St Cruz’s ‘Mummy’ no more, funeral on Mon

Team Herald

PANJIM: Former Deputy Speaker and four-time MLA of St Cruz constituency, Victoria Fernandes, 85, died early Saturday morning.

Fernandes’ family friend Victor Gonsalves, who was also a former MLA from the same constituency, confirmed the death and said that Fernandes, or ‘Mummy’ as she was popularly known, had been suffering from a prolonged illness. Sources said the funeral would be held on Monday.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant expressed his condolences via social media saying, “Saddening to hear about the demise of Victoria Fernandes, former Minister and Deputy Speaker of Goa. She will always be remembered for her contribution and service to the State and the people. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family.”

Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat also offered his condolences stating, “Pained by the passing of former Dy Speaker, Minister & St Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes. Mummy was always a fighter and stood by the downtrodden. Goa has lost a Niz Goemkar. My condolences to her family. May her soul rest in peace.”

Fernandes, the iron lady of St Cruz, had served as deputy speaker during 2005-2007, when Pratapsingh Rane was the Chief Minister.

She was elected from St Cruz Assembly constituency for four terms from 1994 till 2012 on tickets of regional parties and also on a Congress ticket. She quit the Congress ahead of the 2012 Assembly elections after her son Rudolf was denied a ticket.

Fernandes was also a minister in Congress-led governments and held portfolios including Agriculture, Fisheries, Tourism, Animal Husbandary, Women and Child Development amongst others.

Besides her political career, Fernandes was a leader of the anti-merger movement supporting the cause of Goa remaining a Union Territory during the historic 1967 Opinion Poll. She also worked for the rights of traditional fishing and toddy tappers’ community.