All we?ve heard about the recent Prime ministerial visit to London was the ?success? that it supposedly was in terms of increasing the international awareness on the Chagos issue. True it is that the Commonwealth stand on this matter is heart-warming, true it is that Mc Kinnon?s outright condemnation of Blair?s stand comforts us in a fight that we know we?re bound to ultimately lose. The point is we have to keep the battle going simply on a matter of principle. This much is clear and pretty much everyone agrees on the need for continued efforts.

The problem arises when a different interpretation is given to the word ?success.? What kind of success is a visit to a country, our former colonial masters at that, where his British counterpart snubs the Mauritian PM? However ?friendly? that letter from Blair to Bérenger might have been, the fact remains that, in the present circumstances where Mauritius has continuously made her voice heard, hardened her tone, sent a letter that has remained unanswered, a snub remains a snub, regardless of what the ultimate aim of the visit was.

If Britain chooses to play dirty, then that?s its choice and let it shoulder its responsibilities. We don?t have to stoop down to its level. As it is, the Blair government is doing more harm to its cause by its arrogant silence to Mauritius? plight. So be it.

Was Bérenger?s visit to the Big Ben an ill-advised decision? He doesn?t seem to think so. On the contrary, the stand seems to be that Mauritius will not compromise on her territorial integrity at any cost. ?At any cost?? I?m sorry, what about at the cost of our dignity? After having stabbed us in the back more than two decades ago, Britain has continued to disregard our claim to sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago. Mauritius, on the other hand, has constantly, through all its successive governments, made its position clear. Some leaders have been more vocal than others, some have been firmer than others and some have been more determined than others.

This present government, with Paul Bérenger at its head, seems on a crusade against the UK; analyzing the pros and cons of such a move would be useless and a waste of time. The damage, if any, is done.

It would, however, be most interesting to know what led to Bérenger?s determined efforts to get a reaction from the Blair government. Was it because the first letter was never answered? Is it our PM?s bruised ego that is calling the shots? We should hope not. At the end of the day, the fact remains that Blair?s non-meeting with Bérenger was a kick in the teeth. Not just for our honorable Prime minister but above all to the Republic of Mauritius and all that it stands for.

If we have to fight for our territorial integrity on a matter of principle, then let us also fight for the right to be treated with dignity. The London snub was a slap in the face regardless of what most may say. And it?s not about turning the other cheek. It?s about dignity. And self-respect. And our undeniable right to it.