The story behind Yashika Bageerathi’s deportation from the UK has given many opinionated individuals a lot to talk about. There is, for instance, Ms Touria Prayag's opinion dated 3^rd April 2014. Some speculate, a few see it as amusing while others see a sarcastic side to the matter. Surely, we need to lift our sights a little higher than that.

Before we even start looking into the core of the matter, it would be useful to address a few points of interest. Many would agree that rape does not always involve what is described as forceful and victims are not always dragged ‘somewhere’.  Rape, unfortunately, happens in many families and perpetrators are often members of the same family. Rape happens to men and women alike and this is a fact that many people need to work their perception on. But most importantly when we engage any debate around such an issue as rape we need to be quite sensitive and thoughtful. We need to be respectful to the many victims of this horrible crime. Sadly some recent opinions have been quite contemptuous.

It is likely that nobody will be able to ascertain whether Yashika was a victim or potential victim of what she alleges. We do not have the facts and information is scant at this stage. However, if she says she has then perhaps she has so why cannot we give her the benefit of the doubt?  Only because she has not reported the matter to the police? Only because no members of her family is aware of it? Or is it because we just choose to disbelieve her? She deserves some credence.

The flip of the coin beckons the question of why Yashika has fought tooth and nail to remain in the UK rather than coming back to the ‘plaisir’ country.  Her case probably did not meet the criteria to obtain asylum status and many, on a balance of probabilities, would not believe in her claims of attempted rape but this is beside the point. Many in the UK have a lot of respect for her for trying her best, whilst following a due legal process, to fight deportation. Many also agree that she has perhaps unwittingly caused a lot of frustration (or embarrassment) to many Mauritians and its government by her claims. Many people who have left or willing to leave Mauritius will understand where she is coming from. Many young Mauritians who endure a hard deal despite playing their cards right will understand. Many poor who work hard and sacrifice a lot and get nothing in return from their effort in our ‘plaisir’ country will understand. But also many people who live illegality in foreign countries sacrificing their freedom will understand the real issues. Ask the many young, who get exploited and oppressed, why they would want to leave Mauritius, they do understand Yashika. Let us put things into perspective for once !

Unfortunately, Yashika and many of our young Mauritians no more believe in our institutions and authorities and this is probably why they would leave or not return given any opportunity. Our island remains peaceful compared to other countries. This is true. Not too many other good things to say though.  Let us look at our institutions: which one deserves praise? Our education system is in tatters. We have more medical doctors than patients in Mauritius and yet no bed side manners and no improvement in our health care system. Our justice system became victim itself while pretending to have the powers to protect others. Our anti corruption institution has been described by many as the bulldog with dentures. We cannot even build proper roads. The whole island has become a ring road while millions are spent in building new roads. Essential one would argue but there are other essential services that are being overlooked.  Our welfare system needs reforming as it has reached the end of its tethers. Indeed no need to go through the chapters and verses of the point as you do get the gist.

The fact that Yashika has had so much sympathy and publicity not only from her school but the UK population in general is a testament of her character and integrity. Her sheer tenacity and force of personality make her undoubtedly a laudable person despite being labelled as an average student.  She does proud to the many ‘average’ students who do so well in life and we hope she does well back in Mauritius. Please show some compassion to a young person who is only trying her best.