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.
No comments:
Post a Comment