The Goan community at a special event in the Jubilee Room at the House of Commons in London.
LONDON
The Goan community was on Tuesday recognised for its contributions and achievements in Swindon and other parts of the UK.
The valued services and efforts of the Goan diaspora were praised at a special event in the Jubilee Room at the House of Commons, which was hosted by Swindon (South) MP and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander, Swindon (North) MP Will Stone along with Goan Mayor of Swindon Imtiyaz Shaikh and Swindon Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh.
Welcoming the large gathering of Goans, Adorabelle Shaikh said the event was organised to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contributions that the Goan diaspora have achieved in the UK.
Fr Feroz Fernandes, parish priest of Osterley-London, conducted a prayer service and highlighted the journey that Goans have taken to move to the UK and to build a strong community.
Speaking of the values of the Goan community, Fr Feroz said Goans have contributed towards nation building and have fostered a sense of unity.
Swindon (South) MP and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander commended the Goan community for their contribution to healthcare and social care services at the Great Western Hospital, and for their critical role in hospitality.
Swindon (North) MP Will Stone described the Goan community as being open, caring, supportive and positive. He spoke of Imtiyaz Shaikh as a very good and inspiring mayor who made great efforts to promote Swindon and also expressed gratitude to the Goan community for their services in Swindon.
Goan MP for Walsall and Bloxwich Valerie Vaz said she was pleased to see the Goan diaspora coming together in the House of Commons and further expressed her pride that the Goan community had achieved so much in the UK.
Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham & Heston, Under Secretary of State Migration & Citizenship, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities, said the Goan community has contributed significantly in different areas like business, education, health services and politics. Later, two popular Goan tiatists, Andre D’Souza (Bab Andrew) and Tommy Alfonso (aka Jr Nelson), presented a song specially composed in Konkani and English.
Mayor Imtiyaz Shaikh and Adorabelle presented the gathering with a special medal as a token of recognition and appreciation. Gifts from Goa were also presented to the MPs present at the event.
Later while delivering the vote of thanks, Swindon Mayor Imtiyaz Shaikh said this event was historic as the Goan diaspora had been given due recognition in the House of Commons.
Among the many Goans present at the event included Canon Fr Norbert Fernandes, Clayton Barreto, Social Secretary to the High Commissioner of India in London, and GOA UK President Ravi Vaz.
