Goan Voice - UK - providing updated comprehensive news coverage on Goa daily.

News Summary

ZIMBABWE BY THE SEA

1 Feb: Herald. The horror stories of British expats who have invested in property in Goa has earned Goa a new name ‘Zimbabwe by the sea” … Bryan Smith, who is working with an informal group of British expats said, “None of you know what really is going on. It’s a mafia all right. They are elderly people out there and they are very very scared. People are falling sick, some are suicidal and one suicide which has happened is, we are sure, a direct result of such stress. Some really do not have any money left”. He went on to add, “Do you know what Goa is referred to by a majority of those who are suffering and those who have friends and relatives back home who know what’s going on? Goa is called “Zimbabwe by the sea”… 905 words. click here
Visa uncertainty and ED scrutiny pre 2010 made the Goa dream a nightmare for Brits 1 Feb: Herald. 653 words. click here
Settled: All lands cannot be presumed to be agricultural 1 Feb: Herald. … 442 words. click here.

Englishwoman replicates restoration of Goa Fort in Portugal

31 Jan: Diario de Noticias (Portugal). It may seem strange, but the Englishwoman, Lady Helen Hamlyn, who heads the Hamlyn Foundation, will donate 2 million euros for the refurbishment of the Fort at Albarquel, in Setúbal, Portugal. She is a childless 89 year old widow and in 2008 paid for the restoration of Reis Magos Fort in Goa … click here
[From the Archives] 17 Nov. 2002. Daily Telegraph (UK). Tycoon's widow loses battle to restore Goa's ancient fort. Lady Hamlyn, one of the richest women in Britain, had offered to pay £300,000 to restore the 16th-century Reis Magos fort. She has become embroiled in a bitter row with the government of Goa after being accused of trying to turn an ancient colonial monument into a holiday home … [This paranoia regarding the Brits’ holiday homes is nothing new, it appears!] click here

Editorial: Goa is a police-less state

31 Jan: Herald. The robbery and double murder at Vasco, has formally marked the death of law and order in Goa, if ever there was any need of another empirical evidence. There is no respite from the mounting robberies and murder cases, spread across South Goa, with an absolute absence of either fear of law or of a criminal investigation. The impunity with which the robbers cum killers struck at a home within a housing society is blood curdling. There were three defenseless women, a mother in- law and her two daughter’s in- law, and an infant at home with the husbands of the daughter’s in- law working aboard ships… click here

'Forgotten Hero' - Seraphino Antao

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30 Jan: Coastweek (Mombasa). By Franklyn Pereira (photo), Chairman - Goan Institute, Mombasa: It is now over six months when the Coastweek highlighted the prowess of our elite Coast athlete who won two events in the Commonwealth Games with Gold Medals for the two races. Seraphino (photo) was born and bred in Mombasa and was deserving a road in his name which it is sad to say that the Mombasa Council is dragging its feet. It is indeed a poor reflection that we have yet to honor this great athlete. We are awaiting that our leader Joho amidst his various tasks will have some time to attend to the humble request. click here
30 Jan: Coast Week: Twelve Year’s Ago: Olympic Gold medallist Kipchoge Keino and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Seraphino Antao were seen together in Nairobi early this week following celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Kenya Amateur Athletics Association… click here

Coastweek. Seraphino Antao Obituary. click here.

Milton Fernandes: London to Goa for the love of Tiatr

31 Jan: Herald. Based in the UK, Milton Fernandes’ love for tiatr is all consuming. His first audio CD ‘Sot’tor Pavtti Sat’ is his tribute to Konkani and Goa… Initially he was based in UAE and came to the UK on transfer. Like most Goans abroad if not all, my love for Goa has grown over the years … my stage name is “Milton de Taleigao” … click here

Goa grows up

31 Jan: The Guardian (UK). The hippy days are over, but Goa has evolved, so while Anjuna and Vagator beaches join Calangute in the file marked “overcrowded”, a heavenly relaxed beach vibe can still be found elsewhere: on the sands of Ashvem-Mandrem, for example, and in the bays and beaches of the far south … There are dozens of yoga and wellness experiences, plus historical Portuguese and Goan heritage homes inland. And one of the best reasons of all to visit now is the brilliant food scene that is developing in north Goa. It is one of the most exciting in India: a modern cuisine with a combination of local, national and international influences but with an identity all its own. And there are countless places to try it… 1941 words + photos + comments. click here

Maryland: Peter D'Souza: Hope House: Medicaid changes could close addiction centers

31 Jan: The day after a County executive order declaring heroin a public health emergency, the operator of Hope House said changes in Medicaid payments could force him to shut down treatment at two centers devoted to turning around the lives of addicts. "This could destroy the system of care in Maryland that has taken years to build," said Peter D'Souza, CEO of Treatment Centers. "I could be forced to close in a couple of weeks." Two Hope House facilities, in Crownsville and Laurel, provide a 21-day detox and mental health program for around 80 people on any given day. The program has been running for 32 years and has treated thousands of patients… click here
Peter is married to Loretta D'Souza and father of Samantha. He was the President of the New York Goan Association in 2005. For the Hope House website, click here

Video: Fred De Sam Lazaro: Mumbai’s Slum Dwellers

30 Jan: PBS Newshour (USA). By Fred De Sam Lazaro, correspondent: Few cities anywhere display a wider gap between haves and have-nots than Mumbai, or Bombay. Real estate is costlier here than in Manhattan. Yet two-thirds of this city of 16 million people live in slums—crammed spaces that are technically illegal and by most measures unfit or unsafe for human habitation. It’s here that Jockin Arputham is a towering figure, even though he’s barely five feet tall. His efforts have helped nearly 40,000 families get out of dangerous and unsanitary improvised shelters to complexes like this one, which is now providing new homes for squatters who are living under electric towers. Those are due to be rebuilt and expanded … 7m. 06s. click here
Fred De Sam Lazaro was born in Bangalore and his parents are from Margao and Mapuca. He immigrated to the US with his mother in 1975. He now lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. For a profile of him, click here

Horatius Da Gama Rose: Nairobi: Did dead man sell Karen land?

1 Feb: Daily Nation (Kenya). The ownership battle over the controversial Sh8 billion [approx £60m] 134-acre land in Karen has taken a new turn after the names of Arnold Bradley and lawyer Fredrick Hopley were mentioned in transactions they were allegedly involved in many years after they had died… The court dispute over the land involves Muchanga Investments Ltd, associated with businessman Horatius Da Gama Rose … Mr Da Gama Rose says his company charged the property to Barclays as security between 1983 and 1989. He attached minutes of board meeting of 1983 attended by one-time Vice-President Moody Awori and his wife Rose… click here
1 Feb: The Standard (Kenya). Mystery over Sh8b Karen land saga deepens … click here

Goa has good roads; why not California?

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31 Jan: San Jose Mercury News (California). Upendra Brahme of Fremont writes: “I was visiting Goa in India (It's a popular tourist destination in India, much like Hawaii in the United States) and expected roads to be riddled with potholes . To my surprise, the roads were well maintained, and we did not see any potholes during our week-long stay. Way better than California roads… click here

Goa’s online market growing at a fair click

31 Jan: Herald. Even as the big ‘end of season sale’ on-line are not yet over, the year 2014 has seen millions of dollars pouring into cash registers of online companies like Snapdeal, Flipkart and Amazon to name the lead. Discount offers on some of these sites went up to 90% and even a minimum 50% off was what one could click on. Speaking to Herald, National Council Chairman for SME/ Assocham Manguresh Pai Raikar says, “e- business is growing at a very fast pace in Goa compared to other parts of the country. One reason being, most of the population is cyber savvy… click here

Drugs: The Sinister South

31 Jan: The Goan. Stories of notoriety are related to the movies. In this case, it could be from the multitude of drug movies out there in the world, be it Hollywood or Bollywood. This story involved a bike accident, a death, a drug cover up and a few nefarious connections. There could also be a drug lord in there somewhere. Perhaps it’s a tiatr script waiting to happen. Anything is possible in South Goa now. Because right now, drugs are available freely outside higher secondary schools and colleges. What was once just available up North, has now found its way into Salcette. And the authorities seem none the wiser… 1601 words. click here

SMART CITY: Will Goa make the smart choice?

31 Jan: The Goan. The urban development ministry has announced plans to develop two smart-cities each in all states of India. The cities in Goa are particularly lacking in terms of public conveyance, garbage treatment plants, wide roads, parking areas and industries. In this context, this announcement has brought some sense of hope to everyone. In this issue of The Goan, we spoke to industrialists, thinkers, builders and architects to understand which cities of Goa should be considered for a smart-city … 3319 words. click here

Obituary

Funeral details: Peter Mendes

25 Jan: London, UK. PETER MENDES. Aged 69. Ex Nairobi, Kenya. Member of Crusaders (Nairobi) and Simba (London) Football Clubs. Beloved son of late Honorato and late Brigida Mendes. Devoted partner of Julia Ryder (New Zealand). Loving brother to late John (Emma), Cyril, Mario (Karen) and Joy (Agnelo) Moraes. Proud and adoring Uncle to Judy (Preeta) and Adriano and Great Uncle to late Angel, Aaron, Callum and Amber. He fought a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Condolences by email to joymoraes6@yahoo.com
Funeral: Thursday 12th February 2015. Requiem Mass at 11.00 a.m. St Monica's Roman Catholic Church, Stonard Road, Palmers Green, London N13 4DJ. Cemetery: Strayfield Road Cemetery, Cedar Road, Enfield, EN2 0TH. Wake/reception: The Darji Pavilion, 26 Oakthorpe Road, London N13 5JL. Message: For anybody wishing to bring flowers but who may prefer instead to make a charitable donation please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Peter-Mendes/

Death: Austin Fernandes

22 Jan: Bishop's Stortford, Herts, UK. ANTHONY AUSTIN FERNANDES. Born 1952. Ex Kampala, Uganda; Benaulim, Goa (Ex BoI, Margao). Son of the Late Josinho Fernandes and Esmenia Pereira E. Fernandes. Beloved husband of Severina (Ex BoI). Most loving father of Bruno (Cambridge University). He will be greatly missed by his brothers/sisters-in-laws: Agnelo/Joaquina (BC, Canada), Sebastian/Lorna (Calcutta, India), Francisco/Bridgitte (London, UK), Sisters: Philomena/Dr Peter Alphonso, (Benaulim, Goa), Escolastica Teodomira Fernandes.(London, UK). Nephews: James/Laura, Alvito Fernandes (BC, Canada), Dr Christopher/Wilma, Rev. Fr. Valentine, Demetrius Alphonso,(Benaulim). Niece: Andrea Fernandes (Calcutta, India). Grand Nephew: Raphael Fernandes, (BC, Canada). Grand nieces: Taisha Rodrigues Fernandes (Calcutta, India), Gia Alphonso (Benaulim, Goa) and Emily Fernandes (BC, Canada). For funeral details, watch this space.Condolence messages to: Severina Fernandes, severinafernandes@btinternet.com and/or Agnelo Fernandes, agnelofernandes41@gmail.com

Death: Perpetua Menezes

30 Jan: Volvoneam, Tivim, Goa. PERPETUA ALEXANDRA PEREIRA E MENEZES. Born 1938. Ex Uganda. Wife of late Dominic Menezes. Mother/Mother-in-law of Lincoln / Anita (Mumbai); Geraldine / Agnelo Fernandes Patxa (Benaulim); late Hazel, Celine / Milton Antao (Mapusa). Grand Mother of Russel, Hazel, Hanzel, Herman & Kevin. Passed away suddenly. Funeral on Sunday 1 Feb at 4.30 p.m. to St. Christopher Church, Tivim.

News Summary

Hundreds of Britons buying property in Goa probed

At least 100 cases of Britons’ properties in Goa cleared 31 Jan: Navhind Times. Goa authorities said that they have decided and disposed of around 100 cases pertaining to purchase of properties in Goa by Britons … ED has set target to complete the pending case by March 2016. It has confiscated around 44 properties and other 56 were closed as no contravention was noticed. The foreign nationals whose properties have been confiscated have appealed … 551 words. click here
Allegations in Britain against Goa officials to be probed. 30 Jan. Business Standard. Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar Friday promised a probe into allegations made in the British Parliament that government officials in Goa were duping British citizens. Parsekar said: "I have heard this. It is a serious matter. I will enquire into this. I'll find out what the issue is." … Currently, around 200 properties are under various stages of investigation, while 22 properties which had been illegally purchased had been confiscated by the agency… 412 words. click here
CM to contact UK officials in ED matter. 31 Jan: Herald. Chief Minister Parsekar has said he would inquire whether land sold to British nationals was done with wrong intent and reiterated that Goa government has discouraged selling land to non-Goans… click here.

Tens of Thousands of Indians buying property in London lauded
17 Jun. 2014: Daily Mail (UK). Super-rich Indians buy up £1BILLION worth of luxury property in London's Mayfair in just 12 months. An estimated 3,000 wealthy Indian families own luxury properties in the famous London district … Photos + text. click here
15 Aug. 2014: The Hindu. Indians accounted for over half the investment flow from overseas into the central London property market, according to latest figures… click here
24 Sep. 2014: Times of India. Lodhas to invest $5bn in London realty … click here.

Charlie Hebdo: Selma Carvalho & Teotonio R de Souza columns

Charlie Hebdo will not be gagged 31 Jan: The Goan. By Selma Carvalho (photo). In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, my friendships lay strewn on the battleground of public debate. Nothing polarised the public that January week as did the events unfolding in France. Within hours, my liberal friends were posting articles commiserating with the fallen but with the not-so-subtle caveat that Hebdo had it coming. In the days that followed, the frenzied pens of left wing comrades kept telling us that Hebdo was a racist, xenophobic, misogynist rag, entirely responsible for their own deaths. It mattered little, that in France, there was no one more left wing than Hebdo… click here
Also sprach / zeichnete Hebdo. 31 Jan: The Goan. By Teotonio R. de Souza (photo). We may need to ask why the Hebdo tragedy took place. To avoid it happening again we need an answer which does not hide any prevailing unfreedom. Rabindranath Tagore had prayed for such freedom for India: "Where the mind is without fear and the head held high…”. Are the Muslim immigrants in France and many other former colonial powers allowed to hold their heads high? … click here

Anup Shah: Took conscious decision not to focus on charter biz'
31 Jan: The Goan. He was born in Kenya and is a lawyer in London. He first came to Goa in 2003 and started the journey to set up ‘Resort Rio’ on the banks of River Baga in Arpora. The Goan in a conversation with Anup Shah, director of Resort Rio on how the current tourist season has been and what his plans are for the coming years… “We will be starting another resort most likely by October 2015 close to where we are now in Arpora. We are going to increase our overall room inventory by 50%. We will use the brand ‘Rio’. We are planning to call our new resort ‘Rio Royale’ as it will be a more upmarket property. Our ambition is to be the best resort in all of India. And, we are making a lot of progress on that front…” Photo. click here

Goa is no. 6 in National Geographic Top 10 Nightlife Cities

Jan 2015. National Geographic. … Whether you're seeking a secluded bolthole or all-night gyration, Goa's beaches are right for your fantasy. Channel Goa's hippie '70s heyday at laid-back locales along the golden south shore. A city ban on all-night fests hasn't stopped the fun… The full list: 1. Dublin, Ireland. 2. Belgrade, Serbia 3. La Paz, Bolivia. 4. São Paulo, Brazil. 5. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 6. Goa, India. 7. Ibiza, Spain. 8. Houston, Texas. 9. Thessaloniki, Greece. 10. Baku, Azerbaijan. click here

Go, Goa, Gone?
30 Jan: Khaleej Times (UAE). By Vir Sanghvi. … Over the last decade, Goa changed focus. Tour operators discovered a new market: not-so-rich Russians… dozens of charter planes would fly them into Goa airport late at night. They would be booked into relatively modest hotels (usually three- or four-star), where the staff had been taught to speak Russian. They would be plied with beverages and European food (Goan food is too spicy for their palates) and led to beaches that were dominated by their tour operators. The Russian infestation of Goa became so endemic that entire areas of the state began to be set aside for Russian visitors. Many Russians bought land in Goa. Russian restaurants were opened. Many regular visitors to Goa stayed away from the areas that the Russians had taken over. But many Goans were not complaining. The Russian visitors boosted tourist revenues, land prices shot up and many Goans got rich… 785 words. click here

Oliver Sean: Portuguese artist to headline at major festival in former colony

29 Jan: Portugal News. The internationally-acclaimed Portuguese singer-songwriter Oliver Sean is to headline at a major Indie music festival in the former Portuguese colony Goa, as talks are being held to bring the star to the Algarve for a series of first-ever concerts in Portugal. Should the talks reach fruition it will be the first time the MTV Europe Music Awards nominee has performed in his native Portugal… Meanwhile, Sean, who is of mixed Portuguese-Goan descent, will be taking part in the event in Goa, which brings some of the biggest independent live bands and singers from around the globe to India. Oliver Sean will be headlining the festival in the country where he grew up and spent his childhood, and which is also known as the culture hub of the region and the international music capital of India… click here
For the Oliver Sean official site with bio, photos, videos, etc. click here

Anarchy and lawlessness in Morjim
31 Jan: The Goan. Morjim residents irate over late night parties - Police book protestors, ignore violators - Complaints at police station, representations to CM fall on deaf ears… In Morjim, on January 2, a group of people invited the members of the police force to come to where they were. No one came. So, these 100-odd residents of Morjim blocked the road. The objects of their ire were six establishments that were disturbing the peace of the village, playing music well past the 10pm deadline and into the early morning hours, that too at high decibel levels. In a cruel twist, the police filed FIRs against the residents of the village for their actions that night and took no cognisance of the violations by the establishments that the residents were protesting against… 1680 words. click here

Food Story: How Sorpotel travelled from Brazil to India

30 Jan: Indian Express. When the Portuguese traders took liking to sorpotel, this slightly sour yet spicy, thick gravy based pork dish in Brazil they rarely thought what went into this rather filling and rich dish. It was only later when they decided to take the dish along did they realise what went into this rich curry. Made by African slaves in Brazil, the dish had the tail, ear, intestines, tongue and a hint of blood. Sorpotel gets better as it gets older and the pork loving Portuguese got it to India. The native Goan Christians and East Indians added their own little tricks to make it even more interesting. It is this variety that is available today… 1168 words. click here

‘Report on Western Ghats ‘suppressed’ by authorities’
30 Jan: Times of India. Talking about the status of his Western Ghats report, professor Madhav Gadgil said that the report had been suppressed by the authorities as it affected the interests of certain sectors … Gadgil also referred to the 74th amendment regarding the mandatory formation of ward-level committees to prepare a ward-wise environment status report and suggested the involvement of educational institutions to play a major constructive role in the preparation of the biodiversity register. Goa has a rich wealth of biodiversity both on land and sea that needs to be urgently preserved, he said. click here

Goa under the brush of R K Laxman

31 Jan: Navhind Times. … Laxman’s sketches – exactly 40 sketches – on Goa were the outcome of a project. He was commissioned to do these sketches in 1998 and they give interesting insight into Goa, which over the years has lost much of its identity. These sketches display everything that is synonymous with Goa… The grand old houses, a passenger waiting for a public transport bus, people going to church, tavern, toddy tappers, fisherwoman, people relaxing on a beach, lovers seen along the riverside promenade, a tattoo artist exhibiting his skill on the arm of a tourist, goatherds, cowherds, temples, churches… The entire Goa has come alive in these sketches… 1333 words. click here

Mopa: Take to the streets, says Churchill Alemao
31 Jan: Times of India. In an attempt to stir up passions over the proposed Mopa airport, former PWD minister Churchill Alemao on Friday tugged at the heartstrings of the people cautioning them that if Dabolim airport is shut, it would spell disaster for Goa… He further came out with a rather quirky suggestion to resolve the Mopa imbroglio. “Shift the Navy there, thereby making sufficient land available at Dabolim to construct two runways," Alemao suggested… click here

Obituary

Death: Angela Mills (nee Goes)
22 Jan: Luton, UK. ANGELA MILLS (nee GOES). Aged 59. Ex – Nairobi. Loving wife of Charles Mills (Luton), beloved daughter of late Lawrence Goes (Young Goes) and Pauline Goes; sister/sister-in law of Anthony/Linette, Mathew/Maria, Greg, Francis/Vyna, Joe/Louise, Tadeus/Matilda, Bev/Ryan. Loving aunt of Christianna, Arianne, Sabrina, Anabel, Jasmine, Oscar, Jessica, Ayrton, Chloe, Dylan, Sebastian and Jenson died suddenly on 22nd Jan 2015. Funeral date will be announced later. Condolences to matilda.goes@gmail.com

News Summary

Herald: “Sorry Mr Lotlikar, we were wrong”

ED Goa Office

30 Jan: Herald. British MP did not accuse Goa officials of the ED, including Deputy Director of ED, of corruption; Full text of British MP’s speech confirms that; Dy Director Lotlikar mentioned only in connection with his order of confiscation of a property which was appealed; Complainants alleged however that Special Director Appeals, (non ED official) demanded a bribe of Rs 10 lakh, and a presiding judge of the IT dept, hearing appeals did so too … 565 words. click here
British MP alleges ‘extreme violence’ against foreigners investing in Goa 30 Jan. Herald. Says visa restrictions have prevented British nationals from registering their properties in Goa; Govt officials in Goa are pretty brazen in demanding money to make problems go away ... 644 words. click here
UK House debates woes of British property investors in Goa 30 Jan: Navhind Times. Hundreds of British nationals who bought properties in Goa but face a prolonged legal battle to hold on to them were at the centre of a debate in the British Parliament… 538 words. click here.

UK’s Foreign voters will decide constituencies for the first time
29 Jan: Daily Telegraph (UK). The 2015 election [7 May] will be first in which seats are decided by foreign voters, a new study has found. In two seats, East Ham and Brent North, the majority of voters were born overseas, while across the country almost 4 million voters – about one in 10 of the entire electorate in England and Wales – were born abroad. The study warned that “fierce rhetoric over immigration” in the run-up to the May election – as mainstream parties fight to undermine the rise of the UK Independence Party – was likely to have “a lasting impact on the political orientations of the new migrant electorate”… London seats have the highest projected share of migrant voters, with only one seat outside the capital – Keith Vaz's Leicester East – in the twenty constituencies with the highest foreign voter share… click here

'Despite achievements, Jose Pereira stayed true to Goan roots’

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29 Jan: Times of India. Artist, theologian, polyglot, scholar, author. Jose Pereira was all this and more, and those fortunate enough to have met him gathered at Xavier Centre for Historical Research (XCHR) to recall the humble genius. "We are here to celebrate the immortality of Jose Pereira, a person who was a product of two traditions, the Latin Christian and the Hindu tradition," said author Savia Viegas, addressing the gathering. Pereira, who lived in New York, passed away on January 27, at the age of 84. He left behind not only the hundreds of articles and paintings that he passionately contributed to society, but especially the frescoes that adorn the sacristy of St Joaquim chapel in Borda. That and his book on mandos, 'Song of Goa, Crown of Mandos'… click here
Photo, courtesy Placido D’Souza shows Jose Pereira, Placido D’Souza & F.N. Souza in New York in the early 1980’s at the time when Placido was the Indian Consul-General in New York.

Errol Pinto: Missing Mississauga patient found
28 Jan: Mississauga News. Peel Regional Police asked for help finding Errol Pinto, 37, who left Trillium Hospital Monday morning and did not return. Police thanked the public for help finding Pinto. click here

Portuguese Govt to aid victimised architect in Goa

29 Jan: Correio da Manha (Portugal). The Consul General of Portugal in Goa is closely monitoring the situation of the architect Filipa Santos Costa (27 years) of Coimbra who has held in Vasco jail since the end of November accused of drug possession (1.48 kg of hashish). … Filipa was detained with her companion the Israeli Eden Amzaleg (aged 26) at [Mapusa] bus stand. The drug was found in the luggage of her boyfriend. Filipa Santos Costa now risks 20 years in prison. She assured the authorities that the hashish was not hers and she did not know anything about it… click here
High court rejects Portuguese national’s bail plea Times of India. The high court has rejected a bail application filed by Portuguese national Filipa Santos Costa arrested by narcotic controls bureau at Mapusa bus stand in a narcotic drugs case in November 2014. Acting on a tip-off, on November 28, 2014, the NCB had arrested the accused along with an Israel national Eden Amzaleg for allegedly jointly possessing drugs… click here

Goa mining ban lifted but operations remain unattractive
28 Jan: Mining Weekly (South Africa). The ban on iron-ore mining in the western Indian province of Goa might have been lifted but the resumption of mining operations to any significant volume was unlikely in the current environment of falling prices and the Indian government’s refusal to lower export taxes. According to an official of the Goa Mining Association (GMA), a representative body of miners in the province, with international iron-ore prices at a five-and-a-half year low, current offers from buyers did not ensure any margins for miners post the taxes and levies payable to the government… click here

Indian Christians Encouraged by Obama’s ‘Hard Talk’ Supporting Religious Liberty

27 Jan: National Catholic Register (USA). Christians took comfort this week from some unexpected “hard talk” in support of religious freedom delivered by visiting U.S. President Barack Obama. The Obama’s remarks came two days after Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s similar remarks, delivered to mark India’s Jan. 26 Republic Day celebration. And to many Christians, both speeches seemed to be directly addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling BJP party… click here
Catholic church's pastoral letter in face of threats to the community. 29 Jan: The Hindu. Concerned by the ‘ghar wapsi' (‘reconversion') programmes and attacks on minorities, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has sent out a “pastoral letter'' to all its dioceses urging followers to be steadfast in their faith and continue to uphold the secular democratic nature of India… click here

Recipe: Goan-style fish curry
28 Jan: Stoke Sentinel (Staffs, UK). Amarpal Harrar, from Coppenhall, near Stafford, is the founder of iCookIndian, a pop-up school of authentic Indian cookery. Amarpal shares his recipe for Goan-style fish curry. He says, “A popular fish for this dish is pomfret, but any fish with a firm texture goes well. I love haddock, which works well here. Traditionally this dish is eaten with the hands and not cutlery as the fish can contain bones.” click here

Six bar dancers detained at Calangute

29 Jan: Gomantak Times. Six bar dancers and a pub manager were detained on Tuesday night after a joint raid conducted by Calangute police and Save Calangute members at Night Lovers pub at Calangute. Members of NGO Save Calangute along with around 200 locals from Calangute gathered outside the pub allegedly involved in prostitution, located near Calangute circle, after receiving a tip off from a concerned local. The establishment – Night Lovers - operating out of a property named Log Cabin at Umtavaddo was running a pub and restaurant without any license, legal documentation or no objection certificates (NOC) … click here
Video. 29 Jan: In Goa News. click here

UK: Forthcoming Events

Sat 14 Feb: Viva Goa Entertainment UK presents 7th, RED N BLACK, CARNI-VAL-ENTINE 2015 at Old Actonian Association Sports Club, Gunnersbury Drive, W5 4LL. From 5:30pm to 11pm.Live music by Electric Dreams, Chico & fenny fever fame DJ Backspin. Celebrate carnival and Valentine's together. An event for all. Entrance-Adults £12, Child £5 (12-6yrs), below 6 years free. For tickets contact Francisco 07957206169/02089329375 chicokey72@hotmail.com. For the flyer click here

Sun 15 Feb. Mungul Union (UK) celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Woodside High School Hall (ex-white Hart Lane School Hall), White Hart Lane, London N22 5QJ. Mass at 12.30pm. Music by "RAINBOW'S END" & "FENNY FEVER SOUND, DJ & MC". For tickets and details, contact Lucas Fernandes (020 8967 7471); Agnela Cabral (0208 646 6996); Rosy D'Silva (020 8889 0417; Rosalind Rebello (020 8767 8652). For the flyer, click here.

For Later Events See www.goanvoice.org.uk/events.php

News Summary

Enforcement Directorate threatens to sue media, British nationals over graft charges

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28 Jan: Business Standard. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has threatened to file a defamation case against a local English daily and British national for tarnishing its officials' reputation. References were made in the British Parliament Tuesday about the woes of British nationals, whose properties have been frozen or confiscated by the ED in Goa. It was subsequently reported in a local English daily. ED spokesperson Pravin Pawar (photo), in a formal press statement issued Wednesday, threatened to file defamation suit against the daily and a British national for "tarnishing the reputation of its officials"… Media reports have named two ED officials, who are allegedly involved in an extortion racket, pressurising the foreign nationals to shell out money in exchange for regularising their confiscated property, a charge that Pawar has denied…615 words. click here
For the names of the two officials click here
UK parliament debates massive corruption in Goa 29 Jan: Hindustan Times. A debate in the Westminster Hall of the House of Commons on Tuesday highlighted the problems faced by hundreds of British citizens who had acquired property in Goa legitimately and had started businesses, but were now at the centre of demands for bribery and inquiries. Terming the situation as the ‘Goan equivalent of the mafia’, Conservative MP Tim Loughton narrated details … click here.

High Court orders NRI to pay wife 25K as maintenance
29 Jan: Times of India. The high court directed a man working in the IT sector in Germany to pay an interim maintenance of Rs 25,000 per month to his unemployed wife in Goa. The husband had challenged the order of the appellate court and trial court before the high court. The lower courts had directed him to pay the maintenance amount. The petitioner stated before the high court that his wife is a qualified electrical engineer and could earn… He is not in a position to pay the maintenance amount to his wife as he has to also look after his retired parents, he had said… click here

Farewell to fish? Looming threat to Goan diet

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29 Jan: Times of India. By Vivek Menezes. Every household in fish-loving Goa already knew what the world's leading journal of original scientific research confirmed earlier this week. There is a precipitous decline in the quantity of fish in the oceans, translating directly to chronic shortages in the market. .. Rampant commercial overfishing is one major cause of the depletion of marine life. Another is wholescale destruction of marine habitat, as recently documented off the Konkan coast in a paper published in Nature Communications by Goa's own Joaquim Goes and Helga do Rosario Gomes (now senior scientists at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, US) … 765 words. click here
Both Helga Gomes and Joaquim Goes were born in Nairobi. For the Goan Voice supplement on Helga Gomes click here
For the Goan Voice supplement on Joaquim Goes click here.

Govt figures project rosy picture of tourism
29 Jan: Herald. While tourism stakeholders are brooding over a poor tourist season, tourist arrival figures for the year 2014 have shown an impressive upward trend of 30 per cent compared to the previous year. Data from the Tourism department reveals that Goa hosted a total of 4,058,226 domestic and international tourists from January to December 2014 as against 3,121,473 tourists in 2013. Out of the total, 3,544,634 were domestic tourists while the remaining 513,592 were foreign arrivals in 2014, whereas 2013 had 2,629,151 domestic tourists and 492,322 foreigners. “The statistical graph showing a 30 per cent increase in tourist arrivals for 2014 reinforces our stand that Goa is a preferred holiday destination in the world and will continue to be one every passing year,” Director Ameya Abhyankar said… click here

Errol Pinto: Patient missing from Mississauga Hospital

Mississauga News. Peel Regional Police are asking for help finding a 37-year-old patient who left Mississauga Hospital and failed to return. Errol Pinto doesn’t have his medication with him, and he may appear confused and disoriented, according to police. He was last seen yesterday at 10:30 a.m. leaving the hospital at 100 The Queensway. He is described as South Asian, 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, with a medium build, black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey and blue winter coat, a bright yellow sweater, grey track pants and sneakers. The photograph released shows Pinto with facial hair, but he is currently clean-shaven, according to police. Anyone with information is urged to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 1233. click here

Goa’s first photography festival embraces photography as art
28 Jan: The Guardian. Goa, although better known for its cheap beach holidays, soft drugs and hippie lifestyle, is due to hold its first photography festival next month in Ucassaim, Bardez Goa, showcasing more than 75 photographers from India and beyond… A more contemporary India is represented by Prateek Dubey’s photo of a young slum dweller caught in an accidental, glamorous shaft of light (photo)… click here
29 Jan: Navhind Times. The One School Goa launches Goa International Photo Festival … click here

Newly single Freida Pinto flashes her legs in flirty sheer dress

28 Jan: Daily Mail (UK). She split from Dev Patel, her boyfriend of six years, in November but Freida Pinto has not been sitting at home crying about it. The 30-year-old actress attended the US premiere of her latest movie Desert Dancer at the Santa Barbara film festival on Tuesday night in a fun, flirty dress with a sheer skirt which showed off her long legs. Freida appeared to be in high spirits, laughing and joking with her fellow attendees as she enjoyed her big night… Text + photos + video + comments click here

Conditional bail to Ruby builders
29 Jan: Herald. The court has asked British passport holder Pradip Singh Birring and Jagdeep Sehgal to deposit personal bail bond of Rs 2 lakh each with two local sureties of Rs 2 lakh, and to appear before Crime Branch from 10 am to 5 pm for the next 15 days as one of the main preconditions of the bail. They have also been barred from visiting the municipal area of Canacona, where the tragedy occurred and have to surrender their passports to the court… The duo was arrested from Vashi in Mumbai, on January 16, over a year after they absconded from the accident site on January 4, 2014. They were arrested while attempting to sell their Vashi properties, at surprisingly lower than market rates to a builder. click here
Video: Prudent Media. English Prime News, 28 Jan. click here

UK: New Event Announcement

UK: TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS By Lira Fernandes

COOKERY: The Big Eat. Food Network (Freeview 48). Saturday 31st Jan. 10:00 to 10:30. Indian food regularly tops the table of the nation's favourite food. Andy Bates and John Whaite are joined by top Indian cook Anjum Anand, who shows them just how great a home cooked curry can be.

FILM: The Mistress of Spices. Film 4. Saturday 31st Jan. 11:00 to 13:00. Aishwarya Rai plays Tilo, a member of a secret clan of women who draw on the mystical properties of Indian spices to cure anything from heartache to heartburn. Practising her delicate skills in California, she is courted by both homesick taxi driver Haroun and sexy architect Doug but which one will steal her heart? 2005, PG, 3 Star.

DOCUMENTARY: Ganges. Yesterday 19. Sunday 1st Feb. 13:00 to 14:00. Daughter of the Mountains. Episode 1. A journey to India's most sacred river. Here, a look at the source of the river in the Indian Himalayas and at the animals who live in these remote regions.

DOCUMENTARY: Our Guy in India. Channel 4. Sunday 1st Feb. 21:00 to 22:05. Guy Martin undertakes an epic 1000-mile trip across India, culminating in one of the world's maddest bike races. Rider Mania is the largest gathering of Royal Enfield motorbikes on the planet. Part 1 of 2. For a trailer, click here.

TALK SHOW: In Our Time. BBC Radio 4. Thursday 5th Feb. 09.00-09.45 & 21:30 to 22:00. Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Indian emperor Ashoka. Active in the 3rd century BC, Ashoka conquered almost all of the land mass covered by modern-day India, creating the largest empire South Asia had ever known.

DOCUMENTARY: One Born Every Minute. Channel 4. Friday 6th Feb. 01:00 to 02:00. This episode meets mums who break the rules, defy convention and arrive at motherhood in very individual ways, including an Indian couple who dated in secret when they were young and continue to break from tradition by having the dad present at the birth.

MUSIC: Composer of the Week. BBC Radio Three. Friday 6th Feb.12.00 to 13.00 & 18:30 to 19:30. Donald Macleod explores music written in a critical time in Schubert's life, following the diagnosis of serious illness. 5. Swansong: Donald focuses on the final year of Schubert's life, when he staged a concert of his own music at Vienna's most prestigious concert venue and wrote some of his finest music. Der Tanz, D826. Patricia Rozario (soprano) …

Portuguese Govt. assisting a national held in Goa for alleged possession of drugs

28 Jan: Lusa Today. Joseph Cesario, The Secretary of State for Communities, said that a Portuguese national had been arrested in Goa on suspicion of possession of hashish. Bail has been refused. The woman was arrested in November last year, along with an Israeli citizen, for alleged possession of almost 1.5 kilograms of hashish… Through the Portuguese consulate in Goa, the woman has received support from weekly visits, toiletries or money to make phone calls… these lawsuits usually take some time - can spend two or three years. However, usually the outcome is the acquittal of Westerners … There is another Portuguese national arrested in Goa, also for alleged possession of drugs, and that remains pending… click here
Video: Portuguese accused of drug trafficking. 28 Jan: RTP. Portuguese government is monitoring the Portuguese held in Goa for alleged possession of drugs… click here

Obituary

Death: Hermes Mendes

22 Jan: Birmingham, UK. HERMES FRANCIS XAVIER MENDES. Aged 83 from Mombasa, Kenya. Died suddenly. Loving husband to the late Charlotte Mendes, loving brother to Teresa Mendes (Nagoa, Goa). Loving father/father in law to Suneeta/Harry (UK), Ruheena/Ajith (UK), Priya/Robert (Ireland) and Pramila/Amar (Kenya). Loving grandfather to Kieran, Neil, Rahul, Rohan, Sairah and Anoushka. No flowers please. For condolences, funeral and donation details, please email suneeta.king@gmail.com

Goa’s Da Vinci passes away in NY

28 Jan: Herald. Dr Jose Pereira, one of Goa’s intellectual giants, who was known as an eminent theologian, researcher, writer, historian, artist, teacher and musician died in New York Tuesday morning… In his death, Goa has lost one of its most brilliant minds, a man who towered over his contemporaries, yet was humble enough to always remain in the shadows… For further details click here
Jose Pereira passes away. 28 Jan: Navhind Times. He was 84. A native of Curtorim, Dr Pereira was born in Mumbai on January 22, 193 … After graduating from St Xavier's College, he was a lecturer in Lisbon, research fellow at the London School of Oriental Studies and then atFordham University, New York. Besides writing 145 research articles and papers on several issues, Dr Pereira has also authored 24 books on diverse subjects … He well known for his Fresco paintings… For further details click here

News Summary

Report + Video: UK Parliament reveals Goa’s land grabbers surpass Zimbabwe’s

Tues. 27 Jan: 16:00 – 16:00pm. Introduced by Tim Loughton, Conservative MP who highlighted the case of Les and Sheila Medcroft (photo) which also affects many hundreds of other British expats … In 2001 the Medcrofts bought the Oceanic Hotel in Palolem, Goa. They went through the legal process and obtained all the licences and certificates. A couple of years ago the Enforcement Directorate claimed that it is built on agricultural land and confiscation proceedings have begun. The Medcrofts started the appeal process and were asked to pay a bribe of £10,000. They declined to do so. The case is still before the Court… A lecturer couple from Birmingham took early retirement and bought a hotel in Goa. Years later it is being claimed that it is on agricultural land… There are about 750 British national owning property in Goa who are facing “systematic abuse” and “demands for money under menaces” … To watch a recording of the debate (link valid worldwide), advance the counter to 16:00 click here
For the Hotel Oceanic website, go to click here

For Sheila Medcroft Facebook page, go to click here.

Editorial: Goa named and shamed in British Parliament
28 Jan: Herald. Very rarely is a small province in a country singled out for special attention, in a manner so shameful. But hearing the speech and the interaction the MP had with his minister, not a single person in our land would have had the heart or the will or the belief to counter what they said or have any defense… This particular speech and the Minister’s reaction have caused far greater damage to Goa’s reputation than anything else ever has… But the damage has been done by what happened in Westminster on Tuesday… 764 words. click here
British MP accuses Goa ED officials of ‘ harassing’ his constituents. Part 1 28 Jan: Herald. Conservative MP Tim Loughton accused Goa officials of corruption while dealing with property cases of British nationals; Says ‘It’s the Goan equivalent of the mafia’, over 300 cases of property confiscation orders issued; Herald accesses live feed of British Parliament proceedings … click here
British MP accuses Goa ED officials of ‘harassing’ his constituents Part 2. 28 Jan: Herald. 623 words. click here.

Obama cautions India against religious divide

28 Jan: Navhind Times. President Barack Obama on Tuesday wound up his three-day trip with a strong pitch for religious tolerance, cautioning that India will succeed so long as it was not "splintered along the lines of religious faith". Delivering a powerful message against religious extremism shortly before he left for Saudi Arabia, he said, "Every person has a right to practise the faith that they choose and to practise no faith at all, and to do so free of persecution, fear or discrimination". Obama's comments in the backdrop of controversies over religious conversion … click here
India's Christians Rise Up Against Hindu Extremist Persecution 27 Jan: Charisma News (Florida). Indian Christians from across denominations have formed a legal-aid agency, complete with a telephone hotline number, to respond to increasing attacks that have followed the rise of Hindu nationalists to national power. click here

Indians lead London population boom
26 Jan: Economic Times. Indians make up a major chunk of foreign-born Londoners leading the British capital's population boom that has set London on course to having nearly half of its citizens born overseas by 2031. Between 1971 and 2011, the number of Londoners born in the Middle East and Asia rose nearly five-fold from 1,80,000 to 9,70,000 with India-born Londoners accounting for about 1,55,000 of the rise… the immigrant population of London has more than doubled since 1971 … On current trends, UK-born will be in a minority in their own capital within 20 years … click here

Video: It's time to jazz with The Goa Collective

27 Jan: NDTV. The Music Hour brings you The Goa Collective, with its Goan style jazz music. The Goa Collective is an ensemble of the very best musicians of goa who have been in the Jazz Music scene of Goa and excelled in it… 22m.59s. click here

Beautiful Beaches To Visit This Winter
27 Jan: Bustle (New York) … Goa is where I want to go-a. But seriously, with average 89 degree highs and 67 degree lows, this coastal paradise makes for a perfect getaway during these winter months. Filled with amazing local restaurants, religious artifacts, and stunning Indo-Portuguese architecture, Goa is definitely worth the 15-plus hour plane ride. click here

Tourist Cancellations lead to Price Reductions in Goa

27 Jan: Kapital (Russia). In recent years prices in Goa have been rising steeply, now they are dropping… This month Indian media reported that about 40,000 Russians cancelled a trip to Goa this year. As a result, the prices of goods and services have come down. If in December a good guesthouse room for two costs $ 30 per day, now you can easily stay for $ 15 cheaper. New, fully furnished apartment with will cost $ 400 per month, compared to $ 700 a month earlier and it is possible to find even a single family house for $ 200. Rent a scooter for $ 50-70 a month or $ 7 for a day … Prices in the cafe on the beach also decreased on average by 20% … earlier price of beach flip flops was $ 10, now asking $ 7 although, as before you can get it $ 4… click here
A Russian, who moved to Goa, spoke about one day of her life there 27 Jan: Our Newspaper (Russia). By Helen Han. … I dressed and went out into the sunlit street and went to the center. Along the way, I was greeted by shopkeepers … I went into a small restaurant and asked for prawns. The waiter brought me a platter of still wriggling prawns and asked me how I would like them cooked … I sipped a cold "Mojito" and enjoyed the warm atmosphere of the evening. Life is Beautiful! … click here

Weekly Weather & Exchange Rates
28 Jan: Goa Met.. Weather: Max = 31.7. Min = 20.0.
For the Meteorological Office (UK) Five day forecast for Goa, click here.
Exchange rates (Xcom): £ = 93.30; $ = 61.44; $Can = 49.56; Euro = 69.86; $Aus= 48.69.

Couple bring swimmer back from brink of death

27 Jan: Blackpool Gazette (UK). A holidaying husband and wife became lifesaving heroes when they brought a stricken swimmer back from the brink of death. Blackpool paramedics Ron and Sue Stewart (photo) were relaxing on a beach in Goa when they realised a fellow holidaymaker, who had been dragged from the sea, was unconscious and lifeless… Ron said, “I was amazed that no one was doing anything, not even the lifeguards had any idea of what to do. Thankfully we got his heart going after a short while” … The drama unfolded on Candolim beach on Thursday afternoon… the victim, who turned out to be a former London taxi driver, suffered a freak injury while swimming… The 65-year-old who now lives in Geneva has made an amazing recovery… Ron says he remains astounded by the lack of equipment available on the beach and the lack of knowledge people had to help… Text + photo + comments. click here

Obituary

Death Peter Mendes

Death: Max Sequeira
20 Jan: Porvorim/ Nachinola, Goa. (JOHN) MAX SEQUEIRA Born: 23/06/1934. Beloved husband of Yvette Sequeira, loving father / father-in-law of Stephanie Marcel Willems (UK) and beloved father of Joel Sequeira (Australia/Canada). Most loving grandfather of Rachel and Robert Willems (UK). Beloved brother/brother-in-law of the late Salus/Priscila Sequeira (Saligao), late Mary/Jules Remedios (Saligao), late Eustaquin Sequeira and Mrs Phyllis Sequeira (Dona Paula), Mr Wolfango/Leena Pinto (Mumbai) and Mrs. Mona Pinto (Australia). His body will be brought directly to Mae de Deus Church in Saligao for last rites on Wednesday. 28th Jan 2015 at 3 pm with Eucharistic celebration at 4 pm. Photo. For further details click here

News Summary

Watch Online Live Worldwide: UK Parliamentary Debate on Corruption in Goa

Tues. 27 Jan: 4pm - 4.30pm. House of Commons sitting in Westminster Hall. Debate on Confiscation of property from British nationals in Goa and corruption amongst government officials. Introduced by Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham… click here
Alternatively for a direct link to the transmission and recording, click here
NRI/ PIOs aren't exempt from this nastiness - dozens of them have been hauled up before the ED on dubious charges of buying 'agricultural, plantation or orchard land'. click here.

From shared joint to custody battle
26 Jan: Littlehampton Gazette (UK). A British man from Kent and a Russian woman had married, had a child, separated and become embroiled in a family court fight within four years of romance blossoming after they shared a cannabis joint in one of India's most famous tourist spots, a High Court judge has heard. The pair met during a holiday in Goa in late 2010 when the woman approached the man and asked if she could share the joint he was smoking, They married in Moscow in May 2012, shortly before their son - now two - was born, said the judge… click here

Video: India's secret weapon or Obama's 'beast': What WAS that giant crab on the Goa float?

26 Jan: First Post. By Ayeshea Perera. The giant crab from Goa was undoubtedly the coolest thing to happen to the Republic Day parade. Inspiring hunger pangs as well as primal fear, that crab glared balefully at the one lakh people gathered to watch the event, and stared down PM Modi, Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. Let not the cheery Goan music fool you. That crab meant business. But what did it signify? Here are our top theories … click here

They voyaged across seas to get to your plate
26 Jan: Times of India. By Andrew Pereira. Most fruits and vegetables that Goans are familiar with today were not always part of the culinary scene, and made their way to Goan shores over the last 500 years… "Both eastern and western cultures parleyed for a long period of time in Goa, the headquarters of the Portuguese. This encounter impacted people's lifestyles and brought about a dietary revolution," Fatima da Silva Gracias, researcher, historian and author, says … click here

Nairobi: Parklands High School Renamed Dr. Ribeiro Parklands School

16 Jan. Parklands School Nairobi was renamed Dr. Ribeiro Parklands School in a ceremony held at the school on Friday 16th January, 2015. In attendance were Trustees of the Esther Ribeiro Fund, Rene Ribeiro de Sousa, grandson of Dr. Rosendo Ribeiro, Corrine Remedios … Rene de Sousa symbolically presented a cheque to the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the School, for the sum of Ksh 5 million, as a donation towards the cost of building a new classroom block and library at the school. Entertainment was provided by the Dr. Ribeiro Parklands School students… With links to: Programme and Brochure: Excerpts from the Programme and the complete Commemorative Brochure, Renaming Ceremony Photos submitted by Baldip Khan, Antoinette DeSouza and Teresa Mandrick … click here

ZimaFest concludes with a bang in Goa
26 Jan: IANS. After a series of electrifying performances, ZimaFest - a live musical festival here, came to an end with adrenaline pumping acts by Indian artistes The F16's, Madboy/Mink and DJ Nishan. The event, which saw an amalgamation of Indian and Russian DJs and bands, was aimed at strengthening the bond between the two nations with the help of music… click here

Canada: Noel D’Souza: Personal financial rules

that help stop you from spending too much money 20 Jan: Globe & Mail. … many of us play simple mind tricks on ourselves and create rules to save money, whether at the checkout counter or in our bank account.. Noel D’Souza, a money coach with Money Coaches Canada and a certified financial planner in Toronto, says many of his clients come up with heuristics to help cope with buying decisions. For instance, the person who will only buy an electronic device if he has done some research on that particular model… click here
Noel was born in Bombay and has lived in Canada for most of his life. His father’s family came from Moira, while his mother’s family is from Aldona. For a Linkedin profile of him, click here

The State failed to protect Goa’s spirit, at the wine festival
27 Jan: Herald. The National Green Tribunal may have indeed delivered judgments which have helped those fighting to protect our fragile environment, but there will be very few in Goa who will be able to fathom its executive decision in declaring Jan 26 a dry day and issuing a diktat that no wine could be sold at a pre-planned, popular wine festival backed by the tourism department of Goa… This is one more nail in Goa’s tourism coffin. click here
27 Jan: Herald. A sour end to the Wine Fest … click here

Video: CCTV footage shows Caranzalem local damaging [Tito’s Mambo] nightclub

27 Jan: Herald. A resident of Caranzalem allegedly broke window glasses of a night club [Mambo’s] in Baga on Monday morning, causing loss to the owners. The accused person was later rushed to hospital for medical attention, as he was bleeding. According to the CCTCV footage, the incident occurred at 7 am when the accused person armed with sledge hammer allegedly started damaging and breaking the window glasses of the night club under the influence of liquor… the locals entered the night club through the entrance door and managed to catch hold of the accused and allegedly beat him up… click here
Video: 26 Jan: InGoaNews. [Culprit named as Michael D’Souza] … click here
Taxi driver arrested for trespass at Calangute. 27 Jan: Navhind Times. Calangute police have arrested Michael D'Souza, a taxi driver from Caranzalem-Tonca, for allegedly trespassing, and breaking window panes of the night clubs and supermarket along the Tito's lane… click here.

Warrant issued for man accused of harassing mother of murder victim Scarlett Keeling
26 Jan: Western Morning News. A warrant has been issued for a man accused of harassing the mother of murder victim Scarlett Keeling after he failed to turn up at his Crown Court trial. Toby Riccard, aged 48, is thought to be living rough in the Midlands after moving away from a remote hut where he had been camping out in the North Devon countryside. He was due to stand trial at Exeter Crown Court accused of breaching a restraining order by writing to Fiona McKeown in October 2013... click here

Goa governor blames tourists for cultural intrusion

26 Jan: IANS. Mridula Sinha, governor of tourism-friendly Goa, Monday blamed tourists for the cultural intrusion in the state, adding that the state was plagued with "social diseases". In her Republic Day address Sinha said: "The tourists who come here bring with them some kind of culture. We welcome all good things which they bring. But some things which they bring distract our youth… For Goa, tourism is an important industry. People who come to Goa, think that it is a place only for enjoyment." click here

Obituary

Death: Austin Fernandes

Death: Austin Fernandes 22 Jan: Bishop's Stortford, Herts, UK. ANTHONY AUSTIN FERNANDES. Aged 52. Ex Kampala, Uganda; Benaulim, Goa (Ex BoI, Margao). Son of the Late Josinho Fernandes and Esmenia Pereira E. Fernandes. Beloved husband of Severina (Ex BoI). Most loving father of Bruno (Cambridge University). He will be greatly missed by his brothers/sisters-in-laws: Agnelo/Joaquina (BC, Canada), Sebastian/Lorna (Calcutta, India), Francisco/Bridgitte (London, UK), Sisters: Philomena/Dr Peter Alphonso, (Benaulim, Goa), Escolastica Teodomira Fernandes.(London, UK). Nephews: James/Laura, Alvito Fernandes (BC, Canada), Dr Christopher/Wilma, Rev. Fr. Valentine, Demetrius Alphonso,(Benaulim). Niece: Andrea Fernandes (Calcutta, India). Grand Nephew: Raphael Fernandes, (BC, Canada). Grand nieces: Taisha Rodrigues Fernandes (Calcutta, India), Gia Alphonso (Benaulim, Goa) and Emily Fernandes (BC, Canada). For funeral details, watch this space. Condolence messages to: Severina Fernandes, severinafernandes@btinternet.com and/or Agnelo Fernandes, agnelofernandes41@gmail.com

News Summary

UK Parliament to debate Corruption amongst Goa’s government officials

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Tues. 27 Jan: 4pm - 4.30pm. House of Commons sitting in Westminster Hall. Debate on Confiscation of property from British nationals in Goa and corruption amongst government officials. Introduced by Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham… click here
Westminster Hall debates. Entry is free of charge. There is no system of tickets or advanced booking. Places are limited and visitors are admitted on a first come, first served basis … For details, click here

12 Jun 2013: Hansard, House of Commons. Q: Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to protect the interests of UK citizens residing and owning property in Goa. [158764] … For the answer go to Column 354W click here.

Why the EU lifted its ban on Indian mangoes
25 Jan: Scroll. Goan connection? … trade experts believe mangoes were prioritised largely because of persistent lobbying by a strong industry of traders both in India and in Europe, and the particular efforts of Indian-origin British parliamentarian Keith Vaz. Soon after the plan to ban Indian imports was announced in March, Vaz sent British Prime Minister David Cameron a boxful of Alphonso mangoes as an early effort to push the United Kingdom to oppose the ban. In May, he launched a ‘Reverse the Mango Ban’ campaign to bring other parliamentarians on board and has referred to mangoes as “symbolic of India”… Vaz’s roots are in Goa, which is part of the Konkan belt that produces Alphonso mangoes… 751 words. click here

Lambert Mascarenhas gets Padma Shri

26 Jan: Times of India. Centenarian Lambert Mascarenhas, popular as a journalist, freedom activist and writer, has been awarded the Padmi Shri 2015 for literature and education. Mascarenhas was awarded Goa's highest civilian award - the Gomant Vibhushan - in September 2014. Mascarenhas said that he was very proud and honoured … He was the first editor of the Navhind Times. Three years later, he successfully founded his own monthly magazine 'Goa Today'. Apart from that, Mascarenhas has also authored five books namely: The First City (published in 1943, Bombay), Sorrowing Lies My Land (published in 1955, Bombay), In The Womb of Saudade (published in 1994), The Greater Tragedy (1998) and lastly, Heartbreak Passage (2009). He also contributed to the liberation struggle of Goa.. click here
The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India. For the Wikipdia profile of Lambert Mascarenhas, click here

Here's how you can travel to Dubai with Jacqueline Fernandes

21 Jan: Hindustan Times. (Mumbai). Jacqueline Fernandez has found her own way to promote her latest film. Jacqueline plans to start a contest on social media to attract the attention of her fans. "She will start a contest on Twitter and Instagram, where her fans can post photos or videos describing how much they love her," says a source close to the actor. The contest will start on January 25. "The winner, who she chooses, will get a chance to travel with Jacqueline to Dubai for the premiere of her film," says the source… click here
Wikipedia: Jacqueline Fernandez was born in 1985, into a mixed ethnic family, in which her father is a Sri Lankan, while her mother is of mixed Malaysian and Canadian ancestry. Her great-grandparents were originally from Goa … click here
For the Jacqueline Fernandez Twitter page, click here.

In south Mumbai churches, all hail 'Yusuf, Mariam aur Yesu'
25 Jan: Times of India. The final Sunday of the month sees hundreds of people gather for a unique mass at St Stephen's Church on Malabar Hill, Mumbai. The Goan-born priest speaks his homily in textbook Hindi. Each time Fr Avin Franklin utters a blessing upon the "pavitra parivar" of "Yusuf, Mariam and Yesu," his congregation echoes, "Aameen." Their hymns are composed in a unique Chhattisgarhi lilt, and `Glory be' becomes `Mahima ho'. Slowly but surely, the profile of churchgoers in south Mumbai is changing… In keeping with the changing demographics, Anglicized priests are conducting `meesa' (mass) in Hindi even as the domestic workers take lessons in English… click here

Sonia Shirsat: A little bit of Portugal in Ponda

25 Jan: Times of India. Say Sonia Shirsat and the first thought is — the fado singer? Perhaps, but few know that the thirty-something girl from Ponda bagged an international award for her speaking skills, much before she started singing professionally. Shirsat the orator may not be well-known, but what about Shirsat the lecturer? The multi-faceted artiste has already become a household name in Goa, but there is much more to her than meets the eyes… Born to a Roman Catholic mother and a Hindu father, she celebrates both Diwali and Christmas with equal fervour. "They never converted and stayed true to their beliefs, but this taught us to respect other religions and made me realize that beyond my world, there are other communities out there that are beautiful too…” She loves her Goa sausages and every dish that includes it as a prime ingredient. She is as proficient in the kitchen as she is in the garden… 834 words. click here
For the website with links to video clips, click here

Goa hosts fest with Indian, Russian musicians
25 Jan: Business Standard. ZimaFest - India's newest live musical festival - began on a high note here and saw an amalgamation of Indian and Russian DJs and bands. Aimed at strengthening the bond between the two nations with the help of music, the fest, which started Saturday, saw performances by Russian artistes like Dolphin and Victoria Mescalito (Soma project)... click here

This Konkani movie shows the way home

26 Jan: Times of India. Two days before the release of Home Sweet Home, director Swapnil Shetkar was holed up in Mumbai, wondering if his movie will see the light of day… For a month now, the movie has been running to packed audiences at cinemas in the city… 'Home Sweet Home' is made for every Goan and tells the story of an NRI who returns home after 15 years of 'service' in the United States. When he sets foot at the airport and is driven 'home' by a helpful taxi driver, he discovers to his horror that his ancestral home is no longer there; instead, there is a sprawling residential complex… click here
Video: Home Sweet Home - official trailer. 4m. click here
Facebook: Home Sweet Home. click here.

Forthcoming Auctions
28 Jan: Mallams Ltd. – Oxford, UK. Lot 189 – An Indian, Goa, Carved Wood Christian Figure, perhaps Mary in a flowing robe with painted decoration, 52cm high… Estimate: 100 GBP - 200 GBP. click here
28 Jan: Dominic Winter Auctions. Cirencester, UK. Lot 383: Dellon (Charles). Relation de l’inquisition de Goa, 2nd ed., Paris: Daniel Horthemels, 1688, Est: 200 - 300 GBP click here

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