66th Year -- No. 3705 Friday, August 20, 2021 www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times 18 Pages - ePaper MAURITIUS TIMES l “There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth.” -- Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace Matters of The Moment Democracy and Governance in Free Fall

By Mrinal Roy + See Page 4

Interview Avinaash I. Munohur, Struggling Politologue “Les Travaillistes for sont, comme nous le sommes au MMM, survival dans une période de transition “Les transitions — pour ne pas dire une succession — sont en train de se construire” + Voir Page 7-8-9 By Dr R Neerunjun Gopee + See Page 3 Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 www.mauritiustimes.com Edit Page facebook.com/mauritius.times 2 The Conversation National Why did a military superpower Unity Government fail in Afghanistan? here has been much speculation following the meeting and the conversational exchanges between the MSM leader Pravind Jugnauth and the LP leader Navin Ramgoolam at the Indian High Commission, last Sunday, on the occasion of the Tcelebration of India’s Independence Day. Several media commentators hypothesised as to the nature of such exchanges, some going so far as to speculate about the possibility and desirability of an imminent 'gouvernement d’unité nationale' (national unity govern - ment - NUG). Not quite a NUG since the speculation was about an alliance between the MSM and the Labour Party, which might rope in Xavier Duval’s PMSD, but without spe- cifying whether the MMM would be a party to such a political arrangement. Neither poli- tical leader at that exchange has denied any such conjectures and for probably good rea - sons of their own. One should not read more or too much into what was most probably a fortuitous meeting, perhaps inevitable under the circumstances, between the two leaders than what political analysts would like to believe. That a national unity government would be reas - suring for the private sector is rather self-evident given the guarantee of political stability Pic - globalupfront.com that such a political arrangement would ensure with a much larger majority of the elec - torate behind it, as opposed to what is presently the case with the current mono-centric he speed and efficiency with societies and political cultures. In dispensation around the MSM. They know the latter is and has been assailed from dif - which Taliban forces were able to Tunisia, for example, local political ferent quarters for far too glaring faults, mishaps and failings that seem to have turned complete the occupation of most movements were able to transform their misgovernance in different areas of public life into a de facto reality. Tof Afghanistan, as well as the quick col - government, a success due in part to a On another level, that such an alliance should be reassuring for the hosts of the India lapse of the Afghan government, has led lack of foreign involvement. Independence Day reception is also obvious in light of the economic partnerships as well to criticism of President Joe Biden’s In Afghanistan, international groups as geo-political interests which have taken a substantially more important weight in the decision to end US military presence in like the U.N., alongside nonprofits and Mauritius-India relationship than cultural, historical and linguistic considerations though Afghanistan and of the withdrawal’s independent aid agencies, spent mil - still important but now less critical. But it would take more than wishful thinking from logistics. lions of dollars and untold hours of work whichever quarters to form a national unity government comprising in the main the But the criticisms, while valid, may trying to build democracy, write a consti - Labour Party and the MSM, with the PMSD as junior partner, in a new version of the be beside the point. I have studied con - tution, create a bill of rights and other - fabled “bleu-blanc-rouge” alliance of the eighties. The new political dynamics in the coun - flicts like those in Afghanistan for more wise create a new political society. try since 2014 as well as the battle of political leadership of an important section of the than 20 years. My experience has But this external approach, based on electorate have distanced the MSM and the Labour Party from each other to such an taught me that there are more funda - military occupation, was “doomed to extent that there now appears to be an unbridgeable chasm between these two parties. mental problems with the United States’ fail,” according to official assessments strategy in the 20-year war, of which the Such a hypothesis would leave in the cold the MMM and perhaps even the leader of published in 2009 by the Center for current chaos is only the latest manifes - the Reform Party. This would upend the workable option that the LP leader had pro- Complex Operations at the US military’s tation. They stem from an approach in moted, until, that is, the creation of the 'Plateforme de l'Espoir' from which he was exclu- National Defense University. That which military seizures of territory are ded and the more recent quasi-admission from the MMM leader that the platform was not assessment said “nation-building in Iraq intended to fight international extremist what it promised to be. It obviously lacked traction, even with four presumed Opposition and Afghanistan has been a debacle” movements and ideologies, in leaders doing their best at regular media briefings. Since then, there is no indication that and recommended the military resume Afghanistan and elsewhere. the MMM leader has eaten some humble pie and considers now that the LP and its its historic focus on preparing for war. leader should lead the charge of a united Opposition. Nation-building is not a Military organizations are not Some would argue that the challenging agenda that the country has to face now and military strategy equipped or trained to engage effective - in the coming years implies that the government cannot take it on with a tottering majo- US military intervention in ly in civilian-centered missions such as rity. To drive this agenda, the argument goes, it's necessary for foundations to be based Afghanistan, and in Iraq, was initially fostering national identity, forming politi - on a comfortable majority, solidly grounded in its own natural pool acting as a stable base justified by a need to dismantle imme- cal institutions or instilling democratic of support. Politicians of the past generation were able to rouse the required unity for that diate and serious national security practices of accountability. Promoting to happen because the pursuit of larger objectives dwarfed outrageous individualism and threats: al-Qaida and fears of weapons stability is different from promoting money-making. But that was the past. This brings us back to the MMM, which commands of mass destruction. democracy, and stability can in fact be to this day an important minority following despite the waning influence of its leader and present even under very undemocratic might still constitute the preferred option for a political arrangement with the LP or even However, those short-term goals governments. the MSM. Time will tell whether that option would be revisited next time round, but the were quickly replaced by a longer-term The history of military interventions fact that neither the LP leader nor Pravind Jugnauth has deemed it necessary to deny goal of preventing future threats from in places such as the West Bank and any ‘rapprochement’ would suggest that they would both want to keep their cards close those countries, such as new extremist Gaza, Lebanon, Somalia and Iraq to their chests. groups. That led the US, with other nations, to occupy both nations and shows that when local leaders are attempt to provide stability and security dependent on foreign military forces to so that the people of those countries maintain power, it’s hard to build popular Mauritius Times could set up their own governments. legitimacy, govern effectively and build a Founder/Editor: Beekrumsing Ramlallah - Aug 1954-Sept 2000 shared national identity. Editor-in-chief: M. Ramlallah / Senior Editor: Dr RN Gopee It may be attractive to think that pro - This epaper has been produced with the assistance of moting democracy in occupied foreign countries is a morally justified and effec - Arie Perliger, Doojesh Ramlallah, Sultana Kurmally and Kersley Ramsamy University of Massachusetts Lowell Pearl House 4th Floor Room 406 - Sir Virgil Naz Street, Port Louis -- Tel: 5-29 29301 Tel/Fax: 212 1313 tive path for restoring security and sta - bility. But political reform is more suc - cessful when it originates from the local l Cont. on page 12 [email protected] www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times Op-Ed M a u r i t i us Times Friday, August 20, 2021 3 lity is that a majority of people, especially those at the lower end of the economic scale, cannot afford to frequent such supermarkets. When people with average Struggling forfel t bsy theu sectiorns vof thei povpulaation al t the means are grumbling about costs, how We must not be fooled by the queues of lower end of the socio-economic ladder. much more difficult things are for those In spite of all the official assurances given, whose means are even more limited? people pushing overladen caddies at these groups have definitely been more Unlike those unfortunates who are the supermarkets hide because the cruel severely hit by the increase in food prices victims of major catastrophes and whose across the board. very survival is at stake, we may consider reality is that a majority of people, This has implications for those who ourselves to be safer. Nevertheless, this especially those at the lower end of the have small children to feed, because food safety is relative, and as a country we scarcity is known to affect adversely brain must ensure that there is no such dispari - economic scale, cannot afford to development and maturity, besides the ty that significant numbers of our popula - Dr R Neerunjun Gopee negative impact on the child’s growth ge- tion find themselves struggling to have frequent such supermarkets nerally. These have measurable conse - enough to put on the table, with all the stress and the distress that this causes. ost educated people would have visuals that we have been seeing daily for heard about the Theory of weeks on end now about the fires causing Evolution, which was formulated death and destruction in Greece, ap- aMnd propounded by the British naturalist parently in a region rendered more prone Charles Darwin in the 19th century. He because of the fir trees that grow there travelled round the world for about five extensively, according to someone who years aboard the sailing ship HMS knows the area intimately. And we have Beagle , collecting material (plant and ani - also been watching in horror the hundreds mal) that he analysed and that led him to of thousands of acres of devastation by frame his theory. It is of interest that he wildfire in northern California, where a also visited Mauritius during this voyage, whole township (Grenville) has been com - staying a few days after arriving in April pletely razed to the ground. The pathetic 1836. sight of one elderly lady who broke down In simple terms, the central idea of the watching the house in which she had Theory of Evolution is that living orga- spent her whole lifetime burning down in nisms have to compete for the resources front of her very eyes was really over - in their environment to survive, and that whelming: she could not save anything, only the fittest who possess traits which not even a single piece of her items of give them a comparative advantage over sentimental value. That’s what survivors Unlike those unfortunates who are the victims of major catastrophes and and relatives of the block of apartments others survive. The advantage is that they whose very survival is at stake, we may consider ourselves to be safer. are able to adapt to their environment. that collapsed in Florida a few weeks ago were trying to look for as well in the pile of Nev“ertheless, this safety is relative, and as a country we must ensure that there is Thus, it may be said to be a theory about no such disparity that significant numbers of our population find themselves the ‘survival of the fittest.’ rubble after the building’s crash. Over here, our problems are of a dif - struggling to have enough to put on the table. There is already more than enough Humans have emerged as a success - of both in every other aspect of our lives, courtesy Covid-19, and our leaders are ful species that has been able to spread ferent kind. In the highlands and central around the world by its capacity for adap - plateau, we have been complaining about duty-bound to be vigilant about and take all the necessary policy decisions and tation in varied environments. In the wild, a harsh winter, of cold and rain that have measures that are indicated to fulfil the people’s basic needs... ” living organisms do not change their en- been making lives miserable. But really, vironments. But man’s intelligence and this is nothing compared to the catastro - There is already more than enough of phes -- fire, floods, earthquakes, wars – quences on the child’s educational attain - ingenuity have allowed him to do so, and ment and other developmental parame - both in every other aspect of our lives, so prolifically and excessively have hu- that are threatening the lives of popula - courtesy Covid-19, and our leaders are tions elsewhere. ters, and as children are the future of a mans done it that mankind is now having country the overall societal impact is subs- duty-bound to be vigilant about and take Our struggles may be on a lower scale, to face the consequences of this rampant tantial. all the necessary policy decisions and overexploitation. They result from the one but they are no less real and hard to bear measures that are indicated to fulfil the factor that underlies and links them all: cli - for a significant number of our population. We must not be fooled by the queues people’s basic needs. mate change. The ongoing Covid pandemic may be of people pushing overladen caddies at supermarkets hide because the cruel rea- And this has posed new challenges to largely responsible, but as it translates survival that have impacted even the into the felt reality about, literally, bread fittest peoples and countries. and butter issues it strikes at the heart of the survival paradigm. The first lockdown Even as this piece is being written, that was imposed last year set the stage, there’s news on the radio that the wildfires as it were, for the later difficulties that that have been raging across southern have surfaced. Europe for the past several days have spread to the famous touristic town of St People need food, shelter and securi - Tropez in the French Riviera, forcing ty. To meet this need they have to work. tourists to literally flee from their posh And once they get work, the next consi- hotels and spend their night in makeshift, deration is the affordability of food, the first hurriedly organised set-ups so as to basic of survival, and then that of shelter escape death. In other areas, local resi - and the provision of security. dents have had to run away to take shel - Undoubtedly a major concern, and ter in their vineyards so as to be spared worry, for people recently has been the from the fury of the flames that were ra- cost of food, which has led to public pidly spreading. They watched helplessly protests by consumer groups. However, as they saw the flames engulfing their much people may be earning, any rise in houses. the price of basic foodstuff has an imme - Prior to that have been the graphic diate impact on the purse which is acutely Matters of the Moment M a u r i t i u s Times Friday, August 20, 2021 4 Democracy and Governance in Free Fall The contrived spin doctoring blitzkrieg raises even more distrust and interrogations among the people

Mrinal Roy How on earth can a Minister and a team of professional advisors sell the BAI Britam shares which do not belong to them without the approval espite government of government and the Cabinet? Why are Ministers, government MPs and the MBC being repeatedly press-ganged to defend tooth and nail the repeatedly tom- “government's tenuous position on these and other issues such as the Horse Racing Authority? How can young MPs be party to such rabid and tomming about the abject propaganda? Where is the refreshing idealism of the young? Such contrived spin doctoring blitzkrieg raises even more distrust... ” sDtandard of democracy and governance in the country, the stark reality is that both are plummeting in free fall as revised list of high-risk countries with strategic deficiencies of the BAI victims? they are being systematically sapped by overbearing go- in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist finan- Decried Opacity cing frameworks. vernment control and interference and too many systemic Why is there such opacity which shrouds the Rs 30 bil - The country is thus facing an unprecedented situation. failings. lion so far advanced from the war chest of Rs 80 billion, Democracy is being undermined by those elected to The standard of democracy and governance in a coun - drawn from the country’s foreign exchange reserves, to strengthen and safeguard it. The appalling state of demo- try depends on the competence and independence of its bail out distressed companies including some of the cracy and governance in the country has reached new institutions, on the robust checks and balances in place biggest conglomerates of the country? In particular people lows under the present tenure. Parliamentary democracy, and the strict accountability and transparency of govern - want to know whether: ment decisions and in particular those involving public which is a vital element of a vibrant democracy, is being throttled. The role of the opposition in Parliament cannot be - this colossal sum of scarce financial resources are funds. They also depend on the quality, intellect, demo - being rigorously allocated on terms and conditions cratic ethos, altruism and level of probity of the political systematically undermined by high-handedness, partisan rulings, disproportionate sanctions, lengthy expulsions and grounded on pointed technical analysis, sound class and political leaders entrusted by the people to effi - commercial savviness and financial best practice ciently manage the affairs of the State. filibustering shenanigans of every kind. Such abject strata - gems are the hallmark of banana republics. norms? As elected representatives of the people, one of the - the advanced funds are secured by sound guarantees, cardinal roles of MPs is to diligently ensure that all govern - Stonewall currency protection and provide a fair return? ment actions and decisions are in the interest of the peo - The government with the complicit support of its cohort - the financially distressed companies seeking MIC ple and adhere to the best norms of good governance. of pliant MPs has systematically stonewalled legitimate bailout funds are subject to a thorough due diligence Representatives of civil society, the independent media, questions of the people instead of honestly responding to evaluation and commercial assessment of their citizens' organizations and mainstream citizens must also their bona fide interrogations. This lack of transparency has viability, cede equivalent equity and grant board keep a watchful oversight over government actions and spawned suspicion among the multitude and begged a membership to assure oversight of the company’s decisions to ensure that they unswervingly uphold the host of straightforward questions on a series of glaring decisions and strict adherence to principles of interests of the nation. Without robust bulwarks and checks issues such as: corporate good governance and sustainable and balances to ensure that political power is democrati - - Why is there caginess about the long-drawn out development? cally exercised, the situation can easily be derailed by poli- Angus Road saga, its acquisition modalities and The recent laurels obtained by the Bank of Mauritius tical leaders and politicians intoxicated by the headiness of sources of funds? power. This is already happening. cannot however mask the patent IMF criticisms of the ‘poli - - Why is there such inordinate delay in concluding the cies deployed by the BOM in coordination with the govern - Systemic failings criminal investigations on the allegations of corruption ment'. The IMF thus proposed measures to ‘enhance the The most singular failing of our democracy is the blind and bribery by ‘members of the Mauritian central bank’s credibility’ and recommended that the ‘cen - endorsement and support of MPs, once elected by the administration and others’ made by the African tral bank should refrain from providing direct financing to people, to the actions and policies of the government and Development Bank and the Danish contractor the government and reform the Bank of Mauritius law, their party leader even when these are against public in- (Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor) in June including to preempt further exceptional transfers to the terest and the interests of the people they represent. Such 2020 on the Rs 4.3 billion CEB Saint Louis Power government.’ The IMF also recommended that ‘the central decried subservience to those in power is the bane of Plant Redevelopment Project, more than a year ago? bank be recapitalized within a reasonable time frame and democracies. - Why has the costly Rs 16 billion Safe City project not relinquish ownership of the MIC and that its financing be Nepotism and the appointment of the coterie or party been able to provide such deliverables as crucial provided through the budgetary process.’ What actions are faithful to key government posts, as ambassadors and at video footage to help the on-going investigation into being taken to comply with those directives? the head of important institutions and state-owned compa - the suspect death of a political activist and assure In order to avoid future costly blunders and enormous nies instead of appointing the best qualified talents and justice to enable the family to reach closure? losses of public funds such as the whopping compensation seasoned professionals or career diplomats strictly in - Why is it that, contrary to the repeated assurances of Rs 5.7 billion paid to Betamax in June, people want to accordance with rules of meritocracy have littered the his - given by the government, the dismantling of the BAI know whether those who irresponsibly took the ques- tory of the country under successive governments with Group by the government in April 2015 has cost more tionable decision of terminating the contract between costly blunders. This decried mode of governance has sys - than Rs 20 billion of public money to the State? Betamax and the STC in January 2015 in the teeth of the tematically plumbed the prospects of the country over the - Why does the government not make judicious use of legal advice obtained from the state legal services will be past decades and is presumably a causative factor in the findings of the nTan report to recuperate the billions made accountable? Mauritius being classified in the European Commission's of Rupees of public funds used to alleviate the distress l Cont. on page 11 Spotlights M a u r i t i u s T i m e s Friday, August 20, 2021 5 Fallout in Afghanistan means New Zealand says it solved Covid-19 ‘puzzle’ West is now perceived as 'weak', says UK defence secretary that forced nation into lockdown ritish defence secretary Ben Wallace on ew Zealand reported a the three-day lock - Thursday said that the fallout in Afghanistan breakthrough yesterday down will be extended after two decades of war led by the United in tracing the source of a or end by Saturday. BStates means that the resolve of the West is now per - NCovid-19 outbreak that plunged New Zealand has ceived as weak by major adversaries such as Russia. the nation into lockdown, with adopted a policy of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern eliminating the virus in Wallace also said that the fallout is something “all of saying it should help “stamp out” us should worry about.” the community, rather the virus. than containing it, “If the West is seen not to have the resolve and it Health officials have been which has resulted in fractures, then our adversaries like Russia find that trying to determine how an only 26 deaths in a encouraging,” he added. Auckland man contracted the population of five mil - coronavirus this week, ending a lion. six-month run of no community Neighbouring cases in New Zealand, reports New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced Australia has been pur - AFP. a 'breakthrough' in tracing the Covid case that was reported suing a similar “Covid Tests showed the man had a on August 17, Tuesday. Pic - AP zero” strategy but is version of the Delta strain found struggling to contain in Australia, and Ardern said investiga - and nearby Coromandel facing restric - outbreaks of the Delta variant. tions narrowed down the origin to a tions for a week. Health authorities on Thursday person who arrived from Sydney on But she said there were grounds for urged mass Covid testing for an entire August 7. cautious optimism “because we Outback town in far western New She said the traveller had been in believe it wasn't here for long before it South Wales, where an outbreak that quarantine and hospital since touching was found”. began in Sydney two months ago is down, indicating the virus had not been The infected traveller arrived from spreading. Taliban sweep into Afghan capital after government collapses. in the community as long as initially Sydney on a so-called “red zone” flight, The area is grappling with Pic - The Denver Post feared. arranged to bring back New Zealan- Australia's first significant outbreak in ders stranded when Wellington sus - Aboriginal communities, with specialist She said finding the outbreak's pended a trans-Tasman travel bubble military health teams deployed this Afghanistan is in a state of disarray as the US source also increased the “ability to cir - due to multiple outbreaks in Australia. week to boost sluggish vaccination troops started pulling out, creating a vacuum for the cle the virus, lock it down and stamp it The person tested positive two days efforts. Taliban to gain control of the government. Britain out”. later and was hospitalised a week after expressed concerns the Taliban's return to power Early in the pandemic, Wilcannia's that. creates a haven for terrorist groups including Al- Case numbers grew by 11 roughly 750 residents put up signs on Qaeda, reports Shivani Kumar of Hindustan Times. overnight to a total of 21, she said. Officials said it was still unclear how the town's limits asking travellers not to Ardern ordered a three-day na- the virus spread into the community stop -- fearing the virus could obliterate “Around the world, Islamists will see what they will tional lockdown -- New Zealand's first and 1,000 close contacts of positive an already vulnerable community, view as a victory and that will inspire other terrorists,” in 15 months -- when the first case cases were being assessed. where more than 60 per cent identify Wallace said in the interview. emerged on Tuesday, with Auckland A decision is due Friday on whether as Indigenous.

A research team led by academics at the Grantham institute at London School of G7 nations will have stockpiled a billion spare Covid Economics (LSE)- used new models to estimate the economic fallout from major climate tipping points being breached, he vG7a ncatiocnsi nwill eha vde aoccsumeu- s by end of 2021, analysis shows such as the disintegration of the lated close to a billion spare vaccine Greenland ice sheet, the thawing of doses by the end of 2021, analysis permafrost and dieback of the sTuggests, as campaigners warn unequal Amazon rainforest. access to Covid jabs will prolong the pan - The research revealed that should demic and endanger millions of lives any of these tipping points come to across the globe. pass, their resultant impact would like - A billion vaccines would be enough to ly increase the economic cost of da- fully immunise the 30 least-vaccinated mages from the climate crisis by countries, the majority of which are in about 25 per cent compared to pre- vious projections. Africa. However, the authors suggested Scientific advisers to the UK govern - the main scenario they modelled ment have urged ministers to take more “could be conservative”, and the tip - action in supporting overseas vaccination ping points could in fact trigger much efforts to combat rising global infections greater damages. and to prevent the emergence of new va- will have hoarded 977,813,000 of leftover vaccination rates. Their study found there was a 10 per riants, while the World Health Organisation vaccine doses desperately needed in some cent chance of the tipping points at least (WHO) has condemned international lea- of the world's poorest countries. * * * ders for stockpiling doses and making them doubling the costs of climate change Many of these nations - including xceeding critical “tipping points” in the unavailable to the rest of the world. impacts, and a 5 per cent chance of them Namibia, Sierra Leone, Gabon and Eclimate system could lead to significant tripling costs. Yet analysis from science analytics Macedonia - won't have immunised even increases in the economic impacts of the company Airfinity suggests that, by the end 20 per cent of their populations by the global environmental crisis, a new study F Cont. on page 6 of the year, Britain and its fellow G7 nations beginning of 2022, according to current has warned. Spotlights Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 6 US blocks Taliban access to $9.5 billion Chinese state media Afghan monetary reserves sets sights on Taiwan As a result of this action, the Taliban, which remains on the list of as US' Afghan retreat 'Specially Designated Nationals', facing financial sanctions, would not be able to access any Afghan central stokes nationalism bank assets kept in the US. The International Monetary Fund estimate put Afghan central bank assets at $9.5 billion till April, a size- able portion of which is in accounts with the New York Federal Reserve and other US-based financial institu- tions. Ajmal Ahmadi, the acting gover- US soldiers stand guard along a perimeter at the international airport nor of Afghanistan's central bank, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, August 16, 2021.cnn.com took to Twitter on Monday to post that US treasury secretary Janet L Yellen and the Office of Foreign Assets Control on Sunday gave he came to know about remittances he chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan has orders to freeze Afghan government reserves held in American banks. Pic - 1stnews.com being stopped by the US to prevent Tpresented Beijing with a propaganda boost, with Chinese state media capitalizing on the crisis to trum- he Biden Administration in the The move followed a decision by the Taliban from gaining access to the money. pet the supposed decline of America and taunt Taiwan TUnited States froze assets worth the US treasury secretary Janet L with threats of invasion. nearly $9.5 billion belonging to Da Yellen and officials in the Treasury The US government didn't need The rhetoric coincided with air and naval drills any fresh authority to freeze Afghan Afghanistan Bank and blocked cash Department's Office of Foreign launched Tuesday by the Chinese military, which sent monetary reserves as the country's from being shipped to the war-torn Assets Control on Sunday when it fighter jets and warships near Taiwan in response to government fell to the Taliban, which nation, in a bid to prevent the Taliban ordered to freeze Afghan government what it called the "repeated collusion in provocation" by continued to face financial sanctions from accessing the money, reserves held in US banks, reports Washington and Taipei, reports CNN. Bloomberg reported. Avik Roy of Hindustan Times. in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack. In recent years, China's ruling Communist Party has sought to present the US as a fading global power. And Why vaccinated people largely escaped now, the return of the Taliban to the streets of the Afghan capital is being touted by state media as the "death knell of US hegemony." the worst of Delta surge? "The fall of Kabul marks the collapse of the interna- he Delta variant of the coronavirus is believed to be tional image and credibility of the US," a commentary Thighly transmissible and resistant to vaccines. But, a from state news agency Xinhua said Monday. new study has claimed that the strain, which led the "Following the blows of the global financial crisis second wave of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), is not and the Covid-19 pandemic, the decay of the American able to evade the antibodies generated by vaccination. hegemony has become an undisputed reality. Its failure The study has been conducted by researchers at in Afghanistan is another turning point in that spiral fall," Washington University School of Medicine in the United it added. States and published in the journal Immunity, reports The Global Times, a state-run nationalist tabloid, Hindustan Times. meanwhile, has repeatedly played up what it described Delta was declared as the variant of concern by the as the "unreliability of US commitment to its allies," sug- World Health Organization (WHO). gesting the self-governing island of Taiwan could face the same fate as Afghanistan in the event of conflict Why vaccinated people largely escaped the with China, reports Nectar Gan and Steve George of worst of Delta surge? CNN. The researchers analysed a panel of antibodies Delta was declared as the variant of concern by the Taiwan and mainland China have been governed generated by people in response to Pfizer's Covid-19 World Health Organization and has spread to nearly 100 countries. separately since the end of a civil war more than seven vaccine and found that Delta was unable to evade all but Pic - post.healthline.com decades ago, in which the defeated Nationalists fled to one of the antibodies they tested. neutralised the original strain. Taipei. But the Chinese Communist Party views Taiwan Other variants of concern, such as Beta, avoided "In face of vaccination, Delta is relatively a wimpy - a democratic island of around 24 million people - as recognition and neutralisation by several of the anti- virus. If we had a variant that was more resistant like Beta an inseparable part of its territory, despite having never bodies, they said. but spread as easily as Delta, we would be in more controlled it. "The fact that Delta has outcompeted other variants trouble," Ellebedy said. Politicians in Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progres- does not mean that it's more resistant to our antibodies The length and breadth of antibodies sive Party (DDP) dismissed attempts to draw parallels compared to other variants," said co-senior author Jacco In previous studies, researchers have shown that both between Taiwan and Afghanistan, saying such compar- Boon, an associate professor at Washington University. natural infection and vaccination elicit lasting antibody isons are inherently fraught. The research production. Kolas Yotaka, spokesperson for Taiwan's Presiden- The health experts extracted antibody-producing cells But this time, the group of scientists from Washington tial Office, said the "lazy comparisons...ignore the from three people who had received the Pfizer vaccine. University noted that the length of the antibody response realities of both countries, and show little regard for the They grew the cells in the laboratory and obtained is only one aspect of protection, and breadth matters too. immense human suffering facing many in Afghanistan today." from them a set of 13 antibodies that target the original An ideal antibody response includes a diverse set of strain which began circulating last year. antibodies with the flexibility to recognise many slightly Despite formally switching diplomatic recognition The researchers tested the antibodies against four different variants of the virus, said the researchers. from Taipei to Beijing, the US has remained a staunch ally of Taiwan, supplying the island with defensive variants of concern: Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. They added that breadth confers resilience, adding weaponry under the terms of the decades-old Taiwan Twelve of the 13 recognised Alpha and Delta, eight that even if a few antibodies lose the ability to recognise a Relations Act, including a proposed $750 million arms recognised all four variants, and one failed to recognise new variant, other antibodies in the arsenal should remain sale announced earlier this month. any of the four variants. Out of these, five antibodies capable of neutralising it. Interview Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 7 “Les Travaillistes sont, comme nous le sommes au MMM, dans une période de transition” ‘Les transitions - pour ne pas dire une succession - sont en train de se construire’ Sans aucun doute, ce qui se passe dans le monde indique que les démocraties ont besoin de se réinventer. Pour certains, il s'agit uniquement de se poser quelques questions cruciales pour mettre en lumière les enjeux de l'avenir et d'ouvrir les plateformes au grand public pour alimenter les débats et les réflexions, notamment à propos de l'écologie et du développement durable. Pour d'autres pays, en voie de développement, il s'agit surtout de réforme de la société et de la classe politique. Il faut démêler les nœuds idéologiques qui n'attirent plus les jeunes et repenser les fondements d'une nouvelle démocratie. A Maurice, la classe politique est-elle sur la bonne voie ? Avinaash I. Munohur nous répond.

Quant au PM, nous voyons bien qu'il Après les élections de 2019, ne s'exprime quasiment jamais. Il ne fait “ nous pouvons en tirer une plus de conférence de presse, il ne répond pas aux questions à l'Assemblée nationale conclusion très simple : une lutte et chacune de ses interventions publiques à trois n'est pas souhaitable est extrêmement encadrée afin qu'il ne soit pas mis en face d'une situation embarras- dans l'intérêt supérieur du pays sante. puisqu'aucun parti n'a de J'irai même plus loin. Il me semble que Mauritius Times: Ces dernières totale, aveugle même, par d'autres. J'ai majorité solide dans l'électorat ses prises de parole récentes ont lieu semaines ont été riches en événe- l'impression que cette polarisation est uniquement dans un format qui permet à la ments: polémiques autour des débour- devenue la manière dont l'espace politique et puisque le parti qui dégagera MBC d'avoir ses quelques minutes de sements de la MIC, de l'affaire Betamax se construit aujourd'hui à Maurice, ce qui le plus de sièges, et qui aura la reportage. Pravind Jugnauth ne se con- et aussi de la propriété du PM à Angus est inquiétant. fronte plus à ses opposants et refuse Road; rapport de la commission d'en- majorité, gouvernera avec trop depuis un moment déjà les débat et les quête sur l'affaire Britam, contentieux peu d'adhésion...” délibération sur les décisions gouverne- opposant le Mauritius Turf Club à la Le dernier budget avait un très mentales. Gambling Authority, reprise de l'en- “fort esprit électoraliste alors Vous parlez des affaires comme Angus quête judiciaire dans l'affaire Kistnen, qu'ils sentent que le terrain est glissant, Road, mais il me semble qu'il aurait été etc. La pression s'accroit sur le gou- que nous sommes dans une d'où la nécessité de devoir assurer leur entièrement à l'avantage du PM d'adres- vernement, mais il parvient quand période d'austérité ; et la moindre base. ser frontalement cette question afin de dis- même à garder la tête hors de l'eau. occasion est bonne pour * On ne connait pas, faute d'un siper tous les doutes entourant cette trans- Qu'en pensez-vous? sondage fiable, l'impact de toutes ces action. Après tout, il n'a eu de cesse de Avinaash Munohur : Oui et non. Nous l'organisation de tournois sportifs affaires sur la cote de popularité du clamer son innocence… Donc pourquoi ne voyons bien que les Mauriciens sont pro- ou de jeux vidéo, de distributions gouvernement. Il ne faut pas non plus pas répondre aux questions à l'Assemblée fondément divisés sur l'action du gou- compter sur les réseaux sociaux pour y nationale ? vernement. Nous avons, d'un côté, des de gâteaux, ou encore de voir plus clair. En tout cas, le Premier * Au fait, la pression sur le gou- opposants qui sont extrêmement critiques porte-à-porte alors que les ministre ne parait pas se faire de vernement vient surtout de quelques de la moindre décision gouvernementale soucis, sauf lorsqu'il fait l'objet d'at- jeunes dans l'opposition ou de la et, de l'autre, des pro-gouvernement qui prochaines élections sont dans taques directes, comme celles par rap- presse... Les vieux opposants ne mar- sont eux dans une forme de myopie com- trois ans et demi. Nous voyons port à l'affaire Angus Road... quent plus les esprits; ils paraissent plète et qui manquent cruellement de La stratégie de communication du gou- plus aujourd'hui enclins à rechercher regard critique et d'objectivité. N'oublions bien qu'ils sentent que le terrain vernement me semble claire : il envoie au des arrangements politiques que de pas également que, moins de deux ans est glissant...” front ses jeunes ministres et députés afin mener le combat. Il y a un problème de après les élections, il y a eu plusieurs de protéger ceux qui sont plus haut placés vieillissement dans le monde politique grands rassemblements anti-gouverne- dans la hiérarchie gouvernementale - dont qui se fait de plus en plus sentir, même ment à Port-Louis et à Mahébourg notam- D'ailleurs, à y regarder de plus près, le PM. Nous voyons depuis quelques au niveau des partis, parait-il ? ment. nous constatons que le gouvernement - semaines, par exemple, les jeunes mem- Il y a surtout des jeunes qui émergent, De mémoire, je ne pense pas que les notamment par le biais de ses députés et bres de la majorité animer des con- et c'est très bien. Nous avons tous gens de ma génération aient vécu une PPS - semble être constamment en cam- férences de presse dont l'unique objectif constaté qu'il y avait un désir réel pour de telle polarisation vers les deux extrêmes pagne électorale. Le dernier budget avait est de faire le buzz et détourner l'attention nouvelles têtes et de nouvelles voix, et par rapport à un gouvernement en place. un très fort esprit électoraliste alors que des vrais enjeux actuels. Il me semble que nous avons vu que les dernières élections Peut-être que les aînés nous diront que les nous sommes dans une période le Speaker de l'Assemblée nationale opère étaient intéressantes de ce point de vue années de braise ressemblaient à cela. d'austérité ; et la moindre occasion est exactement de la même manière. C'est puisqu'elles ont été l'occasion de l'entrée Mais nous voyons, en fait, à Maurice, une bonne pour l'organisation de tournois une technique de " spin " vieille comme le de beaucoup de jeunes et de nouveaux tendance que l'on peut observer dans bien sportifs ou de jeux vidéo, de distributions monde : créer le buzz par des actions et venus dans l'arène politique - dans tous d'autres pays et qui se traduit par une défi- de gâteaux, ou encore de porte-à-porte des prises de parole qui sont conçues pour les partis, d'ailleurs. ance de plus en plus revendiquée par les alors que les prochaines élections sont indigner et faire réagir afin de détourner opposants à un régime, ou une adhésion dans trois ans et demi. Nous voyons bien l'attention des gens. *Suite en page 8 Interview Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 8 'Nous aurons à l'issue des municipales une bien meilleure visibilité sur la manière que nous pourrons construire un front commun pour 2024' * Suite de la page 7 l'opposition, Navin Ramgoolam, Xavier Je trouve cela très positif du moment Duval et Paul Bérenger doivent savoir que cette jeunesse avance de nouvelles qu'une prochaine lutte à trois lors des idées, formule de nouvelles propositions et prochaines législatives leur sera défa- défend un nouveau projet pour Maurice. vorable, comme ce fut le cas en 2019. C'est d'ailleurs cela qu'on appelle, selon Cette démarche de Patrick Assirvaden, moi, " les jeunes " en politique… Il ne sans doute faite avec le consentement s'agit pas uniquement d'une question de Navin Ramgoolam, se situe-t-elle d'âge. dans cette logique? Est-ce qu'il y a un problème de vieil- Les dernières élections nous ont claire- lissement dans le monde politique ? Pas ment démontré qu'aucun parti politique, forcément. Par exemple, nous avons vu aussi ancien et ancré soit-il, n'avait de arriver au MMM beaucoup de jeunes majorité confortable actuellement. Ceci a depuis les dernières élections. Il faut dis- grandement aidé à la victoire du MSM tinguer deux choses : les élus et les puisque, dans un système de 'First-Past- instances d'un parti politique. Au niveau The-Post', 37% des votes comptabilisés des élus, comme vous le dites, il y a de suffisaient du moment que nous n'étions nouvelles voix qui se font entendre - pas dans une opposition à deux blocs. lorsqu'elles ne sont pas expulsées - à Nous voyons clairement les limites de l'Assemblée nationale. Et au niveau des notre système électoral où l'immense instances, il y a des jeunes qui se sont majorité des Mauriciens - 63% de l'élec- engagés sur le terrain, et qui y sont très torat en tout cas - peut être exclue des actifs. affaires publiques. Mais nous avons le Je pense que le renouveau est en système que nous avons et nous nous marche. Nous sommes dans une phase mence à se rendre compte qu'un ancien devons de le faire fonctionner dans l'intérêt de transition où une génération - celle des Nous sommes en Premier ministre ne peut pas perdre deux général. années de braise - se retire petit à petit et “démocratie, ce qui implique élections d'affilées - sans être lui-même Je pense qu'après les élections de où une autre génération occupe de plus en qu'une personne a le droit élu - et rester la seule personne premier- 2019, nous pouvons en tirer une conclu- plus d'espace. Les transitions sont en train ministrable dans un grand parti. Une situa- sion très simple : une lutte à trois n'est pas de se construire et de se mettre en place. d'avoir des ambitions tion comme celle-ci est impensable dans souhaitable dans l'intérêt supérieur du Les nouveaux espaces sont également en politiques. Il n'y a rien dans une démocratie moderne. pays puisqu'aucun parti n'a de majorité train de se créer, notamment autour des notre Constitution qui déclare Peut-être donc que Navin Ramgoolam solide dans l'électorat et puisque le parti enjeux chers à la jeunesse. La nouvelle est en train de venir à des sentiments plus qui dégagera le plus de sièges, et qui aura commission sur le développement durable que le poste de Premier réalistes quant à sa force politique la majorité, gouvernera avec trop peu que j'ai l'honneur de présider, et qui est ministre soit la propriété privée actuelle. C'est une excellente chose si d'adhésion - ce qui produit des situations exclusivement composée de jeunes, en de telle ou telle personne. c'est le cas. Une excellente chose pour le d'instabilité. est un exemple. Parti Travailliste lui-même, qui est un Je pense que l'opposition, dans son * Par ailleurs, la presse a fait état de Mais étant en démocratie, les grand et vieux parti qui existait avant Navin ensemble, est saisie de l'impératif de trou- la rencontre avec une photo à l'appui, ambitions politiques se Ramgoolam - et avant SSR - et qui ver un terrain d'entente afin de proposer de Pravind Jugnauth et de Navin continuera à exister bien après Navin aux Mauriciens une alternative crédible et Ramgoolam lors d'une réception confrontent forcément à la Ramgoolam. Ils sont, comme nous le solide au gouvernement actuel. Une alter- dimanche dernier à la Haute Commis- vérité des urnes...” sommes au MMM, dans une période de native dont le projet pour Maurice ira dans sion de l'Inde. Devrions-nous, selon transition et dans un effort de transforma- le bon sens et qui saura relever les défis vous, lire davantage dans cette rencon- veut faire monter les enchères en amont tion. Une excellente chose également pour actuels. Mais cette entente requiert de tre que ce qui n'était probablement de futures discussions avec leurs parte- le pays qui a besoin de nouvelles idées, casser des vieux réflexes et nous impose qu'une rencontre fortuite et un échange naires potentiels, quitte à faire croire à d'un nouveau projet et de nouveaux de considérer de nouvelles idées et de cordial entre les dirigeants de deux par- cette union absurde. Ce que révèle avant leaders. nouvelles perspectives. Il ne s'agit pas tis avec des intérêts qui paraissent irré- tout cette image, c'est la faiblesse de la Alors, cette annonce concerne bien uniquement de battre le gouvernement conciliables, ou voyez-vous dans cela position stratégique des deux : ils se ren- évidement le Parti Travailliste et indique aux prochaines élections, mais de venir le signe d'un éventuel rapprochement ? dent bien compte que seuls, ils ne peuvent que les transitions - pour ne pas dire une avec une équipe et un projet qui auront Le fait que Navin Ramgoolam et pas gagner les prochaines élections. succession - sont en train de se construire l'adhésion de la majorité des Mauriciens. Pravind Jugnauth se soient parlé lors * Cette rencontre entre Ramgoolam en interne. Ceci implique des négociations com- d'une fonction diplomatique n'a rien d'ex- et Jugnauth intervient quelques jours Est-ce qu'il s'agit d'un signal envoyé à plexes, et il me semble clair qu'une traordinaire, et il faudrait se garder d'en après que le Président du Parti Travail- l'Alliance de l'Espoir ? C'est forcément le entente de tous les partis de l'opposition tirer des leçons hâtives sur un éventuel liste, Patrick Assirvaden, est venu signe que les postures qui avaient produit pour les élections municipales serait le rapprochement politique qui, franchement, affirmer que l'actuel leader du PTr la démission d'Arvin Boolell comme prérequis pour la construction de cette ne fait pas sens ni pour l'un ni pour l'autre. devrait se présenter comme un Premier Leader de l'Opposition ont évolué et sont alternative. C'est un premier pas qui va Cela étant dit, ce qui est parlant, c'est ministre de transition lors des pro- en train de se tempérer. Maintenant, c'est dans la bonne direction et qui s'effectue l'instrumentalisation de cette photo dans chaines échéances électorales. Voyez- le temps qui dira si une entrée du PTr dans sur le terrain pragmatique d'une élection. les deux camps. Elle montre bien la volon- vous là l'amorce d'un fléchissement de l'arc de l'Alliance de l'Espoir - afin de Et, effectivement, à l'issue des munici- té, de part et d'autre, de donner l'impres- la part du leader du PTr des conditions construire un front commun et proposer pales, je pense que nous aurons une bien sion d'avoir un joker face au regroupement imposées par lui-même quant à la par- une alternative crédible et sérieuse pour meilleure visibilité sur la manière que nous de l'opposition qui s'annonce. ticipation de son parti dans l'Alliance de contrer le gouvernement actuel aux pourrons construire un front commun pour prochaines élections - se fera ou non. Il faudrait donc lire la diffusion de cette l'Espoir? 2024. image comme le signe que chaque camp Je pense que Navin Ramgoolam com- * Les trois principaux dirigeants de * Suite en page 9 Interview Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 9 Rencontre Ramgoolam-Jugnauth: ‘Ils se rendent bien compte que seuls, ils ne peuvent pas gagner les prochaines élections’ * Suite de la page 8 Peut-être que Navin * Mais il y a aussi Nando Bodha, qui a récemment affiché son ambi- “ Ramgoolam est en train tion d'être premier ministrable. Paul Bérenger saura tempérer l'ambition de de venir à des sentiments plus Bodha si l'entente d'un front commun réalistes quant à sa force de l'opposition est prouvé, diriez-vous? Premièrement, Paul Bérenger est le politique actuelle. C'est une Leader du MMM et Nando Bodha ne fait excellente chose pour le Parti pas partie du MMM. Et deuxièmement, je sais que Paul Bérenger n'est pas dans Travailliste lui-même, qui est un cette optique. Sa priorité est de construire et de faire fonctionner un front commun de grand et vieux parti qui existait l'opposition - avec tout ce que cela peut avant Navin Ramgoolam - et impliquer en termes de discussions, de négociations et de pourparlers - pour les avant SSR - et qui continuera à municipales et aussi après. exister bien après Navin Par rapport aux ambitions de Nando Bodha, je vous dirai que nous sommes en Ramgoolam. Ils sont, comme démocratie, ce qui implique qu'une per- sonne a le droit d'avoir des ambitions poli- nous le sommes au MMM, dans tiques. Il n'y a rien dans notre Constitution une période de transition...” qui déclare que le poste de Premier ministre soit la propriété privée de telle ou nomment une " nouvelle guerre froide " qui aurait été de développer des partenariats et au Moyen Orient. La frontière pakista- telle personne. Mais étant en démocratie, oppose, d'un côté, le bloc composé des stratégiques pour naise avec l'Afghanistan, par exemple, les ambitions politiques se confrontent for- Etats-Unis, de l'Inde, de l'Arabie Saoudite - la surveillance de nos territoires pourrait devenir un haut lieu pour l'en- cément à la vérité des urnes. et d'Israël et, de l'autre côté, le bloc com- océaniques, trainement de factions terroristes, ce qui posé de la Chine, de la Russie, du Nando Bodha a une longue carrière - des soutiens en technologie et en pourrait produire de l'instabilité au Pakis- Pakistan et de l'Iran. Cette guerre froide politique où il a occupé des responsabilités savoirs pour le développement de tan et en Inde. Du côté du Moyen Orient, s'effectue sur deux axes fondamentaux : la importantes. Il n'a eu de cesse de déclarer l'économie bleue durable, on pourrait voir les ambitions de prises de conquête des marchés émergeants de la pouvoir de groupes fondamentalistes se qu'il a décidé de quitter le gouvernement - obtenir des financements pour la pour des raisons de principe et d'éthique. région - et notamment des marchés renforcer en Syrie, en Arabie Saoudite, africains - et le contrôle des ressources conversion énergétique et lutter aux Émirats Arabes Unis, et même au Il vient de créer sa formation politique dont contre les effets dévastateurs du l'ambition est de proposer un autre projet naturelles et de la circulation des Sahel. réchauffement climatique, de société pour Maurice. Par delà les marchandises. Cela aura, pour nous, une consé- mots, nous verrons bien ce qu'il est capa- L'ambition première de la Chine reste - des accords permettant l'ouverture quence directe sur la question de Diego ble de construire d'ici 2024, et si son projet le déploiement du " One Belt One Road d'autres secteurs d'activités, et Garcia, par exemple. La posture des Etats- trouve l'adhésion du plus grand nombre. Initiative " qu'elle effectue par le biais de - des partenariats offrant aux Unis, qui étaient plus ou moins ouverts au Mais nous nous avançons beaucoup soutiens massifs aux développements par Mauriciens des accès privilégiés dialogue avec Maurice, risque de se durcir. trop sur cette question selon moi puisque le financement d'immenses infrastructures dans les grandes universités D'ailleurs, Joe Biden a signifié la semaine nous sommes encore loin des prochaines - notamment portuaires et routières - dans indiennes et chinoises. d'avant son soutien au Royaume-Uni dans élections générales. Encore une fois, c'est différents pays de la région. L'Inde est Je ne pense absolument pas que c'est le contentieux qui nous oppose à eux sur la construction d'un front commun et les également dans cette logique du soutien ce qui est en train d'être fait, et je ne pense l'archipel mauricien des Chagos. Biden a- élections municipales qui sont les priorités au développement économique avec pas que le gouvernement ait la moindre t-il déclaré cela en sachant fort bien que actuelles. divers projets régionaux - notamment des vision et la moindre stratégie de comment les Talibans allaient reprendre Kaboul * Par ailleurs, il n'est pas anodin que projets énergétiques et infrastructurels. faire cela… Il se pourrait même que nous après quelques jours ? C'est une réelle cette photo de la rencontre entre Navin Notre territoire, et notamment nos soyons dans une situation où les Mauri- possibilité. Ramgoolam et Pravind Jugnauth fut mers, sont - de facto - des enjeux extrême- ciens sont en train de se faire dépouiller de L'autre question brûlante pour nous est prise à la High Commission de l'Inde. ment importants dans cette cartographie. leur patrimoine et de leurs ressources bien évidemment celle d'Agalega. Une Pensez-vous que Maurice sera appelé à Nos territoires sont riches en ressources marines. Mais je m'avance peut-être… le aggravation de l'instabilité avec le Pakis- jouer un rôle prépondérant sur la car- marines tout autant qu'elles sont des seul moyen de savoir vraiment ce qui se tan fera que l'Inde voudra accroitre sa tographie des pouvoirs et des alliances autoroutes pour la circulation des navires passe dans nos territoires océaniques, présence militaire dans le bassin de l' qui se dessinent actuellement entre la de marchandises. Donc oui, nous sommes c'est que le gouvernement adopte la trans- océan Indien, c'est parfaitement logique. Chine et l'Inde dans la région ? au cœur de tout cela… Mais est-ce que parence la plus absolue par rapport à ces Encore une fois, notre gouvernement a un De par son positionnement géogra- nous allons jouer un rôle prépondérant questions, ce qui n'est pas le cas actuelle- devoir de transparence et de vérité envers phique et l'immensité de ses territoires dans cette nouvelle géopolitique? C'est là ment. les Mauriciens, et doit être clair sur la océaniques, la République de Maurice a que la question blesse au fond. * Par ailleurs, pensez-vous que le nature de l'accord signé avec l'Inde. toujours joué un rôle hautement straté- Nous venons de signer deux accords retrait américain et le retour des Comme je vous le disais tout à l'heure, gique dans la région, et ce, depuis les commerciaux importants avec l'Inde et la Talibans en Afghanistan auront une nous avons besoin de partenariats straté- périodes coloniales. C'est d'ailleurs ce qui Chine, et nous recevons des aides impor- conséquence géostratégique pour giques pour la surveillance de notre nous a valu le nom de " Star and Key of the tantes de la part de ces deux pays. Mais nous? espace océanique, puisque nous n'avons Indian Ocean ", il y a deux siècles. jouer un rôle prépondérant implique que Le retour des Talibans et l'image d'im- pas les moyens de le faire nous-même, Nous savons que notre région du nous sachions également naviguer et faire puissance laissée par les Etats-Unis lors mais ces partenariats ne doivent absolu- monde est aujourd'hui le lieu de ce que de avancer nos intérêts nationaux en face de de leur retrait pourraient signifier une ment pas s'effectuer au détriment de nos grands spécialistes de la géopolitique ces deux géants. Une approche rationnelle aggravation de l'instabilité en Asie centrale intérêts nationaux. Forum M auritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 1 0 Tribute: Madhvi Narain I am Modern South Africa he only constant is After 27 years of indepen- pulation (1.4 million), they have change and this, while M. Choonee dence, my welfare has today played a commendable role in my sometimes painful, is an President GOPIO International become the world's concern, social and economic develop - oTngoing process. We all enter - Mauritius indeed for most of the continent, ment. They are making their con - the stage crying, as do all the regional groupings - SADC, tributions in various areas, particu - healthy babies at birth; living our When a deep injury is done us, BRICS, the Commonwealth -, larly education, the judiciary, lives in an uplifting way that hopefully, when the final curtain We never recover until we forgive. other friendly countries, and India science, the civil service... in particular. drops, we move on to bigger and I envision someday a great, peaceful They are full-fledged nationals, better things. What we do during South Africa in My citizens are being painted 4th, 5th and 6th generation patri - our time on this temporary stage Which the world will take pride, with the poisoned bristles of the ots, and they should continue matters only in this realm, our A nation in which each of same brush when in fact this enjoying all social, political and long-term objective being, con - many different groups should not have taken place, and economic rights that have been sciously or unconsciously, to Will be making its own creative progress onwards to higher contribution. echelons of our path to self-rea- Madhvi Narain -- Alan Paton, Author - Cry, lisation. In the aftermath of The Beloved Country Madhvi’s sudden exit on Saturday 14 August 2021, although we are reeling in shock and grief, we are at the same time thankful that she is, at least now, finally free from suffering. She has pro - es, I have the most mo- gressed to a new form, continuing the unknown journey. dern and liberal constitu - tion since the end of This is not to underestimate how much we miss her physical aYpartheid in 1994. I was supposed presence, for she was like a little sister to us. In her short but to celebrate the Nelson Mandela fully realised lifespan, this beautiful spunky gal was a sterling International Day 2021. This day example of what a dutiful daughter, a loving sister, a doting aun - gives everyone the opportunity to tie and a true friend can be. She was devoted to her parents and commit anew to the values family, relatives and friends, and her generosity was legendary. inspired by Mandela on the 18th of She dedicated many years of her life caring for her dad self - July, with this year's theme “One lessly. However, her dedication did not stop there. She was very Hand Can Feed Another”. committed to the cause of Parkinson’s disease and helped many with her initiatives and advice. She was instrumental in Instead, on and around that setting up a support group for carers for patients with day, I witnessed widespread Parkinson’s Disease in Mauritius, which remains very active on looting and riots, attacks on shop - Facebook. She participated fully in voluntary activities and loved ping malls, massive breakdown of South Africa: A rainbow nation with diverse cultures. Pic - Pinterest treating orphans for Xmas and New Year. law and order and economic sa- botage of a strategic nature in re- Her generosity was not only confined to humans. She was a latively localized regions. People even if the dust settles down, the guaranteed by the Constitution. passionate advocate of animal rights and could not bear the suf - were killed in hundreds. possibility of further pain exists if They are peace-loving, highly reli - fering of innocent creatures. When she found a cause, she the government does not act gious and tolerant, law-abiding ci- would fight for it, even if it meant being at loggerheads with Thousands have been ar- responsibly. tizens. Ahimsa, the philosophy of others. Whether it meant adopting more puppies than her dis - rested and are likely to go to jail. non-violence and resilience has approving elder sis thought she could handle, challenging her The livelihoods of many have My people as a nation has taught them to respect their worst lecturers on concepts others in class had already accepted, or been taken away due to the loss of learnt how to forgive its oppres - enemy. They are practitioners of dropping out of a “plan” with friends because it clashed with her thousands of jobs. Some 40,000 sors, and has shown the healing “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam “ - The sacrosanct weekend naptime, Madhvi stuck to her guns. She to 50,000 small businesses are power of reconciliation after its dif - whole world is one family. was made up of stern stuff inherited from her high-achieving closed, many may never reopen. ficult transition to democracy. parents, Rani and Nund Narain. “Long live Madiba”. When certain It all seems to boil down to a This reminds me of the histo- communities have been doing bet - In her workplace at successively De Chazal Du Mee, number of factors, namely: rical significance of Mohandas ter than others, the underlying Karamchand Gandhi. After spen- MulticonsultLtd, CIM Global Business and HBS Trust Services - the ANC, after having played a sentiments of anger and frustra - ding his political and formative (Mtius) Ltd, she was a consummate professional endowed with significant role in the liberation tion have been let loose by a kind youth and 21 years in South Africa a sharp intellect and strong work ethic. The most admirable of of the country from the yoke of of trigger - the arrest of my former (1893 - 1914), Gandhi in his her many qualities, transcending all her actions, was certainly apartheid, is now beset by its president. farewell said: “This subcontinent her dogged determination. She never gave up; there was own problems with factional always hope. Even in the midst of a cruel illness, Madhvi perse - I have a sizable population of has become to me a sacred and battles within government, vered without complaining about the unfairness of fate. Her Indian origin people. Under the dear land next to my motherland. I internal political dissension, courage shone through her suffering and those who knew her British colonial system, the first leave the shores of South Africa problems of state failure, marvelled at her positive attitude. Even in the last stretch of her ship carrying Indentured workers with a heavy heart and distance corruption, cronyism and time with us, she fought with all her might. from India reached my shores in will not separate me from South tribalism cropping up. 1860. Most Indentured labourers Africa, will draw me closer to it and Death is not the end. It is only part of a bigger scheme that - The political leadership has came as 'Jahaji bhais' - brothers in its welfare will always be a matter we don’t know about. Her skills are required elsewhere, and the prioritized its own selfish a ship, and others were ' passen - of great concern. remaining cast are now meant to carry on and do our own best, as the show goes on. interests, with some ger Indians ' who came as busi - I can be a better, a more inclu - accumulating astronomical nessmen. Though a lot of them sive South Africa. I need social To our dearest friend Aruna, to Nandita, Rajesh, Ravi and wealth, at the expense of the are still living in conditions that are safety nets, redistribution and kids, as well as the rest of Madhvi’s cherished family and integrity of the country's far from ideal, they grew with social welfare. Revenue that friends, our deepest condolences on this loss. It is always har- democracy, resulting in apartheid and were viewed as part comes from growth should be dis - der for those left behind, but we are sure that our dearest M, the economic inequality, deep of the black population. Today with tributed. free spirit, is soaring on to a better, higher realm. poverty for millions of hard work, discipline and integra - Chin Up! marginalized and angry tion they have progressed. As a We make sense together, and Cookie & Smita people. minority with just 2.5% of the po- together we can. Matters of the Moment M a u r i t i u s T i m e s Friday, August 20, 2021 1 1 Democracy and Governance in Free Fall l Cont. from page 4 Spin doctoring blitzkrieg As regards Britam, how on earth can a Minister and a team of professional advisors sell the BAI Britam shares which do not belong to them without the approval of government and the Cabinet? Why are Ministers, government MPs and the MBC being repeatedly press- ganged to defend tooth and nail the govern - ment's tenuous position on these and other issues such as the Horse Racing Authority? How can young MPs be party to such rabid and abject propaganda? Where is the refreshing idealism of the young? Such contrived spin doc - toring blitzkrieg raises even more distrust and interrogations among the people. More than ever before, there is an impera - tive need to urgently enact, as is the case in the best democracies of the world, a Freedom of Information Act to assure absolute transparency of the decisions and actions taken by govern - ment, diverse regulatory bodies and state insti - tutions so as to put an end to a decried culture of culpable opacity and confidentiality clauses which very often mask ineptitude and much more to the detriment of public interest. Mrinal Roy

Hommage à feu Preeaysunkur Rosunee Cela fait cinq ans que tu nous a quittés... Hommage à feu Preeaysunkur Rosunee, ancien Inspecteur des écoles primaires 7 juillet 1928-19 août 2016

«Il y a quelque chose de plus fort que la mort, c’est la présence des absents dans la mémoire des vivants.» -- Jean d’Ormesson Papa, depuis que tu es parti de ce monde, le temps a passé et déjà cinq années se sont écoulées. Tu restes tou - jours présent parmi nous et la vie continue comme tu l’aurais peut-être souhaité pour nous. Aucun être cher ne dis - paraît vraiment tant que son souvenir survit dans le cœur des vivants. On profite de chaque instant de notre existence tout en nous remémorant les bons moments vécus avec toi, tes conseils et tes encouragements. On transcende l’événe - ment de la mort en trouvant quelque chose de plus fort encore: garder la mémoire de celui qui n’est plus là. Certes, on n’entend plus ta voix ni tes rires mais ce lien qui nous relie fait que tu sois toujours avec nous tout le temps. Jean Cocteau l’a si bien affirmé, «le vrai tombeau des morts, c’est le cœur des vivants.» Tu as été, tu es, tu seras à tout jamais dans notre cœur… Pritilah, Amal et Dhiren The Conversation M a u r i t i u s T i m e s Friday, August 20, 2021 1 2 gical narrative. Why did a military superpower fail in Afghanistan? The correct conclusions from Afghanistan l Cont. from page 2 After 20 years, the US presence in Afghanistan has failed to establish any coherent and sustainable political structure The misuse of military power in counterterrorism with popular legitimacy. Based on that experience, and the Boots-on-the-ground military forces aren’t good at nation- experiences in other countries in other circumstances, there building or democracy-fostering. Nor are they good at infor - is no reason to think that a continued troop presence would mation warfare – fighting effectively in the battlefield of ideas. change that. Terrorism, at its essence, is a form of symbolic but dead - Locally based political movements that seek democracy ly violence used to communicate a political message. The and civil liberties – in Afghanistan or elsewhere – can benefit conflict is not just over who controls which pieces of land, but from US support, but not from military force. Forcing societies rather whose narrative is most influential. to embrace democratic practices can lead to political instabi- In Afghanistan, decades of Western military superiority As recently as May 2021, Afghan military personnel were lity, conflict and a decline in citizens’ safety. failed to uproot the Taliban’s ideological narrative regarding completing specialized combat training. Haroon In my view, the clear conclusion from all the evidence is the corrupted nature of Afghan leaders and their allies and Sabawoon/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images that military intervention should be focused on military objec - their betrayal of Islamic traditions and practices. Nor could tives, and should not diverge into political or social engi- that superiority strengthen a unified national identity that tory, both the Islamic State group and al-Qaida developed neering. might at least partially erode tribal attachments, which were new bases and strongholds far from the fighting. They did this exploited so successfully by the Taliban. not exclusively by military force, but also through the power Arie Perliger, University of Massachusetts Lowell And even when their forces were driven off targeted terri - of their ideas and by providing an alluring alternative ideolo-

Poems Embracing the ‘new normal’ courageously The sun shining brightly, Announcing recess time, Until we all emerge gloriously & celebrating our grandparents! The playground seems confused, Celebrating our Grandparents! Yet, Grandpa’s simple life hacks inspire all! Adding chapters to this beautiful story of Eagerly searching for the dynamic youth, As new moon transitions to full moon, ours until God wills! Missing the hustle and bustle of its loyal audience My school, a temple of knowledge, The fashionable slowly becoming outdated, The Playground energizing my spirit, * * * Our routines have changed abruptly, As new dawn creeps in, Algebras and essays gradually shaping my future, Coping with your studies and the pandemic, The latest style taking the world by storm, Until we all emerge gloriously! Yet, Grandma’s short tales fuel my imagination! Allowing your faith to be bigger than your fears, Yet, Grandma’s wedding dress remains timeless! Masks on, Hands sanitized, Sailing through this crisis as united citizens, Love triumphing amidst the generation gaps, Mingling with your friends from distance, Until we all emerge as glorious soldiers! Hectic days and Humdrum schedules, Taking their life lessons as advices, Your teachers reminding you of the Surpassed by the trendiest gadgets, Supporting them as they grow weak, sanitary protocols, Angkush Poonye The effervescence of technology amazes many, Cherishing this sacred bond, All ready for the staggered approach, Ex-student of John Kennedy College

Programme des Courses THE PRETTY MOLLIE PLATE THE SHAH'S STAR PLATE 11 1650 m - Valeur [0-20]- 12h15 17è journée 77 1650 m - Valeur Benchmark 31 - 15h45 1 Siberian Husky CR 7-4/5-8-4 61 P.K.Horil 10 1000 1 Romanus G N-5-3-5/3 60 S.Donohoe 3 700 2 Eagles Vision SPN 8-R-6-3-2 60.5 B.Sooful 5 370 samedi 21 août 2021 2 Star Of Zeus PM 1-6/3-5-4 60 R.Joorawon 2 650 3 Jet Path VA 10-7-6-4-4 59.5(-3) A.Roy 4 600 3 Canary Island VA 0-0-2-1-4 59.5 B.Fayd'herbe 4 550 4 Starsky CD 6/8-8-4-9 59.5(-3) M.Sonaram 2 650 THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH CUP 4 Imperial Rage SJ 7-1/7-6-3 59.5 D.Bheekary 9 1000 5 Lady's Knight RM 3-4/9-8-6 59(-1.5) M.Teetan 6 1200 44 1400 m - Valeur Benchmark 41 - 14h00 5 Moonrise Sensation AS 6-9/6-6-5 59.5 S.Rama 7 1600 59 6 Pforzheim SPN 0-0-6-3-2 59.5 B.Sooful 1 350 6 Sir Capers P 6-4-6/6-7 O.Sola 7 1600 1 Chapter And Verse CD 0-0-0-0-5 62(-3) M.Sonaram 2 1400 58.5(-4) 7 Crazy Charlie GR 3/4-3-9-3 59 N.Teeha 6 700 7 Midnight Oracle SPN 10/7-7-5-3 N.S.Batchameah 9 1400 2 Bold Phoenix SJ 1-1/4-2-7 60.5 T.Juglall 10 1400 57 8 Ladder Man P 7-4-7/8-9 58.5 O.Sola 10 9000 8 Desert Thief RG 3-3/3-4-5 R.Joorawon 1 550 3 Choir Of Angels JMH 7-R-8-6-R 60.5 J.Allyhosain 4 400 56.5(-4) 9 Red Rock Canyon SPN 0-0-0-10-10 58 K.Kalychurun 8 9000 9 King's Story JMH 8-9/7-5-9 I.Taka 3 5000 4 Freedom Of Speech PM nouveau 60.5 R.Joorawon 7 1400 54 10 Skip The Red RM 1-R-8/4-5 58 P.C.Orffer 5 1000 10 Slightly Scottish AS 9-8-8/7-1 S.Rama 11 1000 5 Numberninetynine G nouveau 60.5 S.Bussunt 5 2000 57 11 Newsman [EA] RG 4-2/2-3-6 ------8 ----- 6 Times New Roman P 0-0-0-0-5 60.5 K.Kalychurun 8 3300 THE SPECIAL IDOL PLATE 59.5 THE SCALDED CAT PLATE 7 All Aboard GR 2-1-3-3-5/ N.Teeha 9 800 1500 m - Valeur [0-25] - 16h20 8 Borya G 7-6/6-1-1 59.5 S.Donohoe 6 370 88 22 990 m - Valeur [0-26] - 12h50 9 Six Degrees SN 0-0-0-0-4 56.5 D.Bheekary 1 650 1 Betathantherest SJ 0-0-0-6-7 61 J.Allyhosain 1 2500 RM 0-8-4-R-2 61 P.C.Orffer 7 350 1 Jacalac P nouveau 60 O.Sola 2 1600 10 Unbelievable Lad AS 5-6-7-9/7 56.5 S.Rama 3 1600 2 Xenon P 3-7/9-7-7 60 B.Sooful 8 2500 2 Jals Tiger GR 3/2-5-10-2 60 B.Sooful 7 550 3 Lead Singer VA 10-9/6-9-6 60 B.Fayd'herbe 5 900 3 Mezuzah SJ nouveau 60 T.Juglall 8 1600 THE ACKBAR GUJADHUR CUP 4 Well Connected RG 5-1/1-2-4 60 R.Joorawon 9 450 4 Very Vary SN 2-1-N-6/1 60 D.Bheekary 9 600 5 1500 m - Valeur Benchmark 51 - 14h35 5 Yankee Force 5 PM 6-5-2-2/3 59.5 S.Bussunt 10 550 5 Brabanzio SH 0-0-0-7-1 59.5 I.Santana 5 240 6 Anza- Borrego 1 Sea Air CR 3-1-5/5-6 61.5 D de Gouveia 2 580 SN 4/1-6-6-8 59.5 D.Bheekary 3 1600 6 Fort Mchenry JMH 0-0-0-8-3 59.5 J.Allyhosain 3 600 7 Heart Of Darkness 2 Duke's Domain RG 4-3-2/5-1 59.5 P.K.Horil 6 800 CD 5-3-1/5-6 59.5(-3) M.Sonaram 6 1400 7 Manolete CD 1-6/6-5-5 59(-3) M.Sonaram 6 1200 8 Street Byte 3 Rock The Night PM nouveau 59 J.Allyhosain 3 1000 SN 2-1-7/3-7 59.5(-4) N.S.Batchameah 2 2000 8 Seventh Rule PM 0-2-4-9/9 58.5(-3) A.Roy 1 2500 9 Tyrandeus 4 Yorktown RG 0-0-0-5-2 59 R.Joorawon 4 600 JMH 9/1-2-8-5 57(-3) A.Roy 4 1100 9 Casanova King [EA] SJ nouveau 60 ------4 ------10 Rochester 5 Liverpool Champ GR 0-0-3-4-5 58 B.Sooful 5 1000 THE SEPOY PLATE 6 Var's Elusion SJ 0-0-1-1-1 57.5 T.Juglall 1 200 33 1500 m - Valeur Benchmark 36 - 13h25 THE GUY DESMARAIS CUP Selections 1. Eagles Vision, Desert Thief, Jet Path 1 Promissory VA 3/6-7-4-4 61 B.Fayd'herbe 8 1200 1500 m - Valeur Benchmark 71 - 15h10 66 2. Brabanzio, Jals Tiger, Fort Mchenry 2 Giggin PM 0-0-5-5-6 60.5 J.Allyhosain 1 2000 1 Wall Tag VA 3-3/2-1-3 60 B.Fayd'herbe 9 500 3 Senor's Guest GR 1-6/7-3-1 60 B.Sooful 3 600 2 Iditarod Trail GR 2-7/6-10-5 59.5 B.Sooful 4 1200 3. Courtroom Magic, Do Or Dare, Travelin Man 4 Do Or Dare JMH 1/7-6-2-3 59.5(-4) N.S.Batchameah 2 500 3 Arizona Silk PM 0-0-8-5-4 59 J.Allyhosain 1 1600 4. Borya, Choir Of Angels, Six Degrees 5 Edge Of The Sun AS 6/4-10-4-R 59.5 S.Rama 4 700 4 Trippi's Express RG 1-3/2-2-5 57 P.K.Horil 3 550 6 Bonjour Baby CR 3-1-5/9/8 59 D de Gouveia 7 2300 5 Ehsaan G 4-4-6/1-3 56.5 S.Donohoe 2 500 5. Var's Elusion, Yorktown, Sea Air 7 Courtroom Magic P 0-0-2-1-1 59 D.Bheekary 9 330 6 Fools Gold RM 3-3/6-3-4 56.5 P.C.Orffer 6 700 6. Wall Tag, Stream Ahead, Ehsaan 8 Grand Vision G 0-0-0-1-7 57.5 S.Donohoe 5 1000 7 Haylor SJ 9-8-5-8-1 56.5(-3) A.Roy 5 700 7. Pforzheim, Romanus, Canary Island 9 Travelin Man RM 0-3-2-4/3 57.5 P.C.Orffer 10 800 8 Stream Ahead CD 1-N/6-7-1 56(-3) M.Sonaram 8 600 10 Zodiac Jack JMH 6-6-7/8-5 53.5 T.Juglall 6 3300 9 Puget Sound SPN 7-6-3-7/8 55 K.Kalychurun 7 9000 8. Xenon, Yankee Force, Anza- Borrego Unwind Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 13

sidewalk at a pretty good pace. The hus- my son. How did you die?" The runner band says, "There he is, running away like replies, "I was simply out for a jog and all a coward! He's a dead man!" and pro- of a sudden, out of nowhere, this refrige- ceeds to go into the kitchen, rips the refri- rator just lands on my head. I never saw it gerator from the wall, and tosses it outside coming." St. Peter says, "What a terrible landing squarely on top of the man run- way to die. Please, come in and welcome ning, killing him instantly. The husband, to Heaven." feeling confident he'd disposed of the About then, this third guy walks up to An insanely jealous problem, storms out of the apartment. the gates and St. Peter says, "Hello my Meanwhile, at the gates of Heaven, St. son. And how did you die?" The man husband comes Peter is approached by the first guy, the replied, "Well... ya see... I was in this delivery man. He said, "Hello my son. refrigerator...". home in a rage to How did you die?" The delivery guy * * * replied, "I was simply making a delivery The one about the watch and knocked on the door. This guy flings see his wife... Tim a six-year-old sees his fellow six- open the door and shoots me in the chest year-old friend Eric at the playground. e was a large bulky man who could for no reason." St. Peter says, "That Eric's wearing a brand-new Spiderman Hwell tear into somebody. He barges sounds awful. Welcome to Heaven." and watch. into their three-storey apartment, slams shows him through the pearly gates. the door, and yells at his wife, "Where is Tim: Cool watch! Is that new? The second guy in running attire walks he, you cheat?" Tim: I-WANT-A-WATCH!!! up to the gates and St. Peter asks, "Hello Eric: Yea my dad bought it for me yes- She exclaims, "What are you talking terday. Tim's Father: Oh...alright...well pull up about?" He screams, "I know you're Tim: Why? Was it your birthday? a chair then. cheating on me and when I find him, I'm * * * going to kill him!" He picks up his only Eric: No... yesterday, Him and my shotgun with one last bullet and begins mom went into the bedroom, and I could A man barges into a bar hear wrestling noises, so I went in, and storming through the place, looking high ...and yells for the bartender to pour they were both naked, my dad got real and low. seven shots of whiskey and hurry. The angry and screamed at me so I ran into About that time, there's a knock on the bartender, taken aback, does what he is my room and cried all evening. Well he door. The angry husband runs to the front told. The man starts to quickly down the came in at night and said he was really door, swings it open, and shoots the deli- shots, one after the other, without stop- sorry, and bought this watch for me! very guy right in the chest, killing him ping until all the glasses are empty. instantly. The wife screams crying, "No no Tim: Neat! The bartender asks, "Why on earth are no, you idiot! You killed the wrong man!" A week later, Tim sees his parents go you drinking this much, this fast?" The The husband replies, "Well, I'm going to into their bedroom and close the door. man looks him in the eye and tells him, "If find him and when I do, I'm going to kill Moments later he hears "wrestling" you had what I have, you'd drink like this him!" noises. He barges in and finds his parents too." About that time, the husband looks on top of each other, completely naked. The bartender nervously asks what the outside and sees a guy running down the Tim's Father: Tim! What the hell!??!! man has. "Fifty cents" the man replies.

thought the shotgun was unloaded. This Crazy World The old man said it was a long-standing habit to threaten his wife with the unloaded shotgun. He had no intention to murder her. Therefore the killing of Mr Opus appeared to be an accident; that is, if the gun had been accidentally loaded. The continuing investigation turned up a witness who saw the old couple's son loading the shotgun about six weeks prior to the fatal accident. It transpired that the old lady had cut off her son's financial support and the son, knowing the propensity of his father to use the shotgun threateningly, loaded the Facts are sometimes stranger than fiction! gun with the expectation that his father would shoot his though the mechanism might not be what he intended, is mother. A bizarre tale of the law of karma still defined as committing suicide." Since the loader of the gun was aware of this, he was n March 23, 1994 the medical examiner viewed the That Mr Opus was shot on the way to certain death, guilty of the murder even though he didn't actually pull the Obody of Ronald Opus and concluded that he died but probably would not have been successful because of trigger. from a shotgun wound to the head. the safety net, caused the medical examiner to feel that The case now becomes one of murder on the part of Mr Opus had jumped from the top of a ten-storey he had a homicide on his hands. the son for the death of Ronald Opus. building intending to commit suicide. He left a note to the In the room on the ninth floor, where the shotgun blast Now comes the exquisite twist. effect indicating his despondency. emanated, was occupied by an elderly man and his wife. Further investigation revealed that the son was, in As he fell past the ninth floor his life was interrupted They were arguing vigorously and he was threatening her fact, Ronald Opus! by a shotgun blast passing through a window, which killed with a shotgun. He had become increasingly despondent over the him instantly. The man was so upset that when he pulled the trigger failure of his attempt to engineer his mother's murder. Neither the shooter nor the deceased was aware that he completely missed his wife and the pellets went This led him to jump off the ten-storey building on March a safety net had been installed just below the eighth floor through the window striking Mr Opus. 23rd, only to be killed by a shotgun blast passing through level to protect some building workers and that Ronald When one intends to kill subject "A" but kills subject the ninth storey window. Opus would not have been able to complete his suicide "B" in the attempt, one is guilty of the murder of subject The son had actually murdered himself, so the the way he had planned. "B". medical examiner closed the case as a suicide. "Ordinarily," Dr Mills continued, "A person, who sets When confronted with the murder charge, the old man A true story from Associated Press. Reported by Kurt out to commit suicide and ultimately succeeds, even and his wife were both adamant and both said that they Westervelt Wellness Mauritius Times Friday, August 20 , 2021 14 Men's Health Health & Balance Top 4 Health Habits for Surprising reasons you may be angry Men Over 60 Did you know that cholesterol-lowering statins can cause aggressive behaviour? Depression, liver failure, and these other conditions can also change your mood, writes Carol DerSarkissian, MD

Stroke: Your mood can be hard to manage after you've had a stroke, especially if you had damage to the part of your brain that helps regulate your emotions. It's typical to feel frus- trated, anxious, sad, and angry. Alzheimer's Disease: Mood and personality changes can be an early sign of this. Often these changes blood sugar and skip right to these itself. The shifts in your hormones as show up as irritability or getting easily more serious symptoms. your body moves toward having upset, especially when you're out of Epilepsy: It's rare, but a certain fewer -- and then no more -- periods your comfort zone. It's worth taking type of epileptic seizure called a sim- can cause many symptoms, including note if, in addition to being angry, you ple partial seizure (one you have mood changes. while you're awake that affects only Overactive thyroid: If your thy- tudies have shown that men in their 60s and 70s become forgetful, confused, or you one side of the brain) can mess with roid works overtime, that can make who strength train regularly have muscles that look start struggling for words. S your emotions and cause feelings of you nervous, restless, anxious, and and perform as well as inactive men in their 20s and Autism: When you have autism, anger and rage. irritable. But you'll likely have other 30s. See what else can help you feel your best as you an unplanned change can be harder symptoms, too, like weight changes age, as suggested by Gina Shaw of WebMD. to handle. A simple disruption in your Liver Failure: When your liver schedule may be enough to set you isn't able to filter toxins out of your or bowel issues. 1. Use it or lose it off. Aggression, overreaction to loud body like it should, they can build up Wilson's Disease: This is a As you age, it's important to pay attention to cogni- sounds or noises, and even hurting and affect your brain. That can cause genetic disorder that keeps your body tive function and to make the effort to stay mentally yourself can all be symptoms of serious side effects, which can from getting rid of extra copper. It has alert and stimulated. That means keeping your brain autism. include mood and personality serious effects, including mental busy. Read, do crossword puzzles, socialize, try new Depression: Feeling irritated at changes and irritability. changes. It's common for your mood, hobbies. Excercizing your body helps excercize your everyone and everything? Agitated PMDD: Irritability and anger are personality, and behavior to all brain. (Maybe it's finally time to learn a foreign lan- and restless and you don't know normal when you have premenstrual change as a result. guage!) why? Depression often comes with a syndrome (PMS). But if you find Medication: If you're taking 2. Strength training: It's never too late to start side of anger, which can make you yourself in out-of-control rages and medicine called statins to lower your serious mood swings 1-2 weeks cholesterol, it's important to know that At age 65, you may think the heaviest thing you frustrated for what seems like no rea- before your period, you could be they can make a psychiatric problem should lift is the remote. Not true. We inevitably lose son. You can also be prone to angry dealing with a more severe condition or behavior change more likely for bone mass and flexibility with age. But regular strength outbursts. called premenstrual dysphoric disor- you. For some people, these drugs training (with an OK from your doctor, of course) can Diabetes: A big dip in your blood der (PMDD). can cause aggressive, angry, and keep you on your toes, prevent muscles from wasting sugar can bring a big change your violent behavior. away, and help you avoid falls and other accidents. The behaviour. You may find yourself Menopause: Anger is more likely American Association of Retired Persons reports that angry, crying, or confused. If you've to happen during the months and How to Spot an Anger Problem: studies have shown that men in their 60s and 70s who had diabetes for a while, you may not years leading up to menopause than Anger is a normal emotion, but if you strength train regularly have muscles that look and per- have the milder symptoms of low after you've reached menopause find you're flying off the handle form as well as inactive men in their 20s and 30s. frequently or sense your feelings simmering below the surface enough 3. There's still time to quit! that it's affecting your everyday life, If you've been trying for years to kick a heart- it's time to take stock. unhealthy habit such as smoking or drinking to excess, You might have a problem if your don't figure that the damage has already been done. It anger is often intense, you hold on to has -- but you can repair or avoid some of it if you quit it for a long time, and have gotten ver- now. Studies have shown that people who stop smok- bally or physically abusive because of ing at age 65 add almost two years to their lives, cut- it. ting their risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Ways to Ease Your Anger: Even if 4. Don't forget key screening tests you have a medical reason for your You'll probably hear a lot about flu shots, but don't anger, you can still work to control it. forget the pneumonia and shingles shots, which you Exercise, deep breathing, visualiza- should get at ages 65 and 60, respectively. Stay in tion, and muscle relaxation can help touch with your doctor to keep up with regular choles- with your body's response. You can terol, hypertension, and diabetes testing, and have a also work to avoid triggers for your colonoscopy every 10 years. A newer option for lower anger, and learn ways to adjust your risk people is an annual FIT test (stool test). thinking to create different reactions. Your doctor can get you started. Entertainment Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 15 Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2 : Nakuul Mehta and Divyanka Tripathi not a Disha Parmar analyse woes of being single part of 'Bade Achhe well... Lagte Hain' because she "Shaadi ke baad, pyaar hote hote ho hi jata hai (Love just blossoms looked older... somehow after a wedding)," a voiceover follows, with the title track playing the background. The promo was shared by Ekta Kapoor on Instagram. Before the release of the promo, Ekta shared a video to introduce the new Ram and Priya. Greeting the new Ram, Ekta told Naakul, "You are sweet, affable and have a different style. I wanted a hero who is a new age guy but also not so woke." Naakul told the producer that his mother was excited about the project. "My mom was like yeh karna hai, aur he first promo of Bade Achhe stages of life. First, where you have acche se karna hai (you have to do it, TLagte Hain 2 has been released numerous options but opt to wait for a and do it well)," he said. and it features Nakuul Mehta and better one. Second, when you want Introducing Disha as the new kta Kapoor's popular show, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain is Disha Parmar as Ram and Priya, who someone but they leave you heart- Priya, Ekta said that her character will coming back with a new season. The original series are both single and in their 30s. broken. Third, when you are ready to have the 'gussa' that most girls today E settle with anyone but there are no featured stalwarts Sakshi Tanwar and Ram Kapoor oppo- The promo begins with Nakuul have. "Today's women have strong site each other. The show depicted a matured love story, eligible candidates left. angst in them. Be it you or me, we Mehta asking Disha Parmar why she which ran from 2011 to 2014, and due to its strong recall Impressed with his response, always feel we got the raw end of the is single, despite being 32. Taken value, the makers are coming up with its second season. Disha further asks him about which stick," she said. aback by his question, Disha asks stage he's standing at. He says he's Ishqbaaz actor Nakuul Mehta, who bowled the audi- him why he was single at 38. Naakul and Disha had previously ence with his acting chops as Shivaay Singh Oberoi, has between the second and third and worked on Pyaar Ka Dard Hai. Nakuul then breaks down three she informs him that she is there as been roped in to play the male lead in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain's sequel. On the other hand, Divyanka Tripathi was approached to play the female lead opposite Nakuul. However, it did not work out and fans' dream to see Supriya Pilgaonkar: Shooting in Covid Divyanka in the show will be left unfulfilled, reports TOI. In a live video chat, speaking about being offered the role, Divyanka had said, "Yes, I was offered Bade Acche times difficult Lagte Hain 2 and I had even given a look test for the show. But I did not say yes to the show as I could not upriya Pilgaonkar was, for a long relate to the character." However, according to a source: time, hesitant to set foot on a set S "Divyanka was approached for the show but post the look amid the ongoing pandemic. Having test they felt she looked older than Nakuul, the male lead. overcome her fear now, the actor is Keeping this in mind, the makers decided to look for working actively, and says, "Ab main someone else for the part." deeth bann gai hun." Divyanka Tripathi was last seen in the show 'Yeh Hai "I was very hesitant to go to Mohabbatein', where she played the role of Ishita and is shoots since the start of the pande- currently seen as a contestant on the reality show, mic. Even when the first lockdown Khatron Ke Khiladi 11. She has surprised everyone by opened, in the month of June or performing the hardest of the stunts smoothly. something, I was supposed to resume work, but I was worried for my family, and uss time vaccine bhi nahi the," Pilgaonkar tells us, adding, "I opted out of a show and didn't take any project till January." Pilgaonkar, 53, gradually resumed work soon after, but her fear came true when she contracted Covid-19 on a set, reports Sugandha Rawal of Hindustan Times. "When I started shooting, I got some confidence, but I got the virus. I think corona ne humme train kiya hai. says, made her realise that "sab ram end mein bahar ke log aa jaate hai, After recovering from the virus, and bharose hi chal raha hai". so a bubble is not possible." getting the treatment, mein deeth The actor, however, points out, Getting vaccinated, she feels, has bann gai. Aur hum kitne din beth "Shooting ka mahul bahut difficult played a big role in instilling confi- sakte hain ghar par," says the actor. hota hai because many agencies and dence to get back a sense of normal- Contracting Covid-19 despite people are involved in it. We have cy, even if it comes wrapped in lots of adhering to all safety measures, she tried shooting in a bubble as well, but sanitiser, masks and tests. Entertainment Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 16 YOUR STARS 9 shocking confessions by Bollywood Sagittarius: Nov 22 - Dec 21 Good perspectives on the financial plane. Triumph also in the amorous field. In your work, you'll know how to organize yourself; celebs that made headlines beware of possible conflicts with your superiors, your associates, or with Ranbir Kapoor had once confessed about losing his virginity early in life. the public service. Sonam Kapoor had a war-of-words with Shobha De. Sidharth Malhotra had once Lucky Numbers: 6, 29, 30, 34, 35, 36 confessed wanting to kiss Deepika Padukone. While Bollywood celebrities are best known Capricorn: Dec 22 - Jan 19 You'll be endowed with good charming power and have no problems for the roles they essay on screen and making headlines for their acting prowess, there making amorous conquests. Watch over your children more closely. At are times their personal lives take centre-stage. After all, they are humans as well with work, some well-established successes and the launching of a project complex lives and histories. And at times these celebrities come out in the open to which has required of you months of preparation. recount shocking titbits about their lives that grab headlines. Here's looking at 9 shocking Lucky Numbers: 4, 7, 9, 10, 12, 16 confessions, as reported by Times Now... Aquarius: Jan 20 - Feb 18 On the sensual plane, you'll know a profoundly upsetting but quite that for years afterwards she was engaged in the heinous act and happy experience. A favourable week for important financial transac- afraid that her mother would find was not some "dirty old man". tions, to the sale or buying of a house. A very complicated family affair will require all your attention. out. Sidharth Malhotra on wanting Lucky Numbers: 6, 14, 18, 21, 24, 25 Ranbir Kapoor on losing to kiss Deepika Padukone virginity Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 You're going to make encounters which will prove interesting in many During an interview with GQ, respects. Learn to savour all that life gives you instead of balking at the the Rockstar actor confessed pleasures that you don't find perfect. Try to maintain an affective balance that he lost his virginity at the which is indispensable to your own balance. mere age of 15. He even added Lucky Numbers: 1, 2, 9, 17, 23, 26 that after that his relationship Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 with the girl did not last for a long time. A very favourable week for the love affairs and love at first sight for single people. Bargain well, you'll do excellent business. At work, profit Shah Rukh Khan on wanting by the situation to nip in the bud any idea of dispute. to be a porn star Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 14, 15, 23, 33 Ranveer Singh's condom Shah Rukh Khan had once Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 confession confessed his aspiration to Family responsibilities will suddenly seem to you too heavy to bear; The versatile actor who is become a porn star! The actor courage! In the field of love, you'll be subject to hesitations. Caution will known to give shocking sartorial was in Delhi to launch manage- be necessary in your social relationships; indeed, some important goals had once opened up on ment guru Arindam Chaudhuri's In an earlier interview with people will try to profit from you. endorsing a condom! During an book 'Discover The Diamond In Filmfare, Sidharth Malhotra had Lucky Numbers: 9, 11, 13, 15, 14, 30 interaction with DNA the actor You' when he revealed his opened up about an awkward Gemini: May 21 - June 20 had revealed he always carries desire. On being asked where he moment while shooting for a Your family life will evolve in a soft ambience, and your relationships condoms in his wallets and had got inspiration for this desire, the kissing scene with Alia in their with your close ones will be warm. It would be futile to try too much to urged other men that they too actor had said that he has debut film Student of the Year. force things when you aren't yet ready; let the situation mature and should absolutely carry protec- always been a huge fan of The actor had said he felt the beware that the greatest danger is at the moment of victory. tion. During the same interaction, Sylvester Stallone who was a liplock was technical and that it Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 8, 11, 18, 20 he had revealed that sexual well- porn star before becoming a turned boring after a while. being is a topic that calls for Hollywood superstar. During the interview Sidharth Cancer: June 21 - July 22 healthy discussion, education also revealed that he wanted to Don't forget that whoever pays his debts becomes rich. For long- Shahid on working with a cow and awareness. kiss Deepika onscreen. standing couples, the wearing of time will make itself cruelly felt; you'll Back in 2009, Shahid said on Sanjay Dutt on drug abuse have to appeal much to your imagination so as to disrupt daily routine Zee News' celebrity chat show and to recover the enthusiasm of the beginnings of your union. Kahiye Janab that if his director Lucky Numbers: 7, 15, 19, 23, 28, 30 wanted him to romance a cow or Leo: July 23 - Aug 22 buffalo, he would do it because A favourable week for the launching of a new undertaking. If you're a he was an actor. Interestingly, heart to be taken, be sure that you won't be in want of suitors; you'll the actor was asked if he would make very promising encounters. For natives living in a union, a happy like to work with Kareena again event could very well come to illuminate their joint lives. following their break-up. Shahid Lucky Numbers: 14, 18, 20, 31, 36, 40 and Kareena teamed up for Virgo: Aug 23 - Sept 22 three films. While Fida and Chup Chup Ke bombed at the box Propitious climate for settling differences with the state as well as with individuals. One might try to abuse your credulity; don't have office, Jab We Met was a block- confidence in whomever you happen to know. Lend an attentive ear to buster. Interestingly, at that time, your children. Shahid, who is now happily mar- ried to Mira, was being linked to Lucky Numbers: 8, 11, 14, 21, 22, 28 Libra: Sept 23 - Oct 22 Kalki Koechlin on being India tennis star Sania Mirza. Difficult dialogue with your children. This week will allow you to sexually abused Anurag Kashyap on meeting Perhaps one of the more establish useful relationships and contacts, but on condition to display the person who molested him controversial and beloved per- The talented actress, who your charm and to present your ideas and projects under a serious was last seen in the OTT show sonalities in Bollywood is Sanjay Celebrated filmmaker Anurag and convincing light. Made in Heaven had once con- Dutt. The actor was involved in Kashyap had once opened up on Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 17, 20, 25,36 fessed that she had allowed drugs early in life and had even being sexually abused as a child. Scorpion: 23 Oct - 21 Nov someone to have sex with her at Not only that, the filmmaker confessed, "I used to sniff and take pills. In the last year before You'll be in a very fickle mood, which may give rise to very tense the age of nine, not fully under- revealed that he met the sexual my treatment started, I even relations. As far as financial operations are concerned, do not be guided standing what it meant. In an abuser after many years. The used to inject drugs into my by the voice of impulsiveness; adopt a cautious attitude. interaction to Humans of Bom- filmmaker had revealed that the body." Lucky Numbers: 12, 16, 30, 34, 37, 38 bay, the talented actress said perpetrator was 22 when he What's On Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 17

Vendredi 20 août - 21.15

MBC 1 MBC 2 MBC 3 Cine 12 Bollywood TV 07.00 Local: Les Grandes Lignes 08.00 Educational Prog: Grade 3 06.00 Mag: Eco India 03.29 Serial: Chicago Med 08.00 Film: Maine Dil Tujhko 10.20 Local Prod: Rodrig Prog 10.15 Educational Prog: Grade 4 06.26 Mag: Shift 04.07 Film: Signed, Sealed, Deliv... Diya 11.10 Tele: Soleil Levant 12.30 Film: Mi Pan Sachin 06.38 Mag: Sur Mesure 05.31 Tele: Muneca Brava 12.08 / 19.54 - Radha Krishna 12.00 Le Journal 14.41 DDI Magazine 06.52 Mag: Border Crossing 06.08 Serial: Madam Secretary 12.31 / 20.11 - Chupke Chupke 12.25 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 15.05 Serial: Zindagi Ki Mehek 07.17 Mag: Tomorrow Today 06.49 Film: Final Fantasy: The 12.50 / 20.32 - Mere Sai 13.05 Local Prod: Elle 15.27 Serial: Aamhi Doghi 09.00 Educational Prog: Grade 5 Spirits Within 13.12 / 21.09 - Agniphera 14.00 Local: Les Grandes Lignes 15.49 Serial: Bava Maradallu 11.30 Educational Prog: Grade 8 09.00 Serial: When Calls The Heart 13.34 / 21.24 - 14.30 D.Anime: Twirlywoos 16.07 Serial: Apoorva Raagangal 14.03 Doc: 360 GEO 09.45 Tele: Teresa Bade Acche Lagte Hai 14.43 D.Anime: The Garfield Show 16.28 Serial: Aatish 14.55 Doc: China’s Cities 10.37 Tele: Tanto Amor 13.57 / 21.46 - Zindagi Ki Mehek 15.09 D.Anime: Astrolology 16.48 Serial: Imtihaan 16.20 Doc: Eco India 11.00 Serial: The Magicians 14.17 / 22.20 - Maharakshak 15.32 D.Anime: Teenie Weenie 17.05 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 16.49 Mag: Shift 12.00 Film Signed, Sealed Deliv... 15.04 / 22.55 - Sethji 15.46 D.Anime: Petit Creux 17.34 Serial: Chhanchhan 17.01 Mag: Sur Mesure 13.30 Tele: Muneca Brava 15.25 Film: Yeh Jawaani Hai 16.10 D.Anime: Johnny Test 18.00 Serial: Dr. Qin 17.14 Mag: Border Crossing 14.45 Film: Final Fantasy: The Deewani 16.31 D.Anime: Teenie Weenie 18.30 Mag: DDI Magazine 18.00 Doc: Her - Women Asia Spirits Within Starring Randir Kapoor, 17.05 Serial: Dark Oracle 19.05 Zournal Kreol 18.46 Mag: Arts And Culture 16.39 Serial: When Calls The Heart Deepika Padukone, Aditya 18.00 Live: Samachar 19.30 Serial: Radha Krishna 19.00 Student Support Prog... 17.18 Serial: Madam Secretary 18.00 Live: Samacher 18.30 Serial: Siya Ke Ram 20.02 Serial: Band Khirkiyan 19.29 Mag: Euromaxx 18.05 Tele: Teresa 18.30 Kundali Bhagya 19.30 Journal & La Meteo 20.46 Local: Anjuman 20.05 Doc: Innovation On Board 19.00 Tele: Tanto Amor 18.52 Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein vendredi 20 août 20.25 Local: Come On Let??S 21.09 Local: Urdu Programe 20.30 Local: News (English) 20.05 Tele: Sinu, Rio Des Pasiones 19.14 Serial: Bhakharwadi 21.20 Serial: Beauty And The Beast 22.07 DDI Live 20.40 Sos Animaux En Darger 20.30 Serial: Dynasty 2 19.36 Serial: Siddhi Vinayak 23.35 Mag: Eye On Sadc 21.31 Doc: Children In Art 21.15 Film: The Wind And The Lion

06.00 D.Anime: Boule Et Bill 07.00 Film: Ishq Ka Jazbaa 06.00 Mag: Her - Women In Asia 01.42 Film: The Wind And The Lion 04.05 Radha Krishna 06.26 D.Anime: Teenie Crazee 08.48 Serial: Vir: The Robot Boy 06.42 Mag: Arts And Culture 03.41 Serial: The Night Shift 04.26 Chupke Chupke 07.00 D.Anime: Sissi, Jeune Impe... 10.00 Bade Acche Lagte Hai 06.55 Mag: Global 3000 04.22 Film: Shadow People 04.48 Mere Sai -- Shraddha Aur... 07.23 D.Anime: Teenies Crazee... 11.40 Serial: Bloody Romance 07.50 Doc: Innovation On Board 05.40 Tele: Tanto Amor 05.11 Agniphera Samedi 21 août - 21.20 07.51 D.Anime: Sabrina: Secrets... 12.00 Serial: Nanda Saukhya Bhare 09.59 Doc: The Big Reset 2.0 06.20 Serial: Dnynasty 2 05.34 Bade Acche Lagte Hai 08.13 D.Anime: Cosmic Quantum... 12.24 Serial: Mooga Manasulu 10.45 Doc: Chocolate’s Heart Of... 07.01 Film: Nessie & Me 06.00 Zindagi Ki Mehek 08.39 D.Anime: The Garfield Show 12.47 Serial: High School 11.27 Doc: Her - Women In Asia 08.35 Serial: Mike Hammer 06.16 Sethji 09.03 D.Anime: Pet Alien 13.11 Annakodiyum Ainthu 12.09 Mag: Global 3000 09.23 Serial: Brooklyn Nine Nine 06.38 ChhanChhan 12.00 Le Journal Pengalum 12.35 Mag: Euromaxx 10.04 Serial: Incorporated 07.02 Kundali Bhagya 12.30 Tele: Teresa 15.00 Serial: Zindagi Ki Mehek 15.17 Student Support Prog 10.50 Film: The Wind And The Lion 07.25 Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein 15.06 D.Anime: The Garfield Show 15.25 Film: Gold 17.50 Doc: Amazing Gardens 12.51 Serial: The Night Shift 08.02 Zindagi Ki Mehek 15.32 D.Anime: Petit Creux Starring Akshay Kumar, Mouni 18.16 Doc: The Expanding Desert 13.32 Serial: Chicago Med 10.00 Motu Patlu 15.35 D.Anime: The Deep Roy, Kunal Kapoor 18.42 Mag: Vue D’en Haut 15.05 Tele: Amanda 10.12 Siddhi Vinayak 15.58 D.Ainme: Teenie Weenie 17.48 Mag: DDI Magazine 19.05 Mag: Check In 15.48 Tele: Muneca Brava 12.01 Serial: Bhakharwadi 16.34 D.Anime: Johnny Test 19.00 Live: Zournal Kreol 19.37 Doc: Rewilding 16.30 Mag: Hollywood On Set 14.00 Chupke Chupke 17.00 Serial: Les Copains Carlins 19.30 Serial: Radha Krishna 20.30 Local Prod: News (English) 17.00 Serial: Dynasty 2 16.00 Pavitra Rishta 18.00 Live: Samachar 20.06 Serial: Vikram Betaal Ki 20.40 Doc: Tree Stories 17.45 Film: Super Miss 18.00 Samachar 18.30 Entertainment: Dance Rahasya Gatha 21.32 Doc:Taste Hunters 20.05 Tele: Sinu, Rio Des Pasiones 18.30 Film: Tutak Tutak Tutiya samedi 21 août 19.30 Journal & La Meteo 20.20 Serial: Bitti Business Wali 22.25 Doc: Gaming For Gold 20.30 Series: Dynasty 2 Star: RJ Balaji, Tamannaah 20.15 Local: Le Rendez Vous 21.01 Film: Judgementall Hai Kya 23.07 Doc: Amazing Gardens 21.15 Film: The Ballad Of Lucy Bhatia, Prabhu Deva, Sonu Sood 21.20 Film: The Bajer Starring: Rajkummar Rao,Kangana 23.33 Doc: The Expanding Desert Whipple 20.51 Serial: Siya Ke Ram Avec: Damian Lewis, Kate Ashfield... Ranaut 23.58 Mag: Vue D’en Haut 22.46 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 21.13 Serial: Naagin

06.00 D.Anime: Boule Et Bill 07.00 Film: Vishwasghaat 06.00 Mag: Amazing Gardens 01.34 Film: The Ballad Of Lucy... 00.35 Serial: Siddhi Vinayak 06.24 D.Anime: Teenie Crazee... 10.00 Local Prod: MBC Prod 06.26 Doc: The Expanding Desert 03.04 Serial: Midnight 02.20 Bhakharwadi 06.35 D.Anime: P’tit Cosmonaute 11.00 Serial: Oru Kai Osai 06.52 Mag: Vue D’en Haut 03.46 Film: The Baker 04.14 Chupke Chupke 08.06 D.Anime: Cosmic Quantum... 11.22 Serial: Santoshi Maa 07.46 Doc: Rewilding 05.16 Tele: Tanto Amor 06.01 Pavitra Rishta 09.35 Serial: Lucas Etc 12.00 Film: Kya Kehna 10.20 Doc: Gaming For Gold 05.56 Serial: Dynasty 2 08.00 Motu Patlu 10.00 Local: Zanfan Nou Zil Stars: Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, 11.06 Doc: Amazing Gardens 06.41 Film: I Think My Babysitter’s 08.11 Ikyawann 10.30 Serial: Backstage Chandrachur Singh 11.56 Mag: Vue D’en Haut An Alien 10.00 Jaana Na Dil Se Door 12.00 Le Journal 14.32 DDI Magazine 12.22 Mag: Check In 08.30 Serial: Mike Hammer 11.35 Piya Albela 12.21 Tele: Teresa 15.00 Serial: Zindagi Ki Mehek 14.35 Doc: Taste Hunters 09.17 Film: The Ballad Of Lucy 14.00 Agniphera 14.10 Local: Elle 15.22 Serial: Mooga Manasulu 17.43 Mag: Magnifique Whipple 16.29 Punar Vivaah 15.05 D.Anime: Twirlywoos 15.45 Serial: He Mann Baware 18.12 Doc: Builders Of The Future 10.54 Film: Super Miss 18.00 Live: Samachar 15.16 D.Anime: The Garfield Show 16.09 Apoorva Raagangal 18.36 Doc: Garden Party 12.15 Serial: Midnight, Texas 18.30 Film: Rishtey 15.42 D.Anime: Petit Creux 17.05 Mahakali 19.05 Mag: Trend Book 13.30 Serial: Chicago Med Starring: Anil Kapoor, 17.15 Serial: Les Copains Carlins 17.51 Kisna 19.37 Doc: Tea War, The Adventure 15.29 Tele: Amanda Karisma Kapoor, Shilpa Dimanche 22 Août - 21.40 18.00 Live: Samachar 18.30 Local: Tipa Tipa Nu Avance 20.30 Local Prod: News (English) 16.16 Tele: Muneca Brava Shetty 18.30 Local Prod: Gata Rahe Mere... 19.00 Live: Zournal Kreol 20.40 Doc: Comme Une Envie De.. 17.30 Serial: Midnight, Texas 21.03 Entertainment: Dance 19.30 Le Journal 20.05 Serial: Mann Mein Vishwas.. 21.32 Doc: Onibo 18.30 Serial: Rich Man, Poor Man 21.30 Bade Acche Lagte Hai 20.10 Local: Groov’in 20.50 Serial: CID 22.14 Doc: The Race Of His Life 19.35 Mag: Hollywood On Set 23.45 Serial: Piya Albela 21.10 Film: Beyond The Mask 21.36 Serial: Naagin Season 2 22.57 Mag: Magnifique 20.05 Tele: Sinu, Rio Des Pasiones dimanche 22 août Avec: Andrew Cheney, John Rhys- 22.17 Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki 23.24 Doc: Builders Of The Future 20.30 Serilal: Pure Genius Davies, Kara Killmer 22.57 DDI Live 23.49 Doc: Garden Party 21.15 Film: Navy Seals: The Battle..

Samedi 21 août Dimanche 22 Août Stars: Anil Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Stars: Rajkummar Rao,Kangana Ranaut MBCMBC 22 - 21.00 - 18.30 Shilpa Shetty Other Voices Mauritius Times Friday, August 20, 2021 18 An Afghan American scholar describes Tree of Knowledge Madisyn Taylor his fear-filled journey Five Minutes to from the chaos at Kabul airport to a plane bound for home in the US Happiness

f you aren't a naturally happy per- Ison, take time each day to culti- vate that which brings you happi- ness. It can be so easy to get caught up in the rigors of modern life that we tend to forget that happiness need not come with stipulations. Happiness becomes something we must schedule and strive for -- a hard-won emotion -- and then only Hanif Sufizada when we have no worries to occupy Education and Outreach our thoughts. In reality, overwhelm- Program Coordinator, ing joy is not the exclusive province University of Nebraska Omaha of those with unlimited time and no troubles to speak of. Many of the happiest people on earth are also those coping with the most serious Afghan scholar Hanif Sufizada, who challenges. They have learned to works at the Center for Afghanistan The author was in this crowd, finally boarding a plane to leave Kabul. Photo: Hanif Sufizada make time for those simple yet Studies at the University of Nebraska superb pleasures that can be Omaha, got caught in Kabul during the chaotic. There was only one single civilian Marines that I have a green card and also enjoyed quickly and easily. chaos of the U.S. military pullout, when plane, which we were told was dedicated to work for a university in the U.S. He then Cultivating a happy heart takes no the evacuation of Afghan officials. Even gave me permission and it was around 4 thousands of Afghans fled to the airport, more than five minutes. The resultant some people with valid tickets were can- p.m. on Monday. After looking at our docu- delight will be neither complex nor seeking a way out of the country. Editor celed to fly, they were replaced, we ments, he gave us a green signal to be complicated, but it will be profound Catesby Holmes sent Sufizada an email believed, with high-ranking officials. separated from the mob. That was a and will serve as a reminder that on Aug. 17, 2021, telling him that she People like me just felt shocked and moment of relief. He told us to go to the there is always a reason to smile. north gate. hoped he was OK - and his email back let fearful of the evolving situation. So I So much that is ecstasy-inducing us know that he wasn't. searched for more than two hours to find Here, I was separated from the two can be accomplished in five minutes. Sufizada's dispatches from Aug. 17 Americans. Thanks to an employee of the others, who flew British airlines. Alone, we can enjoy an aromatic cup and 18 advance an important story: He airport who told me where Americans were, After going to the north gate of American of our favorite tea, take a stroll base in Hamid Karzai International Airport, I brings an on-the-ground account of his after waiting for several hours, I met an through the garden we have created, American soldier and begged him to evacu- was manifested and got ready to fly by mili- write about the day's events in a jour- struggle to leave Afghanistan and the ate me. He did help and wanted to check tary plane. nal, doodle while daydreaming, or impossible and irrational obstacles he me in. Then I had to wait another nine hours to breathe deeply while we listen to the had to overcome in order to flee - all of But while waiting in the queue, a mob of get into the plane — still sleepless. silence around us. In the company of a good friend or treasured relative, which he faced even though he is a U.S. people threatened by Taliban rushed to We arrived in Qatar at 5:30 a.m. and as we can share a few silly jokes, enjoy resident with a green card and a family in American troops for evacuation. So I was of writing this to you – after almost 13 hours a waltz around the room, play a fast- Omaha. Sufizada, an economics scholar forgotten and soldiers had to control the still sleepless – I am still in Qatar waiting for paced hand of cards, or reconnect my flight to Kuwait, from where I will go to and former Afghan government official on unruly mob. Eventually, they sent back through lighthearted conversation. Washington, D.C., and then to Omaha. It Wednesday morning, Aug. 18, that he everybody. I came back from the point it The key is to first identify what makes has been such a torment so far. But we are finally secured passage on a plane out of took me nine hours to reach. I spent the us dizzyingly happy. If we do only safe from the Taliban. a U.S. military base in Qatar and headed entire night, staying up and asking soldiers what we believe should bring us con- I am so tired and my kids, who are in back to the U.S. to allow me to evacuate because I have a tentment, our five minutes will not be valid U.S. green card. They didn’t listen and Omaha, are waiting to receive me. I don’t particularly satisfying. When we I had to stay up until morning. know how I feel, but I am happy coming allow ourselves the freedom to do Tuesday, Aug. 17, Qatar Hungry, thirsty, tired and scared, I, along home after all this drama. whatever brings us pleasure, five I was in Kabul when all this chaotic situ- with two others, an Afghan-German and an Now I am at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, minutes out of 14 wakeful hours can ation broke out. When I went to the airport Afghan-British, were struggling to be evacu- where I have been waiting and waiting to brighten our lives immeasurably. to fly out of Kabul on Sunday, the day ated. I approached all people for help to get get clearance to go to USA. I came here at It is often when we have the least Taliban took over Kabul, I was lost and evacuated, but the situation was so chaotic 5:30 a.m. and now it is 12:35 p.m. and I am free time or energy to devote to joy, unable to locate American forces to evacu- that nobody heard us. I was caught several still waiting for clearance. I am tired, weak that we need to unwind and enjoy ate me. times amid repeated gunfire. We were a and feel helpless. ourselves the most. Making happi- Before going to the airport I went to the group of three people – the U.S. Marines Wednesday, Aug. 18, Qatar ness a priority will help you find five U.S. Embassy, but no one was there saved all of us. However, initially they After almost 35 hours, I got the opportu- minutes every day to indulge in the because they had shifted their entire thought that we were from among the mob nity to fly to Washington, D.C., in a special things that inspire elation within you. embassy to the Hamid Karzai International who would rush to the airplane. We were commercial flight chartered by the American Eventually, your happiness breaks Airport. Tired and fearful of the Taliban cap- not. Army. My current supervisor from University will become an established part of your routine. If you start by pursuing ture of Kabul, I managed to enter the air- Finally, I got a chance to speak with one of Nebraska Omaha, my former supervisor activities you already enjoy and then port. of the Marines and explain that we had valid from Tetra Tech, my American classmates from Cornell University, and friends all gradually think up new and different Because I filled out the Online U.S., German and British documents and ways to fill your daily five minutes of Evacuation Request Form, I wanted to meet were eligible for evacuation. Others sought helped and sought the assistance of their representatives and senators for my evacu- happiness, you will never be without the evacuation team to explain my case. help from their embassies but they didn’t something to smile about. When I reached there, everything was get any assistance. I convinced one of the ation.