As this year winds down towards its inevitable close, the time to stop all recrimination and embark upon taking on fi rm resolutions has arrived. These resolutions should not suffer the fate of previous ones i. e having a survival rate of one day. Let us refrain from recrimination and criticism and settle down to a quiet Xmas and even quieter end of year festivities.

The birth of the new year is a cause for celebration and rejuvenation in normal times. But, apart from President Hollande of France who is a normal President, nothing is normal in Mauritius. As memories, those terrible things, that never let go and keep reminding us about things that we would prefer buried for good. Anyway, let us get those who will be in the saddle next year to come to some decisions which they hopefully will see through.

First, those of the Judges of the Supreme Court, who need glasses to read, must ensure that they buy a spare set of glasses. The increase in salary of the PRB will help as it will no longer be tolerated that a judge whose glasses happen to break during the weekend should postpone a case which was ready for hearing on a Monday. It is sheer coincidence that the fi le had an inordinate thickness and complexity. However, much one or a judge tries, it is impossible to get the glasses repaired over the weekend.

Next, the Prime Minister would be well advised to stop taking advice from his advisers who project him as the Lord and unchallenged master proprietor of Mauritius.

He must learn to respect the views of others and not threaten to throw out of his office journalists who keep asking what many believe are impertinent questions.

But journalism in a free country is about asking and probing. The attitude of the Prime Minister is reminiscent of totalitarianism and he must shed that.

On another note, the taxpayer whose money funds institutions like the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, IBA, ICAC, the Public Service Commission, and so many others, needs to be shown respect by their not continuing to act as poodles of the powers that are the powers for the time being. These institutions are given independence by law but they have been instrumental in undoing that independence. Such shameful dereliction of trust is something that we can do without in the new year. Institutions depend on people to run them and, unless there is real change, the time for the people who are at present running them will come when they will have to run.

The interesting thing that came out of the municipal elections is that all those people like the Briani wallahs and others of the same ilk who walk with their empty heads in the air should temper their temper and appreciate that power is transitory and the arrogance that was displayed is shunned by the real power, the people.

In any event, take hope that 2013 will usher in fresh hope for a better governed country. Have a great Xmas. But please, do look after your glasses during this festive season or buy a new pair.