It is indeed a privilege to write these few introductory remarks on the occasion of this, the Golden Jubilee of the Goan Institute.
Our people first began to arrive in East Africa in the 1880's and in ever growing numbers as the hinterland developed until, when the Railway was first opened in 1899, there was a considerable number of Goan families well established in what was then British East Africa. They came here to find a living and also in a spirit of adventure.
Wherever they settled in any appreciable numbers and because they believed in keeping together as a large family, their first thought was to provide a CLUB where they could meet socially and also to provide facilities for SPORT for no one wil deny that the Goan Community has always been a lover of Sporting Activities and our long record of participation in Hockey, Soccer, Cricket, etc., both here and in India has been an honourable one.
So the Goan Institute was founded by a gallant band of Goans who sacrificed time and money to erect this building. It was one of the first stone buildings to be erected in what was then a very swampy little settlement that has now grown to be the Capital City of East Africa. I want to pay tribute to those early founders of our Club activities whose vision and faith has been brought to reality by those who have followed. We shall not easily forget the inspiration they have provided for us for although we have followed their lead, their courage, sacrifice and foresight provided the mainspring of all we have been able to achieve in the years between.
It is perhaps fitting that in this Jubilee Year we should lay the foundation stone of our NEW INSTITUTE which, as many of you know, will be situated in Juja Road adjoining our Sports Field. This Stone is to be laid on the 11th June next and from the foundation thus begun, we hope to raise a superstructure worthy of our Community, for it will undoubtedly be a fine Building and is expected to cost about £40,000.
This Building will symbolise, not only the achievements of our people in the last half century but will demonstrate to all who pass by, the faith in East Africa so firmly held by us all. As a Community the Goan people have ever been loyal to the British Throne and have unfailingly given willing co-operation and loyalty to the Government of these East African Territories.
Those of us here in Kenya love the country which for so long and for so many of us, been the land of our adoption and choice. Here, as a Community we have been able to play our part in the great developments which have taken place. We have been able to continue our way of life as a family under benign governance and with freedom, justice and tolerance. Long may it continue to be so.
I would like to take this opportunity of reminding our younger members in particular and Goan Youth in general of the achievements of our people in this Colony. When they see our new building rising from its foundations, let them not forget the sacrifices made by our people in the past, for no Community can grow and prosper and people remain long in public esteem unless the leading members of that Community are upright, honest and God fearing. Let them therefore, emulate the good example in public and private life, our pioneer forbears invariably set us fearing God, honouring the Queen and living in amity and brotherly love with all men.
Thus and only thus, will the Goan people remain a great people in East Africa nor otherwise can we remain as a united and close knit Community.
May our new building be a symbol therefore of all that is good and lovely among us, that men may see it and knowing us, and the principles for which we stand, they may honour the Goan people as we would ourselves wish to be honoured.