INTERVIEW| Constituency 18 with Nita Deerpalsing and Vijay Makhan> pp. 34-35

Insert N°3 • Friday 23 APRIL 2010 [THIS ISMAURITIUS> pp.40-41 ELECTORAL FEVER : Editorial ] the contagion spreads. by Touria PRAYAG “Le berger à la bergère”

George Bernard Shaw, you will recall, sent the following invitation to Winston Churchill, “I am enclosing two tickets to the fi rst night of my new play. Bring a friend... if you have one.” Churchill’s reply did not take long to come, “Cannot possibly attend fi rst night. Will attend second... if there is one.” Tit for tat! Tit for tat was also the response of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam to the lobby of campaigners for quotas for women in politics, “‘No’ to one out of three. But ‘yes’ to three out of three!” and three women were fi elded in a constituency where, I think, they might have a fi ghting chance. Yes, there were disappointments that the parties did not fi eld a bigger number of female candidates. There were also and es- pecially perhaps personal ambitions which were frustrated af- ter high expectations. However, one can only serve women by giving them the same opportunities as their male counterparts. No more, no less. If the world at large remains egregiously male- dominated in nearly all spheres (look worldwide at the corpo- rate world above a certain level, for example) it is because of the lack of equal opportunities. Girls are demonstrably higher per- formers academically where there is really equal opportunity. Nor is the number of women fi elded or even elected a mea- sure of the rights women have. Canada, for example, has a low female representation of 22%, the United Kingdom 20 and the United States 17%! It would be wrong to assume that women in the US have fewer rights than those in Rwanda where the repre- sentation is as high as 47% and where women make such little difference that the system of quotas is now being questioned. The women fi elded by both parties, like their male counter- parts, have a hard task ahead of them. They need to convince the electorate that they are the best possible candidates in their constituency. I hope that they set the example by doing that through the values they stand for, the programme they present to the electorate and their competence and track record rather than through using their gender as their only weapon. Our enemy is not the man we wake up next to, but the challenges that we face together as individuals, as couples, as families and as a country. Nor should these women, once elected, be burdened with the task of singlehandedly defending the cause of women. Their task should be no different from that of their male colleagues. They should stand for equal opportunity and unity, empowe- ring the most vulnerable sections of our community and nego- tiating to obtain workplaces fl exible enough to take into account the needs of dual working couples. They should work for ade- quate and subsidized pre-school and after-school care to allow

Library photo women and men to be economically independent. What will also genuinely empower women is a change in the mindset. In a country where abortion is still a ta- boo, where our male compatriots in 2010 still expect their What Mauritians wives to be virgins when they get married and where some middle-class women, according to a study done by l’Express Dimanche, still pay huge sums of money to have a virginity remake to give their partners the illusion they are looking for, I think we have a long way to go. I am happy for the three out of three, but the real struggle for women’s em- want powerment is still far away. l’express [ Friday 23 April 2010 • Insert N°3 QUICKREAD] p. 30 The Week at a Glance] Events] Elite Model Look Mau- The Best Loser system ritius 2010 This is another feature of our electoral system. Af- The fi nal of the Elite Model Look Mau- ter a general election, there are of course winners and ritius 2010 will be held on 30th April 2010 losers on the basis of the ‘fi rst past the post’ system. In at 20.00, at La Plantation Hotel, Balaclava. Mauritius, there is an additional category: best losers; in Join in this exceptional evening to see the 10 other words, those who had the highest score amongst candidates for 2010 walk the ramp as they the losers. They may be ‘lucky losers’. contend for the winning place in this compe- Of these lucky losers, the Electoral Supervisory tition. Elite Model Look is a yearly modelling Commission may nominate up to a maximum of 8 event held by international group Elite Mo- additional members to correct any imbalance in com- dels Management. This prestigious contest is a munity representation in Parliament. platform to discover and launch fashion models It works like this: the fi rst 4 seats are fi lled by the on the international market. Tickets are at Rs.1000 most successful unreturned candidates of the com- (fashion show and cocktail included). Call Otayo munity which is least represented, irrespective of the Library ROOPUN :Beekash photo on 466 9999 for more information. political party they belong to. This attempts to redress Exercising the right to vote-for registered candidates. the balance in the National Assembly, not necessarily Teelock and Yvan Martial were among the citizens in government. who happily paid Rs. 250 for the principle. The former To ensure proper representation of minorities at even chose a highly symbolic emblem for his candida- Royal Raid 2010 the level of government, the remaining four seats are ture…a wasp. Hit the mountain trails with Royal Raid, a race that will lead you to then allocated to the most successful unreturned candi- While Resistans ek Alternativ is now challenging the the heart of the island and allow you to discover the most amazing sites. dates belonging to the most successful party and from system in court on the grounds that it is a violation The event will be held on the 8th and 9th May 2010. the community which returned the fewest candidates. of the fundamental human right of “absolute freedom Royal Raid consists of two races held simulta- If there is no one from the appropriate community, of expression, culture and conscience”. However, others neously: Royal Raid 80 (80 kms to be cove- the seats will then be allocated to the most successful feel that this system is the only way to guarantee the red in 20hours) and Royal Raid 35 (35 kms unreturned candidates from the most successful party. proper representation of minorities. Yusuf Mohamed, to be covered in 09 hours). You will For the purposes of this system, the Mauritian a lawyer and ex-politician, for example, sees the move discover Yemen Nature Reserve, population is divided into four communities: Hindu, to eradicate the best loser system as idealistic and even the Black River National Park Muslim, Sino-Mauritian and General Population. And dangerous as it would create an imbalance and there- and the sugar cane fi elds of Bel this is where the problem lies: each candidate has to de- fore frustration in the minorities which are the vulne- Ombre Sugar Estate along the clare that s/he belongs to one of these categories before rable sections of our society. ‘Those who think that this way. Visit www.royalraid.com s/he is allowed to stand for election. Isn’t it time each single move will eradicate communalism have to come for more information and to register. candidate registered as a Mauritian? Isn’t that what s/ down to earth,’ he says. ‘Communalism will exist for as he is? long as Mauritius exists. We have to live with this reality Yes, according to Ashok Subron of Rezistans ek Al- and avoid causing frustration to minorities by depriving Dome ternativ, a political party which is challenging this sys- them of proper representation.’ tem of nominating members on communal grounds. Until there is a judgment on the case ini- Teknival This year, a large number of compatriots joined the tiated by Resistans ek Alternativ, the best loser action initiated by Rezistans ek Alternativ of registering system continues. Dance the night away at Dome Teknival, a as candidates and refusing to disclose the community techno dance event held as from 16.00 on they belong to. Philippe Forget Jr., Shenaz Patel,Adi Touria PRAYAG 24th April 2010, at the Medine Sugar Estate in Bambous. The event, organised by Silent Par- tners and Zetapsy Streetwear will last 13 hours Kreol korner] and will be held under a huge dome erected in the middle of a sugar cane fi eld. The evening will be hosted Marye pique – to gang by French D.J Jack de Marseille, as well as Paul Panik, up against a common Benjamin Bolton, Phil Thevenau, Zak Shaker, Avneesh adversary. and Kevin O’Keeffe. Tickets are available at Rs At election time. it is 700 at Habit and Rs 900 at the door. For more often used to call for information, visit http://dometeknival.com. solidarity and ironing out problems in order An evening in pink to stand against the Join in the Pink Sensation Tour Part 2, common enemy. which will begin on Saturday 8th May N.R at 22.30 to end on Sunday 9th May at 6.00 at Keops Pub at Ebene. D.J. David Joan, Prince V, Chris V, Henri Fleu- rant, Patrice d’Avrincourt, Chris Wonder and Christopher Essoo will be part of this event, which will have you dancing from dusk to dawn. Pink is the only authorised colour for this event! Book now, by calling 4210735 or 9726143. At the movies:Shutter Island Catch Shutter Island, the latest movie from Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese at Star Caudan on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April (evening sessions). This is the story of two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leo- nardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), who are summoned to a remote and barren island off the coast of Mas- sachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the cri- minally insane. Critics have praised the movie for Scorcese’s use of suspense and horror to keep viewers hooked from start to fi nish.

M.L ILLUSTRATIONS : Stephane BENOIT p. 31 QUICKREAD Insert N° 3 • Friday 23 April 2010 l’express PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Well said ] Paul Bérenger « I didn’t choose the colour of my skin but I chose my battle ». Even though we’re not too sure anymore what that battle is, it’s a timely reminder to those like Lormus Bundhoo and Prem Koonjoo that they would do well to think hard about their battles!

Silence is golden] Pravind Jugnauth

“They talk about daddy’s boys but what about Reza

Vishal ARORA Uteem? Isn’t he Cassam Uteem’s son? Or is there something that Paul Bérenger knows that

Tony FINE Tony Bye Cassam doesn’t?” This from the man who The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition on Nomination Day. says he wants to run this country, that he has prin- ciples and that he is young and modern. The less said, the better! The International Scene] Deepa Bhookhun Eyjafjallajokull Spells Chaos By Nad SIVARAMEN

IN ICELANDIC, Eyjafjallajokull* means “Island mountain glacier”. But since last week for millions around the world, the volcano signifi es a global disruption in air connections and trade in goods and services: nearly 100 000 fl ights cancelled, more than 8 million passengers affected and up to 313 airports closed. We have seen images of passengers stranded in airports while stocks of airlines are plummeting. The International Air Transport Association estimates that the air traffi c disruption is equivalent to a loss of about two hundred mil- lion U.S. dollars loss daily. Airline associations representing dozens of European carriers called on governments to “give a fi rm commitment to support airlines affected by the crisis.” The associations noted that governments had closed airspace, and that European Union passenger-protection rules force carriers to provide food and communications to stranded passengers already in transit, “at great expense”. But Eyjafjallajokull has also several unseen ripple effects affecting ordinary citizens around the world. According to reports in Kenya’s newspapers, the economy of Kenya is losing $3.8m a day because of the halt in the trade of pe- The Eyjafjallajokull volcano has caused massive disruptions in airports throughout the world. rishable goods (food and fl owers). The losses are expec- ted to happen in agriculture-based economies throughout that gives an indication of a safe level of volcanic ash,” said ding to European geologists, the activity of one volcano Africa and across South America. Freight companies are Bill Voss, president of the Flight Safety Foundation, a glo- “often triggers” the other one and it is known that Iceland’s claiming a loss of $ 500 million. In many cases, medical bal nonprofi t organization to the BBC News. “Lacking that, both volcanoes have been active together. The situation is supplies, among other emergency goods, are grounded… we’re going to be trapped in a diffi cult debate.” still “dynamic”… And even as airports reopened, the debate is ongoing The ash cloud seems to have no silver lining. Scientists about the safety of fl ying without more extensive analysis now fear an even bigger volcanic eruption in Iceland. They *Newscasters, especially English speakers, are having of the risks, “as it appeared that governments were operating are observing Katla, the “Angry Sister” of Eyjafjallajokull, a hard time pronouncing “Eyjafjallajokull”. In the US, without consistent international guidelines based on solid data”. “The three times in recorded history when Eyjafjallajokull they give the following pronounciation: “What’s missing is some sort of standard, based on science, has erupted, the much larger Katla has followed suit. ” Accor- “Hey, ya fergot La Yogurt”. l’express [ Friday 23 April 2010 • Insert N°3 ISSUES] p. 32

Left Field] By Nicholas RAINER What they say The number of nonsensicalities that politicians have uttered since the begin- A disconcerting ning of the electorate campaign beggars belief. Instead of the “clean” electoral campaign leaders of both political blocs had promised, we have been served campaign with communal wiles, distorted facts and cheap shots. We bring you a collection of the rubbish that has come out of the mouths of various candidates these past few days. The elections are a bit like traffi c jams. ●“I don’t agree with Sitha- we’re nearly dying of envy. Whatever your station in life, your vote has nen’s policies but I don’t like the way the same weight as that of every other citi- Ramgoolam treated him” ● “After the general elections, zen in the land. It doesn’t matter if you’re fi l- The question is- does Béren- the press will have to stop acting thy rich, dirt poor or hovering precariously ger intend to change the economic like they own the country!” somewhere in the vast in-between; your three policy if he comes to power? Oh If the press thought they and has it never crossed his mind owned the country, they would crosses are as good as anyone else’s. Traffi c surely have shut down their jams are similarly unbiased. It makes not a to recuperate Rama Sithanen for political reasons? printing houses and enjoyed the jot of difference whether you drive a rusted old ride like politicians do! Datsun or a shiny new Aston Martin; you will ●“The Labour party get stuck in traffi c (unless, of course, you have ● “You must vote for all a motorcade). In other words, elections and ■ Navin has given tickets to only 13 women. And seven of them are three of us. If one of us doesn’t traffi c jams are two of the only moments in Ramgoolam, going straight to the slaughte- get selected, I will be blamed be- life where the concept of equal opportunities Labour Party rhouse!” cause I am one of the leaders of actually applies. The Labour party is in the alliance”. It’s a tragedy then that those who are solici- leader alliance with two other par- We can’t have that now, ting our suffrage have absolutely no respect for “Jayen Cuttaree has disqualifi ed ties (as minor as they may can we? this incontrovertible fact. They implore us to himself for the offi ce of President after be). Bérenger has only given “use our intelligence” and to “vote bloc” (and ● “I have a concrete his criticisms of the current President tickets to eight women. True example of what will happen threaten us if we don’t), without offering the of the Republic.” as what he said might be, the slimmest sliver of a reason as to why exact- if you all vote for the three of Come again? How so? Jayen question is- how many of the us. I can tell you now that land ly they expect us to do so. Apart, of course, Cuttaree only said publicly what MMM women are headed from not being “a daddy’s boy” or someone has been made available for a we all think. And the Prime straight for the slaughte- few development projects in the inordinately preoccupied with enriching his minister doesn’t think Sir Anerood rhouse? area”. cousins (depending on which meeting you’re Jugnauth has also disqualifi ed him- Now, now, there’s a name attending). Well, that’s their prerogative, as it’s self? for that: electoral bribery. a snake oil salesman’s prerogative to hawk fake Pravind Jugnauth’s uncle remedies for imaginary ailments, and they can ●“Remember the Illovo deal when Rs 9 billion were might have a few stories to try to impress this on us until they’re blue in tell! the face. given to five families? A Prime minister must look out for But the sad truth of the matter is that the everyone not just a clique of current campaign has been absolutely woe- people”. ful, even by our low standards. Not even the True. But Navin Ramgoo- habitual folklore of election season has been lam should ask his new friend able to paper over the abysmal quality of the Pravind Jugnauth what he arguments being presented by both alliances. thinks of the Illovo deal. ■ Robert I’ve seen men who call themselves leaders Seeing that he was part of it! spout overtly racist bile. I’ve seen fathers and Hungley, MMM husbands question the paternity of an adver- sary just to get some cheap laughs from an candidate audience. I’ve seen supposedly educated men “The MMM had a lot of crassly using religion to inspire hatred for achievements in 2005 but we lost their own political gain. because there were so many lies told ■ Prem It would all be funny if it weren’t so depres- about us.” Koonjoo, retired sing. For if our political class is so sick, is it That must have been a huge any wonder that the country itself is suffering lie indeed; more than half of the politician (with so many ills? I personally don’t believe that voters believed it! an MSM bias) Mauritius is ready for a communalism-free “A Prime Minister should come election. Many of my colleagues disagree, pre- from the majority” (i.e the Hindus) ferring to believe that politicians are to blame. ■ Paul Oh? Then why did he support This is true to a certain extent but it’s not the the MMM-MS alliance in 2005 whole picture. Even taking into account the Bérenger, MMM going so far as to run for election, idiosyncrasies of Mauritian society doesn’t ex- campaigning people to vote for plain how some of the candidates are getting leader Paul Bérenger? away with the stuff they’re saying. “There should be a private Thanks to democracy though, you can sanc- TV for us; It would have taught ● “Obama was elected be- tion this glaring lack of respect for both the Ramgoolam a few things. He’s using cause he is a freemason.” sovereignty of your vote and your intelligence the MBC as a tool for propaganda”. Was he now? Prem in the polling booth. When you hold the ballot Paul Bérenger seems to be Koonjoo should have sa- paper in your hands on May 5, have a long, suffering from selective memory. ■ Pravind ved all the editorialists the Every government has used and hard think about what voting means, about Jugnauth, MSM trouble of trying to ana- those who fought for you to have the privilege abused the MBC and the jour- lyze why Obama was elec- nalists employed by the national of doing so and about what they would think leader ted. And maybe Koonjoo TV station have always been very “Nobody had anything to say should be careful; he about you cheapening that right by endorsing willing to serve as doormats. The such puerile characters. when Paul Bérenger offered me 30 doesn’t know who sur- MBC in 2005 differs from the tickets but now that I have 18 tickets, rounds him; Freemasons MBC in 2010 in one thing only- they’re all jealous!” run deep, they say… the colour; it’s not purple and Yes, that’s exactly what it is; white anymore, it’s bright red. p. 33 [ISSUES Insert N° 3 • Friday 23 April 2010 l’express and what it is

liticians, Mohamed included, ■ Alan Ganoo, decided that this sad episode MMM deputy made them heroes. leader “Government has reduced corporate tax from 22% to 15% so that the BAI can make even more money while the popula- tion is still suffering”. ■ Vijay Makhan, Alam Ganoo must surely know that the reduction in MMM candidate corporate tax was introduced “Navin Ramgoolam sells for a very specifi c reason- to dreams to people”. encourage people to invest in Ramgoolam managed to do Mauritius. The BAI in fact, is ■ Showkutally just that to the MMM, didn’t he? not making that much profi t. And this is public knowledge. ■ Rajesh Soodhun, MSM Jeetah, Labour candidate “I know her well, she’s an ■ Rashid candidate MMM supporter”, he said after a “When Bérenger sees me, he constituent had a go at him. Meerun, Labour sees not a man in a suit and a Yes, that’s convenient. There tie but a man wearing a lan- could be no other reason why one candidate gouti and a dhoti”. would disagree with Soodhun, “Number 3 constituents Surely this kind of argu- could there? are lucky to have Rashid ment is outdated? And says Daureeawoo as candidate here. more about the person who His leader Pravind Jugnauth is said it rather than the one the future Minister of Finance.” being attacked? Surely this How does that help the qualifi es as racist? people in Port Louis? But more importantly, how does ■ Sheila Meerun know that Jugnauth Grenade, MSM will be Minister of Finance? The Prime Minister should candidate ■ Shakeel enjoy this encroachment on “For how much longer are you Mohamed, his prerogatives… going to remain in the opposition?” she asked the people in her consti- Labour tuency. Grenade learnt her lesson well candidate it seems! “I have dared say to Paul Bérenger ‘I am a Muslim!” My, my, Shakeel Moha- ■ Madun med should be given some kind of a medal! That was in- Dulloo, MMM deed courageous! candidate ● “I took a stand in “I couldn’t sit in Parlia- favour of the Azaan but ment with somebody who was neither Paul Bérenger nor the involved in Subutex traffi cking. Muslims of his party stood up That’s why I left!” against the judgment”. Didn’t Dulloo get fi red? What Shakeel Mohamed refers so casually to as the “Azaan” was an episode in modern Mauritius that most ■ Said Bai- ■ Maurice of us would rather not recall. ■ Adil Ameer choo, MMM can- A citizen who also happened Meea, MMM can- Allet, PMSD to be a lawyer went to court didate because the call to prayer of didate “We have caught the old man, secretary general a mosque in his neighbou- “Where was Rashid Beebeejaun held him by the neck and we’re shar- “When you are in the op- rhood bothered him. The during the Azaan episode? Where pening the knife. There will be kur- position, you get nothing, you court agreed that the “azaan” was he hiding when 75 people were bani on the 5th (he will be beheaded); don’t progress”. was too loud and violated the prosecuted under the Terrorism law?” his head will be on one side and his Allet should know rights of the appellant and This new MMM candi- body will be on the other and he will something about that! ordered that loudspeakers date, heralded as one of the never get up again”, talking about should stop being used. A few new generation of politicians, Rashid Beebeejaun. ■ Leela Devi politicians led by Shakeel Mo- would do well to think twice This is called a threat. Threa- Dookun, MSM hamed (probably for political tening to kill someone. Using a gains) decided that they could before opening his mouth. religious platform disguised as a candidate terrorize the foundations of political one. It is violent, it’s un- “Don’t waste your vote” this democracy. They ended gentlemanly and it’s outrageous. How does one do that??? up capitulating because they Yet MMM supporters cheered. didn’t have a following and The police haven’t been notifi ed because the Prime minister yet. put his foot down. Some po- Deepa BHOOKHUN l’express [ Friday 23 April 2010 • Insert N° 3 [COVERSTORY ] p. 36 What Mauritian

Viva the vox We have a quan- in prisons and the absence of it’s not enough to simply titative glimpse of any structure allowing for the throw money at the problem, populi! Even reinsertion of ex-convicts into there has to be a form of ac- the issues worrying society. “Some people have been companiment in order to help if mainstream Mauritians. Indeed, convicted for ten crimes in fi ve those at the bottom of the politicians last Sunday, l’express years!” he says despairingly. ladder play an active role in What the statistics say: Ac- society. “This is where NGOs have chosen Dimanche published cording to the Central Statis- have to do their part. Govern- to ignore real a rather telling survey tics Offi ce (CSO), burglaries ment and the private sector can about the problems dropped from 16 200 in 2004 supply the money, but you also bread and to 13 600 in 2007 (even if the need a strong dose of humanity, that the population number of personal victims a training of the heart.” butter issues in believes need to be of theft increased from 4 800 What the statistics say: favour of their addressed the most to 5 400 during the same pe- According to the CSO, a little urgently. riod). The number of crimes, over 14% of the country’s usual abject misdemeanors and drug-re- households live in relative po- mudslinging, We’ve taken a closer lated offences reported to verty, meaning that they have look at each of these the police has also increased a monthly income of less than the electorate issues for you: between 2004 and 2007. In- Rs7 320. Less than 1.5% of knows exactly terestingly, 35% of Mauritians the population (around 18 000 feel unsafe in their neighbo- people) live in extreme poverty what it expects 1. Insecurity and law rhoods at night and 45% feel (less than US$2 per day). and order unsafe in public transport af- of the next Almost a quarter of res- ter dark. 3. The fi ght against government. pondents (22.4%) said that unemployment law and order should be the 2. The fi ght against Joblessness comes third priority of whoever is decla- poverty on the list of priorities. The red the winner on May 6. That most elusive of unemployment rate is cur- Jean-Claude Bibi, a barrister struggles, namely the eradi- rently around 8%, which is well and member of Justice, an cation of poverty, came se- within accepted international NGO that militates against cond in the hit parade of the norms, even if it’s a far cry police violence, avers that the people’s priorities. Indeed, from the zero percent unem- perception that insecurity is more than a fi fth of the popu- ployment rate of the late 1980s. worsening is both justifi ed lation (20.6%) considers that “I’m surprised that Mauritians and exaggerated. “Crime has the next administration should have put unemployment so high They might not look like it but Mauritian increased in certain regions, es- put the fi ght against poverty up on their list of priorities. A pecially where there are many at the top of its agenda. In its majority of the unemployed did This is abysmal by internatio- tourists. This concern has been 2009 budget, the government not complete their Certifi cate nal standards. No wonder then amplifi ed though by some very set aside more than Rs1.5 of Primary Education”, says that improving the quality of serious sociological problems, billion for its Eradication Amédée Darga, chairman of education comes fourth on the such as drug addiction, poverty, of Poverty Programme and the National Empowerment list of priorities set by Mauri- an unskilled workforce, etc”. made it compulsory for all Foundation. He explains that tian voters, especially because Imran Danoo, a social profi table fi rms to spend 2% the job market has evolved in of its direct link to the econo- worker who has extensive ex- of their profi ts on Corporate the sense that there is a greater mic performance of countries. perience with drug addicts, Social Responsibility. Why demand for workers who have According to a McKinsey concurs. “It’s not a general phe- is it then that the problem completed secondary scho- report published last year, nomenon. What I have noticed seems to be getting worse? ol. “We have to fi nd a balance the Gross Domestic Product however is an increase in drug- According to Jacques Dinan, between the needs of the unedu- (GDP) of the US would have related crimes. If the authorities chairman of Caritas, an NGO cated members of the workforce been up to $2.3 trillion higher are going to address this problem working actively with the un- and those of the employers. The in 2008 had high school gra- they’ll have to address the risk derprivileged, it’s not poverty NEF has recognized this need, duates attained the average factors, such as the wide avai- per se that has increased but which is why it has introduced its skill levels of their Finnish lability of Subutex and the edu- rather the disparities between training/placement programme”, peers. Mauritius also lags cation system. There’s a strong the different classes. “The he contends. behind this Nordic country. correlation between academic country has gone through a pe- What the statistics say: So how can we improve the failure and the propensity to riod of rapid economic growth. Around 39% of those out of quality of education here: succumb to drugs”, he remarks. Some people haven’t been able work are below the age of through better schools and Jean-Claude Bibi believes to keep up. As a result, the gap 25. That’s more than 18 000 universities, a better use of that law and order is a social between the haves and the have- young people (9 400 wo- technology, better teachers or problem rather than a policing nots has grown”, he explains. men and 8 800 men) who, more elite schools? We could one. “The social and econo- And attempts to close this for some reason or another, start by tearing a leaf out of mic structures are increasingly gap have been middling at are not really active members what is being done abroad. unable to absorb those at the best. “It’s the State’s responsibi- of society. Also, 46% of the In the OECD’s internatio- bottom of the ladder.” So how lity to ensure that everyone has unemployed are single and nal assessment of student does he propose to remedy the right to a decent life. Yet part 19% of them never reached performance, Finland has this? To begin with, he thinks of the population doesn’t enjoy CPE level. consistently been among the that the introduction of unem- that right. There have been a highest scorers. Finnish teens ployment benefi ts could go a certain number of efforts under 4. Improving the qua- came fi rst in reading literacy, long way to curbing crime the Eradication of Absolute Po- lity of education science and maths worldwide. as it’d help keep vulnerable verty programme, some of which Around 30 % of students They attribute this success groups out of trouble. He’s didn’t really go as far as they who start primary educa- to their focus on teachers. In- also very critical of the lack could have.” tion will make it up to Higher deed, teacher quality is the of rehabilitation programmes Jacques Dinan avers that School Certifi cate (HSC). key. The report also addresses p. 37 [COVERSTORY Insert N° 3 • Friday 23 April 2010 l’express

High-Heeled] ns want By Deepa BHOOKHUN My notebook ● I’m so bored with the electoral campaign that I am going to indulge in some role-play. I will pretend I am an international election ob- server seeing as we have none this year because the international community probably thinks we’re civilized enough to conduct our own affairs without undue interference. Let’s take a look at my notebook, shall we? ● I remained speechless for at least two mi- nutes yesterday when I read what this guy called Pravind Jugnauth said about a former President of the Republic. He asked whether the Presi- dent’s son was really his father’s son or if there was something “Cassam Uteem didn’t know”. How absolutely low! I am truly disgusted! Is that how they do politics here? ● I’m utterly confused- the Prime minis- ter says some kind of residential tax will be re- viewed but will stay in force while this other guy Jugnauth (I’m not too sure how important he is- I tended to dismiss him at fi rst but now I’m hearing he’s Ramgoolam’s successor and that he calls the shots) says he is going to abolish the tax. Come again? Who makes the decisions here? ● They don’t like whites in this country. Not everyone I guess but certainly members of the outgoing government. The things one hears! There’s this guy who’s the minister of environ- ment and he said horribly racist things about some Bérenger guy. I think his forefathers must ns do know what they want. have been truly traumatized in the old days, which I suppose is fair enough but isn’t all this a “the disadvantaged”, as they you see”) for the erosion of Mauritius. bit archaic? Guy should try therapy sometime! would be called here. Raising our purchasing power. The He came to this conclusion ● Oh God some politicians here really have the abilities of unskilled citi- only way to reverse this trend after the opinion poll carried no psychology! If you want somebody to do so- zens leads not only to indivi- will be to rein in infl ation and out by his organization. mething for you, you’d try to charm him or her, dual payoffs, such as higher to set up a Price Monitoring There seems to be so- wouldn’t you? Here, they threaten! This guy- I incomes and more meaningful Committee to invigilate reaso- mething paradoxical in it all. am told he’s a former mayor, well, he said to lives, but also generates eco- nable prices for a whole raft of Corruption is perceived as people that if they didn’t vote for three candi- nomic benefi ts, such as higher products and especially foods- being very high in Mauritius. dates in Rose Hill, “you will get nothing” whe- productivity and greater GDP. tuffs. He’s rather downbeat But when it comes to acts of reas those who supported his team would be It would also result in broad about this happening though. corruption, very few Mau- rewarded. Funny that. Isn’t this called black- social gains – less crime, less “The government has set a ritians admit that they have mail? A minister- a woman- also did this the welfare spending, and a grea- bad example.” been approached for or have other day- threatening people if they didn’t vote ter sense of cohesion, says the What the statistics say: had to give a bride. for her. Goodness they’re lucky they’re dealing report. We need star teachers According to the CSO, the According to Hervé Hen- with nice people! Threaten me? I vote for your above anything else. Consumer Price Index (the ry, the perception of a high opponents! What the statistics say: Of index charting the evolution rate of corruption is coupled ● They have an Electoral Commission here the 21 758 students enrolled of the price of consumer with the perception that the and an Electoral Supervisory Commission- I in Standard 1 in 1996, only 7 products) rose 1.5% in 2009. Independent Commission even know the Electoral Commission, a nice 011, or 32.3%, of them com- This was due to higher food Against Corruption (ICAC) chap going by the name of Rahman- we’ve of- pleted their HSC in 2008. (mainly vegetables, sugar, fi sh is not independent enough ten observed elections together- but I am truly and meat), clothing and gaso- and that only petty corrup- mystifi ed by the fact that both commissions 5. Improving purcha- line prices. tors are brought to court and turn a blind eye to all the violations that are sing power sentenced. taking place, all the insulting thing said, all the A little over 11% of the 6. The fi ght against cor- “The general public perceives racist remarks. Better yet, they have an electo- population is worried about ruption : perception and the political community as being ral code that all the candidates have signed and not getting enough for their reality as corrupted as the police,” says promised on their honour to uphold. Honour. money. Jayen Chellum, secre- Eradication of corruption Henry. H.O.N.O.U.R. Silly word! tary-general of the Association is one of the priorities of vo- Till now, mostly police- ● The police force seems to be in limbo. of Mauritian Consumers, be- ters, according to l’express men have been condemned They’re scared to act in case people in the ou- lieves their concern is fully dimanche opinion poll pu- for taking bribes. tgoing government get angry. It’s a good thing justifi ed. “If anything, I’m sur- blished last Sunday. Ministers or ex-minis- there’s a stand by team called the VOH to help prised it isn’t higher up on their This is no surprise for ters which ICAC has probed them out! I wonder what VOH means? list of priorities.” He cites high Transparancy Mauritius. for corruption have so far infl ation rates, a weak rupee, “Corruption is perceived as been spared. ● I really don’t know what to think- does the “huge” profi t margins and ex- being rampant in Mauritius”, outgoing government really want to win these pensive petroleum products says Hervé Henry, member Nicholas RAINER elections? (“we have to pay for hedging, of the board of Transparancy and Raj JUGERNAUTH Devind JHUNDOO No:18 forawhile now. What doyou sionment on the 5th of May. rather impatient to demonstrate their disillu- these past fiduring ve and years they are performance in general of the government sappointment about among the the electors bout of 5th May. or less made up its mind on its choice for the of the national constituent set-up, has more Quatre which, Bornes it is said, is refl is? think themoodofElectorate there l’express ■ Well, there seems to be a feeling of di- I think that the electorate of Belle Rose/ ■ candidate fortheAllianceduCoeur You have beencampaigningin What makesyou say that? Vijay MAKHAN, ective ective will becampaigningon? issues. Are theyany national issuesyou outnotexactlynational cipality tosort of the town,fairs among others. cleanliness and, mismanagement of the af- place, the distressing and pitiable state of place, the allotment of an appropriate burial location of the market to a more appropriate proliferation of gaming houses. Also, the re- and prostitution proliferation in the town, the stressful traffic jams, insecurity, crime, drug happy… andprosperous. sillusioned with? They seemtobequite Oh, there are a number of issues like the ■ ■ What kindofthings aretheydi- But theseareissuesfortheMuni- [ Yes, National the current Re- sidence Property Tax,Property the Taxsidence Friday 23 April 2010•InsertN°3 on interest from Savings, the school fees issue, the loss of incentives by the small far- examina- and HSC and HSC regarding the SC regarding the SC mers’ community, nity and likewise nity and likewise and the various policies, both national and they are both standing. They also assess t Our two guests this week give their views among others. We,among planters’ commu- as a party, have for the small for the small already taken a already taken a to abolish those to abolish those commitment the incentives the incentives and improve and improve taxes, restore out. And let me say that people have worked proper having cadastral survey been carried this taxation is that it has slapped without a ment. The question in that respect of arises of taxation that are decided by the govern- which willhelptheeconomy. taxed. That would encouragespending they have savings, theyshouldalsobe house, theyshouldpay taxonitandif competence at all levels! national level. It is a matter of absolute in- same alliance that has been in power at the Municipality, by the Municipality is run the of the qualify as falling within the purview tion fees issue. As regards the issues that you and will transparency guide our actions and, political views, where probity, accountability will be recognised notwithstanding ritocracy in life,progress where competence and me- will feel at ease and have equal chances to a society weconstruct citizen where every which we are seeking election. We aim to made with respecton to the programme lowed the various statements that we have presenting? We have notseenany yet. of that! and indirect taxes. There is noin fairness all creating national wealth and pay their direct people who are law abiding and to contribute sacrifi acquisition of that property, there is a lot of they well-off. are not necessarily Behind the hard to be able to purchase a house and if people are well-off and they own a if peoplearewell-off andtheyown a toabolishthesetaxes? fair After all, There should be a rationale for all forms There should be a rationale for all forms ■ I am sorry but I think you haveI am sorry not fol- ■ ce that has gone through and these are ce that has gone through and these are And what is the manifesto you are And what isthemanifestoyou are Do you really think that it is Do you reallythinkthat it is INTER subsidies? lish taxes and reintroduce lish taxes andreintroduce collected from the NRPT, is The amount of money The amount of money not as consequential as the not as consequential as the come fromifyou abo- refrain from making empty refrain from making empty is the money going to is themoneygoingto easy promises? Where promises? Where easy government thought it government thought it and easy promises. not empty or at least not emptyorat least exam fees of the rich exam feesoftherich subsidizing the subsidizing the all thesetaxes and would be. The pre- ■ Are abolishing Are abolishing we are far removed from the centre of the onslaught because of the economic crisis achieve in the larger interest of the nation. and a clear vision of what they wantgrity to something in common: competence, inte- dentials are impeccable but who also share candidateshighly experienced whose cre- candidates with a mix of not so young but team composed of young and determined Rs 200 billion? fromany a debt burden of these over apart and bumperharvest crop? Have you seen which might I remind had talked of early it isn’t really the doing of the Government, not fallen in the easy trap of toxic loans. So our banks also have and had solid anchors to stand fi and counterparts American refore was better than its armed European and conservative gameprudent and the- catastrophe. Our private sector plays a very since1929? nomic crisis naged totideusthroughtheworst eco- government hasma- that thecurrent being their own… which have been recuperated by this one as projects initiated by the previous government Government a number of sound inherited nonce”! On the other hand, the outgoing and purposes, were merely “effets d’an- measures announced, which for all intents of course, been a number of high-sounding easily identify as an achievement. There has, of benefi t to the common mass that one can is not much at the national level that has been throughout.spin doctoring Concretely, there to defend. It has been a constant exercise of record ofthepresentgovernment? ting People First”? was how they translated the concept: “Put- with! Was government? that a caring That versity-going students etc. were done away on loan, insurance premium, relief for uni- ofin exemptionterms at the level of interest taxation, the incentives that the taxpayer had to 15%, and dividends were exempt from taxcorporate was brought down from 30% middle class and yet at the same time the has contributed to the pauperisation of the thout these taxes. The outgoing government vious government well managed very wi- INTER ■ The government poor record has a very You have in a new the choice of bringing has been able to Mauritius avoid the ■ ■ A final word totheconstituents? Yes, but canyou honestlydeny What is, accordingtoyou, the VIEW] p. 34 rm; Veekash NARAINSAMY Interview by Touria PRAYAG Touria l’express A fi to the constituents? nal word A fi ■ be will I and Cadress Xavier, That constituents, we will continue to build the build to continue will we constituents, alliance. stable a are we Because future. here for them and with them. We will We them. with and them for here ourWith years. ve fi least at for here be Nita DEERPALSING, Nita DEERPALSING, the Alliance de l’Avenir. for candidate where hundreds of families are families of hundreds where Your detractors are saying it detractors are saying Your cités ■ from less anything expect not did I At the national level, I have mentio- have I level, national the At Com- the is there course, of And has no teeth the And propaganda. Cheap them. The talk. to ones last the are MMM Mauritius for it and excellent is CCM countries developed all in exists It issue. fairness an is where new trueis still is it that star- already has it but very doing ted good guard should We work. the in it killing against Those bud. prophets trying are doom of to without baby a kill to it allowing even its show growand potential. recreational area for children to play and play to children for area recreational pleased are People relax. to parents their and us to come they and thankful and that. for us thank economy the of democratisation the ned We programme. empowerment the and of problem the solve to managed also the title with homes their owners of full now all of implications the of Think deeds. their improve to loans to entitlement this: is It etc. children their educate or homes empowerment. major a Mauritius of Commission petition one as hailed been has which (CCM) this in created ever laws best the of started already has It inves- country. work. excellent doing is and tigating Insert N° 3 • Friday 23 April 2010 April 2010 23 Friday N° 3 • Insert ts The were. s that a lot? s that What is, according to you, according to you, is, What But this shareholding is no- I t-making companies like Omnicane. Omnicane. like companies t-making In my constituency, I am very am I proud constituency, my In Yes, compared to zero when the when zero to compared Yes, ■ As far as poverty alleviation is alleviation poverty as far As ■ principle a of was there Well, ■ cient in dealing with education, broken education, with dealing in cient your record in your constituency record in your your formed the ‘canal la ferme’ from a dum- a from ferme’ la ‘canal formed the rats, dead groundwere ping there where green a to bushes and waste household of our record particularly record our of sports in and gymna- a built have We infrastructure. all to available is which Ebène in sium constituency, my of inhabitants the basket- and volley-ball several bow- a as groundsball well as also have We ground. ling these all in lighting introduced have youth Our grounds. sports organising been throughouttournaments we And constituency. the trans- particularlyare having of proud MMM were in power! These are people are These power! in were MMM now are They written been had who off. We economy. the of stream main the in consoli- and trend this continue to plan Mi- the of creation the through it date nistry the Integration which Social of ef- more be will We announced. has P.M. fi perpetuate poverty. which etc. families the at government of your and that level? national panies where all the profi the all where panies shareholders the in growers were small tell you Can companies. loss-making small Now, is? that of point the what me the in shareholding 35% a growers have profi not does shareholding of 35% Therefore, more. any barons the to belong people. 1200 least at helped tionary. And I am very proud of it. The very am I And it. of proud tionary. become also planters labourers and have industry. shareholders sugar the in is it? thing new, producers sugar the were but ownership it. with away get to used they and clever two into business their cut to used They which companies milling the companies: com- growing the and loss-making were concerned, we will continue with our with continue will we concerned, programme has which empowerment elds owing owing VIEW INTER (tenant farmers) now have farmers) have (tenant now

You are standing again as a You What about the ‘Rama Sitha- about the What And what is the manifesto you is the manifesto you And what

You have not seen but you must you but seen not have You But surely, the absence of Si- ■ But surely, La- the something: you tell me Let ■ ef- Sithanen no absolutely is There Excellent. There is an overfl an is There Excellent. ■ ■

[ p. 35 matayers’

their land if they so choose, swap it or it swap choose, so they if land their revolu- is That it. for compensation have an agreementan Mauritius the with Sugar sell to (MSPA) Association Producers’ my in the sugar sector and we did. The did. we and sector sugar the in my ‘ we promised to democratise the econo- the democratise to promised we like tourism. When we took over in 2005, 2005, in over took we When tourism. like

are presenting? We have not seen have We are presenting? yet. any other candidates. candidates. other All the agents who were working for working were who agents the All the for working now are Sithanen Rama ver comes after us. It is about the values values the about is It us. after comes ver individuals. the about not party, the of party after Rama and myself and whoe- and party myself and Rama after the arrival of either Rama or myself. The arrivalthe myself. or Rama either of support to continue constituency will the bour Party was created in 1936 and has and 1936 in created Party bour was before 18 No: in presence strong a had thanen must have had an effect. have thanen must

his wisdom and they fully support fully they and wisdom his the chosen. has he candidates Prime Minister has taken a decision in decision a Prime taken has Minister the values, philosophy and principles and of philosophy values, the the that conscious is Everyone party. the its loyalty and allegiance and party the to loyalty andits in believe They boundless. are leader its Party (CLP) is veryParty is and (CLP) solid and strong nen effect’? have done. have people individually by name and whe- and name by individually people friends. as received are we go, we rever we ground the of dent work confi are We we cannot meet the demand. We know know We cannot meet the demand. we many people who want to meet us that us meet to want who people many are realities which are confi rmed every confi are which realities are so are There around. move we as day These are not just words in the air. They air. the in words just not are These there is? the economy and extend it to all fi all to it extend and economy the tend to further the democratisation of further to tend democratisation the do when we get back to power. We in- We power. to back get we when do have heard of what we are planning to planning are we what of heard have

fect. The No 18 Constituency 18 Labour No The fect. dynamism and extreme enthusiasm. enthusiasm. extreme and dynamism

think the mood of the Electorate candidate in No:18. What do you do you What in No:18. candidate

VIEW VIEW

on the electoral “mood” in No18, where No18, in “mood” electoral the on

d local, of their respective parties. respective their of local, d the problems facing the constituency constituency the facing problems the Electoral Fever Krishna PATHER l’express voting is compulsory. and Malta, for example, where likecluding countries Australia neral election rates, turnout ex- we boast one of thege- greatest nates everyone. As a country, contami-and the election virus is the same on each occasion I ties orindependent candidates. will votenority for the small par- of the major alliances. A tiny mi- two blocks, each standing for one Sir! It will be divided mostly into impassive untilpollingday. No, population to remain silent and expect such a large chunk of the no sign of decreasing! So do not commendable. And it is showing red in the last general elections is 81.4 rate % turnout we registe- 61.4% and 59% respectively, the remains at anaverage of56.9%, the number of people who vote cracies like the US, UK and India, If you consider that in demo- The virus starts spreading just spreading just starts The virus a good time. The folklore Mauritius, you are in for you in are experiencing f this is the fi [ rst election election rst Friday 23 April 2010•InsertN°3

from the candidates, who are all to get comments around trying serene, confident of an overwhel- the game. hatched is the deliberate name of ting one’s chicken before they are of an advance celebration. Coun- will be used generously as a sign voured atmosphere. Fire crackers fl willnal add musical instruments (three-zero-walkover). Traditio- shout the same slogan, ‘3-0pisso’ party. will all So the supporters for them to be with the winning who are undecided that it is better to intimidate and convince those amount of noise made is meant as well as the and supporters cars their supporters. The number of will roll intuency accompanied by The candidates in each consti- and parcel of the folklore. part tradition of Nomination Day is tion for days to it. prior The noisy our lunch and dinner conversa- and potential candidates enlivens tion about the probable alliances before Nomination Day. Specula- avour to the already highly-fl Journalists will be running Journalists will be running a- thy for a Réza Issack treading on 19 who shows some fake sympa- exist. A smilingBérengerinNo. - who acts as did if thenot former to talk to a confi dent Ramgoolam fi Ramjuttun in No.nervous 5 who is highly revealing: a diffi dent and destabilizing them. there are no opponents; a way of will go to the extent of saying that ponents will bite the dust. Some and thatming majority their op- nds nothing better to do than try nds nothing better to do than try around the world at the expense of taxpayers. handsome package. All of them will have to jet the opportunity for lunch. will sit on parastatal Others bodies and will have a to advise on anything other than what the minister could have be appointed as ‘advisors’ who perhaps will never get a chance they have wins, supported they are home and dry. Some will help in various ways. When the elections are over, if the party working election full time. blast during Some are agents, others through his connections with politicians. The roderboutte are cal culture. to anyone It refers his way who wriggles to power “Roder boutte” The body language on the day The body language on the day This term hasThis become term entrenched politi- in the Mauritian THIS IS MAURITIUS]

:

spared posters which have been which havespared posters been country. This year, we have been and fl ags displayed around the forget the visual side: banners and noise, cars one should not environment. This, incidentally,environment. This, in an attemptrism to protect the forbidden of by the Ministry Tou- heading for victory.” certain of saying the same thing: “Weare - everyone will find his own way of the game should be observed unfamiliar ground. But the rules

After the game of numbers, After the game of numbers, the p. 40

p. 41 [THIS IS MAURITIUS Insert N° 3 • Friday 23 April 2010 l’express

Campaigning

Campaigning is hard work for the candidates: the door-to- door canvassing of votes. This is a great opportunity to judge the oral hygiene of each can- didate as they offer you a rare chance to see all their teeth. Constituents react differently to their visits. Some are hap- py to see them, some are not but are polite and others are downright rude and seize this opportunity to voice out all their frustrations. The candi- dates will bite the bullet. One cannot run the risk of losing a vote. As all this is happening, agents are running around looking for sympathisers who are prepared to convert their homes into meeting places for a day or two. Some will spot strategically placed plots of land where they can put up a tent. There are also the ‘réu- nions nocturnes’ (night –time get-togethers) with all the neighbours of one particular street –and nobody else really knows what goes on there! Then the traditional meetings start! Some candidates stan- ding on the back of a lorry, others on kes savon (soap boxes), they will shout at the tops of their voices sometimes forgetting that technology has made progress since their day and that the purpose of a microphone is precisely to BEEKASH ROOPUN spare those speaking into it the trouble of having to shout. This is the beginning of cam- paigning. Campaigning is not done on ideas. Not at all. It is an at- contagion spreads tack on personalities and it is a great source of cheap en- tertainment. Between Paul has brought to an end the old tra- the electors will have a fi eld day Bérenger being accused of dition of ‘kolers lafi s’, very much taking full advantage of the treats. siding with the ‘whites’ and a part of election folklore. The Once their stomachs are full, Bookmakers or Bookies. his accusing his opponents group, usually of young and not- they will fi rst complain about the of being ‘plis blan ki blan’ so-young party faithfuls, would quality of the free food and later God bless them! No election can take place without (read supporting the white ‘cook’ their glue out of fl our and decide whom to vote for. The al- them. Straight after Nomination Day, the bets are private sector), it is diffi cult water in someone’s kitchen before liance with less money will always open. They are illegal, of course, but most people en- to know where compliments spending the night sticking up the blame the other for buying votes. gage in them and they genuinely enhance the cam- end and insults begin. The old posters with the portraits of ‘their’ Nomination Day takes place paign. They are normally a barometer of the outcome demons which were lurking three candidates all over the consti- at least two weeks before the elec- of the elections. in the dark come out. And the tuency. Sometimes, they would co- tions but there is no hurry for an Book makers are experts who have their people in same themes will be used for ver up the posters of the opposing electoral manifesto. If a few intel- all constituencies and who base themselves on past campaigning. The government party…and often it would all end lectuals and mavericks will scream experience as well as the feedback they receive to de- will defend its record and eco- in a fi ght! Today, the only visual from the rooftops that they need cide on the wagers. They, therefore, try to achieve a nomic achievements as well signs are fl ags and banners. to have a programme to be able ‘balanced book’ by getting the amounts wagered on as any reforms it may have After Nomination Day, the to decide on which side to vote, each outcome to refl ect the odds. If, at this point in initiated. The Opposition will blame game starts: the Opposition the rest of the population will be time, you want, for example, to bet that l’Alliance criticize the price increases, will blame the MBC for biased re- busy analyzing the candidates du Coeur will win between 56 and 60 seats in the co- especially food prices. Elec- porting and the government will according to the usual ethnic and ming elections, you stand to make a Rs 500 profi t on a toral bribes are an inevitable blame a section of the press for communal criteria. Rs 5 stake if they do. Odds are 100 to one. They go part of the campaign and the same thing. Newspapers all The various religious and so- down to two-to-one for other bets. enhance the entertainment. declare themselves as independent cio-cultural organizations will join Naturally, wagers change the closer we get to the elec- Both major alliances will, but the perception is that most of in the game. Some may voice out tions. At times, if it becomes clear that one alliance therefore, promise to reduce them support one alliance or the the views that their ‘community’ will win a certain number of seats, bookies stop taking or eliminate almost all taxes other. The blame game will end is under-represented. Others will bets on that category. and at the same time consoli- up at the Independent Broadcas- negotiate with various alliances So even if you have no intention of betting in six digits, date the welfare state. Where ting Authority (IBA) and little will before telling their followers what being informed of wagers and odds may provide you is the money for the welfare come out of it. stand to take. with suffi cient entertainment to be able to follow the state going to come from, I Parties will go to town with guess-work which will enliven social discourse in the hear you ask. You obviously spending on food and drinks and Touria PRAYAG next two weeks. have never heard of magic. l’express [ Friday 23 April 2010 • Insert N°3 L’EXPRESSYOURSELF] p. 42 SILLY SEASON ( Week 3)

us of too many of them , too often ! I need not belabour the point ( sorry for the pun…), but just have to refer to how Sithanen’s amputation was handled and to the lobotomy consisting of handing 30% of your tickets over against an infusion of …brains What else has transpired that is worth mentioning here ? Not much , if you ask me: No manifesto in sight . No bright idea being discussed( apart from the senate – not an original in any case and just take stock of the fact that having already been “mentioned” in a manifesto, has not meant any action this far and the Ministry of Social Integration – where a Minister will now handle what was being done before in the Empowerment Fund ? !). No indication about the economic way forward ( except for the removal of the architect of the positive actions of the last fi ve years). We have had the PM quoting Gaetan Duval as saying that if you wanted to win an election, all you had to ensure was that l’Express (and/or Week End) were against you . Obviously he had forgotten l’Express’s support for Independence in 1968 or for the revigorating powers of the MMM in 1982! Prakash RUNJEET

Naden CHETTY “ Attention au retour de manivelle !” was not a quote of The story goes like this : Duval, but an original of the PM himself, in a modern square footage of purple cloth versus bleu/blanc/rouge ones and At a world congress of eminent surgeons, at the Mauritius where cars should be moving to becoming hy- vice versa will propitiate votes accordingly ” ? Do they really bar,at the end of the day, before joining up with the wives for brids and where the only “manivelle” left after the attempt think voters are “this” basic ? That bad , hey ? dinner, fi ve surgeons were discussing what makes the best at strangling the independent press by boycotting it of public The alternative government, the Alliance du patients to operate on. funded government adverts ( plus those from Air Mau- Coeur having freshened up its list of candidates The Scottish surgeon said “I like accountants. When you ritius, Mauritius Telecom etc…) may just happen to be a could not refrain from going for something hairy, open them up, everything inside is numbered” Freedom FROM Information Act. I leave it to your ima- solid and known to us , lest we go all gooey with too His Russian colleague lowered his vodka and barged gination to imagine the “ how”. The outlines of same may much fresh air, I suppose and , accordingly, brought in “ I, Vassilev, plefer electricians, evelything inside them is colour however, perhaps, be better sighted these days in the way the back....Dinesh…yes!...Ramjuttun; the only saving coded” MBC is run and used. Page 18, chapter two, point 7, of the grace being the fact that he was not in my consti- To which the American surgeon couldn’t resist replying outgoing governments’ manifesto , UNE ILE MAURICE tuency . Fat chance ! In mine I was being offered “ My favorites , for sure, are the librarian guys: inside this lot all POUR TOUS, had however promised to favor “la mise the only man ever condemned for electoral bribery; pieces are in alphabetical order” en place de televisions privees qui seront en concurrence avec as confi rmed by the law lords no less. Is that what The Chinese surgeon chimed in “ You know ….I like la television du service public ”, whilst point 8 promised a it takes to fi ght Mr 18-tickets-for-4 %-support , the construction workers ! Those guys are always very understanding Freedom OF Information Act. Maybe we are heading for meritorious inheritor of the most substantive of when you have a few parts left over ….” a Ministry of Information and some Chinese style moni- political fortunes this island has ever seen in a The Mauritian surgeon had been mulling over his toring of the internet instead ? dynasty? contribution between sips of gin : “You are all wrong. Politi- We should certainly refer to the poll in yesterday’s No wonder JK Galbraith, writing in LIFE IN OUR cians are the easiest to operate on. No guts, no heart, no brains, no l’Express which asserts that only 3,1 % of voters are guided TIMES in 1981 could cynically reckon that “Politics consists spine and the head and the ass are interchangeable” That shut by communal arguments since this is so counter-intuitive to in choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable” them all up of course. But I am not at all sure that the IBA what politicians and their advisers would have us generally Don’t get me wrong : go for the unpalatable ! would approve….. believe. Or are Mauritians that coy about owning up to what Last week’s going-ons in Mauritius are easy enough they obviously know shouldn’t be their reaction as adults? to think about when you read this story. It surely does not We must also put on record that, until further notice , fl ags PAF apply to all politicians , all the time, but it certainly reminds do not vote and set the question : “ Do parties really think the ( last revisited on Monday 19th April ) Why we need more women in politics ‘PLIS OUVERTURE pu ban ma- South-Africa, the African National Congress from women? Both possibilities are equally our female representatives. We do not want dame’ is the cliché startegy pronounced adopted voluntary quotas and in 1994 had valid. Patriarchy still dominates our system to have the women nominated, elected loudly by politicians at public events to women winning 80 of the 400 seats of the and thoughts; fathers remain the principal and then relegated to the back-benches or show how their hearts are set to bring jus- National Assembly . Today, of the 34 minis- breadwinners of the family, brothers still handed the bromidic ministries of Social tice to women. Proving their sincerity is ters composing the South African govern- inherit the most property, the domineering Security and Women’s Affairs! the number of female MPs seated in our ment , 15 women occupy portfolios like man-boss is still feared while the bossy- WIN’s effort through WIP is remar- Parliament today 12 women representing Defence and Military Veterans and Science woman boss is still called ‘crazy woman’! kable. However, with the general elections 52% of our demography! Such excessive and Technology. In Mozambique, Luisa But then if we rewind to contemplate our at our doorstep and parties more interested rhetoric and bathos is what characterises Diogo was Minister of Planning and Finance past politically active women, we cannot in devising profi table electoral alliances, it the fi ght for more women in participatory before eventually becoming Prime Minister deny that though most of them have been is diffi cult to gear the attention of our male politics. Women in Networking is set to in 2004. Known for a simultaneous ‘devi-isa- successful and dutiful offi ce holders, none leaders towards the billboards portraying change this attitude. Pioneering with de- tion’ and ‘bedevilisation’of women, India is the contained the substance to oppose, instigate the dream of the Mauritian woman to termination a campaign named Women last one to have ratifi ed its Women Reserva- compliance and transform. There has been tresspass the ingrained patriarchal injustice. In Politics, WIN seeks to secure voluntary tion Bill after 14 years of deliberation. Need no Thatcher, no Merkel nor even the highly Though there is every single reason to ap- gender quotas through appeals to political I say more? mediatised Mayawati! plaud a movement pursuing the realisation parties to nominate at least one woman per The above makes Mauritius’s attitude The endeavours of WIN are set to ad- of the truist concept of equal opportunities, constituency. But as what is being sought is appear rather disconcerting. Leading Sub- dress these. Through appeals to political we wonder to what extent this plea for im- voluntary acceptance of the proposition, we Saharan Africa in economic liberalisation, parties, WIN aims to overcome stereotypi- mediate voluntary integration of women in must accept that we cannot force volunta- why are we reluctant to exercise our social cal paradigms of women’s role in politics. parties will be successful. Do we not need rism. Instead, parties need to be convinced responsibility? Why dismiss UN MDG’s However, the work does not end with ha- a more forceful instrument and larger re- of its virues and maybe, benefi ts. And for and SADC’s propositions to respectively ving one woman nominated per constituen- presentative legitimacy to win? While the this, a selling strategy extolling the success commit 30% and 50% for women in par- cy. What must follow is real engagement of jury is out on this one, let us support WIN’s of such a démarche is required. ticipatory politics? Are we not the same women in the running of the affairs of the endeavours and go beyond moaning about War-torn Rwanda is such a success sto- nation which was among the fi rst ones of country- not a cosmetic arrangement for female injustice at elitist seminars and work ry where increased participation of women the region to have extended voting rights mere display. Along with quantity, we also with what we have at hand. (56.3%) at ministerial level has accelerated to women in 1956? Is this dismisal of wo- should seek commitment to the quality of a smooth reconstruction of the nation. In men in politics stemming from men or work which will thereafter be entrusted to Honita COWALOOSUR p. 43 [ L’EXPRESSYOURSELF] Insert N° 3 • Friday 23 April 2010 l’express If you can play lotto, you can vote electronically WHEN YOU play lotto, you use a pen- cil to put ‘X’s on six numbers. Your lotto tic- ket is next read by a machine which spots the ‘X’s and then prints out the numbers that you have ticked on a coupon. Basically, the machine consists of a scanner which passes a light beam over the lotto ticket. Light cannot penetrate where the pencilled crosses are, and these locations are accordingly registered by the system. In the same way, a voting device can be desig- ned to register votes in any election. The advantages of such a system are obvious. First, it would be no different from the way we vote right now. We would just vote in the good old way by applying pen- cil to paper, and there would be no need to key in data from a terminal or to manipu- late any strange device. In fact, at the place where you are voting, no machine will need to be visible at all. The voter will continue to place the familiar ‘X’s besides the names of the preferred candidates – in the privacy of the polling booth - before shoving the ballot paper into a slot. And should the regulations require that the ballot paper be entered in front of offi cials, the system can even be de- signed to accept the ballot paper face down, so that no one can see for whom you have voted. (The system can be tailored, in fact, to suit every need – like rejecting a blank ballot paper or accepting it.) The computer, here, will be at the An electronic voting machine- the way we will be voting in the future ? heart of such a system. The input device is the scanner (an Optical Character Rea- example, if you know that your candidate is humans! Besides, it will also do away with electronic voting system be that sophis- der, to be more precise) which locates the far ahead, you may decide not to go to the the sleepless vigil of SMF soldiers and ticated – for, to operate such a system, all pencil-marked ‘Xs’ and subsequently the polling station, whereas if you know that he/ political agents. And if some are still “per- polling centres will have to be connected to candidates’ numbers. Thus, if X’s are en- she is lagging behind, you might be tempted plexed” by the results, they can always be a central computer via effi cient communi- countered on a ballot paper at numbers to do some canvassing to help that candi- given the option of manually counting the cation lines. Instead, we can have a hybrid 2, 4 and 6, the scores of these three can- date of your choice!) votes recorded on the ballot papers – all system that will be partly computerised and didates will be incremented by one in cells It is only when the polling station is night through, should they choose! (For, it partly manual, and as it has already been (or boxes) having labels 2, 4 and 6 in the closed that the total scores of the candidates should be noted that our system will not be mentioned, the results at a polling station computer memory - the total number of will be displayed on the screen. These scores paperless, and results computed electroni- can always be faxed to a main polling centre cells being equal to the total number of can then be printed and faxed to the main cally can always be verifi ed by a paper trail.) which will then tally the votes for all the candidates. polling station of the constituency. And It’s high time the “tiger of the Indian whole constituency. But Mauritius being In this fashion, the computer will conti- with a good coordination, there is no reason Ocean” be doted with such a system. A ma- Mauritius, I don’t see that happening in fi ve nuously record the votes obtained by the why the offi cial results for any constituency chine that can register votes electronically years’ time… unless there is a change in our candidates. But the system must see to should not be out within half and hour (at is no more complex than any of the lotto attitude. You see, we should not, right from it that these intermediate scores can ne- 6.30 p.m, that is). machines we can see everywhere! I was ra- the start, say that “it can be done, but it’s ver be displayed on the computer screen. Such a system is not only exceedingly ther impressed when, a few weeks ago, the going to be diffi cult”; rather, we should say This is because if these are divulged, they fast but it also reduces to nil the likelihood information as to whether there has been that “it may be diffi cult, but it can be done!” may affect people’s decision as to whether of errors – a risk never to be disregarded a jackpot winner was made available soon they should go and cast their votes. (For when votes are tediously counted by mere after a lotto draw. I am not asking that our Jean Lindsay Giving women a chance ONE LADY out of three candi- didates directed only by their motiva- red as our responsible parties because in the political arena? Has women’s dates per constituency is a more than tion and capacity to serve the people they pledge to care for our welfare. global self esteem reached a level that reasonable goal .It might even be per- and purged from all restrictive gender If the good news in a democracy is not only justifi es but also calls upon a ceived as nearing up to an adversely considerations not be the ideal outcome that we can choose who they will be, it change in mentality in our man domi- limiting target to the cause of gender from our quest for equality? would be better still if political parties nated society? progress . Impeding women’s progress in po- could, in the alignment of their candi- In that respect, it is feared that the Yet,when only 17% of members of litics, or any other fi eld, on the basis of dates ,give a fair share to ladies as well. ball lies in the ladies fi eld. the parliament are ladies while the lat- their sex is not only an insult to secular This move should not necessarily be This does not mean that men can- ter represent 51% of the electorate, a fairness but is also an offence to reli- guided by simplistic gender mathema- not give a helping hand to mend a self demand for doubling the quantum is, gious wisdom. tics but most importantly ,it should rest esteem they have timelessly contributed besides being a laudably bold and achie- Does the Decalogue not prescribe on the basis that those women can also to overshadow. vable objective, a long overdue ode to honouring thy father and thy mother, fulfi ll their roles as politicians in line Afterall don’t we ,irrespective of our democracy. putting both parents and hence both with their party’s program. sex, all owe our very existence to a wo- However, once the target is achie- genders on equal footing? The question now is: Are all wo- man? ved, should parity not be the next step? People who represent us in parlia- men convinced that their fellow coun- Or, better still, would the choice of can- ment can in some respects be conside- terparts are worth representing them ALAIN JEANNOT l’express [ Friday 23 April 2010 • Insert N° 3 p. 38 p. 39 [BUSINESS Insert N° 3 • Friday 23 April 2010 l’express In brief ] Cotton production dips in Mali Mali raw cotton output will total 230,000 tonnes du- ring the 2009-10 season, the state run Mali Textile Deve- lopment Company (CMDT) said on Wednes- day in its third consecutive forecast cut. The previous projection, set in October, was for 236,400 tonnes du- ring the November-through- April marketing season. “Given the recent polls and based on purchases (by textile manufacturers), we believe out- put will reach 98 percent of our forecast”, said CMDT offi cial Ousmane Nouhoum Traore. Last June, Mali fore- The volcano cast production during the 2009-10 season would reach 330,000 tonnes, but cut back the projection in July to 250,000 tonnes due to poor rains, and then trimmed it yet that rocked Mauritius again in October to 236,400 tonnes. Despite the back-to- As London Heathrow resumed ll we needed was and a huge fi nancial outlay to does not sound good for the back downward revisions, service, the BA fl ight from a crazily-named get back home. travel industry. “For an indus- output is still on track to beat Mauritius was the fi rst to leave. Icelandic volcano Moreover, some export- try that lost $9.4 billion last year last season’s 210,000 tonnes. Ato puff out tons oriented sectors suffered the and was forecast to lose a further of ashes. The travel industry brunt of the cancelled fl ights. $2.8 billion in 2010, this crisis South Africa’s started choking badly. Our Anthurium blooms were re- is devastating”, IATA Director huge housing national carrier, Air Mauritius turned to producers. Alban General and Chief Executive registered an unprecedented de Speville, of Agrex Limi- Giovanni Bisignani said in a backlog backlog of fl ights to and from ted, stated that his company, statement. For British Airways South Africa will spend major European destinations. to cut down its losses, had to Chief Executive Willie Walsh, 16 billion rand (68,8 billion Hotels found themselves make bouquets to be sold on getting back to normal levels rupees) in the 2010-2011 with clients not so willing to in supermarkets whilst some of operation from an industry fi nancial year to build cough out the hard cash over 10 tonnes of pineapples are point of view “will take weeks”. houses for the poor as part and above their package, tou- fl ooding the local market. Flight disruption, which of a wider push to reduce rists queuing up and waiting Fortunately the textile in- has already hit parts of the the size of slums by 2014, for their rooms to be clean dustry does not seem to be economic chain, is expected the housing minister said and free. heavily impacted by the fl ight to dent the fragile recovery earlier this week. “Since the resumption of delays. Ahmad Parkar of Star from the global recession. Millions of mainly black services on 20 April, Air Mau- Knitwear stated on Wednes- According to PriceWaterhou- South Africans continue to ritius has already operated day that although 50% of its seCoopers, a week of disrup- live in tin shacks 16 years three fl ights to Paris, one fl ight export is by air, “the delay is tion could destroy 0.025-0.05 after apartheid ended. The to Geneva and one fl ight to not worrisome as of now”. But percent of annual British deprivation causes frequent London”, the national car- the fast fashion segment is set gross domestic product. The and violent protests against rier stated in a press release to suffer the most. same could be true of other a government that has pro- dated Wednesday afternoon, By Tuesday, the Mauritian European countries, though mised power, sanitation when Europe’s skies opened Post was waiting on some nine Germany said the effect on and homes for all. for business. Some thirteen tons of letters and parcels, but its economy would be limited. “By 2014 we will have Air Mauritius fl ights had problems are being sorted out In the meantime, the vol- made signifi cant inroads in been cancelled, with 7 000 quickly, says Giandev Moteea, cano under the Eyjafjallajo- our mission of ensuring sus- passengers left stranded in the Chief Executive Offi cer. kull glacier was still erupting tainable human settlements the country. Postal employees will be wor- but producing much less ash. and an improved quality The backlog is hindering king long hours, on Saturday The volcanic activity is not of household life”, minister the day-to-day running of island-wide, and on Sundays to giving any signs of coming to Tokyo Sexwale told par- hotels, as these passengers, clear any outstanding courier. an end. liament during his budget mostly tourists, are exten- However, the prolonged And, from the local pers- vote speech. ding their stay. Normal room closure of air space in Europe pective, is it not the time to The government had tariffs are higher than the prospect over other markets, a target to build 220,000 package deal. “This week, we far from our traditional wes- houses a year over the next had some South African tou- tern ones? A couple of weeks four years, as well as buying rists waiting for their room ago, Ali Mansoor, the fi nan- 6,250 hectares of land for to be cleared, still occupied by “This crisis cial secretary threw this idea settlements and providing those who had had their fl ights on the fl oor, for debate. For for 600,000 new loans in cancelled”, an insider of Le the good of our economy… the cheap housing sector, Touessrok, a 5-star hotel on is he added. the eastern coast of Mauri- tius, stated. Worldwide, some devastating” Kamlesh BHUCKORY passengers face epic journeys p. 44 [ WE MARK THE SPOT] Insert N° 3 • Friday 23 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