In My World

So finally the Government has decided to tackle the laureate system. Many I am sure have been waiting for this to happen, even if not quite in that way.

The major change consists of increasing the number of scholarships from 30 to 300. However, the scholarships, will be for undergraduate studies at the University of Mauritius. Moreover, those scholarships will be distributed on a region-wise basis. These are the three main changes affecting the system.

What I think on the matter: The increase from 30 to 300 scholarships is a good one. However, the 30 ones should have remained for studies abroad and the additional ones be granted for studies locally, at an institution of the person’s choice. Why only the University of Mauritius? We have the DCDM and other institutions. I suppose instead of making everything free for them at UoM, a certain sum of money could be given to these students. And don’t forget the facility problem we have at UoM. Well, maintaining the 30 scholarships for studies abroad might cost too much in the end. Can’t they reduce 30 to 10? 10 scholarships for studies abroad and 290 for studies locally?

Furthermore, you can’t force 300 laureates to study here. UoM, I am sure will not offer all the courses these students would choose to undertake. Full MBBS (Medicine)? Aeronautical Engineering?

And distributing those scholarships on a regional basis? Why? HSC exams are undertaken on a national level! Everyone sits for the same papers, so everyone should get an equal chance at those scholarships. I understand maybe the Government wants to give the less fortunate people of certain areas of the country a chance but really it, does not suit a laureate system.

Also, like my little brother pointed out to me, ‘VI 3′ students, that is, those sitting for the HSC exams for the second time must not be allowed to compete. It is not fair for the others sitting for the first time! For obvious reasons!

Anyway, no major decisions have been made yet. There was only a brainstorming session so far. I trust the Minister of Education is listening to all parties and a more proper change will then take place. Because really a change is indeed needed. I, for one, appreciate the Government’s initiative for change.

Yesterday was indeed a black Tuesday! Two major road accidents, one causing four dead people, aging between 18 to 58. If I remember well, this is the second or third road accident involving those sugar trucks. And that’s one too many!  God, when are the authorities going to wake up and do something about this? Cause obviously there is a problem with that category of drivers!

A car can be considered as a weapon of mass destruction these days. A car can kill a large number of people! Now imagine a one big sugar truck! And hey, you don’t give weapons of mass destruction to stupid people! (Right?)

I say there is a major revision to be done where those drivers’ licenses are concerned. And maybe teach them where the brakes are found and that 40kmph means 40kmph! *duh*

Everyone has a right to have an opinion. Everyone has the right to voice out that opinion. But does everyone stop to think about the way and the words they will use when conveying that particular opinion?

The aim in sending a message to the people around you is to make your point clear and to show where you stand in a particular  situation. But most often than not, people don’t pause to think about how they are going to phrase that opinion so that their ‘audience’ will get them in the way intended.

Also, one other thing that I find really annoying is that when people express their *opinions*, they tend to be rude and adopt a ‘defy-me-if-you-dare’, or ‘I-am-always-right’ tone. Get real! Don’t think that when you are using a loud voice or specific words, your message will get through. I can understand frustration and exasperation when you have tried a number of times to get something through to someone and it is to no avail. Still, for me, it is not reason enough to stoop to a certain low level just to kick the message in. You have to learn to walk away and turn a deaf ear.

In addition to that, you have to consider in what medium you are before you start talking. Or writing for that matter.  We are humans. We live in something called a Society (be it a the live or virtual society). And there are rules and etiquettes to follow when living in one.

And don’t tell me ‘truths hurt and lies worse’. Being frank and honest does not mean being rude and aggressive. Always tell the truth, yes, but tell it *right*.

The so awaited 24/7 ‘event’ has already come and gone. Port-Louis has been awake for three nights in a row. Shops, restaurants and other food outlets were open till past midnight. Live shows in different corners of the capital.
There is some kind of general agreement that it has been a success and the organisers are planning ahead for more such events. I agree with that too. It was a nice experience. Atleast now there is a move towards a more modern Mauritius.

Of course, as a first, we cannot expect things to be completely perfect. People complained about parking space and many shops did not participate in the event. And you could only window shop for most of those that were open. That was not very interesting. Hawkers benefited the most I think, be it where food or clothes are concerned.

One thing that I think  is important too. This three-day event accentuated the traffic problem that is faced in Port-Louis, especially around the Business Centre. The Government’s initiative to decrease congestion, for example, the Ring Road project should be supported fully. There are problems arising in that department but let’s believe that an appropriate solution can be found for them.

Coming back to the subject of this post, I would not mind having more nights like these. It can be a weekend every month. Gradually, the trend will be set and people will get more used to the idea.

Just imagine shopping 24/7! yaaay!