Every four years, one Mauritian accomplishes the kind of feat that no politician could even dream of. The said person actually succeeds in inspiring and uniting all his countrymen, for a few days at least. Throngs of employees gathered in the newsroom of l?express last Monday to cheer on the ?Mauritian Magician?, Bruno Julie, in his quarterfinal fight against Hector Manzanilla. Halfway through the fight, the ?Creole Crusher? was trailing his adversary, but his tenacity, patience and skill allowed him to not only get all square with the Venezuelan but to ultimately demolish him. Mauritius would benefit greatly if it could emulate the qualities demonstrated by Bruno Julie in his quest for Olympic gold.

As if the adulation of millions and an avalanche of corporate sponsorship deals weren?t enough, India?s first individual Olympic gold medal winner, Abhinav Bhindra, has had another great honour bestowed upon him. Indeed, the winner of the men?s 10-metre air-rifle event was recently accorded a lifetime rail pass. The question that begs now is : how will Mauritius recompense its very own Olympic hero? A lifetime pass on CNT?s air-conditioned Blue Line seems reasonable enough if a bit limited in scope. However, a far better reward exists. Why not present Bruno Julie with a hybrid vehicle? What better way for the authorities to show their commitment to turning Mauritius into a sustainable island than by bequeathing an environment-friendly vehicle to its new role model?

It has also emerged that the angelic-looking nine-year-old girl who sang with such mellifluous enthusiasm during the opening ceremony was, in fact, mimicking the voice of another girl whose features were apparently somewhat less angelic. Who?d have thought that the rip-off artists Milli Vanilli would enjoy such an enduring legacy? Kicking the veritable talent off the stage in favour of a pretty face is definitely not the definition of Olympic values. If the logic of the organizing authorities were applied across the board then most Olympic champions would have to cede their place on the podium to more photogenic faces, just like real rock bands have given way to asinine pop outfits. It all boils down to marketing it seems.

On a slightly more cynical note, it would undoubtedly be to country?s advantage if Transparency International ever decided to set up an evil sister organization, Opacity International. Mauritius would definitely be angling for a place on the podium of bad governance. The recent spate of unsolicited bids, the conditions surrounding the contract for the Tianli ?mega-project? and Bert Cunningham?s recent departure, which many have attributed to the workings of occult forces, are but a few examples of just how committed the government is to good governance. As it is though, Mauritius will probably have to content itself once again with losing valuable ground on the watchdog?s yearly corruption index. We live in hope though.

?It?s extraordinary how we go through life with eyes half shut, with dull ears, with dormant thoughts. Perhaps it?s just as well; and it may be that it is this very dullness that makes life to the incalculable majority so supportable and so welcome?, the great Joseph Conrad wrote. Thank you to Bruno Julie for dispelling the dullness for a while and allowing a whole nation to dream.