Nathan Julie: Between Public Generosity and Personal Struggles

Jeff Jonathan Julie, known as Nathan, was found dead at his home in Trou-aux-Biches on Thursday, November 20. The father of two boys was 40 years old. His funeral took place on Friday amidst deep emotions.

As the director of Local Construction Ltd, he had become a prominent figure in Mauritian solidarity through his initiative, La Cuisine du Cœur, which he founded in 2018. The story began simply when Nathan shared a family recipe, a pumpkin salad passed down from his father in Agaléga, on social media. It quickly gained popularity, with his dishes "farsi patol" and "dizef roti ek so lakok" attracting thousands of online followers.

He created a page called "Partage et Savoir," which grew from 1,200 to 4,000 members in just a few months. The page became a hub for sharing recipes, advice, and traditions related to Mauritian cuisine.

In January 2018, the Holdem Foundation asked him to prepare 2,500 meals for the victims of Cyclone Berguitta, turning his home into a collective kitchen. It was during this time that he decided to take his efforts further.

On November 10, 2018, Nathan, along with Meritess Beeharry, founded La Cuisine du Cœur. Four hundred meals were prepared in his uncle Daniel's yard and distributed to the homeless in Plaisance, Trèfles, and Port-Louis.

Nathan often shared his personal journey to explain his commitment. He spoke of difficult times and nights with nothing to eat. His father had instilled in him the value of sharing. As a child, Nathan watched him help struggling Rodrigues and Mauritians find shelter or work.

He also spoke of his illness – epilepsy – which had struck him one day on the street, where strangers came to his aid. "I could have died that day," he would say.

In addition to his charitable work, Nathan managed a construction company. In a voice message to a friend before his death, he discussed this endeavor, recalling a time when his business was thriving and his home was a gathering place for friends and acquaintances.

However, the situation changed when the Mauritius Revenue Authority froze his accounts, preventing him from paying his 400 employees, who subsequently left. "I understand them," he stated in the message.

In this recording, Nathan expresses a profound sense of loneliness: "What hurts me the most are the friends who used to be with me every day, every weekend, sharing meals, drinks, and laughter. I've lost them all; I see no one. It's just me and my mother at home. This makes me very sad."

He confides, "I gave my whole life to others… but when I fell, everyone abandoned me. And he adds: "I have helped people without looking at who they were… today I find nobody was really my friend. I feel betrayed… I feel alone. I am there for others… but what do others do for me? No one."

Today, Nathan Julie leaves behind La Cuisine du Cœur, an initiative that has shaped the landscape of Mauritian solidarity, and the memory of a man whose public life contrasted with the personal struggles he faced.