I write with a view of getting a clarification from the Prime Minister on the statue of Late Hon. Boolell that will be unveiled on 11th September 2008 at Place d?Armes, Port-Louis.

I agree that sometimes in recognition of the good work done we commemorate someone. We already have a Library by his name at Quatre-Bornes, a hospital for the animals by his name in Rose-Belle in his son?s constituency. I wonder why we should now spend three million rupees to make his statue. Is this not a waste of taxpayers? money- at a time when there is an economic downturn throughout the world, particularly when people in Mauritius are feeling the economic crunch?

I am sure that the Prime Minister is aware that there are people in Mauritius living from hand to mouth and feeling unable to make both ends meet. Why should the Government spend recklessly on people whom we all know what he did when he was the Minister of Agriculture? Do we need reminding what he said when the Government was trying to grow rice in Mauritius?

Equally, when we were trying to grow oranges, Sir S.Boolell watered down the plan?Now a Sugar Estate in the north of the country is growing oranges abundantly, supplying the whole nation?

I believe that the ethos of the Labour party is socialism. Is this what we call socialism by spending taxpayers? money recklessly, without paying due regard to poverty? Honestly the decision of the Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister could be regarded as discriminatory and an act of ultra vires. Let us call it a national shame.

S. Moti SEECHURN