ISSUE 22 - EDITION 2-JULY 2019
CITY BUZZ The Official Newsletter of JCI City Plus
Movement of Young Leaders Shaping the Future of Mauritius
Editor-in-Chief's Message Dear Readers of City Buzz,
Greetings!
What a fantastic experience it was to host the 2019
JCI
Africa
Conference
in
and
the
Mauritius!
Middle
The
East
international
delegates were outstanding and the bonding will surely last a lifetime.
On behalf of JCI City Plus, congratulations to JCI Quatre Bornes, the debating team (Anishah Aujayeb-Gopal, Dewoo)
and
Speaking)
Ravish
Ramrekha
Faizal
for
Sheik
winning
and
Chan
awards
Siksha (Public
during
the
conference.
As members, we will continue to work to create positive change in Mauritius. Stay tuned as JCI City
Plus
Investment
hosts and
the
ABC
Stock
brings
you
other
Local
President
Exchange impactful
projects.
Thank
you
Ramkishore
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"-Eleanor Roosevelt
to and
Elveena
Yessoo
Geetanjali for
their
precious help with this newsletter.
Finally,
good
luck
to
our
athletes
who
will
compete during the upcoming Jeux des Iles de l'Ocean Indien.
Chrisinta Chavrimootoo, Editor-in-Chief.
2019 Motto: Together for One World 2019 Local President: Geetanjali Ramkishore Editorial Team: Chrisinta Chavrimootoo Elveena Yessoo
Table of Contents Page 1:
Message from City Buzz Newsletter Editor-in-Chief, Chrisinta Chavrimootoo
Page 2:
Table of contents
Page 3-4:
Message from 2019 JCI City Plus Local President, Geetanjali Ramkishore
Page 5-6:
Message from 2019 JCI Mauritius National President, Heveen Sharma Keijou
Page 7:
Your Local Board of Directors
Page 8-9:
Meet the new members, Vreeshini Raojee and Preshan Kissoondoyal
Page 10:
Aspiring Members' Corner
Page 11-12: Neighbourhood Watch Page 13:
Graduates of the Active Citizen Academy
Page 14:
Special Spread on 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference
Page 15-18: My experience as MC, by Senator Yudhish Rama and Vreeshini Raojee Page 19:
Experience of 1994 JCI President, Arnaud Godere
Page 20-22: Collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission Page 23-27: AMEC
as
told
by
our
twinning
Antananarivo and JCI Emeraude Page 28-29: Other highlights Page 30:
Upcoming projects/Save the Dates
Page 31:
About JCI
Page 32:
Our partners
partners,
JCI
2019 Local President's Message Dear City Buzz Readers, It gives me great pleasure to share a few words with you in this Special 2019 2nd Edition of our e-newsletter. Half a year in the shoes of the 12th President of JCI City Plus has been the most amazing, yet the most challenging experience – juggling between my profession as an accountant, studying for my professional course and JCI has not been easy. However, it has made me better at self-discipline and time management. The first six months has been different, hosting the JCI Africa and Middle East Conference during which JCI City Plus collaborated with the Indian Ocean Commission for the promotion of circular economy for a sustainable ecosystem. During the conference, I got the opportunity to meet with the members and Local Presidents from other JCI organizations in Africa and the Middle East. It was the perfect moment to learn about and to share our experiences. Welcoming more than 400 delegates from 40+ countries including the 2019 JCI World President, 2019 JCI Executive Vice President, the Area Director, the Secretary General and other VIP JCI delegates was a once in a lifetime experience and I am glad that our members got access to the JCI network while being at home.
2019 Local President's Message During the next 6 months, we plan to implement our 2019 JCI City Plus Efficiency Programme in order to strengthen our administrative and treasury management system and also motivate our board members, as well as our members to contribute to the growth of the organization. We have also launched our JCI City Plus Discover Series which consist of a range of team building exercises such as Scuba Diving, Creating your own Parfume, Dina Robin, Top Chef, Wine and Cheese‌ where our members can experience the brotherhood and discover themselves as an individual. We have also kick started our JCI City Plus flagship project, the 5th Edition of the ABC of Stock Exchange and there is a team of more than 10 people already working on the project under the leadership of Co Project Directors Vidhish Beeharry and Meenakshi Lobine. This year marks the 12th Anniversary of JCI City Plus and to celebrate this, we shall be launching our very first City Buzz Magazine which will be distributed across Mauritius. The objective is to share the achievements of JCI City Plus and JCI Mauritius over the years and increase our visibility across the island. I would like to thank the 2019 Board Members and Committee Directors and Representatives as well as the Past Local Presidents of JCI City Plus for the continued support and guidance. Thank you to Immediate Past President Pavan Gopal for ensuring continuity. Long live JCI City Plus as we move Together for One World!
2019 JCI Mauritius National President's Message Dear JCI City Plus Members, It gives me great honor to address you a few words.
2019 has laid its focus on “Accelerate Transformation�. We have seen JCI Mauritius, especially JCI City Plus shine brightly during the 2019 JCI Africa & The Middle East Conference, particularly with the joint collaboration with Indian Ocean Commission for the entrepreneurship pitching project. And great leaders have emerged from this project. I seize this opportunity to thank JCI City Plus for their invaluable support during the 2019 JCI Africa & The Middle East Conference. The conference was a real success thanks to the commitment and support of JCI City Plus members. With this achievement, we have now reached halfway of our One Year To Lead. It is now time to sit back and see our achievement for the first six months of 2019. Time to re-evaluate and re-prioritize our action plan. Time to see how we can create an impact and leave a legend behind.
2019 JCI Mauritius National President's Message I strongly advise that it is time to bring together all stakeholders of Port Louis and its surrounding and work together to create a project under the Active Citizen Framework. A project that will bring sustainable impact towards the betterment of the community of Port Louis. I would also request the continuous support of JCI City Plus in the National Flagship project “Neighbourhood Watch� for a drug-free Mauritius. Let us be guided by our JCI mission and vision. exemplary Active Citizen.
And let us be an
As National President, I wish JCI City Plus an amazing 2019. Yours In JCI Spirit Heveen Sharma KEJIOU 2019 National President JCI Mauritius
#InspireChange #InspireYouth #InspireLeaders #RiseInHarmony
Your 2019 Local Board of Directors
Geetanjali Ramkishore Local President
Vijayen Govinden Local Secretary
Nitin Collappen Local Treasurer
Pavan Gopal Immediate Past President
Alisha Hingun Vice President Skills and Development
Dr Vanisha Rajaysur Vice President Community Development
Jevina Comaren Vice President Business
Chrisinta Chavrimootoo Vice President Public Relations and International
Meet the New Members Congratulations to our new members! May they have a long and fruitful JCI career.
My JCI Experience: A Young Active Citizen In The Making
My name is Vreeshini Raojee, I work as second secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, RI & IT. Since childhood I am involved in community service but I have always wanted to join a youth platform where I could engage myself in more community projects. I came to know about JCI a few years ago and joined JCI City Plus last year.
During my short journey, I got the opportunity to work on the ABC of Stock Exchange and I Am Differently Abled projects in 2018 at local level. These projects helped me to understand how JCI does projects and how we can create impact. I also had the honour to be the emcee for the 2018 JCI Mauritius CYEA Awards night which was an enriching experience. 2019 seems to be another great learning curve for me. I took part in the 2019 JCI Mauritius Public Speaking Competition, delivering a speech on climate change. I was very happy with the response and the appreciation I received on that day. Now, my JCI journey continues. I am the magazine editor for the City Buzz Magazine and was part of the 2019 JCI AMEC Events Committee Team. The 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference proved to be a fruitful and memorable conference!
Meet the New Members Congratulations to our new members! May they have a long and fruitful JCI career.
I am an IT professional and I reckon 15 years in investigation, digital forensics and IT security. I joined JCI City Plus in 2018. I have participated in various projects since I joined JCI City Plus and have learnt a lot about how to promote positive change in this fast-developing society.
Preshan Kissondoyal
There is still a lot to learn from the JCI family. I am eager to do it and work on new projects and even direct some interesting ones in the near future by sharing my experience and expertise.
Aspiring Members I am Lucia Mazvita Marire, a General Nurse, Early Childhood Developer, Beautician, TEDx Speaker and Director of Marire Enterprises.
WHY JOIN JCI? To acquire competencies to enable me to better serve humanity wherever I am. Secondly, to work together with like-minded people towards betterment of humanity.
“ The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.” Leo Tolstoy
My name is Andy Ng. I work as Product Coordinator in the Financial and Special Risks Department at MUA (ex-Mauritius Union).
I learnt about JCI City Plus during the 2018 Edition of The ABC of Stock Exchange. My discovery of JCI came just around the time when I completed my professional insurance exams. I now aspire to become a leader that people would want to trust and follow but having spent years in introversion didn’t really help my case. The JCI platform presents an opportunity for me to grow not only as a leader but also as an individual and being able to do that while making a positive impact on society is a way for me to give back for what I have been blessed with.
Neighbourhood Watch Session Local Vice President Community Development , Dr Vanisha Rajaysur tells us about the session hosted at Residence Kennedy
What were the objectives of the session? The neighbourhood watch project is a JCI Mauritius national project. JCI City Plus hosted a session at Residence with the Abba Fellowship Group. The project aims at collaborating to eliminate social evils prevailing nowadays in our surroundings and to inculcate safer practices amongst the inhabitants.
Neighbourhood Watch Session How is it linked to the Active Citizen framework? This project is an ACF one since ground work was done by JCI Mauritius members in collaboration with the police force of Mauritius, whereby it was found that citizens need to be informed of the risks with regard to drugs, thefts and other scourges affecting the serenity of neighbourhoods. The cause and effect study proved needful to help communities. It was also important to have other stakeholders involved in order to help the police force of Mauritius to effectively and efficiently do their work in eradicating social evils.
Graduates of the Active Citizens' Academy
Congratulations to Local President Geetanjali Ramkishore and Immediate Past President Pavan Gopal for successfully graduating from the JCI Active Citizens' Academy! Congratulations to all the other fellow graduates!
Special Spread on the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference
#Createyourmoment #2019JCIAMEC
My Experience as MC during AMEC By Senator Yudhish Rama and Vreeshini Raojee
Senator Yudhish: I have attended two JCI Africa and Middle East Conferences and 3 JCI World Congresses previously. I have always been amazed by the quality of the different opening ceremonies orchestrated by wonderful MCs and mesmerizing items showcasing the diversity of the JCI world. For the 2019 JCI AMEC, I had several tasks in planning and organising the conference and I never thought that I would find myself emceeing for the Opening Ceremony.
When I was asked to do so, I hesitated at first, thinking whether I would not be of better help in doing background tasks. But then I said why not go for it and it was indeed a memorable moment, a wonderful experience, I must say. Before the ceremony started, the most stressful moment for me was being in the translation booth as it was different from being backstage. But my co-MC Vreeshini helped in building confidence which made things smooth and enjoyable.
My Experience as MC during AMEC By Senator Yudhish Rama and Vreeshini Raojee
It was a pleasure to call the names of the different National Presidents and Chief Delegates. It was like calling NBA superstars to the basketball arena. It was very nice to see them on stage proudly representing their countries and waving their flags respectively. Moreover, when the police band played the national anthem after the arrival of the Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius, I had goosebumps. In a nutshell, my co-MC and I nicely managed the soirĂŠe. This experience enabled me to share that emceeing is about preparation, knowing the flow of the event, synchronising with the co-MC, improvising if need be and managing last minute stress.
On an ending note, I would like to thank the 2018 JCI Vice President Asha, Director Mungai and the JCI Staff for their support; Secretary General Arrey Obenson for showing his appreciation for the good job done and member Vreeshini for being a wonderful co-MC. JCI is an organization of opportunities #CreateYourMoment Yudhish Rama JCI Senator 2016 JCI Mauritius President
My Experience as MC during AMEC By Senator Yudhish Rama and Vreeshini Raojee
Member Vreeshini: The rush, the brouhaha, the adrenaline‌2019 JCI AMEC took my passion for emceeing to another level! It was indeed a great honour and privilege for me to be the emcee for the 2019 JCI AMEC opening ceremony and also to co-present the JCI Morning show.
The opening ceremony was very special to me as it was my first JCI Conference and everything was new. All I knew was that as emcees, we have to set the tone and keep the decorum of the event. We had to warm up the crowd to prepare them for the program ahead. You are there to make whoever comes on stage look good. You are also there to make sure there are smooth transitions between different segments of the program so that it flows smoothly. Should there be any hiccups, the emcee has to ensure minimal disruption to the program. So my co-emcee Yudhish Rama and I were all set and motivated to fulfill all the tasks. And as the stage lit up, my journey began. I enthusiastically presented the national presidents and chief delegates as they came on stage. It was amazing to see them in their traditional dresses. The traditional music made me dance in my seat.It was a real melting pot of different cultures of the world. It was impressive to see the parade of renowned JCI Officers as well. I proudly noticed the expressions of the delegates who showed a lot of appreciation for the performances which showcased the Mauritian culture
My Experience as MC during AMEC By Senator Yudhish Rama and Vreeshini Raojee
Further, presenting the Morning Show with National Vice President Pavan was also fun. Since it was completely different from emceeing usual shows, we were initially afraid and the butterflies were running amok in our stomachs. However, it was definitely an experience to remember, and we have, through this show, had the opportunity to improve our stage presence. Through the morning show, I have learnt a lot about JCI with regards to the different projects related to ACF, I am Africa and Peace Is Possible campaigns. Whilst being a master of ceremonies might seem like a daunting task, I learnt through these two events that there are a few ways you can nail your responsibility as MC, and radiate confidence and charisma to keep the ceremony entertaining for all.
It was a magical experience which I will always remember. I am eagerly looking forward to my next JCI international experience. Vreeshini Raojee
Experience of 1994 JCI President, Arnaud Godere 1994 JCI President, Arnaud Godere sat down with us and shared his experience during AMEC With more than 400 international delegates attending the conference, representing more than 40 countries, it is with great pride that we can say that JCI Mauritius has hosted a successful conference. We also had the privilege of having three former world presidents among the guests, as well as many high-ranking JCI officials, including the Secretary General, Arrey Obenson, for whom it was the first visit in Mauritius.
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.-Barack Obama Delegates were very satisfied, both by the contents of the trainings offered and the outings organised in various places on our beautiful island. The positive experience was visible on social media as well. My message for JCI Mauritius' members is to capitalise on our strengths and to redefine our projects so as to maximise their impact on our communities. Let us create positive change and keep the spirit of brotherhood alive.
Collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission
Jevina Comaren, Local Vice President Business and Project Director tells us about the exciting collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission, who was a Gold Sponsor for the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Area Conference.
During the 2019 JCI Africa and Middle East Conference (AMEC), JCI City Plus had a 2 day collaborative session with the Indian Ocean Commission centered on the idea of promoting a circular economy for a sustainable ecosystem. The first event kickstarted with a panel discussion constituting of stellar speakers which indeed procured a well-balanced and enlightening debate, analyzing the conference’s theme under various vistas. Speakers included urban strategist Dr Zaheer Allam; Head of Strategy and Research at SBM Group, Mr Shailen Sreekeesson; Cofounder of Fintech companye IAME, Mr Nathaniel Tsang Mang Kin and from the Indian Ocean Commission, Officer in Charge Mr Raj Mohabeer. The most prominent topic became the lifestyle changes that must be made to move towards a sustainable economy. Various speakers analyzed the current trend prevailing and shared their views on the harmful impact that our present economic system and consumption patterns are having on our biodiversity.
Collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission Another key subject was: ‘’sustainable entrepreneurship’’. This idea highlighted the ecological benefits and economic advantages of initiating a business which champions a ‘green’ system, providing alternatives to the current practices and products. Financing options available to aspiring entrepreneurs was also elaborated.
The most interesting session was the pitching competition; whereby delegates from various African countries presented their business model in line with the theme of the conference. The jury member was Canadian consultant working for the United Nations, Mrs Kelly Culver. This initiative was aimed to instigate young people to get creative and optimize their available resources to generate a seminal business idea that aids the community, while protecting the environment and delivering economic benefits.
Collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission
The Indian Ocean Commission, being our main partner and sponsor during the event, also presented several talks on the ecological issues and highlighted the importance of complete obliteration of plastic usage by looking at ‘greener alternatives’ to be used. Other practical and infrastructural changes that governments and businesses could adopt were broached by them.
This collaboration proved very fruitful and indeed achieved to prompt us to think about the environmental and social impact of our actions and motivated us all to become more thoughtful about the future consequences of our lifestyle habits.
AMEC as told by our twinning partners
Karine Mialy Rabarijohn, JCI Antanarivo's Local Treasurer tells us about her experience.
Pour la première fois au sein de la JCI Madagascar, nous avons eu un comité d’organisation pour notre participation à la Conférence JCI Afrique et Moyen Orient. Cette année, elle a eu lieu chez nos voisins, à l’Ile Maurice. J’ai eu alors l’opportunité d’être nommée Ambassadrice pour coordonner les démarches ainsi d’être le relais entre le comité d’organisation de la CAMO et notre délégation. Ainsi nous étions 11 personnes présentes venant de 10 Organisations Locales sur les 15 existantes à Madagascar.
Si je devais décrire ma participation à cet événement, je dirais que c’était une belle expérience!
Un des moments marquants de ce séjour a été d’avoir participé au pitch qui était une grande première pour moi, car je n’ai jamais eu à développer un de mes projets devant un auditoire. Un peu de stress avant la prise de parole, mais au final satisfaite d’y avoir participé. Avoir pu discuter avec le jury ainsi que les autres participants m’a aidé à apporter une amélioration sur la mise en place ainsi que la gestion de certaines difficultés liées à son accomplissement.
AMEC as told by our twinning partners
Ensuite, la soirée de la nuit des nations, durant laquelle nous avons pu découvrir la culture de chaque exposant à travers leur spécialité locale, leur tenue traditionnelle, les danses et même quelques anecdotes amusantes racontées par certains quand la conversation se prolongeait. Et comme c’était également ma première conférence de zone, j’ai fait partie des first-timers à qui on demandait d’accomplir des challenges vraiment très amusants ce qui nous a permis de faire la connaissance de pas mal de monde.
Mis à part le fait d’avoir eu pleins de nouveaux amis d’un peu partout sur le continent et même au-delà, l'expérience a renforcé ma fierté d’appartenir à un réseau de jeunes bénévoles qui agissent pour apporter un changement positif.
Chaque étape de cette conférence, des formations aux soirées en passant par de simples échanges entre membres ou même quelques mots autour d’un dessert, m’ont permis d’avoir un autre regard sur la manière de mener les actions au sein de mon Organisation Locale, mais plus encore sur mon engagement à m’investir d’avantage pour ma communauté.
AMEC as told by our twinning partners Mon séjour à Maurice a également été l’occasion d’avoir un moment de travail et de convivialité avec notre OL sœur, la JCI City Plus pour revoir les actions sur lesquelles nous allons collaborer. Un vrai plaisir d’avoir eu la Présidente Diksha et le Président Sortant Pavan autour de plats de sushi et de fruits de mer pour discuter de la meilleure manière pour nous de garder ce lien et de favoriser les échanges entre nous, mais aussi voir comment étendre notre collaboration au niveau d’autres OL de la zone afin d’être plus performants dans nos actions. Une ébauche de projet en est sortie, assez ambitieuse, mais je suis confiante et je ne doute pas que nous irons au bout de ce nouveau challenge.
#2019JCIAMEC
AMEC as told by our twinning partners DIAKITE Salifou, Président Exécutif 2019 de la JCI EMERAUDE, nous parle de son organisation et de son experience durant la CAMO
L’Ile Maurice est un pays d’Afrique qui n’est pas bien connu des Ivoiriens. La JCI EMERAUDE, nouvelle organisation de la JCI Cote d’Ivoire, s’est donc donnée pour mission de le faire connaitre à ses membres et aux Ivoiriens.
A EMERAUDE, les membres en accord avec l’esprit de cette citation, ont dit non à l’immobilisme. Ils ont décidé d’agir et chaque pas posé dans la foi, chaque contribution, chaque personne mobilisée a compté. Le résultat est la maturation du projet que nous avons célébré, à savoir la naissance officielle de la JCI EMERAUDE, le 15 décembre 2018.
« Il n’y a qu’une façon d’échouer, c’est d’abandonner avant d’avoir réussi »-George Clemenceau Ensuite, pour remplir notre devoir de gratitude, nous ne pouvons passer sous silence l’apport de tous ordres, la communion d’esprit, de volonté et d’actions de tous les acteurs et personnalités qui ont œuvré à la création officielle de notre organisation. C’est dans cette même optique que la JCI, organisation internationale, offre l’opportunité d’échanges inter- nations et l’envie de s’ouvrir à d’autres cultures.
AMEC as told by our twinning partners Le jumelage signé avec la JCI CITY PLUS, lors de la dernière Conférence Afrique Moyen-Orient 2019 permettra aux membres de : Développer des liens d'amitié de plus en plus étroits, Confronter nos problèmes, Communiquer sur nos actions qui impacteront nos communautés respectives, Organiser des projets communs, Signer à long terme un jumelage entre la ville d’Abidjan et celle de Maurice. C’est donc un grand honneur pour nous, membres d’une nouvelle organisation, la JCI EMERAUDE d’avoir pour jumelle la JCI CITY PLUS qui a plus d’expérience que nous. Nous ferons tout pour que ce jumelage soit une belle opportunité pour tous.
Je terminerai mes propos par cette citation de l’ancien Premier Ministre Britannique, Winston CHURCHILL : « Un pessimiste voit la difficulté dans chaque opportunité, un optimiste voit l’opportunité dans chaque difficulté.»
Other Highlights
The 2019 JCI Mauritius Outstanding Young Person Award, hosted by JCI Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill
Advocacy Training by JCI Curepipe
Iftaar gathering in collaboration with JCI Quatre Bornes
Other Highlights
JCI City Plus meeting 2019 JCI Vice President Severin Poaty
Emotional Management of the Self with Atish Bagolah
Conference about Fintech hosted by JCI Port Louis
Upcoming Projects and Save the Dates JCI City Plus Projects Community projects: Neighbourhood watch Business projects: ABC Stockexchange Investment, Inspire and Connect Sessions Skills and development sessions: Scuba Diving Training, official JCI trainings Orientation session for new and aspiring members JCI CIty Plus 12th Anniversary celebrations
facebook.com/jcicityplus
Other Projects/Events NATCON, Maritim Hotel, 5-6-October 2019
Why live an ordinary life, when you can live an extraordinary one.-Tony Robbins
About JCI What is JCI? JCI (Junior Chamber International) is a network of young active citizens aged 18-40 years old, with 175,000 active JCI members and millions of JCI alumni participating in projects, meetings, learning programs and events. JCI members contribute to the advancement of the global community by creating positive changes in approximately 6,000 communities in more than 115 nations worldwide.
Why become a member? JCI City Plus is a branch of JCI Mauritius and an NGO. Contact us to become an aspiring member-it is a free trial period of 1-6 mionths during which you get to work on various projects, including community projects which aim to fulfil the Global Goals, attend legendary parties as well as develop your leadership skills though various affordable skills development trainings. Members of the local organisation meet every last Wednesday of the month in the Conference room, Flying Dodo, Bagatelle.
How to join our organisation: 53 B, Avenue des Goyaviers, Quatre Bornes
Website: www.jcicityplus.org Social Media: facebook.com/jcicityplus Phone: 52594242/57015152 Email: secretary.jcicityplus@gmail.com 2019 Motto: Together for One World 2019 Local President: Geetanjali Ramkishore
Thank you!
OUR PARTNERS WHO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE
Multikom Ltd