COMMUNITY NEWS

15 Jul. Evening Advertiser. Feature article on the Swindon Goans. Excerpts: Goans are willing to undertake low skilled and often lower paid work… Four years ago there were around 50 Goans in the town and that has now grown to around 1,000… The [Swindon] Goan Association provides support for newcomers and organises social events… Once a month a Konkani mass is held at the Holy Rood Church and 300 people attend regularly… For full text, 911 words and another photograph click here.

Of the four nominations in the Public Sector Excellence of the 2003 Asian Jewel awards, there were two Goans, Rabi Martins and Joe Da Gama. The citations are quoted in their entirety below:

Name Rabinder Martins. Position Councillor. Organisation Watford Council. Born in Goa, educated in India, East Africa and Ireland. Rabinder has lived in the UK since 1967. He has been active in community politics since 1971. In his time he has been on the Executive of the UKIAS, Secretary President and Chair of the Goan Association (UK) and chair of the London Association for Asian Youth He is a councillor and Cabinet Member on Watford Borough Council and member of the Local Government Association Equalities Executive. At the national level Rabinder is a spokesperson on Race for the Liberal Democrats and chairs its Race Equality Advisory Group He is also Vice Chair of the National Association of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Councillors and an independent advisor on Race and Diversity to the Metropolitan Police Service.

Name Joe Da Gama. Position Commander. Organisation The Royal Navy. Joe Da Gama joined the Royal Navy as an Engineering apprentice in 1977 when there were virtually no Asians in the service. Exceptional academic and leadership ability were quickly recognised with special selection for officer training just a year later. Attaining an Honours Degree in Engineering and qualifying as a Chartered Engineer, he has been rapidly promoted to the rank of Commander after fulfilling a number of demanding appointments both at sea and ashore Presently the Diversity Policy Officer for the Royal Navy, Joe has been the catalyst for cultural change embracing diversity in the service.

11 Jul. Watford Observer. Headline: Council says no to sex shop but yes to more lapdancing. Chairman of the licensing committee Councillor Rabi Martins said there was no conflict between the two decisions. "The sex shop would have been in entirely the wrong location in a residential area he said. The lap dancing club already has a licence for three nights a week and is something that we've had very few complaints about."

13 Jul. Sunday Telegraph (Australia). Patricia Rozario OBE laughs a lot. She laughs easily and often because, she says, she's happy. The Bombay-born (based in Britain for the past 25 years) Rozario still has a spicy Indian lilt to her impeccably modulated voice - this makes her laugh again, then explain: "My family originally came from Goa and we were steeped in the western tradition of music. There were always gatherings around a piano. My mother played and sang and my father was musical.” For full text, 622 words, click here.

14 Jul. The Daily Telegraph. Headline: Mother goes first in race to become a Tory MP. Excerpts: Uma Fernandes had to beat off a family challenge to be selected as the Tory candidate for the Brent East by-election. First she had to persuade her daughter, Suella Fernandes, 23, a Cambridge and Sorbonne-educated lawyer, not to put her name forward. "You should let Mummy have a chance," she told her. Now daughter and father will help to distribute leaflets. [Uma is Mauritian, Her husband is Christie Fernandes - Assagao and Nairobi (Dr Ribeiro School - Class of '63)] For full text, 548 words, click here.

From Tina Rodrigues: Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. We thank Fr. Joe and Fr. Michael for the Holy Masses and all those who attended and contributed to the event. Your offering of £250 is being distributed equally between The Great Ormond St Hospital - Children Cancer Fund; The Orphanage in Goa; St. Paul's building fund; Sisters of the Poor, Manor Road, London N16; and Peter's Pence

The Annual Goan Festival takes place on 27 July – see the Events section for details. You attention is drawn to the ban on bringing food or drink to the premises as there are ample catering services.

Donations: £10: B.J. Sequeira; Gabe Menezes; Lavender da Costa Fernandes; Leo Carvalho; Leonard Mascarenhas; Lionel Vaz; Lira & Exano Pereira; Peter Machado; Sylvia Fernandes; Uniece Barros. £15: Olga Pinto. £20: Justin Dourado.

DEATHS

12 July: Colva, Goa: LUIZA RODRIGUES E BARRETO, wife of late Constancio, mother of Nicolau/Faustina (UK), Carlota/late Valerio Gonsalves.

12 Jul. Majorda, Goa. DIOGO DE LOURDES PEREIRA (Ex-East African Airways, Kenya, Kilembe Mines, Uganda), Husband of Julieta, father of Violet/Mathew, Ivy/Joe, Daisy/Steve, Agnelo/Lynette, Iris/Otto.

11 Jul. Bombay: ROBERT VARELLA, husband of Espertina. Father of Zarina/James Leitao (UK), Simon/Candida (Dubai). Brother-in-law of Flora/Vizy (UK), Anthony/late Sheila Dias (Bombay)

10 Jul. Toronto. CYRIL FRANCIS ANTHONY FERNANDES, (Born 1945). Husband of Ruth.

10 July: Vasco: MARIA ISABELA PIRES, wife of late Miguel Anton Afonso, mother of Francis/Carmina (UK).

9 Jul. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. LEONARD (LEN) CHARLES DESOUZA (59). Husband of Ann (nee Kosorin). Father of Amanda DeSouza of London, Ontario and Alexander DeSouza of Kitchener. Brother of Geoff DeSouza of London, England, Michael DeSouza of Mississauga and the late Elaine Desa.

7 Jul. Velim, Goa. VICENTE PIEDADE ANTONIO DACOSTA. Husband of Ida. Father of Sara/Xavierito, late Jovino/Aduzinda, Rufo/Tanya (France). Brother of late Dr Sacrafamilia Manuelinho/late Valerian, late Hipolito/Lilly (England), Maurelio/Imaculada (Canada), Rosita/late Caserio, Lourdina/late Santamarto.

For the Eulogy of BONNIE LOBO (ex-Kampala) who died on 14 June 2003 click here.

GOA NEWS HEADLINES
mainly from Joel D'Souza in Goa, courtesy of GOACOM

12 July Times of India. Last Sunday India’s U-18 football team left Goa for Northern Ireland to take part in Europe's premier soccer tournament, the Milk Cup, from July 19 to 25. The team will then proceed to Wales for another international tournament before returning to India on August 3.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=72607

15 July Yahoo News. Water crisis makes Goa remember forgotten ponds. By Frederick Noronha. Faced with a deepening water crisis, Goa has suddenly remembered long forgotten ponds that fed its lush fields decades ago. Miguel Braganza said, "Farm ponds are part of watershed technology now. Our forefathers knew their value. We thought we were too smart. Now we are relearning their value." Full text at
http://in.news.yahoo.com/030715/43/2605r.html

16 Jul. Herald. Margao has finally decided to get rid of the centuries-old "pig-type toilets" from the municipal area.

16 Jul. Goa News. Goa plans to invite international tour operators, travel agents, travel writers and representatives of corporate hotels and airlines, to a three-day Tourist Festival in Goa planned for 6 - 8 October. Full text at: http://www.goanews.com/16jul03.htm

17 Jul. Navhind Times. Promoting Hygiene on a Mass Scale. By Darryl D’Monte. 733 million Indians - three times the population of the US - have to defecate in the open or resort to unsanitary bucket latrines… studies by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine show, even in the United Kingdom, only 60 per cent of people wash after defecation. Text, 1131 words at: http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=071712

IN THE NEWS

10 Jul. The Guardian. A top French lingerie firm has a sure bet for expansion: selling its product in India where millions of women don't wear underwear. 553 words at
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-2893130,00.html

10 Jul. Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ). The Luso Americano, Newark’s Portuguese-language newspaper is 75 years old. The principal founders were Dr. Jose Lobo, a medical doctor from Goa, India, and three local merchants, Manuel Conceicao, Jr. Francisco de Castro and Valentim Rocha.

12 July. Diario Digital. Portuguese Government reviews working procedures at the Consulate in Goa regarding applications for citizenship. (In Portuguese). This is an important development and for the translation by Paulo Colaco Dias, with his comments, click here. For the Portuguese text go to: http://www.diariodigital.pt/news.asp?id_news=63358 See also the article in the Deccan Herald, 15 July by Devika Sequeira: Portugal to tighten citizenship rules for former colonies. http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/july15/n13.asp For a detailed explanation of the eligibility, and methods of obtaining Portuguese Nationality go to Paulo’s website, http://www.geocities.com/paulocd/PortNatLaw.htm

13 July. Sunday Mirror. Where do celebs go on holiday? Caroline Feraday (http://www.mpce.com/feraday.htm) replied that her best holiday was “two sun-drenched, chilled-out weeks in Goa, India.”

14 Jul. Gulf Daily News. Air India passengers from Bahrain will now have more options to travel to Goa and various destinations in India. http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Articles.asp?Article=56300&Sn=BNEW

14 Jul. Reuters. Indian call centres handling outsourced contracts from around the world are staffed by over-qualified young people eager to climb the career ladder.
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/story/0,,t278-s2137479,00.html

14 Jul. Reuters. Chicken tikka masala may be ruling the roost in Britain, but in India, pizzas are the flavour of the month. http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyID=3081276

15 July. Herald Sun. (Melbourne). In May this year Larry Mendonca was found guilty of seven charges of breaching food safety regulations in his restaurant (see newsletter 2033-22 and 2033-23) and Melbourne City Council ordered its closure. He is now fighting that decision in Court. http://heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,6752882%255E2862,00.html

16 July. Daily Nation (Kenya). President Kibaki recognised Asian Africans' contribution in shaping Kenya and mentioned names like murdered politician Pio Gama Pinto and the Independence negotiator Fritz de Souza. Full text, 964 words at
http://www.nationaudio.com/News/DailyNation/16072003/News/News1607200332.html

17 July. The Times. (UK). Share tips. Pharming, the Dutch biotechnology firm, has re-emerged under the leadership of a new chief executive, Francis Pinto, a former Glaxo board member with wide drug industry experience. Full text, 311 words at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/

[Francis Pinto was with Glaxo in London as a Board Director. India Business Insight, Aug 22, 2000 reported that "he has planned to devote his time to a non-profit organisation in Goa. He has proposed to start a children's museum. He is engaged in a big teaching programme and healthcare activity in Goa." Several Dutch newspapers reported that "with ample money in his pockets he went back to India and started a charitable institution in Goa, with his own funds."]

FORTHCOMING

Click here for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon

Fri. 18 July 7-11pm. Goan Community Centre, Keston Rd., N17. "Schools out for Summer!" a time to let loose and be free at the teens disco for 13-19yr olds. £3 inc. snacks. Music by DJ Dex, sound system provided by Say One Do One. For details contact Dexter on 07986 658 046 or Sarita on 07930 386 029

Sat, 19 Jul. DILEMMA: a Young Goans event at the Elephant Bar, 20 South End, South Croydon. A must for the over 18’s Time: 8 till late. Music: R& B and Hip Hop with DJ 2 Faces; DJ Sparkx and DJ Mixed Breed. Dress Code: Dress to Impress Entrance: £5.00. Contact Darren on 07956 117703 or Aaron on 07956 953311 or Sandra Castanha on 07813 603 142

Sun. 19 July 7-11pm. Goan Community Centre Keston Rd., N17. "Country Nite" music by DJ Dex sound system provided by Say One Do One. £3 bring your own food & drink. For details contact Dexter 07986 658 046 or Josephine 020 8376 1068 or Roma 010 8888 1200

Sun 20 Jul. 4pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex.

Mon. 21 Jul. 20:30 (30 mins). Radio Programme. BBC Radio 4. Lucy Ash investigates India's dowry system

Tue. 22 Jul. 01:00 (50 mins) TV Programme. BBC2. Bombay's Victoria Terminus Station.

Sun. 27 Jul. G.O.A. GOAN FESTIVAL in conjunction with Goan Organisations at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Starts with Holy Mass at 12.15 pm. Diego Pinto 020 - 8767 0663 Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 - 8771 4457 Cornelius Monteiro 020 - 8681 8716. This is the main Goan event of the year with upwards of 3,000 attending. Visit the Goan Voice UK stall to make your views on the newsletter known.

Sun. 3 Aug. The Goan Cultural Society UK presents for your entertainment the GCS VARIETY SHOW at St John’s Hall, Bourne Hill, Palmers Green, London N13 at 3.00pm sharp. This nostalgic show of your old time favourites will be performed by children. LIMITED TICKETS, Adults £ 6.00, children under12 £ 4.00. Please contact: Bella 020 8352 0373, Rosy 020 8352 9450 or Ida 020 8881 2921.

Sun. 10 Aug. Bastora Union Feast of St Cajetan at Archbishop Lanfranc School. Mass at 12:30. Music by Equinox. Tickets Adults £9; children (5-12 yrs.) £5; <4 free. Contacts: Peter 020 8672 3232; Agnelo 020 8361 2561; Lester 020 8361 8732; Peter 020 8531 1476. More info at www.bastora.com

Sat. 23 Aug. 7pm to midnight. Goan Association (UK) Disco Fever for ages 16 and over. Dynamic Duo playing all your favourites. Bina Banqueting Hall, 4-8 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 (opposite Tooting Bec Station). Licensed bar. Entrance: £5 including snacks. Contact: Lily/Tony D'Souza 020-8644 5310; Wilma/Cedric D'Cruz 020-8954 1596.

Sat. 23 Aug. Goan Elvis Night - "Aloha from Goa" Bishop Douglass School, East Finchley N2. 7.00pm to 11.30pm. Adults £8.00 before 15 Aug, £10.00 after. Children £5.00. All raffle proceeds go to Don Bosco and Cancer Research. Call Ellie 020 8346 9993 or Ricky 07958 930 012.

Sun. 24 Aug. Chorao UK celebrates the feast of St. Bartholomew at Merton Hall, 76 Kingston Road, Mass at 4pm followed by a get together till late. Music by Nite life. Please contact Claver D'Mello 020 8672 4562 or Mervyn Ramos on 020 86892970

Sun. 24 Aug. GOA (UK) Five a side football tournament at Canterbury Road, Croydon. For further details please contact Val Nunes on 01322 44 5743 or Darren Fernandes 07956 117703.

Sat. 30 Aug. YLGS presents 'ALOHA GOA' Hawaiian Luau at The River Suite (Private Function Room), Walkabout Temple. Nearest Tube: Temple/Embankment. Music by Guava Groove & DJ Dooza. Dress Code: Hawaiian/Casual (Undress to Impress!). Tickets £8 before 10th August, £10 Thereafter. Contact Alison 07799 586793 or alisonbraganza@hotmail.com See flyer at: http://www.ylgs.org.uk/aloha.html

Sun. 31 Aug. G.O.A. SPORTS DAY at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Contacts: Glyn Albuquerque 020 - 8680 2401. For offers of help: Peter Rodrigues 020- 8399 4883

Sun 31 Aug. 4pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex.

FOR LATER EVENTS SEE http://www.goanvoice.org.uk