Goan Voice UK: Newsletter. Issue 2004-41. Oct 28, 2004

Landlady harassed by tenant who sent ‘disturbing’ letters
21 Oct. Sutton Guardian, (UK). At a trial, which began at Sutton Magistrates' Court last week, Janet D'Sa, of Lakehall Road, Thornton Heath, denies harassing Sheila Read at her home, in Worcester Road, Sutton, while she lived there as a tenant from January to August this year. 382 words click here. See also 27 Oct. Croydon Guardian. Click here.

Update: Rabi Martins supplement
The Rabi Martins supplement has been updated to include a biography with some details of his various roles in the UK Goan Community. See:
http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/supplement/RabiMartins.html

Toronto: Legal action forces Cesar Correia to resign.
22 Oct. Oct. Globe & Mail. Mr. Correia agreed to resign as an officer and director (although he remains a paid executive). The judge ordered that his resignation remain in place until he is re-elected by shareholders or reappointed by the board. 713 words click here.

Big spender Keith Vaz draws £164,265 in expenses
22 Oct: Leicester Mercury. Mr Vaz, MP for Leicester East, claimed £164,265 in expenses for this year - twice as much as the Prime Minister. Today, the Labour MP defended his spending, saying he was an "exceptionally hard-working politician" and the bill reflected his efforts on behalf of constituents. 447 words.

25 Oct: St Jacinto Island, Goa: ISABEL CAIADO. Wife of late Graciano Joao, mother of James/Rekha, Irene/Peter, Harry/Felicity (UK), Arthur /Deodita, Diana/Gabriel, Edward /Marianne, Richard /Michelle.

26 Oct. Toronto, Canada. FRANCIS FERNANDES. Husband of late Justine Fernandes. Father of Tina/Justin (Canada), Effie/Sisinio (Canada), Theresa/Benny (Sweden). Grandfather of Shaun, Avril and Brendon (Canada), Samantha (Canada), Sirikitt (Sweden). Brother of late Maria Santana, late Flory/Moti Santan, late Josephine/Luis Manuel, late Beatrice/Marcus, Bombay. Funeral to be held on Friday 29th October.

23 Oct. Toronto, Canada. CONSTANTINO ''CONNIE'' AGAPITO FERNANDES. (ex- Parra, Goa, India and Nairobi, Kenya). Husband of Dorothy. Father of Philomena, Xavier, Goretti and Fiona.
Funeral on Fri. 29 October at Annunciation Roman Catholic Church, with Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.

23 Oct: Margao: AGNELO CYRIL ALVARES (1968). Brother of Joseph/Christine (London), Anna/Caetan, Fatima/Andrew, Josephine/Cajetan.

23 Oct: Mapusa, Goa. PETER FRANCIS ALMEIDA (born 1921, Ex Cable and Wireless - Aden). Husband of Maria (Damasceana). Father of Janet / Cosme (Titus), Domnic / Cynthia. Brother of Flory (Canada) / late Ubaldo, late Alfred / Guilhermina (London), Theresa (London) / late Maurice, Nelson / Alzira (London), Lumen / late Candido

21 Oct: Greenford, UK. ROQUE REBELLO. Husband of Servita. Father of Darryl, Charlene. Son of Caetano Rosario/Maria Angelica. Brother of Fr Anthony (SVD), Anna/late Ignatius, Lira/Warren. Condolences to darryl@rebello15.fsnet.co.uk

20 Oct. Pilerne, Goa. JOAQUIM ANTONIO D'SOUZA. Son of Annie/late John Vincent. Husband of Rosita. Father of Juliet (Kuwait)/Vishwas Damania (Saudi), Glenda/Mathew Rodrigues (UK), Xavieret (Saudi) and Selma.

19 Oct: Barkingside, UK. ELSIE VALLES nee DIAS (Ex-Dar Es Salaam, Nairobi and Goa). Wife of late John Valles. Mother/Mother-in-law of Lalita/Elvis Lobo (Canada). Sister/Sister-in-law of Monica/Joe Dias (London) and Ronald/Sigrid (Canada). Brother of Fr Gilbert (Switzerland). Funeral was on 22nd October 2004. Condolences to Monica Dias 020 8550 7918

Toronto: Obituary: Phyllis Athaide
19 Oct. Globe & Mail. Sportswoman, art enthusiast, wife, mother, community activist. Born Aug. 6, 1914, in Bombay, India. Died Aug. 1 in Mississauga of natural causes, aged 89. 589 words. [Source: Mervyn Lobo’s post to GoaNet]. For full text click here

Camillo Antonio Mendes (Cam) who was born in Goa on 6th January 1941 or 42. He is the son of Francis Xavier Mendes and is known to have spent the years between 1961 and 1968 in NW London. If you have any information please get in touch with Anna (Donnithorne) antikent@hotmail.com or by post, c/o 48 Crefeld Close London W6 8EL

Somak Late Offers
Goa. MAN or LGW Dep. 28-29 Oct. 2 weeks from £299 rtn. Also, Mombasa. Dep. 31 Oct. 2 weeks. £179 rtn. Details at http://www.somak.co.uk/ or call 020 8423 3000.

Goa: Taking life at a snail's pace
23 Oct: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News. By Glenn Mitchell. Due to a unique tour schedule, the Australian team is effectively having a holiday between the second and third Tests. Our destination has been the tiny state of Goa…Life in Goa takes place at a snail's pace compared to the frenetic lifestyle of a city like Mumbai… in Goa, time tends to stand still, and nothing is ever done in a hurry. 744 words. http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200410/s1226362.htm

Proposta da Semana
23 Oct. Publico (Portugal). A special tour, In the path of St Francis Xavier is taking place between 11-28 Nov. and covering Bombay, Goa, Damão, Diu and Cochim. The cost is EUR 3900 per person. Text in Portuguese. http://jornal.publico.pt/publico/2004/10/23/Fugas/FUVIAG09.html

Fire ravages part of Basilica annexe
22 Oct. Navhind Times. A major fire broke out in the two-storeyed convent building ‘Casa Professa’, adjacent to the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa early today morning.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=102224

India: Catholic monuments at risk.
21 Oct. ANSA (Italy). A fire broke out last night and destroyed three rooms of the museum in Goa. Goa used to be a Portuguese colony for almost five centuries. Since Portugal lacked the military power necessary to rule its empire, it promoted mixed marriages. That is why today Goa residents have Portuguese blood, Iberian names and the majority of them are still Christians despite the massive immigration of Hindus promoted by New Delhi after Goa became part of India in the 1960s.
The fire in the museum was caused by a short circuit which set ablaze the wooden ceiling made more than a century ago, Padre Savoi told Indian news agencies. After two hours of work the firemen managed to put out the fire before sunrise, the agencies reported.

St Francis Xavier relics survive fire in Goa basilica
25 Oct: CathNews (Australia). Just a month before a planned exposition of the remains of St Francis Xavier, fire erupted in the annexe of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in the Western Indian province of Goa, partially gutting two floors. http://www.cathnews.com/news/410/126.php

India ranked 90th in global corruption index
22 Oct. Hindustan Times. India figures amongst 55 of the world's most corrupt countries, with the global graft watchdog Transparency International (TI) ranking it a lowly 90 in its Corruption Perception Index for 2004. http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1067714,0008.htm

Indian airfares among world's highest
22 Oct. Rediff.com. Air travel in India is far more expensive than in other countries. In 2000, the fares for domestic airlines were found to be 69 per cent higher than the average of selected world airlines. From October 14 this year all the full-service domestic airlines raised airfares by 10 per cent. http://us.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/21spec.htm

Dog lovers to aid of strays
22 Oct. Times of India. The issue of how to tackle the city's rising stray dog population will finally come up before a constitutional bench on December 6 in the Bombay high court. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/895661.cms

The other side of the tourism boom
23 Oct: Indian Express. Although tourism is the lifeline of this coastal state, its grim underbelly has been exposed with rising incidents of atrocities against women and children. http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=57529

End poaching or Assembly will be dissolved: Goa Governor
25 Oct. Indian Express. Goa Governor S.C. Jamir today threatened to dissolve the Assembly if the BJP government in the state continues Governor S.C. Jamir today threatened to dissolve the Assembly if the BJP government in the state continues to poach on Opposition MLAs. http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=57632

No Indian skeletons for UK medics
26 Oct: Navhind Times. A reported ban by India on the export of human skeletons may soon deprive medical students in Britain of the bony structure for detailed study. Students may have to make do with plastic skeletons instead. Fresh human skeletons are on sale for about £ 65 each, but the plastic variety would cost £ 110.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=102623

Goa is not just fun and feni…
26 Oct: The Tribune. To drive home the point that Goa is not “just... fun and feni,” a six-day festival will open in Delhi to give a glimpse of the real idyllic state. Visitors will be treated to Goan ballet, folk dances and cuisine reflecting traditions dating back to third century BC. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20041026/delhi.htm#11

British feature film being shot in Goa
27 Oct: nowrunning.com. Indian actress Perizaad Zorabian is starring in a new British film "Exitz" where she plays a Miss India opposite a computer gaming magnate played by Malcolm Mcdowell famous for his role in Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange.” Shooting has taken place in Goa over 10 days. The script is by Farooq Dhondy. http://nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?id=1600

Goa: Property prices soar
27 Oct: Times of India. Builders say there is an upswing in property prices after nearly a decade. The rates have moved up by 20 per cent in recent months and by next year, for some of the locations one can expect an appreciation of 100 per cent. Prices have moved up in the posh Dona Paula plateau and areas close to Miramar beach in the capital. There is also a very great demand for old Indo-Portuguese houses by foreign nationals. 468 words.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/901170.cms

Goa: Govt demarcates 29 bathing zones on beaches
28 Oct: Navhind Times. The tourism department will demarcate 29 bathing zones Goa with buoys and increase the strength of life-guards from the present 60 to over 100. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=102817

If you did not know what matka was, now is the time to find out from Goanet posts. This really seems to have caught the imagination and gripped many minds. Don’t be left out!

For many of us, Dabolim, Goa airport is the entry and exit point for tourist charter flights from all over the world as well as the domestic airport for internal flights within India. However, there clearly is much more to Dabolim than meets the eye. Its use before and after December 1961 has been hotly debated as well as plans for its future use.

The issue about caste among Catholic Goans in Goa and in the Goan diaspora has become significantly informed academically with the latest substantial contributions from Basilio Monteiro and sociologist Alito Sequeira from the University of Goa.

Silviano Barbosa reported that Ben Antao, a Goan writer and author, has been elected President of the Canadian Authors’ Association, Toronto Branch. Ben’s latest book on Goa is to be published soon, following his earlier success with Images of Goa. So, do watch this space. For a photograph and profile of Ben Antao see http://www.colaco.net/1/ben.htm

Champneys goes to Goa
1 Oct: Health & Beauty Salon. Champneys Health Resorts Group [UK] has linked up with the InterContinental Hotels Group to open a spa at the InterContinental Grand Resort in Goa, India. Champneys Goa will provide a range of spa therapies inspired by the group's most popular traditional treatments, as well as therapies based on Goa's diverse ayurvedic culture. A range of health and fitness services will also be available. Champneys, based in Bedfordshire, will also launch breaks at the Goan resort based on its traditional health resort weeks - which "will be ideal for spa resort guests - both in the UK and India - looking to travel further afield", says the company.
http://www.healthfarms.co.uk/

With Love from Lisbon
23 Oct. Indian Express. Thought only Goa had a Portuguese connection? East Indians an indigenous community in and around Mumbai, adopted the name to cosy up to the Brits and to impress upon the Empire their status as the earliest Christians. Their food reveals the Portuguese links. 868 words. http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=57472

Crowd licks up Talent
24 Oct: Kamloops This Week (Canada). Breasts were bared and undergarments were tossed on stage. Billy Talent, a punk foursome from Toronto, took to the stage at Sport Mart Place shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday. About 3,000 screaming fans threw their fists in the air upon the arrival of Kowalewicz, guitarist Ian D'Sa, bass player Jonathan Gallant and drummer Aaron Solowoniuk. http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=15&cat=44&id=317799&more

Where to get your cheeky Frambuie
25 Oct: Aberdeen Press & Journal. If you fancy a liqueur to round off your meal at the splendid Palms of Goa Indian restaurant in Soho, why not try two of the concoctions on the drinks menu. One is Cointeau and the other is Frambuie. "A printer's error," said Eugene Dias, the charming mein host of the ever-so-friendly eating house in historic Meard Street. Never mind, the Goan food was a definite goer with your Diarist's family party of five diners.

Singapore: Goans' get-together on Nov 13
25 Oct: Today (Singapore). The 150-odd ethnic Goans in Singapore celebrate Goa Nite on 13 Nov. "We wanted to bring in a real Goan band and bailaderas (dancing girls) from Goa; but it was too expensive," said Mr Arthur Martin now a Singapore citizen and a shipping executive. The legacy of four centuries of Portuguese rule in Goa is apparent in the Goans' sosse gado (happy-go-lucky) culture and vibrant way of life. Goans first came to Singapore 1910 as bandmasters and musicians for the silent movies of the era. 230 words. http://www.todayonline.com/articles/28222.asp

Canada opens its arms for immigrants
25 Oct: Economic Times (India). Canada is increasingly seen as an ideal destination for business immigrants in view of the political stability, good standard of living, legal system and proximity to the US. The country welcomes three classes of business immigrants: investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons. 898 words. [Source: Lawrie D’Souza’s post to GoaNet] http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/897529.cms

'Racism still prevalent in British police'
26 Oct: Times of India. Lord Dholakia has claimed that racism was still prevalent in British police and hoped leadership at the top would take effective steps to make Britain a truly multi-cultural and multi-racial society. Dholakia, who stepped down as President of the Liberal Democratic party at the end of his four-year term, said at a function hosted in his honour on Monday that he himself had fallen victim to racist treatment by police in the past.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/899254.cms

Bringing food products from India to the UK
26 Oct. Hindustan Times. Excerpts: UK Govt. launches 'If in doubt, Leave it out' awareness campaign. It has always been a problem, what edibles people coming from India can bring for their relatives and friends in Britain. Now a new Govt. campaign is to publicise the risks and controls. The current rules mean that it is illegal to bring meat and milk-based products for personal use back into the UK from outside the EU. There are also limits on bringing back other food items, including fish, shellfish, honey, eggs and certain types of fruit and vegetables.
The limits depend on the country people are travelling from, and the same rules apply whether these food items are for personal use, as a gift, or if they are sent in the post. 456 words. http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5983_1074971,00430005.htm
To check the new illegal imports database see http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/illegali/default.htm

Madge Off To Get Her Gyro
27 Oct. Daily Mirror. Madonna , 46 now visits the North London gym for workouts once a week. She pays £90 for weekly one-on-one sessions with fitness guru James D'Silva. Friends say she began visiting instructor James for Pilates classes but soon became hooked on the gyrotonic expansion system. For text click here. For a profile of James D’Silva click here.

UK raises marriageable age for Asians
27 Oct: Times of India. In an indirect move to curb forced marriages within the Asian community in Britain, the country's Foreign and Home Offices have decided to raise the minimum age for such marriages from 16 to 18.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow/901055.cms

Medical Tourism
31 Oct: The Week. The country becomes a medical destination as even patients in the west fly in for world class treatment that is cheaper. Gregory Bates’s visit to India was purely for pleasure. But while in Goa, Bates, a British power lifting champion, suffered a heart attack. "I had the choice to go back home for the bypass," he said. "But I chose to stay on. My family was concerned but having heard about Indian medical expertise, I was confident that I was in safe hands. The pre-operative support of Wockhardt Heart Institute in Bangalore while I was in Goa proved that I would get uncompromised care”. Substantial article, 3460 words at
http://www.the-week.com/24oct31/currentevents_article10.htm

Sat 30 Oct. 15:30 (30 mins) Radio programme. BBC Radio 4. Title: Blyton in Bombay. Enid Blyton is a household name in India. But although her books are universally known among the English-speaking classes, she is by no means universally loved. Bombay-born Shebana Coelho investigates.

Sun 31 Oct. G.O.A. Snooker Singles Knockout Tournament. 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Venue: The Royal Surrey Snooker Club, 1/9 Abbotsbury Road, Morden, Surrey (Opposite Woolworths). LIST CLOSED.

Sun. 31 Oct. The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex.

Sun. 31 Oct. The Uganda Reunion is celebrating its 31st Anniversary. Social from 1pm till 7pm. Music provided by Maz &Co. Location: Wandsworth Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, London SW18 2PU Ticket Prices -Adults: £15, Children Under 13 : £5 (All Prices Include A Meal and Snacks) Please Contact Christine De Souza 020 8310 2332 For Tickets. All Welcome.

Sun.7 Nov.1 pm G.O.A. MASS FOR DECEASED at the ATC Hall, South Wimbledon followed by a 3-COURSE MEAL (advance booking only). Contacts: Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 - 8771 4457 Nina Pinto 020 - 8767 0663 Bernie Gracias 020 - 8723 1322.

Sun 14 Nov Union of Navelim. Feast of Our Lady of Holy Rosary at Bishop Thomas Grant RC School, Belltrees Grove, Streatham, London SW16 from 12pm - 8pm, commencing with mass. Music by Breakthru. Tickets from: Sandra Fernandes-Allen 020 8395 5462 Antonetta Fernandes 020 8 298 0804 Selwyn Ferrao 020 8 933 8362 Gabe Menezes 020 8 947 0290. For the flyer see: http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2004/Sep/issue5/event/

Sun. 21 Nov. Ven. Fr. Agnelo's Day 77th Commemoration Mass at 2.30pm, at St George's Cathedral, Westminster Bridge Road, Southwark. Contact: Nina Pinto 020 - 8767 0663.

Sun. 28 Nov. 4.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex

Sun. 5 Dec. G.O.A. FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon starting with Mass at 12.30 pm. Contacts: Diego Pinto 020 - 8767 0663 Alfred Rebello 020 - 8337 8022 Bernie Gracias 020 - 8723 1322