It is with deep grief and regret
I got the news yesterday in the afternoon of the sad demise of Mr. Alex Martins
at Vintage hospital, Panjim, Goa, a week before he was admitted there.
Alex Martins was a very good
human being, kindhearted and charitable person and above all, a great lover of
Goa and Goan causes. He worked in Kuwait Airways for over thirty years and
retired from there and after involving in a small business venture returned to
Goa for good to settle down at his residence in Taleigao, Ilhas, Goa.
A father of 5 children – 3 daughters
and two sons, all coming from abroad were at his bedside during his death. He was a very good family man.
Though he was the son-in-law of
Calangute, I came in contact with him only in Kuwait during our movement for
Konkani. Later on he joined Kuwait
Konknni Kendr as executive member and served Konkani cause thru KKK activities.
Graduated from JJ College of Arts
in Bombay he was a very good Fine Artist and displayed many of his Artworks in
Bombay and elsewhere.
After joining Kuwait Airways in
supervisory position he helped many Goans to get employment there and even
outside by using his personal influence.
As a man he was very dignified and decent, always up-to-date in dress
code. A very humble man and soft spoken
as well.
He was a good Tiatrist and staged
his Tiatros in Bombay and Kuwait, allwritten and directed by him only. He had the unique distinction of producing
the first ever Konkani Video Film “Guirestkai” from Kuwait in early eighties.
During my association with him,
he played the role of my Guru on many subjects by advising me in right
direction and also guiding me properly. He was very much responsible to
encourage me to take up oratory for which I am grateful to him.
It was first time in the history
in Kuwait that Konkani activities were conducted in 5 Star Hotel and it was organized
by Kuwait Konknni Kendr, our colleague Alex Martins was very much encouraging
in this direction.
In his death Goa lost a great son of Goa having all the great qualities of pristine Goan, such pristine Goans are rarity now.
May his soul rest in peace and may God give courage for his children to bear this colossal loss.
A. VERONICA FERNANDES,
GOA.
