The Nicolas Lambert 2022 has been awarded to Mr Christopher Sowamber, Ms Mélanie Valère-Cicéron and Mr Soobham Mungra (Defi media group) for their story entitled: The smartphone, the new drug for children. The announcement was made at a ceremony organised by the Media Trust on Saturday evening in the presence of the president of the Republic.
Referring to the place of the press in the history of Mauritius, the President of the Republic, Pradeep Roopun, stressed the importance of quality journalism to serve the population. The Mauritian press is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year.
Le Défi Media Group wins Media Trust’s Nicolas Lambert Award 2023. Téléplus’ team, comprising Mr Nawaz Noorbux, Mr Jugdish Joypaul and Mr Al Khizr Ramdin, was the runner-up for the award for the news: Kistnen: the report of the judicial inquiry unveiled. The new logo of the Media Trust, designed by Graphic Designer, Mr Yudhish Hazareesing, was also launched on the occasion.
The President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, the Chairman of Media Trust Board, Mr Chayman Surajbali, the Director of the Government Information Service, Mr Kavish Pultoo, representatives of Diplomatic Corps in Mauritius, as well as other personalities were present for this 8th edition of the Nicolas Lambert Award.
In his address, President Roopun, recalled that the “Nicolas Lambert Award” was established in memory of Nicholas Lambert who launched Mauritius’ first newspaper “Annonces, Affiches Et Avis Divers Pour Les Colonies Des Iles De France Et De Bourbon” in 1773. The President seized the occasion to pay tribute to the pioneers and veterans of the press industry and to all those who have contributed to the media scene.
For his part, Mr Soorajbali said that the press industry had witnessed huge changes and creativity over the last 250 years. “Mauritius has a rich media history which has been the artwork of several generations of journalists and we need to reckon their precious contribution to the media development as a cultural heritage,” he stated.
He indicated that the Media Trust through the Nicolas Lambert Competition aims to raise standards of journalism and reward those who have contributed significantly through their works while upholding journalistic ethics.
The Media Trust’s Chairman further observed that Mauritius enjoys press freedom and plays a vital role in informing the population of public affairs as well as acts as a watchdog for Government actions.
Winners of the following awards are:
Category photo
Mr Waren Marie (Le Défi Media Group)
Ms Rajenee Panchoo (Le Défi Media Group) received a special mention from the jury.
Ms Jenna Ramoo (Le Dimanche/ L’Hebdo)
Radio
Mrs Priscilla Sadien (Radio Plus)
Investigation
Mr Nawaz Noorbux, Mr Jugdish Joypaul and
Mr Al Khizr Ramdin (Téléplus)
Multimedia more than 5 minutes
Mr Christopher Sowamber, Ms Mélanie
Valère-Cicéron and Mr Soobham Mungra (Le Défi Media Group)
Multimedia less than 5 minutes
Mr Rama Krishna Veeramundar (BIZweek)
Mr Al Khizr Ramdin (Le Défi Media Group) received a special mention from the jury.
Special award for long service in the media industry
Mr Jean Claude de l’Estrac; Mr Lindsay Rivière; Mr Eshan Khodarbux; Mrs Monique Dinan; Mr Kadrivel Pillay Vythilingum; Mrs Myette Ah-Choon; Mr Yvan Martial; Mr Jugdish Joypaul; Mr Madhukar Ramlallah; Mr Richard Nauvel; Mrs Michaella Seblin; Mr Reza Issak; Mr Brahms Mahadea; Mr Mael Bhugalloo; and Mr Finlay Salesse.
