LITERESI BILENG AVANSE - boukie banane

SEAFARING CULTURE FOR A MARITIME REPUBLIC
A small island state has become a vast maritime republic. What does this mean for our future development? A
lot if we do not, out of sheer mental lethargy, smother our imaginative and creative powers. A change in
outlook and mindset will open up new horizons and offer rewards unimagined before.
The development of a seafaring and maritime culture is the order of the day. As a first major step, the sea is
not to be perceived as the dumping ground of human and industrial waste and all Mauritian citizens should
learn to swim. Is it not incredible that a high percentage of islanders, including fishers, cannot swim although
the sea is never far away? Yes, fishers have been known to drown.
Land will be used for residence and the production of staples (breadfruit, potatoes, rice) and different
foodstuffs but general growth and development will be powered by the sea which has enormous potentials.
Only fools can mock this idea. Policy makers and the people of the republic will have to go back to the drawing
board to chart a new course. Besides universal literacy in at least two languages (Morisien and English), marine
sciences and technology must become top priorities. Can we not imagine ships driven by wind and solar
energy?
To successfully explore, judiciously exploit and effectively protect our maritime resources we will have to build
and strengthen ties with friendly countries such as South Africa, India and China. Despite global warming,
climate change and the collapse of western capitalism, there are great prospects for the Republic of Mauritius.
All we need is fresh thinking.
04.06.2012
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