COMMUNITY NEWS

EAST AFRICAN GOAN CONVENTION. Lira and I will be away on holiday in Kenya, 22 Aug – 6 Sept and as a bonus we have the opportunity of attending the Convention, which is being held in Nairobi 22-25 Aug. and is sponsored by the Goan Welfare Society. I will be publicising the UK Goan achievements and it would help if some of you with E.A. connections could send me a recent photograph of yourselves together with your name, brief bio data and optionally, your postal address, e-mail address and tel. no. Please also indicate the preferred destination of your photograph after the Convention e.g. Nairobi or Dar or Mombasa Institute. Post photographs and press cuttings to Eddie Fernandes, 1 Onslow Gardens, London N10 3JT. Thank you. Details of the Convention are at: http://www.goacom.com/news/news2002/jul/msg00016.html

From Rene Barreto rbarreto@ntlworld.com : Celebrations for GOA DAY (weekend of Aug 17, 18) are in full swing. Goan communities worldwide will mark this historic occasion for the third year in a row. It is a day to remember our history, culture and give back to the community, helping other Goans wherever they may be. The largest celebrations are in Portugal, Toronto, London, Los Angeles, Africa, and Goa. Only few Goan communities have not joined the celebrations so far in what is expected to be a very successful GOA DAY.

Accommodation available for one/two persons in a bright modern house in Tooting Bec close to all amenities - Church, Tube Station, shopping, Park, Leisure Centres. For information contact Edna on 020 8672 1973 email: emoraes@Talk21.com

Property lawyer Melville Rodrigues, a partner at Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw writes about Stamp Duty in the Estates Gazette, August 3, 2002

From The Times 3 Aug. Keith Vaz was voted the fourth most admired Asian in Britain in a NOP poll for Channel 4 of British Indians. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,635-372942,00.html

DONATIONS APPEAL: £10: Alan de Souza; Alex Faria; Alice D'Souza; Anita Rebello; Antonio Fernandes; Bernie Godhino; Bolly Botelho; Camilo Rego; Colaco, A; Colaco, T; David Futers; Dominick Martins; Eddie Pires; Elizabeth Barreto; Elva Fernandes; Eusebio Pinto; Exano Pereira; Florie Fernandes; Frank Carvalho; George Noronha; Gregg Carvalho; Ivan Fernandes; Jerome Mendes; Joe De Silva; Joe Pereira; Julian Dias; Julian Dias; Leonard Mascarenhas; Luis Fernandes; Luxor Travel; Michael Lobo; Neville Moniz; Norman Cortez; Nova De Souza; Peter Rodrigues; Plino Martins; Raul Dias; Regina Fernandes; Robert de Souza; Rosalind Rebello; Rose Remedios; Silvano Pinto; Tony D'Costa; Tony Pereira; Trudi Couthino; Victor de Souza; Walter Da Costa; Wigberto De Souza. £15: Jovito Dias; Reg Da Cunha. £20: Joseph D'Souza; P A Nunes; Theo Pinto. Please make cheques payable to E. Fernandes and post to Eddie Fernandes, 1 Onslow Gardens, London N10 3JT. Thank you.

DEATHS

2 Aug. Calangute. CANDIDO FRANCIS PINTO de MELLO (SONNY) (Retd. Hosp. Administrator Uganda/Kenya). Brother of late Dr Julio/Ruby Pinto de Mello late Lydia and late Alirio Pinto de Mello. Uncle of Joy (USA) Carol (UK) and Flavia (Kula Lumpur, Malaysia).

2 Aug. Wilts. UK. JENNY DIAS (88) ex-Uganda. Mother of Edmund (Mary nee’ Pereira) and grandmother to Laurence (Bristol) and Marlene (Sydenham). Funeral from St Aldhelm’s Catholic Church, Malmesbury; 11.00 am 9th August. Tel: 01666 824122; email: edias@lineone.net

4. Aug. Mississauga, Canada. DOMINIC ROSE DE SOUZA, 70, (ex-Calangute, ex-Nairobi). Husband of Marcilia. Father of Charles (Mabel), Chris (Sandra), Clarice (Neil Rocha), and Cled (Nicolette). Funeral Mass will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 4070 Central Parkway East, Mississauga on Fri, Aug. 9, 2002 at 2.00 p.m. Internment Assumption Cemetery. Condolences to: Charles De Souza, 3121 Spring Creek Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5N 4S4. Telephone (905)824-5129. e-Mail: charles@allgraphicsupplies.com [info. from Antonio Mascarenhas]

FLIGHT INFORMATION

3 Aug. Daily Telegraph. Fourteen nights' b & b at the Shruti Guesthouse in Calangute, Goa, costs £419 per person, based on two sharing. Jewel in the Crown Holidays (01293 533 338, http://www.jewelholidays.com). Flights depart from Gatwick on October 12.

3 Aug. The Guardian. Departing October 12, 14 nights' B&B at the five-star Taj Exotica in Goa costs from £929pp (saving £280) including flights and transfers. Somak Holidays (020-8423 3000, somak.co.uk).

From Navhind Times 8 Aug. Goa hoteliers are worried about 35% decline in charter tourists. According to Mr Sunder Advani, President of Hoteliers Association of South Goa, the number of flights from United Kingdom is likely to decrease as tour operators such as JMC have reduced their seats to Goa by 50 per cent. The other UK operators have also started reducing their commitments due to poor bookings. A Belgian operator who had planned a charter flight to Goa has cancelled it. There has also been 33 per cent hike in the seat cost on UK to Goa flight to the tour operators due to aviation tax and insurance. Opposition leader Mr Rane said in view of sexual attacks on foreign tourists and other crimes in the state, the tourists from western countries have been cautioned against travelling to Goa.

CANADIAN CORNER

From Montreal Gazette, 4 Aug. “The Quebec Goan Association, based in Montreal, celebrated its silver anniversary on July 17. The association, a Catholic community group made up of about 100 members of Indian origin, is named after the Eastern [sic] Indian coastal state Goa. The group's members gather to mark religious holidays and feasts.”

From National Post. 1 Aug. More on the Alison Fernandes/Irvin Remedios wedding reported last week. The tail end of the report mysteriously dropped off! The couple, both 31, met in 1996 at the Goan Caravan during Toronto's Caravan festival. There was a photograph of the pair in the newspaper too.

The Newsletter of the Goan Assoc Calgary which includes details of their always spectacular 31 Aug. Nite in Goa, is at http://www.goacom.com/community/associations/namerica/gac/

From Cybermatrimonials at: http://www.goacom.com/news/news2002/aug/msg00007.html Bright, funny, happy Goan Catholic gentleman, 40, seeks calm, happy lady. This good looking, 6ft, educated, almost confirmed bachelor has decided to look in earnest for a partner. I seek a lady, educated, 30+, who would like to have children. I am based in Toronto and would give preference to those with a sense of humour. Bonus, if you are in communicating distance. Please write to brightfunny2002@yahoo.ca

PRIZE COMPETITION

Adults only! 7 nights in Calangute, Goa. Closing date 12 Sept. No Purchase Necessary. Details at: http://www.annsummers.co.uk/forms.asp?gid=19 [Adult site]

From the current issue of Active Life mazgazine : Win a free all-inclusive 10 Night touring holiday for two in Kenya. No Purchase Necessary. Closing date 30th Sept.

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Goa plans to promote tourism through interactive TV contest. Times of India 6 Aug. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow.asp?art_Id=18094988

Cyril D'Cunha, founder member of the Goa Union of Journalists and former News Editor of The Navhind Times, was felicitated by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on the occasion of Journalists' Day on August 1.

Three members of the Goan Art forum, Theodore Mesquita, Querozito de Souza and Rajan Fullari have been selected to represent India at the ArtExpo 2002, Aug 9-26 in Bari, Italy. Rajan Fullari, <rajanfulari@rediffmail.com> is currently in Scotland. Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow.asp?art_ID=18093315

Add Cyril Da Cunha’s award – See Joel 2 Aug.

7 Aug. BBC. Trawler Fishermen challenge Goa netting ban which is in operation to 15 Aug. because of the spawning season. By Louise Cooper. Text and photograph at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2178368.stm

7 Aug. Adv. Aires Rodrigues representing the trawler Fisherman successfully appealed to the High Court that the fishing ban should apply to all craft and not just the trawlers.

8 Aug. Times of India. 3,500 Hashers to descend on Goa next month for beer and jogging. By Fred Noronha. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow.asp?art_Id=18398096

9 Aug. The Times of India. Heavy rains disrupt life in Goa. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow.asp?art_id=18501721

This week the Panaji police arrested five persons, all construction workers, for causing a nuisance by urinating in public.

IN THE NEWS

2 Aug. Bristol Evening Post. John and Jean Moore from the Rotary Club of Avonmouth were staying in Goa when they found out about the El Shaddai children's homes there. They were started by Anita Edgar. Jean and John decided to help by raising, through their club, £ 12,000 for a 32 seater mini bus. 441 words. Click here....

2 Aug. The Moscow Times. Beach V.I.P. is a new club by the Moscow’s riverside. Timur Lansky, the interior designer says "Our goal was to create a beach in Moscow with parties like those on the beaches of Ibiza and Goa… 444 words. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2002/08/02/101.html

4 Aug. Independent on Sunday (London). Fantasy Island; Off the coast of Dubai there is being built the biggest, costliest - and possibly tackiest - artificial holiday island ever… It will have 40 boutique hotels which will be designed according to a set number of themes, including …Goan, Tanzanian, Bal-inese

5 Aug. Independent. Racism and the truth about the Ugandan Asians. By Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. Quote “ Like all racists, we fantasised that Africans wanted our women. Rumour was that 'our' girls were being raped by black Ugandans.
http://argument.independent.co.uk/regular_columnists/yasmin_alibhai_brown/st ory.jsp?story=321575

6 Aug. Linux Journal (USA). The Simputer Project by Frederick Noronha. The Simputer (a simple personal computer), designed especially for India, is expected to sell for as little as Rs 9000. http://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=6251

6 Aug. Business Wire (USA) ATC Healthcare [of New York] to Recruit Nurses From India. ATC Healthcare, Inc. (AMEX:AHN), a national leader in medical staffing, today announced that the Company, in response to the ever-increasing nursing shortage, has formed an alliance with Nurse Resource Group (NRG), a proven leader in the sourcing and recruitment of nursing professionals. http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/222182337&ticker=ahn

5 Aug. Evening Standard (London) Travel article on Colonial cooking in Lisbon. …The Centro Comercial do Mouraria is where the city's multicultural community comes together…you could be forgiven for not knowing which country you were in… Orlando Rodrigues owns the Zuari, a small Goan restaurant at Rua Sao Joao do Mata 41, behind the waterfront Belem area. One of Orlando's cousins oversees the cooking, producing shrimp curries, samosas and home-made mango ice-cream… Click here....

7 Aug. Just Drinks. Bacardi Breezer is to be manufactured at Gemini Distilleries unit in Goa and will be marketed there. The three likely flavours are orange, lime and cranberry. http://just-drinks.com/news_detail.asp?art=17506&app=1

8 Aug. The Stage. Edinburgh Festival -Theatre Review -Traverse. Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan. Edwin Fernandes and Priyanka Bose provide the eye-candy as star-crossed lovers... Sohaila Kapur's tale of love and loathing in the city of Mumbai has its share of colourful locals to retrieve your gaze from seeking out the green neon exit sign. There is the corrupt politician with a cutglass English accent, a randy movie mogul fond of rubbing his groin and a warm-hearted whore who, by lucky coincidence, is also a nympho…

FORTHCOMING

Sat 10 Aug. Goan Community Centre, Keston Road N17. Cookery Workshop/Beat Show. Candy Fernandes 020 9493 0958

Sun. 11 Aug. 3.00 pm. The Goan Cultural Society UK. KONKANI CONTEST. Merton Hall, Kingston Road, S. Wimbledon. This nostalgic show of your old time favourites will be performed by children. Limited tickets, Adults £ 5, children under10 £ 3. Please contact: Bella 020 8352 0373, Rosy 020 8352 9450, Ida 020 8881 2921.

Mon 12 Aug. 19:00. BBC1. Holiday On A Shoestring. Jayne Middlemiss experiences the beaches, culture and wildlife of Goa.

Sat. 17 Aug. 'World Goaday' Gala Lunch. Goan Community Centre, Keston Road, N17. Aperitifs followed by 4 Course Meal. Entertainment by Goan Cultural Society. Be prepared to sing- Goan style. Tickets £10. Advanced booking necessary. Ring Nina 020 8767 0663/Candy 020 8493 0958. Dress code: Jacket & Tie essential.

Sun 18 Aug. Bastora Social Archbishop Lanfranc School - Music by Mustang. Konkani Medley by the Goan Cultural Society. Details at: http://www.bastora.com/ Contacts: Peter De Souza 020 - 8672 3232 John Coutinho 020 - 8361 6061

Sun. 18 Aug. Goan Community Centre, Keston Road N17. Day of Prayer & Mass. Candy Fernandes 020 9493 0958.

Fri. 23 Aug. YLGS (Young London Goans Social - free membership 18 - 40+). Monthly Social - 5.30pm - late. Venue: Los Locos Bar/Restaurant, 24/26 Russell Street, Convent Gardens, London WC2.New members welcome. Contacts marie.pereira@talk21.com (07958 373 076 ), alisonbraganza@hotmail.com (07799 586 793), dsouzajj@hotmail.com (07957 395 811 )

Sat. 24 Aug. Chorao UK. Annual social (feast of St Bartholomew). Venue Merton Hall Kingston Rd. London SW19. Tickets £9.00 Adults and £5.00 for 12-16 year olds. Mass at 4.30p.m.followed by social. Contact Claver 020 8672 4562/ Mervyn 020 8689 2970.

Sat 24 Aug. 7.30-11.30pm. Elvis Dance. Bishop Douglass RC School, Hamilton Road, East Finchley, London N2. Live music by Silver Star Dust playing Elvis and Konkani. Prizes for the best Impersonator. Before 15 Aug.: Adults £8; children <14 - £5. Later: £10 & £5 Info/Tickets: (Ricky) 07958930012 or (Ellie) 0208 3469993 or email Anrickco@aol.com

Sun 25 Aug. Goan Association UK. SPORTS DAY at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Contact: Glyn Albuquerque 020 - 8680 2401. For offers of help: Contact Peter Rodrigues 020 - 8399 4883 For stalls: Contact Juliette de Menezes 020 - 8765 0258