Chat with Darrel Benoit, chairman of Round Table Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean Region   |12 August 2021

AMI AGM and fellowship: Round Table Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean Regional meeting Blantyre Malawi June 2021 Chairman for the year 2021-22

‘I am proud to say I am the first Seychellois-born tabler to take on this role in Round Table International’

This year the Seychelles Round Table is proud to announce that Darrel Benoit is the first Seychellois to be voted as the new chairperson for Round Table Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean Region (AMI) for the year 2021-2022. His appointment was announced at the annual general meeting (AGM) on June 5 in Blantyre, Malawi. This is the first time in the Round Table history that a Seychellois assumes such a position.

Seychelles NATION recently caught up with Darrel Benoit and had the opportunity to learn more about this young man who has been a member of Round Table Seychelles since 2013. During his membership he has occupied different posts in Round Table Seychelles namely No. 2 council and member of the executive board.

Seychelles NATION: Tell us about yourself?

Darrel Benoit: I am Darrel Benoit, 38 years of age. I come from the Anse Boileau district and I am the father of a 15-year-old son. I am a proud member of the Round Table Seychelles.

Seychelles NATION: What pushed you to become a ‘tabler’?

Darrel Benoit: As a youth I enjoyed participating in the regatta events especially to watch the musical shows.  I am also a musician, I play the drum and that year, 2013, after my gig at the regatta I was conversing with a friend of mine, Mr Andy Moncherry who was at that time a member of the organising committee. In our conversation we touched on the work being undertaken by the Round Table and he explained what they do and stand for. He suggested that I join the organisation as at that time it needed new blood as many members were reaching their age limit of 40. The fact that, based on the work they undertake, all are for good causes, I decided   why not I also join and invest some of my time for the advancement and betterment of the community. I remember attending my first meeting less than a week after our conversation and I don’t regret the decision. In fact it has made me a better person in the sense that I’ve learnt to serve my community first before looking after my interest.

Seychelles NATION: Tell us about your journey prior to being elected as the regional chairperson?

Darrel Benoit: I started off as an ordinary member before I started fulfilling the different roles like treasurer, entertainment and fund raising officer and community councillor. I have worked my way up with the faithful support of my colleagues and in 2018 I was elected President of Round Table Seychelles. I am very proud and happy to be representing on the Round Table International board, promoting Seychelles in international events and raising our flag high at the same time,” stated the 38-year-old.

Seychelles NATION: What is the aim and objectives of Seychelles Round Table?

Darrel Benoit: The aim and objectives of the Seychelles Round Table is to develop the acquaintance of young men through the medium of their professional and business occupation, to emphasise the fact that one's calling offers an excellent medium of service to the community, to cultivate the highest ideals in business, professional and civic traditions, to recognise the worthiness of all legitimate occupation and dignify each of his own by precept and example,  to further the establishment of peace and goodwill in international relationships and to further these objectives through meetings, lectures, discussions and other activities.

Seychelles NATION: In 2018 you were the president of Seychelles Round Table; tell us more about your presidency?

Darrel Benoit: In 2018 when I was voted as president of the organisation, I would say it was one of the proudest moments of my life, as I was tasked with the responsibility and honour of representing our organisation on the international front. I had to attend overseas meetings, create a culture within the organisation that promotes our core aims and objectives, which basically is to be someone that is always finding ways and means to do something positive for himself and towards the progression of the community.

Upholding a legacy of over four decades was also something that could not be compromised and I would say that it was the biggest responsibility. The founding fathers of Round Table Seychelles and all the past members had planted and maintained the Seychelles Round Tabler Regatta and it has been an annual national event for at least 46 years.

Attending international meetings in the name of Round Table Seychelles also translates into representing the national flag which were proud moments for me. Every Seychellois who has represented and raised the national flag high on the international scene in a way or another knows that feeling. During my tenure we were also awarded the Outstanding association of the Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean Region. It was another proud moment for Round Table Seychelles. Our main project that year was to raise funds through the regatta for the building of the multi-purpose hall and two extra classrooms at the School of the Exceptional Child jointly with the Office of the Former President and Ministry of Education. 

Seychelles NATION: Before your election for AMI chairperson, has any other Seychellois hold the post?

Darrel Benoit: This is the first time that a Seychellois holds the post. We had a representative in 2011 but he was an expatriate who was working in Seychelles during those times. I am proud to say that I am the first Seychellois-born ‘tabler’ to take on this role in Round Table International. 

Seychelles NATION: How will your experience with Round Table Seychelles help you to fulfil your new post as chairperson on the international front?

Darrel Benoit: During my journey with Round Table Seychelles I've had the chance to attend a number of international meetings both in and outside our region. Fostering international relations is a fundamental of Round Table as it gives one a chance to interact with like-minded young men across the world, exchange views and ideas and work towards similar causes. Having had such opportunities, I've personally created an international network among the members both in and outside our region and that existing relationship is going to help me a lot in my task. Round Table Seychelles is a giant in fundraising events and implementing charity projects in the Round Table world so my experiences will surely be beneficial in that aspect also. Plus I have the whole Round Table Seychelles team behind me and their continuous support will go a long way. I sincerely thank each and every one of the members, for their brotherly love and assistance during my tabling career. 

Seychelles NATION: What will your job as AMI chairperson entail?

Darrel Benoit: The core is to represent the region on the Round Table International Executive Board in meetings and discussion of subjects impacting our region. It will also include  lead the regional council, the regional Round Table programmes, support associations in the region with any issues they may be facing e.g. membership, extension, fund raising, community projects etc...

Seychelles NATION: After this position, what will be your plans and way forward?

Darrel Benoit: Sadly by the time I will end my term I will be 39 and that will leave me with only a few months as an active Round Table member before I turn 40. After 40, one is no more eligible to be an active member so the next phase would be to join the 41er Club. The 41er club is the big brother club of the Round Table and is a club that regroups all past Round Table members who are still passionate to continue to do things for their community through fellowship. In any way or another I will continue to give my time and energy for the betterment of our society as I believe that no one is born for himself but to serve and support each other.

Lynn Betsy