I was going to the refugees? centre to take some provisions for people of Sainte-Croix and Cité-la-Cure under police escort ? because of the bad weather conditions ? when there was an illegal roadblock at Sypay Brilé level. As there were quite a lot of people on the road, I asked the driver to stop. And we remained stuck in the car for two hours while people were yelling not to let me get through and starting to swear at me.

● <B>Those people say that they only wanted you to get out of your car and see what was happening to them with the water brought by the cyclone?</B>

Do you think I would be able to go out with all those people yelling and swearing like troopers? My niece was with me in the car and I did not want to poison the situation more. It looked like a fun play for them. But I knew they were inhabitants of the constituency and I knew they would not hurt me?

● <B>It is quite rare to see MPs castigate the police the way you did after the incident?</B>

There was a police van that stopped next to my car and I thought someone would at least send reinforcements. But he did nothing for two hours and I believe there was negligence on their part. I believe in democracy and I am sure that this case will be dealt with properly but I think that a commission of enquiry should be set up on that matter. Such negligence can?t be tolerated! It was real buffoonery!

● <B>You are known to be a regular listener of your constituents. What led those people to take it out on you? </B>

I meet inhabitants of the constituency every single day and I am available for them. Of course, I do not expect everyone to like me and appreciate my work but they can?t say that they could not talk to me. I know that these people are not from my political side but there were other ways for them to inform me of their problems. Even if they did not want to come and see me, they could send a letter or someone to talk to me. You know, I am not a dictator. If people have problems and feel that I am not doing my job properly, they can come and we will discuss the matter. I understand that they can be angry but their threatening approach is unacceptable!

● <B>What do they want you to do? </B>

I am well aware of their sewage problems, as inhabitants informed me of the problem six months ago. We started cleaning and then we realised that a part of the problem was in a private lane. The government needs an affidavit signed by owners to get onto such private streets and we are still waiting for that letter. Another way of solving the problem would be to extend the sewage system but this would cost Rs 10 million. We do not have the money? But, when the incident occurred, I asked the minister to come with me on the site the day after the incident to try to find a solution. The minister came and you know what happened? They just took it out on him and me instead of explaining the problems. Do these people want their sewage system to be better? Engineers went there on Friday to start work and they had to take metal sheet out but an inhabitant urged him not to touch her metal sheet? Do you think we can work like that? I agree to try and make everything possible to make the lives of Vallée-des-Prêtres? inhabitants better but they have to give us some time. And each has to cooperate!

● <B>There was another incident in the middle of last week when some people came at your house to ask you not to make any statement to the police against those who blocked your car on Sunday and they said you came with many people to intimidate them?</B>

People have made mistakes and they must pay the consequences. Justice is following its course. I was working at Montagne-Longue when I was informed that people were waiting for me and I did not hesitate to come back. I wanted to discuss with them. My family, friends and relatives were anxious for my security and they came with me. I can?t deny that there were about 200 people with me but I did not ask them anything! It was a sign of support!

?I know that these people are not from my political side but there were other ways for them to inform me of their problems.?

● <B>Are you afraid now to go on the field now? </B>

No, I am not afraid. If I need to die there, it will be my destiny!

● <B>Are you disappointed with the people?s reactions? </B>

I understand their anger. I am an inhabitant of Vallée-des-Prêtres as well and I would like it to be a better place to live in. But there are ways of saying things and of being heard! I am afraid they have been brainwashed by some politicians. But this will not prevent me from continuing my ?day-to-day work?!