Team Herald
PANJIM: One of Goa’s tallest business doyens Victor Albuquerque, Chairman and Managing Director of Alcon-Victor Group passed away on March 6 afternoon after a brief illness. He was 81. He started his career as an assistant engineer with the PWD department in mid 1960s and gradually established his business along with his partner Anil Counto who is presently the Chairman of the Alcon-Anil Counto Enterprises. Both of them began in 1971 and remained till 1998.
Gradually Victor Albuquerque forayed into construction and then into hospitality business and along with his two sons – Vinay and Varun manage hospitals and hotels in the State. In 2013 he was appointed Honorary Consul General of Russia.
Hospitality business was very close to his heart and was very concerned about the tourism in the State. He had said that Goa will have to do something different to attract foreigners here.
Victor Albuquerque believed that medical tourism is a good sector and it gives 10-15 percent occupancy during the season. Sensing the need he had started the first super-speciality hospital at Margao -- Apollo Hospitals that caters to surgeries in foreign patients. He also established Devaaya Ayurveda and Nature Cure Centre at Divar Islands.
His funeral till take place at St. Inez Cemetery on March 7, 2022
In his condolence message on twitter, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “Saddened by the demise of eminent businessman, Shri Victor Albuquerque. His contribution to Goa's hospitality industry has been tremendous. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”
Former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on social media said, “Saddened by the passing away of my friend Victor Albuquerque. He was a philanthropist who always gave a helping hand to the needy. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Former Member of Parliament and now NRI Commissioner of Goa Narendra Sawaikar in his tweet said, “Deeply shocked & saddened by demise of illustrious businessman, Hotelier & Chairman of Alcon-Victor group Shri. Victor Albuquerque. In him Goa has lost one of its gem. My heartfelt condolences to his family members & relatives. May departed soul rest in eternal peace.”
Victor Albuquerque’s long time business partner Anil Counto who is now the Chairman of Alcon-Anil Counto Enterprises told Herald that, “I lost a very good friend. For 27 years from 1971-1998, we worked together during our good and bad days. He always thought out of the box and come out with very innovative and brilliant ideas. In fact, we grew together and in mid 60s we both worked for the PWD. He was very enterprising, daring and hardworking and hence we came close. In fact our though process were the same. I feel extremely saddened. Very unfortunate.”