Kuwait: Alban D’Souza was elected president of Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) during its annual general body meeting held on Friday, December 2 in Sara Complex, Salmiya, Kuwait.
SWAK is regarded as one of the leading community organizations in Kuwait, serving the underprivileged children back home from past 22 years by providing support for education and basic needs.
The meeting commenced with the opening prayer led by Felix Serrao and welcome note by president Alwyn D’Souza. Secretary Doris Lobo read out the annual report featuring the events of the past year. Likewise, auditor Clevan Fernandes briefed the information on the financial statement of the Association to its members.
President Alwyn D’Souza set out the agenda, members to express the opinions of his tenure.
In the second phase of the AGM, existing committee was dissolved and requested returning officer Alexander Fernandes to conduct the election process to form new committee.
Alban D’Souza, an enthusiastic and energetic personality, was elected president for the period of two years from 2017.
New office-bearers were elected for various positions as below:
Executive Committee
President – Alban D’Souza
Vice-president – Clifford D’Souza
General secretary – Regina Serrao
Joint secretary – Lona Joyce D’Souza
Treasurer – Denis Pinto
Auditor – Urban D’Souza
Cultural secretary – Naveen Barboza
Public relations officer – Alexander Fernandes
Media correspondent – Alwyn D’Souza
Spiritual director and correspondent – Fr Stany Tauro
SWAK representative in Shirva – Melwyn Aranha
Cultural committee: Naveen Barboza, Alban D’Souza, Anil Menezes, Robert Mathias, Adrian Gomes, Alwyn D’Souza, Doris Lobo, Harold D’Souza, David Mathias.
Committee members: Ashok Barboza, Clevan Fernandes, Felcita D’Souza, Felix Serrao, Gilbert Mendonca, Gretta D’Souza, Merwyn Menezes, Roshni Lobo, Valerian Gomes.
Outgoing president Alwyn D’Souza expressed his gratitude for the support extended to him during his term and pledged to guide and motivate the new team headed by Alban D’Souza.
The newly-elected president Alban D’Souza recalled to mind the many notable contributions towards society in native place by the members of SWAK. Further, he spoke of his allegiance to tread the path SWAK has committed in its manifesto (a programme in aid of the needy and the downtrodden).
Apart from other issues, discussion was held on the forthcoming celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Health, Shirva parish. The feast will be celebrated in Kuwait on February 3, 2017.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Urban D’Souza and a delicious buffet breakfast.
