By Pramila KHADUN
17 March 2008
Port Louis — In our globalised era, we have to improve national competitiveness, while keeping a close eye on the yin and yang of the world economy.
As responsible Mauritians, we have to respect the nation's odyssey through a century of turmoil. We are undergoing a toxic political era across the planet. We have entered a new era of energy and the future may be electric if we learn to look beyond our nose. As principled visionaries, we need to maintain the same fire and zest for life as our ancestors did.
Currently, we cannot make short-term concessions that would soothe voters but cripple the economy in the long run. Now that the floodgates of our economy are open, we are moving forward. The intellect and hard work of the Mauritian nation are single-handedly responsible for this good harvest. We have proved we have the capacity to potentially translate our objectives into reality.
Our parliamentarians should keep in mind that it is taxpayers' money that put them in office and they can't be like shooting stars, which glow brightly at one moment and die the next. They need to stick to certain ideals in the interest of the nation at large.
The race track on which Nita Deerpalsing and Rama Sithanen are running is not as rough and tough as that of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. For once, can't Nita and Rama voice out their opinions live for the nation? Economists will agree that Rama Sithanen can jump-start a hard-hit local economy. Young politicians are aware that Nita Deerpalsing can say loudly what others think lowly.
The nation knows well the Buddhist's middle path that our Prime minister follows. But, for the sake of our children's and grandchildren's welfare, we must mix the three trends of scientific, economic and philosophical thoughts and reach a consensus.
A society's jobs reflect prevailing technologies, consumer tastes, population patterns, workers' skills and government policies. A growing middle class reflects not only social and economic status but good governance most importantly. On the other hand, the eradication of poverty highlights the hallmarks of a humane and caring government.
It is a natural instinct for mankind to be in win-win situations and enjoy acquired rights. However, how long can the bonanza last? If we have a broad wisdom about the world, we know that it can have terrible repercussions. Times are competitive and hard. You either survive or perish for no one owes you a living.
Keeping in mind the bread and butter issues that are so important for the daily lives of more than 60% of our citizens, let us consider the 10% of the rich and nouveaux riches. Do they require subsidies on the rice that they buy for their dogs or the gas used to cook food in their kitchens? Let they come out as true patriots and tell the nation that enough is enough and that they can stand on their own feet. Let the technocrats do their job and for this we don't need the expertise of foreigners. All those who don't understand what they are talking about must retire and leave the ground free. Remember that a powerful statement of goals and virtual silence about the means is a strange mismatch.
Explorer David Livingstone clapped eyes on Victoria Falls in 1855 and an entire tourist industry has been built around them. Together, we must clap eyes on truthful and genuine ciblage for a better and just Mauritius that will safeguard the interests and dignity of our children, where there will be joie de vivre for the elderly and handicapped and where citizens are cared for and respected.
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