All Mauritian PMs so far ( SSR, SAJ, NR, PRB ) have retained the Home Affairs /Interior portfolio under their direct control. Both here and elsewhere, universal changes are fast making the governance of human societies a very complex task indeed. The maintenance of Law and Order is becoming far more challenging in the face of the use of advanced technologies by all manner of thugs, terrorists, wheelers and dealers.

To properly co-ordinate both the human and technical response to the maintenance of Law and Order, a dedicated, full-time minister for Home affairs may be an effective solution to enable all Mauritians to continue living peacefully. The 21st century may have in reserve for us other tsunamis, natural or man-made !

Whether it be a mauve or red October, the new Government may consider 2005 as the right time to break with tradition and establish such a ministry. There would still be the problem of finding the right man or woman for the task ? someone non-sectarian and incorruptible, combining (using French politics as comparison ) the ruthless efficiency of a Nicolas Sarkozy with the ?qualité de coeur? of a Jack Lang.

<B>Dr Michael ATCHIA</B>