[From L to R] Goan community leader Charles Dias, Fr Renato Andrade of the Goan Chaplaincy in the UK, Dr Ana e Brito Maneira, Consul General of the Portuguese Consulate in the UK, and Velma Marcelo, a member of the Goan community, during an interaction at
LONDON
Portuguese Goans in the UK were happy to know that Ana e Brito Maneira, the present Consul General of Portugal in London, had links to Goa and even invited her to an interactive meet in Wembley a few months ago.
In a recent interview, Maneira spoke more about her connect with Goa and her interaction with the Portuguese Goans in the UK.
ON GOAN CONNECT
Commenting on her links to Goa, Maneira said her Goan roots run on her mother’s side of the family.
“My mother was born in Ribandar, to a Goan father and a Goan Zanzibari mother. In 1963, my grandmother Zita Coutinho e Brito moved to Portugal with her five children, my mother being the eldest,” recalled Maneira.
Asked if she had visited Goa and if so, what were her memories of the place, Maneira replied that she had last been to Goa in 2012.
“During my stay in Goa, I visited Panaji, Agonda, Old Goa, and even the Ghats where I have stayed at a resort to enjoy a close contact with nature. While in Goa, I attended a wedding, spent time with some relatives, and stayed at my grandfather’s house. It was quite emotional to visit part of my roots,” said Maneira.
To a query on whether she enjoyed any of the Goan customs, traditions or cuisine, Maneira was quick to voice her fondness for Goan cuisine.
“The diversity of Goan cuisine, with all its influences, is unmatched. I love the curries, the chapatis, the dhal, bhaji with puri, and of course, a good bebinca! I have been influenced by Goan food, it still brings me warmth,” acknowledged Maneira.
Dr Ana e Brito Maneira, Consul General of the Portuguese Consulate in the UK, and Ciana D’Costa, Portuguese Advisory Counsellor in the UK/Ireland, at a Goan meal in Wembley-London.
ON FOREIGN SERVICE
Maneira narrated how, as a young girl, she would attend the only English Mass in Lisbon along with her grandmother. The congregation consisted of people from various ethnicities, including Goans, Filipinos, and Nigerians.
“Maybe this multicultural attendance has contributed to spark my interest in international relations. Perhaps this has contributed to my attraction to join the foreign service,” said Maneira.
Maneira explained that the possibility to serve and represent Portugal and the Portuguese has inspired and motivated her to join the foreign service in Portugal.
Prior to her responsibility as Consul General of Portugal in London, Maneira had served in Angola, South Africa, the United Nations Office in Geneva and New York.
PORTUGUESE GOANS IN UK
Maneira said she still has fond memories of her first-ever interaction with the Portuguese Goan community in Wembley-London on December 7, 2025.
“I appreciated the sense of community and the celebration of a common cultural heritage,” recalled Maneira.
Dr Ana e Brito Maneira, Consul General of the Portuguese Consulate in the UK, interacts with a member of the Goan community during a meeting at the St Joseph RC Church, Wembley-London.
To a query, Maneira said she was aware of some issues facing Portuguese Goans residing in the UK.
“I continue to be confronted with cases of so-called “agents” who operate within the community and who charge Goans for appointments with the Consulate, for IDs, Passports, Civil Registry, Notary and so on. Let me be clear, all appointments are free. In case of doubt, reach out directly to us by email (consulado.londres@mne.pt),” said Maneira.
On the facilities at the Consulate General, Maneira assured that the office is open to all Portuguese Goans in need of consular services.
Stating that the staff presently handles over 500 queries a day, Maneira said the staff is geared to attend to any consular service, such as ID renewals, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.
“Getting an appointment is very easy now, as one has to go to the Consulate’s website and can seek an appointment by the next week. The Consulate will also be opened on alternative Saturdays to cater to those with children or others who cannot attend the consulate during weekdays,” assured Maneira.
Asked about her plans for the Portuguese Goans residing in the UK, the Consul General said she is keen to continue the work of her predecessors and reinforce the sense of proximity and belonging.
In a message to the Portuguese Goans residing in the UK, Maneira said: The Consulate is here to serve all Portuguese nationals in the UK and so, do not hesitate in reaching out to us. We have an efficient team that seeks to support all of you.”
