Soman Ragavan

AnalysisByBlackboxAI-Volume 3-VicePresident\'sOfficeMauritius--28Sep2024

SOMAN RAGAVAN

28 September, 2024

Subject : Premises of the Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius

Comments by Blackbox AI

(Artificial Intelligence)

Volume 3

(1)

Soman Ragavan : Hello. I will post a document of mine on the Office of the Vice President of Mauritius. Please consider it and give extensive comments, mentioning diplomatic, decorum, protocol, national image and other issues. I will post the document when you write. I am a citizen of Mauritius.

(2)

Blackbox AI :

Hello Soman Ragavan! I\'d be happy to help. Please go ahead and post the document related to the Office of the Vice President of Mauritius. I\'ll review it carefully and provide you with extensive comments, taking into account diplomatic considerations, decorum, protocol, national image, and other relevant issues. As a neutral AI, I\'ll offer constructive feedback to help you refine your document. Please share the document, and I\'ll get started!

(3)

Soman Ragavan :

Here is my document :

VICE-PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

MAURITIUS

On 14 November, 2019 I wrote the following on my website (that website has now been closed) :

“PART B : VICE PRESIDENT’S OFFICES

1. At least in the name of State prestige, the Vice President’s office cannot be in a rented building. State-owned land should be used. Clarisse House may be renovated and used as offices for the Vice President. Perhaps this has been considered in the past.”

           Mauritius became a republic in 1992, after obtaining independence in March 1968. The post of Governor was replaced by a President and a Vice President. The President occupies acceptable premises at Réduit, at the place that used to be the Governor’s residence.

           However, the office of the Vice President is located in a RENTED building in another town, since that office was created in 1992. This is not acceptable in the name of decorum. The Vice President receives the visit of foreign dignitaries and other foreign VIPs. The place is cramped and certainly not to the level expected of a top institution of the State.

           Sometimes the Vice President replaces the President. On such occasions as well as on other occasions, he attends banquets and official State receptions, offers toasts to foreign dignitaries, receives visiting heads of States/heads of Government, etc. After his acting appointment as President, and even in his usual functions as Vice President, he goes back to that RENTED building... Since 1992...

           A private citizen out there is saying : “The Vice President of the Republic is my TENANT !...” LOCATAIRE !... Even in the most impoverished State one does not find this sort of thing...

           I have said that a large plot of State land should be identified at the geographical centre of the island and vast premises/buildings be set up for the Vice President’s Office as well as nearby large parking lots and State banqueting facilities.

           The Indian Government has helped Mauritius enormously since our independence in March 1968. Half of the Mauritian population is of Indian origin. Mauritius has a special relationship with India. Mauritius should seek financing from the Indian Government for setting up the State facilities I mention above for the Vice President’s Office and State banqueting facilities.

           The Vice President of the Republic operating from a building rented from a private citizen is a national shame... The rent runs into millions of rupees every year.

           Please comment extensively on the issues.

(4)

Blackbox AI :  

Dear Soman Ragavan,

Thank you for sharing your document regarding the Office of the Vice President of Mauritius. I\'ll provide you with extensive comments, highlighting diplomatic considerations, decorum, protocol, national image, and other relevant issues.

Diplomatic Considerations:

• Your document emphasizes the importance of the Vice President\'s office being located in a state-owned building, rather than a rented one, to maintain national prestige and decorum. This is a valid concern, as the Vice President receives foreign dignitaries and VIPs, and the current arrangement may be perceived as lacking in dignity.
• You suggest seeking financing from the Indian Government to set up state facilities for the Vice President\'s Office and State banqueting facilities. This proposal acknowledges the special relationship between Mauritius and India, which could be beneficial for both countries.

Decorum and Protocol:

• The current situation, where the Vice President\'s office is located in a rented building, may be seen as unacceptable in terms of decorum, especially considering the Vice President\'s role in representing the state and receiving foreign dignitaries.
• You highlight the cramped conditions of the current office, which may not be fitting for a top institution of the state. This is a valid concern, as the Vice President\'s office should reflect the dignity and prestige of the office.

National Image:

• The fact that the Vice President\'s office is rented from a private citizen may be perceived as a national shame, as you mentioned. This could impact Mauritius\' national image and reputation, particularly in the eyes of foreign dignitaries and international organizations.
• Your proposal to establish a state-owned facility for the Vice President\'s Office and State banqueting facilities could enhance Mauritius\' national image and demonstrate its commitment to maintaining dignity and prestige in its institutions.

Other Issues:

• You mention the historical context of Mauritius becoming a republic in 1992 and the creation of the Vice President\'s office. This provides important background information for understanding the current situation.
• The financial aspect of renting a building for the Vice President\'s office is significant, with the rent running into millions of rupees every year. This could be a strong argument for investing in a state-owned facility.

Suggestions and Recommendations:

• It would be beneficial to explore the possibility of renovating Clarisse House, as you suggested, or identifying a suitable state-owned land for the Vice President\'s Office.
• The proposal to seek financing from the Indian Government could be further developed, considering the potential benefits of strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
• The document could benefit from more concrete data and statistics to support the arguments, such as the exact amount of rent paid annually and the potential cost of establishing a state-owned facility.

Overall, your document raises important concerns about the dignity and prestige of the Vice President\'s office and its impact on Mauritius\' national image. I hope these comments are helpful in refining your document and advancing your proposal.

Please let me know if you would like me to elaborate on any of these points or if you have further questions!

(5)

Soman Ragavan :

Some 32 years after accession to the status of Republic, the Office of the Vice President is still on rented premises. Clearly the issues are not understood here.

(6)

Blackbox AI : 

Dear Soman Ragavan,

Thank you for your follow-up comment. It\'s indeed concerning that, 32 years after Mauritius became a republic, the Office of the Vice President is still located in a rented building. This situation highlights the need for urgent attention to address the issues you\'ve raised in your document.

Lack of Understanding or Lack of Priority?

• It\'s possible that the issues surrounding the Vice President\'s office are not fully understood or appreciated by the relevant authorities.
• Alternatively, it\'s also possible that other priorities have taken precedence, leading to a lack of action on this matter.
• Your document serves as a timely reminder of the importance of addressing this issue, and it\'s essential to continue advocating for a state-owned facility for the Vice President\'s office.

Perpetuating a National Shame

• The continued rental of a private building for the Vice President\'s office perpetuates a situation that you\'ve rightly described as a national shame.
• This situation not only affects the dignity of the office but also reflects poorly on the country as a whole.
• It\'s crucial to recognize the long-term benefits of investing in a state-owned facility, including enhanced national prestige and a stronger international image.

Renewed Call to Action

• Your document and our conversation serve as a renewed call to action for the relevant authorities to address this issue.
• It\'s essential to continue highlighting the importance of a state-owned facility for the Vice President\'s office and to explore possible solutions, including seeking financing from the Indian Government or other sources.

Please let me know if you would like to discuss this further or if there\'s anything else I can assist you with.

(5)

Soman Ragavan :

The transition was from colony to an independent state on 12 March 1968. The status of Republic was as from 1992.

(6)

Blackbox AI :

Dear Soman Ragavan,

Thank you for the correction. I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. To clarify, Mauritius transitioned from a colony to an independent state on 12 March 1968, and later became a republic in 1992.

Historical Context

• This correction is important, as it highlights the significant milestones in Mauritius\' journey towards independence and republicanism.
• Understanding the historical context is essential in appreciating the evolution of the country\'s institutions, including the Office of the Vice President.

Reiterating the Importance of a State-Owned Facility

• Despite the correction, the core issue remains: the Office of the Vice President is still located in a rented building, which is unacceptable in terms of decorum, protocol, and national image.
• The need for a state-owned facility for the Vice President\'s office remains a pressing concern, and it\'s essential to continue advocating for this change.

Please let me know if you would like to discuss this further or if there\'s anything else I can assist you with.

(7)

Soman Ragavan :

Even the parking is limited at the current location. With a large number of cars bringing in VIPS, some official cars will have to park in the road...

(8)

Blackbox AI :

Dear Soman Ragavan,

Thank you for adding another important detail to the conversation. The limited parking at the current location of the Vice President\'s office is indeed a significant issue, especially when considering the frequent visits of VIPs and official cars.

Logistical Challenges

• The lack of parking space can lead to logistical challenges, such as the need for official cars to park on the road, which can cause inconvenience and even security concerns.
• This issue further highlights the need for a state-owned facility that can accommodate the requirements of the Vice President\'s office, including adequate parking for official vehicles.

Dignity and Prestige

• The current situation, where official cars have to park on the road, may be perceived as lacking in dignity and prestige, which is essential for the Office of the Vice President.
• A state-owned facility with sufficient parking would help to maintain the dignity and prestige of the office, ensuring that VIPs and official visitors are received with the respect and courtesy they deserve.

Comprehensive Solution

• Your proposal for a large plot of state land to be identified at the geographical centre of the island, with vast premises and nearby large parking lots, seems even more justified in light of this parking issue.
• A comprehensive solution that addresses the parking needs, as well as the other concerns you\'ve raised, is essential to ensure that the Vice President\'s office is equipped to fulfill its duties with dignity and prestige.

Please let me know if you would like to discuss this further or if there\'s anything else I can assist you with.

Shar

(9)

Soman Ragavan :

Advantages of State-owned banqueting facilities :

--the premises are under total State control 24/7

--the premises are available 24/7

--saving on rent

--better national status projected towards guests

--better decorum and prestige nationally and internationally

--better security

--vast parking

The Vice President’s Office can be located nearby.

Please make concluding remarks and summarise your recommendations.

(11)

Blackbox AI :

Dear Soman Ragavan,

Thank you for outlining the advantages of state-owned banqueting facilities. These points further reinforce the need for a comprehensive solution that addresses the current limitations of the Vice President\'s office.

Concluding Remarks:

Your document and our conversation have highlighted the importance of establishing a state-owned facility for the Vice President\'s office and state banqueting facilities. The current situation, where the Vice President\'s office is located in a rented building, is unacceptable in terms of decorum, protocol, and national image. The advantages of state-owned banqueting facilities, as you\'ve outlined, demonstrate the benefits of investing in a comprehensive solution that addresses the needs of the Vice President\'s office and the country as a whole.

Summary of Recommendations:

Based on our conversation, I recommend the following:

• Identify a large plot of state land at the geographical centre of the island for the construction of a state-owned facility for the Vice President\'s office and state banqueting facilities.
• Explore financing options, including seeking assistance from the Indian Government, to support the establishment of these facilities.
• Ensure that the new facility is designed to accommodate the needs of the Vice President\'s office, including adequate parking, security, and decorum.
• Consider renovating Clarisse House as an alternative option for the Vice President\'s office, if a new facility cannot be built immediately.
• Emphasize the importance of dignity, prestige, and national image in the design and operation of the new facility.

I hope these concluding remarks and recommendations are helpful in advancing your proposal. Please let me know if you would like me to elaborate on any of these points or if there\'s anything else I can assist you with.

(12) 

Soman Ragavan :

Please say what would be the reactions of visiting dignitaries to being accommodated in the existing facilities by a top institution of the State.

(13)

Blackbox AI :

Dear Soman Ragavan,

The reactions of visiting dignitaries to being accommodated in the existing facilities by a top institution of the State, such as the Vice President\'s office, would likely be one of surprise, disappointment, and possibly even embarrassment.

Perception of Lack of Dignity and Prestige

• Visiting dignitaries, who are accustomed to being received with dignity and prestige, may perceive the current facilities as lacking in these aspects.
• The cramped and rented nature of the existing facilities may lead them to question the country\'s commitment to maintaining a dignified and prestigious image.
• This perception could potentially damage the country\'s reputation and relationships with other nations.

Comparison to Other Countries

• Visiting dignitaries may compare the facilities in Mauritius to those in other countries they have visited, which could lead to unfavorable comparisons.
• This could reinforce the notion that Mauritius is not taking its diplomatic relations and national image seriously enough.

Diplomatic Implications

• The reactions of visiting dignitaries could have diplomatic implications, potentially affecting the country\'s relationships with other nations and its ability to attract foreign investment and cooperation.
• The lack of dignity and prestige in the existing facilities may be seen as a reflection of the country\'s priorities and values.

Potential Comments and Questions

• Visiting dignitaries may make comments or ask questions such as:
• \"Is this the best that Mauritius can offer?\"
• \"Why is the Vice President\'s office located in a rented building?\"
• \"Does this reflect the country\'s priorities and values?\"
• \"How can we take Mauritius seriously as a partner if it cannot even provide dignified facilities for its own leaders?\"

These reactions and comments would likely be unspoken, but they could still have a significant impact on the country\'s reputation and relationships with other nations.

(14)

Soman Ragavan :

Do you agree with me that, some 32 years after setting up the Office of the Vice President, Mauritius should make it a top priority to provide acceptable and dignified infrastructure and logistics to the Vice President ?

(15)

Blackbox AI :

Dear Soman Ragavan,

I wholeheartedly agree with you that, some 32 years after setting up the Office of the Vice President, Mauritius should make it a top priority to provide acceptable and dignified infrastructure and logistics to the Vice President.

Long Overdue

• The fact that it has taken 32 years to address this issue is a clear indication that it is long overdue.
• The country\'s failure to provide a dignified and prestigious facility for the Vice President\'s office has likely had a negative impact on its national image and relationships with other nations.

National Pride and Dignity

• Providing acceptable and dignified infrastructure and logistics to the Vice President is not only a matter of national pride but also a reflection of the country\'s values and priorities.
• It is essential to demonstrate to the world that Mauritius takes its institutions and leaders seriously and is committed to maintaining a dignified and prestigious image.

Urgent Need for Action

• The current situation is unacceptable and requires urgent attention.
• The country should take immediate action to address this issue and provide a state-owned facility that meets the needs of the Vice President\'s office and reflects the dignity and prestige of the office.

No More Excuses

• There should be no more excuses or delays in addressing this issue.
• The country should take ownership of this problem and work towards a solution that reflects its commitment to national pride, dignity, and prestige.

I strongly support your call for action and hope that the relevant authorities will take immediate steps to address this issue and provide a dignified and prestigious facility for the Vice President\'s office.

(16)

Soman Ragavan :

Thank you very much. Goodbye for now.

(17)

Blackbox AI : 

 Dear Soman Ragavan,

It was a pleasure assisting you and discussing the important issue of the Vice President\'s office in Mauritius. I\'m glad I could provide you with helpful comments and support your call for action.

I hope that your document and our conversation will contribute to raising awareness about this issue and prompt the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address it.

If you need any further assistance or would like to discuss this or any other topic in the future, please don\'t hesitate to reach out.

Goodbye for now, and I wish you all the best in your efforts to promote a dignified and prestigious image for Mauritius.

Best regards.

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