65th Year -- No. 3574 Friday, May 8, 2020 www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times 16 Pages - ePaper MAURITIUS TIMES Advice is like snow - the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind. -- Samuel Taylor Coleridge Time for a Great Healing

Dr R Neerunjun Gopee + See Page 3

Interview: Kevin Teeroovengadum “We are anything but resilient! That's the plain truth”

+ See Page 8-9

Matters of The Moment Food Security and Universal Ray of Hope Basic Income: Priorities of the Moment? Over so many decades we have been able to maintain a Welfare State against all odds; we can } go further and implement Universal Basic Income before we lose the battle due to unemployment. It is for economists and the experts to provide the country with a blueprint and to tell us whether the simple idea of Universal Basic Income is practical and implementable in our context”

By Sada Reddi + See Page 4 Dr Mrinal Roy + See Page 5 Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 www.mauritiustimes.com Edit Page facebook.com/mauritius.times 2 Economic recovery will come with high Mauritius: On the levels of unemployment: blacklist How should governments respond? wo key factors distinguish the eco- nomic consequences of coronavirus e were given advance notice, will carry conviction. This will not be dif- Tfrom those of previous crises. One is courtesy Reuters in a dispatch ficult to do provided we are sufficiently the catastrophic decline in employment in W dated May 05, of the European proactive to make it extremely unrewar- such a short space of time. The other is the Union’s imminent decision to include ding for operators to indulge in loose incredibly swift digital transformation which Mauritius and ten other countries to its list behaviour in defiance of codes of market has changed the way society works and con- of states that pose a “financial risk to the conduct that comply with globally accep- sumes. bloc because of anti-money laundering ted norms. In this new digital landscape, as well as a and terrorism financing shortfall”. The axe Singapore, for instance, has decided widespread shift to home working, the resur- has fallen, and in a press release made to penalize its financial operators who help gence of e-commerce and even the remote public yesterday, the EU has added The Photo - Bryan R Smith/Reuters citizens of other countries in tax evasion provision of healthcare have become facts of Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, as if they have indulged in a money laun- everyday life. In effect, the credit for the debt often benefit business owners at the Cambodia, Ghana, Jamaica, Mauritius, dering offence. Actions like this carry con- rapid digitising of most companies does not (relative) expense of workers. But policies Mongolia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, and viction that the jurisdiction “means busi- belong with business leaders – but to the which help the poorer in society have less of Zimbabwe, considered as “high-risk third ness”. For us to be able to maintain pace arrival of Covid-19. an impact on government debt as these countries with strategic deficiencies in like this, our authorities need to be always households contribute less tax. their regime regarding anti-money laun- Any exit from the current lockdown is alert as to where exactly the shoe is pin- likely to reverse some of this digital transfor- We also found that higher spending and dering and countering terrorist financing” ching at the level of international suscepti- to its money-laundering blacklist. mation, but not all of it. And the unprece- lower taxes are particularly effective in eco- bilities. That should necessarily be fol- dented scale of what has happened will have nomic downturns. This is because house- The EU’s amended list will now be lowed up by taking timely pre-emptive a significant impact on employment levels for holds tend to spend any additional earnings, submitted to the European Parliament and action. a long time – even as economies rebuild. helping the economy to bounce back faster. Council for approval within one month In the same line of thought, without any (with a possible one-month extension). Indeed, weak employment growth has Also, when interest rates are at record doubt the EU must also be concerned Given the Coronavirus crisis, the date of been a key feature of previous economic low levels, there is a potential for what we about the soundness of the country’s go- application of today's Regulation listing recoveries – a phenomenon economists call call “fiscal free lunches”. That is, tax cuts vernance and the management of our third countries – and therefore applying “jobless recovery”. In the US, following the could raise income to such an extent that the public finances and economy. Can we new protective measures – only applies as global financial crisis of 2008, it took over six additional tax revenue generated more than honestly say that this is done with rigour of 1 October 2020. This is to ensure that years for employment to get back to its pre- pays for any initial rise in government expen- and the national interest taking priority all stakeholders have time to prepare recession peak. The recessions of 1991 diture. over all other, narrower or unethical con- (after the Gulf War) and 2001 (the dot-com appropriately, states the press release. In So policy looking to minimise the poten- siderations? If doubts are raised about bubble crash), also saw long-lasting high any case this couldn’t have come at a tial for a jobless recovery should look to election results and are followed with court levels of unemployment, with immense eco- worse time, what with the many economic increase production in the economy and cases, with allegations of rigging or bribing nomic and social consequences. challenges that the country will have to increase the marginal returns from hiring on a massive scale, what kind of signal face in the wake of the Covid-19 pande- In Europe, the effect on employment labour. For example, cuts to corporate tax does this send to international bodies mic. The bill for saving our economy and after 2008 was even more dramatic. It took rates can help by improving business profits, such as the EU on which we depend for for allowing it to get back on its feet in the the EU 11 years to return to its pre-crisis although cuts to employers’ national insur- assistance? Besides, what about the months ahead will run into billions, and the unemployment rate of 6.7%. ance contributions would be a more effective chronic and repetitive, recurrent wastages signal that the EU’s decision conveys to approach to directly addressing employment that the country’s Audit Report exposes Recovery without jobs potential global investors and foreign levels. every year and that are never addressed, Put simply, these jobless recoveries were bankers that might decide to keep away Also, while corporate tax cuts might end and other excessive expenditures (due to caused by a mixture of globalisation and from Mauritius to avoid the risk of being at up increasing income inequality (by increa- for example cost overruns on big projects), digitisation. Essentially, manufacturing jobs odds with the EU comes as a massive sing dividends for shareholders) reducing which all add further to budgetary deficits end up moving from advanced economies to blow to the country. national insurance contributions would and contribute to piling up the country’s destinations offering cheap labour, while ad- increase demand for labour, raising both We do not know at the time of writing debt which is now nearing almost 70% of vances in technology replace labour. what type of action will be contemplated in GDP? employment and wages. The government this matter by our policy makers, but there The vast scale of the digital transforma- could also look to accelerate infrastructure If we want to gain international credi- is no doubt that Mauritius will have to tion caused by coronavirus is likely to make spending, improving the productive capacity bility, besides the responses that must be show, as it has done several times in the any recovery even more jobless than in the of the economy and providing a spending provided to address the specific issues past. past that it is continuing to operate by the stimulus which targets long-term results. raised by the EU, we could begin by put- highest standards of international good This leaves politicians with the difficult Overall, the most significant impact on ting our house in order to show our governance. Strengthening of the rules or task of formulating policies that will counter- the economy and employment would come seriousness and commitment to straigh- the adoption of new rules – without act these unfavourable effects. They will from a complete structural reform to tax and tening our financial situation. This will not destroying the sector -- to amply prove to need to come up with a plan that reverses spending policy. In 2011 a comprehensive be sufficient, but at least it will send a right the countries and organisations feeling the contraction in economic activity, reduces review of UK tax structure highlighted many signal. The forthcoming budget exercise aggrieved due to the operation of offshore income inequality (or at least doesn’t worsen inconsistencies and inefficiencies, conclu- gives an opportunity to do that. operators that we are having clean hands it) and minimises impact on government ding that the system was “inefficient, overly debt. complex and frequently unfair”. On that final point, it is worth mentioning Since then, some small changes have that in the UK, national debt as a percentage been made, but these inefficiencies and Mauritius Times of income is forecast to edge towards 100% complexities persist. If there was ever a Founder/Editor: Beekrumsing Ramlallah - Aug 1954-Sept 2000 – although some believe it be even higher. good time to initiate truly bold reforms, it is Editor-in-chief: M. Ramlallah / Senior Editor: Dr RN Gopee This figure was 75% in 2010 – and widely now. This epaper has been produced with the assistance of seen as unsustainable. Doojesh Ramlallah, Sultana Kurmally and Kersley Ramsamy Our recent research has shown that Gulcin Ozkan, King's College London; Pearl House 4th Floor Room 406 - Sir Virgil Naz Street, Port Louis there are trade-offs among these three Dawid Trzeciakiewicz, Loughborough Tel: 5-29 29301 Tel/Fax: 212 1313 objectives. For example, policies which stim- University; Richard McManus, ulate the economy and reduce government Canterbury Christ Church University [email protected] www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times Op-Ed Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 3 Time for a Great Healing tries were more proactive early on, Germany for example, which commissioned its airline to bring back the nearly For quite a while the world has been in a great need 100,000 Germans who were abroad. The Indian govern- ment, on the other hand, has announced measures to of an equally great healing, and the time is ripe at repatriate its nationals by air and its navy ships, an this juncture of our collective suffering operation that will be under way soon. The pandemic has not impacted all countries uni- formly – size of country, unpreparedness (rather than pre- paredness!), in/adequacy of the State response, capacity of the health systems are some of the main factors that Dr R Neerunjun Gopee are responsible for the differences seen across different jurisdictions. The pandemic has uncovered many social inequalities within countries, even in the most developed round the world peo- ones such as the US as has been highlighted by several ple are getting rest- authors. Aless with the restric- tions and the social isolation that the Covid-19 pandemic As if the pandemic was not problem has imposed on us. The question that is gnawing us }enough, perverse behaviour on the part of internally is – when will all antisocial elements helped its further spread, this be over and we get complicating the task of national authorities already back to completely normal? struggling to control the transmission. How can Although we are aware that people spit on vegetables that they are selling all the indications are that (India), or deliberately apply saliva on goods in a the ‘normal’ we have known Grandad in lockdown celebrates granddaughter's engagement. Photo - cdn.extra.ie before the lockdown is not supermarket (Australia, Canada), or knowingly likely to be restored any South African man who had come here before the lock- congregate (South Korea, France, India) despite time soon, we cannot prevent ourselves from hoping that down, and whose wife (and son too if I am not mistaken) the clear-cut advice being dispensed that they this might yet just be so! passed away back home from Covid-19, and he could not cannot deny being aware of? Yet all be there with them. More tragic still was that he could not We live in a kind of denial about the scenario that is to this happened!~ come. But what to do, we human beings are gregarious be with his young daughter either, who had to bear this animals and like to socialize. The prospect of doing that great loss without her father being around. Of course there must have been relatives to take care of her until ‘at a distance’ in future is our greatest apprehension, as For quite a while the world has been in a great need we like to be close to each other, to touch and feel and to her father came back, but it’s not the same to have one’s own parent in moments like these. Finally he was able to of an equally great healing, and the time is ripe at this hug, and explode in joy at the warmth and the burst of juncture of our collective suffering. The following Sanskrit emotions and feelings that such intimacy brings. go back a few days after the sad event, and all that one can say is God bless them, and pray that they find mantra of universal appeal is particularly apt at this diffi- strength and solace in each other’s presence as they cult moment for mankind: The other day as the lockdown was lifted in build their shattered lives anew. } parts of Spain, there was the scene of a little All of us are praying that this be a one in a girl excitedly running towards her grandparents. The lifetime’s experience, but as things go there appears to be no guarantee given the odd grandpa was bent forwards and had his arms wide behaviour of this virus from a medical point of open in anticipation, and soon enough the child was view, causing as it is not just one but a multi- picked up and her arms and legs were wrapped tude of disease patterns that are keeping doc- around grandpa’s neck and chest respectively, at the tors and scientists baffled. On top of that same time as she snuggled her head into his neck comes the controversy about whether it is a with her hair flying about on his face. I am sure naturally occurring virus or one that ema- nated from a laboratory. Be that as it may, the grandpa’s eyes must have filled up. How many social and economic impacts of this public parents and grandparents, friends and relatives health disaster are already only too evident, are impatiently waiting to reunite with their loved and we are faced with a long period of painful ones, and enjoy the conviviality of meals, adjustments that we will have to struggle with laughter and time together!~ and adapt to. As if the pandemic was not problem Grandpa and granddaughter outdoors. Photo - depositphotos.com enough, perverse behaviour on the part of The other day as the lockdown was lifted in parts of antisocial elements helped its further spread, complica- Om Sarve bhavantu sukhinah Spain, there was the scene of a little girl excitedly running ting the task of national authorities already struggling to towards her grandparents. The grandpa was bent for- control the transmission. How can people spit on vegeta- Sarve santu niramayah wards and had his arms wide open in anticipation, and bles that they are selling (India), or deliberately apply sali- Sarve bhadrani pasyantu soon enough the child was picked up and her arms and va on goods in a supermarket (Australia, Canada), or legs were wrapped around grandpa’s neck and chest knowingly congregate (South Korea, France, India) Ma kashchit duhkha bhagbhavet respectively, at the same time as she snuggled her head despite the clear-cut advice being dispensed that they Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih into his neck with her hair flying about on his face. I am cannot deny being aware of? Yet all this happened! sure grandpa’s eyes must have filled up – mine did as a On the other hand, there are so many nationals who May all be prosperous and happy matter of fact! -, and next of course was grandma’s turn. are stranded outside their own countries as they were How many parents and grandparents, friends and rela- caught unawares when they were in transit on their way May all be free from illness tives are impatiently waiting to reunite with their loved back home, as is the case with many of our own compa- May all see what is auspicious ones, and enjoy the conviviality of meals, laughter and triots in places as far as Miami as well as in Italy and May no one suffer time together! Turkey, who are still awaiting repatriation because of slow Om peace, peace, peace But alas, there are sad stories too, like that of the or inadequate response from the authorities. Some coun- Opinion Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 4 Food Security and Universal Basic Income: Priorities of the Moment? deteriorate in the interests of the If it takes 50 years for private sector and the grievances of the personnel had fallen on deaf an idea to gain ears. Even patients had to suffer acceptance, there for the failure to allocate adequate resources to the Health sector with comes a time for the result that very often the front- liners are blamed both for quality implementation, and of care and that of some of the Sada Reddi medicines imported. Only one that time is now month back, in a dispensary, a re- lative of mine was asked to dis- s we inch towards At the moment there is no card the aspirin he had been given easing of the lockdown, shortage of ideas to confront the previously to be replaced with a Athe country faces nume- problems facing the country in new brand, which confirms the Photo - basicincometoday.com rous challenges in all walks of life, every aspect sector of our lives poor quality of some of the drugs. and as it is to be expected in such ranging from indebtedness to eco- But whatever be the new mea- In this time of crisis, how many of our citizens have not faced the situations, an array of solutions nomic stagnation and unem- sures and reforms that are imple- } grim prospects of unemployment and insecurity? While others and measures are being thought ployment. For example, in educa- mented, they should result fol- can relax, live well and not worry about unemployment, many of our out and debated by the general tion it may not be possible for lowing consultations with all stake- citizens live in fear of an uncertain tomorrow. Why can't these benefits public. This is a salutary exercise some time to resume classes with- holders, for any decision imple- enjoyed by the few be extended to the whole country? At a time when in a democratic country. For in a mented from above will only back- out putting the health of students, we are thinking about what kind of society we want to live in and mature democracy, many of these teachers and their families at risk. fire. ideas would have been publicly bequeath to our grandchildren, we can build a fairer society built on We can only push for more online As for food security, the time debated and some taken on board trust and mutual aid instead of fear and insecurity… ~ learning at different levels of our has come for a strong political will and implemented. education system and see if we to put it in on the agenda not for Nonetheless, we can but can reduce classroom contact cosmetic reasons but because it Berenger has referred to it in his place for the benefit of just the few. hours to the necessary minimum. applaud the decisive role played has become clear to the popula- press conference. This is not a It will also bring about a new Other measures may include by the population, its frontliners tion during the present crisis how new idea; it has been debated perspective on education and reducing the weightage of exami- and public opinion in implementing food shortage has been a major down the years and won the sup- work. We have far too long made nations in favour of more conti- the lockdown, even though much problem for the population. port of a number of world econo- education and employment a nuous assess- Shortage of vegetables, exorbitant mists, among whom a number of question of fear. Those who do not ment, which may prices, problems of distribution, Nobel Prize winners. There are get some education are con- be made to speculation and hoarding are all several reasons why trade demned to scarcity, unemploy- replace first the results of food scarcity. Such a unionists, politicians and econo- ment, underpaid jobs, precarious semester exami- situation has disastrous conse- mists should debate the issue and living and insecurity throughout nations, moving quences for the health of the po- strive for its implementation. In life. Now this radical measure is a School and pulation especially among the Mauritius, a large segment of the direct and effective way to combat Higher School poor, and even if we can import population, i.e. the senior citizens, poverty and give employment and Certificate exa- food, what we need at present is a is already covered by old aged education new meanings. minations per- sustainable solution. There is no pension scheme; workers in the In this time of crisis, how many manently to May dearth of ideas and suggestions formal sector are obtaining a mini- of our citizens have not faced the and June which regarding this crucial issue ema- mum wage, but there are also grim prospects of unemployment will allow stu- nating from so many people - from Photo: falco from Pixabay those in the labour force who do and insecurity? While others can dents to move to small planters' organizations, not receive any form of assistance: relax, live well and not worry about higher classes or trade unions, politicians, civic those operating in the informal unemployment, many of our citi- more still needs to be done for our university in August and organizations and other experts in sector. In a first phase, the zens live in fear of an uncertain collective security. While waiting September. the field. If it is true that it takes 50 Universal Basic Income should be tomorrow. Why can't these bene- for a detailed and final plan for the We have had to wait for Covid- years for an idea to gain accep- extended to them and to the fits enjoyed by the few be exten- gradual lifting of the lockdown to 19 to appreciate the contribution of tance, there comes a time for unemployed and at later stage ded to the whole country? At a be made public, even if it has to be everyone in the health sector - implementation, and that time is extended to the whole population. time when we are thinking about modified as we go along, the pre- from doctors, nurses to cleaners, now. We already have a number of what kind of society we want to sent crisis affords us with a unique and for that matter, every worker in Another important idea that social security measures that can live in and bequeath to our grand- opportunity to rethink our society the country. Yet for years the requires urgent consideration is be streamlined towards Universal children, we can build a fairer so- and implement a number of mea- health system has been allowed to sures which in the past have either Universal Basic Income. Paul Basic Income. ciety built on trust and mutual aid received scant attention or treated This is imperative as we are instead of fear and insecurity. with callous indifference. There In education it may not be possible for some time to resume going to face high unemployment Over so many decades we are so many interesting ideas } classes without putting the health of students, teachers and as more people lose jobs due to have been able to maintain a being ventilated in all sectors by their families at risk. We can only push for more online learning and in the wake of the present cri- Welfare State against all odds; we people from all walks of life -- from at different levels of our education system and see if we can sis; ultimately more jobs will be can go further and implement the ordinary citizen to the expert, lost with the advent of Artificial Universal Basic Income before we reduce classroom contact hours to the necessary minimum. and some of them will, at least out Intelligence as well as for other lose the battle due to unemploy- of necessity, require consideration Other measures may include reducing the weightage of reasons. A Universal Basic ment. It is for economists and the for their implementation. Out of examinations in favour of more continuous assessment, which Income will attenuate the predica- experts to provide the country with this constellation of ideas, two may be made to replace first semester examinations, ment of the unemployed and the a blueprint and to tell us whether seem to me to demand the utmost moving School and Higher School Certificate examinations poor, reduce inequality, and serve the simple idea of Universal Basic attention: food security and univer- Income is practical and imple- permanently to May and June…~ to redistribute wealth so that eco- sal basic income. nomic development does not take mentable in our context. Matters of The Moment Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 5 Ray of Hope

Worldwide tests with anti-viral drug remdesivir show that patients who were treated with it recovered faster and had a Mrinal Roy shorter time of recovery

fter four months of battling against virus. Several companies are thus working the deadly Covid-19, there is finally on existing antiviral drugs, some of which Remdesivir provides treatment not a cure. Several companies are thus working Aa ray of hope. Research has shown are already in use against other illnesses that the anti-viral drug remdesivir is highly to adapt them to treat patients infected with on existing antiviral drugs, some of which are already in use against other effective in inhibiting a key enzyme of coro- Covid-19. illnesses to adapt them to treat patients infected with Covid-19. navirus responsible for the replication Treatments such as remdesivir thus Photo aljazeera.com mechanism of Covid-19. help the world buy time until the discovery A government-run study carried by the of a safe and effective vaccine. It is evident tisfactorily addressed. Investors want to Getting our priorities right that the post Covid-19 normality will be sig- make sure that each step is comprehen- US National Institute of Allergy and The US situation is a case in point. nificantly different from the pre-Covid-19 sively validated before investing into the Infectious Diseases as well as White According to forecasts based on modelling situation. The world would have to reinvent next step. This is an emergency situation. House immunologist Dr Anthony Fauci by the US Centers for Disease Control and and adapt itself to operate in a sustainable The world is ready to support whatever it revealed that worldwide tests with anti-viral Prevention and the Federal Emergency manner in the context of a materially dif- takes to find a vaccine which can stop drug remdesivir showed that patients who Management Agency made public this ferent new world order. We first need to Covid-19. Bold actions are required. There were treated with it recovered faster and week, the death toll could rise to 3000 stop the virus. This necessarily means is therefore a growing urgency to reduce had a shorter time of recovery. Dr Fauci Americans a day by 1 June, up from a cur- finding an effective vaccine. added that ‘it has proved that the world has the timeline of finding a safe and effective rent daily toll of about 2000, in the wake of a drug that can block this virus.’ On 1 May Protracted validation process vaccine by financially supporting scientists the relaxation of restrictions in a host of the American biopharmaceutical company and researchers to save time by carrying There are over 120 Covid-19 vaccines States across the US in an attempt to Gilead Sciences, Inc which developed out under the highest safety precautions revive the economy and employment in a remdesivir announced that the US Food candidates in the research pipeline in dif- required several of the development steps ferent stages of development in the world. country with very little social protection. and Drug Administration (FDA) has at once. They also forecast about 200,000 new granted emergency use authorization Their progress is being tracked and moni- We know that the vaccine developed by cases of infection each day by the end of (EUA) for the investigational antiviral tored by the World Health Organization. the University of Oxford in the UK has the month, up from about 25,000 cases remdesivir to treat Covid-19. It could take between 9 months to 2 already started human trials. In a bid to now. Will these chilling forecasts come years to develop a vaccine. World leaders save time in the race to swiftly provide an true? Are the stakes of the US presidential have this week pledged $ 8 billion to fund approved vaccine to the world to defeat elections in November 2020 clouding a laboratories that have promising leads in The easing of prevailing lockdown Covid-19, The Serum Institute of India, the sensible and safe management of the pan- developing and producing a vaccine. The } restrictions across the world can world's largest vaccine maker has thus demic? US is also investing billions of dollars into only be envisaged in a sustainable, taken the initiative and risk to start mass its own research efforts. The world des- very well-thought-out step by step production of the Oxford vaccine and pro- perately needs a vaccine which provides duce 40 million units which will be made World leaders have this week process when statistics relating to robust immunity against Covid-19. To meet available at a nominal cost, even before } pledged $ 8 billion to fund new cases of Covid-19 infection, this key goal, the world needs an unflin- the vaccine has reached advanced clinical laboratories that have promising leads number of deaths, elimination of ching solidarity and cooperation among trials, without knowing if it works. in developing and producing a hotspots of infection and level of nations. Ideally, we would want a vaccine vaccine. The US is also investing testing for Covid-19 show that the which is 100 percent effective. However, Every day that can be saved in the this is not always the case. A vaccine that process of validation and dissemination of billions of dollars into its own research spread of the virus is robustly is at least 70 percent effective will be a safe and effective vaccine will make a efforts. The world desperately needs a contained in the country concerned. enough to stop the outbreak. This year's flu huge difference to the world in terms of vaccine which provides robust Any rash or premature lifting of vaccine is only around 45 percent effective. saving lives and reducing trillions of dollars immunity against Covid-19. To meet restrictions carries the potent risk of a in economic damage. The safety and efficacy of a new vac- this key goal, the world needs an costly second surge of infection…~ cine will have to be tested and validated So long as a safe and effective vaccine unflinching solidarity and cooperation though a protracted process where human is not discovered and validated for world- among nations. Ideally, we would want trials of the vaccine with different doses are wide use, strict compliance with social dis- Remdesivir will become available to US effected in stages to increasingly larger tancing and hygiene rules in place as well a vaccine which is 100 percent hospitals in the coming week to treat some groups of volunteers including people from as the wearing of masks will be part of the effective. However, this is not 150,000 to 200,000 Covid-19 patients with different age groups and health conditions new normal. The easing of prevailing lock- always the case…~ 1.5 million vials of the drug donated to the in accordance with a well established pro- down restrictions across the world can only US government by Gilead Sciences. It will tocol. The whole process must be reviewed be envisaged in a sustainable, very well- take some time before the antiviral drug independently and validated before being thought-out step by step process when sta- The future will therefore depend on the remdesivir is produced to be more widely submitted to the WHO and various govern- tistics relating to new cases of Covid-19 strategies adopted by each country to available hopefully at reasonable cost to ment agencies for approval. The produc- infection, number of deaths, elimination of robustly contain and stem the spread of the treat Covid-19 patients. tion of some 7 billion doses to be distri- hotspots of infection and level of testing for virus. It will also depend on the manner Remdesivir provides treatment not a buted and administered to the world popu- Covid-19 show that the spread of the virus each country prioritizes its objectives and cure. Scientists around the world are lation also needs to be urgently organized. is robustly contained in the country con- judiciously arbitrates the cardinal issue of working on potential treatments and effec- This is intrinsically a long drawn process. cerned. Any rash or premature lifting of saving lives as opposed to saving the tive vaccines against Covid-19 to stem the The established protocol and steps for restrictions carries the potent risk of a economy bearing in mind that it is those pandemic, minimize its dire impact on the trials, testing and validation are sequential costly second surge of infection of the virus who depend on work to assure their world and save lives. Researchers are to ensure at every step that all pathological and of significantly delaying a return to a livelihoods who are the principal casualties exploring diverse pathways to combat the questions and safety norms have been sa- modicum of normality in the world. of a pandemic. Spotlights Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 6 Germany reopens shops as lockdown is relaxed hancellor Angela Merkel has said The popular daily newspaper Bild CGermany's goal of slowing the spread announced on Wednesday that Germany of coronavirus has been achieved, so all was opening up again. And broadly that is shops can be reopened as lockdown what has been agreed. restrictions are eased. Shops of up to 800 square metres Bundesliga football has been given the (8,600ft) in size have already been allowed green light to resume and schools will to open. All restrictions on shops will now gradually reopen in the summer term. be lifted, although masks must be worn Germany's 16 federal states, under an and social distancing maintained. agreement with the government, will take Schools have already begun opening control of timing the reopening. They will for older children; all pupils will be allowed operate an "emergency brake" if there is a to return to class gradually during the new surge in infections, reports BBC. summer term. General contact rules involving will The German football league, the continue for another month. A limited Bundesliga, has been given the green light resumption has already begun, but this to kick off for the first time since March. easing of restrictions is far broader. Matches will resume on 15 May, and Two households will be able to meet will be played behind closed doors amid and eat together, and elderly people in Bayern Munich are among a number of Bundesliga clubs to have returned to training. EPA strict hygiene measures. A two-week nursing homes and facilities for the quarantine is expected to be put in place disabled will be able to have visits from Chancellor Merkel said. "But we need to deaths in the coronavirus pandemic - a for the players, in the form of a type of one specific person. be very much aware we are still in the early much lower figure than in other Western training camp. phases and we'll be in it for the long haul." European countries including the UK, Italy, "I think we can safely state that the very France and Spain. first phase of the pandemic is behind us," Germany has seen fewer than 7000 India begins massive How African firms are being evacuation operation impacted by the lockdown Meanwhile, with the first But a precious few flight due to arrive in Delhi at firms have been able to 7.00 am on Friday 8 May, the repurpose their produc- national capital has ramped tion lines or cater to key up efforts to mass quarantine workers, and are able to the evacuees. Several thou- stay open. One thing that sand hotel rooms have been has risen is demand for booked across Delhi to keep hand sanitiser. them stationed for 14 days. In Botswana, a per- All major hotels in the aero fumier is now making city area including lodges and hand sanitiser, and in guest houses are also being Air India will operate 64 flights this week to bring back stranded Indians in the Uganda, manufacturers wake of Covid-19 as part of the Vande Bharat mission.(ANI Photo) kept for quarantine purposes, Workers making hand sanitisers at Premier Distilleries in Uganda are operating at full a source revealed. Hotels in ndia will commence one of the world's lthough the transmission rate for coro- capacity to make them, including the pro- adjoining districts are on stand-by. Ilargest air rescue operations Vande navirus in Africa has so far been much ducers of alcoholic beverages. However, all these facilities will be provided A Bharat Mission from May 7, when the two slower than in Europe, the economic against payment by the concerned Premier Distilleries, which was original- airlines will start the first phase of the effects are still being felt. mission. The two airlines will operate 64 evacuees. All evacuees will have to spend ly set up to produce wines and spirits, is flights in 7 days to bring back 14,800 a mandatory 14 days in quarantine facilities Measures put in place to limit the now producing hand sanitisers, as stranded Indians from 12 countries. and will undergo medical tests. spread of the virus have disrupted eco- requested by the Ugandan government. nomic activity in many nations. Small busi- Passengers availing these evacuation The problem is that many African Operating at different time slots, the nesses that import items from countries flights will be charged for the one-way ferry nations have long gotten used to importing 'special ferry' flights will leave New Delhi, like China are already feeling the pinch. service, as the national carrier is already in many goods from countries like China or Cochin and Kozhikode for Singapore, Abu And governments and investors fear there a financial turmoil. Lately, despite its India, or other African nations - particularly Dhabi and Dubai respectively. Similarly, Air will be longer-term negative effects on precarious financial position, the flag carri- landlocked countries like Uganda. India Express will operate Cochin-Abu economic growth. Dhabi-Cochin and Kozhikode-Dubai- er has emerged as one of the few airlines "If there's one thing this experience has in the world that have evacuated more than It is not yet clear how hard the coro- Kozhikode services, reports Indian Link. taught us, it's the need to develop local 9000 passengers during the Covid-19 navirus will hit Africa's economies. Before capacities, because one of the key chal- As per plans, 10 flights will be operated crisis. the onset of the pandemic, the African lenges that have arisen as a result of the to the UAE from May 7-13, while seven will Development Bank had projected African In comparison, three decades ago, Air coronavirus is that global supply chains be sent to the US, seven to Malaysia and economic growth to reach 3.9% in 2020, India led a group of airlines which included have been disrupted," Daniel Birungi, five to Saudi Arabia, amongst others. up from 3.4% in 2019. Overall, more than 190,000 Indian natio- Indian Airlines and Aeroflot as well as IAF executive director of the Uganda nals, who will pay a one-way ferry service to rescue an estimated 111,711 Indians But now experts say the pandemic Manufacturing Association explains to the charge, are expected to be brought back in from the Gulf, after Iraq invaded Kuwait in could cut the continent's growth by BBC. 1990. The 59-day operation involved 488 between 3-8 percentage points this year, an airlift operation that might last couple of By Mary-Ann Russon flights and was conducted before the first reports BBC. weeks or even more. Business reporter, Gulf war. Indian nationals stranded in Australia Many businesses have been forced to BBC News, 07 May 2020 will have to wait a little longer. As of now, This time, the exercise will encompass close as a result of the coronavirus lock- flights to the US in the west to the the Indian High Commission in Canberra down, with curfews in place in some Compiled by Philippines in the east. African nations and bans on both public has asked those waiting to get back home Doojesh Ramlallah to register their interest by 10 May. and private transport in place. The Conversation Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 7 Exit from coronavirus lockdowns - lessons from 6 countries It's possible to evaluate countries' readiness to lift their lockdowns, based on how well they managed the first wave of the pandemic

t has been less than two months since Ithe world scrambled to go into the "Great Lockdown" to slow the spread of COVID-19. Now, many countries are con- sidering their exit strategies. Some have already eased up. The push is largely economic. There is a lot scientists don't yet understand about the novel coronavirus, and there is no known cure or vaccine. Many countries are still experiencing a rise in infections. But the lockdowns have played havoc with people's livelihoods. Entire econo- mies are in meltdown: The International Monetary Fund predicts the worst eco- nomic downturn since the Great Depression. Just as each nation chose a different route into lockdown, each is likely to choose its own exit path. I have launched a research initiative, "Imagining a Digital Economy for All 2030," with a focus on the post-pandemic global economy. We have been studying the characteristics of 40 countries that help explain how govern- ments and citizens have acted to contain the COVID-19 outbreak and their pre- Countries such as Germany, New willing to rapidly impose severe restric- ranging from peer pressure to come into paredness to take an economy online. Zealand and South Korea are strong in tions on movement and found the public the office, to security concerns, transac- Our analysis offers ways to gauge which both disease-fighting and digital-economy largely supportive and ready to comply. tions that require a paper trail, often countries are best prepared for a safe exit. preparedness. Their economic activity South Korea, while among the earliest requiring official corporate seals, missing isn't as dependent on in-person interac- countries affected, kept its mortality digital infrastructure and a continued It seems clear that the safest idea is to tions, and authorities can respond quickly aversion to digital payments. reopen slowly, in phases, while remaining among the lowest in the world through if loosened rules result in a spike in cases. widespread testing and deploying tech- Each of these countries is a wealthy, ready to reenter lockdown in case of new In contrast, the U.S., Italy and Japan outbreaks. By looking at how well a nation nology for widespread contact tracing. developed nation, so the differences are face different challenges before they can Infected individuals' interactions were not due to affordability. Our research has managed the first wave of the pandemic, safely lift lockdowns. and how ready it is to work remotely by retraced using cellphone location data, found that preparedness requires not just falling back onto the online economy, we Difficulties ahead for the US surveillance camera footage and credit funding but also farsighted, credible and card records. Websites and apps offer transparent leadership and citizens' trust now understand how prepared nations Compared to countries worldwide, the details on infected people's travel and in that leadership. The first leads to timely are to restart economic activity without U.S. is more prepared to operate parts of exposure risks. and firm decisions, and the second triggering fresh rounds of public health its economy online, but its response to the contributes to citizens' willingness to disasters. outbreak indicates there may be difficul- These approaches may prove hard for the U.S. to replicate. The country is far cooperate with those decisions. Public health and technology ties after reopening. States were inconsis- tent in issuing stay-at-home orders, and from having testing rates like Germany's. For instance, German Chancellor Not every country is well equipped to citizens' compliance with the rules has New Zealand has a much less polarized Angela Merkel's background as a trained ease itself out of a lockdown safely. varied widely. citizenry and far more trust in its national scientist gave her powerful credibility leadership than the U.S. The South when facing a scientific crisis. New A nation's ability to manage the out- Officials have been unable to test in Korean technology-intensive approach to Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern break relies on many factors: the willing- large numbers, and only four states meet, contact tracing would be considered too clearly explained her "go early, go hard" ness of governments to take decisive or are on track to meet, the contact-trac- intrusive on individual privacy for the U.S. approach to lockdown restrictions, and action; citizen compliance in staying home ing required to control future outbreaks. her citizens agreed. In South Korea, and social distancing; and capacity for Troubles for other nations, too The results are evident in the mortality authorities controlled the virus through adequate testing for the disease, includ- rates in the U.S. and other, better-pre- Italy initially underestimated the seve- "decisive and transparent leadership ing "contact tracing" - tracking down the pared countries: On May 5, the key statis- rity of its outbreak, but then imposed a based on data, not emotion." people who have been in contact with tic shows the U.S. death rate was more strict lockdown with high citizen compli- As governments seek their own exit those infected. Those characteristics are than three times that of Germany, nearly ance and widespread testing and tracing. pathways, and aim to strengthen areas also key to managing future outbreaks. 200 times those in New Zealand and However, we found in our study that Italy where they are weak, there's no way to be South Korea. is among the least prepared European In parallel, not every country is ready completely certain or fully prepared for Union members for a shift to a digital to shift much of its economic activity What made the difference? what might happen next. online. Around the world, not everyone economy. Germany, New Zealand and has affordable, reliable internet service; or The countries that more efficiently South Korea all have higher levels of In our research, we've found one the jobs, devices and digital apps that managed this first outbreak and its conse- internet access and service, digital pay- principle that governments might find would let them work productively from quences capitalized on their public health ments and public services, and employers useful to guide them through the uncer- home; or ways to make payments and get preparation to get a grip on the infection ready to handle remote work. tainty. It's from a former New Zealand quickly. Germany has a high volume of prime minister, Helen Clark: "Economies public services online. In some countries - Japan's situation is particularly chal- infections but low mortality. The country can recover; the dead can't." though not all - workers who can't do their lenging because it eased up its restric- only knows this because it had tested jobs remotely can reduce their in-person tions too early and then had to impose an extensively - at a rate of 21 people per contact by using digital transactions, emergency to stem additional outbreaks. Bhaskar Chakravorti, 1,000, as compared with 9.8 per 1,000 in whether it is for carry-out food, e-com- It is also relatively unprepared in Dean of Global Business, the U.S. merce or receiving bailout checks and digital terms because of a host of factors, The Fletcher School, unemployment benefits. New Zealand's government proved Tufts University Interview Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 8

Bahamas, Mauritius and nine other Interview: Kevin Teeroovengadum countries to its list of states that pose a financial risks to the bloc because of anti-money laundering and terrorism financing shortfalls”. That's going to be “We are anything a hard blow to the sector, and it's coming at the wrong time, isn't it? If what's reported becomes real, which I really hope not, this will be a massive but resilient! That's blow for Mauritius. There's no good or wrong time for this. But at this juncture where we have so many economic fires to deal with, we really do not need another big one. This would mean that Mauritius the plain truth” has failed to do the necessary “cleansing” asked of us over such a long period of evin Teeroovengadum worked for KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & time. The implications will be multi-fold: KYoung in corporate finance and strategic consultancy before (a) Potential global investors will shy away moving to Loita Capital Partners Group based in South Africa. He from Mauritius at a time where we joined Actis in 2007, the leading emerging market private equity firm. badly need new investors; He was the co-founder and CEO of AttAfrica in 2013 which became (b) Existing global investors who currently the premier investor of shopping malls in Africa. Like other use Mauritius will look to relocate else where to mitigate the risk of being at observers, he also sees a major recession coming with an odds with the European Commission unfavourable global environment that is likely to keep investors (c) A withdrawal of deposits from global away. He feels that government must bring about targeted reforms in investors and hence risk for our local the education sector and rope in the talents of Mauritians wherever banking sector they are to get the country going again. He makes a number (d) Foreign owned banks might question of suggestions about a way forward, among others the rationale of being based in improving efficiency, reducing wastage, putting a hold on big Mauritius. projects among others. It's important to understand that from the global perspective Mauritius is a small Mauritius Times: How bad is the eco- from the old to a new paradigm which was severe than what was expected a couple of jurisdiction and we are competing with nomic situation globally in the wake of bound to happen during this decade, but I weeks ago. other jurisdictions. The complexity has the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown never expected it would be in such a dis- increased since the beginning of the year, * Does that mean that all economic in most countries of the world, and what ruptive and fast-track manner. post Brexit in January and also now with sectors here - whether it's tourism, recession in Europe. The bottom line is is your assessment of its impact on the As for Mauritius, we are in our first financial services and manufacturing, very simple. Great Britain will try to protect Mauritian economy? recession since the early 1980s and unfor- sugar, etc., with their focus on foreign its own offshore jurisdictions to the detri- Kevin Teeroovengadum: Since the tunately it will be a very severe contraction markets for business and customers outbreak that started in China, a bit more that will leave our nation very scarred and than four months ago already, the situation will take a longer time to heal and recover. has evolved from what initially started * The first estimates as regards the We lost the last 10 years (the lost decade) by failing to carry out the potentially as a slowing down of the global performance of our economy in the } much-needed economic transformation that would have shielded us economic growth to a global deceleration wake of the Covid-19 pandemic point to better during the current crisis. Instead we kept saying our economy was resilient much worse than the financial crisis of a GDP contraction of around 6% in 2008. It has now reached a stage where it 2020. What's your take on that esti- and well diversified. But the reality is very different today. Why? Because our is the worst crisis since the great depres- mate? An understatement? economy has been surfing on the global wave; that wave was receding and it's not sion of 1929/30s. The estimate of 6% contraction put up there anymore. We could see that situation unfolding even before Covid-19 with I do not believe we have reached the by the Minister of Finance and IMF was a our GDP growth slowing down by end 2019 to 3.1%…~ bottom yet; it will be a much prolonged couple of weeks ago. I have been saying recession. This is a combination of a health since beginning of April that it would be a crisis, an economic shock with a sudden will go through difficult times beyond ment of other countries such as Mauritius, double digit contraction with a best case 2020 and well into 2021? stop of many economic sectors, leading to scenario of low teens, a base case of mid- while Europe will need every euro possible Unfortunately yes! We should not to rebuild its economy and hence can hit at underestimate the difficulties being faced jurisdictions like Mauritius. in our export markets and also the ripple The “V” curve recovery is wishful thinking since a long time ago and even the We have seen already a number of effect that Covid-19 is having just like a European countries saying that companies } “U” curve recovery would be a very optimistic scenario. I believe it will be an tsunami or an earthquake that have multi- which have structures in offshore or tax “L” curve along the lines of a “Nike” logo. It is going to be very slow, and it will ple waves or shocks. efficient jurisdictions will not benefit from take us a good 3 to 4 years to be back to where we were in 2019. This is assuming The “V” curve recovery is wishful bailout money from their respective thinking since a long time ago and even governments. The pressure was already there's no second wave of Covid-19 as countries start to open up softly…~ the “U” curve recovery would be a very mounting in Europe even pre-Covid-19 optimistic scenario. I believe it will be an and now with Covid-19 we are in a situa- “L” curve along the lines of a “Nike” logo. It tion where it is a bit like “Chacun pour soi, massive unemployment, bankruptcies both teen and worst case scenario that could go is going to be very slow, and it will take us Dieu pour tous”. at corporate and household levels, de- well beyond 20%. I would like to highlight a good 3 to 4 years to be back to where we Let's hope that our government has globalisation in the short- to medium-term, that the IMF generally tends to be late in were in 2019. This is assuming there's no done the necessary lobbying with our repositioning of geo-politics, advent of providing real updates of the situation on second wave of Covid-19 as countries start European friends and that we obtain a technology that's already forcing billions of the ground and that is why I would discard to open up softly. favourable response from the European people to embrace Industry 4.0 and dis- the IMF's forecast made 3 weeks ago. The * To make matters worse, there is Commission. rupting companies and economies that situation has since evolved negatively, with likely to be bad news for our financial relied heavily on Industry 3.0 and all these the lockdown in Mauritius extended till the services sector this week. Reuters has culminating in the short- to medium-term end of May with a soft opening around mid- reported that the “European Commis- with a lot of fear amongst the population. In May; moreover the economic damage in sion is set to include Panama, the short, what we are witnessing is a shift our main export markets in Europe is more F Cont. on page 9 Interview Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 9 ‘Government will not be able to bail out everybody, in fact it should not bail out everybody… Why bail out companies in sunset industries or companies that have had structural problems or weak management?’

l Cont. from page 8 currently being impacted. When there is a of money every year. * Mauritius does have otherwise its recession and, on top of that, an economic Third, Government will have to re- strong points: a rather well-diversified sudden stop and fear from people, this leads prioritise its infrastructural projects. For economy, low unemployment and low to a domino effect. example, the new airport terminal should be inflation, its Welfare State with strong After the lockdown, it will be hard for peo- put on hold for a long time to come. social security safety nets. These should ple to just go out and consume the way they Fourth, government should focus on help to see us through the economic did before and for a number of reasons - reducing our import bills especially on food- storm, isn't it? such as some would have lost their jobs, stuff and make self-sufficiency a 2- to 3-year We lost the last 10 years (the lost others would be asked to reduce their objective. salaries and, generally speaking, this trauma decade) by failing to carry out the much- Fifth, bolster our healthcare sector not of being locked-down would lead to people needed economic transformation that would only for us Mauritians, but also to position it shying away from consumerism at least in have shielded us better during the current for our neighbours in Africa who could shy the short- to medium-term. Hence this leads crisis. Instead we kept saying our economy away from Europe and come to Mauritius to multiple waves of contraction which is the was resilient and well diversified. But the instead. That's a big and growing market. opposite of the multiplier effect when you reality is very different today. Why? Because But for that we need more and better health- have economic growth. our economy has been surfing on the global care facilities and there are possibilities for wave; that wave was receding and it's not If the situation doesn't improve by early public-private partnerships. there anymore. We could see that situation June, Government will have to deal with an Sixth, reposition our tourism sector. The unfolding even before Covid-19 with our unprecedented situation. They have very GDP growth slowing down by end 2019 to limited options; one of them will be to borrow to “limiter la casse” as much as possible. In 3.1% - that is much lower than the initial 4% I really hope the government will upgrade its team across the board. We need forecast. any case, Government will not be able to bail } new faces, fresh ideas and Mauritians who have the expertise and skills to We never managed to bring our debt to out everybody, in fact it should not bail out GDP ratio to the 60% level and in fact in everybody. Why bail out companies in sun- take Mauritius to the next level. In this lockdown, I have come across Mauritians in 2019 it went up beyond 65%. I won't be sur- set industries or companies that have had Mauritius and also the diaspora who are real talents. If only they were part of the prised if it goes well beyond 80% in the wake structural problems or weak management? decision making and execution processes, it would have been a totally different of the current crisis. And for years we have Government will need to start offloading ball game. Mauritius needs to be able to do this human capital upgrade not been able to tackle our budget and trade assets as it is sitting over a lot of these scat- and transition as soon as possible …~ deficits year after year, yet Mauritius has tered around the island. For example, spent more than Rs75 billion in various pro- Landscope, SIC, shares in banks and in- examples are Amazon, Alibaba, Airbnb, jects of dubious relevance. Worse succes- surance companies, our famous new stadi- first step would be for existing hotel groups Uber-eats. We need to embrace technology sive annual government audit reports have um in Cote d'Or; it should even consider pri- to consolidate, restructure their debts, and and promote agri-tech, edu-tech, fin-tech, drawn attention to the staggering level of vatising the rail infrastructure of the new with the possibility of separating the walls health-tech, prop-tech, etc. For example, waste year in year out. Add them up and you metro, as well as reducing its stake in and operations. agri-tech can help us to become self-suffi- get to more than Rs75 billion which have Mauritius Telecom by divesting at least 10% Seventh, invest massively in education cient very quickly. Gone are the days of gone down the drain! shareholding, etc. Whatever option the go- and overhaul our education system once vernment will look at, the reality is it won't be mechanisation of agriculture. If we can grow Imagine if we didn't waste that much and for all. Our human capital is what will smooth riding for a number of years to come. vegetables without land these days in other money, we would have less debt (as these take us to what the Minister of Finance parts of the world, this tells you we have projects were all funded by debt), and we * Once economic recovery begins, referred to a high-income country, else this entered a new era. Other examples, we would have had the necessary reserves to what should Mauritius go big on first in will remain but a dream. So we need a ra- have seen during this lockdown period, is help weather the tough current economic the short and medium terms? dically different human capital and, to be technology being used for education and storm on our hands. Let's be honest with First of all I really hope the government able to achieve that, we need a radically dif- also for tele-medicine. So the sky is the limit ourselves: instead of rhetorically talking will upgrade its team across the board. We ferent education system. We cannot con- if we bring in technology in everything we do. about Mauritius being resilient, we are any- need new faces, fresh ideas and Mauritians tinue to get youngsters out of school and But to be able to use technology, we need to thing but! That's the plain truth. who have the expertise and skills to take recurrent mismatch with job requirements have an open mind and get our youngsters and growing youth unemployment. We need to spearhead these changes. a human capital that can fit within this new We could also use this as a way to make paradigm of Industry 4.0/5.0. If the situation doesn't improve by early June, Government will have to deal Mauritius become the tech hub for Africa. * What are your thoughts for the } with an unprecedented situation. They have very limited options; one of There are plenty of African talents who are future as regards the economic model spearheading a number of tech products/ them will be to borrow to "limiter la casse" as much as possible. In any case, that we should strive to put in place or companies and who would be keen to relo- Government will not be able to bail out everybody, in fact it should not bail out new paradigm to embrace? cate to Mauritius if such opportunities were everybody. Why bail out companies in sunset industries or companies that have I firmly believe that in a crisis you either offered to them. We could very easily make had structural problems or weak management?~ die or you come out much stronger, wiser Mauritius the “Silicon Valley” for Africa. and smarter. For Mauritius, we should take The other play for Mauritius is to become Covid-19 as a blessing in disguise as it will a science and research hub for Africa. We * A number of measures have been Mauritius to the next level. In this lockdown, force us to bring about the changes we did- have seen over the last 20 years, we have taken to assist both employees and I have come across Mauritians in Mauritius n't bother with in the last lost decade and had various viruses (H1N1, Sars, Mers, employers during the lockdown, and and also the diaspora who are real talents. If also force us to rethink how we want to posi- Ebola, etc) impacting the world and we more is likely to come in the weeks only they were part of the decision making tion ourselves in this new paradigm. might see other pandemics in the future. So ahead. In case the situation doesn't and execution processes, it would have why not developing Mauritius as a lab for improve soon, what are the govern- been a totally different ball game. Mauritius The future is Industry 4.0/5.0; we can't Africa? Let's get our Mauritian diaspora ment's choices? needs to be able to do this human capital shy away from this future and we should pro- mote innovation, science, research, and scientists who are working abroad in presti- As we stand today, the situation is upgrade and transition as soon as possible. technology. We are seeing how technology gious labs to set base in Mauritius or else already extremely complex as the whole Second, the government should change has positively disrupted a number of tradi- lobby to get international labs established in economic value chain - from our export- the way it used to operate. We cannot carry tional companies around the world. Classical Mauritius. oriented sectors to our domestic market - is on with inefficiencies, where we have waste Forum Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 10

Open Letter to the Government From: Mauritian Ghosts Stranded in Rome Prepare for e are 43 Mauritians stranded in board the said flight; that is incorrect embassy in Paris. Costa Croiciere imme- the future now WRome, Italy, since 22 March 2020, because our tests were then ready, our diately initiated action on 30 April 2020 to and we would like to address this open let- embassy in Paris was fully aware of this repatriate all Mauritians on a special char- ter to the Government through the Foreign fact and the flight list, at the outset, never ter flight at its own cost; we understand that am an expat, one of a very large number Affairs Minister to draw attention to our cur- featured our names; the Mauritian authorities would have never Iof the diaspora. rent plight. We are extremely disappointed (ii) as regards our return to Mauritius responded to that initiative and the entire I keep in touch with events on the island with the manner in which our situation has being dependent on the availability of operation was halted. but not the parliamentary stuff. My interest been handled, or rather mishandled, by the flights, we understand that Costa Croiciere Moreover it would seem that the autho- is in other productive sectors, for example authorities; it almost amounts to our being would have informed, in writing, and on rities harbour an over-exaggerated fear tourism. It is now obvious that concentrating denied our inalienable right of entry in our numerous occasions our embassy in Paris, that we will trigger a second wave of the for years on rich external tourists has not own country. that it would bear all expenses related to infection once we are back in the country. paid off. All the big hotels that occupy large The reply of the Foreign Affairs minister our return to Mauritius, including the provi- To that we will say that we have been swathes of the best beaches only attracted to the PQ addressed by Hon Shakeel sion of a charter flight; tested negative twice, and we are willing to the rich and the famous. It is only recently with the advent of the boutique hotels, pri- Mohamed on 5 May 2020 bears testimony (iv) it would not be superfluous to state go for qua-rantine, again, once we are vate rentals, AirBnB, B&Bs, etc., that the to the indifference of the authorities to our that most of us constitute a long-retired back. And still, we are being told that we do island has opened up a bit more. A lot has plight. In most countries, foreign nationals workforce which has given sweat and soul not qualify for repatriation since there is a to do with expats telling their friends in the have been repatriated to their native home- to our country. What is most depressing dearth of qua-rantine space and manage- UK and elsewhere what a good time they lands thanks to the efficient, pre-emptive and unacceptable is that one of us, when ment back home; so all of sudden we are had in Mauritius. The photos would have and diligent agency of their respective requesting for an update, got copiously turned into the sacrificial lamb because a worked too. foreign affairs missions posted there. We insulted by a cadre of our embassy in Paris country that prides itself as the star and key are the only foreign nationals left ‘impri- who, it would seem, did not want to be of the Indian Ocean does not have ade- So now, with the lockdown and no soned’, so to say, in IH Roma Hotel, Rome. unnecessarily bothered by our ordeal; quate quarantine capacity to accommodate flights, what to do? its citizens. Are we to expect any denoue- We understand that the minister would (v) the information concerning when our Well as soon as restrictions are have stated in his response to the PQ that: ment in the coming days, or would that be, last tests were done is also not correct; once again, wishful thinking, or asking too loosened, hotels can offer special weekend (i) at the time there was a flight in Paris they do not date back to 7 April 2020, as much? deals as well as mid-week breaks to the outbound for Mauritius, we had not yet stated, since we underwent confirmation local population. Prices would need to be received our Covid-19 test results, and that tests on 25 April 2020, and the results With love and socially-distanced hugs competitive enough to attract locals. Free would be the reason why we could not thereof were duly transmitted to our Mauritian Ghosts Stranded in Rome drinks, water sports, children's clubs, babysitting, etc., will attract many people. Cheap 3-course lunches with minimal choices at low prices will also bring in a Crying Wolf varied clientele. There would need to be Covid-19 and Frugal Living extensive advertising. Some boutique o be honest we all have hotels could offer 3-course takeaway to admit that the There is frugal living. It is not deprivation T lunches or dinner with matching drinks. government is taking the but a choice between the necessary and necessary initiatives to con- the superfluous. People are satisfying With regard to the national airline, it tain the pandemic. Some themselves with the minimum quantity needs to be slimmed down drastically and may say that action could and objective needs of food, clothing and to only offer flights to profitable routes. Offer have been taken well before, shelter. It is not a sign of despair or a call a very high standard of service at rea- thus preventing an outbreak to tighten belts. It is an instinctive shift to sonable prices. Appoint a CEO with proven here, but let’s leave that to prioritize and do things that are most experience; salary and bonuses to be taken the past. important. Frugality brings about a only if targets are reached. No more nepo- tism. All ground and cabin staff to be among What bothers me is that balance between needs and resources. the best. Salaries should be commensurate we are giving peanuts to the You may already be running your life with experience and delivery of targets. needy people and throwing along these lines: setting a food budget, away millions to the rich creating meal plans and listing your Plan now for package holidays with industrialists. Whatever hap- Even as economies begin to open up, businesses and consumers groceries accordingly, preparing your hotels in Mauritius and abroad. Make prices continue to look for ways to avoid risk. pened to the hundreds of mil- food, - using leftovers, making your competitive. Throw in free car hire for part (Martin Meissner/Associated Press) lions of rupees made as pro- bread, cakes and cookies, growing your or the whole of the holiday, a couple of fit by the tourism and cane uch a tiny thing and such a big impact. It was own herbs and eating at home amongst hours of fishing offshore, etc. other things. It implies modest consumption and industries? Not a word has unimaginable until it happened. A virus that S simplicity in personal lifestyle to face the Employ a good PR company to start been said of the millions paid cannot survive on its own but considered as a Mahamari... the pandemic. assembling booklets and other publicity up as dividends to the share- living entity, has taken over the world with literature to be ready when flights resume. holders, but why do we hear breathtaking speed. Thereupon, the world has There is, however, the fear that the transmis- Distribute at the appropriate time. Flood the cries of wolf! when the situa- got aggressively involved in the implementation sion of the virus can quickly rebound if we are market ahead of time. tion gets bad? of suppression strategies to contain the trans- not cautious enough and relax or remove the measures and interventions. The lockdown has Tidy up places like La Louise. Get old How can we give away mission of this new virus, the Covid-19, from one slowed down the progression of the disease but and dangerous evil smelling, fuming diesel taxpayer’s money to those person to another: enforcing significant lock- it has in no way eradicated it. We have to main- vehicles off the roads. who are against socialism in downs, disciplined physical distancing, personal tain a significant portion of the suppression favour of the needy but find hygiene, contact tracing, testing, quarantine and Look westwards; that's where the measures for a longer period of time to keep the socialism in favour of the rich isolation. All the foregoing activities have a com- tourists will come from. virus away. These, among other things have acceptable? Even if the mon goal: to stop the contagion from infecting All passengers to be tested (with imme- been rightly referred to as the “new normal”. taxpayer’s money is given people, killing them and causing immense colla- diate result) when booking a flight. Test away, the government should teral damages to the economy, personal and We had better resign ourselves and adapt to again before check in. No need to quaran- trade its assistance for family lives and livelihood. the new normal and adopt a frugal way of living tine on arrival in Mauritius. Test again every shares in these companies, as the journey promises to be quite long and The confinement has changed people’s way few days to reassure everybody. Test or the bailout funds should be resources limited for getting to a vaccine and/or of living all over the world. Either they are doing before boarding and at destination. Testing given as loans. therapeutic drugs that will combat this tiny virus. to be free of charge. it voluntarily or are forced to do so by the pre- Atish Boolaky vailing circumstances. The consumption of Mohun Aujayeb Ben Genevieve Russia goods and services has significantly changed. Quatre Bornes Perth WA Unwind Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 11 In A Light Vein Food for Thought Management Course Training We are not in the same boat s we are all locked down at home, let want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach Some want to go back to Ame run a Management Course with my personal masseuse, an endless work because they are running Training for you guys. supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my out of money. Others want to kill life'. those who break the quarantine. Lesson 1 of 5 Puff! He's gone. Some need to break the quarantine to stand in line at A man is getting into the shower as his 'OK, you're up', the Genie says to the the banks. Others criticize the wife is getting out, when the doorbell rings. manager. government for the lines. She quickly wraps herself in a towel and The manager says, 'I want those two runs downstairs. She opens the door to back in the office after lunch.' Some have experienced the Fred, the next-door neighbour. Moral of the story: Always let your near death of the virus; some have already lost someone from Before she says a word, Fred says, 'I'll boss have the first say. it, some are not sure their loved give you $800 to drop that towel.' * * * ones are going to make it, and After thinking for a moment, she drops it Lesson 4 of 5 some don't even believe this is a and stands naked in front of Fred. An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, big deal. After a few seconds, Fred hands her doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle Some of us who are well now $800 and leaves. and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and may end up experiencing it, and Wrapping herself in the towel, as she do nothing?' some believe they are infallible gets to the bathroom, her husband asks: The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' and will be blown away if or 'Who was that?' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the when this hits someone they 'It was Fred the next-door neighbour' eagle and rested. know. she replies. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped Some have faith in God and 'Great!' the husband says, 'did he say on the rabbit and ate it. expect miracles during this 2020. anything about the $800 he owes me?' Moral of the story: To be sitting and Others say the worse is yet to Moral of the story: If you share critical doing nothing, you must be sitting very, come. information pertaining to credit and risk with very high up. So, friends, we are not in the your shareholders (and management * * * same boat. team) in time, you may be in a position to Lesson 5 of 5 We are going through a time prevent avoidable exposure. A turkey was chatting with a bull. 'I heard that we are in the same boat. But when our perceptions and needs are com- * * * would love to be able to get to the top of Iit's not like that. We are in the same pletely different. And each one will Lesson 2 of 5 that tree,' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship emerge, in his own way, from that storm. can be shipwrecked and mine might not A priest offered a nun a lift. As she sat got the energy.' Some with a tan from their pool. be. Or vice versa. in the car, she could not help but reveal a Well, why don't you nibble on some of Others with scars on the soul (for invisible leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After my droppings?' replied the bull. 'They're For some, quarantine is optimal: reasons). controlling the car, he stealthily slid his moment of reflection, of re-connection. packed with nutrients.' It is very important to see beyond what hand up her leg. Easy, in flip flops, with a whiskey or tea. The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, is seen at first glance. Not just looking, For others, this is a desperate crisis. For The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm and found it actually gave him enough more than looking, seeing. 129?' others it is facing loneliness. strength to reach the lowest branch of the See beyond the political party, beyond For some, a peace, rest time, vaca- He removed his hand. But, changing tree. The next day, after eating some more religion, beyond the nose on your face. gears, he let his hand slide up her leg dung, he reached the second branch. tion. Yet for others, torture: How am I again. Finally, after a fourth night, the turkey was going to pay my bills? Do not underestimate the pain of others if you do not feel it. The nun once again said, 'Father, proudly perched at the top of the tree. Some were concerned about a brand remember Psalm 129?' He was promptly spotted by a farmer, of chocolate for Easter (this year there Do not judge the good life of the other, The priest apologized: 'Sorry, sister, but who shot him out of the tree. were no rich chocolates). Others were do not condemn the bad life of the other. the flesh is weak.' Moral of the story: Bullshit might get concerned about the bread for the week- Don't be a judge. Let us not judge the one end, or if the noodles would last for a few who lacks, as well as the one who Arriving at the convent, the nun went on you to the top, but it won't keep you there. more days. exceeds him. her way. End of training. We are on different ships looking to On his arrival at the church, the priest Some were in their "home office". survive. Let everyone navigate their route rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go Others are looking through trash to with respect, empathy and responsibility. forth and seek, further up, you will find survive. glory.' Unknown author Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a Never have I seen such a mess great opportunity. On every Monday, the heart longs for the office but the weekend does * * * not seem to end. Lesson 3 of 5 Those who have money have no way to spend it. A sales rep, an administration clerk and Those who don't have money have no way to earn it. their manager are walking to lunch when There is enough time on hand but you cannot fulfil your dreams. they find an antique oil lamp. The culprit is all around but cannot be seen. If someone leaves this world, he cannot be bid adieu. They rub it and a Genie pops out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one * * * wish.' 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. Never have I seen such a mess in life. The air is pure but wearing a mask is mandatory. 'I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a Roads are empty but it is impossible to go on long drives. speedboat, without a care in the world.' People have clean hands but there is a ban on shaking hands. Puff! She's gone. Friends have time to sit together but they cannot get together. 'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I The cook inside you is crazy, but you cannot call anyone to lunch or dinner. Wellness Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 12 Struggle with self-discipline? Try forming these habits In A Light Vein discipline. A bar opened But you need to have a reason to improve. Why do you want to get better at opposite a a skill? What do you want to use it for? Why do you want to get in shape? What will you do when you're fitter? church!!! Think on paper he church prayed daily against the Putting your thoughts into words helps Tbar business. you to understand yourself and what Days later the bar was struck by you're doing. I often come up with an idea lightning and caught fire which destroyed that sounds great in my head. it. But then I put my idea into words. I Bar owner sued the church authori- start thinking on paper. I simply write ties for the cause of its destruction, as it down my thought process. I start like this: was an action because of their prayer. "I have a new idea. It's…" By the end of The church denied all responsibility! the page, I know whether it's useless or So the judge commented, "It's difficult not. Often, my behaviour is not a matter of to decide the case because here we self-discipline - or a lack of it. have a bar owner who believes in the Sometimes you don't do something power of prayer and an entire church that because it's not the right thing to do. So doesn't believe in it." always think on paper. After you've scrib- * * * bled down your thoughts, let it rest, and Avoid touching M.E.N. to stop the get back to it a few days later. spread of Covid-19 Then, you think "this is great" or "this write down what I want to do every single M - Mouth is stupid". Either way, you win. Why? You Darius Foroux of Medium day in my journal. Then, at the end of the E - Eye used your brain as a tool. day, I look at what I actually did. When your N - Nose ithout discipline, we give up easily actions match your words, you're on the Do what you can right track. W Look, life is far from perfect. We will Follow W.O.M.E.N. to prevent Self-discipline is the ability to make Be honest in your communication never have the perfect circumstances to Covid-19 work. You know, I wish I lived in a mansion yourself do things even if you don't want to To yourself and to others. Honesty is W - Wash your hands with soap on the beach. I wish it never rained when I do them. That's one of the most important difficult for most of us because it requires want to go outside. I wish, I wish, I wish. It's O - Obey directives qualities in life. humility. We're often afraid of telling the all fun and games. But in life, we must do M - Move away from crowded places truth because we think we look weak. Especially in 2020, since we're all forced what we can with what we have. E - Exercise regularly to work and spend more time at home. But the opposite is true. When you're not N - Never ignore warning signals. There's not much we can do outside of the - Tired? Do what you can. honest, people can tell. As a result, no one * * * house. That requires self-discipline. A lot of will take you seriously. We all have weak- - Fired? Do what you can. L'homme traverse la plus difficile discipline. nesses and issues. There's no need to hide - Got to pay your bills? Do what you can. - Shitty house? Do what you can. phase des sa vie. We can't travel, eat out, shop comfor- it. There's also no need to play the victim. - No friends? Do what you can. tably, watch movies at the cinema, go to Simply stick to the truth. Le gouvernement ne veut pas qu'il travaille. concerts, and so forth. And yet, we're When you keep on being honest with Look ahead, very far ahead Son épouse ne le veut pas à la expected to behave like good people. We're yourself and others, it's easier to be disci- It will not always remain summer. Life maison. expected to work remotely, stay in shape, plined. Because it's not the end of the world moves in cycles. Sometimes it's great for a participate in video calls, take online cours- when we screw up. I have bad days too. I long time. And sometimes it's bad for a long La police ne le veut pas dans la rue. es, keep in touch with family, you name it. eat junk food. I skip my workouts. But I'm time. Things happen. Economies collapse. Without self-discipline, we will revert honest about it when I do. That brings me Jobs disappear. Natural disasters happen. back to giving up. Because whether you're back on the right path. Pandemics shut down life. You name it. aware of it or not, we're all headed towards Set the right example The best way to deal with all of it is to be chaos. That's the natural direction of life. Never expect people to do something prepared. Train your body and your mind. We need self-discipline to fight back. But you're not doing. And if you're doing some- Build a cash buffer. Get rid of excess. Life is how do you develop it? It remains a com- thing others are not doing, don't expect very long. plex issue, and no one has the answers. them to do it. Live NOW Jocko Willink simply says that you must do "What's that?" I know. It sounds like a But none of the above means you things and not complain. I like that, but for paradox. It comes down to this: Do the right should always think about the future. Life us mortals, it's not that simple. thing and have zero expectations of others. happens NOW. One thing I know is that it doesn't hap- If some people don't want to do that them- Working from home, reading a book, pen overnight. I prefer to focus on habits selves, it's not your problem. Keep on going for a walk, spending time with loved that lead to discipline, instead of focusing setting the right example. This is one of the ones; all those things happen right now. on self-discipline itself. So here's a list of biggest cliches in the world, but let your You're not helping yourself by being lost in habits I've adopted that made me more actions speak for you. your thoughts. disciplined. Improve every day You only help yourself by being disci- Hold yourself accountable Most people don't have the patience and plined about living in the present. I remind If you say you're going to do something, drive to improve. Recently, a person who myself of this several times a day. do it. And if you can't, have a good reason. bought my writing course said it was too Did you know that living in the present is That's the foundation of self-discipline. But much work to improve their writing. No a skill? You've acquired it once you're aware you don't do things so you can prove some- kidding?! of your thoughts. That's all. So next time thing to others. Of course it's hard to improve yourself. you're preoccupied, clenching your jaw, and No, you do it for yourself. You hold your- That's why most people don't do it. I gave not paying attention to what's in front of you, self accountable by writing down your that person a refund. It's not for you. There snap out of it. "Just like that?" goals, intentions, and actions. No one is are enough people who do want to Yes, just like that. Get back to what mat- watching. Just be yourself. improve themselves. If you have the will to ters most: The one thing that's right in front This doesn't have to be complicated. I improve, you don't have to worry about self- of you. Entertainment Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 13 YOUR STARS 16 Gorgeous Stars Turning 50 In 2020 Who Haven’t Sagittarius: Nov 22 - Dec 21 You'll be well determined to improve your career Aged A Day: Kelly Ripa, Mariah Carey, & More situation; however, you'll notice certain tension between you and your colleagues on one hand, and between you and your hierarchical superiors on the other hand. Your Mariah Carey Some of Hollywood’s biggest sexual form will agreeably surprise your partner. stars are turning 50 this year! Capricorn: Dec 22 - Jan 19 It won't yet be torrid passion between you and your Kelly Ripa and Mariah Carey partner, but things will tend to improve noticeably. Despite your good will, dialogue with your children will be are among the famous difficult; you'll have the impression to be permanently confronted with their provocations. faces who have barely Aquarius: Jan 20 - Feb 18 aged in the past decades You could win an excellent financial deal. In any case, you'll have the capacity to manage your finances with rigour and seriousness. It may be opportune to remind she told Town & Country. “Trying you that, if there's always a little folly in love, there's also to play the scene at hand while always a little reason in folly. Kelly Ripa also trying to hold your face up. Fast-forward to being 68, and Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 it’s a glorious act of bravery.” You must think to reduce not only foods very rich in She also added, “There cholesterol but also all foods that are too much were people on the [Golden] sweetened and alcoholic beverages. Don't neglect small Globes in their twenties who details and be attentive to all that you'll be led to sign. were so Botoxed. In their twen- Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 ties! We’ve been so condi- This astral climate will incline to a somewhat blunted tioned now to never see a real sense of good and evil; therefore beware of a tendency human face, one that moves, to moral laxity. Above all don't give in to the temptation to with its original teeth. try to solve your problems by ways which border with Sometimes we forget that illegality or scandal. there is a choice. I choose Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 not to do this. It’s like wear- ing multiple pairs of Spanx: Interesting opportunities should present themselves Good for you, not for me. Not on the material plane; don't miss them for you won't find mandatory.” others soon. Heart wise, on the contrary, don't expect great changes. If you're a lonely soul, you'll still have to Another Hollywood A-lis- endure your situation. ter, Taraji P. Henson celebrates the half-century milestone on Gemini: May 21 - June 20 September 11, and said she With you, even a mild beginning attraction may was determined to shatter quickly become a great fire of love. Your instincts may the ageist glass ceiling in overpower you; don't let them dominate you completely. Hollywood. “I still feel like Your nerves will be put to hard test; maximum irritation I’m just getting started. I because of your children; on top of all that, a dispute with Tina Fey still feel like I have so much your spouse! more to do,” she told Cancer: June 21 - July 22 Refinery29 in an interview. There will reign in your entourage very strong tension “Men don’t have an age and, as you'll be like a bear with a sore head, conflicts limit put on them at all. may be numerous. Financial considerations make you They don’t. I have not seriously doubt the sentiments which others harbour seen a man stop toward you. working because of Leo: July 23 - Aug 22 ome of Hollywood’s top A-listers are model isn’t phased by being among the his age. I haven’t Scelebrating a massive milestone in oldest women on the runway, some- even seen a man stop working Despite evident inconvenience, you'll readily mingle 2020: their 50th birthday! These actors, times even sharing the stage with her because of his receding hairline or his love and work. Fight against your tendency to mull over singers and TV personalities are the friends’ daughters. beer gut. So why should women have the past instead of dealing with the present time and a limit?” preparing the future. One can change nothing to the past, total embodiment of ‘aging gracefully’, “I embrace that too! I think many of whom look exactly the same as whether for good or ill; therefore, it would be better to it’s great, and I just think leave it in oblivion. they did decades ago! Over the next 12 they’re giving me a helping months, dozens of famous faces will be hand when I’ve got to run Virgo: Aug 23 - Sept 22 hitting the huge milestone birthday, around and come back down If you're single, a sentimental rupture or annoying including Kelly Ripa, Mariah Carey, and for the finale and it’s all down misunderstanding will perturb your peace of mind. Naomi Campbell. The “All I Want For the steps and they’re like Reconciliations will be really effective only if you take the Christmas” singer turned 50 on March ‘we’ll help you’ and I look up first steps. On the career front, risks will exist but they can 27, but she isn’t a big fan of celebra- and it’s daughters of my be easily identified. tions. “I don’t have a birthday,” the five- friends, and I kind of feel Libra: Sept 23 - Oct 22 time Grammy winner joked in a 2016 that’s special in a way,” she Love, money, health, work: on all these planes the interview with Complex. “I was just added. dropped here. It was a fairyland stars will be favourable to you. However one of your experience. Honestly, when you put a Meanwhile, Mean Girls friends has tried and will still try to abuse your kindness; number on it yourself, it’s just like, writer Tina Fey will turn 50 you must immediately stop him doing it. ‘Why?’ Why do that?” just a few days earlier on May Scorpion: 23 Oct - 21 Nov 18. The 30 Rock star has A person who had disappointed you will rise in your Fellow A-lister Naomi Campbell, who spoken candidly about how esteem thanks to the courage and serenity which he/she is among the most prolific models in the tough the film industry can be showed under harrowing circumstances. Chance will world said she was excited for the mile- on women who grow older in smile to you. Try to adapt to circumstances if you want to stone she will celebrate on May 22. “I’m the spotlight. “The greatest remain in control of the situation. so embracing it, I can’t wait,” she said in challenge for me as an an interview with Lorraine. The super- actress is just getting older,” Entertainment Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 14 ‘Bin Kuch Kahe': Zee TV's new serial TV Serial Kulfi Kumar Bajewala In a chat with Ahana Bhattacharya of Koimoi, Hindi cinema journalist, Friday 8 May: Mahinder supports Gunjan's accusations critic and author Ram Kamal Mukherjee opens up on his debut about Loveleen while Chandan receives an unexpected news. production venture Bin Kuch Kahe, a dramady aired on Zee TV Later, Kulfi is overwhelmed on meeting Bhola. Monday 11 May: Loveleen is shocked by Nandini's reply ou have turned pro- middle sister and Shamata is the youngest sister. We Yducer with Bin Kuch also have Shivam Sood, Nikhil Sabarwal and Bharat while Kulfi learns the truth about Chandan. Later, a confused Kahe. Please tell us Sharma on board. Archana Mittal is playing the mother's Loveleen finds a clue about Sikander. about the show role. Tuesday 12 May: Kulfi and her friends trick Chandan's I am co-producing it Why is it a finite series? men, and they disguise themselves to meet Bhola at his with Rajshree Ojha, under I and Rajshree were very sure about the fact that we house. However, Pakhi recognises Kulfi and provokes Bhola Ram Kamal Mukherjee the banner of Artecom would not do something which is a regular TV show. We against her. Entertainment. It is being wanted to have a start and an end, we didn't want a Wednesday 13 May: While Kulfi struggles to remind shot in Jaipur. It's Rajshree's concept and she has been stretch all story. The moment you tend to stretch it, it Bhola of his past, Nandini's mother tries to mislead her. Later, very instrumental. You can say it's a Rajshree Ojha pro- loses the grip. It's also a first of its kind in the sense that a suspicious Chandan spots Kulfi near Nargis park. duct. We have worked together on the casting and Rajshree calls it a dramady (drama and comedy), a term Thursday 14 May: Kulfi and her friends plan to verify everything else. It's a joint effort. It's a finite series with popularly used in US sitcom. I think it's the first dramady some vital information about Bhola. Meanwhile, Chandan is 157 episodes and is a first of its kind on Indian television. in Indian television. Zee has always come up with new tensed as Loveleen finds the location of his house. We are treating it like cinema, reports Ahana ideas and tries to experiment with concepts. We are Bhattacharya of Koimoi. grateful that Zee gave us this creative freedom. What is the story about? How was the experience of shooting in Jaipur? It's a story of three sisters and their relationship with We've been shooting there for the last three months. Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai their mother. Apparently, it looks like a dysfunctional It was brilliant! It has been a smooth journey. Initially, it Friday 8 May: Naina and Sameer are upheld on their plan family because everybody is fighting with each other. But was a bit of a task to convince the entire crew to leave of going to Mumbai and fulfilling Sameer's dream of becoming once you start following the characters, you know that their comfort zone in Mumbai and shift to Jaipur an actor. Naina asks her father to accompany them to Mumbai they all have genuine reasons. temporarily but we managed to do that. It is being shot if he wants to sure of their safety. Who all feature in the lead cast? by Shanu Singh Rajput. Ashish Patil has directed 80-85 Monday 11 May: Naina decorates the whole house and Shamata Anchan and Sameer Arora are playing the episodes while the rest will be directed by Mitesh lights it up with candles to have a good time with Sameer. female and male leads respectively. Both Rajshree and Chitalia. Our set has been designed in Jaipur by Sameer tries to avoid her and throws his tantrums when Kanji I believe that all the three sisters are the lead in this Archana Shourie and Vinod Bagh. We have infused interrupts. Naina takes advantage of Sameer's tantrums and serial since it is their story. The elder sister is being modern architecture with the traditional Jaipur flavour in invites him inside. the set. played by Rashmi Somvanshi, Nirvana is essaying the Tuesday 12 May: Sameer sells his house to fulfill his dream of getting a new bungalow for Naina. He even tries not to let her know about the sale of his house. And they both pack Bin Kuch Kahe's on-set ambience is their luggage to leave for Bombay. Wednesday 13 May: Everyone gets together in the family very positive: Shamata Anchan and all are happily giving farewell to Sameer and Naina. All are busy in games and dance and happy as well. Thursday 14 May: Sameer and Naina leave for Bombay finally by packing up their luggage. All family members bid them farewell in the railway station. Even Sameer promised Naina that he will make a better house for her than she was having. Ek Deewaana Tha Friday 8 May: Vyom tells Madhavi and Ranjan about Shivani's death and why he had done what he did. Radhika reveals to Krish that Shivani was not up for her wedding with Akash. Things take a nasty turn when Vyom reveals the whole truth. Monday 11 May: Krish and Radhika wants to look for Shivani. Akash threats Mr and Mrs Bedi, they are at his gun- point. Akash convinces Radhika to re-enact the past life character for his movie. he strikingly beautiful and super-talented Shamata positive," shared the actress. Tuesday 12 May: Vyom reveals to Radhika that he has been waiting twenty five years for Shivani to be his. Radhika TAnchan, who mesmerized audience with her acting The beautiful damsel is open to work in all genres. talent in Star Plus' Everest, is currently enchanting She said: "I don't mind doing a web-series or a movie asks Krish to have faith on him and to be by her side. There is viewers as a journalist Myra Kohli in Zee TV's Bin Kuch in any genre or language. If the role is good I am okay someone in the house and he gets a hold of Radhika, calls her Kahe to do a Telugu movie too." out by Sharanya. Shamata is glad to be part of this light hearted Shamata is a journalist in the show, so we ask her Wednesday 13 May: Radhika is convinced someone show, which doesn't dabble in too much drama, reports if she was told to ask questions to the following people grabbed her, but Akash tries to manipulate her into thinking iwmbuzz.com. what she would ask… she got unconscious. Krish believes in Radhika and goes to "It's an amazing experience working for the show Your co-star Sameer Arora - How does it feel look out for whoever grabbed her. and shooting in Jaipur for it. We have a great bonhomie working with Shamta Anchan? Thursday 14 May: Akash aka Vyom sets a trap to kill Krish on the sets. There was also a tradition that whenever Kapil Sharma - So, all good with your co-actors? the director used to say pack-up, we used to play a but things turn nasty when his plans fail and he gets stabbed song and dance for 5 mins and then go to our respec- Ashutosh Gowariker - When are you planning to instead. Shivani and Krish take him to the hospital. Shivani tive rooms. We are not only on set but off-screen make your acting comeback? gets a vision from the past. Krish proposes his love for Shivani family too. The on-set atmosphere is also very Ranbir Kapoor - Are you single? just to get a cold rejection. Watch’s On Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 15

Vendredi 8 mai - 21.15 Une Soeur Aux Deux Visages Avec Kristin Davis, Tammy Blanchard, Joel Gretsch MBC 1 MBC 2 MBC 3 Cine 12 Bollywood TV 06.33 Local: Encounter 04.30 Aastha TV 06.00 Mag: Eco India 01.41 Film: Think Like A Man Too 09.30 Film: Bhai Ho To Aisa 07.00 Dessin Anime 07.00 DDI Live 06.44 Mag: Shift 03.25 Serial: NCIS 11.55 / 19.54 - Ek Deewana Tha 10.24 Mag: Origami 10.00 Serial: Tumhaari Natasha 07.00 Mag: Initiative Africa 04.05 Film: Central Intelligence 12.11 / 20.11 - 10.45 Mag: Zoboomafoo 11.19 Serial: MOL 07.27 Doc: A Question Of Science 05.51 Tele: Amanda Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 12.00 Le Journal 12.04 Film: 07.32 Mag: Tomorrow Today 07.15 Film: K2 - The Ultimate High 12.32 / 20.32 Radha Krishna 12.25 Local: Autour Des Valeurs 15.00 Live: Samachar 07.57 World Stamps 09.00 Serial: The Good Fight 12.54 / 21.09 - Kaleerein 12.35 Doc: Wildlife Heroes 15.20 Honaar Soon Mee Hya... 09.00 Live Educational Program... 09.52 Tele: Au Nom De L’Amour 13.15 / 21.24 - Zindagi Ki Mehek 13.30 Local: Saver Kiltirel 15.43 Mooga Manasulu 16.03 Doc: 360 Geo 10.16 Tele: Mariana Et Scarlett 13.37 / 21.46 - 14.00 Local: Pause Cuisine 16.03 Apoorva Raagangal 16.55 Mag: Strictly Street 10.35 Serial: NCIS Bade Acche Lagte Hai 14.30 D.Anime: Raju The Rickshaw 16.30 Serial: Ki Jaana Mein Kaun 17.21 Doc: The Dresden Legend 11.25 Tele: Dulce Amor 14.03 / 21.59 - Chhanchhan 14.44 D.Anime: Astrolology 16.53 Serial: Gangaa 18.04 Charlie And The Humans 12.00 Film: Central Intelligence 14.25 / 22.25 - Ishqbaaz 15.07 D.Anime: Kuu Kuu Harajuku 18.00 Serial: Dr. Quin 18.35 Local: Talk On Ramadan 13.37 Tele: Amanda 15.03 Film: Koi Mil Gaya 16.28 D.Anime: Polly Pocket 18.30 Tele: Mariana Et Scarlett 19.00 Mag: Global 3000 14.45 Film: K2 - The Ultimate High Stars: Rekha, Hrithik Roshan, 17.00 Live Press Conference 19.00 Zournal Kreol 19.26 Doc: A Question Of Science 16.40 Serial: Scorpion Preity Zinta 18.00 Live: Samachar 19.30 DDI Magazine 19.33 Mag: Euromaxx 17.21 Serial: When Calls The Heart 18.00 Live: Samacher 18.30 Serial: Siya Ke Ram 19.50 Local: Yaadein 20.01 Serial: Mah-E-Tamaam 18.07 Tele: Au Nom De L’amour 18.30 Kumkum Bhagya 19.30 Journal & La Meteo 20.20 Serial: Mah-E-Tamaam 20.41 Serial: Karb 18.31 Tele: Mariana Et Scarlett 18.51 Piya Albela 20.00 Local: Press Conference 21.25 Local: Anjuman 21.03 Local: Ramadhan 2020 19.10 Tele: Dulce Amor 19.13 Mere Angne Mein vendredi 8 mai 22.15 Serial: Madam Secretary 21.26 Local: Urdu Programme 22.03 Local: Anjuman 20.05 Tele: Totalment Diva 19.24 Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai 23.00 Le Journal 22.37 DDI Live 22.29 Doc: The Ruins Of Raqqa 20.30 Serial: Midnight, Texas 20.05 Ek Deewana Tha 23.35 Local: Hit Parade Kreol 23.11 Doc: King Of Mountain 21.15 Une Soeur Aux Deux Visages 20.22 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala

06.00 Dessin Anime 04.30 Aastha TV 06.00 Doc: King Of Mountain 00.20 Tele: Peau Sauvage 04.05 Ek Deewana Tha 09.36 Mag: Origami 07.00 Film: 07.00 Mag: Global 3000 01.29 Film: Une Soeur Aux Deux 04.26 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 09.50 Serial: Grandpa In My Pocket 11.40 Good Morning Shanghai 07.29 Doc: A Question Of Science Visages 05.05 Zindagi Ki Mehek 10.20 Serial: Heidi, Bienvenida... 12.00 Nanda Saukhya Bhare 08.03 Doc: Secret Worlds 03.40 Film: Le Club Des Tigres 05.27 Bade Acche Lagte Hai 11.15 Local: Itinerer Moris 12.30 Serial: Mooga Manasulu 08.50 Doc: World Stamps 05.25 Tele: Destiny 05.47 Chhanchhan 12.00 Le Journal 12.48 Serial: Brundavanam 08.53 Doc: Sur La Route Des Vins 06.43 Film: Les Mensonges D’une 06.07 Ishqbazz Vendredi 8 mai 12.25 Local: Pause Cuisine 13.10 Serial: Annakodiyum Ainthu 09.48 Doc: Photo Number 6 Mere 06.29 Kumkum Bhagya 13.05 Local: The Dodo WHo 13.35 Serial: Anu Pallavi 10.30 Doc: The Ruins Of Raqqa 08.30 Serial: Mike Hammer 06.50 Piya Albela - 15.03 Wanted To Fly 14.05 Entertainment: Dil Hai Hindu 11.13 Doc: King Of Mountain 09.19 Film: Bienvenue Dans La 07.12 Mere Angne Mein 14.10 Local: Fee Main 15.00 Live: Samachar 12.03 Entertainment: Adele... Jungle 08.00 Zindagi Ki Mehek 14.30 D.Anime: Raju The Rickshaw 15.20 Film: Imtihaan 13.10 Doc: Secret Worlds 10.59 Film: Murder, She Baked 10.11 Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai Koi Mil Gaya 14.44 D.Anime: Astrolology 18.00 Mag: Check In 13.58 Doc: World Stamps 12.23 Serial: The Bletchley Circle 12.30 Film: Main Hoon Na 17.00 Live Press Conference 18.30 Mag: Eco@Africa 14.58 Doc: Photo Number 6 13.08 Tele: L’esclave Blanche Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Avec: Rekha, Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta 18.00 Live: Samachar 19.00 Zournal Kreol 15.41 Doc: The Ruins Of Raqqa 14.06 Tele: La Premiere Dame Sushmita Sen, Sunil 18.30 Entertainment: Dance 19.30 DDI Magazine 16.26 Doc: King Of Mountain 14.45 Film: Le Club Des Tigres Shetty 19.30 Journal & La Meteo 20.05 Serial: Vikram Betaal Ki 17.09 Mag: Urban Gardens 17.00 Serial: Midnight, Texas 16.00 Pavitra Rishta 20.00 Local: Press Conference Rahasya Gatha 17.27 Mag: Global 3000 17.52 Film: E.T. L’Extraterrestre 18.30 Film: Main Prem Ki Diwani samedi 9 mai 20.35 Local Prod: MBC 20.21 Serial: Bitti Business Wali 18.04 Doc: Bohemian Switzerland 20.05 Tele: Totalment Diva Hoon 21.35 Serial: Chicago Med 21.00 Film: 19.00 Doc: Olivia’s Garden 20.30 Series: Midnight, Texas 21.15 Serial: Siya Ke Ram 23.00 Local: Le Journal 23.15 DDI Live 19.30 Mag: Mixeur, Les Gouts et... 21.15 Film: Missing Daughter 22.05 Serial: Naagin Season 2 23.35 Local: Rodrigues 20.02 Mag: Mon Histoire 22.45 Tele: Eva Luna 22.55 Serial: Zindagi Ki Mehek 20.57 Doc: World Stamps

06.00 Dessin Anime 04.30 Aastha TV 06.00 Doc: Horizon 00.20 Tele: Peau Sauvage 02.43 Kaleerein 09.33 Mag: Origami 07.00 Film: Paapi 06.51 Doc: Olivia’s Garden 01.30 Film: Missing Daughter 03.33 Pavitra Rishta 09.45 Serial: Grandpa In My Pocket 10.00 Local: Shree Durga... 07.44 Doc: Wildlife Heroes 02.56 Serial: Hawaii 5-0 05.09 Film: Main Prem Ki Diwani 10.35 Local: Un Rasinn 11.00 Serial: Oru Kai Osai 08.38 Doc: World Stamps 03.32 Film: Labyrinthus Hoon 11.30 Local: Saveurs Plus 12.00 Film: 10.28 Doc: Soyalism 05.11 Tele: Destiny 08.00 Motu Patlu 12.00 Le Journal 15.00 Samachar 11.14 Doc: Horizon S 06.46 Film: Witchslayer Gretl 08.11 Chhanchhan 14.30 D.Anime: Raju The Rickshaw 15.20 Serial: Mooga Manasulu 12.00 Entertainment: Justin Bieber 08.30 Serial: Mike Hammer 10.02 Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar 14.46 D. Anime: Croque Nuage 15.40 Serial: Eka Lagnachi Teesri 13.00 Doc: Wildlife Heroes 09.18 Film: Le Zoo Enchante 12.30 Film: Om Shanti Om 14.55 La Famille Blaireau-Renard 16.06 Apoorva Raagangal 14.04 Doc: World Stamps 10.44 Film: Labyrinthus Starring:Shahrukh Khan, 15.30 D.Anime: Petit Creux 16.28 Local: Yaadein 14.59 Doc: Iran Short Of Water 12.15 Serial: Hawaii 5-0 Deepika Padukone, Kirron 15.32 D.Anime: La Famille Passiflore 16.54 Serial: Mahakali 15.54 Doc: Soyalism 13.10 Tele: L’esclave Blanche Kher dimanche 10 mai - 21.15 16.30 D.Anime: Polly Pocket 18.00 Lettre Pastorale Careme 17.31 Doc: Olivia’s Garden 13.47 Tele: Premiere Dame 15.13 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 17.00 Live Press Conference 18.30 Local: Tipa Tipa Nu Avance 18.00 Doc: Zenith 14.50 Film: Jem Et Les 17.00 Punar Vivaah 18.00 Live: Samachar 19.00 Zournal Kreol 18.26 Mag: Japan Video Topics Hologrammes 17.30 Samachar Underworld Awakening 18.30 Local: Safar 19.30 DDI Magazine 18.34 Local: Talk On Ramadan 18.30 Series: Mission: Impossible 18.30 Film: Hum Saath Saath 19.00 Local: Anjoria 20.00 Serial: Maharakshak 19.05 Doc: Builders Of The Future 19.15 Mag: Close Up Hain 19.29 Mag: Mixeur, Les Gouts Et... Avec: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, 19.30 Le Journal 20.42 Serial: Naagin 20.05 Tele: Totalment Diva Starring: Salman Khan, 20.05 Local: Press Conference 21.28 Serial: CID 20.06 Doc: Master Of Engineering 20.30 Serial: Counterpart Sonali Bendre, Mohnish

India Eisley dimanche 10 mai 21.30 Film: The Bounty Hunter 22.15 Serial: Piya Rangrezz 20.58 Doc: World Stamps 21.15 Film: Underworld Awakening Behl, Tabu, Saif Ali Khan, 23.00 Le Journal 21.01 Les Dessins De Christian Avec: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Karisma 23.35 Local: Sega Tambour 21.48 Doc: Futuropolis Ealy, India Eisley 22.04 Bade Acche Lagte Hai

Samedi 9 mai - Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Dimanche 10 mai Stars: Salman Khan, Sonali Bendre, Mohnish Behl, 18.30 Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan - 18.30 Tabu, Saif Ali Khan, Karisma Kapoor Carnet Hebdo Mauritius Times Friday, May 8, 2020 16

putting their lives in jeopardy in hot spots of the world. Reporting and criticism often lead to conflictual relations with Funding the Press the authorities, and the consequences vary from court action for libellous reports to arbitrary arrests, depending on politi- The treasuries of few cal regimes. In the example of a far left-wing absolute rule, a countries are full enough to journalist is sent up for 15 years for having criticized the enable governments to allo- Communist Party in China only this week. At the other end of cate sums to prop up ailing the ideological spectrum, there is absolute monarchical rule sectors in their economies which sends a commando to cut a journalist down into pieces during the present crisis, to with a crude saw without anaesthesia. In between, drug avoid massive lay-offs and to mafiosi underworld has no qualms about blowing up a keep small businesses afloat. journalist in her car in Malta, and other mafiosi groups shoot However, employees are at journalists in the country of the former gulag. Seasoned losing jobs everywhere and journalists keep the passion for their job alive despite all Nita Chicooree-Mercier unemployment is on the rise. odds. France even hands out some The press is the echo chamber of multiple voices in aid to students to lighten the society. The presence of a number of press papers in a small financial burden off parents' shoulders. The challenge to island may be viewed as a sign of intellectual vitality, but established authority which the written press normally repre- sents is also flailing about, and only a handful of political also, by some, of an expression of unwanted cacophony. leaders have included the press as beneficiaries of state aid. Whatever be the reality, due attention to the importance of reading papers should be promoted especially among young Undeniably, the press is an indispensable element that ideologies misleading the public, withholding information for informs the public about daily current events at national level lack of courage to tell the truth and come out with a balanced adults. The sector is groping its way along to stand on its and the general health of society, including sociological, eco- reporting let alone analysis do not meet with approval. own. Amid lockdown restrictions and business standstill, a nomic and political affairs. A few of them have an interna- Increasingly, readers turn to other sources than mainstream business magazine may look like an unessential service, but tional readership and are considered as noteworthy refe- newspapers for a deeper insight into matters that concern if its survival for brighter days depend on assistance right rence in international matters in a highly connected world their country and the world. For the past fifteen years or so, now, the plea is worth considering. And the same goes for and a global economy. An appeal to readers on their online the younger generation has taken stock of the incomplete, the predicament of other papers, too, for that matter. edition for financial contribution to keep them cope with less partial and sometimes outright biased reporting on major What funds can be taken from public coffers to rescue the revenue generally draws a positive response from many of issues. Consequently, they look for the bigger picture of sector? With the string of burdens of a viral crown on its head them. everything happening under the sun from more specialized and a garland of thorns around its neck, caused by Air Other readers may think twice before parting with a few and informed sources in every field. Internet is their world. Mauritius and SBM, the government is unlikely to dig in its bank notes from their accounts on a monthly basis because Much more so than their elders who loyally stick to the same coffers to extend a generous hand to the press. The other of the partisan stance and biased views or silence of the press outlets to get informed. option is to turn to private donations from corporate business, paper concerned on the political handling of key issues Generally, journalists have a passion for their job, con- and Mauritians locally and abroad. It is our hope that there peddled by some other papers. Political correctness on necting people to whatever is happening miles away in their will be an understanding, support and a general positive societal ills and sensitive issues, compromises with toxic country and across the oceans. Reporters still do their job, response.

Tree of Knowledge

l Companies' financial health by identifying opportunities to Staying afloat in Post-Pandemic World shorten the cash-conversion cycle. l The need for new working and shopping experience by For people in business, The Stockdale Paradox is the ability to retain unwavering digitization and automation in order to improve resilience, “2020 is just a year for faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the scale, and speed. staying alive. Don't even talk difficulties, and at the same time have the discipline to Leading in a crisis about your dreams or plans. confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, Just make sure you stay whatever they might be. The psychological duality of In today's crisis atmosphere, the shortened timeline for alive. If you can stay alive, 'balancing realism with optimism' will increase the odds of companies to react has put leadership style to test as they then you would have made a making a series of good decisions during a bleak situation. have to make unprecedented decisions. profit already," said Jack Ma, Adopting to new normal The companies that utilize adaptive leadership will Alibaba group. emerge stronger from the Covid-19 pandemic. Business Businesses can't go back to the way they operated leaders can follow the following techniques to make rapid Business leaders need to before. Instead, businesses have to become more adap- and effective decisions during times of uncertainty and cir- carve out new ways to ope- table, implement new tools to aid collaboration, and redis- cumstances with imperfect information: rate post-Covid 19, and the cover business building. actions they take now and in l Fishbowl technique For instance, the Covid-19 outbreak is going to spike the weeks ahead will define l Balcony perspective business automation and greater use of technology; increase them and their companies. Niranjana KarthigaiRajan preference for local over global products and services; sup- In fishbowl technique, the decision makers and key Leaders have to envision experts sit around a table (or virtual table) allowing a few what the future will look like, ply chains built on just-in-time inventory may have to be reevaluated; teams have to be empowered without top-down empty seats. The stakeholders observe the meeting and they how employees and cus- can also contribute ideas by temporarily taking one of the tomers will have changed by this crisis, and what their com- governance; reexamining of policies and practices on employee benefits, and much more. empty seats. This technique allows various views and debate panies will need to do to meet their emerging needs. from various stakeholders unlike the hierarchical approach. In restructuring the business operations, companies must In a time of crisis, business leaders have to be a coura- Also, this method saves time and enhances the potency of have employee safety and customer safety as the top geous champion like Winston Churchill, and not like Neville the message. priority. Companies have to innovate on contactless option Chamberlain. That is how Churchill's courageous leadership, Balcony perspective proposed by Ronald Heifetz and profound speeches, and ability to confront reality defeated and forecast on emerging new needs of customers post-lock- down. Marty Linsky suggest that leaders mentally step back from his enemies. the action to get a complete perspective. In this technique, For instance, retailers may have to innovate ways to Responding to the crisis you learn to be both an observer and a participant at the minimize crowd gathering in stores. For example, by intro- Thriving in this downturn requires immediate action same time. Unlike as on a dance floor, where the perspective ducing 'Buy online, pick up in store' option, modifying store planning. And decision making amid uncertainty is not easy. is only limited to things just around you, when you move out hours, training and equipping staff to engage with customers Every good-to-great company faces adversity on its path to of the floor to the balcony, you get a more strategic view of online, and much more. great, and during those adverse situations good-to-great your business. leaders need to approach those challenges as Admiral Retooling is the key "In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity," said James Stockdale did. James Collins, a business strategist, in Companies need to prioritize the most pressing issues Albert Einstein. Decision making amid uncertainty isn't easy. his book Good to Great, relates a conversation he had with first to ensure business continuity and stability. That also Rediscover, rethink and continue to learn as you go. James Stockdale, US navy admiral who was imprisoned and means having the discipline to ignore non-essential activity. tortured for seven years during the Vietnam War. This Leaders have to define the best ways to resolve: Niranjana KarthigaiRajan conversation lead Jim Collins to coin the term the Stockdale l Global supply and demand shock through end-to-end Paradox (named after Admiral James). single integration platform across the supply chain. ([email protected])