12 December 2007
Port Louis — We are constantly being reminded of the importance of taking the necessary precautions to ensure safe sex. Yet, a free distribution of condoms on the campus of the University of Mauritius has been frowned upon and banned by a minister.
His reasoning ? "We are in Mauritius"- as if that was a motive for not doing anything positive to prevent the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases. Is that what is called being straight laced?
There is a political party that is forever bleating that a newspaper tends to underestimate the number of people attending its political gatherings. When will the leader come to terms with the fact that his party has only a marginal following, hence they have meagre crowds? Is that what is called shooting the messenger?
The politician who enjoys being continually in the limelight and never misses a chance to air his views on the radio tells us that his leader considers all Mauritian nationals alike. He would do well to explain what phrases like "nou dimoun" and "pouvoir sappe dan nou la main" mean. Is that what is called speaking with your tongue in cheek?
Heard on the radio -local facilities for holding a Christmas party by a well meaning gentleman for his fellow villagers have been refused by those in charge. The reason given - the guest list apparently contains names of political opponents of those in power. Is that what is called democracy in reverse?
The leader of the opposition wanted to know if the government was considering a commission of inquiry into the nest egg allegedly found in a police station. Paradoxically, the MMM has apparently refused on many occasions to give evidence in front of previous commissions of inquiries. Is that what is called the boomerang effect?
We are told by the minister of finance that the economic indicators are improving all the time. Try telling that to the man in the street and look at the prices in the shops where the consumer is losing his purchasing power hand over fist. Is that what is called "One swallow does not make a summer"?
C.C.C.
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