Patrick Morel-Interview

Mauritian Australia Connection Blogger Interview – Pat Morel

http://mauritiusaustralia.blogspot.com/

Question:

Where were you born and what is it that you cherish most about your birthplace?

Answer:

Born in Mauritius.

Most cherished is the small size of the island which allows access to extreme points in a short time, and its diversity.

Question:

What is the most precious of your childhood memories?

Answer:

The Victory celebrations of World War II.

Question:

When did you or your parents migrate to Australia?

Answer:

My wife, 3 Children and myself emigrated to Melbourne in early 1966.

Question:

What is it that you like most about the Australian way of life?

Answer:

The casual relationship between people, which acts as an equaliser, socially as well as in business.

Question:

What did you do in your first job or occupation?

Answer:

Export Operations Analist at Ford Motor Co. of Australia.

Question:

What are / were your career highlights?

Answer:

They were many, but essentially being appointed to the Asia Pacific Region as a Field Manager, with extensive travel to a large number of Countries. And later as Sales Manager to Government Fleets in Australia, + Export Sales Manager.

Question:

What is your favourite book?

Answer:

Any good book on History and Scientific matters.

Question:

What do you like most in people?

Answer:

Straightforwardedness, easy communicators.

Question:

What do you dislike most in people?

Answer:

Egocentrics, selfishness. Avoiders of realities.

Question:

Who do you admire most?

Answer:

Easy – Pope John Paul II who single-handedly demolished the Russian Empire, and opened widely the church hierarchy to global prelates.

Question:

What is your favourite dish?

Answer:

Ène bon Vindye, homemade !!

Question:

What is your most valuable trait / personal quality?

Answer:

Think & talk straight. (I think !).

Question:

Tell us about your most worthwhile achievement(s)?

Answer:

My unbroken career of 34 years at Ford Australia (32 as an executive), after being sacked as the Ford Sales Manager (Dealership) in 1965 in Mauritius.

Question:

What is the most memorable moment in your life?

Answer:

Receiving my appointment at Ford Australia, three days after my arrival here.

Question:

If you could wave a magic wand and do something that you desire most, what would it be?

Answer:

A Round-the World travel to places I have not visited. Would need to be an extended tour. I am hungry to see and learn more.

Question:

What is most precious to you at this point in your life?

Answer:

At 70 ? The quality of life in my family’s environment.

Question:

What are your plans for the future?

Answer:

Keep a strong interest, from the side-lines, into the maturing of the Mauritian community through its many organisations and associations in Melbourne, in Australia at large.