MAURITIUS TIMESll “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” -- Vince Lombardi

66th Year -- No. 3713 Friday, September 17, 2021 www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times 18 Pages - ePaper

Interview : Catherine Boudet, Sociologue

“Nous sommesdans une période

de transitionirréversible

Il va falloir nous préparer à intégrer dans l'analyse politiquedes comportements électoraux

certaines données encore invisibles à l'œil nu”

+ Voir Page 8-9-10

Fake news,Patriotism andSpin doctoring

The test of patriotism must also be appliedto government policies and style of gover-

nance. Is it patriotic to favour nepotism andappoint the coterie or the party faithful to

key and cushy government postsBy Mrinal Roy ++ See Page 3Municipal

Elections:A Test for the

FutureBy Sada Reddi ++ See Page 5

Communication inMedicine and

Healthcare

How do we cure, relieve or console without communicating?

By Dr R Neerunjun Gopee ++ See Page 4

How will the Covid pandemic end?Countries yet to experience major outbreaks will probably see big rises

in cases, even if their vaccine programmes are successfulBy Paul Hunter, Professor of Medicine, University of East Anglia ++ See Page 2

Edit PageMauritius TimesFriday, September 17, 2021www.mauritiustimes.comfacebook.com/mauritius.times 2

As from 1 October 2021 fully vaccinated international travellers will be allowed tovisit Mauritius. This full reopening is being made against the backdrop of theuncertainty prevailing to this day as regards the fate of Air Mauritius. Given the

government's focus and the economy's dependency on the tourism sector's revival(which contributed at least 23% to GDP in earlier years), one would have expected itcome out with some concrete policy decision regarding our national airline instead ofallowing it to remain in voluntary administration for 11 long months. It is to be recalledthat the Finance minister chose in last budget speech to keep mum about air accesspolicy and what the government would be proposing to do with Air Mauritius that usedto carry around 55% of tourists prior to the lockdown and before it was placed under vol-untary administration.

No major decision has been made about Air Mauritius for more than a year, and theso-called watershed meeting scheduled initially for December 2020 was postponed afirst time to June 202. Public accountants Sattar Hajee Abdoula and ArvindsinghGokhool of Grant Thornton, have been tasked with the voluntary administration exer-cise. We now hear that the watershed meeting will finally be held end September orsometime in October in light of the Supreme Court's decision to impose such a meetingbefore January 2022. One proposition that is being floated is to bring together the dif-ferent companies associated with the aviation industry, namely Airports of Mauritius Ltd,Mauritius Duty Free Paradise, Airport Terminal Operations Ltd and Air Mauritius itselfinto a holding company with a view to taking advantage of the resulting synergy to allowthe national airline to take to the skies again. Aviation, passenger and cargo, requires more than customary accounting or man-

agement skills. It weaves specialist knowledge covering a multitude of factors from air-craft and fleet purchase/maintenance, flight destinations and overseas traffic hubs, seatand cargo marketing and sales, industry evolution analysis in addition to having well-trained air and ground personnel, etc. We would like to believe that accountants havethe necessary specialist industry overview and skill range to prepare a sustainable for-ward-looking plan for what remains of our national carrier. It is to be hoped that theGrant Thorton team would have roped in airline industry expertise to propose viablesolutions. What government decides on that score and what emerges from the forth-coming watershed meeting will have a determinant impact not only for the carrier's per-sonnel and air operators but also for our exporters, our tourism and hostelry sectors, ourforeign exchange inflows and throughout the national economy.Air Mauritius is strategically and economically important for Mauritius. Other airlines

come and go depending on how much profit they can make or not make by serving thedestination. In the case of Air Mauritius, it is different. Other than being a company in itsown right, Air Mauritius is the most dependable link we have to the rest of the world. Air Mauritius can still make it, the less there is outside or political interference in its

rational upkeep and autonomous running. Mauritius is unfortunately a place where a lotof irrationality has interfered against the efficient working of many a workplace. If thiswere to stop and the professional management given a freer hand and the company’sboard composition decided solely by the extent of strategic aviation expertise eachmember has, we could have spared ourselves a rather costly mess. Funding of Rs 9 billion was earmarked in the last budget towards, one assumes,

keeping basic operations going and minimal staff on the payroll. Half of that sum hasbeen already used up and no further amounts having been budgeted this year, there arehigh expectations from all quarters, including MK personnel, that the situation be clari-fied at the earliest. The watershed meeting will, we trust, provide the long-awaited sce-nario(s) and preferred option for our national carrier to ensure its sustainable future, sovital for much of our economic activities and their resumption post-pandemic.

Saving Air Mauritius

After over 18 monthsof this pandemic,with the social dis-

tancing, mask wearing andon-off lockdowns, what weall want to know more thananything else is when it willall be over and how it willend. While nothing is cer-tain, we have a lot of evi-dence on which to buildsome realistic expectationsabout how the pandemicwill progress over the nextyear or so.

Covid-19 may not bethe first time a coronavirushas caused a dreadful global pandemic.It’s been hypothesised that the “Russianflu”, which emerged in 1889, wasn’t actual-ly influenza, but was caused by anothercoro-navirus, OC43.The Russian flu pandemic caused four

or five waves of disease over the followingfive years, after which it seemed to disap-pear. In England and Wales, most of theexcess deaths it caused were restricted to1890-91. OC43, the potential cause, stillcirculates today, though rarely causessevere disease.Current evidence suggests SARS-

CoV-2 – the coronavirus that causesCovid-19 – is also here to stay, a conclu-sion reached some months ago by manyscientists working on the virus. Neithervaccines nor natural infection will stop thevirus from spreading.While vaccines do reduce transmis-

sion, they don’t block infection to a highenough degree to eradicate the virus.Even before the delta variant arrived, wewere seeing double-vaccinated peopleboth catching the virus and spreading it toothers. As vaccines are somewhat lesseffective at combating delta compared toother forms of the virus, the possibility ofinfection post-vaccination has grown.Immunity to infection also starts to

wane within weeks of receiving a secondvaccine dose. And because immunity toinfection is neither absolute nor perma-nent, herd immunity is unachievable. Whatthis means is that Covid-19 is likely tobecome endemic, with daily infection ratesplateauing depending on how much immu-nity and mixing there is across the popula-

tion.The other human coronaviruses cause

repeat infections on average every three tosix years. If SARS-CoV-2 ends up beha-ving the same way, this suggests that inthe UK between one-sixth and one-third ofpeople – or between 11 and 22 million –could get infected with it every year onaverage, or 30,000 to 60,000 a day. Butthat is not as scary as it sounds.Yes, emerging research (still in

preprint, and so awaiting review by otherscientists) does suggest that immune pro-tection against developing symptomaticCovid-19 appears to wane. However, pro-tection against severe disease – gene-rated either by immunisation or naturalinfection – is much longer lasting. It alsodoesn’t appear to be lost when facing newvariants.Indeed, for the other human coro-

naviruses, the vast majority of infectionsare either asymptomatic or at worst a mildcold. The signs are there to suggest thatCovid-19 may end up being the same.

A pandemic with multiple endings

How Covid-19 will end will vary fromone country to another, depending largelyon the proportion of people immunised andhow much infection has occurred (and sohow much natural immunity has built up)since the start of the pandemic.

The Conversation

How will the Covid pandemic end?

Paul Hunter, Professor of Medicine, University

of East Anglia

l Cont. on page 11

Current evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 – the coronavirus thatcauses Covid-19 – is here to stay. Pic - Credit: AFP

Mauritius TimesFounder/Editor: Beekrumsing Ramlallah - Aug 1954-Sept 2000Editor-in-chief: M. Ramlallah / Senior Editor: Dr RN Gopee

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Countries yet to experience major outbreaks will probably see bigrises in cases, even if their vaccine programmes are successful

There was a doc-tored blitzkrieg anda contrived hulla-

baloo on MBC-TV re-cently about fake news. Ablatantly obvious and con-demnable case of fakenews relating to NavinRamgoolam, who is inIndia for Covid-19 treat-ment, was slyly used topillory fake news.This begs some key

questions. Who decideswhat is fake news? Isdaily spin doctoring onnational TV at publicexpense not an insidiousform of fake news? Is thissudden hype about pur-ported fake news not a stratagem to arbitrarily crackdown on criticisms or dissenting opinions? Is the intent arestriction of our sacrosanct democratic space and fun-damental right of opinion and expression? In a worldmarked by polarized and partisan political allegiancesmainstream media and state TV channels promote theirown biased editorial policies and also give their own spinto news. This further muddles what really constitutesfake news.

Masking the truthIs the abject manipulation of information to mask the

truth about so many unanswered questions and interro-gations on questionable policies and decisions in thecountry including the current rising Covid-19 relateddeath toll not fake news? Is the absence of transparencysurrounding the terms and conditions tens of billions ofRupees advanced from the fund of Rs 80 billion, drawnfrom the country’s foreign exchange reserves to bail outdistressed companies including some of the biggest con-glomerates of the country and the intent to hide the truthnot a brand of fake news? The list could go on and ongiven the entrenched culture of opacity which is the hall-mark of governance in the country.

Tweaking fundamental rulesThe following example is relevant to the situation cur-

rently prevailing in Mauritius. In the United Kingdom theJoint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation(JCVI) was asked for informed advice on the vaccinationof children aged 12 to 15 years. The JCVI is an inde-pendent expert advisory committee that advises UKhealth departments on immunisation and makes recom-

mendations concerning vaccine safety.After careful evaluation of the pros and cons, the

JCVI committee advised earlier this month that 'the be-nefits from vaccination are marginally greater than thepotential known harms but acknowledges that there isconsiderable uncertainty regarding the magnitude of thepotential harms. The margin of benefit, based primarilyon a health perspective, is considered too small to sup-port advice on a universal programme of vaccination ofotherwise healthy 12- to 15-year-old children at this time.As longer-term data on potential adverse reactionsaccrue, greater certainty may allow for a reconsiderationof the benefits and harms. Such data may not be avai-lable for several months.'Vaccine scientists know that despite continuous

research and diligently compiled and assessed data,quite a few aspects of the epidemiology of Covid-19 andcoronavirus vaccines are still unknown.

For example, the JCVI has found out after reviewingin collaboration with experts from overseas updated evi-dence relating to the epidemiology of Covid-19 in the UKand safety data related to myocarditis following Covidvaccination in the UK, US and Canada that there isincreasingly robust evidence of an association betweenvaccination with mRNA Covid-19 vaccines and myocar-ditis. There is therefore an imperative need to advancewith extreme caution.

Against such a backdrop, the chief medical officersfrom the four countries of the UK decided this week to setaside the advice of the JCVI and offer children aged 12to 15 years a first dose of Pfizer vaccine as soon as pos-

sible. Parental consent will be needed for vaccinations,but children can overrule parents who do not want themto get the vaccine dose if deemed “competent”. A secondinjection will be potentially given once more evidence isgathered, not before the spring term at the earliest. Thisirresponsible tweaking of basic rules flouting parentalconsent to avert the need for lockdowns in the winter riskstoking conflicts within families and is a licence for so-cietal mayhem.

Children on the lineAccording to press reports, the UK PM Boris Johnson

is dead set against any lockdown in the new blueprint formanaging Covid-19 during winter. The offer of coro-navirus vaccines to children aged 12 to 15 years isbased on the gamble that expanded vaccination canavert the need for lockdowns in the winter. How can thehealth of young children and well-established rules ofparental oversight be wantonly staked in the name ofpolitical expediency? Such a gamble is akin to blindlygroping in the dark amid uncertainty regarding the mag-nitude of the potential harms to the children and isfraught with serious risks.Once a controversial decision has been taken by go-

vernment, spin doctoring by the partisan media and stateTV have a field day extolling or decrying government.Instead of a rational discussion on policy, the wholedebate is derailed by partisan rhetoric. The only beaconof hope remains independent news channels whodoggedly investigate to sort the wheat from the chaff toexpose the truth.

As we survey world or local news in a context of spindoctoring and partisan propaganda, it is more and moreevident that the distinction between fake and doctorednews is very blurred. Furthermore, despite the findings ofindependent investigations, the truth about, for example,whether Covid-19 originated in a lab or not and so manyquestions regarding the array of scandals and costlyblunders which have rocked the country over the lastdecade remain unanswered and buried.

Test of patriotismThe government has also levelled accusations of

unpatriotic comments against the media. In order to becredible, it is important that journalists are measured andconstructive in their criticisms. However, how can it beunpatriotic to flag that if the government does not urgent-ly take robust actions to drastically contain the rampantspread of Covid-19 in the country and cut down the dailytally of new cases of infection, fully vaccinated touristsentering the country with no restrictions as from 1 Octo-ber run the risk of being infected? This could adverselyaffect the classification of Mauritius as a Covid-safetourist destination and the inflow of tourists as well as theprospects of the tourism sector. Tourism is such animportant sector of the economy that every precautionmust be taken to ensure that tourists are Covid safe andhealthy during their stay in the country.

The test of patriotism must however also be appliedto government policies and style of governance. Is itpatriotic to favour nepotism and appoint the coterie or theparty faithful to key and cushy government posts such asambassadors and at the head of important institutionsand state-owned companies? Is it patriotic to squanderbillions of Rupees of public funds owing to misguidedgovernment decisions such as the termination of theBetamax contract or the BAI debacle which backfired?

l Cont. on page 11

Matters of the Moment Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 3

Mrinal Roy

Fake news, Patriotism and Spin doctoringThe test of patriotism must also be applied to government policies andstyle of governance. Is it patriotic to favour nepotism and appoint the

coterie or the party faithful to key and cushy government posts

“The government has also levelled accusations of unpatriotic commentsagainst the media. However, how can it be unpatriotic to flag that if the

government does not urgently take robust actions to drastically contain the rampant spread of Covid-19 in the country and cut down the daily tally of new

cases of infection, fully vaccinated tourists entering the country with no restrictions as from 1 October run the risk of being infected? This could

adversely affect the classification of Mauritius as a Covid-safe tourist destination...”

Public Health Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 4

The Covid-19 pan-demic has broughtforcefully, almost

brutally we could say, intofocus the importance ofproper communicationboth with individual pa-tients and families butalso with the public. Thismeans giving as accurateand correct information asis available, and wherethis is possible give re-assurance about what-ever condition one is dea-ling with. But it is also afact that quite often inmedicine, there is bad news, and how farone can go in disclosing this depends onthe psychology of those concerned, andthis is a judgement that the treating doc-tor must make before s/he decides to gofurther. Some patients and family want toknow the blunt truth, others may not andleave it to the doctor to handle the situa-tion. That does not make it easy for thelatter, but it is a call that all doctors haveto take in their career, which will bestrewn with innumerable episodes wherethis dilemma arises.

It is no different when the doctor hasto face the public in the larger context ofPublic Health problems, such as the cur-rent pandemic. The skills for theseencounters – with individuals, the public -begins at the bedside. It cannot be dis-pensed by lay ‘communication specia-lists,’ who have quite often been foistedupon practitioners in Ministry of Healthsettings, and who do not have the fog-giest idea of what this highly specific fielddemands in terms of addressing theapprehensions and fears of the subjects.

During my passage at MOH asDirector General Health Services, a num-ber of times I had to meet patients, par-ents of patients or their relatives for vari-ous reasons connected invariably withtheir treatment in the public service.

There was this couple who had losttheir 9-year old daughter following a brief

illness. According to the medical report bythe treating doctors this was a rare caseof viral myocarditis. By the time the childwas brought to the hospital she wasalready in acute heart failure, and unfor-tunately despite aggressive supportivetreatment she passed away.

The parents were pious, semi-edu-cated and of modest means. They hadaccepted that everything had been doneto save their child, and stressed that theyhad not come to complain about the treat-ment that was given. Their main concernwas that the succession of doctors whosaw the child did not keep them suffi-ciently informed about the seriousness ofher condition, and they were not allowedto be near her during her last moments:doesn’t this ring a bell about the com-plaints made regarding Covid-affectedpatients?

The other example I can give was aPublic Health issue. It is about the panicthat gripped the University of Mauritiuswhen one, then four students were diag-nosed with tuberculosis. Not only their fel-low classmates, but practically all theUOM students were refusing to attendclasses. At the request of the UOMauthorities and the government, I alongwith a Chest Physician from the Poudred’Or Hospital and the Principal MedicalOfficer (Public Health) went to the UOM,and we addressed the students who hadpacked the Octave Wiehe Auditorium.

The next day all studentswere back on campus.

Proper communication isfundamental to the practice ofgood medicine. Neglect of itnot only leads to a lot of dis-satisfaction, but can be asource of great distress ormisunderstanding as theexamples given above show.Clearly, it is primarily our duty,as doctors, to address thisproblem and find the solutionsappropriate to our given con-text, and apply them.

When I was doing mypostgraduate studies in sur-gery in the late 1970s, Iremember coming across aset of lectures collected inbook form on the theme ofcommunication in medicine. Ifmy memory serves me right,it was in the introductory sec-tion that the editor, a surgeon,observed that practically 50%of problems in medicine arisefrom poor communication:amongst doctors and othercolleagues, and between doc-

tors and their patients. Judging by thecontent and tenor of the majority of com-plaints that are brought to light, I wouldthink that that observation is still as validtoday as when it was made more thanthree decades ago.

In those days, communication skillswere neither formally taught norassessed in the medical curriculum. Onehad to acquire them ‘on the job’ as onewent along, so to speak. But in developedcountries, teaching communication skillshas since become an integral part ofundergraduate medical education –which is where it should start, from thevery beginning, not after one has quali-fied. It goes without saying that in coun-tries with formal, established medicaleducation structures the culture of com-munication is more likely to be presentand to permeate the health services. Withseveral medical colleges in the country,this is something that needs thinkingabout if it is not being done already.

Communication really begins at thepoint of first contact with patients or theirfamilies in the usual clinical settings: theA& E department, the health centre, theoutpatient clinic, the bedside, the opera-tion theatre. It does not matter whetherthe situation at hand is an emergency ornot: the necessity of proper communica-tion, which will add to the sense of pro-fessional accomplishment as well as

most likely leave a satisfied patient,underpins the whole process whichinvolves a number of players – doctor,patient, family/close ones of the latter,nurses and other ancillary staff. For ob-vious reasons, however, it is the doctor-patient relationship which receives themost attention: it is the pivot around whichrevolves and which sets in motion themedical chain of events. That is why itfalls primarily upon the medical profes-sion to lead its own and the other mem-bers of the health professionals team incare and communication.

This is all the more important intoday’s world with the explosion of infor-mation and the ready access to it via themodern means of communication. Theyallow many people to come to us armedwith some familiarity with medical condi-tions, including modalities and techniquesof treatment, and even the relevant ethi-cal issues, all of which heighten theirexpectations. Once upon a time we mighthave dismissed all this as ‘a little know-ledge is a dangerous thing’ – today, itwould be …dangerous to do so, becauselike it or not we have to take the time andthe trouble to explain what is possible andwhat is not possible.

Because time is precious and limited,we have to constantly hone our skills,whether we are new to the field or areexperienced. What this means in practiceis that the junior doctor has to be pre-pared to join and remain on the learningcurve, and the experienced doctor mustbe willing to support the juniors andimpart to them the required skills: it is atwo-way process for mutual benefit withthe objective of serving the patient better.It follows that juniors must seek and seniors must use every opportunity tolearn and share communication skills, forexample – but not only! -- duringContinuing Medical Education sessionsand clinical meetings where real-life clini-cal situations based on actual cases canbe discussed and the lessons drawn.

I would go as far as to say that propercommunication is the critical element inthe quality of the medical care that wedeliver, if only because of the truism ofenunciated by Armand Trousseau, anoutstanding doctor and teacher of the19th century, about the role of the doctor:‘Guerir parfois, soulager souvent, conso-ler toujours’ - ‘Cure sometimes, relieveoften, console always.’ For let us not for-get that, however far medical technologywill advance, our mortality will everremain the one finality that we cannotescape from. How do we cure, relieve orconsole without communicating?

Communication in Medicine and HealthcareHow do we cure, relieve or console without communicating?

Dr R Neerunjun Gopee

“Proper communication is the critical element in the quality of the medical care that we deliver, if only

because of the truism of enunciated by Armand Trousseau, an outstanding doctor and teacher of the 19th century, about therole of the doctor: 'Guerir parfois, soulager souvent, consoler

toujours.' For let us not forget that, however far medical technology will advance, our mortality will ever remain theone finality that we cannot escape from. How do we cure,

relieve or console without communicating?”

Every election,municipal or gene-ral, takes place in a

particular context. This timeround the forthcomingmunicipal elections will beheld in a totally differentsetting from what we haveknown in years past. Thereasons are many. Theycome in the wake of a pandemic and in very difficult eco-nomic, political and social circumstances. Above all, theywill take place two years after the general elections, andthat will provide parties as well as the electorate with amid-term assessment of the government's performance,with important consequences for the general elections.

While in the past municipal elections have generallybeen held shortly after the general elections, whichenables the winning party or alliance to capitalise on theeuphoria generated by its victory to win most of themunicipal councils, this one will be different. But it couldturn out that, contrary to what obtained in the past, wemight have a higher turnout at the next municipal elec-tions. The electorate will probably come out to expressits many dissatisfactions which have been smoulderingunder the surface, suppressed by a repressive Covid-19legislation introduced under the umbrella of sanitarymeasures.

Social discontent is widespread as a result of themany ills confronting society - from unemployment,poverty, violence, drug abuse and state failure to copewith the multiple problems to the numerous economicproblems confronting the government both at the localand international levels. In such circumstances, no go-vernment would want to face the electorate, but anytemptation to postpone the municipal elections would besuicidal for the government.

However, if on the one hand the government is con-fronted with major challenges, it may get some consola-tion in the fact that the opposition is also divided. Thus,the division of opposition votes may enable the govern-ment alliance to win; in fact it's quite possible for anyparty or alliance to win the elections with just a smallmargin. At present one does do not know what type ofalliances will be crafted in the months to come althoughall the main opposition parties have expressed the wil-lingness to come together.

Government optimism will quickly melt away if theopposition parties try to be creative enough to build acommon front. Unlike general elections where alliancesare always problematic, municipal elections providegreater possibilities for collaboration among different

parties at both government and the opposition levels, butmore so for the opposition. Opposition parties may reachsome electoral agreement not to fight each other in allthe municipal constituencies. They may even decide toshare the municipalities among themselves, leaving oneparty alone to fight the government alliance in a particu-lar municipality and others aligned in different othermunicipalities.

For example, the MLP will face the governmentalliance in Quatre Bornes, MMM in Beau Bassin-RoseHill, and the PMSD in Curepipe with different partiessharing the different wards in the two remainingMunicipalities of Port-Louis and Vacoas-Phoenix. Orthey could even assign the different wards in the dif-ferent municipalities among themselves such that oneparty may have to fight it out in one ward and leaving theothers to focus their electioneering efforts in other wardswhere there is greater certainty of winning. This is moreeasily said than done for the different parties must beable to convince their respective segments in the elec-torate of the necessity of such a strategy. Unless theycan do so, this can boomerang, which means that anintensive political campaign must be put in place toachieve these ends. Such permutations may eveninclude the new parties if there is the will to work towardsa common front in the present circumstances.

One should not ignore theother small parties and in particu-lar the new ones. Some havepleaded for the small and newparties to band together and formtheir own alliance different fromthe mainstream parties. This toois a valid suggestion and it doesnot cost anything to try this optionas well. Even without uniting theirefforts, small parties usually playan important role in elections foreven if they fail to elect their can-didates, they influence the resultscausing the balance to tilt to oneside or the other by securing hun-dreds of votes which could have

gone to any other party or candidate. This is usually the case as victories are sometimes wonby small margins. On the other hand, if they ma-nage to elect a few candidates, they can evenplay a significant role in the balance of forces inthe municipal councils.

What will be the response of the electorate tothe different configurations to be put in place can-not be known at this stage. Political parties withtheir ears to the ground may have a sense of whatthe electorate wants and shape their strategyaccordingly. While local issues matter a lot to theelectorate, such as garbage collection, roadrepairs, leisure infrastructure and facilities, en-vironment and other services, national issues willplay a determining role as these have a directimpact on the lives of the citizens.

Growing insecurity, violence, drugs, housingshortage, poverty, unemployment and arresteddevelopment, and illegal construction are themajor sources of the prevailing malaise in the

country and in the urban areas. Not surprisingly formany, it does not appear to be 'Maurice C’est un plaisir'anymore...The electorate will have to weigh all thisbefore it casts its vote either for change or for main-taining the status quo.

All the parties also have the duty and the responsi-bility to provide the public with candidates with a highprofile of ethics and probity, for the quality of candidatesfielded will be an important factor in its choice. It will alsobe an opportunity for the young to come forward andmake the plunge, for the country needs a lot of newfaces, creative minds alive to the needs of society andready to go off the beaten track and deliver. It will be forthem to overhaul local government services and developit in line with the needs of the 21th century.

Finally, the coming municipal elections will allow boththe parties and the electorate to test the ground for thenext general elections. The results will inform us aboutthe direction in which the different parties and the elec-torate will be travelling. Parties, party programmes, thetype of alliances and electoral behaviour will provide theinputs to refine and shape the strategies for the future.So, the next municipal elections will have a decisive rolefor the future and they are too important to be ignored byboth politicians and the electorate.

Opinion Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 5

Sada Reddi

Municipal Elections: A Test for the Future

“All the parties also have the duty and the responsibility to provide the public with candidates with a high profile of ethics and probity, for the quality of

candidates fielded will be an important factor in its choice. It will also be an opportunity for the young to come forward and make the plunge, for the country

needs a lot of new faces, creative minds alive to the needs of society...”

The results of the coming municipal elections will inform us about the direction inwhich the different parties and the electorate will be travelling

Spotlights Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 6

Sputnik V, Russia's Covid-19 vaccine, has been foundto demonstrate 97.2% efficacy against the coro-

navirus, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF)announced, citing data from the Republic of Belarus'health ministry. Further, the RDIF also said that no severeadverse events associated with the vaccination and nodeaths related to the vaccination were observed, accor-ding to the data from Belarus.

The RDIF also said that the data was based on resultsof over 860,000 people who were inoculated betweenJanuary and July this year. "The Russian vaccine hasdemonstrated 97.2% efficacy against coronavirus inBelarus. The efficacy of Sputnik V was measured basedon data from more than 860,000 people vaccinatedbetween January and July 2021," the RDIF said in a state-ment on Wednesday.

Belarus, also a neighbour of Russia, was the first foreign country to register Sputnik V for the inoculation ofits citizens against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier in the month, RDIF also said that the vaccinedemonstrated an efficacy of 94.8% over 21 days afteradministering the first dose and 95.9% against hospitali-sations, based on real world data released by the healthministry of San Marino.

Meanwhile, Dr Reddy's Laboratories in India hasreceived a nod from the subject expert committee (SEC)of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation(CDSCO) to conduct phase 3 clinical trials for the SputnikLight vaccine. The two-dose Sputnik V vaccine is oneamong the six shots that have been granted an emer-gency use approval (EUA) in India and is currently beingused in the country's Covid-19 vaccination drive.

Sputnik V 97.2% effective against Covid-19, saysRDIF citing data from Belarus govt

Sputnik V demonstrates 97.2% efficacy. Pic - Republic World

The Joe Biden administration has been pressing PrimeMinister Narendra Modi reportedly to let India resume

exporting Covid-19 vaccines, and is tying it to a possibleprominent role for him at a global summit US Presidentplans to hold on the sidelines of the UN general assemblymeetings.

"We have been regularly communicating with (the)government of India in bilateral and multilateral channelsto discuss vaccine supply and inquire about timeline forexports," a US official told Axios news publication, insis-ting, at the same time, that "these conversations are nottied to a specific summit or engagement".

Prime Minister Modi will be joining his counterpartsfrom Australia and Japan - Scott Morrison and YoshihideSuga - and President Biden for the first in-person summitof the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) at the WhiteHouse on September 24, according to announcements bythe Indian ministry of external affairs and the WhiteHouse. And, the pandemic is on the agenda, along withclimate change and the Indo-Pacific, reports HindustanTimes.

India ceased export of Covid-19 vaccines earlier in theyear after it faced internal criticism for not inoculatingenough Indians in the wake of a massive surge in casescaused by the more virulent Delta variant.

India is in a far better place with half of its eligible po-pulating having received at least one shot of a vaccine.

Axios reported that Biden administration officials havesaid they understand this is a sensitive issue and havethus decided to adopt a "soft approach" to Modi and itadded, citing officials, the administration has "decidedagainst trying to pressurise Modi by conditioning his par-ticipation on his willingness to release vaccines to Covax.He'll be welcomed regardless of his decision".

The United States had itself banned the export ofCovid-19 vaccines as it sought to marshal all availableresources to vaccinate Americans and build a stockpile ofvaccines for use domestically, by invoking specialwartime powers of the president. This had created ashortfall of raw material for vaccines in India, as supplieswere blocked from shipping.

The United States lifted the curbs as part of a reliefpackage it announced for India to help it deal with thecrippling surge in cases fuelled by the Delta variant, alongwith oxygen concentrators, therapeutics such as remde-sivir and personal protection equipment for healthcareworkers.

*Contd on page 7

Biden admin pressingIndia to resume export

of Covid vaccines:Report

Lagging behind on global vaccine targets, biden admin urges PMModi to open exports. Pic - APN News

US General Mark Milley, chairmanof the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called

General Li Zuocheng of the People'sLiberation Army on Oct. 30, 2020 -four days before the election - andagain on Jan. 8, two days after Trumpsupporters led a deadly riot at the USCapitol, the newspaper reported.

In the calls, Milley sought toassure Li the United States was sta-ble and not going to attack and, ifthere were to be an attack, he wouldalert his counterpart ahead of time,reports Reuters.

The report was based on 'Peril', anew book by journalists BobWoodward and Robert Costa, whichthey said relied on interviews with200 sources and is due to bereleased next week.

Trump, in a statement, cast doubtin the story, calling it "fabricated." Hesaid if the story was true Milleyshould be tried for treason. "For therecord, I never even thought ofattacking China," Trump said.

Republican Senator Marco Rubiocalled on President Joe Biden, aDemocrat, to immediately fire Milley.

"I do not need to tell of you thedangers posed by senior military offi-cers leaking classified information onUS military operations, but I willunderscore that such subversionundermines the President's ability tonegotiate and leverage one of thisnation's instruments of nationalpower in his interactions with foreign

nations," Rubio said in a letter toBiden.

Asked about the Washington Postreport, White House spokespersonKarine Jean-Pierre declined to com-ment and referred questions to theJoint Chiefs of Staff and the DefenseDepartment.

Trump, a Republican, namedMilley to the top military post in 2018but began criticizing him, as well asother appointees and former staffers,after losing the presidential electionto Biden in November 2020.

The Washington Post reportedthat Milley was motivated to contactBeijing the second time in part due toa Jan. 8 call with US House of Repre-sentatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi,who had asked the general whatsafeguards were in place to preventan "unstable president" from launch-ing a nuclear strike.

"He's crazy. You know he's crazy,"Pelosi told Milley, the newspaperreported, citing a transcript of the call.According to the cited call transcript,the general replied, "I agree with youon everything."

US army head secretly called China over fearsTrump could spark war: Report

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley. Pic - i.dailymail.co.uk

Spotlights Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 7

With China's population set to

decline, couples givencash to have babies

Acounty in western China will give cash subsidies tocouples to have children, the latest push to encou-

rage more births in a country where the population is setto decline in coming years.

Families with three children in Linze county in Gansuprovince will be able to receive 5,000 yuan ($777) in alump sum payment when the third child is born, as well as10,000 yuan a year before the kid reaches three yearsold, the local government said in a WeChat post thisweek. Families with one or two children can receive small-er subsidies, and the local authority has promised subsi-dies for schooling fees and home purchases.

Panzhihua city in the southwestern province ofSichuan became the nation's first city in July to offer cashhandouts to encourage childbirth. Authorities are takingmore active steps to slow the declining birthrate, makinga surprise decision in May to allow all couples to have a third child and promising supportive measures to helpparents raise kids, reports Bloomberg.

Linze's policy was introduced because the number ofpermanent residents in the area has shrunk significantly,falling 22,000 in the latest census from the previous one10 years earlier, local health official Jia Yongming said ina report by Beijing Youth Daily. The county governmentaims to increase the local population by 9% by 2030 from2020.

China is poised to report its first population decline in fivedecades following a once-in-a-decade census. Pic - Reuters

In a development termed historicand a game-changer, the United

States, the United Kingdom andAustralia on Wednesday announceda trilateral security partnership thatwill enable Canberra to deploynuclear-powered submarines in theIndo-Pacific in a major challenge toChina and its claims in the region.

US President Joe Biden, UKPrime Minister Boris Johnson andAustralian Prime Minister ScottMorrison launched the alliance in ajoint virtual appearance.

AUKUS, as the partnership isbeing called, will strive over the next18 months to equip Australia withnuclear propulsion technology, whichthe United States has shared onlywith the United Kingdom under adecades-old arrangement put together in the face of the threat from

the then Soviet Union, reportsHindustan Times.

Australia's nuclear-powered sub-marines, when they deploy, will bearmed with conventional weaponsonly and not nuclear weapons, theleaders said.

The leaders also made it clearthat the new alliance does not andwill not supersede or outrank existingarrangements in the Indo-Pacificregion such as the Quad, which theUS and Australia form with India andJapan, and Asean, and that it willcompliment these groups and others.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison ofAustralia, a member of the Quad andother multilateral groups in theregion, also sought to convey contin-ued salience of these formations forAustralia. "AUKUS will also enhanceour contribution to our growing net-

work of partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region: ANZUS (Australia,New Zealand and the US); our Aseanfriends; our bilateral strategic part-ners, the Quad; Five Eyes (US, UK,Australia, Canada and New Zealand)countries; and, of course, our dearPacific family."

None of the three leaders men-tioned China and senior Bidenadministration officials who briefedreporters ahead of the announce-ment insisted "this partnership is notaimed (at) or about any one country;it's about advancing our strategicinterests, upholding the internationalrules-based order, and promotingpeace and stability in the Indo-Pacific".

But the threat emanating fromChina's territorial claims in the Indo-Pacific and its worldwide ambitionsare the reason for this new partner-ship - to equip, empower and embol-den Australia, a fellow traveller andan ally that has been loathe challeng-ing China.

"I think pulling Australia into theshared technology for subs andundersea warfare is a fantastic deve-lopment! It further multilateraliseswhat were previously different kindsof bilateral or plurilateral arrange-ments - absolutely essential for thesuccessful balancing of China," saidAshely Tellis, Tata chair for strategicaffairs at the Carnegie Endowmentfor International Pease and the deanof Indo-Pacific experts.

US, UK and Australia launch Indo-Pacific pact

Joe Biden participates in a virtual press conference on national security with Boris Johnson (R) andScott Morrison in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Pic - www.aljazeera.com

SpaceX, the American aerospace company founded bybusinessman Elon Musk, made history on Wednesday

nightby launching the Inspiration4 mission with the world'sfirst all-civilian crew into space. The four amateur astro-nauts are travelling to an altitude of 357 miles (575 kilo-metres) above the surface of the Earth, which is much fur-ther and deeper into space than the International SpaceStation (ISS), in the private flight that will encircle the Earthfor three days. The event generated great interest acrossthe world since it is expected to pave a new era of humanspaceflight for average people, rather than just govern-ment-sponsored astronauts.

The SpaceX flight was powered by the Falcon 9 roc-ket, which took the Crew Dragon capsule carrying the civi-

lians roaring into space. The launch occurred at 8pm eas-tern time on Wednesday (which translates to around5:32am IST on Thursday) from Nasa's Kennedy SpaceCenter at Cape Canaveral in Florida, where the Apollo 11mission once took off for the Moon, reports Joydeep Boseof Hindustan Times.

The SpaceX Dragon capsule separated from the second stage of a Falcon 9 rocket 12 minutes after liftoff,and the aerospace company informed that the civiliancrew had successfully been launched into orbit.

However, it is to be noted that the aforementioned crewis still far from 'average', in the true sense of the word. Thetrip is being sponsored by Jared Isaacman, a 38-year-oldbillionaire and philanthropist with pilot training. He is thefounder and chief executive officer (CEO) of paymentprocessor Shift4 Payments Inc, and also the mission com-mander of the spaceflight, having chosen the rest of thecrew himself through a competition.

All of these crew members were vetted by SpaceX,which designed the flight and deemed the passengersready to go. The amateur astronauts were trained forabout nine months, when they were taught about theDragon's systems, how to intervene during the flight ifnecessary, and other endeavors such as practicing in acentrifuge to withstand high-gravity forces. They also flewseveral times in a fleet of former military fighter jetsIsaacman owns to become accustomed to G forces.

Compiled by Doojesh Ramlallah

SpaceX makes history, launches 4 amateurs on private Earth-circling trip

The quartet of amateur space travellers are strapped into thepressurised cabin of the Crew Dragon capsule.Pic -Reuters

Mauritius Times: Vous tapez fort sur l’AgenceFrance Presse dans un post sur Facebook pour con-damner une dépêche de cette agence par rapport à lasituation de la Covid-19 dans le pays – «articlelocalement téléguidé», écrivez-vous, «pour mieuxpoignarder 250,000 Mauriciens vivant de l’activitétouristique…» Vous n’y allez pas de main morte.Pourquoi cette position ferme et vigoureuse?

Dr Catherine Boudet : Je tape fort sur l’AgenceFrance Presse (AFP) qui a servi de cheval de Troie pourfaire passer une dépêche aux agendas douteux et dan-gereux pour le pays. «L'île Maurice fait face à une explo-sion de Covid-19 qui interpelle à moins de trois semainesde la réouverture complète de ses frontières» proclame lafameuse dépêche AFP de ce mardi 14 septembre, postéedans la foulée sur le site de l’express qui avoue avoir samain dans la rédaction.

Rédigée dans un mix de journalisme et de marketingviral, cette pseudo-dépêche de l’AFP brosse le portraitd’une île Maurice qui serait au bord de l’explosionépidémique. Et le texte est tellement exagéré qu’en lelisant, on a l’impression que la réouverture des frontièresannonce une apocalypse covidienne. C’est clairement unarticle qui a été écrit pour torpiller la réouverture deMaurice.

Le contenu chaotique de cette dépêche ne corres-pond pas du tout au standard journalistique habituel de

cette prestigieuse agence de presse internationale qu’estl’AFP. Par sa technique de rédaction et les mots utilisés,elle relève davantage de l’article de propagande que dujournalisme d’information. Elle adopte des techniques demarketing viral pour jouer sur l’émotionnel des lecteurs :«situation grave», «quête traumatisante», «état alarmant»… Les mots sont soigneusement choisis pour susciter lapeur et l’inquiétude chez le lecteur et lui donner la pireperception possible de l’état sanitaire du pays.

Je suis toujours choquée qu’on puisse vouloir décrédi-biliser son propre pays face aux puissances étrangères.

* Vous faites allusion dans votre post au «jeu despyromanes locaux» auquel l’AFP se prêterait pourlancer «une véritable bombe à fragmentation». Quiaurait intérêt à faire du mal au pays et à torpiller ladestination mauricienne, selon vous?

Ce n’est pas à moi de pointer du doigt des personnes.Moi, je montre comment opèrent les logiques du discours.Ma spécialité, c’est l’analyse des contenus et le décryp-tage des rhétoriques, qu’elles soient politiques, journalis-tiques ou scientifiques. Ensuite, chacun est libre de tirerses propres conclusions ou interprétations.

J’ai montré que cette pseudo-dépêche AFP répondaitdavantage aux règles du marketing viral qu’à celles dujournalisme. Une dépêche AFP a déjà- de par sa nature -un fort potentiel de viralité à l’étranger. Et quand les lec-teurs sont des clients potentiels du tourisme mauricien, onvoit très bien les dégâts que cela peut causer. C’est pourcela que j’ai qualifié cette pseudo-dépêche de bombe àfragmentation médiatique.

* La dépêche de l’AFP soulève pourtant la ques-tion de la situation de la Covid à Maurice dans le sil-lage du nombre croissant de cas d'infections dans lepays, et surtout en prévision de la réouverture com-plète de nos frontières à partir du 1er octobre pro-chain. C'est une démarche journalistique tout à faitlégitime, puisqu’il s’agit de poser des questions sur lacapacité des structures de l’Etat à gérer la pandémie,non?

La pandémie? Quelle pandémie? Une pandémie (du

grec pan = tout et demos = peuple), c’est une épidémiequi s'étend à la quasi-totalité d’une population. La pseudo-dépêche de l’AFP met l’accent sur une explosion des casde Covid qui ont été multipliés par cinq depuis la réouver-ture partielle des frontières en juillet, avec un peu plus de12,000 cas.

Mais même en considérant que les chiffres officiels dela Covid pourraient bien être en deçà de la réalité, cela fait1% de la population mauricienne qui a été contaminéedepuis le début de la soi-disant «pandémie». 1% de lapopulation contaminé sur un an et demi, peut-on appelercela une pandémie? Il serait temps de replacer les chosesdans une perspective plus juste.

Ce que ne fait pas cette fameuse dépêche de l’AFP…Qui ne pose pas non plus la question des capacités desservices de l’Etat à gérer la situation sanitaire et à affron-ter la réouverture. Au contraire, elle part d’emblée dansune logique défaitiste pour montrer que le pays court à lacatastrophe avec la réouverture.

l Suite en page 9

Interview Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 8

«Nous sommes dans une période de transitionirréversible. Les schémas de vote habituels,de type «mathématiques ethniques» et/ou

«vote castéiste», pourraient bien se retrouverminorés par de nouvelles variables émergentes.

Même si le système électoral continue de déterminer la superstructure du jeu politique, il vafalloir nous préparer à intégrer dans l’analyse

politique des comportements électoraux certainesdonnées nouvelles et même encore

invisibles à l’œil nu...»

«Le meurtre de Kistnen et son enquête judiciaire sont une véritable boîte dePandore. Le dernier épisode en date

tourne autour de la question des falsifications durapport d’autopsie. Est-ce vraiment une surprise,dans la mesure où on a l’habitude de falsifier

beaucoup de choses, ici, à Maurice ? C’est justeque le rideau se lève sur des pratiques douteusesau sein de différents services de l’Etat, en vigueur

depuis longtemps de façon cachée...»

Catherine Boudet, Sociologue

Cette semaine, Catherine Boudet fait une lecture de ce qui apparaît dans la presse écrite, plus spécifiquement, elle décortique une dépêche de l’Agence France Presse. Elle jette un regardacerbe sur la trahison du principe de neutralité attendu des journalistes. Si chacun est libre

d’accepter ou non le bien-fondé de ses propos, sa prise de position invite le citoyen ordinaire à adopterrésolument une posture de défiance vis-à-vis de la circulation de l'information, et aussi un regard plus

nuancé sur la profession du journalisme, dit neutre. De même, elle considère les informations circulant surles réseaux sociaux, nous invitant à repenser les fonctions de ces espaces numériques modernes et de ce

qui est véhiculé, faisant ou non l’objet d’un large consensus social...

“Nous sommes dans une période detransition rréversibleIl va falloir nous préparer à intégrer dans l’analyse politique des comportements électoraux certaines données encore invisibles à l’œil nu”

l Suite de la page 8D’ailleurs, elle commence avec une description quireprend le narratif catastrophique utilisé par les médiasinternationaux à propos du variant Delta en Inde : hôpi-taux saturés, respirateurs artificiels rares et cimetièrespleins.

Ensuite, tout le reste de l’article sert à étayer ce sce-nario de départ. Et c’est fait non pas sur la base de faitsou d’interrogations de principe, mais en rapportant lesappréciations négatives de différents acteurs qui expri-ment leurs peurs et leurs appréhensions. Il a ainsi re-cours à des techniques de grossissement des faits etd’amplification des émotions négatives, pour parler aulecteur sur un registre émotionnel… Ce que font tous lespropagandistes qui veulent empêcher leurs lecteurs dese servir de leur intellect.

Et il pousse le vice jusqu’à conclure avec la projectiond’un scenario catastrophe, agitant le spectre d’un stade«où nous devrons peut-être décider qui obtiendra del'oxygène et qui devra mourir» …

* Par ailleurs, il y a une autre affaire qui continueà défrayer l’actualité : le meurtre de SoopramanienKistnen et toute la controverse autour de l’autopsiedu cadavre. C’est une véritable boite à surprises,

parait-il. Au train où vont les choses, diriez-vous qu'ilfaut s’attendre à d’autres surprises – mauvaises oumême désagréables?

Le meurtre de Kistnen et son enquête judiciaire sontune véritable boîte de Pandore. Le dernier épisode endate tourne autour de la question des falsifications durapport d’autopsie. Est-ce vraiment une surprise, dans lamesure où on a l’habitude de falsifier beaucoup dechoses, ici, à Maurice? C’est juste que le rideau se lèvesur des pratiques douteuses au sein de différents ser-vices de l’Etat, en vigueur depuis longtemps de façoncachée et autour desquelles règne l’omerta avec unebonne dose d’hypocrisie.

On peut donc sûrement s’attendre à d’autresrebondissements, «surprises» ou révélations dans cetteaffaire, sur un mode «Mauriflix». Mais j’aurais tendance àdire que le meurtre lui-même a été fait dans cet objectif.

On est surpris ou on fait semblant de l’être, si onregarde les choses par le petit bout de la lorgnette etdans la direction qu’on a bien voulu nous indiquer…Pourtant, quand on examine les détails du meurtre deKistnen, c’est une évidence qu’il ne relevait pas d’unbanal banditisme mais qu’il a été perpétré par des pro-fessionnels avec un modus operandi bien précis. C’estun modus operandi que l’on retrouve dans les pays oùopèrent les grands cartels.

Soyons logiques. Si on veut faire disparaître untémoin gênant, on n’expose pas son corps carbonisédans un champ de cannes par un jour de grand ventdans une zone où il pourra être découvert rapidement.On voulait donc que le corps de Kistnen soit vu. Si onpart de ce postulat, il fallait donc que certains élémentspuissent être portés à la connaissance du public, tout enprotégeant les protagonistes.

A partir de là, il y a tout un scenario qui se déroule aufur et à mesure que des pans de l’affaire se dévoilent…Ou plutôt au fur et à mesure que se dévoile l’étendue dece qui a été caché… et risque fort de le rester.

* Tous les scandales que nous avons connusdepuis un bon bout de temps ne sont pas pourinquiéter le gouvernement, semble-t-il, au regard del'absence d’une opposition forte en face du pouvoirpolitique en place, mais aussi de ce qui parait êtrel'indifférence de la grande majorité des Mauriciens.De toute évidence, l'opposition sur les réseaux so-ciaux dans le confort de son chez-soi ne suffit pas...Qu'en pensez-vous?

En l’état actuel des choses, avec une confortablemajorité au Parlement et une opposition morcelée,Pravind Jugnauth reste maître du jeu politique. Dans unsystème électoral où «the winner takes all», les recom-positions actuelles du champ politique ne changent rienà cet état de fait.

La fragmentation de l’opposition parlementaire etextra-parlementaire joue même pour renforcer le bloc dela majorité dans sa position dominante, et ce, même si ona pu penser que le MSM au pouvoir était un peu en mode«village gaulois assiégé par les Romains», pour repren-dre l’image de la bande dessinée bien connue.

Pourtant, on ne peut pas dire que l’opposition par-lementaire soit faible ou molle. C’est même le contraire ;

ils sont très actifs, en tout cas dans leur prise de parole.Avant 2019, l’opposition parlementaire avait générale-ment pour habitude de ménager la chèvre et le choudans l’espoir d’être à nouveau en alliance avec le parti aupouvoir. Mais depuis qu’ils ont perdu tout espoir d’al-liance avec le MSM, ils sont devenus très virulents etn’hésitent pas à sortir dossier sur dossier.

On a donc enfin une vraie opposition dans le pays. Etsurtout, même s’ils sont divisés dans leur guerre d’égos,on peut remarquer qu’ils peuvent travailler de façon con-certée pour sortir ces dossiers. Ils fonctionnent de con-cert avec leur presse d’opposition et avec des opposantsextra-parlementaires comme les Avengers, et mêmeBruneau Laurette qui s’est (logiquement) politisé dans leprocessus.

Cette opposition semble avoir fait le choix d’être très«vocale» dans sa fonction de dénonciation, en s’ap-puyant sur les réseaux sociaux pour gagner à la fois envisibilité et en «nuisance value». Mais elle agit aussi, ens’appuyant sur des techniques de «lawfare», c’est-à-direde politisation de dossiers judiciaires. C’est notamment laligne éditoriale des Avengers, qui fait leur succès auprèsdes Mauriciens.

Mais, pour le moment comme on l’a dit, le gouverne-ment n’a aucune raison d’être ébranlé par les actions del’opposition tant qu’il dispose de sa confortable majoritéparlementaire et tant que le lawfare de l’opposition neréussit à faire tomber aucune tête.

* L'état de santé de Navin Ramgoolam n'est paspour arranger les choses non plus pour l'opposition.Voyez-vous une recomposition du champ politique etmême au sein de l'opposition dans les semaines oumois à venir, quel que soit le cas de figure?

Les recompositions du champ politique qui ont com-mencé l’an dernier du côté de l’opposition sont trèsintéressantes et n’ont pas fini leur processus de gesta-tion. De toute façon, ce processus de gestation ne trou-vera son aboutissement qu’à l’approche des échéancesélectorales.

Ce qui est particulièrement intéressant actuellement,c’est qu’il s’est créé depuis l’épisode du Wakashio unezone de collaboration entre l’opposition parlementaireclassique, composée du Parti Travailliste, du PMSD et duMMM, et des entités de l’opposition extra-parlementaires(Reform Party, Rezistans ek Alternativ, 100% Citoyens,Avengers, Linion Sitwayin Morisien de BruneauLaurette).

l Suite en page 10

Interview Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 9

«L’hospitalisation de Navin Ramgoolam enInde pour cause de Covid, bien entenduc’est un «game changer » politique… Mais

qui a toutes les probabilités de jouer en faveur dubloc gouvernemental. De facto, le PTr se retrouvedans l’obligation de préparer la succession de sonleader, qui jusqu’ici a tout fait pour résister à cette évidence. C’est une période de test pour le PTr...»

«On ne peut pas dire que l’opposition parlementaire soit faible ou molle. C’estmême le contraire ; ils sont très actifs,

en tout cas dans leur prise de parole. Avant 2019,l’opposition parlementaire avait généralement pour habitude de ménager la chèvre et le choudans l’espoir d’être à nouveau en alliance avec leparti au pouvoir. Mais depuis qu’ils ont perdu tout

espoir d’alliance avec le MSM, ils sont devenus très virulents...»

‘1% de la population contaminé sur un an et demi,peut-on appeler cela une pandémie ?

Il serait temps de replacer les choses dans une perspective plus juste’

l Suite de la page 9Et cela, ce n’est pas nouveau. Ce beau monde a étérejoint en février dernier par le démissionnaire du MSMNando Bodha qui, entre-temps, a lui aussi créé son pro-pre parti.

Mais cette coopération n’est pas si surprenante dansla mesure où les membres des principales entités extra-parlementaires, Avengers ou le Reform Party, sont despersonnels politiques qui ont également siégé au Parle-ment, que ce soit Rama Valayden, Sanjeev Teeluck-dharry ou Roshi Bhadain. Donc leur socialisation poli-tique d’origine favorisait de facto leur rapprochementavec l’opposition parlementaire.

Dans ce paysage d’opposition très mouvant et divers,une seule alliance a été formalisée en mai dernier entreles quatre «dinosaures» que sont Xavier-Luc Duval(PMSD), Paul Bérenger (MMM), Nando Bodha (ex-MSM)et Roshi Bhadain (Reform Party). Baptisée Alliance del’Espoir, elle ne semble être à ce stade qu’une ententeentre leaders et donc, à ce titre, vulnérable à toute guerred’égos potentielle. Sans compter qu’elle a déjà créé dessusceptibilités au sein même de l’appareil des partisimpliqués.

Donc, il est fort possible qu’il y ait encore des circula-tions de personnel politique à venir, comme, par exem-ple, la récente démission groupée dans la régionalenuméro 6 du MMM.

Quant à l’hospitalisation de Navin Ramgoolam enInde pour cause de Covid, bien entendu c’est un «gamechanger» politique… Mais qui a toutes les probabilités dejouer en faveur du bloc gouvernemental. De facto, le PTrse retrouve dans l’obligation de préparer la successionde son leader, qui jusqu’ici a tout fait pour résister à cetteévidence. C’est une période de test pour le PartiTravailliste, que l’on sait monolithique et solidementorganisé.

Mais les guerres intestines qui risquent de se jouervont temporairement le fragiliser et ce d’autant que l’hos-pitalisation du leader sera longue. De plus, les différentesoptions successorales iront de pair avec différentes

options d’alliances, ce qui ne peut que brouiller encoreplus l’échiquier politique de l’opposition.

* Recomposition aussi pour une lutte à trois etdictée par le rapport de forces sur l'échiquier poli-tique présentement...?

Au vu de tout ce que nous venons de décrire, champpolitique en pleine recomposition, opposition fragmentéemais coopérative, alliance formalisée mais instable, nousne pouvons même pas dire s’il y aura une lutte à trois auxprochaines élections législatives. Nous ne savons mêmepas quand se tiendront les prochaines élections munici-pales, mais même la configuration des élections munici-pales ne sera pas nécessairement décisive pour les élec-tions générales.

Ce qui reste certain, c’est que le champ politiquemauricien se polarise toujours fortement autour de lanotion du plus fort. Les critères d’identification de ce«plus fort» reposent sur des données concrètes maisaussi beaucoup sur des éléments psychologiques. C’estce «plus fort» perçu comme tel par les partis, les médiaset l’électorat qui va polariser le schéma des alliances àl’approche des élections.

A mon avis, le principal tendon d’Achille du gou-vernement, c’est la politique de vaccination obligatoire.Du fait que nous ne connaissons pas les effets se-condaires à long terme des vaccins anti-Covid, nous nepouvons pas estimer les dégâts potentiels sur la santépublique à moyenne échéance. Si c’est le cas, la vacci-nation pourrait bien devenir une variable politique, même

si, pour le moment, il n’y a aucun clivage politique autourde la vaccination. La vaccination obligatoire comporte, àmon avis, un risque politique pour le MSM.

De toute façon, sur le plan politique, nous sommesdans une période de transition irréversible. Les schémasde vote habituels, de type «mathématiques ethniques»et/ou «vote castéiste», pourraient bien se retrouverminorés par de nouvelles variables émergentes. Même sile système électoral continue de déterminer la supers-tructure du jeu politique, il va falloir nous préparer à inté-grer dans l’analyse politique des comportements élec-toraux certaines données nouvelles et même encoreinvisibles à l’œil nu pour le moment. J’ai cité la vaccina-tion mais il y en aura d’autres.

Interview Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 10

‘Pravind Jugnauth reste maître du jeu politique. Les recompositions actuelles du champ politique ne changent rien à cet état de fait’

65 years ago, Mauritius Times was founded with aresolve to fight for justice and fairness and the advancement of the public good. It has never deviated fromthis principle no matter how daunting the challenges andhow costly the price it has had to pay at different times ofour history.

We are determined not to abandon this line of action,which is the cardinal principle of our raison-d’être. This iswhat has given Mauritius Times a unique standing in thelocal publishing world.

Our production circumstances have changed since lastyear with the onset of the Covid-19 lockdown, and we havehad to move to the digital platform. We have since March2020 freely circulated the paper via WhatsApp and byemail, besides making it available on our website.

However, with print journalism in Mauritius and acrossthe world struggling to keep afloat due to falling advertisingrevenues and the wide availability of free sources of information, it is crucially important for the Mauritius Timesto still meet its cost of production for it to survive and prosper.

Readers will no doubt appreciate that it takes a lot oftime, hard work, money and the continued support of ourcontributors to produce the Mauritius Times - as we havedone without interruption in these last 65 years. We canonly continue doing it with the support of our readers.

We hope you'll continue to support the paper by takinga subscription or by making a recurring donation through aStanding Order to our not-for-profit Foundation. Our futurewill be secure with the support of our readers and well-wishers.

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«Quand on examine les détails du meurtre deKistnen, c’est une évidence qu’il ne relevaitpas d’un banal banditisme mais qu’il a été

perpétré par des professionnels avec un modusoperandi bien précis. C’est un modus operandi que l’on retrouve dans les pays où opèrent les

grands cartels...»

«On ne peut pas dire quel’opposition parlementairesoit faible ou molle. C’est

même le contraire ; ils sont trèsactifs, en tout cas dans leur prise

de parole. Avant 2019,l’opposition parlementaire avaitgénéralement pour habitude de

ménager la chèvre et le chou dansl’espoir d’être à nouveau en

alliance avec le parti au pouvoir.Mais depuis qu’ils ont perdu toutespoir d’alliance avec le MSM, ilssont devenus très virulents...»

Matters of the Moment Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 11

THE STUDDED CHALICE PLATE1500 m - Valeur [0-15] - 12h3011

THE WOODLEIGH PLATE 1400 m - Valeur Benchmark 31 - 16h00

1 Jet Path2 Big Smoke3 Epic Sword4 Valerin5 Newsman6 Nightingale Lane7 Seven Carat8 Hit The Green9 Minaloushe Venture10 Midnight Messenger

VAPSNCDRGCRSNRMASSPN

60.559.5(-4)59.559.5(-3)59(-1.5)595957.557.5(-4)57

31108475962

7-6-4-4-65-8/3-1-76-9-7/5-62/2-6-5-32/2-3-6-46/6-1-8-9/1-4-4-2/92-6-7-4-35-7-10-8-95-6/3-3-8

9003402000750700350014009003000350

K.KalychurunN.S.BatchameahG.D.AucharuzM.SonaramM.TeetanP.K.HorilK.GhunowaR.HoolashI.TakaD.Bheekary

1 Straight2 Unbelievable Lad3 Yankeedoodledandy4 Desert Boy5 Rock Manor6 Jals Tiger7 The Jazz Singer 8 Mr Hardy9 Quest For Good10 Stockbridge

JMHASGPCRGRSHCRPPM

60606059.559.5(-4)595958.558.558

81346792510

4/6-1-1-46-7-9/7-69-11-8/3-30-0-6-1-22/5-3-4-35-10-2-4-17-6-9/6-78-3-5/2-60-0-0-0-63-3/5-3-2

2000250090018022001200160060060001000

R.N DarshanS.RamaY.EmamdeeJ.AllyhosainN.S.BatchameahN.TeehaI.SantanaD de GouveiaK.RamsamyP.K.Horil

1 Beni Des Dieux2 Casanova King3 Italian Way4 Oxford Blue5 Potawatomi6 Gontravelin7 Betathantherest8 Opague9 Fairbanks10 Arnica Montana

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60606060(-3)6059.5595958.558

10795846132

0-0-0-5-5nouveau3-5-3-4-57-4-5-3-48/3-9-6-70-0-2-3-20-0-6-7-84-2-1-9-47-6-4-4-40-0-0-7-R

90014005507005000350200037020001400

R.JoorawonB.WoodworthB.Fayd'herbeM.SonaramG.D.AucharuzD de GouveiaT.JuglallY.EmamdeeS.BussuntD.Bheekary

1 Double Blue2 Alaskan Night3 Bless My Path4 Choir of Angels5 Freedom of Speech6 Bold Phoenix7 Times New Roman8 Tripod9 Ron's Joy10 Toothless

GASCDJMHPMSJPCRGRVA

60(-3)59.559.559.559.55959(-4)58.55858

10369752814

nouveaunouveau0-0-0-0-6R-8-6-R-R0-0-0-0-71/4-2-7-50-0-0-5-98-3/5-7-41-5-1/1-1nouveau

700080055025003000420100025002601300

P.MogunS.RamaR.JoorawonR.N DarshanK.RamsamyB.WoodworthN.S.BatchameahD de GouveiaB.SoofulS.Bussunt

1 Hubble2 Royal Italian3 Captain Flynt4 Cyber Special5 John Hancock6 Absolutist7 Arlingtons Revenge8 Kazaar9 Tiger's Rock

SJSNGRGRGAS\SJPJMH

60.560.559.559.55957.557.557.5(-4)54

216437985

7-5-2-6-50-0-8-4-56-7/1-2-32-3-1/1-26-3/6-1-50-6-4-1-24/4-1-1-47/6-7-7-50-0-7-6-7

6506005504201200350140035009900

J.AllyhosainD.BheekaryN.TeehaB.SoofulY.EmamdeeS.RamaB.WoodworthN.S.BatchameahT.Juglall

1 Black Cat Back2 Count Jack3 Wall Tag4 Haylor5 Arizona Silk6 Stopalltheclocks7 Red Mars

GGRVASJPMCDSJ

615955.55554.55352

3612745

1-1/5-4-30-0-6-6-73/2-1-3-55-8-1-1-70-8-5-4-67-9-7-9-62-2/5-3-1

28514004505003000900450

Y.EmamdeeN.TeehaB.SoofulR.JoorawonK.RamsamyS.RamaT.Juglall

1 Bonnie Prince2 Anderson3 Six Degrees4 Giggin5 Bellagio King6 Black Indy7 Grand Vision8 Lasair9 Overdose

SHSJSNPMSPNPMGJMHAS

6160.560.560(-4)595957.556.556.5

876154239

5-2-4/4-70-0-0-8-70-0-0-4-10-5-5-6-60-0-0-2-76-9-2/4-60-0-1-7-38-8/10-5-74-2-8-1-5

80050002605201000200035050001500

I.SantanaB.WoodworthG.D.AucharuzN.S.BatchameahR.VaibhavR.K.ChumunY.EmamdeeR.N DarshanS.Rama

1 Intothemystic2 Jacalac3 Mauritius4Ticket To Cairo5 Global Glory6 Sauna's Cessna7 Cloud Seeder8 Duke Of York

SNPSHJMHPMCDASRM

6060606059.559.5(-3)5958

18542367

0-0-0-10-60-0-0-7-40-0-0-1-10-0-6-4-60-0-2-9-R0-0-0-1-57-7-10-2-3R/3-5-4-5

350012001353500120057016003000

D.BheekaryB.SoofulI.SantanaR.N DarshanK.RamsamyM.SonaramS.RamaJ.Allyhosain

THE WILLY LARCHER PLATE1365 m - Valeur [0-25]- 13h05

THE SALOON PASSAGE PLATE1650 m - Valeur Benchmark 36 - 13h40

THE BLACK TULIP CUP 1400 m - Valeur Benchmark 41 - 14h15

THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA CUP 1850 m - Valeur Benchmark 51 - 14h50

THE NITRAM PLATE1650 m - Valeur [0-26] - 16h35

THE JOSEPH MERVEN CUP 1500 m - Valeur [55+] - 15h25

Programme desCourses

22è journée samedi 18 septembre 2021

l Cont. from page 2In the UK and other countries

with high vaccine coverage andalso high numbers of past cases,most people will have some form ofimmunity to the virus. In England,for example, it’s estimated that atthe beginning of September over94% of the adult population hadCovid-19 antibodies.Among those with prior immuni-

ty, it’s been shown that Covid-19tends to be less severe. And asmore people’s immunity is boostedover time by natural reinfections orbooster immunisations, we canexpect an increasing proportion ofnew infections to be asymptomaticor at worst cause mild illness. Thevirus will remain with us, but the dis-ease will become part of our history.But in countries without much

prior illness, even with high vaccinecoverage, many people will remainsusceptible. Even in countries withthe highest vaccine coverageworldwide over 10% of people areyet to receive a vaccine. Virtuallyeveryone who has not been vacci-nated is likely to catch the virus.When infected, they will be as muchat risk of severe disease and death(depending on their age and med-ical status) as at any time during thepandemic.And in these countries, opening

up will almost certainly lead to expo-nential growth of infections due tothe large number of people with noimmunity. And as the amount ofvirus circulating rises, there will bemore cases in vaccinated peopletoo, given that vaccines aren’t100% protective. Although Covid-19 tends to be less severe in vacci-nated people, some do still get veryill – and these countries may see asizeable number of vaccinated peo-ple needing hospital care.When these countries choose

to open up will also have a criticalimpact. Too soon and many peoplewill still be waiting to be vaccinated.Too late and the effectiveness ofvaccines in the already-vaccinatedmay have started to wane.Nevertheless, the key lesson

from the Russian flu is that Covid-

19 will become less relevant overthe coming months, and that mostcountries are almost certainly overthe worst of the pandemic. But it isstill critical that vaccines are offeredto the world’s remaining vulnerablepopulations.It’s becoming clear that the

main impact of vaccination won’t beto stop people from catching SARS-CoV-2, but to reduce the severity ofinfection the first-time peopleencounter the virus. If people havealready been through their first orsecond natural infection, vaccineswill add relatively little protection. Tooffer the biggest reduction in severedisease, vaccines need to be rolledout to as many people as possiblenow.

l Cont. from page 3Is it patriotic that there is no

transparency and accountabilityas to why the costly Rs 16 bil-lion Safe City project could notprovide key deliverables suchas crucial video footage to helpelucidate the ongoing investiga-tion into the suspect death of apolitical activist? Is it patrioticthat criminal investigations intovarious alleged wrongdoings byMinisters and allegations of cor-ruption and bribery by ‘mem-bers of the Mauritian adminis-tration and others’ in the 2014Rs 4.3 billion CEB Saint LouisPower Plant RedevelopmentProject remain stalled for solong? Is it patriotic that publicspending does not abide by themost rigorous benchmarks ofaccountability and transparen-cy? This list could go on and on.This week the US Secretary

of State Antony J. Blinken wasasked to testify and respond tocriticisms before the SenateCommittee on Foreign Rela-tions on the US withdrawalfrom Afghanistan. The US go-

vernment actions are underconstant scrutiny and thoseresponsible are answerableand held accountable. This is afar cry from the level of gover-nance, transparency andaccountability prevailing inMauritius.

Accountable politiciansIs it not high time to put in

place such a system ofaccountability in the countrywhereby Ministers are ques-tioned on their policies andactions in a structured parlia-mentary forum to ensure thatthey meet the test of incisiveappraisal and expert scrutiny?

We need to establish a neworder which ensures that allpoliticians are accountable.

Fake news and spin doc-toring mask and manipulate thetruth and can hardly be consi-dered patriotic. They spin andthrive on lies and untruths andneed to be scuttled forthwith forthe good of people and country.

Mrinal Roy

1. Big Smoke, Midnight Messenger, Valerin2. Mauritius, Sauna's Cessna, Jacalac3. Six Degrees, Giggin, Grand Vision4. Ron's Joy, Bold Phoenix, Bless My Path5. Cyber Special, Captain Flynt, Absolutist6. Black Cat Back, Wall Tag, Haylor7. Desert Boy, Stockbridge, Mr Hardy8. Gontravelin, Italian Way, Beni Des Dieux

33

22

44

77

88

55

66

Selections

Fake news, Patriotism and Spin doctoring

How will theCovid

pandemicend? Pic - Noam Galai/Getty Images

Paul Hunter, Professor of Medicine,University of East Anglia

The Pandemic Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 12

Several countries - including the UK - are now offeringthird COVID-19 shots amid reports of vaccines proving

less effective over time. But do these countries really needto embark on widespread booster campaigns? Here's whatresearch tells us so far about how vaccines are perfor-ming.

One study suggests that after four months of the second dose, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is less effectiveat preventing infection (classified as a positive PCR test),with protection falling from 96% to 84%. However, theresearch is a preprint, meaning that its results have yet tobe formally reviewed by other scientists.

Similarly, real-life data from Israel suggests that over-60s who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccinein March 2021 were 1.6 times better protected againstinfection than those who received their second dose twomonths earlier. However, the data was less clear cut whenlooking across other age groups. This study also hasn't yetbeen peer reviewed.

Data for the Moderna vaccine shows that functionalantibodies (those able to stop viruses from entering cells)persisted in most people for six months after vaccination.However, there was a gradual decrease in performanceagainst the beta variant of the virus, and the study didn't assess the vaccine against the now-dominant deltavariant.

A separate preprint has looked at vaccine effectivenessagainst delta, and found both the Oxford/AstraZeneca andPfizer vaccines were less effective at preventing infectionwhen facing this variant. Similar findings have been repor-ted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While all these studies may sound alarming, most areyet to be formally reviewed, so their results need to betreated with caution. They also measure different things.Some look at numbers of positive PCR tests rather thansymptoms or disease. Others consider antibody levels orthe response to different variants. Really, we need to con-sider what the most important goals of vaccination arewhen assessing performance.

Vaccines still protectiveAn ideal vaccine would completely prevent infection

and so stop people catching and spreading the virus.However, earlier on in the pandemic, reports appeared ofpeople being reinfected with COVID-19 as well as of anti-bodies waning - and high levels of antibodies are thoughtto be important in preventing infection from starting. So, it'sbeen suspected for a while that creating a vaccine thatcompletely blocks infection wouldn't be possible.

Indeed, antibodies are just one indicator of an effectiveimmune response. We also need T lymphocytes that killthe virus, and immune memory to enable us to quickly pro-duce lots of these killer T cells and antibody-producing Bcells. Here the news is much more positive. Studies haveshown that both killer T cells and immune memory persistwell.

What this could mean is that some people might nothave enough antibodies to completely prevent infection,but can still fight the infection off and stop it from takinghold. If this were the case, you would expect vaccines toreduce the impact or severity of disease. And this is wherewe are seeing good news.

Reports in the UK and the US are showing fewer vac-cinated people requiring hospitalisation or developingsevere symptoms from the delta variant. For example, fullyvaccinated people in the US have been shown to be fivetimes less likely to get COVID-19 and ten times less likelyto be hospitalised or die from it.

Similarly, the Israeli study mentioned above showedthat in people aged 40-59, four months after vaccination,

vaccines were 98% effective at preventing people frombeing hospitalised with COVID-19. After six months, pro-tection remained high, at 94%.

For people over the age of 60, though, the data showsa bigger drop off in performance, with protection againsthospitalisation lower after four months (91%) and sixmonths (86%). This difference may be due to older people being less able to mount a good immune responsefollowing vaccination, as well as the challenge of the deltavariant.

However, what's clear is that the vaccines are highlyeffective at protecting against severe disease comparedwith those who have not had a vaccine. And this, really, isthe most important goal of vaccination - to stop people get-ting dangerously ill and dying.

Turning on the boostersDespite protection against severe dis-

ease remaining high many months aftervaccination, a number of governmentshave chosen to launch vaccine boosterprogrammes. Will the third doses beingrolled out by the UK and other govern-ments be sufficient to provide long-termand even more highly protective immuni-ty in the most vulnerable? The truth is, wedon't yet know.

We should remember that vaccinationis just one of the ways we protect our-selves from infection, and that maybeother measures, such as mask wearingand ventilation, will still be needed if wecannot achieve sufficient protection.

Indeed, as well as boosters, the British government hasalso outlined plans for reintroducing home working andmask wearing over the winter should the virus threaten toget out of hand.

The other question we have to ask ourselves iswhether we should actually be looking to help other vul-nerable people across the world. It's been estimated thatthe richest countries have more than enough vaccinesalready, even if boosters are used and children are vacci-nated.

The most important goal of vaccination is to protectagainst severe disease and death, yet many countrieshaven't given even 2% of their population a first vaccinedose, enabling the virus to thrive at a huge cost to lives.Really, can we look the other way?

Covid vaccine effects wane over time but still prevent death and severe illnessGovernments are launching booster programmes over fears about waning immunity levels, but vaccines are still highly effective at what matters most - preventing severe disease.

PIC SNIPE/Shutterstock

Unwind Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 13

Awoman was golfing and accidently she hits theball into the woods. She then goes into the

woods to look for it and there she sees a frog in atrap.

The frog says to her: If you release me from thistrap, I will grant you three wishes.

The woman frees the frog, and the frog says:Thank you, but I have failed to mention that there isa condition attached to your wishes, and that is:whatever you wish, your husband will get ten timesof that wish.

The woman says: That is okay with me. For her first wish, she wants to be the most

beautiful woman in the world. The frog warns her: you do realize that this wish

will also make your husband the most handsomeman in the world, an Adonis, to whom women willjust flock to!

The woman replies, That is fine, because I willbe the most beautiful woman and he will have eyesonly for me.

So in a movement, she becomes the most beau-tiful woman in the world.

For her second wish, she wants to be the richestwoman in the world.

The frog says: That will make your husband therichest man in the world, and he will be ten timesricher than you.

The woman replies: That is okay, because whatis mine is his and what is his is mine.

So, in a split second she becomes the richestwoman in the world.

The frog then asks her, what is her third wish?She says: I would like to have a mild heart

attack. Moral of the story: Women are clever. Don't

mess with them.But this is the end of the joke...The man had a heart attack ten times "milder"

than his wife!!!Moral of the story : Women are great but

sometimes falsely believe that they are verysmart.

* * *

One for our doctor friends... A doctor was relaxing on his sofa one evening

just after arriving home from work. As he was tuninginto the evening news, the phone rang.

The doctor calmly answered it, and heard thefamiliar voice of a colleague on the other end of theline.

We have already opened an 18-year-old RareSingle Malt Glenfiddich Whiskey.

"I'll be right over," whispered the doctor.

As he was moving out, his wife asked, "Is it serious?"

"Oh yes, quite," said the doctor gravely. Shakinghis head, he muttered: "Only18 years old. Threedoctors are there already!"

* * *

Firing LoisTimes were tough at the Daily Planet and Perry

White was forced to fire a star reporter. Either LoisLane or Clark Kent.

He struggled making a decision for days until hewent to the grocery store and saw a sign. The nextday he called both of them into his office where firedLois Lane.

After she left, Clark Kent asked him, "Perry, howdid you decide which of us to fire?"

He replied, "I couldn't make a decision until Iwent to the grocery store and right there, I saw asign. I looked up and right in front of the store was asign that said "Fire Lane."

* * *

Daily AffirmationsI have the power to channel my imagination into

ever-soaring levels of suspicion and paranoia.I assume full responsibility for my actions,

except the ones that are someone else's fault.I no longer need to punish, deceive, or compro-

mise myself. Unless, of course, I want to stayemployed.

In some cultures what I do would be considerednormal.

I honour my personality flaws, for without them Iwould have no personality at all.

I am grateful that I am not as judgmental as allthose censorious, self-righteous people around me.

Today I will gladly share my experience andadvice, for there are no sweeter words than "I toldyou so".

Just for today, I will not sit in my living room allday watching TV. Instead I will move my TV into thebedroom.

I will find humour in my everyday life by lookingfor people I can laugh at.

The next time the universe knocks on my door, Iwill pretend I am not home.

To have a successful relationship I will learn tomake it look like I'm giving as much as I'm getting.

I am willing to make the mistakes to help otherslearn from them.

Don't mess withwomen, but...

Life's StoriesThe Paul Newman EffectIt's called the Paul Newman Effect. Only women of a certain erawill fully appreciate this true story.

AMichigan woman and her family were vacationing in a smallNew England town where Paul Newman and his family often

visited. One Sunday morning, the woman got up early to take a long

walk. After a brisk hike, she decided to treat herself to a double-dipchocolate ice cream cone.

She hopped in the car, drove to the village and went straight tothe ice cream parlour.

There was only one other patron in the store. Paul Newmanwas sitting at the counter having a doughnut and coffee.

The woman's heart skipped a beat as her eyes made contactwith those famous baby-blue eyes.

The actor nodded graciously and the star struck woman smileddemurely.

Pull yourself together! she chides herself. You're a happily mar-ried woman with three children, you're forty-five years old, not ateenager!

The clerk filled her order and she took the double-dip chocolateice cream cone in one hand and her change in the other. Then shewent out the door, avoiding even a glance in Paul Newman's direc-tion.

When she reached her car, she realised that she had a handfulof change but her other hand was empty. Where's my ice creamcone? Did I leave it in the store? Back into the shop she went,expecting to see the cone still in the clerk's hand or in a holder onthe counter or something. No ice cream cone was in sight.

With that, she happened to look over at Paul Newman.His face broke into his familiar warm friendly grin and he said to

the woman, "You put it in your purse."

Thought to live byUnlearn with Coffee

-- Srinivasan Ramachandran, Trekone Academy Unlearning is more important in life than learning...We always find a jar of coffee beans in the perfume store. Why

is it there? Is there something we can learn? A handful of coffeebeans are so important to sell an expensive bottle of perfume.

How?When we try perfumes, after 4th or 5th trial, we are unable to

distinguish between fragrance. Now, the vendor brings in the jar ofcoffee beans and makes us smell it. And we undergo a process ofunlearning...

Due to coffee's strong fragrance, our brain now only remem-bers coffee. We can now start testing perfumes again. All of thishappens within in a minute.

What's the unlearning?We have an amazing power to unlearn and move on to new

things. We got it as it is an important process of evolution. Withego getting predominant, we forget how to "let it go". Letting go iscalled unlearning. Creativity and productivity gets enhanced whenwe learn to let things go.

What things you need to unlearn?1) Past failures/disappointments.2) Relationships which are not cordial.3) People who have exploited/hurt us.4) Emotional entanglements.5) Unwanted information/data.Key Points:Unlearning is important to enjoy numerous fragrances that

come along. Unlearning is not forgetting. Unlearning is Letting Gowhich needs to be done consciously...

Let's learn to let it go. In our personal & professional lives.

Wellness Mauritius Times Friday, September 17 , 2021 14

Health, Diet & Lifestyle Tips

This is why women gainweight after pregnancyIt has always been a topic of discussion with some

inconclusive results that why women gain weightafter pregnancy. As per a new study, a steady weightgain after pregnancy can be the result of one's lifestylechoices, which include eating your child's leftovers andspending more time in sedentary activities like readingor watching movies with kids, scientists say.

Olga Yakusheva, an associate professor atUniversity of Michigan began investigating weight com-parisons between women with and without children.

In a study of nearly 30,000 women who had givenbirth between one and four times, researchers foundthat most women never returned to their pre-pregnan-cy body weight after birth.

However, their weight at 1-2 years after giving birthwas nearly identical to what they could have beenexpected to weigh had they remained childless.

It is not until the toddler years that a higher trajec-tory of weight gain became evident for mothers as com-pared to women who did not have children.

The typical age-related weight gain for women is1.94 pounds a year. The researchers found womenwith toddlers gained almost a full additional poundannually.

The reason many mothers have higher rates ofweight gain is due to lifestyle, said Yakusheva.

"Mothers tend to put the needs of their children firstso they might not be exercising or taking care of them-selves," she said.

"It might also be little things like finishing the food ontheir child's plate or spending more time sitting withtheir kids reading or watching a movie," she added.

"Many women really crank up their diet and exer-cise for a short time to get back to their pre-pregnancyweight, and often get discouraged by the results,"Yakusheva said.

"But it is much better to take a holistic approachfocused on a long-term healthy lifestyle before, during,and after pregnancy," she said.

Researchers encourage health care providers tocounsel women about weight changes expected withage, and to make them aware of subtle ways parent-hood could exacerbate the ageing-related weight gaintrend over many years.

Hop on the ScaleWeighing yourself first thing in the

morning after you pee is more accu-rate than checking later in the day.What you eat and drink later on canchange the results. That visualreminder of your weight each mor-ning can help you stick to yourhealthy eating plan the rest of the dayor week.

Drink a glass (or 2) of waterOne or two glasses of plain H2O

before you eat breakfast may helpyou lose weight. Water has no calo-ries, but it's satisfying and curbs yourappetite, so you may not want to eatsuch a big breakfast afterward. It alsostimulates your metabolism to helpyou burn calories.

Work out before breakfastDo some moderate exercise

before you sit down to eat in themornings. Working out on an emptystomach actually helps you get betterresults from exercise. Prebreakfastsweat sessions can help you burnmore of your body's fat for fuel.

Eat a high-protein breakfastThis nutrient may help you lose

weight because it makes you feelfuller longer after you eat. It's alsoharder for your body to store it asexcess fat. Another perk of protein:Your body uses more calories tobreak it down than it uses for carbs orfat. Go for protein-rich breakfasts,such as an egg and turkey sausageon whole wheat toast or a Greekyogurt smoothie with peanut butterand berries.

Make a meal plan for the dayEvery morning, write up a quick

list of what you'll eat that day.Planning meals ahead of time can

help you choose lower-calorie foods.If you've already decided what to eatfor your day's snacks and meals, youmay be less likely to reach for high-calorie convenience foods like fast-food burgers or fries.

Get some sunSome sunlight on your skin can

actually help you burn a little bit morebody fat. Research shows that peoplewho soak up a few rays in the mor-ning tend to have a lower body-massindex (BMI), or a leaner, slimmerphysique, than people who step outin the sun later in the day.Use measuring cups and spoons

It's easy to supersize portions thatpack more calories than you needwithout even knowing it. Keep mea-suring cups and spoons where youtypically dish out breakfast. Measurefoods like cereal or milk before youplace them in the bowl so you serveyourself the right amount.

Practice mindfulnessSlow down and think about what

you're eating. Appreciate the smell,look, and taste of even a simple

breakfast. Don't watch TV or scrollthrough social media when you eat inthe morning: just breathe, relax, andenjoy a peaceful meal. This practicecould help you eat less and loseweight.

Use a juice glassMost standard drinking glasses

are far larger than a serving of juice.That makes it easy to consume morethan you should. And many fruitjuices have as much sugar in them asa can of soda. But they also have lotsof vitamins and minerals that aregreat for you as you start your day. Topour a more sensible portion, use asmall juice glass.

Pack your lunch and snacksBefore you leave the house for

the day, grab a sack and pack ahealthy lunch and low-calorie snackslike fresh fruit or low-fat cheese. You'llbe prepared to eat a sensible mealwhen hunger strikes later on, so youdon't reach for junk food. Choosefiber-rich foods like whole-graincrackers to keep you feeling fullerlonger.

Make a shopping listMake a shopping list before you

head to the supermarket or placeyour online grocery order. Stick toyour list when you shop. You'll bemore likely to buy items that fit yourhealthy meal plan and not grab junkfood on impulse.

Get enough shut-eyeToo little sleep each night can fuel

your appetite all day long, which canlead to weight gain. You may also bemore likely to skip your workout ifyou're pooped. Make sure you'recatching enough ZZZs every night.Stick to a regular bedtime, and findways to control your stress so youcan relax and snooze until it's time toget up.

Weight Management

Morning habits to help you lose weight Adopting habits like these in the early hours can make a big difference throughout the day.

Tips from by Brunilda Nazario, MD - WebMD

Entertainment Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 15

Bollywood celebrities strive hard tomaintain a glamorous public image

but then there have been times whenthings go awry. A lot of Bollywood actorshave often landed in trouble for heatedarguments and unpleasant exchanges.From Saif Ali Khan upsetting an NRI at arestaurant to Kangana Ranaut's war ofwords with a journalist - here's taking alook, as reported by TOI, at public brawlsinvolving B-Town:

Govinda slapped a fan on the sets of 'Money Hai Toh

Honey Hai'

Govinda came under the fire in 2008when he slapped commoner SantoshRay on the sets of 'Money Hai Toh HoneyHai' at Filmistan Studio. On his part, theactor had reportedly stated that Santoshwas allegedly misbehaving on the sets.Ray had filed a case against the actor inthe Bombay High Court but it was quashed in 2013 stating that Ray had filed a case a year after the incident,making it look like he was instigated to act against theactor. He then moved Supreme Court, post whichGovinda offered Santosh Ray an unconditional apologyfor his inappropriate conduct.

Kangana Ranaut's war of words with a journalist

Back in 2019, while promoting her movie 'Judgemen-tall Hai Kya', Kangana Ranaut had a war of words with ajourna-list. While speaking to the media, Kangana repor-tedly accused a male reporter of bashing her directorial

debut 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi',following which the reporter denied theclaims and they got into a heated argument.Kangana said, "You were bashing 'Mani-karnika'. Have I done anything wrong bymaking a film on nationalism? You called mea jingoistic woman who is making a film onnationa-lism." However, the journalist main-tained that he had not tweeted anythingabout the said movie and that she cannotintimidate a journalist because she is on astage.

Saif Ali Khan's public fight with anNRI at a restaurant

Saif Ali Khan had a rather public scuffleback in 2012 at a five star restaurant inMumbai. The actor was dinning with KareenaKapoor, Malaika Arora, Amrita Rao and a fewmale friends when a brawl broke out. Theactor maintained that the ruckus took placeafter NRI Iqbal Mir Sharma passed provoca-

tive statements and used abusive language for thewomen accompanying him. While according to the police,the NRI businessman stated that Saif punched him in theface after he protested against the chatter caused by theactor and his friends.

Saif Ali Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Govinda - Bollywoodcelebrities involved in public brawls

BollyBytes

Ranveer Singh and DeepikaPadukone buy a luxurious

bungalow in AlibaugRanveer Singh and

Deepika Padukoneare busying investing inreal estate and their latest buy is a luxuriousholiday home. The cou-ple was spotted inAlibaug last weekend,reportedly sealing thedeal for a fancy newaddress in Alibaug.According to a news por-tal, the couple visited thelocal registrar's office in

Alibaug to wrap up the pending paperwork of their newest pro-perty. Ranveer and Deepika have reportedly bought a plot in thecoastal area and it houses two bungalows and a coconut andbetel nut grove.

In Mumbai, Ranveer and Deepika reside in a plush 4BHKflat located in Mumbai's Prabhadevi locality. DP reportedlybought this property in 2010 and after her marriage withRanveer Singh in 2018, the couple moved into her apartmenttogether. All through lockdown, Deepika and Ranveer haddropped glimpses of their abode on Instagram.

On the work front, Ranveer and Deepika will be seen in '83,stepping into the shoes of former captain of the Indian cricketteam Kapil Dev and his wife Romi Bhatia. Ranveer also has'Cirkus', 'Jayeshbhai Jordaar' and 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki PremKahani'. Deepika Padukone will be seen romancing Prabhas inhis next venture, 'Pathan' with Shah Rukh Khan, 'Fighter' withHrithik Roshan, Shakun Batra's next and 'The Intern' remake.

Alizeh Agnihotri, the niece ofactor Salman Khan, featured

in an ad for a jewellery brand. Sheis the daughter of his sister AlviraKhan and producer Atul Agnihotri.She is expected to make herBollywood debut soon.

In the video, shared on Insta-gram by the jewellery brand,Alizeh flaunted her bracelet, handthong, necklace and rings, as shestruck numerous poses. Shewore a green bralette with whitepants.

Fans flocked to the commentssection to shower Alizeh withcompliments.

The caption of the Instagram

post was a statement from Alizehabout her relationship with je-wellery. She revealed that shenever got her ears pierced. "A lotof people find it strange, becausewearing earrings comes so natu-rally to most people, but some-how I haven't had the desire," shesaid.

Alizeh talked about how therewas a time when she wore nojewellery at all but now, she picksout her accessories before evenchoosing her outfit. "Jewellery tome is about finding new ways toexpress myself, and I've alwaysleaned towards doing that withrings, necklaces, anklets andeven body chains," she said.

Salman Khan's niece Alizeh Agnihotri stuns in ad

Radhika Madan, SunnyKaushal's ‘Shiddat’ torelease digitally on Oct 1The trailer of Radhika Madan and Sunny

Kaushal's upcoming romantic film 'Shiddat' released on Monday. The film will release digital-

ly on October 1. The film also stars Mohit Raina andDiana Penty.

The trailer shows the story of two strangers whomeet. While Radhika's character is engaged tosomeone else, Sunny's character is head-over-heelsin love with her." Mohit and Diana are seen getting

married in the trailer.The film will be released digitally on October 1 on

Disney+ Hotstar. The film is directed by KunalDeshmukh and produced by Bhushan Kumar andDinesh Vijan.

Entertainment Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 16

Sagittarius: Nov 22 - Dec 21 In your work, events will evolve roundly. Beware, there'll be aggres-

siveness around you and it will threaten your chances; you may showyourself too violent or arrogant, which could discourage good wills.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 13, 15, 21, 24Capricorn: Dec 22 - Jan 19

A week rich in new relationships and propitious to the progress ofyour affairs. Your various problems will get solved, but certain of your friends might disappoint you; try to tie new contacts, to enlarge yourhorizon.

Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 16, 30, 33, 38Aquarius: Jan 20 - Feb 18

In your couple, discussions may rapidly turn stormy. There'll be aneed of much courage and perseverance in your work for reasons fordiscouragement will not be lacking.

Lucky Numbers: 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 20Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20

Very eventful but not necessarily bad love life; nevertheless, don't runafter anyone you meet. You'll need the support of your close ones so asto face the difficulties in your work. Watch over your utterings and avoiduseless clashes.

Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 4, 7, 20, 27Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19

There'll be for you love at first sight, an unexpected amorousencounter, a vigorous sentimental renewal, or extraordinary passionatefervour. Very lucky week for those who begin a career. Beware of sexu-ally transmitted diseases.

Lucky Numbers: 10, 15, 17, 19, 32, 34Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20

Learn to treat money exactly as it deserves, no more no less. Be circumspect in your social relationships in order to avoid a possible dispute. At work, you should make good progress; but remain very realistic.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 14, 18, 20, 30

Gemini: May 21 - June 20Couple life will be very much favoured; single people will make a

promising encounter. You'll have no difficulty at all to understand yourchildren, to win their confidence, and to give them useful counsels.

Lucky Numbers: 1, 9, 11, 16, 30, 31Cancer: June 21 - July 22

It would be necessary that you respect a sufficient time of sleep.Energetic and optimistic, you'll be decided to cope with your professio-nal difficulties frontally and to make an effort at realism in order to solveconcrete problems better.

Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 17Leo: July 23 - Aug 22

A week marked with serious financial difficulties which you'll have toface without external help; remain cool-headed. At work, don't changecourse even though people try to influence you.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 9, 17, 20, 30, 33Virgo: Aug 23 - Sept 22

You'll give much importance to your social and mundane life andyou'll have easy relationships. You'll have ideas of genius but will havedifficulty to carry them out right away. An exalting and decisive senti-mental encounter might take place.

Lucky Numbers: 14, 20, 23, 35, 39, 40Libra: Sept 23 - Oct 22

You'll make an amorous encounter this time and, if you're still unattached, you'll right away renounce your dear freedom! Yourfriends will manifest you their profound attachment. The career sectorwill be very much favoured.

Lucky Numbers: 1, 18, 20, 21, 33, 37Scorpion: 23 Oct - 21 Nov

Your love affairs will be flourishing. Success in your job; the profes-sions which demand meticulousness and patience will be particularlyfavoured. You may have disorderly reflexes; do yoga.

Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 12, 17, 30, 31

YOUR STARSTellyBytes

‘Emotionally taxing toplay the role of Sherylnin ‘Kundali Bhagya’:Ruhi ChaturvediRuhi plays the role which is dynamic and has

layers of emotions, but thanks to her talentshe makes it look effortless. In an exclusive con-versation with Tellychakkar, Ruhi talks about herrole in the show and her personal interests!

You play Sheryln in the show. Does theconstant planning and plotting affect youwhile performing your scene?

It does, but playing a negative character indifferent variations is important, otherwise theaudience will get bored. At times you have to beangry, and thereafter cunning so it does take alot of effort and emotionally taxing.

Does it happen that you end up carryingthis baggage post pack up too?

At times these things really affect me. I haveyet to fully learn the trick of on and off. But onceI go back home, my family makes me feel com-fortable.

Speaking about your personal life whatare your personal interests and hobbies?

I like baking, which I just learned, I like read-ing books which doesn't happen too oftenbecause the work schedule is really tough.

If not an actor, which profession wouldyou choose?

I don't think anything else; since I was born Iwanted to be an actor. Madhuri Dixit used to stayin my building so I followed her footsteps andwhile growing up I never thought about medicalor engineering.

How Bharti Singhlost 15 kgsBharti Singh spoke about how she lost 15

kgs thanks to intermittent fasting. Shesaid that her weight loss also helped with herasthma and diabetes.

Comedian Bharti Singh revealed in aninterview that she has lost 15 kgs throughfollows intermittent fasting, and is surprisedby how much weight she has lost. This hasalso helped with her pre-existing medical condi-tions, such as diabetes and asthma. BhartiSingh earlier weighed 91 kgs, and now weighs76 kgs.

" Now I don't have problem breathing and feellighter. My diabetes and asthma are also undercontrol," she told a leading daily. "I don't eat

between 7 pm and 12 pm. I just attack food post12 pm," Bharti continued, adding, "My bodydoesn't accept dinner any later than 7 pm."

She says she is 'very proud' of herself, andfeels good when she sees herself on screen.Bharti is currently featured on The Kapil SharmaShow and Dance Deewane 3.

Rubina Dilaik: ‘Socialmedia is a platformfor you to explore,not to control you’Rubina Dilaik's popularity has been rising

each year. With her numerous fans support-ing her personal and professional moves, theShakti actor admits that her "heart is filled withgratitude for all their love."

Recently, Dilaik was number seven onTwitter's list of top 10 hashtags in the first half of2021, reports Hindustan Times. She shares thatafter her Bigg Boss win earlier this year, sherealised the impact of social media. She explainsfurther, "If I said I am happy being talked aboutglobally, then it would be an understatement.

But, for me, the takeaway from Twitter trends isall about the love of my fans. I strive that mywork should speak for me and recognition forthat work is what we all look for. To be acknow-ledged on a global platform for your work isunmatchable. These trends prove how muchpeople love me, talk about my work and theeffort they put into showing it."

While the actor enjoys social media, she alsostates that it is just a tool between her and herfans and one doesn't need to go nuts about it. "Ikeep everything in life in a balanced state it alsoapplies to my appearance on social media andits impact on my state of mind. Fitting into everytrend, keeping a tab on what people say aboutyou or replying to hateful comments is not impor-tant. Be who you are and know how to use socialmedia. I am mindful of what I put out, what I wantto represent on the platform and also what I wantto absorb from it. I don't pay attention to the com-ments and trolling."

What's On Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 17

07.00 Local: Les Grandes Lignes09.00 Doc: The Neanderthals11.05 Tele: Sinu, Rio Des Pasiones12.00 Le Journal12.25 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir12.50 Local: Prod: Elle - No 3213.50 Serial: Heidi, Bienvenida A...14.40 D.Anime: Twirlywoos14.46 D.Anime: The Garfield Show15.00 D.Anime: Baby Boss15.23 D.Anime: Wishfart15.35 D.Anime: Dragons17.15 Serial: Dark Oracle17.40 Mag: Sur Mesure18.00 Live: Samachar18.30 Serial: Siya Ke Ram19.30 Journal & La Meteo20.10 Local: Come On Let’??S21.05 Serial: 19-123.35 Le Journal23.35 Mag: Eye On SADC

03.09 Serial: Chicago Med03.58 Film: Signed, Sealed, Delive..05.28 Tele: Muneca Brava06.03 Serial: Unforgotten06.51 Film: Amazing Grace09.00 Serial: When Calls The Heart09.45 Tele: Teresa10.37 Tele: I Forgot I Loved You11.00 Serial: Chicago Med12.00 Film: Signed. Sealed, Delive..13.33 Tele: Muneca Brava14.45 Film: Amazing Grace16.42 Serial: When Calls The Heart17.18 Serial: Unforgotten18.05 Tele: Teresa19.00 Tele: I Forgot I Loved You19.35 Mag: Hollywood On Set20.05 Tele: Les Trois Visages D’ana20.30 Serial: Dynasty 221.15 Film: Le Poids Des Mensonges22.46 Tele: Muneca Brava

08.00 Film: Alag - He Is Different, He Is AloneStarring: Akshay Kapoor,Dia Mirza

12.08 / 19.54 - Radha Krishna12.31 / 20.11 - Chupke Chupke12.50 / 20.32 - Mere Sai13.12 / 21.09 - Agniphera13.27 / 21.24 -

Bade Acche Lagte Hai13.50 / 21.46 - Zindagi Ki Mehek14.17 / 22.20 - Maharakshak14.57 / 22.55 - Sethji15.25 Film: Waqt Hamara Hai

Starring Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Ayesha Jhulka

18.00 Live: Samacher18.30 Kundali Bhagya18.52 Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein19.14 Serial: Bhakharwadi19.36 Serial: Siddhi Vinayak

02.56 Serial: The Night Shift03.37 Film: Hollows Grove04.57Tele: Tanto Amor05.42 Serial: Dnynasty 206.48 Film: Clarity08.30 Serial: The Enemy Within09.18 Serial: Brooklyn Nine Nine10.04 Serial: Falling Water10.43 Film: Le Poids Des

Messonges12.15 Serial: The Night Shift13.00 Serial: The Magicians15.05 Tele: Amanda15.58 Tele: Muneca Brava17.00 Serial: Dynasty 217.45 Film: Jumanji (1995)19.35 Mag: Hollywood On Set20.05 Tele: Les Trois Visages D’ana20.30 Series: Dynasty 221.15 Film: The Ottoman

Lieutenaut23.01 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir

01.20 Film: The Ottoman Lieutenaut

03.48 Serial: Midnight, Texas03.38 Film: Spinning Man05.25 Tele: Tanto Amor06.10 Serial: Dynasty 206.46 Film: For The Love Of George08.30 Serial: The Enemy Within09.12 Film: The Ottoman Lieutenaut10.56 Film: Jumanji12.36 Serial: Midnight, Texas13.29 Serial: Chicago Med15.28 Tele: Amanda16.09 Tele: Muneca Brava17.01 Serial: Dynasty 217.45 Serial: Midnight, Texas18.30 Serial: Rich Man, Poor Man19.35 Mag: Hollywood On Set20.05 Tele: Les Trois Visages D’ana20.30 Serilal: Pure Genius21.15 Film: November Criminals

06.00 D.Anime: Boule Et Bill06.22 D.Anime: The Hive07.00 D.Anime: Sissi07.25 D.Anime: Kung Fu Panda07.45 Film: Valentina08.45 D.Anime: The Garfield Show09.07 D.Anime: Voltron, Le

Defenseur09.35 Serial: Luccas Etc.12.00 Le Journal12.35 Tele: Teresa15.20 D.Anime: Petit Creux15.45 D.Anime: Wishfart16.40 D.Anime: Linkers17.17 Serial: Les Copains Carlins18.00 Live: Samachar18.30 Entertainment: Dance19.30 Journal & La Meteo20.15 Local: Le Rendez Vous21.20 Film: Spinning Man

Avec: Guy Pearce, Pierce Brosnan, Minnie Driver

MBC 1 MBC 2 MBC 2 MBC 3 MBC 3 07.00 DDI Live08.00 Educa Prog: Grade 310.15 Educa Prog: Grade 412.30 Film: Karuna Shiv Shankara15.05 Serial: Zindagi Ki Mehek15.23 Serial: Aamhi Doghi 15.44 Serial: Bava Maradallu16.07 Serial: Apoorva Raagangal16.28 Serial: Aatish16.48 Serial: Imtihaan17.05 Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala17.25 Serial: Chhanchhan18.00 Serial: Dr. Qin18.30 Local: Abhay Charan19.05 Zournal Kreol19.30 Serial: Radha Krishna20.02 Serial: Aas20.46 Local: Anjuman21.09 Local: Urdu Programe22.07 DDI Live

07.00 Film: Gharonda09.11 Mag: Yoga With Ira Trivedi10.00 Bade Acche Lagte Hai11.40 Serial: Bloody Romance12.00 Serial: Nanda Saukhya Bhare12.24 Serial: Mooga Manasulu12.42 Serial: High School13.11 Annakodiyum Ainthu

Pengalum15.00 Serial: Zindagi Ki Mehek15.25 Film: Aarakshan

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Manoj Bajpai

18.03 Mag: Koshish Se Kamyaabi Tak

19.00 Live: Zournal Kreol19.30 Serial: Radha Krishna20.06 Serial: Vikram Betaal Ki

Rahasya Gatha20.20 Serial: Bitti Business Wali21.01 Film: Ek Villain

Stars: Sidharth Malhotra....

06.00 Doc: Starting Strong06.42 Mag: Arts And Culture06.55 Mag: Our Voices07.50 Doc: Volcano Stories09.08 Doc: Pavarotti, Pop Tenor10.00 Doc: Tsunamis10.46 Doc: Big Pharma12.11 Mag: Our Voices13.01 Doc: Sos Animaux Danger14.50 Mag: Japan Video Topics17.30 Doc: Amazing Gardens17.53 Doc: Rainforest Radio18.19 Doc: Zenith19.30 Doc: Beatbox20.30 Local: News (English)20.45 MFDC I Am Better20.51 Doc: Code(s) Polar21.39 Doc: Taste Hunters22.33 Doc: The Rock Road To

Tokyo00.07 Doc: Zenith00.33 Mag: Magazine

06.00 Mag: Eco India06.26 Mag: Shift06.38 Mag: Sur Mesure06.52 Mag: Border Crossing07.20 Mag: Tomorrow Today09.00 Educa Prog: Grade 810.42 Educa Prog: Grade 514.03 Doc: 360 GEO15.37 Doc: Extreme Tourism -

Volcanoes, War Zone16.20 Mag: Eco India16.49 Mag: Shift18.03 Doc:Starting Strong18.45 MFDC I Am Better 19.00 Student Support Prog...19.33 Mag: Euromaxx20.05 Doc: Volcano Stories20.30 Local: News (English)20.53 Sos Animaux En Darger21.45 Doc: Pavarotti, Pop Tenor

06.00 D.Anime: Robot Trains06.27 D.Anime: The Hive06.42 D.Anime: P’tit Cosmonaute07.00 D.Anime: Sissi09.35 Serial: Lucas Etc10.00 Local: Zanfan Nou Zil10.30 Serial: Backstage12.00 Le Journal12.40 Tele: Teresa14.10 Local: Elle15.05 D.Anime: Twirlywoos15.25 D.Anime: Petit Creux15.51 D.Anime: Dragons17.15 Serial: Les Copains Carlins18.00 Live: Samachar18.30 Local Prod: Gata Rahe Mere...19.30 Le Journal20.20 Local: Groov’in21.15 Film: All She Wishes

Avec: Lexi Giovagnoli, Calum Worthy, Diedrich Bader

07.00 Film: Guddi10.00 Local Prod: MBC Prod 11.00 Serial: Oru Kai Osai11.22 Serial: Santoshi Maa12.00 Film: Banjaran

Stars: Rishi Kapoor, Sridevi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Gulshan Grover...

14.26 Mag: Masters Of Cinema15.00 Serial: Zindagi Ki Mehek15.22 Serial: Mooga Manasulu15.44 Serial: He Mann Baware16.12 Apoorva Raagangal17.05 Serial: Siya Ke Ram18.00 Mag: Little Green Man18.30 Local: Tipa Tipa Nu Avance19.00 Live: Zournal Kreol20.05 Serial: Mann Mein Vishwas..20.58 Serial: CID21.43 Serial: Naagin Season 222.13 Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki

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06.00 Mag: Amazing Gardens06.26 Doc: Rainforest Radio06.52 Doc: Zenith07.46 Doc: Beatbox08.41 Doc: Code(s) Polar10.23 Doc: The Rocky Road To...11.13 Doc: Amazing Gardens11.39 Mag: Rainforest Radio12.00 Doc: Zenith13.56 Doc: Code(s) Polar17.46 Mag: Magnifique18.14 Doc: Builders Of The Future18.59 Mag: Trend Book19.32 Doc: Comme Une Envie...19.38 The Real Dr. Strangelove20.30 Local Prod: News (English)20.45 MFDC I Am Better-Short22.07 Doc: Le Funeste Destin...23.02 Doc: Stolen Blood23.44 Mag: Magnifique00.14 Doc: Builders Of The Future

04.05 Radha Krishna04.26 Chupke Chupke04.48 Mere Sai -- Shraddha Aur...05.11 Agniphera05.34 Bade Acche Lagte Hai06.00 Zindagi Ki Mehek06.16 Sethji06.38 Chhanchhan07.02 Kundali Bhagya07.25 Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein08.02 Zindagi Ki Mehek10.00 Motu Patlu10.12 Siddhi Vinayak12.01 Serial: Bhakharwadi14.00 Chupke Chupke16.00 Pavitra Rishta18.00 Samachar18.30 Film: Hum Tumhare Hai

SanamStar: Salman Khan, Shahrukh

Khan, Madhuri Dixit21.18 Serial: Namah

00.35 Serial: Siddhi Vinayak02.21 Bhakharwadi04.10 Chupke Chupke05.56 Pavitra Rishta08.00 Motu Patlu08.11 Ikyawann10.00 Jaana Na Dil Se Door12.00 Piya Albela14.00 Agniphera16.29 Punar Vivaah18.00 Live: Samachar18.30 Film: Manikarnika

Starring: Kangana Ranaut, Jishu Sengupta, Danny Denzongpa

20.51 Entertainment: Dance21.36 Bade Acche Lagte Hai23.31 Serial: Piya Albela

Vendredi 17 septembre - 21.15

Samedi 18 septembre - 21.20

Dimanche 19 septembre- 18.30

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Jishu Sengupta, Danny Denzongpa

Stars: Sidharth Malhotra, ShraddhaKapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh

Samedi 19 septembre- 18.30

Dimanche 19 septembre - 21.10

MBC 2MBC 2

Democracy & State Capture Mauritius Times Friday, September 17, 2021 18

The capture of democratic political sys-tems by private power networks is

arguably the greatest threat to civil libertiesand inclusive development in Africa. That'sthe conclusion of two new reports thataddress the issue of threats to democracyon the continent.

The first report is published by Ghana'sCentre for Democratic Development. Itfocuses on the capture and subversion ofdemocratic institutions in Benin, Ghana,Kenya, Mozambique and Nigeria.

These case studies reveal that even inmore democratic states such as Benin andGhana, ruling parties can "hijack" demo-cracy and appropriate its benefits. They dothis by capturing the institutions of demo-cracy itself. This includes electoral com-missions, judiciaries, legislatures and eventhe media and civil society.

The net effect is to undermine trans-parency and accountability. This in turnfacilitates the abuse of power, especially inmore authoritarian contexts.

The second report was curated byDemocracy in Africa and takes a slightlydifferent approach. It looks at how unelec-ted networks can infiltrate and subvertstate structures.

In particular, it maps the emergence ofshadow states in the Democratic Republicof Congo (DRC), Uganda, Zambia andZimbabwe. These case studies show thatnetworks of unelected businessmen, civilservants, political fixers and members ofthe presidents' families wield more powerthan legislators.

By mapping how these networks areorganised across different groups andcountries, the report reveals how influen-tial and resilient certain groups havebecome. It also shows how many shadowstates have been integrated into transna-tional financial and - in some cases - cri-minal networks.

This is not an "African" issue. Similarprocesses have been identified in a num-ber of different countries and regions.These include Bangladesh, Brazil and theUS. But this does not mean that the needto recognise and confront these issues isany less pressing.

States with higher levels of democracycapture are prone to becoming moreauthoritarian, corrupt and abusive.

Democracy capture and theshadow state

According to politics professorEmmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, democracycapture occurs when 'a few individuals orsections of a supposedly democratic polityare able to systematically appropriate tothemselves the institutions and processesas well as dividends of democratic gover-

nance'.In other words, democracy capture

expands the idea of "state capture" toinclude all political institutions and demo-cratic activities including civil society andthe media.

The term is widely used in South Africato refer to the undue influence of specialinterest groups over state institutions.

Indeed, what is striking about thisprocess is the well-structured networksthat encompass a broad range of individu-als from government to the security forces,traditional leaders, private businesses,state-owned enterprises, and their familymembers. According to a separate studyby South African academics Ivor Chipkinand Mark Swilling, what distinguishesthese actors is their privileged "access tothe inner sanctum of power in order tomake decisions".

One helpful way of conceptualisingthese networks is the idea of shadowstates developed by the influential politicalscientist William Reno.

For Reno, a shadow state is effectivelya system of governance in which a form ofparallel government is established by acoalition of the president, militias, securityagencies, local intermediaries and foreigncompanies. In extreme versions such asSierra Leone real power no longer lies inofficial institutions of government such asthe legislature.

This kind of shadow state is charac-terised by the existence of private armiesand a severely limited, almost imaginary,formal state.

More recently, researchers have identi-fied manifestations of the shadow state incountries that are not in the middle of civil

war and have stronger formal political sys-tems. Good examples include Kenya andZambia.

In these cases, the shadow state ismore oriented towards hampering the activities of opposition parties andensuring impunity for its members.

Africa is not a countryThe nine case studies featured in the

two reports show that the extent of demo-cracy capture varies significantly. It islower in states like Ghana, where robustelectoral contestation among rival partieshas seen multiple transfers of power. It'smuch higher in states such as Zimbabwe,where the government has never changedhands.

The shape and resilience of unelectedpower networks also varies in importantways. In Uganda, the shadow state is runby an axis of President Yoweri Museveni'sfamily, a "military aristocracy" and inter-locutors in the business community.

In Benin, President Patrice Talon hasexploited the weakness of the legal sys-tem, the judiciary and the legislature toexpand his power. Through this process hehas turned one of the continent's mostvibrant democracies into a near politicalmonopoly.

The picture is different again in theDRC. International military alliances werecritical to the way that former presidentsLaurent Kabila and Joseph Kabila tookand held power. This led to a shadow statethat has been more profoundly shaped bytransnational smuggling networks and theactivities of the security forces.

The situation in Zambia is also distinc-tive. Under former president Edgar Lungu,the security forces were less relevant than

the nexus between politicians, governmentofficials and businessmen. This led to ram-pant corruption and mismanagement. Butit did not prevent a transfer of power in2021.

In contrast, in Zimbabwe the govern-ment has been progressively militarised,penetrating further areas of the state andthe economy. This raises serious ques-tions about whether President EmmersonMnangagwa - or army leaders - holds realpower.

It is, therefore, important to map theshadow state on a case-by-case basisbecause no two networks are the same.The differences between them revealswho really holds power.

The consequencesShadow states have a negative impact

on democracy and accountability. But thedamage they do goes well beyond this. Itundermines inclusive developmentthrough three related processes:l creating a culture of impunity, which

facilitates corruption and diverts resources from productive invest-ments

l manipulating government expenditure and other public resources and oppor-tunities to sustain the patronage networks and ensure the shadow state's political survival

l creating monopolistic or oligopolistic conditions that increase prices and enable companies with links to the shadow state to make excessive profits.

The result is that resources and invest-ment are systematically diverted into pri-vate hands.

In Uganda, Museveni issues taxwaivers to business allies in return forelection support. This denies the treasuryhundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.

In Zimbabwe, companies in leaguewith the ruling party and the military haveused these connections to establish nearmonopolies in key sectors of the economythat exploit the public. In one case, this ledto severe fuel shortages that artificiallyinflated prices.

When added to the billions of dollarslost through straightforward corruption,theft and fraud, it is clear that theseprocesses represent one of the most sig-nificant barriers to inclusive developmentin Africa. Unless these networks are chal-lenged, they will continue to keep citizensin poverty while enriching those connectedto the shadow state.

Shadow states are the biggest threat to democracy in Africa: fresh reports detail how

The extent of democracy capture varies markedly between countries. It's much higher in states such as Zimbabwe,where the government has never changed hands

State capture conducive to corruption. Pic - Daily Maverick

Nic Cheeseman, Professor ofDemocracy, University of

Birmingham