66th Year -- No. 3656 Tuesday, March 2, 2021 www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times 18 Pages - ePaper MAURITIUS TIMES l A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position. - John Maxwell

Interview : Jack Bizlall “C'est la guerre entre les dynasties dominantes - les Ramgoolam, les Jugnauth, les Duval et les Bérenger - pour le partage du pouvoir” * Voir Pages 8-9

Faceoff Down Under - Facebook Vs Oz

Facebook started restricting the sharing of news on its service in Australia on February 18, defying a proposed law that would require technology companies From Democracy to Dharmocracy to pay publishers when their articles are posted by users. Joergen Oerstroem Moeller who is a visiting senior research fellow with the Institute By Anil Madan * See Page 4-5 “ of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore... had commented that 'demagogues and populists win elections because they falter and humour the multitude of people not able or willing to see through the maze. But the danger is, they could be ineffective leaders Latin America: Inequality and as they pander to the populace, or worse, closet dictators who eventually subvert the democratic system for their own interests.' He refers to the United States, where political instability have lessons for 'the system has bred gridlock that resulted in a government shutdown last October (2013) after Republicans and Democrats could not agree on a spending plan for the rest of the world the fiscal year.' Was this prescience? - one is tempted to ask, in light of the subsequent events and incidents that have occurred, in particular during the By Diego Sánchez-Ancochea, Head of the Oxford Department of tenure of Donald Trump as president…” International Development, University of Oxford * See Page 2 Dr R Neerunjun Gopee * See Page 3 Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 www.mauritiustimes.com Edit Page facebook.com/mauritius.times 2

The Conversation Who will lead the country? Latin America: lthough we are over three years away from ano- voters, this means that regardless of the interests and Inequality and political ther general election, which party wins depends on concerns of those voters, the two men could literally Athe overarching, perennial question: who leads the engage in a fight to the end, hoping to get the upper hand party? over each other. It is the apparently irreconcilable stand instability have lessons for taken by the one against the other that is likely to drive Broadly, all leaders and parties subscribe to the same down to a lower level a national debate about appropriate the rest of the world economic ideology of a mixed socialist-capitalist-liberal projects and policies for general advancement of the (with doses of ultra-liberal) model – the market economy superior interests of the country, a level where the prota- with social welfare safety nets thrown in. But always, the gonists would be intent to go towards mutual annihilation. elites and collateral interests must be preserved and And where the higher national interest would be secon- served. dary. Of course, there must be a vision, a projet de société, There have been bitter personal oppositions among a manifesto, some programmes announced in the run-up, political leaders in the past. But when it came to fighting but all these are secondary to the main concern: leader- for a higher cause, they joined hands to promote national ship. And the central issue about it is: WHO? advancement. Personal antagonisms gave way to su- All the main parties on the political landscape have perior pursuits as being the essence of the political quest. been grappling with this question, which is more acute, The mutual attacks the MSM and Labour have been ma- though, as far as the Labour Party is concerned. king against each other have been undermining the The matter is exacerbated by the definitive announce- nation’s larger interest. Their failure to deliver has led to a ment by Paul Berenger, in the presence of Xavier Duval, loss of confidence in their sincerity to support the cause of that they are not prepared to have an alliance led by Navin their voters and the public. As they have rambled from one Visible poverty: a homeless man begs on the streets of Mexico City. EPA-EFE/Sashenka Gutierrez Ramgoolam. It would seem they are apprehensive about unimportant issue to another in their quest for and grip on power, this loss of confidence has got accentuated over the latter’s continuing leadership of the Labour Party and n a landmark speech about social mobility in 2013, the the years. its potential to foil the alliance’s electoral prospects at the then US president, Barack Obama, warned against polls. Not surprisingly, therefore, Bérenger and Duval, Ithe problem of growing inequality in the starkest pos- But still it seems that a caution hindoue is required, despite the poor performance of their parties in the last sible terms: The combined trends of increased inequality and although Nando Bodha has declared that he is not election, are gradually gaining confidence that they now and decreasing mobility pose a fundamental threat to … going to join any party, one week is a long time in politics, can go to the next polls in a three-cornered fight. This our way of life. feeling is likely enhanced by the state of disarray of the and we have to wait and see. On the other hand, Bodha He was talking primarily about America, where the is an experienced player and that has to be reckoned with. MSM (in light of the various ‘affairs’ that have been erup- ting) and of Labour in the fierce private opposition of their income share of the top 1% almost doubled between 1980 To appreciate better what is at stake we have to step leaders against each other. and 2015. But he could have been equally talking about back a few years. Poland, the UK or a number of other wealthy countries as One must not forget that Paul Bérenger is an astute reflected in the graph below. Covid-19 has made things In 2016, Navin Ramgoolam, as leader of the Labour politician, extremely well-versed in the art of dealing with even worse. The pandemic has enabled the global elite to Party, took advantage of the celebration of the party’s 80th ethnic realities by proposing properly profiled candidates increase their wealth rapidly – in some cases by enormous anniversary at the Octave Wiéhé Auditorium to try and for election in each constituency according to its ethnic amounts – at the same time as many workers lost their revamp the party’s public standing, seriously bruised profile. He masters skilfully the susceptibilities to which jobs. since the December 2014 elections and the series of particular voters are prone. With Duval by his side, he Things could get much worse in years to come. To police arrests he had personally been subjected to since may therefore be emboldened to take a calculated risk, understand how and why, it’s worth looking at Latin then. He was the sole speaker on the occasion. leaving it to the leaders of the MSM and Labour to tear America, one of the most unequal regions of the world. each other apart in their puerile quest for both power and He spoke about rejuvenating the party. The idea of This is evident when using the Gini coefficient (an indica- personal vendetta against each other. setting up a think tank was evoked. He vowed that it was tor of income distribution that goes from 0 for the most the MSM which was in direct opposition to Labour. He As the fight unfolds, the greatest losers will be the peo- equal situation to 1 for total inequality) as the following fi- ended up stating that Labour was going to introduce a ple. They will find themselves in their majority without the gure does. The differences between Latin America and ‘radical programme’, though this was not spelt out in solid moorings that have held them together against past Eastern Europe and Central Asia are particularly striking. detail. In the course of a meeting of partisans in the same calamities. Their pursuits, like those of the country, will be context in Constituency No 3 a couple of days later, he relegated to after the elections have been fought. As they Gini coefficient for the distribution of household consumption reiterated to those present that Labour members should like to say over here, voters have a field day solely on the per capita in the global south (median per region), 2010 not fight each other. Instead, the direct adversary – day they cast their votes for the elections. After this, they enemy, to use his word -- was, according to him, the have to patiently put up with the consolidation of the MSM. This meant that, just like the MSM leader Pravind emerging new power structure and whatever it actually Jugnauth entertained grave suspicions about Navin stands for over the ensuing five years at least. Ramgoolam’s motives towards him, Navin Ramgoolam had singled out Pravind Jugnauth as his principal target to Never had political immaturity touched such a low finish off. level. We can only hope that the country will rise from the useless conflict into which it has been getting mired for Since the two of them draw from a common pool of some years now, going deeper down each time.

Developing countries where wealth is distributed most Mauritius Times [email protected] unevenly. Alvarado F. and L. Gasparini, , Author provided Founder/Editor: Beekrumsing Ramlallah - Aug 1954-Sept 2000 Editor-in-chief: M. Ramlallah / Senior Editor: Dr RN Gopee www.mauritiustimes.com Diego Sánchez-Ancochea, Head of the Oxford This epaper has been produced with the assistance of Department of International Development, Doojesh Ramlallah, Sultana Kurmally and Kersley Ramsamy University of Oxford Pearl House 4th Floor Room 406 - Sir Virgil Naz Street, Port Louis facebook.com/mauritius.times Tel: 5-29 29301 Tel/Fax: 212 1313 * Cont. on page 11 Op-Ed Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 3 From Democracy to Dharmocracy falter and humour the multitude of people not able or will- ing to see through the maze. But the danger is, they could be ineffective leaders as they pander to the popu- lace, or worse, closet dictators who eventually subvert the democratic system for their own interests.’ He cites the examples of Iraq, which ‘bid farewell to dictator Saddam Hussein, only to have elected former prime minister Nouri Maliki, who was accused of leading a divisive, sectarian government that has fuelled the vio- lence that has led to parts of the country being captured Dr R Neerunjun Gopee by militant group Islamic State’, and Thailand, ‘embroiled in political protests, leading to the ouster of its prime mi- nister, Yingluck Shinawatra, and subsequently a military heard the term coup.’ He went on to add that ‘even more established ‘Dharmocracy’ for the democracies are facing problems. In some countries Ifirst time on Saturday (e.g. France and Britain) protest parties -- often espou- last in a Webinar, and the sing radical views that smack of fascism, racism or com- speaker who used it was munism -- recently won about a quarter of the seats in Jeffrey Armstrong aka the European Parliament.’ Kavindra Rishi. He has steeped himself in Vedic He even referred to the United States, where ‘the culture since 1969, and system has bred gridlock that resulted in a government has been spreading its Photo - teamworkdefinition.com shutdown last October (2013) after Republicans and Democrats could not agree on a spending plan for the message of the Oneness While we may be enchanted by the worn definition of democracy as ‘government of Existence through the fiscal year.’ Was this prescience? - one is tempted to of the people, by the people, for the people’ we can see from what precedes that organisation he has “ ask, in light of the subsequent events and incidents that founded: VASA or the there are problems regarding the by and the for. As regards the by, that is the have occurred, in particular during the tenure of Donald Vedic Academy of elected representatives and leaders, there is increasingly mounting and strident Trump as president, which led to the mounting criticism Science and Arts, which is criticism of their quality by several noted analysts. of the failures and chaos of democracy, of democracy in ‘dedicated to bringing the Photo - teamworkdefinition.com…” crisis. Chaos for sure there was! library of India’s wisdom All this is being done, of course, in the name of the into precise, modern protests in Hong Kong and Belarus, and the ongoing freedom that democracy confers, creating such a hulla- English so it can facilitate human evolution at this crucial ones in Myanmar. A number of them have been marked balloo that in the countries where such risings were ta- tipping point in human history.’ by aggressiveness amounting to brutality, something king place there was continuous disruption of the proper All of us have only heard about democracy, and also that we have also witnessed locally in the manner of functioning of the polity, preventing informed debates that, according to British politician Winston Churchill, it is handling of political opponents post the honeymoon from taking place, replaced instead by the cacophony of the least bad of systems of government. It would be period of election. the crowds and the reflexive muscular responses where recalled that despite leading Britain to victory over the Perhaps that is what Churchill meant, and ex- they took place. That was one end of the spectrum of Germans in World War II, he lost in the subsequent ge- perienced? While we may be enchanted by the worn ‘the weakness of democracy’, which is the ‘temptation to neral election, which brought Clement Attlee to power as definition of democracy as ‘government of the people, by follow the demagogues and populists, who tell voters the prime minister. This was no doubt a living proof of the the people, for the people’ we can see from what pre- what they want to hear’. soundness of the basic premise of democracy, that cedes that there are problems regarding the by and the This makes one wonder, therefore, whether it is time power flows from the people and it is they who give the for. As regards the by, that is the elected representatives to rethink, or at least to revisit democracy. That is why I mandate to a political party to govern, and also remove and leaders, there is increasingly mounting and strident was interested in the expression Dharmocracy, and have it if need be through the democratic process. criticism of their quality by several noted analysts. looked it up, discovering to my pleasant surprise that the However, this power is exerted and ‘felt’ only once For example, Joergen Oerstroem Moeller who is a concept has been ventilated before as well. every five years in most democracies where free and fair visiting senior research fellow with the Institute of In fact, on the platform YKA or Youth Ki Awaaz on elections are held at predictable or set (the US) dates. In Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, and adjunct pro- 13th November, 2019 Dr Mrittunjoy Guha Majumdar, a between, that is when the elected government is in fessor with the Singapore Management University and postdoctoral scholar in Physics and a student leader in place, how it exercises this power varies from country to Copenhagen Business School had commented that the University of Cambridge student unions, and who country, and in all democracies – even the mature ones ‘demagogues and populists win elections because they addresses ‘issues relating to the changing socio-political – there are examples of abuse of that power. The same aspect of our times’, has written a fairly comprehensive freedom that brings in a new government and empowers paper on this topic – The Case for ‘Dharmocracy’: A it to govern is subsequently evoked by the same elected Power flows from the people and it is they who Political, Economic and Spiritual Democracy. government to ‘rule’ with iron hands (using excessive “ give the mandate to a political party to govern, This would be based on the concept of Dharma as an force through established legal structures and the poli- and also remove it if need be through the democratic integrating principle which upholds and acknowledges cing or enforcement mechanisms) rather than govern process. However, this power is exerted and 'felt' the multiplicity of realities of existence. In a polity, this with velvet gloves. only once every five years in most democracies means that no one, even the brightest and most ta- There is no denying that a firm hand is required in where free and fair elections are held at predictable lented of all, has all the virtues and qualities and intelli- many situations but “there’s many a slip 'twixt the cup or set (the US) dates. In between, that is when the gence that may help mankind attain optimum levels of and the lip”: we refer to the thin line that separates just existence. Therefore, the key to progress and sustai- use of power from violence in the extreme, as we have elected government is in place, how it exercises this nable lifestyle is in working together in synergy and in seen in the riots that have been taking place in the past power varies from country to country, and in all harmony. few years in many countries, where street movements democracies - even the mature ones - there are Further, the author points out: ‘A Dharmic form of have been challenging governments they feel are not examples of abuse of that power. The same freedom government means: collaborative e-governance and responsive to their demands for social, economic and that brings in a new government and empowers it to democracy -- a system that mixes elements of repre- political justice. The events that have most widely been govern is subsequently evoked by the same elected sentative and direct democracy. spread in the media have been those associated with the ‘Arab Spring’, the Black Lives Matter movement in government to 'rule' with iron hands…” * Cont. on page 9 the USA, the Gilets Jaunes marches in France, the Breakfast with Bwana Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 4 Faceoff Down Under - Facebook Vs Oz For free societies everywhere, we need to find answers to protect free expression and journalism It goes without saying that the money thus generated goes to Google and that the purchasers of positioning hope to profit from the customers driven to their websites. Google's platform is activated whenever it is the default search engine for an Internet user who is conducting a search. The default sta- Anil Madan tus of the search engine relies on a certain level of inertia on the part of magine yourself in users, i.e., that a user will not specify 1990 writing a the search engine to be used each Iresearch paper on the time a search is initiated. Facebook, Vietnam War, or the Sino- on the other hand, is a social media Indian war. If you found platform that capitalizes on a different and quoted a pithy obser- sort of inertia on the part of its users. vation or historical factoid If you think about the early days of that you read in a foreign the Internet when various websites policy journal or history implored you to make their page your book in the library, you homepage, you will get a sense of would have been obliged what is going on. Facebook has to reference it in a foot- effectively won this battle because it note. Otherwise, you'd be has captured so many users who accused of plagiarism, or come to its platform in order to inter- worse. A reader of your act with family and friends but stay paper would have had the Photo-cdn.i-scmp.com within the platform when searching option to go to the library for news, features or other entertain- and read your referenced source to verify the accuracy Along came Google, Apple, and Facebook as major ment. of your quotation and attribution. players in a position to control functional access to the In effect, Facebook has become the homepage of Internet (I distinguish this type of access to specific But it would have been unthinkable for the author of millions of users. Those millions of Facebook users are information from the general broadband connectivity, the foreign policy journal or the history book to demand potential targets for marketers and if one can identify wired or wireless, that ISPs provide to the Internet). payment from you for citing the work. and segregate them by demographic or other relevant Google, with its almost ubiquitous search engine has the factors, one can make advertising more relevant to them Now, imagine yourself in 2021 writing a paper on the ability to display advertising content in response to as customers and more profitable for businesses looking origins of the Covid-19 coronavirus. If you referenced a inquiries and, indeed, to determine in what order the to find those most likely to buy their products. statement from a journal of virology or immunology or results will be displayed. This feature allows Google to Facebook's ability to define its users allows it to offer tar- perhaps from an article in The New York Times, your sell preferential display positioning and as well to sell geted advertising to its business customers. citation to it would most certainly include a hyperlink that adwords that when part of a search, lead potential cus- a reader could click and instantly display the source arti- tomers to the purchasers' sites. Let us leave it there as News as a resource cle on his computer screen. this is not the place for an exhaustive discussion about Now turn your attention to news as a resource. Ever since access to the Internet took on the charac- the many ways in which Google makes money from Remember that whereas the production and reporting of teristics of a public utility, the owners of websites have search, online advertising, gmail, adsense, etc. news and related features fall under what we refer to as frequently requested that people referencing their con- journalism and freedom of the press or freedom of tent, provide both attribution and a link rather than just speech, monetizing the process of getting that content to copying and pasting the information. They may or may Is it fair that advertising revenue based on readers is a business proposition. not have protected their websites by requiring registra- How do publishers try to exploit this business oppor- tion and a password for access, and some have sought “ identifying the work of others should not be shared with those who have produced the work? tunity? Obviously, as we know, they vie for your eyeballs to monetize access by creating a paywall. The primary through subscriptions, advertising, promotions and so objective is to drive traffic to their websites. Before you answer, consider that the New York on. When New York Times, The Washington Post, The As with citations in the first scenario I depict, it has Times Book Review does not pay authors whose New Yorker, or ABC News offer to send you "free" been unthinkable under the second scenario, to demand books are reviewed. Authors are happy to have newsletters with summaries of "breaking news" or opi- payment from the person citing a source for the privilege their books reviewed in The Times because it nion articles, they are engaging in marketing. You may or of doing so. In other words, there is no charge for inser- means more sales. And, of course, The Times sold may not be able to access the underlying articles ting a hyperlink in one's work. It is easy to see that if advertisements in its book review section without depending on whether there is a paywall or subscription there were such a charge merely for linking to another requirement. sharing those with the authors of the books. Is it person's or company's work, authors would instantly hypocrisy for The Times to complain that Google Facebook has attempted to monetize its users' thirst stop inserting hyperlinks and would merely reference for news and features by creating a "news" page that cited works in a general way by title, date and source and Facebook don't share revenue? Of course, you can click on and get a flurry of headline-type of sto- publication. If this were to happen, one aspect of the when complete articles are reproduced by third ries from various publications. So has Google with its easy functionality of the Internet would lose its value. parties, potential violations of copyright laws Google News feature. So what's the problem? Readers wishing to explore source works would be come into play…” obliged to expend some effort to locate them. * Cont. on page 5 Breakfast with Bwana Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 5 Faceoff Down Under - Facebook Vs Oz

* Cont. from page 4 Now, with diminished revenue, Well, for publishers, it means the news publishers are strapped potential loss of hundreds of mil- and unable to sustain their lions of potential readers who might staffing levels. The result is a directly access the publisher's web- more generic newsfeed. site rather than using either Google Unfortunately, the Aussie or Facebook as the conduit for get- law is likely to put even more ting their newsfeed. You can see pressure on smaller publis- the enormous marketing power that hers as their content will be this creates for Google and frozen out. Facebook who thereby are able to In the US the situation is direct advertising to their users likely to be different. The without sharing that revenue with Aussie law would likely be the creators of the content that unconstitutional because the drives the users. government cannot tell Even more sinister for publis- Internet giants what they may hers is what Apple did with Apple and may not publish or force News and Apple News Plus. Apple them to pay for content or go announced that it would act as an to arbitration. On the other aggregator of news and magazine hand, there is nothing to pre- features and sell that aggregated vent large publishers from content to subscribers for a month- making agreements with Goo- ly fee just as it sells Apple Music or gle, Apple, and Facebook to other services. Apple proposed that feature their content. This will it would keep 50% of the revenue Photo - indiansingulf.in erode further the visibility of for itself and share the remaining smaller publications. 50% among the news and maga- Facebook has become the homepage of millions of users. Those millions of Facebook Deeper questions remain. zine publishers who signed up to “ users are potential targets for marketers and if one can identify and segregate them by Should a media publisher be allow their content to be spread by entitled to ask that its material Apple and the revenue sharing demographic or other relevant factors, one can make advertising more relevant to them as customers and more profitable for businesses looking to find those most likely to buy their not be accessed by a search would be based on the traffic gen- engine? Would any media erated by the various publications products. Facebook's ability to define its users allows it to offer targeted advertising publisher ever do that? that Apple chose to include in its to its business customers…” Should media publishers be service. As more publications came content to rely on paywalls to into the fold, that 50% of the re- their content. tent and Facebook has reached agree- protect their content even as venue is divided into ever smaller shares Facebook balked and essentially ments with at least three Australian news search engines identify that they are a for the publishers. Apple's ability to deliv- publishers. potential resource? er potentially 125 million of its iPhone blocked all news content on its platform. users is the enticement here and hence In the process, Facebook's somewhat A terrible precedent Is it fair that advertising revenue ham-handed and sloppy execution led to based on identifying the work of others its ability to bargain for its 50% cut. The Aussie law is a terrible precedent the blocking of public information about should not be shared with those who for publishers and for the future of a free Many news organizations including weather and government services. have produced the work? Before you press. In effect, it allows a few publishers The Wall Street Journal which is owned answer, consider that the New York The Aussie law required companies to gain a preferred position on social by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp signed Times Book Review does not pay authors like Google and Facebook to negotiate media platforms and search engines and on. Last year, New York Times disconti- whose books are reviewed. Authors are pricing with publishers or resort to binding essentially leaves the smaller publishers nued its affiliation with Apple. "We tend to happy to have their books reviewed in arbitration. And, as might be expected scrambling for the crumbs. be quite leery about the idea of almost The Times because it means more sales. from a piece of legislation supported by habituating people to find our journalism Apple's news service is no better. And, of course, The Times sold adver- Murdoch, it was heavily skewed in favour somewhere else," said Mark Thompson, Certainly, Apple affords to newspapers tisements in its book review section with- of large media giants like News Corp. Chief Executive of The Times. One might and magazines a potentially larger au- out sharing those with the authors of the question this decision by The Times. Its Following Facebook's standoff, the dience for their content but it is essential- books. six million subscribers pale in comparison ly a cash generator for Apple. The news- Aussie law has been modified. It now Is it hypocrisy for The Times to com- to the potential 125 million Apple au- papers and magazines are left to a half contains a somewhat nebulous provision plain that Google and Facebook don't dience. But note that Apple also takes a share that Apple might in the future that enforcement "must take into account share revenue? Of course, when com- 30% cut of subscriptions generated reduce. And, of course, since each pub- whether a digital platform has made a sig- plete articles are reproduced by third par- through its service. lisher's share is determined by readership nificant contribution to the sustainability of ties, potential violations of copyright laws on Apple's site, one can see the begin- Rupert Murdoch has attempted to the Australian news industry through come into play. exploit the Internet and digital media in a reaching commercial agreements with nings of selling position rights. We have not seen the end of this big way but failed. This does not, how- news media businesses." The sad truth is that the Internet has drama. It may well be that as the Internet ever, deter him from finding ways around made news and features so easily acces- Facebook said after those revisions has killed off many traditional businesses his own failures. In Australia, where he sible that there is little incentive for the were made that the new agreement that have been superseded by digital has a more sympathetic audience for his average person to subscribe to a local would allow it to "support the publishers commerce, the news business will be the lobbying and political efforts, he success- newspaper. When you consider that we choose to." And that says it all, this is next victim. For free societies every- fully lobbied for the Aussie law that would much of the content in a local newspaper about control. where, we need to find answers to protect require Internet giants such as Google was an aggregation of stories from free expression and journalism. and Facebook which are said to control In recent days, Google has Reuters or UPI or other syndicated news 81% of Australia's online advertising re- announced that it has reached an agree- services, the remaining value was from Cheerz... venue, to pay media publishers a fee for ment with News Corp to pay for its con- the quality journalism at the local level. Bwana Spotlights Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 6 US: Donald Trump hints at 2024 presidential run, attacks members of Republican Party not loyal to him ormer US President Donald Trump has roared back 39 days, asserting that "in just one short month, we have Finto the political arena with a hint that he may run for gone from 'America First' to 'America Last'". office in 2024 and a jet of vitriol against members of his "We all knew that the Biden administration was going Republican Party not loyal to him, as well as Democrats. to be bad, but none of us even imagined just how bad they Speaking in public on Sunday for the first time since would be and how far left they would go," he said. leaving office, Trump did not admit defeat in the His main criticism was on Biden's decision to undo his November 3, 2020, election and instead said "I may even immigration measures, but he also made a distinction decide to defeat them a third time". between legal immigrants who contribute to the US and He tamped down speculation that he may start a third illegal and criminal immigrants, who he said were allowed party calling it fake news seeking to divide the Republican to go free. vote "so that you can never win". He wanted the US to welcome "people coming into our "We have the Republican Party it's going to unite and country based on a system of merit". He said, "So they be stronger than ever before," he said even as he come in and they can help us". announced an enemy's list of several members of his Trump appeared as his usual ebullient self -- a rabble- party who voted for this impeachment or to convict him, rousing superpatriot. reports IANS. Trump did not admit defeat in the November 3, 2020, election Also slamming Biden's decision to return to the Paris He flexed his political muscle at the annual conference and instead said "I may even decide to defeat them a third Climate Change Agreement, he bracketed India with of the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) time". Photo - cdn.newsbook.com. China and Russia as polluters "pouring fumes". where an informal poll showed that 68 per cent of the His speech had the ring of an election campaign as he participants wanted him to run again and 95 per cent and also voted against him during the impeachment, and said: "Get rid of them." set out his record in office. He claimed credit for the Covid- supported his policies. 19 vaccines, which he said were made available within a Trump criticised the Supreme Court, which rejected his The group represents the more conservative wing of year contradicting the longer timeline set by experts, case against the election of hi successor Joe Biden. The the Republican Party reflecting his base and the crowd, because of the calculated risks he took. court has a conservative majority bolstered by his three many of them unmasked and not socially distanced, nominees none of whom came to his rescue. Biden had made a muddled claim that there were no repeatedly chanted, "We love you". vaccines when he took office, but Trump pointed out that "They should be ashamed of themselves for what Trump's hold on a broad base of the party presents a he had been vaccinated in December 2020 and ridiculed they've done to our country. They didn't have the guts or dilemma for the party. He is a divisive figure who caused him saying that he was not being malicious, but one the courage to make the right decision." many unaffiliated voters and those in the middle to unaware of it. He said "our election process is worse than that in vote against him. Yet the party cannot win without his He also took credit for the economic gains and the low many cases of a third world country," and called on the supporters. unemployment before the pandemic as well as the party to work for election reforms. Trump said: "The only division is between a handful of rebound since. Among the flaws he listed is some US states not Washington, D.C. establishment political hacks and Trump crticised the tech giants for what he said was requiring IDs for voters, which would not pass muster in everybody else all over the country." their limiting free speech and said the states ruled by his most countries. He named the Republicans like Senator Mitt Romney party should impose taxes on them. Twitter and Facebook and Representative Liz Cheney, who have criticised him Trump attacked Biden, who has been in office for just have banned him. Covid: How this Indian firm is vaccinating the world s pharmaceutical giants ramp-up (FDA), could have united and agreed a Aproduction in the race to vaccinate the quality standard. world, one firm has shot into the lead. The New variants Serum Institute of India (SII) isn't a house- Mr Poonawalla played down concerns hold name, but it's the world's largest about new variants: "Anyone who has vaccine maker. taken that (Oxford AstraZeneca) vaccine The firm churns out 1.5 billion doses so far hasn't had to go to hospital or go on every year from the company's vast manu- a ventilator and had their life at risk. facturing plant in Pune, Western India. "They've also passed that disease on It is currently making Covid vaccines to others. So yes, it's not an ideal situation, under license for pharmaceutical firms but it has protected your life." such as AstraZeneca. In India, SII is also involved the world's "We took a huge calculated risk", by largest inoculation programme, to betting on several vaccines in 2020 before vaccinate 300 million by August. But, SII managed to secure $800m by May 2020 to make multiple Covid vaccines. Photo - bbc.com regulators had even approved of them, according to Bloomberg, only 56% of SII's chief executive Adar Poonawalla told $800m by May 2020 to make multiple in January - was because I started manu- people eligible to get a shot have actually the BBC. Covid vaccines. facturing at risk in August. I wish other stepped forward. "It wasn't a blind risk, because we knew Stashing away doses companies also had taken that risk, "A lot of vaccine hesitancy traditionally the Oxford scientists from our earlier because the world would have had many has come about when either celebrities or collaboration with the malaria vaccine." How did SII actually scale up produc- more doses." tion? In April 2020, Mr Poonawalla calcu- non-experts have said vaccines are not SII is privately owned, which enabled Mr Poonawalla criticised the patchwork lated what they would need, from vials and safe," said Mr Poonawalla. fast decision-making between Mr of global regulatory systems and lack of filters. "I always just request celebrities and Poonawalla and his scientists. harmonisation for production delays. others who have this tremendous power "I got 600 million doses worth of glass But funding proved a challenge. The He said the major regulators, including on the social networks, to just be a bit vials ahead of time and locked it in my firm invested around $260m (£186.7m) the UK's Medicines and Healthcare pro- responsible and read up on the facts warehouse by September," he explained. and raised the rest from philanthropists, ducts Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the before they say anything." such as Bill Gates, and advances from "The most important part that enabled European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other countries. SII managed to secure us to have so many doses - 70-80 million the US Food and Drug Administration * Contd on page 7 Spotlights Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 7 China court orders man to pay wife for housework in landmark case

Beijing divorce court has ordered Aa man to compensate his wife for the housework she did during their marriage, in a landmark ruling. The woman will receive 50,000 yuan ($7,700) for five years of unpaid labour. The case has generated a huge debate online over the value of domestic work, with some saying the compensation amount was too little. The ruling comes after China's introduction of a new civil code, Chinese women spend nearly four hours a day on unpaid work, according to The Pope has been vaccinated against Covid-19. reports BBC. OECD. Photo - cna-sg-res.cloudinary.com Photo - www.catholicweekly.com.au According to court records, the The ruling was made according to less, the work of a full-time housewife man identified by his surname Chen the new civil code in the country, is being underestimated. In Beijing, Pope Francis expects to had filed for divorce last year from his which came into effect this year. hiring a nanny for a year costs more wife, surnamed Wang, after getting Under the new law, a spouse is than 50,000 yuan," said one com- married in 2015. spend his final days in entitled to seek compensation in a menter. She was reluctant to divorce at divorce if he or she bears more Some also called on women to first, but later requested financial responsibility in child raising, caring continue pursuing their careers after Rome, reveals new book compensation, arguing that Chen had for elderly relatives, and assisting marriage. "Ladies, remember to not shouldered any housework or ope Francis expects to die in Rome, still the Catholic partners in their work. always be independent. Don't give up childcare responsibilities for their son. Ppontiff, without returning to spend his final days in his Previously, divorcing spouses work after marriage, give yourself native Argentina, according to a new book titled "The Beijing's Fangshan District Court could only request such compensa- your own way out," wrote one social Health of Popes." ruled in her favour, ordering him to media user. tion if a prenuptial agreement had In an interview granted to Argentine journalist and pay her monthly alimony of 2,000 According to the Organisation for yuan, as well as the one-off payment been signed - an uncommon practice physician Nelson Castro at the Vatican in February 2019, in China. Economic Co-operation and the pope said he thinks about death, but does not fear it. of 50,000 yuan for the housework she Development (OECD), Chinese has done. On social media, the case Extracts from the book were published Saturday in women spend nearly four hours a day The presiding judge told reporters sparked heated debate, with a related Argentine daily La Nacion, reports AFP. on unpaid work - roughly 2.5 times on Monday that the division of a hashtag on microblogging platform that of men. Asked how he sees his final days, Francis, who is 84, Weibo viewed more than 570 million couple's joint property after marriage It is higher than the average in responded: "I will be pope, either active or emeritus, and times. usually entails splitting tangible pro- OECD countries, where women in Rome. I will not return to Argentina." perty. "But housework constitutes Some social media users pointed spend twice the amount of time as Francis has had to cancel some events in recent intangible property value," said the out that 50,000 yuan for five years' of men on unpaid work. months due to a painful problem with sciatica, but is not judge. work was too little. "I'm a bit speech- known to suffer any other major ailments. The Vatican has always been reticent about a pope's health. Labour has issued call to chancellor Rishi According to the new book, "this is the first time that a pope has discussed his health with the transparency Sunak not to raise taxes afforded by Francis." finances, reports The Independent. The pontiff, formerly the archbishop of Buenos Aires, says he does not miss his native Argentina, where he was However it remained unclear whether his planned tax born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the son of Italian immigrants. raids - expected to include a rise in corporation tax to as "No, I do not miss it. I lived there for 76 years. What much as 25 per cent and a freeze on income tax pains me are its problems" -- an allusion to the economic thresholds to drag more workers into higher bands - will crisis shaking the South American country. be immediate or phased in over the coming years. The pontiff said he had sought help for anxiety back * * * when he had to sneak people out of the country to save The first cases of a "concerning" coronavirus variant their lives during the military dictatorship. first detected in Brazil have been found in the UK, promp- "Imagine what it was like to take a person hidden in a ting urgent calls for the British government to fix "holes" in car -- only covered by a blanket -- and pass three military its border strategy. Public Health England (PHE) said on checkpoints... the tension it generated was enormous." Sunday six cases of the variant, which may spread more Mr Sunak signalled on Sunday he will use the Budget to set a "I had to deal with situations that I did not know how to rapidly and may not respond as well to existing vaccines, course for belt-tightening. Photo - i2-prod.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk deal with," the pontiff said. had been found. Three of the cases were identified in abour has issued a last-minute call to chancellor Rishi England and three in Scotland. Asked if he saw a therapist, the pope said "No, she Sunak not to raise taxes, cut welfare or freeze public was a psychiatrist. And over the course of those six L The infections have triggered emergency testing in sector pay in Wednesday's Budget, warning the "triple months, she helped me find my way of dealing with the Gloucestershire, where two of the cases were found, and hammer blow" would undermine the UK's recovery from fears of that era." criticism of the UK government's hotel quarantine policy. the coronavirus crisis. Two cases of the variant, known by scientists as P1 and The pope has been vaccinated against Covid-19. The call from shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds first detected in the Brazilian city of Manaus, are from one Beyond his age, the leader of the world's 1.3 billion came after Mr Sunak signalled on Sunday he will use the household in South Gloucestershire with a history of Catholics is considered to be high-risk: In 1957, aged 21, Budget to set a course for belt-tightening to pay down the travel to Brazil. he suffered from acute pleurisy and had part of his right UK's £2 trillion national debt, declaring he intends to "level lung removed. with people" about the perilous state of the public Compiled by Doojesh Ramlallah Interview Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 8 “C'est la guerre entre les dynasties dominantes - les Ramgoolam, les Jugnauth, les Duval et les Bérenger - pour le partage du pouvoir” Aux Etats-Unis, les familles Kennedy et Bush sont considérées comme faisant partie de dynastiques politiques. Autre célèbre PM issu d'une dynastie politique : Justin Trudeau au Canada. Du côté de l'Asie, la dynastie Nehru-Gandhi domine la scène politique depuis l'indépendance en 1947 jusqu'en 2012 et la famille Gandhi demeure active en politique aujourd'hui. En Corée du nord, c'est la famille du leader communiste Kim Il-sung. En Afrique, ce sont les familles Kenyatta et Bokassa. Dans les îles, il y a les Duvalier en Haiti, par exemple. La République de Maurice suit-elle ces tendances sur le plan politique ? Jack Bizlall répond à nos questions.

Pour moi, toutes ces dynasties doivent partir par démocratique. Bérenger a été un King Maker de même l'application d'une Constitution authentiquement calibre que Harish Boodhoo. Bodha a pris ses distances républicaine. La dynastie la plus notoire en termes du MSM. Il aurait dû l'avoir fait depuis longtemps. Je lui ai d'accaparement demeure celle des Jugnauth. dit qu'il a bien fait de partir. S'il part pour créer sa propre * Quel image vous vient à l'esprit de voir le leader dynastie ou pour se soumettre à une autre dynastie, que du MMM et celui du PMSD, l'un "l'héritier politique" de pourrait-on avoir à part du mépris pour lui? Gaëtan Duval, et l'autre son héritier naturel réunis Vous me présentez un scénario de pouvoir politique ensemble pour se débarrasser de Navin Ramgoolam qui se jouerait entre Ramgoolam, Jugnauth et Bodha. My de cette 'Entente'? God ! God save the People of Le MMM, en tant que parti révolu- Mauritius ! Il faut aussi prendre en tionnaire, a toujours combattu le Le Gouvernement ligne de compte des formations PMSD. Je me souviens, qu'avant ses politiques constituées de dynasties études, Bérenger avait proposé une “apparait confiant de de clans ethniques qui se disent minoritaires. alliance PTr-PMSD… rester en place parce Ce n'est pas la première fois que Sans tomber dans des propos le PMSD s'associe au MMM. qu'il n'y a aucune scatologiques, je dis que nous Rappelez-vous les élections de 2005. autorité pour forcer le sommes tombés bien bas. Pour En 2009, le PMXD s'est intégré au certains ils bénissent Dieu pour le PMSD… En 2010, c'était l'alliance PM à dissoudre le repas qui s'offre à eux. entre le PTr, le PMSD et le MSM qui * La question qui reste posée, avait remporté les élections. Parlement sauf le c'est de savoir si Paul Bérenger a Je demande à vos lecteurs de ne Parlement lui-même. Or, fait le bon calcul quant à la force pas être naïfs. Ces dynasties veulent électorale de Nando Bodha. assurer la pérennité de leurs gènes. notre système Pensez-vous que l'ex-secrétaire C'est une forme de racisme à l'état parlementaire est général du MSM dispose d'une pur. base électorale lui permettant de contrôlé par le parti se mesurer aux Jugnauth et Bérenger est un caméléon poli- Ramgoolam? tique. La définition du dictionnaire du politique au pouvoir. Et caméléon: "désigne celui qui change Je ne vais pas entrer dans cette d'opinion et de manière d'être dans TOUS les partis comptabilisation hypothétique de les circonstances". C'est Georges politiques pouvoiristes soutien électoral potentiel de Bernanos, dans la 'Grande Peur des Bodha. Je dirai à Bodha que Bien-Pensants' qui dit "le pays com- sont contrôlés par Bérenger a dans le passé joué à ce Mauritius Times: L'éclatement de l'Entente PTr- mencera d'observer avec une juste des dynasties…” petit jeu avec Virahsawmy et MMM-PMSD-Roshi Bhadain était-il prévisible, selon méfiance des candidats caméléons, Bhugaloo pour enfin opter pour vous, et, si oui, pourquoi? avec étiquettes interchangeables". Jugnauth. Ce dernier n'avait rien d'un révolutionnaire et il a traversé Jack Bizlall: Il était d'abord prévisible que Roshi L'image qui me vient à l'esprit depuis l'alliance dite des le temps en bouffant les Bissoondoyal, les Ramgoolam, Bhadain quitte avec fracas le MSM. Quand il est venu me chaussettes (entre Bérenger et Duval) dans les années les Duval, les Mohamed, les Boolell… et les Bérengistes. voir avec le fils d'un politicien très respecté, décédé, pour 70, c'est que nous avons affaire là à des Caméléons dont Autant que je sache, Bodha n'est pas anthropophage. se joindre au MSM, je lui ai dit de ne pas soutenir la Gaëtan Duval fut le premier diplômé avec l'alliance de dynastie Jugnauth. J'ai eu une altercation avec lui sur une 1969. Je lui aurais décerné la médaille de l'horreur. En 1976, le MMM avait cherché une alliance avec Bissoondoyal. Ce parti avait présenté Harichand radio alors qu'il défendait avec vigueur son adhésion au * Au fait la problématique du leadership de Navin MSM. C'est un passé qu'il peut rejeter, mais qu'il ne peut Bhageerutty comme président… Ecoutez, Bérenger est Ramgoolam s'était posée, parait-il, au tout début de la un vecteur de la déstabilisation de notre société et un nier. mise en place de l'Entente, mais les choses se sont antirépublicain. J'ai des amis proches qui sont encore des Vous me dites que l'entente PTr-MMM-PMSD-RP a précipitées avec la démission de Nando Bodha du Bérengistes… Quand ils parlent, c'est pour faire référence éclaté. N'avez-vous pas remarqué que tous ces partis ont MSM. Paul Bérenger a-t-il finalement trouvé l'homme à ses 11 années de syndicalisme. Si on doit éliminer tous des structures dynastiques? C'est la guerre entre les providentiel qui, selon lui, devrait lui permettre de les suiveurs, on risque de se bagarrer toute sa vie avec dynasties dominantes - les Ramgoolam, les Jugnauth, les prendre ses distances une fois pour toutes de cette les autres. Duval et les Bérenger- pour le partage du pouvoir… logique qui lui imposait soit Navin Ramgoolam ou les J'ai même constaté un certain nombre de " révolution- comme cela a été le cas depuis 1983. Jugnauth à tour de rôle? naires " dans les manifestations avec des gens de droite Ne vous fiez pas aux apparences, ces dynasties Le jeu politique à Maurice se compose avec une et d'extrême droite, avec surtout, ce qui est plus grave, jouent à qui perd gagne… Ils sont tous théoriquement des Constitution de la nature d'une Monarchie républicaine; la des populistes de droite. Nous allons tout droit vers la perdants, mais certains savent manœuvrer pour en sortir majorité est conçue comme étant ethnique et non pas répétition des émeutes de 1934 en France. gagnants comme c'était le cas dans le partage du pouvoir citoyenne. entre Jugnauth et Bérenger en 2000. En 2005, le pouvoir C'est un système construit sur la base de castes et était partagé entre Ramgoolam et Duval (PMXD) sans celle-ci se renouvelle par l'hérédité et non par le choix * Suite en page 9 oublier Valayden. Interview Mauritius Times Friday, March 2, 2021 9 “Les Jugnauth nourrissent le souhait que Ramgoolam reste… Tant que Ramgoolam restera Leader du PTr, cela jouera en faveur des Jugnauth” *Suite de la page 8 * Si le PTr se retrouve sans allié aujourd'hui, la Le problème est qu'il y a un contestation du leadership de Navin Ramgoolam par le MMM et par le PMSD, menant à son exclusion de “ rassemblement hétéroclite l'Entente, a eu l'effet de consolider son emprise sur le qui veut que la dynastie parte. Les PTr. 'J'y suis, j'y reste…' du moins jusqu'à 2024, se dit-il probablement. Qu'en pensez-vous? Bérenger, Duval, Ramgoolam… Ramgoolam rassemble ses partisans le 2 mars à s'entretuent déjà pour le pouvoir. Je suis Phoenix pour imposer son leadership. La personnalité de Ramgoolam est clivante. Au sein de la population il est horrifié par ce qui se passe. Je continue vertement critiqué, mais il a conservé un contrôle sur le mon combat contre la dynastie des PTr. Je vois difficilement son remplacement par Boolell ou Mohamed. Jugnauth sans aucunement m'associer Quoi qu'il arrive, le PTr a une particularité. Ses parti- aux opportunistes, aux pouvoiristes sans votent en famille. Mon opinion personnelle est que Ramgoolam doit partir pour que les élections se tiennent et aux populistes…” dans un cadre républicain. Et aussi pour faire partir la dynastie des Jugnauth. * En tout cas, le Gouvernement ne donne pas J'ai demandé trois fois, publiquement et par lettre, à l'impression jusqu'ici d'un régime fragilisé. De plus Ramgoolam de partir de son plein gré. Il est collé à son ses dirigeants paraissent déterminés à terminer leur poste de leader… mandat… Par ailleurs, permettez-moi de vous dire que Bhadain Il faut faire partir cette dynastie. Le plus grand combat et Bodha ont beaucoup de respect pour Anerood à mener, c'est celui de la conscience de la raison pour Jugnauth. Il me semble qu'ils ne se rendent pas compte laquelle les dynasties doivent disparaitre. que la nature du combat à mener est antidynastique. Le Gouvernement apparait confiant de rester en place * Ce remue-ménage au sein de l'Entente et son parce qu'il n'y a aucune autorité pour forcer le PM à éclatement ne peuvent que réjouir le leader du MSM. dissoudre le Parlement sauf le Parlement lui-même. Or, Et, il y a encore à venir avec l'ambition des 'Avengers', notre système parlementaire est contrôlé par le parti et celle de Bodha de sauter dans la marmite politique au pouvoir. Et TOUS les partis politiques politique… Cette compétition dans le camp de pouvoiristes sont contrôlés par des dynasties. l'opposition ne pourra que faire du bien au MSM, Au fond, il y a un facteur qui domine presque tout: la n'est-ce pas? pandémie Covid-19. Et c'est ce qui va se passer dans les De mon point de vue, les Jugnauth nourrissent le C'est dangereux pour notre société deux ans à venir. Nous sommes dans un cadre de crimi- souhait que Ramgoolam reste. Tant que Ramgoolam nalité (fraudes, corruptions, assassinats, etc). Il existe des “quand une foule agit par réaction et risques qu'il y ait un gouvernement d'unité nationale, ou restera Leader du PTr, cela jouera en faveur des Jugnauth. Les opposants du régime Jugnauth font donc non pas pour changer les choses. J'ai un bouleversement anarchique… Tout cela risque de finir pression pour qu'il parte dans le cadre de ce jeu entre vécu les émeutes de 1964, de 1968 et de dans l'étatisme avec Etat d'urgence. Ce n'est pas joli-joli, dynasties. mais il faut garder la tête froide et agir selon un plan de lutte bien établi. Dans le contexte de ce qui se passe, il y a trois possi- 1999… Je préfère prendre mes distances bilités pour qu'il y ait de nouvelles élections. * Si on vous disait que Paul Bérenger pourrait de la foule parce qu'elle ne pense pas et éventuellement abandonner en cours de route ses l Le MSM est soutenu par 43 députés à l'Assemblée elle est dirigée par des opportunistes de alliés du moment… sauf Nando Bodha… nationale, il faudrait que huit d'entre eux partent, toutes sortes !” Le MMM est une organisation qui a eu le respect de la l ou il faudrait que l'Opposition puisse faire passer une population. Il aurait dû finir, comme dans la mythologie motion de "No Confidence" à l'Assemblée nordique, en Valhalla… Sauf s'il y a un mangeur de nationale, soigne pas un cancer avec de l'eau bénite, ou avec du cadavres sur les lieux… l ou qu'il y ait une insurrection dans le pays pour que gali-gali ou encore par les charlatans, si vous permettez Bérenger a éliminé, directement ou indirectement, des cette dynastie parte. cette image. centaines de personnes. Certains, comme moi, ont Le problème est qu'il y a un rassemblement hétéroclite La race humaine est de nature grégaire. Les êtres préféré partir pour ne pas subir l'humiliation. qui veut que la dynastie parte. Les Bérenger, Duval, vivants grégaires vivent en groupe et en troupeaux, sans Il n'a jamais été un révolutionnaire, et il a construit son Ramgoolam… s'entretuent déjà pour le pouvoir. Je suis direction réfléchie et beaucoup plus par l'instinct… sans aura par la souffrance des autres. Il n'a aucun scrupule horrifié par ce qui se passe. Je continue mon combat projet sinon par une pulsion de groupe que l'on voit en à éliminer les gens. Il va certainement renouveler sa contre la dynastie des Jugnauth sans aucunement action dans les manifestations, les émeutes, etc. pratique politique construite sur une tactique politique. m'associer aux opportunistes, aux pouvoiristes et aux C'est dangereux pour notre société quand une foule Si j'ai du temps, je publierai un livre sur lui. Pas pour populistes. agit par réaction et non pas pour changer les choses. J'ai l'instant…. Il est encore actif et il existe une chance sur un * Quelle opinion faîtes-vous de initiatives des vécu les émeutes de 1964, de 1968 et de 1999… Je milliard qu'il change de conduite… Je laisse ouverte cette 'Avengers' pour faire la lumière sur les crimes ou préfère prendre mes distances de la foule parce qu'elle ne possibilité. Mais, comme à son habitude, il est en train de suicides qui auraient un lien avec les affaires de pense pas et elle est dirigée par des opportunistes de s'enfoncer. Je me bats contre les dynasties sans aucune 'procurement' durant le confinement? Il semble qu'ils toutes sortes ! concession. Ce qu'il fait ne m'intéresse pas. Il n'y a même ont toujours un long chemin à parcourir avant qu'ils Le combat contre la dynastie des Jugnauth continue pas de haine ou de colère en moi envers lui. C'est la totale ne puissent situer les responsabilités des uns et des ainsi que contre les autres dynasties. Le projet dans indifférence. autres. Vont-ils y parvenir, selon vous? lequel je suis totalement pris, c'est la rédaction d'une nou- Par contre, la dynastie des Jugnauth m'interpelle sur Au départ, cette action est louable. Mais il y a une velle Constitution et le programme Covid-19 qui sera l'avenir de notre société. Cette dynastie doit partir en 2024 présenté à l'auditorium Octave Wiehé le 13 mars 2021. dynastie qui est un cancer pour notre démocratie et on ne et même avant. History Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 10 From the Pages of History - MT 60 Years Ago 4th Year No 158 MAURITIUS TIMES Friday 16 August 1957 l Life is a campaign, not a battle, and it has its defeats as well as its victories. -- Donn Piatt Twenty Years Ago – The Strikes of 1937

By Doojendranath Napal they would not have brought the tragedy. Agitation on the part of Labour leaders had had its part which was not an insignificant ugust 1937 is a landmark in the his- one. Though it is true that the ferment and tory of the struggle of the workers in dissatisfaction were there, the picture of the Athis island. Before that period, they strikes of 1937 will be incomplete unless were inarticulate, accepting the rigour of due cognizance is taken of the part played their lot with patient submission. When they by Dr Curé, Mr Anquetil and Pandit stirred it was not of their own free will but Sahadeo. How can history ignore them due to pressure from outside. This too hap- especially Dr Cure, when the commission pened only twice before 1937. The first time of enquiry into unrest on sugar estates in it was Adolphe de Plevitz who championed 1937 so often mentions his name in bold their cause, and the second time it was types. Whoever will read the Report in Manilal Doctor. question will not fail to be impressed by the But the labourers had to wait for a quar- contribution of Dr Curé in the upsurge of the ter of a century before anything concrete working classes. However, let us content could be done for them. During that period, ourselves in citing the following words of they came to realise, though dimly, their “The real cause which brought the outbreak of the strike was the cumulative the Commission of Inquiry: role in the political and economic life of the “The real cause which brought the out- island. Then suddenly came the strikes of effect upon the workers of Dr Cure’s Labour campaign and his speeches break of the strike was the cumulative effect 1937, which convulsed the whole country. delivered to audiences of Indians and other workers on sugar estates on behalf upon the workers of Dr Cure’s Labour cam- Mill owners, their managers and staff trem- of the Mauritius Labour Party which he founded, assisted by his associates, paign and his speeches delivered to au- bled before the forces of despair let loose. Mr Anquetil and Pandit Sahadeo.” diences of Indians and other workers on For the first time they witnessed or rather sugar estates on behalf of the Mauritius they had to play a part in events which dis- – Report of the Commission of Enquiry Labour Party which he founded, assisted by turbed the complacent life of the upper stra- his associates, Mr Anquetil and Pandit ta in the sugar industry. For the first time the refuse for their part to share.” king them ready to lay down their lives? It Sahadeo.” respect due to them was thrown overboard. The Officer administering the colony was better for them, they had come to Whatever may be the causes of the They were abused and dubbed as ex- while sympathising with the attitude of the realise, to expose themselves to bullets upsurge, whatever may have been the ac- ploiters by men who felt all the humiliation Chamber of Agriculture made it clear to that rather than continue leading wretched lives. tors in that tragic drama, the results are of semi-starving workers in a prosperous body “that in no circumstances would he On every estate where there occurred dis- there to show that human sacrifice, entai- industry. The government instituted a com- look to them to relieve him of any part of his turbances, the grievances of the labourers ling the shedding of blood, never goes mission of inquiry. But this measure did not responsibilities in the event of any unfortu- were the same. These were (a) insufficien- unrewarded. satisfy the Chamber of Agriculture which nate occurrence.” cy of wages (b) inferior quality of rations (c) convened a special meeting where the fol- poor hospital treatment (d) cut in rations Things which were considered as From the above it becomes clear that lowing resolutions were passed and pub- and wages on account of absence (e) low extravagant demands in those days have the employers instead of thinking of reme- lished in the press. rate of pay for overtime work. The small become facts today. In the political field the dying the grievances of their workers con- planters had joined hands with the labou- workers have marched a few steps further “The planters and members of the com- templated the use of force to suppress rers launching the strikes. Their particular than the men who took part in the agitation munity in general assembled today at the them. Chamber of Agriculture request the office of grievance was the cut of 15% on the Uba ever dreamt. Trades unions have become a the Chamber to proceed immediately to the But let us return to the tragedy itself. In cane. Another cause was political unrest, necessary part of the life of the Colony. government in order to make known to the the month of July 1937 disturbances as the electoral system was such as to Consequently the labourer who is victi- acting Governor, or in his absence, the Co- occurred in different parts of the island. The enable representatives of only one section mized or incurs any injury in his work knows lonial Secretary, the anxiety which they feel mob marched on the sugar estates, over- of the community to be returned. where to look for protection. This is to say and to tell him that they consider the situa- turned trucks, blockaded the estate roads These, broadly speaking, were the the least of the benefits of the strikes of tion to be far more serious than the govern- and put fire in the cane fields. causes of the unrest. But by themselves 1937. ment appear to think. The police had to mobilise itself to dis- Also they consider the measures taken perse them. At Deep River it made use of up to now to be totally inadequate and rifle butts which resulted in the injury of demand that the acts of violence which are many labourers. On another sugar estate, being committed at all points should be re- one Mr Ross wanted to parley with the mob pressed without weakness in order to pre- which flung stones and sugar canes at him vent the disorders from becoming more and and abused him. They had a particular more serious. grudge against him. They roared: In particular, they call the attention of the “Li meme ti oule ecrase nous avec authorities to the obstacle placed in the way camion grand matin” (he wanted to run us of liberty of work and to the acts of intimida- over with the lorry this morning). On the tion and terrorism of which a population of sugar estate, in the presence of the police, workers for the most part loyal is the object shots were fired upon the mob resulting in by organised agitators. the death of 4 labourers while 6 sustained They inform the government that by not heavy injuries. This, however, is only a acting with greater firmness the latter would glimpse of the situation. incur a great responsibility which they What drove the labourers to fury, ma- The Conversation Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 11 Latin America: Inequality and political instability have lessons for the rest of the world

* Cont. from page 2 The neoliberal package implemented across the personal insecurity and discouraging inward investment, region since the late 1980s has done little to help. The which might create jobs and improve services. In my recently published book, ‘The Costs of economic elite made of individuals (usually men) with Inequality in Latin America’, I show the social, political One of the many vicious circles generated large amounts of wealth, political connections – or both and economic effects of wealth and income concentra- – benefited from the privatisation of public companies. by inequality tion over the long run. For more than a century, Latin Much has been written about the relocation of jobs from America has experienced a damaging combination of the US to Mexico, but the truth is that a large number of high inequality, poor economic performance and weak Mexicans still work in the informal sector and receive political institutions. wages below the poverty line. This has contributed to persistent political volatility The lack of economic dynamism had much to do and social discontent. A small elite, which still controls a with the control of policymaking by the wealthiest 1%. large share of land and wealth, has had limited incen- They successfully pressured for low taxes – particularly tives to increase productivity or invest in new sectors of on personal and corporate income. Most Latin American the economy. Why would they move to risky sectors or countries have never spent enough on public healthcare spend in innovation when they are making large profits and education and have paid too much attention to pro- on activities with low competition? The elite have also grammes for the wealthy. Until the 2000s, support for refused to support high-quality public education for all. universities and hospitals was high, while spending on As a result, Latin American countries such as Brazil pre-school education and rural health clinics was insuffi- and Mexico have suffered from a lack of well-paid jobs cient. to a much greater extent to the wealthier economies. During much of the 20th century, economic activity con- Populism rules centrated on large plantations and capital-intensive Given all this, it is not surprising that citizens have manufacturing activities that created limited formal repeatedly supported populist politicians. Leaders, employment. Most workers had low-paid jobs that did including Juan Domingo Perón in Argentina in the 1940s not provide access to social benefits. and 1950s or, more recently, Hugo Chávez in The never-ending cycle of inequality. Failed reforms Venezuela, promised to provide good jobs and adequate Diego Sanchez-Ancochea, Author provided social benefits not only to the poor but also to large segments of the excluded middle class. These lea- Some of the same challenges of inequality are ders enthusiastically supported increasingly evident in other parts of the world. Donald wealth redistribution, but their poli- Trump’s election in the US and Brexit in the UK re- cies were often unsustainable and flected growing dissatisfaction with the status quo failed to truly confront the power of among a large segment of the population who opposed the top 1%. the growing influence of the economic elite and what they saw as diminishing economic opportunities for peo- Over the long run, inequality ple like them. has created a vicious circle. Large income gaps between the poor and What the Latin American experience shows is that the wealthy have been one of the things could easily become even worse in the future as drivers of violence, one of the rea- income gaps consolidate and become harder to con- sons that Latin America is the front. region with the highest homicide rate in the world. The violence is Diego Sánchez-Ancochea, Head of the Oxford Department of concentrated in low-income neigh- Everyday poverty: inequality has dogged Latin American countries such as International Development, University of Oxford Brazil for decades. EPA-EFE/Fabio Motta bourhoods, creating anxiety and

rious facilities); social housing; a univer- sal basic income. Moreover, in such a From Democracy to Dharmocracy system the cooperative model of busi- * Cont. from page 3 by individuals or groups, vetted by organised, as per a set of predetermined ness and enterprise would be preferred, experts (who also inform the masses and conditions in each of these socio-eco- so that the workers and stakeholder have That allows the common man to propose, greater say in the functioning and profit of formulate and stand by ideas for the wel- the representatives of the nuances of a nomic units, with associated councils.’ suggested policy), and then voted in.’ the enterprises. I envision most busi- fare of society. A system that involves the Suggestions are made for the guaran- nesses, particularly those producing common man in the decision-making On the economic front in such a tee of basic education services with pro- essential requirements of subsistence, process, without compromising on the Dharmic democracy, a key element is the visions for higher and adult literacy edu- such as housing and agro-sectors, as quality of the policies and decisions decentralisation of power, ‘giving the free- cation with subsidies and prioritised operated as cooperatives. made. This is done through a tiered sys- dom to make economic decisions to its investments at the discretion of Councils; tem that involves all the stakeholders: stakeholders, possibly by adopting a universal healthcare (that provides These are some of the ideas that are representatives, private sector, indepen- worker-owned cooperative system and by health care and financial protection to all, presented, and seem worthy of consi- dent organisations and think-tanks, and the use of local resources for the deve- with the level of public-private involve- deration if we want to move towards a the common man, coming together on a lopment of the region. This will be ‘a ment decided by the Councils, and a better functioning model of democracy virtual platform. Under this system, pro- decentralised economy, where self-suffi- nationally maintained maximum charge that will serve the people better. posals for policy or law can be put forth cient economic zones are created and and income-expenditure ratio for the va- RN Gopee Health Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 12 Napping in the afternoon can improve memory and alertness - here's why It can benefit both motor skills and your ability to recall facts ome people swear by an afternoon nap S- whether it's to catch up on lost sleep or to help them feel more alert for the after- noon ahead. Even Boris Johnson suppos- edly favours a power nap during his work day (though the prime minister's staffers contest this claim). Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo Da Vinci were all famous nappers. But while many of us may not feel we usually have enough time to squeeze a nap into our day, working from home during the pandemic may now afford us an opportunity to give napping a try. Napping is a great way to feel more rested and alert - and some research shows it can benefit our cognitive function. However, you may want to consider how long you have to sleep before heading to bed for your midday nap. If you need to be alert right after waking up (for example, if you're catching a few extra minutes of sleep during your Longer naps are more restorative, but you may feel more drowsy after waking up. Dusan Petkovic/ Shutterstock lunch break), so-called "power naps" of 10-30 minutes are recommended. Longer inhibit brain activity, and that they should also be avoided in situations where If you're finding that your attention span naps may cause some initial drowsiness - replenish the brain's energy stores. Short optimal performance are needed instantly is wavering in the afternoon while working though they keep sleepiness at bay longer. naps may also help improve your attention afterwards, as it may take some time to from home, perhaps try squeezing a nap But drinking coffee directly before a nap by letting particularly sleepy areas of the fully wake up. into your lunch break. Short naps are great may help you wake up without feeling brain recover, thereby preventing instabili- Other research has shown that at improving alertness and attention - and drowsy while also boosting your alertness. ty in the brain's networks. frequent napping was related to high BMI if you have time for a longer nap, this can support memory and learning. While short naps are great for Longer naps, on the other hand, are and high blood pressure. Napping was increasing energy, longer naps are both more restorative partly because there is more common in shift workers, retired more restorative and beneficial for time to enter multiple sleep stages, each of people, and smokers, and in people with which supports different learning proces- genes related to sleep disorders or obesi- learning. For example, they improve John Axelsson, activation of the hippocampus - an area of ses. For example, during REM (rapid eye ty. To what degree napping was harmful or movement) sleep, the brain is almost as beneficial for these groups remains Karolinska Institutet the brain important for learning and Tina Sundelin memory. A one to two hour afternoon nap active as when awake. This activity in unknown, but it's clear that napping is Stockholm University is shown to benefit both your motor skills different brain regions - including those more common in groups who have and your ability to recall facts and events. important for learning and memory - may disturbed sleep or need more sleep. be why REM sleep supports both long- A recent study from China has even term memory and emotional memory. suggested that regular afternoon napping Marine During REM sleep in particular, the is linked to better cognitive function in brain strengthens newly developed older adults. The researchers asked 2,200 connections that are important for Authority Club over-70s about their napping habits before improvements in motor skills. Longer sleep having them undergo a series of cognitive also reduces unimportant connections, Annual General Meeting tests which measured things like memory and this balance can improve how quickly Members of the Marine Authority Club are and language skills. They found that those and effectively the brain works as a whole. who usually napped were less likely to informed that the Annual General have cognitive impairments than those Non-REM sleep - the sleep stage we Meeting of the Club will be held on who didn't. This was true regardless of age spend most of our time in - contains both Tuesday 16th March 2021 at Nagdan Hall or level of education. slow brain waves and sleep spindles. The Mer Rouge Port Louis as from 13.30 pm. sleep spindles are periodic burst-like But nap length may play a role here - a signals between different brain areas, Agenda: similar study showed that those who which are believed to reactivate and 1. Reading and approval of minutes of usually napped for 30-90 minutes had consolidate memories. Both the slow brain better overall cognition compared to those last AGM. waves and the spindles increases plastici- who napped for longer or shorter, or who 2. President's report. ty - the brain's ability to learn and adapt to didn't nap at all. 3. Treasurer's report. new experiences. Why naps work 4. Budget estimates for 2021 Although napping has many positive 5. AOB. short-term effects, they are not recom- The reasons why short naps are so James Malherbe beneficial for alertness and focus are not mended for people who suffer from insom- President well understood. It's possible that napping nia. Because naps decrease sleepiness, helps the brain clean up sleep-inducing they may make it harder to fall asleep 2 March 2021 waste products that would otherwise when going to bed in the evening. Naps Unwind Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 13

said, 'Sure.' The salesman eyed Joe and said, Knowledge alone does not make 'Let's see, 34 sleeves and 16-1/2 neck.' Joe was surprised, 'That's right, how a good doctor… did you know?' octors may not patient's profile starts becoming a key 'Been in the business 60 years, sir.' Dbe the brainiest factor rather than the symptoms alone. Joe tried the shirt and it fitted perfect- in society; yet the To take the example of chest pain ly. fascinating ways in again, he starts recognising that the Headache & Joe walked comfortably around the which they think and same symptom in a young 20-year-old shop and the salesman asked, 'How make decisions has been girl is almost always of neuro-muscular Testicles about some new underwear?' the subject of interesting origin and hardly ever from the heart, Joe thought for a moment and said, research. A book by Dr while in a 50-year-old overweight smoker 'Sure.' Jerome Groopman with high BP, it is very likely to be a heart oe had suffered from really attempts to analyse it. attack, requiring immediate referral to a Jbad headaches for the The salesman said, 'Let's see... cardiac ICU. last 20 years. He even- size 36.' There are some parts of the brain that a doctor With further development in his career, tually decides to go Joe laughed, 'Ah ha! You got it and see a doctor. uses preferentially over he starts factoring in several aspects of wrong this time! I've worn size 34 others, memory being the his patient in the process of decision- The doctor says, since I was 18 years old.' most important to start with. making. In other words, it is at this 'Joe, the good news is I The salesman shook his It begins from the time a youngster stage that he starts incorporating the can cure your headaches. head, 'You can't wear a size 34, sir. thinks of taking the entrance exam to "art" of decision making to the text-bookish The bad news is that it will A size 34 would press your testicles medical school - he is required to read, science that he has crammed. Does the require removing your testicles. up against the base of your spine and retain and reproduce a large number of vegetable vendor who has come down You have a very rare condition, which give you hell of a headache.' factual information and names of body with cough and fever for two days after causes your testicles to press on your Surgery - Rs 75,000. New underwear parts and functions. getting wet in the rain require to be sub- spine and the pressure creates one hell - Rs 75. Unlike the engineering, management, jected to a CT scan of the chest or would of a headache. The only way to relieve an antibiotic suffice? Does the 16-year-old the pressure is to remove the testicles.' Always take a second opinion before or law students, medical aspirants are going under the surgeon's knife... hardly required to use mathematical pro- schoolgirl with recent onset vomiting prior Joe is shocked and depressed. He blem solving, creative thinking, logic or to the board exams require an endoscopic wondered if he had anything left to live examination right away? What if she had lady comes home from her doc- thinking out of the box. But ask them for. He had no choice but to go under the names and profiles of thousands of had these symptoms last year too when knife. The surgery cost him Rs 75,000. Ator's appointment grinning from she was stressed before her final exams? ear to ear. organs, tissues, cells and drugs, and they When he left the hospital, he was will have it on their fingertips! The mature doctor then is not just a without a headache for the first time in 20 Her husband asks, "Why are you repository of facts, information and know- so happy?" As they progress to the next phase of years, but he felt like he was missing an clinical work, doctors learn to recognise ledge. It is the unconscious assimilation of important part of himself. The wife says, "The doctor told me "patterns" of symptoms and signs in years of experience, marinated with a sen- As he walked down the street, he that for a forty-five-year-old woman, I patients, and try to fit these into the puzzle sitive understanding of his patient's con- realized that he felt like a different per- have the breasts of a eighteen year board of diagnosis. Chest pain accompa- cerns and constraints, and with an iota of son. He could make a new beginning and old." nied by sweating would suggest a heart intuition thrown in, that make him take live a new life. "Oh yeah?" quipped her husband, attack, or jaundice with loss of appetite decisions that posterity usually seems to He saw a Men's Clothing store and "What did he say about your forty-five- would fit the pattern of "hepatitis", for approve. thought, 'That's what I need... A new suit.' year-old ass?" instance. Good clinical decision making, like He entered the shop and told the She said, "Your name never came When the doctor starts maturing as a good wine, matures over time. Knowledge salesman, 'I'd like a new suit.' up in the conversation." clinician, he starts to pick up a feature alone does not make a good doctor; the flavour matters! The elderly tailor eyed him briefly and * * * called "probabilistic" thinking, wherein the said, 'Let's see... size 44 would fit fine.' A 3 years old boy sits near a Joe laughed, 'That's right. How did pregnant woman. aria, a devout Catholic, got married decides to say a prayer, "Please turn this you know?' Boy: Why do you look so fat? Mand had 15 children. After her first lion into a Christian, Lord." 'Been in the business 60 years, sir!' Pregnant woman: I have a baby husband died, she remarried and had 15 He looks to see if the lion is still the tailor said. inside me. more children. A few weeks after her chasing and he sees the lion on its knees. second husband died, Maria also passed Joe tried on the suit; it fitted perfectly. Boy: Is it a good baby? Happy to see his prayer answered, he away. turns around and heads towards the lion. As Joe admired himself in the mirror, Pregnant woman: Yes, it is a very As he comes closer to the lion, he hears the salesman asked, 'How about a new good baby. At Maria's funeral, the priest looked skyward and said, "At last, they're finally it saying a prayer: "Thank you Lord for shirt?' Boy: Then why did you eat it?! together." the food I am about to receive." Joe thought for a moment and then Her sister sitting in the front row said, "Excuse me, Father, but do you mean Response of doctors who restarted their she and her first husband, or she and her second husband?" practise after lockdown The priest replied, "I mean her legs." 1. Opthal - Things are looking better. 7. Paediatric - Growth is satisfactory * * * 2. ENT - At last hearing some good and we are sure of achieving our Don't break anybody's heart; they news. milestones. only have 1. Break their bones; they have 8. Endoscopist - There is light at the 3. Ortho - Slowly limping back to 206. end of the tunnel but there is always normal. * * * scope for improvement. 4. Cardio - At least has reverted to 9. Urologist - All the years of straining Two guys are walking through a game normal rhythm. is paying off now. park & they come across a lion that has 5. Neuro - It is a stroke of good luck. not eaten for days. The lion starts chasing 10. Pulmonologist - We can breathe the two men. They run as fast as they can 6. OBG - It is going to be laborious. easy now. and the one guy starts getting tired and Wellness Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 14 Women's Health Women's bodies have different needs Plain, low-fat yogurt You need more calcium when you're over 50. Yogurt has loads of it -- just 8 ounces will give you more than a third of your calcium for the day. Look for the kind enriched with vitamin D, to help your body use the mineral better. Sardines These little guys are swimming with healthy fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium. Their omega-3 fats can improve the quality of breast milk, and sardines are good for babies whose mothers ate them while they were pregnant. They also have less mercury than most other fish. Flaxseed Ground flaxseed is bursting with fiber as well as lignans, plant compounds that ealthy eating is important for every- fat (and often the expense) that comes act like estrogen. These can help lower Hone, but certain foods are especially with meat, and they're high in fiber. They your risk for some cancers, including good for issues that affect women -- like can lower your blood pressure, blood breast cancer. Flaxseed oil is a great way brittle bones, pregnancy, and breast can- sugar, and heart rate -- all things that can to get your omega-3s, but it doesn't come getting dementia, heart disease, and colon cer, to name a few. These "super foods" lead to heart disease, the No. 1 killer of with the added cancer-fighting benefits. cancer. Spinach has folate in spades, and are rich with nutrients (often more than women in the United States. Check with your doctor before you add lutein, too. This antioxidant protects the one!) that will help to protect your body and Grapefruit flaxseed to your diet; it can affect how well lens and retina in your eye and may even keep it working well, even as you age. ward off a few wrinkles. It's all about the "flavonoids," which some medications work. Edamame help lower the likelihood of certain kinds of Walnuts WebMD These tasty soybean pods are full of strokes in women and may also help your They're also packed with healthy fatty fiber, good fats, and estrogen-like com- heart. (Oranges work, too, but grapefruit acids and may prevent cancer as part of a pounds called isoflavones. Isoflavones can has less sugar.) Grapefruit may not be a balanced diet. Use them (or ground be your friends during menopause. For good combo with your medication, so flaxseed) as a topping for yogurt: Two example, they can help cool hot flashes. (If check with your doctor before you put in on birds, one stone. you've had breast cancer, though, you may the menu. Avocado want to avoid them.) Berries and Cherries Kale Yes, they're full of fat, but it's the good They're not just pretty in pink … and fat. In fact, studies show avocado-rich Packed into these green leaves are purple, and red, and blue. These fruits diets can help get rid of belly fat and loads of vitamin K, which works with have flavonoids and antioxidants, which protect your eyes and skin. They may even calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones can protect healthy cells from damage. help lower "bad" cholesterol levels and strong and healthy. One serving has more Berries help keep your brain sharper as boost the "good" cholesterol. than 20% of the daily recommended you get older. Plus, you need their vitamin amounts of vitamins A and C. C to build collagen, the protein that keeps Sweet Potato Asparagus your skin firm and smooth. Copper, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, Papaya iron … sweet potatoes are the total Want another way to get your bone- package. Best of all, they're chock-full of building vitamin K? Asparagus has you Its red-orange color comes from beta beta carotene, an A+ source of vitamin A. covered. Nosh on half a cup, and voila: carotene (the stuff in carrots) and lycopene During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it You've got a third of what you need for the (also in tomatoes and watermelon). makes sure your babe's little lungs are day. It's also full of folate, which helps Lycopene lowers your chance of getting healthy and strong. prevent birth defects like spina bifida. cervical and breast cancers. It's an Spinach Beans antioxidant, too, and keeps cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels to Folate is your friend. On top of its They have lots of protein, without the help ward off heart disease. prenatal perks, it lowers your chances for

churches in the US is 71. Food for Thought Leaders… shameless No wonder I still feel young The average age of the Popes is 76 years. Welcome to the 21st Attitude… careless Spouse… fearless n extensive study in the U.S.A found that the This tells us in a way that it has been determined Century! Amost productive age in human life is between 60- that the best years of your life are between 60 and 80 Feeling… heartless 70 years of age. years. Education… valueless Phone… wireless Kids… mannerless The second most productive stage of the human A study published in New England Journal of being is from 70 to 80 years of age. Cooking… fireless Government… useless Medicine found that at age 60, you reach the top of Cars… keyless The third most productive stage is from 50 to 60. Parliament… clueless your potential and this continues into your 80s. Food… fatless The average age of Nobel Prize winners is 62 Masses… helpless Therefore, if you are between 60-70 or 70-80 you years old. Tyres… tubeless are in the best and second level of your life. The average age of the presidents of prominent Tools… cordless Everything is becoming companies in the world is 63 years. Dress… sleeveless LESS but still our hope in God The average age of the pastors of the 100 largest Source: New England Journal of Medicine (2018) Youth… jobless is endless. Entertainment Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 15 Can Bollywood hope for a big-budget summer? Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai The Salman Khan film, billed as an ultra-action extravaganza, has locked an Eid release. The film is directed by Prabhu Deva, who scored a blockbuster with Salman way back in 2009 with Wanted, though the response was more lukewarm when they collaborated on Dabangg 3 in 2019. Radhe is scheduled for May 13 as of now. The film co-stars Disha Patani. Satyamev Jayate 2 Last heard, the sequel to John Abraham's 2018 action hit is scheduled to clash with Salman Khan's Radhe in the Eid weekend, with a May 13 release. The film brings back John as vigilante cop Virendra Rathod, who wages war singlehandedly against corruption and his year, a handful of big budget films are tentatively misuse of power. Tscheduled to open within this phase, subject to the That apart two most anticipated films that are ready to Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Covid situation. Here's the list of films that could bail out release, but have not declared a final release date, are the Bollywood box office, and bring business back on Sooryavanshi and 83. Kapoor starrer 'Roohi' track. Rohit Shetty's action drama Sooryavanshi stars Bell Bottom Akshay Kumar as supercop Veer Sooryavanshi, who fights against terrorism. The film also stars Katrina Kaif. This Akshay Kumar spy thriller is slated for April 2. to hit theatres in March Shot amid Covid lockdown in the United Kingdom, the film Kabir Khan's 83 tells the story of India's first cricket orror comedy 'Roohi', starring Rajkummar Rao and has so far officially not shifted its date. Directed by Ranjit World Cup win in 1983. Ranveer Singh stars as the under- HJanhvi Kapoor, is set to have a theatrical release on M. Tiwari, the film also stars Vani Kapoor, Lara Dutta and dog Indian team's captain Kapil Dev. March 11, the makers announced recently. Presented by Huma Qureshi. Jio Studios & Maddock Films, 'Roohi' also stars Varun Sharma. Hardik Mehta has directed the film from a script penned by "Fukrey" helmer Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, who 'Coming 2 America': Eddie Murphy's daughter to also serves as a co-producer on the movie. Producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films said 'Roohi' takes the genre of horror comedy a notch above the make her film debut opposite superstar dad banner's 2018 hit 'Stree', which also featured Rao. "While 'Stree' was a genre bending tale that gave audiences something never seen before, 'Roohi' takes this vision a step further by offering the same brand of spine chilling scares and quirky comedy. The film revolves around a singing ghost who puts grooms to sleep so it can possess their brides. Jyoti Deshpande, President - Media & Entertainment, Reliance Industries Limited, said the team held back the film's release so that the audience could experience 'Roohi' on the big screen. It was scheduled to be released last year but was postponed due to the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown. Cinema Sirsa - Castel Tamil Movie: 'Chakra' Featuring Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi lated for a global premiere on March 5th, 2021 father's films has been performing since she was a child. Wednesday 3 to Saturday 6 March - 13:15/20:00 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, is the romantic A 2020 high school graduate, the budding actress has S Sunday 7 March - 13:15/16:15 comedy Coming 2 America, a sequel to the cult classic her sights set on a career in film and aspires to explore Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 March - 13:15/20:00 Coming to America that released back in 1988. Apart from opportunities across multiple mediums. Thursday 11 & Friday 12 March - 13:15/16:15 bringing back the original actors like Eddie Murphy, In Coming 2 America, Bella plays the role of Omma, Saturday 13 March - 13:15 Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, the who is calm, cool and as she notes, 'royal, but not too much-awaited sequel has a host of additional actors join- stuffy. Omma is the type of person who analyzes a ing the cast. One among them is Bella Murphy, daughter situation before she reacts.' She saw the original film of Eddie Murphy who makes her debut in Coming 2 when she was just 11 years old, sharing her thoughts on America. The real-life father daughter play reel life father the same, Bella says, "I remember it being really funny to daughter in the film, too. watch. It shaped a lot of my humour, too. I'm really The 19-year-old newcomer portrays the middle passionate about pursuing acting, so when my dad told daughter of Prince Akeem (played by Eddie Murphy) and me about this part, I was excited about auditioning and Queen Lisa (played by Shari Headley) in Coming 2 also, training for the role. It was fun to do it all with him." America. A natural talent, Bella, who grew up watching her Entertainment Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 16 Mohit Malik shares Supriya Kumari how he is gearing up makes a comeback to welcome his baby on TV with ‘Pratigya 2’

the bad ones. I enter the Balwant household after my father gets me married to Chetan Hansraj's younger brother for a small piece of land. Among all of them, I am the only one who is positive. While my character may seem docile, she is quite strong mentally." Interestingly, Supriya had originally auditioned for the part of Chetan's wife. She tells us, "I was original- ly auditioned for the part of Chetan's wife. However, I always wished to play the part of the younger bahu since I related more to it than the other character. Mera bohot dil tha yahi role karu. I gave a look test with Chetan for the part of his wife and fortunately, the makers felt that I suited the other part more. Mujhe aisa lagta hai yeh achha role hai aur iske saath khela jaa sakta hai." Ask her about her image of playing docile charac- ters mostly and she replies, "Well, I played a negative upriya Kumari, who became a household name thanks character in Sanskaar - Dharohar Apnon Ki, and my per- Sto the show Bairi Piya, and was last seen in Mere Sai formance was appreciated in it. However, I have mostly - Shraddha Aur Saburi two years ago, is all set to make a played docile characters, right from the beginning of my comeback on television. The actress has been finalised to career in shows like Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, Bairi play Chetan Hansraj's brother's wife in Mann Ki Awaaz Piya, and Looteri Dulhan. I think I have a soft face and Pratigya 2. Shooting has already commenced in such characters suit my personality. I am an emotional Allahabad. Supriya will play the younger bahu of the person and feel that such characters choose me. Besides, Balwant family and the cast is expected to shoot the initial sabse pehli baat hai ki yeh bada show hai aur industry portion in Haryana, reports Neha Maheshwri of TNN. mein kaam bohot kam hai. Sahi time par oopar wale ne The actress shares, "The show will revolve around two signal diya hai. I always wanted to do a show with mbracing fatherhood, Mohit Malik feels nervous and families. While Sajjan Singh and his family have reformed (producer) Rajan Shahi sir and this seemed like the right Eexcited. "The thought makes me anxious but more their ways and become good people, the Balwants will be opportunity. It has been worth the wait." excited," says the actor, who is expecting his first child with wife, actor Addite Shirwaikar Malik, reports Sanchita Kalra of Hindustan Times. Supriya Pilgaonkar: ‘I was destined to be an actor’ The couple is in the middle of shifting houses and are upriya Pilagaonkar will soon be simultaneously preparing for the arrival of the little one. Sseen in the show Janani. 27 "Addite is busy making and decorating baby nursery, and years into her career, she surprises I have been busy reading books about parenting. I have you saying she never planned to be been making pointers in a diary for Addite to read as well. an actor. I am gaining knowledge and now waiting for the practical. "I am extremely grateful to She likes to watch and listen more, but I like to read people who have given me because this area needs expertise and unless we know immense love and respect, which I the basics, we can't act (as parents)," he says. may not even deserve. I am in touch As the couple wants to ensure a good and healthy with myself 24x7 as a person and environment for their child, he adds, "We need to know actor because of my profession. I from now what should be spoken in front of the kid, what don't know what to say about career the child should be watching, because in the end, what and success but I feel lucky that we do and how we react to a situation, the kid will be while there are so many actors, who doing the same. So we both are working on ourselves, didn't get the chance, I always say removing any negativity and becoming better individuals." that God has been kind to me and Malik also feels that the period has taught him to be should be kind to everyone else patient, as one needs to accept and support one's partner also," Supriya says, reports IANS. during this phase of frequent hormonal changes. Ask if "I never planned it or set out to the pregnancy brought them closer as partners, he says, be an actor. It just happened to me. "It is such a major event of our lives and doesn't happen So many people come to act, leave more often - maybe once more (laughs). It is beautiful to their homes behind. I never did any- watch a human form another human. Never thought it thing like that. So, when I see that would be such a beautiful process. But it does solve a lot them, I feel so special and blessed. May be I was cut out nately and then when I come back home, I am a home- of personal issues and brings you closer." to be an actor and I feel I was also destined to be an actor. maker but I can see that in my daughter a lot. She is a The actor also reveals one thing that he doesn't like to I have nothing but gratitude towards people who I have very passionate person. My husband is the child of the hear. "I don't like people telling me, 'Ab toh bachche ho met in my journey as an artist," she adds. industry and has been working ever since he was four or gaye, lag gayi tumhari'; they say that even for marriage. Supriya is married to actor-filmmaker Sachin five. My daughter has taken after him. He has taught this But I don't want to change myself or feel that Addite Pilgaonkar and their daughter Shriya is also establishing passion to my daughter. That is why I say that everything should change just because of a child. We will continue to herself as an actress. Although it is part of a family of that has happened in my life was planned from up above," do what we love," he says. artistes, Supriya prefers leaving work on the set and added the actress, who has regaled the audience with her So, any baby names on mind yet? "We haven't becomes like any other homemaker once she is home. roles in "Tu Tu Main Main", "Radha Ki Betiyaan Kar Dikhayengi" and "Sasural Genda Phool" among numer- finalised names, we are still shortlisting a few," he ends. "I go to my job like a nine to five job. I work passio- ous other shows. Watch’s On Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 17

Mardi 2 mars - 21.10 Zombie Shark Avec: Cassie Steele, Jason London, Laura Cayoutte, Roger J. Timber MBC 1 MBC 2 MBC 3 Cine 12 Bollywood TV 07.30 Local: Lavi Zoli An XXL 10.00 Serial: CID 06.00 Mag: Eco@Africa 01.28 Film: Shadow People 08.00 Film: Mera Faisla 10.16 Local: Fam Model 10.44 Serial: Ye Vaada Raha 06.39 Mag: World Stories 02.46 Serial: S.W.A.T 12.04 / 19.54 - Sanjivani 10.30 Mag: Euromaxx 12.04 Film: Naukar Biwi Ka 07.00 Mag: Voa Connect 03.27 Film: The Watch 12.26 / 20.11 - 11.10 Tele: Au Nom De L’amour Starring: Dharmendra, Anita Raj, 07.25 Mag: In Good Shape 04.51 Tele: Muneca Brava Radha Krishna 12.00 Le Journal Reena Roy 07.51 Doc: Amazing Gardens 09.00 Serial: The Magicians 12.50 / 20.32 Agnphera 12.25 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 14.24 DDI Magazine 09.39 Mag: Global 3000 09.48 Tele: Daniella 13.09 / 21.09 - 13.00 Local: Elle 15.21 Serial: Aamhi Doghi 10.34 Doc: China’s Gateway To... 10.35 Tele: Tanto Amor Bade Acche Lagte Hai 14.30 D.Animes: Sissi 15.43 Serial: Mooga Manasulu 11.19 Mag: Eco@Africa 11.01 Serial: S.W.A.T 13.31 / 21.24 - Zindagi Ki Mehek 14.54 D.Anime: Teenie Weenie 16.03 Serial: Apoorva Raagangal 11.45 Mag: Arts And Culture 12.00 Film: The Watch 13.53 / 21.59 - Naagin Season 3 14.57 D.Anime: The Garfield Show 16.29 Serial: Tu Ishq Hai 12.11 Mag: Voa Connected 13.30 Tele: Muneca Brava 14.34 / 22.25 - Ikyawann 15.24 D.Anime: La Ligue Des Super 16.50 Serial: Achra Ke Moti 12.45 Mag: In Good Shape 14.18 Mag: Hollywood On Set 14.56 / 22.56 - Bin Kuck Kahe 15.48 D.Anime: HTDT 17.11 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 13.11 Doc: Amazing Gardens 14.45 Film: Signed, Sealed, Belive... 15.20 Film: Parapara 16.37 D.Anime: Baby Boss 18.00 Serial: Colourful Bone 14.09 Doc: 360 GEO 16.46 Serial: The Magicians Starring: Sunil Dutt, Vinod 17.05 Mag: Mathematica 18.30 DDI Magazine 15.22 Mag: Washington Forum 17.28 Serial: Shades Of Blue Khanna, Aamir Khan, Saif Ali 17.20 Serial: Heidi, Bienvenida a... 19.00 Zournal Kreol 15.48 Doc: China’s Gateway To... 18.05 Tele: Daniella Khan, Raveena Tandon, Ashwini Bhave 17.50 Mag: Origami 20.00 Local: Tamil Programme 16.33 Mag: Eco@Africa 19.00 Tele: Tanto Amor 18.00 Live: Samacher

mardi 2 mars 18.00 Live: Samachar 20.30 Film: Anita 17.03 Mag: Arts And Culture 20.05 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 18.30 Kundali Bhagya 18.30 Serial: Jamai Raja Starring: Manoj Kumar, 18.02 Mag: REV: The Global Auto... 20.30 Serial: Shades Of Blue 18.52 Serial: Ek Rishta 19.30 Journal & La Meteo Sadhana, I. S. Johar, Kishen 19.00 Student Support Prog... 21.15 Film: Zombie Shark Saajhedari Ka 21.10 Film: Kill Kane Mehta, Sajjan 19.26 Mag: Le Saviez Vous? 22.45 Tele: Muneca Brava 19.15 Mere Angne Mein 23.10 Le Journal 22.47 DDI Live 19.34 Mag: Made In Germany

08.10 Local: Palette 10.00 Pyar Ka Dard Meetha... 06.00 Rev: The Global Auto... 00.20 Serial: Shades Of Blue 08.00 Film: Parampara 09.00 Doc: Colonia Dignidad 11.17 Suhani Ek Ladhi 06.26 Doc: Guild-Free Brew 01.26 Film: The Quiet Hour 12.04 / 20.06 - Sanjivani 09.45 Local: Entractes 12.00 Film: Nishana 06.52 Mag: Check In 02.53 Serial: S.W.A.T 12.22 / 20.26 - Radha Krishna 12.00 Le Journal Stars: Jeetendra, Poonam 07.25 Mag: Made In Germany 03.30 Film: Zombie Shark 12.46 / 20.02 - Agniphera 12.25 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir Dhillon, Shreeram Lagoo 07.53 Doc:The Expanding Desert 04.55 Tele: Muneca Brava 13.10 / 20.46 12.55 Prod Indepen: Met Seryer 15.00 Serial: Ek Deewana Tha 08.43 Doc: Battle Of The Dunkrik 06.45 Film: A Date With Miss... Bade Acche Lagte Hai Mercredi 3 mars - 21.10 14.30 D.Anime: Sissi 15.22 Aamhi Doghi 10.33 Local: Klip Seleksion 09.00 Serial: The Magicians 13.30 / 21.09 - 14.56 D.Anime: Teenie Weenie 15.44 Mooga Manasulu 12.26 Mag: Guilt-Free Brew 09.44 Tele: Daniella Zindagi Ki Mehek 14.59 D.Anime: The Garfield Show 16.10 Apoorva Raagangal 12.52 Mag: Check In 10.35 Tele: Tanto Amor 13.53 / 21.31 - Naagin Season 3 A Time For Killing 15.23 D.Anime: La Ligue Des... 16.30 Serial: Tu Ishq Hai 13.27 Mag: Made In Germany 11.01 Serial: S.W.A.T 14.35 / 21.46 - Ikyawann 15.47 D.Anime: HTDT 16.53 Serial: Achra Ke Moti 13.53 Doc: The Expanding Desert 11.55 Film: Zombie Shark 14.36 / 21.59 - 16.15 D.Anime: Trolls 17.12 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 14.19 Doc: Olivia’s Garden 13.30 Tele: Muneca Brava Yeh Hai Mohabbatein 16.38 D.Anime: Baby Boss 17.33 Serial: Kulvadhu 14.44 Doc: Battle Of The Dunkrik 14.45 Film: A Date With Miss... 15.20 Film: Ishq Ka Jazbaa 17.05 Mag: Mathematica 18.00 Serial: Colourful Bone 16.28 Local: Klip Seleksion 16.49 Serial: The Magicians Starring: Inder Kumar, Komal 17.20 Serial: Heidi, Bienvenida... 18.30 Serial: DDI Magazine 17.10 Doc: Young, German and... 17.30 Serial: Shades Of Blue Rajput, Sabahat Ali Khan, Mukul Dev, Javed Hyder, 18.00 Live: Samachar 19.00 Zournal Kreol 18.12 Tele: Daniella 17.52 Doc: Japan 2020 Mokol Dev 18.30 Serial: Jamai Raja 19.30 DDI Magazine 18.00 Mag: Motorweek 19.00 Tele: Tanto Amor 18.00 Live: Samachar 19.30 Journal & La Meteo 20.00 Programme In Marathi 18.30 Mag: Vous Et Nous 20.05 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 18.30 Kumkum Bhagya mercredi 3 mars 20.00 Prod: Lottotech 20.34 Film: Mala Kahich Problem 19.00 Student Support Prog... 20.30 Serial: 19-2 18.51 Ek Rishta Saajhed Ka 20.20 Local Production Nahi 19.26 Mag: Le Saviez Vous? 21.15 Film: A Time For Killing 19.13 Mere Angne Mein 21.25 Film: Arena Star: Satish Alekar, Seema 20.05 Mag: Tendance XXI 22.45 Tele: Muneca Brava 19.35 Siddhi Vinayak 23.10 Local: Le Journal Deshmukh, Spruha Joshi 20.31 Mag: Vue D’en Haut 23.30 Serial: The Magicians

06.00 Local: Klip Seleksion 10.00 Karm Phal Data Shani 06.00 Mag: Motorweek 01.28 Film: Astronaut 08.00 Film: Ishq Ka Jazbaa 06.45 Local: Sur Prise 12.05 Film: Bombay Ka Babu 06.25 Mag: Vous Et Nous 02.58 Serial: S.W.A.T 12.05 / 19.54 - Sanjivani 09.00 Mag: Made In Germany Starring: Dev Anand, Suchitra 07.28 Doc: Garden Party 03.39 Film: Signed, Sealed, Delive.. 12.23 / 20.11 - 09.45 Local: Encounter Sen, Jeevan, Nasir Hussain 08.22 Mag: Vue D’en Haut 05.01 Tele: Muneca Brava Radha Krishna 10.30 Mag: Tomorrow Today 15.00 Serial: Ek Deewana Tha 10.09 Doc: The Miracle Of Hearing 05.43 Serial: 19-2 12.47 / 20.32 Agniphera 12.00 Le Journal 15.21 Aamhi Doghi 11.00 Mag: Motorweek 06.49 Film: A Time For Killing 13.09 / 21.09 - 12.25 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 15.41 Mooga Manasulu 11.26 Mag: Vous Et Nous 09.00 Serial: The Magicians Bade Acche Lagte Hai 13.00 Local: RDV Muzikal 16.05 Apoorva Raagangal 12.30 Doc: Garden Party 10.35 Tele: Tanto Amor 13.31 / 21.24 - 14.30 D.Anime: Sissi 16.32 Serial: Tu Ishq Hai 14.43 Mag: Focus On Europe 11.01 Serial: S.W.A.T Zindagi Ki Mehek 14.55 D.Anime: Teenie Weenie 16.51 Serial: Achra Ke Moti 16.00 Mag: Motorweek 12.00 Film: Signed, Sealed, Delive.. 13.52 / 21.46 - Naagin 14.57 D.Anime: The Garfield Show 17.13 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 18.00 Mag: Eco India 13.30 Tele: Muneca Brava 14.34 / 21.59 - Ikyawann 15.24 D.Anime: La Ligue Des Super 18.00 Serial: Colourful Bone 18.41 Mag: Carnet De Sante 14.45 Film: A Time For Killing 14.56 / 22.25 - 15.45 D.Anime: HTDT 18.30 Serial: Ghar Pahucha Da 19.00 Student Support Program... 16.44 Serial: The Magicians Yeh Hai Mohabbatein 16.03 D.Anime: Robot Trains Devi Maiya 20.05 Excerpts Of Shiv Abhishek 17.21 Serial: 19-2 15.20 Film: Biwi.com 16.13 D.Anime: Trolls 19.00 Zournal Kreol 21.00 Local: News (English) 18.05 Tele: Daniella Starring: Karan Khanna, Lekha 16.35 D.Anime: Baby Boss 20.00 Local: Les Grandes Lignes 21.10 Doc: 360 GEO 19.00 Tele: Tanto Amor Prajapati, Farah Titina, Jeudi 4 Mars - 21.15 jeudi 4 mars 18.00 Live: Samachar 21.14 Film: Blood Circus 22.02 Doc: Profit Or Life? 20.08 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir Priyanka Shah 18.00 Samachar 18.30 Jamai Raja Starring: Jamie Nocher, Tom 22.44 Doc: A Postcard From... 20.30 Serial: 19-2 18.30 Kundali Bhagya avec: Alun ap Brinley, Geoff Bell, 18.55 Local: Chaar Dham Tirth... Sizemore, Robert LaSardo 23.26 Mag: Eco India 21.15 Film: Freebird 18.51 Ek Rishta Saajhed Ka 19.30 Le Journal 22.33 DDI Live 00.05 Mag: Carnet De Sante 22.48 Tele: Muneca Brava Peter Bowles 19.11 Mere Angne Mein 20.30 Film: Marjaavaan 00.20 Mag: Border Crossing 23.30 Serial: The Magicians

Star: Karan Khanna, Lekha Jeudi 4 Mars - Stars: Riteish Deshmukh, Sidharth Prajapati, Farah Titina, Jeudi 4 Mars - 15.30 Malhotra, Tara Sutaria Priyanka Shah 20.30 Other Voices Mauritius Times Tuesday, March 2, 2021 18 Gulf War: 30 years on, the consequences of Desert Storm are still with us The 1991 Gulf War was seen as the start of an age of peace, but paved the way for much future conflict 9/11 and of the invasion of Afghanistan, the then president George W. Bush declared a new war against Iraq with the disputed justification of Iraq's alleged development of weapons of mass destruc- tion. Many commentators saw the conflict as a way to deal with the "unfinished busi- ness" of the first Gulf War started by Bush's father. Military "contractors" flooded into Iraq, with complex consequences that are still playing out. One of the last acts of the US presidency of Donald J. Trump involved pardoning four Blackwater securi- ty contractors. These were responsible for the 2007 Nisour Square massacre, a shooting that killed 14 Iraqi civilians, including nine-year-old Ali Abdul Razzaq. UN human rights experts condemned the presidential pardon as an affront to inter- national justice. The war of the early 2000s left behind t was a short message to end a short operation that pushed Saddam's forces ment of condemnation of Iraq's aggression a much weakened Iraqi state infrastruc- Iwar. On February 26 1991, Iraqi foreign back into Iraq and reinstated the Kuwaiti against Kuwait. minister Tariq Aziz put his signature to a royal family at the helm of the country. letter addressed to the United Nations Military action included the systematic Security Council: I have the honour to targeting of Iraqi infrastructure, including notify you that the Iraqi Government the sustained - and controversial - attack reaffirms its agreement to comply fully with against retreating Iraqi military personnel Security Council Resolution 660 and all along the road connecting Kuwait with other UN Security Council resolutions. Iraq, which was subsequently dubbed the A few hours later, at 8am Baghdad "Highway of Death". time, a ceasefire entered into effect. The The rapid military campaign was a international military campaign, dubbed by success - and its implications were poten- the United States as "Operation Desert tially massive. Before the intervention, Storm", had lasted only a few weeks. And Bush had addressed the US Congress, yet, as recent rocket attacks against US stressing the importance of the "unique targets in Iraq illustrate, its consequences and extraordinary moment". are still with us today. The crisis in the Persian Gulf offers a But how did it all begin? The then Iraqi great opportunity to move toward an leader Saddam Hussein criticised what he historic period of cooperation. Out of these saw as Kuwaiti "economic treachery" troubled times … a new world order can related to the production and pricing of oil. emerge: a new era - freer from the threat When Kuwait refused to lower its oil pro- Declassified telephone conversation reveals the true US-Soviet difficulties. George H.W. Bush Presidential Library; National Security Archives digital collection edited by Svetlana Savranskaya duction, Saddam began what would of terror, stronger in the pursuit of justice, and Tom Blanton, 'Inside the Gorbachev-Bush Partnership on the First Gulf War 1990' become a shortlived military intervention in and more secure in the quest for peace. the neighbouring oil-producing country. The rapid success of the international Recently declassified sources show Saddam's motives in fact related to his military campaign, whose legitimacy was ture, and a high body count - a situation that US-Soviet cooperation back then was need to replenish an impoverished Iraqi reinforced by unequivocal UN authorisa- that rendered Iraq an easy prey to the more difficult than the leaders' statements economy that had been severely undercut tion, ushered an era of triumphalist confi- forces of the Islamic State, which took over led the world to assume at the time. Yet by a protracted and costly war against Iran dence in the possibilities of such a "new Mosul in 2014, continuing a legacy of speaking in October 1991, Soviet leader (1980-1988), which resulted in more than world order" and in the US ability to mould violence and brutalisation. Mikhail Gorbachev underlined that: 1.5 million estimated Iraqi and Iranian it. Many saw the end of the 1991 Gulf War deaths. Reasons to be cheerful? without a radical improvement and then as the beginning of an "age of peace", to a radical change in Soviet-US relations, quote Gorbachev. The hope at that time Not quite grasping what the waning of Back then, there were reasons to be we would never have witnessed the was that the country - and the region - the Cold War would mean for his own optimistic. One of them related to the profound qualitative changes in the world could prosper. Instead, the ceasefire of regional ambitions, Saddam ordered the cooperation - unseen up to that point - that now make it possible to speak in terms February 28 marked the end of a conflict invasion and annexation of Kuwait on between Americans and Russians. of an entirely new age, an age of peace in that had been remarkably short, but whose August 2 1990. Despite Iraq having been one of its main world history. consequences and unintended outcomes Once diplomatic and economic cold war clients in the region, the Soviet He added that, "the right conclusions are still being felt to this day. pressure to deter Saddam failed, the US - Union quickly endorsed the US-led military have been drawn from the Gulf War." But under then president George HW Bush, operation. Indeed, at the time of Saddam's had they? In Iraq, Saddam remained in assembled the largest international invasion of Kuwait, US secretary of state Lorena De Vita, power, and bombing and sanctions against coalition since the second world war and - James Baker and Soviet foreign minister Utrecht University his regime continued into Bill Clinton's with the authorisation of the UN Security Eduard Shevardnadze were in a meeting Amir Taha, presidency. Until in 2003, in the wake of Council - began a five-week military together and rapidly issued a joint state- University of Amsterdam