Gratitude

Mauritius Times – 70 Years

Now that the dust raised by the tempestuous Alix has begun to subside, it becomes possible to have a clearer view of what happened during and after the cyclone. One is now in a better position to assess the type and scope of relief provided by the government and voluntary organizations, as well as to consider the criticisms fortuitously levelled at the “authorities.” These days, the term “authorities” varies in meaning according to the idiosyncrasies of every “expert” who claims to have a panacea for the real or imagined problems of the country.

A snapshot of the destruction wrought by the cyclone in Port Louis in 1960. Pic – Vintage Mauritius

It is now evident, even to sceptics, that the government, or the authorities, has responded magnificently in aiding the victims of this national calamity. There were 211 refugee centres, all crowded with refugees being looked after by Public Assistance Officers, headteachers, or members of the Red Cross Society. All the refugee centres were supplied with food. Apart from those stationed in the centers, people whose rations had been destroyed received a subsistence ration coupon of Rs 4 per family. As is already known, the survey of damaged houses is nearing completion, and in many areas, building materials have already been distributed. In Montagne Ory, teams of Compagnons Batisseurs have constructed about eight houses.

What more could we expect a government to do in an emergency of this nature? Was it physically possible to do more and at a greater speed? And are people satisfied on the whole? The first two questions can be answered with a “no,” while the answer to the last is “yes,” although there is a sort of “created” dissatisfaction for obvious political reasons.

It is unquestionable that never before has the government provided such prompt relief on such a scale to the victims of a cyclone. Owing to the magnitude of the problem, it was physically impossible to do more regarding immediate relief. Whatever Mr Jules Koenig may think, and regardless of the length of his interview with Le Mauricien, the truth is that the Labour Government has shown, through its incontrovertible actions, that it is largely a welfare government. In the past, the state was not expected to have any responsibility during difficult times, but the Labour Government has made it the state’s duty to help the victims. The government has shown great political wisdom in refusing to call an extraordinary meeting of the Legislative Council, as the opposition would have picked out a few weak spots in the government’s organization and exploited them, thus misleading the public. It is time the opposition is reminded that the Labour Party is ruling the country and that it will not be told how to conduct its affairs. If Labour delivers results, the people will keep it in power; otherwise, they will reject it—meanwhile, no sermonizing from any quarter.

So far, the attitude of the people has been quite varied; in some areas, they have cooperated with the authorities and expressed gratitude for what the government has done and continues to do. However, in some areas, certain sections of the population have been encouraged to be cynical and hostile toward the government. The tendency to blame the government for everything has come to the fore more than ever before. We know that in some areas, IFB Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) have been urging their constituents to refuse the materials provided by the government. Some are criticizing the alleged inadequacy of the Rs 4 subsistence ration allowance; others claim that the loaves offered to refugees were of poor quality, while still others are suggesting that the cyclone was a creation of the Labour Party! The behaviour of some so-called leaders in recent weeks is indeed disappointing. We never thought that individuals tasked with advancing the community could sink to such depths. However, it must be noted that their main difficulty is their inability to accept the blunt fact that the Labour Party has risen to the occasion superbly and has shattered their campaign of lies and hatred.

We have also noticed an unhappy trend among certain sections of the population. We fail to understand the apathy of these individuals toward cooperating in the vital work of national reconstruction that must now take place. Some are even reluctant to help rebuild their homes! Is this due to an overdependence on others? Whatever the reason, we believe that leaders from all communities and religious groups should make a fervent appeal to the population as a whole to join in this important effort. Unless this is done, all that the government is doing to help the population get back on its feet will be wasted.

There are, however, shortcomings that we would like to draw to the government’s attention. On the day after the cyclone, the Public Assistance Department was providing relief at the rate of 60 cents per head per day, but this was abruptly switched to a uniform rate of Rs 4 per family. The result was that many families received more than Rs 4, creating confusion among the public. This could certainly have been avoided. A similar issue occurred with the distribution of corrugated iron sheets; the initial supply of 26 sheets per house was subsequently reduced to 18.

As we have stated previously, the government has responded magnificently to the needs of a distressed population. However, the public must be made aware that this commendable work was carried out by a brilliant team of public officials, including Mr Robert Newton, the Colonial Secretary; Mr W.G. Wilson; and Mr Ringadoo, as directors of operations. Of course, all the other ministers actively supported these three. This ‘first team’ was ably assisted by another outstanding group of top executives, including Mr R. Ramsaha, Acting Public Assistance Commissioner; Mr G. Ramasawmy, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Labour; Mr Desvaux, Commissioner of Police; the Director of CIO; the Cyclone Commissioners; and several heads of departments.

This journal has, on previous occasions, criticized the government and the Public Assistance Officers for what it considered derelictions of duty. But today, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that we pay tribute to the wonderful work done by the Public Assistance Department. We know that many Public Assistance Officers had to stay at their centres for days and nights.

To all these selfless officers and to the teams of Compagnons Batisseurs led by Mr Edwin de Robillard, the people owe a great debt of gratitude.

7th Year – No 285
Friday 5th February, 1960


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