EPISODE 1: A FUNNY CHASE
By M.T. Pyneeandy, forestry_mauritius
The majority of the population in rural areas used
firewood and wood charcoal for cooking and heating purposes in the 1970s and
early 1980s. Mauritius was a poor
country and life was very hard at that time.
It was common for villagers to come on state forest
lands to collect firewood. As the demand
for firewood was high, many poor people could not resist the temptation to cut
trees illegally on state lands in order to make ends meet. There were also some unscrupulous persons who
found illegal logging a lucrative business, and sometimes with the blessing of
some corrupt Forest Officers (Les brebis galeuse).
Mountain Anse Jonchée |
On a hot Saturday in December, 1982, three colleagues
and I set off for patrol duties at Mountain Anse Jonché, Vieux Grand Port. No sooner had we reached the foot of the
mountain than we heard the sound of chopping wood. Together we quickened our steps and reached
the edge of the forest. We did not take
the zig-zag forest track but moved straight across the vegetation in the
direction of the noise. We were excited
at the thought of catching someone red-handed.
Suddenly we saw a tall dark man cutting a tree with an axe. He was surprised and frightened to see
us. In a matter of a few seconds, he
jumped on the zig-zag track and took to his heels uphill with the axe in his
right hand. Without wasting time, we
chased after him.
The slope was quite steep and my colleagues could not
keep pace in the sweltering heat. One by
one they stopped to rest. I was the only
one behind the woodcutter. It did not
take long for him to regain his sense and realized what was happening. All of a sudden, he turned around, raised his
axe menacingly and started chasing me.
He blurted out: “Aster mo pou coupe toi” (Now I will chop you). I was shocked in disbelief and my heart kept
pounding. I ran downhill as quickly as I could.
I shouted to the top of my voice to warn my colleagues of this mad
man. We all ran down without looking
back. Fortunately, he stopped chasing us
after a few minutes. We reached the foot
of the mountain exhausted but with a sigh of relief. What a narrow escape!
haaaaaaaaaaaaa, nice experience to be remembered
ReplyDeleteBig respect! Tough times, i reckon!
ReplyDeleteThe tall dark man incident gives a hint on how risky is the job of a Forest officer. The PRB should be convinced to work out a risk allowance for Forest officers.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the comments. Indeed the job is quite tough and dangerous. We invite others to comment and share their views and experience. Thanks.
ReplyDeletechasing persons for illegal cutting of trees posed such risk. Now the report of LAM SHANG LEEN is suggesting forest officers to track illicit cultivation of cannabis in the remote areas of the forests. Imagine what would be the result.
ReplyDeleteK.sookee 1/9/18