Lifelong Militant Explains His Party's Last Defeat

We lost votes in the following manner:

1. Ramgoolam's face was said to resemble something else: -4%

2. Gregoire issuing voting instructions that were not exactly neutral: -4%

3. The suggestion that Beebeejaun go out like cattle: -3%

4. Former President Uteem climbing on May 1st platform: -1%

Total -12%. So that the MMM could have received 55% of the votes and around 80% of the seats. And Berenger could have been PM for five whole years. The fact that Ramgoolam won obviously had -- contrary to what the MMM suggests when it loses elections -- little to do with the skin colour of moustas. And here is my take on the 2005 defeat.

The PM must already be grinning about the thought that at least two former Presidents could be on one political platform on Labour Day.

CWA Applies Harsher Cuts, After Downpour

Plus you will be fined if you are caught washing your car. You may not even collect 200 and go to jail directly for up to two years as per section 49a of the CWA act. Ain't that so funny after all the rain we've received the past few days? With some regions being practically flooded?

CWA will carry on with the patchwork: Midlands dam will now be connected to Mare-aux-Vacoas. That's after linking Mare Longue to the island's largest reservoir. So, the minister's prayers haven't worked. Neither has the recent water hike. They also seem to be telling us that there is water in the Midlands area. How come then Phase 2 of the reservoir there did not get done? Is it the same reason why policemen have only one used shirt to wear?

This critical problem is here to stay until those responsible of the dossier quit sitting on their hands. Or are fired and fined.

How Much Value Does Water Master Plan Add?

The MBC said that it recommends the creation of an independent unit for the management of our water resources. I don't think we really need another layer of red tape. We already have too many of these. Just like we have all the information and people we need to quickly solve our water problems. And there are some good blogs out there which have already addressed this water issue to quite some depth.

Probably a new report was ordered so as to kill some more time or maybe someone has been eating too many funny mushrooms. Not a good strategy. 

2011: The Year in Review

January: African leaders get wonderful opportunity to benefit from advice that could be lethal to their political careers. Water problems confirm Ramgoolam's economic model is junk. Planning maverick barely recognisable because Labour Party forgot who she was. State could have spent our money better. Bunwaree makes access to A-level education easier.

February: IMF analysis too bland to pick up social volcanoes that had been brewing right under surface of Arab world. Journalist remembers SSR's last public meeting. Minister magic needed at earth's driest place. Union boss wants price of basic foodstuffs controlled.

March: Nobel puts feet in mouth. Powerful earthquake sets off deadly Tsunami in Japan. BRIC and Germany say no to military action in Libya. Boolell says he's not there to serve fat cats. Proposed 10-20% hike in water charges has no basis. MPs want answers from Financial Secretary. Free guide to understanding the infamous stimulus package published.

Read the review for Q2, Q3, Q4.

Education Spending Not Alone in Falling Behind Inflation

So we learned today from the DPM. Expenditure on major pipe replacements for the past five years have been as follows: 2005/06: Rs225 million; 2006/07: Rs200 million; 2007/08: Rs160 million and 2008/09: Rs150 million; and Rs210 million in 2010. But Rs400 million have been spent in 2011.

The only two things that seemed to have kept up with rising prices are the crappy working paper industry and the attention given to crappy bean-counting indices.

Proposed Hike in Water Charges Has No Basis

Beebeejaun's intention of raising the price of water by 10-20% is not justified. See government has already been abusing us with prohibitive fuel prices for way too long. Add to this one Ramgoolam who promised in November 2007 to change his name if we kept paying punitive electricity prices. Not only prices didn't go down but they went up by a full 10% last year. And the PM has kept his name.

Enjoy the vision.