Editorial -English

On November 10, 2024, all Mauritians must make a choice. They must choose who will be their leader and government for the next five years.

It’s indisputable that the island is going through complex and challenging times. We have seen a lot of unrest from the population, mainly because the cost of living is rising. A section of the population keeps being marginalised and left unattended; this is their claim, and the government has not done enough for them. There have also been numerous reported wrongdoings by many government institutions.

The business sector has also complained about the lack of opportunities or the difficult situation created by the shortage of currency to do business. Though appearing beneficial for employees, many government policies have been detrimental to small businesses, leading to closures due to the inability to stay afloat.

The latest issue has been the Wage Relativity Adjustment, which came into effect in July 2024. This adjustment addresses wage disparities, particularly for workers earning up to Rs 50,000 monthly. However, it has caused significant friction between the private and government sectors. Business Mauritius, representing around 1,200 companies, has strongly opposed the adjustment, arguing that it imposes heavy financial burdens on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They believe the adjustment could lead to further closures, with many businesses unable to cope with the retroactive pay increases. As a result, Business Mauritius is seeking a judicial review of the regulations.

​The general population is loudly expressing their desire for change. This change could take the form of a new prime minister and government or a new policy direction by the current government if they win the election again. What will it be? We will know on November 11.

This edition will focus on politics, government, and elections because we want everyone to understand that, as Christians, we are obliged to vote! We will not be telling you who to vote for, but we want to help you understand the importance of this exercise. It is our democratic duty to vote for the government. Just as we must pray for those in power, God has allowed us to make His will a reality through voting. Let us not shy away from politics and related matters. As God’s people, we have a say and are responsible for being active in God’s business!

Though we speak a lot about Christian values and ethics, our intention is not to promote an exclusively Christian agenda. Rather, we believe that the best values, drawn from biblical principles, can contribute greatly to achieving the goal of a happy, peaceful, and progressing nation. Our vision is to see professional Christians with great values step beyond the walls of the church into the arenas where it matters—shaping our community and nation for the better. Christian values, such as justice, integrity, and care for others, are not only for believers; they benefit everyone, regardless of their faith. However, truths, such as the biological definition of human identity, remain undeniably biblical.

The articles we have put together will help you clear doubts about your faith, politics, or even being engaged in government or government institutions. I encourage you to engage with these reflections as you prepare to vote.

I’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach me using my contact details.