Team Herald
vasco: Vasco citizens, political leaders cutting across party lines across Goa condoled the death of former Vasco MLA and ex-deputy speaker of Goa Simon D'Souza.
He was undertaking medical treatment at Goa Medical College for acute chest congestion and he reportedly breathed his last at about 4.30 am on Wednesday. He had reportedly tested negative for CoVID19 infection.
D'Souza was fondly known in Vasco as ‘Simple Simon’ for his simplicity, approachability and his down to earth persona.
He was a former councillor in the Mormugao Municipality in the mid 70s. He was also one of the founding members of the Shigmo and Carnival festival in Vasco. He was the chairman of All Goa Toddy Tappers Association from 1985 onwards. He was the MLA of Vasco in 1989 and Deputy Speaker of Goa Assembly from February 1991 to November, 1994.
Recently, due to his old age he was not keeping good health and was admitted in GMC Goa Medical College Hospital for more than two weeks where he was undergoing medical treatment for acute congestion in his chest.
D'souza is survived by his wife Felicity D'Souza, one son and four daughters. Fr. Gabriel Coutinho, Parish Priest of St Andrew's Church, Vasco, mentioned that the last rites of the deceased will be held on Friday at St Andrew's Church cemetery.
Amongst the large number people, which included politicians and social workers who shared their tributes for Simon were Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat. “Saddened to learn about the demise of Shri Simon D'Souza, former Dy Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly. His contribution to the public life will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” Sawant tweeted.
“Deeply pained by the passing away of former Indian National Congress MLA & former Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Simon D'souza. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace,” Kamat tweeted.
Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida also took to social media and said, "Sad to know about the demise of our Ex-deputy Speaker, Shri. Simon D'Souza. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. May his soul rest in peace".
NCP Goa Chief, Jose Philip D'souza said Simon was a strong Congressman.
“He was a very simple and helpful person. He was involved in parish activities, especially the senior citizen group of St Andrew's church. Vasco people are deeply saddened over his demise. May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength to his family in these times," D'souza added.
Miguel Braganza, Agriculturist said, "Sad to learn about the passing away of Simon D'Souza (Vasco/Sancoale), former Deputy Speaker of Goa during the tumultuous times (February 1991-November, 1994) and for a short stint in 1990. He was a champion of the downtrodden and gained many benefits for them, including an insurance scheme for those who climb the State tree, the Coconut tree thrice a day and render immense service. He was an environment supporter and the man behind the Green Mormugao Movement in 2003 and the one to raise the issue of a Zonal Agriculture Office for the taluka with the then Minister of Agriculture, Mickky Pacheco. He had just started working to revive the process.”
Preetam Queloscar, Vasco-based social worker said, "Deeply saddened to hear about the sad demise of former Deputy Speaker and former MLA of Goa, Simon Dsouza. May God give his family the strength to overcome this tragic loss. My prayers are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace."
Maria Liberata Mendonca, a special educator, mentioned that the demise of the former Deputy Speaker has shocked her. "May your soul rest in peace Sir. Courage to your wife and children. He was a humble, kind hearted and very helpful person" she said.
