{"id":46,"date":"2010-01-15T15:30:41","date_gmt":"2010-01-15T15:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/2010\/01\/15\/readers-responseopinion\/"},"modified":"2010-01-15T15:30:41","modified_gmt":"2010-01-15T15:30:41","slug":"readers-responseopinion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/readers-responseopinion\/","title":{"rendered":"Readers’ Response\/Opinion"},"content":{"rendered":"

To Our Readers\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Your views are of interest to us. They help us balance the argument in the correct perspective. We welcome you to draw our attention to anything or opinion expressed in the Mauritius Times (or any national or international event of interest) with which you agree from your own angle or disagree due to a different appreciation of facts. <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>We will gratefully receive your communications at the email address: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

mtimes@intnet.mu<\/span><\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We may decide to publish your comments or the relevant parts thereof if we consider that they will help our readers better understand specific contexts and maintain MT as the foremost and most balanced analytical newspaper of the country.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/p>\n

Chers dirigeants africains, changez de fr\u00e9quentations\u00a0! <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Autant le dire clairement\u00a0: les plus pervers des cyniques auraient du mal \u00e0 nous faire douter de la sinc\u00e9rit\u00e9 des hommages qui saluent la m\u00e9moire de Philippe S\u00e9guin, depuis l\u2019annonce, ce jeudi 7 janvier, de la disparition de l\u2019homme d\u2019Etat fran\u00e7ais. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A quelques banales exceptions pr\u00e8s, la classe politique, la soci\u00e9t\u00e9 civile, les citoyens ordinaires, chacun est all\u00e9 de ses louanges \u00e0 un homme qui, paradoxalement, a pass\u00e9 sa vie, non pas \u00e0 chercher \u00e0 plaire, mais \u00e0 rester lui-m\u00eame, fid\u00e8le \u00e0 ses convictions, \u00e0 ce que l\u2019actuel pr\u00e9sident de l\u2019Assembl\u00e9e nationale appelle \u00ab\u00a0<\/span>un parcours politique exemplaire de rigueur et d\u2019honn\u00eatet\u00e9\u00a0<\/span><\/em>\u00bb.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Ces torrents d\u2019\u00e9motion n\u2019ont rien \u00e0 voir avec les larmes de crocodiles et autres concours d\u2019hypocrisie qui saluent d\u2019ordinaire les disparus que l\u2019on n\u2019a aucune envie particuli\u00e8re de pleurer. Il est rassurant, pour la classe politique fran\u00e7aise, qu\u2019elle ait, de temps \u00e0 autre, un Philippe S\u00e9guin \u00e0 pleurer sinc\u00e8rement, alors que d\u2019autres c\u00e9l\u00e9brit\u00e9s politiques finissent devant les tribunaux.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Comment a-t-on \u00e9t\u00e9 utile \u00e0 son peuple\u00a0? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sans doute savez-vous qu\u2019en Afrique francophone, la vie politique fran\u00e7aise est souvent source d\u2019inspiration pour ceux qui sont au pouvoir ou cherchent \u00e0 y parvenir. Vous savez aussi que les soi-disant grandes familles au pouvoir en Afrique comptent beaucoup d\u2019amis au sein de la classe politique fran\u00e7aise.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mais, en y regardant de pr\u00e8s, l\u2019on s\u2019aper\u00e7oit que le profil des amis en question est aux antipodes d\u2019un Philippe S\u00e9guin. Les amis politiques fran\u00e7ais des dirigeants africains sont, en g\u00e9n\u00e9ral, plut\u00f4t de ceux que traquent les juges, souvent, d\u2019ailleurs, pour des exploits en rapport avec les bonnes affaires qu\u2019ils font sur le continent noir. Fort heureusement, il reste encore quelques Philippe S\u00e9guin dans la classe politique fran\u00e7aise, et l\u2019on a envie de supplier les dirigeants africains de changer de fr\u00e9quentations.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

La vie, un jour, s\u2019arr\u00eate, comme vient de s\u2019achever celle de Philippe S\u00e9guin, \u00e0 seulement 66 ans. Le d\u00e9bat, alors, ne porte pas \u2013\u00a0ne porte plus\u00a0\u2013 sur les milliards plac\u00e9s dans les paradis fiscaux, les r\u00e9sidences luxueuses diss\u00e9min\u00e9es aux quatre coins du monde, les voitures de sports et autres grosses cylindr\u00e9es collectionn\u00e9es. Le d\u00e9bat, comme aujourd\u2019hui pour S\u00e9guin, se ram\u00e8ne \u00e0 comment on a \u00e9t\u00e9 utile \u00e0 son peuple. A ce moment-l\u00e0, il vaut mieux s\u2019appeler S\u00e9guin plut\u00f4t que… Il vaut mieux, il est vrai, s\u2019appeler Lumumba plut\u00f4t que Mobutu.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Jean-Baptiste Placca<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

MFI<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Action for Change<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

— Dr David B. Lingiah<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In December 2009 I received an invitation to attend a study circle to be held in January 2010 with the above title. The invitation carried some quotations from Sathya Sai Saba. This set my mind to work, resulting in these reflections that I wish to share with you.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The words grace, karma, destiny, fate were among the quotes. \u201cDestiny is written on our brow and it is written by our own hand, and that the same hand can also wipe it out.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I thought that this was very good; we are not condemned by our karma, destiny or fate as we are often being told by some. We can do something about it; we have control; it is within our power to change our circumstances. It lies with us and not with anyone else.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

So, why don\u2019t we do something to change things we don\u2019t like? Is it because we think others will do it for us? Others will do it to suit their own needs not our particular situations.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This reminds me of famous words by Reinhold Niebuhr in the Serenity prayer. The \u201ccourage to change the things I can,\u201d is already in our own hands. The courage to change ourselves, the whole world is in our own hands if only we are prepared to use them when it is really necessary to stand up and be counted in the face of all odds.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The man whose hands were nailed to the cross brought drastic changes to people\u2019s lives the world over. Those who used their hands to nail Him down did not even realise the power they had at the cross. It was too late when they did realise what they had done. The very hands that were nailed to the cross had healed the deaf, given sight to the blind, made the lame walk, and raised the dead. He was crucified to suit the needs of some; He was proving to be a thorn in their flesh. He did not flinch; He had the courage to face the situation head on and therein dwells the secret of His power. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Remember young David and his catapult. When Goliath challenged David\u2019s people everyone froze with fear. All he had in his hands were a few stones and his catapult, and yet David had the courage to stand against the challenger. He succeeded where others had given up. He used what he had to bring changes, improvement, comfort, freedom, salvation to the lives of others. Only when the odds are stacked against us, the men and women of influence and courage are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of mankind. Shouting, marching, demonstration are not the solution. These may bring short-term changes arising from fear and destruction but not long-lasting benefits to the majority.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We must not be constrained or limited by our current circumstances. In fact, turn them to your advantage. This may even benefit others as well. Look at Olivia Giles for instance. In an interview to The Sunday Times<\/em> (27 Dec 09), she said: \u201cNo limbs but I\u2019m the truly lucky one.\u201d Eight years ago, following a blood poisoning which resulted in gangrene of her limbs, Giles, aged 36, was left in coma and near to death. She had an emergency quadruple amputation of both arms and legs below the elbows and knees to stop the meningococcal septicaemia infection from spreading. This former lawyer, now aged 44, with no hands and no feet but fully rehabilitated and fitted with a pair of prosthetic metal legs, is now a charity worker supporting amputees in southern Africa.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This courageous Scottish woman\u2019s experience of having no hands and feet has turned her disabilities into strength to support others. The care she received herself has \u201chighlighted for her just how different the situation is for amputees in countries where they are not only disadvantaged by poverty but also severely stigmatised.\u201d Yes, no hands, no feet yet courageous. Olivia Giles\u2019 remark is worth contemplating upon: \u201cI\u2019m lucky to have what I have, rather than feeling that something\u2019s been taken away from me.\u201d What an amazing spirit! Today she is changing the lives of others, improving their quality of life, with renewed hope and freedom. Whatever happens happens for a reason.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The very hands that were nailed to the cross move in mysterious ways to influence the lives of many in different situations and circumstances. We only have to change our thoughts to change our behaviour; this simple action can result in major changes that will surprise not only yourself but many from far and near. The study circle\u2019s invitation has already achieved its objectives in me. Be fearless and challenge yourself.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Candidats p\u00e8re et fils<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n


J’ai lu avec \u00e9norm\u00e9ment d’int\u00e9r\u00eat l’article de votre collaborateur LEX concernant une \u00e9ventuelle participation de l’ancien pr\u00e9sident Cassam Uteem aux prochaines \u00e9lections sur une liste o\u00f9 se retrouverait \u00e9galement son fils Mohammad. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Il me semble qu’il n’y a rien de nouveau dans la mesure o\u00f9 Abdool Razack Mohamed et son fils Yousouf \u00e9taient tous deux candidats de l’alliance Parti travailliste-CAM aux \u00e9lections de 1976. Il y eut ensuite le tandem Sir Satcam et Arvind Boolell et celui de Sir Ga\u00ebtan et Xavier Duval aux \u00e9lections de 1987 et 1991 avant que Sir Anerood Jugnauth ne se retrouve sur la m\u00eame liste que son fils Pravind au scrutin de 2000.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


Renaud MARIE<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

rmarie@servihoo.com<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

LEX\u2019s comments:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The question is not about Cassam Uteem and his son standing as candidates together in the same election in neighbouring constituencies. It has rather to do with whether a past President of the Republic, who was a very active and partisan politician before taking up the post of President, can go back to partisan politics again after the constitutional term of office is over. This specially given that we are operating in the Westminster set-up, with the President being the representative of the Nation par excellence. There is equally the fact that a past President of the Republic is entitled to the same pension (equal to his last pay) and other perks which would accrue to a serving President. If this is acceptable to Renaud Marie, good for him. I consider it to be politically indecent. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As for the issue of father and son standing as candidates in the same election, my opinion is that that fact that a matter has been practised in the past does provide justification for it to continue ad vitam aeternam<\/em>. <\/strong>If the MMM is happy with both Cassam Uteem and his son standing as candidates, as it has been mentioned, then again good for the MMM and Renaud Marie if such is acceptable to their political culture. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To Our Readers\u00a0 Your views are of interest to us. They help us balance the argument in the correct perspective. We welcome you to draw our attention to anything or opinion expressed in the Mauritius Times (or any national or international event of interest) with which you agree from your own angle or disagree due […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-latest-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8QzSF-K","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}