One Chinese family's legacy in paradise

"The Chinese community today is not only well-respected, but also held in high regard by other racial groups, whether they are black, Indians or Muslims, because of my father," said Donald.

The family's old residence on Reverend Lebrun Street was turned into a memorial center and museum for Sir Jean Moilin in August 2009. Donald says that the family members still gather at the site occasionally to relive their growing up days.

Till this day, Jean Moilin's contributions to the country are still an inspiration to many Chinese Mauritians.

"Sino-Mauritians are proud of his dedication to improving the welfare of the community, and the community also serves as a bridge between Mauritius and China," says Jin Lian Qiu, 46, who moved to Mauritius 17 years ago and teaches Chinese at the Royal College Port Louis and Greenwich University Mauritius.

Qiu is currently compiling a Chinese textbook for the Mauritian Ministry of Education and Human Resources.

"I found that great changes have taken place in China when I was attending the World Chinese Language and Culture Education Conference in Beijing in December," she adds.

"China's rapid development makes overseas Chinese very proud. I will play my role as a promoter of Chinese culture in helping more Mauritians better understand China and its culture."

Li Kook Tseung, director of the China Times newspaper in Mauritius and vice-president of the Heen Foh Lee Kwon Society, also spoke of Jean Moilin's impact, saying: "Although we were born in Mauritius, we still have strong ties with China. Chinese-Mauritians prefer to travel to China rather than other places such as Europe and the United States. China is where our heart is."