Speeches

Remarks by Ambassador Cesar Cabrera
at the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program Signing Ceremony in Rodrigues

February 21, 2008
Office of the Commissioner
Port Mathurin, Rodrigues

Representatives of the grantee organizations
Members of the press and media
Honored guests

I am very happy to be here today on behalf of the United States Government to sign our annual Self-Help Agreements.  It is my distinct pleasure to award eleven (11) Rodriguan NGOs and community groups one point one (1.1) million rupees to implement their respective projects.  This year we had a record number of Rodriguan organizations submit proposals, which resulted in an increase in the number of projects awarded to these groups. 

The United States Government established the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program in Mauritius in 1968.  The Program’s main goal is to improve basic economic, social, and environmental conditions at the community level.  Self-Help activities encourage grass-roots initiatives to solve problems and involve a significant contribution by beneficiaries of the funds.  The U.S. Embassy serves only to assist the beneficiaries in achieving their goals. 

To date, the Embassy has funded forty-two (42) special projects for NGOs in Rodrigues totaling more than three million rupees.  These projects focused on supporting self-sustaining development programs and investing in the human capital of Rodrigues. For example, we have supported vocational training for disadvantaged youth, women’s empowerment programs, enhancement of agricultural production, development of the fishermens’ catch, and education and training for disabled children. 

I am pleased with the diversity of the projects selected, and I am confident that these projects will have a direct impact on the lives of many Rodriguan citizens.  The Embassy selects innovative projects that span the island and range widely in nature, scope, and location to ensure that we partner with a variety of creative and diverse NGOs.

To date, the Embassy has funded forty-two (42) special projects for NGOs in Rodrigues totaling more than three million rupees.  These projects  focused on supporting self-sustaining development programs and investing in the human capital of Rodrigues. For example, we have supported vocational training for disadvantaged youth, women’s empowerment programs, enhancement of agricultural production, development of the fishermen’s catch, and education and training for disabled children. 

I am pleased with the diversity of the projects selected, and I am confident that these projects will have a direct impact on the lives of many Rodriguan citizens.  The Embassy selects innovative projects that span the island and range widely in nature, scope, and location to ensure that we partner with a variety of creative and diverse NGOs.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the organizations selected for their initiative and efforts to better their community.  The people here today -- the designers and implementers of these projects --  are the real heroes.  I applaud you for your commendable efforts, and I thank you for your good works. 

It is a pleasure to all of us at the U.S. Embassy to be a part of your community.

Thank you.