In My World

No, I am not here to criticise this new branding. It has got its fair share of bashing already.

Thing is I am just fed up with all the critics, the jokes and the way people, including myself, keep using it ironically. I have made it a point to stop. Cause, finally, ain’t we just making fun of something that is supposed to be representing our country?

‘Mauritius, C’est Un Plaisir’ has been called weak, bland and even ridiculous as branding. But what now?

Either we finally accept it, try to make it sound better,try to put the meaning that it is obviously lacking behind it…or the branding must be changed, which I doubt will happen anytime soon. We are talking about millions spent on this thing.

On a personal note, I would opt for my first suggestion. Let’s give meaning to what seems to be a meaningless phrase. Impossible task, you say? The Tourism Minister said there was more to it than just this slogan:

“Par ailleurs, dit Xavier Duval, ” c’est un plaisir ” est ” multifaceted ” dans le sens qu’à un niveau simple, c’est une expression de service ” that comes at the end of having given or done something “. C’est un sentiment de plaisir que ressentent investisseurs et visiteurs dans leurs contacts avec Maurice et les Mauriciens ” either through a call centre or in a hotel or shop or to deal with professionals in our offshore sector “.”
Extracts from :
http://lemauricien.com/mauricien/091028/po.htm#1

So let’s just stop with the sarcasm and give it time. Maybe it will work out in the end.

Spare my lungs. This is my prayer every time I have the misfortune, which is quite often, to have a UBS bus in front of me in traffic, or to have them pass me when I am on the streets.

Ok, factors contributing to air pollution are many but these buses make you think that they contribute to 90% of air pollution in Port-Louis. They give off a constant thick putrid black smoke! and they go at such a slow pace! It is so horrible! That is why driving behind them is such a pain. I have to roll up the windows. I who enjoy driving with them down!

On a more serious tone, I believe that those buses need to be removed from traffic! Seriously! Nearly all UBS buses are the same! And also, either they end up being on fire right on the motorway or they break down in the middle of nowhere! So unreliable!

Don’t these buses go through some fitness check-up? where are those people from ‘police de l’environment’?

I really don’t understand why some people always compare Mauritius and other countries when they want to illustrate why a certain change must occur in Mauritius. Ok, granted that we must follow good examples and do the necessary to bring positive changes where we can. Specially in this fast moving world.

But what I don’t get is that why when a certain something is being done in Europe, America or Australia, for some people, it automatically means it will be good for us Mauritians. In these people’s opinions, absolutely everything must be done to follow in those ‘advanced’ countries’ steps, foregoing the difference of cultures and mindsets of the citizens. Within Mauritius itself, the differences are great, even if we have learnt to accept them, in most cases.

Caution must be exerted when dealing in such situations. Mauritians are still very attached to their cultures. And I don’t believe they will let go that soon.

Before even thinking of introducing any kind of change, I think it will be safer for the authorities or the change ‘bringer’ to do a feasibility study and check the state of mind of the people before taking a decision. And also, it will help in coming up with the best way to bring about the required change.

Well, many people disagree with me already. I, for one, am saying this only because Mauritius is a special case, as it always is.

Mauritius, C’est un plaisir…

During the past year I have noticed that Politicians have ‘attacked’ the Media about various stuffs. And to defend itself, the Media speaks of violation of the freedom of expression, freedom of speech. This ‘war’ between the media and the politicians has been going on for a long time but has been taken up another level with the introduction of the three private radios.

In my opinion, the journalists here in Mauritius do not really behave as good journalists should. And the verbal assault they are subject to by politicians  is kind of justified. It is very apparent which political party is supported by the l’express newspaper. The same for the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Radio Plus and Radio One. Most of these media parties take sides when there is a certain political issue going on.

Is that the way the Media should operate? Obviously the answer is No.

The main aim of the Media is to report to the general public. To inform the people and to present the *facts* as they are! To ask the right questions, the questions being asked by the population. However, when the journalists write, they tend to give their own *opinions* on the different matters and most of the time distorting the truth, whatever the truth may be. This in turn trigger the animosity of the politicians, who have their speeches dissected and presented in the wrong light.

So in my opinion, it is high time journalists and the media sphere as a whole wear their political colors in private and adopt the role of the true informer, without trying to guide people to think in a specific way. Leave it to each individual to make up their own mind. The Mauritian People are intelligent enough.

The Media should just be a good and reliable information provider.

P.S: Guiblog asked on my previous post why people are afraid to see journalists having their own blogs. Well I for one ain’t afraid! I’m sure yashvin from yashvinblogs is not afraid as well. As a matter of fact, journalists can use their blogs to express those personal opinions they have and leave the press or TV to do its real job.