The Goan community in the UK came together to pay their respects to Alvaro Collaço, former chairman of the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) UK, who passed away on December 31, 2024. A memorial service was held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in South London, attended by relatives, friends, and community members.
Alvaro Collaço was a dedicated servant of the Goan community in the UK. Born in Jinja, Uganda, he studied in Goa and Poona before returning to Entebbe, Uganda, where he served in the government ministries for over 19 years. After moving to the UK in 1973, he worked as Company Secretary for the Technical Education and Training Organisation for Overseas Countries (TETOC) and later retired as Assistant Director of the British Council’s Educational Contracts Department.
Alvaro played an active role in the G.O.A. (UK) for many years, serving as Chairman of their Council of Management from 1983 to 1986. He was instrumental in acquiring the G.O.A. (UK) clubhouse in Beckenham and setting up the former Standing Conference of Goan Organisations (SCOGO), now known as the GOAN festival. He also served as Governor of the St Francis Xavier 6th Form College in Clapham.
Mervyn Maciel, a 95-year-old former Senior Civil Servant, remembered Alvaro with great affection, saying, “He had nothing but Goan blood flowing through his veins. He was passionate about doing things with the uplift of the community in mind.” Watford Borough Councillor Rabi Martins described Alvaro as “a gentle giant with wisdom, foresight, and determination.”
Alvaro Collaço’s legacy will live on through the Goan Association UK, which he helped shape and grow. His commitment to the community and his tireless efforts to promote Goan culture and heritage will be deeply missed. The Goan community in the UK will continue to celebrate his life and legacy, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.
