<B>Open letter to the Attorney General</B>

I pay much attention to the current debate on the Equal Opportunities Bill and I am glad that your government is bringing up this matter in Parliament. Successful democracies have shown that the unity of a nation is firmly based on the justice and fairness with which they treat each and every citizen.

Our nation is so rich and internationally respected for the multiplicity of its origin, the diversity of its faiths and by the determination with which it pursues the path of democracy. It is fundamental that discrimination based on race, gender, family situation and handicap be eradicated in all domains both public and private. However, it is equally fundamental that discrimination based on sexual orientation be included in the Bill proposed in Parliament. Homophobia and sexism are both expressions of hatred towards fellow citizens and cannot merely be considered as the expression of an opinion in a Republic that aspires at hosting all its citizens on an equal ground.

I wish, your Honour, that the cabinet does not forget that the Republic of Mauritius is multicultural, rich in its differences and its unity. Let us not forget that every Mauritian is not made in the same mould, and the policies that you enact must unite them under the umbrella of a Republic that draws its strength from respect, brotherhood and solidarity.

<B>Pierre-Marie Foucault</B>

<B>Barking mad

Is a tale of misfortune out of place in your columns? </B>

There?s a bitch of a bitch that comes in heat every other week, conveying her needs to would-be Romeos downwind; there?s a pack of wolves baying at Samu ambulances, police sirens, firemen two-tones and mosque calls a prayer; there?s dogs protesting against the sun and the rain; there?s the friendly sort that rejoice a half hour at their owner?s return and wail a half day at being left behind; there?s games of pursuit; folly and battle royal; yells in dog Morse i-ii-i-ii-iii at being thrashed; calls for dinner and growls over food; long distance calls for chats, love sonnets and strong language.

Can?t dogs use portables like everyone else? Can?t someone breed dogs without vocal cords?

<B>Hear-say</B>