Lest we forget

In some of my idle and dreamy moments (in fact I have quite a few!), I've had this somewhat restrained inclination to open up a forum for a free exchange of ideas, facts and anything that could give us all an insight into the achievements of many individuals within the Goan Community who have impacted our thinking, influenced our endeavours or simply made us proud to be Goans. As with most other things, these thoughts were only fleeting, and easily abandoned in favour of a Rye and Coke, or my "Acoustic". Recently however, Merwin "The Count" D'Souza prodded me into submission, and so I have resolved to 'get my finger out' and provide some perspective, albeit, likely biased. I've however never professed to be a paragon of virtue!

On a very general level, I would suggest three broad, perhaps defining, categories for discussion, and they would be "Wine," "Women," and "Song." I knew I could get your attention or simply cause instant bristling!! These vaguely carnal and sensuous connotations have in our folklore come to erroneously encompass the totality of our community aspirations. Close inspection will undoubtedly set the record straight!

The Goans have left their imprint in education, music and entertainment, sports, administration, medicine and the legal profession. A large portion of our success stories go back to East Africa, which will be my focus, but it's true to say that a significant number of Goans have excelled in their newly adopted countries. Being from Kenya, I have to plead abject ignorance with respect to the achievements of our people in Uganda and Tanzania. I am nonetheless confident that there will be those who will willingly come forward to fill in the many gaps!!

Our parents very early indeed sensed the need for an educational institution that would provide their children with the tools to make a reasonable head start in life. Thus was born The Dr. Ribeiro Goan School in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr.Ribeiro donated a generous amount of money to get the school building off the ground. Through various fund raising activities, additional monies became available, and the primary school came into being. Subsequently, with the help of funding from the Portuguese Government, the Secondary School was built. Indisputably however, the entire project came to fruition only because of the selfless efforts of the likes of Dr. A.E.C.L. de Souza, Mr. Jerome de Souza, Dr. Jules de Mello, Mr. Hilary de Souza, Mr. Torme Pereira, Mr. Jacques, Mr. Christie de Souza, Mr. Ferrao, Mr. R.B. Gonsalves, and many others who simply don't come to mind. Also, what would the Goan School have been without leading educationists like Latin Scholar and respected National Hockey Coach, Mr. Anthony de Souza, Mr. Lobo, Mr. Isidore de Mello, the very eligible Hedwig Nunes, History tutor extraordinaire, Mrs. Estelita, who firmly grounded her students in all things Literature and imbued in them a strong sense of ethics, Mr. Roldao Menezes, Mr. Pires, a very talented Science teacher whose extraordinary motivational skills attracted many students to the sciences, expert Standard One schoolteacher Mrs. Jacques, French specialist Mrs. Faria, inspiring primary and also gifted secondary Art teacher, Mrs Gladys Fonseca...to name but a few. In much later years Mr.Roldao Menezes went on to study law in the U.K and returned to Kenya where he teamed up with Waruhiu and Associates to form a formidable legal team and excelled at yet another career.

Under the stewardship of Rev. Fr. Frank Commerford and the very commanding and sophisticated Dr. Neves Pereira, the Goan School reached new heights of acclaim and recognition. At the end of the day however, let us not fail to recognize the fact that this major educational institution came into being mostly because of our visionary parents and their willingness to sacrifice some of themselves to ensure for their children a better tomorrow. Their goal has been achieved…and more.

Music, entertainment and a hankering for fun times are intrinsic to the Goan psyche. It was only natural then that the idea of a Goan club would eventually be mooted. From very humble beginnings in the Nairobi downtown core, a very impressive building was later constructed on Juja Rd., in the Pangani area. Funded in part by government subsidy, but mostly out of the pockets of the Goan Community, the club flourished as a venue for gala dances, community social gatherings, educational symposiums and the entertainment of global dignitaries and personalities.

Fascinating and awe inspiring was the panache of its membership. Worthy of mention is Mr. Romeo Fernandes who spearheaded the building committee and several other committees. It was this high rolling, affable and well liked socialite who touted the idea of the club's sprung dance floor, the concept of which came to be regarded as absolutely unique in East Africa. Other prominent Goans who gave of themselves without hesitation to ensure the success of the club were Mr. Johnny Ferreira (now residing in Luton, England ), Mr. Marian Gama, Mr. Peter Moniz, Mr. Sebastian Gomes, Mrs. Bertha Zuzarte, Mr. Pascoal de Mello M.B.E., Mr. Octo de Souza, Elizabeth Zuzarte, Mr. Peter Lobo, respectfully, Mr. "See-Saw" Rodrigues, Mr. Vincent Fernandes, Mrs. Paes, Mr. D.J. Paes, Mrs. Matty Braganza, Mr. Joseph Carvalho, Mr. Marcelene Fernandes, respectfully, big hearted "Cadio" Michael" and countless others. What incidentally is not generally known is that Mr. Joseph Coutinho, who at the right time worked for the Lands Department in Nairobi, was instrumental in securing the original club's plot of land. Please let me reiterate that I am hopeful that many others will come forward with information that would provide a more complete, balanced and accurate picture.

The G.I. as it was affectionately referred to, came to showcase several bands that certainly captured the imagination with their musical flair and abilities. Apart from the younger rock bands, such as `The Bandits' who were regarded as Nairobi's answer to the British beat group "The Shadows," there were also the Glenn Miller style swing bands. Most notable of the latter was 'Steve and his Swingtet'. The debonair and highly accomplished Steve Alvares led the band, and their many appearances at club dances are testament to their fabulous music. On the classical and light music scene Tony Alvares was widely recognized for his mastery of the violin, as were the talents of the brilliant young pianist and keyboard player, Terry Pinto. Meanwhile, Henry Braganza was making waves on the entertainment circuit as he emerged as a significant challenge. His legendary baritone delivery and soulful renditions earned him the reputation of being the local "Jim Reeves". Joseph Raposa, another up and coming singer at the time was also very popular at the Goan clubs.

Henry and Steve were until recently very active on the music scene in Ontario, Canada. Terry, some forty years later still loves his music, and frequently plays at Toronto night spots that cater to jazz enthusiasts.

The Goans were actively involved in various sports, the principal ones being Athletics, Field Hockey and Soccer. Mombasa's Seraphino Antao gave the Goans every reason to be proud in the 60's as he raced his way to stardom during the Commonwealth games in Australia. Winning Gold medals in the 100 and 220 metres sprint, Seraphino returned home to a heroes welcome.

The Kenya Field Hockey Team had at least nine Goans in the line up for the longest time. In fact almost all of them became four time Olympians. During those heady days when the Goans dominated the hockey scene, we reveled in the euphoria, and were proud of our heritage. We also wanted to play hockey like those "Olympic Players!" We all wanted to play in the centre and win all the bully off's like Egbert did....and be able to run like him too! How we wished we could "dribble"/ stick handle and stupefy our opponents like Hilary did! In fact he so bedazzled the spectators on a Rhodesian ( Zimbabwe ) tour, that the local newspapers wondered aloud whether the blade of his stick had some kind of adhesive!! Described as one of the finest wingers in the world, would you have wanted to be in the goalkeepers shoes as Alu approached on the left wing? I would have to think not! And yes, we all were pleased to see Saude George in the goal when Kenya played India or Pakistan! After all, who else could head off a hockey ball or take one on the chest? Of course no game was complete without the skill and antics of the incomparable Silu. Somehow he could cause a hockey ball to disappear...much to the chagrin ( and annoyance ) of Chopra or 'Bebs!' It was then left to Edgar, Tony Vaz and Reynolds to lend their wizardry to round off this team of champions! Those were glory days indeed.

The several Goan Womens hockey teams presented a force to be reckoned with. Combining elegance, beauty and skill, they mesmerized and beguiled the spectators and opposition alike, making regular headlines. Amongst the players were Melania Fernandes, Melba Almeida, sisters Alba and Bertha, Mitalia Fernandes, Teresa Mendonca (sister of Alu Mendonca) and Edna and Ellen, sisters to the iconic Edgar and Egbert Fernandes. Melba, Bertha, Metalia, Teresa, and Ellen further entrenched the women's hockey prowess as they went on to represent the Kenya Women Hockey team internationally.

On the Soccer field "The Nairobi Heroes" and "Young Goans" made an impression and went on to become viable contenders. Certainly Joseph "Rock & Roll" honed a remarkable skill, and under his tutelage and direction, 'Rock & Roll' took on a different meaning entirely!

In the midst of all this fame and prominence, the Goan Civil Servants were busying themselves with streamlining and improving the Colonial administration. In fact, so good were they in this area, that most of the "top" colonials had come to rely on them to man positions that not only required integrity and honesty, but capability and dedication. Indeed, their reputation was without parallel and it moved Sir Richard Turnbull, former governor of what was then known as Tanganyika, to remark that "one could sleep soundly at night in the knowledge that the keys of the safe were in the hands of a Goan!" - Quite an accolade.

In no small way the medical needs of the community were diligently served by eminent physicians like Dr. Paes, Dr. Peter de Souza, son of Dr. AE.C.L. de Souza and Dr. Carvalho. Mr. J.C Nazareth Q.C. and Mr. Carvalho, former principal of the Goan School, were important contributors in matters of law and general litigation.

As a footnote, I would like to briefly comment on the Goans and the politics of the day. Mostly given to apolitical attitudes, the Goans did however produce some prominent politicians with a social conscience. Mr. Pio da Gama Pinto, a committed freedom fighter and socialist sacrificed his life championing the cause of African Nationalism. Dr. Fitz de Souza was very active in politics and rose to be the deputy speaker in the legislative assembly. Mr. Peter Carvalho threw himself into the fray without equivocation and was a vociferous supporter of the African cause, whilst also strenuously protesting Portuguese colonialism in Goa. Much credit goes to these individuals who dared to stand up and be counted.

As we move forward as a community, let us resolve to take a leaf out of the book of our parents' achievements and strive, at the very least, to emulate what they handed down to us...unconditionally.

Photos:

1. Our Outstanding DRGS Teaching Faculty

2. Tom Mboya, Achieng Oneko, Joe Murumbi, Rosario Gama Pinto, Peter Carvalho, Pio Gama Pinto, and ?