COMMUNITY NEWS

Canada: Darryl da Costa appointed Acting Chief of Edmonton Police.
	Feb: 2005. Various Canadian sources. Darryl da Costa was appointed Acting Chief of Edmonton Police last week after Fred Rayner’s contract was terminated by the Edmonton Police Commission. The Edmonton Police Service, including Darryl da Costa subsequently mounted a major display of solidarity in support of their deposed chief. A new Chief of Edmonton Police is expected to be appointed soon.
Darryl da Costa was born in Kampala, the son of Louis and Gladys da Costa. The family moved to Canada in 1966 when he was eight years old. He joined the police force in 1977, intending to “try it out for a year.” He is married to Lory and they have four children, aged 16-21. For more information, check out the supplement at: http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/supplement/DarryldaCosta.html

Young Goans to give something back
	YLGS are having a Fundraising Dance on 17th April for El Shaddai orphanages in Goa. The YLGS Committee are also taking on Sponsored events to raise additional funds. James (MD) & Ruby (Secretary) are doing a Sponsored Tube Stop on 2nd April, Myra (Funds Manager) is doing a Sponsored Silence on 3rd April. Alison (Events Manager) is doing a Sponsored Slim to lose 2 stone before the Fundraiser.
YLGS Committee Click to enlarge.
They will also have a Special Guest Speaker at the Fundraiser, Keith Vaz MP. If you would like to sponsor any of the Committee then contact Alison at events@ylgs.org.uk or on 07799 586793. For more Info on YLGS, go to www.ylgs.org.uk For Tickets, Info & updates check the flyer at http://www.ylgs.org.uk/images/elshaddai.gif

Hottest Valentines
	10 Feb: East African Standard. Eve D’Souza, 26 — Nairobi Radio presenter interviewed. Quote: “I have never understood why we should take just one day to treat the people we love specially. You should do things together like it’s Valentine’s all year round.” http://www.eastandard.net/mags/pulse/articles.php?articleid=12882

Rush to gain Portuguese passports. By Pamela Raghunath.
10 Feb. Gulf News (Dubai). Excerpts: The rush among Goans to become Portuguese nationals is continuing though they use that country's passport these days to gain entry into Britain or other European countries. But the Portuguese government is going slow on processing thousands of applications especially since this facility is being misused these days even as genuine applicants have to wait for years.
But the Portuguese government is now rethinking a legislation passed in 1975 allowing citizens of its former colonies to be given Portuguese nationality…there are 18,000 applications from Goa for Portuguese passports waiting to be processed…there are around 40,000 Goans who have settled down in Portugal since 1961…But most recent entrants use their Portuguese nationality as a gateway to better prospects in other countries…In fact, suburban Swindon near London is full of immigrant Goans. Full text, 485 words at
http://goanvoice.org.uk/supplement/PortugueseNationality.html

Top surgeon dies.
10 Feb: Oldham Chronicle (UK). Mr Naru Hira, OBE, one of Oldham’s top laser surgeons and an active fundraiser died at his holiday home in Goa on Monday. He had become a household name in the town not only through his work as a surgeon, but for his unstinting charity work. Full text at http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/NEWSTH11.html

Sister Cecilia bids farewell to Star of the Sea High School, Mombasa

11 Feb. Coastweek. Sr. Cecilia was head of the Primary section of the Star of the Sea High School, Mombasa, from 1963 to 1976 and continued her links with the school after that. Besides involving herself in the academic life of the students, she introduced many young boys and girls to the beautiful world of classical music. She has now left Mombasa for the Nairobi retirement home. Full text at http://www.coastweek.com/2806-12.htm

“I was itching to help”
11 Feb. Wiltshire Times. Dr Joel Almeida, Trowbridge medical doctor and musician, spent two weeks in India following the tsunami disaster in Asia. For the second part of his experiences click here.

Clubbing together to buy a house abroad for holiday use
12 Feb. The Guardian (UK). The Question: Some friends and myself are thinking about clubbing together to buy a house abroad for holiday use. What pitfalls do we have to look out for? Should we form ourselves into a legal entity? What are the tax implications? Are some countries easier to buy in than others?
The answer (368 words), provided by Vincent Fernandes won him the week’s prize. You can read it by clicking here.
Vincent (aka Mervyn, ex-Nakuru, Kenya ) Fernandes is a Chartered Accountant married to Agatha (aka Judith, nee De Lima, ex-Nairobi, Kenya)

Portfolio Careers: Andy Williamson & Ruth DeSouza
	16 Feb. New Zealand Herald. Portfolio careers apply a variety of skills to a variety of employers in a number of agreements. Andy Williamson describes his career as a portfolio of half-time jobs - running a business, directing a research centre and studying for his PhD…Williamson has been a portfolio worker for eight years and wouldn't have it any other way.
However, his wife, Ruth DeSouza, has returned to working for a single organisation after spending a year as a portfolio worker. Her job as co-ordinator and senior research fellow for the AUT Centre for Asian and Migrant Health Research aligns everything she wants, including PhD study, she says. Text, 1,180 words at http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=11&ObjectID=10011197

Slough transport to/from 20 Feb. G.O.A. Tsunami Fundraising Appeal
Coach leaves from Slough Bus Station on 20th Feb. at 9.45am. Ticket of £5.00 includes Travel & Entrance. Contact: Roselin D'Costa 07930371524 or Evadiou Pinto on 07956150654

The Nairobi Institute website http://www.nicentenary.com/ has a whole lot of new goodies. The January 2005 newsletter has been uploaded, there are photographs of recent events; updates on the N.I. Centenary celebrations and more. The January newsletter, http://www.nicentenary.com/downloads/Jan%2005.doc has an appeal from Vincent Azavedo, the Chairman, for funds to put in hand badly needed repairs, renovations and refurbishing of the Clubhouse. Ex-members of the NI can get in touch with him by e-mailing ni@wananchi.com

Tim de Mello’s Demerg Systems
	Tim de Mello (tim@demerg.com) has recently started a new company Demerg Systems India at its Campal premises in Panjim. He is very optimistic about developing business opportunities here. As part of his initiatives in developing Centres of Excellence with other similar companies in India, de Mello is planning to tap into the significant number of Portuguese speaking Goans.
He is convinced that the fast growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is an area that Goa must capitalize on. He is especially looking for suitable Portuguese speaking candidates with knowledge, experience in and ability to troubleshoot issues involving Windows 2000, Windows XP, NT, MS DOS, PC. Tim is based in Toronto and is ex-Nairobi and ex-UK.

DEATHS

12 Feb. Margao, Goa. SOSAMMA ALEXANDER (born 1922, ex-Kenya & Uganda) Wife of late P.G Alexander. Mother of late Vivian/Virginia , late Bobby/Jenny , Alic/Gillian. Grandmother of Bernard, Deirdre, Geraldine/Naveen , Alison & Capt Ian.

12 Feb. Parra, Goa. DAMIAN SANTOS (of Brent Cross, London; ex-Dar-es-Salaam). Husband of Mabel. Father of Dawn, David, Derek/Natasha. Brother of Ella/Joe Devine (Toronto) and Dora/Jocelyn Viegas (Toronto). Funeral was in Parra on 16 Feb.

12 Feb: Nuvem, Goa. SELINA FERNANDES E BARBOZA (born 1929, ex-Zanzibar). Wife of late Paul. Mother of Conny, Cynthia/Denzil. Sister of Joseph (UK), Clara/Tony (UK), Edwin, Oliver/Clara.

11 Feb: Margao, Goa. PIEDADE ANTONIO FERNANDES E D'SOUZA (ex-Kisumu, Kenya). Wife of late Peter Cajetan (M.V. Victoria). Mother of Annie (London), Abel/Matilda (London), Adeline (London), Joyce/Maxie (USA), Jane/Late Menino, Henry (Kuwait)/Anita, Tony/Aurelinha, Brian (Kuwait)/Margaret. Sister of Jack/Conception. Grandmother of Sidney, Tiffany, Melanie/Steve, Melissa, Mabel, Steffie, Joyce, Oshin, Joel, Alisha, Tanya, Blaze. Great grandmother of Bradley and Dylan. Condolences to ugcf@yahoo.com

10 Feb. Vasco, Goa. FELIX D'SOUZA (ex-Mwanza, Tanzania.). Husband of Anne, Father of Linda/Julius, Trevor/Annie (USA), Sandra/Martin, Lloyd/Marlyn (UAE).

10 Feb. London. MARY LOBO (Ex-Kampala). Mother of Anthony, Felix, Michael/Rosy, Stella and Juanita/German. Funeral service at Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Catholic Church, The Green, Heston Middlesex, at 9.45am on Tuesday, 22nd February 2005. No flowers please. Donations will be forwarded to Age Concern. Condolences to 37 Kingsbridge Road, Southall, Middlesex, UB2 5RT. E-mail via: edias@onetel.com.

10 Feb. St Inez, Goa. JOSE MONTEIRO (ROSARIO). Husband of Rose Mary. Father of Godwin and Roswald. Brother of Agnela/Rui Gomes, Thomas/Maria Joaquinha, Nazareth/Theresa (UK), Philip/Succorina, Rita/Francis (Kuwait), Marianni/Agnelo; brother-in-law of Rufus/Amelia, Elizabeth/Bento, Fatima/Elves, Assumption/Agnelo (Dubai), Angelica/Franky

	7 Feb. Addiscombe, Croydon UK. EUFEM LOPES (aged 82, ex-Nakuru). Husband of Lina, Father of Zena/Nelo, Zita/Ben & Zara. Grandfather of Karen/Donovan and Sean. Great Grandfather of Joshua & Joseph. The family have asked for your prayers. Condolence messages to zita.vaz@blueyonder.co.uk
Funeral to take place at Our Lady of Annunciation Church, 147 Bingham Road, Addiscombe, on Wednesday 23 February 2005 at 10am. No Flowers please, donations in lieu will be sent to the British Heart Foundation.

6 Feb. Reading, UK. AVITO DA SILVA (ex Belgaum & Nairobi). Brother of Bernice, Sybil & Eric. Funeral on Fri. 18 Feb. at 12:15 pm at St James Catholic Church, Forbury Road, Reading, Berks.

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

Gatwick/Goa Flight Offers
From Val Rozario, www.takeflight.co.uk. Gatwick-Goa 1,2,3 or 4 week offers. 18 FEB: £199 + £11 security/tax. 25 FEB: £219 + £11. 04 MAR: from £259 + £11. 11 MAR from £299 + £11. 18 MAR from £499 + £11 (O/B Premium class only avail.) 25 MAR from £399 + £11. On all above flights, Premium Class also available at O/W £75 and return £150 extra. Call Reservations on T: 0870 5561 532; reservations@takeflight.co.uk

Sun, sea, sand and Spices. By Rodney Bolt
	12 Feb. Daily Express (UK). Judy Cardoza runs a cookery school in Goa and Rodney Bolt writes about his experiences whilst attending it. In a press of Vespas, schoolchildren and women in shimmering saris I chugged to the village of Betim, walking past samosa sellers, sandal makers and a hole-in-the-wall bar to my first lesson. [Judy also owns a boutique store on Panaji's 18th June Road called Heirlooms].
For details of the cookery classes see http://www.indiaonthemenu.com/ For full text of the Daily Express article, see: http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2005-February/024248.html

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Recent Items of Interest on Goanet by Cornel DaCosta

The issue of caste belief and practice has been discussed much more and also in a more penetrating way. Such discussion must particularly intrigue younger Goans in the Diaspora, as by and large, many would know very little about caste which has beset Catholic Goans for centuries. For them too there is a great opportunity for a thesis/dissertation on a theme which clearly needs much more exploration.

In order to stop spammers obtaining email addresses from Goanet posts, the admin team has worked hard to generate a more fool-proof approach for Goanetters. Interestingly, there was considerable discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of the new approach.

Once again, several posts have argued for and against higher charges to foreigners visiting Goa. This related to flight costs, meals, and a range of other amenities. Clearly, there is some urgency to resolve this on-going issue. It must not lead to the possibility of growing resentment among potential visitors to Goa, whether foreigners per se or Goan diasporans as such. The global market for tourists is so intensely competitive that Goa could be left high and dry rather suddenly with visitors going elsewhere.

Recent changes in personnel on the Goa political scene have aroused much passion and debate. It is therefore good to see that not too many people are alienated from the political arena.

Offers of prizes for good Valentine Day romantic stories, demonstrate, ever more, that there really is something for everybody on Goanet.

Please visit the Goanet archives at http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/ To subscribe to Goanet send an email to viviana@goanet.org

IN THE NEWS

No place like home. By Angela Saini
9 Feb. Open Democracy. When I was growing up, it seemed strange to me that my parents, who had emigrated from India to Britain in search of a new life, harboured the dream of returning to the country of their birth. When talking about India they would always complain about the rough roads and the searing summer heat, but as time passed even the most miserable memories became rose-tinted with nostalgia.
Reverse immigration to the sub-continent very rarely happens…However, Swades, the latest blockbuster out of Bombay suggests that this trend may be changing.
http://www.opendemocracy.net/debates/article-1-67-2336.jsp

Film Review: I Dream of Genie
11 Feb. Moscow Times. Review of Russian film “Call Me Genie" (Zovi Menya Dzhinn) which was shot in Goa. http://context.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/02/11/109.html

Britain not great for Indian doctors
11 Feb: Times of India. If you're a bright young Indian doctor thinking of heading for Britain and its under-staffed, overworked National Health Service, don't. In an extraordinary step, Britain is to introduce an all-points alert and red-light warning system for junior doctors from India and elsewhere who mistakenly think Old Blighty's NHS may be a lucrative vocation. Roughly 800 junior Indian doctors, the intake of the last 12 months, are currently said to be dispersed across Britain with menial rather than medical jobs. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1018764.cms

A passage to India for the pen-pushers?
14 Feb. The Telegraph (UK). The private sector is saving millions by moving its call centres offshore. So why is the Government, committed to slashing civil service costs, reluctant to go down the same route? Robert Watts reports. For full text click here

Education UK website.
The British Council now has a virtual UK Higher Education exhibition with an easy step-by-step navigation to give comprehensive information on a variety of topics to students and parents. It includes links to the subject-wise and institution-wise Teaching Quality Assessment and Research Assessment Exercise rating to help the student make a right choice. Check:. www.educationuk-in.org/virtualexhibition

Sites, smells and tastes of India. By Lisa Lawrason
16 Feb: Gaylord Herald Times (Michigan, USA). Excerpt: As for the sites of India, it was easy to see what has made Goa - our primary destination on the west coast - a premier tourist attraction for Europeans. Its warm climate, palm trees and expansive beaches rival those anywhere in the world. http://www.gaylordheraldtimes.com/articles/2005/02/16/news/opinion/opinion02.txt

Americans flock to India for medical treatment
16 Feb: Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1022456.cms
For a comprehensive survey of health tourism to India, see
http://goanvoice.org.uk/supplement/HealthTourism.htm

UK: TV SOME HIGHLIGHTS

Fri 18 Feb. 01:10 (60 mins). Channel 4. Four-part series searching for the first British Bollywood star. A panel will select six hopefuls to be sent to India and the lucky star wins a part in a Bollywood movie. Repeat.

Fri 18 Feb. 20:30 (30 mins). BBC4. Nation on Film: Make Yourself at Home. Nation on Film. Documentary series on 20th-century social history. This edition examines immigration from the 1950s to the 1970s, when thousands of Asians made the long journey to Britain. They came from different countries, with different languages, cultures and religions. Cameras recorded how they adapted to this new life, and showed the welcome they received from their British neighbours.
Repeated Sat. 26 Feb. 19:00

Tue 22 Feb. 23:20 (30mins). BBC2. Desi DNA. Director David Lynch on transcendental meditation. What it takes to be a successful Asian comic on Britain's stand-up circuit. Creative East London collective Shiva sound system. Why one cricket match can divide Asian communities. A desi metal performance from Mukhtar Sahota.

Wed 23 Feb. : BBC2. Rough Science: Lost at Sea 19:30 (30 mins). Science challenge series introduced by Kate Humble. She takes four intrepid scientists to the tropical island of Zanzibar to test their wits and ingenuity against the Indian Ocean.

See http://www.lanfranc.com/lanfranc_location_2000.pdf for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon

Sun 20 Feb. GOA Fundraising Function For Tsunami Victims at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Commencing with Mass at 12 noon, followed by a social and cultural programme. Offers of help to Diego Pinto 020 8767 0663, Cornelius Monteiro 020 8681 8716. Donations by cheque payable to 'GOA (UK) Ltd' to 76 Middleton Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 8BS.

Fri 25 Feb. YLGS Monthly Meet Up @ the Lounge Bar in Tiger Tiger, from 6.30pm onwards. Nearest Tube: Piccadilly. New Members 18+ Welcome! Free Entrance B4 10pm; £10 after 10pm. For more info contact Alison Braganza, Events & PR Manager at events@ylgs.org.uk or on 07799 586793.

Sat. 26 Feb. 7.30 to 11.30 pm. Fundraising Tsunmai Charity Dance. Richard Challoner School, Manor Drive North, New Malden Surrey. KT3 5PE. £ 7.50 adult, £ 3.50 child (under 16). Music by Canute's Disco. Please bring your own drinks & glasses Snack food will be on sale. Canute/Delia: 020 8540 1249; Effie Rebello: 020 8542 7880; Ann Vaz: 020 543 0968; Elaine Cardazonni: 020 8395 6827.

Sun. 27 Feb. 5.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex

Sun 27 Feb. G.O.A. Snooker Doubles Knockout Tournament. 9.30am to 5.00pm at the Royal Surrey Snooker Club, 1/9 Abbotsbury Road, Morden, Surrey (opposite Woolworths). Entries by email to: malawifelix@hotmail.com Lazarus Rato 020 - 8767 0342

Sun. 27 Feb. The AGM of the Margao Union UK will be held at the Goan Community Centre, Keston Road, Tottenham, London N17 at 4.00 pm. This meeting is open to all Margonkars. For details contact- Bella 020 8372 1253 Mike 020 8803 9752 or Gregg 020 8907 0545.

Sun. 13 Mar. From 12 till 8pm. Fund Raising Dance for Children's Hospitals. Sacred Heart Church Hall, Edge Hill, Wimbledon, SW20. Adults £12, Child (5-10 years) £7.50 Meal inc. Music by Say One Do One. Tickets: Suzy 01753 675072, Milo 0118 957 4937; Jane 0208 543 5454, Felix 0208 640 4151 Dress Formal. Donations Welcome.

Sun. 13 Mar. 5.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex

Sun 20 Mar G.O.A. Singles Carrom Tournament - Men’s & Ladies Singles: (Entry fee 3.00) Children: 7-12 Singles: (No entry fee) Venue: HSBC Sports Club, Lennard Road, New Beckenham BR3 1QW. (Time: 10.30 am) - Contacts: Richard Fernandes 020 – 8300 5347, Assumption Gomes 020 – 8641 5995, Viju DeSouza 01784 – 430547, Desmond Britto 020 – 8543 4352, Lazarus Rato 020 - 8767 0342.

Sun. 27 Mar. G.O.A. Strictly Come Dancing at Lola Jones Hall, Greaves Place, Tooting. Jive and Freestyle Disco Competition. Dark Star in attendance. Further details from - Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 - 8771 4457, Bernie Gracias 020 - 8723 1322

Sun. 17 Apr. YLGS El Shaddai Fundraising Dance. at Bishop Thomas Grant School. Starts with Holy Mass at 12.00 followed by Dancing & Slave/Talent Auction. Music provided by Breakthru, Maz & Co and Guava Groove! Food & Drink will be on Sale. Special Guest Speaker, Keith Vaz MP. Contact Alison Braganza at events@ylgs.org.uk or on 07799 586793. For Tickets, Info & updates check the flyer at http://www.ylgs.org.uk/images/elshaddai.gif

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