Goan Voice UK: Newsletter. Issue 2008-22. May. 29, 2008

Newsy: Vol.1 No.1: Tanzania Goans News

May 2008: First issue of Quarterly Newsletter by the St. Xavier's Society, Tanzania. Some highlights:
Chairman's (Savio Fernandes - photo) message. Mario Dias son of Glen and Felicia Dias, brother of Jennifer, Lorraine and David, will be ordained a priest on 31st May, 2008.
The Daily Mercury reported on 9 Apr: "Shaun Furtado is set to make his mark on the men's under 18 Australian Hockey Championships at Adelaide next week after he was selected in the Queensland team …" Shaun is the son of Fred and Annette Furtado.
The newsletter is 6 pages with photos of Mario, Shaun, etc. For your copy write to socials@goans.or.tz

Video: Chrystal Gomes, stand up comedian

22 May: From Mervyn Lobo: Chrystal Gomes of Scarborough, Ontario was born in Dar-es-Salaam. She is the daughter of Danny Gomes, past President of the Dar-es-Salaam Institute and G.O.A. Toronto. For a video of her performance at Club 54 in New York, click here.
For links to a video interview click here.
For her website click here.

Perth, Aus: Barney Fernandes: Flights of fancy
22 May: West Australian (Perth). A new pilot training college is set to help launch … Retired Indian wing commander Barney Fernandes hopes it will be only a matter of months before his newest pilot training school will take its first intake of cadets. Mr Fernandes, who migrated to Australia in 1966 [sic] after retiring from the Indian Air Force, was an instructor at the Qantas cadet pilot training college before he established flying schools in Sydney and Adelaide. Click here.

UK: Maya De Souza: Are the Greens set to bloom?

22 May: Camden New Journal. …The Green Party has three councillors on board… Green councillor Maya De Souza said “The canvassing that I did in Highgate showed that we are taking voters from lots of different backgrounds. In the past, you might have thought it was owner occupiers, middle classes that were voting for the Greens but it’s beyond that…” Click here.
Maya is the daughter of Fitz & Ramona De Souza and lived in Nairobi till the age of 13. She is a lawyer at the Department for the Environment, advising the Government on organic farming. For a profile of her, click here.

Aisha de Sequeira: Eastern Promise

23 May: The Evening Standard (London). … The calibre of the top executives that banks have recently started sending to Mumbai, however, shows that its days as a backwater posting are now over …Morgan Stanley has brought in Aisha de Sequeira, a New York-based managing director for M&A, to rebuild its Indian investment banking division. De Sequeira, an Indian national from Goa, has recruited a 25-strong team, about 10 of whom were drawn from London or New York… 1053 words. Click here.
Aisha is the daughter of Maureen and Erasmo and grand daughter of Goa’s legendary politician, Jack de Sequeira.

Prof Jayant Vaidya: Breakthrough in diagnosing cancer

25 May: The Express on Sunday (UK). A major breakthrough in the battle against breast cancer has been uncovered by Scottish scientists … Professor Dr Jayant Vaidya, who carried out the experiment with four colleagues, said yesterday the development is "very exciting indeed". He added: "Nothing like this has been done before. We heated up a specimen and used a high-resolution thermal imaging camera to take a picture. We found the tumour stayed cold whilst the rest of the tissue heated up … 598 words. Click here.
For the Prof Vaidya profile, click here.

Boston, USA: Ashley Fernandes indicted for killing girlfriend

25 May: The Daily Item of Lynn, Mass. Ashley Fernandes, 28, stands charged with murder in the first-degree in connection with the April 5 fatal strangulation of Jessica Herrera … Police say Fernandes later admitted to that he murdered Herrera the night before… 519 words. Click here.

Corryn Rayney Murder: Police action not on
25 May: Sunday Times (Perth). Barrister Lloyd Rayney is unlikely to launch a touted civil action against the police, according to the WA Police Union and legal sources. Mr Rayney, who was named in September as the ``prime suspect'' in the unsolved murder of his wife, Corryn, has little recourse under defamation laws … Mr Rayney is expected to plead not guilty on June 20 to a charge he tapped the phone of the Como home he shared with his wife, a Supreme Court registrar, and their two daughters. 266 words.

Football: Ray Barreto (ex-Malawi) heads to Kolkata

25 May: Sunday Tribune (South Africa). Roy Barreto, 52, is taking up a position as Chief Coach at Mohun Bagan Sail Football Academy in Kolkata on a short-term contract. Barreto was born in Malawi to parents from Goa and he grew up in Zimbabwe. He coached professionally at First Division outfit Bay United in South Africa and then went to Portugal to set up home … He was in line to be interviewed as Coach for the India but that job went to Englishman Bob Houghton. 237 words. Click here.
For a profile of Ray Barreto click here.

Dr Leo D'Souza: Career on the line
26 May: Cincinnati Enquirer: Born and raised in India, Leo D'Souza became a medical doctor and child psychiatrist before building a respected practice over the last 20 years in the Cincinnati area …The 66-year-old Clifton child psychiatrist has had his medical license revoked and been accused of sexually impropriety … The criminal charges against D'Souza carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. He is due back in court June 9…Photo and text, 634 words. Click here.

Pio Gama Pinto: Black operations’ of the Kanyotu era

26 May: The Nation (Kenya). …Barely two months after James Kanyotu was appointed the Director of Intelligence in February 1965, a radical politician of Asian origin, Pio Gama Pinto, was gunned down outside his house in the city’s Westlands suburb. He was reversing outside his gate one early morning when a lone gunman appeared from nowhere and shot him at point-blank range … A self-confessed socialist, Mr Pinto had sharpened his teeth as a radical during Kenya’s fight for independence when he served as the editor of a string of nationalist newspapers and a radio station. 1230 words. Click here.

Helen Fernandes: How to get the most out of your Doctor

26 May: The Times (UK). Helen Fernandes, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Addenbrooke, Cambridge: Read up about the illness, but from reputable sources. The better informed you are, the more relevant your questions will be. If I have said that there is a 20 per cent chance of a particular outcome, then there is no point asking what will happen after the operation, as I have already said it is uncertain. If a doctor is vague, he or she isn't necessarily fudging it. Click here.
For a profile of Helen Fernandes see GVUK 2007-31.

Brendan Fernandes: First solo exhibition in New York

27 May: ArtCal. The work of Brendan Fernandes approaches the issue of culture as something endlessly deferred, with roots that may be pulled but never unearthed. The artist grew up in Kenya then Canada before moving to New York and has never visited India … In this, the artist’s first solo exhibition in New York, Fernandes presents a number of objects that approach this elusive question … The exhibition is at Momenta Art, 359 Bedford Street, May 30 - June 30, 2008. Click here.
Brendan Fernandes was born in Nairobi, the son of Rudolf and Hazel; brother of Lisa-Marie and Tamara. For the Brendan Fernandes website click here.

Toronto Gears Up for International Goan Convention in July 2008

27 May: NowPublic. Toronto will host Historic 2008 Goan International Convention at the lovely Mississauga University Of Toronto from 23-27 July 2008… the objective of the convention is to serve as historic instrument of change for the motherland, particularly in the areas of environment, good Governance, critical economy and perseverance of the heritage…The 2500 strong Goan diaspora of Mississauga is elated at the announcement. For details click here.
For text of the article click here.

Australia: Socky Soares: Essence of fine dining

28 May: The Gold Coast Bulletin (Australia). Restaurant of the week: Carmodys Grill on the outskirts of Southport… Set-up by Socky Soares, he lives and breathes hospitality and when asked admits he wouldn’t know what he’d be doing if he wasn’t in the industry… Socky, originally from Goa, perfected the art while decanting French wines on cruise ships, this floating career spanning five years and seeing him sail from ports around the world… 1003 words. Click here.

Victor Rangel-Ribeiro: Of stories and music. ..

28 May: Times of India. At 82, Victor Rangel-Ribeiro is as active as any 18 year old … he married Lea Vaz, a brilliant young pianist and they migrated to the United States in the 1950s … he became conductor of the International Chamber Orchestra and wrote the novel, Tivolem … he has found the time to build the Goan Association of New York… 822 words. Click here.

Tracking Portuguese Goa's Dreaded Agent Via Cyberspace
29 May: News Post India. Agente Monteiro has long been a dreaded name in Goa because of the legendary brutality against anyone who challenged Portuguese rule in Goa…Roland Francis, a Canada-based Goan, got the ball rolling accidentally by posting a report about him … A Britain-based Goan expat wrote 'I have this (awful sick) feeling in the pit of my stomach regarding this man I think he is my father … ' 748 words. Click here.

27 May: Brampton, Canada. ANTHONY “NANU” DA COSTA. (Aged 71). Beloved husband of Pamela (nee Figueiredo). Loving father Darren and Dwayne. Cherished "Papa Nino" of Alexia. Dear brother of Christina, Afra, Melita, Felix, Angelo, Joseph, Theresa and of the late Jaime. The family will receive friends at the Scott Funeral Home on Friday May 30. A Funeral Service will be held Sat. at St.Mary's Church for Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery. For full details click here.

25 May: Navelim, Goa. FRANCISCA CONCEICAO ESPECIOSA GONSALVES: (Born 1931). Wife of late Avelino. Mother of Joaquim/Sarita, Anthony/Theresa, Josemario/Sharmila (Bermuda), Anselmo/Sandra (Bermuda), Peter/Bebinda (Sugar Rock), Phillu/Tony (UK), Maria/Anthony.

25 May: London. CUSTODIO FERNANDES (Born 1937). Husband of Angela. Father of Velinda and Virgilio.

25 May: Calgary, Canada. CASSIANA MATILDA DE SOUZA MENDES (Born Goa, 1923; ex-Mozambique & Portugal). Predeceased by her husband John Frances Mendes and son Joseph. She is survived by her five children, Marina, Gail (Ken), Diana (Mario), Roy of Portugal and Kay (Marcella) of Brazil; Prayer Services at South Calgary Funeral Centre on May 28. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony's Parish on Thursday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. For photo and full details click here.

25 May: Parra-Gama Vaddo: FRANCIS ASSUMPTION D'GAMA (Ex-Dar-es-Salaam): Born on Aug 15, 1921; Son of late Caetano Carmo/late Maria Adolfina Teofila Fonseca; brother of late Ignatius (Anglo-Lusitano Press, Bombay), late Maurice (Spain)/Marisol (Spain), late Albert, late Geraldo, late Leo, late Lira/Malachias D'Souza (Beira/London), Luke (Bobby), Barbara/late Oscar Almeida (Siolim); Uncle of Marilia D'Souza (London), Evlyne/Bruce Peters (New Zealand), Orine (New Zealand) and Olympio.

25 May: Toronto. MARY MARTIN (ex-Dar es Salaam; Born 1925; née GOMES). Wife of Ben. Mother of Dominic/Barbara (Halifax); Trevor/Donna (Toronto); Elizabeth/Daniel (France); Andrew (Richmond Hill); Rudolf/Francine (Milton) and Iona/Tom (Stouffville). Sister of: Danny (Aggie) Gomes (Dar es Salaam/Toronto, Canada) and Lita (Assiss) Lopes (Nairobi/Unionville, Canada). Resting At: Ogden Funeral Home, Scarborough, May 30. Mass on Sat. May 31 @ 10:30a.m. St. Joseph Highland Creek Church, 200 Morrish Road, Scarborough. Interment: Christ The King Cemetery, Markham. For photo and full details click here. Condolences to wpemartin13@hotmail.com

23 May: Pilerne, Goa. MARIA DOLOROZA NORONHA. Wife of late Jose. Mother of Angelica/Lazaro D'Mello, Apolinario/Maria (Qatar), Jesus (Bebe)/Succorinha (UK), Victor Hugo, Sucurinha/Agnelo Fernandes and Bosco.

New York: BRIAN D’SOUZA (ex-Mumbai). Son of late Bruno/Ida. Brother of Cherylann/Neville, Jude/Emirita & Darryl. Memorial Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Andheri (East) at 7 pm on 29 May.

UK: Visas to India Outsourced: New Arrangements
Effective 29th May 2008, applications for India Visa would be accepted in India Visa Application Centre in London [Birmingham and Edinburgh to follow]… For your own convenience and to save time, you are advised to complete the Indian visa application form and pay the fees online … drop your application and passport at the Visa Application Centre or send it by Post … Alternatively, you can walk into a India Visa Application Centre wait in the queue and submit your application. The London Centres are at Wilton Road SW1 and Goswell Road EC1… Full details at the link below, click here.

Huge gap between India, UK visa fees
26 May: Times of India. Non-resident Indians in Britain pay half for their visas to visit India as compared to Indians for their visas to visit Britain. So when British NRIs stand in long queues, wait for hours or face rude officers, they can console themselves that they are paying £30 pounds while their Indian cousins are paying £65 for a six-month tourist visa. 813 words. [The article refers to the long queues at India House in central London and makes no reference to the new arrangements]. 816 words. Click here.

Brand Goa may have overpriced itself
23 May: Times of India. Empty rooms, high prices. Reality is stark and cold. Surrounded by hype, Brand Goa may have just overpriced itself. With prices, fares and cost of living shooting upwards in the state, tourists, both foreign and domestic, prefer to spend their holidays elsewhere. Most of the rooms are empty. On an average, occupancy rates are just over 50% … 237 words. Click here.

Go Goa 365
23 May: Express Travel World Holiday Inn Resort; Kenilworth Beach Resort; Lazylagoon; Hotel Delmon; Alcon Victor group; de Souza Group; Vainguinim Valley Resort; Majorda Beach Resort; 360° Beach Resort; Cavala Seaside Resort: Cidade de Goa; Hotel Manvin and A walk to remember: René Mendes takes tourists on the Portuguese legacy trail. Click here.

Why We Travel To India
23 May: Little India (USA)… Think of the economy of Goa! Would they really have all the problems of shortage in funding in public works or education if they were supported by all the money brought in from tourism? We patronize people, not help them. This is why the most popular tourist spots are surrounded by poverty and a shoddy environment if not squalor… [An informative article about travelling in India as a NRI]. 5209 words. Click here.

Milestone Resorts to have 5 Goan properties by year end
23 May: Express Hospitality. Gurgaon-based Milestone Resorts is adding more products to its current portfolio so that it will have a total of five properties in Goa by year end…The company is also building a beachside property at Kola beach in South Goa which will have a fresh water pool … 294 words. Click here.

Goa Property at Risk: BBC Radio 4 Programme
23 May. BBC Radio 4. "You and Yours", the consumer affairs programme dealt with Goan retirement plans shattered by new Indian property laws. Thousands of expats in Goa face losing their properties after a property law has been revived. Guests: Dayanand Narvekar: Goan Law Minister; Keith Vaz MP: Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee. To listen to the programme click here.
To view a discussion of the programme click here.
There is expected to be a follow up programme. Please send your comments to henrietta.harrison@bbc.co.uk

Duns motorcyclists complete Indian trek
24 May: Berwickshire News (UK). On the bus from Goa airport to their hotel, all the faces showed that jaw-dropping expression of disbelief and horror that comes with any visitor's first exposure to the traffic on India's crowded roads. And, for this group, the horror was all the more real as they had come to India to ride 1,500 miles on those roads on Royal Enfield Bullet 350cc motorcycles in aid of charity. 977 words. Click here.

The closest place to paradise
25 May: NewIndPress. With so much recent talk about “the tragedy of Goa” the suggestion of venturing to the Konkan region for a relaxing vacation would make most people cringe. Indeed there can be no denying that even before the tragic death of Scarlett Keeling earlier this year, Goa had its fair share of negative press coverage pertaining to the debauched and decadent party scene that has come to dominate the tourist resorts of its Northern shores. Yet paradise has not been entirely lost — just head south, and do so after the package holidayers have left. 938 words. Click here.

The world's best beaches
24 May: The Telegraph (UK). Arambol Beach, Goa. This stretch of beautiful coastline has managed to avoid the rampant commercialism further down the coast. You can walk its shores for mile upon mile without meeting another soul. Close to the main beach is a hot spring, and in one of the bays you can swim with dolphins. Click here.

A Single to India, please: By Paula Hamilton:
25 May: The Mail on Sunday (UK). “A friend called out of the blue asking if I would like to take over her deposit on a trip to India … Both my brothers said I should bypass Goa as it had become seriously commercialised, so I was to go by bus all the way down south to Kovalam …The very act of a female travelling alone is misunderstood as she is reckoned to be travelling in search of sex… India unplanned will challenge everything - personal comfort, sleep, food and privacy. I rose to those challenges, I benefited and came back feeling enriched by the country and its people.” 2266 words.
Part 1: Click here.
Part 2: Click here.
For an article, “The bizarre world of VW model Paula Hamilton” click here.

Goa airport may witness chaos in tourist season
25 May: Times of India. The proposal to decongest Goa's international airport at Dabolim, Vasco, is yet to be implemented. Officials at the airport are worried that if the upgradations, approved two years back, aren't implemented immediately, handling next season's traffic will be difficult…At the moment, no passenger flights are allowed between 8.30 am and 1 pm from Monday to Friday and there are flight restrictions between 7.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays on account of naval exercises. 209 words. Click here.

Malaria likely to affect tourism
28 May: Times of India. A recent spurt in cases of malaria along South Goa's coastal belt has become a matter of grave concern for tourists, locals and authorities alike … Combating the disease in these coastal villages has become the need of the hour for the authorities considering its adverse effect on tourism, the backbone of Goa's economy… 489 words. Click here.

Budget airlines eye Gulf-India sector
28 May: The Peninsula (Qatar). Gulf-based Indians, who have for long been crushed under the burden of heavy air fares may look forward to better times with a bunch of low-cost carriers both in India and the Gulf weighing their wings to catch a slice of the lucrative sector… Air-India Express (AIE) has plans to operate flights to Dubai from Goa … Click here.

Foreign or Indian tourists?
28 May: Times of India. … Jude, the owner of Souza Lobo’s states that Indians tend to be bigger spenders…On the other hand, many hotels claim that the international customer tends to be easier to work for than the Indian…The Indian spends more money but have a tendency to get out of control especially under the influence of alcohol… “We prefer the Indian tourist from the sales angle, but say foreigners are easier clients as they are more patient,” says Ryan Frias of Rose Enterprises, Calangute... 687 words. Click here.

'Foreigners can't settle in Goa'
29 May: Times of India. After spending eight years in Goa, a British couple in their 60s — Mash Barry Sidney and Jenice Mash — decided to make the idyllic coastal state their permanent home after retirement. But it wasn't to be, as they were told that the Indian law forbids retired foreigners from staying permanently in the country… However, legal experts find government's explanation unconvincing. "I fail to understand under what provision of Indian or international law they can disallow a foreigner from living on in the country," a lawyer said. 284 words. Click here.

12 foreigners violated FEMA to buy land
29 May: Herald. The investigating officer of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has completed the inquiry and submitted the report to the Adjudicating Authority in 12 cases of foreigners having violated provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) while buying land in Goa… Asked about the fate of remaining cases, totally 286 in number, Singh said that he has been working on them one by one… 273 words. Click here.

On Goans Living in UK
29 May: Navhind Times. By Melvin Stuart … British High Commissioner should investigate the suggestion of property confiscations and recommend that the UK government enact a similar policy and confiscate the properties owned by the Goans settled in the UK. 177 words. Click here.

The Rape of Goa

23 May: Navhind Times. Rajan Parrikar, US based electrical engineer, has his heart and soul firmly entrenched in his motherland Goa. It is very rare to see this love and concern taken to such feisty level by expatriate …After his hugely successful exhibitions, titled Goa On The Brink and Goa: An Intimate Portrait, Rajan has come up with this heart wrenching and informative photo-documentary …A must see for all the Goans, this documentary enlightens the lay people about the level at which the rot has percolated and the looming of ominous signs. 345 words. Click here.
To view the photo-documentary online, click here.

No sex before the knot
23 May: Times of India. Is pre-marital sex common among Goa’s youth? Goa Times digs around this sensitive yet important topic… 500 words. Click here.

Lifestyle Illnesses Catch Up with Local Women
23 May: Navhind Times (Goa). Blame it on lifestyle but new killers are emerging among our women these days … Apparently, the top killers that strike women, in Goa, nowadays are: Diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Another ailment that is a close contender is depression, faced by many but admitted by few… 459 words. Click here.

Canacona suicide turns to be murder
23 May: Herald. The alleged suicide of a 30-year-old woman at Agonda took a new turn on Thursday, with police registering the case as murder, following an autopsy. In an unusual move the forensic doctor went to the house before arriving at a conclusion in the autopsy report… It is understood that the move was precipitated by the Scarlet Keeling case, where forensic doctors were criticised for their methodology. 368 words. Click here.

Adv Aires Rodrigues has defamed me, says AG
23 May: Herald. Advocate General Subodh Kantak has stated in a Magistrate’s Court that he has been defamed by Adv Aires Rodrigues with “false” allegations and his “good and clean reputation” has been violated and infringed… Adv Rodrigues’ actions have been mentally agonizing, inconvenient and has caused a lot of indignation to him… he is claiming Rs 15 crore by way of damages. Hearing was adjourned till 23 May. 204 words. Click here.
AG issue: Summons against Adv Rodrigues
24 May: Herald. The Judicial Magistrate on Friday issued a summons to Adv Aires Rodrigues with respect to criminal complaint of defamation filed by Advocate General Subodh Kantak. Click here.

Oil slicks on Goan beaches
25 May: The Sunday Times (UK). Huge oil slicks washing up on Goa's beaches are threatening the tourist industry, according to local hoteliers. "It is an unsavoury sight, not pleasant at all," said Shrikant Wakharkar, of the Intercontinental Goa … The state's environment minister, Aleixo Sequeira, has blamed the crisis on ships emptying tanks illegally at sea.

Hema Sardesai demands special status for Goa to save its land
25 May: PTI. Renowned playback singer Hema Sardesai on Sunday demanded special status for Goa to save the state from being sold outright to the land sharks. The Goan origin singer has decided to launch a movement along with the like minded people for special status demand… 226 words. Click here.

Builders retreat as villages close doors
25 May: Herald. Sorry please. Our village doors are closed for mega housing projects and for big time builders. This terse message has sent not just the high and mighty amongst the local builders but even real estate magnates… Worried builders are apparently anxious about the fate of their huge investments in real estate. 429 words. Click here.

Fresh attempts on to topple Goa govt.
26 May: 20:35 IST. PTI. Attempts are on to reinitiate moves to topple the Congress-led government in Goa with discontent brewing within the ruling coalition, sources said on Monday. A high-level meeting of BJP leaders, along with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) legislators and two independents was held in Mumbai on Sunday to discuss the strategy to topple the government, the sources said … The Digamber Kamat-led coalition government, which is yet to complete one year in the chair, has already faced two unsuccessful toppling bids...196 words. Click here.

Shopping for trouble in Mapusa
26 May: Times of India – Goa. One’s first impression of Mapusa is that of a dusty, cramped and dreary town that has failed to keep pace with development. Blame it on the city fathers or the elected MLAs, but the fact remains that for decades this quaint little town has been ignored and literally left to rot by the powers that be…Mapusa is sitting on a time bomb … 717 words. Click here.

Activists exhort locals to save Moira
26 May: Times of India – Goa. By Tony de Sa. Moira: “Save Moira”, was the plea made by a galaxy of social activists who took the dais following the awareness rally held by the Moira Action Committee (MAC) at the village club last Saturday. Various issues ranging from garbage treatment to the proposed mega projects within the area were raised and discussed… 349 words. Click here.

Goa Sudharop Symposium Report
26 May: Navhind Times. A Symposium was held in Goa organised by the Goa Sudharop Community Development Inc, US in association with the Council for Social Justice and Peace. GBA stalwart, Ms Patricia Pinto said that RP2011 was the best thing that could have happened to Goa as it created awareness about a major problem in the state … Rajan Parrikar was of the opinion that the people should rise in rebellion to liberate Goa for the second time … Mr Pravin Sabnis wanted direct contact with village groups … 444 words. Click here.

Goa capital aims to become no nuisance zone
27 May: IANS. By Frederick Noronha. No more “nuisance”, the corporation of Panaji has warned … A five-member enforcement squad assisted by four policemen will work from 6 to 10 a.m. and from 6 to10 p.m. The order came after returned expat and engineer Rajan Parrikar moved the high court urging that Panaji authorities be asked to maintain public hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness. 183 words. Click here.

Malaria rises with building activity
27 May: Times of India. Does increase in construction activity have a direct link with the spread of malaria? Yes, say health officials, who believe that the scourge of malaria is likely to increase and not decrease in the coming years. With construction sites being perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and migrants considered transmitters of malaria, the disease is here to stay, allege health officials. 555 words. Click here.

Experts to review super speciality hospital
27 May: Herald. Margao could well play host to a 100-bedded high quality speciality hospital to cater to Medico-Tourism - perceived as one of the fastest growing segment…While the proposed district hospital will have 400 beds, a part of the hospital is proposed to be converted into a high quality speciality to cater to medico-tourism patients…such a facility will be successful in Goa given its status as the tourist destination, known for its warm weather, clean beaches and reputation for hospitality…it will require a capital investment of Rs 63-odd crore to set up the 100-bedded private super speciality hospital… 322 words. Click here.

Goa Govt dallying disquiets industry
27 May: Times of India. The government backtracking on policy decisions in the face of public opposition has alarmed industry captains. Although none are willing to come on record, the industry worries that the government is weak and that this could have a long-term effect on the state’s overall economic development… Chief of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Ralph D’Souza also took the government to task. “Everything is ad hoc in the state. There is no longterm planning.” 692 words. Click here.

Porvorim parched
28 May: Times of India. The residents of Porvorim and surrounding areas are facing an acute water shortage … for the past four days they did not receive any PWD water supply…. the PWD said that due to ‘frequent power failures pumping is not possible”… A resident, who works in a bank, said due to the water shortage he cannot wear clean clothes to work… 207 words. Click here.

Goa’s Catholic Church to counsel seamen
28 May: IANS. By Frederick Noronha. Seafarers ahoy! Goa’s Catholic Church is taking note of this significant section that makes up a chunk of migrants and has set up special counselling services for seamen and their families… Announcing the launch of the Stella Maris Counselling Services in Goa, the Church also noted that the Apostleship of the Sea is an international Catholic network, now covering 118 countries. It also caters to land-based fishing communities… 400 words. Click here.

Goa: Loyal Martins murder: Wife and paramour arrested
28 May: Herald. The police have cracked the mysterious murder of the 35-year old Loyal Martins by arresting his wife, Leonora (29) and her alleged paramour, Bernard Fernandes … The police said that the deceased was done to death on the night of May 17 at his Varca residence. Then, in a filmy style, the body of Loyal was transported on a scooter before dumping it in River Sal to make it appear as a suicide… Loyal had just returned from Dubai on May 5. He was married to Leonora for nearly 9 years and they have two minor daughters… 380 words. Click here.
{There are reports of the Dar es Salaam/Varca connections of the Martins family].

Now, all eyes on quarries for garbage!
28 May: Herald. In what could be a respite from the growing woes on disposal of non-biodegradable waste, the Department of Mines has identified 23 abandoned mining quarries which could be used for disposal of residual waste by civic bodies. 275 words. Click here.

Goa: CM threatens House dissolution
28 May: Times of India. Chief minister Digambar Kamat has made it clear that any political instability would invite dissolution of the state assembly… With ministers in his cabinet refusing to resign to make way for Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate, speculation was rife on Tuesday of a possible resignation by some MLAs, reducing the government to a minority. 690 words. Click here.

Help sought to develop sewage system
29 May: Times of India. The Goa government has made a strong representation to the Centre for provision of Rs 4000 crore to develop an overall sewerage system in the state, as in its absence, the ground water table has been affected. 399 words. Click here.

Weekly Update
29 May: Times of India – Goa. Exchange rates £= 84.61; $ = 42.74; Euro = 66.95
Weather: Partly cloudy. Max = 35.7C; Min = 25.0C. Humidity 70% to 74%

Scarlett Keeling: Has Goa been scarred?
23 May: Times of India. Scarlett Keeling’s gruesome murder threw into open drugs scams, two-faced law enforcers and corrupt politicians, literally scarring Goa’s faces as one of the most sought tourist destinations. And after the damage was done, Goans woke-up to demand for a more streamlined system…However, the youth of Goa feel that not much has changed since the Scarlett incident. Life and Goa are back to their rocking self… 705 words. Click here.

Scarlett Keeling: Hostile Judicial process. By Sheela Barse
24 May: Herald. …the Scarlet case is a shocking subversion of Justice Process… My contention is that registration and pursuit of the Scarlet’s case in the Goa Children’s Court is hostile to the processes of justice …I am appalled, aghast, dismayed and deeply troubled to learn from local reporters about Goa NGOs silence, which amounts to passive acquiescence of the anti-child and anti-child-safety pervert prosecution process. This would harm Goa in future… I think public-spirited Goans should demand the withdrawal of the process in the Children Court. 259 words. Click here.

Scarlett Keeling: Samson files for fresh bail plea
24 May: Herald. Samson D’Souza, an accused in the Scarlet Keeling case has filed a fresh bail application before the Children’s Court … the Court Desmond postponed the hearing for June 6, in view of the State Government’s decision to hand over the case to CBI…The applicant who has been detained since February 21, made a plea that material collected by the police does not make out any prima facie case against him. His application also says that the autopsy reports are inconclusive on the aspect of the death being homicidal or otherwise. 207 words. Click here.

Scarlett Keeling: Mother denies receiving summons
25 May: Times of India. Fiona Mackeown, the mother of slain British teenager Scarlett Keeling, has on Sunday denied receiving any summons from the Goa police … The summons was supposed to be dispatched on her (Fiona`s) UK address a senior police officer said on the condition of anonymity. He said that it may be due to some communication problem that this was not done. 228 words. Click here.

Scarlett Keeling: Filmmaker to meet mother
25 May: Daily News and Analysis. Prabhakar Shukla, whose film Rave Party will deal with the rape and murder of 15-year-old British tourist Scarlett Keeling in Goa, will be going to London to narrate those portions of his film to her mother Fiona McKeown. He will also try getting more details about Scarlett’s life. 358 words. Click here.

Retired priest convicted of indecent assault
23 May: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News. A retired Catholic priest has been convicted of indecently assaulting a girl in Benalla, in north-east Victoria, 24 years ago. Adelrick D'Cruz, 78, pleaded guilty in the Shepparton County Court to indecent assault. The court heard a teenage girl missed her bus in Benalla in 1984 and went to St Joseph's Catholic Church for help. D'Cruz kissed her at the presbytery and again in his car, but the incident was not reported at the time … D’Cruz is in poor health and was put on a good behaviour adjournment for two years, and has to pay $500 to charity. 147 words.
For a photograph of Fr D’Cruz see GVUK 2007-19. Click here.

Leicester, UK: What a place to Goa play football
23 May: Leicester Mercury (UK). A search to find a team of young footballers to represent multi-cultural Leicester will be launched this weekend … the lucky few selected the chance to take part in a competition in Goa …Kulwinder Singh Johal, chairman of GNG Football Club, "The standard of football in Goa is pretty high so the squad that is picked will have a real challenge when they go over."…The trials take place from 10am to 3pm this Sunday. 337 words. Click here.

Indians continue to make England their home
23 May: Times of India: Nearly a quarter of the 164,635 people who became British citizens last year belonged to Asia, with Indians constituting the largest single national group, according to official figures, even as London’s top man in Delhi said that recent changes to immigration rules had not deterred Indians from hot-footing it to the UK to work and study…430,000 Indians had applied for British visas in 2007-2008… 302 words. Click here.

India and Africa: Global partners in resurgence
23 May: Thai Indian… Makhan Singh, Pio Gama Pinto, Fitz D’Souza and Amba Lal, people of Indian origin who played a sterling role in the freedom struggle of their respective countries in Africa, are now the stuff of collective folklore on the continent… Click here.

India's graduates given British polish
26 May: The Times (UK). A new generation of globetrotting Indian IT workers faces extra schooling on how to deal with British quirks of business. Most of India's large technology companies run “finishing schools”, where graduates who are going to work in the West are taught how to dress (no white socks with black shoes), eat (no belching at the table; use a knife and fork, not your hands) and speak (to remedy the habit of young Indians saying yes when they mean no)… 661 words + comments. Click here.

Following him in the jingle-jangle morning
26 May: Hindustan Times. Book review: Viva Santiago by Colin Fernandes. Penguin. Rs. 199. A delightful, slim novel set in Goa and the real hero a Deadhead of a grandfather who leaves a secret that needs uncovering. 361 words. Click here.
From the Penguin website: Replete with the sights, sounds and flavours of Goa, and a good dose of sex, drugs and rock music, Viva Santiago is the story of Alonso Gonzalez and his colourful, dysfunctional family… Click here.

Football: Oman and Leicester invited for Goa tourney
27 May: Times of Oman. If all goes according to the proposal being put forward to the Oman Chamber of Commerce by visiting British Member of Parliament, Keith Vaz, Oman could send a team of under-14 football players to Goa in October to compete in the ‘Spice Jet Cup’. “For the first time, Britain is making a football link with Goa,” said Vaz. “An U-14 team from Leicester will face a U-14 squad from Goa for a cup sponsored by Spice Jet Airlines... 144 words. Click here.

Mississauga: 300,000 visit Carassauga
29 May: Caledon Enterprise. Mississauga welcomed the world during its annual Carassauga Festival last weekend… “I feel it’s incredible to visit dozens of countries in just three days. It’s just amazing. Certainly I’ll take home lots of memories and information,” said Anthony D. of Goa, India, who is visiting his daughter in Mississauga… Click here.

Apache at Toronto's South Asian musical extravaganza
29 May: Toronto Star. Fans of Apache Indian, a.k.a. Steven Kapur, are in for a double treat this weekend when he headlines DesiFest with son Kelvin… he made headlines in Britain last year when he lashed out at what he called a resurgence of rampant racism there. His sense of outrage almost pushed him to move his family to India. Instead, he just bought a house in Goa … DesiFest, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Yonge-Dundas Square. Admission Free. 615 words. Click here.

British Asian couple abandon twins because they are girls
29 May: The Telegraph (UK). A British couple who conceived twin girls through IVF in India before returning to England for the birth have abandoned them at hospital because they wanted boys. The mother aged 59 and father, 72, conceived in India with fertility treatment and returned to England for the birth …The parents were born in India but are British citizens living in Birmingham. 301 words. Click here.

As in many parts of the world attraction to the priesthood has declined as a desirable vocation among young men. The Catholic Church is not yet ready to accept women as priests even though married priests have been accepted when they make the move from Protestantism to Catholicism. But there will clearly continue to be a shortage of priests. However, it is interesting to note much detail of recent appointments at various levels within the Church hierarchy in Goa with recent appointment made by Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman with effect from June, 1, 2008.

A controversy has arisen on Goanet whether the building of schools is being thwarted because of political interference in Goa. Do find out what this issue is all about and how Goan children progress in different kinds of schools in Goa.

Whether there is a God or hardly ever stops being a topic of discussion on Goanet presumably because while church attendance is relatively high in Goa, there are nevertheless many sceptics there too and who widely use Goanet to express their views. In this regard, the great thinker Einstein has been drawn upon, once again, for his views about the existence of a God. Several of Einstein's great quotes on this theme have been used by Santosh Helekar in his on-going discussion with Fr Ivo C de Souza.

The issue of testing for HIV before marriage features once again on Goanet. This time, "JoeGoaUK" informs us about this theme as played out in a 'tiatr' in several towns and cities in Goa. With so many young men working aboard ships plying the globe, this 'tiatr' makes a strong plea to the Church and the Government to make a HIV test certificate compulsory before marriage.

Finally, on BBC Radio 4 on May 23, 2008, there was a short but well informed discussion about the retrospective law in Goa that will enable the Government of Goa to confiscate property purchased by foreigners in good faith. It is estimated that around 1000 Brits face this uncertainty, including, possibly at a later stage those UK Brits of Goan origin who will also be affected. However, an article titled “Paper Companies Help Foreigners Buy Land in Tiny Goa” by Pamela D'Mello and submitted by Vidyadhar Gadgil informs us that despite the new law enacted in March 2008, banning the sale of land to foreigners, this has not made an iota of difference regarding sales. "The trick is to circumvent the new law...to get a foreigner to form a Company, register it under Indian law and hold the property in that Company's name.". Clearly, several Goan Voice (UK) readers have been concerned about this matter and it would be advisable to closely follow news about this issue on Goanet and the GV(UK).

COOKERY: Take on the Takeaway. BBC 1
Sat. 31st May. 11:30 to 12:00. James Tanner heads to Bradford to convince Diane Dixon and Claire Mullen that home-made lamb rogan josh is quicker, cheaper and tastier than the version they get from their local Indian takeaway.

DOCUMENTARY: What Next For Kenya? BBC World Service Radio
Sat 31st May. 19:05 to 19:30. Mike Wooldridge looks at what lay behind the conflict that erupted in Kenya at the start of 2008.

DOCUMENTARY: The Devil Wears Primark. Channel 4
Sun 1st June. 21:00 to 22:40. Alexa Chung sets out to uncover what conditions are really like in some of the Indian factories that supply the UK's leading budget clothes retailer, Primark.

COOKERY: Rick Stein's Seafood Odyssey. UKTV Food
Mon. 2nd June. 18:00 to 18:30. We join Rick Stein in the stunning setting of Goa as he reproduces some of the most popular local fish dishes.

NEWS: Asian Network Report. BBC Radio Asian Network
Mon 2nd June. 18:30 to 19:00. War on Terror - Driving Me Mad. A special report from the BBC Asian Network.

TRAVEL: Earthwalkers. Travel Channel
Wed 4th June. 08:00 to 08:30. Goa, India. Famous for its beaches, parties and relaxed lifestyle, Goa has become a Mecca for tourists of all nationalities. We join David from England and Annemarie from the Netherlands, as they hire mopeds and explore the region's heritage attractions.

COOKERY: Ready, Steady, Cook. BBC 2
Wed. 4th June. 16:30 to 17:15. Nigel Planer and Robert Llewellyn help chefs James Tanner and Tony Singh create a meal in just twenty minutes. Special Indian edition presented by Ainsley Harriott.

COOKERY: Rick Stein's Seafood Odyssey. UKTV Food
Wed. 4th June. 18:00 to 18:30. Rick travels to Goa, where he prepares famous prawn caldene and spicy Goan lobster.

SCIENTIFIC DOCUMENTARY: Carbon Trading. BBC Radio Four
Thu 5th June. 20:00 to 20:30. Mark Gregory visits India to investigate whether the United Nations' main mechanism for reducing emissions of global warming gases is working. He discovers the scheme is fundamentally flawed, with billions of dollars being wasted.

Sat 31 May. 7pm. GOA Anniversary and May Ball. Wandsworth Civic Suite. Crowning of May Queen and May King. Music by Mellow Tones and Nite Life. Further details from Norma Menezes Rahim 020 8771 4457 Rosy De Souza 020 8677 0390 Rose Remedios 020 8658 7769 Claire De Souza 01784 421421 and Bernie Gracias 020 8723 1322. For full details click here.

Sun.15 Jun. Siolim Union (London) celebrates the feast of St. Anthony of Padua at Archbishop Lanfranc School Hall, Mitcham Road, Croydon CR9 3AS. Commences with Holy Mass at 12noon followed by dancing to the music of Maz and Co. Licensed Bar. Tickets which include snacks and lunch cost £10 for members & £12 for guests. Children under 12 free admission (meal tickets £3). No tickets will be sold at the door. Dress: Strictly Formal Contact: Edwin Athayde 020 8679 5514, Eugene Fernandes 020 8665 4773, Tony Fernandes 020 8540 3566.

Sun 29 Jun: Benaulim Association celebrates the feast of St John the Baptist at Woodside High School Hall (formerly Known as White Hart Lane School) opp The New River Sports Centre, White Hart Lane, Wood Green, London N22. Holy Mass at 12.30 followed by a social gathering and dancing to the music by Maz & Co. Tickets: Members £8.00, Guests £10.00, Children 8 - 16 £4 and Under 8 FREE. For tickets and further information please contact Josephine 0208 967 7471, Mary 0208 803 9752 or Santan 0208 952 9365

Sun. 6 Jul. The Aldona Association will be celebrating the Feast of their Patron, St. Thomas at St.Edmund's Church Hall Croyland Road, Edmonton N9 7BZ on 6 July 2008. Mass will commence at 12.00pm followed by dancing to the music of Maz 'n'Co. Ticket cost includes snacks and a meal, Members £10.00, Guests £12.50 and children 5-16 yrs £6.00. You can download an application form from our website: www.aldonalondon.org.uk or email: aldonalondon@hotmail.com. For further details contact Jude-020 8360 4102, Les-020 8440 8832 or Tino-0162 8680 529.