QUOTE
Without going into much detail, let me say "What a relief it was to read the interview with Mr Percy Mistry" (Mauritius Times, 16 September 2005). I hope this government, and the private sector and public leaders will read this interview with very close attention. Mr Mistry is right on target. I especially appreciated reading intelligent comments like his since my background is in Economics and International Relations (University of Southern California -- BA, Sciences Po Paris MA). One might disagree with or want to argue about a few statements made by Mr Mistry, but overall he is right. I have been in Mauritius for a year now, and never before has someone so clearly analysed the situation and given straightforward advice like that, bravo!
My enthousiasm and excitement are quickly replaced by reason as the issue in Development and Economics is unfortunately always the same: the IMF, World Bank or persons like Mr Mistry give sound and clear economic advice, yet politicians are often too "worried" about their political future (the next election) to take measures that could be unpopular with the working class (or lack of measures in the case of textiles and sugar) but prove successful in the end.
Leaders have sometimes to make unpopular choices, otherwise they are not great leaders. Today we are seeing more of the same: lots of talk, no real action. It is unfortunate. Will this interview change things? I hope so. Would I bet on it? No.
Steven Ham
Vacoas
Mauritius Times. 
