Year: 2011 (Page 2 of 5)

The Goan Association (UK) Awarded Historic Grant

The Goan Association (UK) has been awarded a historic grant of £38,300 by The Heritage Lottery Fund. This is the first grant of its kind, supporting a study of the British-Goan community which arrived predominantly from East Africa by mid-twentieth century. Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, affirmed, “Both British colonial history and Goan heritage in the UK will be enhanced by this project that will also help current and future generations learn more of their cultural background.”

The two-year project will gather information primarily through video and audio interviews, conducted by a team of volunteers, to study the displacement, transition and resettlement of the community emerging from post-Colonial East Africa. The findings will be disseminated through seminars, a publication and an exhibition. They will be archived in leading British institutions as well as a website designed for the purpose. Mr Flavio Gracias, President of The Goan Association (UK), said, “This grant assures us that the Goan community is part of the national narrative and the preservation of its historical and cultural past is an integral part of Britain’s heritage. The study is an opportunity to re-examine and put right misconceived stereotypes, engage in conversations with a larger audience and build a repository of learning for future generations of Goans.” The project will be led by Selma Carvalho, author of ‘Into the Diaspora Wilderness’, Clifford Pereira, Historical-Geographer, academic researcher and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and Eddie Fernandes, editor of GoanVoice UK.

Wiltshire Gazette and Herald – The Goan community in Swindon has been shocked after a murder investigation was launched into the death of Raimundo (Raymond) Pereira on Friday night. One man, also believed to be part of Swindon’s Goan community, has been charged with his murder and a second man who was arrested has been released on police bail… Members of the Goan community are said to be shocked at the death and have been queuing at the backyard of the house of Mr Pereira to show their respect…. A spokesman for the Goan community said: “Raimundo was a very cool and a thorough gentleman among the Goan community of Swindon.” Swindon is also known as a mini Goa.

Fr Francis Rosario and Fr Lucas Rodrigues are spearheading a fund-raising drive to help the family.  Funds will be channelled via the Goan Chaplaincy.  Please make cheques payable to “The Goan Chaplaincy” endorsed ‘Raymond Pereira’ on the back and send to:

Fr Francis Rosario
Goan Chaplain
SS Peter & Paul
Cranmer Road
Mitcham
Surrey CR4 4LD

A memorial service for the late Raymond Pereira who was murdered in Swindon, was held on Saturday 28th May 2011 at Holy Rood Church in Swindon with the Fr Francis Rosario, the Goan Chaplain as the celebrant.  The service was attended by a large number of Goans from Swindon and some of Raymond’s work colleagues were also present.  There were also representatives from the Goan Community in Reading and Flavio Gracias, the President, represented the Goan Association (UK).  He also accompanied Fr Francis to the family home to pay his respects to Mrs Pereira  and other members of the family.