Activist set on having an 'illuminated' Christmas, Covid-19 and floods aside

MELAKA: Covid-19 and floods are not going to stop a Portuguese community activist from making his well-lit home a beacon of joy and the festive spirit.

Save The Portuguese Action Committee chairman Martin Theseira said he had decorated his home in Taman Hilir here with an array of colourful Christmas lights after two years of being unable to host his family members from out of state because of the various movement control orders.

“This Yuletide celebration will be steeped in Kristang traditions and cuisine while observing standard operating procedures in holding the gathering with my loved ones,” he said when interviewed on Friday (Dec 24).

Theseira’s home is the only house decorated in his neighbourhood, about 1km from the Portuguese Settlement.

“This year’s Christmas is a low-key celebration due to Covid-19 but the nuances of the Yuletide continue to resonate among us.

“We will not let Covid-19 dampen our Christmas spirit,” he said.

Theseira added he was also thankful that homes in the Portuguese Settlement were not affected by the recent floods.

He said floods hit some 30 houses at the Portuguese Settlement on Dec 7 but fortunately did not recur as preparations for Christmas got under way.

Theseira said his family’s Christmas wish is for life to return to normal and for the state government to reconsider certain marine reclamation projects.

“We are not against development but wanton reclamation will affect our livelihoods and could also cause flash floods,” he added.