Goans have been an integral part of Kuwait’s growth story for
decades, earning admiration across various fields through dedication,
professionalism, and hard work.
Among them is veteran Goan expatriate Mr. Fidelis Fernandes, a
respected figure in the community, who was accorded a grand farewell by his
employers KUWAIT STEEL after deciding to conclude his long and distinguished journey
in Kuwait and return home permanently.
Fidelis served as Manager (Trade Finance) for nearly 14 years,
earning immense respect for his leadership and contribution to the organization.
Having spent more than 50 years in Kuwait, his remarkable journey stands as an
inspiration to many in the expatriate community.
Several close friends and prominent members of the Goan
community also assembled to honor him, including renowned filmmaker T-BUSH,
Santos FC President Tony Dias and 10-time President of the Kuwait Indian
Football Federation (KIFF) Shri V.K. Vohra.
Speaking on the eve of his last flight to Goa, Fidelis said, “I
feel blessed to have such a rich and meaningful life in Kuwait, a life filled
with challenges and friendships.”
He further added, “I can
never forget Kuwait, the land that gave me opportunity, dignity, and a lifetime
of memories.”
Hailing from Goa’s picturesque seaside place of Colva,
Fidelis first set foot in the oil-rich country in January 1975.
Elder brother of celebrated playwright and singer late
Rosary Ferns, Fidelis was born to Feliciana Fernandes, and Jose Luis Fernandes
– a highly respected school-teacher of his time who had his own private school
which was later turned to Infant Jesus High School by the then Colva parish
priest.
Fidelis is the second child in a family of 7 children - 4
brothers and 3 sisters. His other siblings are sisters Deodita, Margaret,
Antonette, and brother Peter while the eldest brother Rosario and youngest
Rosary Ferns, have left this earth.
EARLY DAYS IN KUWAIT
After first landing in Kuwait, Fidelis immediately showed
his love for Konkani dramas and acted in the drama ‘Aiz Mhaka Faleam Tuka’
directed by Pedro Jose Fernandes in 1977.
Fidelis was stage manager and prompter apart from acting in
the drama. During the olden days, prompter was a must as no artiste memorized
their part by heart; as such Fidelis’ role was very important.
He directed his father’s drama called ‘Hem Odh Tuka’ at the
Indian Arts Circle, Salmiya in November 1984. The drama was scheduled for 8th
November but had to be postponed due to Indira Gandhi’s death by one week. It
featured 2 memorable trios – one by Mendes Brothers and the other by
Cajetan-Xavier-Marcus.
He eventually helped organize several Konkani shows and
dramas and is still heavily involved in sports and cultural activities.
Fidelis was the founder member of the Konkani Heritage
Kuwait (KHK) which has presented Konkani tiatrs, one-act play competitions,
singing competitions, and Konkani ‘Songit Sanz’ (musical shows) in Kuwait under
his direction.
Before coming to Kuwait, Fidelis worked as a Head Clerk at
Infant Jesus school and also held the position of General Secretary of Sporting
Club of Colva.
LIFE IN SPORTS
Fidelis came into the limelight as an able sports
administrator after the Invasion and Liberation of Kuwait, when he joined the famed
Goa Maroons club as its General Secretary.
He was associated with Kuwait Indian Football Federation
(KIFF) for several years in various positions and was elected to executive
committees of New Goan Overseas Association (1987), Goan Welfare Society (GWS)
(1989), Colva United Centre-Kuwait (2005), Kuwait Goan Association (KGA), among
others.
In 2009, Fidelis was elected president of Kuwait Indian
Football Federation (KIFF) and occupied the position for 5 consecutive seasons
till June 2014.
Fidelis was also involved in conducting Basketball and Football Interschool tournaments in Kuwait when he was President and Gen. Secretary of United Goans.
In October 2024, Fidelis directed and organized a FREE Konkani
Musical Show in Kuwait titled ‘KUWAITCHI MATI’.
Fidelis went to stage the show as a full-fledged drama in London
(July 2025), and Goa. He staged a record-breaking 21 shows in Goa in 15 days
(by an Overseas Director) and eventually celebrated a Silver Jubilee.
In 2014, Fidelis directed a superstar-cast mega musical show
entitled ‘Saath Panvdde’ - a tribute to his brother Rosary Ferns. The event is
still remembered for the glamorous artistes that featured in the show.
In 2020, Fidelis had announced another mega show ‘Ami
Goenkar’ with a galaxy of stars from Mangalore and Goa, however, the show could
not be held due to the Covid pandemic.
PROFESSIONAL SIDE
Fidelis initially worked at Nouri Industrial Est., Kuwait.
Then he joined the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and
worked with them for 16 years.
Later, he joined Burgan Bank (5 years), Gulf Bank (16
years), before working for United Steel Industrial Company as Manager (Trade
Finance).
THE FERNANDES FAMILY TREE
Happily married to Aretha Fernandes, Fidelis has 4 children
- sons Gloyne and Winrich, and daughters Muriel (UK), and Karen (Kuwait).
Gloyne is married to Merlyn D’Souza and well-settled in
Melbourne, Australia with their son Glendon, and twin daughters Tazlyn &
Jazlyn.
Winrich and Muriel are in the UK, while Karen, married to
Anson D’Silva with daughters Lenora and Elaina, lives in Kuwait.
BEST WISHES FOR A BLESSED LIFE
The Goan Community in Kuwait extends its heartfelt wishes to
the soft-spoken and ever-smiling Mr. Fidelis Fernandes as he bids farewell to
Kuwait after a remarkable journey spanning over five decades.
As he returns to Goa to begin a new chapter of life among
family, friends, and his roots, the community prays that he is blessed with
good health, happiness, peace, and many more beautiful years ahead.
Though Fidelis Fernandes may be leaving Kuwait, the friendships he built, the
respect he earned, and the memories he created over the years will forever
remain in the hearts of the people whose lives he touched.