COMMUNITY NEWS

From Eddie Fernandes. I will be in Goa till 19 Dec. and I will try to maintain continuity of the newsletter service during the period. You can e-mail me as before at eddie@fernandes.u-net.com In case of urgency please contact Bernie Gracias at BERNIEGRACIAS@aol.com tel 020-8723-1322.

	Helga Gomes has been selected by the National Science Foundation of the USA to participate in the next US Expedition to Antarctica. She is scheduled to leave for the Antarctic from New Zealand on the 10th of December on a 45 day expedition. Helga, hgomes@gwi.net was born in Nairobi, Kenya and was raised in Verna, Goa. She is the daughter of Jacinto Gomes and Aida Rocha Gomes and is married to Joaquim Goes.
Click to enlarge
She is presently a Senior Research Associate at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Maine, USA Helga is currently working on Global Climate Changes and Ocean Ecosystems. and has researched projects funded by NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF). For a brief profile of Dr Helga Gomes click here.

UK: Leanne Fernandes loses battle with leukaemia
	9 Dec. Khaleej Times. (Dubai). Leanne Fernandes, grade five student of The Modern High School(TMHS), Dubai, passed away yesterday at a London hospital after battling with leukaemia for over two years. The 10-year-old student was undergoing treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London for a while where she was to undergo a bone-marrow transplant operation.
But, due to her critical condition, doctors were unable to perform the surgery, funds for which were generated by her school in Dubai. Leanne was on a life support system as her condition deteriorated yesterday and passed away early yesterday morning…Leanne’s parents who were by her side when she died, plan to fly the body to Goa in India for her final rites on December 16. Full text click here For more photographs of Leanne with her family, click here. [Over £200,000 was raised for her treatment after an appeal was launched earlier this year]

British court orders three terror suspects held
6 Dec. Associated Press. A British court ordered Roque Flaviano Fernandes, 43, Dominic Agnello Martins, 44, and Abdurahman Kanyare, three terror suspects held until next month on charges including possession of a radioactive substance. The three, participating in the Old Bailey criminal court hearing by video link from Belmarsh high-security prison, were expected to enter pleas at a later hearing, scheduled for Jan. 24. They were charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 with possessing and making available for terrorist purposes certain property, namely a substance called red mercury with radioactive properties, the spokeswoman said. They also are charged with having information useful to terrorists, she said, and Kanyare and Fernandes face separate charges of credit card theft and handling stolen goods.

From Chandrakant Keni, Chairman of the Goa Facilitation Centre.
Dear Friends: I shall appreciate your free and frank suggestion and comments about the Gomant Vishwa Sammelan being held at Panaji from 3rd to 5th January 2005, Goa is a small place where the prosperity has contributed in reducing the original sons and daughters of the soil to a negligible minority. We are engaged in a thankless task bringing together the Goan Diaspora on a single platform, so that they can interact to find out ways and means to preserve Goan identity and strengthening the cultural roots in soil of their ancestors. We are not concern with party politics or barriers of religions and cast. Our motto is “Together for Goa”. I seek your cooperation in this task. If Don tin boddkam can make a humble beginning it could be considered as a good omen.
Don’t you think so? I will be grateful for a frank reply. Contact e-mail : info@nrigoa.com.

DEATHS

7 Dec: TONY MENDONCA (Ex-Schenker & Nairobi) Husband of Clara. Funeral: Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, on December 10 at 10.00 a.m. 14 Highgate Drive, Markham. Corner of Birchmount Road. Condolences to Claude Gomes, gomes.claude@sympatico.ca

4 Dec: Watford, Herts. UK. Mrs MARGO FRANCES ACKROYD (nee RODRICKS, ex- Dar es Salaam). Mother of Samantha & Stephanie (Watford). Funeral Service 1200 hrs Thu 16 Dec at St. Helen's RC Church, The Harebreaks, N.Watford. WD24 6NJ. Cremation Service 1320 hrs at N.Watford Crematorium, WD25 0JS. Condolences sam.ackroyd@btinternet.com

2 Dec. Mumbai. MRS MARTHA DE SOUZA (nee Carrasco, ex-Mombasa, Kenya). Mother of Lewis/Antoinette (Nairobi), Olegario/Melania ( South Norwood, UK), Simon/Celsa (South Norwood, UK) and Pamela/ Denzil (Mumbai). Grandmother of Heather-Gail, Jennifer, Stephanie, Karen and Bradley. Funeral was on 5 Dec. in Mumbai. Condolences: lewis@wananchi.com

29 Nov: London. BEN FERNANDES (ex-Nairobi). Husband of Dr. Maisie Fernandes. Father to Emil, Paula and Johnny. Funeral was on 3rd Dec. 2004. Condolences to ebfernandes@blueyonder.co.ke

28 Nov: London. AYRES D'LIMA (ex-Socorro, Goa.). Son of late Ubaldo/late Madalena Fonseca e Lima.

22 Nov. South Ealing, London, UK : PETER ANDREW DE SOUZA (aged 33) . Son of Lizy and late Edviges De Souza. Brother of Domnic, Victor, Matilda/Abel, Teresa/Graciano, Mabel/Louis, Micheal/Carla. Uncle of Lisa, Daniel, Nicola, Alexander, Jason, Claire, Marie, Gianni, Melissa, Melanie/Steve and grand uncle of Bradley and Dylan.
Funeral service on Wed 15 Dec 04 will be held at St Peter & St Paul's RC Church, Camborne Avenue, Northfields. London W13 9QZ.(nearest tube Northfields).The mass is at 1.00 p.m. followed by the cremation at Mortlake Crematorium and then back to the Church Hall for the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter's memory (charity to be decided by the family) may be made in the collection box at the Church. Condolences to ugcf@yahoo.com

6 Nov. Edmonton, Canada. ANTONIO FRANCISCO XAVIER FERNANDES. (aged 88, ex-Nanyuki, Kenya) Husband of Josephine. Father of Joseph/Antonette, Francis/Maggie, John/Maria, Victor/Christine. Brother of Domingos. Funeral was on November 10, 2004. To sign book of condolences, visit: www.evergreenmemorial.com

PRIZE COMPETITION

UK: Prize Competition:
Answer the cunning questions. One winner will win an all-inclusive holiday for two. Flying to Goa, you'll stay at the four-star Holiday Inn Resort - set in extensive tropical gardens in a pretty and peaceful setting on Mobor Beach. For a chance to win, all you have to do is answer questions at http://www.radiotimes.com/content/competitions/quiz/ or see page 33 in the 18-31 Dec edition of Radio Times. The closing date for this competition is Friday 7 January.

LOOKING FOR

Maureen de Souza, maureen@southerncrosssafaris is looking for Mrs Berrel Sequira. She use to be a teacher In Mombasa at the Aga Khan High School in 1973. Please send me her address or email, and telephone contact if you have it.

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

Goa: Travel Feature article.
3 Dec. The Evening Standard (London). Goa has developed a bad reputation among independent travellers for being "over" and spoilt. However, two things have happened recently: a new bridge has been built between Chapora Fort and Morjim beach, when before there was just a small ferry. And secondly, the Russians and Japanese have nurtured this new area, away from the crowds. Star Spotting: Matthew Williamson, Jade Jagger, Richard Gere, Sophie Dahl, and the fashion pack all head to Goa. 1075 words.
http://www.thisistravel.co.uk/travel/singles/article.html?in_article_id=42024&in_page_id=6

Indiaaah or... ...Indiaargh!
4 Dec. Financial Times. Castes, cows, diseases and rampant poverty - British-born Indian Sathnam Sanghera has never been very keen on his ancestral home, until an Indiaphile friend persuaded him to give it another try. N Excerpts: Goa, was very different from north India …in our hotel in Goa we woke to the opening tracks of The Ultimate Chillout Album. Thornton Streeter, a 36-year-old former futures trader moved from England to India 14 years ago. "I had two houses in Fulham, was financially independent, had a life with a girlfriend but gave it up to come here," he began, speaking, as so many westerners in Goa tend to, at a rate of about 10 words per minute. "I now have a wife and family here." 2004 words.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/d435908e-4548-11d9-8fcf-00000e2511c8.html

BA faces India route competition
4 Dec. Financial Times. British Airways will face tougher competition on some of its most profitable routes after the Civil Aviation Authority yesterday announced its decision on lucrative additional traffic rights for flights between the UK and India. The CAA said about 50 per cent of UK/India passengers have been flying indirectly via third countries because of the lack of capacity.
BA will have rights to operate 26 services a week to India, Virgin Atlantic will have 10 and BMI four. Virgin Atlantic said it would also use the expansion as "a springboard" for the development of other Virgin companies in India.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/33ecdbc0-459b-11d9-8fcf-00000e2511c8.html

GOA EXPOSITION OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER

Book on Old Goa’s monuments launched
4 Dec: Navhind Times. A book titled Magnificent Monuments of Old Goa was launched today by the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Reverend Pedro Lopez Quintana at the Archiepiscopal palace, Old Goa, before the solemn pontifical feast mass of St Francis Xavier. The well-researched coffee table book was presented by Fr Olava Pereira, president of the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Art, to the Papal Nuncio, after he viewed the painting exhibition, Bridging the gaps through the Gospel. The author, Mr Patrick Lobo, thereafter gave the autographed book to the Papal Nuncio and other dignitaries. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=120415

Film on St. Francis Xavier
4 Dec: Screen. Excerpts: Releasing the first ever digitally shot and produced English feature film by an exclusively Goan crew and cast on the life and times of St. Francis Xavier entitled Grace, Guts & Glory his Grace the Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao congratulated the producers and said the title was appropriate. The CD had been priced at a very nominal Rs. 99 to make it affordable to all. The digital video CD will be available at the Arabian Films stall at the exposition grounds in Old Goa and all retail outlets of the State. http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=9503

Goans from Pakistan come to pay homage to St Francis Xavier
4 Dec: Navhind Times. They are the first batch of 180 from a larger group of 355 who will come home to the motherland on this pilgrimage to Old Goa.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=120422

1 million devotees flock to saint's remains
5 Dec. ABC News (Australia). About 1 million devotees have flocked to see the remains of a 16th Century Spanish saint, Francis Xavier, since they went on display in the Indian state of Goa. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200412/s1258086.htm

Celebrating the peoples’ Saint
5 Dec. The Sunday Tribune. The Exposition of the sacred remains of St Francis Xavier evokes reverence, cutting across caste and religion. Ervell E. Menezes reports.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041205/spectrum/main2.htm

Missionary, Explorer, Hero
6 Dec. Time Magazine. St. Francis Xavier was a failure, so why do millions of believers flock to see his remains in Goa?
http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501041213-880312,00.html

Xavier's Relics Still Stir a Missionary Spirit
7 Dec. Zenit News Agency (Rome). Francis Xavier "is an opportunity to rediscover our great missionary tradition," says the Catholic archbishop of Goa.
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=63216

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Goa enthralls tourists with celebrations
3 Dec. NDTV. While the film festival are the main attraction for tourists in Goa, the side events are proving to be a big draw as well. The visitors to the city were in for a welcome treat as they witnessed lakhs of people converging on Old Goa for the death anniversary of St Francis Xavier. In the state's biggest religious event, devotees queued up to kiss the sacred remains of the saint which is being kept in public view after 10 years. It was clear that Francis Xavier, who died more than 450 years ago, continues to live forcefully in the hearts of so many men and women, irrespective of the faiths of the people. "We are Hindus, but we have great faith in St Francis Xavier," said one visitor. For full text click here.

Goan gal
4 Dec: Indian Express. Model, Waluscha Robinson, is a true blue Goan, when it comes to food preferences. She says, “Being from Goa, I enjoy the pastas and the rice, but whenever I feel the need to indulge, I simply take care that it is still all very healthy.” Photo and text at: http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=109080

The Brethren in Goa
5 Dec. The Statesman. The sangh parivar fails in both history and imagination. Since their defeat in the parliamentary elections, the BJP seems to be losing one mask a day, and in full public view. The party with a difference — which was going to lead us to a shining India — is now back to “basics”: Hindutva, and intimidation of critics, RSS style. For those who have seen through the many masks of the BJP even when they were in power, recent events only confirm the way power-seeking communalists look and behave when they are knocked down. When their much-touted “patriotism” or their bloodthirsty “spiritualism” are stripped of their layers of make-up to reveal the real — and ugly — faces beneath

Heart 2 Heart.By Ethel Da Costa.
5 Dec. Herald. A prayer for Goa. Where the mind is without fear, the head held high and the pen free of push, pull or soul selling. My prayer for Goa comes from the heart, as I see it through my father's eyes. It is time to get introspective as Goa leaps into a new culture of
materialistic consumerism. Maybe, grieve a little too. Change is inevitable. Progressive. It is the soul we must protect.. Forwarded by Cecil Pinto.
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2004-December/021493.html

Goan With The Wind
13 Dec. Outlook. Book Review by Maria Couto of Manohar Malgonkar’s INSIDE GOA. RS 695. The long-awaited second edition of Manohar Malgonkar’s Inside Goa, with captivating illustrations by Mario Miranda, invites immediate attention. It has a cut-out of a uniquely Goan window on the front jacket. This traditional window with delicate shells set in a wooden frame gives a Goan house its individuality. When shut, say, against strong monsoon winds, its translucence creates a luminous glow.
http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20041213&fname=Booksa&sid=1

GOA FILM FESTIVAL

Great films, empty halls in IFFI
3 Dec. Times of India. Empty halls, unutilised delegate passes, tight security keeping cinema buffs away and great films - that seems to be the sad story of the 35th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which entered its fourth day on Thursday. Full text at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/943710.cms

Film Festival - Goa: Oh, yes, we’re grateful for the crumbs
5 Dec: Navhind Times. By Remo Fernandes I have been engaged to perform at the closing ceremony of the IFFI-Goa on December 9. I have often been asked my opinion of IFFI-Goa. The fact that I have been engaged to perform does not mean I should not voice my thoughts and feelings about the Film Festival. And I think the government of Goa, which I’m sure respects its citizens’ opinions and their right to air them, would agree.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=12056

‘Starry’ nights on Goan beaches
5 Dec. Peninsula (Qatar). The Film Festival. Walking along dazzlingly lit Goan promenades at night has suddenly acquired a new meaning. The beaches are buzzing with films, concerts and stars — not just of the sky variety! For full text click here

Fun, frolic and cinema during IFFI at Goa
6 Dec: Times of India. It has been a week of fun, frolic, parties and cinema, but the latter has often been overshadowed by the controversy over whether Goa would be chosen as a permanent venue for the International Film Festival of India.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/947298.cms

Goa is Cannes now!
7 Dec: Glamsham.com. By Frederick Noronha. In Goa, films are cutting across linguistic divides, thanks to subtitling. Hindi has become understandable to audiences from the South, and even foreigners. http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/04/dec/06iffi1.asp

Goan film festival in the shadow of Cannes
8 Dec: Daily News (South Africa). The Indian beach state of Goa has added to the glitz and glamour of India's film festival, but moviemakers agree that the annual international event is still decades away from the Cannes extravaganza.
http://www.dailynews.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=501&fArticleId=2337813

Mardi Gras in Goa
9 Dec: Indian Express. At the 35th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa went a tad off the beaten track. http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=109672

GOANET: SOME HIGHLIGHTS By Cornel DaCosta

A fairly intense discussion has surfaced on the relative merits, or not, of the IFFI festival being held in Panjim, Goa. The issue seems to centre on the huge expenditure involved, when it could have been used for health, educational and other pressing needs. Some big names have entered the fray. There has also been much criticism of the inadequate infrastructure in preparation for the IFFI. Both issues have been addressed with close reference to the views of local politicians.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for Goanetters, and others, from all over the world, to meet each other and details of the ways and means this can happen are made available.

Some in-depth discussion on tourism related paedophile activity in Goa has been presented. This clearly needs greater dissemination and action.

A concern referred to as the "Hindu takeover of Catholic Villages" has generated interesting comments and there has been a call from a new initiative (The Future of Goa) for discussion in a systematic way.

Finally, Ethel Da Costa's "A Prayer for Goa" is definitely worth reading. It is definitely a cry from the heart.
Please visit the Goanet archives at http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/ To subscribe to Goanet sent an email to viviana@goanet.org

IN THE NEWS

Lisbon: Casa de Goa gets formal approval.
4 Dec. Publico. Text in Portuguese. 378 words.
http://jornal.publico.pt/publico/2004/12/04/LocalLisboa/LL05.html

Brazilian dies after scoring the winning goal for Goan club
	5 Dec: World Soccer News (UK). The All India Football Federation revealed that Brazilian-born striker Cristiano de Lima Junior died after scoring the winning goal for Dempo Sports Club based in the western state of Goa. This is the first time Dempo has won the Federation Cup, one of India's major football tournaments.For full text click here

Goan among Jeddah attack hostages
7 Dec: Sify. An Indian from Goa was among the hostages taken on Monday by suspected Islamic militants who stormed the US consulate in Jeddah. Petero Antonio, who was employed in the canteen of the consulate, was, however, freed and not injured in the gun battle between the Saudi security forces and the militants. The consulate officials in Jeddah spoke to him. http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=13624504

Unusual lights bring Christmas cheer
7 Dec. The Citizen (Gloucester, UK). Janet and Brian Bowkett have transported exotic balls of colour and light all the way from Goa in southern India to their home at Midland Road, Stonehouse. Mrs Bowkett, 51, said: "We go on holiday to Goa about twice a year. We love it there. "We thought the Christmas decorations out there were so unusual, so I brought some back." For full text click here

UK: TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS. By Mafalda de’Sa

Sun: 12th Dec ­ 17th Dec: UKTV Documentary: 9pm (60 Mins) Himalaya With Michael Palin. Another chance to see Palin’s spectacular six part odyssey through the mighty Asian mountain range.

Mon: 13th Dec- 17th Dec: UKTV History: 7pm (30mins): Ruling Passions: Sex, Race & Empire. A six part look at the sexual history of British Imperial rule.

Wed: 15th Dec: BBC1 7pm (60mins) 50 Things To Eat before You Die. A mouth watering journey through childhood favourites, exotic dishes, bizarre but delicious fare, including Crabs in Goa!

Wed: 15th Dec: BBC2:11.20pm (30mins) Desi DNA. Three young entrepreneurs discuss the way they made their fortunes in the cut throat worlds of food, fashion and advertising

FORTHCOMING

See http://www.lanfranc.com/publications/location/directions.htm for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon

SOLD OUT! Sat. 11 Dec. Grand Christmas Dance at Jasmin's Club. SOLD OUT

Sun. 12 Dec. G.O.A. Children's Christmas Party at Archbishop Lanfranc School commencing at 2pm. Members £6, Guests £8. For further details contact: Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 8771 4457, Bernie Gracias 020 8723 1322.

Sat. 18 Dec. ***SOLD OUT*** YLGS Christmas Party - Thames Boat Cruise. ***SOLD OUT*** (New Members 18+ welcome!) 8pm-12am. Licensed Bar & Disco on Board. Leaving from Festival Pier. Tickets @ #12. For further details contact: Alison Braganza, Events Manager on 07799 586793 or events@ylgs.org.uk

Sun. 19 Dec. G.O.A. (UK) Annual/Extraordinary General Meeting at 1pm at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon. Open to members only.

Sun.19 Dec. 4.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex.

Sun. 26 Dec. South West Goans. Boxing Day Hop at St.Augustine's Church Hall, Tooting SW17 OEF from 3pm-9pm. Music by "Low Level" with Maria (Star from Goa) + various Artists. £12 adults. £7 children. For Tickets Contact Cajie 0208 672 5003, Peter 0208 672 3232, Chip 0208 658 5321. Limited tickets. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Sun 26 Dec. 7pm till 1am. Slough Goans Christmas Dance at the Polish Association Club, Stoke Poges Lane. Music by 'Say One Do One'. Tickets £10. Tony/Suzy Rodrigues 01753 675072, Edwin 01753 531383, Felix 0208 6404151, Paul 07956 496 190 say1do1@hotmail.com Sold out every year so please buy your tickets early to avoid
disappointment

Tue. 28 Dec. 12.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy Mass & Fund Raising Social to raise money to sponsor young men to the priesthood of the Pilar Fathers at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon CR9 3AS. Music by the Mustang Band.

Fri. 31 Dec. New Year’s Eve Gala Ball – Harrow Leisure Centre, Harrow. 7.00pm to 2.00am. Music by LOW LEVEL & DARK STAR. Tickets: Adults £15 before 15th December, £19 thereafter. Children: £10 under 10 years. For tickets call Hazel Rodrigues: 020-8357 6776 or Bernie Gracias 020-8723 1322. For a Ticket Application Form or other information, email daxpereira@aol.com Don’t miss another SELL-OUT night to remember! For the flyer see http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2004/Nov/issue2/Gala_Ball/index.htm

Fri. 31st Dec. (7pm till 12:30am). The South East Goans Sports & Social Club: New Year’s Eve Ball at the Woolwich Town Hall, Market Street, London, SE18. Disco by Say One Do One . Entry inc. snacks: Members £10; Guests £15. Contacts: Eusebio: 020 8304 9089; Alex:020 8306 0974; Evelyn: 01322 433393; Chris: 01322 400732; Victor: 020 8303 5106; Bonnie:020 8851 4677; Damaciano:020 8316 1473

Sat. 8 Jan. G.O.A. GOAN EXTRAVAGANZA at Wandsworth Town Hall from 7.00 pm. Further details from - Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 - 8771 4457 Bernie Gracias 020 - 8723 1322

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