The new Colva Union UK committee: [Standing L to R]: Noemia Fernandes (members), Snovia Fernandes (Public Relations), Espy Rodrigues (member), Pedro Rodrigues (Coordinator), Jeronimo Fernandes (Secretary), Saby Fernandes (President), Gabriel Fernandes (Treasurer), Antonio Fernandes (Coordinator), Lester Fernandes (Member). [Seated] Lionel Fernandes (member).
LONDON
The Colva Union UK convened its annual general meeting in London and elected its new committee, while also drawing up plans to celebrate the golden jubilee of the association.
Seby Fernandes was elected president for a two-year term, while other committee members elected were Jeronimo Fernandes (Secretary), Gabriel Fernandes (Treasurer), Alfredo (Alfie) Fernandes (Auditor), Snovia Fernandes (Public Relations), Pedro Rodrigues and Antonio Fernandes (Coordinators). Other members present were Noemia Fernandes, Espy Rodrigues, Lester Fernandes and Lionel Fernandes.
A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion of the much-anticipated 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Colva Union UK. The Colva Union UK will mark its Golden Jubilee by celebrating the Infant Jesus Feast on October 18.
The Golden Jubilee social gathering is being planned at a bigger venue at Claretian Oasis, Botwell Lane, Hayes, London. The leading band ‘Legacy’ led by Inacio (ex-Big City Band) will provide music, while this year’s theme colours are Gold, Yellow and White, to symbolise 50 years of unity, culture, and celebration.
When contacted, Colva Union UK Treasurer Gabriel Fernandes said the 50th anniversary of the association would be conducted in a grand manner.
“If any surplus money is generated from the Golden Jubilee, the committee will consider supporting needy causes in Colva village,” said Fernandes, who had also served as a former president of the Colva Union UK.
He also informed that the Colva Union UK has been entrusting key operations and activities to the younger generation, to enable a smooth development for future leadership of the association.
SUPPORT IN GOA
Fernandes said the Colva Union UK has been supporting Colva village and other causes in Goa.
“The Colva Union UK set up a library at the Infant Jesus School many years ago. The association also offered Rs 1 lakh in funds to the Colva church with a request to celebrate Mass for the deceased and current members of the association,” said Fernandes.
“The Colva Union UK also repaired the statue built by the East African Goans in front of the Colva Church. The stature needed a lot of repairs, and the association raised over Rs 5 lakh to complete this project.”
The Christ the King statue at Colva was brought by the Goans who emigrated from East Africa to the UK because of their devotion to village. The annual celebration takes place in UK around 2 weeks after the Colva Fama.
“For many years we raised money to assist the poor in the village with supply of essential food items, medicines and even some cash on the occasion of the Feast of Christ the King in Colva. This has been ongoing for over 15 years. If anyone in the village needs help, the Colva Union UK has done their best to assist them.”
“The association also offered a trophy for a five-a-side football tournament for the youth.”
Added Colva Union UK President Seby Fernandes: “During my previous tenure as President, the association had provided financial aid to the Clergy Home in Margao and also the Old Aged Home in Benaulim.
GROWTH OF COLVA UNION UK
The Colva Union UK was the first Goan club to be established by the Goans who emigrated from East Africa to the UK 50 years ago because of the devotion to their village.
It all started when they installed the statue of Christ the King on the ground of the Colva Church. The story goes that the statue of Christ the King was carried from Kenya in East Africa by ship to Goa and then, devotees actually went by cycle and carried the statue to Colva.
One of the reasons the Colva Union UK has stood the test of time is a strong bond between founder members, with a good and transparent accounting process in place. Yearly accounts are audited, and this has led to full transparency among members on the utilisation of funds.
Antonio Fernandes, past president of Colva Jaycees and Chairman of Institute of Hospitality (IOH), said that during his term as president of the Colva Union UK, one of his priorities was to train, mentor and lead the next generation of leaders to carry on the legacy of Colva Union UK.
