Programs and Events

Events 2009

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

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Craig White talking to one of the members of the Council of Religions after the ceremony.

U.S. Embassy Hosts Interfaith Commemoration of 9/11
October 2, 2009

On Friday, October 2, 2009, the US Embassy in collaboration with the Council of Religions hosted an interfaith commemoration of the events of September 11, 2001 at the Café du Vieux Conseil, Port Louis. Representatives from the core religious groups of Mauritius attended the event.  Hindus, Chinese, Buddhists, Baha’is, Muslims and Catholics discussed the condemnations of violence in each of their religious traditions, read relevant scriptures, and prayed for a world of peace and non-violence. The ceremony was led by Reverend Philippe Goupille, Chairman of the Council of Religions.  In his speech, Reverend Goupille stressed how our cultures, histories and individual lives are interconnected.  Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Craig White for his part stated that he had noticed after spending a year in Mauritius that a good number of Mauritians consider religion to be a dangerous and divisive factor in the country. White stated that this presents a challenge for representatives of the religious groups gathered, a challenge to demonstrate that their religious groups work for peace, tolerance, and non-violence.  He noted the American belief that religion can play a positive role in society, as can religious diversity. At the end of the ceremony, all participants signed a Charter calling for a violence-free society.

Friendly handshake between Vijay Lutchmun, President of the Hubert Humphrey Alumni Association (Mauritius) and Craig White, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer after the grant signing.

The Embassy Honors the Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Association (Mauritius)
September 28, 2009

On Monday, September 28, 2009, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Craig White of the Embassy of the United States of America signed a grant agreement with the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Alumni Association, one of the winners of a worldwide US Department of State-sponsored alumni competition. The signing ceremony was held at Le Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port Louis and was followed by a reception. Humphrey Fellows, board members of the Fulbright Alumni Association as well as existing and future International Visitor Leadership Program alumni were invited to the function.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Association (Mauritius) was awarded US$ 7,920.00 (equivalent of Rs. 240,000) for a half-day brainstorming seminar on leadership, project design and project implementation.

Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser congratulates one of the beneficiaires after signing of the grant agreeement, with Political Officer Deanie Holder on the left.

The U.S. Embassy Grants US$ 54,290 to Non-Governmental Organizations and Community Groups
September 24, 2009

At a signing ceremony held on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at the Embassy, Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser presented grants for a total amount of US$54,290 on behalf of the United States Government to fund eleven Self-Help projects. Two of the beneficiairies are also being assisted through the Democracy and Human Rights Fund. The projects include educational and health programs.

Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser giving her remarks at the opening of the conference.

Chargé d'Affaires Co-Launches Port and Maritime Security Conference
September 9, 2009

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser addressed the opening session of a two-day conference, on September 9, on “Port and Maritime Governance through International Cooperation” organized by the Mauritius Ports Authority in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard. The Conference was held at Le Meridien Hotel in Pointe-aux-Piments. Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Leisure and External Communications Xavier Luc Duval gave an opening address and officially opened the conference after welcome remarks by Mr.Shekur Suntah and Mr. Jocelyn Gracieuse, respectively Director General and Chairman of Mauritius Ports Authority. Representatives from Bangladesh, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, the United States of America, the French overseas territories of Mayotte and Reunion, the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa and the Association of Indian Ocean Ports participated in the conference.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser hands over certificate to a participant from the National Coast Guard with on her left: John Ragan, U.S. Coast Guard Training Team Leader,  Deputy Commissioner of Police Mario Nobin, Mauritius Police Force, and Commandant Yatan Mahlawat, National Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard Provides Basic Maritime Law Enforcement Officer Training for Mauritian National Coast Guard
September 4, 2009

Charge d’Affaires Virginia Blaser attended the closing ceremony of a training seminar on “Basic Boarding Officer Course” on Friday, September 4. The week-long training program was held at the Maritime Training Establishment, Le Chaland.

Four instructors from the United States Coast Guard Mobile Training Team provided training to 24 participants from the National Coast Guard (NCG) on international law, boarding preparation and procedures and practical law enforcement techniques. The goal of the training is to prepare law enforcement officers to safely and effectively carry out dynamic maritime operations. The U.S. Embassy organized the training seminar as part of its International Military Education Training Program (IMET).

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Craig White presenting his paper.

The Responsibility of Writers in Conflict Resolution in the World
August 28, 2009

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White was invited by the Mauritian Writers Association to present a paper at its 6th International Writers’ Conference on Friday, August 28, at the Municipal Council Hall of Port-Louis.  The theme of the three-day conference, organized by the Mauritius Writers’ Association, from August 26 through Friday, August 28, was “The Responsibility of Writers in Conflict Resolution in the World.”  The session scheduled on the closing day (Friday) of the conference was chaired by Professor Jagdish Manrakhan.  Reza Issack (Member of Parliament (MP), Chief Editor, author and former Lord Mayor), and Mandla Langa (from South Africa) were also amongst the chief guests at the talk.  Craig White’s paper was well received by the audience especially in regards to his colorful and rich literature references from Tolstoy to Solzhenitsyn.  It was also an opportunity for members of the audience, most of whom writers and amateurs, to question him on issues related to U.S. foreign policy.

General William E. Ward leading the media roundtable in presence of Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser.

General William E. Ward, Commander of U.S. Africa Command Visits Mauritius
August 17-18, 2009

General William E. Ward, Commander of U.S. Africa Command arrived in Mauritius on Monday, August 17, for a one-day visit. This was the first visit of General Ward to the island, and the first-ever visit to Mauritius by a Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, which was established in October 2007. 

General Ward led a 30-minute roundtable discussion, at the Embassy, with the local media on the purpose of his visit to Mauritius before departing for his first appointment for the day with the Commissioner of Police, followed by courtesy calls on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Arvin Boolell and Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam. During the media roundtable, General Ward stressed on the commitment of the U.S. Africa Command to work as a partner with nations sharing common goals and values, whether on sustained maritime security, military engagement or humanitarian issues such as disaster relief programs. General Ward also elaborated on threats other than Somali piracy to which the Indian Ocean and Africa are exposed, such as illegal fishing, smuggling, human trafficking and drugs.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser, with Political Officer Quentin Barber (left), Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady and Mr. Assad Bhuglah, replying to questions from the media.

U.S. and Mauritius To Negotiate Bilateral Investment Treaty
August 6, 2009

On Thursday August 6, the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the media at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, Port Louis, to a joint press conference following U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s announcement whereby the United States and Mauritius will begin formal negotiations toward a bilateral investment treaty (BIT).  Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser qualified the news as the pinnacle of several years of work and a great beginning to increase investment in Mauritius.  Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady, Head of Economic Directorate, Assad Bhuglah, Director for Trade Policy, both from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as Quentin Barber, Political Officer at the Embassy were also present at the main table.

NGO representatives conversing with Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Craig White (far left) prior to signing ceremony.

U.S. Embassy Grants Rs270,000 to Mauritian Non-Governmental Organizations
August 12, 2009

On Wednesday, August 12, 2009, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Craig White signed grant agreements on behalf of the United States Government to fund three non-governmental organizations, ranging from an environmental educational program to women empowerment programs, for a total amount of Rs 271,998.  The beneficiaries of these grants are Women in Networking (WIN), SOS Femmes and Dive Dream Diving Center.  Grants will cover sensitization and information campaigns to encourage women in getting involved in politics especially in view of the upcoming general elections,  purchase of furniture for the new shelter of SOS Femmes (the only center for battered women in Mauritius) currently under construction in Coromandel and an underwater and beach cleanup at Trou-aux-Biches on September 19 respectively.

Crew members helping out with the cleaning of the children's playground.

Visit of USS Arleigh Burke DDG-51
July 30-August 3, 2009

The USS Arleigh Burke DDG-51 berthed the Quay D of Port Louis Harbor shortly after nine a.m. on Thursday, July 30.  A guided missile destroyer home ported in Norfolk, Va., the ship was the guest star of the Mauritian Port until Monday, August 3.  On Friday, July 31, the USS Arleigh Burke crew hosted the National Coast Guard and members of the Police Force to some sturdy military-to-military training.   Concurrently, the local media was given a tour of the ship.  The following day, some twenty-five crew members set “sail” to Cité Mangalkhan, Floreal, a deprived area located in the center of the island, exposed to the scourges of drugs and alcohol.  Their mission: refurbish the children’s playground. 

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser analyzing President Obama's speech together with members of the press and representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce.

Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Leads Roundtable Discussion on President Obama's Speech in Ghana
July 13, 2009

On July 13, Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser led a roundtable discussion on Presiden’t Obama July 11 speech in Accra, Ghana, in presence of Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Craig White, representatives from the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce and members of the local media.

After a positive overview of President Obama’s speech and accentuating the key sentence “History is on the move”, the Chargé d'Affaires  opened the floor to comments.

Ms. Bauman replying to questions from the audience.

Capacity Building in Environment and Sustainable Development
July 10, 2009

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) hosted a talk on Friday, July 10, on the theme: Capacity Building in Environment and Sustainable Development.  The speaker was Kirsten Bauman, Regional Environment Officer, Eastern Africa, U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa.  Ms. Bauman inaugurated a set of outreach programs in the Information Resource Center of the Embassy.  Non-governmental organizations representatives, environment consultants and key officials from the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) attended. 

Class of 2013 posing with the Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser (center) and the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Craig White.

Pre-Departure Orientation Program
July 9, 2009

The Class of 2013 was invited to the residence of the U.S. Ambassador on Thursday July 9, 2009 for the Embassy's annual pre-departure orientation program.  More than fifty students, parents and students on holidays attended.  The Chargé d'Affaires, Mrs. Virginia Blaser welcomed the students and congratulated them for the efforts they have put in to be accepted in an American institution.  The program was highlighted by presentations by students who are currently studying in the U.S. and by American students on internship programs in Mauritius.  Joining in for a light buffet afterwards, returning and departing students exchanged ideas, tips on campus life as well as email addresses.

Jessica Overson inaugurating the "U.S. Avenue".

The United States Explained to High School Students
July 8, 2009

In the context of the U.S. Independence Day celebrations, Jessica Overson, intern at the Embassy and undergraduate student at Arizona State University, shared a PowerPoint presentation with students of the Bon et Perpetuel Secours (BPS) high school in Beau-Bassin (center).  Jessica presented the United States but more specifically her home state, Arizona, and features of attraction that make her state and the U.S. unique.  The Public Affairs Section donated books to the school for the setting up of a special section in its new library called “The U.S. Avenue”.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser toasts to the President and People of Mauritius with President of the Republic Sir Aneerood Jugnauth and Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam (center).

July 4th Reception to Celebrate the 233rd Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America
July 4, 2009

The Chargé d’Affaires, Virginia Blaser, and Mr. Mitch Blaser hosted a reception on Saturday, July 4 at Macarty House, in Vacoas, to celebrate the 233^rd anniversary of the Independence of the United States. The guests included President of the Republic Sir Aneerood Jugnauth and Lady Jugnauth, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, politicians, diplomats, dignitaries, business people and friends of the Embassy accompanied by their families. The children celebrated July 4^th with games, popcorn, cotton candy and pizza in a special kiosk dedicated to them. The guests were welcome to various American cuisines, including the special corn dog and funnel cake. The Police Band played the national anthems of the United States and Mauritius for the official toast and American tunes throughout the evening. The local group Kreol Jazz Pioneers performed for the guests after the toasts. In her remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Blaser recalled that the U.S. – Mauritius diplomatic relationship stands as one of the longest in the world.  It was in 1794 that George Washington sent the first Consul to Mauritius. The informal family gathering unfolded in a very cordial and warm atmosphere.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser addresses the audience before the screening of the documentary film “Forced Labour”.

The Embassy Hosts a Video Discussion on Trafficking in Persons
June 24, 2009

In the context of the release of the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2009 on Tuesday, June 16 by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington D.C, the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy, in collaboration with the Political Section, hosted a video discussion on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 to get various stakeholders to think about the various approaches which Mauritius can adopt to abolish modern day trafficking. The short documentary film “Forced Labour” follows the personal story of a young girl from Moldova who was tricked into being an agricultural slave in Western Europe. Law enforcement officials, representatives from the Ministry of Women’s Rights, Child Development & Family Welfare, the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the Passport & Immigration Office and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participated in the ninety minutes program which was held in the Information Resource Center. The media was also present.

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Craig White interacting with students.

Volunteerism: Youth Making a Difference
June 19, 2009

As part of an official visit to Rodrigues Island on Friday June 19, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Craig White led a talk on the theme “Volunteerism: Youth Making a Difference” at the American Study Center located at the Northcoombes Public Library in Port Mathurin.  This was the first official program held at the study center and thirty students of Rodrigues College attended.  Mrs. Arlette Perrine-Bégué, member of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and a 2007 International Visitor (IV) in Women Entrepreneurship, was the Embassy’s special guest.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser presents the TIP Report 2009 for Mauritius to Attorney General Rama Valayden (center) and Minister of Women’s Rights, Child Development and Family Welfare Indranee Seebun (left).

Chargé d’Affaires Presents U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report 2009 for Mauritius to Attorney General
June 18, 2009

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser presented the ninth annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for Mauritius to Attorney General Rama Valayden, in presence of Minister of Women’s Rights, Child Development and Family Welfare Indranee Seebun. Members of the media, officials from the Attorney General’s Office, Ministries of Women’s Rights and Foreign Affairs and Embassy officials were present at the official ceremony held, on June 18, in the Attorney General’s Conference Room. The TIP Report 2009 was released on Tuesday, June 16 by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a press conference in the State Department’s Press Briefing Room in Washington D.C. In the 2009 TIP Report, the rating for Mauritius has been upgraded from Tier 2 to Tier 1.

Mr. Art Kolodziejski, the lead instructor and Environmental Security Program Manager, U.S. Africa Command, hands over certificate to a participant in the presence of U.S. Embassy Political/Military Officer Quentin Barber, Defense Attaché John Ries, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Tangavel Seerungen (from left to right) in the Conference Room of La Plantation Hotel.

U.S. Africa Command Environmental Security Seminar on Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in Mauritius
June 3, 2009

The Embassy’s Political/Military Officer, Quentin Barber, attended the graduation ceremony, on Wednesday, June 3, of forty participants of a regional seminar on Oil Spill Preparedness and Response led by experts from the U.S. Africa Command. U.S. Africa Command Engineers (Art Kolodziejski and Fitsum Kebede), U.S. Navy (John Owens) and U.S. Coast Guard (Mark Meza) supported by the US Embassy in Mauritius conducted the three-day workshop at La Plantation Hotel, Balaclava, June 1 -3, 2009.

The workshop engaged Mauritius and Seychelles key stakeholders, including: Department of Risk and Disaster Management, Ministry of Environment, Mauritius Ports Authority, Mauritius Police Forces, Fire Service Department, Mauritius Public Infrastructure, Indian Oil Mauritius Ltd, Total Mauritius Ltd, Shell Mauritius Ltd, Chevron Mauritius Ltd and the Seychelles Coast Guard.

Dr. Stefan Brandle giving his expose to the captivated audience at the University of Mauritius.

U.S. Fulbright Scholar Speaks about the Future of Computers in Education
May 28, 2009

U.S. Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Stefan Brandle, gave a public talk on Thursday, May 28, 2009 on “The Future of Computers in Education”. The one-hour event was organized by the University of Mauritius in collaboration with the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy. Academics, departing Fulbrighters and the general public attended the talk which was held at the Burrenchobay Lecture Theatre in Reduit.  In his speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Baichoo, said that the U.S. Fulbright Program has helped the academic staff of his faculty in many ways. Dr. Baichoo also shared a list of U.S. Fulbright Scholars who visited the Faculty of Engineering over the years. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Craig White seized the opportunity to talk about the U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program which sends approximately 1,100 American scholars and professionals to approximately 130 countries per year.

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White pronounces a word for a participant in the presence of ESU’s outgoing President Sanjit Teelock and the jury.

U.S. Embassy Sponsors the National Spelling Bee Competition Finals
May 27, 2009

This year’s National Spelling Bee Competition organized by the English Speaking Union (ESU), for secondary schools, was again sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. Co-sponsors of the event were the Mauritius Commercial Bank and the Municipal Council of Curepipe. Thirty Two students, aged between 11 and 14, from various private and state high schools participated in the thrilling finals after the challenging heats. The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer, Craig White, was the pronouncer for the finals which were held at the Municipal Council of Curepipe Town Hall. The Embassy provided all the preparatory materials as well as the first and consolation prizes in the form of dictionaries and encyclopedias. In his opening remarks, ESU’s outgoing President Sanjit Teelock said that the Spelling Bee Competition in Mauritius was initiated by the U.S. Embassy several years ago and that the ESU has strived to keep the competition in the same format as the one held in the United States. He also thanked the Embassy for its continuous support.

President of the Republic Sir Anerood Jugnauth (2nd left), accompanied by Lady Sarojini (left) and President of the Rotary Club of Grand Bay Dr. Koshlendr Nundoochand (2nd right), meet the Embassy’s Education Advisor, Jennifer Boullé, at the EducationUSA booth.

The U.S. Embassy Present This Year Again at the International Career’s Guidance and Education Fair
May 21 - 23, 2009

The U.S. Embassy participated in the 17^th International Career Guidance & Educational Fair, held at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Center, Les Pailles, from Wednesday, May 21 to Friday, May 23. The fair is an annual event organized by the Rotary Club of Grand-Bay, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Human Resources.  Some 14 000 students and 4 000 parents visited the fair. The President of the Republic Sir Anerood Jugnauth launched the International Careers’ Guidance and Education Fair, on the evening of Wednesday, May 20. Sir Anerood Jugnauth visited all the stands including the EducationUSA booth accompanied by Lady Sarojini Jugnauth. Embassy staff as well as Fulbrighters, Humphrey Fellows and International Visitor alumni volunteered their time and shared their experiences of the United States. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission/Public Affairs Officer Craig White also spent some time at the EducationUSA booth to answer questions from students and parents.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser welcomes the audience to the DVC at the Embassy.

The U.S. Embassy Commemorates President Barack Obama's First 100 Days in Office
May 18, 2009

The Public Affairs Section (PAS), in collaboration with the African Regional Services of U.S. Embassy Paris, hosted a digital video conference (DVC) on Monday, May 18, 2009, on the theme: President Obama’s First 100 Days in Office. The speaker for the DVC was Dr. Lorenzo Morris, professor of political science, author and consultant on American and international politics. Dr. Morris was solicited by many U.S. Embassies in Africa. The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis was amongst the nine embassies to be chosen during Dr. Morris’ brief stopover in Paris. The Chargé d’Affaires welcomed the guests with a synopsis of President Barack Obama’s first 100 days. Guests included alumni, representatives from non-governmental organizations, the corporate sector, writers, barristers, departing Fulbright scholarship beneficiaries and journalists.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities Dr. Rashid Beebeejaun sign the grant agreement, in the presence of CEB’s Chairman Patrick Assirvaden (on the right) and officials of the Embassy and the Ministry.

Chargé d'Affaires Signs U.S. Government Grant for the Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Mauritius
May 14, 2009

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities Dr. Rashid Beebeejaun signed a grant agreement, on Thursday, May 14 whereby the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will provide $325,000 (approximately Rs 11 million) to the Central Electricity Board (CEB) to support the Government of Mauritius’ efforts to improve the efficiency of the country’s power transmission and distribution grid.

CEB General Manager Chavansing Dabeedin welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Government through U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser.  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities Dr. Rashid Beebeejaun also conveyed his sincere thanks to the U.S. Government and the Chargé d’Affaires for the grant, which he said comes at a time when the U.S. Government is laying strong emphasis on energy efficiency.  Secretary for Foreign Affairs Anand Neewoor and Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady were also present at the signing ceremony held at Sir Harilall Vaghjee Hall in Port Louis.

U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer Kevin Helm (on the left) and the FBI instructors (on the right) handing over certificates to the participants at the graduation ceremony held at the Police Training School in Beau-Bassin.

U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Experts Conduct Fingerpint Seminar
April 30, 2009

The Embassy’s Regional Security Officer Kevin Helm attended the graduation ceremony, on Thursday, April 30, of thirty four participants of a seminar on Fingerprint led by experts from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The participants included officers from various departments of the Mauritius Police Force. The three-day seminar was led by Ms. Marilyn Williams, Assistant Legal Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and FBI representative. She was assisted by three representatives from the Fingerprint Center of West Virginia, USA and also members of the FBI. The seminar aimed at embedding fingerprinting as a technique in law enforcement. It also emphasized the critical need to obtain fingerprints during the identification of terrorism investigations. At the end of the graduation ceremony, the FBI representatives donated forty Fingerprint kits to the Mauritius Police Force.  The training program, organized by the U.S. Embassy, was held at the Police Training School in Beau-Bassin.

Minister Bunwaree handing over a CD with the campaign materials to Chargé d'Affaires Blaser.

U.S. Embassy Sponsors Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Public Outreach Campaign
April 22, 2009

Minister of Education, Culture and Human Resources Vasant Bunwaree launched an awareness campaign on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) on Wednesday, April 22 at Sir Harilall Vaghjee Hall in Port Louis. The launching ceremony was held in presence of U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser. Florizelle Liser, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa and members of her delegation, who were in Mauritius this week to participate in the third Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting, were also present. In addition to Minister Bunwaree, MASA Director Gerard Louise and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Anand Neewoor delivered remarks at the launch and they all thanked the U.S. Embassy for supporting such a project.

On September 29, 2008, U.S. Embassy Port Louis signed a Cooperative Agreement close to $16,000 with the Mauritius Society of Authors (MASA) to conduct a public IPR awareness campaign. The primary objective is to raise awareness on the dangers of counterfeited products and the importance of protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights.  The awareness campaign will include a series of activities targeting the student population and the general public. The timeframe of the program is April to September 2009.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser delivering her remarks at the opening of the TIFA Council Meeting in presence of (from left to right) Minister of Foreign Affairs Arvin Boolell, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Florizelle Liser and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chargé d’Affaires Opens Third Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council Meeting in Mauritius
April 21, 2009

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser opened the third TIFA Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at Le Meridien Hotel in Pointe-aux-Piments. Her remarks were followed by speeches from the head of the high-level U.S. delegation, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Ms. Florizelle Liser. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Arvin Boolell address ended the opening ceremony. The U.S. and Mauritian delegations then proceeded to the talks on TIFA for the rest of the day. Other members of the U.S. delegation participating in the TIFA Council Meeting include Patrick Coleman, Director for African Affairs, U.S. Trade Representative Office, and Mr. Dan Jacobs, Senior Negotiator, Office of Investment Affairs, Department of State.  On Monday, April 20, the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy organized a roundtable discussion led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Florizelle Liser with the press.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser delivering her remarks at the opening of the workshop.

Chargé d'Affaires speaks at the Launching of the AGOA Week
April 6, 2009

The Ministry of Industry, Science and Research, in collaboration with Enterprise Mauritius, organized an AGOA (Africa Growth and Opportunity Act) Week from April 6 through April 10. The AGOA Week kicked off on April 6 with a Workshop on the theme: “Exporting to the U.S. under AGOA,” at La Grande Canelle, Domaine Les Pailles.  Participants included members of the local business community as well as Government officials. The aim of the AGOA Week was to sensitize Mauritian operators on the opportunities accessible under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). A series of activities were organized during the week, including a workshop for students of tertiary institutions.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser addressed the audience at the opening of the workshop. The opening address was delivered by Minister of Industry, Science and Research Dharam GoKhool. Several U.S. consultants gave presentations on various topics on the AGOA and the U.S. market.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser and Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Production and Security Satish Faugoo (right) conversing with one of the speakers, Regional Director U.S. Grain Council Kurt Shultz, before the opening of the workshop.

Chargé d'Affaires Opens the U.S. Agriculture Commodities Market Development Workshop Conducted by Leading U.S. Experts
April 6, 2009

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser opened a half-day U.S. Agricultural Commodities Market Development Workshop on April 6 at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel.  Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Production and Security Satish Faugoo also addressed the participants. A number of representatives from private companies and institutions involved in the agribusiness sector as well as Government officials attended the workshop. 

The workshop was led by the following U.S. experts:  Ms. Kari Rojas, Agricultural Attaché, U.S. Department of Agriculture, based at the U.S. Embassy in South Africa; Mr. Kurt Shultz, Regional Director, U.S. Grain Council, based in Tunisia; and Mr. Peter Joyce, Director, U.S. Potato Board, based in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.  In addition, Mr. Heiko Koster, U.S. Grain Council’s consultant for South Africa, was available to answer questions from the participants. Following the workshop, the U.S. experts were available for consultations and site visits on April 7 and 8.

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission & Public Affairs Officer Craig White, the program’s moderator, shares his views with the speaker (on the left on the big screen) and the audience.

African-American Author Gail Milissa Grant Talks About Her Family Memoir: “At the Elbows of My Elders: One’s Family Journey toward Civil Rights”
April 1, 2009

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) hosted a digital video conference (DVC), on April 1, in collaboration with Africa Regional Services (ARS) Paris. The speaker for the program was African-American author Gail Milissa Grant who spoke on her family memoir “At the Elbows of My Elders: One Family’s Journey toward Civil Rights.” The audience was made up of Mauritian writers and professional librarians.
 
Gail Milissa Grant introduced her family memoir in various stages.  She narrated the steps that brought her to write “At the Elbows of My Elders: One Family’s Journey toward Civil Rights.”  She said that her family memoir was in fact, a tribute to “the nameless and faceless people who paved the way for the Civil Rights Movement.”  The election of Barack Obama as 44th President of the United States of America was another parallel that the author drew during the DVC in connection with the fight towards equal rights for all in the U.S. Her exposé was followed by a lively Q&A session.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser delivering her remarks in front of AMCHAM members at Plantation House, Port Louis, in the presence of (right to left) AMCHAM President Mary-Anne Philips and Board members.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Guest Speaker at American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) - Annual General Meeting
March 25, 2009

The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) held its 9th Annual General Meeting at Plantation House, Port Louis on Wednesday, March 25. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser was the guest speaker for the event.

AMCHAM’s President Mary Anne Philips welcomed the members and other guests. The President announced that former U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius Cesar Cabrera was made an Honorary Member of AMCHAM. In her remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Blaser reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to help Mauritius in spite of the international economic crisis. She stressed that AMCHAM can play a more important role in encouraging trade between the United States and Mauritius.

Story time for the pupils with Ag. Deputy Chief of Mission & Public Affairs Officer Craig White.

Book Donation by the Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Association (Mauritius) in Collaboration with the U.S. Embassy
March 25, 2009

The Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Association (Mauritius) organized a book donation at L. Serge Coutet Government School in Tombeau Bay in collaboration with the Embassy.  Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Craig White attended the book donation and had the opportunity to interact with teachers, representatives from the Ministry of Education, social workers and pre-primary students. The educational materials donated by the Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Association (Mauritius) are worth more than US$1,000.00.  The donation was also for the pre-primary department of another primary school, H. Ramnarain Government School, in Terre Rouge.  Robert Shell, President of Justice and Truth Commission, was a surprise guest at the event.

Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser addressing the audience at the opening of the ACSS Symposium.

Chargé d'Affaires Launches Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) Symposium
March 17, 2009

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser launched the ACSS Symposium on Tuesday, March 17, at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port Louis. The second annual topical symposium, on the theme “Current National Security Issues: Peacekeeping Terrorism Financing, and Drug Trafficking,” was organized by the ACSS (an entity of the U.S. Department of Defense) – Mauritius Chapter in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy. The guest speakers were from the U.S. Department of Treasury and AFRICOM.  Police Commissioner Dhun Iswur Rampersad and his Deputy, Rampersad Sooroojbally, who is also the Mauritius Chapter President, participated in the symposium.

Chargé Blaser hosted a reception in honor of the ACSS delegation at Clemens House, Floreal the same evening. On Friday, March 13, the Embassy organized a short exchange between Mr. Clifford Bernath, Director of Community Outreach and Public Affairs, ACSS, with some members of the media on the theme “Media Strategies for Current National Security Issues”.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser pays tribute to the achievements of American women in presence of women parliamentarians (on the first row at the right) and WINners.

Commemoration of Women's History Month
March 17, 2009

The Public Affairs Section launched its Women’s History Month activities, on Monday, March 16, with a talk on the theme: “African-American Women Walking From Margins to Center: What Michelle Obama Can Teach Us.”  For this particular event, PAS partnered with Women in Networking (WIN), a non-governmental organization launched in 2006 and regrouping around 1500 men and women, especially in regards to its 2009 objective: “Spearhead the transformation of politics in Mauritius to lead to doubling the number of women in Parliament by 2010.”  The speakers for WIN were Paula Atchia, Champion for Women in Politics (WIP), which was launched recently, and Jocelyne Minerve, former Minister and parliamentarian. The audience was made up of WIN members (known as WINners), three women parliamentarians from the various leading political parties and the media.

Yves Chan Kam Lon receives his certificate from Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White.

The U.S. Department of State Honors Yves Chan Kam Lon of the National Library of Mauritius
March 11, 2009

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has elected Yves Chan Kam Lon, Director of The National Library of Mauritius, State Alumni Member of the Month for January 2009. Mr. Chan Kam Lon received his certificate from Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White on March 11 during a lunch at La Bonne Marmite restaurant. It is the first time that a Mauritian has received this honor. Yves Chan Kam Lon is the Vice President of the Fulbright Alumni Association (Mauritius) and holds a Master's degree in Library Service from Columbia University (New York). The U.S. Embassy has sent more than 50 Mauritians under the Fulbright Junior Staff Development and Senior African Research programs.

Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser meets with the pupils from Clvis Primary School in her office.

Students from Clavis Primary School Visit the Embassy
March 9, 2009

The Embassy welcomed some special visitors on Monday, March 9.  Four students from Clavis Primary School, accompanied by a parent, visited the Embassy in connection with a project on the role of the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius. They quizzed selected personnel on security issues regarding American citizens in Mauritius, the similarities between the Government of Mauritius and the U.S. administration and the way that elections are carried out. They were also interested in learning about the role of the United States in world conflicts.  Their tour ended with a meeting with Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser.  She briefed them on how the U.S. Embassy functions and on her role as Chargé.

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission & Public Affairs Officer Craig White welcomes the participants in the Embassy’s Information Resource Center with decors in the background on the theme of the Black History Month.

Black History Month Wrap Up
February 25, 2009

The Public Affairs Section held its last programs in the context of the Black History Month (BHM) 2009. The guests included writers, poets, teachers, representatives from the Bureau of Catholic Education, social workers and journalists. The program was twofold.  The first part was a discussion on the theme “Being an African out of Africa.” Three speakers shared their views and relationship with Africa.  The Embassy’s Regional Security Officer Kevin Helm was the first one to open the debate with a presentation on “Being an African-American out of Africa”.  The other speakers were Father Filip Fanchette from the organization Federation of Mauritian Creoles and Wairimu Kanja Ristic, a Kenyan who studied in the United States and is currently in Mauritius teaching Sexual Education at Le Bocage International School and is the founder and Director of a non-governmental organization, Teens in Control.

During the second part of the program, the Public Affairs Section hosted a digital video conference (DVC) in collaboration with Africa Regional Services (ARS) Paris on Barack Obama’s book “Dreams from My Father.”  All the participants had received a free copy of the book from the Embassy prior to the DVC.  The moderator of the DVC was Sheldon Austin, a retired African-American Cultural Affairs Officer.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser delivering her remarks in front of AMCHAM members at Plantation House, Port Louis, in the presence of (right to left) AMCHAM President Mary-Anne Philips and Board members.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Guest Speaker at American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) - Annual General Meeting
March 25, 2009

The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) held its 9th Annual General Meeting at Plantation House, Port Louis on Wednesday, March 25.  U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser was the guest speaker for the event. 

AMCHAM’s President Mary Anne Philips welcomed the members and other guests. The President announced that former U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius Cesar Cabrera was made an Honorary Member of AMCHAM.  In her remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Blaser reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to help Mauritius in spite of the international economic crisis.  She stressed that AMCHAM can play a more important role in encouraging trade between the United States and Mauritius.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser and Minister of Education, Culture & Human Resources Dr. Vasant Bunwaree co-launch the exhibit at the Blue Penny Museum.

Chargé Helps Launch Ile de La Passe  Exhibit at Blue Penny Museum
February 24, 2009

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser co-launched an exhibition on Ile de la Passe with Minister of Education, Culture and Human Resources Vasant Bunwaree at the Blue Penny Museum in Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis. The event was organized by the National Heritage Trust Fund.  The exhibition, initially launched at the historic Naval Museum at Mahebourg on August 20, 2008, is scheduled to last for three weeks in Port Louis. 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.

Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser, with Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White, addresses the audience at the end of the program.

Digital Video Conference on the Theme "Black Africans / African Americans:  What Are the Commonalities beyond Race"
February 18, 2009

As part of its activities for Black History Month 2009, the Public Affairs Section hosted a digital video conference (DVC) in collaboration with Africa Regional Services (ARS) Paris on the theme: “Black Africans /African Americans: What Are the Commonalities beyond Race?” 

Among the guests were South African High Commissioner to Mauritius Dumi Matabane and his wife Anna, leader of political party “Les Verts Fraternels” Sylvio Michel. A premiere for the Embassy in Port Louis: an International Visitor Leadership Program Alumni and member of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, Mrs. Arlette Perrine Bégué, was invited to call from the island of Rodrigues (a dependency of Mauritius) and pose a question over the telephone during the DVC.  At the end of the program, Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser spoke briefly about the importance of the DVC’s theme especially in regards to the centennial of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) commemorated this year.

Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser addressing the audience.

The Embassy Launches Black History Month Activities with a Talk on the Theme:  "Barack Obama:  Audacity of Hope for Minorities"
February 11, 2009

On Wednesday, February 11, the Public Affairs Section launched its Black History Month (BHM) activities with a talk on the theme: “Barack Obama: Audacity of Hope for Minorities.” The audience was made up of researchers and executive members of the National Heritage Trust Fund (NHF), the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund (MHF), the Museum Council, academics and the media. The program started with a brief video extract on the inauguration of President Barack Obama followed by welcome remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser. She spoke about Black History Month and how it honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles such as slavery, prejudice and poverty. The guest speakers in the program were Diana Bablee, Chairperson of the National Heritage Trust Fund and Jean Yves Violette, of Union Pour le Progrès and Federation des Creoles Mauriciens. The Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer, Craig White and the Political/Economic Officer, Quentin Barber, also gave exposés on the theme.  After the different presentations, the floor was opened to a lively Q&A session.

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White addressing the audience at the University of Mauritius, and the other speakers at the table (from left to right), Mahmood Cheeroo, Roukaya Kasenally and Quentin Barber.

Talk at the University of Mauritius on the Theme "21st Century America:  The Challenges Facing the Obama Administration"
January 21, 2009

The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities of the University of Mauritius sponsored a talk on the inauguration of Barack Obama as 44^th President and first African-American President of the United States of America. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White and Political/Economic Officer Quentin Barber were invited by the Department of Communication Studies to join General Secretary of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mahmood Cheeroo to talk about the challenges facing the Obama administration. Some fifty students in political science, media and communications and sociology attended the event, as well as some lecturers and members of the American Chamber of Commerce. The program was led by Dr. Roukaya Kasenally, Head of the Communication Studies Department at the University of Mauritius. The panelists were then invited to comment on the event from a political, diplomatic and economic perspective.  After their expose, the floor was opened to a lively session of questions and answers from the audience.

Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser is interviewed by MBC TV at the Embassy.

Inauguration of 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama:   Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser Interviewed by the Mauritian Media
January 20, 2009

On the occasion of Barack Obama's inauguration, Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser gave an interview to the Mauritian Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) TV, sharing her reactions and those of the Embassy to this historic event. The Chargé d'Affaires also participated in a live one-hour discussion program, in French, dedicated to Barack Obama's inauguration on private radio station Radio One on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. The other guest participants in the program were former Minister of Foreign Affairs Anil Gayan and former Mauritian Ambassador to the U.S. Chitmansing Jesseramsing.

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White surveys the parade in the yard of Goodlands Social Welfare Center.

Commemoration of 80th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King
January 17, 2009

On Saturday, January 17, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy organized a talk in collaboration with the Baden Powell Scouts Association to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King’s 80th birth anniversary.  Seventy boys’ scouts and girls’ guides led by Goolam Peerbux, General Secretary of the association and well-known social worker in Mauritius, assembled early in the yard of Goodlands Social Welfare Center in the north of the island. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Craig White surveyed the scouts’ parade before proceeding to the hall.  Mr. Peerbux and Craig White gave opening remarks to the audience which also included some parents of the boy scouts and girls’ guides. 

The program started with the projection of “The March” and was followed by four group presentations on the similarities between the principles of Dr. King and those of scouting.  Dr. Vasant Bunwaree, Minister of Education, Culture and Human Resources marked the end of the program by his presence to deliver a message of hope to the young audience. He was accompanied by elected members of the constituency and the Chairman of the District Council of Pamplemousses (north).  The Public Affairs Section rewarded all presenters with IIP publications and the eJournal USA “World Youth Building a Future.”

Ambassador Cabrera addresses the guests at Clemens House.

Farewell to Ambassador Cesar Cabrera
January 8, 2009

On Thursday, January 8, Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Blaser and Mr. Mitch Blaser hosted a reception at their residence, Clemens House in Floreal, to say farewell to Ambassador Cesar Cabrera and Mrs. Helvetia Cabrera.  The guests were essentially comprised of diplomats and American Officers at the Embassy. Virginia Blaser underlined Ambassador Cabrera’s contributions to Mission Port Louis during his tour in Mauritius. Ambassador Cabrera for his part shared his appreciation of Mauritius and Seychelles and certainly did not hide his preference for Rodrigues, an island dependency of Mauritius, which he visited several times.