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The Sweet Life : Italian expats living the Dolce Vita lifestyle in Mauritius

Jameela Jaddoo — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

The Sweet Life : Italian expats living the Dolce Vita lifestyle in Mauritius Jameela Jaddoo dim 19/11/2023 - 09:00

Taking pleasure in every aspect of life. This is what the concept of the Dolce Vita lifestyle is all about – enjoy family time, good food, art, nature and have fun. Italian expats living in Mauritius share with News on Sunday how they are living the Dolce Vita on our tropical island.

Fabio Sframeli: “My personal interpretation of the Dolce Vita is light heartedness, conviviality, harmony and peace”

Fabio Sframeli has been living in Mauritius for more than eight years with his wife and their three kids. The Italian couple’s last child was in fact born on the island. The expat shares that he chose to move to Mauritius as it was his dream to live on a tropical island.

“I always dreamed of living on a tropical island and since we got married 25 years ago, we have visited many countries and tropical islands looking for the ideal place. Back in Italy I got to know nice people belonging to the conspicuous Mauritian community who were living in Sicily, which is where I come from. And these friendships have definitely influenced my choice regarding which tropical island was more attractive to me,” he explains.

The Scillian man who grew up in a family of carpenters shares that he decided to follow the same pathway as his ancestors when it comes to professional career. “I trained at the high school of fine arts, specializing in antiques restoration and ceramics and I have always worked in the world of furniture. I had my own carpentry shop in Italy. When we moved to Mauritius, I founded my own carpentry workshop and showroom named “Menuiserie Italienne” which is in Arsenal.”

Fabio affirms that Mauritius has opened many doors for him. “It is indisputable that the beauty, line and knowledge of Italian craftsmanship are appreciated throughout the world. Therefore, as a legit representative of the Italian knowhow my work is appreciated and sought after in Mauritius, giving me the opportunity to boast many job satisfactions and growing and expanding my local company. Furthermore, my children are growing up in a multicultural environment from which we want them to learn tolerance, peaceful coexistence and respect. I would therefore say that my life in Mauritius is pleasantly full of work and family satisfactions. What more could I want?” he states.

But has he found his Dolce Vita lifestyle in Mauritius? “Let's say that the desire for carefreeness is a common denominator in human nature, therefore also in Mauritius, it is an objective for its residents and for the majority of expats from all over the world who settle on the island. There is a desire for lightness, frivolity and there is no shortage of private social events to which everyone contributes according to the characteristics of their own cultural identity. Let's therefore say that we contribute to the local search for the Dolce Vita according to our standards,” declares Fabio.

The Italian expats states that he has his own interpretation of Dolce Vita. “My interpretation of Dolce Vita differs from the debauchery of the meaning that arises from Fellini's film, which although it is a cinematic masterpiece, is not necessarily shareable. My lifestyle is very simple: I love spending free time with family, with good friends, cultivating good relationships with the people I meet, joking, diving, hiking, sitting at sunset on the beach. All this helps me create my personal interpretation of the Dolce Vita which is light heartedness, conviviality, harmony and peace.”

According to Fabio, there is an aspect of the Dolce Vita lifestyle that is missing in Mauritius. “I believe there is a need to implement public places and events on the island. I am thinking, for example, of a seafront equipped with a sidewalk and lighting, where street artists and street food markets contribute to a general sense of well-being for locals and tourists,” he utters.

He is however content that he has found a few Italian friends in Mauritius. “We do have a circle of Italian friends and we do organise activities, parties or simply meeting at the beach just for the sake of spending time together or for celebrating Italian or religious events, where any occasion is always a good opportunity to enjoy “bring and share” of Italian delicacies, and listening to Italian music.”

Speaking about the famous Italian cuisine, the expat tells that he is happy that there are now so many Italian restaurants now in Mauritius. “However, we also do love cooking our own meals and enjoying our own traditional dishes, so we spend hours looking for the right ingredients, cooking and passing on to our kids our food identity as essential aspect of our Italianness,” he asserts. Indeed, despite being away from his motherland, Fabio still makes it a duty to pass on some Italian traditions to his children. “The most important Italian tradition we celebrate and pass on to our kids are the importance of the family and the love for traditional Italian cuisine and products and the memory of the historical or folkloric origins of some traditional Sicilian dishes. We also try to keep the use of the Sicilian dialect alive at home.”

His advice to expats looking forward to coming to Mauritius is to make the most of the natural beauty of the island and integrate into the local community to truly get to know the Mauritians, their history, traditions, food, music and their fascinating peculiarities.

Adriana Fiori: “For us Dolce Vita is the chance of spending time with our kids”

Born in Rome, Italy, Adriana moved to Mauritius in August 2022. The 50-year-old came with her partner who is a Swiss national and her two children, aged 7 and 9, who were born in France. The expat confides that it is only after a short stay that they decided to make Mauritius their new home.

“We travelled quite a lot and we lived in France, Italy, Thailand and Panama. We chose Mauritius after a 2 weeks vacations in April 2022. We realized that even though it is a very small Island it offers most of the things we were looking for… amazing nature and beaches, good schools (my kids go to the French school), no language barrier as everybody speaks English and French on the island, good private hospital and healthcare and wide choice of European supermarkets so you can find also your ‘homy’ food,” she explains.

After a fruitful career in the marketing sector, Adriana now works remotely. “I used to be International Marketing Manager for a big Medical Multinational Company. I loved my job and used to travel around the world for work reasons 70% of my time. After 15 years of this amazing career, I decided to stop to grow my family and start a brand-new adventure with my husband developing an App that we will launch soon. As we work remotely now, we could choose to live anywhere in the world.”

When it comes to work and life balance, our Italian woman asserts that Mauritius offers many advantages as well certain challenges. “For us, Mauritius answers to most of the criteria we had listed and we wanted for our family which are: safety, good health private system, international schools, small time difference with Europe, among others. Of course, there are some drawbacks like in any other country. In Mauritius traffic can be crazy in some areas as the roads are pretty narrow but as we work remotely, we do not have to go through this hassle. Also, service can be an issue. It is not easy to find specialized and reliable workers,” she utters.

Nevertheless, the Italian expat and her family have found their own Dolce Vita lifestyle in Mauritius. “We decided to settle in the North where there is a big community of expat coming from all over the world; kids are enjoying their life in the open air, play lots of sports, water sports, we enjoy our beach time after school and on the weekends. We have made lots of new friends and we can work remotely as the internet is very good and we are only a two-hour time difference with Europe. All in all, it is a very easy expatriation compared to our previous experiences in Thailand and Panama. Local people are very kind and so far, we felt well accepted,” she states.

For Adriana and her family, the Dolce Vita concept is a simple one. “For us Dolce Vita is the chance of spending time with our kids in such a nice setting, offer our kids the chance of knowing different people and learn about different cultures. But we also wanted them to attend a recognised French school with IB system that will empower them to be ready to be citizens of this changing world. We love our new standard of living; we live by the beach in a safe community with many other families from many parts of the world. The island is perfect for people like us who enjoy hikes, water sports, fishing, and nature in general and some good international cuisine but also the local food in the small restaurant by the beach.”

She confides that it is in fact thanks to an Italian friend that she got to know about Mauritius. “We have a few Italian friends and actually we moved here thanks to an Italian friend who had been living in Mauritius for eight years and talked highly about this beautiful country. As our family is pretty international, we also look for international friends and since we arrived here, we made friends with family from Mauritius, Italy, France, South Africa, Russia, Ivory Coast, India. Mauritius is a real melting pot,” she says.

But when it comes to Italian cuisine, there are no chances to eat out with Adriana as she prefers to prepare her own Italian meals at home. “As a spoiled Italian of course, I prefer to make my own Italian food at home as it is not easy to find real Italian dishes at the restaurants. There is always some sort of international tweak to them. The real problem is the cost of Italian raw products and the fact that they are not easy to be found here. But we found some nice pizzerias run by Italians where we love to go to - like the Pappagallo and the Golosona - to make our kids happy and enjoy some real Italian flavours.”

And if there is a tradition which Adriana makes sure to follow is keeping her mother tongue alive in her house. “I speak Italian at home so my kids do not forget their mother tongue and we eat mainly Italian food at home. Of course, we keep on following our traditions celebrating Christmas, the Befana, Easter, among others.”

She advises expats who are thinking about moving to a new country to always keep an open mind. “They should be aware that they might most probably fall in love with the beauty of the island and the kindness of the people. But they should also keep in mind that there will be some drawbacks to cope with so they should be ready to adapt to the rhythm and rules of Mauritius,” she declares.

Edoardo Borrelli: “I found my Dolce Vita lifestyle and I adapted to the Mauritian context”

Originally from Rome, Edoardo settled in Mauritius six years ago. “The first time I came to Mauritius was in 2009 and, in 2017, I decided to live here for several reasons. First of all, it’s for the quality of life. The quality of life here is very good and safe, plus there are many outdoor activities. It’s amazing! Another reason I chose Mauritius is its economy and its tax system. The economy is very stable. The island has grown a lot both in terms of services and structures and the taxi system is really good here,” he states.

The Italian man, who has a bachelor degree, master degree and PhD in Psychology, and specialised in developmental psychology, shares that from when he was a teenager, he always wanted to work abroad and to travel the world. “After my degree, I started to work with kids and family. By the end of 2017, luckily, I had an opportunity to come to work in Mauritius. I’m the manager of the Italian restaurant in Grand Baie - Max Mamma Mia.” He adds that the island has offered him many great opportunities. “I learned a lot of things, improved my English and I found my girlfriend. I’ll describe my life in Mauritius like a quiet life good life which revolves around work and family time. I have found the right work life balance,” he asserts.

Indeed, when it comes to living the Dolce Vita lifestyle in Mauritius, Edoardo confides that he has also found the perfect balance. “Let’s say both. I found my Dolce Vita lifestyle and I adapted to the Mauritian context,” he utters. What makes a true Dolce Vita lifestyle according to him? “For me the most important point is to live well with yourself and take your space. It is very important to have a good relationship with your partner, and balance the work commitments with the family needs. During my free time, I spend time with my family choosing what activities to do or where to eat, etc.”

For the Italian man, Mauritius has it all in terms of offering the Dolce Vita life. “As at today, I can’t really tell what we miss here. The island has grown a lot in the last decade and it is continuing to grow. We have sport activity, sea activity, hiking activity, a lot of restaurants, malls, cinemas.”

Edoardo shares that he glad that the Italian community is also growing in Mauritius. “Today, there are quite a lot of Italians working in Mauritius. I have a circle of Italian and we organize activities. unfortunately, I work at the restaurant so our free time does not match. Normally we meet for dinner at my restaurant,” he declares. Speaking about restaurant and food, the Italian expat trusts that it is a good thing that Italian food is much appreciated in Mauritius. “There Is a lot of Italian restaurants in the island. What I think about this? I think that’s great as people all over the world like Mediterranean cuisine. I eat Italian food every day, so at home I eat something different normally.” The only thing that he misses is some authentic Italian dish. “I really miss the suppli’ and the arancini. Suppli’ is a ball of rice with tomato and mozzarella cheese. Arancini is a ball of rice with mozzarella, beef and peas,” he explains. Edoardo plans to pass down his Italian tradition and culture to his kids one day. His advice to expats looking forward to come to Mauritius is to adapt themselves with the local culture.

A taste of Thailand : Thai expats bringing exotic flavours to Mauritius

Jameela Jaddoo — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 04:10:00 +0000

A taste of Thailand : Thai expats bringing exotic flavours to Mauritius Jameela Jaddoo dim 22/10/2023 - 08:10

There many fascinating aspects about Thailand and its people. The most popular ones are definitely Thai cuisine and culture which are highly appreciated by people around the world. Thai expats in Mauritius share with News on Sunday.

Wanida Binda Jirarungsakunruang: “Both countries have a rich religious diversity and both have unique and flavourful cuisines”

Wanida has been living in Mauritius for fifteen years already. “You can also call me Sang. I am from Bangkok. I am married to a Mauritian since 2008 and we have a son. So, I have been in Mauritius for around fifteen years. We live in the East coast of Mauritius, namely at Belle Mare, Flacq.”

There are several reasons behind the Thai woman’s settlement in Mauritius. “We have been working abroad for quite long, so we had decided to settle in Mauritius because the weather, the culture and also the people are friendly and very welcoming. There are also many opportunities to start a business in Mauritius. In addition, the environment and the education are good for our son. In Mauritius, the fact that people speak French and English is beneficial for one’s future, while in Thailand people only speak Thai language.”

The expat woman entrepreneur works in the hospitality sector in the island. “I am taking care of an authentic stay called ‘Horisun’, at Belle Mare village. Our authentic stay is an accommodation experience that allows travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture, food and lifestyle of Mauritius. The aim is to provide visitors with an authentic and meaningful travel experience by connecting them with the local,” she explains.

Sang utters that Mauritius as a financially and politically stable country is a great advantage for both locals and expats. “Mauritius has a well-developed economy, with a strong focus on sectors such as tourism, finance, and information technology. The country has attracted foreign investments and multinational companies, creating job opportunities for both locals and expatriates. Additionally, Mauritius has a stable political environment and a well-regulated financial sector, which contributes to a sense of security for individuals seeking financial stability.”

When it comes to Thai culture and the Mauritian lifestyle, the expat says that both are quite similar. “Families and family values are important and we love to be with family as well, we respect the elders, follow the cultures. Whenever we have family meetings, I always prepare Thai dishes and most of Mauritians love Thai cuisine. As I am a Buddhist, and the fact that I married into Hindu’s family, I follow all ceremonies, prayers and festivals as well. However, we should all keep in mind that cultural blending should always be done with respect and understanding for both cultures involved. It’s important to consult with local communities and experts to ensure the process is carried out in a culturally sensitive manner,” she asserts.

Sang adds that both Mauritius and Thailand are diverse and unique in terms of culture and culinary traditions. “Both countries have a rich religious diversity and both have unique and flavourful cuisines. In Mauritius, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism are practiced, while Thailand is predominantly Buddhist but also has significant Muslim and other religious communities. Thai cuisine is known for its spicy and aromatic flavours, while Mauritian cuisine is a fusion of different culinary traditions, with dishes like curries and fried noodles being popular. Both countries also celebrate a variety of festivals. In Thailand, Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong are important celebrations, while Mauritius observes Hindu festivals like Diwali and Chinese festivals like the Spring Festival.”

Speaking about Thai cuisine, Sang utters that she is delighted to find many Thai products in Mauritius. “When I just arrived in Mauritius, it is quite difficult to get Thai herbs or some ingredients. But now there are many imported Thai products and a few Thai restaurants around the island. Of course, I have been to Thai restaurants as they are my friends. I do recommend our guests to try Thai restaurant as well. I also cook Tahi food. When we cannot find all the ingredients, we sometimes share our herds, ingredients and dishes among Thai expats,” she states.

The Thai woman declares that she is content to have a group of Thai friends. “We do meet sometime but it depends on our free time. However, we always keep in touch, update each other about the news or organise events such as birthdays, new year celebrations and Songkarn’s day (Thai New Year).”

Sang advises those looking forward to move to Mauritius to be patient and open-minded. “Here are a few key points to consider. In terms of visa and work permits, one must ensure that he/she has the necessary visa and work permits required to live and work in Mauritius. You must familiarise yourself with the cost of living in Mauritius. While it may vary depending on your lifestyle and location, it’s generally affordable compared to many other countries. You must make sure to budget accordingly. When it comes to language, the official language in Mauritius is English, but French and Creole are widely spoken.

You should learn some basic French phrases which can be helpful in daily interactions. Regarding healthcare, Mauritius has a well-developed healthcare system. Explore healthcare options, including private health insurance, and find a doctor or medical facility that meets your needs. Regarding social life, you should engage in social activities and join expat communities or clubs to meet people and make friends. There are numerous recreational opportunities in Mauritius, such as water sports, hiking, and exploring the island’s natural beauty. Remember, adjusting to a new country takes time, so be patient and open-minded. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, warm weather, and unique experiences that Mauritius has to offer.”

Ousaporn Blakeway: “I cook Thai food with ingredients that I buy in Thailand and my husband grows Thai herbs”

Ousaporn Blakeway is the Thai Chef and Director of Ousaporn Thai Restaurant in Mauritius located in Tamarin. In Mauritius since 2007, the Thai Chef explains that she decided to settle in the island after her marriage.

“When I finished University in Thailand, I came to Mauritius and opened a Thai Restaurant with my husband in 2010. Our first Restaurant was in La Preneuse. We had just five tables in a small garden. We were doing Take-Away also. I was the only one in the kitchen, while my husband was helping in front. Then we had the opportunity to open a restaurant in a shopping center at Trianon, Quatre Bornes. After four years, we closed down due to insufficient sales compare to all the costs. Today, we have a proper restaurant in Tamarin, with fifteen tables, and a beautiful garden. In a wooden house, with Thai Style. We wanted to bring back the same concept of the first restaurant, that was in La Preneuse. Now, we can say that we are successful,” she utters.

The expat woman entrepreneur trusts that Mauritius offers many business opportunities. “I think that there are plenty of opportunities in Mauritius. If you want to open a business, and you have a concrete project in your head then you can do it! However, Mauritius is not yet expanded at 100%, and staff is missing.”

Speaking about adaptation to the Mauritian environment and lifestyle, Ousaporn confides that she did face some challenges. “During the first year, it was difficult for me because the mentality is different. Then, with time things got better. I got to meet Thai People who also settled in Mauritius, I cook Thai food with ingredients that I buy in Thailand and my husband grows Thai herbs. Mauritius has many activities and places to discover. Mauritius is a small country but to be honest, since I’ve been here, I haven’t seen everything yet,” she states.

Ousaporn in fact states that Mauritius and Thailand share many similarities when it comes to people and culture. “The Mauritian and Thai Cultures are pretty the same. People are friendly and have great hospitality. Both cultures like to eat good food as well. However, I remember one time, I went to the shop in Mauritius, and the seller did not say thank you and when he gave me the change money back, he threw the money on the table. But after, I understood that it’s normal for some people to behave this way.”

The Thai Chef declares that she is delighted to see the expansion of Thai Restaurants as well as the coming of Thai people in Mauritius. “I am happy to see that there are Thai Restaurants in Mauritius. It provides people the chance to taste Thai cuisine. But some of them do not cook real Thai Cuisine but I understand that it’s business. I am also happy to see that there is a lot of Thai People in Mauritius. Every Monday, I meet with a group of Thai expats and we go out to eat. We even cook together and we play sports together,” she says.

Ousaporn encourages those wishing to settle in Mauritius to do so. “Mauritius is a lovely country with great weather, easy life and good life security. The Government here takes good care of the citizens, for example there are free hospital service, money for retirement, among others.”

Nawasorn: “Mauritians can learn how to make simple Thai dishes at home and we can learn traditional Mauritian dishes”

Originally from Bangkok, Nawasorn, also known as Bibi, has been living in Mauritius for a little over a year. “I moved to Mauritius since July 2022. I mainly came for professional reasons. The head office of the company I work for in Thailand, namely Minor Hotels, sent me here. I’m doing E-commerce and distribution for Mauritius and Seychelles region (Anantara Iko Mauritius and Anantara Maia Seychelles),” she explains.

The Thai expat says that she is content with her decision to move to Mauritius. “I normally work remotely for the hotel outside Thailand in countries such as Maldives, India, New Zealand. This was the first opportunity that Anantara Iko Mauritius was looking for someone who could be based on the property. I did a lot of research before I making the decision, and I can say that it is a good decision.”

For Nawasorn, Mauritius is definitely a land of opportunity. “I can see that Mauritius is developing, building roads and there is a strong focus on tourism. I believe that this is the main economic drive which is creating more income and job opportunities for locals as well as expatriate. There is a lot of opportunity for investors and most of the products here are imported. Mauritius has a stable political environment, which I believe contributes to the security for financial stability,” she affirms.

Speaking about adaptation, the Thai expat says that she did not experience many difficulties as Thai and Mauritian culture have a lot in common. “Both Thai and Mauritian people are warm people, they put family first, and care and respect elders. They are also nations who live together peacefully.” However, she also experienced difficulties when it comes to driving culture in Mauritius.

When it comes to Thai cuisine, Nawasorn confides that she could not find many ingredients when she first arrived in the island. “During the first two months when I’ve arrived in Mauritius, it was quite difficult to get Thai herbs and certain ingredients. I tried to grow them by myself, unfortunately it was not successful. But when I drove around to discover the island, I found Ousaporn Thai Restaurant in Tamarin and Kasafe in Curepipe. So, now I can enjoy Thai food in Mauritius,” she declares.

The Thai expat is also fond of cooking Thai food, especially during the weekends. “I brought some ingredients from my birth country, but nowadays it easy to get some ingredients from the local supermarket. Also, we sharing some herbs such as Thai Basil leave Galangal among Thai’s people living in Mauritius,” she confides.

In fact, Nawasorn utters that she is pleased to have made friends with people from the Thai diaspora. “We have a Thai community here. We organise meetings and get together occasionally and we also do some activities together such as BBQ, Beach Volley Ball, Friday Night Out etc. For the Beach Volley activity, different expats such as those from Philippines, France and even Mauritians often join us.”

The expat woman believes that Mauritians can learn how to cook simple but delicious food from Thai people. “We do like cultural exchange – the does and don’ts. Mauritians can learn Thai cuisine and how to make simple Thai dishes at home and we can learn traditional Mauritian dishes.”

Her advice to those wishing to settle in Mauritius is to embrace the many benefits Mauritius has to offer. “You will love the country. You certainly will enjoy the nature, the beautiful beaches, the amazing waterfalls, the nice weather, and experience unique experiences.”

Kate Kawichai: “We can get Thai food in Mauritius which taste very closely to what we get in Thailand”

Kate has recently moved to Mauritius. The mom of two from Thailand, who married a Danish, arrived in November last year. “I worked in hotel and hospitality industry for almost ten years and now only one of us is working. We move to different places base on our work and of course family package is a priority. We consider Mauritius a safe place and a beautiful country and the strong Thai community is a plus,” she says.

The Thai expat shares that Mauritius feels like home to her. “For me coming to Mauritius is just like coming home to a small island where I grew up.” She underlines that both Thai and Mauritian people are very hospitable. “They are both heartwarming people and empathise with each other. We both also like to share food,” she utters. The one culture shock that Kate experienced when she settled in Mauritius was the driving culture. “For example, people honking or stopping on the road to say hello to a friend.”

According to Kate, the Thai food in Mauritius is as good as the one in Thailand. “We can get Thai food in Mauritius which taste very closely to what we get in Thailand. I also seasonally cook Thai food at home,” she declares. However, she underlines that people who make fusion cuisine should name their dishes after traditional Thai dishes. “We should not call a dish like Pad Thai, Thai Green Curry, etc, when we make fusion cuisine. It can be simple named Asian dishes just to avoid disappointment and Thai people on their side should learn that the green condiment is not guacamole,” she declares.

She happily states that she has become close to a very friendly group of Thai expats. “I have found a very team in the west. We’re partying like crazy.” Her advice to future expats is to not be afraid to make the move. “Mauritius is definitely a good destination for family with young children and for couples as well.”

Saranya Lai: “The opening of several Thai Restaurant in Mauritius gives the chance to Mauritians to eat Thai foods without going to Thailand”

Settled in Mauritius since 2012, Saranya Lai has years of experience as a Thai Chef. “I am originally from Bangkok. I am married to Frederick Lai and we have a 9-year-old daughter called Kayla. I am a Thai Chef with 20 years of experience in the domain,” she says.

The Thai expat explains that she was always fascinated by the art of cooking. “After secondary school, I was fascinated by the cultural art and cooking. I have followed cooking classes and obtained my Thai Cook Certificate. I got long term training in many 5-stars hotel in Bangkok. I have worked as a professional chef in hotels like the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok, the Pilabkao Restaurant in Japan, the Intercontinental Hotel in Egypt, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, the U.A.E Ras Al-Khaimah (Anantara Hotel) in the UAE and lastly at Lux Le Morne and Shanti Maurice in Mauritius. I have also worked as Executive Chef in Koh Phangan Santhiya Hotel in Thailand. Now I am owner of a Thai Restaurant named KASAFÉ in Curepipe. I manage the kitchen with the help of two Thai chefs,” she explains.

Saranya confides that she decided to settle in Mauritius due to its thriving tourism industry. “Mauritius is a beautiful, peaceful and safe country. It does a lot of promotion to attract tourists. This is the reason why I decided to come work for Lux Hotel. My destiny made me meet my husband Frederick and after my wedding we decided to open our restaurant.”

She strongly believes that Mauritius is a land that offers many chances. “I have noticed that Mauritians like to eat Chinese food and there are not many restaurants providing delicious Chinese foods. I believe that if I take the opportunity to invest by opening a Thai Restaurant, I can fuse Chinese and Thai cuisine, hence a new type of cuisine is created. My business is successful and provides me financial stability and job security. I create job opportunities as well for the Mauritians,” she asserts.

Regarding adaptation, the Thai expat says that as she married a Mauritian from a Chinese background, she did not find any difference in terms of lifestyle. “As I am married to a Mauritian Chinese my lifestyle is similar to that of my husband because Thai and Chinese cultures are more or less the same.” She also underlines that similarities between Mauritian and Thai culture would more precisely be between Mauritian Chinese Culture and Thai Culture.

The only culture shock that she experienced were in terms of the difference in the way of eating, respect and working style. Indeed, she trusts that Mauritius can learn a lot from Thai people in terms of politeness. “Thai people are very respectful, polite and very religious, a quality that Mauritians can learn from them. Thai eat very spicy foods and Mauritians can adopt this kind of cuisine. Mauritians can also learn Thai language and use it when they visit Thailand. Mauritius being multi-cultured, Thai can learn about their food culture, wedding and religious celebrations.”

Speaking about Thai Cuisine, the expert Chef says that Thai cuisine is very unique. “Thai Cuisine id different from other cuisines mainly in its use of contrasting flavours. Thai food uses hot spices with sweet, light citrus flavours. Thai food taste fresh and savoury. The opening of several Thai Restaurant in Mauritius gives the chance to Mauritians to eat Thai foods without going to Thailand. Many Mauritians go to Thailand and have tasted and adopted Thai dishes. I have tried the Thai Restaurants in Mauritius only to check if they make authentic Thai food,” she states. As a Thai chef, Saranya asserts that she has no difficulty in finding the ingredients she needs.

What about the Thai diaspora in Mauritius? “There is a small community of Thai people in Mauritius. They are here for working, doing business or are married to locals. I have a circle of friends and we do meet from time to time for parties and birthday celebrations, among others.”

She advises those coming to Mauritius in the near future to not worry much. “Expats should not hesitate to come to Mauritius where multi-cultural people live peacefully in harmony. This place is beautiful with white sand beaches, good communications, leisure facilities. Mauritius is safe and visitors definitely like to come again for memorable moments.”

Cultural Continuity : Vietnamese Keep Traditions Alive in Mauritius

Jameela Jaddoo — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 04:25:00 +0000

Cultural Continuity : Vietnamese Keep Traditions Alive in Mauritius Jameela Jaddoo dim 15/10/2023 - 08:25

Hà Shu:

“Vietnam is always in my heart”

Living in Mauritius since the past eleven years, Hà Shu (Huỳnh Thi Tố Hà) was born and grew up in the city of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. She shares that it is love that brought her to our small island. “I think maybe it’s called destiny because I met Pierre, my husband, at the right place at the right time as we both of us wanted to settle down. We met in Hong Kong where I was on my business trip and Pierre was travelling to his parents ’s home town. I must say that most importantly he has a good character and unique talents that fit me and make me a complete person. For me, he is my noble man,” she utters.
Speaking about adaptation to life in Mauritius, Hà Shu says that it was not difficult for her. “For me, everything has a first-time experience. If you are an open minded and a social person, I think it won’t be that difficult to adapt to a completely new environment. I have been lucky to have had great support from my husband and his family since the whole time I have been living here. Besides that, I used to work for an international company where I had many chances to meet and work with people come from different countries like US, EU, and Asian; so, more or less I was able to engage my lifestyle here easily.”
The Vietnamese expat manages her family business which deals in the supply of uniforms and corporate gifts to hotels, corporates and schools around the island. Hà Shu is also a part-time registered Vietnamese Interpreter specially for the court and police whenever her services are needed. As Vietnam celebrated its Independence Day during the month of September, Hà Shu shares that she got the opportunity to meet with some other fellow Vietnamese friends who live in Mauritius. She confides that the feeling of love and pride for her motherland is always rooted in her heart.

“We have been lucky to have been able to gather many Vietnamese for Jenny Wong kids’ birthday party about two weeks before the Appreciation Day. We did have a really great and joyful time together. Besides that, we also received many nice wishes and messages from our dear friends from the Asian community in Mauritius which headed by Mr. Johan. I wish to underline that Vietnam is always in my heart,” she asserts.
The woman expat finds it interesting for Mauritius to have a multi-cultural society and foods. “It is a great thing that all religious communities are granted their own public holiday,” she declares. However, she trusts that the lack of labour is a real issue in Mauritius and wishes that the country would do better at that level.

“Mauritius needs more workers so that we can produce and even export more products. For Vietnam, I greatly appreciate that with the updated education system now, we will soon have a new generation of youth who will be able to fluently speak two to four languages like Mauritian people.”
Hà Shu strongly encourages those looking for a work-life balance to settle in Mauritius. “If someone is looking for a work-life balance and nice place to raise their family, Mauritius is definitely a very good destination. So, don’t hesitate to come to build your life here. Besides that, you will be surrounded with beautiful beach, beautiful nature, friendly birds, among others. It is really remarkable to be living in Mauritius,” she states.

Tuyen Ngo:

“Although being far from my motherland, the national day is a very important day for me”

Born in the province of Dong Nai in Vietnam, Tuyen Ngo made the big move to Mauritius nine years ago. “At the age of 41, I moved to Ho Chi Minh city, previously known Saigon, for higher studies and working. I’m now living in Baie du Tombeau with my family since I left Vietnam nine years ago,” she utters.
It is love that brought the Vietnamese woman to our country. “When I first met my husband, I had never heard about Mauritius before. Frankly speaking, I was a bit scared of the unknown but love conquers all. I decided to come for a two weeks trip and discovered a very peaceful and friendly country.”
Tuyen Ngo shares that she has very well integrated the Mauritian mode of life. “In Mauritius after a day at the office, everyone is in a hurry to get back home and there is no such night life here. In Vietnam, we would meet our colleagues and friends for dinner and drinks at a street food stall or in a restaurant to chat after a day at work. Now I spend my time cooking delicious food for my family and learn how to cook Mauritian dishes with my mother-in-law as a way to adapt myself to the local lifestyle here,” she states.
However, she does confide that she had difficulties to adapt to the food in Mauritius. “The biggest culture shock when I first arrived in Mauritius was the food. For breakfast the Vietnamese likes to eat noodles or pho and something with soup whereas local people tend to eat breads or French baguette in the morning and also less of vegetables for other meals.” Despite all, Tuyen Ngo finds common aspects between the Vietnamese and Mauritian life. “The common aspect between the Mauritian and Vietnamese people is the care and respect for our elders, parents and grandparents. Also, both are very religious and, in every festivals, we can see lot of devotees of the different communities attending the ceremonies,” she says.

Not finding quality women’s wear, the Vietnamese woman decided to launch her own business in Mauritius. “I used to work as an accountant for a company in Vietnam. When I came in Mauritius and went out shopping women’s wear, I found that the quality here was not quite good and not trendy. As Vietnam and Asian countries are known for the quality and latest trend in fashion, I decided to build my online retail shop. The ladies in Mauritius want quality at a good price and as long as you give them what they want I believe there is a good prospect.”

Speaking about Vietnam, Tuyen Ngo celebrated her motherland’s Independence Day in her own way despite being far away. “Although being far from my motherland, the national day is a very important day for me as it means independence and freedom for the whole nation. On that special day, I cooked special food for the family and taught my son about the history of Vietnam.” Additionally, the woman expat reveals that she is close to other Vietnamese expats in the island. “Currently in Mauritius, we have about nine families who have Vietnamese nationals. Being far from our family and friends, we meet as often as we can for occasions like birthdays, moon Festival, Christmas and the Tet holiday (do Banh Chung), which is the Vietnamese New Year which is celebrated same day as the Chinese New Year here. We decorate our home with flowers and lanterns to welcome the new year. The most important is the get together with family and friends around a table with delicious food.”

What can Mauritians learn from Vietnamese and vice versa? “My Mauritian family and friends like Vietnam’s foods too much: Pho, nem, salads, among others. They always ask me about recipe and try to cook it.” Her advice to expats looking forward to come to Mauritius – “If you would like to come and live here, Mauritius is actually a safe country. As a multi diverse country you should be prepared to adapt to traditions and customs. Also, as a tropical island be prepared for the hot weather especially during summer.”

Nguyen Thi Hai Yen (Jenny):

“I often prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes and share stories about Vietnam’s culture with my family and friends in Mauritius”

The Vietnamese national shares that she had the privilege of calling Mauritius her home for the past eight years. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, also known as Jenny, says that she embarked on a new chapter of her life when she met with her Mauritian husband. “I was born and raised in Vung Tau, Vietnam, and my journey to this beautiful island began when I met my now-husband, a Mauritian citizen, while he was travelling in Vietnam. We fell in love, and after a period of long-distance relationship I decided to move to Mauritius to be with him. Our love story transcended borders, and I embarked on a new chapter in my life. At that time, I had no idea that this island nation would capture my heart and it has become an integral part of my life. Over the years, I’ve witnessed both the challenges and the beauty of living in Mauritius, and it has been an incredible experience that has shaped who I am today,” utters our expat.

A home maker, Jenny however helps her husband in his business. “My role as a housewife has allowed me to focus on creating a warm and loving home for my family, which I find deeply fulfilling. While I may not have a professional analysis of a specific domain, I do have some observations about Mauritius as a whole. Mauritius is known for its strong tourism industry, which has been a significant contributor to the economy. The tourism sector has seen substantial growth over the years. One area where Mauritius can continue to improve is in sustainable tourism practices. As the demand for eco-friendly and responsible travel increases, Mauritius could focus on minimizing its environmental impact and preserving its natural beauty. Additionally, diversifying tourism offerings beyond traditional beach resorts could further boost the industry and provide visitors with a more comprehensive experience of the island,” she affirms.

Jenny asserts that her life in Mauritius has given her the opportunity to observe the country’s strengths and potential areas of improvement. “It’s a nation that values its cultural diversity and natural beauty, and with careful planning and commitment, it can continue to thrive and offer a high quality of life to its residents and visitors alike.”

For the Vietnamese national, the adaptation to the Mauritian lifestyle has been a gradual process and a rewarding experience. “At first, it was challenging because of the language barrier, as my first language is Vietnamese, and Mauritian Creole is the most widely spoken language here. However, I learned English, which is one of the official languages, to communicate more effectively. I also embraced the local customs and traditions. In terms of blending my Vietnamese culture into my life in Mauritius, I have indeed tried to do so through our daily meals. I prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes for my family, and they have come to appreciate and enjoy Vietnamese cuisine. This has been a wonderful way to share my culture with my Mauritian family and friends.”

The only thing that the expat found most surprising when she arrived in our tiny island was the relaxed pace of life. “It’s more relaxed and laid-back compared to the hustle and bustle I was used to in Vietnam. While it took some time to adjust to the “island time” mentality, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of work-life balance and the emphasis on enjoying life and spending time with loved ones,” she claims.
However, Jenny underlines that Vietnamese and Mauritian society have common characteristics such as the strong emphasis on family and community. “Food plays a central role in both societies, and gatherings often revolve around sharing meals. Additionally, there is a deep respect for traditions and a strong sense of hospitality in both Vietnamese and Mauritian cultures.”

Speaking about the celebration of the Independence Day of Vietnam during the month of September, Jenny does not hide that she did not mark the day. “I do not really celebrate the Vietnamese Independence Day but despite being far from my motherland, I still celebrate other festivals like the Vietnamese Lunar New Year also known as Tet, the Mid-Autumn Festival (Têt Trung Thu) and the Vietnamese Women’s Day which is celebrated on 20th October. It’s a way for me to connect with my roots and pass on the Vietnamese traditions to the next generation. I often prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes and share stories about Vietnam’s culture with my family and friends in Mauritius,” she declares.

When it comes to the Vietnamese diaspora in Mauritius, the expat confides that the diaspora in Mauritius is relatively small but close-knit. We have a small circle of friends who have similar backgrounds and experiences, and we often come together to celebrate Vietnamese festivals, birthdays, and other special occasions.” Jenny trusts that Mauritians can certainly learn from the strong family values and work ethic that are central to Vietnamese culture. “Additionally, the Vietnamese emphasis on resourcefulness and resilience, determination, and adaptability in the face of challenges can be valuable in various aspects of life. On the other hand, Mauritius’s multiculturalism and tolerance can serve as an example for countries striving for harmony among diverse communities. The way Mauritians celebrate and respect each other’s festivals and traditions is truly inspiring,” she asserts.

Her advice to expats looking forward to come to Mauritius is to embrace the local culture and making an effort to learn the language, even if it’s just a few basic phrases in Mauritian Creole or French. “Also, building relationships with the local community will enrich your experience and help you adapt more easily. Be open to making new friends and engaging with the local community. Mauritius offers great opportunities, but embracing the local way of life will enhance your experience. Additionally, take the time to explore the natural beauty of Mauritius beyond the tourist hotspots. The island has so much to offer in terms of hiking, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Finally, be patient and open-minded as you adapt to a new way of life, and you’ll find that Mauritius can be a welcoming and rewarding place to live.”

Uyen Vu Dian:

“We teach our kids to sing the Vietnamese anthem “Tien Quan Ca”

Mother of two children, Uyen Vu Dian has been living in Mauritius since 2016. The Vietnamese woman shares that her decision to make Mauritius her new home was influenced by her husband. “My decision to settle here was influenced by my husband, who is Mauritian. Since he was already working here, together, we chose Mauritius as our place of residence.”

For Uyen Vu Dian, transitioning to life in Mauritius was a slow process. “I’ve slowly embraced the local lifestyle and integrated elements of my own culture to the daily routine. It took me some time though to adjust to the local cuisine and learn the language. After seven years, there are still more discoveries and progress to be made on the language front. There is a part of the Vietnamese culture that I try to instil in my children so that they can also feel a bond with their relatives in Vietnam, especially when it comes to language and communication with the elders. Whenever time allows it, I also try some Vietnamese cuisine and share the same with my Mauritian friends and relatives,” she states.
Involved in imports and online retail of children’s wear and accessories, the Vietnamese woman runs her own business “MOSO KIDS”. She is of the opinion that the business sector is very competitive in Mauritius. “It is a very competitive space with lots of players and several incumbents. Given that Mauritius is very reliant on imports with limited onshore manufacturing, there are many challenges, and we have all experienced some of it during the pandemic. Following the pandemic, the cost of running a business has gone up with the depreciation of the rupee together with the increase in shipping fees and commodities. Having said that, generally there is a sound legal framework in Mauritius in terms of the ease of doing business here and there is fair opportunity for young entrepreneurs,” she says.

Definitely, she underlines, Mauritius can improve and will improve. “The government in Mauritius has made some efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and the inflation. There are further improvements to be made in terms of access to capital, especially venture capital, and the competitiveness of Mauritius as a business destination to start new industries. I also think that the time is ripe for the government in Mauritius to enter into a DTA (Double Taxation Agreement) agreement and a trade agreement with Vietnam to bolster investments on both sides.”
Her biggest culture shock she says was the vibrant diversity of cultures, languages, food and traditions in Mauritius. “Coming from a place where the culture is more homogeneous, it did require some adjustments and learning to fully understand the culture tapestry.” When it comes to similarities between the two countries, Uyen Vu Dian states that these include strong family values, a shared love for traditional cuisine and a rich cultural heritage. “Both cultures emphasise close-knit families, respect for elders, the celebration of culture traditions and festivals,” she utters.
Being miles away from her motherland, the expat does not fail to teach the Vietnamese national anthem to her kids. “Independence Day in Vietnam is celebrated on the 2nd of September. We teach our kids to sing the Vietnamese anthem “Tien Quan Ca”. We share the inspiring stories, and history of the Independence to our children to captivate their interest.” She also is part of the Vietnamese community group in Mauritius. “We have a small community of Vietnamese residing in Mauritius. We often organise various events like the Full Moon festival, Vietnam Women’s Day, Lunar New Year or Independence Day. These are important events for us and it is our way to stay connected and joyfully celebrate our cultural heritage.”

Uyen Vu Dian is of the opinion that Vietnamese and Mauritian people can learn a lot from each other. “Vietnamese can learn cultural and religious tolerance. Peaceful co-existence within Mauritius and the neighbouring countries. Mauritius has showcased the beauty of co-existence; it promotes openness to different worldviews and perspectives. There is a lot to learn when you embrace diversity. Vietnamese can also gain insights from Mauritius’ multilingual education system to enhance our global communication skills. Multilingualism is also an important building block of a tolerant society,” she asserts.

Mauritius, she adds, has emerged as a successful offshore business hub, attracting foreign investments and fostering economic growth with limited natural resources - it is a feat in Africa. “By studying Mauritius’ experiences and post-colonial history, Vietnam can develop a skilled workforce, a robust legal framework to enhance its own offshore industry and global competitiveness.”

What can Mauritians learn from Vietnamese? “Vietnam has experienced significant economic growth in recent years. Our strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset has contributed to this. Mauritians can potentially adopt some of these approaches to foster their next phase of economic development. Mauritius could learn from Vietnam’s education system’s focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. Vietnam has focused on these fields to compete globally in the tech and engineering sectors. Vietnam has a history of overcoming adversity, after years of war. Resilience and resourcefulness is playing an important part when we face challenges. These mindsets can be inspiring for young Mauritians in their pursuit of personal and professional goals,” she affirms.

Uyen Vu Dian confides that she is grateful to all the opportunities life in Mauritius has given her. “Mauritius has given me the chance to explore different things and grow professionally and personally. My experience here has been a rich journey and I relish every moment of it. Most people have been very receptive and welcoming, which I am very happy and grateful for. I am still learning and discovering new things every day. This is why I also take every chance I can to meet my clients personally, and understand the local nuances. Overall, the experience here is positive.”
Her advice to others who wish to relocate in Mauritius is to be open to new experiences. “For expats considering a move to Mauritius I would offer the following advices:

Research and understand the culture: Understanding the way of life in Mauritius will help you integrate more smoothly.
Explore the Island: Mauritius has beautiful landscapes and beaches. Take your time to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Build Local Connections: Try to connect with both local and fellow expats. Building a social network can be valuable for support and to fully enjoy your time in Mauritius.

Consider the Cost of living: be mindful of the cost of living in Mauritius, which can vary depending on where you live.
Seek Legal Advice: If you are planning to work or reside long-term in Mauritius, it is advisable to seek legal advice regarding visas, work permits or any related legal documents.

Finally, be opened to new experiences and opportunities. Enjoy yourself!”

Democratic Engagement : Mauritian youth reshaping the future

Jameela Jaddoo — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 04:51:00 +0000

Democratic Engagement : Mauritian youth reshaping the future Jameela Jaddoo dim 08/10/2023 - 08:51

Democracy plays a vital role in all societies as it promotes values of freedom, peace and security as well as economic development and human rights. This year’s theme for the International Day of Democracy, “Empowering the next generation,” focuses on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy. News on Sunday talks to stakeholders about the role of the Mauritian youth in democracy. Three promising young Mauritians also share their views with us on how to ensure that our youth’s voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.

Dr Michael Atchia

From its birth in ancient Greece thousand years ago to today, democracy is the bedrock of inclusive, resilient and peaceful societies. Observed on 15th September, the International Day of Democracy celebrates the system of values democracy promotes but also provides the opportunity to reflect on the importance of democracy in present societies as well as recognise the threats and challenges democracies face in the 21st century.
This year’s theme for the International Day of Democracy, “Empowering the next generation,” aims to empower the next generation by focusing on the critical role of children and youngsters in the democracy of today and the future. According to Dr Michael Atchia, Pedagogue and member of the Democracy Watch Team, Mauritius has done well as a democratic society during the past five years.

“Mauritius has fared comparatively very well during the past five years, from 2019 to 2023, due to both the positive actions of Government and the resilience of our people. We can also argue that we have been spared the extremes such as hurricanes in the West Indies, floods in Pakistan and Libya, war in Ukraine, earthquakes, extremes of discrimination and poverty in Afghanistan, COVID deaths in China and USA and so on. So, there is the crucial need to educate, empower and then give real roles to the youth, to the next generation. Total niet those in position of responsibility, leaders of parties, politicians and others who hang on in power and do not make way, at best gradually, to the next generation. Like the Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam and Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo and others in 1982 who were then swept out of power by a most humiliating defeat of 60/0!,” he states.

Prisheela Mottee

For Prisheela Mottee, President of Raise Brave Girls Association, it is a must to empower the next generation. “The future of the world lies in the hands of the next generation. It is our duty to leave a sustainable legacy for the future generation. Empowering the next generation must become of one of the pillars of our society. It is time or never for us as a society to start empowering the next generation to take the lead in a sustainable way though education, empowerment programs, scholarships or micro finance aid for entrepreneurship programs. The government as well as private stakeholders have to create the appropriate framework in respective fields to bring our young people to the next level. We have to move forward with a youth talent for a better society,” she utters.

Indeed, both stakeholders are of the opinion that the youth play an essential role in advancing democracy. Dr Atchia trusts that encouraging the youth’s contribution in various domains is the way forward. “Democracy is surely the best method of governance ever invented. It must be fully practiced, as it is in our country and, equally important, to transmit that tool to the next generation. Give youth a broad education and encourage their contribution to innovation, their contribution to entrepreneurship and surely for those who will engage in politics, their contribution to do things differently: service oriented, incorruptible, efficient, open to the best ideas from science and technology and from the world-scene, to move Mauritius upwards,” he declares. He further underlines that we must put an accent on citizens political education, which, he asserts, will give results.

According to Prisheela Mottee, the youth not only have a fresh perspective of all matters related to society but also can bring forward new ideas and solutions to the society. “The youth will come forward with innovative ideas and also voice out. Once, we create the appropriate platform, the youth will have the required space to share their views and ideas. The ability to speak and voice is in itself one of the pillars of a democratic country.” She avers that many Mauritians youth are not only silent voters. “It can be observed that the Majority of Mauritian are interested in politics but quite reserved about being involved in active politics. We have a well educate electorate in Mauritius but at same time the youth tend to hold their privacy concerning their political views and colours. We can analyse that our youth are not only silent voters but also good observers,” she states.

Challenges between democracy and youth

Many democratic societies and governments around the globe are facing new obstacles. Mauritius is also not spared. According to our stakeholders, there are definitely challenges in the way when it comes to democracy and the youth in Mauritius.

Dr Atchia asserts that during the next biennium, that is 2023 to 2024, we Mauritians must consolidate good governance and the key areas such as free press and democracy, stronger protection of freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights; independence of the judiciary and other institutions, people participation, leadership at the service of people and country, not of self, family and friends.

So, he highlights, it is necessary to list some of the key areas Mauritius must address during this biennium.

Achieving food and renewable energy self-sufficiency; continuous monitoring of prices and cost of living backed by increased local production of many items of necessity from our own resources, especially marine;

Fresh water management to reduce waste, and make best use of our rainfall, including new technologies such as desalination, water-vapour capture etc;

Review, both in Government and para-statal bodies and the private sector, the directors and cadres in place to put the best available talents and expertise at the head, thereby reversing any destructive tendencies (during 2009-23) from those in power of naming their own people, independent of ability (i.e., Meritocracy to replace nepotism); review recruitment into the public service and the Police;

For a fully functional, creative and dynamic Parliament, a key seat of Democracy, with full effective action from the opposition, an independent speaker and a Shadow Cabinet; electoral integrity guarantees;

Space for meaningful civil society and youth participation in the consultation process;

Consolidating the actions of regional and world-wide alliances (such as SADC, COI, G20, African Union etc.) as well as strengthening our commercial and political relationships with other Indian Ocean islands, friendly countries such as China, India, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Middle-East countries, EU, USA and ALL Southern and Eastern African countries, among others;

The Planet’s climate crisis CANNOT be solved by single countries acting alone, however big they are. Even more so for SIDS. Mauritius has an important role as a leader of the SIDS (Small Islands Developing States, most vulnerable to the climate crisis) to drive the efforts for implementing fully the Paris Agreement and the one from Sharm el Sheik;

A wake-up call to forecast/predict/prepare (through a strengthened catastrophe committee) for future risks and catastrophes, including pandemics, extremes of weather, war, intense cyclones and so on;

In promoting good governance, the government of Mauritius will attach great importance to efficiency, accountability and transparency in the management and utilisation of public funds and resources; strong auditing of government funds, followed by remedial actions;

Continued reform of the education system at all levels, for use of modern pedagogies of teaching and learning curricula geared to leading healthy and successful lives in the 2030s and 2040s of the centuries;

Other key areas.

On her side, Prisheela Mottee trusts that the major issues when it comes to democracy in Mauritius is the difficulty to find a place in the electorate arena. “The issue is that in a democracy people believe that they can trespass liberty of others most specifically on social media. In Mauritius, we have a very well politically educated youth and the few young people who are actively engaged in politics have demarked themselves with their leadership capabilities thus reinforcing our democracy,” she affirms.

Ensure youth’s voices are included

In what ways can we ensure that our youth’s voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world? “By allowing them the space, be it in the press, on Radio and TV, in politics, in management, in local government, in financial institutions, in planning the future. Gradual but real presence and participation of young people and not just token space,” declares Dr Atchia.

Young people are the current and future custodian of democracy. Prisheela Mottee believes that in order to allow our youth in Mauritius to play this important role it is key to empower them through empowerment and leadership programmes. “Topics on democracy should be included in our school curriculum to better prepare our children to be inculcated with democratic values,” she utters. In order to ensure that our youth’s voices are included, the President of Raise Brave Girls Association is also of the opinion that the youth must be included in various platforms and programs. “The actual system provides for National Youth Parliament which is a laudable initiative and such programs should be encouraged and also proposed to colleges. Youth should also be invited on radio and TV shows in order to give way to their voices.”

Youth Testimonies

Sabah Wahedna: “A meaningful democracy requires a meaningful participation of youths”

The young lady studied political science at Yale University, USA and completed Specialist Diploma in Political Science, at Bircham University, Spain. She believes that the youth of today certainly play a key role in advancing democracy. “A meaningful democracy requires a meaningful participation of youths. By voicing out, and giving opinions on national and international issues, youths have enhanced democratic processes and made a change by educating others economically, and politically,” she states.

An engaged, well-educated electorate is at the heart of strong democratic societies. What about the Mauritian youth? “Studies show that today’s generation are on the way to being phenomenally, the most educated one. The Mauritian youth, specifically, has attained great success academically, which is imperative for an equal, responsible society. Our access to the live parliament TV, to news channels, to political debates on private radio stations, has increased our knowledge politically and nationally. It is hence our duty to use the information we gain in consolidating democratic values and transmitting them when the time comes,” utters Sabah.

When it comes to issues concerning democracy and the youth in Mauritius, the young woman is of the opinion that technology has brought with it several challenges. “In the quest towards keeping the public thoroughly informed, this technological era has inescapably fallen prey to misinformation. The result has ignited a distrust and cynicism of politics in the youth, which has in turn led to a disconnect towards politicians. Since information is at the core of a healthy democracy, youths should be guided on how to counteract the threats of technology and identify credible sources, both on the national and international level. ill-informed masses after all put democracies at risk.”

Another issue, underlines Sabah, that has been the norm within societies is the perception of the youth being inexperienced and lack knowledge in career fields they pursue. “Such age barriers sever the youth from actively engaging in society, and often feeds discriminations. Youths are constantly required to prove excellence, which undermines democratic inclusion within workplaces,” she asserts.

According to the Mauritian youth, the government should increase political knowledge at the school level itself, by introducing civic subjects, organising frequent debates and open talks to discuss and educate youths about the inner workings of our democracy. “A real-life experience should be introduced in schools around activities that refer to the pillars of our democracy. Young teens who are taught about rights, respect, equality, and citizenship from a young age would use their voting power better in their near future and be major contributors to the society.”

She adds that for a democracy to be inclusive, information needs to be accessible. “Using technology as tool, a democratic literacy project can be implemented, which provides online information of the history, the geography, the economy, the culture, and the main local issues of Mauritius. Thus, keeping young citizens constantly educated and informed about the country, local politics, and democracy. An interactive digital experience,” she states.

In order to ensure that youth’s voices are included in decisions that impact their world, Sabah is of the opinion that youths should be encouraged to participate in government initiatives and forums, whereby bright ideas are selected and implemented by concerned ministries, without long bureaucratic delays. “By recognizing the youths’ political potential, our government would ensure that young minds and voices make an impact in the national decisions of the country. Politicians, along with their policy administrators should hence engage with youth at earlier stage. It would be wrong and dismissive to label the youths as a generation in complete disinterest of politics. Referring to the disastrous, Wakashio oil spill that hit our country in 2020, we discern how youths became engaged, fearless, and brave. It should not take a tragedy of great proportion for youths to realise their political potential and for elders to recognize the patriotism that youths hold for their country.”

Ziyaadkhan Hossen: “Addressing socio-economic issues are critical to ensuring the active involvement of Mauritian youth in the democratic process”

Ziyaadkhan is a Finance and Law student at the University of Mauritius. In addition to his studies, the 22-year-old man serve as the President of the UoM Accounting and Finance Society. According to the young man, youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are active participants and change-makers even today. “Their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and passion for social change infuse democracy with renewed vigour and momentum. Young people do not bring lots of experience, but they do bring unique ones, enabling them to mobilise and organise effectively, amplifying their voices on critical concerns in this contemporary era. Engaging youth in the democratic process promotes a culture of inclusivity, ensuring that policies and decisions reflect a broader range of perspectives and priorities, ultimately leading to a stronger and more vibrant democracy,” he says.

Speaking about predominant issues concerning democracy and the youth in Mauritius, Ziyaad is of the opinion that in Mauritius, like many parts of the world, youth face specific challenges when it comes to democracy. “One prominent issue is political apathy and disengagement among the youth. Many young people feel disconnected from the political process due to a lack of meaningful representation, limited access to civic education, and disillusionment with the current political landscape. These can be substantiated when looking at the voting proportion of the youth for previous general elections. Additionally, unemployment and underemployment are pressing concerns, which can lead to a sense of disempowerment and frustration. Adequate representation and addressing socio-economic issues are critical to ensuring the active involvement and meaningful participation of Mauritian youth in the democratic process.”

The young man trusts that empowering Mauritian youth necessitates a holistic approach involving both society and the government. “Firstly, enhancing civic education is crucial, educating young people about democratic principles, political structures, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Additionally, fostering youth-friendly platforms for dialogue and participation can encourage their involvement in decision-making processes. A commendable initiative by the government to try accomplishing these objectives, amongst others, was the National Youth Parliament of which I was a participant in the third edition in 2023. But, much work still need to be done in terms of policies that address youth unemployment, improve access to quality education, and create opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, promoting youth representation in various decision-making bodies and supporting youth-led initiatives can inculcate a sense of ownership and responsibility, fostering a culture where young voices are valued and influential,” he declares.

In what ways can we ensure that our youth’s voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world? “Ensuring youth voices are incorporated into impactful decisions demands intentional efforts at various levels. Firstly, establishing mechanisms for youth consultation and participation within governmental structures is essential. This can be achieved through dedicated youth advisory councils, regular engagement meetings, and online platforms for feedback and suggestions. Encouraging political parties and institutions to promote young leaders and reserve seats for youth in legislative bodies can also enhance representation. Creating mentorship programs that connect experienced leaders with young individuals is not a dream today, thanks to the Youth Mentorship Programme. Ultimately, a cultural shift that values and respects the insights and contributions of young people is fundamental to achieving a truly inclusive democracy,” asserts Ziyaad.

Ritesh Daworaz: “Democracy provides a platform for youth to have a say in the governance of their countries”

Ritesh works as a public officer at the Land Use & Planning Department at the District Council of Flacq and is also a part-time student in BSC Town and Country Planning (Top-Up) at the University of Mauritius. He underlines that as per the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) published its Democracy Index, Mauritius is ranked 21st with an overall score of 8.14. Moreover, Mauritius enters the rank of “full democracy” and remains the only nation in Africa to fall under this regime. “This prime position is a testament to how Mauritius emerges as a robust democratic and economic model in the region,” he says.

According to him, in Mauritius, the youth are actually playing an essential role in advancing democracy in various ways. “We can see that there are many young Mauritians that are actively involved in mainstream political parties, while others are forming their own youth-led political movements, bringing fresh perspectives to the political landscape. There are more youth-led civil society organizations, associations, and movements in Mauritius in order to address a wide range of issues, including environmental conservation, social justice, and human rights,” he states. He states that the relationship between youth and democracy is symbiotic. “Democracy provides a platform for youth to have a say in the governance of their countries, while youth bring vitality, fresh perspectives, and energy to the democratic process. Empowering young people to participate actively in democracy is essential for building inclusive, responsive, and resilient democratic societies,” he utters.

When it comes to issues, he is of the opinion that factors such as the brain drain has a negative impact. “As we tend to see, there is the emigration of highly educated and skilled youth seeking better opportunities abroad, which is leading our country to a loss of talent and civic engagement. The sociocultural factors, including gender norms and traditions, might discourage some youth, particularly young women, from participating and being active in politics. The mental health challenges faced by some young people can affect their ability to engage in politics and civic activities effectively. Moreover, political polarisation in the country seems to be discouraging young people from engaging in constructive political discourse and working across party lines.”

However, he claims that our society and government are making numerous efforts in order to empower the Mauritian youth. “For example, through the organisation of the National Youth Parliament 2023, which has provided a platform for young people to learn about the democratic process, express their views on climate change, and gain experience in politics. A National Youth summit was organised in August 2023 with the objectives of establishing and maintaining effective communication between the government and the youth. However, what can also be done by the government is to invest in accessible, high-quality education from early childhood through higher education and ensure that schools provide relevant and up-to-date curricula that equip youth with critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills,” he utters.

He also believe that there should be a promotion of job creation and economic growth through policies that support businesses, more targeted employment and fund allocation for training programmes for employees working in both the private and public sectors, the establishment of a job centre whereby it is responsible for job networking, job fairs, and career counselling to help youth explore career options and find employment and the inculcation of a Gurukul system in our education to assist the children in understanding the concept of a balanced life.

Speaking about ways to give way to youth’s voices, Ritesh declares that youth’s voices can be included in the decision-making process; for example, the legal frameworks shall be reviewed in order to include provisions for youth participation in decision-making processes and recognise the importance of their voices. “There should be recognition programmes and awards to celebrate youth achievements in leadership, activism, and community service. There should be adequate support given to youth-led media outlets, such as newspapers, radio stations, or online platforms, where young journalists can report on issues that matter to their generation. There should also be facilitation of intergenerational dialogues and partnerships where youth can learn from experienced leaders and contribute their perspectives to decision-making, among others.”

Settling in paradise : Filipinos pursuing prosperity in Mauritius

Le Dimanche Hebdo — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 04:33:00 +0000

Settling in paradise : Filipinos pursuing prosperity in Mauritius Le Dimanche Hebdo dim 08/10/2023 - 08:33

Besides its beautiful beaches and lush flora and fauna, Philippines is also known for its cultural diversity, its mass of tourists but also its expertise in tackling climate change issues. However, according to recent surveys, about 11% of the people of the Philippines migrate to foreign countries in order to make a good living and improve their state of life at home. Filipino expats in Mauritius share with us why they decided to make the big move to Mauritius and how life is treating them on our island.

Johann Dy:

“Mauritius is an ideal place to settle”

Johann has been living in Mauritius for more than three years. The Filipino expat lives with his wife Alba, who moved to the island in June 2022. “Everyone regardless of nationality always wants to have a better life. Filipinos, aside from being known for their work ethic globally also benefit from being English speakers. The country also has a long history of its nationals traveling across the oceans through the famous Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade since the Spanish colonial times in the 1500’s,” he explains.

According to Johann, Mauritius is the perfect place to start over. “Mauritius is an ideal place to settle due to its nice climate, good safety and security situation, as well as beautiful nature,” he utters. He shares that Filipino culture is similar to Mauritian culture in the sense that family is very important in both cultures. “Me and my wife have adapted well to the culture and always try to explore new things in the country.”

He underlines that he and his wife have not experienced any culture shock when they settled. “We have adapted well, and don’t really consider any major culture shocks, but if I have to choose one, it has to be when people park in the middle of the road to chat with their friends,” he utters.

Working in the banking sector in Mauritius, the expat states that life in Mauritius provides a good work-life balance. “I have been always been in banking and investment for the last 15 years across various countries. Life in Mauritius revolves around family, friends and work, it has been a land opportunity because it serves as a gateway for me and my wife to explore a part of the world, we are not familiar with,” he declares.

Johann is happy to have Filipino friends in the island. “Like in most other countries, the Philippine diaspora in Mauritius meets during religious gatherings with special events during Independence Day in June and Christmas in December.”

He trusts that both Mauritians and Filipinos can certainly learn from each other. “There’s always something to learn, Filipinos can learn more from Mauritians on how one can take better care of the environment and Mauritians can learn from the Filipinos on how to be more adaptable,” he asserts.

Johann advises those looking to settle in Mauritius to make friends. “It’s important to make friends and find a community where you will feel at home. Enjoy your journey and welcome to the island.”

Marie Grace Paulen:

“Mauritius has been a land of opportunity not only for me but for my family”

In the island since 2017, Marie Grace shares that she decided to make Mauritius her home after marrying her Mauritian husband. “I live in Mauritius with my Mauritian husband and our daughter. I met my husband in the Midle East and eventually we have decided to settle here. Indeed, one of the main the reasons we chose to settled in Mauritius was because my husband is a Mauritian and he got a job opportunity here. The second reason was for our daughter’s education. We all know that Mauritius is one of the best when it comes to an education system in Africa,” she states.

According to the expat, the reason why Filipinos go abroad to work is for better career opportunities, higher salary and other benefits. “Of course, if you have better salary back home you will be able to build your dream home, invest into a business or save for your retirement,” she asserts.

Speaking about adaptation, Marie Grace confides that she did not face any hardships. “Honestly, I didn’t get so much hard time to adapt to the Mauritian llifestyle. Locals are hospitable and friendly. Mauritius is also a land of mixed ethnicity and this makes it easy for expats to adapt,” she utters. The only downside for her was the fact that Mauritius was less busy compared to Philippines. “Honestly, at first I got a hard time when I first landed here. Growing up I used to live in a busy environment. Where I used to stay in Philippines you will see people 24/7. Most of the shops close very late, specially during the weekends and the holidays. However, it is the opposite here. Every Sundays most of the shops closed early and even holidays most places are closed. The second thing was the food. You know each places have different ways of cooking so it us quite normal when you moved from one place to another somehow food is one of the things you could learn to adjust. But I’m happy to say that now Mauritian food is one of my favourite food in the world,” she happily says.

The full-time mom is of the opinion that Mauritius offers opportunities to all. “Mauritius has been a land of opportunity not only for me but for my family. My husband got a better opportunity in his motherland and my daughter got the opportunity to have a best education system here,” declares the expat.

Marie Grace even gets the chance to meet with other Filipino expats who live in Mauritius. “I do meet Filipinos here in the island. The majority of Filipinos are Catholic, so we have our mass that gathers Filipinos together. We also go for Mountain climbing/trekking and other activities to bond with our countrymen and explore the island together.”

The Philippine woman underlines that both nationals, namely Filipino and Mauritians, could learn a lot from each other. “The qualities which Mauritians as well as other nationalities could learn from Filipino people is the hard work. We commit ourselves in everything we do and whatever hardship we may face we always stand and work hard until we achieve our dreams. What Filipinos could learn from Mauritians is their qualities of sharing their island wholeheartedly with others.”

Marie Grace advises those looking forward to settle in Mauritius to seize the opportunity. “If you have the opportunity, whether it is work, business, studies or for tourist, go for it. Don’t let that opportunity go away. Mauritius is one of the best places on earth. There’s a lot that this beautiful island can offer to everyone.”

Independence Day of India : Indian expats celebrate with patriotic spirit

Jameela Jaddoo — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:22:00 +0000

Independence Day of India : Indian expats celebrate with patriotic spirit Jameela Jaddoo mar 15/08/2023 - 08:22

India is celebrating its Independence Day on the 15th of August. The Indian nation and across the globe rejoice as they mark their country’s freedom from the British rule. The theme of the 77th Independence Day is ‘Nation First, Always First.’ Indian expats in Mauritius share with News on Sunday how they will commemorate this special day and how proud they are of their roots and motherland.

Biju Puthur Vijayan: “In this current scenario, reinstating the patriotism feeling to the youth generation is very essential”

Biju Puthur Vijayan is the Managing Director of Ayuryoga International Retreat and Research Centre Ltd, Mauritius. He settled in Mauritius with his wife and two children. “Mauritius is very nice country to live, it is a mini-India. The working and business environment is very good. The climate of Mauritius is excellent and the local community is very courteous. These are some of the reasons why I decided to settle in the island with my wife Shyama, and my two children, Gayathri Biju Nair, 17-years old and Rishikesh Biju, 8 years old. Both of my kids are studying in Mauritius,” he explains.

According to him, there is not many differences between Mauritius and Indian culture. “Hence the cultural adoption is not difficult,” he utters. Biju adds that Mauritius offers various advantages to expatriates especially when it comes to business. “Mauritius is the Gate Way to Africa, the opportunity for the future.”

When he first came in 2015, the business man started his first Ayurvedic Health Care Centre in Mauritius with 3 staffs only. “Now we have three centres with more than 30 employees. Since 2017 we are operating as the Kerala Ayurvedic Health Care Centres in Mauritius. We recently started Ayurvedic Medicine and Organic Beauty Products distribution across the island. We can proudly say that we are the most leading Ayurvedic Health Care Centre in Mauritius,” he says.

The Indian expat shares that he will celebrate the Independence Day by attending an official flag raising ceremony. “We usually celebrate the Independence Day of India at Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture by attending the flag hoisting ceremony followed by the message from Indian Prime Minister and Indian Cultural programs by the Indian and Local Artists.” Speaking about the 2023 theme “Nation First, Always First”, Vijayan says that it is very inspiring. “In this current scenario, reinstating the patriotism feeling to the youth generation is very essential. We know thousands of freedom fighters sacrifice their life and family for independence. If we are celebrating our 2023 Independence Day with the theme “Nation First, it will be honour for our freedom fighters,” he states.

He confides that his best memory of the independence celebration was during his school days in India. “On that day, hoisting the tricolour was the first and foremost activity. It is a proud moment for everyone. The celebration commemorates our brave leaders and freedom fighters of history who won us the freedom we are enjoying today. On this great occasion, we usually come up with a lot of interesting Independence Day celebrations and activities to help us to learn more about the significance of the day.” Vijayan’s one wish for his country is to stay united. “The most important wish is to remain united India, and proud the freedom we got,” he declares.

Sandeep Jaishankar: “I hope that India can become a force to reckon with on the world stage”

The Indian expat has been living in Mauritius since 1998. Sandeep explains that he came to the island with his parents. “I did not choose to come to Mauritius but I came as my parents decided to move to Mauritius from India to set up their business here. I lived with my family till I got married in 2020 and now my wife and I live separately.”

The latter says that he was exposed to the Mauritian culture from a very young age. “I finished my schooling at RCPL in Mauritius. I had my share of challenges as at the time I spoke no French or Creole and found this a big handicap. However, in time I learnt and managed to understand and appreciate the people, their culture and their way of life. The culture is similar to India with people from varying backgrounds making it one big melting pot! I have found that human beings are similar no matter where we are and today some of my dearest friends are Mauritians,” he asserts.

Sandeep shares that he made the choice to launch his professional life in Mauritius. “Mauritius has been my home for so many years and the education I received stood me in good stead. After completing my studies in Singapore, I then started looking for work opportunities and whilst I was open to going anywhere and working, my first choice was Mauritius which was and still is home for me! I’m also an avid golfer and Mauritius is home to some of the best courses in the world. I love spending my weekends out playing a round with my friends.” The Indian man works in the financial service sector for a very large multinational corporation. “I was always interested in the field of equities, exchanges etc. and hence choose this line of work. Since the company is spread across many geographies, I may eventually move to another location in the future,” he declares.

Sandeep plans to spend his Independence Day at work. “Considering that it is a working day in Mauritius, I would spend the day working! There are some activities that are organised in connection with the Indian Independence Day and if time allows, we will attend some of the cultural programs.” He underlines that the theme chosen for this year’s independence is inspiring. “We are encouraged to always put the country first in all we do and say.”

Speaking about his best memory of India’s Independence Day celebrations, Sandeep shares that it goes back to his school days. “I remember fondly when we used to vociferously sing the national anthem in our school and the feeling of patriotism and sense of belonging amongst all the students was almost palpable,” he utters. He does not hide that he misses the food back in India. “Whilst Mauritian food is delicious, I miss the sheer variety of the Indian cuisine. There are so many states and every region has its own unique cuisine!”

The one wish he has for his motherland is to see more tolerance. “On this very special day all I hope that India can become a force to reckon with on the world stage and I wish we will see better levels of tolerance and harmony between the people.

Poonam Vij: “Irrespective of actions taken, the welfare of the nation should always take precedence”

It’s been fifteen years since Poonam relocated in Mauritius. “My family and I moved to Mauritius from Mumbai in 2008. It has been a fulfilling journey of 15 years here. The decision to settle in Mauritius stemmed from my husband’s assignment here as an expatriate. Initially, we planned to stay for two years. While my two children are studying abroad, my husband and I have made Mauritius our home,” she says.

For Poonam, adapting to the Mauritian lifestyle was not that easy. “Initially, adapting to the Mauritian lifestyle presented challenges, in terms of adaptability. However, over time, things fell into place. Mauritius and India share many cultural aspects, and hence I have been able to incorporate my Indian culture seamlessly into my life here,” she utters. She asserts that Mauritius has truly been a blessing for her and her family. “The sense of discipline, respect for law and order and work-life balance is remarkable here. This environment has provided ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

With more than 15 years of experience within the insurance sector prior to relocating to Mauritius, Poonam has however undergone a complete career transition and is now actively engaged in the culinary field. She is currently the Director at an Indian fast-food establishment named Mumbai Naka. “I co-founded this venture with my friend, Attiya Moosa, who is also from Mumbai and settled here. Our journey began with catering orders, and we eventually operationalised the existing canteen at IGCIC in 2012, upon the suggestion of the then High Commissioner of India. The dearth of authentic Indian food options inspired us to bring this culinary experience to Mauritius. We later expanded operations to Quatre Bornes, a central location,” she explains.

Regarding the Independence Day celebrations, the Indian expat will most probably attend the flag hoisting ceremony at IGCIC followed by cultural and networking event. Poonam declares that the 2023 theme of the Independence Day resonates with the fundamental principle of prioritizing one’s homeland. “Irrespective of actions taken, the welfare of the nation should always take precedence,” she states.

On the other line, Poonam confides her fondest memories of Independence Day stem from “the enthusiastic celebrations during my school days and the celebrations within our apartment complex as I grew older. We would also organize blood donation camps in the area to mark the occasion. This day holds special significance as it honors the sacrifices of our freedom fighters who paved the way for India’s freedom, the history of our country, its culture, and the nations achievements. The Celebrations also uphold the spirit of democracy in the country.”

Her wish for her motherland on this special day is to see it free from troubles. “I wish that India is free from poverty, hunger and homelessness. Every citizen should have access to education, healthcare and they are all treated equally,” she states.

Samir Khatri: “I wish that the country’s future is as bright and strong, if not more, as its past”

It is a job opportunity that led Samir to settle in Mauritius. The Indian expat has been living in the island since 2004. “I came here for a job opportunity but fell in love with both the country and a woman – who is now my wife – Kamila. It has been nearly 20 wonderful years that I have spent in Mauritius,” he says.

Samir confides that he often says that “Choosing to live in Mauritius is a trade-off”. He tells us that both India and Mauritius have their advantages. “India is certainly a bigger economy and therefore more opportunities, but Mauritius offers more in terms of safer environment, work-life balance, less pollution and over all a better eco-system to live in. I find my life here with my wife and our two children – Kabir who is now 12 years old and Kiona who is now 10 years old to be comfortable. I am able to give ample time to the family and still have time for professional and social engagements,” he affirms.

Speaking about adaptation, Samir utters that the first six months were challenging. “Because one would always compare how things were different. However, once the mindset changed to acceptance everything became much smoother. Culturally, Mauritius is not too different to India. Festivals are same, Food is similar and most importantly most people look similar because of Indian origin of a vast majority of population. But despite the similarities Mauritius offers a cultural melting pot. The social structure of Mauritius is alike to a mini-UN and is very engaging and welcoming,” he utters.

The Chartered Accountant by profession is grateful to all the good Mauritius has offered to him and his family. “I owe everything to this beautiful island nation and would forever be grateful to it.” Owner of his own firm and Founding Chairman if ICAI’s (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) Mauritius Chapter, Samir says that he has no big plans for the Independence Day. “Apart from the flag hoisting ceremony, it will be a usual work day for me on 15th August.”

Regarding the 2023 theme of the Independence Day, Samir trusts that it is a very well chosen one. “India is a rapidly growing power in the world. Its people across the globe are recognised as exceptional leaders and community builders. I think that service to one’s country and putting it first is an apt theme for the country to have as it asserts its rightful place in the world,” he asserts.

Similar to the other fellow Indian expats, Samir’s best memories of the Independence Day dates back to his school days. “The hoisting of the tri-colour in my school and the singing of the National Anthem has special place in my memories.” And what does he miss the most about his country? “While my wife and children are in Mauritius with me, I still miss my mother who lives in India. But then, she will be visiting later this year in Mauritius and I often travel to spend time with her and meet up friends from India. The only other thing I miss in Mauritius is the street food of India,” he states.

Samir’s one wish for his country is progress. “The one wish that I have for the country and its people is that the country continues to progress as it now in an inclusive and peaceful way. India’s history is steeped in its cultural, business and spiritual strength and I wish that the country’s future is as bright and strong, if not more, as its past.”

Sadhana Negi: “Let there be peace and harmony for everyone”

Sadhana Negi is originally from Dehradun in India. She is appointed in Mauritius by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations at the IGCIC. “I am a Kathak dancer and did my Masters in Kathak dance from Khairagharh University, India. I have been appointed at the IGCIC as a dance teacher & performer since 2022. I like the Mauritian lifestyle very much. People are very friendly and love food, music, dance and what I love the most is the beautiful sites, beaches and trekking. In fact, I find Mauritius, people here and the culture not very different than in India,” she says.

She confides that her experience in Mauritius has been great so far. “I have received lots of love and appreciation for my art. Since 2022 I have given a lot of public performances, some solo and some with my students from IGCIC. Audience as well as the media have been always very kind and generous with their appreciation,” she states.

The Kathak dancer confides that she has always loved dancing since her childhood and did all kind of dancing including folk and Bollywood. “I finally decided to learn Kathak dance as it appalled me a lot, specially the technical and the drama side of it. I started learning under Sri Shyam Kartik Mishra JI and did Masters in Kathak under Pandit Udai Mazumdar JI, with whom I still learn the finesse of this performing art. I also have a dance institute called Sadhana, an institute for performing arts where I share this beautiful art together with the youngsters and doing the same at present at the IGCIC Mauritius.”

Sadhana shares that she will celebrate the Independence Day with great joy. “It’s a great joy for all of us that we are celebrating the 76th year of Indian Independence. I will be performing together with my students at the IGCIC in the morning and at the Indian High Commission in the evening.” She claims that the 2023 theme “Nation First, Always First” is a beautiful theme. “I think like this for everyone,” she utters.

This day is special for her as she has very good memories of the celebrations when she was a child. “Like for every child Independence Day at the school use to be always very special and festive. We use to make our own flags, there used to be lots of singing and dance performances and at the end we will all get sweets. We use to very proud to bring back the tricolour home,” she says. Her wish for her motherland is “Let there be peace and harmony for everyone.”

Meenakshi Saxena: “Celebration of Independence Day is a souvenir of the values of unity, diversity, and democracy”

Executive director of AMG Group, Meenakshi settled in Mauritius fourteen years ago. “I have been residing on the paradise island of Mauritius for last 14 years with my family. I hold degree of Law from India and in Mauritius I am associated as a professional with AMG Group. I live here with my two children, who were born in Mauritius, my husband and my mother-in-law who are Indian citizens too,” she explains. The Indian expat claims that she decided to move to Mauritius for various reasons. The main reasons are the people, the Work Life Balance, the Cultural Similarity to India, the Opportunities and overall, the positive feel of the island with extremely calm, loving and helping people. We are also fortunate to make exceptionally close friends here and have time to cherish the relationship.”

The woman professional confides that the adaptation to the Mauritian lifestyle had it’s share of challenges. “It wasn’t easy initially as we came from a fast-paced lifestyle and had no clue how to manage in such a calm and relaxed lifestyle, until we started valuing it. Mauritius is a perfect blend of profession and leisure. In no time we adopted to the culture and absorbed this exquisite aspect of life. Traditionally, we relate, and we enjoy being part of different cultures and festivals in Mauritius, especially spectacular Maha Shivratri,” she states.

Meenakshi tells that Mauritius has indeed been a land of opportunities for her. “Mauritius has given us many opportunities to grow, to establish and to settle ourselves down. As an Indian expat working with an offshore sector, the work life balance and to lead an adequate lifestyle, Mauritius has offered us fortune, thanks to God! Life in Mauritius is beautiful as the country is!”

The Indian expat plans to celebrate the Independence Day with joy. “The feeling of the day itself is so amazing and patriotic that it reflects in your behaviour, reciting national anthem is a must! This year it is not a public holiday in Mauritius that makes it very challenging to attend the flag hoisting ceremony in the morning, which is hold by High Commission of India every year at IGCICI, Phoenix. However, I will surely distribute ‘laddos’ (Indian sweets) at the workplace and celebrate at home with my family,” she declares.

Speaking about the 2023 theme, Meenakshi says that it is an absolutely magnificent theme. “The theme represents “Unity in diversity”. The theme is a reminder to all Indians to understand the importance of putting the nation’s interests first in all times. Celebration of Independence Day is a souvenir of the values of unity, diversity, and democracy that underpin the Indian nation.”

She also highlights that her best memories of the Independence Day are from her student years. “The memory of the day takes me back to my school and college days, as we used to decorate our classrooms and assembly area with tri colours (flags, rangolis and papers), participate in many quiz and debate competitions related to history of India also participate in cultural programs. The best memory I have of the day is when from my school, I witnessed the flag hoisting and parade of Indian armed forces (army, navy and air force) and the Delhi police also participated in a cultural program held at Red Fort Delhi,” she states.

Her wish for her country on this special occasion is better protection of the Indian women. “As a citizen of India, also as a woman, I really wish for the safety of each woman, equal respect of women in the society and every girl should be able to achieve greatest heights and glory. I wish India and the people back there continue to remain humble, honourable, and attached to values that have been corner stone of their success and society. Happy Independence Day once again, Jai Hind!”

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 : expats supporting their home country all the way

Jameela Jaddoo — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 06:46:00 +0000

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 : expats supporting their home country all the way Jameela Jaddoo dim 13/08/2023 - 10:46

32 teams have been competing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand since its launch on 20th July. The final will take place on 20th August at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Expats in Mauritius are experiencing the excitement of this world cup and are looking forward to seeing their home country win the final.

Marwa Kablaoui: “I hope the Moroccan women’s team will follow in the footsteps of the men’s team”

Originally from Casablanca, Marwa is a new expat. The young woman settled in Mauritius only seven months ago. For her, life is very positive in Mauritius. “It is a very beautiful and safe place to live,” she tells. However, the Moroccan expat confides that the only downside of life in Mauritius is the high cost of living.

“Mauritius is very expensive compared to my country. In Morocco for example a 10kg water melon is sold for only Rs100 but in Mauritius I find it to be very expensive. In fact, all fruits in Mauritius are expensive. In addition to this, there are some food ingredients that we have in Morocco but which we cannot find in the local market,” she declares. However, Marwa still appreciates the many other benefits Mauritius offers. “Mauritius is such a small island compared with my birth country but I love it very much. I love the sandy beaches. Here it is like paradise and the water is so clear and clean.”

Despite missing her life back in Morocco, she shares that she enjoys the island life. “I definitely miss my country so much, I miss my life in Morocco, my family, my house, my room, and also the Moroccan food tagine, the couscous. But I plan to continue enjoy the good side of life in Mauritius,” she shares.

The Morrocan woman is a huge football fan. Speaking about the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Marwa shares that she has a true passion for the sport. “I love watching football matches, especially when Morocco is playing,” she utters. She underlines that she finds the women’s teams playing tactics and skills fascinating. “Less than a year after the semi-final in Qatar of their male counterparts, the Moroccan women football team is shining in Australia and New Zealand. They are really talented and I admire them.”

Marwa declares that the Moroccan team has made an admirable progress since the beginning of the World Cup. “This World Cup is very interesting by the simple fact that there are so many talented women from various nationalities playing. Nouhaila Benzina who plays in the Moroccan team has made history. Last Sunday she became the first veiled player to play in a Women’s World Cup match,” she states.

The woman expat is looking forward for her home team to make history again following their winning against Colombia on Thursday 3rd August. “Morocco became the first Arab team to qualify for the Women’s World Cup following their match against Colombia. I am really proud of my home country and of these women players. I really hope the Moroccan women’s team will follow in the footsteps of the men’s team, which surprised the world at the end of last year, when it became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, which was the first tournament of its kind held in an Arab country, Qatar,” she declares.

Lucie: “I wish France would win the World Cup, and going by their performances, I think they can”

The young 26-year-old French woman is in Mauritius since 2019. Working as Digital Marketing Consultant, Lucie shares that she does go to France from time to time but she lives nine months a year in Mauritius. She decided to settle in as she fell in love with the island. “Actually, I was looking for working abroad after my studies in 2019, so I came to Mauritius in order to find a 6 months job and then go back to France. But you know the story, we all fall in love with Mauritius, so I stayed,” she utters.

Regarding adaptation, Lucie says that it was an easy process for her as she can adapt very easily anywhere. “The Mauritian culture is very open so I think it helped a lot. Today, 80% of my friends are Mauritian, I almost think I’m Mauritian too.” She adds that Mauritius has indeed a lot to offer to those wanting to settle in. “Mauritius has definitely been a land of opportunity for me! From November 2019 to May 2021, I had several jobs opportunity with different types of companies: retail, startups, and Hospitality. I think I’ve been very lucky to find different jobs at a time when companies were afraid to hire.” The French expats says that she is in love with her life in Mauritius. “I am very well surrounded. Life is peaceful for me. People are amazing. Some people say that the grass isn’t greener elsewhere, for me it is. I feel great on this Island.”

When it comes to football, Lucie confides that she is actually becoming a fan of the sport. “I am becoming a football fan actually. Not a deep fan, but I love to watch World Cups. It’s a whole atmosphere, watching games at bars with friends. Love it!” she utters. Regarding the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, she declares that she’s been following the matches. “I’ve been watching some of the matches, which I think are really interesting to see!”

She trusts that the French team is playing well since the beginning of the World Cup matches. “France is evolving just great! I think they won almost all their matches, the game is really nice to watch, it’s just like a Men’s World Cup,” she says. However, regarding the interest of people in Mauritius for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Lucie shares that she has not seen a great enthusiasm. “I haven’t heard many people watching the game or bars playing the game in their places. I can understand because the National team isn’t playing, so it might be less interesting. However, on a larger scale, I can see that more and more people are generally more interested in the Women’s World Cup.”

The French women is of the opinion that this World Cup is even more interesting. “People have talked a lot more about this World Cup than the previous ones, especially on social media. More people want to see women fighting for their country through a football game! So, it’s different from the other World Cups because it’s getting more engagement,” she asserts. Which team do you think will make it to the finale? Lucie obviously supports France and hopes the French team will win the World Cup. “Very objectively, France. I wish they would win the World Cup, and going by their performances, I think they can,” she utters.

Beyond Borders : Women in Diplomacy Standing up for Equality

Jameela Jaddoo — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:32:00 +0000

Beyond Borders : Women in Diplomacy Standing up for Equality Jameela Jaddoo jeu 29/06/2023 - 19:32

Through centuries, women have played an essential role in governance and leadership, yet they continue to be underrepresented in politics and their contributions are overlooked in key decision-making positions. In the context of the International Day for Women in Diplomacy marked on 24th June, News on Sunday talks to four inspiring women who are playing a substantial role in diplomacy.

Lisa Simrique Singh: “It’s important that women diplomats and their voices are captured in decisions at macro-levels that have micro-repercussions”

Lisa Simrique Singh was appointed in November 2022 as the new United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles. She is the highest-ranking UN official in these two countries and is responsible for leading the work of the UN in supporting sustainable development and the inclusive and resilient economic growth agenda of these two island countries. Ms. Singh brings 25 years of experience in international development in Asia and Africa continents, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Vietnam. Prior to her appointment as UN Resident Coordinator, Lisa Singh served as UNDP Resident Representative ad interim (ai) in Chad.

According to Lisa Singh, the issue of women’s representation in diplomacy is a matter of principle. “With women and girls representing half of the world population, it is unthinkable that they do not have a say at the table when it comes to issues of national and global interest. Although historically, diplomacy has been the preserve of men, research has shown that whenever women are involved in discussions, the outcome is generally better for the people, for the society, and for the country. Many global and regional decisions have significant implications at local and household levels so it’s important that women diplomats and their voices are captured in decisions at macro-levels that have micro-repercussions. It’s not enough to have women being represented – they need to have a direct voice and say on issues.

This fresh perspective comes with new leadership styles and expertise that enhance the quality of outcomes, through a whole-of-society approach. For instance, several studies have shown that women leaders focus more on key socio-economic issues than men. More recently, the World Economy Forum has shown that countries led by women have better managed the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she asserts.

The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator underlines that despite the various contributions of women in the field of diplomacy, today, according to the 2023 Women in Diplomacy Index, only 21% of ambassadors around the world were women (24% for Mauritius). “Did you know, for instance, women played an essential role in the drafting of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and that the first Chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights was Ms. Eleanor Roosevelt? Those stories of women’s contributions are too often brushed aside. If we want to break the glass ceiling of women’s under-representation in diplomatic positions and end this legacy of sexism in diplomacy, we need to highlight the key role played by women on numerous occasions to advance the cause of peace, stability, and social cohesion. We need to celebrate these women who have negotiated peace, strengthened international relations, facilitated intercultural linkages, and set the path for a more inclusive and sustainable world. We need to highlight the achievements of these women as role models so that we inspire the next generation and change those bleak statistics about women’s representation in diplomacy,” she states.

Moreover, Lisa Singh declares that women and girls are also more vulnerable to the impacts of various crises such as climate change and downturns in our country’s economic situation – whether through loss of jobs or educational opportunities or at the receiving end of violence. “Because of this, it is essential that their voices are heard, and participation is facilitated in the decision-making that will affect their lives and livelihoods. Let’s face it, gender equality is first and foremost a question of power; power that men have kept for themselves for thousands of years. If we are to achieve gender equality in diplomacy and in leadership, we need, men and women, to work together to end the default-male thinking approach in our homes, our institutions, and our country,” she utters.

She highlights that at the United Nations, under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General, the organisation aims to achieve gender equality at leadership level. “Already, 52% of UN Resident Coordinators around the world are women. We need to be intentional about giving opportunities to women to enter traditionally male-dominated areas, and indeed as equally competent players to bring fresh perspectives, thereby correcting blind spots and improving decision-making. And Mauritius can be an example for the continent and the world.”

Lisa Singh’s message to all the girls and women in Mauritius and Rodrigues is that they can be whatever and whoever they set out to be if they set their ambition high enough. “There is no barrier that you cannot break and there is nothing you cannot achieve if you believe in yourself and if you work hard at it. Please know your voice however small it is now, counts, and together when you do it in partnership with other women, we can make it roar. We can be meaningfully heard across the globe. Join diplomacy, so you can contribute and influence global decisions that affect your personal lives and the lives of those who have no voice.”

Keara Shaw: “Role models are important in shaping what young people and even senior leaders see as possible and normal”

Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires to Mauritius, Keara Shaw has worked briefly as a private sector lawyer before switching to government to pursue a career in diplomacy. She shares that she was really attracted to having a career with a possibility of making a positive contribution to the world. “Fortunately, although on the inside you realise change and impact is often slow and incremental, I do feel like I can make a difference for Australia and the world. My career has spanned roles overseas, including Zimbabwe and Indonesia, as well as working on international policy and legal issues from Canberra.” Speaking about the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, Keara states that an important part of diplomacy is influencing the norms and rules that shape relations between countries and their people.

“Diplomacy touches a huge range of issues from human rights to trade, sustainable development, climate change to name a few. These issues impact all of humanity so it is important that all people, irrespective of gender and cultural differences, have the opportunity to have their voices heard. It is also self-evident that girls and young women are equally talented as boys and young men. So, if there is a system which is dominated by one gender, there is clearly a problem with that system,” she says.

She trusts that it is significant to recognise and celebrate the ways in which women are breaking barriers and making a difference in the field of diplomacy. “Role models are important in shaping what young people and even senior leaders see as possible and normal. If there is no recognition and celebration of the many talented women diplomats who have gone before, it can contribute to a false perception that women are less deserving and capable. I’m pleased to say that in my headquarters in Canberra now, there has been an effort to highlight the contributions of women diplomats, including for example, by renaming meeting rooms after prominent women diplomats.”

What are the benefits that women bring to diplomacy? “I have had the privilege of working with a huge variety of women and men. I have seen women who are extremely tough in the clichéd masculine sense and men who are extremely empathetic in the clichéd feminine sense. So, I am not convinced it is helpful to highlight particular attributes as gendered. What has been wonderful to see in the course of my career is how much change can occur in a relatively short time. In my last team in Canberra, there were men working part-time to take care of children who would participate equally in lunch time conversations about how to entertain a 3-year-old on a winter’s day. There are also women, like myself, who have been able to focus on their career while supported by incredible partners willing to take a career break to look after children. Overall, I’ve seeing improved flexibility, that better enables people to balance family and career responsibilities. That does not just help women, but it is good thing for children, for society and for organisations. Organisations need to be able to ensure those who reach the top, do so based on talent,” she utters.

According to Keara Shaw, gender imbalance in leadership positions is not unique to Mauritius. “It is a challenge faced by most countries, including in Australia. Many organisations still struggle to have women and men equally represented at senior levels. This is true for diplomacy as it is for business and politics. That’s where it becomes important to look frankly at what the obstacles may be. The key message from our recent event with Curtin University is that the question is not about changing women but about changing systems to ensure that both genders thrive equally. A key example is flexible work practices for both men and women to ensure those with family responsibilities are not disadvantaged. Another important step is measuring and reporting on gender data. In my ministry, one of the key components of our Women in Leadership strategy was measuring career progression data in a gender disaggregated way. This meant looking at numbers of women and men applying for promotion and overseas positions and looking at how this was reflected in outcomes. This data was shared with staff. And some of the data alerted us to how subconscious bias was negatively impacting women’s advancement. Subconscious bias was then addressed with training for all senior staff,” she asserts.

The Chargé d’Affaires shares that she has met some very talented Mauritian women diplomats and officials in the foreign ministry so Mauritius is certainly well on the way. “Like in Australia, it remains a work in progress. Gender equality is an important guiding principle in Australia’s foreign policy and development program. The High Commission has made a determined effort to share some lessons learned from Australia with Mauritius. Some examples of where we have done this include helping with the establishment of the Mauritius Chapter of Women in Science for the Developing World and supporting women economic empowerment through partnering with the AMFCE on a regional coaching and mentoring programme for women entrepreneurs in the Western Indian Ocean. Most recently, we partnered with Curtin Mauritius, the Charles Telfair Centre and the University of Technology to support an international forum which focussed on promoting gender inclusive workplaces for a fairer society. And, we are also pleased to continue supporting women in leadership opportunities for our alumni through the Sandra Vegting Women in Leadership Award program,” she states.

Keara Shaw strongly encourages girls and women who are interested in diplomacy to go for it. “Don’t accept any limits on what you can be or how you can contribute. Pursuing a career in the foreign ministry is one option but there are many other ways you can contribute to diplomacy. Many government ministries now have areas that focus on international cooperation. There are many international organisations including the UN and its many development agencies, the WTO as well as NGOs doing valuable international humanitarian or environmental work. Academic perspectives on international relations also enrich diplomacy. Some of these careers happen overseas, but international organisation and Embassies like ours also rely on a talented team of local Mauritian staff – they are also making a contribution to the broader field of diplomacy.”

Amanda Serumaga: “Inclusion of women in diplomacy contributes to constructive dialogue, about issues that intersect with the position and condition of women in society”

As the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, Amanda Serumaga works with a team, in partnership with governments and the communities they represent, bilateral and multilateral actors to implement development programmes and raise resources to support efforts towards continuous alignment with international norms and standards. The UNDP is one of the United Nations sister agencies and works in 170 countries and territories, including Mauritius. The UNDP’s mission and mandate as the United Nations lead agency on international development is to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality by contributing to progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. A barrister and solicitor with additional qualifications in public policy and public financial management, Amanda spent most of her career (26 years) working on governance and rule of law, public administration, and a rights-based approach to development.

Amanda is of the opinion that women matter in all spheres of life be it private or public. “As a practical matter if diplomacy can be understood to include the ways in which nations advance their cultural, economic, and political interests as part of the community of nations, then it stands to reason that women, who are equal citizens, have the space and right to contribute to that conversation. Women add to diversity and inclusion of voices, knowledge and to the articulation of priorities that serve the collective interests of member states. Women matter because they are part of the citizenry of any nation.”

She trusts that recognition and celebration of women’s contributions to diplomacy is important because it helps to normalise their inclusion; and serves to put into practice those equal rights and standards to which UN member states have committed themselves. “Whether it is noting that it is a woman, Eleanor Roosevelt amongst others, who were a key actors in the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or more recently Leymah Gbowee, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work towards promoting peace in Liberia – or the countless women who have represented their countries in the negotiation of international conventions; as a woman working in diplomacy, their recognition is an inspiration and impetus for the work we do,” she states. Indeed, according to Amanda Serumaga, women are beneficial to diplomacy, just as men are, because they bring diverse perspectives to spaces for dialogue and decision making. “This is to say that the inclusion of a diverse set of people who are knowledgeable about specific subject matter and who can assist in the advancement of a nation’s interests, can only be beneficial,” she utters.

Speaking about equal representation and participation of women in peace and political processes, the UNDP Resident Representative declares that inclusion is a matter of policy and practice. “There are several national, regional, and international legal and policy provisions that are aimed at promoting women’s participation. These include anti-discrimination laws and policies based on gender and other identities, such as the Mauritius National Gender Policy, the Africa Union Convention on African People’s, and Human Rights and the International Conventions on Civil and Political Rights; Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Perhaps the more tough questions are in the practical implementation and enforcement of these policy provisions and allocating financial and other resources to do so; whether it is in ensuring that women have equal access to the necessary opportunities in education, or work experience and supportive family policies that enables them to participate. There are also affirmative action policy actions such as quotas to ensure that a minimum proportion of women are represented on committees, boards, and in negotiation mechanisms. As a collective, women’s representatives and organisations have an interest in strengthening their collective voice and organisations and holding decision makers to account for ensuring policies and laws are respected.”

Amanda Serumaga believes that whether or not there is much to do when it comes to empower girls and women to become women diplomats in Mauritius is a function of the sustainability of the evident and current shifts in societal norms and gender bias. “Societal and cultural norms result in differentiated gender perspectives, and the inclusion of women in diplomacy contributes to constructive dialogue, about issues that intersect with the position and condition of women in society, while also demonstrating principles of equality and inclusive collaboration. Whether or not there is much to do in Mauritius is a function of the sustainability of the evident and current shifts in societal norms and gender bias. As with any cultural transformation, the acceptance of women in decision-making positions includes a shift in values, validation, and acceptance. This can be achieved, in part, through alliances with like-minded men, organisations and policy makers to mainstream and institutionalise gender equality throughout the public and private spheres of national life,” she affirms.

She advises Mauritian girls and women to learn about the history of women in diplomacy. “Women have made significant contributions to diplomacy throughout the course of history. It is important for us to know our history, celebrate our contributions and to take forward the work of those who have come before us, as women, and in our behalf. As girls and young women, consider their life choices, joining a career in diplomacy is one of the many ways women can contribute to society.”

Charlotte Pierre: “Enabling women to play an equal role in the economy and societies is essential to sustain economic growth”

British High Commissioner to Mauritius and Head of the Indian Ocean Network of embassies (comprising our missions in Seychelles and Madagascar), Charlotte Pierre is in fact the first female British High Commissioner to Mauritius. She strongly believes that women matter in diplomacy. “Diplomacy is a force for good in the world, and needs to reflect all voices. That includes the voice of women and girls and minorities. Democracies and diplomacy thrive best when they are inclusive. This has been on the global development agenda for over two decades, and as new global challenges arise, promoting and supporting female entrepreneurship/ empowerment and professional aspirations must remain a priority for all of us. More broadly female empowerment is an issue of personal significance to me. I have Mauritian heritage and come from a long line of strong Mauritian women and am surrounded by them in my family! Unfortunately, my mum died when I was six, but she was the first girl in her family to secure a professional qualification and was a senior financial professional in the early days of Air Mauritius. She and many women of her generation were real trail blazers. I want to continue that and help the next generation of women go even further,” she states.

Charlotte Pierre trusts that the achievements of women in the field of diplomacy should be recognised and celebrated. “The UK ambassadors in Berlin, Tokyo, Washington, Canberra, Beijing, Paris, and the United Nations in New York, amongst other places, are all women. The UK’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) took a deliberate decision in the 90s to develop a pipeline of female talent. We are reaping the benefits of that decision now. Given women fill the roles of UK Ambassador in many countries, their contribution is most definitely no longer over-looked! Both our current Ambassadors to Ukraine and Russia are women. They are demonstrating true grit, resilience and professionalism, reinforcing gender is irrelevant to doing a big job well. Promoting gender equality for all is firmly in the UK national interest and I am determined to keep this vital issue at the top of my diplomatic work. Getting this right is key to shaping our shared future when no one is limited, except by the talents and the ambitions they have. This work is an important step forward in creating a fairer society where everyone can reach their full potential, and consequently our nation too.”

She highlights that there are many benefits that women bring to diplomacy. “It is the point about ensuring all voices are heard. Different groups give different perspectives, and policy and diplomacy are at its best when they avoid echo chambers! More broadly in the economy, the data is clear that gender equality is not simply right – it also makes good, pragmatic economic sense. Enabling women to play an equal role in the economy and societies is essential to sustain economic growth. Creating more opportunities for women to work could add $12 trillion to the value of the global economy by 2025. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that reducing gender inequality will boost African economies, including here in Mauritius, by $316 billion over the coming years,” she declares.

However, according to the British High Commissioner to Mauritius, female representation issues are not unique to the UK or Mauritius. “Leadership is critical – both the British and Mauritian Prime Ministers have led the way in promoting gender equity. After leadership, comes resources, investing in structural changes that, for example allow women to come back to work after having a child such as breast-feeding rooms. It requires being brave enough to be open to innovation and flexible ways of working. We need to talk about topics that affect women in the work place, for example menopause. And it requires role models, which each of us can be. But it is also the small things – giving praise and recognising and sponsoring the individual talent around you,” she affirms.

Charlotte Pierre is of the opinion that increasing female representation and empowerment is a global challenge and all countries need to rise to meet it. Her message to girls and women in Mauritius in the context of the International Day for Women in Diplomacy is – “Take control of your destiny, go for it, but know there are people behind you willing you on!”

Animal Welfare : Expats rescuing and caring for strays in Mauritius

Jameela Jaddoo — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:47:00 +0000

Animal Welfare : Expats rescuing and caring for strays in Mauritius Jameela Jaddoo lun 17/04/2023 - 20:47

The world of animals is a fascinating one but it’s also one that requires respect and compassion from us human beings. In Mauritius, while some animals have a home and a family to love and care for them, others roam on the streets and are preys to other animals and diseases. Expats who have at heart the animal cause share with us their passion for our little four leg friends and their rescue work around the island.

Barbara Elkaz: “Once we stepped into the rescue world, we did not turn back”

Living in Mauritius for the past three and a half years, Barbara describes herself as a citizen of the world. “Due to my job, I have been living in several beautiful places and travelled a lot, something I never even dreamt of when I was just a little girl. I love nature, animals, art strongly believe in sustainability, in living kindly,” she says. It’s for love that our expat decided to move to Mauritius. “My partner is from here and also the company to which I am loyal for 16 years as well. Thus, after some moving around, I have chosen to come back to Mauritius. It was a small step aside careerwise, but a step forward in private life,” she explains.

Barbara always loved dogs but she never had one. She confides that one of the first things her and her partner did to make their house feel like a home is that they got two dogs. The passionate hotelier then got involved in animal rescue out of compassion.

“We already got two dogs after we moved back here. I ended for some reason on Facebook Rescue pages and saw a post where somebody needed a foster for a very little, sad and full mange puppy which was thrown away in a plastic bag in the South. This touched a sensitive spot in me, as I cannot comprehend cruelty of any kind. It was my birthday and I asked to my partner that instead of a gift I wanted to foster the puppy. This was Sammy, our first foster. Others followed then, coming and going, poor abandoned pups and dogs that people threw away. We usually have four to six fosters at home on top of ours,” she shares.

She declares at the time of moving in Mauritius, she was not aware of the mistreatment of animals. “I was unaware of the misery that we see daily here in terms of abandonment and abuse of the dogs. Once we stepped into the rescue world with fostering of Sammy, we did not turn back. At times it is hard, physically and above all emotionally, but you save a life and that is what matters. If we stop, an abandoned puppy left in the field or by the rod could die from hunger and fear. How can we stop then?”

She adds that what appeals to her most is that she believes that in this life we are not here just for ourselves to work, eat, sleep, have fun, gather things. “Yes, it is important to enjoy life but a part of our life is meant to be for others – be it for people who need it, animals in my case, or nature, for any good cause. I would see myself as selfish if living only for myself, whilst knowing how much need to help is out there,” she declares.

Barbara and her partner are both full volunteers in animals fostering and rescue. “We foster when have free space in our home. We collaborated in past with two UK charities to find homes for some of our fosters abroad. 25 of our fosters who lived with us for three to four months are now living beautiful lives there. This we see as a success in life. We fostered for shorter or longer time other 20-30 abandoned puppies/dogs that passed through our house and were adopted here or moved on to shelters. At the moment I mostly volunteer for a project in Belle Mare/Palmar where we offer help to hotels to sterilize beach stray dogs, take to vet if needed, feed and the happiest moments of all – assist tourist with the adoption. This is where we feel joy, as another life is saved. It is important to know that most of the tourists love dogs and want to see hotels involved in caring about them. Even those who do not like them, do not wish them harm,” she utters.

The woman expat is grateful to her partner for his help in all that she does. “My biggest help for fostering is my partner. He never thought we will foster all this dogs but we did and he helped with each and loved each of them. I am more of a caring type but somehow, he understands them more. I also get a lot of help from friends who rescue and other volunteers.”

Barabara trusts that there are large steps that should be taken when it comes to animal protection in Mauritius. “First, the animal welfare law needs to acknowledge that dogs and cats are sentient beings. Second, there is a need for animal cruelty/welfare police, and stronger implementation of the penalty for abusers. Regular police are not specialised in this and have other priorities. Third, there is a need for mass sterilisation on large scale so that the growth of canine population stops. Fourth, the promotion and education of adults and kids on animal welfare is needed. The future is in kids, so schools ought to teach not just the knowledge but also compassion, empathy and how to be an active member of the society. Fifth, there should also be the promotion of adoption of Mauritian strays, who are beautiful and smart, but many only wish to have a breed dog. Last but not least there we should be promoting the fact that everybody ought to be part of the solution of this issue. Few shelters, volunteers and one governmental organisation cannot fix this on their own. All of these steps will help towards growing more compassionate and sustainable society towards dogs, cats, but also bats and monkeys,” she asserts.

Malika Gavin: “Our life is centred on rescuing, healing, nurturing and giving love to as many dogs as possible”

Originally from Switzerland, Malika moved to Mauritius in 2020. The expat shares that she has grown up knowing and loving the island and our culture. “I’m an open mind and free spirit person who loves nature, animals, the ocean and has a purpose in life. I live in Mauritius since 2020 but I have known the island for 33 years. When we were kids, we had a Mauritian nanny. She was our parents’ best-friend and our heart mother. We have been educated with a lot of spices, colours and Sega. I love a lot of things in Mauritius, love the people, music and food. The motivation to settle down in Mauritius came a long time ago when I was 20 years old but life took me some more time to realise an old dream. Everything has been accelerated when my sister saved Indie, her first rescue,” she explains.

Yoga teacher by profession, Malika declares that she now spends much time running her NGO and dog shelter. “I’m a yoga teacher that worked for more than 15 years in different studios and for different populations, from children to adults, seniors and people that are suffering from cancer. I’m still working as a yoga teacher online in Mauritius because it is my passion, but sincerely my days are spent running our non-profitable organisation and our shelter for the dogs Indie’s World,” she says.

The Swiss expat confides that she is more involved in animal rescue and that it is her sister who founded the dog’s shelter named Indie’s World. “My sister Cindy founded a shelter for dogs four years ago, as I was still living in Switzerland at that time. So, I decided to create with the help of two love one a non-profit organisation to help her save more dogs. Since that our life is centred on rescuing, healing, nurturing and giving love to as many dogs as possible.”

Malike is of the opinion that the situation for strays here in Mauritius is dramatical. “We are fighting for a better life for the animals but also for the people. As animal lovers, seeing all these dogs outside in bad condition is really hard. Mauritius needs to realise that we have to move quickly and smartly to stop the reproduction to avoid more suffering,” she declares. The woman expat shares that she rescues and fosters over one hundred dogs through her shelter and charitable institution Indie’s World.

“We have actually 120 dogs at the shelter. We rescue, heal, nurture, socialise and give dogs hope and maybe the chance to get adopted. We also help as much as we can the population in giving advices in terms of health and well-being for their dogs. We take also in charge vet fees for dogs that had really bad accident when our financial resources are possible. We cannot count how many rescues that we did, but it’s a lot,” she states.

At Indie’s World, Malika employs three persons but the shelter she says is open to volunteers. “We welcome volunteers from all over the world to be a part of the help regarding protection animal cause.” She trusts that there is a lot of progress to make regarding animal protection in Mauritius. “More than that we need to act now for the wellbeing of animals but for the wellbeing of the island and the people. The urgency is about making mass sterilisations. The children don’t need to see all this animals suffering,” she declares.

Speaking about life in Mauritius, she says that it is the animal cause which drives her. “We dedicate our lives for animal protection, we have almost no time for other things but that’s what makes us vibrate, feel alive and do something good in this path that is life. It is far from easy and probably the tiring thing ever but that is our choice. When we will be very old and look behind, we will be satisfied with what we did. Seeing a dog that almost died in your hand and healing him and getting him adopted into an amazing family is the most powerful feeling that we could ever feel. Our objective is simple, less dogs, less suffering, free Mauritius of stray dogs. That is our opportunity.”

Noemie Barragan: “Their recognition, their loyalty, their sincerity, their love makes them great beings”

She is best known for her love for animals in Mauritius. From French origin, Noemie Barragan settled in Mauritius nine years ago. Since her arrival, she has dedicated her life to the animals on the island. “My friends often compare me to a wild horse with a strong and free temper. I am definitely a person who is fully dedicated when doing something, defends the animal cause and the rights of women. Before I lived near Paris. Now I live alone with my animals. I came here for love and I dedicate my life to animals,” she says.

Noemie shares that Mauritius offers a lot to expats. “The advantages of living in Mauritius are numerous, moreover, let’s talk above all about the kindness of the Mauritians, the sun all year round, the taxation, people speaking Creole, French and English which is so very practical for expatriates, the landscape between the sea and the mountains, the fauna and flora and the food,” she utters. She confides that she did not have much difficulty in adapting to the Mauritian lifestyle. “When you move to a country, you have to respect its laws, its customs and its traditions. I immediately felt very good here. Mauritians are so kind and welcoming that they immediately adopted me on their island.”

The 32-year-old woman shares that her professional career has always been guided towards the animal cause. “I have always had my stables and animal shelter besides I working in the cosmetology field to be able to meet the needs of my little protégés,” she utters. Noemie adds that she has always been a person who has compassion for other’s pain and miseries. “It’s something innate in me to help others and to be the voice of the voiceless. I believe that animals greatly need us.”

The French expat has opened a shelter in Mauritius where she fosters all types of animals. “I have just over 100 animals. Horses, pony, donkey, dromedary, pig, wild boar, goat, little eagle, parrot, pitch, cat, rabbit, turtle, bat, crow, monkey. Then, during the Covid-19 pandemic period, I opened my shelter named ‘L’Arche de Noé’ (Noah’s ark). I gave my money and my love to create this refuge. And above all, I train the new generation and teach them how to treat and communicate with animals,” she utters. Noemie confides that the animals have a lot to do in curing themselves. “To tell you the truth, it’s not me who saves them. Their recognition, their loyalty, their sincerity, their love makes them great beings. Besides, I talk to them like I talk to a human.”

At her refuge, Noemie has various employees who give a precious helping hand in taking care of the animals. “There are employees and trainees working with us. The trainees can also get training and their certificates of several levels in the Equestrian and animal world.” Speaking about animal safety and protection in Mauritius, the expat is of the opinion that there is great room for improvement. “Unfortunately, there is a lot of progress to be made, in particular we need specialised veterinarians for horses, more medicines for animals among others,” she states.