Goans
have been living in Kuwait for ages, excelling spectacularly in their chosen
professions and fields by way of their sheer dedication and hard work. The most
important thing about most Goans here is that, they have retained their
emotional, traditional and spiritual links with the place of their origin.
In
this article, we trace the life of Agnello A.S. Fernandes, a well-known
personality among Goans, for whom life in Kuwait is more than just a
blessing.
“Kuwait
has provided us all facilities to live and work, making Kuwait more than our
second-home,” says Agnello proudly.
Born
in a small hamlet of Aquem-Alto, Margao, a son of a sailor, Agnello did his
initial education at Guardian Angel High School Sanvordem and later after his
graduation, came to Kuwait in 1975 in search of greener pastures.
Working
in the Desert
Agnello
started his career with Jassim Mohd Al Ali Al Wazzan in their indenting
department as a junior clerk. After working for 6 years, he joined
KFTCIC, the biggest investment company at that time, in their Treasury back
office. He worked with them for 16 years and when the company merged with
Kuwait Investment Company in late 90’s, he moved to National Investment Company
as a Settlement Officer.
The
ever humble Agnello still remembers that Sunday morning in April 2001,
when his former boss and a colleague Mr. Ahmed Mohd Al Bahar called him
over the phone and enquired whether he wished to join him at Gulf Custody Company,
a fresh new company. Appreciating the trust put in him, Agnello joined Mr.
Bahar as Senior Settlement Officer and since then there was no looking
back. Thanks to his hard work, Agnello rose to the position of
Assistant Vice President of Fund Administration Department of Gulf Custody
Company.
Custodian of Gulf Custody Company
Incidentally,
Gulf Custody are the biggest fund custodians in Gulf Cooperation Council
countries, administrating more than 80 funds – having over 7 billion U.S.
dollars worth of assets under them. Major banks and investment companies
are share holders in this company. They also have full-fledged branch-office in
other Middle-East countries. Money Markets Watch, a London based survey
organization awarded the Company ‘Best-in-Class-Gulf Markets’ award
for 2007 - giving a 5-star rating based upon value added services, which
puts Gulf Custody Company at the top of the domestic table.
“There
are 70 employees working with us and most of them are from India. We work
as a family and success of our Company is our top priority,” says Agnello.
“My
progress and success has been a gradual process. The knowledge and wisdom of
experts and abundant blessings from above have made my road to success much
easier…” reveals Agnello.
He
further adds, “I am indebted to Mr. Ahmed Al Bahar, for having given me the
free hand to learn, try new ideas and put my innovative plans to action. I
thank him for having faith in my capabilities which in fact has inspired me to
better my achievements.”
Source
behind Agnello’s Success
Agnello
dedicates his success in life to his wife Neeta Fernandes, working as an Executive
Secretary with Gulf Crescent Company for the past 18 years, whom he calls his
first critic.
“As
a matter of fact Neeta’s constructive criticism has polished some of my talents
brilliantly,” Agnello jokes.
While
the challenging job kept him busy at office during most hours of the day, Neeta
has successfully managed his house and family without Agnello having to feel
the pressure of it.
Agnello’s
elder son Allan Fernandes is a CIS Engineer graduated from Springfield Missouri
U.S.A. while his younger son Allison has graduated in Aeronautical
Engineering from Australia and is currently working Down Under. Agnello’s only
daughter Alisha has completed her schooling from Carmel school and will now
pursue medicine in Ukraine.
Agnello
is also a proud grand-father of little Kyle and Kiara – new entrants to the
Fernandes family beside daughter-in-law Monalisa.
Apart
from work and family, the dynamic personality has been in the forefront of
social activities too. Agnello has been elected President of Navelim Youth
Centre for the past 15 years.
Agnello
believes ‘life’s greatest things come in small packages’. It may well be said
to be an iconic catchphrase of a modest person who celebrates his 60th birthday on 6th
August 2013, and continues to live each day with sparkling cheer and content of
a young bubbling kid – who first set foot in Kuwait nearly half a century ago...
