786-92

Brothers and Sisters,

When I first came to Mauritius in January 1965, I knew Mauritius only by its name - and today I am leaving this marvelous and most beautiful island and its most hospitable inhabitants with a heart full of sadness. I feel sad because I am conscious of the tight bondage of love, which links us, and has always been increasing during the past seven years of my stay here. I shall not be exaggerating if I say that once the Mauritians have known somebody, the love, which they bear for him, is sweeter than the sugar, which they produce.

On this moment of my departure, I must earnestly appeal to you all to live in harmony and peace, to become the torchbearers of peace to this divided world of ours, and to work hard for the welfare of this picturesque country.

Before ending, I take this opportunity to express my warmest thanks to everyone, to the Editors, the MBC/TV, the Police, the different Institutions and last but not the least the Government of Mauritius for their entire and precious co-operation extended to me in carrying out my religious mission successfully here.

May God bless you all!

With love, kind regards and best wishes,

Your humble servant of Islam,

Muhammad Ibrahim Khushtar