There is nothing as uncomfortable as having to delay what we courteously refer to as the call of nature, i.e. the need to defecate or urinate. Our body shows us how important it is to get rid of these end-products of digestion, while constantly reminding us of the ultimate fate of all organic materials be they human, animal or plant. As much as the end-product of the most expensive and delicate foods turns out to be as repulsive and toxic as their cheaper counterparts, we all will end up in a no less slimy lot one of these days unless we choose to be incinerated.

Although excretion is a natural process it is not much talked about. Yet some people would equate the state of one’s toilet to one’s worth, one’s level of civilisation in all the aspects it involves. The beauty and sophistication of toilet facilities is secondary to their efficiency in ensuring good sanitation. This is achieved through appropriate use ,good maintenance, regular cleaning and caring.

A friend of mine who used to work as a human resource manager for a textile factory, recently told me how an American who was looking forward to doing some business with the company, first expressed his wish to visit its toilet facilities. Then he would move on to other departments.

Stunned by his request the manager could not help asking him about his motives. He was surprised to learn that the American would not have done business with them had their sanitary facilities not satisfied his expected standards of cleanliness and care. He argued that toilets often mirror the discipline and care that characterize the people of an organisation at all levels.

Curiously enough, an ex-detainee was a day before relating the insalubrious state of the sanitary facilities at the prison of Beau-Bassin to me.

If what he says is true, it would be highly desirable if an audit of the same could be done in order to determine the causes. The ex prisoner believes that amongst other shortcomings, the facilities are outdated and not adapted for the number of persons they are serving.

Ensuring detainees relieve themselves in dignity might well be one of the elementary ways of showing our humanity while rehabilitating whatever flaws exist in theirs that might have led them there. If sometimes prisoners behave like monsters they might well be showing a mirror image of how we consider them. Respecting their elementary dignity implies they should be taught discipline and responsibility and might be an invaluable ally to enhance their humanity...

<B>Alain JEANNOT</B>