𝘕𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘍𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦: 𝘎𝘢𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘰 / 𝘒𝘶𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵
Goans have lived in Kuwait for ages, excelling
in their field of profession.
Agnello
A.S. Fernandes, a well-known Goan
who has excelled in Kuwait over the years was extended warm farewell by Goan
Cultural Centre (GCC) at a special function held at Holy Family Cathedral,
Kuwait City, recently.
Agnello was honored at the hands of Fr. Antony
Lopez, OFM CAP., JCD. Chancellor & Judicial Vicar of AVONA (Apostolic
Vicariate of Northern Arabia), in presence of GCC President Shri Carmo Santos,
and other members of the community.
𝙁𝙀𝙇𝙄𝘾𝙄𝙏𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 & 𝙃𝙊𝙉𝙊𝙍𝙎
Fr. Antony began the brief ceremony by reciting
a prayer and wishing Agnello and family all the very best in life.
The dynamic personality was presented with
Kuwait’s symbolic memento in recognition for his immense contribution towards
the Goan community in Kuwait.
Agnello’s wife Neeta Fernandes was also present
on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion in the background of
an iconic photo, GCC President Carmo Santos showered the couple with tributes, “Agnello
has served in every field with marked distinction, he will be much remembered by
everyone especially for his contribution to Goan sports and culture.”
Mr. Santos further summarized life Agnello's life saying, “From being President of
Navelim YC for 15 years - actively supporting Indian football activities and
Goan culture & art, shouldering the first Gulf Voice of Goa singing
competition, to support organize the repatriation of stranded Goans, to being a
role model in charities, Agnello has been there and lived by example.”
“Kuwait has been more than our second home,” said an emotional
Agnello, proudly, “Words fall short to express the love I have for
Kuwait.”
The members, especially GCC Vice President
Martin Alphonso, CRC Chinchinim President Bosco Leitao, in their speeches
recollected Agnello’s immense humor that has helped everyone around him to rise
up to cheerful spirits.
Gasper Crasto stated, “Agnello was the face of Navelkars in
Kuwait for many years, and an architect and pillar of Navelim who always stood for
unity among its members.”
“I am leaving with fond memories of Kuwait and friends that I
have made over the years,” concluded Agnello in his farewell speech while
thanking GCC for the kind gesture in honoring him.
Agnello, who had resigned from his job last November, left Kuwait for good on 30th March 2021.
𝘼𝙂𝙉𝙀𝙇𝙇𝙊’𝙎 𝙇𝙄𝙁𝙀 𝙄𝙉 𝙆𝙐𝙒𝘼𝙄𝙏
Born at 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.
Agnello started his career with Jassim Mohd Al Ali Al Wazzan in
their indenting department as a junior clerk.
After working 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.
Agnello later joined Gulf Custody Company as Senior Settlement
Officer and worked for them since 2001. Thanks to his hard work, Agnello rose
to the position of Vice President - Fund Administration Department of Gulf
Custody Company - the biggest fund custodian in GCC countries with over 7
billion U.S. dollars’ worth of assets under them.
It was a pride for Goans to see a fellow Goan achieving great
heights in a country where top positions are mostly dominated by Arabs and
Europeans.
Agnello was also a member on the Board of Directors of Indian
Community School (ICSK) which runs 4 huge schools in Kuwait affiliated to CBSE.
𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗔𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼.
