Dom Camilo Martins' Speech
© 2003, A.D., P.J. Mascarenhas, Goa Livre Organisation
Address Delivered By Dom Camilo Martins, Uganda Delegate, To The Goan Conference, Paris
I bring to you the good wishes of the Goans in Uganda. Uganda as you know recently became an independent country. The Goans in Uganda have not only witnessed the birth of an independent nation, but have had the privilege of celebrating theFirst Independence Anniversary on 9th. October this year.
The Goans in Uganda have contributed considerably to the progress and prosperity of the country. In trade and business, we can right claim tohave people of the community who have distinguished themselves as pioneers in their particular fields in the early part of this century. The governmental machinery has seen the long and dedicated services of numerous Goans both in the pre-independent and the present times. In education, too, Goans have held and do hold enviable positions. This, my friends, clearly shows that Goans have inborn qualities that differentiates them from all other races. Members of the community have been decorated for their outstanding and meritorious services to the Government. Today several Goans hold key posts in the present Government of the country, and are still recognised as Goans as in the past. This itself is a glowing tribute to the community at large.
Generally speaking, the political thoughts that an average Goan, educated or otherwise, entertains is surprising in that Goans in Uganda in the past decade have never expressed openly their political thoughts or opinions be it affecting local politics or political issues at home. Lack of political consciousness has no doubt subdued political thought in the minds of Goans in Uganda. Happenings in recent times in Goa have however aroused strong sentiments in the hearts and minds of Goans in Uganda. The need for establishing a political body in Uganda was the crying need of the hour, with the result that the inaugeration of a political body, the United Goans (Uganda), took place on the 3rd. November 1963 at a political meeting attended by nearly 100 Goans from all over Uganda.
The only objective set out in the Constitution of the Untied Goans (Uganda) is "THE RIGHT OF SELF-DETERMINATION FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOA" and members of my Association are prepared to campaign and fight for implementation of this policy till the end through peaceful and civilized means.
The torch has been lit, and Goans in Uganda look to this Conference to enkindle the glowing fire in the hearts and minds of Goans spread all over the world to achieve our rightful demand — SELF-DETERMINATION FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOA.
We are grateful to the parent body, the Goan Association, Nairobi, with which our political body is affiliated, for the guidance, help and encouragement, to arouse political consciousness in the minds and hearts of Goans in Uganda over the problem of Goa.
The Goans in Tanganyika have witnessed the birth of an independent nation; the Goans in Uganda have witnessed the birth of an independent nation; Goans in Kenya and Zanzibar will be witnessing very shortly the births of yet other independent nations on East African soil. What must be the feelings for their own country?
I convey to this historic assembly, to the representatives, who feel the pulse of Goans in their respective countries, the good wishes of the United Goans of Uganda.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the Goan Association, Nairobi, for sponsoring and organizing this historic conference, on behalf of the United Goans (Uganda).
I wish this conference all success and invoke the blessing of our patron saint, St. Francis Xavier, on his feast day, towards a successful outcome of this momentous conference.