NEWS ROUNDUP

1- Overseas Goans directory mooted
Gomantak Times Wednesday, 29 December 1999

PANAJI: Institute Menezes Braganza has decided to compile a directory of Goans abroad and their associations in a bid to strengthen the links between them globally.

A decision to this effect and a few other ideas were announced at the Convention of Overseas Goans organised by the institute at its premises yesterday.

The institute will take steps to install a telephone with a 24- hour answering facility to help overseas Goans and also start a website of its own.

The day-long meet yesterday to discuss problems faced by overseas Goans served as an occasion to them for an interaction and it was resolved to make this event an annual affair. Suggestions were made to form a committee to bring about better interaction between Goans here and abroad and was later adopted.

Earlier, Speaker Pratapsing Rane inaugurated the convention. Industries Minister Aleixo Sequeira and Chief Secretary Ashok Nath were also present.
Chief co-ordinator Damodar Mauzo delivered the introductory speech, Aires Rodrigues presented a bird's eye view of overseas Goans while Marlon Menezes and Daryl Martyres (USA), Eddie Fernandes (UK), Frederico Noronha were among those who presented papers. Prof H T Nagvekar summed up while Director of Art and Culture proposed a vote of thanks.

Summary of Paper Presented a Conference of Overseas Goans
2- "Puzzle -- why do UK Goans lack the feeling of community?" By: Eddie Fernandes

Panjim, Dec 28: Why do Goans abroad lack that sense of community, and find it difficult to build bridges among themselves? It's because they lack the institutions to help them retain a sense of identity, suggests Eddie Fernandes of the UK.
Unlike the East Africa, the club network is not available in the UK, he noted. There were village-level institutions -- in some cases more than one, like the Mapusa Union and the Mapusa Association. But these met at best once or twice a year, said Fernandes.
"There is this feeling that people feel isolated. They may not be interested in knowing in detail about what's happening in Goa, but would like to be keep abreast with what is happening around their own communities," said he.
To build up a 'virtual' cyber-club through the Internet, Fernandes' own attempt at a solution has been to launch a newsletter called Goanet-UK that keeps expatriates in the UK informed about what's happening.

For full text of article by Fred Noronha see:http://www.goacom.com/news/news99/dec/msg00081.html

3- Do A Better Job, Expats Tell Goa Politicians

Panjim, Dec 28: Goan expatriates spread out across the globe stressed their urge to keep up ties with their roots, but some those abroad say they are concerned about recent developments in the state and blamed politicians for "ruining" Goa.
"Politicians have done enough for themselves. They should think about doing something for Goa now," said former student leader Aires Rodrigues, a London-based Goan who has recently re-settled here.
Other speakers voiced skepticism about how much politicians could help out.
Said an educationist from the US: "In Goa, we must develop bodies which stay ahead of politicians. I don't think politicians can give us the vision in areas where we need them."
These views came up at the first-ever convention of NRI Goans to be held on a state-sponsored platform -- organised by the Institute Menezes Braganza
-- in Panjim on Tuesday.
For full text of article by Fred Noronha see: http://www.goacom.com/news/news99/dec/msg00080.html

DEATHS

The Goan Association (UK) reports with sadness the death of ASTERIO PEREIRA a long standing member, who collapsed at the Christmas Ball on 26th December 1999 despite efforts by Goan doctors at the function. Asterio lost his battle for life in hospital later that evening. Our condolences to Exano and Lira (his Brother and Sister-in-law) who were at the function, his relatives and friends.

Exano and Lira wish to convey their thanks for the support they received and in particular to the medical staff at the Hall who worked so hard to help Asterio. We would like to be associated with these sentiments and would request that the doctors/nurses contact Flavio Gracias (tel: 0181 723 1322)
or Norma Menezes on email address menezrahim@aol.com at their convenience.

FORTHCOMING

MILLENNIUM EVENTS IN THE UK

31 Dec. 19:00-0200 Goan Community Association (North London) Present Millennium Dance 1999 at St Thomas More School Hall Glendale Avenue Wood Green N22. There are still some tickets left only £15 per adult inc. buffet, £5 for teenagers & under 12 free. For tickets contact Candy 0181 245 4513.Hurry up & book now

Dress your favourite outfit of the century (NO JEANS OR TRAINERS). Ticket inc.Buffet Meal. Contact: "Max Fernandes" <max.fernandes@cableinet.co.uk> or Candy Fernandes 0181-245 4513

31 Dec. 18:30 - South East Goans Millennium Ball - Woolwich. Sharon D'Souza 0181-301 5242.

31 Dec. 18:30 - 04:00. Dark Star Millennium Ball. Wembley Derrick Pereira 0181-952 8899

31 Dec. Saligao Gala Millennium Ball. Tolworth Recreation Centre. Zemira Fernandes 01895-259947

31 Dec. 19:00 - 03:00 West London Goans. Millennium Ball. Brentford. Marc Fernandes 01932-781221

1 Jan. Simba Football Club. New Year's Day Ball. White Hart Lane School, N22 - formal dress. Cos Fernandes 0181 884 3124.

4th Jan 2000 - Concert at St. Pauls Cathedral "Patricia Rozario, soprano, will be singing in a new piece Fall and Resurrection, by the composer John Tavener, at St. Pauls Cathedral, on the Tuesday, 4th Jan 2000. The concert begins at 7.30pm in the presence of HRH Prince Charles. Tickets are available at the Barbican Box Office , Tel: 020 7638 8891."

8 January 2000 GOA Millenium Ball at Wandsworth Civic Centre Contact Norma on 0181 771 4457 or Bernie on 0181 7231322.

5 Mar. 12:00- Mungul Union feast. White Hart Lane School, N22. Rosy D'Silva 0181 352 9450.

28 May. 12:00 - 20:00 Cortalim Union Feast. White Hart Lane School Hall, White Hart Lane, London N22

4 June. Wandsworth Town Hall Ex Students from Catholic Parochial and St Teresa's Boys and Girls School, Nairobi. Millennium Reunion. Norma Menezes 0208-771 4457 Menezrahim@aol.com or Tonyjo Fernandes 01895 259947.

16 June. Siolim Union. 20th anniversary. Derrick Fernandes 0181-395-1084

INFORMATION WANTED

On Saibini - The Earth Goddess
From: JLuisW@aol.com

I read the disturbing article - some things change so very slowly that there appears to be no change at all, as with caste prejudices. I'm proud of the young priest.**

I am working on a project related to Goa and am trying to find some information about Saibini, a Hindu earth goddess who was popular in Goa. I have recently heard that some Catholic Goans (converted from Hinduism) linked Saibini with the Virgin Mary in their prayers. Apparently, Goa Today did a piece on Saibini several years ago. Are you familiar with any of this? I'd appreciate any assistance. Thank you, J. Luis-Watson
** Probably refers to " Caste conflict in Cuncolim" see Goanet Posting #