This is the first in a series of monthly articles destined to open the doors of well-known companies around the island, giving you a glimpse of the work environment where many of our fellow Mauritians spend their time.

Have you ever dreamed of working in a place far from the hustle-bustle of the capital, with no traffic jams in the morning and only chirping birds to echo ringing phones? It all started in 1998, when British American Insurance acquired a magnificent house on half an acre of land, formerly known as “Campagne Lagesse” and now known as the British American Centre.

The lush and gorgeous gardens with their evergreen pine trees, purple jacarandas, pink bougainvilleas and green lawns roll down to a tennis court, which has been converted into a parking space. The immaculate gardens are attended to with quasi-religious fervour by two gardeners, Jonathan Amelie and Richard Friquin.

I noted, whilst visiting the The British American Centre, that every effort had been made to keep the original look of the house. The stone fireplace has been kept as it was in the old days, as well as the lime yellow and blue bathroom on the first floor, which is my favourite. The attic is also one of the places that is breathtaking; completely restored, it has been converted into a training centre with all modern facilities. Though the décor is more contemporary and stylish, The British American Centre remains furnished with charming and eclectic antiques and art that make you feel that you are in someone’s home. For example, the table carved in the form of an eagle at the entrance and the captains’ chairs in leather and teak come from the Bahamas and Malta.

<B>Convivial and comfortable</B>

“Le Petit Lycée Labourdonnais” got into the picture in 2001, when BA Insurance purchased the two-acre site. An outsider definitely sees that there is a judicious use of the property and space around. The offices are modern yet convivial and are all equipped with air conditioning and heaters. Some staff with whom I discussed stated that they are well aware that they are lucky to be working in this kind of environment. As one of them says: “Very often visitors tell us that this place is ‘a world apart’”

Moreover, the staff have the opportunity to keep fit in an ultra chic and modern gymnasium equipped with modern bathrooms as from 17:00 on week days up to 20:00 and up to 12:00 on Saturdays. Marilyn Pianny, the head of Customer Relations, says that the gymnasium is very busy in the afternoons.

Mr. Sansjiv Nuckchady, newly appointed chief executive officer of British American Insurance noted, “We wanted to decentralize our Port-Louis offices and Curepipe was a good compromise. BAI has at heart the welfare of its staff and, as such, we really endeavour to provide a nice environment conducive to peace of mind and productivity. Also, we are constantly looking for new ways and means to motivate our personnel. For instance, for the personnel who live far away, we have a fully air-conditioned coach, which ensures transport to their residence. Thus commuting to work is not a hassle for our staff”.

<B>Aisha Mosaheb</B>