I am referring to an article entitled ?Independence ? Life begins at 40? where the author, Taleb Durgahee, states, ?How is it that, when Mauritians move to Europe, Canada or Australia (there is a long queue for migration), they are happy to work day and night but give so little to their own country??

Having left Mauritius 27 yrs ago, I must say that there were major differences working for a private company compared to working for the Public Service of Mauritius when I was waiting for my HSC results and trying to make some money before heading overseas for university. I was burning the midnight oil at the end of each month for book closing. I know my colleagues and myself were hard workers and we were well paid in return.

Now that I am living and working outside the country, I see my countrymen working hard also in their new home country. Reason: fair treatment and recognition for time put in plus the knowledge that they are building a better life for themselves and their families. Working 50 to 60 hours is not the norm but when one is compensated and is recognised for a job well done, one will bend backwards to achieve the results expected in the required time.

In addition, there is no nepotism as one can experience in Mauritius.

N.C. From Montréal