The African Dimension

1
The African Dimension

• Paul Draper
• Director CARECO (Rodrigues) Co. Ltd.
• Rep. of Mauritius

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Map of the region Africa
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Map of Rodrigues Island
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View of Rodrigues
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Ingredients of Economic Success

• a) A Stable political environment
• b) Democratic system based on the Westminster
  model.
  
• c) Multicultural Society living in harmony and
  mutual respect.

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Ingredients of threat

• a) Geographical isolation
• b) Few natural local raw materials
• c) A tendency to overpopulation.

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Change of Government

• In 1983, there was a change of Government
• The NEW Government was resolved to turn around
  this impoverished situation in 5 Years and SOLVE
  the unemployment problem

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Today

• There is basically a full employment situation
  and economic prosperity.
  

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The Export Processing Zone

• Many of the Garment factories are employing as
  many foreign workers as Mauritians.
  
• Mauritius is expanding geographically to
  Madagascar, Mozambique and even to West Africa

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The Tourism Sector

• There are now over 50 Big 5 Star Hotel
  established in Mauritius
  
• Our National Airline, Air Mauritius, flies
  scheduled flights to 30 international
  destinations.
  
• No charter flights are allowed to Mauritius

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To meet present Economic Challenges

• Mauritius now has the aim to become the Cyber
  Island of the African Continent
  
• Labour laws and conditions in Mauritius are well
  regulated.
  
• Trade Unions are active and responsible
• All Education from pre-primary to University
  level is free
  
• Medical treatment in all Government Dispensaries
  and Hospitals is free
  
• Social support is almost total

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The gobalisation threats in Mauritius

• The challenges by increased competition are
  worrying
  
• Sugar Estates have been taking measures to reduce
  their total dependence on sugar production
  
• The Textile and Garment Industry are diversifying
  into niche markets to survive.
  
• The Tourist Industry has continued its policy of
  the luxury up-market appeal.

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The Mauritius Story

• Today at Rose Hill there are some 150 people
  employed full time.

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The four Departments

• The packaging of Mauritian Sugar and Tea for
  export
  
• A Craft department produces pressed flower items
• Another department produces wooden items
• The largest and most profitable department today
  is the textile department
  
• Almost all the activities are Export Orientated.

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My Rodrigues Story
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Geographically

• The Geographical isolation of Rodrigues is
  apparent
  
• The Island is only 7 miles long by 4 miles wide,
  and is very hilly.

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The Special Education Centre

• We opened the first special education centre for
  handicapped children on Rodrigues in 1993
  
• The also run a Canteen

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Famous Visitors

• Rolf Harris Visited in 1998

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Famous Vistors

• HRH Price Edward visited in 2003

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CARECO

• Today the CARECO Rehabilitation and Production
  Centre claims to be the third largest employer in
  the Private Sector on the Island
  
• 71 of the Workforce are people with
  disabilities
  
• The Production and marketing of goods made from
  Coconut

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Coconut products
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Working Coconut
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Beekeeping and Honey Production

• In 1993, we were encouraged by the Rodrigues
  Administration to take an interest in the
  Beekeeping and Honey Production activities.
  
• We now have 15 trained beekeepers, all of whom
  are disabled
  

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Honey processing and bottling

• We have our own Honey processing and bottling
  department
  
• In 1994 and the year 2000, Honey from Rodrigues
  and from our own Honey Department won 2nd place
  in the International Competition at the biggest
  honey show in the world the National Honey Show
  which is held in Kensington, London annually

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Football

• In 2003, twenty of our workers went to Madagascar
  to play football against groups in similar
  organisations there.

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Folklore

• In 1999 our Troup of authentic folklore Musicians
  and Dancers participated in Folklore Festivals in
  France, Sweden and Slovenia

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Conclusion

• If it can be done in a small island like
  Rodrigues, it can be done in Africa