Why are we inviting outsiders?

The editorial of Raj Meetarbhan, ?Sentiment d?insécurité?, published on 20.06.07 displays a gross ignorance of the professional qualification of the Mauritian professionals. He should remember that the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of these professionals are qualified from Europe, Australia, South Africa and India.

The writings of Ms Touria Prayag 25.06.07 takes the cake.

The economies of Ireland, India and China are open to foreign investment. The job market in these countries is still regulated and controlled as far as employment of foreign professionals is concerned. Moreover in Mauritius as in any third world country the really paying strata of society never get treated by the local talent. They don?t mind getting treatment from a third rate foreign professional but the best local talent is not good enough for them. Moreover there is talk of Medical hub et al, but no one has said how many patients are waiting to be treated in Mauritian hospitals. Nor has anyone expressed his desire to be treated in Mauritius. Is an attempt being made to create new white elephants ?

As for dealing with insurance companies, and going by my own experiences with them it is better not to have medical insurance at all. Will Ms Prayag arrange facilities for these doctors to be extended credit from various suppliers as well as from supermarkets, where the doctors have to pay cash against purchases. (CEB, CWA, M. TELECOM, charge 5% on outstanding a whooping 60% per annum).

The Mauritian doctors are not worried about lesser number of patients. They are worried why in the name of globalization we are inviting outsiders while other governments are still discriminating against Mauritian professional. Why is it that French, English, Indian or South African qualified Mauritian doctor is not allowed to set up practice in those countries? As for putting interests first, will Ms Prayag clarify what is her interest in writing such one-sided article? Her comments on the conditions in various waiting rooms is in bad taste, I take this opportunity to invite her on a guided tour of waiting to rooms to clear her misconcepts.

Can Ms Prayag or for that matter anyone else guarantee that the new hospitals or doctors will offer better facilities than those already in existence will someone also elaborate what this country is offering in terms of advantages which other countries are not. According to our Hon. Prime Minister ?Mauritius is not the only beautiful girl standing in the market place. The remark on Income Tax amounts to throwing enough mud so at least some will stick. Bringing patriotism in play is like asking someone «when he stopped beating his wife»?. The points put forward by Raj Meetarbhan and Touria Prayag are more relevant to successful economies and not to ones still governed by the scarcity model.

Rajaram JARIA

Sea squatting Bill?

When we were young, we did not have the means (transport and financial) to go to the beach as often as we wished. Long awaited were the yearly school trips and the few occasions with friends and family. Tomorrow, our children will have all the means, but unfortunately our sea and beaches will not be there for them. Generations to come will curse these profit and money-minded politicians who shamelessly plan to sell on auction our God given natural marine beauties (or whatever is left of it). All the sand and water of the sea will not suffice to wash their hands if they do sign this ?Sea squatting Bill?.

Our scuba diving societies should make it a must to offer our policy-makers free diving courses. Those who are unfit will be initiated to snorkeling. Let them enjoy for a last time the privilege of swimming in a natural aquarium of all hues and colours. Let them have a good look at the rampant disaster in our lagoon. Maybe instead of hastening the end, they might plan to save what is left.

Will this bill and related projects be the ultimate solution for our economic crisis? Since we licensed our politicians to dispose of our ?patrimoine?, well, let them sell our mountains to those who will convert them to resorts, dairy farms, recreational parks or whatever projects they deem lucrative. Maybe it is not easy money.

Only a couple of weeks back, I was encouraging a friend to take his family (two children- aged two and eight years) to Mauritius for his forthcoming vacations. After selling him the uniqueness of our paradise island compared to other Indian Ocean resorts, he asked me one question: ?What do you have for children to enjoy?? He was thinking of acres-wide amusement parks with roller coasters, jumping castles, horse rides in forests, etc. ?The beach and the sea will be enough to keep the kids happy? was my prompt reply. I wonder whether I shall be able to say that in future. Hopefully the answer will not be: ?Don?t worry, we have plenty of two-legged crocodiles inland and even more sharks in what used to be a turquoise blue lagoon.?

Dr Hashmat Wahedally Riyadh, K.S.A.