They swooped down on our public finances like hungry vultures, and have been devouring them in what looked like a family banquet. Sitting at a huge table, gorging on freebies as those paying for them watched helplessly, they passed the serving platter from one relative or crony to another.

After those at the helm had helped themselves full to a ministerial salary (increased by themselves and for themselves as soon as they took over power) adding an enviable state pension for several other high positions plus more benefits snatched for wives and loved ones, they topped up with per diems so indecent this year that they refuse to disclose the amount.

The family then passed on the plate to other MPs: Raj Dayal made history with a Rs15 million serving, benevolently offered by a government prepared to pay anything to avoid a by-election and stay in power. This gift was defiantly given against the advice of the solicitor general and protests of other lawyers but blessed by Dayal’s former lawyer now turned attorney general. A little arrangement between friends, outside the courts, which they euphemistically called a “settlement”.

Then it was Anwar Husnoo’s turn to unwrap a Rs15 million gift in exchange for a piece of land worth about half the amount. The gift was so overwhelming that the receiver himself was so moved that he said he was not expecting that much!

Our forced generosity was then extended to Raffick Sorefan, who walked away with Rs16 million for another piece of land, one which he had sold to the state and which had been valued at Rs1.5 million in 2010. It seems that the post of PPS was not enough compensation for turning his coat and ratting on his party!

Wives were not left out. Namrata Gaya-Teeluckdharry, wife of Sanjeev Teeluckdharry, landed a nice cushy full-time position at the Human Rights Commission. No application, no interview, no questions asked. That must have helped her husband – who has had to resign as deputy speaker in disgrace after the report of the Lam Shang Leen commission on drugs came out – to lick his wounds and stay in parliament, avoiding the government any whiff of a by-election. As for advisors, they also had a field day travelling first class and spending our money without accountability.

While the banquet was going on, some crumbs were thrown to the plebs in the form of a pension increase and a minimum salary at a time when the country is being depleted from all sides.

As the vultures have finished their end of year feast, what is the state of our public purse? Great, according to the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation. It has never been so good. I would like to quote some figures presented by economist Eric Ng from PluriConseil, without any comment:

1. Real GDP at basic prices increased on average by 3,5% between 2015-2018 compared to 3,6% between 2011-2014.
2. The total investment has been 17.5% of GDP on average between 2015 et 2018. It was at 21,5% between 2011 and 2014.
3. Domestic saving has gone from 13,2% of GDP in 2011 to 9,7% in 2018, with an average of 10.3% between 2015-2018 compared to 11,8% between 2011 and 2014.
4. The export of goods significantly dropped from Rs94.8 billion in 2014 to Rs81.3 billion in 2017.
5. Public sector debt rose to Rs310 billion (64.2% of GDP) on 30 September 2018. It was at Rs238 billion (61.6% of GDP) on 31 December 2014!

But who cares? Our leaders are too blissfully focused on their plates to worry about the Mauritian economy!

For those who are thinking of criticising or protesting, please be reminded that this year has seen the introduction of some of the most repressive and backward laws, combined with the appointment of a blatantly partisan lawyer, Ammanah Saya Ragavoodoo, at the Electoral Boundaries Commission and the Electoral Supervisory Commission – two hitherto fiercely independent institutions. They were all blessed by Acting President Barlen Vyapoory. You will recall that he has been acting since former President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim had her own binge at the State House and was left with a severe case of indigestion.

A great year for the vultures. For all of us who will be left with the carcasses, happy New Year all the same!

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