Tourism industry condoles death of Francis

PANAJI: The state’s tourism industry, on Friday, mourned the death of Francis D’Souza, the former deputy chief minister and minister for urban development.

“The passing away of Francis D’Souza, fondly  called as Babush, is a great loss to the tourism industry, and more so to the TTAG,” said Savio Messias, president of Tourism and Travel Association of Goa (TTAG.)

The trade representatives body, in a press statement, said that although the Mapusa MLA was never the tourism minister, he always supported the industry in times of need through the portfolios

he held.

“He by name was very hospitable and a gentlemen, who was most suited to be the tourism minister. But political compulsions prevented him from holding the portfolio.  But whenever we needed him he was always there. Whenever there was any issues which could be solved through the health ministry, law ministry or any other portfolio, he would listen to our grievance and find a solution through his ministry. We will always miss him.  He always attended our functions even when his health was failing,” stated the association.

The last occasion when D’Souza interacted with TTAG was during the installation of the new managing committee.

“He came even when his health condition was deteriorating. This showed his commitment to the tourism industry. TTAG, therefore, salutes him and will always fondly remember him as one of us,” stated Messias.