Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Canada

Canada, Dec 23: Maxim D’Mello, one of the highly acclaimed Mangalurean leaders outside India, was unanimously elected the president of ‘The Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC)’ for the term 2015-2016 during its annual general body meeting (AGM) held recently at Sts Martha and Mary Parish, Mississauga, Canada.

Maxim D'Mello, proud son of the late Antony D'Mello and the late Lucy D'Mello, hails from the famous St Lawrence Parish, Attur, Karkala, Dakshina Kannada. He is happily married to Prescilla Lobo with three children. After his graduation from Sri Bhuvanendra College, Karkala, he left for Kuwait for employment and worked for The Bank of Kuwait and the Middle East, KSC, Kuwait for over 25 years. He was actively involved with Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) since its inception and served as a president before immigrating to Canada in 2002. From then on, he has been a part of the Mangalorean Association of Canada and served the community as president of the Association from 2006 to 2010.

The MAC had very fruitful years during 2011-2014, a real drive towards unity among Mangalureans in the GTA and within Canada and a keen passion to keep the flame of our culture and traditions burning brightly especially through our beloved Nativity Feast (Monthi Fest). The members owe a huge debt of gratitude to the outgoing president, Ronald Fernandes and the EC, who have served the Mangalurean community tirelessly by promoting MAC in the GTA and within Canada.

The MAC AGM started at 3.30 pm with a prayer led by the spiritual director Fr Edwin D’Souza followed by the welcome address by the incumbent President Ronald Fernandes. He extended a warm welcome to the members who attended in large numbers. He expressed his joy on the completion of the successful tenure and applauded exiting members of the executive committee for their dedication and hard-work. He thanked all the sponsors who have generously supported the Association especially Edmond Pereira for his continued generosity. The vice-president Janet D’Souza ably handled the rest of the proceedings of AGM.

General secretary Reynold Sequeira presented the annual report for the year ended 2014. The report rewound the memories of the audience to the happy times they spent together both indoors and outdoors during the past year.

Stanislaus D’Souza the treasurer, one of the most committed and dedicated members of MAC, presented the financial report of the association. This was followed by the auditor’s report. Auditor Reginald Fernandes certified the financial report presented by Ivan Lobo.

The formation of the new executive committee for the upcoming year was the main highlight of the day. The members of the new executive committee for the year 2015 – 2016 are the following:

Spiritual Director : Fr. Edwin D'Souza
President : Maxim D'Mello
Vice-president : Paul Mathias
General secretary : Reynold Sequeira
Joint secretary : Cynthie Fernandes
Treasurer : Joel Lewis
Assisstant treasurer : Prescilla D'Souza
Cultural coordinator : Manohar Pais
Sports coordinator : Ronald D'Souza
Public relations coordinator : Olivia Moras
Liturgical facilitator : Lancy Rodrigues
Web master : Leo D'Cunha
Auditor : Reginald Fernandes

The AGM concluded by leaving the members to look forward for exhilarating events organized by the energetic, talented and vibrant EC team.