June 23, 2009

RALPH VOLCERE'S WEEK

HUNDREDS TO LOSE THEIR JOBS - SMB TO CLOSE DOWN COMPLETELY

Last week we saw the opening of a new supermarket in Victoria. The individual posing as its owner elaborated on his company’s plans for the future. Stating that as well as the current retail outlet his company will also be operating a wholesale distribution network across the country, in the very near future. The gentleman gave the impression that the local foreign  exchange shortages are something that is of no worry to his organisation. This indicates that the gentleman either has an unlimited reserve of foreign exchange or he is well connected locally and will have priority over others. We will have to wait and see how this situation plays itself out. 

Meanwhile, the impact his plans will have on SMB and the likes can be speculated upon. The local consumer market is one that can be easily saturated given its size; therefore there is little room for more than possibly another two or three  medium-sized outlet. The long established ones are Teemooljee, Sham Peng Tong, Chez Deenu, Quincy Super, Continental Store, Krishna Mart and Mohan. Lately we have had Docklands, Le Rocher and now Supasave. What is to become of the SMB? I hear you ask. 

The opposition has long been advocating the gradual privatisation of the SMB. On taking up residency at State House, Michel promised that it will happen in a matter of time. It has not! His attempt at delivering on this promise was stop dead in its tracks. Since France Albert Rene in a political rally on Freedom Square shortly after relinquishing power declared that this privatisation business ‘gives him a fever in his veins', we heard no more about this matter (privatisation of SMB). This is the kind of influence former president Rene and Mukesh can exert over Michel and his Administration.

With this new venture, SupaSave, having had the blessing of the former President and Mukesh, one thing is for certain: should Michel win the presidential election, the SMB will close down completely costing hundreds of people their jobs. This is something the SPPF ruling elite previously said would never happen but it is now clear that once again they have gone back on their words. Realistically, this must have been their plan all along because Minister Dugasse admitted in an interview to mark the opening of the new supermarket that the plan to open this Store goes back two years. Mr. Michel has been in power for two years and two months. It cannot be a coincidence.

The original plan was to partition the SMB into separate entities to be sold to potential private investors. This has not happened because it would have meant losing control over a major source of income for certain individuals in particular and the ruling party. Now that they have managed to establish control over the private sector through stealth – they are now ready to sacrifice SMB and the jobs of hundreds of ordinary people.

The SMB has been run down deliberately in the last twelve months to render it worthless in the event of an opposition win and in making it unattractive to potential investors. Presidential candidate Michel owes an explanation, now before the election, to the people especially to those employed by the SMB on the fate of the organisation and what will become of their employment and on the issue of compensation. Or is it another promise made to former President Rene the President of Michel’s party (SPPF) to “netwaye” (sack people from their jobs) after the election. Michel has personally stated in countless TV interviews including one with TV5 recently that he must take orders from his party president.

This is another very good reason why we need to vote for the opposition in preventing the “netwayaz” promised to Rene by Michel after the election. It could well involve you, a son, a daughter, a sister, a brother, a friend or any other fellow citizen. The need to stop them through the ballot box is paramount; a vote for WAVEL and ANNETTE has now become a necessity. Trust me it is the only solution!