The hundred days of Navin Ramgoolam are expiring soon and we have already noticed drastic changes since he has been in office. Our representatives in Parliament ought to know that good governance is a matter of give and take; otherwise this could have serious consequences on the country. First of all, Indira Seebun, minister of Women’s rights, proved caring and humane when she helped a young mother whose two-year old child had been raped and murdered. To prevent that poor woman living in an environment where she had the traumatic experience of losing her child, Mrs Seebun gave her a job and facilities to buy a house. What she did shows an example of ‘putting people first’. But how long can a government act as Father Christmas?

Many people with limited revenue used to have their water and electricity cut off if they did not pay their bills in time. Abu Kasenally, minister of Public utilities has spelt it out on TV that those in default of payment would have 34 days instead of 15 days for payment. They could even pay by installments. Minister Kasenally has made it clear that that CEB or CWA should not cut off their electricity or water. On the other hand, he has asked the latter to do their utmost in helping hardship cases with their payments. This could be a good thing but, in the long term, our institutions will suffer economically.

Sheila Bappoo, the minister of Social security has won the affection of thousands of old- age pensioners by restoring the universal pension snatched from some of them. Furthermore, Navin Ramgoolam has given back the Islet of Bénitiers to the Nubbeebachus family because it had leased this islet since 1927. The outgoing prime minister had cancelled the lease to give this islet to promoters for so-called development as he also gave over 400 arpents of land in Agalega to IBL. The prime minister considered he was just repairing a grave injustice against the Nubheebaccus family. Paul Bérenger, as opposition leader, is contemplating contesting this decision in court.

Medicines and milk are cheaper, transport for students and senior citizens are free, passports cost Rs 700 instead of Rs 1,500. So every small trader will find it easier to travel to Singapore, Taiwan, India and other countries to buy their goods and sell them in Mauritius. Will we consumers be better off in the long term or is recession on our doorstep?

Some outskirts of Port-Louis have been left to rot in its ghettos for donkey’s years where exclusion, disease and poverty prevail. Such places have never known any development by whichever government in power. A recent survey was made by deputy prime minister Rashid Beebeejaun and other ministers to bring new development to places like Vallée-Pitot, Roche-Bois, and Cité La Cure. Let us hope positive action is on the way this time.

So far, let us be positive and give this government a chance. However, let us hope that it is not a catch. If the government’s intentions and actions are good, they are bound to be victorious beyond 2010. All they need is to brush up a bit more on the economy of the country.