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COMMUNITY NEWS
From Eddie Fernandes: I will be on holiday
from 5-12 April inc. During the period please send any urgent
announcements to Mrs Bernie Gracias, berniegracias@aol.com
tel. 020 8723 1322 and she will have them displayed on the
website – http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/
The next issues of the weekly newsletters will appear on 4th
Apr and 14th Apr.
Report: GOA UK : Easter function
From Norma Menezes-Rahim (G.O.A.UK Social Director) "Strictly
Dance Fever" hit Lola Jones Suite, Tooting London on
Easter Sunday at the Goan Association Social. Competition
dances in Jive, Waltz and Freestyle saw contestants from all
age groups, delighting the spectators with their enthusiasm,
style and expertise. Salsa dancers, Valerie D'Lima and Dominic
Blaqueare engaged the crowd in their exhibition dance and
all enjoyed dancing to the sounds of Dark Star. All raffle
proceeds will be donated to the ongoing Tsunami fundraising.
| Kelle Bryan of Eternal talks of
her ordeal of being ill with Lupus |
 |
29 Mar. Daily Mail
(UK). As part of girl band Eternal, Kelle Bryan
spent the Nineties touring the world. But in 1999, she
became seriously ill with Lupus and was told she could
be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Kelle,
now 30, refused to accept such a dismal prognosis and,
over five years on, believes she has beaten the auto-immune
disease. She writes how her doctor and a Harley Street
specialist did not diagnose the disease but Dr David
D'Cruz, Consultant Rheumatologist at The Royal London
Hospital, did and had her admitted to hospital. For
full text of the Daily Mail article see:
http://www.rednova.com/news/display/?id=139463&source=r_health |
Dr David D'Cruz, david.d'cruz@kcl.ac.uk
was born in Nairobi, Kenya, the son of Joe & Tina;
brother of Christopher (Sydney) and Leonard (London).
He lived in Muthaiga and attended St Mary's School there
before arriving in the UK in 1972 and qualifying in
Medicine from St Mary's Hospital Medical School in London
in 1983. He is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of
Autoimmune Diseases and a Managing Editor of the international
journal LUPUS. For more about him and another photograph
see http://www.polychondritis.com/Medical_Advisors/DrD_CruzBrief.html |
Racist attacks on the rise in rural
Britain
27 Mar: The Observer. Ethnic minorities living in parts of
Britain are now four times more likely to have suffered from
racism than they were before the last general election, according
to one of the most exhaustive studies of race and crime, undertaken
by The Observer. For the full text see: http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1446260,00.html
For the map showing the geographical distribution of racist
incidents
click here.
| Australia: Attempt to extradite
Paul de Souza’s alleged attackers |
 |
28 Mar. Manchester
Evening News. Manchester based Philip Johnson, 25, and
his brother Simon, 26 were charged with causing grievous
bodily harm to Paul de Souza
in a pub in Western Australia. Mr de Souza had to have
seven plates and 55 screws in his face but the brothers
were able to fly home after blundering officials handed
back their passports. The Australian authorities said
in April 2003 they would not be seeking extradition.
But after a review of the case they have made a U-turn.
|
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| Meals On Wheels for Anita's 'Children'
|
|
30 Mar: Devon Herald
Express. Anita Edgar’s
mission to ease poverty and suffering in Goa has grown
with the addition of a meals on wheels project for street
children. Nine years ago she founded the El Shaddai
Charitable Trust – it now has 1,000 children in
its care. El Shaddai's aim is to take 100,000 children
under its wing over the next 10 years. A couple from
Surrey have donated their ancestral home in Goa to start
a refuge and it is currently being renovated. |
For the El Shaddai website see: http://www.elshaddaigoa.com/
For details of the Sun. 17 Apr. 2005 YLGS El Shaddai Fundraising
Dance check out the Forthcoming Events section.
For full text, 592 words of the Herald Express article
click
here. |
| Charles Correa appointed chairman
of DUAC |
 |
30 Mar: Organisation of Asia-Pacific
News Agencies. World famous architect Charles
Correa was Wednesday appointed Chairman of the
five-member Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC), a body
which is responsible for planning and developing of
India's capital. A contemporary architect of international
fame, Correa studied at the University of Michigan and
at MIT. In 1980 Correa was awarded an Honorary doctorate
by the University of Michigan, and in 1984 he received
the Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects
from H.R.H. Prince Charles. |
He also received Praemium
Imperiale from Japan in 1994 and The Aga Khan Award
for Architecture in 1998. For the Charles Correa website
select the link below. http://www.charlescorrea.net/ |
Gangs To Face New Penalties
31 Mar: The Wharf. Tough new police powers to break-up troublesome
gangs on the Isle of Dogs and help residents ``reclaim the
streets'' have been given the go-ahead…But community
centre director Helen Menezes
was concerned that the new powers would victimise young people.
The Cedar Centre director said she was also unsure about how
effective youth workers would be in turning children away
from crime. ``The root of a lot of the trouble is that adults
just don't trust kids and we have to start taking more of
an interest” she said. For text click
here.
Helen Menezes is the daughter of Dr George Menezes (Retired
GP) and Diana Menezes (ex-nurse); sister of Amanda and Simon.
Her aunt, Anne Menezes now retired, was Professor of English
at St Xavier's College, Mapusa. The Cedar Centre website is
at http://www.cedarcentre.co.uk/
UK: Free info on recent local property
sales.
Go to http://www.nethouseprices.com/
and enter your full postcode. You can also try omitting the
last letter of the postcode for a wider search.
DEATHS
27 Mar. Mombasa, Kenya. ANA CARVALHO.
Widow of Menino Carvalho. Mother of Francis/Warda (Mombasa),
Rosa & Theresa.
25 Mar. Lisbon, Portugal. MARIA IRENE
FERREIRA E MOREIRA. Relict of late Arturo. Mother
of Maria de Lourdes/Rui, Elisabeth/Karl, Gabriela/Humberto
and Victor (all in Portugal). Sister of Flavia/Antonio (Portugal),
Aida/late John, Alvaro/Satya, Rui/Julia (Portugal).
HOLIDAY INFORMATION
Dollar dreams of corrupt officials
26 March. Gomantak Times. Immigration officers and airline
staff at Dabolim International Airport work hand in glove
at extorting money from charter tourists who stay in Goa longer
than the four week maximum allowed under the new regulations.
For full text of the article see http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2005/Mar/issue5/supplement.htm
India is Magic. By Daphne Gordon
26 Mar: Toronto Star. Feature article, 1710 words based on
a stay at Purple Valley Yoga Centre in Goa. Excerpt: At YogaMagic,
a luxurious tent hotel in this magical part of India, there's
no need to wear a watch; you can tell what time it is simply
by listening. For full text click
here
Holiday Hotspots
27 Mar: People (UK). Goa (7nts, b/b) Apr 16, Gatwick, £484,
Odyssey (0870 429 5090);
Goa (14nts, b/b) Apr 9, Gatwick, £339, Cosmos (0870
443 1823).
GOA NEWS HEADLINES
| Goa: Maundy Thursday 2005: Archbishop
Mgr. Filipe Neri Ferrao |
 |
24 Mar.
Archbishop Patriarch of Goa Mgr. Filipe Neri Ferrao
is seen washing the feet as a symbolic gesture for washing
of feet of disciples by Jesus Christ on the occasion
of Maundy Thursday observed in Goa on Mar 24, 2005 at
Se Cathedral, Old Goa. For full text click
here.
|
| Click
to Enlarge |
Goa at risk of overtaking Bangkok
as Asia’s main sex resort
25 Mar. Financial Express. “Goa, the former Portuguese
colony and one-time hippie paradise, is at risk of overtaking
Bangkok as Asia’s main sex resort, as pedophiles prey
in increasing numbers on Indian children,” reports a
reputed news agency.
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=86147
Goa: 4 urban areas to get 24 hr water
supply
25 Mar: Navhind Times. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=032527
| Goa: Holi - the festival of colours |
 |
|
Goa: By-elections likely before May
end
27 Mar: Navhind Times. A decision on holding by-elections
in five assembly seats of Goa, which was brought under President’s
rule early this month, is likely to be taken by the Election
Commission in a week’s time. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=032727
Goa Medical College undertakes successful
hip replacement operation.
27 Mar: Navhind Times. The head of the orthopaedic department
of the Goa Medical College, Dr S M Bandekar has successfully
performed the revision hip replacement on a 64-year old patient
recently. This kind of operation costs up to Rs 4 lakh in
Mumbai. At the GMC, the patient paid Rs 1.2 lakh. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=032726
| HIV/AIDS feature film set in Goa. |
 |
27 Mar: Medical News
Today (UK). "My Brother Nikhil" is set in
Goa and tells the story of a swimmer who is loved by
everyone in his family until they learn that he is HIV-positive.
When they discover his HIV status, his family, friends
and colleagues abandon him, but his sister offers him
"unwavering support."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=21840 |
Goa: By-elections bring to fore friction
in Goa Congress Party.
28 Mar: Economic Times. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1063585.cms
Slipping on oil: Editorial
28 Mar: Indian Express. India has a coastline that is 7,600
km long, yet it conspires to appear clueless about the dangers
of oil spills on the high seas…it took a full 11 hours
for the Goa government, the Coast Guard and the Marmagoa Port
Trust to even react to the major oil spill caused by a collision
off the Candolim-Sinquerim beach last Wednesday.
http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=67219
Goa: Study reveals that groundwater
is severely contaminated
29 Mar. Navhind Times. A recent report on water and sanitation
in Goa has revealed highly contamination with bacteria and
metallic elements like cadmium. The presence of the coliform
bacilli bacteria ranged from 64 to more than 1600 MNP per
100 ml of water - the allowable limit is 10 MNP. The presence
of cadmium in the well water ranged from 0.33 ppm to 0.46
ppm. The upper limit for this type of contamination is 0.05
ppm. The study also maintained that 30 per cent of the water
samples showed high nitrate content. Apathy of the general
public towards sewerage system network in the state has been
responsible for pollution of drinking water in few of the
areas, the report has observed. 553 words.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=032940
Goa: Unsafe Water
30 Mar. Navhind Times.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=03304
‘Guest is God,’ tourism’s
new mantra
30 Mar: Navhind Times. Foreign tourists in India will soon
be greeted by polite, English-speaking and smartly dressed
taxi drivers and tourist guides if the Tourism Minister has
her way. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=03308
Beauty basics
30 Mar. The Telegraph (Calcutta). La Lossa, a specially-crafted
skincare product line from Goa, has been launched in Calcutta.
“The innovative range of products has put to use French
formulae coupled with traditional Indian recipes, suited for
the Indian skin type,” explained a spokesperson. The
lavender, almond and sandalwood lotions are meant to replenish
ageing skin, while the mint-based gels and creams are suited
for fairness purposes.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050330/asp/calcutta/story_4548552.asp
'Charas' most popular drug smoked
in Goa
31 Mar: Times of India. Charas , smuggled from Manali and
Nepal, is the most favourite drug smoked in Goa. The police
have had a rich haul of some 42kg of charas during the first
three months of the current year. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1065310.cms
Recent Items of Interest on
Goanet by Cornel DaCosta
Goanet often has one-liners or short accounts
about a great variety of things. However, it also provides
excellent lengthy articles and these have appeared recently
as though I was genuinely looking for them. This really made
my day!
Gabe Menezes submitted a fascinating article by Ethirajan
Anbarasan, titled Tsunami unites Sri Lanka Burghers. The Burghers,
we are told, are descendants of the Dutch and Portuguese who
colonised Sri Lanka in the 16th Century. Also, Gabe provided
material on how best to judge a mutual fund by Sunil Nayar.
Well, here were many tips on where to invest wisely.
Armstrong Vaz provided, from the Goa Messenger, 1-15 February
2005 a fascinating account titled Umbrellas, Vangores, Bunds.
This was very insightful of village life in Goa.
Not to be missed was Joseph Zuzarte's article--Acid Parties,
Anjuna and the Alt (sic) Tourists.
A very insightful and excellent article was by Frederick Noronha
on Goa: Green, greying or gone?
I can't wait for more of such quality articles. Can you?
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
Govt Lauds AirAsia's Expansion into
China
24 Mar. Bernama Daily Malaysian News. Air Asia’s chief
executive officer, Tony Fernandes, announced that AirAsia
has secured approvals for six new destinations to China this
year. As for India, Fernandes said though AirAsia is eyeing
the lucrative market, the flights are not going to take place
in the near future. However, he said any flight to India would
be from its Thailand operations.
Toronto's Indian community responds
to the tsunami tragedy
24 Mar: CBC News (Canada). Excerpt: "All merchants collected
money along Gerard St. We wanted to go there in person to
help but with a business it's hard. I am a social worker who
worked in Mother Teresa's mission in Mumbai and I understand
hardship. We donated money but have no idea what happened
to it," said Percy D'mello, an owner of an Indian restaurant
on Gerard. http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_swaminathan/20050324.html
| Nairobi: Sister Mary Regina |
 |
24 Mar. Charity Sister Mary Regina prays at the Holy
Family Basilica, Nairobi, during the Maundy Thursday service. |
'(Desi)re'
25 Mar: The New York Times. Talwar Gallery, 108 East 16th
Street, Manhattan. Through April 30. ''Edge of Desire: Recent
Art in India'' a small group show of eight artists from Talwar's
stable. …Allan deSouza is Indian by descent but was
born elsewhere… [Allan deSouza was born in Kenya in
1958, raised in England and now lives in Los Angeles. For
his bio see http://www.talwargallery.com/html/desouza/desouza-cv.html.For
his photo see GVUK issue 2005-8
India: special packages to attract
medical tourists
25 Mar. Financial Express. Doctors, advertising professionals,
and public relations people from across the world quietly
come into India, get cosmetic surgery done, and go away discreetly.
They all want to look good while interacting with people.
And India offers the services cheap, good and it’s mostly
anonymous. http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=86148
| Mumbai: Good Friday march: Alan
D'Souza portrays Jesus Christ |
 |
26 Mar:
Deccan Herald. Alan D'Souza, a Christian portraying
Jesus Christ marches in a residential area of Santacruz
during a re-enactment of the Good Friday march through
the streets of Mumbai on Friday. |
| Click
to enlarge |
The holiday makers.
26 Mar: Irish Times. Trade your desk for a deckchair, and
make a living, too. Meet some Irish people who have set up
travel businesses abroad. Excerpt: Jennifer Keegan, Yoga teacher
in Ibiza. “I've been doing yoga for about 11 years -
I studied it abroad - originally in India, which I keep going
back to. I go to India quite a lot. I was there last Christmas
- in Goa - and looked around to see if it would be suitable,
so I'm considering doing one there next Christmas.”
Something's Fishy in Bombay: restaurant
review: Goa Portuguesa
27 Mar. Washington Post. For full text click
here.
Indo-Canadians demand Air India inquiry
27 Mar. Montreal Gazette. For full text click
here.
Raving Israelis Want the Right to
Party
27 Mar: Los Angeles Times. Excerpt: In the 1990s, upward of
10,000 young Israelis would gather on an open beach and dance
for days to trance-style music. These rave parties were the
inspiration of young people who, fresh from two years of required
army service, had traveled to Goa, India. Partying in such
exotic, tranquil surroundings left a deep impression, and
the raves they put on after coming home attracted perhaps
200,000 young Israelis overall, and put Israel on the global
youth map. Tel Aviv became as important a stop as Ibiza, Amsterdam
and Berlin. 820 words click
here.
Real Estate Desk: Life Above Their
Store
27 Mar: The New York Times. Mary Vaughn Williams and Rudy
Huston's first house together was a stone-and-mortar number
clinging to a cliff in Goa that rented for 62 cents a day.
To be sure, that was 19 years ago, and they did have to haul
their own water from a well 40 yards away. The wildlife was
parrots and monkeys, as well as some serious French and German
junkies, Ms. Williams said -- and their more frivolous and
sporty American counterparts, who would play paddleball naked
on the beach. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/27/realestate/27habi.html?
| Vailankanni: a throng becomes a
trickle |
 |
27 Mar: BBC News. For
the pilgrims descending upon Vailankanni, this Easter
weekend is both a celebration of Christ's resurrection
and a remembrance of the victims who died when last
this seafront community came together to mark a Christian
festival. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4382689.stm |
Frost & Sullivan's Conference
on Global Life Science Molecules
29 Mar. PR Newswire. Frost & Sullivan is hosting a three-day
international conference titled "Global Life Science
Molecules: Emerging Opportunities," from 3-5 June, 2005,
in Goa, one of the most exotic and multicultural states in
India…A scenic location such as Goa would be an ideal
venue for a conference of such magnitude. It provides the
much-needed blend of business interactions in a relaxed setting.
The last day of the conference would involve informal meetings,
interactive sessions, and golf. For full text click
here.
Award for novel of love and racism
30 Mar. The Guardian. A novel hailed as finding "shimmering
love" among the bigotries and injustices of the Asian
area of an English town yesterday won a share of a £16,000
international literary prize. Maps for Lost Lovers by Nadeem
Aslam dramatises both white and Asian racism. http://www.guardian.co.uk/race/story/0,11374,1447895,00.html
UK: Census aims to tackle NHS racism
30 Mar: BBC News. Mental health hospitals in England and Wales
are being asked to record the ethnicity of users in a drive
to make these NHS services more equitable.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4390383.stm
Canadian Radio Station Rapped for
Racist Insults
30 Mar. Metro Toronto. A Canadian radio station was formally
reprimanded on Wednesday after one of its presenters insulted
immigrants to Canada and then said the Sikhs of northern India
were "a gang of bozos"…CKAC-FM presenter Pierre
Mailloux told listeners that immigrants who came to Canada
should abandon their habits and traditions. "You cultural
communities come from a wacko country. You live a wacko culture.
Don't bring it with you. That's the message to convey,"
he said. http://www.cbsc.ca/english/decisions/decisions/2005/050330.htm
UK: TV HIGHLIGHTS By Mafalda de’Sa Television
Sat. 2/4: UK Style: 16:00 (60 mins).
Living the Dream: Goan Bonkers
Series following people who set up their dream businesses.
A couple who left the country to open a pub in Goa, India
run into chaos - they arrive in monsoon season, do battle
with Indian bureaucrats, must learn to cope with the vagaries
of the local workforce and find their feet in the expat community.
Repeat of programme originally broadcast in Mar 2004. For
the synopsis and reviews see: http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/supplement/Goan_bonkers.htm
Sun.3/4: BBC 2:8.00pm (60mins) Ray
Mears Bushcraft
African safari. Safari is the Swahili word for a journey and
for Ray Mears the only way to get a true feeling for the world
around you is to tackle a safari on foot. Teaming up with
a Masai warrior in Tanzania, he sets off to explore the bush.
Mon. 4/4: BBC2: 11:10am (20 mins).
Focus - Citizenship
Three children from different minority groups in London discuss
their experiences of racial abuse
Wed. 6/4: Living: 7:00pm (30 mins)
Trolley Dollies
Docusoap following the exploits of the cabin crew on board
Excel airlines. A gang of tired Trolley Dollies head for Goa
Thu. 7/4: Living: 7:00pm (30 mins)
Trolley Dollies
The gang are in for a surprise when they visit a Goan market
Fri.8/4: UKTV Food: 9.00pm (60mins)
Joy of Curry
Actor Neil Morrissey celebrates Britain’s love of spicy
curries.
Radio
Thurs.7/4: BBC Radio 4: 3.00pm (27mins)
Check Up
Arrhythmia is the disturbance of the normal rhythm of the
heart. The heart rate can become abnormally rapid, slow and/or
irregular, producing unpleasant symptoms such as palpitations,
dizziness and chest pain. Professor Peter Weissberg, medical
director of the British Heart Foundation, joins Barbara Myers
in the studio to offer advice.
FORTHCOMING
See
http://www.lanfranc.com/lanfranc_location_2000.pdf
for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon
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
Sun. 24 Apr. 5.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy.
Konkani Mass will be celebrated
at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High
Street, Cranford, Middlesex
Sun 1 May. Saligao
Association Feast of Mae De Deus at Bishop Thomas Grant
School.
Sun 1 May. Cortalim
Feast/May Ball at the Irish Centre, Pretoria Road,
London N17. Contact: Maria Dourado-Alfonso 020 - 8803 5146
Sun 1 May. 12.30pm-5pm. The Goan
Musical Society, supported by GOA UK, presents a Jam
Session. Enjoy the fabulous sounds of talented musicians plus
special guests, Lavine DaCosta (violin) and Ian Rebello (sax).
We particularly welcome participation from young students
with their musical instruments. ATC Hall, Merton Road, South
Wimbledon. Call 020 8337 8022 (Anita) for more details.
Sun 8 May. Rocky’s
Trook Tournament at Jessie Duffet Hall (Formerly Wyndham
Hall), Wyndham Road, London SE5. Please contact Rocky on 020
7274 3585
Sun. 8 May 12:15pm - 8pm. Assolna, Velim
& Cuncolim Union (AVC) Annual Feast
at Bishop Thomas Grant School, Streatham. Dancing to Mariano
& his band + Disco & great Goan cuisine + excellent
raffle prizes. Contact Uniece Barros 020 8672 0807, Alba Fernandes
020 8656 3305 or Colin Almeida 020 8687 1470 calmeida@lycos.co.uk
Sun. 15 May. Margao
Union UK celebrates the Feast of the Holy Spirit at
St. Edmund’s Church Hall, Croyland Road, Edmonton, N9.
Mass at 12.30pm followed by a get-together. Music by Nitelife.
Limited tickets. First come first served. Contact: Bella -
020 8372 1253, Rosalind – 020 8767 8652, Lucas –
020 8967 7471, Xavy – 020 803 5146. Tickets £
10 (including snacks and buffet).
FOR LATER EVENTS SEE http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/ | 
