“Clean out the attic before you decorate the living room! It’s the same with governance”
Encounter
A Conversation with Uncle Claus
‘The cupboards must be opened, cleaned, and dusted off for Mauritius to move forward’
* ‘Consume and be devoured!’
‘Go slow on the mall culture, be careful of all these new shopping centres where you are lured to spend your borrowed money to buy things that you don’t need’
By TP Saran
Candid as always, Claus aka Santa, our unique Uncle Claus! He breezed in again, this time in tropical gear and in a sleigh running on renewable energy if you please! Ever ready to bring cheers and smiles to children, he casts a frank look at local and some global affairs, cautioning us not to be overenthusiastic about the old-new holders of power following the November elections here. He sounds a note of warning about what he calls the mall culture and the killer consumerism gaining ground. He is unsparing also about the non-stop warring in Europe and the Middle-East, and admits to some pessimism – despite his usually hopeful stance about the prospects for a more peaceful year. Enjoy the exchange of views with this dear Uncle …
Mauritius Times: Hi Uncle, it’s sure great to welcome you back yet again! Your mix of holiday cheer and tongue-in-cheek humour is just the right thing we need at this festive time of the year…
Uncle Claus: Ho, ho, ho! Thank you, my dear friends! Mauritius is always a delight – the sun, the sea, and of course, the stories. I’ve traded my reindeer sleigh for a hammock and my snow boots for flip-flops. Life’s good!
* Hey! you’ve exchanged your baggy fluffy robe for a tropical Santa outfit. What’s up man? Oops sorry, didn’t mean to disrespect! Is there a Fashion Week we don’t know about?
Oh, that’s fine, after all we’ve been friends for many a year now!! Nope, no fashion thingy. It’s just that the North Pole wardrobe doesn’t work in 35-degree heat! So, I had the elves stitch me a tropical Santa suit – red shorts, a breezy shirt, and a hat with a built-in fan.
* Sensible thing to do. I guess you narrowly and luckily missed Cyclone Chido, the strongest storm to hit the Indian Ocean in over 90 years. Sign of the times perhaps… we’ve just got over political storms that raged for 10 years.
Yes, indeed, I thought I could feel a nip in the air — a kind of fresh breeze blowing through. I suppose it has something to do with the new government, though it’s led by two “oldies”. Some people, I hear, have been jokingly calling it ‘old wine in a new bottle’ — no offense intended, of course, ha ha! Still, there’s some hope for a brighter future, hopefully…
* Oh, you’re not too sure or what?
Oh, not too sure, are you? Well, I’m not here to spoil the festive spirit, but a bit of caution never hurts. After all, history has a way of repeating itself, doesn’t it? So, it’s always wise to stay vigilant.
* But haven’t you noticed how skeletons are already tumbling out of the cupboards, Uncle Claus! From corruption scandals to shocking financial mismanagement – surely that is a good sign?
No doubt, but as my elves always say, “Uncle Claus, clean out the attic before you decorate the living room!” It’s the same with governance. The cupboards must be opened, cleaned, and dusted off for Mauritius to move forward. Let your leaders and captains know I am ready to gift some brooms that sweep real hard!
* Uncle, you must have seen a lot of governments come and go around the world. How do you think Mauritius can avoid repeating past mistakes while moving forward?
I am afraid I am not into the advice giving business my friend. I only report what I hear and see during my brief passages everywhere, same here too. But since I have a peep-in view of many many homes, I catch up bits and pieces and that’s what I am sharing. Bottomline, it’s rather too early to say. You’ll need to bide some patience and wait. Though it’s better to hope than to despair.
* Got your point, Uncle. But, from what we hear, there’s not much money left in the Treasury coffers, and there are promises to keep — electoral promises, that is!
Ah, yes, the election promises! It’s like political parties trying to outbid each other, much like eager kids in a candy shop. But they had no choice, right? It’s a classic case of the main contradiction, as Marxists would put it, taking precedence over the secondary contradiction… After all, winning the election was crucial to bringing in a breath of fresh air, along with democratic values and practices…
* But, Uncle, that’s what elections in many parts of the world have been reduced to: electoral auctions with promises and goodies used by political parties to attract votes.
Exactly. So, we end up with lengthy speeches in Parliament, often called the ‘temple of democracy,’ followed by press conferences where the limitations of fulfilling promises, like the 14th month, are discussed. I think — and I’m sure many of you would agree — it would be refreshing to have more openness about these things upfront
* But since we’d better hope as you’ve said, do you see anything positive at this juncture?
I would think that all parliamentarians including ministers not renewing the existing fleet of cars – if that is correct — is a good signal. Will they extend this measure to other appointees in high posts? That’s what I said you gotta wait and watch. 30,000 or so additional vehicles on your roads since the beginning of the year I believe. You’ll soon have more cars than people on your little island.
* Let’s change tack Uncle shall we? Tell me, what’s happening to dear old Europe?
How do you mean?
* Well, surely you noticed the street protests this year, especially in London, where demonstrations by various groups, including youth and university students, have been frequent?
Yes, I am aware of them and understand that the police have been stretched thin. However, I find it hard to grasp the apparent inaction and leniency of the authorities, especially in a city like London. I’ve heard that the election of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister has emboldened some protesters, as his political approach is perceived by some as focused on appealing to certain voter groups.Read More… Become a Subscriber
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 20 December 2024
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