(Picture from his Facebook page)
Anthony Veronica Fernandes was to me sprinter first, footballer second, Tiatr critic third, Konkani lover fourth, family man fifth, freedom fighter for Kuwait sixth, freedom lover for Goa seventh, fearless journalist eight, defender of senior citizen's rights ninth, publisher tenth, able bussiness administrator and an activist of global stature eleventh though always not in this sequence. He died on 12 September 2024 in Candolim, Goa.
Candle of Justice burned bright in his heart throughout. He was a sprinter in his school days at Arpora in relays and extended his sprints into marathon of time to finish it off solo. He possesed extremely generous heart and I have been the beneficiary of his kindness on few occasions. He found his way through in acknowledgement page of my doctorate and I remain grateful to him.
I first got to know him post Gulf War period in early 1990 when he put together formidable network of support: Kuwait Goan Solidarity Centre with Roland Martins animating the process in Goa. After US attacked invading Iraqi troops in Kuwait and then went back Anthony was happy man and sad at the same time. He would express his dilemma often driving home core values of liberation. US invaded Kuwait drove away Iraqi troops returned Kuwait to Kuwaitis. That wasn't done in case of Goa. India attacked Portuguese in Goa but never left Goa after driving Portuguese way. They replaced Portuguese: annexed through conquest. Anthony Veronica was heartbroken at the unfolding tragedy in front of his eyes. He once told me "we are in hopeless situation."
His passion for Goa was as intense as his love for Goa. The two combining in person of Fr. Chico Monteiro, his fellow villager from Camdolim. Anthony Veronica described himself as "Pet" of Fr. Monteiro sharing very close affectionate relationship as a child. On that fateful day when Indian forces made their ways to arrest Fr. Monteiro at his Candolim residence Anthony Veronica resisted the police. However Fr. Monteiro pacified Anthony Veronica with an assurance that truth shall prevail and he shall face his trial in prisons in Goa as well as in Patiala, Punjab. The close friendship between these two allowed percolating of information on the cruel tortures that Fr. Monteiro was subjected to in Patiala prison being put on trial for asserting his Portuguse nationality and his right to reside in Goa which is his home. His trial never got concluded and Fr. Monteiro was released from Patiala jail in an international deal that includes Portugal releasing two people from India Dr.Telu Mascarenhas from Colvale and Mohan Ranade from Pune. India called them Freedom fighters. Portugal had imprisoned as terrorists. Fr. Monteiro shared graphic details as to how dreaded criminals in Patiala jail were released on to him during meal times and let loose to torture him in most inhuman manner: excrating in Fr. Monteiro's food plate. He beared all this and shared his memories with Anthony Veronica being close friend and fellow villager, fellow footballer-in-arms.
Anthony Veronica was heart broken when Fr. Chico Monteiro died. Anthony Veronica was one amongst them who shouldered Fr. Monteiro's coffin on his funeral day. Candolim Parish Priest was furious at this and scolded Anthony Veronica. Anthony Veronica - whom controversies never left for a day - shouted back at the Parish Priest " I will bang the coffin on your head!" stunned Parish Priest went away from the path of mighty sprinter.
Anthony Veronica always stood up for truth. He wrote fearlessly against politicians, tiatrists and even against clergy. He kept the flag of Justice flying high and raised the standard with his every piece of writing.
I connected later on in 2008 while mining agitation was at its peak. Anthony Veronica joined the meeting at Prema building in Flat that was allowed to be used to conduct meetings of mining affected people, courtesy Adv. Albertina Almeida. At the meeting in June 2008 where he came over to support the movement in defence of ecology from mining predators I spoke to him first informing him that it was great meeting him yet again after Kuwait post war agitation of 1990 that he led. He expressed his regret for not remembering me in a style unique to him "with a folded hands, I apologize!" We connected and then disconnected for another decade.
Then sometime around 2015 I saw message on his Facebook page that he is threatened by some South Goa Tiatrists. I called him to know and then then collaborated almost for half a decade on range of issues. He became very good friend of my wife Margarida Silveira till her death in 2021. He got her to speak at one of the meetings commemorating Kuwait Liberation. After her death he would often burst out in tears recounting her memories, something I couldn't handle as I too was in the process of bereavement and mybemotions raw. I stopped visiting him past few years. He often commended her for courage and daring way of going about in life specially tackling might of clergy and politicians with ease. He often invited us to his Candolim residence and we as families would share some time together.
Anthony Veronica shared his love story too with us. How he was mesmerized my girl from Calangute singing Mando at Mando Festival in Panjim. How he pursued her and married her. He remained strong in his marriage. Fatima supported him at every stage of his life, stayed with him at every controversy and threat that came by his side. Anthony Veronica story is indeed incomplete without acknowledging the stellar role Fatima played in his life and risked life together often. Fatima has been support of immense value in days he wasn't as agile and as athletic in his moves as he was during his days on football ground.
Anthony Veronica commemorated Libration of Kuwait from Iraq invasion for 27 long years. Often Kuwaiti Sheikh attended these functions in Kuwait as well as in Goa. I have witnessed it once too. He was signaling number of indicators through this marathon focus on Kuwait. He was expressing his gratitude for his family prosperity and prosperity of many Goan families due to greener pasture openings in Kuwait. He was in celebration and jubilation that Kuwait is free again. He was driving hard message at Kuwaiti Sheikhs that the people of Goa assisted them personally and politically at the most difficult moments of their history. He was making a point as to what the meaning of Liberation is and deepening his yearnings for Liberation of Goa from current annexure through conquest status.
Anthony Veronica worked hard in Kuwait. He worked in single company that manufactured luxury yachts and exported world over (yet never hesitated to oppose Marina at Nauxim!). He was company's prized employee and sought to be awarded even more after his demonstrated loyalty to Kuwait during war times. He expressed gratitude to government of Kuwait and declined any personal benefits from Government of Kuwait. His only public pleading before the Kuwaiti authorities has been "always keep the doors open for my fellow Goans to come and work in Kuwait!". This pushed him on morally high. He refused personal rewards and took adorned the role as Ambassador of Goa to Kuwait not by any formal appointment but by sheer hard work and character of a leader.
His leadership talents that shone through during Gulf War were immense. He took upon himself to mobilize global political support upon himself. He flew from Kuwait to New Delhi, met leadership of Non-Aligned Movement and urged the nation's to stand in support of Kuwait.
One more fact about Anthony Veronica calls our attention. He confronted J.R.D. Tata face to face in early 1970s when the corporate was constructing Taj Holidays village five star hotel at Sinquerim. He wanted that the hotel must provide jobs to the local people. Corporate did not like his daring confrontation with the Tata empire founder. Anthony Veronica sensed the tension and risks that has come about and started his life focused in Kuwait.
Even though he was physically present in Kuwait his heart was in Goa, with people of Goa struggling both in Goa and Kuwait. He raised over Rs.5 lakh during Konkani agitation, then several lakh to start Cancer hospital in Goa. In both the instances he met with disappointments. In the case of Konkani movement funding he was given no account of how money was spent, suspicion of corruption persisted. In case of Goa Cancer hospital project; got hijacked and Manipal Hospital inserted instead in its place.
Anthony Veronica remained on board of directors of Hotel Goan Heritage at Calangute for many years. This is the hotel that was taken to the Court by Goa Foundation for violation of CRZ laws. Anthony Veronica and the board stood the grounds and won the case on the basis that it was constructed before CRZ laws were enacted. He believed in cultivating entrepreneurship amongst Goans and led with personal example. Hotel Goan Heritage then became the favored destination where he shared quality time with his wide circle of friends.
In 2016 he published his book "From coconut trees to oil fields" and I had privilege of reviewing that book ( https://bharatmukti.blogspot.com/2016/03/from-coconut-trees-to-oil-wells.html?m=1 ). In addition he wrote regularly online at his blog https://goa-kranti.blogspot.com/?m=0
One look at his blog sends message loud and clear: No plans in this revolution is meant for retreat!
What could be the adequate tribute to Anthony Veronica Fernandes? We need to labour collectively for an answer.
For the moment let's join to offer our support and consolation to his wife Fatima, daughter Avisha and her family and his son Ashton and his family at this moment of loss and sorrow. Goa was privileged to hold Anthony Veronica to bosom while he lived his earthly live. And Goa is proud to pick up on legacy of courage daring that Anthony Veronica has kept us to tred upon, step by step.
May his soul rest in eternal Peace.
Sebastian Rodrigues
Anthony Veronica commemorated Libration of Kuwait from Iraq invasion for 27 long years. Often Kuwaiti Sheikh attended these functions in Kuwait as well as in Goa. I have witnessed it once too. He was signaling number of indicators through this marathon focus on Kuwait. He was expressing his gratitude for his family prosperity and prosperity of many Goan families due to greener pasture openings in Kuwait. He was in celebration and jubilation that Kuwait is free again. He was driving hard message at Kuwaiti Sheikhs that the people of Goa assisted them personally and politically at the most difficult moments of their history. He was making a point as to what the meaning of Liberation is and deepening his yearnings for Liberation of Goa from current annexure through conquest status.
Anthony Veronica worked hard in Kuwait. He worked in single company that manufactured luxury yachts and exported world over (yet never hesitated to oppose Marina at Nauxim!). He was company's prized employee and sought to be awarded even more after his demonstrated loyalty to Kuwait during war times. He expressed gratitude to government of Kuwait and declined any personal benefits from Government of Kuwait. His only public pleading before the Kuwaiti authorities has been "always keep the doors open for my fellow Goans to come and work in Kuwait!". This pushed him on morally high. He refused personal rewards and took adorned the role as Ambassador of Goa to Kuwait not by any formal appointment but by sheer hard work and character of a leader.
His leadership talents that shone through during Gulf War were immense. He took upon himself to mobilize global political support upon himself. He flew from Kuwait to New Delhi, met leadership of Non-Aligned Movement and urged the nation's to stand in support of Kuwait.
One more fact about Anthony Veronica calls our attention. He confronted J.R.D. Tata face to face in early 1970s when the corporate was constructing Taj Holidays village five star hotel at Sinquerim. He wanted that the hotel must provide jobs to the local people. Corporate did not like his daring confrontation with the Tata empire founder. Anthony Veronica sensed the tension and risks that has come about and started his life focused in Kuwait.
Even though he was physically present in Kuwait his heart was in Goa, with people of Goa struggling both in Goa and Kuwait. He raised over Rs.5 lakh during Konkani agitation, then several lakh to start Cancer hospital in Goa. In both the instances he met with disappointments. In the case of Konkani movement funding he was given no account of how money was spent, suspicion of corruption persisted. In case of Goa Cancer hospital project; got hijacked and Manipal Hospital inserted instead in its place.
Anthony Veronica remained on board of directors of Hotel Goan Heritage at Calangute for many years. This is the hotel that was taken to the Court by Goa Foundation for violation of CRZ laws. Anthony Veronica and the board stood the grounds and won the case on the basis that it was constructed before CRZ laws were enacted. He believed in cultivating entrepreneurship amongst Goans and led with personal example. Hotel Goan Heritage then became the favored destination where he shared quality time with his wide circle of friends.
In 2016 he published his book "From coconut trees to oil fields" and I had privilege of reviewing that book ( https://bharatmukti.blogspot.com/2016/03/from-coconut-trees-to-oil-wells.html?m=1 ). In addition he wrote regularly online at his blog https://goa-kranti.blogspot.com/?m=0
One look at his blog sends message loud and clear: No plans in this revolution is meant for retreat!
What could be the adequate tribute to Anthony Veronica Fernandes? We need to labour collectively for an answer.
For the moment let's join to offer our support and consolation to his wife Fatima, daughter Avisha and her family and his son Ashton and his family at this moment of loss and sorrow. Goa was privileged to hold Anthony Veronica to bosom while he lived his earthly live. And Goa is proud to pick up on legacy of courage daring that Anthony Veronica has kept us to tred upon, step by step.
May his soul rest in eternal Peace.
Sebastian Rodrigues
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