Re: Goans in Swindon The recent article written by Selma Carvalho about ‘Goans in Swindon’ (From Siridao to Swindon) appeared in the ‘Goan Voice - UK’ and also on the Goanet forum. It came across to us more like a critical commentary rather than a true report about the Goans who have come and settled in this southern part of England, located on the M4 between London and Bristol. Perhaps the author had not spent enough time to do a proper survey. To draw attention to the article, the easy option is to highlight the negatives, which, I feel, has occurred in this instance. Whatever the reasons, this author has failed to be objective and, sadly, has tarnished the image of Goans in Swindon. Their achievements, although with fewer skills, are by no means less than those of other Goans who have migrated to this Country. Does Ms. Carvalho suggest that the Goans who preceded us, arrived in horse-drawn carriages, or had jobs waiting for them at Buckingham Palace and lived in five-star accomodation?
The majority of Goans who have migrated here during the last 8 years are from Goa Velha, Agassaim, Siridao and Vasco. They have come to the UK directly from Goa. Obviously they had to undergo all forms of hardships, but this is not unusual for newcomers to experience. Elementary education and/or the inability to converse fluently in English coupled with not having local references, which are essential to seek a job here, were the major hurdles. Swindon was an attraction mainly because it was an industrial town and home to automobile plants like Honda, BMW and also to number of retailers and industrial estates. Whilst jobs are available in other parts of the UK, the attraction to Swindon has been the availability of opportunities for people with lesser skills. Thankfully, in taking up these opportunities, our Goans benefited and got the desired start. Most of the Goans in Swindon have secured permanent jobs and many have bought their own homes – and continue to do so. It is no shame to have to work for a living in a new Country, even if it means on the minimum wage so derided by Selma Carvalho. We feel that it is better than being unemployed and living on the dole at the taxpayers’ expense. I believe that about a hundred Goans worked as ‘chicken pluckers’ in the factory referred to by Ms. Carvalho. What was not stated was that the other employees were about 350 Brits, Brazilians, Polish etc. One may ask, what were the remaining 7,900 (if that is correct) Goans doing - who were conveniently not also mentioned in that article? I think that some of us are too obsessed with the fake idea of job-status and look down upon others who are not so well placed . I was once humbled but inspired by an Irishman in Dublin, where I was employed, who, when asked about his job, replied without shame or hesitation that he was a ‘street cleaner’. There is dignity in employment even if it means working in a chicken factory. Gemma Arterton proudly said ‘my mum was a cleaner my dad was a welder and I am a Bond girl’. Holy Rood Catholic Church in Swindon is one of the largest Parishes in the UK, largely because of the Goans. A Konkani Mass is celebrated once every month at this church with a Goan choir which is also actively involved in prayer groups and liturgy services. The food market has catered for us as fish and all types of sea foods, spices, cereals and vegetables are available here, mostly at the local corner shops. What is probably a first in the UK and should be commended is a Goan-owned and quite popular butchery in Swindon. Entertainment is also found in plenty. Feasts are celebrated and Goan Konkani tiatrs have been staged by Swindon Goans at the main Wyvern Theatre in the town centre. Some shows have even been sponsored directly from Goa. Our Goan residents also keep in touch with their roots and regularly go down to Goa on holidays, thanks to the charter flights that make this journey direct and easy. The number of Goan youngsters passing ‘A’ levels in flying colours and studying for degrees at Universities is on the rise. Our children are blessed with a variety of opportunities for quality education and even music. Hopefully, the younger folks will stay focused and utilize their energies to capitalise on this vast scope of careers and take it further to achieve even more in their lives. Overall, this first generation of Goans, who have settled here barely a few years ago, have found the beginnings to make a good life. If this is not progress, then be assured that the Goans of Swindon, like any other community, will make progress - slowly but surely. Mog Assom, Geraldo Oliveira
