Programs and Events

Events 2005 - 2006

On this page, you can view the various programs and events sponsored or organized by the Embassy throughout the year.

Ambassador Cabrera presenting certificate to a participant at the graduation ceremony at Diamond Hall, Mobile Wing, in Vacoas.

U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies Conducts Training on Peacekeeping Operations
December 8, 2006

U.S. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera attended the graduation ceremony of forty-five participants of the U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) training seminar on Peacekeeping Operations.  The participants included police officers and State Law representatives.

Four instructors from the DIILS of Newport, Rhode Island, U.S., conducted a week-long training seminar at Diamond Hall, Mobile Wing, in Vacoas.  The U.S Embassy organized the training seminar as part of its International Military Education Training Program (IMET).

Ambassador Cabrera with the delegation from Rodrigues and the American staff who participated in the program.

Presentation on U.S. History and Geography to Pupils from Port Sud-Est Government School, Rodrigues

December 4, 2006

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy organized a presentation on the United States for 21 pupils from Port Sud-Est Government School, in Rodrigues.  The students were visiting Port Louis on a ten day educational program. 

The Public Affairs Officer welcomed the children, teachers, and parents.  The Education Advisor at the Embassy presented a power point on U.S. History and Geography.  Presentations on home states were made by the American officers including the Deputy Chief of Mission, Stephen Schwartz.  Prior to the presentations, the Rodriguan delegation had the opportunity to meet with Ambassador Cesar Cabrera in his office.

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and Minister of Health Satish Faugoo conversing wtih Public Affairs Officer Victoria DeLong at the U.S. Embassy booth.

World AIDS Day - Display of Paper Show by the Embassy
December 1, 2006

To mark the World AIDS Day, the Ministry of Health of Mauritius, in collaboration with various NGOs, organized a series of activities on the theme “Stop AIDS:  Keep the Promise” at St. Francois Xavier Stadium in Plaine Verte. The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy participated in the event by displaying the 24-panel paper show entitled “The Global Struggle to Overcome HIV/AIDS.”

Embassy Education Advisor, Jennifer Boulle, and the Mauritian students participating in the DVC with Victoria DeLong, the Embassy Public Affairs Officer (standing) acting as moderator.

Digital Video Conference (DVC) on "University Study in the United States"
November 16, 2006

In the context of the International Education Week (a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education), the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a DVC program on “University Study in the United States,” organized by ARS (Africa Regional Services) in Paris. 

Dr. Susan Perry, head of the Political Science Department at the American University of Paris, chaired the discussion panel with three American students living in Paris.  The panel at the Embassy included the Education Advisor and four Mauritian students currently applying for admission to U.S. universities.  

Consular Officer Wendy Ryde distributing copies of the ejournalUSA entitled "The United States - A Nation of Volunteers" to the students.

Embassy Speaker Program – Presentation on American Values, Culture and Society at the University of Mauritius 
November 7, 2006

The Consular Officer of the U.S. Embassy, Wendy Ryde, gave a presentation at the University of Mauritius on American values, culture and society.  Fifty second year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Social Studies and Humanities participated in the event which forms part of the Embassy Speaker Program.  Ms. Ryde donated on behalf of the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy books on U.S. society and culture for the University Library.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera welcomes Acting President of the Republic, Raouf Bundhun, and Mrs. Bundhun at Macarty House, Vacoas.

Dinner Hosted by Ambassador Cesar Cabrera to Celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr
November 6, 2006

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera welcomed Muslim friends and colleagues to a dinner to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr at his residence.  Guests included the Acting President of the Republic and his spouse, Ministers, local representatives of several Islamic organizations, community leaders, diplomats, contacts from public and private sectors, the judiciary, and Embassy staff.  A typical Muslim buffet was served in a cordial atmosphere.

A reprsentative of The University of Tulsa explains to students the different opportunities available to them.

College Fair at Le Bocage International School Sponsored by the Council of International Schools (CIS) 
November 6, 2006

A delegation from the Council of International Students (CIS), based in the U.S., was at Le Bocage International School (LBIS), in Moka, to offer guidance and advice to Mauritian students and their parents on higher studies in United States and Canada. The CIS delegation was made up of ten admission officers from well-known American colleges/universities and one university from Canada. The CIS tour, called “Connecting Students to Higher Education” was the second to be held in Mauritius in collaboration with the Education Advising Section of the U.S. Embassy and LBIS.

U.S. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera and President of the Republic of Mauritius Sir Anerood Jugnauth at the Credentials Presentation Ceremony at State House, Réduit.

Arrival of New U.S. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera
October 23, 2006

The newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius, Cesar Cabrera, arrived in Port Louis on Friday, October 20, 2006.  Ambassador Cabrera presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, on October, 23.

Ambassador Cabrera was nominated by President George W. Bush on June 6, 2006, and confirmed by the Senate   on September 13, 2006.  He was sworn in as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles by Under Secretary Nicholas Burns on October 2, 2006.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz delivering remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony in Praslin.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Projects in Praslin, Seychelles
October 11, 2006

The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis and the United States Navy Seabees from the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) organized a groundbreaking ceremony for two CJTF-HOA projects identified for Praslin.  The U.S. Navy has worked with the Ministry of Health in Seychelles to identify these projects which are the construction of a new mortuary at Baie St. Anne Hospital and renovation of the medical clinic at Anse La Blague.  Officials from the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, and CJTF-HOA representatives were present at the ceremony.

Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, pressenting equipment to the Chairperson of the Society for the Welfare of the Deaf, Ms. Noorjehan Joonas.

Presentation of Equipment to the Society for the Welfare of the Deaf
September 29, 2006

Stephen Schwartz, the Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., of the U.S. Embassy presented equipment to upgrade the ear mould lab at the Society for the Welfare of the Deaf in Beau-Bassin.  The donation to upgrade the only hearing-assistance device production facility in Mauritius was part of the U.S. Embassy Ambassador's Special Self Help Program for 2006.

Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, with representatives from the recipient NGOs of the 2006 DHRF Program grants.

Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) Program Signing Ceremony
September 27, 2006

At a signing ceremony held at the Embassy, the Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, presented grants with a total value of Rs800,000 on behalf of the United States government to three Mauritian non-governmental organizations as part of the United States Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) Program for 2006. The three NGOs which benefited from the grants are: Victim Support Club, the Media Watch Organization, and Soroptimist IPSAE.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, giving remarks at the press conference.

U.S. Signs New Trade and Investment Agreement with Mauritius
September 20, 2006

Stephen Schwartz, the U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., held a press conference at the U.S. Embassy to comment on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

The TIFA was signed on September 18, 2006, in Washington, DC, between the U.S. Deputy Trade Representative, Karan Bhatia, and Mauritian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation, Madan Dulloo, to strengthen and expand trade and investment ties between the United States and Mauritius.

From Left to Right: U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, Mrs. K.D. Deepchand, President, Anti-Violence Support Organization, Mr. Parmaseeven Veeraragoo, Mr. Vijay Luchmun, President and Vice-President of the Humphrey Alumni Association respectively, and Victoria DeLong, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer.

Funds Donation for Street Children Project and Non-Violence Awareness Campaign in Educational Institutions
September 12, 2006

The U.S. Government signed a grant agreement in the amount of US $5,000 with the Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Association of Mauritius and a second grant agreement in the amount of US$1,500 with the Anti-Violence Support Organization. 

The grant will assist the Humphrey Alumni Association in organizing workshops with the non-governmental organization, "Service d'Accompagnement, de Formation, d'Intégration et de Réhabilitation des Enfants" (SAFIRE) for approximately 200 street children. The Anti-Violence Support Organization will use the grant to organize activities leading to the proper sensitization for non-violence in pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

Economic/Commercial Officer Melissa Brown distributing the eJournalUSA "American Teenagers" to the students at the Queen Elizabeth College.

Embassy Speaker Program - Talk at the Queen Elizabeth College
September 12, 2006

The Economic/Commercial Officer of the Embassy, Melissa Brown, delivered a speech at the Queen Elizabeth College on the theme "Growing Up as an American Overseas."  Some 200 students attended the event which forms part of the Embassy Speaker Program. 

Guest at the premiere showing of the movie "Flight 93" viewing 9/11 paper show.

Paper Show on 9/11
September 7 - 22, 2006

In remembrance of the terrorist attacks on the United States, an exhibition was on display in the lobby area of the Star cinema at Caudan Waterfront. The exhibition "Headlines of History: September 11, 2001" reproduces the front pages of 31 U.S. and 19 overseas newspapers reporting on the events of September 11, 2001.

The exhibition was launched by the Public Affairs Section on Thursday, September 7, at the premiere showing of the French language version of “Flight 93”, a fiction-documentary movie produced in 2005 by Paul Greengrass, about the September 11, 2001 hijacking of the United Airlines Flight 93 by four members of Al-Qaeda.

From Left to Right: Margaret Hsiang, Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy, Rita Venkatasamy, Director of CEDEM, Stephen Schwartz, Charge d'Affaires, a.i., and Victoria DeLong, Public Affairs Officer.

Funds Donation for Project to Stop Child Prostitution
August 31, 2006

The U.S. Government has signed a grant agreement in the amount of US $12,000.00 with the Centre d’Education et de Développement pour les Enfants Mauritius (CEDEM), Vacoas.  The grant will assist CEDEM in conducting the project entitled: “STOP! Full Stop to Child Prostitution” through training workshops on the commercial and sexual exploitation of children.

The Panelists participating in the DVC at the Embassy.

Book Discussion via Digital Video Conference (DVC)
August 30, 2006

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a book discussion via Digital Video Conference (DVC).  The speaker was Dr. Susan H. Perry, a sinologist and specialist in international human rights law. Dr. Perry is Chair of the Department of International and Comparative Politics and has worked extensively in China and Africa for the U.S. State Department’s Guest Speakers Program.  Dr. Perry spoke on Michael Walzer’s book entitled “On Toleration”.  Michael Walzer is a Professor of Social Science at the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton.

Students soon departing for their studies in the U.S. with Ambassador Charles Twining, Public Affairs Officer Victoria DeLong, and Educational Advisor Linda Henry, at Macarty House, Vacoas.

Pre-Departure Briefing Orientation Program for Students Departing to Study in U.S. Universities Academic Year 2006/2007
July 18, 2006

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a pre-departure orientation briefing for all students departing to study in U.S. universities this academic year.  Parents and school administrators, and Mauritian students currently studying in U.S. schools were also invited to the program.

 

 

Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Stephen Schwartz, making the toast, with (from Left to Right) Commander Logan Jones, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, President of the Republic Sir Anerood Jugnauth, and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Burty David.

July 4^th Reception to Celebrate the 230^th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States
July 4, 2006

The U.S. Embassy, in collaboration with the USS Reuben James, hosted a reception at Quay D, Port Louis to mark the 230^th Independence Anniversary of the United States.  The celebration coincided with a weeklong scheduled port visit to Mauritius of the frigate USS Reuben James (FFG-57). 

Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Stephen Schwartz, and Mauritian Minister of Youth and Sports, Sylvio Tang, greeting the basketball players.

Mauritian National Basketball Team Plays Friendly Match against Sailors from the USS Reuben James
July 2, 2006

Sailors from the USS Reuben James faced off in a friendly match against the Mauritian National Basketball Team on July 2 at the Phoenix Gymnasium in Mauritius.  The game was organized by the Mauritian National Basketball Federation, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis and the Mauritian Ministry of Sports and Youth.  The Mauritian team won the game by a score of 79 to 46.

Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, presenting the food donation to the Mother Superior of St. Elizabeth's Convent.

Food Donation to Orphanages in Seychelles
June 28, 2006     

The Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, on behalf of the U.S. Government, donated 1910 kgs of food and provisions to the Foyer de La Providence and other orphanages on the island of Mahe, in Seychelles. The donation ceremony took place at the Foyer de La Providence in presence of a representative of the U.S. Navy. The goods were made available by the U.S. Navy which had purchased the foodstuffs to provision a vessel that subsequently cancelled its port visit to Seychelles.

Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, presenting certificate to a participant, with (on his left) one of the instructors from USCG MTT looking on.

Training Provided by the United States Coast Guard Mobile Training Team (USCG MTT)
June 21, 2006     

The Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, and the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit, Anil Bachoo, attended the graduation ceremony of forty-three participants of the United States Coast Guard Training Course on Marine Safety and Environmental Security. Two instructors from the United States Coast Guard International Division, Yorktown, Virginia, conducted the 10-day training at the Cargo Handling Corporation in Port Louis.

Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, with representatives from NGOs which benefited from the 2006 Ambassador's Special Self Help grants.

Ambassador's Special Self Help Program Grants Signing Ceremony
June 19, 2006   

The Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, presented grants with a total value of US$44,000 (approximately Rs1.3 million) on behalf of the United States government to thirteen non-governmental organizations in Mauritius and two in Rodrigues.  Beneficiairies under the Ambassador's Special Self-Help Program were selected from applications received in response to announcement earlier this year.

Chargé d'Affaires,a.i., Stephen Schwartz,  presenting certificate of participation to Fulbright grantee.

Fulbright Program Dinner 
June 13, 2006      

The Embassy hosted a dinner at Domaine Anna in honor of all returned and departing Fulbright grantees with other Embassy staff present. The occasion was used to present Certificates of Participation to recently returned grantees and to introduce newly nominated grantees to the members of the Fulbright Alumni Association of Mauritius. 

The Chairman of the ESU with winners  of U.S. Embassy sponsored Spelling Bee competition.

National Spelling Bee Competition
May 25, 2006

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy again this year sponsored the National Spelling Bee Competition for secondary schools in collaboration with the English Speaking Union (ESU).  The U.S.-originated competition is the fifth one which the Embassy sponsored.  400 students from both government and private secondary schools participated in the qualifying heats and 32 students reached the final stages.  The Embassy provided 150 paideias and prizes for the winners in all four categories together with a prize to all the four finalists.  Public Affairs Officer Victoria Delong was the main pronouncer for the competition.

The Embassy's Education Advisor and other Embassy staff at the EducationUSA booth.

International Career Guidance & Education Fair
May 10 - 13, 2006

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy participated in the 14^th International Career Guidance & Education Fair, held at the Swami Vivekananda Conference Center, Domaine Les Pailles.  The EducationUSA booth represented U.S. colleges and universities across the United States. The career and college fair was organized by the Rotary Club of Grand-Bay, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources.  The theme of the fair was “An intelligent choice for a brighter future.”  85 Universities and Training Institutions from Mauritius and many other countries participated in the event.

Imam Darryl Wainwright speaking at a workshop hosted by the Muslim Youth Federation.

U.S. Department of State Speaker Imam Wainwright Talks to Mauritian Youth
March 20 - 22, 2006

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy invited American Imam Darryl Wainwright to conduct programs with various community organizations, schools and mosques.  Imam Wainwright addressed issues focused on leading a life of non-violence, Muslim life in America, and dealing with juvenile delinquency. The Imam conducted a public lecture, hosted by the NGO "Coeur de Plaine Verte" on juvenile deliquency at a community center in Plaine Verte, in the capital city of Port Louis. Imam Wainwright was the main speaker at a workshop on "Youth Leadership and Capacity Building" organized by the Muslim Youth Federation (MYF).

Eduardo Cue addressing students and journalists during a workshop at the University of Mauritius.

Seminars and Workshops Led by Eduardo Cue, U.S. Department of State Speaker from ARS (Africa Regional Services) Paris
March 13 - 16, 2006

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy organized a series of workshops and seminars for the professional media and journalism students led by Eduardo Cue, Paris-based U.S. News and World Report correspondent.  Mr. Cue’s overall theme at the workshops and seminars was democracy and the role of the media and journalism ethics.

The El-Shaddaï Choir performing gospel music.

Celebrating African-American History Month with Concert by Local Artists
February 18, 2006.

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy, in collaboration with Nelson Mandela Center for African Culture, organized a public concert to commemorate African-American History Month.  Local musicians performing blues, jazz, and gospel musicians lined up to give a thrilling glimpse of African-American derivative music.  The concert was held at the historic Port Louis Municipal Theater.

Public Affairs Officer Victoria DeLong addressing her opening remarks to students and teachers attending the workshop.

Workshop on "Non-Violence: A Way of Life"
February 16, 2006.

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy, in collaboration with the Municipality of Port Louis, the Mauritius Council of Social Service (MACOSS), and the International Sufi School (ISS), organized a workshop for some two hundred students from secondary schools of the region of Port Louis.  The theme of the workshop, which was held in the Conference room of the Municipality of Port Louis, was "Non-Violence: A Way of Life" and focused on Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and achievements.

University of Mauritius students participating in the DVC Program.

Digital Video Conference (DVC) Program on the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at the University of Mauritius
February 9, 2006.

As part of its African-American History Month programs, the Embassy conducted a DVC program on Martin Luther King’s legacy with retired U.S. Speaker Sheldon Austin, a retired Foreign Service Officer.  The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy, in collaboration with the University of Mauritius' Department of Social Studies & Humanities, organized a DVC program for the first time at the University.

Visitors and guests at the launch of the paper show on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Paper Show on Martin Luther King Jr.
January 31 - February 3, 2006

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy, in collaboration with the Municipality of Port Louis, held a paper show describing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Foyer of the Port Louis Theatre.  The launch of the exhibit coincided with the Abolition of Slavery celebrated on February 1 in Mauritius.  The International Sufi School contributed to the event by displaying an exhibit on Martin Luther King and his achievements.

The Director of the ICC delivering remarks in the presence of the Charge d'Affaires, a.i., and members of the ICC Board.

Book Donation to the Islamic Cultural Center
December 19, 2005

The Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, presented the Islamic Cultural Center (ICC), in Port Louis, with more than a hundred books for the Center's library.  The books, in English and French, covered a range of subjects such as economics, management, international relations, Islam in America, Religious Pluralism in the U.S., American studies, environment, law, and the arts.
 

U.S. Speaker Sheldon Austin, on the left, and the Mauritian panelists, on the right, participating in the DVC Program at the Embassy.

Digital Video Conferencing (DVC) Program on Rosa Parks
November 9, 2005

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy organized a DVC at the Embassy on the Life and Legacy of Rosa Parks with U.S. Speaker and former Foreign Service officer Sheldon Austin.