Mauritius, a pleasant surprise
Mauritius is one of the nations that surprises pleasantly: a well educated population, self conscious and proud, a basic balance and justice in society evidenced by little poverty, cooperation between races and no signs of tension. On top of that: not much garbage around, awareness of recycling with the public; it makes you wonder how such a small and isolated country achieved these wonderful results?
A Glass Art factory using solely recycled glass and waste materials for the furnace.
Gardeners in the botanic gardens, biding their time.
A mongoose; if you see one it brings luck.
These birds are common in Asia and also here in Mauritius.
Digging into its recent history you quickly find some answers in the important leaders when the country became independent: (from Wikipedia)
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) (September 18, 1900 – December 15, 1985) GCMG, LRCP, MRCS, often referred to as Chacha Ramgoolam, was a Mauritian politician, statesman and philanthropist. He was a leader in the Mauritian independence movement, and served as the first Chief Minister and Prime Minister of Mauritius, as well as its sixth Governor General. He was the Chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity from 1976 to 1977. As the leader of the Labour Party, Ramgoolam fought for the rights of labourers and led Mauritius to independence in 1968. As Mauritius' first Prime Minister, he played a crucial role in shaping modern Mauritius' government, political culture and foreign policy. He worked for the emancipation of the Mauritian population, established free universal education and free health care services, and introduced old age pensions. He is known as the "Father of the Nation". His son, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, has had three terms as Prime Minister of Mauritius.
The Museum of 'the Adventure of Sugar' visited by many schoolclasses and very educational on the history of Mauritius. No fingerpointing at master-slave relations, just good factual information.
A huge Steam engine, built in Scotland.
And the Steam kettle, uses sugar cane pulp as energy source.
Mauritius may be proud of their farther of the nation. We see lots of monuments and plaques from famous world leaders here that emphasize human rights and sustainability throughout Mauritius. It works.
A monument near 'le Morne' cliffs where escaped slaves jumped to their death to avoid being re-captured. Actually the soldiers wanted to tell them that they had been freed.
