Philanthropist and staff nurse Felcy Dsouza is bidding farewell to Bahrain after spending 40 years in the kingdom she calls home.
The Indian expatriate and midwife at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) recently retired and will return to her hometown in Mangalore, India, tomorrow, accompanied by her daughter Anita D’Silva, who was born and raised in Bahrain.
“Bahrain has been my home away from home for more than four decades, and leaving the country has filled me with both gratitude and emotion,” the 66-year-old told the GDN.
“I am deeply thankful to the people of Bahrain, my colleagues, friends and the healthcare institutions that gave me the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. This beautiful country has shaped some of the most meaningful years of my life and provided a bright future for my family.
“As I begin a new chapter in retirement, I will carry with me cherished memories, lifelong friendships and immense appreciation for Bahrain,” she added.
Ms Dsouza arrived in the kingdom on November 25, 1985 – a date she vividly remembers until today – to explore new career opportunities at the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital. While she was excited, she never expected that it would lead to such a memorable journey both personally and professionally.
“I was a staff nurse at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, when a recruitment team from BDF Hospital visited India to hire nurses. I was excited to pursue an opportunity in the Middle East,” recounted the Zinj resident.
“When I arrived, I felt a mix of hope and nervousness as everything was new to me. Bahrain was much quieter then, with fewer buildings, roads and vehicles. Life was simpler and there was a strong sense of community among the people. Over the years, I have proudly witnessed Bahrain grow into a modern, vibrant nation while preserving its warmth, hospitality and rich cultural values.”
Being away from family was challenging as was adapting to a new country and culture but Ms Dsouza persisted. Additionally, balancing a demanding nursing career with raising children required dedication and perseverance. However, the single mother-of-two overcame these challenges through hard work, faith and the support of her family, colleagues and friends.
“Bahrain’s welcoming and multicultural environment helped me settle in and grow both personally and professionally. These experiences strengthened my resilience and shaped me into the person I am today, making my journey in Bahrain both meaningful and rewarding,” she explained.
After serving at BDF Hospital for three years, the travel and culture enthusiast moved to SMC where she worked until April 12 this year.
“Over the years, I progressed to the role of team leader in the Maternity Department and, from 2013, also served as a preceptor for student nurses. My responsibilities included providing maternity and nursing care, conducting delivery and ensuring high quality patient care,” she added.
Ms Dsouza was recognised as Best Midwife of the Year last year, culminating her illustrious career, straddling India and Bahrain.
While she is grateful for all the professional opportunities, she highlighted that the kingdom did not just give her a successful career but also lifelong friendships. It is the place where she raised her daughters, who went on to live enriching lives.
Elder daughter Ms D’Silva attended the Indian School and is self-employed. She will be relocating with her mother after 37 years in Bahrain. Younger daughter Ancita D’Silva, 34, who also attended the Indian School Bahrain, works as a programme manager at a venture capital firm in the US. She is married and settled there.
“Raising my daughters in Bahrain provided them with a safe, multicultural environment, strong values, quality education and opportunities that helped build the foundation for their successful lives. Over the years, I have built strong bonds with both Bahraini colleagues and fellow expatriates, who have become like family to me. Their kindness, support and hospitality made Bahrain feel like a second home,” she said.
Striking a pose
Ms Dsouza has enjoyed an active social and community life through the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manama, where she served as a member of Poor of Saint Antony (a church platform supporting the needy members of the community) and the Legion of Mary group.
“I was also co-ordinator of the Konkani Nursing Ministry and served in the Parish Nursing Ministry,” she said.
She hopes to contribute her skills and experience by volunteering with a suitable NGO and help those in need, particularly in the healthcare field once she returns.
Ms Dsouza is also looking forward to spending more time with her family and exploring new places around the world.
“This next chapter of my life will be a balance of rest, service, and new experiences,” she added.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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