- To foster enhance professional contact between Goans in the UK and abroad.

- Assistance and guidance will be provided by the new group, to any members of the Goan community, with the development of their careers, work-related issues, etc.

- Work closely with similar organizations abroad (eg Goan Professional & Associates (same name - but in Canada !) set up by Tim De Mello/Stephanie Mendes, based in Ontario, Canada).

- Actively provide encouragement and support to other organizations in UK (Goan Association, Goan Musical Society, Goan Cultural Society, Young London Goans Society, Goan Voice UK etc.).

The group will be formed of a dynamic and advanced mixture of professionals from all walks of life and many with specialization skills. We hope to provide basic support for groups of individuals sharing a common interest in specific technical subjects (eg music, arts, science, Information Technology, etc).
Membership is free and open to those with several years work experience.
The group will be self-funding and non-profit making. There is no monetary subscription although members are expected to contribute through attendance at regular social events (based in Central London) and participation.

Sat 14th June - (10.00am - 7.00pm)Food Lovers' Market (COVENT GARDEN MARKET). Learn about craft food producers working in UK. Everything is grown or made in the 'proper' way using the 'proper' ingredients. Meet the producers and ask those vital questions, as , in these days of food scares, traceability and integrity are all important. Visit www.foodloversbritain.com . Contacts: marie.Pereira@talk21.com

Sat. 5th July (7.30pm - 10.30pm) UKGPA (Goan Professional & Associates UK) - free membership for anyone with several years in Industry. FILMHARMONIC - ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, LONDON WATERLOO (Royal Philharmonic Orchestra plays the best of British, including Out of Africa, Goldfinger, Ghandi, Shakespeare in Love, Poirot, Inspector Morse, etc..). Many of tonight's composers will be conducting their music and chatting to Simon Bates from Classic FM at the Movies about their film and television scores.
Contacts: ukgpa@yahoo.co.uk

SATURDAY classes : If anyone is interested in attending one-day Saturday classes in the City (either at City Lit or Morley College- eg music,etc. Please send an email to marie.Pereira@talk21.com for further details.

SPONSORSHIP :
Given the current economic situation, just wondering if any members of the group would be interested in providing Sponsorship or paid/voluntary work experience to the younger members of the Goan community. Recently I spoke two recent graduates (members of YLGS) who had just secured employment, after a year out of work. Let me know your ideas.

From: steven.furtado@virgin.net
I work as an IFA for a company called KMG Financial Ltd - it's based in Reigate. My only other previous employer has been at Lloyd's of London - as Marine claims adjuster and later as a Marine and Energy reinsurance broker. Following a career change in 2001 I moved into across to the financial services market and joined KMG. I am authorised to give financial advice and am embarking on further advanced professional exams. Our clients are generally high net worth or corporate entities. Visit website at www.kmg.co.uk.

From: Evan Remedios (from his website www.rlegal.com)
Evan is a partner of RLegal and a member of the Law Society Immigration Law Panel. His practice covers all aspects of business and private immigration work in relation to the UK and Australia. He is a qualified solicitor with over 10 years specialisation in immigration law. He has written articles on immigration law for a number of journals, including Tolley's Immigration Law and Practice.
Prior to joining RLegal, Evan was a solicitor in the firm of Mishcon de Reya where he acted for a broad spectrum of clients, from individuals to major multinationals. He has also worked in private practice and as a manager for the Immigration Advisory Service. Contact evanremedios@rlegal.com

From: marie.Pereira@talk21.com
I have several years experience in IT (specializing in Oracle DBA and supporting financial/marketing systems). Currently working as a Technical /Business Consultant for an accountancy firm in the City.
Interests include - at the moment I am learning to play the piano. Other interests include sight-seeing, "chilling-out", learning about technical aspects of Theatre management (eg stage/light/sound effects),
Engineering aspects of aero-dynamics and Psychology.

From: Rosy Fernandes
I work as a software consultant in the market research industry. The department I work in specializes in setting up surveys online, collecting results and setting up analytical databases. Visit website at www.spssmr.com
Interests:- I love film, any excuse to visit the cinema, enjoy traveling, photography, learning about different cultures, eating out and generally spending time with family and friends.

To receive the Goan Voice weekly newletter (contains all Goan social events and other latest news), please email Eddie Fernandes.

REFLECTIONS - Goans in Croydon have been awarded Heritage Lottery Funds to reflect and record life stories and memories. Many of you have interesting memories and recollections of your journeys through life and experiences in different countries. Stories are handed down, often by word of mouth through generations. These stories can get hidden away and lost, they may never be told, and they are rarely documented or even recorded. Please come forward and share your stories and memories with us, so they may be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Contact : Pam/Shirley 01634 843510 (after 6pm) , email Goanhistory@aol.com or visit www.goacom.com/overseas-digest