Mauritius can take pride in its ambassador in the US, who won the much-coveted 2005 Ambassador of the Year Award at the 10th Annual Women Ambassadors’ Conference, a hallmark of Washington’s diplomatic life, in March at Howard University. Ambassadors from various parts of the world presented their views on this year’s topic, Redefining the International discourse and strengthening international alliances.

Ambassador Jeetah made a presentation on International Preparedness and Responses to Natural Disasters. This award is given to an ambassador who has spent at least three years in Washington and championed causes affecting not only her country but also her entire continent.

The Mauritian ambassador has also been presented with the Women Who Make A Difference Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, untiring efforts to improve the quality of life for women, children and families and for her influence on global concerns and issues. She also championed the cause of small and medium businesses and women entrepreneurship and worked on those issues with the American and African Business Women’s Alliance and other US NGOs.

As a forceful and passionate speaker on African issues, ambassador Jeetah defended the cause of AGOA and its implementation not only for Mauritius but at the African continent level. She was instrumental in having the first AGOA Forum held outside the US in Mauritius in 2003.