Dead sailor's uncle travels to UK
Father Fernandes is being offered support by
the local community
The uncle of an Indian sailor killed in a racist attack in Hampshire
has travelled to the UK to meet police investigating his nephew's death.
Gregory Fernandes, 32, from Goa, was attacked in Fawley, near Southampton, on
20 October night. He later died. Father Diogo Fernandes is being briefed
privately by Hampshire Constabulary.
He said the rest of the family cannot believe Mr Fernandes was attacked in a
country where they all thought he would be safe.
"When he was in certain parts [of the world] I wanted to
tell him 'Gregory, I'm always praying for your security '," Father
Fernandes said.
Candlelit vigil
"But when he came [here] last time he emailed and told
me he was in England and I told him 'I don't have to pray for you
because you are in a most secure country'. These were my true words to
him.
"I have to control myself but tears flow immediately to my eyes. I've never
cried in my life as I'm crying for Gregory." During his visit Father Fernandes
is being offered support by the local community.
A candlelit vigil was held in Mr Fernandes's memory on
Saturday evening in Fawley and villagers gathered for a church service
before taking part in a procession. Police said Mr Fernandes was attacked
because of his race.
Mr Fernandes and a shipmate had just left the Falcon
Hotel and were returning to their cargo ship when they were assaulted
by a group of 20 teenagers outside and along Church Lane. A passer-by went to
the aid of Mr Fernandes, but he then collapsed and died.
Ten teenagers, aged 13 to 17 and all from Fawley and
Blackfield, were arrested on suspicion of murder, grievous bodily harm
and violent disorder and later released on police bail.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/7082098.stm
- Forwarded by: Sanny de Quepem <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Visit: http://www.live365.com/stations/61664
Goa's first and only Konkani music station online, brought to you
by Ulysses
Menezes & Gaspar Almeida of www.goa-world.com based in Kuwait.
Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
