ISSUES]Review : What our food says about us > pp. 38-39

Insert N° 3• Friday 1st APRIL 2011 INTERVIEW] Yousouf JHUGROO Editorial ] “Sik Yuen and Soodhun by Touria PRAYAG are not in the right places” A topsy-turvy world e were not sitting on the edge of our chairs in anticipation > pp. 40- 41 of any revolutionary measures to be announced by the minister of Education at his press conference last Satur- W day. And we did not uncork any champagne when we came out. Yes, there has been a slight but steady improvement in the CPE pass rate since 2004, though thinking that is enough to warrant self-congratulation is rather misplaced in a country which still throws over 30% of its children out of the system. But more than the system it- self, it is the cosmetic measures introduced which warrant our attention. Protest Tactics in Mauritius Of course, like his predecessors, Vasant Bunwaree did not dare go anywhere near the sacred cow of the “catchment area” which leaves our children with a deep sense of injustice from a very early age. Oh no, perish the thought. Let the children who live near star schools walk miles in rain and sun to get to the schools they have been allocated. The Hunger And let the children of those who are well-connected always stand in the front of the queue. He has not attempted to reduce class sizes to enable the teachers to give more attention to the pupils. That would not do. Nine-year schooling is forever at the experimental stage. There is no hurry. What we will retain one day of the minister’s stunt in Education Strike Epidemic is the enhancement programme and the introduction of Creole as an optional language as from 2012. The enhancement programme did not exactly turn out to be a suc- cess story: having kids sit in 40-pupil classrooms for eight hours a day, far from putting an end to private tuition, actually institutionalized it and gave the tuition wallahs great arguments to legitimize it. What Bunwaree has achieved is to shift tuition from schools to various garages in the vicinity. The introduction of Creole as an optional language now seems to be the minister’s hobbyhorse. Forget about the haste which even the most fervent advocates of Creole are opposed to. Forget about the 60 teachers to be diverted to teach Creole when they could be used to reduce class sizes. Forget about the training or lack thereof of these teachers. What worries us is who will sit in these classes to learn Creole? Not many parents we have met have signaled their intention to have their children go down that route. Vasant Bunwaree is probably aware of this, which is why he insists that a campaign will start soon to convince parents to make this choice. This sadly sends us back to 1984, when a Select Committee, presi- ded over by Jean-Claude de l’Estrac, recommended the introduction of “Cultures and Civilisations of Mauritius” (CCM) as an option to Oriental Languages at CPE level. This would, according to the com- mittee, allow children to be “aware of the rich cultural heritage of Mauri- tius in order to preserve that heritage and encourage understanding and mutual respect.” The proposal was rejected by the General Assembly on the grounds, amongst others, that parents “would opt for CCM which is linked with acquisition of skills, concepts or ideas directly related with perception of scope for further studies, employment or the economic importance of the subject.” In other words, the subject was rejected because it was seen to be so good that parents were likely to opt for it! Now we are offering a subject which parents may not want to choose but resources will be put in place to ‘encourage’ them to do so. The world has been turned on its head! > pp. 42 - 43 [email protected] l’express [ Friday 1st April 2011 • Insert N°3 QUICKREAD] p. 36 Week at a glance ] Events ] La nuit des virtuoses Fondation Spectacles et Culture, in collabo- Beginner’s guide to ration with Theatre Luc Donat from Reu- nion Island, is organizing an event called “La nuit des virtuoses” on Tuesday 12th April at 8pm at the J & J Auditorium in democracy and corruption Phoenix. The show will include various musicians with different backgrounds and styles such as Jane Yoon, harpist of Korean origin who lives in the US, or Re- naud Garcia-Fobs, a Catalan bass player who lives in France. You will also discover talented musicians playing the clarinet, the tabla, and many others. A delightful variety of melodies that will leave you wanting more. Tickets are available through Rézo Otayo at Rs 1000, Rs 800, Rs 500, Rs 300 and Rs 200. Call 466 9999 for more information. When Mars and Venus meet Catch the show “Les hommes viennent de Mars, les femmes viennent de Venus” on Saturday 30th April at 8pm at the J & J Auditorium in Phoenix. Organised by BH Productions, the show is based on the popu- lar book by John Grey, Men are from Mars, women are from Venus, and focuses on the issues within marriage. Paul Dewandre, John Grey’s offi cial repre- sentative has run successful shows in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Luxemburg and Canada over the past three years, decoding the language of men and women in relationships. Tickets are available through Rézo Otayo at Rs 1000, Rs 800, Rs 600, Rs 500 and Rs 300. For more information and reservations, call 466 9999. LIBRARY PHOTOS LIBRARY

Punters at Champs de Mars race-course where the bookmakers make a killing every Saturday ... Art by Nikunja AFTER having looked at of the ruling party. friend of Navin Ramgoolam, An exhibition of paintings by the artist this week’s newspapers, listened The fi rst concerns the resi- again made the headlines this Nikunja is on at the Imaaya Gallery to our local radios and watched gnation of Clive Auffray, barris- week with the Financial secreta- in Pointe-aux-Piments until Saturday our “Journal Télévisé” (very of- ter and director of the Gaming ry Ali Mansoor being the target 16th April. The artist, who is from Swit- ten in spite of ourselves) we have Regulation Authority (GRA). of government and opposition zerland, uses a lot of colour in his work had strange questions cropping He explains his decision by what members. Nita Deerpalsing is and makes use of varied textures and up in our minds. he terms “the soft policy of the quoted as having said that the shapes. His exhibition includes 10 canvases and 20 paintings Does this government work ministry of Finance towards fi nancial secretary is used to on paper, all in abstract style. The exhibition also includes an unusual set-up, for the population or for its bookmakers”. He is outraged by giving instructions to ministers a tent under which the artist meets visitors to the exhibition to share ideas. fi nancial sponsors and some the ministry of Finance decision and is accountable in the Infi nity families belonging to what is to freeze “with immediate effect” BPO scandal. “La Chine en toute simplicité” termed “state aristocracy”. But the purchase and use of software Two other pieces of news Discover the different facets of China, through here, members of the state aris- to better control bookmakers. pertaining to the government’s 22 paintings by artist Pascal Gaspard, which tocracy do not belong to the duty towards the population at will be displayed at the Chinese Cultural Centre elite, but rather to a handful of Puzzled public large also retained our attention. in Bell Village, until Friday 8th April. The voraciously greedy and money They are the acquittal of Jayen artist was inspired by a trip to China, grabbing families. This software would have al- Chellum and Dharma Naek. during which he was captivated by the Some years ago in Parlia- lowed the GRA to curtail frauds Chellum was taken to court af- simplicity and beauty of the country. ment, Sir Aneerod Jugnauth, on horse race betting and would ter he staged a hunger strike and His paintings include abstract art as who was then Prime minis- have, according to Hiren Jankee, had his head shaved in public well as fi gurative art combined with ter, stood up and said that he president of the GRA, enabled in protest against the govern- other techniques. The exhibition will be had constructed the Sun Trust government to pocket an ad- ment’s decision to cut all subsi- open from Mondays to Fridays, from Building with money he ob- ditional sum of Rs 100 million dies that were being awarded to 9.30am to 3.30pm. tained from the private sector. yearly from book makers. his NGO. The second acquittal He added that there was no law Why on earth would the mi- concerns Dharma Naek, a jour- FR3E Drumming which prevented him from ta- nistry of Finance relinquish an nalist sued having published FR3E Drumming, a concert organised by Conservatoire François Mit- king that kind of money. He was additional sum of Rs 100 mil- “false information”. terand, is being held tonight at 7pm at the Francis Thome answering a question by Paul lion? Why spit on such a sum These two court cases are Auditorium of the Conservatoire. The FR3E concept Bérenger, who did not dare to of money which would be more among a long list of actions ta- revolves around a series of concerts entitled ask him what he had given or than enough to buy another pri- ken these last months by the go- “3”, which will bring together three mu- intended to give to the private vate clinic if no re-evaluation is vernment against all those who sicians, each with their own unique style sector in return. asked for by any minister. The have dared to criticize or protest and unique approach to a specifi c family This unasked question has puzzled public has only one against the day to day running of of musical instruments, such as the very often cropped up in the answer. Bookmakers or many of the country. Many more will face piano, the electric guitar, the cello and minds of the public and has them have surely been fi nancial charges soon for “rebellion” in drums. The concerts will be held every two cropped up again this week sponsors of some of our politi- the wake of a protest they staged months. Drummers Stanley Perne, Chris- when we look at the news. cal parties and are now reaping against the water saga of Rashid tophe Bertin and Jim Bachun will partici- At least three pieces of news their dues. Beebeejaun. pate in this edition. Tickets are available have drawn public attention to The millions given to Jean at Rs.150 and Rs.200. Call 424 10 12 for Raj JUGERNAUTH the fi nancial sponsors or friends Suzanne, ex-advisor and close more information. ILLUSTRATIONS : Stephane BENOIT p. 37 QUICKREAD] Insert N° 3 • Friday 1st April 2011 ] l’express Economic growth and curbing infl ation Putting the consumer fi rst IF the governor of the Bank of can do as Eric Ng sees no other Mauritius, Manou Bheenick, ever option but to continue with the purchased ear plugs, this is the increasing trend of the Repo Rate time for him to use them. But then until we get back to the fi gure prior again, he has become an expert to the decrease of September last. at contracting bouts of selective An increase in the Key Repo deafness whenever convenient; an Rate emanates from both good art which may turn out to be very and bad news. The good news is handy: his decision to increase the that there is a certain level of op- Key Repo Rate by 50 points did timism in relation to economic not generate only smiles. growth which Manou Bheenick His position is, as he says estimates, will reach 4.6%. The bad himself, not very enviable. When news is that infl ation has got out of the Monetary Policy Committee hand. The choice the MPC found (MPC) increases the repo rate, the itself having to make is between economic operators come out in economic growth and containing droves crying wolf. When it lowers infl ation. A choice between karaye it, accusations of giving in to lob- and difé. The governor of the Bank bies of capitalists are generously chose the karaye of infl ation which,

showered upon him. We will recall FABIEN DUBESSAY according to him, has reached le- that last September, in a decision vels “beyond our worst fears.” which Manou Bheenick himself “We had thought of the worst qualifi ed as “swimming against case scenario,” he said, “and in- the tide,” the MPC had decreased fl ation has reached levels worse the Key Repo Rate by 100 points, than that worst scenario.” He exceeding the economic operators’ The Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, Manou Bheenick, with the First Deputy Governor, Yandraduth Googoolye maintains that there is nothing not only expectations but even their (left) and the Second Deputy Governor, Mohammed Iqbal Belath (right) at the press conference last Tuesday. abnormal about this decision. wildest dreams. The increase of 50 “Yes, we want growth,” he says, points announced this week does now struggle even more to survive the drought in Australia affecting structural, infl ation may adjust it- “but not infl ationary growth.” not even take the Repo Rate back as cash fl ow is becoming very tight the supply of wheat/fl our.” So, self in the future.” Manou Bheenick certainly will to its original level. But it is a relati- and borrowing costs rising.” But prices, according to him, “will Economist Eric Ng’s position is not agree that the solution is to wait vely substantial increase. surely companies are not asking continue to escalate as the fac- slightly more nuanced. He concedes and see. “The option of doing no- Still, economic operators are for infl ation to be allowed to soar tors driving them are outside our that if he had been in the governor’s thing is not an option,” he says, and already complaining. Asraf Ebra- even more, are they? “Our infl a- control,” he adds. “How effective shoes, he would have had no choice that the MPC had to “get ahead of him of BDO, for example, though tion is being imported,” he says, monetary policy is in curbing such but to increase the Repo Rate. “I the curve.” In these hard times, the he agrees with the economic theo- “due to issues surrounding sup- infl ationary pressures remains to would, however, have done it gra- consumer may fi nd solace in this ry of increasing interest rates to plies. Whether it’s political unrest be seen.” According to him, “As dually, increasing it by 25 points decision. Some little mercies we curb infl ationary pressures, feels in the Middle East driving up infl ationary pressures are driven every 3 months. This would have have to be grateful for. that “there are many companies petrol prices, India banning the by factors affecting supply and given the economic operators time in a precarious state which would export of certain commodities or if these are cyclical as opposed to to breathe.” And breathing is all they Touria PRAYAG US Navy Building Partnerships with Africa YOU may have noticed a ship at anchor the training was the visit, board, search and military forces in the region. The crew from six members, who play instruments such in the Port Louis harbour from 21st to 28th seizure tactics, which refer to techniques used the USS Stephen W. Groves were involved as the tuba, the trumpet, the trombone, the March… This US Navy ship, the USS Ste- to capture enemy ships. in what they call a COMREL or Commu- saxophone and the drums. If you happened phen W. Groves (SWG), was in Mauritius During the graduation ceremony nity Relations event, when they headed to to be crossing the Jardin de la Compagnie as part of a project called the African Par- held for the participants, at the Police La Briquetterie Government School, in one at around midday last Friday, you would tnership Station (APS) 2011, developed by Training School last Friday, US Embassy of the poorest areas of Port Louis to help have caught the popular jazz and pop melo- the United States Naval Forces to empower Chargé d’Affaires, Troy Fitrell highligh- upgrade the premises. A few coats of fresh dies fl oating through the air. The band also the militaries of African countries to protect ted the importance of maritime security, paint, some work in the yard and odd jobs gave two public performances at the Serge borders and stop maritime crime – an initia- since 80% of the world’s population lives around the place made for some happy lo- Constantin Theatre in Vacoas. tive that is essential with the threat posed by near a coastline, while 90% of the world’s cality members. The APS project began in 2006, after Somalian pirates in the Indian Ocean. commerce sails across the oceans. He a series of conferences in West and Cen- Around 80 participants from Mauritius, also spoke of the commitment of African Engaging with local tral Africa, during which African leaders Seychelles, Kenya and Tanzania were trained countries. Quoting President Obama, he expressed strong interest in building the as part of APS 2011. Among the courses run said, “Africa’s future is up to Africans... communities capacity of their military forces to ensure by the sailors and Navy staff was the Non- America has a responsibility to work with safety in their waters. The fi rst offi cial APS Commissioned Leadership Course, desig- you as a partner to advance this vision, The USS Stephen W. Groves also mission was carried out in November ned to enhance the leadership competencies not just with words, but with support that brought the Top Side Brass Band, part of 2007. So far, thousands of military per- of senior offi cers as they work to accomplish strengthens African capacity.” the US Naval Forces Europe Band, which sonnel have been trained in various skills. missions while leading their teams. Partici- But beyond the military aspect, the APS is based in Naples, Italy but travels to Afri- A way of supporting countries in the re- pants also learned skills such as combat life is a means for the US to build relationships can countries as part of the APS. A series gion and building diplomatic relations. saving techniques, basic damage control and in the local community, and perhaps even of musical events were organised by the US physical security. Another important aspect of to promote a more positive image of the US Embassy. The brass band is composed of Melissa LOUIS l’express [ Friday 1st April 2011 • Insert N° 3 ISSUES]p. 38 Left Field] Review By Nicholas RAINER What our food Everybody loves Lula says about us

he former Brazilian president, Luiz Ignacio da Silva, is in a position that most politicians can on- ly dream of and his place in history is deservedly (and it’s not nice) Tsecure. When he left offi ce earlier this year, after eight years in power he enjoyed such stellar approval ratings that his successor, Dilma Rousseff, a virtual unknown, posi- The Omnivore’s IN his infi nite wisdom, the exploring “the three principal tively breezed past her challengers. More important, Lula Dilemma: A Na- president of the Republic, Sir changes that sustain us today: is widely acknowledged as being one of the fi nest leaders Anerood Jugnauth, recently ad- the industrial, the organic and of his generation. And to what does he owe the widespread tural History of vised Mauritians to live within the hunter-gatherer”. recognition of the international community and the unmi- Four Meals is a their means. Although this ker- Modern paradoxes are at tigated adoration of his countrymen? Two words, actually: fascinating explo- nel of free advice was doubtless the forefront of Pollan’s thin- poverty alleviation. ration of the food born of a genuine concern for king. Americans, for instance, In Lula’s Brazil, his excellent article retracing the former the wellbeing of the population, are “a notably unhealthy people trade unionist’s stratospheric trajectory published in the Lon- we eat, its modes it’s obvious that the part-time obsessed by the idea of healthy don Review of Books, Perry Anderson cites some astonishing of production and occupant of the State House eating”. Another is how the in- fi gures. “In combination, faster economic growth and broader much more. Read doesn’t often do his household’s credible choice of food on dis- social transfers have achieved the greatest reduction in poverty food shopping. Considering play in most supermarkets has in Brazilian history. By some estimates, the number of poor it at your peril. You how little tens of thousands of failed to empower the consu- dropped from around 50 to 30 million in the space of six years, will never look at our countrymen and women mer. Quite the opposite, in fact. and the number of the destitute by 50 per cent. Half of this food the same way earn and the rise in the cost of Hence the book’s title. When dramatic transformation can be attributed to growth, half to living, what he really meant was: one can eat anything it becomes social programmes – fi nanced by higher revenues accruing again. live cheaply. Yet, when we talk rather diffi cult to make choices. from growth. Nor have such programmes been confi ned to in- about the food we eat, cheaply And neither is Mauritius a come support. Since 2005, government spending on education doesn’t necessarily translate into stranger to such contradictions. has trebled and the number of university students doubled.” healthily, at least not without a Rather than result in healthier Let’s hope for Joseph Stiglitz that he missed the article. modicum of understanding of eating, the rise in on our stan- For if Mauritius’s socio-economic performance is enough what we eat. Though written dard of living has in fact made to send him into raptures, just imagine the effect Brazil’s with an American audience in us embrace processed and fast recent accomplishments would have on him. It’s important mind, Michael Pollan’s seminal foods. Sure, we still fi nd time for to note here that Lula’s success was not handed to him on a book The Omnivore’s Dilemma rice and pulses but such meals platter. In fact, he had to overcome some seemingly insur- is an excellent starting point for are increasingly restricted to mountable obstacles before he was able to harness his ener- all those interested in what our weekends. The fact that we re- gy towards improving the lot of ordinary Brazilians. His fi rst food says about us. gularly top the non-communi- term, for instance, was marred by corruption scandals and In the introductory chap- cable disease charts should have he had to work with an extremely hostile economic elite. ter, Michael Pollan quotes a alerted us to this fact. Instead, Yet, rather than remain mired in these problems, he dealt famous phrase by the author though, we keep seeing long with them and moved forward. How else was he able in William Ralph Inge who wrote queues at junk food restaurants. 2005 to double the increase of the minimum wage over the that, “The whole of na- For the author, these dicho- previous year? Not by fi ghting windmills, that’s for certain. ture is a conjugation of tomies have resulted in “a kind Centuries ago, Lao Tzu compared governing a big country the verb ‘to eat’ in the of Manichean view of food, to cooking a small fi sh. If that’s the case then Lula was some active and passive”. a division of nature into the cook. By using Brazil’s robust economic growth to slash the Transposed to today’s The Good Things to Eat, and number of poor by half, he showed what can be achieved context, what this in- the Bad”. On the surface, this with true political will and technical competence. Sure, he dicates is that, for all sounds straightforward enough; was also a very astute politician but, as we’re able to see its omnipresence in if given the choice, it’s better to here everyday, that’s a quality of limited usefulness when it our existences, we opt for the healthy option. The comes to actually running a country. actually know very problem arises when our view Lula’s story also refl ects badly on Mauritius. Depending little about how our of what is good, less good and on whom you listen to, we have somewhere between 7 000 food is produced. outright bad is informed by and 10 000 families living in extreme poverty and around By Pollan’s certain spurious notions being approximately 240 “pockets of poverty” (whatever that own admission, peddled by diet books, indus- means). Despite our apparently brilliant recent econo- the departure trial lobbies, fads and even, in mic record, we haven’t been able to dent these fi gures in a point of the some cases, scientifi c studies. meaningful way. Worse, we can’t even talk about increasing book is simply Pollan uses the example of the minimum wage because we don’t actually have one! the question: bread to illustrate this point. In And we’re a tiny country! “What should 2002, bread, which he describes Sadly, poverty alleviation is a bit of quixotic pursuit we have for din- prettily as “one of the most an- here. The Prime minister took a tiny step in the right di- ner?” He goes cient and venerable staples of rection by creating the ministry of Social integration, but on to answer human life” suddenly became then he went and neutered the decision by entrusting it this seemingly pretty much non grata in the to someone who perceives the portfolio as being beneath simple ques- US. The reason behind its pa- his station. Similarly, millions of rupees of CSR funds tion with great riah status? A “perfect media are being disposed of by someone who has little or no ex- verve and, es- storm” driven mainly by diet perience in poverty alleviation. Not even Lula could’ve pecially, by books inspired by the “formerly worked wonders with a team like that. p. 39 [ISSUES Insert N° 3 • Friday 1st April 2011 ] l’express discredited” work of Dr. Robert barks on his quest to discover home is to take the reader on vered a sure-fi re way of adding Atkins and New York Times each of the aforementioned “By slapping a trip. Literally. In one chapter, value to their wares. Yet, as Pol- Magazine article entitled “What food chains from cradle to an organic for instance, he follows a bus- lan demonstrates, the regulations if Fat Doesn’t Make You Fat?”. grave or, more aptly, from the hel of corn from a fi eld in the governing organic agriculture In other words, bread became plant to the plate. His explo- label on their American Midwest (he actually and farming are not nearly as the root of all evil almost over- ration of industrial food pro- spends a day on a farm planting stringent as consumers like to night, thus replacing red meat, duction, for example, is an produce, food the stuff) to its “ultimate desti- imagine they are. As a result, which had enjoyed that status unsettling investigation of the manufacturers nation” in a fast-food meal in many organic food companies since the 1970s. irresistible ascension of corn, a Los Angeles, of course. As you are, in fact, impostors, milking As this shows, our choices crop that forms the cornerstone have discovered can expect, the journey brims the public’s guilt about their bo- can sometimes be dictated of most processed foods. Using with fascinating encounters, dies and the environment. by some rather questionable the example of a McNugget, a sure-fi re way facts and anecdotes. The Omnivore’s Dilemma sources. And with The Omni- he cites a mind-boggling list of of adding value Thanks to globalisation, is part of a constantly evolving vore’s Dilemma, Pollan seeks corn derivatives: “the corn-fed many of the issues addressed in body of evidence detailing the to cut through the hype. “My chicken itself; modifi ed corns- to their wares” The Omnivore’s Dilemma are obscenely unsustainable nature premise is that like every other tarch (to bind the pulverized as relevant to Mauritius as it of the modern agribusiness. creature on earth, humans chicken meat); mono-, tri- and is to the US. The growing im- Food, Inc., a 2008 documenta- take part in a food chain, and diglycerides (emulsifi ers, which portance of fossil fuels in food ry also contributed to creating our place in that food chain, keep the fats and water from production, for instance, is dou- awareness about the unethical or web, determines to a consi- separating; dextrose; lecithin bly relevant for a Small Island practices and sheer cruelty of derable extent what kind of (another emulsifi er); chicken Developing State that relies many corporations. The Om- creatures we are. Some philo- broth (to restore some fl avour entirely on imported petro- nivore’s Dilemma probably sophers have argued that the that processing leaches out; yel- leum products for all its needs. won’t make you grow your own very open-endedness of human low corn fl our and more modi- A few decades ago, calories vegetables overnight, nor will appetite is responsible for both fi ed cornstarch (for the batter); were transferred from plants to it make you stop indulging in our savagery and civility, since a cornstarch (a fi ller); vegetable animals thanks to the former’s your favourite junk food from creature that could conceive of shortening; partially hydroge- ability to “synthesize” sunlight. time to time. What it will do, eating anything (including, no- nated corn oil; and citric acid as Nowadays, however, fossil fuels however, is empower you to tably, other humans) stands in a preservative”. have largely replaced the sun as make better choices about the particular need of ethical rules, Yet, encouragingly, Pollan the main source of energy for food you eat. In turn, these manners and rituals. We are not refrains from sermonising. He the production of calories. choices can help sway policy only what we eat, but how we knows that his subject matter Another interesting aside towards sounder means of food eat, too”, he writes. is arresting enough without concerns the growing popularity production. That’s not bad for And that’s only the begin- having to resort to sensationa- of organic food. By slapping an bedtime reading. ning. The really good stuff lism. He’s also aware that the organic label on their produce, comes when the author em- best way to drive this point food manufacturers have disco- Nicholas RAINER LIBRARY PHOTO

If we are indeed what we eat, we should be a bit worried. l’express [ Friday 1st April 2011 • Insert N° 3 [INTERVIEW] p. 40 Originally formed nearly 30 years ago as a movement to promote breast-feeding in the face of agres- sive advertising of powdered milk for babies, the ICP has moved on to concern itself with general consumer protection, dealing with aspects as varied as road safety and the management of a family budget. In these times of hardship for consumers, we’ve invited Yousouf Jhugroo to talk of the different activities of the organization.

Interview Yousouf JHUGROO, Chief Executive - Institute for Consumer Protection (ICP) “Sik Yuen and Soodhun are not in the right places” ■ Mr Jhugroo, can we start cial milk was better than breast ■ And how would you know consumers feel about the pro- to the dockers. This is one of the by talking about your orga- milk. It started with consumer’s what makes the consumer duct or the service. We also look fi ghts that we are going to lead nization? What exactly is its health, and then we joined happy? at prices and analyze the diffe- soon. We want to know why we role? Consumer International (CI). What we do is launch a rent components which go into are still paying for the dockers The Institute for Consumer The CI told us that what we consumer focus group or a them. The details of the price now instead of the sugar indus- Protection has existed since 1983 were doing was good, but that consumer panel, charge the com- determination are very impor- try which has been raking in all and our main role is to protect the we should also consider other pany for the service and proacti- tant. Consumers need to know the profi ts. For how long are consumers’ economic interests aspects of consumer protection vely look at the problem from all what they are paying for. Did we going to pay? It’s the same and also talk about what their apart from health. So we set up angles, criticize and scrutinize, you know that when you buy thing when it comes to prices rights and responsibilities are. So, the Institute for Consumer Pro- and then advise the company. sugar, part of the cost that goes worked out by the importers or we give advice and tell consumers tection (ICP). into it is the compensation that distributors. There are costs that to act responsibly by asserting ■ Do these companies the government is paying to the you can reduce. If there is too their rights as well. The organi- ■ What is your background? actually need your advice? dockers? much advertising, for example, zation started as a breast feeding I started as a teacher. I was Don’t they have market we could look at that as well. If promotion group, monitoring the teaching in secondary school and research analysts to do this ■ But why do we have to pay you look around the island, you code of marketing of breast milk when we set up Mauritian Action for them? for this compensation? will fi nd an explosion in adverti- substitutes. for the Promotion of Breast Fee- Yes, they do but market re- Because that is something sing, whether on billboards, bus ding, the workload soon became search would cost them a lot, that was agreed with the “Syndi- bodies, etc. I even heard this in- ■ How did that morph into so heavy that I had to give up which in turn would be passed on cat du Sucre” when the dockers dustry is worth billions. Who do consumer protection? teaching and work full-time for to the customers, whereas if we were laid off. So each time you you think is paying for that if not Very interesting question. the organization. advise them, they will not have buy sugar, part of the money consumers? When we were promoting to pay much and ultimately the goes towards that compensa- breast feeding, we worked with ■ So your job is not just to consumer will pay less because tion. In the same way that we are ■ But can we prevent busi- the United Nations Children’s act a watchdog, is it? the cost of production will go paying for the hedging of STC nesses from advertising? Fund (UNICEF) and we trai- No. Although the ICP still down. So everybody is a winner. each time we buy petrol. No, we can’t prevent them, ned our people to become acts as a watchdog, instead of but we can inform people of how breast feeding counselors. While just criticizing they look at the ■ So your aim is no more ■ Yes, but telling me this much is being paid on adverti- promoting breast feeding, there problem from various angles. looking at prices and advi- does not make me pay less sing and advise them as to the was another problem of protec- For instance, if a company is sing; you’re talking about as a consumer, does it? products they could buy instead. ting consumers from the infant about to launch a new product, analysis and market re- It should because the purpose When you look at the price, if food industry which was ham- they seek advice from us to see search. is to look at costs that can be re- there are elements in the pricing mering consumers and trying to if consumers will be happy with We do what we call customer moved. For instance, we have determination that shouldn’t be infl uence mothers that commer- the product. satisfaction surveys to see how spoken about this compensation there, you can question them. For p. 41 [INTERVIEW Insert N°3 • Friday 1st April 2011 ] l’express example for many products, you ■ Apart from road safety, just give advice. We’ll actually Sik Yuen’s move to set up a pay a large part for the packaging what other areas are you go and see what we can get price observatory? which is nothing but waste. working on? with that Rs 5000 for a family I think Sik Yuen should go. Last week, we set up Mo- and we’ll publish that to show Every time the guy tries to do ■ A ministerial committee ney Wise because there are a people the right way to spend something, he does the wrong chaired by Xavier Duval has lot of problems with regard their money. If you buy a kg thing. He’s wrongly advised been set up. What will it do? to insurance companies, fi - of tomatoes, for instance, in a the poor guy. But he might Now they are doing what I’ve nancial institutions, banking supermarket and you buy the be good in another ministry. asked them to do: they are loo- and non-banking. We had a same kg of tomatoes in the We’ve asked the Prime Mi- king at the prices, discussing with pleasant and fruitful meeting central market, you’ll see the nister to consider moving him importers and asking for more with the governor of the Bank difference in price. Another somewhere else. information from importers. of Mauritius. He is aware of example: buying frozen chips They intend to look at the prices this programme and he has in a supermarket actually costs ■ What about Showkutally of essential goods and consider agreed to collaborate towards you more than two or three Soodhun? various options, like providing this laudable initiative. We’ve times the actual price per kg of I think both should go. food vouchers for people who asked Senior Economist Pra- fresh potatoes. (laughter) Honestly, they are can’t afford to feed themselves mode Jaddoo to chair this not in the right place. Sik Yuen is adequately and maybe putting Working Group and he readily ■ But these people who not in the right place and neither subsidies on certain items. agreed. We are also working on earn Rs 5000 don’t buy is Soodhun. The latter has got a a project towards an environ- tomatoes anywhere nor do big mouth but he is doing a lot ■ But do you think food ment protection campaign. We they buy frozen chips. of silly things. I am not scared of vouchers will be used judi- believe consumer protection (Laughs) I think it’s a very saying it; the whole population ciously or human nature will is not limited to commodity challenging time for everybody. knows about it. We’ve written to kick in? prices. When your children go Consumers have to be very ca- the Prime minister about it. And (laughs) I’m not too keen on to school or you go to hospi- reful of their spending because we’ve also asked for the Consu- these vouchers honestly because tal, you are consuming public things are not rosy. mer Protection Unit (CPU) to there would be a lot of abuse and services paid for by your tax be moved from Sik Yuen’s mi- misuse. I would rather have a sort money, so you deserve to know ■ Do you think the Com- nistry. We would like to see an of subsidy across the board for your rights. We are also against petition Commission is offi ce of fair trading attached to everybody and, instead of sub- private tuition as this is a form playing its role? the Competition Commission of sidizing just rice and fl our, you of corruption. Private tuition is It’s quite recent and we Mauritius. The offi cers of the mi- could add oil and more subsidies impoverishing people. are meeting them on the 1st nistry could then have time to do on cooking gas. These are big April. We’ll be discussing a lot more serious, investigative work items for households. ■ Coming back to price of issues with them. We think instead of sitting in an offi ce, rises, where do they go that they have got to be more taking telephone calls and recei- ■ What the difference from here? proactive. They shouldn’t wait ving the public. General staff can between your institute We have to live with them. for problems to crop up and do this. These people have expe- and the Association des then start investigating. We are rience so, they can investigative, Consommateurs de l’île ■ You mean that there is going to give them a few hints do surveys and research. Get Maurice (ACIM)? nothing that anybody can on a few places where they Soodhun back to handle Labour ACIM is concentrating do… should concentrate their ef- issues; he is very good at that. on certain issues while we are This is a tendency around forts and we’ll be working with concentrating on others. the world but we need to ma- them. We have for example rai- ■ If you wanted these mi- nage it. sed the alarm on the duopolis- nisters to be removed from ■ What issues are they tic situation of the animal feed your area, which ministers concentrating on? ■ How do we manage it? industry in Mauritius. This has would you rather have? They are fi ghting on eve- First by looking at our po- an impact on meat and chicken That’s a tricky question. ryday issues. They discuss and pulation, concentrating our ef- prices. We are happy working (laughter) Honestly, I don’t criticize everything that comes fort on those people who are with them. They have been in- know. The Prime minister would up. At the ICP, we realize that struggling and trying to do vestigating the sugar prices as know their profi les. we cannot tackle everything at something to help them. We well. the same time using the limited should bear one thing in mind: “Did you know ■ Well, the Prime minister resources we have. What I’ve Prices will go on rising, so there that when you ■ Have they come up with has given you two, but you done is look at all the major must be alternative ways to something yet? are not happy with them! issues that the consumers are counter the effect. For example, buy sugar, part They have not given us the Well I am sure there are a confronting like road safety with increasing pay and productivity, report yet. We wrote to them lot of people in that government people behaving badly on the reducing wastage, prioritising of the cost that and we have the confi rmation who are capable. We can assist road etc. and we set up the road our purchases, eliminating junk goes into it is the that they have started reviewing the PM in his choice. watch. We are also consumers products, being wise, doing the sugar price because we when we use the road. So I put away with brand loyalty and compensation don’t agree for the consumers ■ Does Pravind Jugnauth’s someone in charge, and I put looking for alternatives, etc. I to pay that compensation. budget have anything to do a few other volunteers to help also believe the government that the with the price rises? that person to monitor, across should review the concept of government is ■ What about cigarettes, It has. Defi nitely. the country, anything that needs universal subsidy and adopt what are you doing on this to be said or done about road targeting means in order to in- paying to the front? Should he go as well? safety and educating road users. crease income support for the We were the fi rst to start a Well no, I can’t ask every mi- most vulnerable in society. dockers?” campaign. We are monitoring nister to go but we are working ■ How will you go about the situation starting with the with him. We have several plans educating them? ■ In your association, are hospitals where some doctors and ideas on how to tackle the Well for starters, we are wor- you targeting the most have complained about their economic situation. ICP is lucky king closely with the police au- vulnerable? own colleagues smoking in the to have in its midst good eco- thorities and we want to work Yes, we are targeting them. hospital compound. We’ll be nomists who have proved their with the Mauritius College of We are telling people if you very tough. We’ll work with might elsewhere. I don’t believe the Air to start putting some are earning say, Rs 5000 in the the ministry of Health to take we should rely on foreign experts programmes together in both household, we’ll give you some sanctions against these people. to sort out our problems. Let’s Hindi and Creole and French advice on how and where to do We have to start from there and believe in Mauritians. if necessary. I’ve already spoken your shopping and how to make we’ll continue monitoring. to Mr Callikan and he’s quite a family budget. Of course we Touria PRAYAG happy to air our programmes. won’t patronise people. We’ll ■ What do you think of PHOTOS : RAIS ABDOLLAH l’express [ Friday 1st April 2011 • Insert N° 3 COVERSTORY] p. 42 Protest Tactics in Mauritius The Hunger Strike In stark contrast to anti-austerity street protests in Europe, democra- tic upheavals in the Arab world and even union mobili- zation in the United States, Mauritius seems to be gripped by a hunger strike epidemic. The method of protest has shifted dras- tically from mass mobilization to in- dividualized forms of protest such as the hunger strike. (from the right) Paul Bérenger, Luchmeeparsad Ramsahok, Dev Virah- Are they glorifi ed sawmy, Alain Laridon, Bidianand Jhurry and sympathisers striking in 1979. publicity stunts, PHOTO LIBRARY or simply the only to improve its future prospects. the bargaining table is a person tory of Mauritius’ noted that in form of unimpe- he sudden rash of In Mauritius, people already that can fi re you at a whim.” Al- 1974, the Industrial Relations Act ded protest readily hunger strikes in the have some basic facilities and though its twin legislation, the “gave exclusive powers to decide available? last few years would can voice out their grievances Employment Relations Act whether a strike was legal or not.” Tlead some to believe over the radio and press. They lays down the framework for Its successor, the Public Gathe- that hunger strikes are a new can mobilize for their rights and collective bargaining, the arbi- ring Act (PGA) did not give any trend when it comes to public have a space in which to do it.” trary power of dismissal given more freedom to strike. The result, expression. On the contrary, This optimistic view, however, to employers by the former law Subron volunteers, is that “Since Mauritius has a long history does not offer the full picture. means that, according to Reaz 1973, up to the replacement of the when it comes to this protest tac- Chuttoo, of the Confederation IRA in 2009, there has not been a tic. December and August 1979 Restricted Collective des Travailleurs du Secteur Pri- legal strike in this country, with the witnessed hunger strikes by the vé (CTSP), “No worker now exception of a strike in 1992, des- MMM. In the Seventies and ei- Bargaining dares become a trade union de- pite the fact that the right to strike ghties, women displaced from legate because he thinks that he/ is enshrined in the United Nations the Chagos islands held a num- A more realistic view would she may be fi red. Where there covenant of economic and social ber of hunger strikes, of which be the fact that Mauritian sta- are no delegates, there can be rights, which Mauritius is a signa- the one in 1981 forced tutes severely resist other more no collective bargaining.” tory to, and which the International the British govern- active or collective forms of There are few avenues Labour Organization (ILO) urged ment, for the fi rst mobilization. Since the heady available to properly solve in- Mauritius to ratify.” This puts paid time ever, to seventies, the apogee of politi- dustrial disputes since, as the to the offi cial state version that the pay some cal and economic mobilization, African Peer Review Mecha- APRM report carried, that “there com- draconian laws have indeed left nism (APRM) country report exists a cordial relationship with pensa- few options. The capacity of of 2009 noted, there “is no mi- trade unions in the country, and tion. workers and unions to organize nimum wage or minimum wage that is why there are no strikes.” S o has received a good shellac- act to protect employees from Chuttoo raises another point, “Ac- why has this ato- king. When it comes to bargai- exploitation.” Chuttoo highlights cording to the Central Statistics mized form of public ning power, the Employment that although the Ministry of Offi ce (CSO), 70% of the active expression become Rights Act (2009) puts labour Labour is supposed to “act as population is under the infl uence the norm nowadays? in a diffi cult position. Accor- a watchdog, at present, the mi- of massive debts, this means that One explanation is ding to veteran Trade Unionist nistry is understaffed with a re- most people have to do overtime offered by Rajen Ashok Subron of the General duction of 30% of its workforce. or take on second jobs in the infor- Suntoo, a Lecturer Workers Federation (GWF) The result is massive delays in mal sector leaving little time or will in Sociology at the the act allows companies “to processing industrial disputes. to organize.” University of Mau- hire and fi re workers using the The complaint may be pro- ritius, “Mass protests argument of economic necessity cessed in a year, it will be heard Parochial ends in the Middle East are (downsizing), no further ques- in 2 years and if you’re lucky you about good governance, tions asked, and no other rea- may get a judgment in 5 years!” The PGA also circumscribes fundamental rights and a son or justifi cation required. So Historian Sidney Selvon in the right of freedom of assembly young population wishing what you have in front of you at his book ‘A comprehensive his- by making a march or gathering p. 43 [COVERSTORY Insert N° 3 • Friday 1st April 2011 ] l’express

By Raj Jugernauth Dishing out good tax- e Epidemic payers’ money to NGOs he recent acquittal of Jayen Chellum, Brief History of the Hunger Strike General Secretary of l’Association des Consommateurs de l’île Maurice (ACIM) One of the fi rst recorded hunger strikes in his- pread public support. Thas focussed attention once more on the tory took place in 25 AD by a Roman named In the Indian struggle for independence, Gandhi huge sums of money being dished out to non-go- Cremutius Cordus who died protesting the cur- utilized the hunger strike as a method of putting vernment organisations (NGOs) in Mauritius. tailment of freedom of speech. moral pressure on the colonial authorities and Jayen Chellum was in fact prosecuted after he Historically, the hunger strike remained prima- for recognition of the legitimacy of the Indian staged a protest against government’s decision to rily a method of settling grievances. For instance, freedom movement. He staged seventeen hun- cut off the annual grant of Rs 700 000 paid to his in ancient Ireland and India, an aggrieved party ger strikes in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. consumer protection organisation. But according would fast in front of the house of the person The Irish independence movement also saw to a generally held view in Mauritius, ACIM has not who supposedly committed the offense. The the Irish Republican Army (IRA) paramili- done much to further consumer protection in Mau- twentieth century, however, saw the reinvention taries undertaking hunger strikes in prison to ritius these last years. Jayen Chellum has been at of the hunger strike as a political weapon of the gain political prisoner status and against the the helm of this organisation for almost the whole weak against a much stronger opponent. In the British occupation of Ireland. The most fa- of his life and draws a salary of around Rs 21 000 British Suffragette movement, which fought mous militant amongst them Bobby Sands, monthly. for women’s right to vote, the hunger strike was who died during the strike, not only attracted But Jayen Chellum is not an exception in the pioneered as a tactic. Christabel Pankhurst in widespread public sympathy but also succee- world of NGOs. Government is dishing out more her 1959 book, Unshackled, described how Miss ded in getting elected to parliament by a po- than Rs 90 million each year to NGOs that have Wallace Dunlop fought to be recognized as a po- pulation determined to show its identifi cation been turned into family businesses and where life litical prisoner and “that she would eat no food with their cause. presidents manage to pocket their grants under dif- until this right was conceded.” Being a demand This salubrious history has contributed to ferent governments. that concerned the interests of the broad masses, the aura surrounding the hunger strike as a According to Denis Grandport, president of the the demands of the suffragettes attracted wides- political tactic. Mauritius Council of Social Services (MACOSS), an umbrella organisation for NGOs, there are 302 conditional upon permission by rian groupings mobilized sepa- projects may begin an off-again, NGOs registered with MACOSS. But there are the Commissioner of Police. So rately for their own interests,” on-again hunger strike for more many more which are registered only with the instead of “the burden of proof Suntoo points out. compensation or Rehana Ameer Registrar of Associations. There are thousands in being on the authorities to show In these ideologically arid may threaten to go on hunger the country and we have witnessed an increase in that such a gathering may or years, what this means is that strike to be reinstated to her job. the number of NGOs these past years. According may not endanger public order, not only are methods of agita- This limited vision necessari- to Granport, “There has been a proliferation of what you have is the complete tion individualized but so are ly excludes the masses. And what NGOs which has reached epidemic proportions opposite. This has led to the the demands. Instead of hunger it means is that hunger strikes, since the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of prosecution of many unionists strikes for a greater goal, they are as a protest tactic in Mauritius at private companies came into force. Satish Boolell, and social activists on grounds increasingly becoming single is- present, is not only a product of ex-president of MACOSS and member of parlia- of carrying out ‘illegal marches’,” sue, economistic affairs concer- the progressive circumscribing ment responsible for the Committee on Poverty Subron maintains. ning only a select group, often of democratic space by the state which caters for downtrodden school children with With the perception of centered around compensation but in its aims also remains a tac- learning diffi culties, adds that many NGOs have powerlessness in the face of em- claims. Hence, Jayen Chellum tic of limited utility for bringing been created in anticipation of two years’ exis- ployers and an unsympathetic may begin a hunger strike to about any meaningful change. tence which would give unrestricted access to CSR state apparatus, is it then such a restore government subsidies for funds.” According to him, the majority of NGOs surprise why employees at Infi - ACIM, Small planters in Riche Iqbal Ahmed KHAN are hardworking organisations providing services nity BPO or Prestige Call Cen- Terre displaced by industrial which would otherwise have been unavailable to, for ter opted for the hunger strike? example, the disabled, AIDS-stricken people or in After all, as Sharman Russell, the poverty alleviation sector. But there are other author of Hunger: an Unnatural classes of NGOs, such as politically oriented NGOs History, asks, “What else can the and email address NGOs. “The politically orien- powerless, the weak and disen- ted ones are the most dangerous. They know how franchised offer up to the world to butter up political parties (all political parties), but their own soft bodies?” issue invitations, get TV coverage and photos in the There is, however, another media. They are experts at getting themselves fi l- less noble side to the evolution med and funded,” says Dr Boolell who also talks of protest tactics in Mauritius. about email address NGOs.“They only have an e “In the late seventies,” Suntoo mail address and their speciality is to represent the emphasizes, “people had eco- country at conferences abroad. They are always tra- nomic, social and political grie- velling and attending conferences but their contri- vances and had a common goal.” bution to the local social scene is nil,” according In other words, hunger strikes at to him. the time were only one of the One needs only seven people, often members methods of mobilization situated of one’s own family, to set up an NGO. Govern- within the ideological context of ment has not yet thought it fi t to set up an effi cient a revolutionary ferment taking mechanism to monitor the performance of these on establishment conservatism NGOs living on taxpayers’ money year in and year for reforms that benefi tted all. Hunger strikes have been part of wider political struggles internationally, out with very often the same man as president and “Now that has been replaced by as this mural in support of Bobby Sands and hunger strikers from the Irish the same family members sitting on the board of different class, ethnic and secta- Republican Army demonstrates. directors. l’express [ Friday 1st April 2011• Insert N° 3 THIS IS MAURITIUS p. 44 Ugaadi In keeping with tradition On Monday, the Telugu community in t is the year 5112, a few days pecially a moment of recognition A dancer executing ahead of the celebration of for the community’s contribution a graceful solo Mauritius will be celebrating Ugaadi, Ugaadi. No, this is not a futu- to the country. And the Telugus performance of their New Year. A day that holds great I ristic setting. We are indeed in are keen to set themselves apart by Kuchipudi. importance for them in terms of pro- 2011, but according to the Hindu highlighting their historical, cultu- lunar calendar, it is 5112, a year ral and linguistic differences. They moting the cultural heritage they are known to the Telugu community as are actually well organised, since so proud of. the “Shri Khara Naama Ugaadi”. this task is carried out by a socio- As they prepare for the celebration cultural organisation called the of their New Year, some may point Mauritius Andhra Maha Sabha, out that this is actually the Hindu which has no less than 90 branches New Year. True. However, the fes- throughout the country. tival has always been associated with the Telugu community, a fact Auspicious drawing which not only applies to Mau- ritius, but also to their country of origin, India, where the festival is The word Ugaadi is “Muggu” is believed to protect the celebrated with fervour in the state made up of two syllables, “Yug”, dwelling and its inhabitants from of Andhra Pradesh, where their an- which means new and “Adi” which evil intentions. cestors come from. means era, and it is considered as Aside from the prayers, Telugus Today, this community of about the day when Lord Brahma created are also encouraged to attend the 75,000 people is keen to promote its the universe. On the day of Ugaadi, various cultural celebrations held culture and identity, adopted from the custom is to wake up before throughout the country, which start Looking into the future their Andhra ancestors. Narainsa- sunrise because it is an auspicious at least two weeks ahead of the fes- With every New Year celebration comes the need to know my Sanyasi, president of the Telugu time. According to tradition, people tival. There are a series of regional what the future has in store for us. On the day of Ugaadi, Saamskrutika Nilayam, an associa- must take a special bath on this celebrations, organised by the diffe- the “Panchangam”, an astrological almanac is traditionally tion in Rose Hill that promotes Telu- day, using oil, and a paste made of rent associations. These events are opened and read by priests in temples all around the island. gu culture, gives us a quick lesson on urad-dholl, rice and turmeric. New the community’s way of showcasing The almanac is published in India and is based on extremely their history in Mauritius. He refers clothes - of course traditional Indian their cultural heritage, such as music complex mathematical calculations and astronomical phe- to himself as being part of the fourth wear – are a requirement on the day and dance (see inset), and celebra- nomena, especially the movement of the planets. The “Pan- generation, since his great-grand- of the festival. ting their achievements. changam” contains predictions for the world for the New father was the fi rst of his ancestry to The celebration is not complete During Ugaadi, it is especially Year. It covers all areas, such as the economy, agriculture, set foot in Mauritius. Their ances- without the “Ugaadi Pacchadi”, a important for families to be together. politics, and much more. Narainsamy Sanyasi holds up the tors, he says, arrived in Mauritius in preparation made on the day itself Some may choose to stay home and precious little book that for the Telugu community holds the 1835, in search of a better life. They to symbolise the different emotions celebrate, while others will gather the secrets to the coming year. “Here it is,” he exclaims proudly. were very careful about preserving and moods we encounter in life. entire extended family under one “But I can’t tell you anymore than that until the day of Ugaa- their culture, which they handed A philosophical touch made tan- roof for a special lunch. So what’s di!” The “Panchangam” will therefore remain closed until 4th down through the generations. gible through a paste combining on the menu? The meal will be pu- April. And for many, the New Year is also the right moment “It was not until the 60s that ingredients with contrasting tastes: rely vegetarian and is usually the of the year to have your own future read by a priest in the the community made requests for bitter, sour, salty, sweet, pungent occasion for Telugu families to pre- days after the celebration. “It is a way of being prepared for Ugaadi to become a national cele- and hot. The pacchadi is made of pare traditional recipes, such as the the year,” says Ravindra, a 22-year-old student who lives in bration and a public holiday. The green mango, neem fl owers, new “pulihora”, also known as the Eau Coulée. “The predictions are especially important if fi rst such celebration was on the tamarind, green chillies, sugar and Andhra tamarind rice, lemon I am about to start an important project. It is like gaining 4th April 1965,” adds Narainsamy salt. Narainsamy Sanyasi says, “It is rice, which is seasoned with additional insight that can help you make major decisions.” Sanyasi. A national celebration that consumed by all those celebrating lemons, dry red chillies, is today a source of pride for the the New Year, to remind them that roasted peanuts, curry Telugus. It is about welcoming the life has its ups and downs and they leaves and mustard seeds New Year in the most aus- must learn to accept and deal with or the “sambar”, a thick picious way, each phase accordingly.” “dholl” soup with vege- but it is es- For Vijayaluxmi Chintalloo tables. The sweets often Gunga, the celebration is include the “ariselu”, about sharing and family. a deep-fried cake that “A day ahead of the festival, is made from ground I help my mother prepare rice and sugar and is Indian sweets, similar to those sprinkled with sesame made on Divali, and we share seeds. The day may al- these at the temple, but also so involve an exchange amongst our neighbours,” she says. of gifts. Overall, the Her family, like many others, will idea is to spend quality attend the prayers and the reading time with the ones you of the almanac (see inset). On the love and ensure that day of the festival, they will also de- you make those around corate their threshold with mango you happy. After all, it leaves and prepare the “Muggu” in is a common belief that front of the home. This auspicious your actions on the day of drawing, may be better known to Ugaadi will have an effect Traditional dances performed during the other Hindus as a “rangoli”, where on the rest of the year. national Ugadi celebrations last year. designs and patterns are drawn on the ground using rice, other ce- Melissa LOUIS reals, and coloured powder. The LIBRARY PHOTOS p. 45 THIS IS MAURITIUS Insert N° 3 • Friday 1st April 2011 ] l’express REALITY CHECK]

Iqbal Ahmed KHAN

Ersatz Patriotism e’ve been fed more than our fair share of drivel when it comes to patriotism. It seems that the term is quite an elastic Wone, depending upon the exigencies of our rulers. It is a rare moment indeed when the du- plicity loses all garb. Take for example the gobbledygook about globali- zation. For near three decades, like old Pharisees, our The “Muggu” requires rulers repeated the stale dogma. Good as long as it time and patience but could justify all manner of deregulation, hedge funds, adds colour to the festival. asset bubbles and importing crack pot trickle-down economic doctrines. At that time, we were to unders- tand, being cosmopolitan was the way to go. Now that the government is thinking of slashing import duties Promoting the arts: Kuchipudi on foreign goods suddenly Marday Venkatasamy of Kuchipudi is a classical dance which was deve- in Hyderabad, India. Dayashree Appadu says the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Indus- loped in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, and that what makes the dance special is the use of try (MCCI) discovers that globalization is not such a which the Telugus consider as an important part speech while dancing. Also unique to Kuchipudi good idea after all and raises the patriotic cry that it of their cultural heritage. Though it was originally is the breathtaking “Tarangam”, where the artist will harm Mauritian capitalism. One can criticize the performed by men only, changing trends meant dances on the raised rim of a brass plate. Dayas- poorly-thought out duty-free concept from a variety that as from the 1940s, this art form became ac- hree Appadu is now preparing about 80 dancers of angles, but when it is to protect the coffers of do- cessible to women too. This dance is known for to take part in the regional and national celebra- mestic capitalists from foreign competition, then the its graceful movements, fast paced rhythm and tions of Ugadi. “The dance is an important ele- jingoistic siren song rings hollow. strong narrative element, where emotions are ment of the festival, because it is in keeping with But what about the much-celebrated corporate so- conveyed through mime and facial expressions, tradition,” she says. Today, her students are mostly cial responsibility, solidarity tax, those catchphrases essential when depicting a character as part girls and women, ranging from the age of six to dragged out every time the patriotic social conscience of a drama. Dayashree the age of forty. Of course, like with most forms of our private sector is questioned? Well in the estima- Appadu teaches of classical dance, the earlier the child starts tion of the MCCI, they should be abolished forthwith Kuchipudi, af- to learn, the better. “Most students are encou- along with the last vestiges of the capital gains tax. ter undergoing raged by their parents, who are keen to preserve In other words, patriotism is a fi ne-sounding phrase, many years of the culture.” The performance for the national except when it comes with a cost. training and celebrations on 4th April, at the Indira Gandhi Our private sector is, if anything, consistent; along doing a mas- Centre for Indian Culture, will be a dance-dra- with the exit of the solidarity tax, the rupee should ter’s degree ma showing the story of Krishna, Radha and the also be allowed to depreciate further, raising the costs in the dance Gopis, an important part of Hindu mythology. of imported goods. Now, for those smitten by our ‘pa- triotic importers’, this should not pose a problem. In fact the commitment is so deep that Mr. Venkatasamy warns us “not to engage in a blame game” and forget the idea of instituting price controls of any manner, leaving it to the paternalistic grace of our ‘patriotic importers’ to make those decisions for us. Who after all have only the best interests of the country at heart. Another example, the decision to cut the amount paid by the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) (the one cut I agree wholeheartedly with) for the privilege of having the private sector training its own employees is under attack. It is, doubtless, dee- med to be a patriotic service; one that should give a company the right to sponge off the state. But it by no means stops there. Private companies doing business in the wider African region have now been graced with the over-generous idiom of ‘econo- mic diplomacy’. Now, making a quick (and private) buck in Mozambique is, apparently, a service to the entire nation, noble as the salubrious work done by our diplomats! A service that, the MCCI volunteers, requires “sustained support.” Should I expect a call for subsidies and stimulus packages anytime soon? I don’t know which is more contemptible: the unpretentious manner in which our private sector thinks it can continue feeding its own avarice or the kooks that seek to convince us that to do so is a pa- Families fl ock to temples for prayers and triotic act. predictions on the day of Ugaadi. l’express [ Friday 1st April 2011 • Insert N° 3 L'EXPRESS YOURSELF ] p. 46 In defense of vitamins and minerals

I have some points to make re- curative virtues. By using only small wances) the optimum amounts or Not only does Dr. Matthias causing a lot of side effects that ul- garding the following claims in the doses, for example. just the minimum needed to avoid Rath believe that Vitamin E helps timately lead to other diseases, for article “Designer Pills” published in No wonder vitamin therapy certain diseases? The amount nee- to prevent heart disease but he goes which more drugs are prescribed. L’Express Weekly of March 11th: is rarely heard of, if ever, since not ded to avoid scurvy may be far be- even further and includes it, along Quite a vicious cycle, isn’t it?) “…there is very little scientifi c taught in medical schools. low the optimum amount that will with other vitamins and minerals, It is, therefore, not a coinci- evidence to support vitamin sup- As to the statement that “vita- prevent and fi ght colds. in his Cellular Health Recommen- dence that most conventional plements” mins and minerals are not curative dations to reverse coronary heart doctors preach that vitamins “Vitamins and minerals are in any way, shape or form”, this is Orthomolecular disease. (Rath, 2003). cannot cure any disease, imp- also not curative in any way, shape surprising as it goes against all his- Not many people have heard of lying thereby that only drugs or form” torical evidence – as well as against medicine Orthomolecular Medicine. Many can. And yet how many drugs, “It doesn’t matter how much plain and simple logic. If lack of doctors haven’t, since it is not taught in spite of having been clinically Vitamin C you take, it will neither Vitamin C causes scurvy, does it Dr. Linus Pauling, one of the in medical schools. Yet, the term has tested for years and approved by prevent nor cure your cold” not imply that supplying Vitamin C most infl uential chemists in history, existed since 1968 when it was coi- the authorities, have had to be fi - “Vitamin E has never been cures scurvy? It proved to be so for also ranking as one of the most im- ned by Linus Pauling, winner of the nally withdrawn due to their de- shown to prevent heart disease…” sailors long ago. portant scientists of the 20th centu- 1954 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and leterious effects on patients, often Regarding the claim that there is Does Vitamin A not cure night ry – and twice winner of the Nobel the 1962 Nobel Peace Prize. leading to deformities and deaths. little scientifi c evidence in support of blindness? Does Vitamin B1 – thia- Prize – made comparative studies of Orthomolecular Medicine des- Withdrawn after it’s too late for vitamin supplements, the question mine – not cure beriberi? Does Vi- animals which synthesize their own cribes a method that uses nutrients the many unfortunate victims is: Is the pharmaceutical industry tamin D not cure rickets? vitamin C. (We, humans, cannot and normal (“ortho”) constituents and their families, but only after even interested in proving their If the medical profession denies make it in the body; we have to ob- of the body in optimum amounts as having allowed the pharmaceuti- effi cacy when it is so much more the cures mentioned above, in that tain it from our food). So his studies the main treatment. Orthomolecu- cal companies to rake in billions profi table to sell patented drugs in case the question that begs to be as- led Linus Pauling to write Vitamin lar Medicine emphasizes the use of in profi ts… the multi-billion-dollar “business of ked is: What, then, are the cures for C and the Common Cold, and his vitamin and mineral supplements Could it be that the harm- disease”? scurvy, night blindness, beriberi and conclusion is that we need from in doses that are higher than what ful synthetic drugs relentlessly And how will there be evidence rickets? 1.5 to 4.0 g daily, far more than the the offi cial dietary allowances re- pushed by the pharmaceutical when the scientifi c discoveries made On the subject of Vitamin C RDA of 60 mg for an adult. commend. It is even used to treat industry and their unconditional by genuine, independent resear- and the common cold, I would like The same goes for Vitamin E. what are not considered traditio- supporters better deserve the title chers are suppressed or discarded to quote Dr. Michael Sharon, Ame- This vitamin is a natural “blood nal defi ciency diseases using, for of Designer Pills? Or no, maybe by the powers that be? For the drug rican doctor and author, “Despite thinner” – how is it possible, then, example, mega doses of Vitamin C not. They are much more than industry –the largest and most pro- much controversy in recent years, to assert that Vitamin E, with all its to cure cancer and of niacin to treat that. They are Killer Pills. fi table investment industry on earth the ability of vitamin C to fi ght the “magical antioxidant properties”, psychosis. (Hoffer, 2008) Finally, who can guarantee – has great infl uence in the spheres common cold is now well-accepted cannot prevent heart disease, espe- Conventional medicine, of that we can obtain all the vitamins of media, medicine and politics… among nutrition-oriented doctors cially when we know that synthetic course, rejects the notion that a and minerals which we need for Thus, funds that should be used to and nutritionists.” (Sharon, 2009) blood thinners are routinely pres- disease can be cured through nu- perfect health, from denatured, research the prevention and cure of Concerning studies ‘proving’ cribed to those suffering from car- trition and would rather declare highly refi ned and processed diseases are mostly used to deve- the ineffi cacy of Vitamin C in fi - diovascular disease? And especially many diseases as “incurable” foods and the pesticide-laden lop patentable drugs, right? And, ghting the common cold, again we when we consider that free radicals unless there is a patented drug that fruits and vegetables? perhaps, to fund studies that ‘prove’ may question the doses used. Are – oxidants – contribute to heart di- can “cure”… the symptoms! (Ac- vitamins to have no preventive or RDAs (Recommended Daily Allo- sease? tually only masking them, whilst Rich ISAAC p. 47 [L'EXPRESS YOURSELF Insert N° 3 • Friday 1st April 2011 ] l’express Travelling by bus A horror for women! women travelling by bus. the price to pay by women as the institutions by vagabonds of about Since very long, females tra- show goes on throughout the jour- thirty years old. In this way, there velling by the buses have been ney in the bus. In our Mauritian so- is the perpetual fear of being har- subjected to harassment by rogues ciety, we have very few gentlemen med or molested by sadists of our who are obsessed by the female who indeed respect women and so-called civilised society. body. Shockingly, few hawkers understand the concept of Female Education plays a great role in and peanut sellers collide with girls Individuality and Autonomy. There the life of a human being as it en- deliberately for a certain desire of are some sadists men travelling by lightens the latter with good values. intimacy. Secondary school and the buses, who enjoy touching and Conversely, illiteracy has always university students have voiced out caressing the hips and waists of fe- been to the detriment of society. against these daily atrocities infl icted male travelers. Many women are Due to a lack of academic, social, on them. In 2007, a group of uni- often seen sandwiched between moral and emotional knowledge, versity girls had a burning confl ict two males and who knows what’s these rogues are threats for our with a peanut seller for his barbaric going on! Despite paying the same Mauritian society. They are devoid act in the ‘navette’ bus. Fearless, the amount of bus fare, some men of humanity, decency, education knave collided with one among the exert their rights on the bus seats and human values. Undoubtedly, girls and dared to lay his hand on by stretching their legs and thus they are anti-social beings! The long A man would be ill advised to harass a woman on this particular bus! her. I wonder if his other victims squeezing the weaker sex to enjoy silence has acted as a tool of encou- have been audacious enough to sensuous journeys. ragement for these brutes. Should THE new trend of female phy- wards the opposite sex. retaliate. Few days ago, another girl we not strive for our protection? sical and psychological harassment Politicians and high offi cials un- became red with fear and shame Anti-social beings While awaiting the authorities to is headed by a few peanut sellers, fl inchingly praise our so-called ‘ega- when the same ruffi an peanut sel- take legal initiatives against these hawkers and some ‘mentally uns- litarian’ society, the liberal approach ler (as per the physical description The worst is to have drunk, perverted people, we should be table’ males travelling by bus. The which has allowed women to climb given), in the capital city, dared to unhygienic and stinking bus mates. alert when travelling by the bus and headlines of media are so peppe- up the ladder of success in many touch her waist while humming and Women are helpless when the as good citizens, we should protect red with the cliché rape cases, that domains, which were previously walking in the bus with his basket. buses are overcrowded. Besides, our mothers, sisters and daughters. noone ever bothered about this new inaccessible to them. We are proud She became motionless! The poor they hesitate to oppose such atro- We cannot wait for extreme cases facet of female oppression. It’s a to see female bus conductors and soul was on her way for an exa- cities fearing public humiliation. In- to crop up and then decide to act. pity that despite living in a modern, drivers affronting their tough jobs mination and her self-esteem and vestigations have also revealed that Dear parents, save your daughters! educated and civilised society, some in a patriarchal milieu. However, confi dence were shattered. adolescents and university students men still have barbaric attitudes to- the hidden agenda is the misery of Basically, this is merely half of are followed till their educational Ulkarani Boolaky Infi nity Hunger Strike Movement REZISTANS ek Alternativ Committee co-presided by a repre- seeds for a society of total ANAR- “sow the seeds for fi ring workers use its power under the law respond to Shakeel Mohamed sentative of the PRIVATE Sector, CHY where ….any private com- in the future”. In reality, the new to allocate funds, as it used and Nita Deerpalsing: You are on which decided which PRIVATE pany ….will think they can fi re or labour law had already “sown the to do in EMERGENCY SI- the wrong track! COMPANY to allocate PUBLIC not pay their workers” after having seeds for the mass fi ring of wor- TUATIONS to remedy THE Funds to. How can a non-elected benefi ted from PUBLIC FUNDS. kers”. The case of Infi nity BPO PROFOUND INJUSTICES Private? person decide who to allocate pu- The new labour law, “Em- Ltd, has just blatantly depicted the suffered by young workers of Infi nity BPO Ltd is not ANY blic funds to? Under what law, was ployment Rights Act”, opened the whole problematic of the new la- our country and citizens whose PRIVATE COMPANY. It is a the private sector guru nominated fl ood gates for the fi ring of wor- bour laws applied in conjunction money was inappropriately PRIVATE company which has to decide on the allocation of public kers, without employers having to with Stimulus Packages. used. At least, this time, we will already benefi ted from huge public funds? Now that this PRIVATE give a valid reason prior to mass all know that our money would funds via the Stimulus Package, Company is being investigated by sacking. It opened the door for all Pay and recover be judiciously used. whose objective was precisely to the ICAC and the Police, will the sorts of abuses and blackmail. In- Can Shakeel Mohamed and protect jobs and obviously the sala- gentleman answer for those public fi nity BPO used the new Labour the funds! Nita Deerpalsing have a second ries of workers associated with this funds transferred to Infi nity BPO Law to threaten massive sacking Rezistans ek Alternativ has thought on the whole issue? They job protection. Ltd? In addition, who carried out of workers to then gain access to already publicly said that we should not be blinded by partisan Can a PRIVATE Company the Audit and scrutiny of Infi nity huge public funds to secure the in- are calling on the government refl exes, with the involvement of be allocated public funds and then BPO Ltd before transferring pu- terest of its PRIVATE shareholders to ADVANCE the payment of Reza Uteem in this case. The point NOT pay salaries and lay off all blic funds to the company of Jean and then again use the labour law salary of workers of Infi nity is: why would young workers risk its employees? Where is the public Suzanne? How could they not de- to get rid of all its workers without BPO Ltd, specially the low paid their health and lives as they did interest justifi cation in allocating tect the serious mismanagement paying their salaries! They, then, workers who were earning less during the last months? It is cer- huge amounts of public funds and fraudulent practices now being let poor Shakeel Mohamed do than Rs 10,000, from public tainly not because they wanted to to Infi nity BPO Ltd, then? Why investigated by the ICAC and the the rest of the job with its “work- funds and THEN TO RECO- pave the way for opportunistic Op- should tax payers and citizens’ mo- Police? fare programme”! This is what is VER the money from Infi nity position members? ney be used to benefi t PRIVATE “UNREASONABLE for anyone BPO Ltd with whatever means Should our young workers go shareholders? Is this legal? Is this Anarchy? who wants to live in a civilized the government deems appro- as far as Mohammed Bouazizi of moral? Is this reasonable and ethi- In reality the ANARCHY society which operates under the priate. In the fi nal analysis, the Tunisia for intelligent people like cal in a democratic society? that Shakeel Mohamed and Nita Rule of Law,” Ms. Nita Deerpal- Constitution provides for the Shakeel Mohamed and Nita Dee- Deerpalsing are talking about lies sing. takeover of ANY PRIVATE en- rpalsing to have second thought s Illegal? elsewhere. It is the whole business It is not the demand of the tity in the public interest, should on the issue? Talking about legality, was of transferring public funds to young workers and Rezistans ek the National Assembly deem it Time is running out ! the allocation of public funds to PRIVATE Companies, via a ‘pa- Alternativ for government to help appropriate. Infi nity BPO Ltd legal in the fi rst rallel state’, run by Private Sector by advancing the payment of sala- What we are asking is for Ashok SUBRON instance? As far as I know, it was a representatives, that has “sown the ries of Infi nity workers, which will the Cabinet of Ministers to For Rezistans ek Alternativ l’express [ Friday 1st April 2011• Insert N° 3 INTERNATIONAL SCENE] p. 48 Confl ict resolution Libya divides the World that the member countries were di- countries originally assigned to being heard despite the fact this as long as the attacks on civilians vided on their stand over Gaddafi present the African position in Li- confl ict falls under AU’s jurisdic- continue. There were also pledges to such an extent that they could bya. But their seats remained em- tion. The voice that is being heard to maintain the sovereignty, inde- not even speak with one same voice. pty in London. internationally is that of the few pendence and territorial integrity While some countries, including Other sources from AU indi- countries that sit on the UN Se- of Libya. The London conference Rwanda, were pushing for mili- cate that the African organization curity Council. But Kagame, as basically reinforces the current stra- tary action in order to protect the was previously putting together a opposed to his Ugandan counter- tegy while also seeking to launch a civilians, many others, like South panel of fi ve presidents to be sent parts, is for military intervention political process to begin to chart Africa and Uganda, were in favour to Libya to work out a peaceful in Libya: “We cannot assume that the way forward. of diplomatic means, stressing the solution but that initiative was stop- there would have been an unani- Behind the scenes, however, Nad SIVARAMEN importance of “fi nding African so- ped because of the UN’s decision to mous consensus on what course discussions are ongoing about the lutions to African problems.” create a no-fl y zone. of action to pursue, but I do be- different approaches that may be THE London Conference on Before the London Confe- lieve that the majority of mem- considered should this crisis end Libya was a failure! While world rence, there were arrangements Africa's voice ber states would have supported in stalemate. A stalemate will re- diplomats from more than 40 at the AU level that Jean Ping, Resolution 1973 for the simple launch the question of arming the countries and major international the chairman, would lead a six- unheard reason that we cannot continue rebel forces, something that many organizations came together to fi - member high-level delegation, Now there is a lot of frustra- watching the chaos that was see as being banned by the UN-im- nalize an end-game for Libya, the comprising fi ve foreign ministers. tion among the African leaders consuming Libya while its people posed arms embargo. African Union (AU) and the Afri- “Our AU agenda is to have an who feel that they are being side- were crying out for help.” Gaddafi ’s future also re- can leaders were simply missing in immediate ceasefi re which we can lined and/or they have to follow Without the Africans' perspec- mains another important issue. action. Not only are the interna- monitor, to undertake initiatives for Western involvement in Africa tives, the London conference ended Italy and some of the African tional allies not on the same page, dialogue, have an interim, inclusive blindly. For example, there is a with a restatement of the coalition’s countries would like to pro- especially about the role and invol- arrangement to create a corridor clear mismatch between the in- aims, that is to support a “full and vide the Libyan leader with an vement of NATO, but we are now for humanitarian assistance and volvement and growing interest swift implementation of all of the exit route of some kind but this even witness to profound divisions to embark on reforms that would of the international community restrictions and sanctions imposed would be a lack of respect for the among African countries on how to allow constitutional changes and in Libya as opposed to its limited by recent UN Security Council re- International Criminal Court, tackle the Libya crisis. proper elections,” said the Foreign role in Cote d’Ivoire (where hu- solutions, specifi cally the use of all which is investigating possible Offi cially, AU offi cials are Affairs Minister from Uganda, man rights have not been respec- necessary measures to protect ci- war crime charges against the saying that they could not attend the Mr Sam Kutesa, one of the six ted since last December). vilian areas from attack by Libyan Libyan leader. meeting in London because of “or- AU emissaries, before the mis- Paul Kagame of Rwanda government forces.” Everyone tends to agree that ganisational reasons”. But anyone sion was cancelled. South Africa, made it very clear that although The countries involved in the the best-case scenario would be a who is truly aware of the clans and Mauritania, Mali and Congo Braz- Libya is an African country, Afri- military operation reaffi rmed their cease-fi re. But for Gaddafi , it is no sub-clans within the AU will agree zaville are the other AU member ca’s only voice on this issue is not commitment to military action retreat no surrender, until the end!

British PM David Cameron looks on as Hilary Clinton, US Secretary of State, addresses the London conference. p. 49 [SOCIETAL ISSUES Insert N° 3 • Friday 1st April 2011 ] l’express

Tuberculosis now beeing seen as a global emer- gency by the WHO, major research is being carried out to develop a new vaccine. Post TB Crisis No need to panic Last week, we The media coverage which the and can be instantly inhaled by ano- In Mauritius, we are vaccina- side of a TB patient, on inhaling witnessed a four new cases of TB received last ther person. This is the main reason ted with the BCG (bacilli calmette- the bacteria, the activation of the week has probably more to do with why TB patients need to be isolated. guerin), so we do not develop the latter will depend on his or her crisis situation the fact that all of these cases were Gradually, the bacteria are trans- disease during the fi rst fi fteen own immune system. There is regarding the detected at the University of Mau- mitted to other organs which have years of our lives. This is why TB nothing that can be done to really prevalence of ritius rather than with it being a real high oxygen pressures such as kid- patients are usually adults, with protect oneself from TB infection, threat to public health. Yes, tuber- neys, bone marrow, the brain and secondary tuberculosis. It is the apart from maintaining healthy tuberculosis in culosis is an infectious disease but the spinal cord. Most infections in reactivation of previous infection practices and habits to have a ro- Mauritius. Al- some unfounded fears surrounding humans are asymptomatic. This or re-infection when the health bust immune system,” explains though Tubercles it need to be dispelled. The impor- means that although the bacteria status is vulnerable. In such a Dr Patrick How. bacillus (TB) as tant point to remember is that TB are present in the human body, the case, the symptoms are very clear, For its treatment, we have a is much less likely to affect a heal- person has no symptoms revealing namely, severe cough, fever, loss of specialized hospital at Poudre the virus is known thy immune system. The immune the infection. The activation of the appetite and weight and decrease D’Or where treatment is given is a rampant system, a complex structure of bio- bacteria and its propagation depend in energy levels. according to the standards set by infection in the logical structures and processes wi- mainly on the immune system of the World Health Organization. thin our organism, produces white the human being. “If someone is Maintaining healthy “In 30 years, the infection rate in African continent, blood cells and antibodies that have in perfect health without any pro- Mauritius has fallen by 50% and in our island there the ability to destroy or neutralize blematic antecedent, not suffering practices we have the lowest prevalence is nothing to be various germs, poisons and foreign from malnutrition, diabetes, corti- Also, contrary to common rate in the African region,” says a alarmed about. substances. cotherapy, and any other disease af- belief, HIV patients are not the representative from the Ministry Tuberculosis is caused by an fecting the immune system, there is only ones most vulnerable to TB. of Health and Quality of Life. infectious germ or mycobacterium little risk of suffering from TB,” says Whether the patient is HIV posi- “There are some isolated cases which affects the lung, causing the Dr. Patrick How, President of the tive or not, the infection occurs each year, among those with chro- contagious disease, tuberculosis. Private Medical Practitioners Asso- the same way and the treatment nic bronchitis and among diabe- The bacteria are easily passed from ciation. This means that although is no different. The TB patient tic patients, but these are very few one individual to another via dro- there are 11 000 of students present can be a cancer patient, an HIV and there is really no reason to be plets: when a TB patient coughs, on the campus of the University of positive and even a smoker. “If alarmed,” he adds. sneezes or talks, tiny droplets of sa- Mauritius, there is little chance of a someone in perfect health, with a liva or mucus get expelled in the air considerable rate of infection. strong immune system sits by the Majhegy MURDEN p.50 ART AND CULTURE Insert N° 3 • Friday 1st April 2011 ] l’express Rendering Chinese reality

THE onlooker instantly notices the painter’s style, to render characterised by its spontaneity, with the paint splashed the image Gand dribbled on thepaco canvas. Action painting originated sponta- in the post World War II era, where people were changing neous, the their perception of the physical and psychological world. initial tendencyncy isis The main focus of the style is on the act of painting, with that of expressionism.siononismm. Expressio-ExE prresessiio-o abstract forms animating the canvas. Presently, Pascal nism, the art momovementoveemementn iinn eaeearlyrly 22020ththh CCentury,enntuuryry, Gaspard alias gpaco, revisits the style in his depiction was typifi ed by the artist’s propensity to distort reality of China. The artist, aged 36 years old, teaches Art & for emotional effect. An emotional angst pervades the Design at Renganaden Seeneevassen State Secondary tableaux, as we can see in À l’aide! Here, presumably School and is holding his fi rst solo exhibition at the China information coming from everywhere leaves the indivi- Cultural Centre till the 8th April. dual perplexed. The mind-boggling nature of information deavour. JustJ besideb idd iti hangsh theh sublimeblli portrayall off The artist splashes on fi fteen canvasses memories of his surplus, where the human itself is commodifi ed with a bar an important constituent of Chinese culture: Erhu, the stay in Shenzhen, during a workshop programme, African code is a critique on the consumerist society. China evokes Chinese violin. Le Chant d’Erhu reminds us of the an- Artists in Residence. The simplistic connotation depicted an aura of ancient civilisation with a distinct tradition. Yet, cient Chinese society, when music was not regarded as by the exhibition’s title, “La Chine en toute simplicité” jux- like any other industrialised society, it is caught in the tornado a way of entertainment but as a virtuous practice. The taposes with the multi-dimensional pictorial content of his of consumption. This concern for China as an economic accidental encounters of colours smeared onto the pic- work. Each tableaux, is the artistic expression of a particular power is evident in another work like Chaud Shenzhen! And torial content activate the fi gure. experience lived consciously and subconsciously by the ar- as if in answer to such a concern, the human bodies in Les “I’m guided by my emotions and fantasies. The hall- tist. La Gardienne de la Muraille brings out the immemorial Quatres Beautés are without any distinct faces and remain mark of the Chinese is his hospitality, while being roo- grandeur of China, by depicting The Great Wall of China. unidentifi ed in a metric atmosphere. ted in traditions,” explains Pascal Gaspard. The visual The UNESCO World Heritage site is presently imbued with effect is a seeming splash, producing soothing yellows, maternal symbolism, where The Great Wall of China pro- Emotions and fantasies vibrant red, emerald green and sapphire blue leading tects the country from invasions, revealing simultaneously one to marvel at the impulsive dictatorship of colours. gpaco’s preoccupation with preserving history. On a closer look, the canvas becomes the space However, the intent observer traces the control of the ar- The pictorial representations open up a vast realm of where the dematerialisation of the human gives use- tist in producing an exact effect to the content. Granted, realities to constitute China as we know it. The representa- ful insights in the Chinese culture. Such an effect also gpaco gets full marks for this incursion in China. tion is the result of accreting painting efforts, in the same way serves to highlight the element of mysticism attached one reality accretes over another. If action painting is used to China. Les Déesses is the product of such an en- Majhegy MURDEN Kreol korner]

Pov diab – poor devil Hot and bothered after a long day at work? That’s alright, your journey home, which, thanks to snarling traffi c jams, will probably take more than an hour to cover a few kilometres should give you time to unwind. Not! The Mauritian road-user is a pov diab, because those who are meant to make decisions don’t. NR

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