Publicité

To the Chairman of the MRA

10 décembre 2017, 16:24

Par

Partager cet article

Facebook X WhatsApp

lexpress.mu | Toute l'actualité de l'île Maurice en temps réel.

Reflection doesn’t seem to figure highly on people’s list of priorities. Instead, there’s a preference for scandal – and gossip about film and pop stars’ private lives. Just in case the odd serious minister does manage to start in-depth thinking about what his/her department should be doing, the MRA could advise the government on how to raise more money for new strategies as well as afford the wage increases it’s announcing – and rescue crippled SMEs.

As promised, you may find a few more suggestions useful. For a start, you could hand out some receipt books and subsidise electronic cash registers, and get government to insist that all cash transactions are accompanied by receipts, on pain of death – or at least massive fines – for failure to comply. Pot Paul might complain about harassment of ti dimoun like doctors, but the country can’t be run by demagogy even if it’s the only skill politicos have mastered.

The Greeks valued philanthropy. While European businessmen happily contributed to public buildings in the 19th century, the practice declined as big government took hold. Although there are still some great American philanthropists like Bill Gates, there’s also a Trump Foundation which has violated a legal prohibition barring leaders from using their charities’ money to help themselves, their businesses or their families. No surprise there. In fact, the most charitable thing the Donald could do would be to resign and seek political asylum in Jerusalem, the only place left that might accept him.

The Greeks honoured those who supported public projects, a more positive culture than the current carping at how unfair wealth is. Instead, what’s happening here? There’s been an illconceived assault on the CSR system so that a few more cronies can be given government jobs. How does that encourage companies to support poverty alleviation, let alone employees to volunteer their time? Mauritius has the advantage that businesses have generally embraced corporate social responsibility and many were running programmes long before the government stepped in. It may have been too much to expect them to fund the entire railway project but some bright spark might have thought about getting stations funded by a specific businessman or company, with their names emblazoned in glory. Public officers and lawyers, who’ve amassed a fortune by fair means or foul, aren’t likely to help much, although politicians’ names are emblazoned on airports, roads and school buildings. Surely that’s worth enn ti contribution from them or their families?

Sponsorship of public projects could be matched by public funding and the state would still save money. Health services could be radically improved if people had to take out compulsory insurance, as in The Netherlands (where the less welloff get assistance from the government). The same could apply to house insurance so there’s no more clamour for benefits when flooding or winds wreak havoc. As collectivism has destroyed the concept of individual responsibility, no wonder beaches and roadsides are full of litter, hooligans rule the highways and blocks of flats ruin even village landscapes. Effective law enforcement against all antisocial elements could fill government coffers – and even placate Bassin Road.

Most of all, billions could be saved by public sector reform and chopping off politicians’ fingers each time they stick them where they shouldn’t. Even MK might become the glory of the skies. Unfortunately, that would also need a change of attitude amongst those Admirables who expect everything on a plate – from whichever kitchen is open for business at the time.

Yours sincerely
Epi PHRON