PPP: Press & Politics for Progress
MT @ 70
By Dr Michael Atchia
Since my time as a volunteer Compagnon Bâtisseur in the 1960s, to leader of Action Civique in the 1980s, to President of the Secondary and Preparatory School Teachers and Other Staff Union (SPSTU), and as a director of programs at the United Nations (among other roles), I have always read, criticized, and often contributed to our local newspapers.
My first-page article was widely critical of the number of “experts” called by Mauritius to “assist” us (Expert Export), in the English edition of L’Express by Dr Forget. I also contributed to Le Mauricien under Lindsay Rivière, often once a day, about civic behaviour in our society. I read Mauritius Times (created in 1954) and the main weekly in English, as well as La Vie Catholiqueand Advance. Occasionally, I sent an article to Mr BeekrumsingRamlallah.
I have always recognized the major influence of the press on politics, but my main personal focus has been on how the press can influence and contribute to progress in society. I salute Mauritius Times here for its contribution over the years to this goal of influencing and contributing to progress in society. This is also true of L’Express, but not so of the political party papers, with their never-ending blah-blah-blah on the merits of their party and no one else!
Now, in the 2020s, as editor of Democracy Watch Mauritius, I greatly appreciate the new online MT. You cover a great diversity of fields and are clearly open to a variety of contributors. Very readable and most welcome once a week! Carry on!!
19 Aug 2024
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 23 August 2024
An Appeal
Dear Reader
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