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Kuwait: There is perhaps no one in the expatriate Goan world who has worked so much for the promotion, propagation, development and advancement of Goa and Goans in general as much as Shri Anthony Veronica Fernandes.

Hailing from Arrady, Candolim, Goa, Veronica spent most of his life in Kuwait.

Known among Goans as an activist of immense abilities, his deeds are well documented in the chronicles of history, and well recognized and acknowledged by Indian and Kuwaiti governments. His major accomplishments have been the Konkani language agitation and the famous Solidarity Movement in support of Kuwait during the 1990 invasion by Iraq’s dictator Saddam Hussein.

A freelance journalist and firebrand writer, Veronica’s writings on various topics – both local, Goan and international, mostly in the blog Goa Kranti (http://goa-kranti.blogspot.com/) create worldwide ripples and awakening debates. Few Goan writers produce such heavy effects as Veronica Fernandes.

Shri Veronica’s distinction lies in the fact that he gathered and collected innumerable Goans from Kuwait to support the Konkani language agitation in Goa in the late 80’s. He apparently lighted the spark of Konkani movement in Kuwait and the flame is still brightly giving its light. If Konkani has gained so much of limelight in Kuwait then the credit should surely go to Shri Veronica alone.

Besides being a high-quality writer, Veronica is a fluent orator as well – both in English and Konkani. He had a unique distinction, as a Goan, to be awarded for his orations and writings by the Kuwait Writers Guild, an organisation whose membership includes highly intellectual individuals, renowned writers, poets, ambassadors, diplomats and artistes of international repute. 
Bab Veronica was also honored in 2007 by Konkani Kullvar – Kuwait, a well-known Konkani Writers’ Forum in appreciation of his contribution and daring combats in support of the Konkan language.


Veronica first set foot in the desert land in March 1975. After working for over 3 and half decades, the stalwart veteran has decided to bid Adieu to Kuwait.  The hardened warrior speaks his heart in this extensive tête-à-tête with Gasper Crasto.

Q. Veronica bab, tell us about your early life in Kuwait.

Veronica: When I first came to Kuwait my intention was to work for about 3 to 5 years, make some money and go back to my Goa, my birth-place. But instead, fortunately or unfortunately and as destined, I had to work in Kuwait for over 35 years.

Whatever it may be, I thank God with deep gratitude for keeping me healthy to work and survive, and for keeping me alive till now to say Adeus to Kuwait.

Many of my friends, who came to Kuwait, are no more in this world while some others had to leave Kuwait, crippled. May God give eternal rest to the souls who are no more in this world. While those who are gone back with physical deformities, may God help them to recover.

I thank God I am alive despite attempts on my life by Iraqi soldiers on the day of invasion early in the morning in Kuwait City.

Q. You are much recognized for your role in opposing the Iraqi invasion of 1990. Tell us about the Solidarity Movement that you initiated in support of Kuwait.

Veronica: Kuwait was invaded by Saddam Hussein’s Iraq on 2nd August 1990. Lot of activities were taken up around the globe to highlight the plight of Kuwaitis and demand freedom for Kuwait. In India, Goa was a centre-stage for this campaign.

The campaign was taken up by Kuwait Goan Evacuees under Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Centre (G-KSC) which organized public rallies on the streets of Panaji, the capital city of Goa. Some of these rallies were attended and addressed by Kuwaitis, one of them was Col. Juma Al Kholifi, a rank officer from the Kuwait Ministry of Interior.

It was a sea of Kuwait evacuees at Panaji’s Azad Maidan. The contribution and participation of every participant is worth admiring even today. People who supported the campaign deserve highest compliments.

After the liberation, Kuwait Goans under G-KSC organized strong campaigns in Kuwait appealing for freedom of Kuwait’s Prisoners of War (POWs) who were captured by the Iraqis.

To create more awareness and campaign on the subject, as an appointed convenor, I flew to New Delhi on my own and handed over a Memoranda to top world leaders stationed in India and to seek their intervention for the release of Kuwait’s POW’s.

Today, as I think back, I feel proud of my efforts. Because of Kuwait, many of us gained a lot, although everyone works hard in Kuwait facing lot of hardships and humiliations. Yet, we should be grateful to Kuwait and always remain grateful. Many of us, what we are today, are only because of our employment in Kuwait.

May God protect this country from where many of our Goans earn sustenance and manage our families back home.

Q. You have been involved in many activities from Kuwait...

Veronica: During my stay in Kuwait I have been directly and deeply involved in numerous activities and movements, either to initiate or to support. If I have attained success, then I must rightly and loudly say ‘thank you to my colleagues and friends’ who stood by me. Without their support and cooperation that success would be impossible. I am grateful to them...

Q. Can you tell us something in detail about some of these movements...

Veronica: Almost all the major Goan movements in Kuwait started after I came to Kuwait either with my initiative or with my support or through my campaign. To name a few -- Goa Cancer Hospital, Konkani language, Novem Goem Konkani daily, Kuwait-Goa Direct Flight, Competitive Goan/Indian Football, Gulf Goans Hotels Co., Kuwait Konknni Kendr, Konkani Heritage, Goan Welfare Society, Mando Festivals, Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Centre, Freedom for Kuwait’s Prisoners of War, etc, were all initiated by me.

I encouraged Goans to participate in all these movements, however, most Goans were dormant. The ‘dormant’ Goans just existed in Kuwait, most Goans still do. Their service for the cause of Goa and Goans is zero, they work and live in Kuwait for their own benefits only.

Q. Veronica bab, tell us about your early role in the development of Konkani.

Veronica: On 30th November 1984, we formed ‘Kuwait Konknni Kendr’ (KKK) in Kuwait. Goa conscious Goans in Kuwait formed this organization to help protect and promote Goan culture because it is only through Konkani, our mother tongue, that our Goan culture is protected.

As a journalist, I wrote exhaustively in Goan newspapers at that time in English and Konkani -- in support of Konkani.

In the beginning many Goans were ashamed to embrace Konkani openly despite having deficiency in English. Goans who neglected Konkani were intellectually bankrupt; some of them even made mockery of those who were on the forefront in promoting a Konkani awakening.

First, we fought for the cause of Konkani. Later, we fought to get separate identity of Statehood for Goa, to protect the Goan culture. Konkani is the only facet of Goans where we can prove our identity. It is through this language that we Goans can project our heritage, history and folklore...

Q. Who were the people behind formation of Kuwait Konkani Kendr?

Veronica: Kuwait Konknni Kendr (KKK) was formed by a few enthusiastic lovers of Goan culture and Goan life. The founders were Alexinho Fernandes (Maxem), Tarquinho D'Souza (Vasco), Elvino Rodrigues (Navelim) Mario Rebello (Panjim), John Felix D'Souza (Anjuna), Evaristo Fernandes (Pomburpa), Anthony Veronica Fernandes (Candolim), Luis B. Cardozo (Guirim), Oscar Gomes (Margao), Diogo A. D'Souza (Tivim), Cajetan Pereira (Sanvordem), Xavier Dias (Margao) and Alex Martins (Taleigao).


Since the inception of KKK, lot of activities have been conducted for the promotion and support of Konkani such as, in 1986, for the first time in the history of  expatriate Goans, a Mando Festival was organized in one of the 5-Star Hotels of Kuwait, Hotel Meridien, to be precise.

KKK established a scholarship for SSC students of Goa scoring highest marks in the Konkani subject. Also, it established the Gulab Award for the best Konkani writer. Besides, KKK gave lot of donations to promote Konkani including assistance to individuals to publish Konkani novels and other books.

The biggest contribution KKK did for the Konkani cause was to help the Konkani daily Novem Goem established by Goans at that time.

Q. After working for Konkani exhaustively, why have you stopped your efforts when Konkani language most needs writers like you.

Veronica: It is not correct to say so. My effort towards Konkani is still on although it looks less because I have been concentrating on other topics as well which demands expressing myself in English. When I initiated the Konkani movement, it was imperative to spread all my expression in Konkani.

Q. Do you see any association taking up major issues of Goans or heading the general well-being of Goans in Kuwait?

Veronica: No one. Because none of the Goans heading our clubs/associations are having social consciousness to do good for the community. They are headed by artificial leaders having nothing but selfishness and self-promotion in their blood inherited from ‘hoi-polloi’ parentage.

Q. What about the well-recognized Goan Welfare Society?

Veronica: I was one of the founders of Goan Welfare Society in Kuwait although Mr. Vincente D'Souza was the main initiator of this association. During those times, we Goans had many organizations and football clubs but none under one apex body as the Malyalis do. All our associations moved in different directions like kites in the sky.

A Goan named Francis Araujo was sentenced to the gallows by the Kuwait Criminal Court for murdering one Turkish bus conductor and an Egyptian bus driver. I was helping his brother Daniel through legal advisors to commute this sentence but nothing worked in our favor. Kuwait Church was kind enough to file a mercy petition but it was rejected.

Then we tried to send a mercy petition to the Amir of Kuwait through the Indian Embassy. But the Embassy refused to entertain this request saying it should come through an apex Goan organization.

We did not have any apex Goan body. Before we could act, time for the mercy petition elapsed and Araujo was hanged. I was one of the persons who washed his body and dressed it, brought it to church from the morgue, and helped in the burial...

Q. ...So these are the circumstances that prompted formation of the Welfare Society.?

Veronica: With the view of an apex body in mind, I came forward to support this new association which was named Goan Welfare Society. It’s foundation was first laid at the Indian Embassy Auditorium. However, after it’s formation, instead of being an apex body, it became just as any other Goan organization headed by unknown Goans, whose contribution in the community affairs was nothing or very little.

...Purpose of the apex body to work for the welfare of the community was defeated.

Then came the invasion. After liberation, the Welfare Society was revived behind closed doors without informing all the members, neither was I informed. Only a few ‘crook-type’ members came forward and silently revived it.

Unfortunately, none of the members who came forward enquired and investigated why founders like me and my colleagues were kept out. The matter is still not sorted out by any of the present members of the society. For this reason I call the present members as selfish and undemocratic, they are all shameless, incompetent of running an organization in a proper manner.

This society has accumulated funds in crores (rupees) but it is kept idle instead of spending for the welfare of the community especially for the downtrodden in Kuwait like the domestic hands working in Kuwaiti houses. This huge amount is instead kept deposited in personal accounts of 3 individuals from Curtorim village, which is not correct. It is the society’s money and as such it should go into society's account. But none in the society had guts to expose this till I raised my voice from outside.

It is now to be seen how and where this fund is going to be used.

Q. You are known as one of the walking encyclopedias on Goan Tiatro history. Could you share your interaction with some of the greats of Konkani stage that crossed your path. 

Veronica: Alexinho de Candolim! What a great Tiatrist he was! If this man had a little more academic background, he would be a genius. For me, Alexinho de Candolim was beyond all artistes. Incidentally, he was our neighbor and my father's buddy in school and in society. I interacted with him as a young boy and acted in one of his Tiatros too, in our village. There is none among tiatrists to compare him.

Q. What about M. Boyer and other great tiatrists? 

Veronica: Mr. Boyer was a great composer, singer and playwright. He ripened after the Portuguese exit from Goa by singing political songs in support of Goa. It is not easy to fill the void created by his death. In Kuwait, he stayed for some days at my place and spent nice time with me sharing many topics of his choice. After discussing with me, he brought in lot of changes in the script of his last tiatro ‘Ek Ghor - 4 Vantte’ and promised to invite me for the inaugural show in Kuwait under my management. Unfortunately, it was never released.

M. Dod de Verna came a bit closer to Alexinho de Candolim but not as an equal. Such persons come into this world once in centuries and perhaps another tiatrist - composer and singer like him will never come again.

Q. What about the new brigade of Tiatrists.?

Veronica: Among the new generation Rosary Ferns was a genius but death snatched him from our midst. Prince Jacob is very popular but he is a good comedian only.

Q. Your efforts in giving prominence to Konkani Tiatro, and tiatrists is best known in Kuwait. What do you foresee the future of Konkani art and stage.

Veronica: Konkani stage art will survive, it will never die, but qualitatively it will suffer because Konkani stage has stopped producing artistes of wisdom and knowledge to carry forward from those greats of yesteryears...

Q. You are also identified for your sports stint. Tell us about your sports life and your involvement in taking Indian sports particularly football to a higher level.

Veronica: Sports has been a tradition in our family. I inherited it from my elders mainly from both my brothers. I took part in football from an early age, and in athletics as a runner. In my locality, I made a mark in running for my (Portuguese) school, and played for the village football team.



After the exit of Portuguese from Goa, I joined St. Joseph School, Arpora, where I got better opportunities to develop as a footballer and runner. I represented the school in football, athletics, table tennis and volleyball. I was appointed captain of the school football team at junior and senior level. I represented my school athletics team in 100 meters, 200 metres, 400 mtres, 800 meters, 100 x 4 and 400 x 4 relays. I was the champion of Goa, running the fastest 100 metres in under 11 seconds.

I also represented my college St. Xaviers, Mapusa, played for Chowgule in the Premier Division Goan Football League and later played for Sesa Goa.

After coming to Kuwait, I was deeply involved in playing football, first for Salmiya Youth as captain in the inception year in 1979, then for G.O.A. Maroons which was co-founded by me.

While playing, I wrote sports reports on weekly basis in the local English dailies and simultaneously in the Goan media. My publicity was much responsible for gaining so much of importance and popularity for Indian football in Kuwait.  

Q. Goans across the world would love to know about your family... 

Veronica: Basically I come from a family of sportsmen. My two maternal uncles Mac Franklin Vaz and Dioginho Vaz were both great sportsmen of Goa.  Mac was best athlete in Goa in the 1930’s at all-Goa level in Broad Jump. Later, he migrated to Karachi, Pakistan and made a mark for himself in the athletics field.

Dioginho was an ace footballer in the 1940’s, a shining star of Goa. According to folks, Candolim has not produced a footballer like him after his retirement and death. He was the centre-forward and a very sharp shooter.

My eldest brother Peter popularly known as ‘Cheddo’ was the best player representing Goa Police team during the Portuguese regime playing as centre-forward along with first-rate Portuguese ‘pakles and negroes’. He was a rare Goan to create a mark on the Portuguese dominated Goa Police team.  After his retirement, Candolim and Goa Police has not produced a forward like him. He was a powerful shooter and used both feet with equal ease. He had offers gaore from top teams from Goa and Bombay but opted to stay with Goa Police because he was employed in the Goa government with a secure job. He played and served Goa Police for a long time.

My second brother - late Jose Marie was also an ace player. He played for Sesa Goa and captained the team.  He was the centre-half and best header of the ball.  His speciality lied in scoring goals from corner kicks.  I have not seen such ‘heading’ anywhere among Indian footballers, he had perfect timing, precision and accuracy. Many times, opposing teams used to use all eleven players to guard their goals from his headers, yet he was unstoppable.  Once, a top German manager of Sesa Goa said that even in Germany, he did not see a footballer heading such magnificent goals from corner kicks.

The last and youngest brother Mickey was also a good footballer. But before he could blossom, he migrated to Dubai at an early age where he made a solid mark for himself as an ace striker some 20 years back.  It should be noted that he was recruited by Sesa Goa before going to Dubai,

Q. Tell us about your parents and your own family?

Veronica: Both my father and mother were from Candolim. Altogether, we are 10 children, a brother and a sister died early. I was the 8th child.

My wife is from Calangute, she was my long-time girlfriend.  We are blessed with two children – Ashton, our son is working in Kuwait. Daughter named Aveshah, is married to Clyde from Calangute; both are working in Dubai.

Aveshah, as an student was very good in sports - representing her school Little Flower – Calangute, St. Xaviers College – Mapusa, Law College – Panaji, Goa University and Goa State in athletics and football.  While my son Ashton, before coming to Kuwait for employment, a few years back, played in Goa for Dempo Jr. and is currently one of the best players among Indians in Kuwait.

Q. Who has been an inspiring help along your way in life?

Veronica: I must accept the fact that I received total support from few friends to spend such a long time in Kuwait successfully. One of them was late Mr. Diogo A. D’Souza from Tivim who got me employed when most others rejected me.

The second person was my ‘gaum-bhau’, late Messias Barreto who was a fatherly figure to me. The third one was John Felix D’Souza from Anjuna who protected and supported me even in the worst of my crisis especially in my activities and movements. The fourth person was Ignatius Fernandes from Calangute who took maximum care of me in my needs.

Besides, many other friends and colleagues cooperated with me to make my stay in Kuwait comfortable. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for doing so much good to me. Without their support, life for me in Kuwait would not have been as smooth as it seemed.

Q. Please tell us something about your job?

Veronica: I worked for Behebhani Motors Company from 2nd August 1975 till now. I retired voluntarily by submitting my resignation. 16th December 2013 will be my last working day.

Q. Do you have any obligation towards anyone in Kuwait?

Veronica: I owe nothing to anybody in Kuwait nor do I have any obligation towards anyone to fulfil. However, if anyone has to contradict this statement, they can contact me at any moment before I leave Kuwait for good, before the end of December 2013.

Q. Do you think anyone talks ill of you?

Veronica: During my long innings in Kuwait, I took up many activities on many issues, and raised my voice and fought against injustice. While doing so, some perpetrators of injustice must have got hurt in the bargain but I am not responsible for that. I was interested in delivering justice especially to the downtrodden against the arrogant...

Q. Over the years, you have been one of the flag-bearers of Goans in Kuwait. What do you foresee after your departure from Kuwait?

Veronica: I don’t see anything special coming up for the cause of Goa nor for the community. What we did from Kuwait looks to be final. Present generation of Kuwait Goans is not as enthusiastic as we were for the cause of Goa and Goans.

Q. You deserve a grand farewell for all your hard work over the years? Are there any surprises from the Goan community or clubs?

Veronica: I don’t think I did something extraordinary. Whatever I did was the need of the hour although none among Goans did what I did. I don’t know of any surprises and by the way why should there be surprises?  I did not bring the moon from the sky even though what I did was something unthinkable and unimaginable for many in the community.

Q. How do you intend to enjoy your retirement?

Veronica: I intend to do something good for the community and society, especially for the downtrodden and weaker segment.

Q. What is your message to Kuwaitkars and Goans in general?

Veronica: When I came to Kuwait for the first time, I came with a big smile on my face and by the grace of God while leaving Kuwait I am leaving with a big smile too. I am grateful to God for helping me to leave Kuwait cheerfully while many of my friends and colleagues had to leave with tears in their eyes. May God help them dry their tears.

My message is: Be sincere and faithful to Goa, Goan causes and Goan culture, tradition and history. According to my observation, Goan culture and traditions are the best among all.

For Kuwait based Goans: Be faithful to your employers, to Kuwait and its rulers...

Q. What is your concluding message to the readers?

Veronica: I would like to say a ‘Big Thank You’ to all my friends and colleagues who helped me in my personal and public life during my long period in Kuwait. I thank Kuwait and my employers Behbehani Motors for providing me a lengthy opportunity to stay and work in Kuwait. May God Bless Kuwait – May God bless my employers, may God bless us all.