Well, well ! You didn’t know that luxury cars were our prime minister’s all time passion ? It’s public knowledge, now. So there’s no need making a fuss about his purchasing an Aston Martin.

Ooh ! The plaything costs some six million rupees, duty-free, which means around twelve million rupees, duty-paid… And so what ? Where is the problem ? Navin Ramgoolam is the prime minister of Mauritius. As such, he is entitled to fiscal exemption. For sure, there is no opportunity grabbing here. When he was not in office, Ramgoolam could have acquired the object of his ardent desire, whatever be the price. But, he has not done so…

The man is used to a sumptuous lifestyle. Some time back, accompanied by his lackeys, he chose to travel by Concorde. When queried on that costly fantasy, he arrogantly answered that he should not be expected to travel in an oxcart.

That’s why, later, nobody uttered any protest when the prime minister refused to check-in at a luxury hotel in Paris. He stood waiting in the lobby till the Mauritian ambassador found an alternative exclusive resort.

Ramgoolam secured massive support at the last general elections. He was elected to change life in Mauritius. Now, he is implementing the policy.

As charity begins at home, the prime minister first caters for himself and looks after the comfort of his ministers, relatives and friends. In such cases, there is no question of adverse economic conditions or lack of foreign currency. There is no need for any sacrifice. Everything is rosy. Isn’t it Mr Sithanen ?

Pravind Jugnauth is on the track again. Whether it’s the right one, time will tell. The programme is very intelligently media-focused. Press conferences, public meetings, and in venues where success is not guaranteed, the service will offer nightly private meetings, pompously named "Congrès".

In the meantime, MSM pipe blowers are already setting the tone. Honourable M.P. Dowarkasing is promising an aggressive campaign, while telegenic Miss Martin and seat-warmer Bodha are repeating "ad nauseam" their new mantra : « Pravind Jugnauth future prime minister, Pravind Jugnauth future prime minister. »

But, young Jugnauth’s communication plan is flawed. Pravind’s think-tank forgot that substance is an essential element in any political public relations programme. On that point, the leader of the MSM is very far away from expectations. Mauritians are painfully trying to get to grips with the harsh reality of the day. They just don’t care about Jugnauth’s career plan or the state of his fraternal relations with his elder, Bérenger.

For months, Jugnauth has been depicting Bérenger as the devil in disguise.

He called him "serpent, traitre, etc." Now, suddenly, the gentleman starts holding a different opinion. He wants the public to change side and start praising the MMM.

We do understand that Berenger having dropped the Ashock option, Pravind thinks his way to Clarisse House has been cleared of obstacles. So, he decides that Berenger is again an angel and the MMM is no longer a spent force. Sorry sir, we are not weathercocks.

And what is this business of "gros fey, ti fey, fey sec, fey envolé ? " Ah ! Ah ! It would seem Pravind Jugnauth is an expert in dried leaves. His sound knowledge might be of good use at Adsu. Gopalsing should find some time for a recruitment interview.

Being short of arguments, the guy gets vulgar. He uses coarse terms to speak about equipping minister Sithanen with a GPS device. Sir, as a former minister of Finance, you should, at least, show some respect for the office which was yours less than two years ago.

<B>JED</B>