COMMUNITY NEWS

Kenya will honour more than 400 athletes during their 50th Anniversary celebrations on December 7 officials announced yesterday. Seraphino Antao who has since migrated to Britain will also be feted. Antao won the 100 and 200 yards at the 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games. From The East African Standard 21 Nov.
http://www.eastandard.net/thursday/Sports/sports21112002001.htm
However, The Nation, 21 Nov. reports: "Athletics Kenya secretary David Okeyo said yesterday they regretted the absence of Seraphino Antao, the first Kenyan gold medallist at the 1962 Commonwealth Games who won a double in the 100 yards and 220 yards, a feat never matched since. Antao later emigrated to Britain." http://www.nationaudio.com/News/DailyNation/21112002/Sports/Sports2.html [I called Seraphino this evening and the items were news to him! The information is being passed to Kenya]

From David Futers, David@f-w-a.demon.co.uk I am the UK Co-ordinator of GONAS the teacher exchange programme between Goa and the UK. I am currently in Goa for two weeks to discuss the selection of teachers for next years exchange with the staff of the co-ordinating organisation Nirmala Institute of Education in Panjim. Funding continues to be raised for the next exchange program, which will see Goan teachers visiting UK schools in May 2003.

From Rene Barreto: The jam-packed gathering of Goans at Willesden School Hall, North London, was offered a refreshing treat in the form of a Tiatr "Assro" (Shelter) staged by Young Goans on 27th October, The show was a great success. Full text at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goa-net/message/24943 and 24944.

What God must sound like, through a composer's filter.at St. Michael's Cathedral [Toronto], assembled masses indulged a standing-room audience to a feast of new music.British soprano Patricia Rozario repeatedly soared and shone.Toronto Star 20 Nov. Click here....

DEATHS

15 Nov. Sydney. LOURECINHO (LAWRENCE) NORONHA, (ex Manager, Railway G.I. Nairobi). Husband of Manuella. Father of Sainora, Deliah, Caesar, Carol and Sarita. Condolences to synoronha@hotmail.com [He was visiting Australia when he died].

19 Nov. London. JOSEPH ROBERT DIAS aged 75 (ex Malawi). Husband of Ophelia. Father of Michael /(Suzette); Mirabelle /(Algernon); Rodrigues/Canada; Melanie/(Michael) D'Souza; Marietta /(Owen) Pires; Francis /(Iona) and all the grand children. Funeral on Tuesday 26th November, 11.45am at the American Naval Base Chapel, Long Lane, West Ruislip, Middlesex followed by the burial at the Northwood Cemetery, Chestnut Lane, Northwood at 1.00pm. Condolences to owenpires@btinternet.com

LOOKING FOR

Bel Vaz, bel.vaz@sybear.com seeks: Mariette Lobo - Ex- Kampala. Elizabeth 'Babsy' Menezes - Was training as a nurse in 1965. Edwin Da Costa - Musician. Jose Pinto - Ex- Kampala. Natalie Da Cunha - Ex Jinja. Vincent Mascarenhas - Ex-Kampala. Wilma Almeida - Ex- Kampala.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

JMC were offering last minute flights to Goa on 16 Nov. at £129 (1w) and £159 (2w). Go to http://www.extratravel.co.uk/default.asp?mxn=coop&mxk=nextweek and select India to check on current bargains.

Gatwick/Goa Dep, 29 Nov. 2w. £195. Also, Dep. 12 Dec. 2w £385. (inc. hotel). Call 0870 055 9068

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

The International Dinghy World Championship takes place in Goa 29 Mar. to 04 Apr. 2003. Details from their website: http://www.okdia.de/worlds/w03/ Extract: "As for being safe, one need not worry about anything in Goa. This is an old sleepy Catholic province and apart from drunks squabbling in the middle of the night, there is nothing much else."

The UNDL Foundation (a United Nations Organisation), Geneva with the help of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai is developing a software programme which will provide a machine translation from Konkani. http://www.oherald.com/newherald/newsBRN.asp?qId=323&qSec=BRN&qNType=R

Goa is safe, says UK travel advice. It was also revealed that the Goa pavilion had over 20,000 visitors at the London World Travel Mart last week. 21 Nov. Navhind Times.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=112133

British pop star Dana Gillespie will perform in nine Indian cities, including Goa, with the London Blues Band on her first all-India tour starting 27 Nov.

UK-based Hilton International and Blue Coast Hotels and Resorts floated a joint venture and announced developing a 160-room resort in Goa. Economic Times 19 Nov.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=28

The Goa Government is undertaking a project to export fruit and vegetables to UK and Portugal. The first consignment left Dabolim, on a charter flight with 50 per cent subsidy, for London on November 17. Produce like chillies, ladyfingers, watermelons, jackfruits, bananas, sweet and baby maize, bitter gourd, ridge gourd and muskmelons will be carried. Initially, around 10 tonne a week will be exported rising to 40 to 50 tonne. Moira, Saligao and Parra, are among the likely sources. If the pilot project becomes successful, then export of flowers would also be considered. Navhind Times 19 Nov. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=111938

Goa may relax ban on loud music after 10 pm. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/nov/20goa.htm

Goa to shed cheap tag, reposition itself as upmarket destination. Economic Times. 19 Nov. 2002. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/xml/comp/articleshow?artid=28787090

Goa's Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco, was accused by his lawyer (Rajeev Gomes) of issuing threats to get him assaulted and put him behind bars if he represented two persons in the court. Mickky, however, denied having threatened Gomes with assault but admitted that he did warn him with arrest if he does not disassociate himself from the two clients.
http://www.oherald.com/newherald/newsGN.asp?qId=115&qSec=GN&qNType=R

IN THE NEWS

Oct. Evangelical Times. A new support group for persecuted religious minorities around the world has been formed by UK Christian agencies. 'The Christian Forum in Support of Persecuted Religious Minorities Worldwide' was launched in London. At the Conference, Dr Joseph D'Souza of the All India Christian Council painted a picture of discrimination, intolerance, violence, death and destruction in areas of India where Hindu militants have turned on Muslim and Christian minorities. http://www.evangelical-times.org/ETNews/Oct02/oct02n24.htm

15 Nov. Toronto Star. Feature article on Dr. Colin D'Cunha, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer who has 12 million patients. Click here...
A photograph of Dr D'Cunha is at: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/020831/6/onsa.html

16 Nov. San Francisco Chronicle. Article on World Computer Exchange, a nonprofit group that collects donated computers to aid students in developing nations. Excerpt: Hooking up with the World Computer Exchange has resulted in "tremendous cost savings," wrote Daryl Martyris, a representative of the Goa Schools Computers Project in Goa, India, in an e-mail interview. His group, he said, has placed 380 donated computers in community Internet centers in 100 schools serving more than 20,000 villagers. "Low-cost, good-quality equipment is practically impossible to obtain locally," he wrote. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/11/16/BU68249.DTL&type=business More info: www.pcsforpeace.org or www.worldcomputerexchange.org.

17 Nov. Times of India. Adopted girl bridges Goa and Sweden. By Fred Noronha. A Swedish couple that have adopted Catherine, a 11-year-old Goan girl, have mobilised others in their country to adopt Goan children.

17 Nov. Sunday Telegraph. Lady Hamlyn, widow of publishing tycoon Lord Hamlyn, offered to pay £300,000 to restore Goa's 16th century Reis Magos to make a contribution to local culture. The renovation plans, however, stated that she and her family must be given access to an apartment being built in the fort for four months each year until 2015. Her offer has been rejected by the Goa Government. " I am furious and baffled at what they have done,'' she said. Lady Hamlyn has asked her solicitors to contact the Goan government for an explanation but has not yet received a reply. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

17 Nov. Newsday (New York) Review of new book: A Girl From Zanzibar, by Roger King .Marcella D'Souza is the girl from Zanzibar. Her father's family comes from Goa, another island in the Indian Ocean.As Geoffrey, an English visitor to tells her: "I've worked it out ... You're a Goan Indian Portuguese Arab African of Catholic Moslem parentage." .Marcella longs to leave Zanzibar and go to Europe.No boring Goan accountant for her, like her sister's husband, she decides. No, Marcella aspires to an Arab or even a European as a ticket off Zanzibar.
http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/printedition/ny-bkpolly3004547nov17,0,5325905.story

The Daily Nation (Kenya) launched a new weekly, Coast Express, on 21 Nov. http://www.nationaudio.com/News/DailyNation/Today/News/News0009.html

FORTHCOMING

Sat. 23 Nov. The Goans of St. Anslem's Church, Tooting Bec are celebrating the feast of St. Francis Xavier. Mass is at 6.15 p.m. followed by a get-together in the lower hall. Tickets are £5.00 with delicious meal. There will be music and lots of surprises. Please contact Fatima or Claver on 0208 672 4562 or Francisco on 0208 767 1545

Sun. 24 Nov 2.30pm Association of the Friends of Ven. Fr. Agnelo, London (UK) - Fr Agnelo's Day. 75th Commemoration Mass at St George's Cathedral, Westminster Bridge Road. Thereafter at the Amigo Hall. Sponsored by the Goan Association (UK) in conjunction with Goan Villages and club organisations

Sun 24 Nov. 7.30pm. Margao Meeting - If you are from Margao by virtue of your Birth, Descent or Residence please attend the meeting that has been arranged to elect a Working Committee. Be at the Goan Community Centre, Keston Road, London N17 Gregg Carvalho 07740 638633.

Fri. 29 Nov. (5.30pm - late) Young London Goans Society (YLGS) - Free membership - Monthly get-together. Los Locos Bar/restaurant/Club 24 -26 Russell Street, London, WC2B 5HF New members welcome. Nearest underground: Convent Garden. Contacts: marie.pereira@talk21.com 07958373076, alisonbraganza@hotmail.com 07799 586 793, dsouzajj@hotmail.com 07957 395 811.

Sun. 1 Dec. 12.30pm. Goan Association (UK). Feast Of St Francis Xavier at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Choir by the Goan Musical Society. Contacts: Diego Pinto 020 - 8767 0663, Cyril Rapose: 020 - 8874 8329.

Tue. 3 Dec. 7:45pm. The South East Goans Sports & Social Club will be celebrating the Feast of St. Francis Xavier. St. Thomas More Church, Long Lane, Bexleyheath, Kent. Principal Celebrant: Right Reverend Bishop Charles Henderson. Free refreshments in the Church Hall after Mass. Contacts: Damaciano: 020 8316 1473; Eusebio: 020 8304 9089; Alex: 020 8306 0974.

Tue. 3 Dec. 7:00pm. Special Holy Mass to commemorate the 450th anniversary of St Francis Xavier at the Holy Family Church, Trelawney Avenue, Langley, Slough. The mass will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Oliver Antao s.f.x., and will be followed by a get together after the service. Further information from Ciril de Quadros (ph 07986355391) or e-mail dequadrosc@hotmail.com

Fri. 6 Dec. Join 'Say One Do One Disco' in an evening playing R&B, Garage and latest tunes. All welcome, free entry. Upstairs in the Princess Louise Pub, 208 High Holborn from 7 till 11. For details call Paul on 07956 496190 or Nigel 07956 984532 or email: say1do1@hotmail.com

Sat. 7 Dec. 3pm sharp. Goan Cultural Society. A Children's Konkani Pantomime CINDERELLA" written and directed by Mike Alfonso, at St Johns Hall, Bourne Hill, Palmers Green, London N13. Admission: Adults £5; Children £3. Contact Ida- 020 8881 2921 or Rosy - 020 8352 9450. Flyer at: http://community.webshots.com/photo/41541835/55241902TCLAOw

Sun 8 Dec. The Moira Association, London is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Starting with a thanksgiving Mass from 12.30pm followed by a social till 8pm - Music provided by Maz & Co. Location: Bishop Thomas Grant School, Streatham, SW16. Tickets Prices - Members: £10; Guests: £12 Children under 13: £5 (all prices include a meal and snacks) Please contact Alex De Mello 020 8306 0974 or Joe Mendes 020 8303 3974 for tickets. ALL WELCOME!

Sun 8 Dec. North London Goans celebrating the Feast of St. Francis Xavier. White Hart Lane School Hall, White Hart Lane, Wood Green, London. Tickets contact Seby D'Silva 020 8245 5463; Johnny Fernandes 020 8881 4579 or Tina Rodrigues 07957 272 134.

Thu. 12 Dec. From Commander Joseph Da Gama: Please join us for a Presentation on The Royal Navy at the Goan Community Centre, Keston Rd. N17 7-9pm. Over 60 Career options. Workshop followed by refreshments. It is important to know the attendance for catering purposes. Please contact Candy on candyrose2000@hotmail.com

Sat. 14 Dec. 4.30p.m. Goan Association (UK). EGM/AGM. Archbishop Lanfranc School. Open to fully paid-up members only.

Sat 14 Dec. 7.00pm to 12.30am. Xmas Dance at Jasmin's Club. 202 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TG. Music by Zodiac. Tickets, inc. meal, £10 adults & £5 for children (aged 2-12). Contact Tony Lobo 020 8542 0528; Reg Da Cunha 020 7732 2659; Joaquim Rodrigues 020 8767 6942; Anthony Lobo 020 8764 1856.

Sat. 14 Dec. Young London Goans Society (YLGS). XMAS PARTY: Thames River Cruise & Disco, 7.30pm - 11.30pm. Leaving & returning to Westminster Pier. Tickets are £10 (Including Snacks). For more Information & tickets, contact Alison 07799 586 793 or James 0795 739 5811.

Sat. 14 Dec. Chorao UK. Christmas Fun night at the Wandsworth Bengali Association, 57-59 Trinity Road, Tooting Bec, SW 17 7SD. The night will be comprise of games, dance and bingo. For further details contact Claver 020 8672 4562 or Mervyn 020 8689 2970

Sun. 15 Dec. Goan Association (UK) Children's Christmas Party at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon from 1pm to 6pm. Tickets - Members £4, Non-members £6 to include a meal and entertainment. Tickets and further details available from Bernie Gracias 020-8723 1322, Norma Menezes-Rahim 020-8771 4457, Illona Fernandes 020-8300 5347.

Sun. 15 Dec. 1:30pm- 4pm. The South East Goans Sports & Social Club: Children's Christmas Party. St. Stephen's Parish Hall, 26 Deepdene Road, Welling, Kent. Includes Food and Drink, Entertainer, Competitions, Prizes, Games and Nativity Play. Members at £3.50 and Guests at £4.50. Contacts: Eusebio: 020 8304 9089; Alex: 020 8306 0974 Tatayana: 020 8316 1473; Sheila: 020 8310 9921; Damaciano: 020 8316 1473

Sat. 21 Dec. HELP A POOR CHILD Christmas Cracker at Greenford Hall, Ruislip Road, Greenford Broadway, Greenford, Middlesex from 7pm to 12.30am. Music by Break Thru' and Say One Do One. Tickets: Members £8, Non-Members £10, Children 5-11 years £5. Contact: Bernie Gracias 020-8723 1322, Norma Menezes-Rahim 020-8771 4457. DRESS CODE FORMAL - No Jeans, T-Shirts or Trainers.