Programs and Events

Events 2008

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

A representative from the Rotary Club, one of the sponsors, symbolically offering a T-Shirt to Public Affairs Officer Craig White (on the right).

World AIDS Day - Let's Take a Ride against HIV/AIDS
November 29, 2008

Some hundred youth from various parts of the island gathered at the Municipal Council of Curepipe on Saturday, November 29, to “Take a Ride Against AIDS”. This cycling rally was organized by NGOs Youth Alive (Mauritius), Noubaz, and the Prevention Unit of the Center of Solidarity as well as the Municipality of Curepipe. The group cycled from Curepipe, (center of the island) starting on Saturday November 29, to Mahebourg (in the south), on Sunday November 30, with stops in various villages where pamphlets were distributed to the inhabitants and outreach programs carried out. The objective of the rally was to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS among the Mauritian people, especially in areas where information about HIV/AIDS is inaccessible. The U.S. Embassy collaborated in this event by sharing with the organizers IIP’s papershow entitled “The Global Struggle to Overcome HIV/AIDS”.  Public Affairs Officer Craig White also participated in the rally. During a stop at Olivia, in the east of the country, the organizers held an informative session on the causes and consequences of HIV/AIDS with the youth of the village, using the papershow as background.

Public Affairs Officer Craig White addressing the students at Northfields International School.

Public Affairs Officer Craig White Talks on "Being a Diplomat" to Students at Northfields International School
November 13, 2008

Northfields International School, located in the North of Mauritius, held its first annual Career Week in conjunction with International Education Week on Thursday, November 13.  Public Affairs Officer Craig White was invited to speak to students about his experiences working in the Foreign Service and his educational background which led him into a life of diplomacy.  Forty students from varying international backgrounds attended the event.  Afterwards, students and teachers asked questions about life as a diplomat and requirements to enter the Foreign Service, of the U.S. and also of their own countries.

(from left to right) Rear Admiral Philip H. Greene, Jr., Commander, CJTF-HOA, Captain Premananda Ponambalum, Port Master, and U.S. Ambassador Cesar B. Cabrera at the Mauritius Ports Authority.

Rear Admiral Philip H. Greene, Jr., Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Visits the Mauritius Ports Authority
November 12, 2008

Rear Admiral Philip H. Greene, Jr., Commander of the CJTF-HOA visited Mauritius from Tuesday, November 11 to Wednesday, November 12.  After a series of courtesy calls on the President of the Republic, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, and the Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, Admiral Greene met with representatives of the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA). The objective of the meeting was to promote the Automatic Information System or AIS – a commercial shipboard broadcast transponder operating in Very High Frequency (VHF) maritime band to the MPA. The AIS is a long-term loan by CJTF-HOA to the Mauritius Ports Authority.

Public Affairs Officer Craig White (on the right) addressing the audience at the University of Mauritius with Roukaya Kasenally (on the left) and Vijay Makhan on the discussion panel.

The Embassy Participates in a Talk on the U.S. Elections at the University of Mauritius
October 29, 2008

One week before the U.S. Presidential Elections of 2008, Public Affairs Officer Craig White was invited by the Department of Communication Studies of the University of Mauritius to join Vijay Makhan, a politician and former Mauritian Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Commissioner for the African Union, to speak on the U.S. Presidential Elections and the race to the White House.  More than seventy students in political science, media, and communications and sociology attended the event.  The program was led by Dr. Roukaya Kasenally, Head of Communication Studies Department at the University of Mauritius.  After their presentations, the students put questions to speakers Craig White and Vijay Makhan.

The Public Affairs Office offered the following IIP publications to the students:  The Long Campaign – U.S. Elections 2008, U.S. Elections in Brief, About America:  How the United States is Governed.

Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., Virginia Blaser conversing with the Acting Prime Minister, Rashid Beebeejaun (on the left), and the former Vice President, Raouf Bundhun, at the Eid dinner at Clemens House in Floreal.

The Embassy Organizes a Dinner to Celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr
October 16, 2008

On Thursday, October 16, 2008, the Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Virginia Blaser, and Mr. Mitch Blaser, welcomed Muslim friends and colleagues to a dinner to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr at their residence, Clemens House in Floreal. Guests included the Acting Prime Minister, Rashid Beebeejaun, and Mrs. Beebeejaun, former Vice-President Raouf Bundhun and their spouses, local representatives of several Islamic organizations, community leaders, diplomats, contacts from public and private sectors, the judiciary, and Embassy staff.  A three course meal including the typical “Briyani” was served in a very cordial atmosphere.  The Chargé d’Affaires, a.i, addressed remarks to the guests and former Vice-President Raouf Bundhun, on behalf of the guests present, thanked the hosts and the Embassy for organizing the Eid dinner.  The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy had set up a paper show on “Islam in the USA” on the terrace where the dinner was held.

One of the speakers, Mona Johnson, conducting the “Heart Activity” with students of John Kennedy College in Beau-Bassin.

U.S. Department of State Speaker Program - Cynthia Timmons and Mona Johnson Conduct Workshops and Talks on Drug Prevention
September 22 - 26, 2008

Cynthia Timmons and Mona Johnson, professional trainers and consultants who specialize in substance abuse and violence prevention, visited Mauritius September 22 through September 26, 2008 under the U.S. Department of State Speaker Program.

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius organized a weeklong program comprising various workshops and consultation meetings led by the two experts. They also conducted educational outreach programs with students from secondary schools in various regions of the island. The speakers ended their program with consultations held with social workers and directors of rehabilitation centers at the National Agency for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Abuse (NATReSA) in Port Louis. On Wednesday, September 24, Ambassador Cabrera and Mrs. Helvetia Cabrera hosted a reception in honor the speakers at Macarty House in Vacoas.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera presenting certificate to a participant from the Special Mobile Force (SMF) with on his right Acting Police Commissioner Jean Bruneau and Colonel Allen Goshi, the DIILS instructors team leader.

U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies Conducts Training on Peacekeeping Operations
September 12, 2008

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 Mauritian Police officers and State Law representatives.

Four instructors from the DIILS of Newport, Rhode Island, U.S., conducted a week-long training seminar from September 8 to 12 at Diamond Hall, Mobile Wing, in Vacoas.  The topics covered included an overview of the UN Charter and UN Mandates, the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Mauritian involvement in Peace Operations, the Law of Armed Conflict and Rules of Engagement in Peace Operations, and other aspects of peacekeeping in accordance to the Rule of Law.  The U.S Embassy organized the training seminar as part of its International Military Education Training Program (IMET).

Ambassasdor Cesar Cabrera making a short exposé on the U.S. Elections 2008 to the audience before the DVC starts.

Digital Video Conference (DVC) on "The U.S. Nominating Conventions"
September 8, 2008

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted the second of a series of Digital Video Conference (DVC) programs on the U.S. Elections 2008.  The theme of the DVC was “The U.S. Nominating Conventions.”   The audience was made up of parliamentarians, politicians, academics, journalists, academics, undergraduate students in Political Science, Fulbright and Humphrey Alumni.

The guest speakers were Stuart Haugen, Vice President of Republicans Abroad in France, and Connie Borde, Vice President of Democrats Abroad in France and also a Super-Delegate for the U.S. Democratic Party. After giving an overview of the Republican and Democrat Parties and their respective candidates for the U.S. Presidential candidates and covering several issues in connection with the U.S. elections, the speakers opened the floor to a wide range of questions from the audience.  Prior to the opening of the DVC, Ambassador Cesar Cabrera greeted the participants and made a short exposé on the U.S. Elections and how historical and exciting the 2008 race to the White House has been and will until the grand finale on November 4.  The Deputy Chief of Mission, Virginia Blaser, also attended the program.

A group picture of all the participants with (on the front row from left to right) the team of instructors, Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Blaser, Deputy Commissioner of Police Jean Bruneau, Gary Hartman, Project Manager for the course from the Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance, and Kevin Helm, the Embassy's Security Attaché, at the graduation ceremony held in the conference room of Maritim Hotel, Balaclava.

U.S. Department of State, Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance Conducts Training on Investigative Information Management for Mauritian Law Enforcement Officials - A World Premiere
August 18-29, 2008

Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Blaser attended the graduation ceremony on Friday, August 29, of twenty four participants of the Investigative Information Management (IIM) Course sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance.  Mauritius was the first country in the world to benefit from this training course.  The participants included officers from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), National Coast Guard, VIPSU, Central CID, Special Mobile Force, and officers in charge of some Police stations.

A team of four instructors from the U.S. Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance provided the two week training course on the overall theme “Investigative analysis enhancing enforcement efforts.”  The training program, organized by the U.S. Embassy, was held at Maritim Hotel, Balaclava.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera and Minister of Arts and Culture Mahendra Gowressoo looking at the artifacts found on Ile de la Passe guided by Diana Bablee (far left), Chairperson of the National Heritage Trust Fund, with Dr. Geoffrey and Mrs. Francoise Summers on the right.

U.S. Embassy Sponsors Exhibition on Ile de La Passe at the National History Museum in Mahebourg
August 20, 2008

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera co-launched an exhibition on Ile de la Passe with Minister of Arts and Culture Mahendra Gowressoo at the National History Museum in Mahebourg. The event was organized by the National Heritage Trust Fund.  The exhibition was launched on a very symbolic date as August 20th marked the anniversary of a bloody naval victory inflicted on the British by the French in 1810 known as the “Battle of Grand-Port.”  The exhibition as well as archeological and architectural works carried out on the islet benefited from the U.S. Embassy’s support, through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. More than one hundred and fifty guests attended the launching of the exhibition including students from neighboring secondary schools. The exhibition is scheduled to move to the Mauritius Institute ina few months, and thereafter it will be on display in schools and local centers around Mauritius.

Students 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 2009/2009
July 16, 2008

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a pre-departure orientation briefing for over forty students departing to study in U.S. universities this academic year. Parents, rectors, and Mauritian students currently studying in U.S. schools were also invited to the program. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera addressed welcome remarks to the students and guests present. The Acting Consular Officer gave the students an overview on the rights and responsibilities of international students in the United States. A short sketch on adjusting to campus life in the U.S. was performed by Mauritian students currently studying at Princeton University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  U.S. Fulbright Professor Subhash Sinha from Auburn University, Alabama, and currently lecturing at the University of Mauritius talked about graduate studies and expectations from U.S. teachers and professors.  Humphrey Fellow Sanjay Bissessur spoke about his Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program in academic year 2006-2007 at the MIT.  At the end of the program the guests were invited to a light buffet lunch with typical American food.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera with Chief Commissioner Johnson Roussety (right) and the Commissioner for Education, Gaetan Jabeemissar (far left), during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Inauguration of an American Study Center at the Rodrigues Public Library
July 9, 2008

On Wednesday, July 9, 2008, the U.S. Ambassador, Cesar Cabrera inaugurated the American Study Center at the Northcoombes Public Library in Port Mathurin, the island dependency of Rodrigues. Mr. Johnson Roussety, the Chief Commissioner of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, and the Embassy Public Affairs Officer, Victoria DeLong were also present at the inauguration ceremony. 

The Public Affairs Section coordinated the event with the Commission for Education of the island. Books for adults and children, covering a wide variety of subjects from U.S. history, culture, to sports and entertainment, dictionaries and encyclopedias, as well as two computers, a television set and a DVD player, were part of the donation. Guests included various Commissioners from the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, rectors, teachers and students of different schools, staff of the Commission for Education as well as members of the press.  In his remarks, the Ambassador outlined the relationship that exists between the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis and the island of Rodrigues, through self-help projects, cultural and exchange programs. He stated that the advent of the American Study Center will provide new opportunities for the people of Rodrigues to know and understand the United States and that the power of information sharing will bring Americans and Rodriguans closer together. The Chief Commissioner and the Commissioner for Education both in turn thanked the Embassy for its assistance in promoting the reading culture and English language in Rodrigues.

Ambassador Cesar B. Cabrera and Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam at Macarty House.

July 4th Reception to Celebrate the 232nd 
Anniversary of the Independence of the United States
July 4, 2008

The Ambassador and Mrs. Cabrera hosted a reception onFriday, July 4 at Macarty House, in Vacoas, to celebrate the 232^nd anniversary of the Independence of the United States. 

The guests included the President of the Republic Sir Aneerood and Lady Jugnauth, the Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, ministers, diplomats, dignitaries, business people and friends of the Embassy accompanied by their families. The children celebrated July 4^th with games, popcorn and candy floss in a special kiosk dedicated to them. The guests were welcome to various American cuisines, including Tex-Mex. The Police Band played the national anthems of the United States and Mauritius for the official toast and American tunes throughout the evening.

Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia M. Blaser cutting the "Happy Birthday America" cake with the students of St. Nicholas Grammar School.

U.S. Embassy Participates in America Day Celebration at St. Nicholas Grammar School
July 1, 2008

The Deputy Chief of Mission, Virginia M. Blaser, was invited by St. Nicholas Grammar School, in Vacoas, to be the guest of honor at its celebration of America Day on Tuesday, July 1, 2008.  The students and teachers sang the “Star Spangled Banner” during the flag raising ceremony.  The program continued with each class presenting songs and projects which were judged by Deputy Chief of Mission Blaser.  The theme of the program was theatrical culture in the United States and a project on Martin Luther King Jr.

The Embassy’s Public Affairs Office, through the Deputy Chief of Mission, donated a collection of fifty books to the school’s library.  The program ended with the cutting of the cake and the students singing “Happy Birthday America.”

Political Officer Quentin Barber listening to comments from a student.

Video Discussion on the Movie "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the Forest Side State Secondary School (Boys)
June 16, 2008

The Public Affairs Section participated in a video discussion on the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee, with the students of the Forest Side State Secondary School (Boys).  The novel is included in their studies for the Cambridge School Certificate.  The program was led by the Embassy’s Political Officer, Quentin Barber.  Thirty-five students as well as two teachers from the school’s English Department participated in the interactive discussions.

The Public Affairs Section donated copies of IIP’s “Outline of American Literature,” and “Outline of American History” to the students and teachers.

(from left to right) Deputy Chief of Mission, Virginia Blaser, winners of the four categories, Public Affairs Officer Victoria DeLong, a representative of the Mauritius Commercial Bank, Mrs. Helvetia Cabrera, spouse of Ambassador Cesar Cabrera, Mr. Prem Burton, a jury member from the ESU, Sanjeet Teelock, President of ESU.

U.S. Embassy Sponsors the National Spelling Bee Competition Finals
June 11, 2008

The Public Affairs Section sponsored the 7^th edition of the National Spelling Bee Competition, organized by the English Speaking Union (ESU), for secondary schools in collaboration with the Mauritius Commercial Bank and the Municipal Council of Curepipe.  Four hundred students of Forms I to IV from different government and private secondary schools across the island participated in the qualifying heats and 32 students reached the finals. The U.S. Embassy provided copies of “How to Spell like a Champ,” a study booklet to help the participants prepare for the competition, thesauri, dictionaries and the Children’s Encyclopedia from Scholastic Inc. as prizes for the winners in all four categories and consolation prizes to the finalists. The winners are (in picture above): Kurmoo M. N. Farhar (Form I) of Royal College Curepipe, Viraswami Krishanand (Form II) of MGSS Flacq, Yuri Mulleegadoo (Form III) of Ebene SSS - Boys, and Rudrani Lowtun (Form IV) of Notre Dame College.

(from left to right) Clifford Bernath, Director of Community Outreach and Public Affairs, ACSS, Rampersad Sooroojebally, Deputy Chief Commissioner of Police and Head of Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit and also  the President of the new Mauritius Africa Center Chapter, Dhun Iswur Rampersad, Acting Commissioner of Police, Virginia M. Blaser, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, presenting the Charter of the new Mauritius Africa Center Chapter.

The U.S. Embassy and the Africa Center for Strategic Studies Organize a Symposium on the Theme "Meeting Maritime Security Challenges for Mauritius in the 21st Century"
May 23, 2008

The Embassy welcomed four members of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), a Department of Defense entity, and U.S. Naval Forces Europe to conduct a half-day Topical Symposium on Maritime Security Challenges for Mauritius in the twenty-first century. One-hundred fifty participants including senior government officials and private sectors were invited to participate in this half-day Symposium, which was held at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, Le Caudan. The Symposium provided a broad spectrum of innovative measures to address maritime safety and security as well as illegal fishing.

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies Topical Outreach Program has been designed for many African and Sub-Saharan countries whose participants are high ranking leaders and experts in a variety of fields. Mauritius has fifty graduates from the ACSS and the Mauritius Africa Center Chapter was officially launched on Friday, May 23, 2008.

The Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission, Virginia M. Blaser, and current U.S. Fulbright Scholar Professor Subhash Sinha providing information to students at the EducationUSA booth.

Embassy's Public Affairs Office Participates in International Careers' Guidance & Educational Fair
May 15 - 17, 2008

The U.S. Embassy participated in the 16^th International Career Guidance & Educational Fair, held at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Center, Domaine Les Pailles, Thursday, May 15 to Saturday, May 17. 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. Participants represented Universities and Training Institutions from Mauritius and many other countries. 

The EducationUSA booth represented U.S. colleges and universities across the United States. Several hundred students in their final year of study, along with their parents and teachers, visited the EducationUSA booth to obtain information on higher education prospects in the United States, particularly financial assistance provided by the U.S. universities. At the closing of the event, the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Dharam Gokhool, toured the Fair and visited the EducationUSA booth.

Ambassador Cesar B. Cabrera (fourth from left) with representatives from the recipient NGOs of the 2007 Self- Help and DHRF Program Grants.

Ambassador's Special Self Help and Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) Programs Signing Ceremony
May 12, 2008

At a signing ceremony held on Monday, May 12, 2008 at the Embassy, Ambassador Cesar B. Cabrera presented grants for a total amount of Rs850,000 on behalf of the United States government to seven Mauritian non-governmental organizations.

The three NGOs which benefited from the grants under the Ambassador’s Special Self Help Program 2007 are: Phoenix SSS Boys PTA for an innovative agricultural project as part of a hobby for students, Reef Conservation to promote an environmental educational project and Comite Quartier de la Rue de la Paix for an awareness campaign for drug prevention. The four beneficiaries of the grants under the DHRF program are: Prevention, Information et Lutte Contre le SIDA (PILS) to upgrade the new facilities of the center adaptable to HIV/IADS patients, Mosaique to organize awareness programs on the importance of interfaith dialogue and cultural communications, Service d'Accompagnement de Formation d'Integration (SAFIRE) for a rehabilitation program dedicated for street children, and Teens in Control for a "Train the Trainer" program on gender relations and youth sexuality targeting mostly students.

Political and Economic Officer Quentin Barber with students at the University of Mauritius.

Embassy Speaker Program - Presentation on U.S. Elections 2008
April 28, 2008

The English Department from the Faculty of Social Studiesand Humanities of the University of Mauritius welcomed the Embassy’s Political and Economic Officer, Quentin Barber, for a presentation on U.S. Elections 2008.  The audience included undergraduate students enrolled in the modules:  “20th Century American Literature” / “American Culture and Society” and “Introduction to American Literature.”  The Political and Economic Officer guided the audience through the U.S. electoral process and then opened the floor to questions.

Ambassador Cesar B. Cabrera participating in the Roundtable Discussion with the journalists at the Embassy.

U.S. Embassy Invites Journalists to a Roundtable Discussion with the Ambassador on the Theme "U.S. Elections"
April 16, 2008

The U.S. Embassy kicked off its calendar of activities on the U.S. Elections with a Media Roundtable Discussion with Ambassador Cesar B. Cabrera on April 16, 2008.  Representatives from two local dailies and a leading weekly newspaper participated in the program.

The Ambassador gave a 30-minute introduction to the journalists on the U.S. Elections process.  He then opened the floor to questions from journalists.

The U.S. Navy Band's finale at Francois Mitterrand Conservatory in Quatre-Bornes.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe Brass Quintet Performs in Mauritius
April 8-10, 2008

During the visit of the USS Ashland (LSD 48) to Mauritius, the U.S. Naval Forces Europe brass quintet, based in Naples, Italy, participated in various musical exchanges.  On Tuesday, April 8 shortly after the ship arrived to Port Louis, the band performed at the Francois Mitterrand Conservatory in Quatre-Bornes and with youth groups at the Roche-Bois Social Community Center in the afternoon.  On Wednesday, April 9, the Embassy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, organized an exchange between the Navy Band and the youth community of Cité Florida in Baie-du-Tombeau.  The Minister of Youth and Sports, Sylvio Tang, was present at the event.  The quintet also held a public performance at the Caudan Waterfront on April 10 during lunch time. 

One of the musicians entertains the audience in Roche-Bois with popular song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."		Moment of Happiness for the children of Cité Florida with a member of the U.S. Navy Band at the trombone.		The Navy Band performing at the Caudan Waterfront on Thursday, April 10 during lunchtime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sister Colette from Mother Augustine Home presents a ship model as a memento to the Chaplain at the end of the event.

Sailors from the USS Ashland Participate in Community Relations Event
April 9, 2008

Forty sailors from the USS Ashland,led by the ship's Chaplain, participated in a community relations event, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, at Mother Augustine Home (a home for physically and disabled ladies) in Rose-Belle, a village in the South of Mauritius. The crew of the USS Ashland, divided into teams, painted dormitories, cleaned windows, attended to minor repairs and also cleaned the yard.

 

 

Crewmembers of the USS Ashland in action at Mother Augustine Home.

USS Ashland (LSD 48) Arrives in Port Louis.

The USS Ashland (LSD 48) Visits Port Louis, Mauritius
April 8 -10, 2008

The USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived to Mauritius on Tuesday, April 8. This is the first U.S. Navy ship visit to the Indian Ocean Island this year.  Ashland visited Mauritius as part of Commander, Task Force 363 Southeast Africa.  CTF-363 belongs to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and is tasked with promoting maritime security safety and security initiatives in the region.

The Embassty Deputy Chief of Mission, Virginia M. Blaser, delivering opening remarks at the workshop and at the table:  Mr. Robert Lindsey, the Regional English Language Officer (left),  and Mr. H. B. Dansinghani, Chief Technical Officer at the Ministry of Education & Human Resources.

U.S. Embassy and Ministry of Education Collaborate on English Language Training:  "Shaping the Way We Teach English"
March 26, 2008

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy, in collaborationwith the Ministry of Education, organized an interactive workshop for English language pre and in-service teacher trainers and educators involved in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL).  The three-hour workshop was led by the Robert Lindsey, Regional English Language Officer (RELO), based at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria.  The workshop was held at the Queen Elizabeth College in Rose-Hill.  Lecturers from the English language Department of the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE), primary school inspectors and representatives from the National Center for Curriculum Research and Development participated in the workshop. 

The RELO introduced the participants to "Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices around the World," a video-based English language teacher training series produced by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of English Language Program.

Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia M. Blaser addressing remarks at the opening of the workshop.

The Embassy Hosts a Workshop on Water Bottling and Aquaculture Solutions Conducted by Leading U.S. Experts
March 20, 2008

In the light of the emerging Land Based Oceanic Industry (LBOI) in Mauritius, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Virginia M. Blaser, opened a workshop and product catalog show by two of the world’s leading experts in water bottling and aquaculture at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel on Thursday, March 20.  The workshop was led by Mr. James Brown, Logistics and Marketing Specialist, and Mr. Ron Vallort, Equipment Engineering Specialist.  Participants from several Mauritian companies and institutions involved in various sectors, including water bottling and aquaculture, participated in the one-day workshop.

Product catalogs, literature, and videos from leading U.S. manufacturers of water bottling and aquaculture products and systems were on display for consultation by participants.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera addressing remarks at the opening of the workshop.

The Embassy Hosts a Workshop on Refrigeration and Cold Storage Solutions Conducted by Leading U.S. Experts
March 17, 2008

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera opened a workshop and product catalog show by two of the world’s leading experts in cold chain storage at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel on Monday, March 17. 

Thirty participants from a variety of Mauritian companies and institutions involved in these business sectors participated in the workshop. The workshop was led by Mr. Ron Vallort, one of the world’s leading experts in Refrigeration and Cold Storage. He was assisted by Mr. James Brown, Vice-President of The Peoples Group.  Product catalogs, literature, and videos from leading U.S. companies engaged in manufacturing cold chain equipment and systems was on display for consultation by participants.  For the two days following the workshop, Mr. Vallort and Mr. Brown were vailable to visit participants’ operations to give tailored advice and training.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera and Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues, Mr. Johnson Roussety (right), handing over the grant to one of the beneficiairies, Mr. Adeline, from Council of Religions.

Ambassador's Special Self Help Program Grants Signing Ceremony in Rodrigues
February 21, 2008

At a signing ceremony held on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at the Office of the Commissioner, Mr. Johnson Roussety, in Port Mathurin, Rodrigues, Ambassador Cesar Cabrera presented grants for a total amount of Rs1.1 million on behalf of the United States government to eleven Rodriguan NGO projects.

The eleven Self-Help projects range from HIV/AIDS awareness programs to self-sustaining small businesses. The U.S. Embassy selected eleven beneficiaries from the many non-governmental organizations and community groups that submitted proposals in April of last year.  The chosen projects range widely in nature, scope, and geographic coverage, however, they share a common goal in assisting Rodriguan organizations improve conditions in their communities. This year, a record number of Rodriguan non-governmental organizations and community groups submitted project proposals, which resulted in an increase number of grants awarded.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera conversing with Dr. Sheila Walker at the Conference.

U.S. Embassy Participates in International Conference on African Diaspora
February 4 - 5, 2008

The University of Mauritius in collaboration with Seychellois NGO Bannzil Kreol, the Ministry of Arts & Culture, the Tadia Society and the Embassy of the United States of America organized the first international conference on: “African Diaspora & Créolité: Convergences and Divergences” at the University of Mauritius on Monday, February 4-5, 2008. 

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera was one of the key note speakers at the launching of the conference on Monday, February 4 at the Octave Wiehe Auditorium, Reduit.  Ambassador Cabrera reminded the conference participants that Mauritius and the United States are both democratic nations whose people recognize the importance of diversity.  He also shared information on cultural diversity in his home of Puerto Rico, a U.S. Territory.  The U.S. Government sponsored the participation of US scholars Dr. Sheila Walker, cultural anthropologist and filmmaker, and Professor Carole Boyce Davies of Florida International University.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera donating collection of books to Attorney General Rama Valayden for the library of the Human Rights Center.

Video Discussion on the Documentary "The March" in Commemoration of the 79th Birth Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.
January 30, 2008

On Wednesday, January 30, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy organized a video discussion on the DVD “The March” by Director James Blue at the Human Rights Center in Port Louis. U.S. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera and Rama Valayden, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Human Rights, delivered remarks.  Minister Valayden was the moderator of the discussion.  Participants included representatives of non-governmental organizations, academics, youth leaders and students.  The Embassy’s Political Officer shared his experience as an African-American with the audience.

The Public Affairs Section also displayed a paper show exhibit at the Human Rights Center entitled “1963 March on Washington.”  The Ambassador presented thirty-five books to Minister Valayden.  The books will be placed in the library of the Human Rights Center for the general public.

Ambassador Cabrera with Minister of Foreign Affairs Madan Dulloo ready for the DVC together with other guests and media representatives.

Digital Video Conference (DVC) on the Theme: "AFRICOM - A Briefing on Its Mission"
January 15, 2008

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a Digital Video Conference (DVC) program on the theme: “AFRICOM – A Briefing on Its Mission.”

The guest speaker was Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Activities, U.S. Africa Command.  The Mauritian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madan Dulloo, high-ranking officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, representatives from the Police force, National Coast Guard, and from the University of Mauritius participated in the program.  The audience also included representatives from various media outlets. Ambassador Yates explained AFRICOM’s role and answered a wide range of questions from the audience.

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera (center) delivering his remarks, and sitting from left to right, Mr. Boodhoo, Director of the Mauritius Meteorological Services, Dr. Walter Mooney, Dr. Laura Kong, and Mr. Masahiro Yamammoto, the three experts who conducted the training.

U.S. Sponsors Tsunami Capacity Building Training
January 14 - 18, 2008

In the context of the Tsunami Capacity Building Training sponsored by the U.S. Government, U.S. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera delivered remarks to participants of the program and staff of the Meteorological Services, on the last day of the training, January 18.

The training program, held at the Mauritius Meteorological Services in Vacoas, covered wide-ranging topics from tsunami warning and mitigation to tsunami preparedness and involved hands-on and theoretical training.  Representatives from a variety of Government offices, including the Meteorological Services, Oceanographic Institute, Ministry of Environment, Police, Port Authorities, Fisheries Department, and University of Mauritius, participated in the program.  The training program offered by the United States in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, was conducted by Walter Mooney, Ph.D., Research Seismologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Laura Kong, Ph.D., the Director of the International Tsunami Information Center, and Masahiro Yamamoto, Senior Tsunami Advisor, IOC, Paris.