. Over the years, this divisive issue. IRS projects stalled or were can- internationally-renowned bar situated in the centre of IRS’ are basically real-estate celled outright and government’s Grand Baie has promoted dozens of local artists dab- projects that allow foreigners to objective of selling 4 000 villas bling in a variety of musical styles from jazz to rock. A obtain permanent resident status suddenly looked unattainable. few weeks ago, the police informed its owner Greg that through the purchase of luxury In an interview in l’express Eco- he was exceeding noise levels. It was 22h30 on a Friday villas costing at least US$500 nomie, the Chief Executive Of- night. And do you know who was source of this supposed 000. Over and above the brag- fi cer of ENL Property, Gilbert wall of sound? None other than Marie-Luce Faron. ging rights that come with ow- Espitalier-Noël, said last week Anyone familiar with this hugely talented songstress’s ning a patch of paradise, this that around 625 villas will have classy renditions of jazz standards will be sure to fi nd concept presents two other no- been completed by the end of this accusation comical. Grand Baie is, at the best of table upshots for buyers. Hither- next year. Barring a very strong times, loud and gaudy. On a Friday night however, it is a to, it had been extremely diffi cult, recovery of the world economy, hodgepodge of stray dogs, taxis, prostitutes, food vendors not to say impossible, for forei- he explained, it would take many and horrid clubs blaring out cheap techno way past the gners to buy property in Mauri- years before the IRS sales fulfi lled legal closing time. tius; the IRS policy changed that. the authorities’ ambitious expec- Yet, for some unfathomable reason, the police de- Secondly, by purchasing an IRS, tations. The situation does seem cided that Banana’s attempt to inject a little elegance the buyer also obtains fi scal resi- to have brightened a bit of late, and creativity into this decadence was against the law. dence here. Seeing that Mauritius but we’re still a long way from the That’s as telling a display of the police force’s bizarre list has a fl at tax rate of 15% (compa- heady days preceding the global of priorities as you’re likely to fi nd. Ever. Or are there red to up to 50% in certain Eu- meltdown. ulterior motives at play? More recently still, the Blue ropean countries), this particular Bearing in mind that govern- Bamboo, a live venue that helped put Blackmen Bluz privilege is the fi scal equivalent ment is wont to fi x unrealistic - one the best bands to emerge from Mauritius in re- of catnip for so-called “high net targets (two million tourists by cent times - on the map, had to call it a day for similar worth individuals”. By forking 2015?), that’s hardly a surprise reasons. Am I the only one to fi nd this cracking down out half a million dollars on an though. Despite the dampener on people having clean, creative fun a little excessive, IRS, they’re thus able to keep the that the economic downturn not to say dodgy? It’s not like the police don’t have more taxman at bay (and they get a ra- has had on the sale of IRS villas, pressing problems to attend to. ther nice villa in the process). Pierre Dinan, an economist, still It would be nice to know what the minister of Tou- This goes a long way to ex- believes in their potential. “IRS rism thinks of this repression. Places like Banana and plaining why the scheme got off projects have given us solid capi- Blue Bamboo are great servants of the tourism industry. to such a brisk start (so far, more tal fl ows, created many direct and They are appreciated by visitors because they give them than 650 foreigners have availed indirect jobs and contributed to the opportunity of experiencing local culture via music. themselves of this “investment training people in poverty-stric- Those memories tend to linger longer in their minds opportunity”). According to In- ken areas.” He cites the training than an umpteenth listen to Shakira’s Waka Waka or, vest Climate Assessment Mau- centres set up by Anahita in the horror of horrors, Jennifer Lopez sampling Lambada. ritius 2009, “the country has east and Tamarina in the west as Yet over and above their loss to the tourism sector, the attracted more investments du- proof of the commitment of IRS’ cessation of live music activities at Banana and Blue ring 2004-2007 than the cumu- to social integration. Bamboo is indicative of the extremely shabby way we lative stock of FDI for the last 25 And there’s the rub. Although treat our local artists. The Prime minister’s advisor on years,” while the “share of private the economic contribution of the Cultural matters, Alain Gordon-Gentil, said as much sector investment has gradually policy is undeniable, a growing in an interview published on Monday in Le Mauricien increased over the last three number of Mauritians are questio- (“We Mauritians sometimes treat our artists with a lot years, from Rs34 177 million ning its social usefulness. “Ecotou- of disdain”). Hopefully, he’ll do something about the ill- in 2006 to Rs54 011 million in rism in the context of Maurice: île intentioned crusade against quality live music venues. 2008 (an increase of 58%)”. The durable”, a 2009 study by Manta At the very least, it’ll give our men in blue something African Development Bank’s Nowbuth and Robin Nunkoo of worthwhile to do, such as real police work. p. 29 [ISSUES Insert N° 2 • Friday 4 March 2011 ] l’express tegrated” back into IRS DEVIND JUNDHOO DEVIND JUNDHOO

It’s hard work building a rich enclave.

the University of Mauritius found, feel at home anymore. The prices Prime minister said that he didn’t it’s currently the case. If not, they than one arpent but less than 10 for instance, that a majority of the are inaccessible to us and soon want to see “rich enclaves in poor will continue to simply be “rich en- hectares of land). “This could people it interviewed had a “nega- Mauritius will belong to foreigners areas”. Yet, by defi nition, that’s claves in poor areas.” Kee Chong be a problem,” he says. There’s tive perception” of IRS projects, if it goes on like this”. exactly what IRS projects are. In- Lee Kwong Wing also warns that also the issue of using up agri- which many see as a glorifi ed deed, most of them are situated this policy is fueling property spe- cultural land for real estate pro- scheme to sell the country off to Dizzyingly high in rural areas where the revenue culation. “Land owners seem to be jects in a country where food rich foreigners. In addition, several levels of owners are dizzyingly interested in one thing: using their scarcity is set to become a bur- international studies have shown revenues higher than those of local inha- land for an IRS project in order to ning problem in coming years. that, for rather obvious reasons, Although these comments may bitants. To pretend otherwise is make the biggest profi t possible. All this goes to show that inhabitants of Small Island De- sound a tad overdramatic they’re either naïve or disingenuous. This is happening at the expense there are still a number of grey veloping States habitually have a indicative of the rift between the Government has imposed a of more sustainable initiatives and areas when it comes to IRS. Gi- strong attachment to their land. offi cial line on the IRS policy and US$6 000 social integration levy artifi cially infl ating the price of ven that the policy will soon be Less scientifi c but nonetheless the perception on the ground. on each villa sold in order to pro- land,” he remarks. celebrating its fi rst decade, now telling, the comments that fol- Decision-makers, on the other mote poverty alleviation. Yet, as Kee is as good a time as any to study lowed Gilbert Espitalier-Noël’s hand, seem relatively unconcer- Chong Lee Kwong Wing, an eco- Property bubble its economic and social implica- interview gave a glimpse of the ned by this problem. In Focus nomist and Opposition MP, notes, tions. Doing so will at least offer unpopularity of IRS. “The island’s No.36, for example, the MCB it’s uncertain whether these funds Pierre Dinan, for his part, us the luxury of deciding where up for sale and soon the local po- averred that “arguments against are used towards that end. “Where thinks that Real Estate Sche- we want to take it from here and pulation will fi nd itself living in ownership of land by foreigners is the money? It’s obvious that the mes (RES) pose a greater threat how to make it more integrated. shacks in the middle of the ocean,” are not clearheaded when viewed poor are not benefi tting from the than IRS in terms of a property Unless, of course, government one poster railed. Another poster, within our quest to open up the fund,” he hammers. He believes bubble. The latter mainly target wants to ensure that only rich fo- Alain Hugnin, warned that, “too economy to foreign nationals and that IRS should place far more rich foreign nationals whereas reign nationals know the meaning many IRS villas are being built FDI”. Unconcerned, however, emphasis on social integration, the former target the Mauritian of luxury. in Mauritius and foreigners are does not mean unaware. Speaking renewable energies, sustainable market as well (RES are aimed buying them all. Mauritians don’t to the Financial Times in 2008, the development and education than at small land owners with more Nicholas RAINER l’express [ Friday 4 March 2011 • Insert N° 2 [INTERVIEW] p. 30

Recent events in North Africa and the Middle East inspire comment on the nature of democracy, the attitude of the West and the relevance of all this to Mauritius.

Interview With Shafi ck OSMAN, Geopolitician Democracy does start with free elections ■ As a geopolitician, what are through what could be described as vement have been a disaster in did not respond to those criteria basically they were afraid that the your refl ections on these waves a soft coup by declaring Bourgui- the same way as in Algeria? I don’t think that the authorities Islamic parties might take over. of protest sweeping through ba as no more fi t to rule. With no If you’re talking about Alge- would have allowed such a party ■ But where are we now in North Africa and parts of the bloodshed, that is. But the Western ria, then we have to go back to to participate in the elections. We Egypt and Tunisia? There are Middle East? powers never questioned his legi- 1991when genuinely democratic saw that in Palestine as well, when movements, certainly, but First of all, I would say that this timacy. Nor did they question the elections –nobody has questioned Hamas was democratically elected where are the leaders? is long overdue, because these re- legitimacy of Mubarak who took that- were held and after the fi rst and then it caused so much unrest Hopefully, they will emerge and gimes have been in place for many over after Sadat’s assassination not round, the Front Islamique du Sa- in the West. Let’s take the example there will be democratically organi- years, too many years, and this is so- in a democratic way either. lut (FIS) came out fi rst. Then, the of Mauritius. No one can question sed elections … mething that was bound to happen ■ But the international com- West, with France in the frontline, really the fairness of the elections ■ But democracy is not just one day or another. It should have munity did put pressure on supported the Algerian authorities in Mauritius. Tomorrow, let’s say, a about organizing elections. happened actually many years or Mubarak to organise democra- in cancelling the second round of small party, Parti Malin, if we want It’s also about having a set of decades ago. tic elections in 2005, didn’t it? the democratic elections! to have a good laugh, wins the elec- institutions which function ■ Still, these demonstrations Yes, but only after waves of ■ Right. But was the FIS good tions. What would we say? properly. took the world by surprise unrest and even then, they advoca- news for the country? ■ Oh, that is really very hypo- I agree with you but democracy didn’t they? ted constitutional changes, not the You cannot judge … this is thetical… does start with elections. If you don’t Not really. If I may for instance removal of the man which was what the danger when we start to judge O.K. let’s take Hizbullah, or any have elections, you do not even have take the example of Tunisia - as you the population wanted. a movement or party that has not small party. There is a fundamental the beginning of democracy. Let’s know, at the end of the 80s, there ■ Ben Ali and Mubarak were even come to power. But most im- question there. Either you organize take a country like the Seychelles. was a strong wave of unrest there, the blue-eyed boys of Europe portantly, democratically elected. So elections and you respect the win- In the Seychelles, there used to be followed by repression by Ben Ali’s and the United States. Why? what do you want? Do you want to ners … no multi-party system but the Sey- predecessor, Habib Bourguiba, and For two reasons. The West have democratic elections to have ■ And you accept the conse- chellois were not really unhappy. that was one of the worst times that viewed Ben Ali and Mubarak as certain parties or movements of quences. They were provided with all the Tunisia had faced since its indepen- strong heads that had as mission to your choice elected, or do you want Yes, of course, because it is the basic goods and services that they dence. There were many people counter the Islamic parties or move- to have democratic elections and people’s choice or you don’t orga- needed, from education to housing. who lost their lives in these riots and ments. Secondly, Egypt and Tunisia whoever wins, wins? nise elections and this is the danger Would you call it a democracy? demonstrations. Unfortunately, the had been used as strategic points for ■ No, I understand that there because … ■ No, I’d call it a benevolent Western powers and the Western the protection of Western countries’ is a price to pay for democracy. ■ You maintain dictatorships. dictatorship. Like Singapore. media did not highlight that unrest interests. Did the programme of the FIS Dictatorship or any other kind You cannot choose your ru- much at the time. But after Ben Ali ■ Is the fact that they helped to allow for democracy? For full of regime not democratically elec- lers but they look after you all took over … counter Islamic political mo- rights for women and for non- ted. To go back to Tunisia or Egypt, the time. ■ Through a coup d’état, as I vements a good thing or a bad Muslims, for example? Western powers have, for many Exactly. For me, democracy understand… thing? I cannot talk about the FIS years, too many years, protected starts by elections; this is the very Not really a coup, because Ben I would say by defi nition it’s a programme of 1991, because I Ben Ali and Mubarak, in spite of basis of democracy. Ali was the minister of Defense, bad thing. do not have the FIS programme the many undemocratic things hap- ■ But it does not stop there. and head of the army. He took over ■ But wouldn’t an Islamic mo- of 1991. But if the programme pening in these countries, because No, of course not. Now if you p. 31 [INTERVIEW Insert N°2 • Friday 4 March 2011 ] l’express want some kind of scientifi c defi ni- Completely. in policy, at least on the economic there is no strong policy from tion of democracy, then you have ■ Is it because he has modera- side. They are largely the same. the authorities to support self- to go even deeper. What type of tely his language? Taking out Sithanen and put- suffi ciency. All these lands being elections are being held? What are No. there is only one reason: ting in Jugnauth, theatrics aside, converted into IRS, RES and the means used in the elections? Are Oil! Yes, he has become more things have largely remained the ‘morcellements’ could be used – the elections perfectly democratic? conservative in his speeches, same. at least partly- for something else What is the power of money, or the though when he is in Africa, he ■ I sn’t it the same all over the … In the 1970s, there were cam- infl uence of communication, etc. sticks to more or less the same lan- world? Since the fall of the Ber- paigns on “produce your own ■ If you go that deep, how ma- guage, but that is not the reason. As lin Wall, what change has there vegetables and fruits.” My father ny countries would be conside- you can see, Gaddafi is the same been? was a civil servant in the Ministry red democratic? as Saddam Hussein was 10 years I’m not sure. You’re talking of Agriculture and I used to see a Very few. ago, but he shifted from being a about the West. This is a danger of lot of these things in my house. Mauritius would be out, I bad dictator to a rehabilitated nice always taking Western democracies I come from a family which has guess. guy almost overnight in the eyes as an example of benchmarking. a strong background in agricul- Absolutely! And even Western of the West, especially because ■ What I’m saying is that since ture and I can tell you that, at one countries, because of the power of of oil. Can you imagine the West the fall of the Berlin Wall, de- point in time, my family bought money, the tools of communication protecting a head of state who has mocracies have come to re- very few agricultural products … you have, the access to communi- been in power for 40 years without semble one another. ■ Are these price rises enough cation is unequal between a small elections and that was no big issue? I don’t think so - Westernized demo- to drive us to the Place party and a big one … Now, a few weeks after Ben Ali and cracies, yes- and I’ll give you some d’Armes? ■ So, where do you draw the Mubarak have gone and Gaddafi is examples: Venezuela is different, I think that it could be a com- line? What would you call a in trouble, they suddenly fi nd out Cuba is different, Zimbabwe … bination of many things. If it has to normal democracy, if not an that, “Oh, Mubarak has so much ■ Is Zimbabwe a good example? happen, it could be a combination ideal one? money in Switzerland”, “Ben Ali I can speak for hours in favour of Med Point, increase in prices Free elections with the same possesses so much wealth here of Mugabe in the 80s and even in of commodities and many small access to communication tools, to and there”. For years, these for- the early 90s. He was an excellent things. Generally speaking, and money and to media exposure. tunes remained a secret thanks to example. The source of the problem when the general elections come, ■ Coming back to Tunisia and the complicity of the West. of Zimbabwe is that the UK did not you see that people are concerned Egypt, if you look at fi gures on ■ But to be fair to the Western respect the agreements at Lancaster about street-lighting, the state of paper, the fi nancial situation leaders and the Western me- House in 1979 where they should the roads etc. People are usually does not seem bad at all. dia, in Egypt and Tunisia, they have brought in a major Land Re- concerned about the small things Yes, the fi gures on paper look stood by the people and put form in the country and the rest is in their lives. rather good but the economic si- pressure on the regimes there. history. But it’s obvious that you are ■ How do people react to the tuation in those countries has ne- In Libya, they are taking a fi r- not ready to be convinced so let’s Med Point episode ? ver been very good. The people mer stand. They have asked for take some Asian countries: Singa- Members of the Labour Party at grass roots level and even the Gaddafi to go. pore is viewed as a model not only themselves said that it is causing middle classes are not benefi ting They stood by the people of by Mauritius but by many other some embarrassment. I think that from the economic development. Egypt at the last moment. We did countries … people have realised that you can- That is why the people were angry. not have any statements from Oba- ■ As an economic model, not not sell something to the State when ■ But why now? ma at the beginning. It was only at as a reference in democracy … you, yourself, are a shareholder of I think the fi rst reason is the the end when they had no other Yes. But even society-wise, the company! There is an obvious power of technology. Today with option that we heard them. for some. What I’m trying to say confl ict of interests. Facebook, Internet, email, SMS, ■ They had the option of stan- is that when we think as intellec- ■ Pravind Jugnauth says that etc. the rules of the game have ding by Mubarak, for example, tuals, journalists, as outsiders, our he has only 5% of shares… changed. who protected the interests of thoughts do not necessarily refl ect Even if you had 1% ! Has he ■ Is it really a revolution led Israel. what people are thinking within the been properly advised? Perhaps not. by technology? Is it Facebook They knew that change was ine- “The West has country. And the media don’t help. ■ But he left the Cabinet and that should take the credit? I vitable. Technology today brings Let’s take the example of Chagos. did not take part in the deci- mean people have lost their a lot more to democracy. Social protected heads Have you heard or read about pro- sion. lives in the struggle. Surely we media is very, very important in of state who minent politicians or intellectuals in This is window dressing. The cannot minimize that. the shaping of world democracies . the UK standing against the UK fundamental thing is that you and Facebook has not caused the ■ So what do you think will have been in on this Marine Protected Area? your family own shares and you revolution; it’s the will of the people happen in Libya? Have you heard of any British are the minister of Finance. That that has made it happen. But Face- I think there’s a turning point power for 40 NGO, left or very left-wing, siding is something fundamental for me. book has transmitted the message, in Libya: international opinion and years without with Mauritius? It’s a question of ■ If not to the Place d’Armes, very easily, very quickly. international powers will make sure national pride and interest. do you see Mauritians walking ■ How was the message trans- that this regime ceases to exist. elections.” ■ Let me bring you back to to the Plantation House? mitted during the French Re- ■ Is the situation different in Mauritius. When the unrest in In the 1970s, yes, not today. volution? Morocco? Tunisa started, many people Generally speaking, although There are many wars of in- Morocco is close to my heart said we may go down that there are exceptions, Mauritians dependence that have been won and, yes, the situation there at the be abolished route if we are not careful. Do are quite well-off. You just need without Facebook. But in the Arab moment is different because it’s a Probably not but it should you see us walking to the Place to look at the number of people countries, it has happened very monarchy. still go in my opinion because the d’Armes one day? who have cars, who depend on quickly, over a few weeks. And that ■ But people are not asking for monarchy in Morocco is very The economic policies of the electronics, go to food courts etc. is due to the internet and other an end to the monarchy. They powerful, more powerful than country are unfortunately map- and you will understand that they forms of communication. are saying “The king can stay say, the traditional monarchies in ped on the International Monetary complain a lot but they won’t take ■ If we cross the frontier over because we like him but we Europe and the U.K for instance. Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the to the streets. to Libya, we are shocked by the want his powers to be limited.” Many decisions, strategies, poli- European Union and other interna- ■ They complain but the reali- scale of brutality. What do you The source of the problem cies for the people of Morocco tional organizations’ strategies and ty is that they are reasonably think will happen there? in Morocco is the monarchy. Yes, come from the offi ce of the policies. Ali Mansoor still being in well-off and not frustrated This is a good question: Gad- Mohamed VI is popular but I king. There have been so many place is for me, as a geopolitician, a enough… dafi has been the bad boy for don’t know if he is more popular changes in political parties in the powerful symbol of what internatio- Pretty well-off, and those who decades from the Western pers- than Hassan II was in his earlier last fi fteen years that I have lost nal organisations want to maintain are not well-off at all are deprived pective. Of course, in Africa in ge- years, not at the end of his reign. count but these changes have not in Mauritius. I’m very concerned of so many things in their daily lives neral, including Mauritius, Gaddafi But I would say, and this is a perso- been followed by strong changes about the recent price increases … that they don’t have enough imagi- was at some point in time a hero. nal opinion, that the kingdom there in policy. Let’s take Mauritius as ■ Do you think we really have nation to hold any protests. Suddenly, he became the new blue- should be abolished. a reference: We change from the a choice? Don’t we depend too eyed boy of the West. ■ But the protesters in the Labour Party to the MMM and much on imported foodstuffs? Touria PRAYAG ■ Rehabilitated. street are not asking for it to back, but there is no real change That is the problem and PHOTOS : CYNTHIA EDOUARD l’express [ Friday 4 March 2011 • Insert N° 2 COVERSTORY] p. 32 Religious Mauritius True faith or ritualistic superstition? That religion permeates the lives of a aureates, or those sco- great number of Mauritians is evident ring the top results in from the importance they attach to the Higher School Cer- Ltifi cate exams of Cam- prayer. However, religiosity, exhibitio- bridge are considered to be the nism and superstition seem to be ever best brains of their generation in more prominent fi xtures in the Mauritius. Dalini Ramasawmy (18 years), and Marie Thea Jemi- Mauritian social milieu. This state ma Shean How Choon (17 years), of affairs can be said to exist across both ex-students of Queen Eliza- religious, ethnic, and class lines. beth college are among them. Marie Thea says that she is a What is it that drives this phenomenon? staunch believer, prays every night and goes regularly to church with her family. Did she pray for her academic success? “I prayed a lot, every night, so that my dreams might come true. I feel a need for prayer, a need to know that there is a superior being listening to you and ready to help,” she says to Weekly. Dalini Ramasawmy ascribes her academic success partly to her prayers and her pious family. “I pray regularly at home and For Muslims prayer at the mosque is very much a community activity. very often in temples. I fast for Ca- vadee and Mahashivratree festivals parents to her children in the future. on Friday afternoon by the side of and participated in this year’s Ca- Joseph Cardella, a philosophy mosques, with utter disregard for all vadee processions. Before going to teacher in a French lycée, has been other road users? How do you ex- take my exams, I prayed and after observing what he calls “the high plain the undisciplined behaviour my success, the whole family went to degree of religiousness” of Mauri- of Mahashivratree pilgrims which the temple to thank God,” she says. tius during the last ten years he has has caused mammoth traffi c jams Dalini and Thea are no excep- spent on the island. and much distress to other pilgrims tion to the rule. Ask any of the best “Those who pray, or who go and road users in general? Do you brains of the island, (past or present), to religious shrines, or who practice expect such behaviour from pious any labourer or manager, and the the different rituals of their religion people, from a pious population?” answer will most of the time be the in Mauritius are not necessarily fi rm asks Ibrahim Koodoruth. same: “Yes, my family and I do be- believers. They do it only because Vijay Ramanjooloo, a psycho- lieve in God and we pray very often”. they belong to a particular religion logist working with AIDS victims, Mauritians of all social classes, or group from which they do not does not deny that Mauritius is a hi- of all walks of life come out with want to break away. They stick to ghly religious country. He, however, the same lines. They will tell you the rituals so as not to repudiate the shares the view that the meaning of that they pray at home, in temples, beliefs handed down to them by many celebrations has been lost. churches, pagodas, or mosques, de- their parents. It is very often a ques- “Christmas is for most Mauritians pending on their beliefs. That they tion of social practice and an open only an occasion to party, to give perpetuate the rituals handed to affi rmation of loyalty to the tribe,” and obtain gifts. To most Christians, them since childhood by their grand explains Joseph Cardella. Christmas is no longer associated parents and parents. with the birth of Christ. We see such Atheists are hard to come by on Deviancy in religions deviancy in most religions,” he says. this island which boasts a high degree Nevertheless, despite what of religiousness. In fact, all the major Ibrahim Koodoruth, professor they see as some sort of de- religions and sects of the world are of sociology at the University of viancy, all these analysts consi- present in Mauritius, from the Mor- Mauritius, has an almost identical der that religion is of the utmost mons to the Maharishi disciples, view. He says that it is undeniable importance to people. “Drug from the Buddhists to the Bahais, that the Mauritian population shares addicts who are fi rm believers without forgetting Catholics, Protes- a high degree of religiousness, but are easier to rehabilitate. AIDS tants, Hindus, Moslems, Ahmadists he adds that, “it is very unfortunate victims who have faith in a god … Each one with their rituals and to see that the essence and meaning accept the idea of death more most of them with a particular way of many religions and rituals have easily,” says Ramanjooloo. of showing these rituals publicly. been lost. Pious people are expec- This assertion fi nds an echo in “But I do not understand at ted to be tolerant, caring towards what Dalini Ramasawmy said, “I all the meaning behind the rituals. others and very sensitive towards need my religion. I need to pray My grand parents understand, the general good. How do you ex- in diffi cult times. It is prayers that but I have had no time to delve plain then that some people willy- give to me the strength, the cou- into this aspect of my religion nilly go to the mosque on Friday rage and the will to move forward and I do not think that I will afternoons, leaving their posts even when I falter,” she says. have time to do it in the future,” when their presence might be of The future of religiousness re- says Dalini who adds that she is extreme importance for the general mains bright in Mauritius. The impressive statue of Shiva at Grand Bassin is a tourist attraction bent on transmitting the beliefs good? How do you explain this at- as well as a religious symbol. and rituals given her by her titude of carelessly parking vehicles Raj JUGERNAUTH p. 33 [COVERSTORY Insert N° 2 • Friday 4 March 2011 ] l’express Religious exhibitionism French sociologist Emile is way of projecting a united, High-Heeled] Durkheim observed that re- organized, if somewhat exag- ligion was the fi rst human at- gerated power to increase the By Deepa BHOOKHUN tempt to systematically explain group’s bargaining power in worldly phenomena. In the ab- society for the benefi t of a cer- sence of scientifi c rationalism, tain group, sect or particular faith in magic, over-interpreta- families. This is why we often tion of random events and the see politics and religion closely fetishization of natural pheno- knitted together.” mena were inevitable. Rajen Suntoo, lecturer in the In the context of Mauritius, the sociology of religion adds that rise of religious exhibitionism this lends an element of “com- has a rather secular explana- petition between the various re- Spineless tion. As Nicholas Ragodoo, a ligious groupings that all want Lighted candles play a part in lecturer in sociology at the Uni- to show that they are the best or Buddhist religious ritual. versity of Mauritius, explains, have the most observers.” Ine- left my offi ce in Baie du Tombeau at about 5pm “Because we have several re- vitably, this means that adverti- last Monday. One hour and fi fteen minutes later, I ligions coexisting, we tend to sing beliefs serves as “a support had still not reached Port Louis. In fact, I was not maintain endogamous rules not only for good but also for Ieven anywhere near Port Louis; I fi gured it would and erect boundaries. It is im- bad and corrupt practices.” be easier to just do a U turn and go back to the offi ce portant to show affi liation to a and wait out the traffi c there. certain group. Exhibitionism Iqbal Ahmed KHAN Except that there was a reason why I’d decided to go home early and by now I was getting seriously frus- trated about my thwarted plans. People all around me were getting really fed up and in a wonderful burst of rebellion, a few of them started hooting like maniacs; I happily joined in. And just when I thought I couldn’t get any angrier, I heard a police offi cer on the radio. He informed moto- rists in an upbeat tone that the roads to Grand Bassin were relatively fl uid and that parking spaces were still available at Grand Bassin! Then, as an afterthought, he added that things were slightly different at La Louise and in Port Louis but that he was positive that people would be very understanding and patient regarding the traffi c jams. I really don’t know why he would presume this. I was anything but patient and understanding as I’m sure those of you who found yourself senselessly caught in those horrendous jams weren’t either. Why should I be patient? I’m sick and tired of being patient everyday and being caught for hours in traffi c problems that seem to be getting worse as time passes and to which no real solutions seem to have been found. One would have thought then when Mahashiva- ratree came, the authorities would have made sure that the pilgrims and their overbearing kanwars wouldn’t take the roads hostage and us with them. But no, the police seemed to be so scared of alienating the pilgrims that they expected the rest of us to just deal with it. A devout worshipper in a Catholic church This sort of fear of alienating pilgrims and everyone involved in the Mahashivaratree festivities seemed contagious. That’s what led the police to give a war- The Power of Superstition ning to VOH members who assaulted MBC employees instead of arresting them. “It may seem strange that in a tition has existed since the be- teurs) to settle disputes, exact I heard our great politicians turned philosophers for colony like Mauritius hundreds ginning of human civilization,” revenge or give love potions. a day at Grand Bassin extolling greatly on the virtues of witch doctors and professed and Nicholas Ragodoo adds, Psychologist Mahendrenath of righteousness but no one thought of telling the VOH sorcerers should exist and thrive “We cling unquestioningly on- Motah, a psychologist, elabo- members that at Grand Bassin, you prayed and you did and it will appear still stranger to superstition taught to us at rates, “Our ancestors tended not beat people up. that thousands of persons should a young age by force of habit.” to associate inexplicable and What are they so scared of? What’s this general fear implicitly believe in them -not The forms of superstition vary unexpected events in our lives associated with anything religious that seems to have among the ignorant only. Per- considerably. Some are relati- such as a sudden death or na- engulfed our politicians and our police? sons of education and social po- vely harmless, such as throwing tural calamities, with divine pu- Do they not realise that an overwhelming number sition, and not a few, are among a few drops of alcohol before you nishment for wrongdoings. This of people who take part in those festivities are actually their best clients.” This passage, start drinking, for the “Grand drove people to search for com- just rational law-abiding citizens who get fed up with from a letter to the New York Dimoune” (ancestors), belief monalities and patterns around the sort of terrorism associated nowadays with reli- Times dated August 23rd 1884, in the “tire lizye” (evil eye), or events preceding or following the giousness? described in detail travellers’ packing dry chillies with food calamity, hence the emphasis on When will our politicians start growing a spine and observations regarding the pre- to ward off the devil. Some are supernatural explanations and start doing what we actually pay them to do: govern? valence of superstition in Mau- relatively absurd such as seeing their connection with seemingly Instead, you fi nd each and every one of them hiding ritius. Not much has changed shapes resembling departed mundane occurrences such as a like cowards behind the illusion of safety that socio- since then with superstition prophets on sofa cushions and cat crossing one’s path, a prayer cultural organisations give them, hoping that if they continuing to persist in some sandwiches. Others are outright lamp being extinguished or wal- pander to those self-serving people’s every whim, they form or the other across ethnic, dangerous, such as ritualistic king under a ladder.” will be safe and protected. religious and class lines. murders and the prevalence of Pathetic! Rajen Suntoo affi rms “Supers- witchdoctors (longanistes/ trai- I. A. K. l’express [ Friday 4 March 2011• Insert N° 2 THIS IS MAURITIUS p. 34 Fashion Industry in Mauritius Reinventing Mauritian textile The International Fashion Extravaganza, held in mid-Fe- bruary, where local and international designers displayed their talents, was a success with some 25 000 spectators. It is well set to become an annual event. Today, the textile industry has a goal, which is to develop and promote a fashion industry in Mauritius. he advent of the of Mauritius and at the Industrial fashion industry can and Vocational Training Board. be traced back to Other causative factors of such a T the beginning of the boom are the standard of living that twentieth century, with the devel- most Mauritians enjoy, the building opment of the factory system of of various shopping complexes and production and of retail stores sell- the increasing importance given to ing mass-produced outfi ts. Prior the worlds of Bollywood and Hol- to that, most clothing was custom lywood. According to David Shaw, made by dressmakers or tailors, author of The Fashion Handbook according to the demands of the (2006), “Consumerism and the individual customer. The fashion consumption of fashion have be- industry is a highly international- come a replacement for religion for ised and globalised industry as many as individuals shop to feel bet- seen in the case of Mauritius. ter.” If in the past, the terms fashion Until recently, our textile and and fashionable were understood as apparel industry manufactured being about change and replacing clothing which was often de- the old with the new, today’s fashion signed by European and Ameri- is no longer about a prescribed code can stylists to be resold in the of dressing. Rather, “It has emerged same international markets. as an eclectic mix of almost every- After 2004, with the abolition thing and is expressed by indi- of the country’s quota-free ac- viduals who have less concern for geared towards creativ- cess to the main markets, Mauritian seasonal looks or fashion rules than ity and innovation to render gar- textiles started facing competition in the past,” explains David Shaw. the products more marketable.” ment from lower-cost suppliers elsewhere Innovation is also needed to conception in the region and from Asian pro- Distinct designing meet the demands of all custom- and mass production to fashion ducers, who no longer had quotas ers. Such has been the endeavour shows and lacking an associated restricting their supply in our main brand of Béatrice Bijoux Bellepeau, de- reportage of a fashion press. The markets. In the face of such grow- The world of fashion, being a signer and owner of Busy B Ltd. textile industry is still a pillar of our ing competition, Mauritian textile global phenomenon, constitutes a Since last November, this designer economy and the emergence of the and apparel producers has had to vast spectrum of activities: from the has come up with a line of clothing, fashion industry is well set to provide adapt by investing in high value unglamorous environment of de- ‘Big is Beautiful’. “This collection the added value to it. The fashion added products to maintain a com- signing and manufacturing to the has been exclusively designed for industry is here to stay as promis- petitive edge. Today, the fashion patronised fashion shows, with the women who do not have the size ing markets like that of India industry consists of four main swishing of models on the catwalk. and height requirements of the and China are yet to be levels, namely the production Designing departments are fairly mannequins displayed in most exploited. Both sexes have the right of raw materials, designing new in textile factories. Ten years ago, fashion magazines. Although to become fashion victims. products, manufacturers and there was no such department. With there has been a boom in the Majhegy retail sales and various forms of ad- some forty to fifty designers pres- fashion world, it is not targeted MURDEN vertising and promotion. For Dan- ently employed in the industry, in his enough to suit the demands of PHOTOS : CYNTHIA EDOUARD iel Wong, director of the Mauritius speech for the National Fashion and these working Mauritian women Exports Association (MEXA), the Design Competition, Amédée Dar- and their need to be just as fash- aim of promoting the fashion in- ga, chairman of Enterprise Mauritius ionable as anyone else.” Thus, dustry is “To display the capacity of explained the importance of devel- there is no longer a taboo Mauritian designers to create with oping capacity in fashion design. around plump women want- raw materials, helping the textile in- For him, “An industry with some ing to be fashionable. For dustry to become visible as a source 200 factories, employing thousands Arielle Brette, the authori- of textile products for international of employees needs to bring added ties are aptly promoting the buyers.” Thus, the fashion industry value to its products. By valorising talents of local designers by is the new face of our 40 year-old the apparel, designing is the added organising various events, textile and apparel industry. value to Mauritian textiles.” In the whereby promising de- Although the fashion industry is future, Mauritian apparel can aspire signers are able to demon-

PRAKASH RUNJEET still an industry in the making, fash- to have a distinct designing brand strate their creativity. “The ion has always been part of Mau- marked by our cultural métissage. aim of the various fashion ritian consciousness. A real boom Arielle Brette, designer for Europe- shows is to bridge the gap between occurred in our consumerist soci- an and American markets at VIEO designers and the industry,” Daniel ety some years ago, with more and Industries, argues that “Mauritian Wong states. more people travelling abroad and designers are inspired by the popu- Fashion in Mauritius is an with the aspiring designers being lar culture in Mauritius, which has a emerging business with internation- able to opt for courses in the Fash- taste of Europe, America, and Asia. al links, covering a diverse range of ion and Textile fi eld at the University Nevertheless, our attention should be commercial activities, ranging from p. 35 THIS IS MAURITIUS Insert N° 2 • Friday 4 March 2011 ] l’express

Modelling: A REALITY CHECK]

lucrative busi- Iqbal Ahmed KHAN ness with prom- and apparel ising prospects A major constituent of the fashion industry is the world of modelling. The modelling business has become very The Infantiliza- lucrative with the increasing importance given to market- tion of Politics ing one’s products. With Elite Modelling Agency carrying here is something inherently infantile about on its search for top models in the way politics is run in our country. Mani- Mauritius, and the increasing festoes are articulated in terms of visions of number of advertising agen- Tthe grand leader, lodestar, great helmsman cies, modelling is flourish- or whatever other honorifi cs are fashionable in the ing, providing interesting day. Usually these are not the outpourings of affection employment perspectives from a grateful populace, but are rather clumsy impo- to a considerable number sitions by ambitious party bureaucrats and careerists. of people. For instance, the It is not so much the shenanigans of great leaders, H.E.A.T modelling agency but precisely of these hangers-on, where any earnest employs mostly students on a enquiry into the state of the regime should begin. part-time basis. “We recruit The fi rst symptom is a perennial inability to take regularly and there is an in- responsibility for ones’ actions. Here, we may recall creasing interest in catwalk the redoubtable Nita Deerpalsing’s assertion that and billboard adverts and for Sithanen and his neo-liberal orgy was somehow an event hostesses,” says Joyce exceptional event in Labour Party history. What Figaro, project co-ordinator this innocent narrative fails to account for is how at H.E.A.T. Nicholas Cas- the ex-minister remained in that post for that long tor, a student at the Institut and how his policies continued long after his de- Supérieur de Technologie tes- parture. One is almost tempted to shout that such tifies, “I have just started as a policies would not have been implemented then or mannequin and I’m enjoying now, unless there was ideological affi nity within the it. At the same time, I’m fol- party for them. But then again, any cock and bull lowing catwalk training, gain- story that exculpates blame for the disastrous social ing valuable knowledge and consequences of these policies from the shoulders of The long and the short - as far life skills like developing self- the party that implemented them will do. No matter as hemlines are concerned, confidence and professional how far-fetched. anything goes.... ethics.” For Geraldine Jaune, This leads us to the second symptom. Passing HEAT icon 2010, “Modelling the buck at any opportune moment. Thus, in the can be particularly stress- wake of the fl ooding in many places, we learn from ful, requiring flexibility on Anil Bachoo that road maintenance is not the res- our part but it is a wonderful ponsibility of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure learning experience.” nor, indeed, that of the Road Development Autho- rity (RDA). Their hands are clean. It’s the small Questions to… fry at the municipalities and district councils who should be scalped. One innovation that our politi- tius.t Also, the promotion of Mau- will have synergy and will go with cians have come up with is the ‘pre-emptive’ pas- ritiusr as a fashion destination in the the image of Mauritius. sing of the buck. Sheila Bapoo, minister of Gender regionalr context will contribute to and Equality can adroitly announce that she has all economice growth. ■ How is modelling in Mauri- the solutions to ensure the wellbeing of our island’s tius answering to the demands children, pending of course her ministry receiving ■ What are the challenges to of the fashion world? more funds. In any case, if Mauritian children do thist industry? Modelling is also a stepping not wake up tomorrow to discover themselves in a The consolidation of efforts stone for international adverti- collective bosom of tender care and affection, the ini promoting the fashion industry sing and the fi lm and television culprits have already been identifi ed, as she adds, ini Mauritius will be important as world.A beginning has been “The Finance minister always tells you to wait be- ANUPANUP JOHJOHRI,RII, isolatedi efforts may not be able to made. Modelling in Mauritius cause this or that project was not catered for in the Director of the Interna- achieve the full objective. Fashion will need a lot of grooming and budget… the government and the Finance minister tional Institute of Fashion as a sector will need the support of in this context; IIFT will be com- will have to shoulder their responsibilities.” The line and Technology (Mauritius the state and the industry to grow mencing three months certifi cate is the same: “Pa mwa sa, li sa.” Branch) Ltd. and fl ourish. Fashion is still consi- courses in modelling to promote The third, and fi nal, symptom is the exaggerated dered as taboo by various segments local talent. The talent is available sense of self-importance. This time it’s our modest minis- In the regional arena, what are of our society and this misconcep- in Mauritius, but it needs a pro- ter of Health, Maya Hanoomanjee, in whose estimation the assets of Mauritius for de- tion has to be corrected. It is the per platform to grow and fl ou- any effort to question the Med Point deal is tantamount veloping a fashion industry? aspiration of the common man that rish. IIFT with the organisation to character assassination that seeks to ruin an otherwise Besides our culture, values and fashion be accessible to one and all of fashion shows across the globe stellar career. Like the famous “clean conscience” in the level of education, our membership and should not be restricted to the can provide the platform for Mau- possession of our Finance minister, she states that “I am of COMESA and SADC and our élite only. It has the potential of ritian models. The Extravaganza honest and I will not allow anyone to break my integrity.” vibrant tourism sector are major reaching to the masses and fl ou- 2012 will provide a platform for It almost breaks the heart to point out to both that that is assets to develop Mauritian talent rishing as an important pillar of the models trained by IIFT and not an argument but a simple statement of self-regard. on a regional basis. The well esta- the economy. Mauritius is promo- also enable them to participate in But then, what else to expect from a political system blished textile sector is a major asset ted as the best in many sectors and various fashion shows organised where having a certain surname is the only guarantor of for the fashion industry in Mauri- promotion of fashion in this line by the parent organisation in India. a lucrative political career? l’express [ Friday 4 March 2011 • Insert N° 2 L'EXPRESS YOURSELF ] p. 36 Medpoint: the big questions

MEDPOINT stinks of bad 4. Is Medpoint being a fi - practice and the pregnant si- nely crafted thriller about the lence of the cabinet pongs of struggle of the weak voiceless suspicion. While the country Mauritian versus the powerful? sinks into disbelief and distrust, If it is, it is ill-timed and a big the Prime Minister says he will mistake. The weak is plucking make the country modern. courage and gaining not only Just what the doctor ordered! local but an international voice When he is hemmed in with via the internet and Facebook. unethical practices, he points There is increasing awareness ethical virility to the customs among the ordinary Mauri- offi cers in a modern building. tian that it is good to talk and He needs a green book too. express our views. Nobody is As PM, he is the guardian going to shrink in the corner of our nation and he should and allow our money to be be asking the big questions. misused. This is the age when 1. The paperwork for the pur- the weak holds the powerful to chase of this building must be account. It is an era of people made public. This is an op- power emancipated through e- portunity for us to show the learning and the airwaves. world that there is democracy 5. This dead silence about in Mauritius and that there is as Vikram Jeetah have the profes- veyors and this is the time your we trust our PM, our elected MedPoint and hiding behind access to information which is sional and personal courage and country needs you. This is why representatives, our ministers the ICAC is unacceptable. It in the public interest. There is integrity to step up to the plate you went to university - to be of to speak for us when the need is worth remembering that massive public interest in Me- in quoting the value of the best service to your country. Does arises. What a letdown. Or is it the ICAC is not totally inde- dPoint. Nobody can deny us possible deal the people could your conscience prick you? Can self-preservation? If it is, then pendent. It is an instrument the information and it should have had. It is no secret that you help the nation? why? But what is it about this of the government, set up by be out in the open. The Op- Vikram quotes Rs70 million as a 3. The next big question silent space inside that they do the government, funded by the position must be relentless on reasonable price that could have is: why is the cabinet silent? not wish to face, that they try government. It is opaque, how this point and should never been paid. We appeal to other Not a word from the PM, not to keep covered by any means? can itachieve transparency? accept less until the next Ge- groups of chartered surveyors a whimper from the ministers This is who they are, their True There is a myriad of key neral Elections. Where are the in the country to lend a hand and not even a whine from any Selves This is the Nothingness questions. The people and papers kept? Who is actually and come forward as a group in Member of Parliament. This si- which contains everything! the media should keep the safeguarding them and what the interest of democracy to exa- lence is a mystery. Like a beau- And yet they seek to avoid this pressure on so that we have a are the chances of papers di- mine the rationale for the Rs144 tiful diamond, we can only see at all costs. Just stop and listen breakthrough. Because we de- sappearing or being doctored million paid for MedPoint and a few facets at a time. What we with our soul. Everything is serve justice and fairness. (if you pardon the pun)? quote a fair price for it. Mauri- see in this pure silence is be- here. Everything is them. Mau- 2. Chartered surveyors such tius has some very capable sur- trayal of trust. As a country, ritians can hear your silence. TALEB DURGAHEE Writing Home ON a golden October day for- things, a sentiment shared by most centuries. Forty years on, my af- people. He is calling for a “mus- of the British identity. ty years ago, I left my country in of my fellow expatriates, I hasten fection for my adopted country cular liberalism”. Much to my I have taught my children to search of a better life in England. to add. My adventure was to re- has not diminished. What stand sadness, I am seeing a progressive respect and embrace the British Like many country folks before discover the Britain I have known out most in this unblemished de- decay of the British culture which culture whilst they must always me, this exodus, unless you were through William Shakespeare, mocracy is the sense of fair play, has been built on a thousand years remember their roots and cherish clever enough to have won a scho- Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, Charles opportunity and tolerance. Bri- of Christianity, a religion which their own culture. I shall be doing larship for university education or Dickens and William Wordsworth, tain today has allowed multicultu- remains strong and inclusive and the same thing with my grandchil- you were sons and daughters of to mention only a few. The exalta- ralism to grow. Whether this is by has remained the foundation of dren who are half Irish,a quarter rich parents, was to fi nd ourselves tion and the imagery in my mind’s virtue of its commonwealth legacy British institutions. Most impor- Filipino and a quarter Mauritian. in a labour market marginalised eye about Britain in literature and and, therefore, a sense of duty to tantly, law and government, Parlia- This is indeed multiculturalism by the native Britisher. A health listening to the BBC World Ser- all its citizens, or sheer sentimen- mentary sovereignty and Habeas in the making! I can draw on my service asking succour from its vice bore a canny resemblance to talism which in the last ten years Corpus have their roots fi rmly in own childhood and growing up in commonwealth. its splendour when I set eyes on has evolved into a monster and is Christianity. Mauritius, my colourful country Many of my country folks the real thing. I fell in love with devouring its cultural identity bit The diffi culty facing the lea- with its own history of multicultu- were lured by the prospect of ear- its magnifi cent architecture, the by bit. der of the Conservative party ralism, where people live alongside ning enough money to support palaces, the churches, the cathe- today is how to reconcile British each other in peace and harmony their families back home, and to drals, the county side, important Religious extremism integration and multicultura- and respect each other’s culture. avoid the humility of queuing at houses preserved for posterity by lism. During my early years in I have been accused by the “Public Service Commission” the National Trust, and of course, this county, this was achievable. my compatriots and others of for jobs which probably would the quintessential village greens. I Early this month, Prime Mi- People with different religions being selfi sh when I express my never be within their grasp. The would wallow in the sound of cric- nister David Cameron launched prayed in private or attended the opinion on multiculturalism. early seventies was a very bad time ket bats interrupting the silence of an attack on multiculturalism. very few prayer houses which Maybe they are right in their for employment in Mauritius. the summer evenings and men in He blamed the “doctrine of state were allowed to be built in big judgement. After all, I left my For me, crossing continents white playing a game totally alien multiculturalism for encouraging cities. The co-existence of early country in search of an adven- was going to be an adventure. The to me. I also fell in love with the different cultures to live separate multiculturalism and respect for ture. To revel in a foreign culture last year of my teens, wet behind culture and the people. One must lives, apart from each other and British values and British culture and its values, which I have the ears, was going to be spent remember that the British culture the main steam”. David Came- was allowed to fl ourish. Sadly, come to cherish. I shall be very with some trepidation. Joining the originates from the Celts and the ron believes strongly that the lais- religious extremism is now one sad to see its distruction. National Health Service was going Saxons and has been infl uenced sez-fair society has weakened the of the deep causes of discontent, to be a stepping stone to better by immigrants’ cultures over the collective identity of the British exclusion, and the gradual erosion Mahmood SHAMTALLY p. 37 [L'EXPRESS YOURSELF Insert N° 2 • Friday 4 March 2011 ] l’express 2012 Corpo sano, mente sana ]

The end of the world? By Dr. Cassam Hingun THE year 2000 came and left. If we fl ash back for a mi- nute, we’ll recall that in the lead- When the up to 2000, chaos was predicted to envelop our computerized pacemaker and electrifi ed civilization. It was called Y2K: a simple fl aw in computer software design was steps in supposed to bring about the end of the civilized world. Power sta- he heart, which is a biological pump, is made tions, telecommunications, bank up of different structures comprising muscles, accounts, billing processes were valves and arteries. It also has an intrinsic elec- all supposed to grind to a halt or Ttrical activity designed through electric fi bres be thrown into a state of chaos. inside the muscle wall. But it never happened! Ins- This electrical activity controls the rate and rhythm. tead, the end of 1999 and the Preceding each heart beat, a small electric signal spreads beginning of 2000 is best re- from the top to the bottom of the heart and the electric membered for the stupendous signal travels through specifi c microscopic fi bres. displays of fi reworks in prin- First of all, the upper chambers, also known as the cipal cities of the world, many atria, contract and push blood to the lower chambers cal- of them televised and shared led the ventricles. The ventricles then contract and they with viewers in all nations. The Doomsday scenario from a popular fi lm. help to push blood to the rest of the body. The combined spectre of doomsday was a contraction of the atria and ventricles give a heartbeat. phantom. a misinterpretation of the data: most accurate when superim- With age, this electrical activity of the heart degene- A decade later, where are we? they say that it doesn’t speak posed onto past events. rates. Some diseases can also affect the electrical conduc- Wars are being fought in Iraq of an end per se but of a new tion systems. These defects in the electrical conduction and Afghanistan using sophis- beginning. (Refer to “Mayan Polar shift systems can easily be diagnosed by the routine resting ticated computerized weaponry. Mayhem: Is 2012 the End of the ECG. This routine resting ECG, practised by doctors, re- A languishing global economy is World?”) So why are so many drawn cords the electrical activity of the heart and can give pre- desperately trying to revive itself. in, or at least intrigued, by apo- cious information on the rhythm of the heart and can help The Internet is an indispensable Nostradamus calyptic hype every time a new to detect heart diseases. part of life for the majority in theory emerges? Average people We all have an inherent natural pacemaker in our the Western world and even for Still, the Mayan calendar is of all descriptions tend to be at hearts. By analogy, it resembles a small biological battery a considerable number of indi- not the only source of current least somewhat interested in which generates electrical impulses. Defects in the natu- viduals in the developing world. apocalyptic angst. The words of speculating about future events ral pacemaker cause the heart rate to slow down and the And we are being told about Nostradamus also fi gure heavily and the possible demise of civi- electrical pathways can sometimes be completely blocked another approaching doomsday. into the latest prognostications. lization as we know it. Banking and in these circumstances an artifi cial pacemaker has to In fact, an Internet search on on this inclination, Slate maga- be implanted. Mayan calendar “Nostradamus 2012” yields zine (August 7, 2009) offered The artifi cial pacemaker is a medical device similar nearly 1.5 million hits. Nostra- a chance to “choose your own is similar to a battery and it sends electrical impulses If we are to believe the latest damus wrote on religious the- apocalypse.” Offering 144 sce- through electrodes to the heart muscles. It thus replaces hype, December 21 or 23, 2012, mes; indeed, the 2012 theme has narios, they asked readers to the defective natural pacemaker of the heart and regulates is when the world will really become a phenomenon for the weigh in on how “the greatest of an abnormally low heart beat. come to a climactic end. This New Age movement and thus a the world’s great powers,” Ame- Artifi cial pacemakers can be temporary and are time, the fear has been sparked religious event. rica, would most likely fall. commonly used in intensive care units. On the other by an interpretation of the an- But the 16th-century seer’s And let’s be realistic: not all hand, modern permanent pacemakers are small devices cient Mayan calendar, furthered writings, recorded in qua- end-time scenarios are comple- which are implanted under the skin of the shoulder and by numerous books and docu- trains, or poetry in four-line tely far-fetched. For example, a long electrode wire connects the pacemaker device mentaries. And it has spawned, format, are fl exible enough to one of the phenomena that have to the beating heart. Most pacemakers are now pro- perhaps predictably, yet another support any of several apoca- been linked to 2012 is a polar grammable externally by using a laptop and this allows Hollywood disaster movie. lyptic scenarios that are being shift, and astronomers say that the cardiologist to select the optimum pacing mode for The supposed cataclysm of put forward today. One website this could certainly occur in individual patients. 2012 may appear to be corro- that provides resources and the foreseeable future. But with Pacemaker batteries theoretically last between 5 to 15 borated by some sources, ran- background material for those our current knowledge, such an years. On average, they last for about 6 to 7 years. Patients ging from economics to science. interested in 2012 offers this event can’t be linked to any spe- implanted with pacemakers need regular cardiovascular That’s not to say that 2012 evaluation of Nostradamus: cifi c date; nor, more important- check ups to assess battery weaknesses. Pacemakers are is necessarily central to their “He is best known for his book ly, does it portend disaster. With usually implanted on the right side but in certain cases, in concerns; in some cases, it’s just Les Propheties… Many of his regard to the economy, calamity hunters for instance, they are implanted on the left side. a convenient peg on which to prophecies dealt with disaster could occur at any time, before Although they are meant to give a normal lifestyle, cer- hang their hat as they rally sup- such as plagues, earthquakes, or after December 2012, if a tain precautions ought to be taken. Certain contact sports port for other pet theories. wars, fl oods and the coming rash action by the government such as boxing,or rugby may damage the pacemaker. Most But does the Mayan calen- of three antichrists. However, of some major power triggers a household appliances, such as microwave ovens, shavers dar really speak of an end of his predictions are vague and collapse of the global fi nancial and hair dryers are safe. the world, or is it just the end of people tend to apply his words system. But we can only spe- If you have had a pacemaker implanted, it is good to one calendar cycle – a recurring to many situations.” culate about the timing or even know that the metal casing of the pacemaker can trigger event according to Mayan rec- It’s an appropriate com- the results. the alarm of airport security systems and magnetic fi elds koning? Those who have studied ment. People have often used like the MRI should be avoided. Mobile phones can affect the calendar and the culture that Nostradamus to bolster their (to be continued) some pacemakers if they are held too close to the chest. developed it dismiss the entire own predictions, though so far In that case, it is preferable to carry the mobile phone on end-of-the-world prediction as his mystical verses have proved Krishna ATHAL the opposite side to your pacemaker. l’express [ Friday 4 March 2011• Insert N° 2 INTERNATIONAL SCENE] p. 38 ARAB UPHEAVAL The ripple effect reaches France SINCE it started in Tunisia, In an opinion article published the ripple effect has kept on sprea- recently in Le Monde, an anony- ding. After North Africa and the mous group of retired and current Middle East, the political tempest French diplomats severely blamed has crossed the Mediterranean Sarkozy and his “amateurish” team to reach the shores of France. It for their lack of vision and intelli- has at least one known casualty in gence. “Contrary to the announce- Europe: Michèle Alliot-Marie, the ments trumpeted for the past three fi rst woman to hold the position years, Europe is powerless, Africa of Foreign Minister (even if this escapes us, the Mediterranean was for three months only!). But won’t talk to us, China has kept us Nad SIVARAMEN of course you will never read this down and Washington is ignoring as such in any offi cial documents. us!” wrote the authors. The world of politics is always The hastily organized ca- clouded with secrecy and like ice- binet shuffl e came very soon bergs, only bits and pieces (thanks after. Replacing Alliot-Marie in to the free fl ow of information) Foreign Affairs is Alain Juppé, appear at the surface. former minister of Defence (and Actually Alliot-Marie was not Former French foreign minister Michèle Alliot-Marie has been given former Prime minister earlier on) fi red, but she was forced to resign. her walking papers by an increasingly embattled Sarkozy, whose – a man of experience who will This week, in a letter to her boss, foreign policy critics maintain has only isolated France globally. be responsible for strengthening President Sarkozy, she insisted that France’s voice on the interna- she had not done anything wrong ment with Ben Ali (she offered him in the Arab world and in Africa, tional scene. He quickly started but still she had to quit… the French “savoir-faire” in crowd analysts expect him to be defeated to turn things around. France, Sarkozy explained his cabinet control at the start of the Tunisia by socialist candidates in 2012, one so far confused, has decided to shuffl e – his second one in three popular uprising!) and her family’s of whom is the current head of the dispatch two aircrafts carrying months and the 10th of his presiden- heavy investments with the relatives International Monetary Fund, Do- doctors, nurses and medical cy – by the fact that France needs of Ben Ali. minique Strauss-Kahn. equipment to support the Libyan to become infl uential and active in This proximity of France’s ad- anti-government rebels. This is the ongoing events unfolding in the ministration with the ousted regime Humanitarian support supposed to be the beginning of Arab world. As the 2012 Presiden- of Ben Ali has become a source of a “massive operation of humani- tial election appears on the horizon, embarrassment, especially at a time 2011 was supposed to be tarian support”. Juppé’s mission it was becoming obvious that Alliot- when Sarkozy is facing approval France’s year on the international is to heal the wounds of France Marie had to be sacrifi ced in the rating problems. One poll credited scene. The country runs both the in the international arena and to face of growing criticism. him with only 36 % of support and, G20 and the G8. Sarkozy saw stop the expected infl ow of mi- Multiple revelations from the according to another one, 59% of himself as the leader of Europe, grants escaping the instability in opposition and the press unders- French do not want him to run and in some way, the spokesper- the Arab world, while Sarkozy cored Alliot-Marie’s vacations in again as President. If Sarkozy were son of the West. But clearly this will fi ght his domestic opponents Tunisia, her close working arrange- to maintain his policies, especially was not the case. in a bid to be reelected… Libya: a litmus test for regional organisations COLONEL Gaddafi ’s re- Gaddafi still has the materials re- mass crimes against humanity. are very effective in areas of confl ict which helped to reduce hostilities gime hangs by a thread. Submer- quired to produce deadly chemical This was reiterated by the new resolution including peace keeping, between the different factions. sed by the uprising throughout and biological weapons. French foreign minister Alain Juppe peace building and peace making. For now, as a Libyan invasion the country, the self-declared Can the international com- in a recent interview with RFI as he The African Union, since the is clearly on nobody’s agenda, both King of African Kings now only munity hold on to the hope that stated that “When a government is ‘non-interference’ stance of the Africa’s highest security body and controls the capital, Tripoli. Un- the UN sanctions will remedy this unable to protect its own popula- Organization of African Unity has the Arab league have added their surprisingly, Muammar Gaddafi quagmire? Quite possibly, howe- tion, when it attacks it, then it is the taken vital leap forward to combat voices to the international outcry continues to defy the democratic ver pessimists can argue that it is a duty of the international commu- impunity and gross violations of condemning the use of lethal force struggle and has made it clear that gamble which may well put the lives nity to intervene.” human rights throughout the black against demonstrators in Libya. he will sacrifi ce his own people to of thousands in jeopardy. Given continent. Confl ict management Rightly so, for a humanitarian in- stay in control. Gaddafi ’s notorious erratic beha- Regime drunk is certainly not uncommon for the tervention could be a poisoned Cornered by the international viour, they fear a possible Mediter- AU. Indeed through the Peace and chalice and lead to devastating community and his own people, ranean Rwandan genocide. on power Security Council, the AU has pre- consequences on the confl ict. It Muammar Gaddafi ’s options are Hence for them, a military In preparing for this last option, viously used its legal empowerment would be better if the Libyans could rapidly shrinking. But as this regime humanitarian intrusion although a collective and coercive action in- to intervene in any African Union triumph in their crusade against the fi ghts for survival, some experts are remote should not be completely volving force for humanitarian member culprit of war crimes, ge- regime on their own. worried that its response is likely to discarded. After all, If Muammar purposes in Libya, much is evi- nocide or crimes against civilians. But at the same time if the Li- become more aggressive. Gaddafi ’s course of action conti- dently expected of the UN as well With regard to the Arab Lea- byan people edges dangerously clo- Without a doubt the worst case nues to claim the lives of ordi- as the regional organisations of the gue, a preventive diplomacy contri- ser towards carnage at the hands of a scenario is one in which the Libyan nary Libyans, the country will African Union and the Arab lea- bution mutually with the UN and regime drunk on power, both regio- regime keeps a hold on power with become a legitimate case for the gues. After all Libya is also a mem- the AU would be most welcome. nal organisations will be expected to enough military ammunition to use of the “responsibility to pro- ber of both. Previously in the Darfur crisis, the intervene decisively or else lose their continue the indiscriminate blood- tect” - A legal and ethical basis Unquestionably legitimate, league made a signifi cant bridging legitimacy or even their raison d’être bath. What is also worrying a num- for the world to intervene collec- both organisations have enormous contribution through prevention, ber of intelligence experts is that tively if there is clear evidence of capabilities and knowledge which mediation, and resolution of confl ict Benji MOUTOU LIBRARY PHOTO to schoolasks parentstopay driver whotakes my children plains Rehana, amother, “The ice. And what ismore, com- pay forthepreciousvan serv- sums ofmoneyeachmonth to rising er parentswhodisburse the other, therearemany oth- forstudentsbut on transport the government provides free the fares. Ontheonehand, are noregulations inplacefor system,this transport there byand parentsareconcerned travel inthem. about 50,000schoolchildren tius andthereareestimates that some 700schoolvans inMauri- the country, says that thereare of schoolvan drivers registered Van Lékol, anassociation of young totakethebus. Komité between 6and11whoaretoo school children, usuallyaged These vans dealwithprimary or herbackintheafternoon. up fromhomeanddropshim van, whichsafelypicksthechild isoftentheschool of transport to school, method thepreferred young childrenhead our very ity forany parent. And when Balancing safety and cost safety School andVans Vanscost p. 39 But whilesomany children A child’s isaprior- security [SOCIAL ISSUES odd toyou? Apparently, itisn’t, the fare during themonths the fareduring sure trips. families aroundtheislandonlei- vehicles asschoolvans, ortotake their come astheycanonlyrun haveers noothersource of in- explaining that schoolvan driv- Lékol, justifi es thesituation by the presidentofKomité Van When contacted, NazirJunggee, withnochange.ing onforyears and thefactthat ithasbeengo- given theabsenceofregulations when schoolsareonholiday.” other children. The fare hasnow later ontopickup the ond trip the schoolat 3.30pmandasec- to that hehastomakeonetrip ment Programme, andthefact brought aboutby theEnhance- because oftheextrahours child upfromschoolat 4.30pm, charges extrawhenhepicksmy hana complains, “The driveralso and employing anattendant. Re- such asinsurance, maintenance cost ofdiesel, andothercosts costofliving, thehigh the rising Komité Van Lékolattributesto few monthsago, anincreasethat throughout theislandwent upa Does this practice sound Does thispracticesound The fares of school vans The faresofschoolvans high demand, costsgoup.” operational costs. And when thereis are usuallydecidedonthebasis of lations inplaceforthis. The fares operators, sincethereare noregu- between parentsandtheschoolvan will dependmostlyonnegotiations (NTA)Authority says, “The cost source fromtheNational Transport tantly forcedtoaccepttherates. A on thedriverofvan, andreluc- often fi nd themselves heavily reliant parents, however, isthat theymay diffi andparents, ers say theyarefacing to school. Bothsides, that is, driv- have morethanonechildtosend of livingandthefactthat theyoften angrily,would retort giventhecost in place No regulations needs tomakeendsmeet!” says NazirJunggee. “He also of aschoolvan isaparent too,” excessive toparents. “The driver well asholiday payments seem per month, andextracharges, as vans caneven costover Rs600 diffi reached Rs550. We fi nd itvery culties. The disadvantage for cult,” shesays. Indeedschool

And sodowe, many parents Insert N°2•Friday 4March2011] he does understand the parents theparents he doesunderstand ents. Ieven madethisproposal to should beanallowance for par- the schoolvan drivers. Butthere that any moneyshould begivento in schoolbuses. “I amnotsaying transport” asforthosewhotravel vans withanoptionof “free of childrenwhotravel inschool fornotproviding parents thorities but heputstheblameonau- much ofachange? ulations, canonereally expect into thematter. Butwithoutreg- come tothem, andtheywilllook about excessively highrates may parents whowishtocomplain The NTA says nevertheless that tions at leasteachsixmonths. undergo regularfi need tobeingoodconditionand system.port After all, thevans aspectofthistrans- important children, whichisanextremely a van attendant tolookafterthe recent regulations abouthaving school vans respectthe more It isalsoworking toensurethat norms.and verifyingsecurity regulating thevehicle, thedriver that theNTA’spears rolestopsat ofmarketvalue?the mercy Itap- Nazir Junggee concedes that Nazir Junggeeconcedesthat So doesthat leave parentsat tness inspec- tness authorities react? react? authorities for many ofthem. When willthe that simple.” A catch-22 situation up your child,” says Anna. “It’s pay thedriver, hewillnotpick have nochoice. “If you don’t one schoolvan driverandthey hood, for example, thereisonly teau say that intheirneighbour- parents livingontheCentralPla- you abetterprice.” Butcertain competitor whoiswillingtogive NTA meanwhilesays, “Go tothe same driverforyears. And the son, have bothtraveled withthe mother, whose daughterand problems,” says Anna, another know that withhimthereareno van. We thedriverandwe trust when ourchildisintheschool the service. “We arenotworried many parentstocontinuewith andconvenience security forces of schoolvans too. The aspectof fi er thediffi culties ofparentsand look intothematter andconsid- of for theMinistry Transport to introduced,” hesays. forstudentswas free transport of the Ministry Transport when nd away toregulate thefares van driver. entrust theirchildrentothe The dailyschoolrun:parents It is necessary in this respect inthisrespect It isnecessary l’express Melissa LOUIS p.40 WE MARK THE SPOT] Insert N° 2 • Friday 4 March 2011 ] l’express Exhibition by Said Aniff Hossanee Painting with Passion THE fi rst thing that catches after that a second exhibition dampened his pas- your attention is the burst of co- in 1982 was based on black sion, “which you lour on the Andy Warhol-esque strokes. Then I had a third can also see in my series of acrylic paintings. The exhibition centered around paintings. The en- 40 miniature paintings, blending the movement of strokes and ergy coming from various colours fi ll up a wall. after that it continued with my body is trans- The artist who produced this fragments and later I had one lated into my can- work was Said Aniff Hossanee major theme called the Sega. I vas.” who hosted an exhibition com- had about 150 paintings in this The problem memorating the 40th anniversary series and after that I had a se- with mono-the- of his fi rst exhibition in 1970. ries in tribute to Malcolm De med artwork is This was evident in his Chazal entitled ‘Windows on that after a while paintings. The initial impres- Malcolm’, blending his motifs it tends to be- sion, however, does not make and technique and mine.” come drab and repetitive. the works that follow seem any Hossanee successfully manages vas,” the artist points less impressive. The theme of Distinctive pieces to overcome this with his in- out. Collapsed shells, yarn and the 25 paintings that illumina- corporation of unconventional texture paste, and even scraps The artist S.A Hossanee. ted the walls of the Allied Mo- This comment was not of- materials. He proudly shows us of Thai newspapers and indeed tors showroom in Reduit from fered glibly. The late Malcolm around the exhibition and tells sometimes a combination of the 17th to the 28th of Febuary De Chazal is one of the major us what is unique about each many of the above ensure that was ‘Sails’, with the number inspirations for Hossanee’s abs- canvas. One includes a collage not only does the artwork burst 40 included in various places. tract-expressionist style. Picasso of paper bought specially from forth from the fl at canvas, but “It is only for this exhibition,” is counted as another. “The Thailand. Another uses jute. that each piece remains distinc- Hossanee tells us. strokes on my paintings are like Many of the paintings have a tive and yet blends in the single “All my exhibitions center the strokes of Picasso, because rough texture. We fi nd out that theme. Not many can success- around a single theme,” Hos- he always worked with fi erce this is because synthetic sand is fully manage that, but Hossanee sanee volunteers. “In 1980, strokes,” Hossanee offers in used in the artwork. “I use this somehow does. my fi rst major exhibition, my case we were under the impres- instead of actual sand because theme was Contortions. Then sion that 40 years had somehow there is no damage to the can- Iqbal Ahmed KHAN Kreol korner]

Gonaz – junk food As a world leader in the non-communicable diseases (NCD) stakes, Mauritius is more familiar than most with the damage wrought by “gonaz”. Also, if the inane guff that passes for political discourse these days is anything to go by, we’re also rather conversant with the art of “koz gonaz” (talking rubbish). NR

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