66th Year -- No. 3627 Tuesday, November 10, 2020 www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times 18 Pages - ePaper MAURITIUS TIMES

l If you entrust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us, not the worst. I will be an ally of the light, not of the darkness. - Joe Biden Matters of The Moment Interview: Prof Kian Fan Chung As President I Pledge Not to Divide but to Unify

The divisions in the US have been deep and bitter. America must be United again for, above all, its people

By Mrinal Roy * See Page 4 Covid-19: “It is not time to lower the guard yet. Controlling the borders US: An Election Is democracy is key for Mauritius” 'Legalising cannabis beyond of Firsts sacred? medicinal use is not the way forward A theologian argues, based on the to help curb the traffic and use of philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, that a more dangerous drugs' political institution has its limits when it + See Pages 7-8-11 comes to being called 'sacred' Other Voices With Kamala Harris, Americans yet again have trouble understanding what Election staff carrying Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail machines and ? an Electronic Voting Machine cross a bamboo bridge to reach remote polling stations in Assam, on April 17 2019 multiracial means “In its last general elections, India had 900 million plus While the debates about Kamala Harris' voters registered to cast their ballot at one million booths, multiraciality may seem new, they are similar all equipped with foolproof electronic machines With less than a quarter of the number of voters, it is a wonder why a to the commentary other high-profile country so advanced in technology as the US still resorts mixed-race people in the US have received to the older, traditional ballots…” about their racial identities

By Dr R Neerunjun Gopee * See Page 3 By Anthony D. Baker * See Page 2 By Jennifer Ho * See Page 18 Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 www.mauritiustimes.com Edit Page facebook.com/mauritius.times 2

The Conversation A Year of Upheavals Is democracy sacred? he current government will have handling of the Covid threat by the govern- completed its first year in office this ment – which had allowed the partial A theologian argues, based on the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, that a Tweek. It was sworn in on 12th reopening of our borders and the resump- November 2019. The early months of the tion of economic activities. political institution has its limits when it comes to being called ‘sacred’ government have been marked by many Another issue which is a matter of se- ith millions of votes yet an upheaval both locally and abroad. It rious concern has to do with the func- to be counted and the began with the onset of the Covid-19 pan- tioning of and decisions taken by the election far from being demic, and the impact has been such that Mauritius Investment Corporation Ltd, set W decided, President Trump false- to date the global economy is still not out of up by the Bank of Mauritius as a Special ly claimed victory and called for the woods. Nor is there any indication as to Purpose Vehicle under its aegis with an ini- a halt to vote-counting. His rival, when things will get back to normal. The tial “ONE-OFF exceptional contribution of Joe Biden, meanwhile, vowed Mauritian economy has not been spared Rs 60 Billion” by the Central Bank. The that every ballot would be either; besides its manufacturing sector MIC, which has been established by the counted. and tourism experiencing a period of BOM has the responsibility of providing decline and facing new challenges, on “through a range of equity/quasi equity Such moments of political other fronts too problems continue to instruments in view of ensuring that drama could have some of us plague the country, not least amongst domestic systemic economic operators are grasping for religious imagery which are escalating public debt, the kept afloat…”. As yet, it is not known what and language. Indeed, one pro- financing of electoral promises, the social are the conditionalities that are being tester at a post-election rally in Voters mark their ballots at a church in Stamford, havoc being caused by what has been applied for the disbursement of the bailout Missouri was quoted putting the Conn. Photo - AP called the drug epidemic, etc. funds. The opacity surrounding the MIC is fight over votes in explicitly their common pursuit of a good life, a not only totally unacceptable, but a matter sacred terms: “Votes are the host, they On the political front, the circumstances life formed by virtues like courage. If we of grave worry for the public whose tax- are a holy item right.” surrounding the conduct of the last elec- could all be courageous together, we payer money is here involved directly tions have been criticised by the opposi- It echoes the language of politicians would be well on our way to being good tion, and electoral petitions have been filed There is a wide range of other proble- themselves. A month before the Nov. 4 citizens. to invalidate the elections in a number of election, a Democratic congressman matic issues that have plagued the first Putting these virtues into practice is constituencies. The Court will hopefully year of the government, such as the called Trump “a threat to our sacred hear these cases at the earliest, but given democracy.” And Vice President Mike challenging, though, and Aquinas says Wakashio shipwreck and latterly the acqui- it will involve “some kind of training.” the pace at which justice is delivered in sition of property at Angus Road by the Pence used explicitly religious lan- these matters it should not surprise us that guage in his speech at the Republican Eventually, individuals might live coura- Prime Minister, and it would be in the in- geously because they want to live in a judgement could be delivered well into the terest of government to come up with the National Convention in August. mandate of the government. It has also society where courage is a commonly appropriate answers to the queries being This election is “a time of testing,” held to be good. been a year of significant political raised. he said. Blending images of the flag upheavals that began with the rejection of over Fort Henry with a biblical passage In the meantime, though, a society Although the challenges facing the opposition parties by the electorate in from Saint Paul’s Epistle to the needs “training” through laws, proper Mauritius presently and in the years ahead November 2019. It is still trying to find its Hebrews, Pence continued: “So let’s enforcement and appropriate judicial are daunting, most economists argue that way through an “entente” before some- run the race marked out for us. Let’s fix intervention, so that it can regulate at the country has the potential to overcome thing more concrete takes shape, pending our eyes on Old Glory and all she re- least a minimal measure of virtue. them if the appropriate conditions are set in the ironing out of potentially contentious presents… And let’s fix our eyes on the place by the government. Overall, our pub- Aquinas suspected that some blend issues in relation to the filling of constitu- author and perfecter of our faith and our lic infrastructures are quite good, despite of monarchy, aristocracy and democra- tional posts. freedom.” shortcomings in certain sectors. Nonethe- cy was the best path to this common The MSM-ML alliance has not been less, economic and institutional transfor- At one level, the use of such reli- good: Such a state could have a unified spared either with the dismissal of the for- mation has not taken place to keep us gious language makes sense. Nations voice, a counsel of trusted sages and mer Vice Prime Minister and leader of the going faster and more effectively ahead in are, like religions, institutions. Also like the voice of the people to hold both ML in the wake of the allegations in the keeping with the demands of the time. It religions, they are held together by ri- accountable. matter of the St Louis Power Plant may be too early in the day to pass judge- tuals. A nation coming together to vote However, political virtue will always Redevelopment project. As could be ment on the intentions of the government may feel a bit like a faith community involve the possibility of coercion for expected, the ICAC has still to complete its about changing course and reversing the gathering for worship, especially given those who fail to practice it. Most inquiry into this matter. But more was to trend that is obstructing the proper running that many places of worship double as recently, we see this in the activation of come with allegations levelled by the oppo- of the country, so that confidence and trust voting stations. the National Guard to help ensure safe sition about the emergency procurement of can be restored in the country at all levels. However, in my research in and fair voting procedures throughout medical supplies and equipments by com- These are the twin imperatives that can Christian theology, I have found that the the states. panies suspected to be close to the ruling propel the country forward – if there is a analogy between political and religious This is appropriate, on Aquinas’ alliance. This has come to mar the efficient genuine will to this effect. activity has important limits. terms. When the common good is To understand why, it is worth under threat, “civic virtue comes Mauritius Times looking to one of the most influential armed,” as American theologian Stanley Hauerwas puts it in his interpre- Founder/Editor: Beekrumsing Ramlallah - Aug 1954-Sept 2000 Christian thinkers on the boundary tation of Aquinas. Editor-in-chief: M. Ramlallah / Senior Editor: Dr RN Gopee between the political and the sacred, the 13th-century theologian Thomas This epaper has been produced with the assistance of Aquinas. Doojesh Ramlallah, Sultana Kurmally and Kersley Ramsamy Anthony D. Baker Pearl House 4th Floor Room 406 - Sir Virgil Naz Street, Port Louis Political virtues Tel: 5-29 29301 Tel/Fax: 212 1313 Seminary of the Southwest Politics, in Aquinas’ reading, is defined as the way humans organize [email protected] www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times * Cont. on page 12 Op-Ed Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 3 US: An Election of Firsts Joe Biden is the oldest first-timer American President-elect, eventually President. His Vice-President Kamala Harris is the first woman to be ever elected to this office in the US brought back jobs that had been outsourced to the dragon; he has given due concern to the military and strategic security of the country by refusing China's 5G; he has thawed relations with North Korea; he has brokered the deal between Israel and a few Dr R Neerunjun Gopee Arab countries, reducing the perennial tension Israel-Palestine conflict - among others. ven as the voting was going on, several EAmerican commentators were them- Others will highlight the negatives. And selves saying that the American election those of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris too system is broke. For me what seems bizarre will no doubt surface in due course. about this system is that - again as pointed But for the time being, let them bask in out by these commentators - every state their moments of glory, and let the trauma- has different election laws, for example as tized American people too savour their hope regards the timings for closure of voting of 'return to normalcy', as a Mauritian friend booths or accepting ballots being mailed. of mine, a senior medical researcher One would have thought that the country formerly at Harvard, wrote to me on Sunday that prides itself to be the oldest democracy At Thulasendrapuram village in Tamil Nadu state, once home to Harris' maternal grandfather P.V. last. These extracts from his mail reflect the in the world today would have a central Gopalan, celebrations broke out with locals lighting firecrackers, praying at its main temple and new American mood, if I may put it this way, statutory body organising its elections, waving posters bearing the 56-year-old's face. Photo - images.ctfassets.net and may it not be betrayed! much like is present elsewhere (Electoral 'I had thought that in this election, the Commissioner Offices). Even in tiny charges contesting the procedures and the forces of tribalism, silent, would prevail to Mauritius for that matter! results in different states, and asking for In its last general elections, the add to the traditional Republican/conserva- stopping of counting in some states. 74 mil- “ largest democracy in the world, The other puzzling thing is that there is tive electorate. In this group, overwhelming- lion Americans voted for the Democratic India, had 900 million plus voters no voting by electronic machine, which has ly white, they seemed to project a palpable presidential nominee Joe Biden; leaving him resulted in the uncertainties if not chaos in registered to cast their ballot at one anguish that a way of life they had come to not far behind was Republican Donald the counting of the electoral bulletins. In million booths, all equipped with expect, was ebbing away. Trump, at 70 million votes. Considerable, contrast, in its last general elections, the foolproof electronic machines that largest democracy in the world, India, had however one looks at it. But there has to be …But last night, as Mr Biden declared would issue a slip to the voter after s/he victory with humility, calling for unity, was done to confirm that the vote was another America prevailed, the America that that of the registered voter. And the Has Always Been There, the America That Has Always Been Great. results were declared without any hitch in the expected time frame. With less That America where brighter possibilities exist in face of indomitable odds to shape than a quarter of the number of voters, our fates into a better tomorrow, that bound- it is a wonder why a country so less enthusiasm… advanced in technology as the I think for the rest of the world, the most US still resorts to the older, potent view of the true American ethos, traditional ballots…” 'America as an experiment and an idea' was on display in Mr Biden's statement: "And we mother Shyamala in Tamil Nadu; there were lead not by the example of our power, but by more prayers, jubilation, and distribution of the power of our example." sweets in the Indian tradition when her This is a time for jubilation, well victory was announced, and hope deserved for the winners. Election officials make their way to a remote village via tractor in Assam state expressed that someday she would visit the Yet for me there is sorrow too, for the for electronic voting. Photo - Getty Images village in her capacity as Vice-President. lives we have lost needlessly because of the It must be noted though, that she has pandemic, and more we will lose needless- 900 million plus voters registered to cast a winner, and a loser - though Trump is yet always identified herself as Black, having a ly in the months to come before there will be their ballot at one million booths, all to accept that he has lost the election. father of Jamaican origin, an economist normalcy, if there ever will be normalcy. equipped with foolproof electronic machines The result has highlighted some firsts in whom her mother (herself a nutritionist) met As private citizens, we will make sure that would issue a slip to the voter after s/he a US election. Joe Biden is the oldest first- when they were studying at Stanford in the that we continue to force the moral compass was done to confirm that the vote was that timer American President-elect, eventually 1950s. They divorced after a few years of North, to strive for justice, dignity and of the registered voter. And the results were President. He was also third-time lucky, marriage, and it was her mother who prosperity for all. declared without any hitch in the expected having failed to make it to the Presidency brought up her and her sister Maya. time frame. With less than a quarter of the twice before: his patience and perseverance We begin the project of healing the soul Perhaps if Donald Trump had not been number of voters, it is a wonder why a coun- have paid off. of the nation even if there will be hard work, try so advanced in technology as the US still as rough spoken as he been all through his His Vice-President Kamala Harris is the and heartbreaks along the way. That is the resorts to the older, traditional ballots. So four years as President he might have had first woman to be ever elected to this office American spirit.' much of acrimony could have been avoided a greater chance of serving a second man- in the US; she is also the first woman of had electronic voting been in place. date. Pro-Republican analysts pointed out For me, the great takeaway from Biden's colour to hold such a post; also the first some of the positives of his mandate: the speech is: 'And we lead not by the example Whatever be, the broke system deli- Black and American-Indian in that position. American economy has grown by 2-3 trillion of our power, but by the power of our vered its verdict even as outgoing President Prayers were said for her over days ahead USD; unemployment is low; he has coun- example'. (italics mine) Donald Trump's lawyers were busy filing of the voting in the village of origin of her tered the ambitious rise of China, and has A qui de droit… Matters of the Moment Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 4 As President I Pledge Not to Divide but to Unify The divisions in the US have been deep and bitter. America must be United again for, above all, its people Mrinal Roy elections. Such a stance is bound to exacerbate the deep divide in the country and prevent those who lose the elec- t has taken days to tions to fairly accept the result of a democratic process determine the outcome and help the country come together. Iof the US presidential The unsubstantiated allegations of fraud made by elections as it has been a President Trump have however not been endorsed by neck and neck battle all the prominent members of the Republican Party such as way. It must be said that Mauritius Investment Utah Senator Mitt Romney or House Representative Will President Donald Trump Hurd of Texas who tweeted: “A sitting president under- echoes the angst and Corporation Ltd (MIC) mining our political process and questioning the legality anger of large sections of of the voices of countless Americans without evidence is Americans who feel that not only dangerous and wrong, it undermines the very they have been let down foundation this nation was built upon.” Senator Pat Too- and short changed by the mey from Pennsylvania said in a statement that once the political class and the poli- state's final election count is “reached and certified, all tical Establishment. He is parties involved must accept the outcome of the election considered a maverick by regardless of whether they won or lost”. the political Establishment Photo - capital-media.mu It was clear from the trend of the votes count in the but his brand of disruptive last five disputed battleground states, namely Nevada, policies appeals to large These lofty ideals and cardinal principles of governance (as stated by Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina, swathes of Americans. “ President-elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris) are in sharp contrast with that fuelled by postal votes from predominantly pro- The elections were the quality and standard of ethics of the political class and the deplorable state Democrat counties , Joe Biden had overtaken and gone therefore extremely pola- of our democracy undermined by appalling governance, nepotism, ongoing ahead of Donald Trump in all these states except North rized and divisive. The Carolina. Donald Trump had urged people to vote in per- investigations on various allegations of corruption involving politicians, the United States is profoundly son whereas Joe Biden had encouraged people to vote divided between those who opacity which shrouds the terms and conditions under which substantial by post in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. wanted four more years of bailout funds drawn from some Rs 80 billion allocated to the Joe Biden won Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Donald Trump policies of Mauritius Investment Corporation Ltd (MIC) are being advanced to distressed Pennsylvania, states that President Donald Trump had putting ‘America First’ and companies, the lack of transparency and accountability in state won in 2016. He has tallied 279 electoral votes which are ‘Make America Great procurement tenders and public spending…” more than the 270 electoral votes required for winning the Again’ and those who 2020 US presidential elections. He is expected to obtain wanted to put an end to a lasting several days was a nightmare for markets and even more electoral votes when the vote count is com- presidential term of office which was perceived as dis- leaders across the world. The world had to wait for the pleted. Donald Trump is the first incumbent President to ruptive and alien to the values and founding principles of counting of all the votes of some of the fiercely disputed lose re-election since Republican George H.W. Bush in the United States. battleground states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, 1992. The mano-a-mano between the two camps has mobi- Georgia, Nevada or North Carolina to be completed to It is a comforting and historic moment that the out- lized the US electorate and has resulted in the highest know the outcome of the elections. These votes included come of the 2020 presidential elections was decided in (66.9%) turnout of voters since 1900. More than 160 mil- a huge number of postal votes cast during a Covid-19 Pennsylvania where the US Declaration of Independence lion electors out of 239 million voters braved a devasta- pandemic afflicted election. A record 101 million early was adopted on 4 July 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylva- ting Covid-19 pandemic to exercise their right to vote. It is votes were cast in person and by mail before the polls nia. evident that the tenor of policies adopted by President even opened on election day. Trump to put 'America First' and 'Make America Great Changing demographics and voting patterns Every vote counts Again' commanded support from a broad cross-section of It must be flagged that the demographics of the United US voters. On the other hand, pro Democratic Party vo- In a tight presidential race, when the counting of the States and its distribution across US states keep shifting. ters who had not exercised their right to vote at the 2016 votes was still going on, Donald Trump made the outra- Research results released in September 2020 showed elections, which they lost to Donald Trump, were deter- geous and unsubstantiated allegation that 'the election that in all 50 states in the US, the share of non-Hispanic mined not to make the same mistake twice. They rallied was a major fraud on our nation' and that they would be White eligible voters declined between 2000 and 2018, in support of Joe Biden and voted massively for him. The going to US Supreme Court to contest the election with 10 states recording double-digit decline in the num- right to vote was so arduously won from the forces of results. It all seemed already scripted after the strong cri- ber of eligible voters. In contrast, Hispanic voters now reaction that it should be anathema for voters across the ticisms voiced against mail-in ballots or postal votes represent increasingly larger shares of the electorate in world not to actively exercise this fundamental right at during the run-up to the elections. It is flabbergasting that every state. These gains are particularly large in states each election. the integrity of the voting system in one of the largest like Nevada, California and Texas which have registered democracies be contested by an incumbent President, a rapid growth in the Hispanic share of the electorate. For Despite the polls giving a commanding lead to Joe especially as there is an online tracker to monitor the example, in the battleground state of Arizona, Hispanic Biden before the elections, there was no ‘blue wave’ of counting of the votes including in the fiercely fought bat- adults made up about one-quarter (24%) of all eligible Democrats surging across the United States. The elec- tleground states. His campaign team has reportedly filed voters in 2018. In the US Hispanic voters represent 13% tions were a closer race than pollsters had predicted. The lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Georgia to con- of eligible voters. However, within the Hispanic voters, a outcome of the elections has been too close to call. There test the electoral process and the outcome of the elec- majority of Cuban eligible voters residing predominantly was drama and suspense. The stock market was in tur- tions. These legal challenges could further delay the offi- in Florida lean towards the Republican Party. moil. The uncertainty regarding the result of the elections cial announcement on the outcome of the presidential * Cont. on page 9 Spotlights Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 5 Donald Trump returns to the golf course

tion he plans to concede the the president-elect, saying a deal race anytime soon amid will not be “a pushover”. The British unsupported claims of wide- PM instead talked up the chances spread voter fraud, although of close cooperation with the one former Republican presi- incoming Biden administration on dential nominee - Utah sena- climate change as Britain prepares Back to the golf course for Trump. tor Mitt Romney - predicted to host the crucial COP26 interna- Photo - heraldscotland.com Joe Biden’s presidency will be guided by radically different he eventually will. Mr Bush’s tional summit in 2021. priorities. Photo - www.ft.com statement heaped additional In the wake of the Democrat’s onald Trump returned to pressure on Mr Trump to accept the golf course on Sunday victory, Mr Johnson faces an urgent the outcome of the ballot. “The challenge to forge links with a pres- Biden plans immediate Dafter being beaten by Joe American people can have confi- ident-elect whom he has never met Biden in the US presidential elec- dence that this election was funda- tion, as former president George W and who has previously described executive orders to reverse mentally fair, its integrity will be him as a “physical and emotional Bush sent a shot across his bows upheld, and its outcome is clear,” clone of Trump”. Mr Biden is known by calling the election “fair”, even Trump policies he said. to be an opponent of Brexit, which as Mr Trump pushed ahead with * * * Mr Johnson championed, and is resident-elect Joe Biden is planning to quickly sign a his legal challenge against the particularly concerned about its series of executive orders after being sworn into office on results in some states, reports The Boris Johnson has cast doubt impact on the Good Friday PJan. 20, immediately forecasting that the country's politics Independent. on the prospects of a trade agree- Agreement in Ireland, his family have shifted and that his presidency will be guided by radically ment with the US under Mr Biden, The president gave no indica- hailing from County Mayo. different priorities, reports Washington Post. He will rejoin the Paris climate accords, according to those close to his campaign and commitments he has made in recent Coronavirus: Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine months, and he will reverse President Donald Trump's with- drawal from the World Health Organization. He will repeal the found to be 90% effective ban on immigration from many Muslim-majority countries, and he will reinstate the program allowing "dreamers," who were brought he coronavirus vaccine the trial developed being developed by Pfizer coronavirus and no to the United States illegally as children, to remain in the country, Tand BioNTech has been serious safety con- according to people familiar with his plans. found to be 90% effective in pre- cerns were reported, Biden's top advisers have spent months quietly working on Coronavirus: Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine found to be 90% venting people from getting the the US pharmaceutical how best to implement his agenda, with hundreds of transition effective. Photo - atalayar.com virus. firm said yesterday. officials preparing to get to work inside various federal agencies. Phase 3 of Pfizer's trial involved "Today is a great day for science surge, with the FTSE 100 jumping They have assembled a book filled with his campaign commit- 43,538 participants from six coun- and humanity. The first set of results by 5.5% - adding £82bn to the value ments to help guide their early decisions. of its shares and resulting in its best tries. They received two doses of from our Phase 3 Covid-19 vaccine Biden is planning to set up a coronavirus task force on trading day since March. either the immunisation or a place- trial provides the initial evidence of Monday, in recognition that the global pandemic will be the pri- our vaccine's ability to prevent bo, with 90% protected from the Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine mary issue that he must confront. The task force, which could Covid-19," said Pfizer chairman and virus within 28 days of having their is one of around 12 worldwide in the begin meeting within days, will be co-chaired by former surgeon chief executive Dr Albert Bourla. jabs. final stages of testing, but it is the general Vivek Murthy and David Kessler, a former Food and Only 94 people who took part in The news saw stock markets first to produce any results. Drug Administration commissioner. But there has also been a recognition of those around him that he may have to lean more on executive actions that he had Ayodhya: Diyas to be lit at Ram Janmabhoomi on Diwali once hoped. He can reorient various federal agencies and regu- fter more than 500 rate programmes should be lations, and he can adopt a different posture on the world stage. years, earthen organised daily during ‘Deepotsav But pushing major legislation through Congress could prove Alamps will be lit to 2020’, following the COVID proto- to be a challenge. illuminate the Ram cols. Although the Democrats will hold a narrowed majority in the Janmabhoomi site here Around 551,000 earthen House, the final makeup of the Senate is not yet clear. That will on Diwali. Chief Minister lamps will also be lit at Ram Ki be decided on Jan. 5, with two runoff elections in Georgia. Yogi Adityanath will light Paidi in Ayodhya. All monasteries Democrats would need to win both races to effectively have con- lamps during the and houses will be illuminated in 500,000 lamps to celebrate the return of Lord Ram after trol of the Senate - with Vice President Kamala Harris serving as ‘Deepotsav’ programme in the holy city on Diwali. Singing of a prolonged exile. Photo - newindianexpress.com the tie-breaking vote - while Republicans would retain a narrow the city on 13 November, ‘bhajans’ and Ramayana recitals advantage by winning at least one. reports IANS. will be held in monasteries. A According to Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra grand decoration of Ayodhya on the Festival of Lights is "The policy team, the transition policy teams, are focusing Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das: “It will be a real on the cards. now very much on executive power," said a Biden ally who has Diwali this year, which will celebrate the return of Lord Illumination at all temples, including Shri Ram been in touch with his team who, like others interviewed for this Ram after a prolonged exile.” Janmabhoomi, Kanak Bhawan, Ram Ki Paidi, and story, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private con- State Tourism Minister Neelkanth Tiwari said that Hanuman Garhi would be done through electric lighting. versations. "I expect that to be freely used in a Biden adminis- more than 500,000 lamps will be lit on the occasion of The devotees, however, will participate through the tration at this point, if the Senate becomes a roadblock." Diwali. “If there was no coronavirus pandemic, hun- virtual platforms. A digital broadcast of the Diwali pro- A Republican-held Senate - or even one with a narrow dreds of thousands of devotees would have partici- grammes will be done for the devotees who would not Democratic majority - probably will affect Biden's Cabinet picks pated in this programme,” he pointed out. be able to physically visit the temples owing to coro- given the Senate's power to confirm nominees. navirus restrictions. The Chief Minister has already directed that sepa- F More on page 6 Spotlights Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 6 Biden administration may give US citizenship to over 500,000 Indians ccording to a policy document issued by the often referred to as Dreamers. To be eligi- AJoe Biden campaign, his administration will ble for the programme, recipients cannot work towards providing "a roadmap to American have felonies or serious misdemeanours citizenship for nearly 11 million undocumented on their records. immigrants, including over 500,000 from India, The Trump administration moved to and will also establish a minimum admission num- end the DACA programme in 2017 and ber of 95,000 refugees annually", reports India was ultimately blocked by the Supreme Today. Court from doing so this year. Even so, his As a largely immigrant community, but in some administration scaled back the programme cases with American roots reaching back genera- and pledged to end it, leaving thousands of tions, Indian-Americans know firsthand the the programme's beneficiaries in limbo. strength and resilience that immigrants bring to Biden will also restore and defend the the United States of America, it said. "He (Biden) naturalisation process for green card will immediately begin working with Congress to holders, the policy document said. pass legislative immigration reform that modernises our system, with a priority on keeping Employment-based visas, also known families together by providing a roadmap to citi- as green cards, allow migrants to gain zenship for nearly 11 million undocumented immi- lawful permanent residence in the US in grants - including more than 500,000 from India," order to engage in skilled work. according to the policy document. Biden will remove the uncertainty for Dreamers by "He (Biden) will increase the number of visas offered The Biden administration will support family-based reinstating the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood for permanent, work-based immigration based on macro- immigration and preserve family unification as a core Arrivals) programme and explore all legal options to pro- economic conditions and exempt from any cap recent principle of the US' immigration system, which includes tect their families from inhumane separation. And, he will graduates of PhD programmes in STEM (science, tech- reducing the family visa backlog, it said. end workplace raids and protect other sensitive locations nology, engineering and math) fields," it said. from immigration enforcement actions, it said. "And, he will increase the number of refugees we wel- With a Biden- Harris win in the US presidential elec- come into this country by setting the annual global refugee Launched by the Obama administration, the DACA is tions, there could certainly be continuity in the Indo-US admissions target to 125,000 and seek to raise it over time an immigration policy that allows some individuals with ties on various fronts. As the Vice President during the commensurate with our responsibility, our values, and the unlawful presence in the US after being brought to the Barack Obama administration, Biden played a critical role unprecedented global need. He will also work with country as children to receive a renewable two-year in the US-South Asia strategy. Beginning on a positive Congress to establish a minimum admissions number of period of deferred action from deportation and become eli- note, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the duo 95,000 refugees annually," the policy document said. gible for a work permit in the US. DACA recipients are for their "spectacular" victory. Financial scandal: Pope moves against UK will beat Covid-19 like Lord Ram and secretariat of state Sita defeated Ravana: PM Boris Johnson ope Francis has given the Vatican secre- K Prime Minister Boris Johnson 19 pandemic. Ptariat of state three months to transfer all of Udrew parallels between the festival "I know that celebrating at a dis- its financial holdings to another Vatican office of Diwali and Britain's fight against the tance isn't easy when you want to get following its bungled management of hun- novel coronavirus pandemic. Johnson together with all your family or visit your dreds of millions of euros in donations and made the remarks during his inaugural friends or share with them the Diwali investments that are now the subject of a cor- address for 'iGlobal Diwali Fest 2020'. fun, as well of course the odd samosa ruption investigation. "While undoubtedly there are huge or gulab jamun," news agency PTI quoted Johnson as saying. Francis summoned the secretary of state, challenges ahead, I have every confi- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, his deputy, as well as dence in the resilience and resolve and Praising the spirit of the Indian com- the Vatican's top finance officials for a meeting good sense of people across the coun- munity in the face of the pandemic, UK on Wednesday and gave them a three-month Vatican officials have allegedly bungled the management of try and that together we will overcome PM Boris Johnson added, "So I want deadline to complete the transfer, Vatican hundreds of millions of euros in donations and investments that this virus, just as Diwali teaches us that you to know that your sacrifices, and are now the subject of a corruption investigation. spokesman Matteo Bruni said. light triumphs over darkness, good over your determination to do the right thing Photo - Gregorio Borgia/Reuters evil, knowledge over ignorance," UK really are helping to save lives, and The Vatican released the letter that dated budget, Francis wrote. The economy PM Boris Johnson said addressing the tough though I know many aspects of Francis wrote to Parolin on August 25 in which ministry will oversee spending. country from his official residence, 10 this year have been, I have been blown he announced he was stripping the secre- away by the inspirational way in which The outcome is essentially that which was Downing Street in London on Friday. tariat of state of its ability to independently Hindus, Sikhs and Jains have respond- sought years ago by Cardinal George Pell, Drawing parallels between the manage the money. ed to this crisis with compassion, com- Francis's first economy minister who clashed triumph of good over evil as signified by munity spirit and a can-do attitude." Francis cited the "reputational risks" with the secretariat of the state over his finan- the festival of lights, Johnson said, incurred by the department's previous invest- cial reforms and efforts to wrest control of the "Jsust as Lord Rama and his wife Sita A three-day virtual Diwali fest, ments in speculative operations that have cost department's off-the-books funds. He famous- found their way home after the defeat 'iGlobal Diwali Fest 2020' will see the the Holy See tens of millions of euros, some ly boasted in 2014 that he had "discovered" of the demon king Ravana, their way lit participation of top British politicians, of it from Peter's Pence donations from the hundreds of millions of euros that were by many millions of lamps, so too we including UK Home Secretary Priti faithful. "tucked away in particular sectional accounts shall find our way through this, and we Patel, Opposition Labour Party Leader Francis's decision was an embarrassing and did not appear on the balance sheet" - a shall do so triumphantly." Keir Starmer and Liberal Democrat Ed Davey. Music and dance performances blow to the secretariat of state's standing as reference to the secretariat of state's in-house UK PM Boris Johnson also took will also be a part of the virtual Diwali the most powerful Holy See office, reducing it asset portfolio. note of the fact that the festival of fest along with an awards ceremony to to essentially any other department that must Pell had to abandon those reform efforts in Diwali will be celebrated amid lock- honour the contribution of the British propose a budget and have it approved and 2017 to face trial for sexual abuse in his native down restrictions in Britain. In fact, he Indian community across various fields. monitored by others. Australia, but he was acquitted and returned went further to praise the Indian com- Its financial holdings are now to be held by triumphantly last month to Rome, where he munity in the UK for the sacrifices they the Vatican's treasury office, known as APSA was granted a well-publicised audience with may have to make to ensure a safe and and incorporated into the Holy See's consoli- Francis. secure Diwali in the midst of the Covid- Compiled by Doojesh Ramlallah Interview Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 7 Prof Kian Fan Chung Covid-19: "It is not time to lower the guard yet. Controlling the borders is key for Mauritius”

ur interviewee in today's issue is Kian Fan Chung, MD, DSc., an Action Plan for respiratory Diseases. He makes an overview a Mauritian who is Professor of Respiratory Medicine and of the Covid situation, commending the Public Health Services of the O Head of Experimental Studies at Imperial College London, country for their successful handling of the pandemic to date. He and Physician at the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust, shares his views on the vaccine developments taking place and the London, UK. He heads the Asthma Consortium of the NIHR-funded rolling out of vaccination eventually, on the need for continuing Biomedical Research Unit of the Royal Brompton NHS Trust. He has with the preventive measures, on air pollution locally, and on the also advised the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life in preparing medicinal use of cannabis.

Mauritius Times: Europe remains one of the one month too late) was successful in suppressing hos- regions worst affected by Covid-19, with ten of the 20 pital admissions and deaths, but the number of new countries with the highest death count per million cases of infection at the lifting of the lockdown was still people being on the continent. The other ten are in high with nearly 800 daily new cases being still regis- the Americas. Isn't it much safer for Mauritius to keep tered. This, in combination with people less strict in its borders closed in these circumstances, though observing the rules of social distancing, mask wearing that they have been partially re-opened, for a longer and hygiene measures, and with the government failing time? to provide enough Covid tests and an effective contact Prof Kian Fan Chung: It was 10 months since we and trace system, meant the number of cases started to came to hear of Covid-19 for the first time and it is now accelerate towards the end of September, three months the right time to take stock of how different parts of the after the lifting of the earlier lockdown. Hence the second world have dealt with this pandemic. At the moment, we lockdown, which was (again) delayed and should have have two extreme situations, one in countries in the Far been taken earlier. East such as China, Taiwan and Singapore where the pandemic has been well-controlled with only cases co- In the UK, medicinal cannabis can be prescribed ming in from abroad and a few local outbreaks that have “ by specialist doctors on a case-by-case basis been dealt with rapidly and efficiently, and the other for only certain health conditions notably for certain extreme characterised by European countries such as UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany and the US where forms of epilepsy in both children and adults, cases are rising very fast to extremely high levels of infec- in those who have received chemotherapy for tion. treatment of cancer that is causing nausea and It is pleasing to note that Mauritius remains in the first vomiting, and those with multiple sclerosis category where the infection has been effectively con- condition who have muscle stiffness and spasm. trolled, and one of the measures taken was to effectively Medicinal cannabis is used as a last resort in close the borders, which for a (relatively) small island can these conditions…” be done effectively. In the UK, the borders have never been closed and neither had there been an effective quarantine system set up for those who were entering the * It would also appear that most of Africa and Asia, country. Mauritius also has been effective in the setting on the contrary, have reported less Covid-related up of centres to isolate, quarantine and treat those who deaths; the ten with the lowest death count per mil- had symptoms of Covid-19, with the severe cases trans- lion are in these parts of the world. Would this have ferred to intensive care units, a system that was initiated to do with a favourable biology or with these (deve- in Wuhan on a grander scale that has been shown to loping) countries' capacities to deal with pandemics work, but this has not been done in UK or other European more effectively? countries. This might be another reason why we in The number of new cases and death rates from Europe have yet to tame this pandemic. Covid-19 in Africa have been lower than the rest of the * Genome researchers at the University of been too little and too late. Does this explain why world. There are potentially a number of reasons for this. Huddersfield and Portugal's University of Minho have many countries are having to go for a second lock- First, most African countries took quick and drastic recently published their findings in the peer-reviewed down? actions such as the introduction of public health mea- journal Microorganisms, which suggest that travel This is part of the reason but an important one. sures and lockdown. Second, there was a high level of restrictions across Britain and Europe seem to have Indeed, travel restrictions in and out of the UK has really acceptance by the public of these measures in a conti- not been imposed in any way and travellers coming into nent that has the youngest population where the median It is pleasing to note that Mauritius remains in the UK (residents or foreigners) were not strictly asked to age is only 19! Finally, the usual high temperature and reduced humidity of many African countries do not favour confine for 14 days, and only lately they were asked to do “the first category where the infection has been the spread of Covid-19.So there has been both effective- this at home. There has been no particular surveillance effectively controlled, and one of the measures ness in dealing with the pandemic, and favourable condi- taken was to effectively close the borders, which set out for this. Hence, when UK residents were allowed tions for the virus to be less effective in infecting and in for a (relatively) small island can be done to spend holidays in Spain and other European countries, causing severe illness. many came back potentially carrying the virus and have effectively. In the UK, the borders have never been likely been spreading it in their communities. In Asia, the results have been mixed. closed and neither had there been an effective quarantine system set up for those who There are also other reasons why we are in our se- cond lockdown in England at present. The first lockdown were entering the country…” F Cont. on page 8 we had in the UK back in March to June (taken at least Interview Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 8 ‘Partial control is not the objective: total control is. One just cannot allow a single virus to lurk around’ F Cont. from page 7 50 years of age, particularly health workers at the front- line and care home workers and the vulnerable particu- There are countries such as India larly with medical conditions, with the oldest getting prio- where the spread of the virus is rity. ongoing but with a relatively high death rate although this is dis- puted. The recent surge in India I would hazard a guess that pollution in Mauritius particularly in New Delhi has been linked to the high level of “ is likely to be a problem for many Mauritians, pollution. and we cannot be certain how much this affects In China, where the virus ori- Mauritians without having measurements of ginated, extreme swift measures pollution done and also without knowing how much were taken to control the infec- personal exposure to pollution is present…” tion. The experience of the pre- vious SARS epidemic in 2004 * In the meantime, what precautions should one was also a help in galvanising take if one needs to travel? action in China. There was also the setting up of hospitals to iso- To stay safe when you travel particularly on an aero- late, quarantine and treat all plane, one needs to obey the usual rules of maintaining those who had symptoms of social distancing as far as possible, wearing a cloth face Covid-19 helping to restrict mask, avoiding contact with anyone who is sick, limiting spread of this very contagious contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as human-to-human transmitted handrails, elevator buttons, and using hand sanitizer or and dangerous virus that killed washing hands. particularly the elderly vulnerable In the airplane, the quality of the cabin air is good, with people. the air that enters the plane consists of 50% air from out- side and 50% air that is recycled through very efficient fil- The reason I was pleased that the Promenade It has just been announced today that the Pfizer coro- ters. Roland Armand was closed was that it does navirus vaccine can prevent more than 90% of people “ from getting Covid-19 from a preliminary analysis of the * Despite being tenth most densely populated not make sense to exercise in a polluted vaccine that has been tested in over 40,000 people in six nation in the world, Mauritius has done rather well in environment. In 2018, we published work in The countries with no safety concerns. This bodes very well fighting the Covid virus. What does this say about Lancet which showed that the respiratory and for the efficacy and safety of such vaccines. our public health system and its level of prepared- cardiovascular benefits derived from exercise such ness to face the Covid pandemic and indeed future However it will take time to provide any effective vac- ones? as walking were annulled by doing it in a polluted cine to the whole population. So, I foresee that we will still environment such as walking along the busy Oxford be emphasising the precautions that we should all take to The population also must be reminded to follow Street in London results that were picked up in reduce the risk of infection and who knows whether this will allow us to go back to some modicum of 'normal' life the rules of social distancing. Overall there has many newspapers round the world…” “ again. Individually, we would still have to abide by the been an excellent level of preparedness, and rules of social distancing and mask wearing. Mauritius followed closely the successful * The questions that are on everybody's mind are * One would assume that some particular groups experience of China in controlling totally the how much longer will it take to develop a safe and of persons - frontline health-care workers, the elder- effective vaccine, and secondly whether we'll be out infection. Partial control is not the objective: total ly and those who are more vulnerable to serious ill- control is. One just cannot allow a single virus to of the woods once this is done. What do you think? ness - will get priority access to that safe and effec- The important emphasis is on the safety and effec- tive Covid vaccine once developed, produced and lurk around. Within the total control situation, it tiveness of any future vaccine. There are intense activi- distributed, and initial supplies are going to be li- becomes easier and safer to allow economic ties going on in developing vaccines in US, Europe, mited. It's going to be a long wait for the rest of us, activities to resume…” Russia, India and China, and the most advanced ones in right? Phase III trials now are in China (Sinovac, Sinophan, Priority lists are already being discussed and finalised There is no doubt that Mauritius has done well and, CanSino), in US (Moderna, Pfizer) and in UK (Oxford at various levels such as at WHO and at governmental like China, has not recorded any new cases of Covid University with Astra Zeneca). Initial results are going to levels. infection for several months with all new cases occurring be available in early 2021. One British minister in the UK in those arriving into the country. However, it is not time The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering suggested having the vaccine in the UK by Easter (April) to lower the guard yet. Controlling the borders is key for and Medicine has proposed first to vaccinate health care next year. The big issue is the effectiveness of the vac- Mauritius. Also surveillance needs to continue so that any workers at the frontline, then people with certain condi- cine. potential outbreaks can be dealt with rapidly and effi- tions that put them at high risk of having severe Covid-19 ciently. The AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna protocols disease and older adults, then essential service workers revealed that their trials are designed to test whether their at high risk of exposure, people in homeless shelters and The population also must be reminded to follow the vaccines reduce cases of symptomatic Covid-19, not prisons and older adults and with underlying health con- rules of social distancing. cases of severe disease, such as those that require hos- ditions. pitalization and can end in death. The hope is that there will be at least 60% of prevention of being infected. Is this In the UK, the Prime Minister has announced that the sufficient? One does not know and we will have to see. vaccine will be broadly reserved for those adults above F Cont. on page 11 Matters of the Moment Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 9 As President I Pledge Not to Divide but to Unify The divisions in the US have been deep and bitter. America must be United again for, above all, its people * Cont. from page 4 tion involving politicians, the opacity which These materially changing demographics shrouds the terms and conditions under have a significant bearing on voting pat- which substantial bailout funds drawn terns and the political leaning of battle- from some Rs 80 billion allocated to the ground states. Mauritius Investment Corporation Ltd We the people (MIC) are being advanced to distressed companies, the lack of transparency and The Preamble to the United States accountability in state procurement ten- Constitution begins with the words ‘We the ders and public spending as well as the People’. It is a brief introductory statement shameful state of parliamentary democra- of the US Constitution's fundamental pur- cy systematically sapped by decried high- poses and guiding principles. handedness. The tenor of the statements and No amount of spin doctoring on na- acceptance speeches of President-elect tional TV on the state of our democracy Joe Biden and Kamala Harris reflect the can mask these abject realities. After letter and spirit of these fundamental prin- missing out on the Illovo deal, are those in ciples and depict the ideals which under- charge yet again bungling the opportunity pin their political engagement and future of leveraging substantial bail out public actions. Speaking on the electoral funds to recast the ownership of prime process, Joe Biden said: “In America the assets in the country for the common Photo - thenationalnews.com people rule. Power cannot be taken or good? asserted. It flows from the people. It is Legacy The tenor of the statements and acceptance speeches of President-elect their will that determines who will be the “ Joe Biden and Kamala Harris reflect the letter and spirit of the President of the United States and their The support for Donald Trump in the fundamental principles (as enshrined in the Preamble to the United States will alone.” He further stated: “We have US is such that despite being defeated he Constitution) and depict the ideals which underpin their political engagement won with the most votes ever cast for a obtained some 3 million votes more that in and future actions. Speaking on the electoral process, Joe Biden said: presidential ticket in the history of this the 2016 elections when he was elected “In America the people rule. Power cannot be taken or asserted. It flows from nation. I will now be an American presi- President. Being a businessman his out- the people. It is their will that determines who will be the President of the dent. I pledge to be a president who seeks look on how to deal with national and United States and their will alone.”…” not to divide, but to unify. Who does not international problems and challenges see red and blue states, but a United was totally different. He questioned the deteriorated balance of trade and led to Agreement on Climate Change and the States.” established order and free trade agree- the emergence of new rival superpowers. Iran nuclear deal or his controversial ments and globalization which he found He thus renegotiated NAFTA to inter stance on Palestine territories, etc., are alia significantly reduce the substantial expected to be reviewed by the Joe Biden Kamala Harris stated in her thanking speech: “America’s democracy is not trade deficit with Mexico and impose rigo- Administration. “guaranteed. It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it, to guard it rous norms on auto manufacturing com- Bonding America and never take it for granted. And protecting our democracy takes struggle. panies to ensure a more level trade The divisions in the US have been It takes sacrifice. But there is joy in it and there is progress, because we the playing field to safeguard US manufac- deep and bitter. It is time to come to- people have the power to build a better future. And when our very democracy tures and jobs. He also imposed tariffs on gether and heal in America. Joe Biden has was on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake and Chinese imports alleging currency mani- the persona and the will to trigger this the world watching, you the people ushered in a new day for America.” pulation and triggered a trade war with essential process of unifying and bonding The young aspiring to serve the country must take inspiration from China. As defence is a major cost on America around the ideals, values and and live up to such ideals…” financial resources, he asked NATO allies founding principles of the United States to contribute by spending 4% of their GDP when he takes office on 20 January 2021. on defence. It is not sure whether the US detrimental to the interests of the US as it America must be United again for, above Kamala Harris stated in her thanking will revisit these stances and acquis. speech: “America’s democracy is not delocalized industries to countries with all, its people. significant competitive advantages, closed However, his more contested policies guaranteed. It is only as strong as our wil- Mrinal Roy lingness to fight for it, to guard it and never factories and caused unemployment, such as withdrawing from the Paris take it for granted. And protecting our democracy takes struggle. It takes sacri- fice. But there is joy in it and there is progress, because we the people have the power to build a better future. And when our very democracy was on the bal- lot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake and the world watching, you the people ushered in a new day for America.” The young aspiring to serve the country must take inspiration from and live up to such ideals.

These lofty ideals and cardinal princi- ples of governance are in sharp contrast with the quality and standard of ethics of the political class and the deplorable state of our democracy undermined by appal- ling governance, nepotism, ongoing inves- tigations on various allegations of corrup- History Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 10 From the Pages of History - MT 60 Years Ago 4th Year No 150 MAURITIUS TIMES Friday 21 June 1957 l Responsibility walks hand in hand with capacity and power. -- Josiah Gilbert Holland Somduth Bhuckory rumoured that there will be six portfolios out of which Labour will get four. As to the num- ber of Labour members to become minis- istory has been made under our Changing Skyline ters, it is settled, we understand, that there very eyes again. Four ministers will be six. How the six ministers will battle Hhave been elected to sit on the against or co-operate with the other six mi- Executive Council which will henceforth nisters and ex-officio members under the function as a ministry. But is the page that benevolent gaze of the Governor to carry has been added to our history glorious or out their plan is a question which is upper- ignominious? The future alone will tell. most in the mind of the people.

As everybody knows, the Executive We take it today that the ministerial sys- Council will be composed of four elected tem is being tried. It is not rare to find sys- members, five nominated and three officials. tems of Government emerging out of a His Excellency the Governor must have fi- process of trial and error. If it is found to be nished consulting all concerned about those inadequate or unworkable, we hope that he intends nominating but up to now what people who stand for social progress and he proposes to do is top secret. political emancipation will have the courage and wisdom to resign and continue to press By electing two members of the Labour for other reforms. Party, Dr Ramgoolam and Dr Millien, and two nominees, Hon Sauzier and Hon The political skyline of Mauritius may Osman, the Legislative Council must have John Profumo change beyond recognition within a compa- put Sir Robert in a very embarrassing posi- ratively short time. The British Labour Party tion. What can he do to make the Executive strutting on the stage. because the general opinion is that the has outlined its colonial policy as regards Council reflect the composition of the Agreement should be given a trial. By giving As soon as news was released that Mr colonies like Mauritius in a statement enti- Legislative Council? The nominees, al- the Agreement a trial, in truth and in fact, the Profumo would be coming on the 17th, the tled “Smaller Territories”. In pursuance of though styled Independent lately, cannot be people of Mauritius are trying their ministers. first thought that crossed everybody's mind that policy, Mauritius will be granted Domi- said to have any political colour. What must There may be pandemonium if they do not was that he was coming in connection with nion Status. The Labour Party has, of be done then to bring in the Parti Mauricien come out successful of the ordeal. the inauguration of our Ministerial System. course, to come to power in Britain before element? Nominate elected members when The curiosity of the people as regards implementing its policy. But Lord Attlee is nominees have been elected? But if one had to rely on the official commu- niqué only, one would have thought that Mr our constitutional set-up is once more confident that Labour will sweep the board at the next general elections. So, in the near We think that Hon Mohamed may soon Profumo was coming to spend his Whitsun aroused. After welcoming the ministers, they rosy future we may find the silhouettes of a be a problem - both to Government and the holiday over here just as Noel Coward will naturally seek to know the difference Governor-General and a Prime Minister Parti Mauricien. How can Government dis- would go to Jamaica. Was that done with a between the old Executive Council and the standing out. card him when he was elected last time to view to attracting tourists to Mauritius? Ministry. They are eager to know what the Executive Council if Government wants change in their lot the change of the The fight henceforth will take another Anyway, Mr Profumo is among us and Constitution will bring. The high-sounding a representative of the Parti Mauricien? If, we welcome him. We know how the British turn - not self-government but Dominion on the other hand, Hon Mohamed is not name of minister will only exasperate them Status will be the battle-cry. Let us behave in Government is reluctant to spend money if they find that the net result is nil. made to sit on the Executive Council, he will when quiet spots like Mauritius are con- such a way as would convince the Colonial lose faith in the Parti Mauricien. And he and cerned. Only the other day it was said in the Everything is so shrouded in mystery in Office that we deserve better things. If we his supporters will start thinking that last House of Commons that what the British our island that very often we have to rely on pocket all manner of indignities and cling to time everything was done to make him suc- Government spends on the visits of MPs to what is said right and left to have a glimpse office, we won't be revealing any states- ceed in order to make him forget his defeat colonial territories represents one tenth of of the shape of things to come. It is now manship but only our opportunism. at the Municipal Elections. the sum which an Italian football club was prepared to pay recently to secure a foot- There has been some irony in the elec- baller. tion of the four ministers. People were thin- king that P.R., the single transferable vote It's not every day that Mauritius can system, was as dead as the dodo in expect to have the visit of people like Mr Mauritius. After all what we have been hear- Profumo. We don't know what arrange- ing against it, one would not have expected ments have been made to give him an exact it to be still alive and kicking. But Fate or the picture of Mauritius. We quite agree that one Colonial Office or British humour would not week is too short a time to do justice to the have it otherwise. It was that very form of visit, but it's better than none. At least Mr P.R. that kicked the four members up. It is Profumo will be able to think of us in terms hard to understand why it had to raise its of what we really are instead of having to ugly head just once more before dropping rack his brain identifying us with the people dead. of Africa. The French Week which has set the tricolour and the Union Jack flying side Mr John Profumo, the Under-Secretary by side must not make him forget the alle- of State for the Colonies, was here to watch giance of others. our history in the making. The London Agreement was largely his achievement. Mr Profumo must surely know how the We presume that Mr Profumo, while sitting London Agreement was received in in our Council, must have had the same Mauritius. If he finds everybody quite quiet feeling on finding part of the agreement today he mustn't fly away with the idea that being implemented as a dramatist has on a the Agreement is the ideal thing for first night on finding the children of his brain Mauritius. There is a peaceful atmosphere Interview Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 11 ‘Legalising cannabis beyond medicinal use is not the way forward to help curb the traffic and use of more dangerous drugs’

the pollutants. So, advising the public to use alternative wearing personal pollution monitors, which my team is greener facilities for their exercise was reasonable, but as doing in a research project called INHALE we are doing far as I know, there has been no measurement of the pol- in London (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/earth- lutant levels in those recommended areas. This is some- science/research/inhale/). thing that has to be done. Therefore, because of these two issues, the answer to Yes, there is increasing evidence that air pollution not your question is we do not know. I would hazard a guess only affects our respiratory and cardiovascular systems. that pollution in Mauritius is likely to be a problem for Reports are now coming through with potential effect on many Mauritians, and we cannot be certain how much cerebrovascular disease and neuropsychiatric diseases, this affects Mauritians without having measurements of with interference with children's academic performance at pollution done and also without knowing how much per- school. This is on the basis that the fine particles found in sonal exposure to pollution is present. pollution can cross into the brain directly. Fine particles of pollution can also transfer across the Will it be the 100% solution? Will have to wait placenta to the baby in the womb and can therefore da- and see. Hopefully. In addition, it will take time mage the baby. There is also the possibility that pollution “ contributes to the obesity problem in China. More recent- to provide any effective vaccine to the whole ly, there has been the observation in the US that those population. So, I foresee that we will still be who live in highly polluted environments have a worse emphasising the precautions that we should all take outcome if they catch Covid-19 infection. These are wor- to reduce the risk of infection and who knows rying but these reports need confirmation. whether this will allow us to go back to some * We would like to think that the air we breathe in modicum of 'normal' life again. Individually, we Mauritius is far less polluted than what obtains else- would still have to abide by the rules of social where despite the increasing number of vehicles on distancing and mask wearing…” our roads. Is that indeed the case? I have very little information regarding the levels of pollution that exists in Mauritius. There are currently no * We understand that you have also supported the air quality monitors set up in Mauritius, although I under- idea of legalising cannabis for medical use in stand that the Government has agreed at the last Mauritius. What does the evidence say about the be- Parliament sitting to set up a number of stations for this nefits to patients? purpose. What I am alluding to is the website run by the World Air Quality Index project at https://waqi.info/ where There is a place for the legal use of medicinal F Cont. from page 8 one can see the level of pollution in all parts of the world. cannabis. Overall there has been an excellent level of prepared- As of today, for example, many sensors in London are In the UK, medicinal cannabis can be prescribed by ness, and Mauritius followed closely the successful ex- indicating an unhealthy level of pollution, while the sen- specialist doctors on a case-by-case basis for only cer- perience of China in controlling totally the infection. sors in Reunion Island are all indicating a 'good' level of tain health conditions notably for certain forms of epilep- Partial control is not the objective: total control is. One pollution that would not be harmful to healthy as well as sy in both children and adults, in those who have received just cannot allow a single virus to lurk around. Within the those with chronic health conditions such as lung or heart chemotherapy for treatment of cancer that is causing total control situation, it becomes easier and safer to conditions. nausea and vomiting, and those with multiple sclerosis allow economic activities to resume. condition who have muscle stiffness and spasm. Medicinal cannabis is used as a last resort in these * On the other hand, you have been quite outspo- To stay safe when you travel particularly on an ken about the closure of the Promenade Roland conditions when other conventional treatments have not aeroplane, one needs to obey the usual rules of Armand along Vandeermech Street, Rose Hill, saying “ helped. Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are not that this was the right thing to do in view of the traf- maintaining social distancing as far as possible, considered illegal in UK so long as they contain only fic-related pollution in that region. Is it true that expo- wearing a cloth face mask, avoiding contact with traces of tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) which is the main sure to air pollution has more serious health effects anyone who is sick, limiting contact with frequently psychoactive component of cannabis. than previously thought? touched surfaces… In the airplane, the quality of the * The challenge that Mauritius is presently facing The reason I was pleased that the Promenade Roland cabin air is good, with the air that enters the plane in that area is the prevalence of drug use and traf- ficking in the country. Do you think we should go far- Armand was closed was that it does not make sense to consists of 50% air from outside and 50% air that is exercise in a polluted environment. ther than the legalisation of cannabis for medical use recycled through very efficient filters…” to help curb the traffic and use of more dangerous In 2018, we published work in The Lancet which drugs? showed that the respiratory and cardiovascular benefits derived from exercise such as walking were annulled by The other issue that my research is in fact showing is My personal opinion is that I don't think so. I feel that doing it in a polluted environment such as walking along that one needs to measure the pollution exposure at an the answer lies in tackling the source of drug trafficking, the busy Oxford Street in London (Lancet. 2018 Jan individual level. The amount of pollution that we get but I recognise that this major problem of drug use is a 27;391:339-349), results that were picked up in many exposed to is dependent on our personal lifestyle, on the complex issue with many deep-seated societal aspects. newspapers round the world. mode of transport we use, on the work we do, etc. It is However, I do not believe that legalising cannabis beyond also clear that there is not just traffic-related pollution, but medicinal use is the way forward. The destruction of the trees on the Promenade would there is also pollution in buildings and at home. Levels of have increased the exposure of any walkers/joggers to personal pollution exposure can now be measured by The Conversation Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 12

tuals nor the values they instill are sacred, even if they can hold the space for prac- Is democracy sacred? tices that are. The counting of votes is a cornerstone American colonies were Benjamin Franklin’s pen that gave the of modern democracy and hearing a pre- willing to fight for, phrase its more economic and agnostic sident call for a halt to the count is a dis- Founding Father Thomas tilt: not sacred, but “self-evident.” Franklin, orienting moment that could leave many Jefferson wrote, “we hold Aquinas would have said, hit closer to scrambling for the right adjective. Accor- these truths to be sacred home, though perhaps for reasons outside ding to Aquinas, however, “sacred” is not Photo: Residents fill in their ballots during early voting at the the right one. a courthouse in Iowa. Should Americans be required to vote? and undeniable.” It was the founder’s purview. Neither political ri- SCOTT OLSON/GETTY IMAGES

* Cont. from page 2 Religious virtues Though politics relies on virtue, this does not make it religious. To be religious is, according to an ancient definition Aquinas first finds in the Roman statesman Cicero, to give special attention, or to “read again”: re- legere in Latin. This suggests to Aquinas that religious understanding is acquired through rereading the world, taking in how situations exist “in relation to God.” The virtues and teachings that sur- round this reorientation are ones that Aquinas calls “sacred teaching.” They are “learned through revelation” and “accepted by faith.” This does not mean that religion should reject reason, since for Aquinas religious thought uses rea- son to explore sacred revelations. The religious learner needs some dis- tance from what theologian Stanley Hauerwas calls the “armed” practices of the political institutions, so that they turn to the world again to see it in sacred ways. In other words, a state needs a police force so it can protect vulnerable people from failures of virtue. But sacred prac- tices like worship and prayer require the opposite: a freedom from state coercion, so that people can practice religion with- out that religion being legally enforced. My research into Reformation-era England offers an example of this. An edict by the queen gave her the authori- ty to prosecute people for not attending Sunday worship. Many found this coer- cive measure to cast a shadow over the authenticity of that worship itself. This is not to suggest that the reli- gious and the political ought to be com- pletely isolated realms of life. Aquinas argues that a just society, ordered by laws which ensure that everyone can be given what is due to them, will also allow for the “special honor” that “is due to God as the first principle of all things.” Aquinas thinks then that this second reading – religion – is a necessary com- ponent of the common good. A good go- vernment will allow for people to pursue the sacred. It it will not, though, confuse its own potentially coercive virtues with those sacred practices. Sacred truths When seeking his own high-stakes language to describe the rights that the Unwind Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10 , 2020 13 In a light vein Pink slip

Know your he expression refers to the Airlines Humour! English Tletter informing an employee that his services are no longer antas Airlines: Repair Division landing gear. needed. Q S: Evidence removed. In case you need a laugh: Remember, Example: More than twenty it takes a college degree to fly a plane but workers were given pink slip yesterday. only a high school diploma to fix one. P: DME volume unbelievably loud. Pink slip can be used as a verb as well. S: DME volume set to more believable After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out Example: The administration is contemplating to pink slip a form, called a 'Gripe Sheet' which tells level. Abhishek if he fails to improve his performance. mechanics about problems with the The story goes that in the late 1800s workers sometimes aircraft. P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to received, along with their pay cheque, a letter The mechanics correct the problems; stick. written on pink stationery. The letter usually document their repairs on the form, and S: That's what friction locks are for. informed the receiver that his services were no longer required. then pilots review the Gripe Sheets This letter written on pink paper began to be called the pink slip. before the next flight. In Germany, when a person gets fired, he doesn't 'get the 'pink P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode. Never let it be said that ground crews slip' but 'the blue letter'. The French on the other hand refer to such lack a sense of humour. S: IFF always inoperative in OFF a letter as 'yellow paper'. Here are some actual maintenance mode. complaints submitted by Qantas' In A Light Vein pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions P: Suspected crack in windshield. recorded (marked with an S) by S: Suspect you're right. maintenance engineers. Dedicated to all

P: Number 3 engine missing. P: Test flight OK, except auto-land Men for their very rough. S: Engine found on right wing after brief search. S: Auto-land not installed on this disciplined aircraft. P: Target radar hums. behaviour P: Something loose in cockpit. S: Reprogrammed target radar with S: Something tightened in cockpit lyrics. omen are so difficult; always Wchanging their minds. At 18, they want handsome men. P: Dead bugs on windshield. P: Mouse in cockpit. At 25, they want mature men. S: Live bugs on back-order. S: Cat installed. At 30, they want successful men. At 40, they want established men. P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode And the best one … At 50, they want faithful men. produces a 200 feet per minute At 60, they want helpful men. descent. P: Noise coming from under instrument S: Cannot reproduce problem on panel. Sounds like a midget ground. pounding on something with a Men are very simple; they never hammer. change their taste for any changing condition in their lives. P: Evidence of leak on right main S: Took hammer away from midget. At 18, they like pretty women. At 25, they like pretty women. We all are living in a seriously At 30, they like pretty women. At 40, they like pretty women. funny world... At 50, they still like pretty women. hy is the place in a stadium where If you aren't supposed to drink and At 60, still they like pretty women. Wpeople sit, called a stand? drive, why do bars have parking lots? Even at 70 & 80 when they can barely move, they still like pretty women. Why is that everyone wants to go to If all the nations in the world are in heaven, but nobody wants to die? debt, where did all the money go? Obama answers, "I Shall I say that there is racial discri- When dog food is new with improved Interview with God believe in the power mination even in chess as the white taste, who tests it? fter death, George Bush, Barack of democracy, piece is moved first? helping the poor, If the "black box" flight recorder is AObama and Donald Trump are going In our country, we have freedom of world peace, etc." never damaged during a plane crash, for a interview with God. speech, then why do we have telephone God is really God asks Bush, "What do you believe bills? why isn't the whole airplane made out of impressed by Obama that stuff? in?" If money doesn't grow on trees, then and tells him, "Well why do banks have branches? Who copyrighted the copyright Bush answers, "I believe in the free done , come sit on the market, and the strong American nation!" chair on my left. Why doesn't glue stick to its bottle? symbol? God is impressed by Bush and tells Finally, God asks Trump, Can you cry under water? Why do you still call it a building, him, "Great , come sit on the chair on my "What do you believe in?" when it's already built? Why do people say "you've been right." Trump answers, "I believe you're working like a dog", when dogs just sit If it's true that we are here to help Next, God asks Obama, "What do you sitting on my chair." others, what are others here for? around all day..? believe in?" Wellness Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 14 4 ways to prevent your marriage from ending in divorce

hether it's kids, debt, or changes in really they may have just been preoccu- Winterests, your marriage may have pied, busy, or stressed. He quickly evolved out of the honeymoon Tiny things, like your partner's inability phase and into a period where you feel like to put their clothing in the hamper, may & the whole thing may have just been one lead to resentment and build until they She giant mistake. How is it possible you used become giant arguments over nothing. By to be crazy for each other? Did you really giving your spouse the benefit of the doubt choose to spend the rest of your life mar- and consciously focusing on their positive ried to this person? qualities, you may just save your marriage. Questions like these may have sud- 2. Make time to enjoy each other denly infiltrated your daily thoughts or maybe you woke up one day with the With the addition of mortgages, kids, realization that your partner was not the stressful jobs, and busy lives, your partner person you thought you married. may have evolved into your co-worker or co-pilot as you try to navigate this busy life Whatever the case may be, before you you've created. Rather than enjoying each run for the hills and forgo the time, effort, other and the relationship you've built and care you put into building your rela- Sometimes all you need is a new perspective and the willingness to give your relationship a little extra love. Photo - marriage.com together, you may be busy checking things tionship, give your partner and your mar- off the to-do list. tray their lives on social media, is in an need. Perhaps after a slew of romantic riage the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes always-happy, perfect marriage. comedies and fairytale endings you're all you need is a new perspective and the When you feel like your very relation- Sometimes it takes a little perseverance to under the impression that your partner willingness to give your spouse and your ship has become a chore, it may be time to wait out the tough periods for the reward of should not only be your spouse, lover, and relationship a little extra love. turn off the to-do list and give yourself a brighter future. best friend but should be by your side as some time to enjoy each other. Leave the 1. Give them the benefit of the doubt As a couple, you may be adjusting to you cheer on your favorite team, hit the stresses of life behind and get out of the life with kids, health issues, an gym, or pursue your hobbies or interests. Over years of marriage, it may be hard house together or set aside 30 minutes a overwhelming work life, or added family In reality, it takes many people to fulfill to remember that you fell head over heels day for alone time when you can truly in love with your partner for a reason. stresses. These factors can easily impact one person's needs, which should be the focus on getting back to loving each other. the way you communicate with your role of your friends, co-workers, and Suddenly their lovable qualities seem non- 3. Stick it out partner and feel about your marriage. family members. By expecting complete existent while their annoying habits or fulfillment from your partner, you will characteristics become more prevalent. While you may feel like you made a 4. Keep realistic expectations almost always end up hurt, disappointed, When your spouse does something that huge mistake marrying your spouse, keep Many people have the tendency to and angry. annoys you, you may assume it's because in mind that every relationship has ups and think that their partner should fulfill every they're selfish, careless, or lazy, when downs. No one, no matter how they por- Evie Carrick Healthy Living Leanne Redman. She's an associate pro- participants then were free to follow their fessor of clinical sciences at Pennington diet by any means they chose. Biomedical Research in Baton Rouge, La. "On their own, they achieved a 15 Specifically, they developed a lower percent reduction in calorie intake that core body temperature, lower blood sugar was sustained for the two years, which is and insulin levels, and significant drops in pretty remarkable," Redman said. hormones that moderate metabolism, On average, the group lost about 20 researchers reported. pounds, mostly in the first year, even "We know these things are lower in though half entered the study at normal people who live longer lives," Redman weight and the rest were only modestly said. overweight, Redman said. Aging studies in animals have tied Anderson thinks lower calorie intake lower calorie intake to longer lives, but this prompts the body to use energy more is the first clinical trial to bridge the gap efficiently, and that somehow results in between animals and humans, said benefits for aging. Rozalyn Anderson, an expert with the "We know, for example, there's a really American Federation for Aging Research tight connection that we don't understand who reviewed the findings. between fasting and resilience -- the "So much of what they're reporting is ability to stand up against distress," entirely consistent with what we've seen in Anderson said. Want to live longer? our monkey studies," said Anderson, an People who want to try to eat less in an associate professor who studies aging and attempt to live longer should focus on calorie restriction at the University of portion size while following a healthy and Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public well-balanced diet, Redman said. Eat less Health. They should aim for lowering calorie For this trial, Redman's team recruited intake by 25 percent, with the understan- Putting less on your plate each day could be key to a longer life 34 healthy people with an average age of ding that they will probably fall short of the utting just a bit less on your dinner metabolism, according to a small clinical 40 to follow a calorie-restricted diet for two goal, Redman said. They shouldn't be Pplate each day might be key to a longer trial, reports Dennis Thompson - Cell years. discouraged if they don't keep losing life, preliminary research suggests. Metabolism. Researchers taught the study partici- weight long-term. People who reduced their caloric intake These folks also saw improvements in pants how to cut 25 percent of their daily "The goal is not to lose weight. The by just 15 percent over two years expe- biomarkers associated with slower aging caloric intake using three different models goal is to have this sustained lower intake," rienced a significant decrease in their and longer life span, said lead researcher of a healthy diet, Redman said. The Redman said. Entertainment Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 15 Kangana Ranaut: The star on a warpath with Bollywood two ever had an affair. and starting several new ones. She has Ranaut has also criticised the industry played the victim and the aggressor at the same time. In television interviews and over its alleged "casting couch" culture - a tweets, she's repeated old grudges against euphemism used to explain the practice of director Karan Johar and former co-star seeking sexual favours from newcomers in Hrithik Roshan. She has called actress exchange for roles. Sonam Kapoor a "mafia bimbo", Urmila Her forthrightness has won her praise Matondkar "a soft-porn star" and Swara for standing up to clannish, patriarchal Bhaskar and Richa Chadha "B-grade Bollywood bigwigs. But for some months actresses". now she has made news by picking new She's claimed there was a "drug mafia" fights on a weekly, if not daily, basis. in Bollywood and renamed the industry It began in mid-June, when Ranaut "Bullywood" - a place where newcomers joined the debate around the tragic death and outsiders are not welcome. Her bitter of actor Sushant Singh Rajput - who was and angry finger-pointing has led many to found dead in his home. Mumbai police question her motives. said Rajput had killed himself. Ranaut's verbal attacks against Ranaut tweeted blaming nepotism and Bollywood have been echoed in India's some Bollywood insiders for driving the parliament too, forcing MP and veteran actor to his death. She said he was an actress Jaya Bachchan to defend the "outsider" like her who had no "godfathers" industry "which provides direct employ- in the industry, and that powerful ment to half a million people daily and indi- Bollywood families and directors had "sys- rect employment to five million". ollywood, India's hugely popular Hindi tion to cinema. tematically sabotaged" his career. The entertainment industry has a Bfilm industry, is in ferment. And at the A small-town girl, who has often Weeks later, when Rajput's father significant influence over people's imagi- centre of its troubles is Kangana Ranaut - spoken of her struggles to fit in with the accused his son's actress-girlfriend Rhea nation in India. The press in India, espe- a 33-year-old female star who appears to glamorous crowd, Ranaut rose to become Chakraborty of abetment to suicide, cially television channels sympathetic to be on a warpath with many of her a style icon and one of Bollywood's most colleagues. In the past few weeks, she has stealing his son's money and several other the government, has played the story of bankable actresses, with millions of fans at the unravelling of Bollywood on a loop. accused industry bigwigs of nepotism and home and abroad. claims, Ranaut launched a smear cam- sexual abuse, harshly criticised several of paign against Chakraborty, calling her "a So when Deepika Padukone, one of her colleagues, alleged others are "She's an outstanding performer," said small time druggie who was living off a vul- India's most loved stars, was summoned involved in drug dealing, and called Shailaja Bajpai, media editor of news nerable and broken, self-made superstar". by the drug authorities investigating Bollywood a "gutter". website The Print. "She's a natural actress allegations of widespread drug use in who's played strong, unusual women in a Chakraborty has denied all the accusa- Ranaut says she was "harassed and tions against her. She was arrested earlier Bollywood, TV channels provided breath- number of films and carved a special niche less coverage and reporters chased her molested in the industry and faced a drug this month for allegedly buying drugs for for herself." car. Similar scenes were witnessed when racket" and that by "removing the obsta- Rajput and she is being investigated by Over the years, Ranaut also gained a actresses Shraddha Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan cles" in her way, she would "clean the path three federal agencies. for many others". reputation for being "outspoken and and Rakul Preet Singh were called for brave", Bajpai said. Chakraborty has found herself targeted questioning. All four have denied any But her critics say her vocal criticisms by some of India's most high-profile jour- wrongdoing. "She's taken on powerful people in the stem from political ambition, reports Geeta nalists and social media trolls and become industry like director Karan Johar, whom Ranaut responded by deriding the Pandey of BBC. subject of gossip and innuendo and misog- she accused of nepotism; she also had a actresses in Twitter posts, including one ynistic abuse, with Ranaut's regular out- Known for her powerful performances, very public spat with Hrithik Roshan, her comment targeting Padukone in which bursts on the subject adding fuel to the fire. Ranaut has won several prestigious co-star from Kites whom she calls 'a silly she claimed drug used was linked to awards and a Padma Shri (a civilian award ex'." Roshan has always denied that the Ranaut has also taken aim at depression - a claim criticised and given by the government) for her contribu- Bollywood more widely, reviving old battles debunked by health experts. Akshay Kumar on ‘Laxmmi Bomb' 'During the initial days of the shoot, my saree would often unwrap by itself' kshay Kumar talks about his saree would often unwrap by itself while Aupcoming film, Laxmmi Bomb, the shooting. I wasn't able to move properly experience of playing a transgender, and while being in a saree, forget about how did he feel after wearing a saree. dancing and fighting in it. Thanks to my Akshay Kumar is gearing up for costume designer who would come to my Raghava Lawrence's Laxmmi Bomb, a rescue in every break to rearrange the remake of his own Tamil hit, Kanchana. plaits and balance the pallu." The promo shows the leading man in an He also said how the character of avatar that he has never dabbled with, a Laxmmi Bomb has mentally been the world he has never experienced. And he most intensive. He stated, "I've been in opened up on his shooting experiences. my career for 30 years. But the character While interacting with Maniesh Paul, of Laxmmi has been the most mentally when asked about the film and wearing a intensive role I've ever played. But some- saree, this is what Kumar had to say, "In how, I managed it. And I thank my direc- one word, saree is the most graceful tor. He is behind everything about this outfit in the world. Wearing a saree has been one of a kind character - how it moves, what it says and how it dances." experience for me. Frankly speaking, donning a saree is The film will be released on November 9 on Disney very difficult." Plus Hotstar on the eve of Diwali. Laxmmi Bomb also He added, "During the initial days of the shoot, my stars Kiara Advani. Entertainment Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 16 Arjun Bijlani, Shashank Vyas, Debina-Gurmeet and other TV celebs travelling responsibly during the pandemic

f there's one thing we all have missed immensely in 2020, it has to be travelling. Be it a day trip, short Arjun Bijlani: 'Cooked Igetaways or longer hiking trips, we have missed packing our bags and exploring a new destination. However, travel is picking up slowly. Several celebs are taking the road or flying to a destination of their all our meals, choice while following all safety precautions. If you're looking for some travel inspiration and don't maintained social know where to find it, take a cue from these celebs who took a travel break to beat the stay-at-home distance while in Goa' monotony and revel in the beauty of nature, as reported by S. Iyer of Times of India. Once the lockdown started to ease, we took a trip to Goa in by our car. We have to start getting accustomed to the August. The duration of the trip new normal. Whenever we stepped out or while having was close to a month. We our meals, we followed all safety guidelines and travelled by air and took all the necessary precautions like ate healthy. The resort staff also ensured that all safety wearing a mask, carrying hand sanitiser and maintaining guidelines were followed. social distancing at the airport and even at every place we * * * visited in Goa. Shashank Vyas: We stayed at our family house, as it was very safe and close to the beach. As it was just us, we cooked on our 'Have followed all own and went for a stroll on the beach often. We enjoyed safety norms for every minute of our family time and realised the small joys my trip to Sikkim' of life bring utmost happiness. * * * If one is a responsible traveller and takes care of Aditi Sanwal: Sanitised everything the safety precautions, in my hotel room in Udaipur avoids crowded places I wanted to unwind, relax and wears a mask all the and rejuvenate post the wrap time, one can travel even up of Kasautii Zindagii Kay. So, amid the pandemic. I decided to take a quick and For close to eight short 3-day trip to Udaipur. I months, I was locked up took a flight from Mumbai to at home, so my dad and I Udaipur. decided to take a 10-day Although I followed all the trip to Kalimpong, safety precautions right from Gangtok, Pelling and the moment I left home for the Darjeeling. This is my first airport, I was a little sceptical. visit to these places and But once I reached my hotel Debina Bonnerjee: 'Ate healthy, followed I'm truly mesmerized by and slowly started settling in, I all safety rules for my two-day vacancy' the lush green land- started to enjoy my vacation. scapes, the misty Although I wasn't sceptical about travelling post reco- evenings and the cool While the hotel took utmost vering from Covid-19, I knew I had to be extra cautious weather. care and followed all safety precautions, I ensured to about our safety. So, we decided to travel a month after Eventually, we have to sanitise everything in my room, my recovery. Guru (husband Gurmeet Choudhary) and I get back to our routines avoided meeting a lot of wanted to travel to someplace nearby. So went to this and ensure to follow pre- people and preferred visiting lovely vineyard nearby. cautions and sanitisation. places with fewer people. Since I wasn't comfortable taking a flight, we travelled Archana Mittal's real and reel life cafe coincidence

he Bin Kuch Kahe actor is a small-time restaurateur in the show and Toff-screen too. It sure looks like many of our favourite TV celebrities have their own alternate professions apart from acting. It becomes quite the interesting coincidence, however, if they happen to play the same role on-screen and off it. Archana Mitttal, who is currently seen in Zee TV's show Bin Kuch Kahe plays the role of leading lady Myra's on-screen mother - Mrs Kohli in the show who runs a café in Jaipur with her daughters called the Kohli Kanteen. Ironically, off screen too, the enterprising lady owns a cafe in Bangalore. The actress is smoothly balancing her café and acting career without compromising on either front, reports Times of India. Archana says, "I am extremely happy that I am playing the role of a mother who runs the Kohli Kanteen with her daughter; off-screen too, I am into the hospitality business, running my own café in Bangalore. So, it doesn't really feel like acting. What else do you need in life when you can pursue both your passions together? I am blessed and thanks to producer Rajshree Ojha for this wonderful role. Hope viewers enjoy my performance and appreciate the show." Watch’s On Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 17

Mardi 10 Nov - 21.05 Kingsglaive Avec: Aaron Paul, Lena Headey, Sean Bean MBC 1 MBC 2 MBC 3 Cine 12 Bollywood TV 07.15 Local: Sekirite La Route 10.00 Serial: CID 06.00 Mag: Eco@Africa 01.28 Film: Space Station 76 08.00 Film: Amanaat 07.30 Local: Lavi Zoli An XXL 10.43 Serial: Ye Vaada Raha 06.26 Mag: Green Touch 03.06 Serial: Chicago Med 11.55 / 19.54 - 08.30 Local: Rodrig Prog 12.04 Film: Mela 07.00 Mag: Voa Connected 03.47 Film: Meurtre à Hollywood Kahan Hum Kahan Tuam 09.45 Local: Eco Logik Starring: Feroz Khan, Sanjay 08.00 Doc: Amazing Gardens 05.45 Tele: Totalement Diva 12.23 / 20.11 - 10.15 Local: Fam Model Khan, Mumtaz 09.02 Doc: 360 GEO 06.51 Film: Kingsglaive Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 12.00 Le Journal 14.11 DDI Magazine 10.15 Mag: Washington Forum 09.00 Serial: The Magicians 12.44 / 20.32 Radha Krishna 12.25 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 15.00 Mag: Comedy Classes 11.30 Mag: Eco@Africa 09.45 Tele: Soleil Levant 13.09 / 21.09 - Bin Kuch Kahe 12.55 Local: Elle - No7 15.21 Serial: Honaar Soon Mee... 11.56 Mag: Green Touch 10.35 Tele: Tanto Amor 13.29 / 21.24 - Zindagi Ki Mehek 13.55 Mag: Entrepreneuriat Au... 15.43 Serial: Mooga Manasulu 12.00 Mag: Arts And Culture 11.00 Serial: Chicago Med 13.52 / 21.46 - 14.30 D.Anime: The Zoo 16.06 Serial: Apoorva Raagangal 12.17 Mag: World Stories 12.00 Film: Meurtre à Hollywood Bade Acche Lagte Hai 14.41 D.Anime: Little People 16.32 Serial: Bisaat-E-Dil 12.58 Mag: Urban Gardens 13.35 Tele: Totalement Diva 14.20 / 21.59 - 15.33 D.Anime: Gadget And The.. 16.50 Mehandi Tohra Naam Ke 13.28 Doc: Amazing Gardens 14.48 Film: Kingsglaive Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki 17.05 Serial: Grandpa In My Pocket 17.14 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 14.27 Doc: 360 GEO 16.40 Serial: The Magicians 14.39 / 22.25 - 17.30 Mag: Zoboomafoo 18.00 Serial: My Little Princess 15.25 Doc: Global 3000 17.23 Serial: S.W.A.T Ikyawann 18.00 Live: Samachar 18.30 DDi Magazine 16.12 Doc: Youth-Inducing Yogurt? 18.05 Tele: Soleif Levant 15.30 Film: Soldier 18.30 Serial: Jamai Raja 20.00 Local: Tamil Programme 17.00 Mag: Eco@Africa 19.10 Tele: Tanto Amor Starring: Raakhee, Bobby Deol, 19.30 Journal & La Meteo 20.30 Film: Farz Aur Kanoon 17.39 Mag: World Stories 20.05 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir Preity Zinta 20.10 Local: Divali 2020 Starring: Rati Agnihotri, 18.27 Mag: Green Touch 20.30 Serial: S.W.A.T 18.00 Live: Samacher 20.15 Local: Focus Asrani, Jeetendra, Hema 18.35 Doc: Land Grab 21.15 Film: Bolshoi: Le Grand Saut 18.30 Kundali Bhagya

mardi 10 novembre 21.05 Film: Kingsglaive Malini 19.00 Student Support Prog... 22.51 Tele: Totalement Diva 18.51 Piya Albela 23.00 Serial: The Blacklist 23.07 DDI Live 19.34 Mag: Made In Germany 23.42 Serial: The Magicians

06.45 Local: La Mauricienne 10.00 Serial: Pyar Ka Dard Meetha 06.00 Mag: REV: The Global Auto 00.26 Serial: S.W.A.T 08.00 Film: Soldier 07.30 Local: Generation J 11.16 Serial: Suhani Si Ek Ladki 06.34 Mag: Land Grab 01.08 Film: Bolshoi 12.04 / 20.06 - 09.45 Local: Entractes 12.00 Film: Meri Bhabhi 07.00 Mag: Check In 02.43 Serial: Chicago Med Kahan Hum Kahan Tuam 12.00 Le Journal Stars: Sunil Dutt, Waheeda 07.29 Mag: Urban Gardens 03.24 Film: The Legend Of Zorro 12.23 / 20.26 - 12.55 Mag: Urban Gardens Rehman, Mehmood 08.00 Doc: Garden Party 05.29 Tele: Totalement Diva Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 13.55 Local: Tous Egaux 15.00 Serial: Comedy Classes 08.54 Doc: Abderrahmane Sissako 06.21 Serial: S.W.A.T 12.47 / 20.46 Radha Krishna Mercredi 11 Nov - 21.10 14.16 Local: Entrepreneuriat Au... 15.21 Honaar Soon Mee Hya... 10.11 Mag: Klip Seleksion 08.31 Mag: Hollywood Best Film 13.09 / 21.09 - Bin Kuch Kahe 14.30 D.Anime: The Zoo 15.44 Mooga Manasulu 11.42 Mag: REV: The Global Auto 09.00 Serial: The Magicians 13.31 / 21.31 - Zindagi Ki Mehek Fired Up! 14.40 D.Anime: Little People 16.10 Apoorva Raagangal 12.16 Mag: Land Grab 09.45 Tele: Soleil Levant 13.56 / 21.46 - 14.51 D.Anime: Nutri Ventures 16.30 Serial: Bisaat-E-Dil 12.42 Mag: Check In 10.30 Tele: Chicago Med Bade Acche Lagte Hai 15.22 D.Anime: The Minimighty... 16.53 Mehandi Tohra Namam Ke 13.11 Mag: Urban Gardens 11.11 Tele: Tanto Amor 14.20 / 21.59 - Jai Kanhaiya Lal.. 15.54 D.Anime: Monster Math... 17.12 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 13.15 Mag: Made In Germany 11.33 Film: The Legend Of Zorro 14.36 / 22.25 - Ikyawann 16.06 D.Anime: Invention Story 17.33 Serial: Kulvadhu 14.32 Doc: 2D Innovations 13.38 Tele: Totalement Diva 15.25 Film: Pratikar 17.05 Serial: Grandpa In My Pocket 18.00 Serial: My Little Princess 15.28 Mag: Close Up 14.45 Film: Second In Command Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, 17.30 Mag: Zoboomafoo 18.30 Serial: DDI Magazine 16.39 Doc: Ten Dollar Trip 16.43 Serial:The Magicians Vinod Khanna, Shammi 18.00 Live: Samachar 19.00 Live: Zournal Kreol 17.24 Mag: REV: The Global Auto 17.21 Serial: S.W.A.T Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Shabana Azmi 18.30 Serial: Jamai Raja 19.30 DDI Magazine 18.05 Tele: Soleil Levant 17.50 Mag: Green Touch 18.00 Live: Samachar 19.30 Journal & La Meteo 20.00 Programme In Marathi 19.00 Tele: Tanto Amor 18.00 Mag: Motorweek 18.30 Kumkum Bhagya 20.00 Local: Divali 2020 20.30 Film: Coffee Ani Barach 20.05 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 18.30 Local Prod: Recipes 18.51 Piya Albela 21.10 Film: Fired Up! Kahi 20.30 Serial: Seal Team 20.05 Mag: Tendance XXI 19.13 Mere Angne Mein 22.40 Serial: The Blacklist Starring: Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, 21.15 Serial: The Head Hunter 20.31 Doc: The World From... 19.35 Yeh Pyaar Nahi Toh Kya.. mercredi 11 novembre mercredi 11 23.25 Local: Le Journal Prarthana Behere, Neha Mahajan 21.00 Local: News (English)

06.00 Local: Klip Seleksion 10.00 Karm Phal Data Shani 06.00 Mag: Motorweek 00.20 Serial: S.W.A.T 08.00 Film: Parvarish 06.45 Local: Sur Prise 12.05 Film: Blackmail 06.25 Mag: Green Touch 01.26 Film: The Head Hunter 12.03 / 19.54 - 09.55 Local: Encounter Starring: Dharmendra, Raakhee, 07.00 Mag: Arts.21 02.39 Serial: Chicago Med Kahan Hum Kahan Tuam 10.30 Mag: Palette Shatrughan Sinha 07.29 Doc: Urban Gardens 05.13 Tele: Totalement Diva 12.26 / 20.11 - 11.00 Mag: A Question Of Science 14.18 DDI Magazine 08.54 Doc: 2D Innovations 05.41 Serial: Seal Team Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 12.00 Le Journal 15.00 Serial: Comedy Classes 11.53 Mag: Green Touch 06.58 Film: Savage Pampas 12.47 / 20.32 Radha Krishna 12.25 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 15.21 Honaar Soon Mee Hya 12.05 Mag: Georgia On The Move 09.00 Serial: The Magicians 13.09 / 21.09 - Bin Kuch Kahe 12.55 Local: RDV Muzikal Gharchi 12.27 Mag: Arts 21 09.45 Tele: Soleil Levant 13.31 / 21.24 - Zindagi Ki Mehek 14.00 Local: Zanfan Nou Zil 15.43 Mooga Manasulu 12.56 Mag: Urban Gardens 10.35 Tele: Tant Amor 13.56 / 21.46 - 14.30 D.Anime: The Zoo 16.06 Apoorva Raagangal 14.21 Doc: 2D Innovations 11.00 Serial: Chicago Med Bade Acche Lagte Hai 14.52 D.Anime: Nutri Ventures 16.29 Bisaat-E-Dil 16.55 Mag: Motorweek 12.00 Serial: Sherlock 14.20 / 21.59 - 15.15 D.Anime: The Minimighty... 16.51 Mehandi Tohra Naam Ke 18.00 Mag: Eco India 13.30 Tele: Totalement Diva Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ke 15.33 D.Anime: Gadget And The... 17.13 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 18.26 Mag: Green Touch 14.45 Film: Savage Pampas 14.36 / 22.25 - 15.55 D.Anime: Monster Math Squad 17.34 Local: Amrit Vaani 19.05 Open Univ: Student Support 16.40 Serial: The Magicians Ikyawann 16.06 D.Anime: Invention Story 18.00 Serial: My Little Princess 19.34 Mag: Tomorrow Today 17.27 Serial: Seal Team 15.20 Film: Mere Baap Pehle 18.00 Live: Samachar 18.30 Serial: Ghar Pahucha Da 20.05 Doc: Rewilding 18.05 Tele: Soleil Levant Aap Jeudi 12 Nov - 21.15 18.30 Jamai Raja Devi Maiya 21.10 Local: News (English) 19.00 Tele: Tanto Amor Starring: Akshaye Khanna, 18.55 Local: Chaar Dham Tirth... 20.00 Local: Les Grandes Lignes 21.10 Doc: 2D Innovations 20.08 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir Genelia D'Souza, Paresh Avec: Aaron Stanford, Robin Tunney, 19.30 Le Journal 21.00 Film: Talhotblond 22.29 Doc: The New Maharajas... 20.30 Serial: Seal Team Rawal, Om Puri

jeudi 12 novembre 18.30 Kundali Bhagya 20.15 Film: Why Cheat India Starring: Garret Dillahunt, 23.11 Mag: Eco India 21.15 Film: Runaway Peter Gerety 18.52 Piya Albela 22.15 Serial: The Blacklist Brando Eaton, Laura San Giacomo 23.37 Mag: Green Touch 22.45 Tel: Totelement Diva

Jeudi 12 Nov - 15.20 Stars: Akshaye Khanna, Genelia Jeudi 12 Nov - 20.15 Stars: Emraan Hashmi, Shreya D'Souza, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri Dhanwanthary, Snighdadeep Chatterji Other Voices Mauritius Times Tuesday, November 10, 2020 18 With Kamala Harris, Americans yet again have Tree of Knowledge trouble understanding what multiracial means Madisyn Taylor While the debates about Kamala Harris' multiraciality may seem new, they are similar to the commentary other Finding high-profile mixed-race people in the US have received about their racial identities. genetics. Scholars have been writing and Gifts in All researching, for decades, about how race is a social construction rather than a biological efore bed each night, take the absolute. Btime to review your day and review the gifts you received. But in public discussion in the U.S., race is treated as an entity that can be measured When we have good days, we and labelled. That is why people are ques- often find ourselves going over the tioning the validity of Harris' African details later, enjoying them a American identity. They believe that her second and third time as we feel racial affiliation can somehow be quantified the joy of our good fortune. When and weighed on a scale of authenticity. we have bad days, we may find ourselves poring over the details Underlying these questions of authentici- of our misfortunes. However, we ty are questions of legitimacy. Multiracial can reframe those bad days by people are constantly confronted by those making it a daily practice to spend who question their whole selves and their some time before going to bed choice to authentically identify with multiple each night to review the gifts we races. For these critics, to qualify for mem- received that day. Regardless of Anyone confused about Kamala Harris' multiraciality may recall that the U.S. is a nation that bership in a race or ethnicity means one our evaluation of the day -- good, was not built by a single ethnic or racial group. Photo - Indian Express must be 100% of that group. Anything less bad, mediocre -- we can call forth means you cannot be a real member of any the many blessings that were ews that Sen. Kamala Harris was Joe the public's deep discomfort with people who given culture, ethnicity or race. present. This practice transforms NBiden's choice for the 2020 Democratic don't fit into fixed boxes. Yet the reality and experiences of our consciousness as it reveals vice presidential nominee drove speculation For example, some people want to dis- multiracial people's lives, like that of Harris, the fullness at the heart of our and argumentation about her identity. The avow Harris' Blackness because of her mul- suggest that basic math cannot capture the lives. big question appeared to be, "Is Kamala tiple ethnic and racial affiliations. Others realities of what it means to embody multiple Some days it's easy to recount Harris truly African American?" claim her as Jamaican or Indian, which races and ethnicities. As one subject of the gifts we've received; on other There were numerous articles and serves as evidence of her success as a multiracial artist Kip Fulbeck's photo installa- days, we have to look harder for opinion pieces about whether Harris can member of an ethnic group or which cele- tion of mixed-race Asian Americans in The the offerings of the day, but once legitimately claim to be African American; the brates a shared cultural connection with her. Hapa Project states, "I am 100% Black and we do, we will find there are authenticity of her Black identity if she has an Some see her Jamaican and Indian 100% Japanese." always quite a few. We can keep it Indian mother; what it means for her to be ethnicities as diminishing her claim to a Evolution of racial categories simple and be grateful for the fact biracial; and other articles opining and that we have a roof over our head, Black American experience, unlike those Racial identity is not only about external speculating about her racial, ethnic and even nature, food, and our health. Once who are known as "ADOS," or American features (eye shape, hair texture, skin color) national identity. Descendants of Slavery. Because Harris' we have fully experienced these and ancestral lines. It is about the cultural gifts, we can move outward to the Harris, the daughter of immigrant parents ancestors do not include those who were and social habits and rituals that people from Jamaica and India, identifies as enslaved in the U.S., ADOS's concern is that gifts that may require a little more participate in as they claim their affiliations Black/African American while also embra- neither she nor her family can know the deep thought such as the gifts of for- with ethnic and racial groups. cing her Indian heritage. Yet the questions in historical pain of U.S. anti-Black racism. giveness, tolerance and accept- The Indian food that Harris consumes ance that we may have learned social media and news outlets swirling Embedded in this concern are echoes of speaks volumes about the ethnic influences that day. We can also always be around her identities demonstrate a the questions Black Americans face who she embraces, as does the Black sorority grateful for the people in our lives continued misunderstanding of race and have passed, who chose whiteness to she pledged and the historically Black who support us, no matter how mixed-race people. escape slavery or the Jim Crow South or college she attended. bad our day may have been. Where do loyalties lie? those who choose multiraciality to flee the social stigma of Blackness. Questioning Anyone confused about Kamala Harris' Just reviewing the many While the debates about Harris' racial multiraciality may recall that the U.S. is a positive offerings in our lives identities may seem new given the recent Harris' bona fides to being a Black American nation that was not built by a single ethnic or provides a context for our difficul- media attention focused on her, they are is questioning where her loyalties lie. racial group. ties that puts them in proper similar to the commentary other high-profile '100% Black and 100% Japanese' Indeed, U.S. land was taken from various perspective, but we can also mixed-race people have received. There are political reasons why some Indigenous nations and built by the enslaved make an effort to see the gifts When I did research for my chapter on may want to discredit Harris' claims to labor of people from multiple African nations even in adverse circumstances. Tiger Woods in my book "Racial Ambiguity in Blackness, believing that saying she's not and tribes for the benefit of others who hailed This can be challenging and may Asian American Culture," I found much truly Black means she shouldn't be relatable require some practice before it from a variety of European nations. And criticism of Woods' calling himself to Black voters. feels authentic, but we have all other immigrants from Latin America and the "Cablinasian" (a word Woods made up as a had the experience of a disap- But the desire to see Harris as only Black Pacific Rim settled in North America and teen to account for his Caucasian, Black, pointment or loss leading to a sur- or worry that she is not truly African made the U.S. their home. American Indian and Asian heritages) and American derives from the racist U.S. past of prising gain. Just remembering Harris, as the U.S.'s first multiracial, for not solely identifying as Black. Several the one-drop rule of racial impurity, which this and trusting the give and take multiethnic female vice presidential candi- articles expressed confusion about his sociologist F. James Wood has described as of life can help us to remember date, reflects the evolution of racial multiraciality - the uncertainty over the most the idea that "a single drop of 'black blood' that sometimes the best gifts of all categories, which coincides with an ever- accurate racial category to fit him into. makes a person a black." That was an ideo- are the ones we don't recognize evolving understanding of race and racism in The discussions of Woods mirror the logy from the majority of U.S. history - from right away. In addition, the lessons the 21st century. critiques of Harris. its founding through to the Jim Crow era - we learn in the face of adversity are offerings in their own right, The competing interpretations of Harris' when race was firmly believed to be a matter Jennifer Ho, allowing us to count patience, identity, like with Woods, seem to be a func- of blood. wisdom, and fortitude alongside tion of her multiple, intersecting identities Scientists for well over half a century Professor. Asian American Studies, the other gifts of the day. (including race, class and gender) as well as have disproven any link between race and University of Colorado Boulder