US Ambassador Villarosa: “Mauritians need to be willing to challenge conventional wisdom”

After three years posting in Mauritius, US Ambassador Shari Villarosa left the country. Whether it was about the promotion of education among the youth, the fight against domestic violence or cultural preservation, Ms. Villarosa has been very active during her deputation on the island. She shares with News on Sunday about her fruitful years. US Ambassador to Mauritius since November 2012, Ms. Shari Villarosa has contributed much, through her work, in many spheres of our country. From her many participations in discussions and workshops on Gender Based Violence, awarding grants to NGOs through the Ambassador’s Self Help Programme, or sending off numerous local students for studies through the Pre-Departure Orientation Briefing, Ms. Villarosa has enhanced the bilateral relations between both countries. As she tells us, she has had “a wonderful three plus years learning about Mauritius, getting to know Mauritians and hopefully, influencing thoughts on issues such as domestic violence, the role of women in society, the potential of young Mauritians to contribute to future development, and the importance of science in the 21st century.” Ms. Shari Villarosa’s journey as Ambassador to Mauritius has however not been without challenges. She confides that the biggest challenge she had to face was losing her father shortly after arriving in Mauritius. “He very much wanted to come to Mauritius, and I still miss him very much,” she says. During her posting, the Ambassador also had to give the best of herself and overcome difficulties coming her way with courage and humility. “I have been an impatient person my entire life. While I try to be patient, it is a continuing struggle. However, the friendly people of Mauritius and the absence of crises have helped me slow down.” Since 1968, the United States established diplomatic relations with Mauritius following its independence from the United Kingdom. Relations between the United States and Mauritius have always been cordial since then and the two countries collaborate closely on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues. “We have a very good relationship based on our shared values of democracy, human rights, free markets and education. The United States values its partnership with Mauritius in international platforms such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation, as well as our close cooperation promoting maritime security in the region,” states the Ambassador. Ms. Shari Villarosa explains that, during her stay on the island, she has focused her efforts on five main goals, namely: promoting equal rights for all, encouraging sustainable environmental policies, increasing trade and investment between the two countries, maritime security, and attracting more Mauritians to pursue their higher education in the US. “I believe we have made considerable progress in each of those areas and hope Mauritians would agree,” she says. But what more can be done regarding these issues? “Mauritians need to become more inclusive and stop viewing life as a zero sum game (that one person’s advancement comes at the expense of somebody else). Numerous academic studies around the world show that more inclusive societies have higher growth rates, which enable all citizens to advance and enjoy greater prosperity. Mauritians need to be willing to challenge conventional wisdom and engage in civil debates about the many issues affecting their future. I have heard many interesting and innovative ideas from young people worthy of serious consideration by their elders. Their innovative ideas can help propel growth. In addition, democracy is stronger to the degree that all citizens make informed choices after listening to different points of view,” trusts the Ambassador.