After having worked a few years in Réunion Island, Bertrand left his island to try his luck elsewhere... In passing through Paris to Québec. A childhood dream that starts in distress since he has to undertake several odd jobs (roofer and cook) prior setting up his own business: the Agomery Inc. that promotes the French Overseas departments and territories in North America.

Tell us about your life.
"I studied at the Roland Garros high school in Tampon, prior pursuing a course in Information Technology management. I started to work at the "Lamina Editions," a computer engineering and maintenance company in Réunion Island, where I learnt all that I knew in computer science. I then, took part in an entrepreneurship contest as part of the young graduate training scheme in Pierrefonds. Ranked among the five prize-winners, I had to abandon this project (2D/3D imaging) because I have not received the necessary subsidies to continue. I then restarted to work as a development engineer at the SFR. By the end of my contract, I decided to leave Réunion Island for Paris to broaden my perspective."

What did you do in Paris?
I stayed for three years, first working as an analyst for a European Leader in the distribution of electrical equipment and later for the Editions ED. I then, resumed for a Master in IT Project Management. It was after these studies that I decided to fly for Québec."

What happened after you reached Montréal?
Unfortunately, I did not find a job in my field. So, I decided to do odd jobs in order to familiarize myself with the corporate culture in Quebec: roofer for asphalt roof shingles (I must admit that it's a very hard work) followed by being a cook in a series of restaurants. I am now the president of my own company, the "Agomery Inc, which promotes the French Overseas Department and Territories in North America. And of course, the first region is Réunion Island. Another objective of the company is to promote Canada along with its provinces in the French Overseas Department and Territories. I am looking for associates to develop my activity.

Do you have any anecdotes?
"I first lived in Laval in the northern shore of Montréal in a residential area near a river: it's a true paradise. I arrived in March and the river was still frozen! My first conversation with a Quebecker was epic. He had to repeat several times before I begin to understand what he was saying. Today I live in Montréal which is also an island where the beach gives way to the Saint-Laurent River. It's a very cosmopolitan city where we meet nice people. I learnt to open up more to others, to discover and share different cultures. It's a personal invaluable enrichment.
In Quebec, most people do not know Réunion Island nor do they associate it with Mainland France, which seems to be a considerable advantage. It's easier for us to discuss and make contact because we do not have that bad reputation created by the Parisians. So, if you are settling here, just say you are a Réunionese and everything will be alright."

How do you view the socio-economic position of Réunion Island?
Unfortunately, the island still suffers from a lack of motivation from the youngsters and the inaction of politicians. Reunion Island has a huge economic potential, on one hand thanks to its geographical location and on the other hand, by being a French Department. The hub of Europe in the Indian Ocean...there are still so many things to be done!"

For further information: http://www.lagomery.ca/

Interview extracted from the website http://www.reunionnaisdumonde.com