Ambassador Hosts Election Brunch

November 5, 2008

Ambassador Cesar Cabrera (left) welcomes President of the Republic Anerood Jugnauth as he enters Macarty House.

In Mauritius, ten hours ahead of Washington D.C., the results of the U.S. Elections 2008 began to trickle in at dawn on Wednesday, November 5. Ambassador Cesar Cabrera and Mrs. Helvetia Cabrera hosted a "pop-in" brunch at their residence, Macarty House in Vacoas, to observe the coverage and results live. Over 100 guests, including politicians, diplomats, Government officials, economic partners and media, were present at 9:00 a.m. amidst an exceptional setting with a big screen tuned to NBC News, an annex room with CNN live. The guests were welcome to a buffet brunch with fresh croissants, tropical fruits, hot pancakes and omelettes, coffee, tea and juices. The President of the Republic, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, marked the event with his presence at around nine forty five. Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Blaser assisted by Embassy staff colored a map of the United States blue or red as final results came in for each State. The Public Affairs Section set up a mock polling station on the veranda and the guests voted with gusto.

An election kit comprised of campaign buttons, stickers for both parties and IIP publications, The Long Campaign: Elections 2008 and Elections in Brief, was offered to the guests. There was a lively ambiance at Macarty House with media interviews, live coverage conducted by radio reporters, comments and analysis from guests echoing from all corners. Shortly after nine o’clock, the suspense ended when NBC News projected the headline "Barack Obama Elected 44th President of the United States." After a moment of surprise at how quickly the final result had arrived, excitement and other emotions set in.. Everyone gathered around Ambassador Cabrera and President of the Republic Jugnauth to listen conscientiously to the speeches of Senators McCain and Obama. Both were acclaimed with respect. Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Blaser and Electoral Commissioner Irfan Rahman opened the ballot box for the "Mauritius votes." Barack Obama was awarded more than 80% of the votes. Guests started to leave Macarty House around noon after a full morning. 

Publication: Barack Obama - The 44th President of the United States

Embassy Hosts a Talk on the Theme "Sexual Harassment: A Form of Gender-based Violence"

December 10, 2008

(from left to right) The panelists, Barrister Rada Gungaloo, Public Affairs Officer and Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Craig White, Barrister Manish Gobin and U.S. Fulbright Student/Researcher Alyssa Fine interacting with the audience at the U.S. Embassy.

The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy marked the conclusion of the United Nations’ “16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence” that ran from November 25 to December 10 and International Human Rights Day with a talk on the theme: “Sexual Harassment: A Form of Gender-Based Violence.”

Barristers, representatives from non-governmental organizations, the Ministry of Women’s Rights, Child Protection and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Labor, the Police Family Protection Unit, alumni and media attended the event. Public Affairs Officer and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Craig White welcomed the guests and introduced the key speaker U.S. Fulbright Student/Researcher Alyssa Fine. She gave an overview of her research conducted in Mauritius entitled: “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.”  At the end of her presentation, a team of panelists comprising Public Affairs Officer and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Craig White, U.S. Fulbright Student/Researcher Alyssa Fine, barristers Rada Gungaloo and Manish Gobin opened the floor to a lively discussion with the audience.