This Week: Marco Santos, organiser of the Portuguese Liberty Day celebrations at the Engine Room (From Bridgwater Mercury)

This Week: Marco Santos, organiser of the Portuguese Liberty Day celebrations at the Engine Room

11:20am Tuesday 13th May 2008 in Your Say

Marco Santos, organiser of the Portuguese Liberty Day celebrations at the Engine Room.

Marco was born in Lisbon, Portugal, and started working at 16.

He worked in civil construction, telecommunications, gas maintenance and agriculture.

He always had the desire to travel to other countries and headed to Ipswich at the age of 18 before travelling to France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Wales.

In 2003, he returned to England and now lives in Bridgwater with his wife and daughter.

Marco plays an active part in local politics and along with Dave Chappel, he set up a group called Bridgwater Workers Together, with support from the Bridgwater Trades Union Council.

He hopes the group will bring together British and foreign workers exploited by agencies or direct employers to learn about their legal rights and work together through a trade union of their choice.

What is the best thing about the place you live in?

"The best thing about Bridgwater is the diversity of cultures I'm surrounded by."

What was your ambition as a child?

"My ambition was to become an honest man, have a job, a family and fight against those who are ignorant and think they are untouchable and treat people like rubbish."

What has been your greatest achievement?

"The day I became a father. No other achievements gave me such a good feeling as to go through all my partner's labour and watch my little girl enter this world."

What characteristic do you dislike most in others and in yourself?

"I dislike arrogance, cynicism, falsehood, opportunism and racism in others. In myself, I am a bit of a "hothead" at times and it can lead to mistakes."

What is your biggest fear?

"To be honest, I have no fears. I've grown up in a tough city with three million inhabitants. Everyday something happens and you have to be ready for everything. The best thing is not to be afraid and forget the fears. I'm not afraid of anything or anyone."

When and where were you happiest?

"When my daughter was born I was the happiest man in the world. She was beautiful and healthy."

What three items would you take to a desert island?

"A box of matches, a laptop and a bottle of Jack Daniels."

Who are your dream dinner party guests (maximum five)?

"Bob Marley, Jose Saramago, Marisa and Cristiano Ronaldo."

How would you like to be remembered?

"As someone who did what he had to do and to feel at ease with himself."