Fortunately, some opinion writers, in the columns of L’express, help the readership to regain focus every so now and again on the sad state of our society, that is, after the cosmetics, so cunningly layered by the powers that be, have been scraped off. All too often we, citizens of Paradise Island, behave in the most could-not-be-bothered manner despite knowingly being led by the tip of our nose down the garden path. Gone are the days when we used to manifest our disapproval of things, considered unacceptable, fearlessly. In this so-called democracy, these days, most are afraid to voice their opinions or be seen to be with those who dare to express their opposition to the regime in place. Threats of punitive transfers or no jobs for one’s kith or kin, if it isn’t simply the application of the ‘lev paké alé’ policy  have ensured to put practically the entire country in a dormant state, under some form of general anaesthesia. Our society has become docile to the extent that unless the fire is under one’s own seat one would hardly budge or move a finger!

The early hours of 2010 witnessed a most atrocious crime when a couple of hoodlums, employed as ‘bouncers” (this seems to have become a regular job which, maybe, is included in the statistics thrown at us as total jobs created since 2005) by a gaming house, set upon a brave young man who had come to the rescue of his friend at the latter’s appeal, and savagely took away his life. The police deserve a commendation for having arrested the perpetrators of this heinous crime within a matter of hours. But what about those in whose employ these bouncers were? Don’t they have to answer for the act of these hoodlums? Haven’t they contributed enough to put the town to shame, a town until recently proudly referred to as the ‘Ville des Fleurs’ but now known as ‘La ville des scandales’? So many violent incidents have been recorded in this now infamous house. Its vicinity has become a no-go zone for the inhabitants of the town, come sundown, for fear of being accosted by characters of loose moral. Other gaming dens have been licensed to operate despite the protest of the inhabitants.

Unfortunately, such happenings are not limited to Quatre Bornes. Similar incidents are reported from different parts of the island. But who cares? We show indignation and concern only at the time we read or hear such news, and then we go on about our business.

Another crime has been committed in the north of the island and seemingly it has all the ramifications of a politico-drug related scandal. The police have yet another chance of proving that they are independent and will carry out their duty without let or hindrance. The stables have to be cleaned, come what may. The subutex and other drugs network has to be squashed. Those guilty of providing airport VIP facilities to convicted ‘passeurs’, MP or not, should be brought to book. Ministers guilty of interfering in police work should also be sanctioned severely. Wasn’t the nation appalled when a notorious hoodlum surrendered himself in the office of the political head of the Justice Ministry under the spotlights of the MBC cameras? We all know that was not an isolated case. One refuses to think that the public has simply forgotten such despicable acts, leave alone the umpteen promises made to change one’s life in a hundred days! What about those other public figures of the majority (with at least one from the ‘loyal’ opposition) who are busy cavorting with cult-like associations accused of destroying the family fabric? Meanwhile, most of our public institutions continue to be run by incompetent cronies. Some have remained headless for years while others have been presided over by persons currently under investigation! Public funds are being squandered and spent in complete contravention of financial regulations. (Check out the reports of the Director of Audit and the Public Accounts Committee). The rot has set in!

Yet, wool keeps being pulled over the eyes of the public! So-called astrologers have now joined the refrain of self-professed ‘politologues’ and certain press persons busy spreading their personal wishes as heavenly predictions, claiming that the Alliance Sociale will be victorious. The premise: The Opposition is divided! On the ground, however, the story is different! Besides, there is only one Opposition and that is the MMM. Not only has it made public the principles and highlights of its government programme, but it has gathered persons of high calibre who believe therein, ready to implement it and provide the true change that will make of this country a much better place to live in. The five papers presented by the MMM during its 40^th anniversary congress have paved the way. Those who claim that the MMM criticises but does not propose have either not read the papers or are simply intellectually dishonest. And in any case, why should there be any alliance of Opposition parties at all costs? In our approach, the country comes first!

The issue is to give the people a choice to elect the representatives likely to bring the right solutions to the country’s many problems, with an equitable balance between economic and social agendas, based on ideas and programmes rather than on unrealisable dreams, empty promises, community and caste-based politics. The issue is to rid the country of the rot that is spreading uncontrollably in our public institutions and league to the younger generation an environment of truly equal opportunities.

That is the issue!

Vijay Makhan