[ STRAIGHTTALK |General Elections Special > pp. 42-43

[ INTERVIEW> pp. 36-37 Insert N°3 • Friday 16 APRIL 2010 LAWYER VS Editorial ] LAWYER by Touria PRAYAG Fat Cats

Many of us will remember last Monday as the deadline for settling our tax returns. And fearing a fi ne, we all did. We even felt thankful for the extra two days. Though most of us will have paid happily, feeling grateful that we belong to that category of people who earn enough to have to pay, we still had pangs at the idea that a good chunk of that hard-earned money will go to fatten up some already fat cats, just because they are lucky enough to be connected to those who are or will be in power. And, nothing is as emotive and morale- sapping as believing that one is being fl eeced of the fruit of one’s work, and for the money taken to go into the wrong pockets. Politics has become a pecuniary business and, so long as you are in the privileged circle, you will not go empty handed, whether you have been invested with candidature or not, whether you win or lose. The Opposition criticizes only for as long as it is in the Opposition. As soon as it is in power, those criticizing are the fi rst to go to town. Indeed, providing ‘jobs for the boys’ has been common practice in this country with each and every government. And there is nothing inherently wrong with appointing one’s advisers from one’s camp. After all, decision makers need to surround

PHOTO : PRAKASH RUNJEET themselves with those people they trust. Some of these are fully qualifi ed and we respect that. What I fi nd preposterous, however, is when these appointees do not satisfy the minimum What’s the educational requirements. Some ministers are renowned for scraping the barrel: their ‘advisers’ as well as those they nomi- nate to run some parastatals have not even reached the level of HSC! How these people can lead parastatal organisations or advise on policies which affect the country is something I still fi nd hard to understand. programme? Some ‘boys’ are paid such an obscene amount of money that it cannot even be disclosed to the public. Yet, they are paid from public funds! As if the disproportionate salary were not enough, as soon as these people are appointed, they start hop- ping on and off planes more frequently than we board busses, ravenously feasting on the over generous per diems. When governments change and these appointees who try to cling to their positions like leeches are dismissed, their contracts are such that the national coffers are swept clean to pay them compensation. Talk about a no-win situation…. I think it is about time the programme presented to the electorate, whenever that is, gives guarantees that chairmen of parastatal bodies and advisors’ qualifi cations as well as their sa- laries and fringe benefi ts are made public so that the people are reassured that their hard-earned money is not going to line the pockets of some lazy fat cats. That would go some way towards transparency, if not absolute meritocracy. And one thing is for sure: the generous per diems which are shamelessly abused now have to be abolished and replaced by the proven ‘expense account’ system that holds sway in the private sector. By this single measure, junketeering would also be markedly reduced. “Sunshine is the best antiseptic,” they say. If you’ve nothing > pp. 34-35 to hide, bring it out in the open. That will earn you my vote! PHOTO : DEVIND JHUNDOO [email protected] l’express [Friday 16 April2010 • Insert N° 3 QUICKREAD] p. 30 The Week at a Glance] Events] The General Election is now scheduled for May 5th and the Boeing Boeing registration of candidates (Nomi- nation Day) for April 17th.The Head for the Serge Constantin Theatre in Vacoas for a good week has, therefore, been marked laugh with the play Boeing Boeing. The event is being organised by election fever, the papers by LOL Productions and will run from 29th April to 1st May going to town with accounts of al- 2010, at 20.00. liances and the number of ‘tickets’ Boeing Boeing, a play in three acts, was written by Marc Can- conceded to one party or the other. noletti and has been performed over 15,000 times world wide. We have been reporting such de- The play is about Bernard, who has three mistresses; all air tails every week assuming that our hostesses in different countries readers know as much about the and different airlines. Howe- subject as we do…So we felt ra- ver, things get complicated ther embarrassed when one of our for him with the launch of a faithful readers from abroad, Eric new Boeing, which causes Lolive, wrote to us in the name of schedules to clash. Tickets are available through the ‘Mauriciens d’ailleurs’ asking us LIBRARY PHOTO a simple question: ‘What are tic- Candidates registering on Nomination Day prior to the 2005 elections. Otayo at Rs 400, Rs 300, kets?’ He adds, ‘We’ve never heard Rs 200 and Rs 100 for chil- of tickets being used when voting. are allowed to nominate 3 can- sponsor particular candidates. dren under the age of 12. Call 466 9999 for more information. It would help if you could write a didates to represent each consti- Just out of good will of course. short explanation on the electoral tuency (making a total of 60). Each Nothing sinister. Concert: Sandra Mayotte party campaign in Mauritius in candidate nominated to represent The political party or party your next weekly edition.’ his party in the elections, or as the alliance that wins the majority of Sandra Mayotte will be celebrating her 12 This we will do with pleasure British would say, invested with seats in Parliament forms the years as a singer with a concert on 29th May and with our sincere apologies for candidature by his party, is said government and its leader be- 2010 at 20.00, at the MGI in Moka. She will not having anticipated your ques- to have obtained a ‘ticket’. The re- comes the Prime Minister. It perform with a variety of well-known Mau- tions! sults at the polls will determine if is the Prime Minister who se- ritian artists, including Marie-Josee Clency, The word ‘ticket’ in politics, this person will win a seat in par- lects the members of the Ca- Alain Ramanisum, NT Black, Meera now entrenched in the Mauritian liament. binet from elected members Mohun and Gerard Louis. Tickets are already political culture, may in fact origi- To obtain a ticket, it would of the Assembly, except for the available at Rs 500, Rs 400 or Rs 250. Call Otayo nate from the word ‘ticket’ used in seem, you need to be backed by Attorney General who may not on 466 9999 for more information and to Creole as a way to access a desi- one or two million rupees which be an elected member of the book your tickets. red place. It is perhaps little won- you are prepared to spend on the Assembly. The political party or der that it has been transferred to campaign with the hope of reco- alliance that has the second largest the political arena because politics vering it somehow once you are majority forms the Offi cial Op- is seen as a desired place which elected. No different from other position and its leader is normally Musical dinner would allow one to rise in status countries. We recall how Hilary nominated by the President of the and power. Clinton nearly went bankrupt run- Republic as the Leader of the Op- Dinner, music and candlelight make The Assembly is made up of ning for presidency. position. The Assembly elects a a delightful combination. Enjoy a 70 Members, with 62 members According to Lindsey Collen, Speaker, a Deputy Speaker and a great meal at La Bonne Chute at directly elected in 21 constituen- the money is sometimes raised Deputy Chairman of Committees. Riviere Noire at 20.00 on 7th May cies. Mauritius is divided into 20 through sectarian lobbies. A po- So, if a political party offers 2010, while listening to songs from constituencies, and 3 members litical socio-cultural organization you a ‘ticket’, look around for the famous musicals like Phantom of are elected by each constituency. or a church may raise money to necessary few million. It might be the Opera, West Side Story, and the Wizard of Oz. The artists Rodrigues is a single constituency, have their candidate obtain a ‘tic- worth it. are Kathryn Caine, Veronique Zuel-Bungaroo, Jean Michel with 2 elected members. ket’. At other times, family mem- Ringadoo and Dean Nookadu at the piano. The event will last 1h30 and tickets are available through Otayo at Rs 1250. Call Political parties in Mauritius bers chip in or private institutions T. P. 466 9999 to book your seats for this exceptional event. Kreol korner] La Terre Vue du Ciel La Terre Vue du Ciel is a magnifi cent exhibition of photographs sponsored by the MCB, which you can catch at Caudan, Port Louis until 30th June 2010. The photographer is none other than Yann-Arthus Bertrand, creator of the visually dramatic fi lm Home. La Terre Vue du Ciel comprises photographs which offer stunning views of the world’s most beautiful sites seen from above, at heights ranging from 30 metres to 3000 metres. As with Home, Yann-Arthus Bertrand aims at raising awareness of the effects of climate change on our beautiful planet. Do not miss this unique chance to discover our world from another perspective.

Roller-skating Learn to roller-skate at the sessions or- ganized by Conic Sports every Friday until 30th April at Shoprite, Trianon. Sessions last one hour fi fteen minutes and will be held at 9.45 and 17.15. They include an introduction to roller-skating for beginners, and slalom hockey To pe badiner! = you’re joking! lessons for intermediate skaters. The sessions cost Rs 150 each, with an additional entry fee of Rs 500. Participants can rent A term usually used to express incredulity. Although badiner can also mean mucking about (aret badiner skates at Rs 100 per session. = stop mucking about), this particular phrase is used in response to a surprising or seemingly unreal For more information and to sign up for the lessons, call Otayo statement. E.g. One person says to another, “The elections are going to be won by the party with the best on 466 9999. M.L. ideas and programme”, whereas the other replies, “To pe badiner!”. N.R. ILLUSTRATIONS : Stephane BENOIT p. 31 [QUICKREAD Insert N° 3 • Friday 16 April 2010 l’express

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Well said ] Satteeanund Peer- thum, historian.. ‘Political leaders consi- der political parties at times as their private property.’ True: on one side there is the Alliance de l’Ave- nir led by three ‘sons of’ and on the other there is Paul Béren- ger’s son who, we are told, will take up the leadership of the party in due course. Family business is Silence is highly prosperous in Mauritian politics! golden] Xavier Duval, cam- paigning in Quatre Bornes on Monday. ‘bizin vot en bloc’ (you should vote for three candidates from l’Alliance de l’Avenir)

PHOTO : TONY FINE An approximate slogan as we still The President of the Board of Directors of La Sentinelle, Jean-Claude de l’Estrac, don’t know who the making a speech to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 5 plus weekly news- third candidate for paper, an opportunity to congratulate Editor Darlmah Naëck and his team for their the above-mentioned extraordinary performance: 5 plus is now the weekly with the widest circulation alliance is. according to the latest survey conducted by Media Focus Rabin BHUJUN The International Scene] From Cold War to Nuclear Terrorism

By Nad SIVARAMEN WASHINGTON, DC SUMMIT life and striking a major blow at global peace and stability,” Obama told the as- Against a Global Threat, the world sembly. needed a Global Response. This res- According to the nonpartisan think ponse came this week in Washington, tank Nuclear Threat Initiative, “terro- DC. The outcome of the Nuclear rists are seeking materials needed to Security Summit (said to be the make nuclear weapons. Nuclear ma- largest crowd of world leaders gathered terials are still housed in hundreds of in the US since 1945) may appear mo- buildings and bunkers in dozens of dest in terms of strategies, but the fact countries -- many in urgent need of that there is a new “mind-set” against better security.’’ There are 18 documen- nuclear weapons constitutes in itself a ted cases of theft or loss of plutonium major step towards a safer world. or highly enriched uranium, and other Let’s imagine the international ter- alarming incidents including a 2010 rorists who blew up the metro systems break-in by unarmed peace activists at or buildings in Moscow, London, Ma- a Belgian base where U.S. nuclear wea- drid, Nairobi, Bali, Baghdad or New pons are reportedly stored. Closer to York used nuclear weapons instead. Mauritius, there was also an attempted The aftermath would have been as di- armed attack two years ago on a South sastrous as in Hiroshima and Nagsaki. African site housing hundreds of kilo- Since the two World War II atomic grams of highly enriched uranium... bombings, nuclear weapons have been An impressive showing of world leaders at the Nuclear Security Summit this week. There are fortunately some signs detonated on over 2000 occasions for of a tighter control. This week Canada testing and/or demonstration purposes. pillars of the Israeli national security Destruction) doctrine and the nuclear announced plans to ship spent nuclear The only countries who have nuclear strategy. Iran is trying to establish “a ci- arms race between the two countries fuel to the U.S. for safe keeping, fol- weapons or who have acknowledged vilian nuclear energy programme” despite are behind us. But, in the meantime, lowing the lead of Chile. Ukraine also having detonated them are, in chrono- UN sanctions and growing concerns the nuclear threat has mainly shifted announced its intention to ship out its logical order, the United States, Russia, even from Russia and China. from state to non-state actors as well entire stockpile of highly enriched ura- United Kingdom, France, China, India, Prior to the Nuclear Security Sum- as state sponsored terrorism (Syria, nium by 2012. Pakistan and North Korea (actually the mit, Barack Obama and Russian Presi- North Korea and Iran, according to However, the absence of key nu- only country that possesses a nuclear dent Dimitri Medvedev signed a new the international community). clear players, like Iran, Israel, Syria weapon not invited to the Summit). Is- strategic arms treaty, which focuses on The White House claims that and North Korea at the summit will rael plans to remain ambiguous over its reducing the enormous stockpiles of networks such as Al Qaeda have tried only leave any resolutions inconclu- nuclear policy - this policy of not dis- warheads that each side retains from to acquire the material for a nuclear sive, not to mention terrorist organiza- closing whether the country possesses the Cold War. So there is reason to weapon. “It would be a catastrophe for tions that are still in search of nuclear a nuclear armament or not is one of the believe that MAD (Mutual Assured the world, causing extraordinary loss of capabilities… l’express [ Friday 16 April 2010 • Insert N°3 ISSUES] p. 32

Left Field] By Nicholas RAINER Against all I’m voting for…

Many people, journalists included, would sell their right kidney to fi nd out who will win the next elections. Less than a month ago, the MMM looked like a bunch of also-rans. Thanks to Na- vin Ramgoolam’s spectacular miscalculation (or masterstroke - it’s anyone’s guess) and a revam- ped front bench, the opposition seems to be back in business. Relatively speaking, at least. Whether they will be able to give Labour and its allies a run for their money remains to be seen. Still, this new confi guration is good news for democracy. Or is it? It depends on what kind of a mood you’re in really. The fact that two alliances rather than one are vying for power might, at a glance, seem like the lesser of two evils. Yet, in the gran- der scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter a jot which of the two wins for, as Led Zeppelin remarked, the song remains the same: the op- position rabidly criticizes government policies until it is voted into power and thereby proceeds to implement the said policies under a different name. It’s tiresome, it’s rude, it’s politics. Well, do me a favour this time around; don’t try to lure me with bunkum of the “I’ll-change- your-life-in-100-days” variety. You won’t. And, anyway, my life is fi ne the way it is, thank you very much. I will however gladly give my vote to any party that can promise to professionalize the Central Water Authority (CWA) and the Central Electricity Board (CEB). There are many scan- dalous practices that we accept as the pitfalls of Mauritian democracy; as a price we’re willing to pay for the privilege to choose our government every fi ve years. I fi nd it excessively hard to swallow though that these two strategic public utilities can be treated as sinecures for those who weren’t quite able to get their party’s nod on nomination day. This indulgence isn’t remotely quaint or folk- loric, it’s downright dangerous. Moreover, the political gain of using the CWA and the CEB as job centres for a handful of minions is relatively minor. Surely, they could be whisked off abroad

to represent the myriad interests of this great PRAKASH RUNJEET nation in exciting capital cities like Ulan Bator, Nouakchott and Managua. A challenging read ? At least espite the vacuum that passes as an If, on the other hand, it’s simply a ploy by the one political party has Prime Minis- electoral season. government of the day to maintain a stranglehold produced a manifesto… ter’s pleas that There’s a lot to be said on the two most vital utility companies in the Dthe upcoming for a party that has remained country, we have cause to be angrier still. If any- general elections be a “de- true to its ideals, such as the thing in this country should be apolitical it’s de- bate of ideas”, neither of the necessity to tip the balance fi nitely these two companies. So here’s a message mainstream alliances has of power in favour of the to whoever gets to steer this beautiful, lumbering deemed it necessary to pre- working class, throughout ship next: you can have the MBC, Air Mauritius, sent their programmes to the its existence. Naturally, it’s the Mauritian Film Development Corporation, population. Needless to say, far easier to do this when the kitchen sink and whatever other goodies you this environment is hardly the party in question hasn’t can get your hands on, but please, oh please, lea- conducive to the sort of lively exactly been in a position to ve the CWA and the CEB alone. exchange of ideas needed to be corrupted by power. Still You see, the production and supply of water broaden the democratic space Lalit has never succumbed to and electricity are serious affairs that necessi- and allow the electorate to the temptation of pandering tate long-term planning and careful, steady ma- make an informed decision to the baser instincts of Mau- nagement. A lack of these attributes will have on May 5. It’s fortunate then ritians, such as touting the deleterious effects on the companies’ abilities to that Lalit presented its pro- death penalty as a solution to perform their duties and could eventually even gramme last Tuesday. If this the deterioration of law and plunge the country into chaos. So let’s get some impressive document pro- order, in order to scrounge pros in charge; they can be Mauritian, they can bably won’t get any of its can- a few extra votes. Its pro- be foreign, it doesn’t matter. As long as they get didates elected (indeed, Lalit gramme is additional proof the job done effi ciently! has chosen not to fi eld any), it of its continued commitment will at least inject some much to privileging issues over po- needed oxygen into the idea- pulism. p. 33 [ISSUES Insert N° 3 • Friday 16 April 2010 l’express odds “It’s not surprising that the cooperatives, stopping the For Rajni Lallah, the two mainstream parties haven’t granting of permits to pro- alliances that are wrangling released their programmes yet. jects that contribute to the for power are practically in- They’re not really interested destruction of agricultural distinguishable from each in a real debate”, rued Lalit’s land and investing in re- other (all the more so for ha- Alain Ah-Vee on Tuesday. So newable energies, to name ving entered into an awkward how did Lalit go about com- but a few. courtship a few weeks ago). piling its 40-page document? Lalit insists that these is- As a result, neither of them “All the branches of the party sues cannot be taken in iso- can be relied upon to act as got together to compile the pro- lation. Because the “systemic an opposition worthy of the gramme which also takes stock economic crisis” affecting the name once the elections are of our actions over the past fi ve sugar and textile industries, over. years”, he said. And quite a the energy crisis, food crisis, Another unwanted side- job they’ve done too. fi nancial crisis and ecological effect of this power struggle This admirably complete crisis are all linked, they have is that smaller political par- “transformational programme” to be dealt with concurrently. ties are “deliberately margi- covers almost every facet of Whether or not you adhere nalized”. “There’s a tendency economic, social and poli- to Lalit’s particular brand to marginalize alternative po- tical life in Mauritius: the of politics, it’s undeniable litical forces, to put them all in foundations of an alternative that there’s increased global the same basket. This is coun- economy, the introduction of recognition that these crises terproductive for a party. Lalit Kreol in schools, the Chagos, are indeed intimately related will still be active though. We labour legislation, food secu- and that they have to be ad- will be constructing an extra- rity, drug addiction and HIV/ dressed in unison. Obviously, Parliamentary opposition on AIDS, abortion, renewable such serious matters are not the basis of a programme”, ex- energy, police brutality, the considered match winners by plains Ram Seegobin. death penalty and much mainstream parties, which This is not the fi rst time more. Each chapter is charac- explains the absence of de- that Lalit has decided not to terized by Lalit’s particular bate surrounding them. participate directly in a gene- brand of “creative thinking” Lalit aims to publish 900 ral election. Since its creation and is dedicated to socialist copies of its programme and in 1982 the leftwing party ideals, the only doctrine ca- use them as a tool to mobi- has eschewed three electoral pable of allowing the country lize as many politically active jousts, each time for a very to deal with all the challenges people as possible. Rather specifi c set of reasons. One it faces. Indeed, socialism is than hold political rallies the thing has remained constant “the highest state of a true de- party will target those who though: the party’s commit- mocracy”. have expressed an interest in ment to keeping the true is- For instance, introducing its beliefs. Its decision to not sues alive, even if the rest of an alternative economy would align any candidates for the the body politic seems intent involve obliging the sugar in- coming elections is part of a on sublimating them. dustry to develop the food long-term strategy, namely to sector, reviewing the condi- consolidate its base so as to tions of land ownership, en- act as an extra-Parliamentary Nicholas RAINER couraging planters to form opposition. (see interview).

Ram SEEGOBIN, Questions to… founding member of Lalit

● Rather than fi eld any can- kers rights, for example, before they of living. What’s important is to not didates in the elections, you’ve entered Parliament. The essence of have these mobilizations in isolation opted to concentrate your efforts an extra-Parliamentary opposition is otherwise they’ll just disappear. Take on mobilizing an extra-Parlia- that it’s based on a programme that the environment. From time to time, mentary opposition. Why did you evolves with people’s contributions; there’s a problem like the one in La choose this course of action? it’s not a static thing. Chaumière where you get a certain We’ve been acting as an extra-Par- level of mobilization. The key is to liamentary opposition for the past fi ve ● Lalit also wants to concen- keep it going by articulating it with years. Its origins go back to the 1970s. trate on concrete issues that can other demands. That’s the basis of a If you ask any thinking member of the mobilize the working class. Is transitional programme. working class whether the MMM did such a mobilization still possible more to advance their cause between in this day and age? ● Is the Left dead? 1970 and 1976 when it did not have a I agree that it looks unlikely at For the foreseeable future, it is. decided that”. A long time ago, the presence in Parliament or after 1976, the moment. On the other hand, we The Left has to rally around a pro- MMM was broad enough a move- they will say the former. It’s true that think that young people, women and gramme, not a leader or a shopping ment to accommodate the Left, even the period was different, that mo- the working class always have the po- list. If you ask anyone in one of the a Marxist Left. Then it took a new bilization was easier in the 1970s. tential to mobilize for the issues they mainstream parties what they think orientation that was diametrically- The fact remains that the MMM did believe can make a difference, such about something, they’ll tell you, opposed to our values so we left. more to advance women’s and wor- as bad labour legislation and the cost “The leader said this” or “The leader l’express [ Friday 16 April 2010 • Insert N° 3 [COVERSTORY ] p. 34 What’s the programme?

Neither alliance A WEEK ago, Amnesty In- ternational Mauritius launched is in a hurry their electoral manifesto. Two days ago, Lalit launched theirs. to make public This might sound a bit odd- after its electoral all neither Amnesty nor Lalit are parties to the elections. manifesto. Those who are though have How much not deemed it important to pre- sent their electoral programme- importance so far. do they really And yet, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced, attach to it? statesman like on the 31st of March- the day he dissolved Par- liament- that he hoped the elec- toral campaign would be civilized and characterized by debates and that important issues would be thrashed out. Those words were wholeheartedly welcomed. Ex- cept that they remained empty. So far, the political rallies of both blocs have consisted of nothing but cheap shots at their oppo- nents. Labour Director of Com- munications Nita Deerpalsing claims that Labour’s programme is known- it’s a continuation of the 2005 programme (see inset). Offi cially though, there’s no word DHUNPUTH LIBRARY PHOTO : VIJAY on when the new manifesto will The Alliance Sociale presenting its electoral manifesto in 2005. be launched. As loath as politi- cians might be to work on a ma- fi ve years, to wit, “democratiza- sue he feels strongly about. His Ramgoolam tried to explain nifesto, it is an essential part of tion of the economy, more social discourse has been about his a few times that this red-white campaigning. justice, economic reforms, free hatred for his uncle, about how and blue alliance had proved it- It’s no different on the oppo- transport, equal opportunities” he is not power hungry (because self in the past. Except that this sition front. The MMM’s electo- among others. otherwise he would have accep- will not do by way of an electoral ral argument is that the fi ve past Except that regardless of how ted Paul Bérenger’s proposal of manifesto. years under Labour rule have left effective those policies were, this two and a half years of Prime The Prime Minister also says the country “upside down”. They doesn’t tell us what the Labour Ministership and 30 tickets) that people shouldn’t vote for Bé- are in no position however to party and its partners are pro- and how he has pledged his un- renger because “he is unstable” state what they propose to do to posing to do this time around; dying love and loyalty to Navin and gives examples of Bérenger’s correct this “dire” situation. a “continuation of the 2000 pro- Ramgoolam. instability. Prime Minister Ramgoo- gramme” is simply not enough. While all this is great (and The man himself- Bérenger- lam who has been speaking at a And yet, political leaders must have greatly pleased Na- hasn’t said a word about what he number of political rallies since seem completely unfazed by vin Ramgoolam), it still doesn’t intends to do if he wins the elec- the electoral campaign began, this state of affairs. MSM leader tell voters why they should vote tions. That’s not exactly true- the has expounded on what his go- Pravind Jugnauth has so far been for the Labour-PMSD-MSM MMM believes in a “different vernment has done those past unable to develop one single is- alliance. Mauritius”. How different, we don’t know. It seems even MMM candidates are not too sure- they toes public on the same day, on Friday only guesses today will become certainties. not only don’t know when the The meaningless manifesto 24 June. That was only 9 days before the Both Labour and the MMM are delaying manifesto will be launched but general elections of that year. the publication of their manifestoes to the they also don’t know what it At the beginning of this week, the British The Mauritian electorate might fi nd last minute for two main reasons. They contains. Labour party, which is seeking another themselves in an identical situation for are trying to prevent their proposals from Oh for sure, they know what’s term of offi ce, and all the other parties in the upcoming general elections. An in- being copied. wrong with the past fi ve years- the race for the 6th of May general elec- sult to those who would wish to cast their In fact, before the last general elections, they even have a list- rising cost tions have made public their electoral votes according to policies proposed. But they both made public their manifesto of living, law and order situation, manifestoes. Their proposals have since it is also an indication of the mindset of on the same day. This did not prevent the corruption, gambling and “social, been subject to hot debate and analysis, the main political parties who fi rmly be- Labour proposal concerning free public education and health problems” which will go on for almost a month until lieve that elections are rarely won in Mau- transport for students, senior citizens and but they seem so far not to be too Election Day. ritius with an electoral manifesto. handicapped people from being copied by sure about how to go about tur- How much time will the Mauritian public In fact, the Mauritian electorate is waiting Paul Bérenger’s MMM. ning the situation around. have to ponder, compare and debate the for Labour’s economic policy proposals, Secondly, both parties will be using their So any debate that takes electoral manifestoes of the two alliances especially after Pravind Jugnauth’s state- manifesto proposals for the campaign on place- and the media has endea- standing in the next general elections ? ment of his economic aims. radio and TV. They both want to come vored to organize a few- is not on Maybe around a week, according to those It looks likely that the MSM intends, and forward with new ideas, made public only what will be done but on what working on these manifestoes in both al- has obtained the go-ahead from Navin days before this campaign starts. has been done. liances. Ramgoolam, to overhaul Rama Sitha- Alas for the Mauritian electorate… While a few people have ex- For the 2005 general elections, the Labour nen’s economic policy. pressed their unhappiness about Party (l’Alliance Sociale) and the MMM- Only the electoral manifesto of the l’Al- Raj JUGERNAUTH this state of affairs, politicians MSM Alliance both made their manifes- liance de l’Avenir will tell us if what are seem to believe that the majority p. 35 [COVERSTORY Insert N° 3 • Friday 16 April 2010 l’express

suffi cient salary compensation. That promise The super amounted to billions of rupees. Navin, Ane- High-Heeled] rood’s Jugnauth opponent in that election said By Deepa BHOOKHUN that he would win the election and promised to electoral gifts pay whatever had been promised to civil ser- The quasi absence, at least till now, of an vants. He did defeat Jugnauth, but did not pay election platform for the Labour party and its what he promised to civil servants again and allies might augur something that can be dub- again during the 1995 electoral campaign. bed a “super electoral gift”. Paul Bérenger, resorted during the 2005 ge- What’s These gifts are usually handed out on the neral election campaign to the strategy of offe- eve of elections. It started with the father of the ring the same super gift as his opponent, that is nation, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam in 1976. Navin Ramgoolam of the Alliance Sociale. The yours? He addressed the nation almost on the eve of latter had promised free bus transport to all stu- the general elections, through radio and televi- dents, senior citizens and handicapped people. I was interviewing Ian Jacob of Rezistans ek Al- sion, to promise free secondary education to all Bérenger did not make it and Navin terntiv (RA) the other day on Radio One and the Mauritians. This promise galvanized die hard Ramgoolam fulfi lled his promise upon taking quiet resolve of this young guy impressed me. He Labour activists, won over many a fl oating vo- power. This promise had a higher cost than ex- joined the RA because he believed in a cause and, ter and spared Sir Seewoosagur’s party a severe pected and money to the tune of three quarters right now, the RA is fi ghting an uphill battle. They defeat at the hands of the MMM. of a billion rupees had to be paid to bus com- are refusing to fi ll in the part on the electoral regis- In 1982 Sir Seewoosagur made it again panies. tration form that asks you what your “community” when he hired 21 000 workers under what was So what next for this general election cam- is, taking the risk that they might be prohibited called the Community Service Programme paign? The ball has been set rolling last week from running for elections. in a period when government coffers were al- - circular letters were sent to all ministries to most empty and unemployment was soaring announce that the Pay Research Bureau’s pro- It might sound like something trivial to you who to record heights. He lost the election and the posal for the promotion of thousands of civil usually attend religious ceremonies (especially MMM-PSM government scooped all the 60 servants will be implemented with an immediate those where politicians proliferate) but think again. seats. salary rise. Jacob says he refuses to defi ne himself by a Sir Aneerood resorted to the super gifts The electorate might be expecting more community because he doesn’t know how to. strategy in 1995, promising a salary top-up to from Navin Ramgoolam … “One’s community is defi ned by one’s way of life. all civil servants so that they might regain their I eat fried noodles, I eat dholl puris like everybody purchasing power lost over the years due to in- R.J else!” If you belong to the younger generation, chances are, you might be able to relate to this. I do. of their supporters are not too are asked. service to the cause in between I remember once I had to swear an affi davit be- bothered about the fact that their The MMM is not in a more elections only to discard all sug- cause a very mean person was suing me and when parties don’t have a programme. enviable position. For fi ve years gestions when it really mattered. I went to the solicitor’s offi ce, he showed me the “Elections are not won on pro- in the opposition, they have been Amnesty tried to have a de- affi davit he had drafted on my behalf. On it I could grammes,” a prospective candi- avid opponents. They happily bate on the death penalty be- read “I, Deepa Bhookhun swear as a Hindu…” date shamelessly tells us. criticized every single measure cause the Prime Minister and But however disturbing such a government took but as Finance the leader of the MSM both said Hang on a minute I said to them. How do you thought might be, chances are it’s Minister Rama Sithanen and they thought capital punishment know I am a Hindu? not that far from the truth. Expe- Prime Minister Navin Ramgoo- should be reintroduced. Since the “You’re not a Hindu?” asked the poor guy. rience has taught politicians this. lam regularly remarked, they (failed) attempt at debate, neither What does that have to do with anything? I pro- But then again, who is to seldom offered any solutions, let politician has so much as broa- tested. What does “swearing as a Hindu,” mean? tell whether the Alliance Sociale alone viable ones. ched the subject. I can swear on my honour, at least I know what manifesto didn’t actually make a So it is left to organizations Both blocs will probably re- this means but to swear as a Hindu? A bit like if I difference in the 2005 elections? like Amnesty and political parties lease their manifestos around the lie, then I betray my principles? But isn’t that so- Many political observers think like Lalit to come up with mani- same time- less than two weeks mething between my conscience and me? it did. “There was something that festos and to bring up issues. before the elections. This just goes to show how absurd all this is. made a difference between the La- Or civil society organizations Will they have enough time Lawyer Michel Ahnee pointed out the other day bour party on its own and a power- like Women in Politics (WIN) for to debate on the manifestos? Do that the only place in the Constitution where the ful bloc like the MMM and the that matter. The good news is that they even care? More important- word “communities” is mentioned is just one sec- MSM”, says a retired politician. WIN brought forward a debate ly, does the population? tion of the fi rst schedule where it states that “for “And I don’t think it was the rheto- on the issue of women in politics Deepa BHOOKHUN the purposes” of determining the Best Losers, the ric on Bérenger’s race that made the but the bad news is that poli- “population of Mauritius shall be regarded as in- difference. I think we have moved on ticians royally ignored them, cluding” four distinct communities. Repeat: Only as a nation. The concept of “putting paying lip for the purposes of determining the Best Losers. people fi rst” was an uplifting one”. The problem with an electo- Having said that, it is a fact that we live in a ral manifesto, if you want to be multicultural community and it is to everybody’s taken seriously, is that you have to benefi t that people of all communities be represen- follow up on it. If you don’t, then ted in the spheres of power. you have the kind of problems Does this mean that our lives should be dictated the Labour party is currently by those considerations? having at the moment. A And yet, politicians often only react to what reluctance to dwell they think will get them votes. on the 2005 ma- I was at the Varusha Pirapu festivities (even nifesto in case too though the ceremony was hardly festive) on many questions Wednesday and I realized that unfortunately ma- ny of our compatriots believe it is essential that they be represented in government. Against this guarantee, they are prepared to fi ght, defend and vote. But I ask you- how does the fact that the Prime minister or the DPM or any other mi- nister is from your community make your life better? They get elected, they live their life and they won’t give two hoots about you after the elections.

LIBRARY PHOTO : BEEKASH ROOPUN Regardless of your “community”. How’s that for a “way of life”?

Pravind Jugnauth and Paul Berenger showing their electoral colours in the run-up to the 2005 elections. l’express [ Friday 16 April 2010 • Insert N° 3 INTERVIEW] p. 36 Lawyer v

A friendly sparring m probable opponents in Yatin Varma, Member of Parliament and probable candidate for the Alliance de l’Avenir.

● Gentlemen, you will both most probably KP: Completed? When did they start? The pro- be competing for votes in the same constituency blems linked to infrastructure are appalling...not enough -what will your strategy be? bus shelters…lighting of football grounds … street li- Kishore Pertab: Same constituency? I do not ghting…not enough children’s parks… not enough lei- know about Yatin. He knows the reason as we all do. sure places except for casinos and gaming houses… the hospital at Mahebourg is poorly maintained…pro- Yatin Varma: Yes, everybody knows that I have mises to build Firinga type houses not kept…problems been very close to my constituents and I know eve- of the NHDC complex unresolved…historical sites are ry nook and corner of this constituency. being destroyed…the inhabitants of the camp sucriers have not yet moved in in spite of promises…the displa- ● So what will your strategy be, then? cement of inhabitants near the airport not fi nalized… KP: The Alliance de Coeur has won the hearts the ownership of the houses at Cite Balance and Camp of the electors already. However our battle is Carole is still in the balance …the promises for market to forbid terror, communal campaigning and fairs and multipurpose complexes…the problem lin- the buying of votes. Face-to-face and personal ked to the extension of the Muslim cemetery … . The contact is what we opt for as opposed to the Al- AML has more employees living outside the consti- liance de l’Avenir which cannot face the public and tuency. Problems of drainage, fl ooding and untarred defend their lies and record as they have really roads are common to all villages. Fishermen’s lives are changed the lives of the people and created more becoming impossible. Life in the ‘camps sucriers’ takes misery. you 50 years back. The youth do not have leisure facili- ties and the absence of sports grounds and even main- YV: Kishore knows very well what we have tenance creates favorable conditions for Subutex and done though we all know he will not admit it. We often drugs to proliferate… will lead a campaign of proximity. I have always been close to my constituents and that will conti- YV: Funny that Kishore discovers all these pro- nue. blems now! The MMM holds the worst record in the constituency. They promised and as usual under-deli- ● Are there any problems specifi c to vered. Pity they will not get the opportunity to do the constituency no: 12? same this time. YV: Unemployment and drug proliferation. Our fi ght ● How do you intend to remedy the problems against these must conti- mentioned by Kishore? nue. A few infrastruc- YV: With the new airport terminals, the IRS project tural projects need in Le Bouchon and the second phase of the Mahebourg to be completed. Waterfront, many jobs will be created. The police have done a good job after my intervention in Parliament concerning drug proliferation. That will continue. As for the infrastructure, Kishore probably hasn’t had time to see the projects which have been initiated. After the elections, he will have plenty of time to see them com- pleted.

KP: They have probably been initiated in Yatin’s head! That is a good start. ● What would your priorities be if you were elected? KP: Priorities would be defi ned with the inha- bitants. What we consider as priorities may not be priorities for the inhabitants. Obviously providing em- ployment, a better infrastructure, fi ghting against drugs and gambling would be prioritized. INTERVIEW Insert N° 3 • Friday 16 April 2010 l’express vs lawyer match between two n constituency No. 12. Kishore Pertab, candidate for l’Alliance du Coeur

YV: Tackling unemployment, drugs. There are tionally divided Varma- Bunwaree- Duval team known projects like the construction of new village halls and for their individualistic approach. The constituents have social centres, tarring roads leading to the villages of been the losers since 2005. Carreau Esnouf and Des Places, phasing out the housing estates in Union Vale and MTMD, a new market and YV: My friend Kishore is blinded by his par- taxi stand and the construction of a health track - all tisanship. I will not try to cure his blindness. I am a these projects have already been initiated and need to lawyer. Everyone knows the work we have done. be completed. There should also be a follow-up for the Everyone knows how we shall continue the inhabitants of Camp Carol to obtain their title deeds. We work. As for the sectarian groups, we all need a football ground and multi-purpose complexes. know who is the champion at that game.

● Are there problems related to education for ● Any advice to the electorate the children of minorities? in No: 12? YV: We should not categorize people. I hate the KP: Do not let any candidate words ‘majority’ and ‘minority’. The Labour Party has infl uence you to vote on sectarian given free education and free transport to all children grounds. Vote for candidates who be- irrespective of class, creed or colour. lieve in proximity and have a good track record. Do not let yourself be KP: What free education? The educational infras- bought overnight by bank notes and tructure provided by the state is awful. You know what false promises. Vote for a clean team the present government did with the educational project with no record of corrupt practices and of the previous government which they are now trying drug connections. Vote for a united team to bring back again. What a pity that the ZEP project that you can relate to and vote after thinking has been murdered. The madrasas and baitkas are doing carefully. Vote with your heart and for the good work, however. The 4 A+ Gokhool project and heart! counter reforms stabbed the children of minorities in their backs. A school for the more intelligent stu- YV: The electorate of dents could have been set up in the region without No:12 is very wise. My slaughtering the educational reforms of the previous advice to them is: prove it government. once more on May 6th.

● If you don’t like the words ‘minority’ and Interview ‘majority’, what about women? byTouria PRAYAG KP: Unemployment, violence, lack of leisure… and poverty affect women more and they feel the conse- quences of Subutex, gambling and inequality more. Wo- men’s associations together with elected representatives will have to brainstorm and decide on priorities. YV: Much has been done in this respect. The Mi- nistry of Women’s Affairs has kept a close eye on speci- fi c problems and done its best to solve them. We should continue to concentrate on women’s empowerment.

● How do you think the caretaker government fared during this mandate? KP: The present government has not done much except lending their ears more to how they will stay in power with the help of sectarian groups. The fact that they are more interested in doing everything to remain in power makes them less interested in real projects. The Mahebourg-Plaine-Magnien constituency takes the lead in terms of zero-achievement with the excep- l’express [ Friday 16 April 2010 • Insert N° 3 THIS IS MAURITIUS]p. 38 When dragons and lions dance PHOTOS : PRAKASH RUNJEET

The Chinese lion dance perfor- mances delighted the crowds in China Town last weekend.

wirling proudly, the is an imaginary being, it was dragon and it has now spread body on poles. When perfor- group are trained in the basics dragon raises its considered as a symbol of to many parts of the world, med as part of a competition, of martial arts, which helps majestic head to- power in ancient China. All through the Chinese dias- a dragon dance requires at them gain the fl exibility and Twards the sky, while the emperors of China were pora. Mr Liang Dong Sheng, least 10 performers, although agility they need to perform the lion prances joyfully to the believed to be sons of the the President of the Dragon performances done as part the dance accurately. One beat of the music. Those who dragon and this was refl ected and Lion Dance Federation of a show can involve 20 to person controls the head, may have seen the traditional in their surroundings. The in Mauritius explains that the 30 people, depending on the and can move the lion’s eyes, dragon and lion dance in the clothes worn by emperors Chinese dragon dance is also length of the body. mouth and ears, while the streets of Port Louis last wee- bore images of dragons and a refl ection of their culture. other forms the hind legs and kend would have been deligh- even the pillars of their homes Chinese people prefer to live The lion dance controls the movements of the ted by the beauty of this art were sculpted to resemble the as a close-knit community, tail. The movements of the unique to the Chinese com- Chinese dragon. The symbol and believe that their strength The Chinese dragon lion always follow the rhythm munity. The dragon and the was so special that only em- lies in unity. The dragon dance is often confused with of the music. The dance is ac- lion hold an important place perors were allowed to use it. dance, which can bring a large the lion dance. While 10 companied by the sound of in the hearts of the people The Chinese dragon as it number of dancers together, people or more are needed drums, cymbals and gongs. of China, and the dances are is today was imagined from a is an example of teamwork to perform the dragon dance, The elaborate lion dance omens of good luck and pros- combination of many animals. and togetherness. only two dancers perform the costumes used during these perity. It has the mouth of a horse, The dragon dance is per- lion dance. If you have seen performances are usually im- Chinese people are parti- the horns of a cow, the ears formed by a skilled team, a lion dance, you will notice ported from China, as they cularly attached to the dragon, of a bull, the claws of a tiger which brings the dragon’s that the movements are very are made in a special way. because they regard them- and a long serpent’s body. The ‘body’ to life with their fl uid precise. The steps are based According to Mr Liang the selves as descendants of this dragon dance was started to movements. The dragon it- on martial arts, called wushu. most popular form of the lion magical creature. Although it show respect towards the self is a long serpent shaped The members of a lion dance dance in Mauritius is that of the p. 39 [THIS IS MAURITIUS Insert N° 3 • Friday 16 April 2010 l’express

The northern lion and the southern lion The northern and the southern lion dances are dif- ferent from each other. While both varieties are practiced in Mauritius, the southern lion The Chinese dragon dance re- dance is the most popular, quires skill, agility and teamwork. having been brought to the country by the people of Can- ton. The Cantonese emigrated to many countries and are responsible for spreading the southern lion tradition. Mr Liang tells us about the legends associated with these dances. It is said that the nor- thern l@ ion dance originated during the Han dynasty when Mainland China was at war with a minority state. Wanting to test the strength of the Chinese people, the rivals gave theth emperor a lion as a gift. Facts about the dragonon and the lion TheT lion was a fi erce and cruel Unlike its Western counterpart, whichh is usually creature,cr and it was diffi cult to portrayed as evil, the Chinese dragonon is be- train.tr One day the emperor’s nevolent and has magical powers. The Chinese menm lost control of the beast dragon is viewed as being wise and caring,ring, and andan were forced to kill it. They with a distinct personality. It is believeded that werew afraid of telling the truth the dragon particularly controls water, rain- to the emperor, so they took fall, and fl oods. It is also a symbol of power,ower, theth lion’s skin and got under- strength, and good luck. neathn it to make the creature Historically, the dragon was the symbolmbol of looklo as if it was alive. They the Emperor of China. It was believedd that werew so successful that the em- the dragon was able to race across the sky perorp was duped. From that with its divine power, and the emperorsrors momentm onwards, no state saw themselves as exclusively entitledd to ddared to challenge China, the dragon’s attributes. bbelieving that if the Chinese The dragon is also well known for its placelace in wwere able to tame such a the Chinese zodiac. It is the mightiestt of signssigns,, fi erce lion, they were indeed symbolising characteristics such as dominanceminance and a powerful nation. A war was ambition. ththus avoided. In the eyes of the In Chinese culture, lions were traditionallynally ppor-or- ppeople, the lion became the trayed as guardians. Their images werere carved sysymbol of their good fortune, in bronze or stone and were placed inn front of forfo a war would have brought Chinese imperial palaces, temples, emperors’mperors’ themth immense hardship. Un- tombs, and government offi ces. lilikek its southern counterpart, The Chinese lion was believed to have popowerfulwerful ppro-ro- ththe northern lion looks more tective powers, warding off evil spirits.. The lions are lilikek a real lion and the dance is always created in pairs, with the male playing witwithh lessle playful. The northern lion a ball and the female with a cub. The male was con- danced always comprises two sidered to be protecting the structure of the build- lilions:o a male and a female. ing, while the female protected those dwellingwelling inside. TThe southern lion dance is pe- rhrhaps best explained through theth legend of the monster that terrifite ed people in a village of southern lion. It is well known who are trained in the art of anancient China during each for its cute and colourful face the lion dance and the dragon spspring festival celebration. and for its variety of expres- dance. Mr Liang explains TheT beast would destroy the sions, which vary between hap- that he was sent to Mauritius cropsc and eat the livestock, piness, sadness, fear, anger and by the Chinese government and no one could fi ght it. suspicion. During the Chinese years ago to help spread the In despair, the villagers New Year especially, the lion will Chinese culture, and has decided to build a lion out dance through the streets of the himself trained many perfor- of bamboo and colourful country, performing in front mers in the lion and dragon paper. Two men got inside of shops and businesses. No- dance, as well as the martial to control the movements wadays in Mauritius, the lion arts. While there were initially of the makeshift lion, while dance and the dragon dance are only two groups that prac- the other villagers star- often performed at many other ticed these dances, there are ted banging on pots and important occasions, including seven registered groups today. drums to make as much Chinese cultural and religious The art of the dragon and lion nnoise as possible and scare festivals, business opening dance has become increasin- ththe monster away. Their plan events, birthday celebrations, gly popular and is enjoyed wworked, and the beast was and wedding ceremonies. by all those who witness the never seen again. It is said joyful displays in the streets of that the villagers decided to A local art Mauritius. continue with this tradition every year so as to scare There are several groups away evil. of volunteers in Mauritius Melissa LOUIS l’express [ Friday 16 April 2010 • Insert N°3 L’EXPRESSYOURSELF] p. 40 SILLY SEASON ( Week 2)

I HAVE been battling to ministries, he did cause the closure fi nd something worthwhile to bite of Kentucky Fried Chicken, but into this (second) week . the unhappy consumers even- What can I possibly write tually got the better of him !The about ? Soodhun going on re- point is that prices did not come cord that he was the go-between down, since prices are market- between Navin Ramgoolam led and cannot be meaningfully and Aneerood Jugnauth , thus controlled otherwise than through humbling us all to admit that the competition . In a revisited , very current holder of the Presidency unchristian script, their oppo- has absolutely no respect for the nents will now do unto Labour neutrality of his function ? The what was done unto them in two alliance leaders shouting their 2005 . The opposition will have heads off about the “panic” be- a fi eld day here. The most unfair setting their opposite numbers? example will be sugar ! Just watch ! The tameness of the electorate Whilst the “democratization of which possibly may signal either the economy” was in the manifesto a sick-to-the-teeth attitude with of 2005, the vast majority of the politicians and hence a possibly electorate could not fathom what low turn-out or a submarine-like was in it for them. No wonder, fed-upness which will clock us since the answer was mostly : no- back to the Dev Virahsawmy bye thing ! Well at least not for most of election victory for MMM against them , individually . On the other Labour ? Possibly the “cleanest” hand , a number of favoured initiative of these elections; that of LIBRARY PHOTOS people got their “boutte” . Some Rezistans Ek Alternativ trying to Election campaign : a time for making promises. got jobs, some got titles, some got purge the electoral system of its contracts, some got pieces of state original (communal) sin ? ment leveled against Bérenger and triple shock of lower sugar prices, they are probably not anywhere land which they could cash in , I will tell you what …. Let us which tried to scare the “majority” petrol at 150$ a barrel, all commo- as crucial as two matters which I some got ego trips chairing some not talk about the next election. with the idea that a non Hindu dities shooting up prodded by the will summarise as follows : very important state controlled Let us rather peep back at the last leader would be bad news. This boom; soon to be followed by the The backlash of “Mo pou companies. The problem with the election instead and see any les- still worked its magic on some in fi nancial crisis and world recession sanze ou la vie en 100 zours”. “boutte” approach, though, is that sons learnt therefrom. spite of the fact that during his te- required deft handling of another True, free transport came in for for every one satisfi ed customer/ In 2005, the Labour led Al- nure as PM , Bérenger had gone kind and this job defi nitely did not elders and students and there were benefi ciary there must mathema- liance Sociale won handsomely further than all previous PMs in call for Father Christmas skills. a few other freebies , but Minister tically be created several more against an MMM-MSM outfi t. displaying his attention to the “ma- Finally, there was a single min- Jeetah did not bring the price of times unhappy, sullen, bitter, They did not win because of any jority’s” needs and symbols, whilst ded focus on prices. The message iron bars to heel, he killed Des- hostile even resentful people who fundamental reproach that could his “own” ground their teeth. was drilled in , day and night, that bro and Joonas Industies instead. might just simply ask “ Where is my have been leveled at the outgoing Then there was the double in- the outgoing government was The same price supremo did boutte?” or “ Why not me?”. government’s record. Actually the vitation of “ Bizin sanzeman” and responsible for all prices that had not reduce the price of milk but On these two main matters, outgoing government’s record “Mo pou sanze ou la vie dan 100 gone up. Anybody with a tight swam instead into the ridicule of we may well see the dice being was pretty solid, if not spectacu- zours” which, mantra-like, lured purse just fell for the pipe dream buffalo milk and Amul. Neither rolled in the present elections. lar. However, the Alliance Sociale many to believe , got their juices that a new crowd , bringing “san- did he come out unscathed trying Everything else will pale into in- won because of three themes, all to fl ow, secured adhesion, trans- zement” would improve their pur- to beat down the prices for fl our signifi cance Unless someone, emotional, that it churned out over fi xed through the promise of ma- chasing power in a whirl of smoke, and bread. Actually, he ended up somewhere, comes up with a ma- and over and over again until large gical, almost instantaneous, better after a tap from some kind of ma- courting real trouble with Chinese nifesto with a bright idea or two…. enough sections of the population days. There were some changes of gical wand. supplies potentially laced with me- believed them to be true. course, but nothing on the scale Five years later, there is a law lamin and then Turkish ones who Likely story …… The least important of the of the hopes generated. The real and order issue and the commu- shipped some crawlies in their three was the communal argu- world proved more diffi cult ! The nal argument is still there , but consignments. Having changed PAF Musings about my island THE TRAFFIC came to a that economics & the economy riageway had grown even taller gling, mutilating, furiously, I was still at school in the early virtual standstill at Pailles, with exist to serve the citizenry and since I last drove past months indiscriminately, haphazardly, 1970’s. Allow me to share a pas- snarling queues of stressed and not vice versa, the sapping toll ago, and formed a welcome any which way they can. The sage from that classic. What fol- distressed motorists patiently on the affect of the hapless & canopy of cooling shade. I of- word ‘pruning’ is ostensibly lows was written by Galbraith waiting to inch forward at resigned motorists, and their fered my blessings and thanks completely alien to these mur- half a century ago! snail’s pace, many with engines resultant ‘unwell-being’. to whoever had the wisdom and derers of nature and destroyers “The family which takes its running for air-conditioning, At long last, we hit the rela- the aesthetic sense of deciding of our landscape aesthetics. I mauve & cerise, air-conditio- what with the unseasonably tively free fl owing traffi c from to plant trees along this stretch was thinking of why not priva- ned, power-steered, and power- protracted mugginess of the the Container Park roundabout of our single national dual car- tize planting trees & fl owers & braked automobile out for a summer heat this year. It took onwards. What a pleasure to riageway, and lamented that landscape maintenance along tour passes through cities that exactly 42 minutes (yes, forty drive along the tree-bordered their example was not followed the main public roads, espe- are badly paved, made hideous two!) to cross Port Louis from northern carriageway! With the elsewhere since. If anything, cially the ones foreign tourists by litter, blighted buildings, bill- that point to the roundabout hot and humid conditions pre- the axe-wielding, chain saw- use most? Privatisating roadside boards, and posts for wires that at the Container Park north vailing for most of this summer armed and machete-carrying & beach cleaning has proven should long since have been put of the capital! I will let you and the daily heavy torrential myrmidons of the CEB are conclusively successful after all. underground“ calculate the economic cost in downpours, the countryside, continuously undoing the en- These musings brought Sounds familiar? You got it lost productivity, in wastefully which is still largely unspoiled vironmental beautifi cation back passages from a book, right – fatidical as it may uncan- burning expensive imported by invasive concrete in this part bequeathed to us by our wise “The Affl uent Society”, written nily resonate, this is Mauritius fuel paid for in hard currency, of the island, was effulgently forefathers, when they swoop as far back as 1958 by that eru- in 2010! in air pollution and, perhaps lush and resplendently verdant. in on & raid our trees, hacking, dite economist, John Kenneth more importantly, as it is said The large trees lining the car- sawing, felling, mauling, man- Galbraith. I read the book when NAP p. 41 [ BUSINESS Insert N° 3 • Friday 16 April 2010 l’express In brief ] GDP growth to attain US rates to stay low for “extended period” 4.6% in 2010 A moderate U.S. eco- nomic recovery is likely to warrant very low interest rates for a long time, Fe- deral Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifi ed on Wednesday. Refusing to rule out the risk of a “double-dip” recession, Ben Bernanke told lawmakers infl ation is not an imme- diate concern, giving the Fed room to maintain its highly stimulative policies. “The Federal Open Market Committee has stated clearly that they currently anticipate that very low, extremely low rates will be needed for an extended period”, he said in response to questions from lawmakers of the Joint Eco- nomic Committee. South Africa warns on taxes “In 2009, tourists earnings were estimated at Rs 35.7 billions” South Africa’s govern- ment may consider raising LIBRARY PHOTO taxes if the economy does THE NEXT Finance Mi- main source of foreign curren- settled on refi ned white, which will bring in some Rs 43 billion not recover enough to nister has a challenging task cy, should expand by 5.1% this rakes in 20% more, and special worth of revenues. However boost tax revenue, Finance when he is sworn in after the ge- year, based on a forecast 915 sugars, of which the country is the strengthening of our rupee Minister Pravin Gordhan neral elections. He will have to 000 tourist arrivals, and assu- the main producer in the world. against our currencies, namely said on Wednesday. “At build on the momentum which ming that our main markets, in With all the ongoing pro- the pound sterling and the euro that stage (February’s bud- gathered last year, driven by Europe, will be recovering from jects and new ones announced is gnawing at the margins of our get) we didn’t see any need Rama Sithanen and his team, the economic crisis. In 2009, – totaling some Rs 72 billions local manufacturers. As usual, to increase taxes, but if the of which the government has tourists earnings were estimated - the construction sector will they are asking for prompt and economic and revenue posi- been offi cially very supportive. at Rs 35.7 billions. reach an 8% growth ratein 2010 adequate measures, or else job tion does not improve we will Our country’s fundamentals are The sugar industry is sup- after attaining 6.5% the pre- losses will be counted in tens of have to look at that question sound. The Stock Exchange is posed to bounce back after a vious year. Public sector works thousands. Fortunately, the two again”, he told parliament’s again on an upward trend. La- hectic 2009 year plagued by late are fuelling this industry with currencies are moving slowly fi nance committee. An eco- test fi gures released by Central production of refi ned white su- high investment projects which upwards. nomic downturn last year Statistics Offi ce, in its National gar and trade union threats. To- have already started, such as The Central Statistics Of- hit government revenue, Accounts Estimates reveal that tal sugar production, including road infrastructure, hospital fi ce also states that the GDP worsening the budget defi - the Gross Domestic Product white, refi ned and raw, stood renovations and new buildings, at basic prices would reach Rs cit, although a bigger-than- (GDP) growth is forecast to be at 467 234 tonnes. It is to get airports, housing and schools 265 billions. And net exports of expected tax take in the 4.6% in 2010, higher than the back to its normal level of 480 among others. goods and services would result 2009/10 fi nancial year put 3.1% estimated in 2009. 000 tonnes. 2010 will be the The manufacturing indus- in a defi cit of Rs 33.3 billion in the shortfall at 6.8 percent Apart from the textile in- fi rst year in the industry’s his- try, a major pillar in our eco- 2010 compared to Rs 29.17 in of GDP, less than the fore- dustry, healthy growth is expec- tory that no raw sugar will be nomy, is expected to grow at 2009, representing 11.2% of cast 7.3 percent. ted in all other sectors. Hence, exported. With long term agree- a much slower pace, estimated GDP at market prices. after a plummet of 5.3%, the ments signed with the Sudzuc- at around 2.1%, better than last Ethiopia’s exports tourism sector, the second ker group, Mauritius has now year. Exports and local sales Kamlesh BHUCKORY up 21% Ethiopia’s exports rose sharply in the eight months Investors punish UBS executives through March versus the same period a year earlier, and the economy is on for past mistakes track to expand 10.1% du- ring the 2009/10 fi scal year, United Bank of Switzerland to follow market excesses. said it will not seek compensa- “This is a necessary step to- the government said earlier (UBS) shareholders took the Nearly 53 percent of inves- tion from former executives, but ward regaining the confi dence this week. Prime Minister unprecedented step of refusing tors voted against discharging may be pressured to do so after of UBS clients and shareholders Meles Zenawi told par- to exonerate former top execu- former Chairman Marcel Os- the vote. to restore the bank’s strong fi - liament he hoped export tives for the risky investment pel, now a hate-fi gure for the “We now ask the board to nancial position.” But some ob- earnings would reach $2.9 bets that brought the bank to Swiss public, ex-CEO Peter reconsider their decision and fi le servers suggested such moves billion for the fi scal year the verge of collapse during the Wuffl i and all those who were a civil lawsuit against the former would be draconian. ending June 30, compared credit crisis. board members in 2007, from members of the board and executive “Primitive societies would with $1.5 billion the pre- Also, around 40 percent of responsibility for their actions, management, sending a clear signal sacrifi ce their elite to appease the vious fi scal year. He did not UBS shareholders gathered for opening the door to potential that the board is distancing itself gods, and that’s what some Swiss say what was underpinning a tense annual meeting rapped damage claims. from the acts of their predecessors,” would like to do to Ospel and com- the growth in exports but the Swiss giant for awarding That was the year that led said Dominique Biedermann, pany today,” said Peter Thorne, offi cials say the general eco- hefty pay checks despite big to more than $50 billion worth executive director for the activist an analyst with Helvea. nomy is strengthening as it losses. It was a warning to Chief of writedowns and to record Swiss fund Ethos, which led the shakes off the global down- Executive Oswald Gruebel not annual losses in 2008. UBS has shareholder protest at UBS. K.B. turn and a power shortage. l’express [ Friday 16 April 2010 • Insert N° 3 STRAIGHTTALK ] p. 42

Our three guests this week have been asked the question, “If you were a candidate in the elections, what programme would you present to the electorate?” Answers vary from the grandiose to the more conventional, from concerns about territory to electoral reform, equal opportunities and General the condition of women... I do not wish to be but…

IF I was a candidate to the next general rily feed them with tons of “briani”, which to obtain higher education. If this class fails elections… I would not have bothered pre- is a sort of advance payment on the famous to engage into active citizenship and take its senting any electoral programme. Have you piece of cake they are expecting...and that responsibilities for the future of their chil- seen any programme yet? they will of course never get. Unless you dren, then don’t be too surprised that the Anyway, I’m not a candidate and do not are an “agent”. Then you might end up only dynamic interlocutors our politicians wish to be one of them. From the very stage with State Land which you will sell to fo- fi nd in front of them are the “gros feuilles” of registration with the Electoral Superviso- reign investors for tens of millions. I’m not of the communalo-religious organizations. ry Commission, I would have been terribly sure whether this is what our politicians call reluctant to state to which “community” I “protecting the interest of their communi- belong if this word means one of the four ty” but it looks more like diverting public communities created by the First Schedule property for private gain… Michel AHNEE of the Constitution… I do not feel that I “be- So, what should you do if you believe long” to anybody and certainly not to a com- that politics is more about common well- Barrister munity which is a pure fi ction created for being than a selfi sh fi ght to get your own individuals obsessed with their race, caste, “boute” of public resources? I’m afraid that ethnicity and religion. I might be part of a engaging into party politics will not help, real community in which I live in the North because communal politics cannot be chan- East of the Island. I share with the persons ged from inside. Wouldn’t you have to bow living in that place the same public ameni- to the will of the Supreme Leader of one of ties, the same narrow roads with their traffi c the four main parties? They will change you jams, the same interruptions in water supply, well before you can change them. the same supermarket ... But, in our midst, What is needed today is the engage- the real-type community just does not have ment of Civil Society on the different is- the hype of the fi ctitious-type of community. sues which impact on our lives and which The second reason why I’m not at all are governed by State policies:- education, bothered not to be a candidate is that poli- health, environment, civil and political tics in Mauritius is marred with the despi- rights, public amenities etc… The parti- cable “cake-sharing” mentality. It makes the cipation of the citizens in these different electors of this country believe that demo- areas of public life will allow them to grasp cracy is about clinging tenaciously to that the constraints involved in policy making, bit of cake which they feel they are entitled motivate them to take part in the decision to, by virtue of their race, their caste or their making process and help them to make religion. Why would any politician need an informed choices. This engagement of the electoral program in such a context? To citizenry should not exclude anybody but convince electors to vote for you, just pro- must be initiated by the knowledgeable claim that you are the best representative of classes; those who are part of the tiny per- the race, the caste or religion and accesso- centage of lucky ones who had the privilege The need for a new political grandeur FOR THE fi rst since time since the security (transformation of our National Coast Paul and Amsterdam Island as being potenti- struggle for Independence started, we need to Guard into a National Surveillance Patrol to ally part of our Republic! Similarly, Nita Dee- move to a new political grandeur–a major para- shift from “coast” to general surveillance of our rpalsing, the Communication Manager of the digm shift in our mindset about the status and EEZ), education and training (marine biolo- Labour Party states in an interview published potential of the young Republic of Mauritius. gy, oceanography, coastal zone management, in the latest edition of l’Express Samedi that the With its 1.9 million square kilometres of Eco- marine engineering/technical skills, deep-sea new ‘Alliance de l’Avenir’ will continue to work nomic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), the Republic of fi shing techniques, etc.) on the concept, “une île Maurice pour tous”! Mauritius –just less than 20% of the two largest We shall then stop struggling among our- As we can see, only the mainland of Mau- EEZs of the world which are the French Repu- selves within the 2,000 sq. km and move to a ritius seems to be catered for by both main blic and the USA and ahead of South Africa and higher level of ambition with 1.9m sq. km as alliances … China, for example- certainly has a major asset Dr. Arvin Boolell, our Foreign Affairs Minister, A comprehensive and sustainable policy Shafi ck OSMAN to position itself as a strong and large country. rightly put it at a public meeting in Port Louis should be devised not only for the Mauritian PhD Candidate We should stop proclaiming ourselves a a month ago. He even coined the term ‘Ocean mainland but also for Rodrigues (just have a in Geopolitics ‘small state’ or even an ‘island state’ as our po- State’ which is in itself a very strong positive look at the number of grievances from Rodri- litical leaders often do both on the local and concept and even said that the next Ramgoo- guans over the past years); Agalega whose 300 international scenes! A major leap forward lam government would have a Ministry of citizens should be offered a decent airstrip and in the defi nition of our country itself needs Oceanography … a small functional port; St. Brandon and the to be achieved and the political discourse Another source of worry these days from major issues of sovereignty over the Chagos; around the ‘greatness’ of our country should the two main political alliances is that they Tromelin (how will Mauritians benefi t from unite the whole nation without great diffi culty both are talking about île Maurice (Mauri- the co-management agreement recently si- around this new grandeur of our Republic! We tius Island) and not of Maurice or the Répu- gned with the French authorities?) and to a call it vision. blique de Maurice! Have they already forgotten lesser extent Saya de Malha should also be This vision should be backed by a number Rodrigues, Agalega, St, Brandon, the Chagos addressed in the electoral programmes of the of policies, initiatives, activities and projects for and Tromelin? main alliances. the shaping up of our economical sustaina- The MMM-UN-MMSD’s main slogan If the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Fo- bility (tourism, fi sheries, seafood, land-based is “Pour une autre île Maurice” which makes us rum had been held by this government as they oceanography, research & development, ma- think that the MMM is forgetting the rest of put it in their Electoral Programme in 2005, a nagement of resources, etc.), regional and the Republic which is rather surprising from few key elements would most probably have international relations, sovereignty, domestic Bérenger who, by the way, has also claimed St. already been sorted out … p. 43 [ [STRAIGHTTALK Insert N° 3 • Friday 16 April 2010 l’express Elections Special What we all want REGARDLESS WHAT contemplate growing old and nomic vandalism) as adopted by electoral manifesto) supported our politicians coax us into be- retire with respect and dignity; the US, the already domineering by relentless monitoring of its lieving, I stay convinced that the We aspire for every child to economic position of the BRIC execution and implementation dreams of our peuple admirable have access to an all inclusive are already suggesting an inevi- should assist in delivering our are modest and cut across the education system that offers table paradigm shift. promises to the people. political divide, race, religion, them a fair chance of fulfi lling Within this new world eco- The Ministers (hopefully Reshan RAMBOCCUS class and cast. their potential; nomic order, Mauritius will only a handful) who would be We want a job that allows us We require a safe environ- need to fi nd its “space”. This accountable for these bite size Director India Management to earn a half decent living; ment to live in and one where will bring new challenges and we implementation plans should Services Ltd We should be able to our children can grow up wi- should not rely on either our luc- be rewarded accordingly – we thout the spectre of subutex and ky stars or intuitive economics. would have no issues with the other drugs, and fi nally; As a nation, we need to put our Singaporean style bonuses as in We want to continue to strongest foot forward. This any case we would save on the breathe clean air and drink clean will require political boldness, “per diems” and other “perks”. water and Maurice, Ile durable, people who are prepared to kick Incidentally, it might also make needs to more than just cheap our cosy conventions and pre- sense to have Ministers with and shallow political rhetoric. conceived norms and maybe some relevant experience so I also believe that most of us above all, people with genuine that we can also trim down on are prepared to pull our weight integrity that will earn the grud- the array of advisers. and except for those who are ging respect from the voters. As we are constantly remin- part of either the “inner circles” Our single biggest chal- ded, the Prime Minister has or political dynasties don’t expect lenge today is to attract the right of life and death over the much from the government. right people in politics. How Ministers and he should remain Although daunting, this wish many times have we heard, uncompromising to those “non list is not beyond us, as sugges- “you sound like a decent guy performing” Ministers. ted by our recent economic earning a good living, why do Let us be realistic, I would history. We have emerged from you want get involved in poli- expect fairly generous odds on the recent “triple shocks” pretty tics?” Cynicism fuelled by years my chances of being elected, if unscathed and some would of broken promises has resulted only for my inability to indulge even argue that on a relative ba- in a downward spiral of political in the usual plethora of bashing sis, stronger than some of our mediocrity, a total lack of politi- and empty promises delivered neighbours. cal and thought leadership. In from the dizzy heights of the However, it is also clear the absence of any differentiated back of a lorry. Having said that, that the unprecedented global political ideology, I would expect I live in hope, after all a black economic meltdown has led the candidate list to be the most American, with a funny name to a thorough introspection by compelling data point in our de- decided to run for U.S. senate most economies. Whilst we will cision process. in the aftermath of the 911 at- have to wait to for the dust settle Assuming that we can get the tack and the rest is history. The for the winners and losers to elusive raw talent with the right message is as simple as are our emerge, strong protectionist po- attitude, then a carefully drafted hopes, only the right people can licy, (almost tantamount to eco- strategic plan (also known as the change our lives. Giving equal chances to women

IF I were an MP, many is- Women In Parliament will be doing, I would promote the working conditions including sues would be on my agenda an important issue. Together, values of sharing and solidarity fl exitime, job share, telecom- as a Mauritian citizen. Three we could promote a Women’s that underlines WIN. muting, free or affordable would reach my Priority List: Agenda and we would start Coming back to the Equal childcare and eldercare facili- fi rst, the Equal Opportunities identifying laws we need to Opportunities Act, it would ties, would contribute to that. Act, electoral reform and Wo- work on. For instance, this WIP mean that citizens working in Measures must be adopted men’s Caucus. I would contri- could review the laws and im- the civil service should have to ensure equal pay for work of bute to the promulgation of the plementation of effective legal the same rights. The duty of equal value. It is a fact that there Equal Opportunities Act and and physical protection for all neutrality of civil servants is no law which currently gua- the setting up of an Effective women against sexual and ra- should not deprive them from rantees the principle of equal Marie-Noelle ELISSAC-FOY Equal Opportunities Com- cial harassment, abuse and as- political freedom. In Europe, pay for equal work. Full sex edu- mission. It is high time this sault. For example: electronic civil servants are recognised as cation shall be provided for boys On behalf of Women commission becomes a reality. bracelets for men who have a fully active citizens. Therefore, and girls at all levels of schoo- In Politics I would work on the introduc- protection order against them, under certain conditions, they ling. A review of the adoption tion of electoral reform and the stronger penalties should be have freedom of opinion, the laws will be undertaken to make implementation of the Sachs applied to offenders while right to belong to a political it easier to adopt while ensuring report which introduces a dose counselling and rehabilitation party, run for election, and if the safety and well being of all of proportional representation should be made compulsory. unsuccessful, the right to re- children who would be eligible. and gender neutral quota sys- Also, I would call upon the turn to their position. For my constituency, wi- tem that aims to correct the Women In Parliament to be A high-level review of the thin 2 months, I will identify 3 under–representation of both the coach or mentor of other legal system would ensure major priorities for my region, women and men – that neither competent women who want gender access to justice. The and table Parliamentary Ques- gender should occupy more to stand for any elections. So creation of a better balance tions on how to solve these. I than 60% or less than 40% that we prepare the future MP, between work and family will also work out ways of get- of the seats. The creation of a mayors, district and village would also be an important ting these on the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus or group of councillors of Mauritius. So issue. The provision of fl exible Agenda. p. 44 Insert N° 3 • Friday 16 April 2010 l’express p. 44 [ WE MARK THE SPOT] Insert N° 3 • Friday 16 April 2010 l’express [BOOK REVIEW The terror within Terror comes in many forms, including from in- side one’s own mind. Tell Me Your Dreams (1998) by the late Sidney Sheldon is precisely about that. The novel tells of the terror computer whiz Ashley Patterson experiences when she is convinced she is being stalked. Meanwhile in parallel, run the sto- ries of Toni Prescott and Alette Peters. These women seemingly know nothing about each other-until they are linked by a murder investigation that leads to one of the most bizarre trials of the century. There is little wonder that the late Sidney Shel- don is often referred to as the world’s master sto- ryteller. His extraordinary ability to leave the reader completely clueless until the end of the book is what guarantees that the novel makes a lasting impres- sion. By the time you have fi nished this book, you will be left breathless and speechless from the fast- The star of the South East paced, high-suspense plot. Like the majority of his novels, Tell Me Your Dreams takes place in various ucked away in the pressive Valley de Ferney, another guide at all times during their vi- locations throughout the world. The novel follows South East of the site managed by Ciel et Nature. sit to the domain. the lives of the main protagonists and races from island between Some may prefer to visit This amazing domain also London, to Rome, to Quebec. Sheldon cleverly has TMontagne the domain on horseback. The has a restaurant which offers a us quite convinced that the lives of the three wo- Blanche and Sepastobol, lies a 7 sweet-natured ponies at the typically Mauritian menu such men are in no way intertwined, until the moment we magnifi cent Garden of Eden domain are called Boerperds, as lentil soup, ‘poisson salé’ (dried realise that they are in fact interdependent. known as Domaine de l’Etoile brought here from South Africa. salted fi sh), a variety of chutneys If this does not intrigue you yet, it is important (Domain of the Star). A guide will initiate you to the ba- and many more dishes referred to consider another highly interesting fact about Domaine de l’Etoile is one of sics of horseback riding and help to as fusion cuisine. this book. Although it is a work of fi ction, the novel the three eco-tourism sites ma- you practice before you go out What is also striking about is based on carefully researched real-life cases. It naged by Ciel et Nature, which on the trail. The guide/instructor Domaine de l’Etoile is the rich deals with a troubling mental illness called Multiple is a part of the CIEL group. has been working with horses fauna and fl ora. You can spot Personality Disorder (MPD), a controversial issue Covering 2000 hectares, the for over 30 years and can ensure deer or wild boar, see a paille en amongst psychiatrists. In the author’s note, Sheldon site has been open to the public even the least experienced rider queue soar in the sky, or glimpse himself explained that many psychiatrists do not be- since 2002, and has a variety of is safe. The trail for horseback a kestrel perched in a tree. And lieve that MPD exists. But whether we as readers fun activities for those who love riding is different from the one you can see various indigenous are sceptics or not, we are bound to be shocked by the great outdoors and want to taken by quad riders and offers trees, such as the ebony tree or the chilling scenes in which Sheldon puts us face to connect with nature. equally stunning views. the ‘bois de natte’. face with this disturbing phenomena. Quad biking is one of the Visitors can also try their Sounds too good to be true? Ashley, Toni and Alette are all presented to us as most popular activities. Annick hand at archery. Three-dimen- Head over to Domaine de l’Etoile victims of their disturbed minds, yet at the same Thompson-Vellen, Sales and sional animal-shaped targets and experience it all for yourself. time as women who are not what they seem to be, Marketing Manager at Ciel et are spread out over 10 hectares, Breathe in the fresh air, listen to and may well be hiding something. The murder in- Nature explains that even no- which means people need to the sounds of nature and take in vestigation as described by Sidney Sheldon is truly vices can give this experience ‘hunt’ for their targets. Again, vi- the most spectacular view you puzzling, as clues and information never seem to a try. Before you hit the trail, a sitors must practice before they have ever seen in your life. fully add up. The plot thickens with every murder guide will ensure that you un- are allowed on the trail. People committed, each more brutal than the last, while dergo a test run to familiarize can also choose to hike through Melissa LOUIS the police cannot fi nd any plausible answers. Who is yourself with the vehicle. Once the domain or ride through on a lying? You will fi nd yourself trying to play detective, visitors are confi dent about mountain bike, on a trail adap- but surely even Sherlock Holmes never found him- controlling the quad, they can ted to their requirements anandd self in the face of such a strange mystery. set off on a 30-kilometre trail of fi tness level. Annick Thomp- The novel is particularly enchantingenchanting valleysvalleys and plains.plains. son-Vellen pointspoints out that toto chilling because The mountain range offers a ensure their security, visitors areare it deals with breathtaking view and the trail accompanied by an experienceexperiencedd the horrors that leads to the equal- may be lurking ly im- in the mind of an ordinary looking human being, perfectly unawareu of his predicament.p AfterA all, how do youy protect your- selfs from you? WhetherW you are a fan of Sidney SheldonS or not, if youy enjoy a good thriller,t this novel isi a must for you. JustJ keep in mind thatt it may have yyou nervously lookingl back over youry shoulder for a while!

RAMSURRUN M. L Photo :Reshma Photo :Reshma RAMSURRUN