Mauritius Australia Connection

Dylan Collard - Benfica Jr Superstar

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:24:00 +0000

Latest from Didier Collard (Father of Dylan-Benfica Jr Superstar)

Didier Collard

Dylan will officially enter into a new contract with his club Benfica in the next 2 weeks.So proud of my boy today,finally felt better today and played with the group of 12-14 years today, kicked ass, scored 4 goals, 2 cracking ones and was outstanding. So good watching him play and enjoy himself, he could not wait any longer to get back in the game after a well deserved holiday.

YouTube Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLafSJFNDDQ

Love you heaps Dylan Collard,

Papa.

Mauritian Foods in Dandenong, Vic, Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:33:00 +0000

66 Hemmings Street, Dandenong, Vic, Australia


Green Coriander Cafe, Walker Street Hub Arcade, Walker Street, Dandenong, Vic, Australia

Mauritian dishes, including dal pouris and faratas can be purchased from Mauritian Food at 66 Hemmings Street in Dandenong. They also sell other Mauritian goodies such as achards and crushed chillies. This shop is run by the very popular Dario Lahausse.

Similarly, Nitin Patrichot runs the Green Coriander Cafe in the Walker Street Hub Arcade in Dandenong (near Dandenong Plaza), where you can also purchase a variety of Mauritian dishes such as vindaye ourite plus other Mauritian goodies. The latter establishment also has a very nice restaurant setting where you can enjoy these Mauritian dishes.

Their Mauritian foods will bring to you this special Mauritian taste. Next time you want to enjoy Mauritian foods at home without the trouble to cook, just drop in and order some takeaways. Their prices are reasonable. In order to keep them going and offer more Mauritian foods at very competitive prices, drop in and support them. Tell them that you read about their establishments from the Mauritius Australia Connection-Caripoule Mauritian Food Blog and they may give you a discount.

Bon Appetit.

Influence of Italian Cuisine in Mauritian Cuisine

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 03:35:00 +0000

Mauritian Cuisine has been well and truly an international cuisine since the times of settlement in Mauritius. It has undergone a subtle blending and "raprochement" between its component cuisine cultures. For example, its curries are definitely less spicy pungent than the Indian ones. I remember talking to the Jasmin Restaurant owner in Adelaide many years ago. He was looking for a Mauritian Chef & I asked him why. He responded by saying that the Mauritian Indian Cuisine is more accepted by Europeans because of its subtle blend of Creole & Indian cuisines in its curries. Namely, the use of tomato rougaille influenced style sauce in its curries.

Italian families did in fact settle in Mauritius. Family names such as Luciani, Cavallo & Cimiotti have Italian connections. The current baby boomers' generation remembers well the famous "Plat de Macaroni" that used to be the special treat for special occasions like the New Year. In Mauritius today, Italian restaurants such as Luigi's Italian Pizzeria & Pasta Bar in Grand Baie are very popular.

The lasagna cooked by Mauritians now includes the incorporation of chilli and other herbs into the sauce to give it that special Mauritian Creole flavour. Traditionally, in Northern Italy, the lasagna includes the use of a Bechamel sauce to finish off the lasagna whilst in Southern Italy only a tomato sauce is used with greater use of cheeses like the mozzarella cheese. Another theory is that the name lasagna for the lasagna dish originated from Greece,comes from the Greek λάσανα (lasana) or λάσανον (lasanon) meaning "trivet or stand for a pot". In fact, a Greek colleague of mine told me that the Greek lasagna does not use a Bechamel sauce, in line with the Southern Italian preference. In fact, Southern Italy was part of Greece in ancient history and that would explain the non use of the Bechamel sauce in the Greek lasagna..

Anyhow, you can enjoy this lasagna by trying the recipe at http://ile-maurice.tripod.com/lasagnamau.htm

Tropical Carbonara with Prawns

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:43:00 +0000

Tropical Carbonara with Prawns

Ingredients:

250 grams shelled
green prawns
500 grams dried egg
fettucine pasta
4 eggs
80 grams freshly grated
parmesan cheese
300 ml fresh cream
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons dry sherry
2 tablespoon of virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:

Shell and de-vein the prawns. Season the prawns with the dry sherry, salt and pepper to taste. Allow to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
In a frying pan over medium high heat, put 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Stir fry the prawns until just cooked. Remove from pan and place over kitchen paper to drain surplus oil and butter. Cut into bite size portions or leave as is to your preference.
In a pot large enough for the fettucine to boil freely, boil sufficient water to cook the pasta over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Wait until the water is bubbling freely, then add the fettucine and cook until al dente (just soft but slightly hard or according to instructions on the packet).
Whilst the fettucine is cooking, beat the eggs, freshly grated parmesan cheese and the fresh cream in a large bowl.
Drain the fettucine pasta when cooked. Put the pasta back in the pot, add a splash of virgin olive oil and mix gently. Beat up the egg, freshly grated parmesan and cream mixture once more and add to the pasta in the pot. Gently mix together. Stir in the prawns and mix gently. Place pot over low to medium heat. Allow to cook over low heat and gently stir mix the pasta with the egg, cream, parmesan cheese and prawn mixture. Gently stir mix constantly without crushing the pasta. Be careful not to overcook the pasta and sauce.
Allow to cook only until the egg mixture is just done. Serve onto a warm serving dish and sprinkle with some more freshly grated parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper and serve immediately. Enjoy with a green salad or steamed asparagus seasoned with with oil, vinegar and freshly sliced onions.
Options: You can substitute the prawns with other sea foods cut into bite size portions. As usual, do not overcook as this would toughen sea foods such as calamari, pipis or octopus.

Access more recipes at http://ile-maurice.tripod.com

Meaning of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Sat, 28 May 2011 23:00:00 +0000

Meaning of Love

To love is to share life together
to build special plans just for two
to work side by side
and then smile with pride
as one by one, dreams all come true.

To love is to help and encourage
with smiles and sincere words of praise
to take time to share
to listen and care
in tender, affectionate ways.

To love is to have someone special
one who you can always depend
to be there through the years
sharing laughter and tears
as a partner, a lover, a friend.

To love is to make special memories
of moments you love to recall
of all the good things
that sharing life brings
love is the greatest of all.

I've learned the full meaning
of sharing and caring
and having my dreams all come true;
I've learned the full meaning
of being in love
by being and loving with you.

Recipes from Madeleine

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:42:00 +0000

Recipes from Madeleine
Many have written to me expressing their sadness at Madeleine's departure from this world and support for me and the family during these difficult times. The family and myself are extremely appreciative of this. Support that poured in from everywhere well and truly helped in coping with her death.

As reported previously, the compilation of the great majority of the recipes for 'Recipes from Mauritius" involved intensive discussions between Madeleine and myself about the cooking techniques and the intent of the original recipes. I learned a lot from Madeleine from these discussions. I also have a collection of draft recipes that are yet to be published. Her approach to Mauritian cuisine was directed at retaining this unique Mauritian taste and aroma that can only come from true Mauritian cuisine. She literally disliked the modern approach whereby shortcuts are introduced mostly for commercial expediency. "True Mauritian cuisine comes from the heart" she said.
The Recipes from Mauritius website recently underwent a major update and that resulted in visits increasing by 1500 daily. These days, the Mauritius Australia Connection portal web site, incorporating the Recipes from mauritius web site, receives in excess of 5000 visits daily. That is, 1.8 millions visitors annually.
I am currently have on my project list the following tasks:
1. Writing a book titled "Living and Coping with Cancer-I will always love you" on Madeleine's battle with breast, ovarian, secondary breast and metastatic ovarian cancers, including its impact on Madeleine and sharing our experience with others facing a similar predicament.
2. Upgrading the Mauritius Australia Connection web site into a format similar to the Recipes from Mauritius format.
3. Writing a book on Mauritian Cuisine transmitting Madeleine's legacy on Mauritian Cuisine.
4. Establishing a web site entitled "Les Bonnes Manieres" reflecting Madeleine's advice on good manners that she dearly passed on to her family, especially the grand children. Something that is clearly missing in this modern day of TV dinners.
On a personal note, it has extremely hard coping with her departure. However, she still lives on in our heart. The above projects hopefully will assist in accepting her departure from this world. We all miss her wonderful presence. As per this famous Malagasy saying: The departed ones never die if we keep them alive in our thoughts."

May I Tell You About Madeleine?

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:01:00 +0000

May I Tell You About Madeleine?
The shock is easing off but the pain is still there with the highs and lows. I alternate between acceptance and downright grief asking myself: “Why her and why me?” One minute I am all cheery and the next minute, tears are streaming uncontrollably when I flashback to the happy times we had together. In church last Sunday, tears were streaming down my cheeks at the thought of her not being around anymore. Grief drives you to feel like you are lifeless with no incentive to do or start doing anything. However, when I think of Madeleine, she would not want me to let go and be miserable. So I recompose myself and get going again. She was not one to let go and I remember the good times we had together and her support for all things that I wanted to achieve.

We had more than a great marriage. Some people called it “Love story”. Many referred to us as the perfect couple. The two individuals merged into one entity. She knew me perfectly and I knew her perfectly. We daily exchanged our thoughts on things that took place during the day. No important decision was ever made without an exchange of opinion on our personal views. After 34 years of marriage, we were still in love like 17 years old teenagers. She loved me unconditionally and I loved her unconditionally.

We were best friends and thrived on one another’s company; we kept in touch with each other at all times. I remember when on one of the rare occasions that she travelled overseas without me, the phone bill was greater than a return air fare to where she was. That did not matter as we had to know what each other was doing at all times.

When anyone asks me about Madeleine, I always tell them that she was special and the perfect partner. Her mission in life was to make sure that I was never wanting for anything and that the family was OK. In return, I made sure that she was not wanting for anything and that no harm came to her. On top of it all, she was classy without being obnoxious. A kind of subtle classiness that made sure that good manners, good dress sense, respect for others and considerate behaviour prevailed. She was forthright in her views and left you in no doubt as to what her thoughts were.

Every morning, I would leave home for work and kiss her good bye. She would make sure that I was dressed properly and would remind me to be careful on the road both to and from work. Every evening, she would welcome me with a welcome kiss and tell me about her day. One of her most important tasks was to feed me well and make sure that I had the best meals that could ever be cooked.

When I asked her last Christmas and for her birthday “What she would like ?” she responded by saying “ I have everything and there is really nothing that I particularly want.” I gave her the same answer on similar occasions. We generally agreed to something that would be of common interest or something that that one of us would really want to have. That’s how we bought an iPad in December last and that was her last present to me. Of course, we both prayed for her health to come back.

Losing Madeleine was what I feared most in life, but I didn’t see it coming despite her long term battle with breast, ovarian, secondary breast cancer and metastatic ovarian cancer. She would win one battle after another and despite her worsening condition during her last two months, I was used to her battling her way through. It hurt real bad when she was in hospital with only days to live. She said to me: “Please help me” and there was nothing I could do. So far, I had been able to fix things for her every time all the time. Cancer had me beaten this time.

We all know something about grief and loss. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, we go through a grieving process: the death of our former selves, followed by finding our new normal. That's what Madeleine and myself did, although this time I’m grieving her death and the end of my life with her, and finding my new normal without her. Grieving the loss of Madeleine has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Every now and then, I cry uncontrollably and begged God to help me through this pain. Missing Madeleine and not being able to do anything about it, except linger in this achingly slow passage of time is agonizing. With the support of the loved ones, I realize that while it doesn’t seem like it, I am beginning to slowly move forward. I am moving though some of this pain and grief. Half of me is gone with her but half of her has stayed with me.

I take comfort that Madeleine was respected and loved by all. Messages of condolence poured from all over the world and the church overflowed with loved ones, family, friends and work colleagues during her funeral service. “Caring, sincere and loving” were some of the words I heard over and over to describe her; she did things because they were the right things to do, and so many people told me how much they loved her. She was a person who put God, loved ones, family, friends and doing the right thing above all else.

Madeleine (or Loune as I called her), I will always love you, need you, want you, miss you and marvel at you. I know you are with God. Please call and let me know you got there alright.

Clancy Philippe

Livestock exports to Mauritius threatened by Somali pirates

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 22:51:00 +0000

Livestock exports to Mauritius threatened by Somali pirates
Extract from http://www.nation.co.ke

Livestock farmers in the country are the latest victims of the growing piracy threat off the East African coast. The export of live animals to Mauritius will only resume when a bigger ship with sufficient room to hold more animals is available.

The new ship will reduce the number of trips to Mauritius through the East African waters, which have in the recent past recorded increased number of pirate attacks. The special ship that was previously used to deliver the animals was withdrawn this year when the rate of pirate attacks reached unprecedented levels, said Mr Mohammed Mursal, director of the Global Livestock Traders, the firm contracted to handle Mauritius exports.
“The small ship could only carry about 1,000 animals. But with a bigger ship that can accommodate about 5,000 animals, the importer would only require to make a single trip to Kenya and another single trip to South Africa to meet the demand,” Mr Mursal said. This could reduce the cost of providing security.

Des gouts et des couleurs-Jardin de la Compagnie, Port Louis

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:54:00 +0000

Clancy,
Regarde cette cacade !!! à diffuser largement sur tes groupes
faut-il préciser que cette construction incongrue n'est autre que des WC publics bâtis en plein milieu du jardin de la Compagnie des Indes à Port Louis (MUS) !
Notre Léoville L'homme est "aux premières loges"
Henri Maurel
Villeneuve Loubet
France

Vous avez tort! La photo est prise d'un angle subjectif!
Il ya avait déjà des toilettes dans ce jardin. A l'arrière de la statue de Adrien d'Epinay.
Ceux qui critique ont accès au toilettes privés des entreprises. ET comment vont faire les clochards? , les touristes? les vieux? les simples gens?
Ne pissez pas sur le malheureux peuple! A part les toilettes de ce jardin, connaissez-vous un lieu où un passant peut pisser à Port Louis? La mairie de Port Louis a fait de son mieux.. Elle aurait pu faire mieux , d'accord mais...
Il faut voir le problème d'un autre angle.
Tristan Bréville.

Cher Monsieur Breville,
Angle subjectif ou pas il eût fallu que la municipalité choisisse un autre endroit pour ériger ces vespasiennes, dans un coin discret à l'écart des regards par exemple.
Ce n'est pas cette construction qui me pousse à émettre une opinion, mais simplement du fait qu'elle a été érigée en plein milieu du jardin de La Compagnie !
c'est aussi incongru que d'avoir un drainage au milieu de son living !
respectueusement
Henri Maurel

Bonjour Henri,
Vous avez raison, j'y suis passé dernièrement et je dois dire que ce beau jardin est complètement défiguré par les 'ti-lotels mine' d'un côté et ce désordre organisé de l'autre. Comme disait un politicien, mettez un rasoir dans la main d'un singe et vous verrez les dégâts. On a mis des incompétents au sein de l'administration municipale voire gouvernementale, et peut voir les dégâts que cela occasionne.
Eric BAHLOO

D'accord pour le design et la couleur.
Les Musulmans peignent en vert, les catholiques en gris ou bleu ou or, les hindous en arc en ciel , les chinois en jaune ou en or.
Mais, trêve de plaisanterie, La mairie a une faiblesse: absence d'un directeur artistique pour ses projets. Le surintendant des jardins, M. Thondee, est compétent mais pas artiste , encore moins esthète! Il gere bien les jardins municipaux mais la vision artistique et esthétique, ce n'est pas sa tasse de thé! L'ile Maurice regorge d'artistes et ils seraient ravis de donner leur avis! Dommage.!
Tristan Bréville

Je n'ai pas de probleme avec les toilettes per se mais la couleur !!!!
Et on aurait pu leur donner un look plus ancien et compatible avec son environnement
Marcel Lindsay Noë

Tristan,
Tout est subjectif dans la vie, raison pour laquelle il y a des cours de justice pour ramener une certaine objectivité. Le problème n'est pas forcément ces toilettes, car il n'y a que là que nous sommes d'ailleurs tous égaux, mais surtout la façon et le goût avec lesquelles elles ont été construites.
D'ailleurs pour un pays à touristes comme le nôtre, la qualité de ce lieu de prédilection doit être irréprochable. Allez faire un tour comme moi dans les toilettes de la Gare Victoria ou celles de Jan Palach - là où ne vont ni ministres ni députés mais les petites gens comme moi - et vous n'aurez pas envie de manger pendant au moins trois jours.
Amitiés
Eric

Des goûts, des couleurs et ... des senteurs ! quelle incongruité ! Certainement une attraction touristique à l'avenir: on va se fiche de nous, c'est clair amicalement Henri Maurel

Bonjour
Maintenant que cette "cacade" est la, il faudra faire avec.
Faisons pression afin qu'ils trouvent un artiste pour faire umn "trompe oeil" sur cette vespasienne. Un artiste pourrait faire un trompe oeil,un massif fleuri par exemple.
Yves heeraman

Walking With Lions, Casela Nature & Leisure Park, Mauritius

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:09:00 +0000

This is becoming a real selling point for Mauritius. Hope they have established safeguards to protect the guests, should the lions decide to have lunch, breakfast or dinner. Looks very professionally organised. Well done to Casela.

Jean Claude Cimiotti-Le Metteur en Scene

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:26:00 +0000

Question: What is the most precious of your childhood memories?
Answer: My most precious childhood memories are the 14 years of country life which I enjoyed during my youth. As my Father was a Station Master in the Mauritius Railways, he worked in several rural regions in Mauritius namely in Roche-Bois, Cluny, Petite Riviere. I will never forget those years of country life during my childhood. This has allowed me to learn at a very young age the hardship of manual work and to appreciate the joy of harvesting the fruits of my labour.

Question: When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?
Answer: My Wife Nicole and I and our four children Bruno, Aldo, Franco and Sonia left Mauritius on 31st December 1982 and landed in Australia on NewYear day 1st January 1983.

Question: What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?
Answer: The easy going way of Australians. The freedom of speech of the Media. The fact that you can show your preference for a political party without the fear of reprisals.

Question: What did you do in your first job or occupation?
Answer: My first job was as a secondary school teacher. Then I joined the Ministry of Lands as Assistant Land Surveyor.

Question: What are / were your career highlights?
Answer: 1965 :- Assistant Land Surveyor Ministry of Lands, Mauritius
1968:- Awarded a scholarship to study Aerial Survey in The Netherlands
1970:- Obtained Diploma in Photogrammetric Engineering
1971:- Appointed Quays Superintendent in Marine Services, Mauritius
1976:- Appointed Port Manager in the Mauritius Ports Authority
1983:- Migrated to Australia
1984:- Joined Australian Customs Service in Melbourne
1995:- Promoted Customs Inspector in the Australian Customs Service
1998-99:- Worked as Port Consultant for Mauritius Ports Authority in Port Louis
2000:- In charge of Securities section in the Australian Customs Service
2005:- Retired from Australian Customs Service

Question: What is your favourite book?
Answer: "Les Misérables" of Victor Hugo
Why?..... because in "Les Misérables" you can find " Toute la grandeur et la fureur et la douleur de la conscience humaine."

Question: What do you like most in people?
Answer: Loyalty, Frankness, Punctuality and good manners.

Question: Who do you admire most?
Answer: I have never practised "Le culte de la personalité."

Question: What is your favourite dish?
Answer: Rice & Daube "Grois pois" with tripes & a Chatiny coco.

Question: What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?
Answer: I am a perfectionist and always aim to achieve the best in everything I undertake or do.

Question: Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?
Answer: Having obtained my Phogrammetric Diploma in 1970.
Working as Port Consultant in 1998 & 1999 on the New Port project in Mauritius.
2004:- Publishing a 300 page book on the Genealogy of the Cimiotti Family.
2007:- Publishing my Autobiography.
Presenting to my fellow-countrymen in Melbourne some opérettes in French.

Question: What is the most memorable moment in your life?
Answer: The day I landed on Australian soil with my wife Nicole and my four children to settle permanently in this wonderful country.

Question: If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?
Answer: I would not use the magic wand because then I would have got something for which I have not put any effort in obtaining. For me the greatest joy and reward is to reap after you have put in some effort.

Question: What is most precious to you at this point in your life?
Answer: My wife and my Children & GrandChildren.

Question: What are your plans for the future?
Answer: To attend the 100th Birthday of my Mother in 2013 in Mauritius.
To celebrate with my wife our Golden Jubilee in 2014.

Marcel Lindsay Noe-Roi des Corsaires

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:53:00 +0000

Photo: Marcel with General Nebout & Yves-Alain Corporeau

Question:
What is the most precious of your childhood memories?
Answer:Growing up in Rose Belle, in the Mauritian countryside...and going to school in New Grove.
Secondary schooling at St Esprit College and carefree teenage years.

Question:
When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?
Answer:
I came to Melbourne in 1968 with a very young family. For the adventure, more so than for fleeing the economic and political situation back home.

Question:
What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?
Answer:
A land of plenty where your hard work can get you just about anything.

Question:
What did you do in your first job or occupation?
Answer:
Medical Representative

Question:
What are / were your career highlights?
Answer:
Youngest Sales Manager in the Pharmaceutical Industry.
Topping Australia at the Marketing Exams.
Creating "La Bonne Vie" and introducing the first French beer, Brittany Crepes and french wine into mass distribution in Australia.
Delegate General in Australia for the International Festival of the Sea in Mauritius,1987.
Back in Mauritius publishing lifestyle and Tourist magazines.
Conception and Event Management of "30 year Independence Celebrations" on the Port-Louis Waterfront. Largest crowd in the history of Maurtius (200,000 people)
Conception of Grand Port 2010 Bicentenary celebrations.

Question:
What is your favourite book?
Answer:
Surcouf Roi des Corsaires.

Question:
What do you like most in people?
Answer:
Straightforwardness& Honesty. (What you see is what you get).
Humour & Smiles.
Culture.

Question:
Who do you admire most?
Answer:
(Past): Mahatma Gandhi
(Present): Nelson Mandela

Question:
What is your favourite dish?
Answer:
(Mauritian): Freshly caught Fish in Madras Curry sauce ++ all the side dishes...
(International): Smoked Salmon (fished in the wild by fishing lines not nets, preventing the bruises) & Alaskan Crab.

Question:
What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?
Answer:
Open mindedness and resilience.

Question:
Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?
Answer:
After 15 years work, creating "1810 Grand Port - Historic Village & Shipyard"
My Magnum Opus.

Question:
What is the most memorable moment in your life?
Answer:
Falling in love for the first of many times.

Question:
If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?
Answer:
Eradicate all religious and political differences. The creation of One Race : The Human Race.
Creation of total Harmony.

Question:
What is most precious to you at this point in your life?
Answer:
My honour and the image I shall leave for my children to live with.

Question:
What are your plans for the future?
Answer:
Completing my Historical Village and continuing to work in the cultural field.
Writing my memoirs.

Eddy Abraham-The Mauritian from Nosy-Bé

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:40:00 +0000

Question:
Where were you born and what is it that you cherish most about your birthplace?
Answer: I was born in Nosy-Bé, in the then French Colony of Madagascar. I cherish the souvenir of our house in Jhabal-Bé where I grew up, the garage where my father used to work, the “Sadua”, Mansion where the French bosses lived, the Church of St Peter & St Paul in Hell-Ville where I was baptised and the Hell-Ville Cemetery where my godfather Benjamin Abraham and my sister Denise Abraham are buried.

Photo of Eddy Abraham with Governor-General Michael Jeffrey at Government House in Canberra

Question:
What is the most precious of your childhood memories?
Answer: Growing up with my sister Maryse, riding our tricycle near the river(full of crocodiles) in our backyard, my father’s vintage car, my Malagasy nanny Mboty Hoahoa, with whom I reconnected after 50 years, my male servant Miser, who put me to bed every night, the Pouce Pouce which took my sister and me to school in Hell-Ville everyday, my caring godmother Cécile Le Gros (deceased), my loving parents Marcel & Suzanne Abraham (deceased) and my dog Noiro, which chased our car, the day we left Jhabal-Bé to catch the boat to Mauritius.

Question:
When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?
Answer: My wife Brigitte, my son Jean-Dominique and I, migrated to Australia in November 1971

Question:
What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?
Answer: The easy going way of life, the concept of a fair go for everyone and the opportunities the country offers to anyone who is willing to take them. I admire the sense of punctuality of Australians and the promotion based on merits. I also like the catch phrase, “No worries” and the way Australians always pay tribute to their elders, their heroes, their legends, whether they were on the battlefields, in sports or in any spheres of human activity.

Question:
What did you do in your first job or occupation?
Answer: Teacher in Government Primary Schools in Mauritius.

Question:
What are / were your career highlights?
Answer: Teaching English as a Second Language in Catholic Primary Schools in Victoria.

Obtaining a one-year scholarship to upgrade my qualifications, sponsored by

The Catholic Education Office of Victoria.

Pioneering a French Language Program for primary school students at St.

Colman’s, Balaclava, where there were a lot of Mauritian students.

Developing a Mauritian Studies Kit that was distributed to Catholic Schools with

a high percentage of Mauritian students.

Writing a Booklet, “Mauritians, who are they”, to introduce the Mauritian

Migrant to Catholic Schools.

Entry at La Trobe University and Melbourne University.

Upgrading my teaching qualifications to: Grad. Dip in Inter-Ethnic Studies &

Education, B.Ed.(Primary) and Post Grad. Dip. In Applied Linguistics.

Teaching English as a Second Language at tertiary level, namely at Kangan/

Batman Institute of TAFE.

Question:
What is your favourite book?
Answer: I must mention three:”Histoire de la literature mauricienne de langue francaise”

by Jean-Georges Prosper, “ Beaux Songes”, by Nando Bodha and “ Orchidée”, by

Marc Grégoire.

Question:
What do you like most in people?
Answer: Loyalty, fair play, frankness, reciprocating my sincerity, people who are achievers and not opportunists just sitting on others’ sweat, people who show their true colours, people who don’t lose their dignity, people who don’t self appropriate others’ laurels.

Question:
Who do you admire most?
Answer: Nelson Mandella

Question:
What is your favourite dish?
Answer: Beefsteak aux pommes.

Question:
What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?
Answer: I am a perfectionist, a man of my word, punctual, a well-mannered person. I give credit where credit is due. I am sincere, trustworthy and I speak my mind

Question:
Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?
Answer: Receiving the Order of Australia Medal.

Receiving the Inaugural Medal for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs.

Receiving the Order of St .Peter & St. Paul Medal.

Receiving the Etoile de la Créolophonie Award.

Setting up the Mauritian Program on Ethnic Radio 3ZZZ.

Administrator of the Victoria-Mauritian Pastoral Council

Receiving Holy Communion from late Pope John-Paul 2.

Being invited to two receptions at Government House in Canberra,

hosted by Governor-General Michael Jeffrey and Lady Jeffrey.

Winning a Defamation Case against Jean-Claude Antoine & Weekend.

Correspondent for Radio France Internationale.

Covering the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Coolum,in

2002.

Putting the Mauritian Community on the Ethnic Map of Australia

Representing Mauritians on the Melbourne Archdiocesan Commission on Migration.

Question:
What is the most memorable moment in your life?
Question: My Wedding Day

Question:
If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?
Answer: Share my achievements with my deceased parents.

Question:
What is most precious to you at this point in your life?
Answer: My wife Brigitte and my son Jean-Dominique

Question:
What are your plans for the future?
Answer: Continue to volunteer my teaching services to Australians.

Tessa Naidu-Rising Mauritian Star

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 22:49:00 +0000

Name: Tessa Jennifer Naidu
DOB: 09/12/1977
Place of Birth: Glasgow, Scotland
Parents: Mary Rose Milate (Castel) and René Marcel Naidu (Port Louis)
Grandparents: Roger and Rita Milate & Samuel and Helena Naidu

Mary Milate and René Naidu met and married in Glasgow, Scotland where they had both gone to from Mauritius to study nursing.

Tessa was born in 1977 in Glasgow, but soon after, the family moved to the north of England where Tessa lived till she was 8 years old. The Naidu family emigrated to Adelaide in 1986 and then moved to Melbourne in 1998 where they settled in Wantirna South. Tessa has a younger brother Vince-Lee who was born in Adelaide and is now 18.

Tessa has always loved singing since a young age. Her first memory of singing, was along to songs from “Top of the Pops’ which would drive her parents mad. It was during her time in the choir at her Adelaide secondary school that Tessa developed her singing skills and had a chance to take part in recording in a real studio. Tessa’s music teacher used to tell her that she had a great ear for music and despite not being professionally trained in reading or writing music Tessa was able to memorise pieces of music on keyboard, guitar and drums.

Tessa enjoys a wide range of music and attributes this to her father, René’s influence who encouraged her from a young age to appreciate all types of music – from R’n’B to Soul, alternative, world, dance, rock and of course sega.

Tessa’s first memories of sega are dancing and singing for whole weekends at friends’ houses in England. Tessa says her first memory is dancing to Viré Mama. Tessa says that her favourite kind of sega is the raw, typique sega – “the kind that you sing by the beach or on a bus picnic with family and friends” she notes. And each time Tessa visits Mauritius – seven times since she was 3, she has a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Her mother is one of 10 brothers and sisters and her father one of 7. Tessa remarks “there are so many cousins, it’s great!”

Tessa says that she first picked up the créole language on her first trip to Mauritius at the age of 3. “ I picked up the swear words first, but then when I came home to England I spoke only créole – when we got back to England, mum had to keep me at home to re-learn English!” This has helped Tessa to be fluent in the créole language, which in turn provides that a Glasgow-born, English-raised Australian can sing sega so well!

“People are often amazed that I am able to sing sega, but particularly that I can sing and speak in créole. People often tell me that I sing in the raw style of Nancy Derogère – but on the new album my voice style is different and people are surprised,” Tessa says.

Tessa notes that she was so pleased to have the opportunity to take part in Christian Calou’s latest album “Dialsa Kréole”. Tessa has 2 main songs on the album “Zozo Malheur” and “Voyage Forcé”, but also sings back-up on a number of other tracks. Tessa says that her favourite song to sing was “Zozo Malheur” and that she really enjoyed recording in Cassiya’s studio – a group who she has always idolised. Tessa also enjoyed the time spent in Mauritius in 2004, despite the hectic schedule of doing radio and newspaper interviews – she had the chance to work with and meet great Mauritian artists such as Désiré Saramandif, Sandra Mayotte, José Pitchen, Kathy Martin and the group Kazamik.

Tessa is starting to sit down and write her own songs, with the help of her partner of 3 years Dylan Reed. Tessa says that she appreciates that the person who has most supported her singing has been Dylan, who plays both piano/keyboard and clarinet and is helping Tessa to work on the theory side of putting the music/songs together that she is writing.

Sylvio Lebret-The Quiet Achiever

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Sat, 11 Feb 2006 01:33:00 +0000

Question:
Where were you born and what is it that you cherish most about your birthplace?
Answer:
Mauritius. The scenery: mountains and beaches and places of historical interest.

Question:
What is the most precious of your childhood memories?
Answer:
The day I won one of the Senior Scholarships in December 1941, which enabled me to enjoy five years of free secondary education at the Royal College, along with free travel by train and half price textbook.

Question:
When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?
Answer:
In April 1971, I arrived at Melbourne and my family joined me in July 1971.

Question:
What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?
Answer:
The remarkable good relations among the different ethnic groups and communities.

Question:
What did you do in your first job or occupation?
Answer:
As a survey apprentice, I studied and worked to become a Sworn Land Surveyor.

Question:
What are / were your career highlights?
Answer:
In 1964, I was the surveyor of the Ministry of Lands chosen to work with a team of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UNESCO on a large project of improvement to irrigation. I won a commendation for my involvement.

Question:
What is your favourite book?
Answer:
My cross-words dictionary and Thesaurus.

Question:
What do you like most in people?
Answer:
Modesty, humility and good manners.

Question:
Who do you admire most?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi.

Question:
What is your favourite dish?
Answer:
Rice, chicken curry and a green (bredes).

Question:
What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?
Answer:
Caring for others to the point of being worried that I could not do better. I am also proud of having been a blood donor for 48 years.

Question:
Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?
Answer:
My involvement within Clubs and organizations: 14 years as Secretary and six as President of the Stella Clavisque Club (Australia/Mauritius); seven years as President of the Mauritian Silver Edge Club, while being Treasurer of the Committee of Management of the John Pandazopoulos Hall in Doveton.
Question:
What is the most memorable moment in your life?
Question:
My wedding day.

Question:
If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?
Answer:
More financial security, and passing away quietly without being a burden to people around me.

Question:
What is most precious to you at this point in your life?
Answer:
Unity within my family – my wife, our four sons and two daughters in law.

Question:
What are your plans for the future?
Answer:
To keep on helping others, specially the needy, disabled and elderlies. I would like to continue my fourteen and a half years of participation in “ Meals on wheels” project as long as I shall be able to.

Paule Collard-Community Dynamo

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 22:29:00 +0000

Question:
Where were you born and what is it that you cherish most about your birthplace?
Answer:
I was born in Cassis, a small village in Port-Louis. It was a very peaceful place. We knew all our neighbours. The school as well as the church were not very far. I used to accompany my grandmother to the 5 o’clock mass every Sunday and the best thing was the poutous she used to buy after mass.

Question:
What is the most precious of your childhood memories?
Answer:
The most important, but not really precious, event that has always stood out in my memory and I’m sure that it strengthened my character happened when I was nearly four years old. My sister had received a doll for her birthday and this doll became the terror of my life for when its tummy was pressed, a long red tongue would spring out and this scared me out of my wits; my sister knew that and she would do it just for the fun of it. One day, I took my courage into both hands; got hold of the doll, went behind a door and closing my eyes really tight I pressed its tummy and pulled as hard as I could on the red tongue. It ripped, I threw it down and stamped on it. Of course I was in real trouble with Mum but I was pleasantly relieved. Since then, I think I haven’t been scared of much.

Question:
When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?
Answer:
I migrated to Australia, with my family, on December 23rd, 1967.

Question:
What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?
Answer:
I really like the easy going way the Australians have, i.e not interfering with others and giving everyone a fair go.

Question:
What did you do in your first job or occupation?
Answer:
My very first job in Australia was in a lingerie factory, where I worked for three months. I had to sort out the blue pieces of lingerie from the white ones; by the end of the day, I couldn’t distinguish the blues from the whites and of course I was in big trouble; so I quit..

Question:
What are / were your career highlights?
Answer:
After the bad experience in the lingerie factory, I applied to the State Education Department and became a teacher for 23 years. I was very happy and I could have gone on until I turned 100. The principals I had and the teachers I worked with were always helpful. The first day in a classroom was rather dramatic for me though .I was sent to St Kilda Park Primary school to start. When I arrived, the principal gave me a grade 5 to teach. When I stood in front of the class, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There wasn’t one dark child in the class and those kids’ eyes were so clear. The next day some parents came to have a look at me for some of the children had gone home and said that I didn’t look like them and I didn’t talk like them. Anyway, one mother said to me “I would love my daughter to pick up your accent”. That put a bit of honey on the whole thing. When the Mauritian parents found out that I was teaching at a school in their area, they would try to get their children in my class. During all my years of teaching, the parents and teachers were very supportive and friendly.

Question:
What is your favourite book?
Answer:
This is a hard one. I have favourite authors instead of books, such as Robin Cook, Jeffrey Archer, Colin Hayes, Michael Palmer, Jeffrey Deaver etc. Anyway all those who write about thrillers, intrigues etc. I also like fiction stories involving ancient history of different countries.
Question:
What do you like most in people?
Answer:
I always had a weakness for old people; I feel strongly about their needs and vulnerability. I think this is maybe because I was very close to my grandmother. I like those who are honest and reliable. I then know what to expect whether good or bad.
Question:
What do you dislike most in people?
Answer:
I really dislike hypocrites; specially the crawlers even when they don’t do it to me but one can easily detect them in a social gathering.

Question:
Who do you admire most?
Answer:
I admire those who go about doing their job, voluntary or otherwise, quietly without any fuss or looking for reward. There are quite a few that should be recognised in the Community such as Stella Hennequin and her committee giving their time to the Cancer project she has taken on; the CHARM group specially those members of the committee who have stayed on when the going started to get a bit tough. I mention the above because I have been involved somewhat closer to them than to any other groups.

Question:
What is your favourite dish?
Answer:
Favourite dish? I have never really thought of any special food or dish as I have had to cook for so many through the years. I am not fussy about food and I believe one should eat to live and not the other way around.

Question:
What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?
Answer:
I think I do not stand nonsense; I always tell anyone what I think but as I grow older, I try to be nice about it. If the person doesn’t like it, it’s too bad, at least I am not cheating on my feelings.

Question:
Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?
Answer:
I was very proud to receive the Senior Citizen Achiever Award of Victoria from the Governor of Victoria in 1997. There have been a few before and after that one. Though all are cherished, it will be too long to mention them all. I must stress that I was only the recipient; the members of the Mauritian Golden Age Club are the ones who have been behind me with their support and dedication through all the work and these awards really belong to the whole Club.

Question:
What is the most memorable moment in your life?
Question:
Actually I am privileged, my husband and myself have been able to reach our 55th year of marriage. We went to Mauritius for two weeks to spend that time together, very quietly and it was really great.
Question:
If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?
Answer:
I would wish for at least another home for the Elderlies in the Community as there is still a need.

Question:
What is most precious to you at this point in your life?
Answer:
My health and optimism.

Question:
What are your plans for the future?
Answer:
Do the best I can, where it is needed, not to interfere and upset others in their work. My father used to say” Do what has to be done and do not worry about the rest” I think he was very wise.

Interview with Stella Hennequin

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Sun, 08 Jan 2006 07:06:00 +0000

Question:
Where were you born and what is it that you cherish most about your birthplace?
Answer:
Port Louis Mauritius, the rich culture (music and cuisine), I try to pass it on to my kids and grandchild.

Question:
What is the most precious of your childhood memories?
Answer:
Copying the lyrics of the latest hits/songs on the radio and then learning it off by heart to sing in the back yard with my brother and sisters and the other kids in the neighbourhood in the late afternoons and going for walks after dinner. Story telling by my mother, grandmother and uncle in the evenings before we went to bed. Drinking tea at Tante Jeanne’s house ( I sometimes get a whiff of that tea fragrance and it takes me back to her kitchen when I was 8 years old).

Question:
When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?
Answer:
In 1972.

Question: What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?
Answer:
The freedom and opportunities that you can get here and the Aussie’s attitude of “having a fair go”.

Question:
What did you do in your first job or occupation?
Answer:
I was a sales assistant at Coles Dandenong (made soft serve ice-cream and cordial).

Question:
What are / were your career highlights?
Answer:
Working on secondment at Treasury as the Secretary to Sir Ninian Stephen who was then the Ambassador for the Environment. I learnt such a lot as I was quite green in my first year in the Public Service and totally unaware of environmental issues and its impact on our lives until I went there. At Treasury Place I met many interesting people. My office was two doors down from Kim Beazley who was a young upcoming politician then and Alan Jones the political reporter worked down the hall. I learnt about the mechanics of politics and it helped me become quite clear about never wanting to be involved in politics.
Question:
What is your favourite book?
Answer:
The Magician by Raymond E Feist who got me enthralled into the fantasy/sci-fi world. The Davinci Code - it gives food for though and the whole series of Ian Irvine Tales of the Three World & Robert Jordan the Wheels of Time.

Question:
What do you like most in people?
Answer:
Their uniqueness. The fact that no two people are alike, even though we may be brothers or sisters we are all individual and each brings added value to another.

Question:
What do you dislike most in people?
Answer:
Hypocrisy.

Question:
What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?
Answer:
Patience and common sense

Question:
Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?
Answer:
(1) Having my three children and a grandchild. (2) Co-founding the Francoise Babet Leukaemia Foundation.

Question:
What is the most memorable moment in your life?
Answer:
There are many, most notably the younger years of bringing up my kids and the birth of my granddaughter.
Question:
If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?
Answer:
Give health back to those who are suffering as being healthy is a most precious commodity.

Question:
What is most precious to you at this point in your life?
Answer:
My family and close friends.

Question:
What are your plans for the future?
Answer:
Hopefully be able to retire early and concentrate more on my grandchild/grandchildren when more arrive and help set up a Leukaemia Centre on the Island of Mauritius.

Question:
Who do you admire most?
Answer:
I admire many people in many ways. Those who strive to make a difference and a better world. Globally, I would have to say Mother Teresa as she has shown me what a difference one person can make. Closer to home I admire people like: - Olivier Anthony for fighting his battle against Leukaemia, it takes a lot of courage and it could have been so easy to give up during the dark times but he hung on because he knew others were behind and beside him all the way. - Paule Collard as I believe that she has done a lot for the elderly of our community and just ordinary people who decide that they will do good in this world and get up and do it.

Question:
What is your favourite dish?
Answer:
Fricassée Margoze & Poisson Salé - Salted Fish and Bitter Melon with Rice and lots of chilli.

Ignace Ducasse-Broadcaster & Teacher

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 01:15:00 +0000

Question:
Where were you born and what is it that you cherish most about your birthplace?
Answer: In Rose-Hill, Mauritius. Chilhood and adolescent years with parents, relatives and friends. The warm Indian Ocean in the lagoons and wonderful mountains in particular Le Corps de Garde which watched over all my childhood games.

Question:
What is the most precious of your childhood memories?
Answer: Flying kites and playing boule kass kot, boule siffon and la mok delivrey bare foot in Solferino street with children of various ethnic backgrounds.

Question:
When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?
Answer: My parents did not. I was an orphan when I came with my family in January 1973.

Question:
What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?
Answer: The freedom to live and achieve without the many barriers found elsewhere.

Question:
What did you do in your first job or occupation?
Answer: Teaching English to children of migrant backgrounds.

Question:
What are / were your career highlights?
Answer: Serving with the British Army in the Middle East. Teaching young kids in primary schools in Mauritius. Being awarded a British Council scholarship to study in Scotland. Working at the Audio Visual Center, (now known as the College of the Air) as a teacher of French on TV and a teacher of English by radio. President of The Cerne Club in Mauritius. Board member of the Racing Club, Mauritius since its foundation until my coming to Australia.. Secretary of the Club National de l’Etrier, a horse riding club in Mauritius. Member of le groupe liturgique at Notre Dame de Lourdes,Rose-Hill. Broadcasting live commentaries on Les Messes des Malades sur les ondes du Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation(MBC). Moving to Australia. Head of the Migrant English Section; and Information Officer at the Commonwealth Department of Education. Starting the first French-language radio programs in Melbourne on Access Radio 2ZZ and Ethnic Radio 3EA. Sitting on the board of the Alliance Francaise for the past 20 years. Mauritian Community Representative on the Catholic Council for Immigration for the Archdiocese of Melbourne for five years. Starting a Mauritian Program in Kreol, French, English on Community Radio 3SER. Becoming a member of the Catholic organization: Knights of the Southern Cross. Becoming a Minister of the Word for the Church as well as a Funeral Minister. President of the Victoria Mauritian Association, Central Region in 1977. Member of the board of directors of Community Radio 3SER. Founder member of Waverley Gardens Probus Club. Ex-Member of various Mauritian Club Committees such as MSA.

Question:
What is your favourite book?
Answer:Two of them. A la Recherche du Temps Perdu by Marcel Proust and Souvenirs d’Enfance by Marcel Pagnol.

Question:
What do you like most in people?
Answer:
Their sense of humour and fair play.

Question:
What do you dislike most in people?
Answer:
A judgmental-moralistic approach to life. Self-righteousness. Inferiority and superiority complexes.

Question:
Who do you admire most?
Answer:
Those who achieve but remember their humble beginnings.

Question:
What is your favourite dish?
Answer:
Curried jackfruit and tripes.With lentilles noires and boiled rice.

Question:
What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?
Answer:
Resilience

Question:
Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?
Answer:
Putting my children through university. To having successfully sat,after turning 34 ,for the HSC,BA and Diploma in Education while being a family man. Bringing my family to Australia without a sponsor.

Question:
What is the most memorable moment in your life?
Answer:
Visit to the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde(Bonne Mere) in the company of Marcel Pagnol, Fernandel,Marius et Olive and my wife, Gisele.

Question:
If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?
Answer:
Study more Mathematics.

Question:
What is most precious to you at this point in your life?
Answer:
Being with my family especially my grand children.

Question:
What are your plans for the future?
Answer:
Acquire more skills. Better acquired ones. Achieve and achieve more while enjoying life!

Patrick Morel-Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 08:36:00 +0000

Mauritian Australia Connection Blogger Interview – Pat Morel

http://mauritiusaustralia.blogspot.com/

Question:

Where were you born and what is it that you cherish most about your birthplace?

Answer:

Born in Mauritius.

Most cherished is the small size of the island which allows access to extreme points in a short time, and its diversity.

Question:

What is the most precious of your childhood memories?

Answer:

The Victory celebrations of World War II.

Question:

When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?

Answer:

My wife, 3 Children and myself emigrated to Melbourne in early 1966.

Question:

What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?

Answer:

The casual relationship between people, which acts as an equaliser, socially as well as in business.

Question:

What did you do in your first job or occupation?

Answer:

Export Operations Analist at Ford Motor Co. of Australia.

Question:

What are / were your career highlights?

Answer:

They were many, but essentially being appointed to the Asia Pacific Region as a Field Manager, with extensive travel to a large number of Countries. And later as Sales Manager to Government Fleets in Australia, + Export Sales Manager.

Question:

What is your favourite book?

Answer:

Any good book on History and Scientific matters.

Question:

What do you like most in people?

Answer:

Straightforwardedness, easy communicators.

Question:

What do you dislike most in people?

Answer:

Egocentrics, selfishness. Avoiders of realities.

Question:

Who do you admire most?

Answer:

Easy – Pope John Paul II who single-handedly demolished the Russian Empire, and opened widely the church hierarchy to global prelates.

Question:

What is your favourite dish?

Answer:

Ène bon Vindye, homemade !!

Question:

What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?

Answer:

Think & talk straight. (I think !).

Question:

Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?

Answer:

My unbroken career of 34 years at Ford Australia (32 as an executive), after being sacked as the Ford Sales Manager (Dealership) in 1965 in Mauritius.

Question:

What is the most memorable moment in your life?

Answer:

Receiving my appointment at Ford Australia, three days after my arrival here.

Question:

If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?

Answer:

A Round-the World travel to places I have not visited. Would need to be an extended tour. I am hungry to see and learn more.

Question:

What is most precious to you at this point in your life?

Answer:

At 70 ? The quality of life in my family’s environment.

Question:

What are your plans for the future?

Answer:

Keep a strong interest, from the side-lines, into the maturing of the Mauritian community through its many organisations and associations in Melbourne, in Australia at large.

Younger Generation of Mauritians, Rodriguans and Seychellois-leading the way

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 02:58:00 +0000

History has a way of taking care of things. A decade ago, the younger generation did not want to know or were not motivated at all to speak creole or learn about the Mauritian, Rodriguan or Seychellois culture / history. In some cases, even the older generation kept clear of cultural issues and took great care to avoid bringing up and / or promote their cultural history / background.

Today, I am very happy to notice that the younger Mauritians, Rodriguans and Seychellois (starting with my own grand children) have removed the cultural barriers and are in fact very interested in their ancestry and cultural background. They are also very very proud of their ancestry. Various associations have seen the day and all or them are promoting our rich cultural history in different ways. What is even more amazing is that the younger generation is generally devoid of any prejudice related to race and or cultural backgrounds.

I have great trust in this younger generation. Let us actively engage with them and redouble our efforts to support them in their quest for a brighter future.

Cheers
Clancy J Philippe

Mauritius Australia Connection Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Clancy) — Thu, 20 Oct 2005 23:52:00 +0000

I have created this blogger to enable a controlled environment where the Mauritian (including Rodriguan and Seychelles) Community both in Australia and Mauritius (including Rodrigues and Seychelles) can exchange views on matters of importance to the Mauritian (including Rodriguan and Seychelles) Community in Australia.