Kuwait: Top Goan delegates are expected attend Domnic Fernandes’ Konkani Tiatro ‘Vavank Chuklear Ganvank Chukta’ organized under the banner of KKM (Kuwait Konknni Mogi).
The show supported by a number of well-wishers and Konkani lovers is set to be held at SIMS School, Salmiya, Friday 28th Sept 2018 4.45 pm. It is the 7th annual event of KKM,
Among a galaxy of stars from Goa, London and Kuwait, presence of the well-known NRI’s will give an added flavour to the show. The NRI’s will feature on stage at some point of the show.
Among a number of dignitaries, top envoys expected to be in attendance include Francis Correia (Bahrain), Simon D’Silva (Qatar), G. R. Crasto (Bahrain), Gabby de Chandor (Dubai), and Kuwait’s well-known personalities Carmo Santos, Agnello Fernandes, Bosco Leitao, etc.
FRANCIS CORREIA (BAHRAIN)
Francis Correia, hailing from Cansaulim, is a resident of Bahrain since 1974.
Correia has been involved in community service from the time he arrived into Bahrain and has served the Goan community in different fields. Through the Indian Embassy and Ministry of Labour, Correia has resolved many disputes of laborers and domestic helpers.
Correia is one of the few proud Indians to be honored by the Ministry of Social Affairs in Bahrain.
Correia is among few people involved in organizing Konkani social events in Bahrain. He has also used his status and position to organize visits of political, religious, social leaders from Goa.
SIMON D'SILVA (QATAR)
Born in Sao Jose de Areal, Simon has been working and living in Qatar since 1993.
Simon is most popular as President of Goan Welfare Association, Doha – Qatar for nearly 2 decades. He is well-known in the Middle-East for organising Socio-Cultural and Sports activities on regular basis.
The Qatar May Ball, and annual Goa Day events are some of the prime events organized by Simon.
A member of Parish Council in Doha, Simon has been extending financial help to the needy and charitable institutions all throughout.
G.R. CRASTO (BAHRAIN)
Gabriel R. Crasto is a popular Master Compere (MC) among the Goan community in Bahrain and is always at the forefront of social, cultural and sporting events.
For the last several years, Crasto has been running an online Newsletter called Bahrainchi Xit-Koddi. He has utilized the newsletter, and other events organized with his involvement, to showcase Konkani, Goan culture, heritage and identity of Goans in Bahrain.
Crasto is among few overseas Goans to be awarded ‘Man of the Year Award’ by the Goan Review Art Foundation, Mumbai for his services linked to Goan community and the Konkani language.
A freelance journalist, Crasto hails from Navelim. He covers the activities of Goans in Bahrain through his writings. In his younger days Crasto worked as a correspondent of West Coast Times (English daily), Novem Goem, Goencho Mog, etc.
Crasto is the Chairman of Bahrain Goans Football League and a member of the Konkani Community Committee of Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain.
CARMO SANTOS (KUWAIT)
Carmo hails from Carmona-Goa, he was born to an Army General (Late) Armando Viegas Dos Santos and Luiza Bertalina Fernandes.
After his education in Goa and Mumbai, he landed in Kuwait in 1979 and joined one of the reputed companies M/s. Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar and now runs his own business in Shipping & Logistics.
Carmo has always aimed to help the poor and needy in Kuwait which he has been doing over the past 3 decades. He was involved in helping thousands of homeless Indians (regardless of religion) alongwith Bishop Francis Micallef (Malta), Fr. Dominic Santa Maria, etc, during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
His support and monetary assistance towards Goan causes have been focused by the church as well as Indian embassy, diplomatic corps, NGOs in Kuwait and Indian organizations – both prior to invasion and present.
A regular and active member of the Goan community and a generous one both in good and bad times, Carmo expresses deep love for Konkani. He is the chairman of Goan Cultural Centre-Kuwait.
GABBY DE CHANDOR (DUBAI)
Gabby de Chandor is one of the key persons in Dubai involved in organizing Konkani tiatr events with Goan based and local stage artistes which has helped display Goan culture and heritage in UAE, and keep Konkani alive and popular.
Gabby has so far organized nearly 25 shows in Dubai.
AGNELLO A.S FERNANDES (KUWAIT)
Born in 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 Al Wazzan as a junior clerk. After working for 6 years, he joined KFTCIC, the biggest investment company at that time. He worked with them for 16 years before moving to National Investment Company as a Settlement Officer.
Eventually, Agnello rose to the position of Vice President of Fund Administration Department of Gulf Custody Company, one of the biggest fund custodians in GCC, administrating more than 80 funds – having over 7 billion U.S. dollars worth of assets under them.
Agnello was President of Navelim club in Kuwait for nearly 16 years and was in the forefront of organizing events of great Goan essence like dramas, dances, football tournaments, socials, etc.
BOSCO LEITAO (KUWAIT)
Among thousands of Goans living in Kuwait, Mr. Bosco Leitao, is a dynamic Goan from Chinchinim, much known for his outstanding contribution towards Goa and Goans.
Bosco Leitao was President of CRC Chinchinim club, for a number of years.
Bosco arrived in Kuwait in 1972 and took up a job with Sadoon Al Yaqoub Real Estate. Bosco still works with the same company for nearly 5 decades now. He manages and works with great enthusiasm.
Apart from being heavily involved in Goan activities, Bosco is known to lend a helping hand to a number of Goan causes, and also assist many who approach him with their problems or difficulties. He has helped many a brother, unable to meet ends, to find a stable job.