A TRIBUTE OF LOVE TO GREGORY FERNANDES by N. Fernandes, London

 IN CONTRAST TO THE JACKSON (DUBAI) CASE

26 April 1975 - 20 October 2007

Many Goans will remember the murder of Gregory Fernandes,a Goan seaman and only breadwinner of his family who was murdered in Southampton(UK) in 2007. A fund was started in the UK to assist his family and another seaman called Vinod, who was with Gregory.

As you readers will see, information was published indicating how much was collected at this point in time. The name of each donor was also included.

In another article I have seen sometime ago, the names and amounts were also published. I am looking through the internet archives for this information. In the mean time here below you will see what accountability and transparency means.

IT IS VERY VERY UNFAIR,CRIMINAL AND SINFUL TO ASK GOANS TO GIVE FOR A WORTHY CAUSE AND THEN TO DISCOVER OR BE TOLD LATER THAT PART OF THE MONEY (DONATIONS)WAS USED TO FUND THE LAVISH LIFESTYLES OF THE ORGANISERS AND TO PUT THEM ON A PEDESTAL ABOVE ALL OTHER GOANS.

I hope the Dubai Trio and Judy will take note. here is the publication.

THE GOAN ASSOCIATION (UK) ACKNOWLEDGE WITH THANKS, DONATIONS TO THE GREGORY FERNANDES MEMORIAL FUND AS FOLLOWS:-

The total amount raised to date is £3,000

Vizzy Barreto

Herbert & Jennifer Fernandes

Mervyn & Elsie Maciel

Mungul Union

Chorao UK

2nd Collection – GOA Feast of St Francis Xavier

Raffle – GOA Feast of St Francis Xavier

L L Coutinho

Anonymous

Tim & Alzira Lobo

Siolim Union

Angela & Hilary De Souza

Tony & Jane D’Souza

Maf and Steve d’Sa

Dr Mary & David Carvalho

Paulo Soares

Navelim Union

Mass Collection - Southampton

Pascoal Mascarenhas

Mr E Barros

Ron & Isidora Coelho

Florie Fernandes

Felix Pereira

Benito De Souza

Victor Fernandes

Theresa & Ancet Rodrigues

Caruso & Merlyn Monteiro

Patrick D’Souza (Northampton)

Olga Mistry

Elva & Joe Fernandes

Bucket Collection - Extravaganza

St Diogo’s Association

Martha & Ben Braganza

Yvonne Dias

Friends of Ven Fr Agnelo Committee

AVC Union

On Sunday 9th December 2007, Flavio Gracias, the President of the Goan Association (UK), his Board of Directors and members of the Goan Community paid a Tribute of Love in memory of Gregory Fernandes at St Joseph’s Church, Southampton at 1.00pm. Gregory Fernandes, an innocent seaman, tragically lost his life after an unprovoked attack by a gang of youths in the village of Fawley, near Southampton.

Rev Fr. John O’Shea, parish priest of St Joseph’s, very kindly offered the use of the church for this service and the church hall for a reception later. About 100 people attended the service, comprising of a coach load from the London area who were joined by members of the local community from the Southampton area.

Our Goan Chaplain, Rev Fr Francis Rosario, was the Principal Celebrant and he was assisted by Rev Fr Oliver Antao, from the Pilar Mission in Mitcham and Deacon Stephen from the Sacred Heart Mission in Ealing. The choir enhanced the occasion by singing some well known English and Konkani hymns and they were accompanied by Herbert Fernandes on the guitar and son Lloyd on the organ.

Richard Fernandes, the Finance Director, led the tributes to Gregory, whose demise has left his parents shocked and devastated. Not only had they lost their beloved son, but also the family breadwinner. It was therefore important for us to gather here today to demonstrate our solidarity and support for them in their days of grief.

Following the mass, there was a small reception in the church hall where some food, supplied by Bernie’s kitchen, was served to all those gathered. Fr. John spoke to all present and emphasised the total shock that the community had felt following Gregory’s death.

He informed us that, earlier in the month, a candle lit vigil was held in the village of Fawley led by the Anglican priest Rev Barry James. A tree had been planted in Gregory’s memory close to the spot where he was attacked. The residents of Fawley have collected more than £5,600, which is to be shared between Gregory’s parents and Vinod, a fellow crewman who was also attacked, but survived despite being knocked unconscious. Flavio Gracias, President of the GOA, thanked Fr John and all the helpers who assisted with the organisational arrangements for this service and the Southampton Goans for their hospitality.

The crowd then made their way to the Esso refinery and gathered near the spot where Gregory collapsed and died. Once again, Fr Francis Rosario and Fr Oliver Antao led the prayers followed by the singing of the hymn “The Lord is my Shepherd”. A number of floral tributes were laid at at the spot where he fell, marked only by a solitary wreath of poppies.

The day ended in an adjacent hall where Esso very kindly laid on some refreshments. As these were being served, D C Phill Crossland, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, made a short speech informing the crowd of the developments in the investigation to date. Whilst he was anxious not to prejudice the case, he did:

1. Apologized for what happened in his village of Fawley.
2. Confirmed that seven persons have been remanded on police bail and will appear in court in due course.
3. Said that the Police were trying to expedite the release of the body so that a burial could take place as soon as possible. A passing motorist rescued Gregory and took him back to the refinery, where Gregory managed to get out from the car and walk to the gates but then collapsed and died.
4. Stated that one of the obstacles to this case is that there are no injuries which can be easily attributed to his death.
5. Contacted Gregory’s parents and members of the immediate family to let them know what was happening.

Finally, Flavio Gracias, President of the GOA, presented Phill with a token of appreciation for the hard work that made this visit possible. He also thanked Carol Dunford (Community Officer for Esso) who provided the refreshments and Brian Jones, the Security Manager at the Esso Refinery who tended to Gregory in his final moments.