Edited by Eddie Fernandes editor@goanvoice.org.uk

Death: Alexandra (Ally) Cordeiro. Canada, ex-Nairobi.
29 April. Alexandra Cordeiro, born 1934 in Bombay, died peacefully in Ontario, Canada. Ally grew up in Nairobi, loving daughter of Maj. Dr. George and Eslinda Roche, sister of Cecilia, grand-daughter of OBE Dr Rosendo and Margarita Ribeiro. Loving wife to Joseph (Joe) Cordeiro, mother to Fiona/Desmond, Victor/Shipa, and several grand-children and great-grandchildren. She is remembered fondly as a pillar of strength to her family.
Visitation: Sunday, 5 May. Funeral: 6 May. Photo, live streaming link and full details click here.

'Bogus' Luton solicitor [Flora Mendes; ex Britona, Goa] jailed for selling fraudulent immigration advice

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Goan Labour trio secures Swindon Council Seats

The Gurguret and Summers of Yore

Unearthed Stone Sculpture Reveals Clues about Portuguese Era
3 May. Devdiscourse. The recent unearthing of a statue in Panjim has triggered much speculation in Goa as to its origins and implications. One plausible theory is that it was transported in the 1700s from the decaying old capital to Panjim to build 'Nova Goa.' Historian Prajal Sakhardande said the artefact could be linked to the 'Paulists', missionaries from the Society of Jesus who worked to spread Christianity in Portuguese colonies.  For further details click here

Goa Government allocates Rs 71.50 crores for St. Francis Exposition
3 May. Herald. In view of the upcoming St. Francis Xavier Exposition, the Government of Goa has allocated an eye-watering Rs 71.50 crores to infrastructural works related to the exposition. These include addressing issues of road repairs, water supply and parking facilities.  click here

Death: (Maria Agatha) Illa Coutinho. Nairobi
29 Apr: Nairobi. MARIA AGATHA ILLA ALMEDIA COUTINHO. Beloved wife of (late) Sinencio F.D.L.P. Almeida Coutinho. Loving Mother to Christopher Joseph Almeida Coutinho. Funeral on Friday, 3rd May 2024 at 10:00am, St. Austin Catholic Church, James Gichuru Road, Lavington, followed by cremation at the Hindu Crematorium Kariokor. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Maria to The Capuchin Charities would be greatly appreciated. Mpesa Paybill 4023775 Account No: Maria A.I.A. Couthinho. Messages of condolence can be sent to: a1chrisjc@yahoo.com (ChristopherJ.A. Couthinho +254 733406257) [Info Goan Welfare Society, Nairobi.] Photo click here.

Death: Maria (Carmen) Do Carmo Pinto. Winnipeg, Canada, Ex Loutolim, Goa
April 7. Winnipeg, Canada. Born Loutolim, 1949. Maria (also known as Carmen) was a fiercely loving and generous mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She was predeceased by her parents Francisco & Julita Monteiro, and her beloved siblings Carlos, Raul, and Sarita. She is survived by her husband Michael; her son Neal (Christine); daughter Michelle (Jeff); her grandson Markus - as well as her sisters Ceu & Elisa; sisters-in-law Antoinette, Monalisa and Noemy; Diego (Ameeta), Joaquim (Melba) and Flaminio. She graduated from the University of Bombay, working as a teacher in Goa until she married Michael, and they embraced a new adventure together - settling in Canada in the mid-70's. She raised two successful children, and enjoyed a career of her own with the Government of Manitoba until retiring in 2005. She was an eminent member of Winnipeg's Goan community - especially with her soulful expertise in Goan cuisine, and her love for both Konkani and Portuguese music. Funeral was on April 20, 2024. Mass at Saviour of the World Church, Loutolim on Friday 3 May at 8:15 am. Photos click here.

Podcast: Goa's clan system and migration: The numbers behind it all

Talking Konkani Music from California to Goa
2 May. Herald. Savio Rodrigues is an internet musical sensation. Based out of California, US, every month he brings Goans worldwide together with his Facebook musical programmes. Son of Lazaro Rodrigues and Susan Mendonca e Rodrigues, Savio was born in Bombay but grew up in St Estevam since the age of 2 years. Though the family of six, including Savio and his two brothers and one youngest sister, were facing difficulties financially, they found joy in attending the village tiatrs. It was especially Susan’s love for Konkani music that inspired Savio to take up singing and acting at the age of 7. Eventually, Rodrigues landed in the US where he formed a band called ‘Poco Locos.’ It was during the Covid lockdowns that Rodrigues started uploading his music online, and a new journey began.  For further details click here

Manchester: The Best Curries at Zouk Tea Bar
30 April. Manchester Evening News UK. If you have ever been to Goa, then you’ll know the long-haul flight is almost worth it for Goan Fish Curry alone! Fortunately, you can skip the flight and dig into it any time at Zouk. Added to the menu because it is the owner Tayub’s favourite dish, this is one for seafood lovers to enjoy. It’s a warming aromatic curry with coconut, mustard and curry leaves. Although the fish can vary at Zouk they use delicious haddock that melts in the mouth with each bite.  For further details click here

Indian Social Workers in Swindon may Strike over pay
1 May. BBC UK. Social workers that were recruited in India to work in Wiltshire are considering strike action due to a dispute over pay. The workers, who were hired by Swindon Borough Council to work for their social services branch in Euclid Street, criticised the department's "colonial" hiring practices…Between 2022 and 2023 the council addressed its need for more social workers by recruiting 14 from India…However, the 14 workers - who are all members of the GMB trade union - are now set to be balloted on whether to take strike action as they are unhappy with the way pay has been structured in the past year. click here.

Wendell’s Moda Museum Finally a Reality
2 May: Navhind Times. The Moda Museum as envisioned by the late fashion designer Wendell Rodricks is finally becoming a reality. It will open in December of this year. It was in 2014, after working on the book ‘Moda Goa: History and Style’ that Rodricks came up with the idea of creating a museum and research centre to preserve Goan heritage. This led to several donations of vintage garments, costumes, textiles, accessories like shoes, hats, armour, jewellery, cigar holders, statues and photographs. In fact, over 800 such interesting items were collected, dating back from the 7th century AD to the present. The designer’s own personal collection of items gathered over the years is also going to be a part of the museum display.  For further details click here

Death: Jennifer Augusta Paul. Dar es Salaam
29 April. Jennifer Augusta Paul died in Dar es Salaam. Beloved sister of Joyce Almeida, Juracy Sequeira, Julie Braganza and Joe Paul.

Before Becoming Goan
1 May. Trailing Spouse. Michelle Mendonca spent 18 years as a trailing spouse in three countries before moving back to India — where her adventures have been chronicled in her new book, “Becoming Goan: A Contemporary Coming Home Story.” Here Mendonca talks about her earlier life. Her trailing-spouse journey began in 1993, when her husband Bharat was offered a job in either Dubai or Nairobi. They evaluated both opportunities and chose Dubai for the safety of their young family.  For further details click here

The Violent Birth of Kampala
1 May. Debunk Media. When it sprung up in 1890, Kampala was a suburb of Mengo. But by the end of the decade and century, the roles were quickly reversed; Mengo became a Kampala suburb. But here you were a Black citizen of Kampala, barely a generation new into what used to be barred to your grandparents, and you were expected to have already fitted into a city not built for your culture. One of the most important clues that they did not want you in this city, was that space existed for European, Arab and Asian religious beliefs but none for African ones.  For further details click here

Goa Elections: Disconnect between People's Concerns and Political Narrative
30 April. Frontline. The issue of grievances voiced by taxi-drivers should have taken prominence in Goa, but the general feeling is that it is neglected and that taxi driver stories during elections are no longer taken seriously. The story is simple. Goa recently got a second international airport in the district of North Goa. When the local people opposed the project, the government assured them that they would get 80 per cent of the jobs that would be created, including those in the taxi sector. Almost a year and a half after the airport’s inauguration, that promise has not been kept. The full story is by subscription.  For further details click here

Cardinal Ferrão ordains 12 new priests for Goa and Daman

A Food Writers Go-To Macau Restaurant for Goan Food
1 May. South China Morning Post. Annabel Jackson, co-founder of Slow Food Hong Kong, reveals where she goes in Macau to eat Macanese crab curry and minchi, and Goan food. Among the many Portuguese restaurants in Macau is that of Elias Colaco, who can trace his family history in Goa across centuries. He makes mostly Portuguese and Goan food - including a wonderful Goa fish curry - but he is also working on vegan dishes.  For further details click here

Chief Minister Goa: Special Status Does not Matter Now
1 May. Herald. CM Sawant said the issue of Special Status does not matter now as it has already received special treatment from the central government of India. The state for a long time has been demanding special status to preserve its own culture and heritage, but according to Sawant the Modi government has done more for Goa than special status would have.  click here

Pottery, Pool and Paddy Fields: Moving to Goa
1 May. The Better India. Kavita and Manoj Nair moved from Bombay to Goa, refurbished a rundown cottage in Anjuna, and moved in. In hindsight it was the best decision they made. In an attempt to welcome people from across India and the world to experience the magic of Anjuna, they started the homestay concept that year. And since then, the house hasn’t seen a dull moment.  For further details click here

A Beachside Wedding in Goa
30 April. Conde Nast Traveller. Despite having met as college students in Los Angeles and currently living in New York City, Mitali Gupta and Nick Ruzicka have always known they’d get married in India. After considering a few cities in India, the couple decided on Goa. Goa has a really big art scene, and a lot of Portuguese history, so we decided to lean into that and found local DJs and musicians who added local flair,” says Mitali of hiring Portuguese samba and bossa nova band Sambucada and guitarist Bors Bey She also adapted her aesthetic visions to what was locally available; while she’d hoped to use a lot of mogra (or jasmine) flowers, the plant doesn’t grow as well in the beachy climate and was cost-prohibitive to fly in. Instead, they decorated with more of the lotuses that had made Mitali love the St. Regis in the first place.  For further details click here

Paulista Statute Unearthed in Panjim

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Goa Airport Receives Bomb Threat
29 April. Mint. Goa Dabolim Airport received an email about a bomb. The police were immediately contacted and the bomb squad set about combing the area. Although extra security precautions were taken, flight operations were not effected.  For further details click here

My Encounters with the Kapenguria Six
30 April. The Nation, Kenya. Well known writer Mervyn Maciel talks about his brush with the Kapenguria Six and other detainees. In the lead-up to the Mau Mau resistance and eventually Independence, the Kapenguria Six – Bildad Kaggia, Kung'u Karumba, Jomo Kenyatta, Fred Kubai, Paul Ngei, and Achieng' Oneko – were six leading Kenyan nationalists who were arrested in 1952, tried at Kapenguria in 1952–53, and imprisoned thereafter in Northern Kenya. Subscription required.  For further details click here

British Empire Exhibition: The Forgotten Event at Wembley
28 April. BBC UK. On St George's Day one hundred years ago, King George V stepped on to the turf of the newly created Wembley Stadium to open the British Empire Exhibition - and in doing so became the first UK royal to make a live radio broadcast...t welcomed some 27 million visitors in the time it was open...Other pavilions representing 56 of 58 territories from the empire were dedicated to the different colonies and dominions and filled with displays to try to give visitors a glimpse of life around the world...While novelties like a 16ft (5m) tall ball of wool may have amused, more controversial was the use of nearly 300 non-white colonial people who travelled from across the empire to depict places like Nigeria by living and working in the pavilions.  For further details click here

Croissants aren't French and vindaloo isn't Goan
28 April. The Independent UK. In this fascinating history of dishes from around the world, we discover fascinating food facts. In a new book called La Cucina Italiana Non Esiste (literally “Italian Cuisine Does Not Exist”), food historian Alberto Grandi claims, among other things, that Italians only discovered tomato sauce when they emigrated to the Americas, where tomatoes are native...Catholic missionaries brought the Western-style cooking method of deep frying to Japan in the 16th century, while vindaloo is derived from the Portuguese “vinha de alhos”, referring to the dish’s two main ingredients, wine and garlic. The latter was originally a means for Portuguese sailors to preserve fresh ingredients, but they adapted it with spices and chillies when they got to Goa.  click here

Nehru's Words: On Goa
28 April. National Herald. With a general election looming, Nehru's idea of a modern India is being re-examined. The two issues he grappled with during his tenure as prime-minister were Goa and Kashmir. Here, in his own words, we find out what he thought of his actions in Goa...I think that when history comes to be written, Kashmir and Goa will be the brightest examples of our tolerance, of our patience and of the way we have suppressed our anger and resentment at many things in order to follow the broad idealistic policy that we have laid down.  click here

Critics of Modi barred from Entering India
27 April. ABC AUS news. As India gears for its general elections, some trends have emerged which question the depth of India's democracy. British academic Nitasha Kaul sounds the alarm about the erosion of Indian democracy. The BJP party headed by Modi is set to win a third term, but to her utter surprise Kaul is among those banned from entering India. In February, she was detained and deported from India after being invited to speak at a conference about India's constitution. To date, no valid reason has been given for this decision.  For further details click here

The Transformative Power of Intergenerational Love
29 April. Gomantak Times. The plight of the elderly in Goa, left to fend for themselves, paints an ever grim picture. The young have left in search of employment elsewhere in the face of ever growing unemployment and lack of opportunities in Goa. This leaves the most vulnerable in society to fend for themselves. While the Modi government pledges support for senior citizens and Pope Francis advocates prioritising them, it is only intergenerational love which can save them from complete social isolation.  For further details click here

An Itch Impossible to Ignore
28 April. New Ways Ministry. Ruby Almeida, advocating for LGBTQIA Catholics around the world for the past two decades, including leadership in Quest, Bridge and Embrace India, and the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics, helps manage a programme for people wishing to return to their Catholic faith practice. Almeida is convinced the yearning expressed by many marginalised and estranged people in the LGBTQIA faith community, is a kind of itch that is impossible to ignore. She says, I have seen grown adults in tears when they have talked about their faith journey; that outpouring of emotion which has been bottled up for so long is a cathartic and liberating experience for them. To see them grow in self-belief, knowing that they are loved and that they are valued members of the faith community, all of this creates space and opportunity for them to grow closer to Jesus. They are able to become a the branch that bears much  click here

UK Goans speak about Goa elections.
28 April. Dainik Gomantak. In this video UK Goans endorse South Goa candidate Viriato for Congress. One member of the audience who was formerly supporting Revolutionary Goans (RG) now strikes a note of caution about them. Video 3min 25. Web Link.

Jeremy Franco: Goan Comedian from Down Under
29 April. SBS Spice Podcast. The Goan-Australian comedian and content creator Jeremy Franco has been creating South Asian content which is universally appealing and yet specifically relevant. Unfiltered, unapologetic and an absolute riot, Jeremy has now amassed an audience across social media that adores his comedic takes on life being Goan-Australian. Jeremy sat down with our co-host Suhayla at our Sydney Studios to unravel everything that has made him the entertainer he is today. From dissecting South Asian representation to asking 'where is Lily Singh?', this episode leaves no stone unturned in exploring how tangled the web has become for comedians of colour.  click here
For Jeremy Franco's video channel  click here

Libby de Liberdade
28 April. Herald. Writer Vivek Menezes examines the extraordinary but little known life of Libby de Liberdade. A contemporary and friend of the modernist artist F. N. Souza, Libby led a remarkable life. Born into relative comfort into a family from Porvorim, this self-described “chit of a girl” was intent on participating in the vibrant world of ideas and idealism she was surrounded with in South Bombay. While still a student, she was the Secretary of Tristão de Bragança Cunha’s anti-colonial Goan Youth League...Everything changed for Libby after Vaman Sardesai unexpectedly walked through the doors of All India Radio.  For further details click here

Aquino Braganza: Goa's link with Mozambique
27 April. Navhind Times. Journalist Frederick Noronha examines the dissident streak in East African Goans, a tiny section of the community who supported African nationalist movements. Among them was Aquino Braganza. Born in Goa, fluent in French and Portuguese, he was a sensitive and discreet political negotiator, earning himself the title of 'the submarine.' Later, he played a prominent role in Frelimo fighting for Mozambique's independence.  For further details click here
For the Wikipedia entry on Aquino Braganza.  click here

Remo Talks about his Concert in Mumbai
27 April. Free Press Journal. In a candid interview renowned Goan singer Remo Fernandes talks about his upcoming concert in Bombay. Touring with his band named 'The Microwave Papadums,' he explains the reasons behind this unusual name, why he still visits Goa every six months, and among an array of other topics, what his opera about Mother Teresa was all about.  For further details click here

C. D'Souza Marosa Reburbished

Sun Estates Plans 1000 cr Investment in Goa
26 April. Construction Week. Sun Estates Developers is moving into the hospitality sector in Goa. It plans investments of Rs 1000 cr and will introduce a series of hospitality projects. Building on the success of its recent ventures, including the acquisition by the esteemed Astor’s hotel, Sun Estates Developers is excited to unveil its latest project – the launch of 500 keys branded all-suite service apartments. This marks the beginning of a larger initiative, which will see the development of seven hotels, strategically located within North Goa, each boasting a minimum of 75 to 80 keys and situated within 800 to 900 meters from the beach.  For further details click here

Appeal by Pastor of 'Five Pillars Church' Dismissed
27 April. The Goan. Pastor Dominic D'Souza of the Siolim 'Five Pillars Church' has appealed to dismiss the order of externment brought against him and his wife. The controversial church has been accused of misleading the public and engaging in conversions which are illegal under Indian law. The only avenue for redressal now open to the beleaguered D'Souza, who to date has nine cases pending against him, may be the Bombay High Court.  click here

Video: Entertainment: Lorna Cordeiro
The Best Of Lorna Cordeiro – Duets 26 April. Renson.konkanisongs Playlist: Abortion - Lorna & Lawrence De Tiracol Mittacho Farr - Lorna & Seby Fernandes Maria Magdadena - Lorna & Dona Ghor Zanvoim - Lorna & Abbey Xinso Mouvancho - Lorna & Romeo Bhau Bhoinn - Lorna & Seby Fernandes Ugdass - Lorna & Jose Rod Ghatkea Rony - Lorna & Seby Sintid Lagonam - Lorna & Abbey. 45m. Web Link.

A Tamarind Tree's Inheritance

A Peek into Portugal Through Goa
26 April. Outlook Traveller. Tired of the rat-race in Bangalore, Bennita Ganesh returned to Goa where she grew up and decided to save a ruinous Portuguese-styled house. A vision in yellow, Arco Iris is set in a rambling 1.5 acre property with emerald green lawns, fruit trees and flowering bushes. But what you see today as you set foot on the property wasn't so appealing when Bennita chanced upon it 10 years ago. Having been abandoned for over 40 years, it was in dire need of restoration. Initially planned as a family holiday home, it is now a homestay.  For further details click here

The Carnation Revolution marked the end of Portugal’s empire
27 April. Yahoo News. This week Portugal celebrated 50 years of the Carnation Revolution which marked the end of Salazar’s despotic regime. Emboldened by the end of colonialism in Goa, and desperate to end the ongoing civil strife in colonial Portuguese East Africa, low-level officers in the Portuguese army backed by popular support led the Carnation Revolution against Salazar, and which swiftly brought on the end of colonialism in its African colonies.  For further details click here

WhatsApp will exit India if forced to break Encryption
27 April. India Today. WhatsApp is known to be one of the most widely-used messaging platforms across the world. The Meta-owned company swears by its privacy features, and has often said that whatever its users' share stays between them and the receiver as the messages are protected by end-to-end encryption. n February 2021, the government of India announced the new Information Technology Rules 2021, which included intermediary guidelines and a digital media ethics code, considerably weaking privacy rules of big tech companies. This meant that platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and others that use end-to-end encryption for messages would have to break it to comply with the government's new rule. WhatsApp has threatened to leave the Indian market if forced to comply.  click here

Goans can now Translate Portuguese Docs in Qatar
26 April. The Goan. For those Goans in Qatar struggling to translate their property or other documents written in Portuguese into English, it will surely come as good news that Sheen Services now offers this facility. They assure Goans, that whether it is attesting documents issued in Goa for use in Doha or in Portugal, Sheen will provide a smooth services assisting Goans navigate these administrative and legal hurdles.  For further details click here

Traditional Goan Roce Ceremony in California
26 April. The Goan. Roce ceremonies are still a staple just before the wedding in Goa, but when one such ceremony took place in California, it proved to be a revelation for those who have never witnessed it before. Michael Fernandes of South Goa was determined son Arnold and his bride Amelia Jasinski should experience this tradition, and helping the family to recreate it was events management company The Tinto.  For further details click here

Goan Candidates to Contest Swindon Elections
16 April. The Goan. Lui Godinho gives us the background on the Goan candidates who have decided to contest in the Swindon council elections, in order to better engage with the community and bring pertinent matters to the fore. Domingos Seby Dias was born in Panjim, and in 2023, he was elected as Labour South Swindon Parish Councillor. Ana Fernandes was born in Cansaulim and has worked in the healthcare sector and Princia Fernandes of Mapusa has lived in the Gorse Hill area for the past 15 years.  click here