Programs and Events

Events 2007

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

U.S. Embassy Charge d'Affaires, a.i., Virginia Blaser, conversing with students at the Center of Learning of Barkly.

Youth Outreach Program on HIV/ AIDS
December 5, 2007

In the context of World AIDS Day 2007, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy, in collaboration with NGOs Espoir Reviv Barkly and RAPID, organized a half-day outreach program on HIV/AIDS at the Center of Learning of Barkly, Beau Bassin.

Participants for the workshop included high school students living in Barkly and its surrounding areas.  Social workers from organizations such as the Indian Ocean Commission, Anti-Violence Support Organization, Peace and Justice Commission, Association Kinouété, acted as facilitators for the breakout sessions.  A paper show on HIV/AIDS was exhibited at the Center of Learning, and books on American society, culture, and history were donated by the U.S. Embassy.

U.S. Embassy Charge d'Affaires, a.i., Virginia Blaser, welcoming students to International Education Week program.

Digital Video Conference on Higher Education in the United States
November 14, 2007

In celebration of International Education Week, the U.S. Embassy’s Educational Advising Center invited its members to participate in a live Digital Video Conference on Higher Education in the United States, on Wednesday, November 14, 2007.  Dr. Susan Perry, Head of the Political Science Department at the American University of Paris, chaired the discussion panel including three American students studying in Paris. The audience consisted of twenty high school students in their final years of studies who have a strong interest in pursuing higher education in the United States.  The discussion addressed issues such as the application process for international students, financial aid, student loans, non-academic activities, sports scholarships, jobs on campus, and adjusting to life in the U.S.

U.S. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Rama Sithhanen after the signing of the grant agreement, with Minister of Agro-Industry Arvin Boolell (on the left) and Minister of Industry Rajesh Jeetah (on the right).

U.S. Government Promotes Development of Land-Based Ocean Industry in Mauritius
September 28, 2007

The U.S. Ambassador Cesar B. Cabrera and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development The Honorable Ramakrishna Sithanen signed a Grant Agreement, on Friday, September 28, under the terms of which the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will provide $375,000 (approximately Rs 12 million) to the Board of Investment for technical assistance to the Land Based Ocean Industry (LBOI) project. The USTDA grant will support the emergence of an LBOI in Mauritius by assisting the government in establishing the necessary regulatory framework for the private sector to operate.  Moreover, the grant will fund the development of an action plan that will address infrastructure issues that could otherwise serve as a constraint on the development of an LBOI in Mauritius.

Commandant of National Coast Guard,  Commander Mahendra Veersingh Negi (on left), and Country Coordinator Commander Bill Revak greeting the soccer players.

National Coast Guard Team Plays Friendly Soccer Match against Sailors from the USS NORMANDY
September 23, 2007

Officers from the National Coast Guard (NCG) played a friendly soccer game against a team of sailors from the USS Normandy at the Special Mobile Force grounds, in Vacoas, on Sunday, September 23 morning.  The NCG won by 4 goals to 1.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera (far left) with players and coaches from both basketball teams at Phoenix Gymnasium.

Mauritian National Basketball Team Plays Friendly Match against Sailors from the USS NORMANDY
September 22, 2007

The Mauritian national basketball team faced off sailors from the USS NORMANDY in a friendly match at Phoenix Gymnasium.

The Mauritian Team won by a score of 66 to 56.

Ambassador Cabrera presenting equipment to Steven Li, President of Mauritius Basketball Federation, in presence of Minister of Youth & Sports Sylvio Tang at Phoenix Gymnasium.

Prior to the start of the game, the U.S. Embassy donated equipment to the Mauritius Basketball Federation.

Children from the region of Roche-Bois perform the sega dance in presence of the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy, Virginia Blaser (second row far right).

Crewmembers from the USS NORMANDY Participate in a Community Relations Project at Roche-Bois
September 21, 2007

Crewmembers from the USS NORMANDY painted a mural on the front wall of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Mouvement pour le Progrès de Roche-Bois (Association for the Progress of Roche-Bois).  Children from the region also participated in the event organized by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy and the NGO.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera and Captain Robert Kerno, Jr., cut the cake with the U.S. and Mauritian flags on the deck of the USS NORMANDY.

Reception Hosted on the USS NORMANDY 
September 21, 2007

At sunset on Friday, September 21, Captain Robert Kerno, Jr., Commanding Officer, hosted a reception on the deck of the USS NORMANDY.  Guests included U.S. Ambassador Cabrera, government officials, the diplomatic corps, chief editors and contacts of the Embassy from various sectors.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera presenting certificate to a participant at the graduation ceremony at Line Barracks in presence of Commissioner of Police Ramanooj Gopalsingh (on the right).

U.S. Sponsors Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program
September 20, 2007

U.S. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera attended the graduation ceremony of twenty five participants of the Preventing Attacks on Soft Targets Course at Line Barracks, Port Louis.  The course was sponsored by the U.S. Department’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program.

The program was designed to assist Mauritius with preventing and mitigating armed assaults or explosive attacks against soft targets such as hotels or resorts, shopping centers, theaters, schools and other complexes.  Three instructors/contractors from the U.S. conducted the program.

Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Blaser conversing with Commander Mahendra Negi, Commandant of the National Coast Guard (left) and Defense Atatché Commander Chris Bridges after the program at the Embassy.

U.S. Military Academies Outreach Program for Mauritian Students
September 19, 2007

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a briefing session for young Mauritian students from secondary schools on admission to U.S. military academies in June 2008. The Defense Attaché, Commander Chris Bridges, and the Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer, Victoria DeLong, spoke to the students about the programs and the admission procedures at the various U.S. military academies, particularly the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA). The students were also briefed on visa and other academic requirements by the Consular Officer and the Education Advisor. U.S. Navy Reservists, LCDR Hobbs and Petty Officer Able, shared their experience in the U.S. Navy with the audience, which also included some teachers. The Commandant of the National Coast Guard, Commander Mahendra Veersingh Negi also attended the program.

Terrrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience performing at the Gala Show, on Friday, August 3, at the Indira Gandhi Center for Indian Culture, Phoenix.

U.S. Embassy Organizes Cultural Event in Mauritius and Rodrigues - Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience from Lafayette, Louisiana
July 31 - August 8, 2007

The U.S. Embassy in collaboration with the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Air Mauritius, and the Indira Gandhi Center for Indian Culture organized educational workshops and public concerts with Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience.  This international group from Lafayette, Louisiana held educational workshops for Mauritian and Rodrigan students and public concerts from July 31 through August 8, 2007. 

Following their tour in Mauritius and Rodrigues the group continued their program in the Seychelles.

The students representing the U.S. delegation: Manish Ghoorah, Varooon Rao Saccaram, Hannish Charitar, and Amit Bhoonah (from left to right).

U.S. Delegation Shines at 2007 Model United Nations
August 6 - 8, 2007

Mauritius hosted the 2007 Model United Nations competition, August 6 through 8, where over 400 Mauritian secondary school students represented 114 member nations. For the students, the Model UN presents an opportunity to experience firsthand the diplomacy and multilateral negotiation needed to explore the UN system’s vast political agenda. In particular, the event was the culmination of dedicated research, study and rehearsal for the four students representing the United States. Manish Ghoorah, Varoon Rao Saccaram, Hannish Charitar, and Amit Bhoonah from the prestigious Royal College Curepipe, were named one of the competition’s Best Delegations. In addition, all four received a Best Delegate award for their individual arguments before the UN General Assembly. A spokesperson for the event stated that one delegation rarely, if ever, has taken both team and individual honors. Staff members from the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis worked closely with the team during preparation, and the team attributes the Embassy’s strong support to their success.

Students soon departing for their studies in the U.S. with Ambassador Cesar Cabrera at Macarty House.

Pre-Departure Briefing Orientation Program for Students Departing to Study in U.S. Universities Academic Year 2007/2008
July 18, 2007

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a pre-departure orientation briefing for students departing to study in U.S. universities this academic year.  Parents, school administrators, and Mauritian students currently studying in U.S. schools were also invited to the program.  Thirty two departing and current students attended the program.  Ambassador Cesar Cabrera addressed welcome remarks to the students and guests present. A short sketch on adjusting to campus life in the U.S. performed by two Embassy staff was also included in the program.

Ambassador and Mrs. Cabrera taking the toast with Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and Acting President of the Republic Raouf Bundhun.

July 4th Reception to Celebrate the 231st Anniversary of the Independence of the United States
July 4, 2007

The Ambassador and Mrs. Cabrera hosted a reception on Wednesday, July 4 at Macarty House, in Vacoas, to celebrate the 231^st anniversary of the Independence of the United States. The guests included the Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, Acting Vice-President of the Republic and their spouses, ministers, diplomats, dignitaries, business people and friends of the Embassy.  The Police Band played the national anthems of the U.S. and Mauritius for the toast and music during the evening.

Participants listening to Professor McCabe at the launching of the workshop.

U.S. Department of State Speaker Professor Laurence McCabe Talks on Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism
June 26-27, 2007

The U.S. Embassy organized a two-day workshop, under the U.S. Department of State’s Speaker Program, with Professor Laurence McCabe, from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Professor McCabe conducted the workshop on the theme “Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism” focusing on topics such as Port Security, Information Program, Piracy/Smuggling and the U.S. Global Concerns in Maritime Security.  Thirty representatives from various organizations, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport & Shipping, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agro Industry & Fisheries, Customs, the Special Mobile Force, the National Coast Guard, Mauritius Ports Authority, and shipping companies, participated in the workshop.

Winners in the four categories with Public Affairs Officer Victoria DeLong, President of ESU Mauritius Sir Victor Glover and two officials of ESU Mauritius.

National Spelling Bee Competition Finals
June 13, 2007

The Public Affairs Section sponsored the National Spelling Bee Competition for secondary schools in collaboration with the English Speaking Union (ESU), the Mauritius Commercial Bank and the Municipal Council of Curepipe.  Three hundred and ten students of Forms I to IV from 92 government and private secondary schools participated in the qualifying heats and 32 students reached the finals.  The U.S. Embassy provided copies of “Spell It”, the official study booklet with exercises and activities to help the participants prepare for the competition, dictionaries and English grammar books with CD-ROMs as 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 finals were held at Curepipe Town Hall.

Ambassador Cabrera presenting certificate to a participant at the graduation ceremony at the Mauritius Institute of Health, Pamplemousses, with (on his left) Dr. Abu Twalib  Kasenally, Minister of Public Utllities and Acting Minister of Health & Quality of Life.

U.S. Defense Institute of Medical Operations Conducts Training on Disaster Response and Trauma System Management
May 19, 2007

U.S. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera attended the graduation ceremony of fifty participants of the U.S. Defense Institute of Medical Operations training program on disaster response and trauma system management. The participants included medical practitioners and surgeons from public hospitals and government officials responsible for disaster response.

A team of ten instructors from the U.S. Defense Institute of Medical Operations (DIMO), a professional institution based in San Antonio, Texas, associated with the U.S. Department of Defense, conducted the six-day training program entitled “Leadership Course in Regional Disaster Response and Trauma System Management.”  The training program, funded by the U.S. Government and organized in collaboration with the Government of Mauritius, was held at the Mauritius Institute of Health in Pamplemousses.  The U.S Embassy organized the training program as part of its International Military Education Training Program (IMET).

US Embassy Charge d'Affaires and Educational Advisor talking to a student.

Embassy's Public Affairs Office Participates in International Careers' Guidance and Education Fair
May 4-6, 2007

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy participated in the 15th International Careers' Guidance and Education Fair, held at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Center, Domaine les Pailles, from Friday, May 4 to Sunday, May 6.  The career and college fair is organized annually by the Rotary Club of Grand-Bay, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources.  Eighty universities and training institutions from Mauritius and many other countries participated in the event.  The EducationUSA booth represented U.S. colleges and universities across the United States.

Several conferences were organized at the Conference Center during the Fair including two briefing sessions on studies in the U.S. by the Embassy Educational Advisor.  The sessions were attended by many interested students accompanied by their parents.

Participants in action at U.S. Embassy Earth Day event at Mon Choisy beach.

Celebration of Earth Day - Beach Clean Up at Mon Choisy Beach
April 22, 2007

The Public Affairs Section in collaboration with Reef Conservation and the Mauritius Beach Authority organized a beach clean up activity on Sunday April 22 at Mon Choisy Public Beach to raise awareness of the marine environment in Mauritius.

Embassy Officials and staff, led by Ambassador Cabrera, participated in the activity.  The Mauritian Foreign Minister, Madan Dulloo, was also present for the beach-clean up.  Many bags of trash from the lagoon and the beach were collected by the young and old participants, including students from primary government schools in the north of the island.  Private radio station Radio One was present at the event, with disc jockeys, for live coverage of the event.

Mr. Cohen conducting roundtable discussion with representatives of MACOSS at the U.S. Embassy.

U.S. Department of State Speaker Seth Cohen Talks on Mediation, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building
April 9 - 11, 2007

The Public Affairs Section organized a three-day program with Seth Cohen, an expert in mediation and intercultural communication, under the U.S. Department of State Speaker Program. 

Mr. Cohen conducted a two-day workshop with academics from the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Mauritius on the theme: “Tools of Mediation, Conflict Resolution and Peace Building.”  He also led two roundtable discussions on conflict resolution and consensus building with representatives of the Mauritius Council of Social Service (MACOSS) and with Mauritian journalists representing several media organizations.  Mr. Cohen was a guest lecturer at the University of Mauritius on “Peace Building - Approach in Multi-Ethnic/Religious Societies” at the Faculties of Social Sciences and Law Management.

Charge d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, delivering his remarks.

Commemorating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. - Workshop on Non-Violence & Exhibit on Dr. King
April 4, 2007

On the 39th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr., the non-governmental organization Anti-Violence Support Organization, in collaboration with the Jagriti Handicraft Co-operative Society Ltd., organized a Forum and Exhibition entitled, “Towards a Peaceful and Violence Free Society.”  The half-day Forum was held at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Moka.  In his remarks, Charge d’Affaires, a.i., Schwartz recalled MLK’s legacy, vision and messages of non-violence to the world.

At the Forum, the U.S. Embassy displayed a paper show exhibit entitled “1963 March on Washington,” which recognizes the impact of this historic event on the civil rights movement.  The Anti-Violence Support Organization received a grant last year from the U.S. Embassy to  organize non-violence awareness programs for students.

The panelists and participants at the Embassy listening closely to the DVC guest speaker, Ms. Marcia Greenberger.

Digital Video Conference (DVC) on the Theme: "Gender Equality in a Multicultural Society"
March 29, 2007

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a Digital Video Conference (DVC) program on the theme: “Gender Equality in a Multicultural Society” in commemoration of Women’s History Month.

The guest speaker, based in Washington, was Ms. Marcia Greenberger, founder and Co-President of the National Women’s Law Center.  The panel members included a member of Soroptimist International, the founder of the only battered shelter of Mauritius, the Mauritian UN representative for the Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and a Lecturer from the University of Mauritius.  The Chargé d’Affaires, members of Parliament, representatives of several NGOs, attorneys and journalists attended the program.

Charge d'Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, delivering remarks.

American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) - Annual General Meeting
March 14, 2007

The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) held its 7^th Annual General Meeting at Le Labourdonnais Hotel, Caudan Waterfront.  The Minister of Industry, Rajesh Jeetah, and the U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires, a.i., Stephen Schwartz, were invited to give remarks. 

Acting President of the Republic Raouf Bundhun, Minister of Arts and Culture Mahendra Gowressoo, Ambassador Cabrera and Sanjiv Ranjan, Charge d’Affaires of the Indian High Commission (from Left to Right) at the cocktail.

A Tribute to African-American History Month - Film Week
March 5 - 9, 2007

On Monday, March 5, 2007, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy launched a postponed film tribute to African-American History Month.  The film week was organized through Friday, March 9.

The film week was launched with a reception attended by Acting President of the Republic, Raouf Bundhun, Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Rama Valayden, Minister of Arts and Culture, Mahendra Gowressoo, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of human rights, historians and academics. The public, including students, were invited to view the scheduled films.

The panelists and members of the audience participating in the DVC at the Embassy.

Digital Video Conference (DVC) on the Theme "From Slavery to Freedom"
February 22, 2007

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a Digital Video Conference (DVC) program on the theme: “From Slavery to Freedom” to commemorate African-American History Month. Dr. Thomas C. Battle, Director of Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University chaired the discussion.  Panelists included a human rights activist, a journalist, an educator/historian and a doctoral student currently conducting research work on slavery.  Members of the audience, comprising human rights activists, historians, archivists, social workers, educators and representatives from various NGOs, also participated in the discussions.

Minister of Arts and Culture Mahendra Gowressoo, Ambassador Cesar Cabrera and Lord Mayor Reza Issack (from left to right) viewing the paper show exhibit.

Launching of African-American History Month with Paper Show Exhibit
February 12, 2007

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy launched its African-American History Month activities with a paper show exhibiit entitled "American Leaders in Civil Rights" at the foyer of Port Louis Theatre.  The paper show retraces the achievements of six civil rights leaders spanning the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

The event was attended by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mahendra Gowressoo, the Lord Mayor, Reza Issack, historians and civil rights representatives.

Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Stephen Schwartz and ICAC Director General Anil Ujoodha signing the Memorandum of Understanding at the launch of the training program.

U.S. Treasury Department Provides Technical Assistance to the Independent Commission Against (ICAC)
January 29, 2007

The U.S. Department of the Treasury in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and Mauritius’ Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) have established a partnership to increase ICAC’s capacity to identify, investigate, and prosecute corruption and related financial crimes, including money laundering. 

On Monday, January 29, 2007, the Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Stephen Schwartz, in presence of Anil K. Ujoodha, the Director General of ICAC, and Jerry Rowe, Regional Advisor for Africa and Middle East at the U.S. Treasury Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), launched a two-week training seminar on Financial Investigations, at the Burrenchobay Lecture Theater, University of Mauritius.  The training was conducted by a team of investigators from the U.S. Treasury Office of OTA.

Deputy Chief of Mission Stephen Schwartz (on the right), with other participants, Father Fillip Fanchette and Father Roger Cervaux, and the moderator, Finlay Salesse, "On Air" at Radio One.  (Photo:  Courtesy of Radio One/5-Plus dimanche).

Live Radio Program on MLK
January 17, 2007

Private radio station Radio One aired a special 90-minute live program paying homage to Martin Luther King Jr. to commemorate the anniversary of his birthday.  The program began with an excerpt of MLK’s famous speech “I have a dream.”  Stephen Schwartz, the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, was invited to participate in the first part of the program by sharing, in English, his views on “MLK, his life and assassination, and his fight -- the impact, 40 years after.” 

Other participants in the program, which was conducted in Creole and French, were: a young Mauritian admirer of MLK, who has written articles and poems on him, and three Mauritian Creole Roman Catholic priests.   Former Mauritian Ambassador to the U.S. Chitmansing Jesseramsing also participated via telephone and shared his experience of having met both MLK and Mahatma Gandhi in India.