the goan I network
OLD GOA
In a befitting tribute, four-time St Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes, popularly known as ‘Mummy’, was laid to rest with full state honours on Monday.
A 21-gun salute was presented by the Goa Police with its squadron also placing the national flag on her body. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said his government took the decision to give her State honours as she deserved it.
The last journey of Mummy began with her body carried in a coffin draped with the national flag and hundreds of her supporters, well wishers, friends participated in the funeral services which were held at the Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz.
Archbishop of Goa Filipe Neri Ferrao and Archbishop of Sindhudurg Allwyn Barretto were the main celebrants, accompanied by a host of priests concelebrating in the Mass.
Archbishop Ferrao praised Mummy for fighting for the cause of Goa and Goans, be it the Opinion Poll and agitations espousing the causes of Konkani, toddy tappers, ramponkars and nurses.
“She fought for the rights of the poor and the downtrodden, for which she will always be remembered,” Archbishop Ferrao said.
A host of politicians also paid their respects to Mummy and they included Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar, RDA Minister Michael Lobo, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, TCP Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar, Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat, Aldona MLA Glen Ticlo, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao, St Andre MLA Francis Silveira, St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, former CM Laxmikant Parsekar, former speaker Tomazinho Cardozo, NCP state president Jose Philip D’Souza, BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Saligao MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar and former union minister Ramakant Khalap.
GPCC President Girish Chodankar accompanied by Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat and office bearers also paid tributes by placing the party flag on her body and also gave her a salute. The Goa Police band was also in attendance at the funeral.
