A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE 2019 JCI AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST CONFERENCE
DESTINATION
BALACLAVA, MAURITIUS
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ACCOMMODATION + VENUE
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CONFERENCE INFORMATION
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ABOUT BALACLAVA + EXPLORE BALACLAVA
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CONFERENCE KEY EVENTS
© Kendy Mangra
MESSAGE OF GREETINGS Dear friends, Our world faces many challenges. The Africa and Middle East region will not remain behind in these times of permanent changes. JCI provides an incredible solution to the many challenges that affect our communities. It is therefore imperative for us as active citizens to present ourselves as the force of concrete solutions to ensure the economic and peaceful development of Africa and the Middle East. Mauritius’ capital of Port Louis has been listed as the number one African city where life is good, according to the ranking published by the Mercier for three consecutive years. It is also where we have decided to reflect from 1–4 May on our entrepreneurial and community capacity to transform young people into leading players in Africa and the Middle East’s development. Mauritius is opening its doors to us and sharing its charms for a week. This meeting of young active citizens allows us to reconnect with our goals, nourish our network and sense of community, while also learning through the rich conference program. This conference is also an opportunity to tour, explore business opportunities, as well as bilateral public collaboration. The dynamic team of the Conference Organizing Committee, the JCI Board of Directors and myself are eager to see you all on Mauritius to share JCI’s values with the citizens of the island. Welcome to Mauritius! Oumar Ouedraogo, JCI 2019 Executive Vice President
Š Joseph Manglaviti
Accommodations Headquarters Hotel
InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort, Balaclava, Mauritius Tel: + 230-261-1200 www.mauritius.intercontinental.com info.mauritius@ihg.com
Senate Hotel
The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa Balaclava, Turtle Bay, Mauritius Tel: +230-204-1400 Find more accommodations options by visiting, jciamec2019.com or contact teamamec2019@gmail.com.
Š Joseph Manglaviti
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Venue InterContinental Mauritius Resort Located on the beautiful beach front of Balaclava Bay, the InterContinental Mauritius Resort will serve as the Headquarters Hotel for the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference offering delegates luxury services. The resort is surrounded by mountains and greenery providing easy access to many island activities. It is a 20-minute drive from the capital city Port Louis and one-hour drive from the airport. Dining on site includes the unique local flavors of Mauritius, as well as many international restaurant experiences.
CONFERENCE INFORMATION Registration Delegates are strongly encouraged to register online before arriving to Mauritius. Registered delegates should pick up their name badges at the Headquarters Hotel. Registration will be open: • Wednesday 1 May: 09:00 – 17:00 • Thursday 2 May: 09:00 – 17:00 • Friday 3 May: 09:00 – 15:00 Only delegates who register will be allowed to participate in conference events. Admission will be restricted to delegates wearing conference badges and holding entry tickets, when necessary.
Travel Visa The visa requirements for travelers to Mauritius vary. For those who do not need a visa to enter Mauritius, your passport will be stamped on arrival allowing entry to the country for 60 days. Make sure your passport is valid © Fabien Manuel
for at least 6 months after your date of arrival to Mauritius. For information on visas, please contact the Mauritius Embassy located nearest you or check the official website to see whether you require a visa for entry into the country. The Conference Organizing Committee is making the necessary provisions to facilitate and ensure that registered delegates can obtain their visas; however, the final decision to grant or refuse a visa remains a prerogative of the consulate or local authorities.
Health Some vaccines recommended and required before traveling to Mauritius: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, yellow fever, diphtheria-tetanuspertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, Malaria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and annual flu shot. Mosquito-borne diseases are also common in Mauritius. Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing and if you are traveling from a country beforehand. Additionally, tourists may be surprised by the intensity of the sun and © Bernard Thomas
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should wear sunscreen.
© Joseph Manglaviti
Traveling to Balaclava
Conference Attire
Arrive By Plane
National dress, dark business suits or tuxedos,
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is located
cocktail or evening dresses are appropriate for:
in the southeast region of the island and is the only mainland airport
• Opening Ceremony
serving the country of Mauritius.
• JCI Awards Ceremony and Gala
To learn more about flights to and from Mauritius, visit: mauritius-airport.atol.aero.
Transportation to Hotel Welcome by the Conference Organizing Committee Inform the Conference Organizing Committee of your flight details and they will add you to the schedule of airport shuttles being provided between 28 April to 5 May from the airport to the Headquarters Hotel and BeCosy apartments.
By Taxi Taxis are available from the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). They do not have a fare meter, therefore
Business suits or national dress are appropriate for: • National Presidents Meeting • Conference Assemblies
Business casual dress is appropriate for: • Skills Development Sessions • Forums and Workshops
Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated) is appropriate for: • JCI Nightlife • Tourism
a taxi fare must be negotiated before your ride. It is recommended
JCI Events App
to ensure the driver has change if you do not have any. A taxi ride
The JCI Events app contains the most updated conference
direct from the airport to Balaclava will cost about 2100 MUR. For more information, visit: mauritius-airport.atol.aero/passengers/to-from-airport/airport-taxi.
By Rental Car
information. Features include: schedule of events, maps, speakers, push notifications, attendees, mobile play, and tourism information. Download the JCI Events app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Several car rental companies offer their services at MRU for pick up and drop off as long as the rental has been booked in advance. For more information on prices, visit: www.carflexi.com. Be sure to carry
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your national driver’s license.
Tourism Resources
By Car Service
With a wide range of activities and sights to see, there is something
Several transport companies offer VIP support services at the MRU.
special for everyone in Mauritius. Plan your post-conference trip:
These comfortable cars and minibuses will provide you with comfort
• www.tourism–mauritius.mu
after your journey. Learn more here:
• www.lonelyplanet.com/mauritius
taxiservicemauritius.com/airport-transfers.
• www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293816-Mauritius-Vacations.html
ABOUT
BALACLAVA , MAURITIUS Language
Located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, the awe-inspiring natural
English is the official language in Mauritius.
beauty of Mauritius makes it a sought-after
However, 90% of the population speaks
destination.
French, Mauritian Creole, or French-based
Mauritius is the largest island of the Republic
Creole throughout the country.
of Mauritius, which is also comprised of
Weather
smaller islands Rodrigues, Agalega and St. Brandon. Mauritius lies 805 km east
Northern Mauritius experiences a tropical
of Madagascar and about 2500 km south
climate where temperatures feel pleasant
of India. Formed by a volcano, the island
© Karl Ahnee
now overlooks lush mountains and boasts beautiful white sand beaches and coral reefs.
The government provides free health care,
The tourism industry in Mauritius accounts
education and public transport for students,
for a large portion of the country’s economy,
senior citizens and the disabled.
with the financial services sector being the pillar of the country’s economy.
its most alluring attractions. Visitors can
Mauritius is the most densely populated
find over 600 species of plants and animals,
country in Africa with 1.5 million people
many of them unique to the Mauritius. Before
living in 1865 kilometers2. The Dutch, French
the famous dodo bird became extinct, it lived
and British colonized Mauritius at different
exclusively on Mauritius. Conservation has
times throughout history and immigrants
become increasingly important to Mauritians
from Asia, including a large population
in recent years, with many protected wildlife
of indentured servants from India arrived
areas doubling as tourist destinations. From
during the 19th century, have created a
the powder-white beaches perfect for topical
diverse ethnic population in the country.
exploration of exotic wildlife to the beautifully
Mauritius gained full independence in 1968
diverse cultures sprinkled throughout the
and was proclaimed a republic in 1992 and
country, Mauritius is a wonderful and unique
remains an extremely peaceful country.
destination.
© Kendy Mangra
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The flora and fauna of Mauritius are one of
most of the year, excluding some hotter and humid months starting in January through March. May falls at the end of fall, early winter for Balaclava, however the weather still feels warm with temperatures ranging from 24–27ºC.
Time Zone Mauritius Standard Time (UTC +4 hours)
Telephone The country code for Mauritius is +230. When calling abroad from Mauritius, you must use the respective code of the country that you are calling.
© Kendy Mangra
Internet
Tipping and Gratuity
Cultural Notes
There are many ways to communicate and
Tips are accepted but are not mandatory.
Mauritius has rich geographical and cultural
remain connected while in Mauritius:
However, individuals in the service industry,
identities that makes this country unique and
such as servers in restaurants and bars,
exciting. The influence of Hindu, Western
employees of hotels and taxi drivers do
and French customs, history, language and
appreciate and accept a tip of 10% or 100
food create a cultural blend. In Mauritius,
MUR demonstrating exceptional service.
you can experience unique flavors from
Use the cellular roaming service. However, first ensure compatibility and roaming costs between your local network and your telephone company to avoid high costs Purchase a local prepaid SIM card. SIM cards from providers such as Emtel or Orange can be purchased at phone stores, convenient stores or supermarkets throughout Mauritius. Use hotel WiFi. This service is available at
Electricity In Mauritius, the standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Mauritius uses type C and type G plugs. Type C sockets also work with plug E, F, J, K or N sockets.
flavor that consists of a variety of fusion restaurants, including Southeast Asian, Chinese, European flavors as well as Creole-inspired dishes. Chinese food is also popular, contributing rice as an island staple for most dishes made here.
most hotels. In addition, all conference sites
The different religious groups living in
will have a WiFi connection that is accessible
Mauritius celebrate holidays such as
to all delegates.
Christmas, Diwali, Chinese New Year, Eid El
Access Wi-Fi Mauritius. This service is available free of charge to all users who have a mobile number and a Wi-Fi enabled device. For more information, visit: www.wifimauritius.mu.
Currency The official currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, some hotels including the InterContinental Mauritius Resort and exchange offices throughout the city.
Credit Cards and ATMs
Type C Plug and Socket
Fitr and Thaipoosam Cavadee throughout the year. Mauritius is home to unique animal
For more information on electricity visit:
and plant species, such as the Mauritius
www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm
flying fox, the pink pigeon, the echo
Attire in Mauritius Local residents in Mauritius typically wear western and traditional beach clothes. In recent years, a fusion between traditional and modern dressing have emerged. Depending on the restaurant, men may not be permitted to wear jeans or casual shorts. Dress pants, trousers, formal shoes and dresses are preferred for evening dining. A bathing suit cover is suggested. For travel and city visits, there is no required dress code except while visiting places of worship.
Many credit cards are accepted in Mauritius and ATMs are available at the airport, banks and in supermarkets. Some locations may not accept credit cards so carrying cash is advised. As with any other destination, avoid withdrawing and carrying large sums of cash. Exercise the same vigilance in terms of security consciousness and discretion as you would elsewhere when using an ATM. Š Joseph Manglaviti
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Indian-inspired cuisine to its local culinary
parakeet, the day gecko and many more. Some species, including various birds, are found only in small areas such as the Black River Gorges National Park. A trip to Mauritius is an exciting opportunity to experience a nation full of vibrant flavors, beautiful landscapes and unforgettable natural life.
© Joseph Manglaviti
EXPLORE
BALACLAVA, MAURITIUS
Seven Colored Earth of Chamarel
avoided extinction in the 20th century. Visitors can also see over
Located within the nation’s thick forests of Chamarel, the Seven
waterfalls and other interesting landforms that visitors can explore
Colored Earth is a mysteriously beautiful landform, similar to a
as well as hike.
sand dune, covering about 7500 meters in Mauritius. Decomposing volcanic rock combined with other metallic elements eroded over time to create the rock’s surreal marble-like appearance. Over time, the heavy Mauritian rains have carved an awe-inspiring rock unlike any other in the world. Distinct hues of purples, browns, reds and oranges can be observed. Visitors can explore a nearby waterfall and catch glimpse of tortoises near this unique rock.
Black River Gorges National Park The largest protected native forest on the island, Black River Gorges National Park is the place to go to see endemic Mauritian species. Nine types of birds that can not be found anywhere else on earth are located here, including the Mauritius kestrel — a bird that narrowly
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300 species of flora and fauna in this 67 kms expanse. In addition to offering enchanting wildlife viewing, the park contains many
Flic-en-Flac Beach The largest and most popular beach in Mauritius — Flic-en-Flac Beach contains beautiful white sand, crystal blue waters and a lagoon protected by coral reefs. Stretching 8 kilometers long, this beach contains many options for dining, shopping and nightlife as well as opportunities for water sports. The beach is located 15 kilometers south of Port Louis — an area that’s populated with marshes, lagoons and sugar cane plantations. Flic-en-Flac Beach began as a small fishing village named after an Old Dutch phrase meaning “Free and Flat Land.” It is now one of the most popular destinations on the island.
Le Caudan Waterfront
Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden
In the center of Port Louis, Le Caudan Waterfront is the first step
To fully immerse yourself in the exotic plants Mauritius has to offer,
on a Port Louis Cultural Walk — a self-lead tour that allows visitors
a visit to the Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden is guaranteed to give
to experience the historical landmarks along the harbor. Le Caudan
you this experience. The garden was created over 300 years ago
Waterfront offers a variety of restaurants, ranging from affordable
as a private garden for a French governor. Located in the district
local cuisine to luxury dining. After having a traditional Mauritius
of Pamplemousse within Port Louis, the Sir Seewoosagur Botanic
meal on the waterfront, take a stroll through the art district, visit the
Garden is home to indigenous and imported fauna that includes 85
casino or visit the trendy shopping options along the harbor.
different species of palm trees. Guided tours are available for a very
Blue Penny Museum One of the best historical attractions in Port Louis is the Blue Penny Museum. Discover the unique history of Mauritius through sculptures, engravings, watercolor paintings and relics housed at the Blue Penny. Come learn about the history of Mauritius while under Dutch, French and British rule by seeing a rich collection of stories and artifacts from various colonial periods that are on display. The name Blue Penny pays homage to one of the rarest stamps on earth, but the museum itself contains two of the most coveted postages ever created.
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small fee.
CONFERENCE KEY EVENTS
Opening Ceremony At the Opening Ceremony of the 2019 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference, National Presidents and heads of delegations will greet delegates, represent their countries
Business for Sustainable
Development Panel Discussion Thursday 2 May | 10:30 – 12:00 Room: Hibiscus Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
and showcase their traditional costumes.
Advocacy in JCI
Come cheer for your National Organization,
Friday 3 May | 15:30 – 17:30
enjoy the first day of the celebrations with
Room: Baracuda
entertainment and connect with the JCI
Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
community.
Wednesday 1 May 18:30 – 20:30 Room: Hibiscus Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
Impact Forums and Sessions Attend special impact forums and sessions to explore more on the role of business for sustainable development.
Accelerate Transformation: Strategic Planning Forum Wednesday 1 May | 12:00 – 14:00 Room: Baracuda Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
First Timers Orientation Wednesday 1 May | 14:00 – 16:00
National Presidents Meeting and Conference Assemblies See the major decisions your national representatives will make this year to create impact across Africa and the Middle East!
National Presidents Meeting Wednesday 1 May | 09:00 – 13:00 Room: Baracuda Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
Conference Assembly Thursday 2 May | 14:00 – 17:00
JCI Programs JCI members are challenged to show their impact at the international level. Don’t miss the most exciting competitions and seize the opportunity to share best practices during the conference!
Debating Championship (English) Saturday 4 May | 10:00 – 12:00 Room: Segala Beach Room 1 Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
Debating Championship (French) Saturday 4 May | 10:00 – 12:00 Room: Segala Beach Room 2 Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
Public Speaking Championship Preliminary: Saturday 4 May | 10:00–12:00 Final: Saturday 4 May | 12:00 – 13:00 Room: Iris Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
JCI Twinning Ceremony Saturday 4 May | 11:00 – 13:00 Room: Baracuda Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
Friday 3 May | 14:00 – 17:00 Room: Hibiscus Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
Room: Baracuda Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
JCI Morning Show Thursday 2 May | 09:00 – 10:20 Friday 3 May | 09:00 – 10:00 Room: Hibiscus Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
© Joseph Manglaviti
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JCI Nightlife JCI members work hard all day to improve themselves and the world around them, but there’s no reason we can’t party too. Bring your name badge to get inside, where you’ll find friends from all over Africa and the Middle East enjoying the native food and drink. Welcome Party
Mauritian Night
Wednesday 1 May
Friday 3 May
21:00 – 01:00
20:00 – 23:00
Room: Hibiscus
Room: Sugar Island + Segala Beach
Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
I Am Africa and the Middle East Patriotic
JCI Awards Ceremony and Gala
Night and Concert
Saturday 4 May
Thursday 2 May
18:30 – 23:00
19:00 – 23:00
Room: Hibiscus
Room: Segala Beach
Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
Venue: InterContinental Mauritius
Conference Organizing Committee For any questions regarding the 2019 JCI Africa and Middle East Conference, visit: jciamec2019.com
Conference Organizing Committee Director
Lokhesh Ujhoodha teamamec2019@gmail.com
Emergency Contact Ambulance: 114 Fire Station: 115 Police: 999