Doha, Mar 2: Simon D’Silva was unanimously elected president of Goan Welfare Association (GWA), Qatar, for the nex two years at the general body meeting held here at the Kebab King, recently.

D’Silva was holding various positions during his youth in socio-cultural organizations back home in Goa, India. He was the president of Sao Jose De Areal Junior Chamber and recipient of Global Goans Community Service Leadership Award from the Govoernment of Goa, philanthropist and chief organizer of the mega event “May Queen Ball” in the State of Qatar. D’Silva has been leading the organization since its inception in 2001 and this year it will be the eleventh edition of May Queen Ball.

Goan Welfare Association, Qatar functioning under the dynamic leadership of president Simon D’Silva have been consistently doling out funds for relief work to different organizations in India. Since 2001, D’Silva and like-minded Goans based in Qatar have pitched in to support organizations involved in relief work for the cause of the down trodden and neglected sections of society in India.

Contributions to the Gujarat Earthquake Victims through Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, Child Relief and You (CRY), a national level social-charitable body involved in the welfare of orphan children have been the twin organizations where the Goans have pitched in over the last few years under Goan Welfare Association.

Back in Goa, GWA have for the last three years have supported social work carried out by Lar de St Terezinha Orphanage home at Margao, also helped the institute in Cavelosim village functioning under Caritas which is sheltering orphan children suffering from HIV and monetary assistance towards the construction work of the Care Home for AIDS/HIV patients in Tivim village under Caritas in North Goa. The centre for AIDS is home to a number of resident patients, while many who have been infected with the virus frequent the centre for solace and treatment.

The forum president said the organization would help members’ children learn, speak and write Konkani. “We will also explore ways to assist members of the Goan community,” he said.

The forum sources put the number of Goan expatriates in Qatar somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000.

At the general body meeting, D’Silva welcomed the  members and thanked them for their continuous support. He claimed that  success of GWA is due to the hard work by the managing  committee members and active involvement of  all the members. Advisor and finance controller Allan De Souza presented the financial report while vice-president Martin Mascarenhas commissioned the election process. General secretary Hazel Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.

The new managing committee members who are committed to take GWA flag flying high in the Gulf region are:

President: Simon D’Silva
Vice-president: Martin Mascarenhas
General Secretary: Hazel Rodrigues
Advisor/Finance Controller: Allan De Souza
Director Events: Cajetan Rodrigues
Co-ordinator Events: Glorio Fernandes
Director Cultural: Antonia (Tania) Rodrigues
Secretary Cultural: Effie Noronha
Director Sports: Edgar Fernandes
Secretary Sports: Praveen Noronha
Director Public Relations & Social: Paul Fernandes
Secretary Public Relations & Social: Deepshikha Barretto

The annual general body meeting was adjourned for fellowship.