The President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Mr. George Manneh Weah, has sent a Message of Congratulations to H.E. Mrs. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius, on the occasion marking that nation’s 50^th Independence Anniversary.

The known history of Mauritius begins with it discovery by Europeans and its appearance on maps in the early 16^th century. Mauritius was successively colonized by the Dutch, the French and the British and became independent on March 12, 1968.

The Independence Day ended nearly 200 years of British rule of the island. The first Prime Minister and Architect of Independence at that time was the late Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, leader of the Labour Party and the British Governor General of Mauritius, who handled the ceremony of the flag at that time was the late Sir John Shaw Rennie.

According to a Liberian Foreign Ministry release, President Weah, on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name said, “It gives me immense pleasure to extend to Your Excellency and the Government and People of the Republic of Mauritius, heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the 50^th Independence Anniversary of your great country.”

The Liberian President further stated that as the People of that Indian Ocean nation commemorate this historic occasion, Liberians are fervently praying that the Mauritian President will continue to be endowed with wisdom and the vitality required to lead her people to nobler heights.

“One this auspicious occasion, I entertain the hope that the cordial ties of friendship and cooperation subsisting between our two countries will be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” the Liberian Leader concluded.