Gaining access to Zeus is not particularly difficult. A few select votive offerings and Bob’s your uncle. I’ve never hesitated to approach him for a bit of advice – or when I’ve felt he might welcome a little wisdom and thoughtfulness. But my relations with mortal rulers are more complex and, anyway, prudence dictates that I should avoid any lèse-majesté. Which is why I’m writing to you – even though I’m a tad unsure of whether you exist since your predecessor was from his mother’s womb untimely ripped.

For once there’s someone with an international reputation, a scientist to boot, occupying the office of President, so Mount Olympos has viewed 90% of the recent insinuations with great concern. Society seems to have deteriorated considerably since ancient times, in fact ever since Brutus stabbed Caesar in the back. It seems to be a popular activity here at any rate.

My fellow spirit, Phthonos, is meant to serve as a warning but instead jealousy seems to be rampant in the Indian Ocean, aimed at anyone the least bit successful. A bit like modern Greece for that matter. Especially in the public sector, many are terrified of anybody who might reveal their inadequacies. It helps explain why so man laureates and other bright young people see no future for themselves in Mauritius.

Madame knows only too well how values have slipped at the UoM in recent years, intended as a place of learning but riddled with ethnic and political factions, not to mention pathetic individuals concerned with everyone else’s business – and not a scrap interested in academic excellence. The new Vice-Chancellor will have his work cut out to put some order in the place.

In a male-dominated world, where a highflying woman is the ultimate insult, it’s easier for a man to attain the heights, even if he’s rather insignifiant. Many still believe a female’s place is in the kitchen, engaged in cooking and koz kozé, and certainly not in the State House receiving visitors or being a shining example for Mauritius on the world stage. To think that Celtic Britain had a woman leader two thousand years ago – I mean Queen Boadicea, not Nicola Sturgeon.

It’s not Madame’s fault that she’s a woman, and a rather likeable one at that. When she’s the first non-politician as well, it leaves many foaming at the mouth. It seems dinosaurs are taking longer to die out here than elsewhere. Petty and retrograde forces still lurk in many corners. It would have been decent of the Dutch to leave the poor dodos alone and left a legacy of dinosaur destruction instead.

The first media rumblings were about her travel costs. What’s a head of State meant to do? Remain on seat and look pretty? What’s wrong with encouraging the philanthropy of a leading light in the Holy Ghost Bank, especially when he’s been supported by the likes of Prince Edward and the Microsofts – without anyone calling for their heads? Mind you, top bankers no longer have the reputation for integrity of old-fashioned branch managers.

Come to think of it, there are doubts surrounding politicians but if you therefore had to shun them, your circle of friends might be somewhat limited. By the way, why does Madame have so few officials to support her and why can’t she choose them herself? Perhaps a young republic has yet to understand the separation of powers. Just imagine what Elizabeth must make of it all!