New Year: Personalities share their wishes

As we say goodbye to 2016, a new year with fresh perspectives is about to begin for all of us. Many are looking forward to start afresh with new objectives. News on Sunday asked personalities, who shone on various platforms during the year, about their wishes for 2017 and what changes they would like to see.

The President of the Republic: Mrs Ameena Gurib-Fakim’s official message

“We are living the last days of year 2016 and we are about to start the New Year 2017. We hope that it will bring you lots of happiness, joy and prosperity. It will be a year where we will need to demonstrate confidence, courage and determination, as our country is passing by a new transitional phase. 2016 was full of challenges mainly on the economic platform. Many projects announced in the government programme have already been initiated while others will start soon… The strategy and ambition of the government through Vision 2030 is to make Mauritius become part of countries with high revenue. We have only 15 years to accomplish this vision announced by the Prime Minister… The population must understand that we must make a major effort if we want to take up that challenge. We must mobilize all our resources, our talents. We must include our youth as well as our Diaspora. The youth representing our future have a very crucial role to play in the accomplishment of the Vision 2030. And I appeal to the youth. They must prepare themselves through a good education so as to be able to take up the economic challenges that our country will face in the future and which will impact on the world of work… The Mauritian Diaspora and the Mauritians who have settled abroad since the independence can also contribute to the advancement of the country. I seize this occasion to invite them to participate in the economic and social progress of our country… For the advancement and progress of the country, we must ensure that we improve the functioning of our institutions. We must encourage a culture of merit based on transparency, competence, capacity and good governance… It is imperative for us to develop the competencies of our youth and give them the necessary means so that they can engage themselves in productive sectors and which will allow them become entrepreneurs… We must lay more emphasis on technical, scientific and professional training and, most importantly, in research. We must also promote a better collaboration with African academic institutions. I have much faith in our Mauritian youth and in their capacity to help transform the country… It is an occasion for us to recongnise that we have the chance to live in a country where all communities live in peace, harmony and respect for each other. Our mission is to ensure that we transmit this heritage to the future generation. I wish you all, in Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agalega and St Brandon a very Happy New Year 2017.”

Shalonee Gunness: President of the Lions Club Curepipe

“My wish for 2017: May we preserve universal peace and entertain mutual respect in all relationships as well as in all our undertakings. Let us all come together aiming at serving, no matter how big or small is the contribution, to build better communities leaving a legacy of prosperity, abundance and peace for our young people.” Changes Shalonnee wishes to see in 2017: “I would wish to live see changes in the way we do politics, relieve hunger and poverty; contribute to economic prosperity, peace. The most important change I wish for is to stop war and killing innocent people!”

Aisha Allee: Founder and Chairperson of Blast

“Wishes for me: become a better person. My wishes for the country: more political stability and politicians who work for the greater good of the country. Citizens who are proponents to being the change they want to see. My wishes for the world: More peace and a stop to atrocities like the massacres in broad daylight in Syria.”

Nafiisah Chotun: Winner of 2016 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa

“This has been a year of upheaval for Mauritius. My wish for 2017 is for those in charge to put aside their petty differences and work together to improve the country’s economic situation as well as the education and health systems so as to improve the lives of Mauritians. In Mauritius, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions, so I would love to see more women at the helm of organisations, companies, universities and even in politics! On a personal note, I pray for good health for my family and friends and that 2017 be even more productive and successful than the past year.”

Bessika Bucktowar: Miss Mauritius 2016 / Miss World Mauritius 2017

“We have reached a point where one year is ending and another is beginning. May God bless all of you and keep you protected so that you can witness many more such happy new years! Even if life presented you with lots of obstacles this year, be proud that you managed to overcome all of them. I hope that you continue to be this firm and strong. Every year gives us the chance to start something new and to improve ourselves. Each and every one of us should try to improve ourselves and make the world a better place. New Year, another chance for all of us to make it better. May this New Year bring you peace, warmth, love and togetherness in your family. A wonderful year is waiting ahead, together lets welcome it with a blast!” 

What changes does our Miss Mauritius want to see in the coming year? “Changes that I want to see in 2017, starts from myself. As from next week, which is the New Year, I will work harder to flourish professionally and achieve my goals, do my best to continue to protect stray dogs and pursue one of my dreams. I want to see a better environment, which is clean and neat, especially after festivals where people tend to celebrate on beaches or any public places. I thank everyone who made me smile. I am very grateful to everyone who encouraged me to be who I am today.”

Rajesh Bhagwan: “Fewer accidents and fewer drugs”

MP of MMM party, Rajesh Bhagwan wishes that 2017 be more prosperous for Mauritius. “Each and every citizen of the country should enjoy a good health and be happy in their live. I hope you see a country with fewer accidents, fewer drugs; less corruption and more security. The citizens should feel safer on the road and in their house. I wish MMM consolidates itself even more and continue with the good work. In 2017, I expect Mauritius to have a good leadership as well as good governance.”

Sanjeev Teeluckdharry: “Reforms in various sectors” 

Sanjeev Teeluckdharry, MP of the MSM hopes that 2017 brings more happiness and joy to the population. “I really wish to see reforms in various sectors. It is high time there are reforms within the police department and judiciary. I really hope that unemployment rate among graduates decreases and there is more development on the country.”

Malini Sewocksing: “A better Mauritius”

Malini Sewocksing, MP of the PMSD, has a special thought to all children who are ill. “I really wish that 2017 brings good health to all those children who are suffering. If I had a magic wand, I would have cured them instantly. In 2017 I want a better Mauritius with less poverty, miseries and suffering.”  

Ritish Ramful: “I hope we have more stability”

MP of Labour Party, Ritish Ramful, wishes that unlike the last two years, 2017 brings lots of positive changes in the country and for the population. “I have a special thought for the handicapped and the vulnerable. I wish their living standard improves and they live peacefully. Politically, I hope we have more stability and our country progresses.”