A DECADE OF DEDICATED SERVICE FOR THE CAUSE OF GOANS WORLD OVER
A decade has passed away and it seems we have not had enough of Rene Barreto the coordinator of Goans world wide. Such leaders among Goans are rare specially those that are passionate for the cause of Goans' unity and are prepared to devote their time for it.
The craving for Goans' unity is in the hearts of all Goans but it is an elusive objective and many a Goan has strived but has not been successful to the extent necessary but Rene Barreto set the wheels in motion in 2000 which such enthusiam that it evoked a response unheard of in the past.
There are many Goan groups scattered all over the globe but garnering them and keeping them focused for the cause of Goans was a feat requiring leaders such as Rene.
The mobilisation of Goans began in 2000 and I recalled receiving an appeal from Rene, when I was in Karachi, requesting that a function be organied to show solidarity with the world Goans who were being asked to do the same. I requested the president of Karachi Goans Association, Mr. Angelo Lopes to join with my association Goinkars Own Acedemy to organise a function worthy of such a cause and he readily agreed. Within a forthnight a function was arrnged at the KGA hall which was attended by over 300 people. There was such a clamour to participate that we ran out of chairs to accommodate them and emergency arrangements had to be made. The function was a roaring success attended by prominent Goans of Karachi.
The tradition of celebrating World Goan Day in August each year continues and the seed sown by Rene continues to florish and grow. We say Viva World Goa Day, Viva Goans Goan all over, and Viva Rene Barreto.
We are saddned that Rene wishes to retire from this role and hand over to his successor. Dear Rene we thank you for your exceptional efforts for the Goan cause and wish you all the best. We know you will be there for all of us to assist and provide guidance when needed. We know for sure your name will go down in Goan history as the pioneer who showed us the way to unite. God bless you.
Maurice Coutinho, President Divar Associaion of Toronto
