𝘉𝘺 𝘎𝘢𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘰
Goans have lived in Kuwait for ages, excelling in their field of profession by way of sheer dedication and hard work.
The best thing is that, Goans abroad are always very close to their traditional and spiritual links with Goa.
In this article, we trace the life of Agnello A.S. Fernandes, a well-known personality among Goans, for whom life in Kuwait has been more than just a blessing.
From being President of Navelim YC in Kuwait for many years - actively supporting Indian football activities and Goan culture & art, shouldering the first Gulf Voice of Goa singing competition, to organizing repatriation of stranded Goans, to being a role model in charities, Agnello has been there and done that – living by example.
“Kuwait has provided us unimaginable comforts to live and work, and helped us to live our Goan life. This country is more than our second-home,” says Agnello proudly.
Born in Aquem-Alto, now a posh hub of Margao, son of a sailor, Agnello had his initial education at Guardian Angel High School Sanvordem, before his graduation and arrival in Kuwait in the year 1975.
𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗘, 𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗪, 𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗
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 Al Bahar as Senior Settlement Officer and has worked for him since then. Thanks to his hard work, Agnello rose to the position of Vice President - Fund Administration Department of Gulf Custody Company.
It’s a pride for Goans to see our own fellow Goan achieving such a high position in a country where top positions are mostly dominated by Arabs and Europeans.
𝘾𝙐𝙎𝙏𝙊𝘿𝙄𝘼𝙉 𝙊𝙁 𝙂𝙐𝙇𝙁 𝘾𝙐𝙎𝙏𝙊𝘿𝙔 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙔
Incidentally, Gulf Custody is the biggest fund custodian in the GCC countries administrating more than 80 funds – having over 7 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of assets under them.
Major banks and investment companies are shareholders in this company, which also has full-fledged branches in other Middle-East countries.
“My progress and success has been gradual. 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 Al Bahar for having given me a free hand to try new ideas and put my plans to action. I thank him for having faith in my capabilities over the years.”
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙁𝘼𝙈𝙄𝙇𝙔
Agnello dedicates his success in life to his wife Neeta Fernandes, working as an Executive Secretary with Gulf Crescent Company for the past many years, whom he calls his first critic.
“As a matter of fact Neeta’s constructive criticism has polished my talents,” Agnello jokes.
While the challenging job kept him busy at office during most hours of the day, Neeta has successfully managed the home and family.
Agnello’s elder son Allan Fernandes is a CIS Engineer graduated from Springfield Missouri U.S.A while his younger son Allison graduated in Aeronautical Engineering from Australia. Both the sons are married and are well settled in Kuwait.
Agnello’s daughter Alisha is pursuing a medical degree in Edinburgh, Scotland.
𝘼𝙇𝙒𝘼𝙔𝙎 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙂𝙊𝘼𝙉𝙎
Apart from work and family, the dynamic personality has always been in the forefront of social activities, and is never known to have enemies.
Agnello was best known among Goans in Kuwait for being the President of Navelim Youth Centre for 15 years; the club was at its peak during his tenure especially in football -- winning almost every trophy at stake, and best known for a number of social events.
As Agnello celebrates yet another remarkable year of his life, he continues to live each day with sparkling cheer and content of a young bubbling kid – who first set foot in Kuwait over half a century ago.
𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆!