Pics: Jerald D’Souza
Doha, Jun 20: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Qatar conducted its 25th annual general meeting held on Thursday June 15 at the Skills Development Centre.
Naveen Melwin D’Souza, joint sports secretary, emcee of the programme, opened the evening with an introduction and welcomed the gathering. Clement Fernandes, invoked God’s blessings on the programme and all the members with an opening prayer. The executive committee of 2016-18 led by president Prakash Noronha was invited to the dais.
Riana Pinto, general secretary was invited to present the annual report of the club to the members for the term 2016-17. She read the detailed general report on the club’s activities while treasurer Joachim D’Souza read out the financial report which was appreciated by all as the club is in good standing.
President Prakash Noronha then thanked the advisory committee for their guidance and direction, the executive committee and all the members for their excellent support during the year which helped to stage 11 successful programmes, the silver jubilee mega event 'Gulf Baila Naach Finals' being a grand success. He particularly thanked the volunteers who are the pillars of strength for all their help in organizing the events successfully. He acknowledged the services of Prabha Rego, cultural secretary and Shilpa Rodrigues, joint cultural secretary who had joined the committee initially but due to transfer/personal reasons had to resign from the committee in March 2017. He appreciated Kavita Tauro and Wendy D’Sliva Lewis who joined the committee as their replacements and for their contribution in the mega cultural event.
He also mentioned it was a great honour for MCC to be recognized by Hamad Medical Corporation on World Blood Donors Day held under the patronage of Dr Hanan Mohammad Al-Kuwari, minister of public health on May 22 at the Sheraton Hotel. MCC was honoured with a commemorative plaque and certificate of appreciation amidst many organisations, in promoting voluntary blood donation in the community and in helping the blood bank increase its supply of lifesaving blood. He expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers and members who supported in big numbers by inviting their friends to this blood donation campaign.
The president thanked the membership secretary Treesa Goveas for strengthening the club membership to 507 by registering 52 new members (including single and family) and all who supported her by introducing new members to the club. He also thanked her for her services as she would be leaving Qatar for good and for a wonderful job and contribution to the club. He then introduced Sarita Mendonca as the new membership secretary and welcomed her to the committee.
He also informed about the forthcoming Monti Fest programme celebrations to be held on September 15 at the MES School auditorium.
A small question answer session was allotted for members to ask any queries or make any suggestions.
Compere Naveen then invited president Prakash Noronha to present a memento to the founder member David D’Souza who was on leave during the silver jubilee celebrations. The president then presented a farewell souvenir to Treesa Goveas and her husband Alwine Goveas who were active members of our club and for their contribution to the club, community as Treesa was also active in the parish committee/ choir member and player of the throwball team. Alwine has also participated in the cultural events as an actor in skits/jokes and several other programmes. Treesa appreciated the felicitation and thanked MCC and all the members for giving her the opportunity to serve the club and for everyone’s support. She wished the club success in the coming years and bid them goodbye with a heavy heart.
The official programme was then followed by a short cultural programme and few interesting spot games. Eva Wilma Pinto, GVOM semifinalist presented a solo song 'Chor Eklo' of Mike Symon and son Joshwa Pinto accompanied her on the keyboard. Budding dancer Aliya Almeida presented a solo dance to the English song and received appreciation from all. Melwin Fernandes presented a solo song 'Elveera'. Rib-tickling jokes from young talents Renzil D’Souza and Nevil D’Souza was great entertainment.
Christen Denzil Lobo, facilities and arrangements secretary proposed the vote of thanks. Naveen D’Souza as compere did an excellent job in his maiden attempt. The meeting ended on a joyful note along with delicious snacks.
MCC executive committee took this opportunity to thank all the volunteers and artistes who came forward to make this annual day memorable.