CHRISTMAS TREES

By F.Mohit, forestry_mauritius

The Forestry Service has maintained this old tradition of supplying X-mas trees at a nominal price to meet the local demand.  In Mauritius, Pine is the favourite evergreen tree used because of its scent.  However, some people prefer Araucaria or Cypress.  X-mas trees are decorated with lights and ornaments as a part of Christmas festivities. These trees can be fresh-cut, potted, or artificial and are used as both indoor and outdoor decorations. While the trees are traditionally associated with Christian symbolism, their modern use is largely secular and adopted by all sections of the population in Mauritius. Children love to collect their presents at the foot of a well decorated X-mas tree on the 25^th of December.

Sale of X-mas trees at Curepipe Nursery-Southern Range

The sale of X-mas trees has declined over the years from some 12,000 trees in the 1990s to only some 1,000 trees at present.  This is due to a shift from fresh-cut Pine to artificial trees which can be used for many years and thus cheaper.  More and more people are using potted trees, especially Araucaria and Cypress, which can be used as X-mas trees for at least four or five years. Nowadays people are more conscious of the environment and prefer more eco-friendly practices such as purchasing a potted X-mas tree or an artificial one.

Pine are planted under High Tension Lines for X-mas trees

Forestry_mauritius takes this opportunity to wish everybody a merry X-mas and a happy new Year 2019.  May the new year bring prosperity, success and innovative ideas to the Forestry Service, its staff and members of the public.

DOWN MEMORY "FOREST" LANE

EPISODE 4: INDECENT PROPOSAL
By M.T. Paneeandy, forestry_mauritius

In the 1970s, many women in rural areas had to collect firewood in nearby state forest lands.  It was common scene to see women carrying a bundle of firewood sticks on their heads.  Poverty was rampant at that time and the majority of the population had no choice but to use firewood for cooking and heating purposes.

In the past women came to collect firewood on state forest land 

Late Mr.Casanova, who was posted at Thorel Forest Section, was an unscrupulous Officer whose motto in life was exploiting uneducated people for personal gains and pleasure.  He relished the sight of women collecting firewood on state forest lands.  Most of the women brought a cutting implement (billhook) with them in order to cut the wood into small pieces (carrying a cutting implement on state forest land is an offence).

Whenever he wanted to satisfy his lusts, he would wait for the women like the coyote/hyena waiting for its prey.  He would pick on the most attractive woman and made his indecent proposal: “Either I establish contravention and take you to Court or gunny mat.”

The women knew him well and tried to avoid him at all costs.  They were terrified at the thought of meeting him in the forest.  But when the inevitable happened, the poor, illiterate and helpless woman would plead and beg for mercy.  However, the man was a callous rascal.  Very often the woman would give in just to avoid the hassle and troublesome situation.  

Many women had fallen victim to this corrupt man.  One day the women decided to have their revenge and taught him a memorable lesson.  Some of them told their husbands that they were being harassed by him.  Together they concocted a plan.  They used a beautiful young woman to lure the rascal in a remote corner where the men would lay in ambush.

Mr.Casanova was so excited the see that a young beautiful woman was interested to flirt with him. He was so proud of him at that particular moment.  They walked together in the forest like a romantic couple.  However, within a matter of seconds, they were surrounded by some strong and angry men.  The men told the girl to leave. Needless to tell what happened next.  Mr.Casanova could hardly walk after the men left.  He felt so humiliated and dejected to report the matter to the Police.  In fact, he kept quiet but the news spread like wildfire in the neighbourhood.  He became the laughing stock and the butt of all kind of jokes!!!

Note from forestry_mauritius:  Hopefully these bygone days, where corruption and malpractices were the norm, are history and will serve as a reminder to those who may still be tempted by corruption and malpractices.  We, forestry-mauritius, are fully committed to fight corruption in all its forms for a better Forestry Service.  We shall relentlessly raise awareness on the codes of ethics and good conduct.