Mideast’s longest-ruling monarch, Oman’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who seized power in a 1970 palace coup and brought Oman into modernity, recently passed away at the age of 79. Like many other Indian communities in the country, the Goan community has integrated well into the Omani society and call the country under his leadership their second home.
Ansalmo J Antonio Goes is the Founder Convener of the Indian Social Club – Goan Wing. Living in Oman for more than 30 years, he feels blessed and lucky to be in Oman during the reign of HM Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. “My deepest condolence to the Royal Family and the people of Oman. His Majesty was a wise and peace-loving ruler, loved by all local Omanis and expatriates, especially Indians in the Sultanate of Oman. May God continue to bless this country and its people. May his soul rest in peace,” says Ansalmo.
Convener of the Indian Social Club – Goan Wing, Savio Carvalho was shocked by the news of the death of the monarch. “Well known as Baba Qaboos among the local citizens of Oman, he was always there to maintain peace and harmony in the country, thus making him one of the most remarkable and memorable rulers in the Arab world,who ruled the country for more than 49 years. Expats of different religions live peacefully and happily in Oman during his reign. He also believed in the power and abilities of the Omani people and encouraged them to work hard to build Oman.”
Herman Estibeiro, co-Convener of the Indian Social Club – Goan Wing, has been living in Oman for more than 20 years with his family. He says, “The expatriate community deeply mourn the sad demise of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. He was truly a legendary and visionary leader of modern Oman. We lost a great leader and a good friend of India. It is indeed a huge loss not only to Oman but the whole world. We have enjoyed our life to the fullest in what we called our second home. This was possible only because we were so secured here where all live in peace and harmony. The Omani people are the friendliest people in the world, which itself speaks volumes of his teachings and leadership. He will always be remembered as the father of the nation of Modernised Oman. May the departed soul of our dear HM Sultan Qaboos rest in peace.”
Melzer Menezes, President of the Goan Community Ruwi Parish, calls Oman his second home and not once has he felt unwelcomed in the country. He says, “His Majesty established the reins of power on July 23, 1970. The whole world stood in respect of the peace-loving and wise ruler that he was. I was very fortunate to stay in this safe and peaceful country for over three decades under his rule. I have seen Oman march into modernisation under the wise leadership of our dearest Sultan. He was a friend to all and enemy to none. He will be truly missed, not only by the people of Oman but also the expatriates. The people of this country will cherish him forever.”
Lydia Fernandes, originally from Ribandar in Goa, has been in Muscat since 2004. “We are honoured to have experienced the great leadership of Sultan Qaboos. He will forever be remembered. He was a leader who had a vision to develop Oman on a steady pace. He ruled the country for 49 years. He began with the production of oil and used its revenues to modernise Oman. He built schools, universities, hotels, modern infrastructure, banks, ports, airports etc to develop Oman. I have heard that he had already set up his visionary plan up to 2040 and the new Sultan mentioned he will continue to fulfil his mission.”
Brenda D’Costa, originally from Raia, says, “Sultan was a very humble, kind-hearted and peace-loving leader. And the expats in the country never felt they were away from their home. A lot of development has been seen over the last 10 years with the flyovers and expressways but all this has been done without spoiling the natural beauty of Oman. Sultan Qaboos was well known for developing and modernising his country while at the same time respecting its traditions and values.” As Sultan Qaboos had no heir or publicly designated successor, the family council opted to open the sealed envelope in which the late sultan had secretly left his own choice. His cousin, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, has been sworn in as successor. And Goans in Oman are confident that the benevolent and caring rule of the Sultan will continue even after his passing.
