COMMUNITY NEWS

Nicole Fernandes gets ultimate fan treatment at Junos 4 Apr: The Mirror (North York, Ont., Canada). Nicole Fernandes, a 15-year-old St. Joseph Morrow Park High School student won a trip to the Junos to present the Fan Choice Award. Arriving in Saskatoon Thursday with her mother, she was treated to Juno parties and a hair and make-up makeover before walking the red carpet. "It was wild, people were cheering," Nicole said. "I got to hug Nelly (Furtado) on stage and give her the award." Furtado is one of Nicole's favourite performers. Nicole also got a chance to hang out backstage with the likes of Sam Roberts, Mobile, Keisha Chante and Eva Avila milling about. For text, 277 words, click here. The photograph shows Nicole after her makeover. For a photograph of her before the event, click here.

Kenya: Aurelio Rebello’s mute entry into politics 7 Apr: The Standard (Kenya). Lawyer Aurelio Rebello has started the journey to become the second Kenyan MP of Goan origin, after the late Pio Gama Pinto. … Being from a minority, Goan, he says he understands the suffering of other minority tribes where higher education, job opportunities and other social, political and economic rights are concerned. He is bitter with the successive Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki governments for allegedly perpetuating tribalism. Rebello, trained as a barrister in England in the 1960s, 1110 words. Click here.

Sarah-Jane Dias wins Miss India crown 8 Apr: Times Now. The new Femina Miss India 2007 was announced on Sunday (April 8) evening in Mumbai. Former Video Jockey, 24-year-old Sarah-Jane Dias, a favourite from the word go won the title … Sarah’s win catapults her to international fame and stardom, as she would now take part in the Miss World contest. [Sarah won Miss India Oman in 1995]. For text click here. For a video clip (5m:17secs)click here.

Calgary: Sybil Braganza: Pulse of Social Work award of excellence 8 Apr: Calgary Herald. The pulse of Calgary's social work community was beating loud and strong when Sybil Braganza was honoured during a special awards of excellence ceremony. Award for Community Development: In her role as a community social worker for the City of Calgary’s Senior Services Division, Sybil Braganza has been instrumental in developing innovative services to meet the needs of Calgary’s new immigrants … For photo and text click here. To watch the video (3m.21s) of her interview on Global TV click here. Sybil Braganza immigrated to Canada from Karachi, Pakistan in 1981. For her moving account immigrating to Canada click here. For more info on Sybil Braganza click here.

Tennis: Davis Cup: Leander Paes powers India's win
9 Apr: CNN-IBN: Leander Paes once again proved to be India's talisman as he helped the side pull off a narrow 3-2 victory against Kazakhstan in the Davis Cup zonal relegation play-off on Sunday. 185 words. Click here.
Leander Paes was born in Goa in 1973. In an India Express interview, Leander said, “Grandpa actually designed this home [in Velim] for us. He was quite a man. He came over from Arusha, in Tanzania. He was a great doctor and when the Indians were asked to leave from there, he got a boat with his brother and sailed to Goa.” For the text of the interview click here.

UK: Nottingham: MUKA Celebrates Easter
10 Apr: Manglorean.com. The members of MUKA (Mangalorean United Konkani Association) once again assembled at St. Theresa's R.C Church Hall, Kingsbury Drive, Aspley Nottingham at 12.00 Noon on Easter Sunday … Text and 13 photos. Click here.

Star Fernandes on the Jury of New York Festivals 2007 10 Apr: agencyfaqs. Excerpts: Star Fernandes, creative producer, Happy Dog Films (http://www.happydog.in/) has been invited to be a judge at the New York Festivals 2007. She will be responsible for judging the technical aspects of films in the TV and Cinema Advertising category for the International Advertising Awards. Fernandes has 13 years of experience and has made more than 200 films … She will judge more than 300 entries from all over the world. The finals take place June 12-14 2007 in New York. Star is an East Indian who was born in Mumbai, the daughter of Sylvia (Vasai) and Derrick (Bandra). For full text of article, 308 words,Click here.

Toronto: David Monteiro: Pedestrians expanding their toehold
10 Apr: Toronto Star. There's a movement afoot that's gaining momentum and might transform certain neighbourhoods into pedestrian-friendly villages, transforming parts of Toronto into Paris or Manhattan, at least on Sundays. However, David Monteiro, owner of Miramar Furniture and Appliances [244 Augusta Avenue], hopes the idea doesn't spread too far. "Four or five Sundays in the summer is fine, but you have to be practical," said Monteiro, "sometimes this is all loading and unloading, that's how I make a living. We have to have access." Monteiro, has owned the store for 26 years … [David’s grandparents were from Goa]. 637 words. Click here.

Toronto: Boutique looks to attract 'sexy and glamorous' 10 Apr: National Post. (Toronto). Indiva, a 12,000-square-foot, two-storey boutique dedicated to introducing wealthy Canadian women to India's top designers and artisans, officially launches tomorrow in Yorkville. Owner David Anselm along with his sister Wendy Dias and Nick Del Giudice opened Indiva's doors to the public on Thursday; stores in Montreal and Calgary are to follow in three years … After migrating with their parents in the mid-seventies, Ms. Dias and Mr. Anselm made a personal trip back to India in 2003. It helped spark their "Fusion Fashion" venture … Indiva's target market is the "sexy and glamorous" Canadian woman, aged 25 to 40. [The store is a stockist of Wendell Rodricks’ creations]. 765 words. Click here

Australia: Queensland: Go Today.
11 Apr: The Courier-Mail. David Sequeira -- Eternal rhythms, selected works 1996-2006: Canberra-based artist David Sequeira collects books, vases, flower petals, leaves, discarded art, picture frames, tapestries and domestic plastic-ware, all of which find their way into his practice. In creating order from these objects, Sequeira explores the idea that colour saturation, colour vibration and geometry can convey complex and compelling information about our lives, histories and culture. On till 15 Apr. 2007. 10am-4pm. Free. The University of Queensland Art Museum, The Mayne Centre, St Lucia. For info click here.
The David Sequeira website is at http://www.davidsequeira.com/

DEATHS

10 Apr: Sangolda, Goa. DOMNIC D'MELLO (GORO). Husband of Mary. Father of Elisa/Carlos, Joe (MPT)/Jean (FX, Siolim), Lucia/Cedric, Seby/Sharon; Brother of late Margaret/late, Jules/Hortencia/late Otholino (Assagao), Peter/Romana (UK).

9 Apr: Margao, Goa. BENJAMIN DE SOUZA. (Ex. Revenue Officer, Kenya). Husband of Doreen. Father of Oliver/Meena, Ingrid/Elgar, Soraya/Lionel and Brenda.

8 Apr: Margao, Goa. VIGILANTE (BIJU) FERNANDES. (Ex Dar-es-Salaam). Relict of Macario. Mother of Bemvinda/late Gildo (UK), Benicia, Belinda, Blasco/Silvia. Grandmother of Tracy, Tanya and Luanna. Sister of late Claudina, late Onesimo, late Lucillina, late Virginai/late Fanchu and Olivia/late Louis. sister-in-law of late Maximiana/late Ilda. Funeral on 11th April at 3.30 at Our Lady of Grace Church, Margao.

29 Mar: Sittingbourne, Kent, U.K. CONEY D’SOUZA. (ex-Nairobi). Husband of the late Joanita (Joan) D’Souza. Beloved father of Laura-Lee & Liam. Step-father/father-in-law of Lincoln, Loraine/Kevin, Lester/Louise, and Lister. Loving grandfather of 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grand children. Dear brother/brother-in law of Alwyn/Brenda D’Souza, Atwell D’Souza, Lira/Sidney Rodrigues, Elsie/Hilary Fernandes & Cancio/Bunny Fernandes. Please say a prayer for Coney. Condolences to: Atwell D’Souza care of: cdsilva@videotron.ca and/or elsiehilary@yahoo.ca

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GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Curbing Ignorance- Tuberculosis in Goa. By Preetu Nair.
6 Apr: Gomantak Times. It is estimated that 200,000 people in Goa are at present suffering from pulmonary TB, of which nearly 5000 are infectious … The stigma about TB has now come down considerably. It now exists only amongst the migrant or illiterate people. 1003 words. Click here.

Derrick Pereira: Football Coach: Tough tackler to canny coach
6 Apr: Indian Express. Goa has its own charm with the three F’s - football, feni and fish and Mahindra United coach Derrick Pereira is another Goan who surrenders to their mystique … The 45-year-old, who recently won the indianfootball.com best coach award, narrates his humble beginnings in Goa … 725 words. Click here.

Gospel for Goa
6 Apr: Gospel for Asia. A revised translation of the Konkani New Testament is underway, and there is a great need for Christian literature in Konkani … http://www.gfa.org/goa
Life is a horrible nightmare for the people who live in this slum in Goa. They shell out a few hundred rupees a month to a slum lord to rent a tiny shack … 11 photographs. Click here.

Easter ushered in with gaiety
8 Apr: Herald. After 40 days of prayer, penance and preparations for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Christian community in Goa ushered in Easter at midnight. 284 words. http://oheraldo.in/node/23834

Mining: What China is doing to Goa?
10 Apr: Economic Times. Mining in Goa for iron ore is ripping its forests and devastating its people. Chinese demand for iron ore has increased its price from $14 per tonne to $60 per tonne. This has spurred a black gold rush—mining companies are bidding for areas that were either closed or not opened because they were unprofitable or unviable. In many cases, these mines had not been worked because they were close to villages and companies knew that people would probably protest. Now none of this matters. The industry says this is boom time—the Chinese are willing to buy low-grade ore, which Goa has aplenty. 696 words. Click here.

Mittal in race for Sesa Goa
10 Apr: Emirates Evening Post. Lakshmi Mittal, the world’s fifth-richest man, is competing with two fellow Indian billionaires to buy control of Sesa Goa Ltd., the nation’s largest non-state iron ore exporter, people familiar with the plan said. Japan’s Mitsui & Co. is selling its 51 per cent stake in Panaji, Goa-based Sesa Goa worth as much as $ 1 billion and may select a buyer this week, The three bidders are Arcelor Mittal, the world’s largest steel company, Aditya Birla Group and Aditya Birla Plc … Shares of Sesa Goa gained 22 per cent this year. 408 words. Click here.

Goldshield WellBeing Goa village
10 Apr: Times of India. The Goldshield Group was founded by Kenya-born Ajit Patel together with his brother Kirti Patel … It is setting up a Goldshield WellBeing village in Goa, which has been labelled as a first-of-its-kind retirement resort in the country conforming to global standards. The project consists of about 120 residential units, with facilities like hospital, hotel, nursing home, restaurants, shops, along with sports and leisure amenities to meet the requirement of retired personnel from India and aboard. However, there have been allegations that Goldshield had obtained the necessary approvals for the project by unlawful practices -- leading to oppositions from the locals … Click here.

Goa no longer cool enough!
10 Apr: Herald. Feeling sweaty and uncomfortable in ‘holiday’ Goa? The weather bureau in the State today confirmed that humidity levels have been up by 10 to 12 per cent … the minimum temperatures is 27 degrees while maximum is 33.8 degrees. 268 words. Click here.

Art exhibition aims to showcase a new side of Goa
11 Apr. The Hindu. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (GTDC) will host an art exhibition, "Aparanta", between April 11 and 24. The event is an attempt to rid Goa of its image as a place with only beaches. It will prove that Goa is a place of artistic excellence … “Shrines” distributed through the exhibition, containing rare paintings and biographical details of great Goan artistes from previous generations, Francis Newton Souza, Vasdudeo Gaitonde, Angelo Fonseca, Laxman Pai and Antonio Xavier Trindade. 385 words. Click here.

Goa`s plans for IT park skid on forest floor
11 Apr: Business Standard. The Congress-led Pratapsinh Rane government in Goa received a major blow to its plans for the information technology (IT) Park at Socorro plateau after the Panaji bench of Bombay High Court restrained it from proceeding with any development on the survey numbers concerned until disposal of the petition. 549 words. Click here.

DLF to build convention centre in Goa
11 Apr: Business Standard. Asia’s real estate and construction giant, DLF Limited, has bagged the Goa government tender to construct a 4,500-seater state-of-the-art convention centre and a 350-room capacity five star hotel, at Dona Paula. It will also have a state-of-the-art mall, well-equipped gymnasium and other amenities … the entire project should be completed in 18 months … it will be used for all kinds of conventions, including the prestigious International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 372 words. Click here.

Konkani cinema needs a boost
11 Apr: Daily News & Analysis. In 2005, ‘Aleesha’, a Konkani film won the national award for best film in the country. It gave a shot in the arm for the regional film industry in Goa, but while the film won accolades and a Rs 12 lakh in prize money, the industry still suffers from the usual ailments — lack of finance and audience. 405 words. Click here.

Respect seniors
11 Apr: Herald. The first community centre, Unmad, has opened at Margao for senior citizens and it will go a long way in easing the lives of many an old person. But is this the answer for senior citizens of the state. Goa has a high percentage of senior citizens either because the children have gone out of the state to work or they have been abandoned. And that is the tragic part about Goa that many senior citizens are residing, alone, in old ancestral houses without anyone to care for them. The government should start some process whereby these people can be looked after. 190 words. http://oheraldo.in/node/23916

British Business Group’s Goa edition launched
12 Apr: Navhind Times. UK Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched The British Business Group (BBG) Goa edition at a function last evening. The BBG aims at being a forum for British and Indian companies and individuals to meet, exchange ideas and network in friendly and informal surroundings. With regular seminars and a host of other benefits the BBG aims to be an excellent place to make business contacts and keep up to date with the latest business ideas and opportunities … The BBG would also help bring to Goa expertise from UK. 458 words. Click here.

Video: Goans don't buy govt's mall plans
12 Apr: CNN-IBN. The building of what was Asia's first medical college at a point remained neglected for long time until 2004 when it was converted into the office of the Entertainment Society of Goa which organises the International Film Festival of India. However, now the heritage structure, which was built by the Portuguese in 1782, may well become a shopping mall if the government has its way. (1m.12sec) Click here.

IN THE NEWS

Tropical Explorer
6 Apr: Moscow Times. … In his first novel, "The Goa Syndrome," Alexander Sukhochyov writes about a world he knows well. Originally from Kursk, he worked as a DJ, freelance journalist and club promoter in Moscow and St. Petersburg before having a "change of values" three years ago and heading to Goa to work as a tour guide … In his book, Sukhochyov describes how Russians have descended on Goa over the last few years, particularly colonizing the village of Morjim … a film deal had already been signed. Filming is due to start in October … 1401 words. Click here.

Video clip: Mumbai Christians observe Good Friday
6 Apr: CNNN-IBN. Good Friday also known as God’s Friday is a significant day in Christian calendar. 1m.24s. Click here.

Daisy Angus has been acquitted of cannabis smuggling
8 Apr: Bournemouth Echo. (UK). Daisy Angus, 26, a former Bournemouth fitness instructor has been acquitted of drug-smuggling charges after four and a half years in prison. She had been serving a ten-year sentence for smuggling 10kg of cannabis in a secret compartment in her suitcase which had been given to her by an Israeli, Yovam Kadesh, in Goa. Daisy's defence argued that the suitcase was in Kadesh's possession and he owned the bag. The court also heard how Kadesh and his brother were drug traffickers having shops at Goa and Manali. Photo and text, 500 words. Click here.

Bennett killing: Mystery deepens.....
8 Apr: MidDay (Mumbai). The Gloucestershire CID, England have traced the phone calls that were made by Stephen Bennett to his mother Maureen at her Leckhampton home, which has deepened Stephen Bennett’s murder mystery. It shows that Stephen made seven frantic calls from Goa to his mother on December 6 and his last phone call on December 7, hours before he went missing contradicts the findings of the police. His sister, Amanda Bennett, recently visited the Deputy High Commissioner of India in London, Ashok Mukherjee who agreed that the police had behaved and acted in an unproductive manner, and shown only contempt for the victim. She says, “A holiday to Goa has shattered so many lives and for what — a hatred of westerners or a few rupees?” 1062 words. Click here.

Calcutta: Force keeps mum on killing of cross-dresser
9 Apr: the Telegraph. Ronald D’Silva a 32-year-old who was a cross-dresser and a regular in the city’s party circuit was murdered in Calcutta. His family has complained of reluctance among the investigators to probe the case. Anjali D’Silva, the victim’s mother, has made several rounds of the police station to find out who killed her son … Hours before Ronald was killed, he had accompanied his mother for Sunday prayers to a Hastings church. 497 words. Click here.

'I dreamt up a phone number and found my bride to be'
9 Apr. Daily Mail (UK). Waking up one morning five years ago, David Brown found a mystery mobile phone number running through his mind … he decided to call it and spoke to Michelle Kitson … it was the start of a romance that culminated in their wedding and honeymoon in Goa. "She really is the girl of my dreams," said Mr Brown … Photo and text, 888 words. Click here.

Karachi: Easter celebrations
9 Mar: Daily Times (Pakistan). 391 words. Click here.

Alphonso will fly to US this summer
9 Apr: Hindustan Times. Americans can soon satisfy their desire to taste Alphonso - the king of Indian fruit - with the two countries signing reaching an agreement last week. Officials from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) visited Konkan and other parts of Maharashtra in April and reportedly expressed satisfaction over the quality of the fruit and processing techniques, before giving the final nod to export mangoes to the United States … So far, the Alphonso has reached Europe, Gulf and, recently, Japan. 375 words.

Canada: Dawn Kiddell: Finding her stride
10 Apr: Standard-Freeholder (Ont. Canada). Although probably best known as the Cornwall Public Library's chief librarian, Dawn Kiddell is also an accomplished long distance runner. In an interview asked “What's your wildest dream?” her response was “I’d travel extensively to the Asian continent. It's completely outside my comfort zone. I'd like to go to the coast of Goa, in southern India. I once worked with someone from there and the way he described it, it sounded like paradise.” For photo and text click here.

Vienna: Theatre: 12 April: Hermann Hesse: Back from Goa
10 Apr: Wien ORF. Hermann Hesse – 12 Apr. Leopold Museum: 20.30: Uraufführung des Theaterstücks "Back from Goa"
Eine szenische Führung durch Hesses Welt Mit Mirijam Ploteny und Peter Streimelweger. For details Click here.

RTP International: Contacto Goa Second Series begins 15 April
15 Apr: RTP. Contacto Goa is back! The popular Goa edition of the Contacto magazine programme on the Portuguese language channel RTP International ran for thirteen episodes. The first episode of this new series will be telecast on Sun. 15 April at 13:00 pm (in India) and 08:30 am (in Portugal) on RTP-Internacional. There will also be a repeat telecast on this channel on the same day at 20:00 pm (in India) and 15:30 pm (in Portugal). Further episodes of the second series of Contacto Goa will continue to be telecast once every month. If you would like to contact the team, you may email them at contactogoa@yahoo.co.in Details of the programme .Click here.

RECENT ITEMS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST ON GOANET. BY CORNEL DACOSTA

UK: TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS By Lira Fernandes

Magazine Programme: Desi DNA. BBC 2
Thu 12 Apr. 23:20 to 23:50. How some British Asians are using their sexuality as a means of expression in their creative, challenging and sometimes shocking work. Plus, why buying a piece of south Asian art could be a good financial investment.

Cookery: Rick Stein's Fruits of the Sea. UKTV Food
Sun 15 Apr. 15:30 to 16:00. Rick prepares salt-and-pepper prawns and makes a spicy Goan seafood curry for all his staff

Documentary: Ghetto Britain: Channel 4
Mon 16 Apr 20:00 – 21:00. Documentary examining the state of race relations in modern Britain.

Cookery: Rick Stein's Seafood Odyssey. UKTV Food
Tue 17 Apr 21:00 to 21:30. Rick Stein is in the stunning setting of Goa as he reproduces some of the most popular local fish dishes.

Documentary: Crossing Continents. BBC Radio Four
Thu 19 Apr 11:00 to 11:30. Linda Pressly reports from India, where gay sex is a crime.

Magazine Programme: Desi DNA. BBC 2
Thu 19 Apr. 23:20 to 23:50. Controversy regarding Asian youth activists

Cookery: The Naked Chef: UKTV Food
Thu 19 Apr. 18:30 to 19:00. Curryfest. Jamie Oliver cooks up an Indian extravaganza for his mates.

FORTHCOMING

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

Sat. 14 Apr. 6.45-11.00 pm South East Goans presents "Carnival de Goa". An evening of fun and entertainment with Maz & Co. at Hurstmere School Hall, Hurst Road, Sidcup, DA15 9AW. Adults - £11, children 6-12 yrs £5, under 5's free. Meal and free drink on entry included in the ticket price. Contact: Ron 0208 303 3386, Chris 01322 400732, Dom 07854490617, Tat 0208 316 1473.

Sat. 21 Apr.–TIATR, TIATR, Goan Cultural Society proudly presents a Konkani Tiatr “GIRESTKAI” written & directed by Goa's Radio Star, Anthony Marques, at St John's Hall, Bourne Hill, Palmers Green, London N13 at 3.00pm. For details contact: - Bella – 020 8372 1253, Ida – 020 8881 2921, Camilo – 020 8801 3637 & Marques – 01628 783889.

Sun. 29 Apr. – TIATR, TIATR, Goan Cultural Society proudly presents a Konkani Tiatr “GIRESTKAI” written & directed by Goa's Radio Star, Anthony Marques, at Archbishop Lanfranc Hall, Mitcham Road, Croydon at 3.00pm. For details contact:- Nina – 020 8767 0663, Cornelius 020 8681 8716, Bella – 020 8372 1253, & Marques – 01628 783889.

Sat 5 May 3:00pm - 10:00pm. Cortalim Feast of Saints Philip and James at St. Aldhelm's Church Hall, Windmill Road, London N18 1PA. Mass at 3.00pm followed by and the crowning of the ‘May Queen'! Limited capacity of the hall, all tickets will need to be paid for in advance. The price of tickets including entry, free drink & meal are: Adults-£10. 11-18 years-£5. 2-10 years-£2.50. Call Maria- 0208-803-5146 or Melissa 0208-888-0393.

Sun. 27 May. Margao Union UK. Feast of the Holy Spirit. St Johns Church Hall, Bourne Hill, Palmers Green, London N13 4DA. Beginning with Holy Mass at 2:00 pm followed by Social & Dancing. Music by Nite-Life. For tickets and further info call Lucas 020 8967 7471; Gregg 020 8907 0545; Rosalind 020 8767 8652; Xavier 07787 390 553; Camillo 020 8801 3637.

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