Troukler - commentary

TROUKLER

POWERCUTS IN VICTORIA – IS THIS A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?

On Tuesday afternoon the whole of Victoria was without electricity as unexpected power cuts hit the Capital. As well as a few computers, air conditions and other electrical equipments being damaged as a result, some people were stuck in lifts around the Capital. There was also chaos at the traffic lights as motorists lost the benefit of the lights to navigate around the streets in town. The irony is that although many types of electronic equipments were damaged in offices around town as a result of the power cuts, nobody can sue PUC for compensation as the latter has immunity from lawsuits. PUC is protected by the Public Utilities Act and people who have been affected can do nothing but lick their wounds! As the price of oil remains constant and exorbitant on the International Market it was anticipated that Small Island States like Seychelles would be hit the hardest. Whether the power cut was due to a lack of oil for the generators or some other mechanical defect is not clear. However, this is the second time in the last two months that Victoria had been plunged into darkness due to unexpected and sudden power failure. In the case of Daniel Sinon v/s Puc C.S. No.312 of 1999, Mr. Morin testified that “…the switch fuse at the sub station was one built on old technology” and it was not clear whether this may have contributed to the recent occasional power cuts in town.

IS MARYSE BERLOIUS AFTER A BIG PAYDAY IN COURT?

This newspaper has received a belated letter from William Herminie, Maryse Berlouis’ attorney, protesting against an article which appeared in this paper several weeks ago about the fact that Maryse Berlouis and Percy Ah-Mane have registered the name “Freedom Radio” as their own in a bid to stop the SNP from using that name. The story first broke out in Isola Bella, and it is not known whether a similar letter has been sent to that newspaper as well. However, what is alarming is the fact that a handful of Civil Servants have now decided to emulate Maurice Lousteau Lalanne and are now quickly jumping on the bandwagon in the expectation of huge amounts of damages being awarded in their favour for flimsy accusations in opposition newspapers. The apparent “get rich quick scheme” by using the Courts as a means to achieve unimaginable wealth, fame and fortune is unacceptable in a democratic society. We have been legally advised that even if the article is not true it is certainly not defamatory in law, as untruthfulness cannot be equated with defamation. On the strength of the advice, we have therefore decided not to comply with the content of Mr. Herminie’s letter and will rather have our day in Court if this is deemed absolutely necessary to enforce compliance by Mr. Herminie!

Herminie's Letter