Hi everyone! We created this petition almost a year ago, and we wanted to give you a number of updates.
The Diaspora’s Right to Vote
Though a number of Mauritians – including us – have advocated for the diaspora’s right to vote this year (we sent our electoral reform proposal in January, which you can read here), it’s unclear as to where exactly matters stand; there have been no significant updates regarding this issue in parliament.
We were on the MBC in February, defending the right to vote during a live debate on electoral reform; we’ve also been interviewed in the press, making the case for why enfranchisement is both a moral and an economic position, and a feasible one at that.
We’ll keep our eyes open for any developments on that front.
Bridge Moris’ Growth
We’ve also grown considerably this year. In March, we launched the Bridge Bulletin, a fortnightly newsletter covering Mauritian news and culture. Once a month, we also write a long-form profile of a Mauritian diaspora member – abroad or returned – who we believe has done exceptional work. The 17th issue will be out next Thursday; if you’re interested in reading it, subscribe here.
We’ve hosted a few online events over the past few months: our Koze, Lab and Live Diaspora Spotlight conversations have brought our community together in a multitude of ways, including through a live webinar with Kim Le Court, where we got together to celebrate her incredible achievements..
In September we launched our Diaspora Talent Platform, in partnership with CIEL Group, one of the leading Mauritian companies, which we hope will transform the way Mauritians of the diaspora can contribute their skills to the island. The platform opens with two tracks: the Flexible Engagement Track is for contributing without leaving where you are (think of advisory engagements, short missions, workshops, training and mentoring, delivered remotely or on short visits); the Repatriation Track is for those looking to move back (full-time roles with organisations in Mauritius). If you’re interested in being part of this, please register here.
We hope you’re keeping well, and wish you a wonderful end of year.
All our best wishes,
Alex and Yashna