In the past, I have spoken of the difficulties the government sometimes encounter when communicating with the public at large. Prior to the last budget, the general impression was that the possible measures to be included were likely to be austere and again it would be an exercise of ?tightening belts? but the budget delivered was one sprinkled with sweeteners. By adopting this tactic deliberately or otherwise, the budget was generally greeted by the public with relief rather than anger, a master stroke well psychologically engineered by all accounts.

I was absolutely delighted the day after the budget when I heard the leader of the opposition on TV clearly expressing his views in response to the previous day?s budget. I thought that at last the policy of the MBC had changed direction and was now prepared to allow all politicians to be heard immaterial of which political party they belong to. My joy was short-lived because the subsequent day, anybody not belonging to the government could not be heard and was once again afflicted with aphonia.

How long more, are we going to hear the government say they have been left with skeletons in the cupboards and a substantial deficit? Two years on, the government must find a new slogan because all aspiring ministers from the back bench who are trying to impress, are boring us to tears by repeating the same old song over and over again.

The saga of the Indian scholarship to doctors seems unending. There are yet no clear and credible explanations from the ministry of Health. For the sake of transparency and good governance, let all the facts be known please.

It now costs Rs 15.00 per minute to book an appointment for a visa with the French Embassy. There are still no forthcoming explanations when a request for a visa is turned down, yet the fee is forfeited. Perhaps the Foreign Ministry could enlighten us as to what do they propose to do to get the system changed for the benefit of the local population for a change.

<B>C.C.C. </B>