A feeling of helplessness seems to be gripping Mauritius. To the alert observer, it has been like an accident waiting to happen. Barring self-serving politicians or self-absorbed oligarchs, today's systemic inadequacies are too in-your-face to go unnoticed. The need for enlightened leadership beyond partisan lines has never been more pressing. Without rising awareness and scrutiny among citizens and netizens, things can easily spin out of control.
The list does not claim to be comprehensive. It is understood though that efforts must be synchronised and that there is no quick fix. Hundreds of policies are needed. Change is a never-ending process. All in all, it is about the triumph of substance over hype. Here's how netizens reacted.
Poll Results:
Votes: 32
New regulations through technological solutions, through public education and through the introduction of market mechanisms can potentially relieve the rampant distress. Breaking out of the spiral of mistrust is very urgent. Some priority measures have been identified. Others, such as decriminalisation of cannabis and abortion, despite being critical, but requiring wider and engaging consultation, have been omitted. Proponents of "2ème république" (laudable but quixotic) and "Duty free island" (absurd in a world of low tariffs) will be disappointed.
The list does not claim to be comprehensive. It is understood though that efforts must be synchronised and that there is no quick fix. Hundreds of policies are needed. Change is a never-ending process. All in all, it is about the triumph of substance over hype. Here's how netizens reacted.
Poll Results:
Allow Private Television
|
24 (75%)
|
Crack Down on Cartelistic and Discriminatory Behaviour
|
31 (96%)
|
Devise Nationwide Railway Network
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29 (90%)
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Dump Rupee Depreciation Bias
|
29 (90%)
|
Enact Freedom of Information Act
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25 (78%)
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Regulate Electoral Funding
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26 (81%)
|
Reinstate Tax Breaks in Individual Income Tax and Introduce Wealth Tax
|
23 (71%)
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Remove Incentives for Corruption from the System
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28 (87%)
|
Reverse Decline of English Language (Global Lingua Franca)
|
26 (81%)
|
Seek Contribution of New York Cops for Crime Prevention and Detection
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26 (81%)
|
Sex Up and Broaden School Curriculum
|
30 (93%)
|
Subsidise Small Independent Power Producers (SIPPs)
|
23 (71%)
|
Supply Water Non Stop
|
30 (93%)
|
Transform Mauritius Islands into a Slow Destination
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25 (78%)
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Upgrade cultural, leisure and sports facilities
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27 (84%)
|
None
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0 (0%)
|
Votes: 32
As a foreigner now living in Mauritius I feel really sad about how your resources are being squandered. I read your well-thought propositions with great interest. But I am afraid that you missed out on one major issue. It baffles me how timidly the marine resources are currently being tapped.Then again it can be integrated in the slow food initiative you advocate.
ReplyDeleteThat was indeed a major lapse Germar. Thank you for the pointer.
ReplyDeleteI have been very impressed by your "independent"stand on the sad realities of our country.All your points are very pertinent .May I add one thing:
ReplyDeleteA very strict management of pesticide in farming--
Thank you for logging in Geeta. I invite you to visit www.slowfood.com, a movement that embraces your pertinent point with infinite passion.
ReplyDeleteRegulating the use of pesticides and educating the vegetable farmers isvery necessary now.
ReplyDeleteChicken pumped with hormones and fattened to get more profit---all this makes me wonder about the general health of the population
Could not agree more with you Geeta.
ReplyDelete