COMMUNITY NEWS

Donations Appeal: Membership of this list has been fairly static with 1670 subscribers currently. However, the number of hits for the newsletter on the Goan Voice UK web site is averaging over 2,000 a day. The US surfers top the list, followed by UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, France, Netherlands, Kenya, Norway etc. It is hoped that the surfers will contribute to the appeal as well as those who have the newsletter forwarded to them. Cheques made payable to E. Fernandes should be sent to 1 Onslow Gardens, London N10 3JT. Thank you.

3 Jul. Department of Health Press Release. Health Minister, John Hutton announced more than £120,000 of funding for a unique computer system - ISABEL - which allows any doctor to tap a list of symptoms into a database and receive a list of possible diagnoses. Clinical Director and Co-Founder of ISABEL Clinical Decision Support Systems, Dr Joseph Britto MD [j.britto@imperial.ac.uk] said: "In recent trials at 4 NHS hospitals, the ISABEL system has been shown to improve the diagnostic accuracy of frontline UK clinicians …The ISABEL system is likely to have a big impact on morbidity and mortality rates." Full text of this and profile of Dr Britto click here.

From Agnelo De Mello (Swindon). Fr Adrian Furtado of St Lawrence Church, Agacaim, made an appeal to the Goans in Swindon to raise funds for the Church and School repairs. A get-together was organised on 28th June which was attended by over 300 people. The generosity of the Swindon Goans will become legendary as the organisers have confirmed that as at 1 July 2003 the total collected was £ 19,800 (over 14 lakhs) and donations still continue to pour in. For further info contact angelodm@aol.com

Fri. 11 Jul. 19:30 (120 mins ). BBC Radio 3. Patricia Rozario (soprano) etc. performs Tavener, Purcell & Handel. Overseas listeners can listen live by logging in at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/

Report: Goan Association (UK) Family Day. - Sunday 29th June 2003. Warm sunshine attracted a large crowd, believed to be about 500, to the Family Day held on 29th June at Archbishop Lanfranc School. The highlight was a successful youth Football Tournament, which was keenly contested. The President, Flavio Gracias, presented the trophies to the winners and runners up of the 3 categories (under 12's, 12-16's, girls teams). Indoor sessions included free diabetic checks and a talk about prostate cancer. A training session for card games was conducted by Diego and Nina Pinto.

Report: Goan Association (UK) EGM. Activities at the Family Day were interrupted to hold the adjourned EGM, where a quorum was assured because of the large numbers of members present. Flavio Gracias and Cornelius Monteiro were re-elected as President and Property Director, respectively. Other items on the Agenda, included a status report on the progress (from Cornelius Monteiro) relating to the sale of the playing fields and a status report from the Future Direction Working Party (from Bosco Saldanha).

From Flavio Gracias. The Cruise Ship Rape Allegation. The hearing on 4th July dealt mainly with legal technicalities. However, after seeing the additional evidence, the prosecution have dropped the charge of rape but retained the lesser charge of indecent assault. The legal teams of the 3 Goan crewmen will be contesting this charge as well, at the adjourned hearing to take place on 10th September 2003 at Horseferry Road Magistrates Court. This move has been prompted because of video-link facilities available there, in case the defence needs to summon the girl in question.
The bail conditions have also been varied to allow the two crewmen in the care of the Goan Association (UK) to be housed in a rented property in Brixton Hill. The Board of Directors is grateful for the support that has been received from members of the community and would like this to continue. In particular they are seeking cash donations to defray the expenses involved with housing the crewmen.
Invitations of hospitality are also welcome. Please contact Melvyn Fernandes, the Welfare Director, if you wish to help. For the Press reports, Daily Mail 4 Feb and Daily Express 16 Apr. click here.

9 July. Daily Telegraph. Uma Fernandes has been chosen as the Conservative candidate in the forthcoming Parliamentary Brent East by-election. From issue 2001-22 of this newsletter: FERNANDES, Uma (Conservative). 17 Oakdale Avenue, Kenton. tel: 020 8204 4026 email: cllr.fernandes@brent.gov.uk Nurse. Elected Brent Councilor. Mauritian, married to Christie Fernandes - Assagao and Nairobi (Dr Ribeiro School - Class of '63). A recent Conservative Party profile of Uma can be found at http://www.conservatives.com/news/article.cfm?obj_id=66177 Follow the links to: Uma's latest leaflet (PDF file) More information about Cllr Uma Fernandes

	8 July. Times of India. Dr Vece Paes was not aware that his son, Leander had made it to the mixed doubles finals at Wimbledon. Leander called him up in Goa at 4 am on Monday morning to break the news that Martina Navratilova and he had won the event. Text at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=64801
8 July. Times of India. After winning the Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Leander Paes on Sunday, Martina Navratilova revealed two of her principles in life. The team that goes to the bathroom together stays together, and never let age determine what you want to do. Text at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=64757

From Mervyn Lobo in Canada: Visit http://home.globalfrontiers.com/Zanzibar/Goa_and_Zanzibar.htm for a fascinating selection of vintage postcards and memorabilia of Goan Zanzibar (and a few Kenya items).

5 July. The Business Times Singapore. Profile, 1669 words, of Tony Fernandes CEO of Air Asia.
http://business-times.asia1.com.sg/story/0,4567,86676-1057435140,00.html?

9 Jul. Manilla Times. Tony Fernandes, the Richard Branson of Asia shakes things up.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2003/jul/09/opinion/20030709opi3.html

Donations received: £10: Angelo Faria (US); Colin Almeida; Goan Oral History Group; Lester Coutinho; Marjorie & Steve Fernandes; Rufino Cordeiro; S.R.M. Sequeira. £15: Mervyn Maciel; Raymond & Lorna D'Silva. £20 : AVC Union; Goan Spice. £25: Bastora Union, Paul Nunes, Saligao Assoc.; South East Goans. £35: Bakuli Reunion

SPECIAL REPORT: Visit by Bishops.

The UK was fortunate to receive visits from Bishop Filipe Neri Ferrao (auxiliary Bishop of Goa) and Bishop Agnelo Gracias (auxiliary Bishop of Mumbai and brother of the GOA President, Flavio Gracias). Bishop Filipe Neri Ferrao celebrated Mass at Southwark Cathedral and at the social that followed a presentation was made to him on behalf of the Goan Community in the UK. Following a Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Visitation Church, Greenford, by Bishop Agnelo Gracias on Tuesday 24th June, a similar presentation was made to his Lordship on behalf of the Goan community in the UK.

From The Universe 6 July 2003: Agnelo Gracias, an auxiliary bishop from Mumbai, India, celebrated a special Mass for Asian Catholics last week and spoke of his hopes and optimism for the Church in India, writes Rudy Otter.
Around 200 worshippers attended the Feast of St John the Baptist service at Our Lady of the Visitation church in Greenford, west London
After the service, the genial bishop told The Universe of his confidence in the Indian Church's future, saying that "we Catholics are the best organised among all of India's Christian denominations.
"The seminaries are full with young men and women waiting to join," he said.

DEATHS

5th Jul. Stanmore, Middlesex. GARY REMEDIOS, age 26. Son of Reg (ex Nairobi) and Wivina (Viv, nee D’Souza, ex Mombasa). Brother of Sharon.
Funeral: Thursday 17th July, at 10.15am. All Saints Church, 529 Kenton Road, Harrow. Followed by burial at Wealdstone Cemetery, Clamp Hill. Contributions can be made to "Epilepsy Action" New Anstey House, Gate way Drive, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7XY. Condolences to remedios.family@virgin.net

4 Jul. Margao: ARCHIBALD (ARCHIE) FERNANDES (ex Uganda). Husband of Melita (Canada), Father of Kurt (Canada), Son of Late Alexandrina Silva Fernandes(Uganda) and late Jose Fernandes. Brother of Late Aku, Auxilia/Joe Faria (Wimbledon), Aureo (Goa). Condolences to kurtferns@yahoo.com

4 Jul. Ambora: ANTONIO (TONY) LUZI DE SOUZA (ex Nairobi). Husband of late Gladys. Father of Mathew/Evelyn, Mark/Marcia, Michael/late Nirmala, Mario/Vivien.

30 Jun. Saligao. THOMAS CORDEIRO (ex Mombasa). Husband of Deborah. Father of Joy, Zephy, Leo, Herman and Stephen.

25 Jun. London. JOSE MARIA AFONSO (PATTA), husband of Filomena, father of Paulo/Patricia, Vilma/Romeo, Cruz/Julie.

Eulogy. By Francis Lobo f.lobo@ecu.edu.au
ISOBEL D'SOUZA (nee Vaz, ex Moshi, Tanzania) died on 26 May 2003 in Perth, Australia. Click here for the text.

FOR SALE

The Goan Spice Restaurant in Market Street, Dartford is up for sale as Jeffrey is opening a similar one in Australia. Serious applicants should send their contact details to Goanspice223818@yahoo.co.uk

LOOKING FOR

Lomer Translations & Interpreting Ltd (http://www.lomertranslations.com/index.html) primarily serves the legal profession and is currently seeking speakers of the Konkani language for interpreting work. Call 020 7727 1884 or e-mail info@lomertranslations.com if you are interested in undertaking such work.

Bharat Patel, London, (bharat@spwca.com) would like to trace Neville Goes who worked with him in Nairobi, 1989-90.

Ges Schofield has two friends in Scarborough, UK, who are planning on relocation to Goa. They plan to travel to Goa at the end of this year to sort some things out and would like to meet a few contacts in Goa and the UK, who could help them with any questions and red tape - In particular people originally from the UK who have already made the move. If you know of information sources, contacts or tips, please e-mail Ges_ecan@yahoo.co.uk

GOA NEWS HEADLINES
mainly from Joel D'Souza in Goa, courtesy of GOACOM

GOACOM-INSYS has launched GOACOM Property Management. It is primarily geared to assist non-resident Goans. See http://www.goacominsys.com/gpm/ for further details.

A committee of cyber-Goans has invited members of the public to nominate candidates for an annual prize called Goenchem Prize to promote the cause of honesty, rationality and common sense in the public sphere in the fields of service, policy, education, safety and public health. A letter nominating others or self with the specific accomplishment can be e-mailed to GPcommittee-owner@yahoogroups.com by 28 July 2003.

4 July. Hindustan Times. The North Goa Sessions Court criticized the police for parading two persons semi-nude with handcuffs allegedly at the behest of Babush Monserrate, a local minister due to "political rivalry". http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_298626,0009.htm

4 Jul. Screen India. Venita Coelho and Deepti Datt have formed India’s first women’s film company, FireHorse Films in Goa. Their decided this during a discussion, regarding the increasing incidence of pedophilia in Goa, where both live. FireHorse Films will be the participant and co-organiser of the Goa International Women’s Film Festival in March 2004. 985 words. For photographs and text click here.

5 July. Indian Express. Deepti Datt is set to direct Bombay Stories, a documentary on the status of Indian women which will probably be shot in Bandra. It is hoped to premiere it at the Goa International Women’s Film Festival in March next year. Click here. for full text.

5 July Indian Express. For a Goan adventure in Mumbai — ambience, song and Feni included — head to Cirkus Cirkus, where a team of Goan chefs will give Mumbaiwallahs an authentic cuisine experience. Till July 13, between 7.30 pm and 11.30 pm.
http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/news/2003/july/57860.htm

8 July Financial Express. The Sesa Goa (SGL) stock has nearly tripled from Rs 60 to Rs 180 in the last three months. The company recently bagged a major contract for annual supply of 1.17 million tonne of iron ore to Pakistan for the next five years. This contract was won after competing with major international suppliers. http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=37737

IN THE NEWS

2 Jul. Northwich Guardian. Excerpts: The Rev Michael Dye spent a week in Goa with a party from the Mid Cheshire Ornithological Society. Goa used to be ruled by Portugal and there is still much influence from the Roman Catholic Church and Portugal. The people are not desperately poor but live a fairly primitive lifestyle. The British party enjoyed the Goan food which included a lot of fish and mild curries.

4. July. The Argus (California). Francis Dos Remedios died on 2 July aged 83. He was born in Goa. While teaching at Brown University he met Maria Montessori, who founded the Montessori system. He switched to teaching children and owned and was principal of Academy Montessori International in Newark for 50 years. http://www.theargusonline.com/Stories/0,1413,83~1971~1494294,00.html

4 July. BBC. The Sidis are Swahili Africans who have lived in India for generations. It is uncertain if they went to India as sailors, slaves or traders. Sidi Goma is a group of their musicians, their principal musical instrument is the ngoma or drum. They are currently on their first trip to Africa and played at the opening ceremony of the Zanzibar International Film Festival after performances in Nairobi and Mombasa. 621 words. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3041358.stm See also: Kenya's Asian heritage on display. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/762515.stm

7 Jul. Screen International (London). $50m is to be invested to make Goa the permanent location for India’s International Film festival from Oct. 2004. The festival will include an annual film and television market. Festival events will be held within a one kilometre radius that will see the construction of a new convention centre and up to seven new multiplexes. Goa already has a hotel room capacity of 4,500 and an international airport. In addition to the film festival, Goa intends to keep the venue busy by hosting regional festivals, art and culture and fashion shows. Full text at http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=13085 [The four sites short listed were Aguada plateau in north Goa; Velsao-Cansaulim; Varca and Cavelossim South Goa. It is rumoured that these have been whittled down to Aguada and Velsao. The decision is expected by the end of this month].

7 Jul. New Straits Times (Malaysia). Malaysia Nanban quoted Malaysia Indian Travel Agents Association president A. Sivaguru as saying that the Goa State Government in India will offer discounted tour packages to Malaysians.

8 July. The Times. Clean hands may prevent Delhi Belly. By Barbara Rowlands. Lack of personal hygiene makes the British more likely than other travellers to catch diarrhoea. But there are remedies. For more text see http://www.timesonline.co.uk/

10 Jul. Mirror (UK). Letters: On a hotel door in Goa: "As water is in short supply please shower in pairs". My friend and I are not that friendly. M Moorhouse Blackpool, Lancs.

10 July. BBC. Goa's radical mental health institute. Traditionally in Goa, people with mental disorders were believed to be possessed by spirits, and treated by being taken to a priest. Now, many priests refer them on to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour. However despite the Institute's success, there remain problems in getting the right treatment to patients, partially due to India's caste system. Another related problem was the importance of securing a good marriage in India. Mental health problems in a family would often be covered up to avoid any risk of losing a good match. Text, 743 words and photographs at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3052806.stm

21 Jul. Forbes. Cover Story. Tehran: Millionaire Mullahs. Excerpt: The gossip on the street has the Rafsanjanis stashing billions of dollars in bank accounts in Switzerland and Luxembourg and owning whole vacation resorts on the idyllic beaches of Dubai, Goa and Thailand. http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2003/0721/056.html

FORTHCOMING
(for a list of events scheduled for the next 12 months, visit: www.goanvoice.org.uk ).

Click here for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon

Sat. 12 July 11am-6pm at the Goan Community Centre, Keston Rd., N17. Convention of Our Lady of Health. Procession, Litany, Mass, Healing, Blessing of Articles. For details contact Candy at candyrose2000@hotmail.com or 07961 044 079 or Mary 020 7350 2605

Sun. 13 July 2003 - Tivim Traditional Fiesta, Bishop Thomas Grant School, Belltrees Grove, Streatham. Mass will commence at 12.30 followed by Social. Adults £12 and children £4 inclusive of meal. For further details telephone Norma Menezes on 020 8771 4457 or email normamenezes@aol.com

Sat. 18 July 7-11pm. Goan Community Centre, Keston Rd., N17. "Schools out for Summer!" a time to let loose and be free at the teens disco for 13-19yr olds. £3 inc. snacks. Music by DJ Dex, sound system provided by Say One Do One. For details contact Dexter on 07986 658 046 or Sarita on 07930 386 029

Sat, 19 Jul. DILEMMA: a Young Goans event at the Elephant Bar, 20 South End, South Croydon. A must for the over 18’s Time: 8 till late. Music: R& B and Hip Hop with DJ 2 Faces; DJ Sparkx and DJ Mixed Breed. Dress Code: Dress to Impress Entrance: £5.00. Contact Darren on 07956 117703 or Aaron on 07956 953311 or Sandra Castanha on 07813 603 142

Sun. 19 July 7-11pm. Goan Community Centre Keston Rd., N17. "Country Nite" music by DJ Dex sound system provided by Say One Do One. £3 bring your own food & drink. For details contact Dexter 07986 658 046 or Josephine 020 8376 1068 or Roma 010 8888 1200

Sun 20 Jul. 4pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex.

Fri. 25 Jul.: YLGS (Young London Goans Society) Monthly Meet Up : 6pm Onwards. Free membership [18+] at NEW VENUE! THE WARWICK (Downstairs) http://www.thewarwick.co.uk/ Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus. New Members Welcome! For more Info, Contact: Alison 07799 586793 alisonbraganza@hotmail.com

Sun. 27 Jul. G.O.A. GOAN FESTIVAL in conjunction with Goan Organisations at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Starts with Holy Mass at 12.15 pm. Diego Pinto 020 - 8767 0663 Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 - 8771 4457 Cornelius Monteiro 020 - 8681 8716. This is the main Goan event of the year with upwards of 3,000 attending. Visit the Goan Voice UK to make your views on the newsletter known.

Sun. 3 Aug. The Goan Cultural Society UK presents for your entertainment the GCS VARIETY SHOW at St John’s Hall, Bourne Hill, Palmers Green, London N13 at 3.00pm sharp. This nostalgic show of your old time favourites will be performed by children. LIMITED TICKETS, Adults £ 6.00, children under12 £ 4.00. Please contact: Bella 020 8352 0373, Rosy 020 8352 9450 or Ida 020 8881 2921.

Sun. 10 Aug. Bastora Union Feast of St Cajetan at Archbishop Lanfranc School. Mass at 12:30. Music by Equinox. Tickets Adults £9; children (5-12 yrs.) £5; <4 free. Contacts: Peter 020 8672 3232; Agnelo 020 8361 2561; Lester 020 8361 8732; Peter 020 8531 1476. More info at www.bastora.com

Sat. 23 Aug. 7pm to midnight. Goan Association (UK) Disco Fever for ages 16 and over. Dynamic Duo playing all your favourites. Bina Banqueting Hall, 4-8 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 (opposite Tooting Bec Station). Licensed bar. Entrance: £5 including snacks. Contact: Lily/Tony D'Souza 020-8644 5310; Wilma/Cedric D'Cruz 020-8954 1596.

Sat. 23 Aug. Goan Elvis Night - "Aloha from Goa" Bishop Douglass School, East Finchley N2. 7.00pm to 11.30pm. Adults £8.00 before 15 Aug, £10.00 after. Children £5.00. All raffle proceeds go to Don Bosco and Cancer Research. Call Ellie 020 8346 9993 or Ricky 07958 930 012.

Sun. 24 Aug. Chorao UK celebrates the feast of St. Bartholomew at Merton Hall, 76 Kingston Road, Mass at 4pm followed by a get together till late. Music by Nite life. Please contact Claver D'Mello 020 8672 4562 or Mervyn Ramos on 020 86892970

Sun. 24 Aug. GOA (UK) Five a side football tournament at Canterbury Road, Croydon. For further details please contact Val Nunes on 01322 44 5743 or Darren Fernandes 07956 117703.