Where there is a collapse of dialogue in human activities, there is virtually politics and disruption in public affairs. At times there is neither perfection nor satisfaction. Promises do come quite easily. After all, no one really expects them to be fulfilled. Bofors may be blown open, but will corruption, nepotism and favouritism stop? Some politicians go so far that “they even promise to build bridges, where there are no rivers”.

As far as our civic duty is concerned, we, as electors, must eventually think well before we cast our precious votes. The hype and hysteria should be ignored. Money and muscle power are not enough to buy elections. In Mauritius and in many foreign countries, we are used to the double talk of politicians, who rarely practise what they preach. Likewise, there truly exists many a gap between what a politician pronounces on the platform prior to elections, and what he/she does after having won an election.

On the other hand, it is a true and common fact to note that electors react and respond on the basis of their ethnic affinity. So, political leaders are viewed as being primarily ethnic-minded. Hence, electoral alliances are struck and during distribution of tickets, this virtually becomes more risible. It is also deplorable that electoral campaigns are characterised by deep animosity among political leaders and sympathisers. When will politicians realise that, in politics, we do not have enemies, just opponents?

Much more should therefore be done for an individual to become a “specialised and mature observer”. For leadership requires action, mobilisation, organisation and a spirit of self-sacrifice. Furthermore, the silence of the masses provides a fertile hunting-ground for opportunists, political henchmen and political adventurism.

In short, patriotism does not make blind but obsession for power leads to things that sound pleasurable to the ears but add to confusion. The solution to the problems of our country (or any other in the world) does not lie in the hands of the few but should be the prime concern of the many. Anybody feeling he/she can contribute must not hold the country ransom as does the leader of the opposition. He would sound true if he stated that he wants early elctions – not to solve anything but to worsen it.

The very best would be to convene a high-powered committee and redefine a strategy to lay down the foundation of long term development and accelerate initiated reforms. Let those with loose tongues brag.

<B>Sookraj Bissessur

Sane horseracing </B>

The Sport of kings seems to be in turmoil. It seems to stem from the mystifying decisions of the racing stewards at times. Race goers have every reason to be concerned. After all, it is the punters who finance the racing industry with their hard-earned cash. The racing stewards need to be on top of their job, not as it is now where some decisions are debatable and shrouded in controversy. It is about time the racing authorities took the bull by its horns to bring some sanity into the racing industry. If their objective is to improve the quality of racing and ensure that punters get a fair deal, I suggest they consider the following :

• There should be professional and full-time racing stewards.

• The film of each race from a head-on camera is a must for the punters.

• Stewards need to investigate sharp and unexplained trends affecting course betting.

• Jockeys chopping and changing lanes should be sanctioned more severely.

• Disqualification of a horse should be part of sanctions against jockeys. Fines should be at a more substantial level.

• Race stewards should take immediate action, whether jockeys lodge an objection or not.

• The number of races at each meeting should be reduced as the number of horses racing weekly seems to be dwindling.

• Consideration should also be given to increasing the number of stables in order to promote a better standard of competition.

• Until and unless the racing authorities take action, it is the poor punters who will continue to suffer.

<B>Claude Canabady</B>