{"id":41941,"date":"2024-12-20T18:56:47","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T14:56:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/?p=41941"},"modified":"2025-03-18T18:43:55","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T14:43:55","slug":"clean-out-the-attic-before-you-decorate-the-living-room-its-the-same-with-governance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/clean-out-the-attic-before-you-decorate-the-living-room-its-the-same-with-governance\/","title":{"rendered":"“Clean out the attic before you decorate the living room! It\u2019s the same with governance”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Encounter<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A Conversation with Uncle Claus<\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/u><\/h4>\n

‘The cupboards must be opened, cleaned, and dusted off for Mauritius to move forward’<\/span><\/h2>\n

* ‘Consume and be devoured!’<\/strong><\/h3>\n

‘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\u2019t need’<\/h3>\n

By TP Saran<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Candid as always, Claus<\/strong> 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 \u2013 despite his usually hopeful stance about the prospects for a more peaceful year. Enjoy the exchange of views with this dear Uncle …<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Mauritius Times: Hi Uncle, it\u2019s 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…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uncle Claus:<\/strong> Ho, ho, ho! Thank you, my dear friends! Mauritius is always a delight \u2013 the sun, the sea, and of course, the stories. I\u2019ve traded my reindeer sleigh for a hammock and my snow boots for flip-flops. Life\u2019s good!<\/p>\n

* Hey! you\u2019ve exchanged your baggy fluffy robe for a tropical Santa outfit. What\u2019s up man? Oops sorry, didn\u2019t mean to disrespect! Is there a Fashion Week we don\u2019t know about?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oh, that\u2019s fine, after all we\u2019ve been friends for many a year now!! Nope, no fashion thingy. It\u2019s just that the North Pole wardrobe doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

* 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\u2019ve just got over political storms that raged for 10 years. <\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s some hope for a brighter future, hopefully…<\/p>\n

* Oh, you\u2019re not too sure or what? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Oh, not too sure, are you? Well, I\u2019m not here to spoil the festive spirit, but a bit of caution never hurts. After all, history has a way of repeating itself, doesn\u2019t it? So, it\u2019s always wise to stay vigilant.<\/p>\n

* But haven\u2019t you noticed how skeletons are already tumbling out of the cupboards, Uncle Claus! From corruption scandals to shocking financial mismanagement \u2013 surely that is a good sign? <\/strong><\/p>\n

No doubt, but as my elves always say, \u201cUncle Claus, clean out the attic before you decorate the living room!\u201d It\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n

* 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?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s what I am sharing. Bottomline, it\u2019s rather too early to say. You\u2019ll need to bide some patience and wait. Though it\u2019s better to hope than to despair.<\/p>\n

* 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!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ah, yes, the election promises! It\u2019s like political parties trying to outbid each other, much like eager kids in a candy shop. But they had no choice, right? It\u2019s 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…<\/p>\n

* But, Uncle, that\u2019s 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. <\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019m sure many of you would agree — it would be refreshing to have more openness about these things upfront<\/p>\n

* But since we\u2019d better hope as you\u2019ve said, do you see anything positive at this juncture? <\/strong><\/p>\n

I would think that all parliamentarians including ministers not renewing the existing fleet of cars \u2013 if that is correct — is a good signal. Will they extend this measure to other appointees in high posts? That\u2019s 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\u2019ll soon have more cars than people on your little island.<\/p>\n

* Let\u2019s change tack Uncle shall we? Tell me, what\u2019s happening to dear old Europe? <\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you mean?<\/p>\n

* 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?<\/strong><\/em>
\n<\/em><\/strong>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\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n

* But aren\u2019t there growing voices of discontent against his leadership?<\/strong><\/em>
\n<\/em><\/strong>Yes, I\u2019ve heard that, too. His popularity seems to be declining rapidly, even though he initially came to power amidst much optimism. That\u2019s why I always say it\u2019s important not to rush to judgment; things need time to unfold.<\/p>\n

* Agreed. On another note, I hear reports about nativity scenes no longer being allowed in schools, disruptions to Christmas markets, and, in some cases — such as in Germany — even their cancellation. Aren\u2019t you concerned about being criticized for enjoying Christmas celebrations elsewhere while Europe faces such challenges?<\/strong><\/em>
\n<\/em><\/strong>Perhaps, and I wouldn\u2019t fault anyone for thinking that way. But I have a global responsibility to fulfil, especially for children who eagerly await Christmas. Their joy is my priority, and I cannot let them down.
\nThat said, European leaders must step up and fulfil their duty to protect all citizens. It\u2019s their responsibility, and they need to act accordingly.<\/p>\n

* Do you think they will listen?<\/strong><\/em>
\n<\/em><\/strong>I\u2019ve often pointed out that Mauritius is a wonderful example of cultural harmony — a melting pot where different communities coexist peacefully. European leaders and their people could learn from this. Instead of isolating themselves in enclaves, people need to open their minds and hearts to each other. Theories like multiculturalism and woke ideologies have had limited success. Why not focus on cultural accommodation instead? That\u2019s what has worked here in Mauritius over the years.<\/p>\n

The unity in diversity that exists here is a lesson for the world, though I know challenges occasionally arise. Singapore is another example of a well-managed, multicultural society that your leaders often cite. Both places stand out as models of coexistence and resilience.<\/p>\n

* There\u2019s also the war without end between the enemy brothers Ukraine and Russia. Will it ever stop? Can you do something? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Beyond me, for hate and mistrust have taken over. Just a few days ago Zelensky received the most advanced tanks that exist, the Abrams tanks that have been supplied by the Joe Biden administration. Of course, it seems that he is not the one who\u2019s ruling the US, so these Abrams tanks are literally neither here nor there for him!<\/p>\n

* Hasn\u2019t he been seen fumbling and forgetting…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Frankly, in this case I must confess to despair despite myself. Sob, sob…<\/p>\n

* What about the Middle East then? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, again plus \u00e7a change<\/em>…
\nAfter ruling as an overlord and pillaging and killing like his father did, the intelligent Assad has had to flee in catimini<\/em> as you put it here, to Moscow.<\/p>\n

The UN representative currently on visit there in a press conference said that conflicts are not over in Syria yet.<\/p>\n

* Any hope for peace at all? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, let\u2019s wait and see. A much more mature and well-spoken US President Elect Trump has said he will stop wars and will engage with Putin and Zelensky to bring peace to the region. He did meet the North Korean leader in his first mandate and is open to meet up with the Chinese President too and sort out their trade issues and promote live and let live.<\/p>\n

Tall order, but do we have any other option?<\/p>\n

* All right then Uncle, let\u2019s lighten things up a little! Have you tasted any Mauritian delicacies this time? From dalpuri to vindaye, the options are endless\u2026 or are you still partial to those rum punches?<\/strong><\/p>\n

You bet! A little secret I\u2019ll share. Been invited to a dalpuri party before I leave. Am looking forward to that for sure!<\/p>\n

* Uncle Claus, Mauritians are known for their sense of humour, music, and colourful festivals. What do you think keeps this island\u2019s spirit so lively and resilient, even in challenging times?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, you have yourself given the answer, isn\u2019t it! Sense of humour, music, and colourful festivals. And camaraderie among communities. Don\u2019t let these ever die.<\/p>\n

* Well, Uncle, we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll enjoy the rest of your stay here — the beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and yes, those legendary rum punches! Any parting words before you head back to the North Pole?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you insist, here goes. I would say go slow on the mall culture, be careful of all these new shopping centres where you are lured to come and spend your borrowed money to buy things that you don\u2019t need and will put away sooner than you can say bah! Kind of consume and be devoured!<\/p>\n

And so, beware. Cheerio and see you next year my dear little friends!<\/p>\n

\n

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 20 December 2024<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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