● A basic question to start with: What does Christmas mean to you?

For Christians, Xmas is before the commemoration of the birth before all.

It?s with the same childish fascination that I admire that barn where a vulnerable baby lies naked in a manger. Yet, he is surrounded by loving parents and sincere visitors. You would never imagine how I would wish the warmth and love reigning in that barn to fill the many loveless households I visit on that most auspicious day?

(Drawing Santa out of his deep thoughts) Hmmm! How come you manage to visit so many households within such a short time?

It?s a question of discipline and planning. I treat my reindeers well and take good care of my timeless sledge all year long. However, I must concede this business of gift distribution is becoming tedious as years go by. Those who have fewer children overload them with gifts while half of the world?s population live in poverty. Materialism and egoism are calling upon both my psychological and physical capacities but I also have to obey some commercial exigencies.

Agree with you Santa and fully understand your grievances, but your animals and yourself do not seem the least tired?

It?s this land of yours, son. We have always found ideal conditions for rapid and effective invigoration on your little piece of paradise.

You also need to take good stock of your education system which, for instance, churns thousands of CPE failures every year.

● What are those conditions Santa?

The most auspicious climate of Mauritius, which contrasts with the extremes of my own Europe, is, for instance, an invaluable asset. Availability of fresh water and food is no less significant in preparing us for the rest of our journey. Besides the island is bestowed with a resourceful and welcoming multicultural nation, which makes our day. Unfortunately, I have noticed some disturbing changes over the past 10 years, but I do not wish to spoil your day?

● What are those changes Santa, we are responsible enough to listen to your wise comments and advices, if you may?

Well, I have noticed a trend in individualism threatening Mauritian society. While in the 80s, you used to visit parents and relatives on a regular basis, now some of you only meet on special occasions like Christmas or birthdays. Besides, many children are being spoilt by their parents to such a oint that duty is a word banned from their dictionary. Yet they would recite their rights right from the cot! Indiscipline is on the rise and juvenile delinquency has increased by 40.9% between 2005 and 2006.

● You seem to know a lot on our country, where do you gather your information from?

We have a very advanced technology, which allows us to have live information in all tenses, i.e. past, present and future and Mauritius being my favourite place, I log on its channel everyday.

● Tell us more Santa, it would be the greatest gift you could offer us?

I can bet you want to know about your future. Let me tell you that you are building it today. If you take the hindsight provided by past experiences, you can today stop the drift and keep your Island as paradisiacal as it is bound to be. It is fully feasible provided you all display will power to change for the better.

● What do we need to reconsider Santa?

You have some main areas that need to be revisited. First, you will have to address this drug issue even more agressively, it is unconceivable that more than 20,000 Mauritians are estimated to be addicted to illicit substances.

You also need to take good stock of your education ssystem which, for instance, churns thousands of CPE failures every year.

Violence against women, suicide , number of vehicles per km of road, crime rate, private tuition, solidarity, unity in diversity are also fields, which need ongoing care and if I may say sincere changes.

● Thank you Santa, a last word before you go?

Long live Mauritius, I love you all. Hope I see an improved Island in its "forties" next year. A special greeting the children and family of those who disappeared on the King Fish 2 and King Fish V earlier this year. Got to go now. See you next year.

(In a flash, Santa flies westward in the skies from the top of Le Morne, his usual runway? )