Interview with the new High Commissioner in Canberra, H.E. Mrs Mirella Chauvin
Written by Editor Monday, 28 March 2011 11:49
Eddy Abraham: Your Excellency, congratulations on your appointment as H.C. Give us a brief account of your journey to this point.
High Commissioner: First of all I would like to thank you for
the warm welcome and for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself to the readers of Mauritius News in England.
I was an Education Officer in Mauritius working at the Loreto College , Rose-Hill. In 2005, I stood as a candidate for the Municipal Election and was elected in Beau-Bassin.
One year later, I was chosen to be the Mayor of B-Bassin/R-Hill. I was also candidate for the General Election in 2010 in Rose-Hill but was not elected.
I remained councillor of B-B/R-H up to my appointment by the Government as High Commissioner to Australia in November 2010.
EA: How was the Accreditation Ceremony at Government House in Canberra?
HC: It was grandiose and moving and will remain a memorable day.
EA: Are you accredited to New Zealand as well? If yes, when do you intend to present your Accreditation Papers?
HC: I am indeed accredited to New Zealand and will present my Accreditation Papers in a near future.
EA: It is your first appointment as H.C. What do you see as the priorities in the relationship between Mauritius and Australia?
HC: The relationship between Mauritius and Australia is excellent and I look forward to maintaining and further strengthening the good bilateral relations existing between our two countries.
EA: Australia will host CHOGM in Perth this year. What preparations are you making for the Mauritian delegation to this important Commonwealth Meeting?
HC: We are actively participating in the CHOGM Coordinating Committee with all other High Commissions, headed by Mr Terry Crane, Head CHOGM Taskforce 2011, with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The last meeting was held in September last year. I will be attending another meeting on the progress of administrative and logistical arrangement, with the Director of CHOGM 2011 Taskforce and with Mr Kamlesh Sharma, Commonweath Secretary General.
I am also liaising with the CHOGM 2011 Taskforce and Mauritius.
EA: Australia has been appointed as Vice-Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation, for 2011 and 2012. What benefits can Mauritius,( a member of IOR-ARC), expect from the country of your accreditation?
HC: Congratulations to Australia. Our main focus is on economic cooperation, particularly on Trade and Investment, with a view to promoting sustained growth and development. We can share information and get technical help from Australia.
EA: What Official duties have you attended to thus far in Canberra and when do you intend to pay a courtesy visit to the other Australian States?
HC: I have attended meetings with DFAT and functions with other Ambassadors and High Commissioners.
I have also been to The Lodge, ( The Prime Minister’s Residence in Canberra), to celebrate Australia Day. I intend to pay a courtesy visit to other Australian States in the near future.
EA: Your Excellency, do you have a message for the readers of Mauritius News in England?
HC: I wish all of you the very best for 2011, full of joy, peace and prosperity.
Mauritius needs the knowledge and knowhow of all its fellow citizens from the diaspora.
Feel free to contact me on: (02) 62811203 at the High Commission in Canberra to discuss matters pertaining to our Motherland, Mauritius.
EA: Your Excellency, I thank you very much for your time. I wish you every success in your posting in Canberra.
By Eddy Abraham
