By now, you have most probably read a few articles about online shopping from Mauritius. However, you should know that no one is safe from arnaques as we call it or small incidents such as

• A purchase which never reached the destination or
• A damaged parcel
• An item which does not fit  the initial description when purchased

As I said somewhere, eBay is one of the safest and probably the most secure shopping mall on the net. In the event of any problem, you can lodge a complaint in the eBay resolution centre and if ever, the buyer and seller do not come to an agreement, eBay reimburses you the amount while it deals with the seller directly. But let’s hope that you do not reach this point.

The refund

Assume that you have received an item which was not exactly the same advertised. In that case, you should contact the seller through eBay (important!) and report this problem.

You should know that ratings account a lot for the reputation, trust and worthiness of sellers. So, if a buyer leaves a negative or an unfavorable rating after the purchase, this becomes an annoying fact in his eBay profile.

After acknowledging that there was a mistake somewhere, he will then do the necessary to send you an amount for the refund.

1. The agreed amount will first be sent to your Paypal account and the credit card linked will then be credited.

   

2. Your credit card statement should display this transaction.

   

So, important point to note is that although that Paypal does not allow us to receive money on our Mauritian account, refunds do work. Also, I find it the right time to tell my readers that you should always carry out your transactions through eBay. If ever something goes wrong with your purchase, you run the risk of losing the chance to get your item or your money back. Never pay your transactions through Paypal directly.

Finally, do keep in mind that the refund process (especially the paypal-credit card transactions) might take some hours or a few days to appear.

Anyone got a personal experience to share? Questions are the most welcomed too.

Happy shopping!

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We might be surrounded by sea and our island is popular for having the most beautiful white-sanded beaches but yet, it is a fact that a large majority of Mauritians do not know how to swim. Laying on the seaside while waiting for waves hit you is not called swimming. (Brice de Nice comes into my mind.)

Nor sitting on plastic chairs into the water.

It is even more surprising to know that many Mauritians rarely enjoy the wonderful beaches round the island, sometimes for fear of being tanned or for some other reasons. New Year or a birthday gathering held at the beach being the only occasions during which they actually spend some time under the filaos.

Tourists spend large amount of money and travel from far to enjoy our beaches while all of us are at most 1 hour to the nearest beach (bus travel from anywhere around the island).  It’s never too late to learn swimming. It is fun, exciting and good for health!

I don’t know about you, but I love swimming. Once I free up myself during weekends, I will be back regularly to the beaches. Most probably, I will be going to the beach this evening

Looking for honest people. Please raise your hands if you do not know how to swim?

And who among you can tell us why you don’t like to spend time along our beaches?

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Have you any plans to build a home or perhaps carry out some renovation works at home?

Unless you are a jack of all trades, you probably need the services of a construction worker, an electrician, a plumber, a carpenter, a metal worker or a painter among others. And based on my personal experience, you should start looking for them right away!

Today I can say that these skilled people are most of the time highly demanded, scarce and sometimes uncommitted towards the job. It can really be a pain to get hold of one of them, one whom you can actually trust. During the last few months, I got tired running after people and ensuring that they do the job correctly. Very often, you will need to roll up your sleeves and pitch in.

Despite all these difficulties, I’m nearly done with the works at home. And houses are growing everywhere around the island too. So, you just need some patience, courage and money. Have a nice weekend

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Finally online at home!

Last Saturday at around 6pm, my computer lost contact with the outside world. No internet connectivity nor any dial tone. I did a quick troubleshoot and came to the conclusion that the problem was not at home.

Since none of my neighbors had no similar issues, I called Orange on 8902 #2 on the next day to report the problem.  After doing some tests, the operator told me that there was a fault on my line itself. She kindly asked me to wait for a technician to call me back so that he can schedule a rendez vous to fix the problem and to revert back to them if there was no response till Wednesday evening (after 3 working days).

Without a working phone line (and obviously no internet connectivity), life became a bit dull. Nothing really prevented me from using my stand-alone computer to watch films or do some programming stuff on MauritiusLoto.com project but despite that, I spent more time lazily seated in front of the tv set. Meanwhile, I went to bed at 9pm daily and woke up late too.

The technicians finally paid a visit today and from the feedback received, it seemed that the problem was indeed in the ‘telephone box‘ on the pole.

I’m glad to be connected back! A few posts to catch up!

Keep tuned!

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A friend of mine mailed me his painful experience on his first visit to the shopping Complex, Le Vieux Mooulin (pay careful notice to the name) where security is handled by Codan Security (read the name carefully once again).

He told the story in minute details in a letter addressed to the Codan Security administration. It goes as follows :

Dear Sir,

It is with great disappointment and embarrassment that I am informing you that my first visit to your shopping centre has turned out to be an unacceptable and horrible experience thanks to an ill mannered security guard. In fact on Saturday 28/04/12, I came to your shopping centre approximately around 18:30 and being in the end of month/peak period, I was unable to find a parking slot. I therefore parked my Mercedes-Benz (Registration: XXX, Colour: XXX ) in the ATM area (opposite to food-court main entrance) next to two cars. The security guard (known as P, ) asked me to move my car from that area but given that there were no parking slots available I asked him to give me only 20 mins as I will not be staying for long. The security guard was clearly unhappy as I didn’t obey to his orders. When I went inside the food court, I could clearly see my car from where I was standing and I noted that the security guard walked around my car on the right hand side laying his hand all throughout. He then came inside the building and stood by the main entrance. He looked a little puzzled as he may have realised I clearly saw this action. He gave me sarcastic smile and raised his hand to me giving me a ‘thumbs-up’ signal. I was almost done in about 30 mins and after that I left the shopping centre not realising that the security guard actually SCRATCHED my car. When I reached home (Triolet), I noted that the security guard had scratched almost the entire right hand side of my Mercedes (apparently with a key).

The next day in the morning, I went back to the site and spoke to one of the security guards to see if the security guard was on duty. After speaking to the officer in charge I was told that the name of the security guard is ‘P.’. I therefore made a police statement in the nearby police station. I have to admit, as an unhappy customer I can only react by never coming back to your shopping complex and always stay away from the Codan security guards.

While I have no choice but to spend Rs20,000 to get my paint repaired, I would request you to kindly investigate on this incident and accordingly act on it at your level. This is not an experience deserved by a first time customer. If I do not hear back from you, I will have to consider sharing this awful experience with a newspaper. Trust you can take a timely action from your side and keep me informed accordingly.

It’s important for you to make sure that your security guards are trained to act in an appropriate manner in case a car is incorrectly parked. Given that there were no available parking slots, I could have politely been requested to leave the shopping centre instead of having my car damaged by an ‘untrained and unprofessional’ security guard. I wish to convey my intention to sue this guy to the court as I am not prepared to tolerate this behaviour, especially while he was on duty.

I look forward to hear from you after having viewed the camera surveillance video. ( I do really hope you have a surveillance system in place!)

Please kindly acknowledge that you have received this email.

From a disappointed customer.

Pictures of the scratches :

Later, he mailed me an update when I questioned him about any security cameras in the vicinity:

Yes. There are cameras but they told me my car was out of sight. However, latest update today is that the guy has been interdicted from work until further notice. Most probably the guy will be fired. I am putting a lot of pressure on Codan security.

Should we trust them?

If you read the blog lately, you have probably saw the article where a police officer used a road check as an excuse to get a car lift to his workplace. And now, we have another case where a security guard is intentionally causing damage to a vehicle when the latter is supposed to ensure the security. I am sure that there are more similar cases daily and some people believe that they are allowed to do anything as long as power is in their hands.

I will just give you another example : Bouncers.
They behave as kings in their nightclubs but in real life, they are far behind everyone as many among them are criminals who have been previously imprisoned.

Tomorrow, YOU might be the victim of this system.

Anyone got similar experiences?

Update (10th May 2012) :

Codan security’s contract has been terminated at Le Vieux Mooolin complex. Confirmed news -

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Wonderful news for the 800th post!

The news was announced this morning : Car washers, you can now take out your water hoses once again. Same applies to all those who want to wash their windows, buildings, pavements or water their plants.

Effective since 9th February 2012, the water wastage restriction lasted for nearly 3 months as compared to the 1 month restriction in 2011. Since then, 3 reservoirs are now at their full capacity. As for Mare Aux Vacoas, it is now at 78% of its capacity while it was at only about 30% a few months ago.

So, no need to panick if you see me around. This said, it is not a reason to waste water.

Thank you for being regular on the blog

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Non, ce n’est pas la pièce de théâtre du groupe Komiko mais plutôt ce qu’un de mes collègues (K.) a vécu ce matin en venant au bureau.

K. était au volant de sa voiture quand un policier, M., l’a sommé de s’arrêter aux environs de Phoenix Les Halles. Accompagné d’un autre policier au bord de la route, le policier M. l’a informé que c’était un « check de routine » (contrôle routier) et a demandé à K. de lui montrer son permis de conduire. Le policier M. lui a ensuite demandé de montrer sa carte d’identité car selon ses dires, il avait des doutes : K. portait une moustache sur la photo de son permis de conduire et aussi sa carte d’identité. Le policier lui a informé qu’il avait de sérieux doutes car ça pouvait être le permis de son frère.

Portant un sac à dos, il a pris place sur le siège avant passager de la voiture et lui a demandé de continuer sa route vers Port Louis mais plus précisément vers Les Casernes Centrales. Une fois arrivé à Port Louis, il l’a emmené dans un poste de police de la capitale où il l’a informé qu’il va devoir laisser sa voiture ainsi que ses clés. K. a aussi dû signer dans le “Log Book” du poste.

Au bureau :

Arrivé au bureau, K. nous a raconté sa mésaventure.  Pour moi, ainsi que mes collègues, c’était inadmissible.

Le policier n’avait pas de raison de réquisitionner la voiture de K. ainsi que ses clés. De plus, il avait affirmé que ce cas serait référé aux limiers de la CID pour une enquête approfondie et qu’il va lui téléphoner vers 9 heures pour qu’il puisse venir récupérer sa voiture.

Nous avons conseillé à notre collègue de se rendre immédiatement à un autre poste de police de Port Louis et de signaler cette mésaventure car les intentions du policier M. n’étaient pas claires. Qu’arrivera-t-il si le policier M. dissimule de la drogue dans la voiture de K. ou il utilise sa voiture pour des fins personnelles ?

La suite de l’histoire : K. s’est rendu au poste de police et il a consigné une déposition. L’inspecteur de police B. en fonction a ensuite accompagné K. aux premier poste d’où les officiers ont passé un coup de fil afin de sommer le policier M. de se présenter tout de suite Ce dernier qui était quelque part, en train de réguler le trafic routier a dû s’y rendre immédiatement afin de fournir des explications.

Avant de récupérer sa voiture, K. a été approché par le policier M. qui lui a lancé ces mots : « Ene zour nu pu zoine ! ».

De retour au bureau, K. nous a raconté cette nouvelle partie de l’histoire. Pour nous, cette dernière phrase du policier était une menace. Encore une fois, j’ai demandé à K. de le rapporter au poste pendant la pause-déjeuner.

La demande

Cependant, une heure plus tard, le policier lui a envoyé un texto et a ensuite passé un coup de fil à K. pour lui demander de retirer la plainte portée contre sa personne. Après consultation avec le panel d’avocats de collègues, nous lui avons conseillé de retirer la plainte à condition que le policier en question se rende au poste de police et qu’il lui réclame des excuses en présence d’autre policiers.

Après un moment d’hésitation, il a finalement cédé car ce cas pourrait lui conduire à une suspension de ses fonctions.

Aveux du policier :

Rendez-vous pris, le policier a présenté ses excuses à K. en présence de l’inspecteur B. ainsi que d’autres policiers et policières en service. Le policier M., âgé d’une quarantaine d’années s’est même mis à genoux pour demander pardon. Il a avoué qu’il était en retard et devait se rendre à Port Louis, alors il a fait de l’auto stop, déguisé en « Check de routine ».

K. a retiré sa plainte et a pris la porte de sortie alors que l’inspecteur a demandé au policier de rester afin de lui parler.

Fin de l’histoire.

Le mot de la fin…

Les temps ne sont plus les mêmes où les civils se rendaient aux postes de police afin de consigner des dépositions contre seulement des criminels. Aujourd’hui, beaucoup d’entre nous le font contre certains policiers !

A mon avis, le policier aurait du tout simplement expliquer son problème et ainsi demander au conducteur de lui donner un lift jusqu’à Port Louis. Je ne sais pas pour vous, mais moi personnellement, j’aurai venu en aide au policier à ce moment.

Si comme moi, vous pensez que ce policier a abusé de son pouvoir, partagez cet article en cliquant sur “Share” ou “Like/Recommend”. Le plus de personnes doivent lire cet article afin qu’ils sachent leur droit en tant que citoyen. Allez-y!

Mais la question du jour demeure :

Où est donc passé l’autre policier qui faisait des « Check de Routine » avec le policier M. ?

GUESS WHEREEEEE? :p

Aussi, un grand merci à la petite équipe qui m’a aidée à ecrire cet article

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Late last night, some tweeps posted about  Mauritius being in the list of countries to which you can actually send money. After a quick verification, Mauritius was indeed right there, since how long, I really don’t know.

Update :

After posting this page, @Inf checked too but finally came to the conclusion  that Receiving from Mauritius is still not possible.

I repeat : Receiving money to Mauritius is not possible. In fact, the wordings used on their page is somewhat misleading. It should be “Send money to Anyone in the Growing Paypal Network from these countries“.

@Joshua was indeed right!

So, now editing this post to get things clear unfortunately.

This is going to change a hell lot of things. So many people are waiting for this because, it was impossible for Mauritians accounts to receive money through Paypal. Hence, as from now, you can ask people to pay you directly through Paypal and normally, you should be able to include Paypal buttons onto your e-commerce web site.

I think that this piece of information is worth sharing too : As per Paypal’s web site, withdrawals are not permitted yet with these Mauritian accounts, not yet. Also, do take some time to go through Paypal’s web site and read about commission fees that might be applicable.

I am currently trying to see if this really works. I will update this post if there’s any progress.

If anyone has additional info, don’t hesitate!

Have a nice week!

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Last time, I briefly introduced this personal project, the MauritiusLoto.com. Smoothly running on a stable version since the past weeks, I hereby officially launch the site, made possible with the helping hands of a small team and some beta testers (including the first users). Before continuing, I thank everyone who tried the web site and sent suggestions/bugs/critics. Thank you!

How does it work?

The objective behind the site is very straight forward.

After the official results announcement on the television (and radio), many players actually search the web for the loto results. Once you get hold of the results (either on the web or through tv/radio), you now need to manually check each combination of numbers. That can be pretty tedious especially if you played several times.

Well, MauritiusLoto.com will now take care of everything.

All that you need to do is :

1. To enter the numbers onto the site and once the results are proclaimed.

2. Check your mail after results announcement!

A sample mail goes as follows :

The algorithms running behind MauritiusLoto.com will first of all check if you have played any combinations right (either 3,4,5 or 6 numbers) and then mail you the winning combinations as well as any number combinations played right.

You can also choose number combinations saved for previous weeks, receive mail alerts even if you have not played and in a near future, connect via your Facebook account.

Why should you register to use it?

Pretty simple!

If you don’t register, to which email address will we send you the results? Additionally, the registration process ensures that you do not enter somebody’s else email address onto the site.

About the project

The project was in my mind since months already but due to work commitment, I have been able to kick start the project only in late December. Since then, a tiny team was set up to write the bits and pieces of code which make up the whole site. We have finally been able to put a first version live in February 2012 and we improved the site from the feedback gathered from the first users.

What’s next?

We currently have only a basic version of the site running live on MauritiusLoto.com. However, we have quite a few features that we hope to be able to include in the next few weeks. Some of these are :

• Integrate Facebook social plugins into the site
• SMS for registration and submitting/receiving numbers
• Mobile application (Iphone/Android)
• Some boring stuff like Trend analysis and statistics

Join us!

Being a Mauritian, we all know that we love free stuffs. We guarantee you that the usage of the web site will always be free.

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for announcements regarding the site as well as results details. To be part of the project, click here to proceed to the web site to register yourself and remember, verifying your loto combinations will never be so simple!

>> Click here to start entering your loto numbers.

Please help me in sharing this link around.
Don’t hesitate to click here or the Facebook Share icon and the Like/Recommend button.

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As announced by the minister Shakeel Mohamed a few days back, the official programme for this year’s Labour Day (Fete du Travail) is available on the government portal. He expressed his desire to make  this day some kind of family day for workers. Discounted rates are being offered for various activities round the island and even cinema tickets will be made available at a cheaper price!

Sorry for the bad quality of the pictures below. Click on the images to enlarge.

Activities :

Cinema :

So, have you made up your mind? Where are you heading on next Tuesday?

How do you find this initiative of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment?

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