LONDON
The United Friends UK commemorated the feast of St Francis Xavier on November 29 with their 9th annual dance at the Cranford Community College hall, London.
The event began with Goan community singing hymn in honour of St Francis Xavier, followed by Brito Carvalho welcoming the gathering
This was followed by music from the band ‘Legacy’ and DJ Jonathan, while MC Bunty engaged the audience.
The chief guest was Clayton Barreto, social secretary to the high commissioner of India at London, while a special invitee was Pamila Rodrigues, a Goan chosen to represent the Labour Party in the Hounslow Central Ward for the May 2026 council elections.
In his speech, Clayton Barreto lauded the United Friends UK for starting as a small group of friends and going on to celebrate nine years of unity, charity and giving back to the community, both in Goa and in the UK, demonstrating real Goenkarponn.
“United Friends UK, your roots are strong, your unity is inspiring, and your hearts are generous,” he said.
He added that Goan heritage isn’t just something to be enjoyed, but something to be carried forward to the next generation.
“Our language, our festivals, our music, our food — these are gifts from our ancestors. We must pass them on proudly to our children, so Goa lives in them too. We cannot let the next generation know Goa only through Google,” said Barreto.
Highlighting the importance of faith, family and the Goan Catholic foundation, Barreto admitted that life in the UK is fast, with people running from shift to shift, balancing work and family.
“However, faith keeps us grounded, family keeps us strong and community keeps us connected. Our Goan values — humility, kindness, and gratitude — are what make the Goan community shine wherever we go,” he added.
In his parting message, Barreto appealed to the Goans in the UK that living far from Goa doesn’t break their roots, it makes them stronger.
“So let us keep teaching our children: the Sign of the Cross, the beauty of Konkani, the stories of our villages, and the joy of coming together as one Goan family. Because one day, they will carry our story forward.”
In her address, Pamila Rodrigues said in today’s day and age where friendships collapse like a pack of cards, the United Friends UK are an inspiration by being the only group with the same members for nine years.
She looked forwarded to a bigger celebration next year to mark the 10th annual celebrations.
Authentic Goan food was catered by Mum's Delight led by Freddy Carvalho.
The 9th United Friends Queen was also crowned on the occasion. Clayton Barreto and his wife Dione had the honour of crowning the United Friends UK Queen, Ashwini Shinkre Rodrigues.
The United Friends UK President Sonia Antao later delivered a vote of thanks. The committee members, Sanjay Andrade, Valle Fernandes, Gaudencio Fernandes, and Savio Fernandes were part of the organising team.
