LONDON
In a bid to actively participate in local decision-making processes and get involved in activities and issues involving the community, a number of Goans have decided to contest elections to vacant seats at the Swindon Borough Council in the UK on May 2.
Three candidates from the Labour Party and one candidate from the Conservative Party spoke about their purpose for contesting elections and their focus for their wards.
Councils in the UK are generally classified as a Parish, Community and Town Council, County Council or District, Borough and City Councils and they have provisions for elections to Parish and/or Council seats, with each of them assigned different responsibilities.
General councillors are involved in main decisions like budget for finance, schools & education, housing, etc., while Parish Councillors are in charge of non-decision making items such as upkeep of things like allotments, footpaths, and some areas of parks and maintenance.
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BACKGROUND
Domingos Seby Dias was born and brought up in Alto Guimaraes in Panaji. He was elected on May 4, 2023 as Labour South Swindon Parish Councillor. I is a resident of the town and the parish for 14 years in Central ward. Dias works for DHL Marks and Spencer distribution centre Swindon.
PURPOSE
Domingos says he is with the GMB Union Shop Steward, where he helps and represents many people of Centre Ward.
“My fight is against the exploitative Swedish contract in the workplace that we took direct to the European Parliament in Brussels,” said Domingos.
“Since being elected as Parish Councillor, I have been working tirelessly with Borough Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh dealing in case works fly tipping litre picking.”
“In the past, I managed to secure a CCTV camera in the area that had an issue with the fly tipping and this was very helpful. I have been organising a lot of events for our youth such as Zumba classes, drawing competitions with Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh. I also did a senior citizen’s day on December 29, 2023.”
“I had a meeting with the local Carfax Medical Centre Swindon managers discussing the problems faced by residents. I also had a meeting with the Wiltshire police and it was very productive to reduce knife crimes and antisocial behaviour,” added Domingos.
FOCUS
Domingos said he wants to work with Labour Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh to support small traders and breathe new life back into the town centre.
“I would love the opportunity to serve our community together so we can make a difference,” said Domingos.
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BACKGROUND
Having called Swindon home for over two decades, Ana Fernandes traces her roots to Cansaulim, and was married in Agassaim.
After working as a nurse in Goa, Ana moved to the UK to join her husband. Ana is working as an Assistant Practitioner in General Practice in Swindon.
PURPOSE
Ana claims her current role within the UK's healthcare system exemplifies her unwavering commitment to service, and is a beacon of hope and progress in local politics.
“With a track record of active participation in local councils and community endeavours, my connection to Swindon runs deep. My decision to step into the political arena reflects a desire to translate my passion for helping others into meaningful action,” said Ana.
“My experience and dedication make me a compelling candidate for Rodbourne Cheney, poised to champion the needs and aspirations of fellow residents with empathy, determination, and a steadfast focus on building a better future for all,” she adds.
FOCUS
Ana Fernandes said she is focused on empowerment and community cohesion for Rodbourne Cheney.
“Central to my vision is the idea of creating a thriving, inclusive community where every resident feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. I recognise the diverse needs and aspirations of Rodbourne Cheney's residents and am committed to championing their interests with passion and integrity,” said Ana.
“At the heart of my vision is a commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing the community, from concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour to the need for improved access to essential services and infrastructure.”
“I understand that building a safer, more vibrant community requires a multifaceted approach that prioritises collaboration, innovation, and proactive engagement.”
Ana said her focus also extends beyond addressing immediate challenges to creating lasting solutions that promote long-term sustainability and well-being.
“I believe in investing in programmes and initiatives that support education, job training, and economic opportunity, particularly for marginalised and underserved populations. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and opportunity, I aim to create a community where everyone can thrive and contribute to the collective prosperity.”
“I am committed to strengthening community connections and fostering a sense of belonging among residents. I believe in the power of grass roots activism and community organising to drive positive change from the ground up,” said Ana.
Ana said she envisions a community where residents are actively involved in shaping their future, where their voices are heard and their contributions are valued.”
“My focus and vision for Rodbourne Cheney revolve around building a stronger, more resilient community that prioritises equity, opportunity, and social justice. I seek to inspire hope, empower residents, and create a brighter future for generations to come.”
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BACKGROUND
Princia Fernandes was born and brought up in Mapusa and lived there until the age of 15. She completed her GCSE through Swindon Academy, and graduated from University college of Birmingham. She works in Thames water as a revenue complaints case manager.
Princia has lived in Gorse Hill & Pinehurst with her family for the past 15 years. She is a mother of one child.
Princia believes that politics has always been about building a better future, bringing change and moving forward as One Community.
PURPOSE
Princia claims she is passionate and hard-working with the time to meet residents and communities on the ground level.
“I have the added advantage of being an excellent communicator with my current experience in HR. And so, the ability to work with the Labour Party’s values of equality, diversity and community building come naturally to me,” said Princia.
“If selected, I will work with my fellow councillors to build a better community by networking and connecting with the younger generation to get new ideas to build better Swindon.”
FOCUS
Having lived in Swindon for most part of her life, Princia says she is motivated to campaign for a cleaner and greener local environment.
“We need more policing to tackle anti-social behaviour and more engagement with the generation affected by the loss of Youth Centres. Having a young child myself, and a good network of community connections, I know I can get the community involved in working with my fellow councillors to do just that,” said Princia.
“We have all seen the decline of businesses affected by major closures of local shops in the last few years, from our co-operative supermarket to the post office, Lloyds Bank and charity shops.”
“We need to revive our local area and I want to work with our North Swindon Parliamentary candidate Will Stone, my fellow Councillors and our local businesses to see how we as a community can help them boost the economy for the area.
“Having already worked with several other North & South Labour Party Councillors over the last couple of years, and on reflection of how much the Conservatives have damaged our individual wards and Swindon as a whole, I know there is a lot of work to be done to reverse the damages of the last 2 decades,” Princia added.
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BACKGROUND
Lourenco Sipriano (Cipin) Fernandes hails from Agassaim and He worked for Honda for 10 years. He migrated to the UK in 2009.
PURPOSE
Cipin, as he is fondly called, got elected from the Conservative Party in May 2021.
“I am the first Goan in Swindon who defeated the Labour candidate in Central Ward by a huge margin. I am re-contesting elections for the Swindon Borough Council in Central Ward,” said Cipin.
“During my term of 3 years, I accomplished most of my promises for all communities living in Central Ward. I was also involved during the Portuguese consular service team which visited Swindon last year in February, July and October, where we managed to help over 1,200 Goan Portuguese applicants in and around Swindon.”
“Recently in February, we successfully helped around 600 Goan Portuguese applicants for the renewal of their Portuguese Passport, Cartao and Birth registration in Swindon,” said Cipin.
FOCUS
Cipin said his focus would be to work towards a Goan Community centre in Swindon.
“I also plan to get a VFS office for Indians to be based in Swindon. My priority will also be to tackle illegal activities and securing green spaces and parks in my Central Ward,” he added.
