There was much anticipation for this Annual Conference in Mauritius! Our hosts, Christian and Lisa Li, planned a spectacular six days of activities, excursions, dining and more all set at the elegant beachfront Sugar Beach Resort Hotel. Lots of great fun and relaxation was to be had often on the beach or at the pools.
The Early Arrivals Dinner was held at a great harbour side restaurant in the capital city of Mauritius, Port Louis. At this dinner we were joined by Christian and Lisa’s fabulous team at CKLB and family members who were warm, welcoming and so very helpful throughout the entire conference.
On Tuesday the Board convened followed by the beachfront Welcome Reception BBQ under the stars at Citronelle. Highlighting this lovely evening was a terrific Mauritian dancing and drum performance. A surprise romantic note was being witnessed to newlyweds Joao and Andrea renewing their vows with the good reverend Mike Djordjevich presiding.
On Wednesday all delegates gathered for a full conference which included an address by the Finance Minister describing the many benefits of Mauritius as a financial and banking centre. See article which follows describing our business day.
The Accompanying Persons were treated to a day of shopping at the vast Vegetable Market followed by a lively cooking class and luncheon at a beautifully preserved colonial home. That evening we enjoyed a delightful evening at the sublime Domain Anna where Christian and Lisa planned a delicious and extensive Chinese Feast.
Thursday’s Social Day stated with a tour and tea tasting at the Bois Cheri factory ( including a visit from a wild monkey!).
A delicious lunch and rum tasting were held at the historic St. Aubin Plantation. The last stop was at an animal sanctuary which featured crocodiles, monkeys and an “up close and personal “ encounter with giant turtles.
Friday’s bonus Catamaran Tour has been infamously dubbed, “ The Best IGAL Day Ever!” An unmatched day of sun, sea, sailing, dining, dancing and great hilarity provided a wonderful time to unwind, relax and enjoy the gorgeous Mauritian coastline.
The AGM on Saturday morning marked the changing of the guard’s as outgoing President Mike Djordjevich finished his remarkable multi-year term as President and handing the stewardship of our organization over to Pim Nuiten and his newly constituted board.
Many thanks were given to our administrator Sarah Leonache for her tireless hard work for IGAL.
Mason and Hayley Bloom gave us a taste of the exciting activities they are planning for the upcoming May 2025 Midterm gathering in Edinburgh.
That evening’s Gala held the stunning Bel Ombre mansion began with cocktails as we watched the gorgeous sunset over the ocean.
We were then treated with a dancing and drum performance including Chinese Dragons! The exquisite five course dinner and the exuberant dancing with a talented band ended our time together. This entire evening was so generously underwritten by Afrasia Bank.
Christian, Lisa, their families and stellar team are to be enormously applauded and praised for this most remarkable “Bucket List” AGM.
PAM BROKATE