Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim (Mauritian Creole pronunciation: [bibi ameenah fiʁdaus ɡuʁib fakim]) GCSK[1][2] (born 17 October 1959)[3] is a Mauritian politician and biodiversity scientist who served as the 6th President of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018. In December 2014, she was selected to be the presidential candidate of the Alliance Lepep. After Kailash Purryag resigned on 29 May 2015, both Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Leader of the Opposition Paul Berenger positively welcomed her nomination, which was unanimously approved in a vote in the National Assembly.

Her Excellency

Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

GCSK
6th President of Mauritius
In office
5 June 2015 – 23 March 2018
Prime MinisterAnerood Jugnauth
Pravind Jugnauth
Vice PresidentMonique Ohsan Bellepeau
Barlen Vyapoory
Preceded byMonique Ohsan Bellepeau (Acting)
Succeeded byBarlen Vyapoory (Acting)
Personal details
Born (1959-10-17) 17 October 1959
Surinam, British Mauritius
Political partyIndependent
Spouse(s)Anwar Fakim
(m. 1988–present)
Children2
ParentsHassenjee Gurib
Firdaus Durgauhee
ResidencePlaine Magnien, Mauritius
(hometown)
Alma materUniversity of Surrey
University of Exeter
Profession
  • Politician
  • biodiversity scientist

Gurib-Fakim is the first woman elected as president of the country and is the third woman to have served as Head of State following Queen Elizabeth II and Monique Ohsan Bellepeau, who acted as President in 2012 following the resignation of President Anerood Jugnauth, and again in 2015 following the resignation of President Kailash Purryag. She served as a 2019 keynote speaker of Cambridge University's conference "Africa Together: Which Way Forward?" hosted by the African Society of Cambridge University.[4]

Early life and education

Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim was born in the village of Surinam on 17 October 1959, to parents Hassenjee Gurib and Firdaus Durgauhee. She grew up in Plaine Magnien and completed her studies at the primary school in Saint-Patrice. She then moved to Mahébourg Loreto Convent, finishing her Higher School Certificate at Loreto convent Quatre Bornes before flying to England for her undergraduate degree in chemistry. She graduated from the University of Surrey in 1983 with a BSc degree in chemistry. After obtaining her PhD degree in organic chemistry at Exeter University, she returned home in 1987 to take employment at the University of Mauritius.[5]

Career

She worked as Managing Director of CIDP Research & Innovation (formerly Cephyr, Centre for Phytotherapy Research).[6] Previously, she was a Professor with a personal chair in Organic Chemistry at the University of Mauritius (2001) and where she served successively as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Pro–Vice Chancellor (2004–2010). She also worked at the Mauritius Research Council as Manager for Research (1995–1997).[7] She served as the Chairperson the International Council for Scientific Union – Regional Office for Africa (2011–2014).[8] In 2015, her nomination for the Presidency of Mauritius, put forward by then-PM and fellow Militant Socialist Movement member Anerood Jugnauth, was unanimously approved by the Mauritian National Assembly. She resigned in 2018 amid a financial scandal during the prime ministership of Pravind Jugnauth. The office of president remained vacant until December 2019, when Prithvirajsing Roopun took office. In the meantime, Vice President Barlen Vyapoory functioned as acting president.

Vice-chancellor appointment

In December 2013 Dr. Gurib-Fakim made a complaint to the Mauritian Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) alleging religious discrimination in the consideration of her application for Vice Chancellor of the University of Mauritius (UoM). The EOC investigation found that this was not the case, but noted shortcomings in the selection process. The report cited the lack of clear criteria and mark sheets for evaluating candidates. Similarly, the last word went to Professor Jugessur, then president of the Council of the UoM if tiebreak.[9]

Gurib-Fakim eventually left her position as Professor at the University to open her own science center known as CIDP Research & Innovation where she is the Managing Director.

Personal life

In 1988, she married Dr. Anwar Fakim who is a surgeon. She has two children; a son and a daughter. She is currently resident of the town of Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius. She lives with her husband, children and her elderly parents.

Controversies

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim officially resigned from the position of President of Mauritius on 23 March 2018 after the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations.[10] This resignation was mainly due to conflicts on interest and allegations arising from her involvement as Director of private organisation Planet Earth Institute (PEI), private expenditures on a credit card[11] and holiday trips financed by PEI, given the involvement of PEI's controversial founder and businessman Álvaro Sobrinho.[12] [13] Ameenah Gurib Fakim also requested that the Financial Services Commission (FSC) issue a banking license to Álvaro Sobrinho.[14] [15]

Honours and awards

National honours

Foreign honours

Awards

Gurib-Fakim has also been the recipient of various international awards including the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science (2007), Laureate for the National Economic and Social Council (2007), the CTA / NEPAD / AGRA / RUFORUM for ‘African Women in Science’ and the African Union Award for Women in Science.[7] She was also made Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (CSK) by President Anerood Jugnauth in 2008 for her contribution in the education and the scientific sector. She was awarded the Order of the ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Academiques’ by the Government of France in 2009.[19] Upon becoming President, she was automatically elevated to the highest civilian award of Grand Commander of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GSCK).

National awards
  •  Mauritius: Laureate for the National Economic and Social Council[16]

Foreign and international awards

Bibliography

Academic works
  • Aumeeruddy-Elalfi, Z.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Mahomoodally, F. (2015). "Antimicrobial, antibiotic potentiating activity and phytochemical profile of essential oils from exotic and endemic medicinal plants of Mauritius". Industrial Crops and Products. 71: 197–204. doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2015.03.058.
  • Seebaluck, R.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Mahomoodally, F. (2015). "Medicinal plants from the genus Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae)–A review of their ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 159: 137–157. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.10.040. PMID 25446604.
  • Rangasamy, O.; Mahomoodally, F. M.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Quetin-Leclercq, J. (2014). "Two anti-staphylococcal triterpenoid acids isolated from Psiloxylon mauritianum (Bouton ex Hook.f.) Baillon, an endemic traditional medicinal plant of Mauritius". South African Journal of Botany. 93: 198–203. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2014.03.017.
  • ElSawy, N. A.; Hadda, T. B.; Bakr, E. H.; Header, E.A.M.; Fakim, A. G.; Mabkhot, Y. N.; Aljofan, M. (2014). "Effects of Crude Aqueous Extract of Origanum vulgaris in Developing Ovary of Rabbits Following in Utero, Adolescent and Postpubertal Exposure". Vedic Research International Phytomedicine. 2 (3): 73. doi:10.14259/pm.v2i3.142.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Mahomoodally, M. F. (2013). "African Flora as Potential Sources of Medicinal Plants : Towards the Chemotherapy of Major Parasitic and Other Infectious Diseases : A Review". Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences. 6 (2): 77–84. doi:10.12816/0000263.
  • Mahomoodally, F. M.; Subratty, A. H.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Choudhary, M. I. (2012). "Antioxidant, antiglycation and cytotoxicity evaluation of selected medicinal plants of the Mascarene Islands". BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 12: 165. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-165. PMC 3517752. PMID 23020844.
  • Mahomoodally, F.; Mesaik, A.; Choudhary, M. I.; Subratty, A. H.; Gurib-Fakim, A. (2012). "In vitro modulation of oxidative burst via release of reactive oxygen species from immune cells by extracts of selected tropical medicinal herbs and food plants". Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 5 (6): 440–447. doi:10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60075-3. PMID 22575975.
  • Mahomoodally, M. F.; Subratty, A. H.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Choudhary, M. I.; Khan, S. N. (2012). "Traditional Medicinal Herbs and Food Plants Have the Potential to Inhibit Key Carbohydrate Hydrolyzing Enzymes In Vitro and Reduce Postprandial Blood Glucose Peaks In Vivo". The Scientific World Journal. 2012: 1–9. doi:10.1100/2012/285284. PMC 3361172. PMID 22654584.
  • MAHOMOODALLY, M.; GURIB FAKIM, A.; SUBRATTY, A. H. (2012). "Inhibitory Effects of a Traditional Antidiabetic Medicinal Fruit Extract on the Transport of Inorganic Phosphate and D-Glucose Across Rat Everted Intestinal Sacs- Possible Relationship with A "crabtree-Effect"". Journal of Food Biochemistry. 36: 107–115. doi:10.1111/j.1745-4514.2010.00504.x.
  • Leyssen, P.; Litaudon, M.; Guillemot, J.; Rasoanaivo, P.; Smadja, J.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Canard, B.; Guéritte, F. (2011). "PHYTOCHIK: Biodiversity As A Source of Selective Inhibitors of CHIKV Replication". Antiviral Research. 90 (2): A36–A37. doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2011.03.048.
  • Mahomoodally, M. F.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Subratty, A. H. (2010). "Screening for Alternative Antibiotics: An Investigation into the Antimicrobial Activities of Medicinal Food Plants of Mauritius". Journal of Food Science. 75 (3): M173–M177. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01555.x. PMID 20492307.
  • Mahomoodally, M. F.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Subratty, A. H. "Antimicrobial Activities and Phytochemical Profiles of Endemic Medicinal Plants of Mauritius". Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Gueho, J.; Sewraj-Bissoondoyal, M. (1997). "The Medicinal Plants of Mauritius – Part 1". Pharmaceutical Biology. 35 (4): 237–254. doi:10.1076/phbi.35.4.237.13313.
  • Jelager, L.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Adsersen, A. (1998). "Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Medicinal Plants of Mauritius". Pharmaceutical Biology. 36 (3): 153–161. doi:10.1076/phbi.36.3.153.6345.
  • Dutta, A.; Sarkar, D.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Mandal, C.; Chatterjee, M. (2008). "In vitro and in vivo activity of Aloe vera leaf exudate in experimental visceral leishmaniasis". Parasitology Research. 102 (6): 1235–1242. doi:10.1007/s00436-008-0899-2. PMID 18266009. S2CID 22268593.
  • Mahomoodally, M. F.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Subratty, A. H. (2007). "Effect of exogenous ATP on Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) induced inhibition of D-glucose, L-tyrosine and fluid transport across rat everted intestinal sacs in vitro". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 110 (2): 257–263. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2006.09.020. PMID 17092672.
  • Rangasamy, O.; Raoelison, G.; Rakotoniriana, F. E.; Cheuk, K.; Urverg-Ratsimamanga, S.; Quetin-Leclercq, J.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Subratty, A. H. (2007). "Screening for anti-infective properties of several medicinal plants of the Mauritians flora". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 109 (2): 331–337. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2006.08.002. PMID 17011733.
  • Marie, D.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Gray, A.; Waterman, P. (2006). "Constituents of Psiadia terebinthina AJ Scott, an endemic Asteraceae from Mauritius". Natural Product Research. 20 (13): 1169–1175. doi:10.1080/14786410600898847. PMID 17127504. S2CID 20645650.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A. (2006). "Medicinal plants: traditions of yesterday and drugs of tomorrow". Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 27 (1): 1–93. doi:10.1016/j.mam.2005.07.008. PMID 16105678.
  • Kotowaroo, M. I.; Mahomoodally, M. F.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Subratty, A. H. (2006). "Screening of traditional antidiabetic medicinal plants of Mauritius for possible alpha-amylase inhibitory effects in vitro". Phytotherapy Research. 20 (3): 228–231. doi:10.1002/ptr.1839. PMID 16521114. S2CID 24533376.
  • Mahomoodally, M. F; Gurib Fakim, A.; Subratty, A. H. (2006). "Stimulatory effects of Antidesma madagascariense on D-glucose, L-tyrosine, fluid and electrolyte transport across rat everted intestine, comparable to insulin action in vitro". British Journal of Biomedical Science. 63 (1): 12–7. doi:10.1080/09674845.2006.11732713. PMID 16613135. S2CID 35440564.
  • Subratty, A. H.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Mahomoodally, F. (2005). "Bitter melon: an exotic vegetable with medicinal values". Nutrition & Food Science. 35 (3): 143–147. doi:10.1108/00346650510594886.
  • Mahomoodally, M. F.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Subratty., A. H. (2005). "Experimental evidence for in vitro fluid transport in the presence of a traditional medicinal fruit extract across rat everted intestinal sacs". Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology. 19 (1): 87–92. doi:10.1111/j.1472-8206.2004.00311.x. PMID 15660964. S2CID 23758447.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Subratty, H.; Narod, F.; Govinden-Soulange, J.; Mahomoodally, F. (2005). "Biological activity from indigenous medicinal plants of Mauritius". Pure and Applied Chemistry. 77: 41–51. doi:10.1351/pac200577010041.
  • Govinden-Soulange, J.; Magan, N.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Gauvin, A.; Smadja, J.; Kodja, H. (2004). "Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activities of the essential oils from endemic Psiadia species growing in Mauritius". Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 27 (11): 1814–1818. doi:10.1248/bpb.27.1814. PMID 15516729.
  • Mahomoodally, M. F.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Subratty, A. H. (2004). "Momordica charantia extracts inhibit uptake of monosaccharide and amino acid across rat everted gut sacs in-vitro". Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 27 (2): 216–218. doi:10.1248/bpb.27.216. PMID 14758036.
  • Besse, P.; DaSilva, D.; Humeau, L.; Govinden-Soulange, J.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; Kodja, H. (2003). "A genetic diversity study of endangered Psiadia species endemic from Mauritius Island using PCR markers". Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 31 (12): 1427–1445. doi:10.1016/S0305-1978(03)00131-5.
  • Pedersen, O.; Gurib-Fakim, A.; H., Subratty; Adsersen, A.; Figier, J. (1999). "Pharmacological Properties of Seven Medicinal Plants of the Rubiaceae from Mauritius". Pharmaceutical Biology. 37 (3): 202–207. doi:10.1076/phbi.37.3.202.6300.
  • Kodja, H.; Robene-Soustrade, I.; L., Humeau; Dulloo, E.; Figier, J.; Govinden-Soulange, J.; Gurib-Fakim, A. (1998). "Micropropagation of Psiadia arguta through cotyledonary axillary bud culture". Plant Growth Regulation. 25 (2): 75–80. doi:10.1023/A:1005913116300. S2CID 36358341.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A. (1996). "Volatile Constituents of the Leaf Oil of Artemisia verlotiorum Lamotte and Ambrosia tenuifolia Sprengel (Syn.: Artemisia psilostachya auct. non L.)". Journal of Essential Oil Research. 8 (5): 559–561. doi:10.1080/10412905.1996.9700689.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Sewraj, M.; J., Gueho; Dulloo, E. (1996). "Medicinal Plants of Rodrigues". Pharmaceutical Biology. 34: 2–14. doi:10.1076/phbi.34.1.2.13177.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Bourrel, C.; H., Kodja; Govinden, J. (1995). "Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Psiadia lithospermifolia (Lam.) Cordem. and P. viscosa (Lam.) A. J. Scott of the Asteraceae Family". Journal of Essential Oil Research. 7 (5): 533–535. doi:10.1080/10412905.1995.9698579.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Sewraj, M.; F., Narod; Menut, C. (1995). "Aromatic Plants of Mauritius: Volatile Constituents of the Essential Oils of Coleus aromaticus Benth., Triphasia trifolia (Burm.f.) and Eucalyptus kirtoniana F. Muell". Journal of Essential Oil Research. 7 (2): 215–218. doi:10.1080/10412905.1995.9698504.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Demarne, F. (1994). "Constituents of the Essential Oil of the Leaves of Pittosporum balfourii Growing in Rodrigues". Planta Medica. 60 (6): 584–585. doi:10.1055/s-2006-959581. PMID 17236088.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Demarne, F. (1995). "Aromatic Plants of Mauritius: Volatile Constituents of the Leaf Oils of Citrus aurantium L., Citrus paradisi Macfad and Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck". Journal of Essential Oil Research. 7: 105–109. doi:10.1080/10412905.1995.9698477.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Demarne, F. (1994). "Volatile Constituents of Dracaena reflexa Lam. var. angustifolia Baker". Planta Medica. 6 (6): 651–652. doi:10.1080/10412905.1994.9699363.
  • Gurib-Fakim (1994). "Constituents of the Essential Oils from Piper sylvestre Growing in Mauritius" (PDF). Planta Medica. 60 (4): 376–377. doi:10.1055/s-2006-959506. PMID 17236059.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Demarne, F. (1994). "Essential Oil of Terminalia bentzoë (L.) L. f. subsp. rodriguesensis Wickens". Journal of Essential Oil Research. 6 (5): 533–534. doi:10.1080/10412905.1994.9698443.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Sewraj, M.; Gueho, J.; Dulloo, E. (1993). "Studies on the Antisickling Properties of Extracts of Sideroxylon puberulum, Faujasiopsis flexuosa, Cardiospermum halicacabum , and Pelargonium graveolens". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 39 (3): 175–185. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(93)90034-3. PMID 8258975.
  • Gurib-Fakim, A.; Sewraj, M. (1992). "Studies on the Antisickling Properties of Extracts of Sideroxylon puberulum, Faujasiopsis flexuosa, Cardiospermum halicacabum , and Pelargonium graveolens". Planta Medica. 58: 648–649. doi:10.1055/s-2006-961657.
  • Plantes médicinales de l'Ile Rodrigues (1994)
  • Plantes médicinales de Maurice (1995)
  • Natural toxins and poisonous plants of Mauritius (1999)
  • Maurice par des plantes médicinales (2002)
  • Mauritius through its medicinal plants (2002)
  • Molecular and therapeutic aspects of redox biochemistry (2004)
  • An illustrated guide to the flora of Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Islands (2003)
  • Medicinal Plants of the Indian Ocean Islands (2004)
  • Guide illustré de la Flore de Maurice et des îles de l'Océan Indien (2004)
  • Biodiversity towards drugs development (2005)
  • Booklet on 'Medicinal Plants at the state House, Le Réduit' (2005)
  • Lesser-known and under-utilised plant resources (2005)
  • Ressources végétales méconnues et sous-utilisées (2005)
  • Guide illustré de la Flore de Maurice et des îles de l’Océan Indien (2006)
  • Medicinal Plants of Mauritius and of the World (2007, 2011)
  • Plantes Médicinales de Maurice et d’ailleurs (2007, 2011)
  • Plantes d’hier et médicaments d’aujourd’hui (2008)
  • Mieux connaitre les Arbres et Arbrisseaux de Maurice et des Iles de l'Ocean Indien(2008)
  • Towards a better understanding of Trees and Shrubs of Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Islands (2009)
  • African Herbal Pharmacopoeia (2010)
  • Guide des Plantes Tropicales de l'Ile Maurice et de La Réunion (2011)
  • Trees of the World (2013)

See also

References
  1. "Prime Minister's Office - National Day Honours 2008". Republic of Mauritius.
  2. "Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs) Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, G.C.S.K., C.S.K President of the Republic of Mauritius". The President of the Republic. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  3. "Ameenah Gurib-Fakim : " Je suis une emmerdeuse, c'est ça ? "". 31 May 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  4. "Keynote Speakers". Africa Together Conference. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  5. "AMEENAH GURIB-FAKIM: "Cette nomination a déjà fait sauter quelques verrous"". lemauricien.com. 31 May 2015.
  6. Archived 4 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine
  8. "Prof. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim Joins SAA - Spa & Wellness Association of Africa". Archived from the original on 29 November 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  9. "EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION—AFFAIRE GURIB-FAKIM: Troublantes révélations sur les promotions à l'UoM". lemauricien.com. 28 May 2014.
  10. "Mauritius: Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigns over credit card scandal". Al Jazeerah. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  11. Rédaction, La (28 February 2018). "Affaire Sobrinho: les folles dépenses de Madame la présidente". lexpress.mu (in French). Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  12. "Swiss froze millions linked to Banco Espirito Santo". swissinfo.ch. SwissInfo. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
  13. Mestry, Anne-Lise (20 March 2017). "Directrice de Planet Earth Institute: Ameenah Gurib-Fakim "n'était pas rémunérée"". lexpress.mu (in French). Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  14. "Affaire Sobrinho : Ameenah Gurib-Fakim au centre des emails échangés". Defimedia (in French). 8 April 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  15. "[Vidéo] Pravind Jugnauth : "Nous ne sommes pas sur la même longueur d'onde avec Ameenah Gurib-Fakim"". Defimedia (in French). 6 March 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  16. "ICSU-ROA Committee Member- Biography for ICSU Website" (PDF). International Council for Science. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 June 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  17. "Office of the President - Profile". Archived from the original on 8 May 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  18. "HONOUR BESTOWED UPON HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS, AMEENAH GURIB-FAKIM". Royal House of Bourbon Two Sicilies. 8 January 2016.
  19. "Gurib-Fakim, Ameenah".
  20. "Ameenah Gurib-Fakim". Sorbonne Universities. 12 December 2013.

Further reading
Political offices
Preceded by
Monique Ohsan Bellepeau
Acting		 President of Mauritius
2015–2018		 Succeeded by
Barlen Vyapoory
Acting
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.