<B>Quian Cock ? Director of Paradise Liqueur and Clavisque Marketing ?There is a lack of discipline in government organisations!? </B>

?I was born in South Africa, but I have been living here since I was 12 years old, because my parents immigrated to Mauritius. I went to South Africa two weeks ago to deal with some government organisations regarding business issues. I was impressed by how quick and how good the service was compared to the one you get in Mauritius. Indeed here, in a lot of government organisations, you are asked to produce some documents regarding specific issues. Once you have produced them and you give it to them they ask you for some other documents! Then, before you know how far the process has gone, you are left in the dark. I will give two examples. As I said, I have lived on this island since I was 12. I am married to a Mauritian and I have applied for Mauritian citizenship by giving all the required documents. After six or seven months, I went back to the institution and I found they had actually lost my application. To be honest, I felt depressed and discouraged. It had taken me so much time and so much expense to get those documents. In addition, when my wife and I were called for an interview, the person doing it was talking to us as if we were criminals!

Another example is the police service. A few months back, thieves entered my factory and stole valuable equipment. I went to the police station and I must say they were very kind but, I was terrified when I noticed they were writing all the information I was giving them by hand. Hence, nothing was computerised! Thereby, if tomorrow my equipment are found in, let?s say Souillac, no one will know that they are mine!

If, in Mauritius, government organizations want to give proper services that reach the international level, they need to be upgraded. What I am trying to say is that the people, who offer those services, should have the right training and the right equipment and know-how to handle situations whereby they are asked to deliver the right services! As far as I know, I am not the only expatriate who makes such complaints! I know many others who encounter such problems or feel the same regarding customer services in government organisations!?