This year many of our members and their friends looked forward to the annual anniversary dance; this year of course being special, representing 40 years since the inception of the Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A.) here in Toronto. Forty years marks a ruby anniversary, so it was natural the colour theme was Ruby Red. Guests were welcomed to hall of elegance, where tables were covered in white satin-like covers, contrasting red napkins, ruby red boxes at each place setting with the commemorative gift and a single white lily for the centre piece. The Past Presidents and their spouses wore red roses either as a boutonniere or wrist corsage, as did the members of the organizing committee. The whiskey glass with the G.O.A. 40th message and logo was a nice commemorative gift along with the 40th Anniversary brochure. In the lobby, setup was a table display with albums of photographs along with some commemorative G.O.A. glasses from previous anniversary years. The yellow and blue jerseys of the first men’s hockey team from 1970 and a hockey cap from the 1988 Ladies team was also on display creating a nostalgic touch, next to the jerseys of the newly created G.O.A. West End Cub Soccer team.
The event was blessed with a customary Mass celebration, officiated by Father Darren Dias and assisted by past Board of Trustee members, past presidents and others helping during the celebration. Roque Barreto and Aloysius Vaz helped as the Eucharistic Servers and Ministers, along with the assistance of Rene Carvalho, Bosco D’Sa and Robert Almeida as Eucharistic Ministers. The First and Second readings were read by Zulema De Souza and John Nazareth, respectively. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Norbert Lamas, Martin A. Rodrigues and Alcino Rodrigues; and Mrs. Laura Goes and Marcelina Dias led us in the Lord’s Prayer in Konkani. Errol Francis and John Noronha assisted as ushers and the offertory included Bret Menezes (on behalf of mother Mabel, widow of Neves Menezes), Rose Rodrigues (widow of Martin J. Rodrigues) , Seira Furtado (on behalf of G.O.A. President Oscar Furtado), Glynis Viegas (G.O.A. Vice President) and Olavio Da Costa (Anniversary Dance Lead).
We recognize and thank Suzie Pereira for her efforts as Choir Director, as well as that of the other twenty three choir members who sang well and harmoniously. Suzie was also thoughtful by writing out the hymns to be displayed as slides on the projector for all to sing along. Cheers to our twenty four choir members: Dolla Almeida, Lazarina de Almeida, Judy Barreto, Josie Carrasca, Margaret Castelino, May D'Souza, Ivy D'Sa, Blossom DeSouza, Sara Farrao, Antionette Fernandes, Constance Fernandes Maria Fernandes, Quinto Fernandes, AC Pereira, Amy Pereira, Filu Pereira, Luemena Pereira, Steve Pereira and Noella Rodrigues. Also assisting the choir, were the following musicians: Walter de Almeida (Bass Guitarist), Tony Gonsalves (Drummer), R
It was a very different time in the 70s, with Canada itself being a young country trying to actively attract new immigrants to sustain its vast land. As Goans were migrating to this new country, the human need for belonging and socializing was quickly felt. It was in this Spirit of wanting to be and share together, that Father Darren spoke to us of in his homily. Father Darren stressed it was the spiritual side of the celebration that needed to be celebrated. It was a poignant reminder that we should not only focus and celebrate material successes and accomplishments. We should also keep in mind, the Spirit of those members who played such an important part in the formation of the G.O.A. to forming the cornerstone upon which generations build upon to strengthen our culture and togetherness.
After Mass, the ceremonial hand over of the St. Francis Xavier statue was done between the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Roque Barretto, to the new incoming Chairman, Alcino Rodrigues. The St. Francis Xavier statue was donated to the G.O.A. by Mr. & Mrs. Furtado (parents of Yvonne, Oscar, Jude and Seira). For those unaware, the statue is made from wood in Goa. Every two years, when a new Board of Trustee is elected, they are endowed with caretaking of the statue. Fr. Darren assisted in the transition and then led all in saying the Grace before meals, which comprised of a buffet style meal. With just the right degree of spice in each dish, there was an overwhelming consensus on how delicious dinner was.
Shortly after dinner, the ceremony commenced with our MC, Seira Furtado welcoming everyone. Glynis Viegas, the Vice President, Administration, of the G.O.A, addressed those present since Oscar Furtado, President, was unable to attend due to health issues. In her opening speech, Glynis commenced asking for a minute of silence to remember those who passed before us. She then started off by welcoming the distinguished guests and then mentioned that there would be no “bad joke” that most people are accustomed to hearing from President Oscar. Glynis briefly highlighted the history of the G.O.A. in Toronto with some background on how the Association was first created; including the names of the twenty-three Goans who were in attendance at the inception meeting at St. Sebastian’s Church. Glynis also spoke of the present changes and implementations that were created and being offered to our Toronto community, in response to the changing needs of our Goan patrons. It was humbling to hear acknowledgement being paid to all past and present volunteers, not only those that served on past Executive Committees but also other volunteers serving on sub-committees or other one-off events. Tribute was also paid to past Board of Trustee members, for their leadership roles as Chairmen. Before ending her speech, Glynis pointed out there is much to do, including the ongoing dream of owning a community centre in which the Goan community has long awaited for. This was supported loudly by the audience who evidently felt the same way. Also mentioned was a new scholarship award that is being created in honour of the Late Romero Dias, and will be presented to a university student. Glynis ended her speech by calling out to the community to think of ways to grow the Association especially with the upcoming generations and how they can too enjoy the Association. Highlights of Glynis’ speech can be found here:
Thereafter, the Honorable Mayor of Mississauga, Mayor Hazel McCallion and the Consul OCI, and Head of Chancery, Indian High Commission, Mr. M P Singh were invited to say a few words. In Mayor Hazel’s speech, she recalled over the years she had attended G.O.A. functions and once again focused on the Spirit that Goans possessed. Mayor Hazel spoke beautifully attracting everyone’s eyes and ears upon her. Mayor Hazel’s humor was most evident when she commented that Goans were very ‘smart people’ because most of them lived in Mississauga. She ended her speech by handing Glynis Viegas, a congratulatory certificate acknowledging the G.O.A.’s 40 years.
Hon. Mr. Singh whom was already well acquainted with Rosie Barreto, G.O.A. Teenager Lead; who has been pivotal in getting the G.O.A. involved with other Indian celebrations around Toronto, such as Panorama and the India Day Parade. Mr. Singh spoke highly of the Goan community and mentioned it was good that we continued to maintain ties with our heritage and with India, our homeland.
Shortly after, Glynis Viegas, VP Administration, and Darrel Carvalho, VP Building, presented acknowledgment plaques to each of the Past Presidents who were in attendance, or their representative. Each president was called up individually, specifically to honor their individual efforts as well as their Executive Committees. For the Presidents who passed away, the plaques were presented to their spouses and/or their children. Each President was introduced with a specially selected song attempting to embody their personality, along with a short biography read by Seira Furtado. For Oscar’s presentation, Alcino Rodrigues was called upon to present Oscar’s plaque to his father and mother. With the assistance of Joanna Nunes, Abel Nunes, Hema Pereira and Linda D’Sa, the award ceremony ran smoothly.
The night was an active one for our Past Presidents as we called on them once more for the customary cutting of the Anniversary Cake. A beautiful two tiered, white satin cake was presented in front of all the Past Presidents where they stood poised for a group photo.
With everyone now ready to start dancing, there was one additional item to address: the recognition and of this year’s scholarship winner. Linda D’Sa, General Secretary, presented the $250 Oscar Fonseca Scholarship Award to Kaitlynn Almeida. Vera Abreu (widow of the Victor Abreu) and daughter Velda presented the $500 Victor Abreu Scholarship Award to Celia Clutton. We congratulate both recipients for excelling to their full potential. Both Kaitlynn and Celia said a few words of gratitude for being selected.
The formal part of the celebration concluded by introducing the Anniversary Dance Organizing-Committee. However, unseen was the tireless efforts invested to organize this event. There were meetings every 2 to 3 weeks and in-between emails and phone calls were exchanged. The sub-Committee needed to collaborate, to strategize, negotiates shop and order items, and pay onsite visits to ensure a smooth planning process. On the operations side, help was needed in editing the brochure, selling tickets, soliciting for sponsorship and donations; setting up, Master of Ceremonies, Cutting & Serving the Cake, and much, much more. All of this would not be possible, if the organizing-Committee did not all have the motivated Spirit to put on a great event.
Cheers to the Organizing Anniversary Committee:
John Tobias, Fiona Pinto-De Souza, Joanna Nunes, Abel Nunes, Antonio Mascarenhas, Seira Furtado, Winnie Crasto, Audrey Almeida, Olavio Da Costa (Chair), Anthony Fernandes, and Hema Pereira.
The time had come for the well known band, Goa Amigos to start the night off with some tunes. Band members consisting of Stephanie Braganza, Lawry Rodrigues, Victor Rodrigues, Alex Heynes, Richard Heynes, Logan Rodrigues (DJ), and Selwyn Collaco (not present on the day); they had most on the dance floor except when people snuck out to the lobby for a cup of coffee, tea and some anniversary cake.
Later on in the evening, numerous prizes were available as giveaways either through the door prizes or through a raffle draw. In addition, a prize was offered to Tony and Joanita Rebello for purchasing their first tickets and signing up as new G.O.A members.
Understand, Fr. Darren’s message should not be forgotten. It is in Spirit that past contributors were able to physically gather together, to manifest the like mindness in instilling and strengthening our culture. Therefore, it is our hope that the same Spirit in us will allow the G.O.A. to continue to live on.
Photos of the Anniversary Dance can be found here
Editors Note: We must also thank the efforts of those individuals who provided press coverage for our event.
Specifically, Eugene Correia for South Asian Observer, reporter for SNAP Mississauga and John D’Souza for Goan Voice. I apologize in advance for any missed names of recognition to those that helped make our event a successful one. In Spirit, you have been remembered.
G.O.A. Communications
News 
