The WakashioBites Back!

Opinion

By Jan Arden

CitizenPravind Kumar Jugnauth will now have time, away from sycophants and a previously regal posse of advisors, to reflect on the series of events that led to his government and the MSM being viewed as unwelcome by the electorate, ultimately resulting in their rejection after just one term in office.Many observers might say the writings were on the wall since the historical demonstration in the capital organised by NGOs where the now-famous local version of “Boot Him Out” was coined and loudly chanted under the august windows of the Treasury Building in the wake of the shockingly lackadaisical handling of the Wakashio maritime disaster in 2020.

“The Wakashio maritime disaster in 2020 was a catastrophic event where foreign interests – a Japanese built, owned, operated and insured vessel that ran aground on our south-east coast coral reefs, which it never should have been close to and which our radars, coast guards and national security agencies should have prevented. Evidence indicates that Mauritius was very well equipped; the event did not come as a surprise and the large ship’s trajectory away from the safe international passageway was known for days. Importantly, the country had dealt with similar incidents very successfully before…” 

This was a disaster where foreign interests – a Japanese built, owned, operated and insured vessel that ran aground on our south-east coast coral reefs, which it never should have been close to and which our radars, coast guards and national security agencies should have prevented. Evidence indicates that Mauritius was very well equipped; the event did not come as a surprise and the large ship’s trajectory away from the safe international passageway was known for days. Importantly, the country had dealt with similar incidents very successfully before.

To this day, many questions remain unanswered about that tragedy, some forever sunk in the Indian Ocean. In a ghastly twist, four unfortunate crew members of the Sir Gaetan Duval tug from the East coast had also lost their lives in the aftermath of that disaster.

It may have been a shock to MSM electoral strategists that Wakashio came back with such a ferocious bite, as no threats and bullying, no promises, dish-outs or financial pledges from empty state coffers and mountainous public debts could buck the angry nationalistic trend from those early days. That anger would of course be reinforced by the dubious cover-ups in the suspicious murder of MSM chief agent Kistnen in Moka cane fields in the PM’s own constituency.

In the follow-up atmosphere of oppression and numerous scandals yet to be properly unearthed, one could sense the rhythmic tunes of “Les Misérables” echoing silently in thousands of hearts:
“Do you hear the people sing, singing the song of angry men? It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again.”

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What now? Clean the Augean stables!

After the thumping majority handed to the Quad forces of Labour Party, Mouvement Militant Maurician, Nouveaux Démocrates and Resistans ek Alternativ, under the unifying quadricolour flag, many are the expectations from all quarters, some impatiently demanding the pound of flesh.

There is a strong call for defaulters, scammers, and the corrupt that blithely plunged their hands into state coffers be properly investigated. This must be done not as an act of political vendetta or a witch hunt, as seen in past years since 2015, but with impartiality, ensuring that justice is served without fear or favour.

Equally, there is a call for political appointees at all levels — including CEOs, Directors-General, and Boards — to vacate their offices without delay and without angling for some reprieve, undignified handshake or turn-coat appeals. Officers in Charge (OICs) can oversee operations until the government appoints the most qualified individuals to these critical roles. Institutions like the MBC, Mauritius Telecom, Air Mauritius, State Bank, Ports and Airport, investigative agencies, Public Service and Disciplined Forces Commissions, Electoral Commission, and SICOM stand out as priority areas demanding immediate and thoughtful attention.

Up till now, moving albeit cautiously, the mix of experience and youth in appointments for Cabinet and ministerial duties or those designated to key posts have been generally welcomed: the President Dharam Gokhool, the CP Rampersad Sooroojbally, Attorney-General Gavin Glover, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Sec-Cab amongst others. Read More… Become a Subscriber

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 6 December 2024