Ladies and gentlemen

Transcription

1 Speech of Hon. (Mrs) L.D.Dookun-Luchoomun Minister of Education & Human Resources, Tertiary Education & Scientific Research International Conference on Mauritian Diaspora in Question: Trajectories and Connections 02 December 2015 Good Morning to you all. I am pleased to be in your midst today and to be associated with this laudable initiative of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. I am also appreciative of the collaboration of the University of Technology Mauritius, the Mauritius Research Council and the NGO Nou Diaspora and the sharing of their knowhow with the MGI in the organisation and furtherance of the goals of this International Conference. This Conference on Mauritian Diaspora in Question: Trajectories and Connections indeed addresses a very important aspect of our national narrative. From a historical perspective, Mauritius had over the centuries, witnessed an incoming flux of people from various continents, and in this sense we are ourselves members of Diasporas of several countries. Now this could have constituted our unique identity were it not for the fact that, since the second half of 20 th Century, especially, the world has witnessed a massive cross-border movement of people for a diversity of reasons. Page 1 of 5

2 True, this movement has been there throughout history: the nomadic instinct motivated by several factors had been a staple fare for centuries prior to communities become settlers. However, the situation is different today. The world bears witness of the mass relocation of populations and communities through immigration, the refugee movement, the mass movement of expatriate workers and exiles, as well as students. And all over this year, some countries have been and are still confronting the unfurling of a migrant crisis in Europe. Ladies and gentlemen, We today estimate a Mauritian diaspora population of over 200,000. We know the origins of the significant emigration waves that occurred in the sixties and seventies. Inhabitants of Mauritius, of Rodrigues and of the Outer Islands moved abroad for different reasons, with Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada being their main destinations. The existing literature has it that a diasporic community moves outwards looking for a better life. The hope is always that the grass will be greener and softer to the soles of the feet. It is often the case but not always. Inexorably, hurdles almost always materialise in the host country. What is required is the determination to surmount these. And Mauritians are reputed for their resilience to do just that. Except that, often, there is the flip side as well. It is, illustratively a fact that some members of the diasporic community face different types of conflictual situations--- but this time when regarding home. Page 2 of 5

3 Often too, their children hardly find themselves at home in Mauritius. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, This is where ongoing studies and reflections on the diasporic theme certainly have a crucial role to play. This International Conference will look at the debate from the Mauritian perspective. I am told that one of the main objectives of this gathering is to stimulate discussion on the specificities of the Mauritian diaspora, as multiple migrants, originating from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Pertinent themes that will be addressed relate to How members of the Mauritian Diaspora integrate in their host country, the challenges they face; How they respond to the specific cultural and political environment; and How do the second and third generations of the Diaspora perceive Mauritius? Evidently, this initiative aims at increasing knowledge about the Mauritian Diaspora while engaging with theoretical implications. Wide and interesting discussion forums between academics, professionals, government representatives as well as members of the Diaspora are bound to be in the offing. I believe one of the central aims is to come up with ways and means for the Diaspora to collaborate and take the island state to new socio-economic heights. Indeed, this Government strongly believes that Mauritian Diaspora is a precious asset for its development. Page 3 of 5

4 We believe that members of the Diaspora, be they of first, second or third generations, already play a lead role as ambassadors for our nation. Need I remind you that one of the most famous members of our diaspora community, Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, was awarded the Nobel Prize of Literature in 2008? Distinguished Guests and Participants, I hope that your Conference is directly aligned to the Mauritius Diaspora Scheme set up with a view to attracting members of the Mauritian Diaspora back to Mauritius to participate in its economic development. It is useful to note that the budget proposes a package of incentives, including tax and custom duties waivers, to lure back the highly skilled and experienced professionals from the Diaspora. In addition, the government is in the process of preparing a National Migration Policy, and I understand that issues related to the Diaspora are featuring strongly therein. From an Education perspective, our distinguished visitors and participants would wish to know that we have a number of scholarship schemes for studies overseas for our bright students. The financial costs of some of those schemes fall directly within the purview of my Ministry while, in other cases, the scholarships are available thanks to government -to -government agreements. There was a time when bonds were signed and written undertakings made by the students, pledging to come back on completion of their studies. Some of them did. Many others did not. We have since some time done away with the bonding system. Page 4 of 5

5 But I personally feel that many of those students who would have become professionals in their own right and would have garnered a lot of work experience would be quite willing to contribute to the country in kind. And that contribution could be in ways other than remittances. In fact, that contribution may well be take the form of voluntarily putting their knowhow at the service of Mauritius albeit for a brief spell of time. This could be one of the issues and possibilities this Conference could examine. I have absolutely no doubt that many more insights gained here will bring useful inputs to the debate. I equally urge the organizers to ensure wide dissemination of the outcomes through publications and other means. On this note, let me thank all the participants and wish you all fruitful exchanges in your deliberations. Despite the long hours of discussions you will be having, I hope you, our distinguished visitors, also seize the opportunity to visit the island and enjoy our hospitality. I thank you for your attention, and have the great pleasure to declare this Conference open. Page 5 of 5