I was very pleased to be among them this morning for the Opening Ceremony of the Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden at the University of Mauritius. I recall that the idea to set up such a garden was rooted early this year at the level of my Ministry. Congratulations to the Faculty of Agriculture for this very laudable initiative in the promotion of endemic and medicinal plants for the benefit of our students and society at large .I am convinced that the garden will represent a window to the society and raise awareness among the public on the different endemic flora species that exist in the island. To-day’s event is a milestone in the history of this University and is a major step towards creating and promoting a culture of endemic and medicinal plants for the national development of our country