The alliance must have some sort of agenda that will be divulged after the elections. After it is too late.

What kind of a people vote according to religion or ethnic background instead of voting according to capability to lead and govern.

All I can say is people of Mauritius cast you vote wisely do not be fooled, all that glitters is not gold.

This is your chance voters, the Alliance de L’avenir has played into your hands. Grab your destiny with both hands and rid yourself of the dynasty like fils a papa, now is the time to act and can get rid of the 3 of them in one go together with their unsavoury Alliance.

The 3 arrogant fils a papa, tail coating their fathers achievements, who have the nerve of stating that they will win the elections 60/0 should be put back in their places.

Young educated voters whose parents and grand parents have toiled to give them an education so that they can emerge into one race the MAURITIAN race not according to ethnicity and religion. You should be able to distinguish between loyalty to a party which may have been the inspiration of your parents at the time and what is happening now in the political arena. I would hope that you would embrace your destiny by thinking of yourselves and your children in the future, by voting for the right people no matter of their religion or the colour of their skin. Vote for people who will benefit the country and take Mauritius into the future.

Remember you are the MASTER of your DESTINY.

Mauritian Election 05 May 2010-04-07

How interesting that 3 sons of 2 prime ministers and a prominent politician who happen to also be sons of three political party leaders have merged to form an unsavoury Alliance.

I suppose Mauritians will vote again according to their creed and their religion instead of what is good for Mauritius.

Please explain how democracy would work if according to the arrogant Navin Ramgoolam that alliance wins 60/0, considering it is a unicameral system of Parliament.

The alliance must have some sort of agenda that will be divulged after the elections. After it is too late.

What kind of a people vote according to religion or ethnic background instead of voting according to capability to lead and govern.

All I can say is people of Mauritius cast you vote wisely do not be fooled, all that glitters is not gold.

Since Elections in Mauritius are eminent I am republishing the below article to refresh the electors as were as the candidates and the Government’s memory regarding Democracy :
As a Mauritian living abroad, I cannot understand how Mauritians living in Mauritius can identify themselves as Indians, Creoles etc…. As far as I am concerned they are Mauritians of various decent but nervertheless MAURITIAN first and foremost. It is a mystery to me how the Mauritian people vote, not for the good of the country but for various religious and or racial tendencies. This shows that Mauritius is not a united People but a country still divided by race and religion. This is even demonstrated by the proportional style of representation in the Mauritian Parliament. Does it matter if the Prime minister of Mauritius is not of Indian origin as long as he is a Mauritian and has the interest of Mauritius at heart. Should not it be appropriate to decide your vote by appraisal of candidates’ electoral platform and what he/she stands for and what is best for the country and its people before casting your vote.
Mauritius should not be viewed a defacto kingdom or dynasty where families control Government both lower and upper house. EG such as th Ramgoolams, Jugnauths, Duvals, Boolells to name a few. Why is it we only have 2 choices at election time either a Ramgolam of a Jugnauth don’t we have any other Mauritians with great ideas and the best interest of its people at heart, doesn’t such an animal exist……
After discussion with quite a few so called ordinary Mauritians, it is obvious that 1 Paul Berenger is highly respected and regarded as having done a good job as Prime Minister and is recognised as the visionary and is widely regarded as the founder of cybercity. Paul Berenger was not voted in he made a deal to become Prime Minister. He will never be Prime Minister in his own right because he is not an Indian that is what I have been told. Paul Berenger may or may not be the right person for the position of Prime Minister but just to think that a person or party is not electable because of their decent is shameful and certainly not democratic in my view. If Americans thought like Mauritians Barack Obama would never have been elected President of the USA as he belongs to a minority. After more than 40 years of Independence, Mauritians are still abiding by Feudal Rule between the Jugnauths and the Ramgoolams and we the Mauritian are to blame as it is our vote that put them there.
We should evolve as a nation, mature in our thinking and take control of our destiny.
Please do not misinterpret my point of view, I am not disputing the capabilities of Prime Minister Ramgoolam to manage Mauritius as I believe he is doing a good job considering the present economic woes encapsulating the world . I will however dispute the capability of the Jugnauths, they are farcical from the President downwards.

Please Mauritians do yourself a favour vote with your heads and what is good for your Country do not take your hangups and misguided perceptions into consideration.

Again I must stress that Xavier Luc Duval should be replaced as Tourism Minister. I keep reading all this tourists that have visited Mauritius in the past two months, please supply the revenue figure so that we can compare how much has been spent in Rupees. Let us compare revenues not numbers. Mr Duval seems to like going to countries which offer him comfort , such as Long Champs in France and certain tourism salons in Germany and Italy these places are already aware of Mauritius as a tourist destination, these places are already a considerable market. When Mr. Duval came to Australia no one was aware of his presence as he is a creature of habit who is unwilling to go outside his comfort zone to develop the market. I have spoken to many of my colleagues and friends in Australia who would be willing to spend a holiday in Mauritius but the fares both economy and specially business class are much too expensive. Australia is the most economically sound country in the first world to-day and as such Mauritius should be chasing its tourism dollar. The medium to small hotels are not marketed at all, they suffer from a lack of exposure. Packages are not available, how does he intend to attract tourists.

I hope the Prime Minister appoints a person of substance not a token minister without vision to be Tourism Minister after the next elections. After all tourism is an integral part of the Mauritian economy. Mr Duval lost a great opportunity to reform Air Mauritius and make it a great Air Line, in this case the Prime-Minister who I happen to have a lot of respect and admiration for made the wrong choice in this appointment, a man void of all knowledge.

How can this figure be Vice- Prime Minister, he sits in Parliament with this vague look on his face , he is so unanimated one has to shake him to make sure he is still with us.

It has come to my attention that the USA will most probably veto a proposed draft to the UN to establish a Palestinian State.

How can we take the brokerage of the US peace deal between Palestine and Israel seriously as we have 2 parties against one including the referee.

Isn’t this what the peace talk is supposed to achieve A PALESTINIAN STATE? This further devalues the integrity of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The silence of all the other world leaders including the Arab world. is deafening. What do all those leaders think the whole world favours Israel, the whole world is in favour of a fair and just outcome for the long suffering Palestinians.

Now I realise why an outcome has never been reached because the USA keeps interfering and protecting Israel. Israel can do no wrong even though they are a murdering race which commits atrocities and war crimes everyday no one can take them to task as they are a protected species. When does the statutory limitation expires after the Holocaust? If I were a Jew I too would act with arrogance, I would murder, pilfer the Palestinians as I know I will always be protected by the so called Super Power “ the bully boys” the US of A. Do as I say not do as I do.

I for one am ashamed that I am part of a world where no one says or does anything to help the plight of the Palestinians not even their own kind.

I would personally like to thank the Prime MInister for answering the questions I posed on the “A Mauritian Aspiration according to Anne”

By Mahesh Bugnath

Ethnic lobbies beginning to raise voices’

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam said yesterday that the post of prime minister is not a legacy that needs to be carried on.

“ It’s not because your father was prime minister that you need to become prime minister by decree,” he said.

He was speaking during the ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the Mauritius Arya Ravi Ved Pracharni Sabha.

During his speech he highlighted the importance of meritocracy and said that jobs should not depend on the ethnic background of the candidate but rather his or her competence.

He also said that ethnic lobbies are starting to make themselves heard during election time and that it is of the utmost importance not to divide the country.

“ I understand that the Arya Ravi Ved Sabha has some 132 branches across the country, which constitutes a network that can be used to send messages across,” said the prime minister.

He warned that ethnic retrenchment can further weaken society.

I find it incredible that the Minister for Tourism, The Honourable Xavier-Luc Duval has been given the amazing opportunity to run Air Mauritius and as such can easily incorporate the two together ( tourism and airline) which is an opportunity of a lifetime to attract tourism and make it so appealing price wise to our beautiful island.

I cannot believe that the Minister cannot or will not grasp this wonderful opportunity, does he not have the vision to comprehend that the 2 go together to create a powerful tourism industry that should serve Mauritius for a long time to come.

The minister seems to favour the big hotel chains and I believe it is due to the extravaganza associated with the powerful hierarchy often International where drinks, food and media frenzy flows freely which suits him.

The small to medium size hotels are the backbone of the tourism industry in Mauritius. These are the tourists that will return and spread the word not the plastic tourist that will sit around the swimming pool, drink themselves stupid and not even remember where they have been.

Your so called average tourist will stay at a hotel, rent a car, go to markets and buy souvenirs, go to restaurants, discover Mauritians and Mauritius.

I fail to understand why the fare from Europe to Mauritius is so cheap whilst so expensive from Australia considering there is only one flight a week. The economy of Australia is in much better shape than the European economy and we allow the French to come in without a passport with all sorts of incentive. Those two bob Europeans that barely spend anything, they only rent bicycles and eat off the street.

My belief is that Mr Ramgoolam must have had a great fondness for Sir Gaetan Duval to pamper and humour his son Xavier-Luc considering he is the last of the Dodo bird who was thought to be extinct. I see in Duval a lazy, unintelligent no hoper who is feeding on his Father’s greatness and popularity.

What has he done for Air Mauritius since he has taken over? What has he done for the tourism industry? Of course he will blame the losses on the economic downturn but why does he take the credit when there is an economic upturn and tourism improves?

I thought this Government when elected proclaimed itself to be for the “Ti Dimoun” and yet the small hotels and businesses are struggling as there is no assistance or help from the tourism ministry.

I believe that this Government has the right idea of repossessing “pas geometrique” in other words beachfront properties to allow developers to build more hotels, facilities, roads, restaurants etc… this is the direction Mauritius should take, it should be first and foremost a tourist resort in order to create jobs thus creating wealth for the whole of Mauritius not just a select few. Mauritius has so much to offer, a paradise on earth with such a friendly, giving people.

Too many ministers just sit on their arse and expect the public servants to run their portfolio while there enjoy the high life such as trips overseas, and all the other benefits that comes with their portfolio. Shame on them.

There have been many hoaxes in this world, the second greatest hoax played on mankind in my opinion is MAN ON THE MOON.
Firstly it is difficult for me to understand as to why USA is so hesitant to supposedly return to the moon. They are at present finding excuses for not going back (such as there is nothing to find on the moon and yet they have sent missiles to blow up the surface of the moon to look for water and suggesting that it would be too costly fuel wise to go back, the money would be better spent going to Mars or to land on a meteor) . Would it be because they have never been in the first place.
I have seen photographs but that for all I know could easily have been taken in the Nevada Desert or in New Mexico. Of course the USA tells us that after a certain period of time (36 Years) every bit of equipment that they left behind would have disintegrated (very convenient)
Why is it that modern shuttles have so many problems, sometimes it takes days to take off and landing can be very difficult due to the weather, didn’t we have weather in the sixties or are we to believe that the old rockets and capsules were a lot more efficient as they took off on time and landed in the designated area on time on every occasion.
In my opinion nothing that NASA puts forward inspires confidence or shows conclusively that man has ever landed on the moon.
If USA had, as claimed been to the moon on so many occasions they should be able to go back tomorrow, especially with all the new developments in modern technology. It is like riding a bike once you have done it you can do it again.
Funny when Japan intimated that it might go to the moon that is when the theory of disintegration popped up.
Maybe the reason USA is reluctant to try is due to the world now having access to telescopes, computers etc. Where this would enable ordinary folks to view and scrutinise the moon landing, this time it won’t be able to be carried out on earth in some desert.
It is surprising to me that many countries which are technologically and economically capable of such a feat simply are not prepared to enhance their status by conquering the moon. Do you mean to tell me that these countries in the 21st century are incapable of such technology that they are still lagging that much behind the USA in the late 60s and early 70s technologically, it seems to me that the USA are lagging behind themselves from that period.
I cannot believe that the entire world can so easily be brainwashed and be so gullible.

Is it not farcical that Monsieur Sarkozy wants us to believe that it is due process for his son the Dauphin Jean to manage France’s La Defense business district, the country’s largest business district the same position that his far more experienced father had up until his election to president in 2007.

The discussion is: it is or is it not “nepotism” as far I can see it is. We can say that Jean is a fast rising talent but he is the only such young talent is France? If he is,
Then France has a big problem. as There is no other second year law student without a Famous Father who can do the same job? I doubt that. It is definitely without a doubt nepotism of the worst kind, as now Monsieur Sarkozy thinks of himself as the KING of France. Next Jean will be the President of France.

If the French people is ready to accept it then, we do not have a problem but stop denying that is it nepotism. The denial is more frustrating that the act itself.

Is it not long overdue that the UN is contemplating investigating the State of Israel for war crimes. But we all know it will not go far as the USA will veto in the Security Council.
It is hilarious to think though, that Israel wants to investigate it own war crimes.
Palestine has agreed to co-operate but Israel claims that the report is one sided, are they delusional? Do they think the rest of the world is blind? Sorry my mistake yes we are.
It is a well known fact that Israel has been committing these crimes for a very long time but has been protected by the US A for reasons unknown to me.
It is the USA that arms Israel so in my opinion every crime committed by Israel is a crime committed by the USA.
Why has the USA not only allowed Israel to have nuclear weapons but actually given the nuclear weapons to Israel?
Why is the USA trying to stop other countries to develop nuclear weapons regarding of the fact that they may be rogue countries when Israel has announced to the world that it reserves the right to a pre-emptive attack on any country in the middle east whenever it feels like it?
After Iraq attacked Iran with the blessing and assistance such as information via satellite of the USA which provided Saddam with weapons chemical and otherwise who would not want to protect themselves?
Nuclear weapons seem to be a deterrent against attacks, take Pakistan the country that breeds most of the terrorists in the world, all we do is cajole and throw money at it every when a dictator was in charge. If it was a non nuclear country we would not have wasted time or effort we would have bombed it.
Israel has proven to be a militant country with no common decency and no regard for human life, Israel does as it pleases with the blessing of the USA.
Innocent civilians are killed everyday in the Gaza strip, every time it is mentioned in the UN assembly the USA defends Israel’s rights, these two countries must be one of same as the USA is also known for its war crimes when it invades a country.
Israel is not interested in peace and never will be as long as it is protected by the USA and other Middle East countries does nothing to protect their brothers in Palestine. Jordan keeps providing water to Israel, let them die of thirst until they come to the Peace Table. All Israel wants is more of the Palestinians land to expand to accommodate for its population’s growth.
How can USA turn a blind eye to the plight of the Palestinians are they not people too?
I must admit in their situation I too would fight back with anything and everything at my disposal and I would encourage any neighbour who would be prepared to assist me even though they are considered rogues to develop nuclear weapons or weapons of any kind.
Perception is like trash and treasure one man’s trash is another man’s treasure , one man’s terrorist is another man’s saviour an example is Lebanon’s Hezbollah the people of Lebanon can hold their heads high as they are no longer an occupied nation where Israel could come in at will and attack them, this time Israel was surprised considering it used the latest weaponry including war planes and chemical weapons (Phosphorus and cluster bombs )and still was denied victory.
Israel is a rogue state as far as I am concerned, it does as it pleases does not need to listen to the views of other nations. How long are we to tolerate Israel because of the Holocaust? Other nations have endured the same namely Cambodia and Rwanda we do not seem to cater to their every whim they are still the poorest and most defenceless nations on earth. I feel that the Jews have learnt well from the Nazi treating the Palestinians as they were treated. They are a cold heartless race with no respect for human life and to say that the rest of world owe them for their miseries during the WWII is an understatement.
I am sure if an International survey was taken most nations would agree with me except for the USA perhaps.
What makes Israel think that one of its citizens is worth 100 Palestinians? There will never be any Peace in the Middle East or less hatred of the Western World by the Arab Nation as long as Israel continues to dictate its terms and conditions with the blessing of the USA and the rest of the world.
What is this phenomenon when it comes to Israel? Don’t we all have eyes can’t we see the injustices.
As long as Israel continues with this attitude, terrorism will never stop we all know that but are not willing to admit this publically.
It is a sad world we live in when a Country blatantly commits war crimes and is defended by the most influential Country in the world. The rest of the world just turn a blind eye.
I for one am not fooled by Israel that it is merely defending itself when I believe it want to control the Middle East and have access to the Palestinian’s land.
This is totally one sided as this cannot be classified as a war when one country has home made weapons and stones and the other has a navy, air force and army with the latest weaponry provided by the USA. It reminds me of David and Goliath.
Please note that I am neither a Jew nor an Arab I am totally impartial, I tell it as I see it.