VANCOUVER
The Goan Overseas Association (GOA) Vancouver marked the grand launch of its golden jubilee celebration with a New Year’s Eve celebration which was attended by over 350 people from all over Vancouver.
Among the entertainment highlights of the event was the acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artist Eli Williams who brought the house down with his performance. A three-time world champion, Eli Williams has won top honours at prestigious Elvis Festivals in Waikiki (Hawaii), Pala (California), and Penticton (B.C.). He continues to captivate audiences across North America and also proudly serves in the Canadian Armed Forces.
The Masters of Ceremony were Andrew Nazareth, Winona Rebello and Crystal Menezes, who kept the evening lively, engaging, and running seamlessly with their charm, professionalism, and great energy.
On the occasion, the Goa Overseas Association of Vancouver Community Service Awards – 2026 were presented to Savio Menezes as well as Darryl and Stacy Fernandes in recognition of their dedication and outstanding contribution to enhancing and promoting Goan community events and activities.
The GOA Vancouver Executive Committee comprising Anne Da Silva (President), Vinnie Antao (Vice President), Crystal Ann Lobo Fernandes (Treasurer), Ashney Rebello (Social & Cultural Director) and Joanita Pinto (Executive Administrative Director) expressed its gratitude to the various sub-committees for their support.
They sub-committees included the ticket sales, seating, bar, novelty & reception desk team (Crystal-Ann Lobo, Carol Lee Dsa, Crystal Menezes, Doris Amaral, Judith Braganza, Joanita Pinto, Ashney Rebello & Anne Da Silva) and the hall décor & set-up crew (Andrew Nazareth, Dillan Nazareth, Ransome Fernandes, Kurt D’Souza, Sydney Antao, Michelle Golhan, Clifford Falario, Joanita & Charles Pinto, Crystal-Ann & Protus Fernandes, and Anne Da Silva).
The committee also extend its sincere gratitude to sponsors for their support through advertisements in the GOA Vancouver Souvenir Brochure and the team involved in the brochure comprising Savio, Michelle Golhan (Souvenir Front Cover & 50th Anniversary Banner) and William (50th Anniversary Logo & Description).
In her message on the GOA Vancouver Souvenir Brochure, GOA Vancouver President Anne DaSilva said ever since she assumed the office of president of the association, she has made it a principal priority to uphold the mission of GOA Vancouver, “a mission grounded in service to the community, the preservation and celebration of Goan heritage and traditions, and the fostering of a caring and inclusive society.”
“Guided by a background in leadership and special events planning, I remain committed to ensuring that the Association's initiatives and programmes are delivered with excellence and in alignment with GOA 's values and objectives.”
Ds Silva said GOA Vancouver has continued to promote meaningful social engagement through cultural, traditional, and community-focused events, while extending its outreach to support and collaborate with other communities, thereby strengthening unity and shared purpose.
“The remarkable response and unwavering support from our members have been both humbling and inspiring. Consistent, full attendance at our events, along with generous sponsorships and donations of essential goods, have enabled the Association to deliver its programmes with care, dignity, and prudent stewardship of resources,” said DaSilva.
“As GOA Vancouver commemorates its 50th Anniversary in 2026, and as a founding member of the association, I remain deeply committed to carrying forward its proud legacy of Goan heritage, culture, traditions, and history. It is an honour to serve this community with integrity and dedication, as we celebrate five decades of achievement and look ahead with confidence and purpose,” she added.
