A year ahead of Liberation, Dominic Lacerda, in 1962 joined Her Majesty Ship (HMS) Jauffair, the British Royal Navy at Bahrain but a year later in 1961, India took over Goa and asked Britain how their subjects can be in a rival Navy and whose side they take in case Britain and India go to war. Hence, Dominic who hails from Utorda, had a choice to make and it was to either accept British nationality or return to India. He immediately let go of the offer for British nationality and returned his then Portuguese passport and opted for Indian nationality.
“I wanted to be Indian and return to Goa to serve my land but I was blessed by the Lord. I was allowed to work for the British Royal Navy for another ten years right up to 1971. Until then, I visited 82 countries, got a medal from the Queen for my services in the Yemen war and I went patrolling and exploring Gibraltar, Mexico, Venezuela, the Mediterranean, the entire Gulf coast, England, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Florida, Seattle, Bay of Bisque, Rome, Portugal and most other parts of the world,” recollects Dominic who sits outside his cold storage beef unit at Margao and talks of his adventures.
He remembers how he had to go from Bahrain to Iraq to visit the Indian high commission to get his Indian passport – a decision he doesn’t regret.
Dominic who spent years writing for Vadreaddacho Ixtt in the 60s from his global locations, returned to Goa to get into literature, writing, journalism, theatre and drama. He did all that after his stint with the Sultanate of Oman Navy for three years.
After his stint in 2 Navies, 87 countries, and a NATO Naval display and working closely with submarines, Dominic still has a sharp memory and remembers his Navy registration number (G/056934) where he feels honored that the Queen presented him with a medal recognizing Goa as his hometown.
Dominic’s time in the USA, and being there when Richard Nixon was President and his time at the Kenedy memorial and various parts of America is a distinct memory. He also remembers watching Neil Armstrong live on a big screen while he set foot on the moon.
At 77, ready to celebrate his Golden Wedding Anniversary, he continues to come to his store and interact with customers, he continues to be the store that brings in the intricate supplies of foods from the Gulf and he continues to sell beef despite the difficulties.
“If I had crores of rupees, I probably wouldn’t travel the sea globally, search waters, catch smugglers, have adventures in Aden and the rest of the world and in no way would I would travel to 87 countries. All that was good then – a good life, cozy homes, respect in all nations but I always remember the choice I made to come home and it was the best decision I made,” recollects Dominic who is a store house of information. He has been saving newspaper clippings since 1956.
