Carl, Karin, Morel and Jessica

Cllr. Morel Peter D' Souza, Mayor Elect, Maidstone Borough Council

Morel was born in Nairobi, Kenya and educated at St. Anthony's High School, Monte De Guirim, Goa. He returned to Kenya in 1965. Morel's parents, Michael and Rexy had seven other children who were all born in Kenya.

His father, Michael, originated from Camarcazan, Mapuca and his mother, Rexy, from Bastora. Morel and his family attend most functions organised by these two UK village associations.

Before coming to the UK he worked for a few years in a stockbroker's office in Nairobi. He is married to Karin, from Finland, and they have two grown up children, Jessica and Carl. Morel and Karin have lived in the Maidstone area from the early seventies.

Morel and his siblings left Nairobi during the "Exodus" in 1968. They arrived in the UK with only their hand luggage. They all went to Kent where their eldest sister, Margaret lived with her husband, Henry Pinto. Within a week of arrival Morel was working as a credit control clerk and later at an engineering company manufacturing vans.

He quickly became interested in trade union activities and rose to the rank of Convenor and took interest in local politics. Morel was elected local councillor in Maidstone in 1996 and has twice defended his seat.

Morel attended evening classes that led to work as an accountant. However, a keen interest in the lesser cared for in society and a strong advocate for social justice led to a degree in Social Sciences from the University of Kent, Canterbury.

As the Mayor Elect of Maidstone, he has chosen three charities that he will support in his term of office that commences from May 14th. One is a hospice, the others being a special needs school and the Aylesford Priory, run by Carmelite priests. Many hundreds of Goans have paid pilgrimages to Aylesford Priory and Morel hopes that they will support an event he is planning to host there on Sunday June 15th 2003.

Morel is also planning to hold an event called the MAIDSTONE MELA on Sunday 14th September 2003 which will be a celebration of diverse cultures. Morel is hoping the Goan community at large will be able to participate in this event by taking up food stalls that can be supported by other cultural activities. Being a Goan, he would like to have his Community represented on the day. The event will take place in Maidstone's largest park, Mote Park and will have various stalls including food. There will be an arena in the centre where cultural and other activities will take place. Hopefully it will be a fun day and as an international event should be an enjoyable one too!

Morel believes that anyone who has the will and dogged determination to stay the course will succeed in any field. You can write to Morel at moreldsouza@maidstone.gov.uk