Goan Community of Oman

The Cultural Sub-committee is the first GCO Sub-committee that became functional as it was tasked with planning and successfully launching the GCO.

This inaugural program was held on 15th May 2008 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church Hall at Ruwi. The 8pm to 2 am function included an initial blessing by the Asst. Parish Fr. Albert D'Silva, welcome speech in Konkani by Mr. Celso Fernandes, an introductory speech by the Founder President Mr. Flynn de Lima, unveiling of the GCO logo and felicitation by the Parish Priest Fr. Raul Ramos, release of the GCO Directory of Goans in Oman by Mrs. Sandra de Lima, and release of a booklet on Konkani poems by Mr. Alan D'Costa. This was followed by dancing, competitions and games, a dinner of Goan delicacies, and finally more dancing to the tunes of GoAfrica and DJ Nigel D'Souza. With over 450 Goans in attendance, the evening was most enjoyable, lively and entertaining thanks to the 'professional' comperes Jocelle and Makushla, who combined beautifully. The climax was the Dekhni. There were prizes galore to carry home, thanks to the many sponsors who responded so readily and generously. The high standard of this function has set the benchmark for future GCO programs.

The Cultural Sub-committee is headed by Mrs. Jennifer Santimano. The other members of the Cultural Sub-committee are Mr. Baltazar Fernandes, Mr. Bonny Vas, Mr Tyrone Henriques, Mrs. Shaliny Henriques, Mrs. Angela Almeida, Mr. Sabby Almeida, Mrs. Elba de Souza and Mr. Savio D'Souza. The members of the Sub-committee are fully geared to meeting one of the main objectives of the GCO --- facilitating fellowship and co-operation amongst Goans living in Oman.

Fun and entertainment is the essence of Goans. In keeping with this spirit, the Cultural Sub-committee has planned the following activities for the remainder of 2008:

• 10th October 2008: GCO Cultural Programme from 10.30 to 2 pm at the Sts. Peter and Paul Church Hall, Ruwi, in honour of HE Filipe Neri, Archbishop Patriach of Goa who is visiting Muscat as part of his pastoral visit. HE Archibishop Filipe Neri will also celebrate mass in Konkani on the same day at 7.30 am at the Main Church Hall in Ruwi.
• 5th December 2008: Celebrating the feast of St. Francis Xavier with Mass followed by a get-together.  Details of get-together, which will be organized by the Cultural Sub-committee, will be announced shortly.
• 26th December 2008: Christmas Get-together and lunch for domestic and industrial workers of Goan origin.
• December 2008: Tiatr in Konkani. The exact date is dependent upon the availability of artistes from Goa.