We keep railing about the lack of progress towards the unity of the Mauritian nation. The dynamics and the momentum at times appear to be dysfunctional but the march towards that goal is inexorable and is already happening.

If an example is needed, we only have to refer to the saga of the super expensive Mercedes car which came to our shores as part of the possessions of a returning resident. It so happens that there is differential treatment for that category of Mauritians who are classified as ‘‘returning residents’’. Why there should be such a classification in the first place is hard to understand and the time may have come to scrap it altogether.

Unlike other cars which have lateral openings, this car opens vertically and all those who have experienced vertical openings claim an incomparable enjoyment. This kind of wing opening is reminiscent of flying and being on Cloud nine. Speed is just another bonus. It is sad, however, that this Government has taken away the pleasure from fast driving in what after all is a ‘‘plaisir’’ country. Oh, so sorry, I am mistaken as this particular car happens to have found an abode in Mon Loisir which is in the North. You know that speed cameras are banned from the North. By the way the minister responsible for these monstrous creations which go by the name of speed cameras lives in the North.

There can be no doubt that a car of that quality needs to be driven as it should i.e very fast and it should also be accommodated in a garage which is up to its standard i.e made of the best and belonging to the best. It is great that a returning resident would be aware of the luxurious mobility preferences of that person who would be in a position to make a loan exceeding MUR 10 million. The MRA will conduct its own investigation about all this but what is amazing is this blending which has been happening between various components of our society. In days past, it would have been unheard of that a sugar baron would even condescend to the level of a returning resident, let alone ask for a favour. The sugar barons would have paid whatever the law required as payment

But things have changed and even those in the super rich category must be feeling the sting of the financial slowdown. But be reassured. All Mauritians without any form of colour restriction are afflicted by the same maladies. Social behavior is on the same misbehaving level. Finally equality.