*Marcus D'Souza: April 1919 - October 2016: An Appreciation by Mervyn Maciel*
Marcus D'Souza who died recently at Hindhead in Surrey had a distinguished service career both in Uganda and latterly in the United Kingdom. Having completed a Course in Shorthand, Typewriting and Book-Keeping in Goa Marcus arrived in Uganda at the young age of 17 to take up a job with Imperial Airways which his Uncle had arranged. He later joined the Uganda Civil Service and, over a period of 14 years rose to the position of Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Veterinary Services. In this position, he had authority over Secretarial, Clerical and Accounting staff. He was also involved with Staff matters negotiating with the Head of the Civil Service while holding the post of General Secretary of the Uganda Civil Service Consultative Council. Improvements to Terms of Service were secured during his tenure here. In 1957, Marcus transferred to the Government Training Centre to set up the department that would train Secretaries locally, thus reducing overseas recruitment. He trained over 500 students while also acting as Principal of the Centre for a period. On moving to London, Marcus worked firstly for the International Coffee Organization in London and latterly for the International Cocoa Organization (both United Nations bodies) rising to the position of Controls Officer responsible for regulating global trade in these commodities. In retirement, he was, for a while, on the staff of Sutton College of Liberal Arts teaching Tee-Line shorthand to students and later also coaching journalists from the local Sutton newspaper. He had exceptionally high speeds at this brand of shorthand. With his interests of the Goan community at heart, he later became a Founder Member of SCOGO, and the fruits of his labour can be seen to this day with the staging of the annual Goan Festival by the Goan Association (UK) every summer. Marcus's other interests included acting, producing Goan Tiatrs, travel and taking his family on driving holidays across East Africa and Europe. He was also active in the church and did charitable work. Marcus is survived by his wife Rita (Melinda), sons Raymond, Reuben and Ralph. His Requiem at St. Elpheges Church in Wallington, Surrey was well attended by family and some of his Goan friends. -- DEV BOREM KORUM Gabe Menezes.
