Mauritius launches referendum on the way forward

05 February 2010, Afrique en ligne
URL: http://www.afriquejet.com/news/africa-news/mauritius-launches-referendum-on-way-forward-for-the-island-2010020443542.html

Port Louis:  The Mauritian government will, on Thursday, 18 February, launch a national referendum at which the people will express their views on how to make the country a "durable Island", PANA reported from the Mauritian capital, Port-Louis.

Professor François Odendaal, facilitator for the project 'Mauritius for a durable Island', announced that the referendum would be opened to all shades of opinion and citizens -- women, men, fishermen, small and medium-sized companies, corporate sector, local authorities and the various ministries.  The referendum will be on for six months, Professor Odendaal said, adding that after the event, Mauritius would drafted a document defining the national vision for a durable Island.

According to him, "Mauritians will have to express their points of view on the model of country they want to live in 20 or even 50 years from now and their priorities."

"If they succeed, they will be an example not only for themselves, but also for the other Islands of the Indian ocean and even to for the bigger countries in Africa." he said.

He emphasized that Mauritius was not currently a durable island because the country imported most of its food.