1. We must congratulate our PM, himself an Old Royal, for the excellent, statesman-like speech which he delivered to the nation for New Year. In particular his stress on the absolute need for EQUITY in our society and (it follows) in the way the country is run.

As well his recognition of the plight of those communities left behind for simply not ?belonging? to the ?right? groups (to the Franco group in the past, to the Hindu community, specially to given castes, at present).

We must also whole-heartedly congratulate the PM for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award that was bestowed to him in India, as well as the compliment on his statesmanship, from the very top leaders of India, the Indian PM no less!

2. Now is the time to make these words (one could say, these engagements) reality, to implement intentions.

3. Unlike what happened in 2005-2007, which turned Mauritius into a most iniquitous country, where, by and large, only the ?nou bann? (personally selected by his Government) benefited, participated in governance, were given consideration, enriched themselves while all others were excluded!

Some actions of Government (particularly around the Ministries of Industry and that of Land) deserve special condemnation. It is clearly unpatriotic, not short of treason, for a group of ? irresponsible? persons in authority to consciously destroy given national industries(with the consequent detrimental effects on the citizens employed in these industries) in favour of foreign countries and groups. We all know the examples : IBL in Agalega, Catovair over flight-rights, Desbro over iron, LMLC over flour, milk importers, planters out in favour of Tianli, NRPT levied on Mauritians but not developers etc). You will note most of these groups and persons denied their rightful place come from banne-la, actions which have turned some Mauritian citizens into third class citizens! Some of these irresponsible persons must not only be made to re-read the constitution of the Republic, but should be sacked and sued! The example of India is eloquent here: all parties, be it BJP or Congress, have since years always given staunch support to national industries and interests over external and foreign groups, a policy which goes a long way to explain India?s economic success.

4. Zero equity, history has shown us, inevitably leads to strife, already showing itself in this country in the form of increased violence and unlawfulness. Now is the time to make the difference between Irresponsible and Responsible governance.

Old Royals and friends