COMMUNITY NEWS

From Eddie Fernandes: Do you find the weekly edition of this newsletter has become too long? You might fight it easier reading the daily version which is to be found at http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/ Also, please send in your suggestions of the sections that you feel can be reduced, eliminated or even introduced or enlarged. Write to eddie@fernandes.u-net.com Thank you.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Gurus laid bare.
	17 Feb. Daily Mail. Carmen Bruegmann goes undercover to visit Gwyneth's gurus. “Less than a mile from Miss Paltrow's home is James D'Silva's discreet basement studio. I phone Mr D'Silva, whose number seems to be held by an elite few. Despite being busy, he tells me there is a free appointment this morning if I can make it. Inside the small carpeted studio there are two gyrotonic machines. D'Silva is coaching another client on the rack, so I settle in alongside, in the hands of Lara, his tall, sinewy assistant.” For a profile of James D’Silva, see: http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/supplement/JamesDSilva.htm
Carmen Bruegmann also tries out another of Paltrow’s remedies, Cupping - the technique which originated in India and Egypt more than 3,500 years ago. Heated glass cups are used to draw toxins out of the body. The process involves creating a vacuum inside a cup by inserting a flame, removing it quickly and placing the cup on the body, usually the back. The suction anchors the cup to the body and the skin covered is drawn up into it for a few millimetres.

Survivors recall flood panic
18 Feb. Wiltshire Times. Dr Joel Almeida, Trowbridge medical doctor and musician, spent two weeks in India following the tsunami disaster in Asia. For the third part of his experiences click here.

Delta Dental donates $4M to Boston University

19 Feb. Boston Herald. Delta Dental insurance company has awarded a $4 million grant to the Boston University School of Dental Medicine to fund scholarships for low-income and minority students. The state's dental schools, with an average annual tuition of $38,500, are out of reach for many of the state's disadvantaged students, said Dr. Ana Karina Mascarenhas, director of the Boston University's Dental Public Health Program. For full text click here.

Slimmers lose pounds in pledge to fight fat
19 Feb. Leicester Mercury. The Mercury's Fight the Fat challenge has been hailed as a historic blow to obesity by a high-profile group of MPs in Parliament. Keith Vaz pledged to shed half a stone from his 14st 2lb frame during a two-month period. Mr Vaz said he has already lost several pounds and has pledged to hand £10 to the Lord Mayor's Kidney Care Appeal for every pound he loses. He said: "I've started to lose weight because I changed my diet to eating a lot of fruit and drinking lots of water. I try to eat little and often, and it seems to be working well.”

UK: Art: Haywards Gallery: Africa Remix: Allan deSouza

20 Feb: The Sunday Times (UK). The Africa Remix show is on at the Hayward Gallery, London, till April 17. On of the artists featured is Allan deSouza from Kenya who can turn a circuit board into a city skyline. Allan deSouza was born in 1958 in Nairobi, Kenya and raised in England. He was educated at the Bath Academy of Art in England and at Goldsmiths College in London. In 1992 he moved to the United States. He lives and works in Los Angeles. For his profile, click here. For examples of his architectural collages, click here.

Bearing the cross of being called Cruz. 21 Feb: BBC News. David Beckham's Spanish-born son has several namesakes in Britain. Cruz Fernandes, 50, has built a career in the very macho surroundings of the BMW car production line in Swindon, Wiltshire. Mr Fernandes says he was watching the BBC News when he first learned about his famous namesake: "I phoned my wife Celia and told her that another Cruz had come into the world." Mr Fernandes owes his name to his Portuguese ancestry. Click to enlarge He was born in the Indian state of Goa, a Portuguese colony at that time, and ended up in England five years ago. He says, "When I started at BMW, I wasn't even the only Cruz in my workplace. There was another man also from Goa who was called Cruz as well." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4284777.stm Cruz is certainly no cross to bear 23 Feb: Evening Advertiser (Swindon). BMW worker Cruz Fernandes is proud to share the same name as the son of David Beckham. Mr Fernandes, who lives with his wife Celia, 42, in Plymouth Street, Swindon, owes his name to his Portuguese ancestry. He was born in Goa, lived in Lisbon and ended up in England five years ago. 411 words. http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/wiltshire/swindon/news/SWINDON_NEWS6.html

Fr Raymond de Souza; “Priesthood, the joy of my life”
	21 Feb: Western Catholic Reporter (Edmonton, Canada). Although Father Raymond de Souza obtained a master's degree in economics from the University of Cambridge in England, something within him did not add up until he entered the seminary. De Souza even considered a life in politics before he was captured by the certainty that "nothing compares to following the path of Christ."
De Souza moved to Calgary in 1977 with his parents, who immigrated to Canada from Goa. "I grew up in a very good Catholic home. For my parents and my grandparents, faith was the organizing principle of our family life," de Souza said. For text, 1055 words, click here. [Fr Raymond is the son of Greta (ex-Mombasa) and Cedric D'Souza (ex-Uganda and Nairobi)]

UK: Stephen Desouza subjected to racist abuse
22 Feb. Mirror. Scott Brookfield, 29 attacked MP Neil Turner, 59 and hurled racist abuse at Stephen Desouza. He was given 220 hours of community service this week. For details of the offence see issue 2005-5

Kenya's Other Victims of Parochial Politics
24 Feb: The Nation (Nairobi). Pio Gama Pinto was murdered in 1965 because he continued with his radical activities against continued British economic presence. The Kenyatta establishment - already selling out both to Britain and to a new homeguard class bent on grabbing everything - regarded Pinto as a life-and-death danger. http://allafrica.com/stories/200502231011.html

British Red Cross Disaster Challenge: Brian Sequeira
Brian Sequeira is taking part in the British Red Cross Disaster Challenge on 8th April. It provides the experience of an actual disaster and the subsequent practical support provided by an Emergency Response Unit. When the ERU is deployed it costs £20,000 to send a team anywhere in the world with their equipment to an affected site. Details at http://www.redcross.org.uk/event.asp?id=41879.
To support Brian please send him a cheque made out to 'The British Red Cross Society' to 71 Cambridge Road, Walton, Surrey, KT12 2DR. Donations can also be gift aided. For more info email brian.sequeira@centrica.co.uk

UK: G.O.A. Tsunami Fundraising Function.
From Flavio Gracias, President G.O.A. (UK). The Tsunami Fundraising Function organised by the Goan Association (UK) in conjunction with Goan Organisations on Sunday 20th February 2005, proved to be an outstanding success - thanks to the generosity of all those who attended or sent in donations. In addition to the amount that had already been raised, the function brought the total up to over £6,000. The Board of Directors, at their last meeting, agreed to channel these funds to the Pilar Mission, Port Blair Diocese in the Andaman Islands (Southern India) under Bishop Alex Dias. The Association have been in touch with Pilar to find out how to forward this money to the Andaman Islands, which has suffered great devastation. As this will be an on-going requirement, anyone wishing to contribute to this worthy cause can send cheques, made payable to 'G.O.A. (UK) Ltd', to Bernie Gracias, 76 Middleton Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 8BS.

DEATHS

22 Feb: Agacaim, Goa. CIRIACO GONSALVES. Husband of Effie. Father of Sanny (Portugal), Stanley/Celine (UK) and Schubert.

20 Feb: Toronto, Canada. LENA REBEIRO (ex-Dar es Salaam Nairobi, nee De Cruz). Wife of the Baylon. Mother of Melville, Patsy, Rowena, Basil, Lloyd and Judy. Grandmother of 11 children. Sister of Dr Manu Da Cruz, the late Lydia Fonseca of Nairobi and UK and Lillian Castellino of Mombasa and UK.
Viewing on 23-24 Feb. (2-4 & 7-9 pm) at Giffen & Mack Funeral Home, 4115 Lawrence Ave., West Hill, Ont. Funeral on Fri. 25 Feb. at 10:00 am at St Joseph's Church, 200 Morrish Road, West Hill, Ont. Condolences to melvillerebeiro@rogers.com

Death: Neves Menezes (ex- Nairobi).18 Feb. Goa. NEVES MENEZES. Husband of Mabel. Father of Norbert/Valerie and Jacqueline. Neves Menezes was one of the founders of the GOA (Toronto) in 1970. He played an active part in its affairs and was its President in 1971 and 1977. He was also chair of the board and President of Goan Charitable Organization. Neves Menezes, was on holiday in Goa when he died at Grace Hospital in Margao of a massive heart attack. The body will be taken to Toronto for burial. Condolences to arcangel@pathcom.com

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter, Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street (Hwy 10, N of QEW) on Saturday, February 26 and Sunday, February 27 from 2-8pm. Prayers Sunday 7pm. Funeral Mass to be held at St Patrick's Catholic Church, 921 Flagship Dr ON, Monday, February 28, 2005 at 10am. Private Internment St. Mary's Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the G.C.O. (Goan Charitable Organization)

18 Feb: Tanga, Tanzania. ANTHONY BRAGANZA. Husband of Veronica Braganza. Brother of Leo, Albert, Raymond, Irene and Philu.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Corrupt Immigration officials "pound" overstaying tourists
24 Feb: Gomantak Times. Officials at Dabolim Airport have been accused of extorting money from chartered flight passengers who have stayed in Goa longer than four weeks. A London based travel agent claimed that some of his clients were asked to cough up as much as £40. A foreign tourist claimed that travel agents in Goa were collecting money on behalf of the immigration authorities. For full text of the Gomantak Times report (which was forwarded by Cecil Pinto), see:
http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2005/Feb/issue4/supplement.htm

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Jailed, but her chequebook makes news
18 Feb: Indian Express. Susan D’Souza, jailed on charges of cheating and writing cheques that bounced has received a grant of $3 million from an American NGO for developmental activities in India. She has contributed Rs 5 lakh for tsunami victims, and expressed a desire to donate Rs 67 lakh for the development of the jail. http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=118163

Cracking down on trance. By Devika Sequeira
20 Feb: Deccan Herald. The new Congress-led government in Goa has cracked down on rave parties. But will it be able to wipe out these hallucigen-induced dancing?
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb202005/sl1.asp

The new drug cocktails
20 Feb. Deccan Herald. In Goa there is Disco Biscuit, Ecstasy, Mercedes Benz, Mexican Valium, Honey Oil, known to enforcement agencies as MDMA, Ketamine, Rohypnol or GNB. The latest one to hit the party scene is the Red Mitsubishi.
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb202005/sl2.asp

Goa airport gets ISO 9001 certification
20 Feb: Navhind Times. Goa airport has been certified ISO 9001:2000-compliant. Goa Airport is ranked 9th in terms of its share of passenger traffic in India. In order to cope with the increasing traffic new facilities like lifts and escalators are being added. The long term plans include additional aircraft parking bays and a new international terminal.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=022012

Goa: Vote of confidence on Feb 28
22 Feb: Navhind Times. The state Governor, Mr S C Jamir has convened a special session of the state legislature on February 28 at 2.30 p. m, for allowing the Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane to seek the vote of confidence vis-à-vis to complete the constitutional obligation. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=022228

Supreme Court orders closure of 218 polluting units
23 Feb. Financial Express. The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to issue directions to 12 state governments to close down 218 industrial and mining units within 10 days for failing to comply with the Environment Protection Act. The central government has to file a compliance report of its order, directing closure of the defaulting units within 6 weeks. The order was passed on a petition filed by Goa Foundation. http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=83375

Portuguese football experts arrive in Goa
23 Feb: Navhind Times. The first project under the Indo-Portuguese Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the All-India Football Federation (AIFF), Goa Football Association (GFA), Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education of Porto University and the Portuguese Olympic Committee aimed at scientific development of football will be formally launched on February 23 with the inaugural session at Marriott, Miramar at 7 p.m.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=02232
24 Feb: Navhind Times. Historic chapter in football begins. The Consul General of Portugal in Goa, Dr Pedro Cabral Adao, said that the first project under the Indo-Portuguese Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is aimed at the scientific development of football and it will open a new chapter in the history of Goa and Portugal.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=02246

Goa to have a ball with Portuguese soccer trainers
24 Feb: Indo-Asian News Service. Five centuries after Portugal found the sea route to India, the sub-continent is hoping to harness the southwest European republic's skills to scale greater footballing heights. A seven-member Portuguese team landed here Wednesday to train Indian football coaches of under-12 players. Full text at
http://www.eians.com/stories/2005/02/24/24pa.shtml

THE PRIEST AND HIS LOVER

Click to enlarge

18 Feb: Indian Express. Sins, an Indian-made English film is awaiting release. It deals with the clandestine affair of William, a priest and his lover, Rosemary, who is half his age. But the Church is not amused. Father Pravin Fernandes, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bombay and co-ordinator Catholic Communication Centre, said, ‘‘Though we haven’t seen the film, we strongly object to the content that deals with the details of the sexual life of a Catholic priest. We want the film to be withdrawn and are gathering all relevant information to stall its release.’’ Full text at http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=42084

21 Feb: Washington Post. Indian Christians want Bollywood film banned.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A41577-2005Feb21.html

21 Feb: BBC News. Church anger over Bollywood film.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4284769.stm

21 Feb: Hindustan Times. Sins seen and unseen.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1251240,00110003.htm

21 Feb: Reuters Canada. Indian Christians Want Bollywood Film on Priest Banned. For full text click here.

23 Feb: Gulf Daily News, Bahrain. Fury over movie on priest.
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=105069&Sn=WORL&IssueID=27340

23 Feb: Independent Online, South Africa. Forbidden love causes a stir in movie capital. For full text click here.

24 Feb. NewIndPress. The Catholic community on Wednesday staged protests against Bollywood film "Sins", which allegedly depicts a priest's sexual relationship with a lover half his age. For full text click here

24 Feb. Indian Express. Catholic Forum moves court to stall film’s release.
http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=65283

GOA: THE POLITICAL CRISIS

Disqualification petition: Neri files forgery complaint
17 Feb: Deccan Herald. In a complaint filed last night at the Porovorim police station, Filipe Neri Rodrigues claimed that the signature on the membership form, produced as evidence in the disqualification hearings, had been forged by BJP general secretary Satish Dhond. http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb172005/i22.asp

Goa may be put under Presidential rule
18 Feb: Economic Times. With new Goa chief minister Pratapsinh Rane yet to succeed in his efforts to get a couple of MLAs from the rival side quit the assembly for making credible his claims of a majority, the possibility of the state being put under President's rule is steadily increasing. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1024400.cms

Goa Speaker accuses police of interference in functioning
18 Feb: Outlook. On a day of high drama, Goa Speaker Vishwas Satarkar today accused the state police machinery of "interfering in the working of the assembly" and said no MLA should be "touched" till a motion of confidence was passed in the House even as there were indications that the cabinet is likely to recommend February 24 as the date for floor test.
http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=280857

Chaos over disqualification plea hearing
19 Feb: Navhind Times. The final hearing of the disqualification petition against the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Filipe Neri Rodrigues was yet again postponed for 11 a.m. tomorrow by the Speaker of the state legislative assembly, Mr Viswas Satarkar, amidst high drama at the Porvorim secretariat complex today evening. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=021921

Goa: Supreme Court serves notice on Rane govt –Hearing fixed for Feb 28
22 Feb: Deccan Herald. The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane to show cause why the functioning of his government should not be stayed. A three-judge Bench posted the matter for next hearing on February 28 on a petition filed by dismissed chief minister Manohar Parrikar challenging the governor’s decision. Mr Parrikar was present in court. http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb222005/i2.asp

Goa: “Speaker conspired to forge Neri’s signature”
23 Feb: Financial Express. A Congress MLA on Tuesday filed a complaint against the speaker of Goa legislative Assembly Vishwas Satarkar, accusing him of "colluding and conspiring” with a BJP activist and an MLA in forging the signature of independent MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues. http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=83391

The problem in Goa lies in Delhi. V.A. Pai Panandiker
23 Feb: Indian Express. A spate of articles on Goa suggests that democracy in Goa has gone. Nothing is further from the truth. http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=65179

Goa: Govt set to win confidence vote, says Wilfred
24 Feb: Navhind Times. Bracing for battle with 18 MLAs each, both sides are predicting sure victory for their own sides in Monday’s (February 28) crucial vote of confidence. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=022431

BJP MLA resigns from Goa assembly
24 Feb: NDTV. With the resignation of BJP MLA Digamber Kamat from the Goa Assembly, the Congress has received a big boost ahead of the crucial vote of confidence on February 28. For full text click here.

Recent Items of Interest on Goanet by Cornel DaCosta

Teotonio de Souza, a Goan university professor in Lisbon, provided details of Representatives of Portuguese India in the Portuguese Parliament (1822-1882). This theme arises from a recent MPhil dissertation by Susana Costa Pinto in Portugal. Teotonio says that there can be no doubts that the exposure of Goans to western political ideas and institutions, much earlier than the rest of India, had its positive value and prepared Goans to face globalization with much confidence and success.

Sebastian Rodrigues has provided a very detailed plea to help save the Centre for Latin American Studies from closure at the University of Goa. The chicanery there seems mindboggling!

India's insensitive traffic culture is discussed at some length. This is of course, a perennial theme on Goanet and other publications.

A fascinating account, supplied by Gabe Menezes, tells us about what it is like to now work in Uganda on contract. Our ex Ugandans should be able to compare notes from their previous experience.

As always, Ethel Da Costa presents in her Heart 2 Heart theme, a fascinating 'treatise' on women. It is, without doubt, essential and compelling reading for every man.

Please visit the Goanet archives at http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/ To subscribe to Goanet send an email to viviana@goanet.org

IN THE NEWS

Ricky Nelson’s travels take him from Scotland Yard to Pueblo
	17 Feb: Pueblo Chieftain, (Colorado U.S.A.) Today, Ricky Nelson D’Souza manages Pueblo's only Indian restaurant after several careers that included eight years with London's Metropolitan Police. D’Souza was born in Mangalore on India's west coast. D'Souza immigrated to Britain in his early 20s. He attended Cambridge and, after a brief period working at Harrods’ department store, decided he needed a career change and in 1992 joined the London Metropolitan Police Service.
In 2000, he came to the United States for a training program and decided to stay. http://www.chieftain.com/business/1108679983/1

Unsung hero
	17 Feb: South Manchester Reporter. Graham Phillips Clarke who fundraises for street children in Goa through the charity Novi Survat, is among nine Royal Mail employees from the North West shortlisted for its First Class People Awards 2005, nominated by impressed customers. Graham is currently in India with his wife, Tricia, for six-months, helping to build a hospice for parents and children with HIV who have been abandoned by their families.
He is also refurbishing a boys’ home, teaching children in slums and assisting the family of a young girl suffering cerebral palsy. With four adult daughters himself, Graham was shocked into action after imaging his own girls in similar situations. “We are so cloistered here. Western children don’t know what these children have to go through in order to survive. For full text click here. Anyone would like to know more of their work they can telephone (01395 276148) or email admin@novisurvat.org or visit the web-site www.novisurvat.org

Leap of faith: From jobs to priesthood. By Ashley D'Mello
18 Feb. The Times of India. It's an ancient institution whose recruits used to be boys who had barely started shaving. Now, marketing executives and engineers are joining the priesthood. 326 words. http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1024408.cms

My Life In Travel: Julien Macdonald, fashion designer.
19 Feb: The Independent. India. I loved the colours and the aroma of the different spices. I went to Goa for a working holiday and fell in love with the culture. I especially liked the hot food and the lassi. http://travel.independent.co.uk/news_and_advice/story.jsp?story=612390

Restaurant Review: Couillard cools down.
19 Feb. The Globe and Mail (Toronto). Habitat World Cuisine, 735 Queen St. W. 416-860-155. Excerpt: Among the appetizers, only Goan crab fritters recall the Couillard of blessed memory, thanks to a sweet/sour/hot tamarind sauce. Full text, 758 words, click here.

Passage T.O. India. By Daphne Gordon.
19 Feb. Toronto Star. Excerpts: During a recent two-week trip to India, I had some profound revelations...accessories that I saw on the gorgeous women in New Delhi... So off I went last week on a visit to Toronto's own Little India to see if I could relive my trip… Would the quality compete with the beautiful items I found at a huge outdoor market in Anjuna, Goa, where Indian vendors displayed traditional wares alongside contemporary items created by expats living in Goa? Could I sample an authentic samosa or sip masala chai for quick refreshment while on the go? In a word, yes. I found all of that, and more. Full text, 1,313 words, click here.

Bab Peter, Konkani stage actor, 52, dies
21 Feb. Gulf Daily News (Bahrain). Popular Konkani stage actor and singer Francis Peter Thomas D'Souza, widely known as Bab Peter, died at the BDF Hospital yesterday at 5pm, four days after suffering a heart attack.
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=104873&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=27338

Legalised casinos drive economy of Indian resort Goa
21 Feb: Channel NewsAsia. Goa now has six casinos, among them the offshore Caravela which caters to the rich. Casinos and gambling in general remains largely frowned upon by Indian society although there are some who want to see this changed.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southasia/view/133619/1/.html

Book Review: Guardian of the Dawn, by Richard Zimler
21 Feb: The Independent. Guardian of the Dawn Richard Zimler Constable, £7.99, is set in Goa, the Portuguese spice colony on the coast of India, in the late 16th century. It is Richard Zimler"s third novel. 494 words. http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/books/reviews/story.jsp?story=613117

Goa: Can we ever get over this malaise?
22 Feb: Times of Oman. The recent Goa crisis has, no doubt, sparked a flurry of nation-wide debate, not only over who was right, the governor or the speaker. It has shed a lurid light on the much-debated question of political morality. http://www.timesofoman.com/readarticle.asp?colid=10

Indian meals not affected by Sudan 1 scare
22 Feb: Hindustan Times. As the scare over the Sudan 1 dye-contaminated food deepened and the number of banned products touched 419 by Monday, the leading Indian readymade meals maker and supplier Sir Gulam K. Noon removed fears about Indian dishes.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5983_1252980,00430005.htm

Melbourne: Vincent Sequeira’s Hindustan Imports. By Janet Da Silva
23 Feb. The Age (Melbourne). Excerpts: If you're passionate about Indian food, consider a visit to Hindustan Imports, even if it means a lengthy car trip across Melbourne. Owner Vincent Sequeira stocks a vast array of whole and ground spices, the freshness of which would seem to be guaranteed by the steady stream of customers who buy these items by the bucketload. The store has good selection of ready-made curry pastes and Indian breads. "Even some Indians are tired of grinding spices," notes Sequeira. "The days of a pinch of this and a pinch of that are long gone for cooks who have moved into the fast lane."

Are you the next British Asian music star?
BBC. Are you an unsigned singer, MC or group trying to make your mark in British Asian music? This year the BBC Asian Network Unsung competition returns to provide another opportunity for undiscovered talent to gain exposure in the British Asian Music industry. Closing Date 28 Feb. http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/features/unsung_entry.shtml

USS Blue Ridge: 7th Fleet experience in Goa.
	22 Feb: US Fed News. USS Blue Ridge departed Goa after a three-day visit Feb. 15-17, where about 1,000 staff enjoyed the gold colored beaches, breathtaking sunsets and open air markets. Bargain-hungry Sailors visited the local flea market and bartered hard with the local vendors for all manner of memorabilia. The most popular items were the wool rugs, traditional silk sari, and handmade wooden jewelry boxes.
Sailors also participated in a project for local school children. They painted the multipurpose hall at St. Francis Xavier School for Children with Special Needs. The facility is a vocational training center and home to dozens of children with special physical and educational needs. The Band performed an outdoor concert for the school children. Full text, 747 words at http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=17182

Australia: Two charged with murder of Johnson Fernandes.
23 Feb. Blacktown Advocate (NSW). Two men have been charged with the murder of Lalor Park resident Johnson Fernandes. Mr Fernandes' body, suffering stab wounds, was found in a creek bed at Ryde-Parramatta golf course on February 2. 22-year-old Mark Sandilands and Richard Hamilton, 34 have been charged with murder. [ For the background to the case click here. and http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=37173 ]

NSW, Australia: Enjoy summer fiesta's fun for all
24 Feb. The Glebe (NSW, Australia). Marrickville Council's Summer Fiesta is on at The Debbie and Abbey Borgia Community Recreation Centre this Sunday from noon to 4pm…Hungry participants can try authentic Vietnamese, Turkish, Lebanese, Portuguese or Goan cuisine…

UK: TV SOME HIGHLIGHTS

Tue 1 Mar BBC2 11:20 pm (30 mins). Desi DNA. A report on the spiritual side of LA. How the Bangladeshis have injected vibrancy into London’s East End. Preview of the new series of Footballers Wives.

Wed: 2 Mar ITV1 11:00 pm (35 mins). Our Boys Behaving Badly? A Tonight Special. More than 2,000 tribeswomen claim they were raped by British soldiers during decades of alleged abuse in Kenya.

Thu 3 Mar Community Channel. 8:05 pm (30 mins). A documentary exploring life after retirement in ethnic communities.

See http://www.lanfranc.com/lanfranc_location_2000.pdf for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon

Fri 25 Feb. YLGS Monthly Meet Up @ the Lounge Bar in Tiger Tiger, from 6.30pm onwards. Nearest Tube: Piccadilly. New Members 18+ Welcome! Free Entrance B4 10pm; £10 after 10pm. For more info contact Alison Braganza, Events & PR Manager at events@ylgs.org.uk or on 07799 586793.

Sat. 26 Feb. 7.30 to 11.30 pm. Fundraising Tsunmai Charity Dance. Richard Challoner School, Manor Drive North, New Malden Surrey. KT3 5PE. £ 7.50 adult, £ 3.50 child (under 16). Music by Canute's Disco. Please bring your own drinks & glasses Snack food will be on sale. Canute/Delia: 020 8540 1249; Effie Rebello: 020 8542 7880; Ann Vaz: 020 543 0968; Elaine Cardazonni: 020 8395 6827.

Sun. 27 Feb. 5.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex

Sun 27 Feb. G.O.A. Snooker Doubles Knockout Tournament. 9.30am to 5.00pm at the Royal Surrey Snooker Club, 1/9 Abbotsbury Road, Morden, Surrey (opposite Woolworths). Entries by email to: malawifelix@hotmail.com Lazarus Rato 020 - 8767 0342

Sun. 27 Feb. The AGM of the Margao Union UK will be held at the Goan Community Centre, Keston Road, Tottenham, London N17 at 4.00 pm. This meeting is open to all Margonkars. For details contact- Bella 020 8372 1253 Mike 020 8803 9752 or Gregg 020 8907 0545.

Sat. 5 Mar. 10.00am-4.00pm Bexley Local History Fair. Cliff Pereira will have a stand displaying material on Amche Historr - the Goan Oral History Project. The address is Hall Place, just off the A2 Black Prince roundabout, Bexley.

Sun. 13 Mar. From 12 till 8pm. Fund Raising Dance for Children's Hospitals. Sacred Heart Church Hall, Edge Hill, Wimbledon, SW20. Adults £12, Child (5-10 years) £7.50 Meal inc. Music by Say One Do One. Tickets: Suzy 01753 675072, Milo 0118 957 4937; Jane 0208 543 5454, Felix 0208 640 4151 Dress Formal. Donations Welcome.

Sun. 13 Mar. 5.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex

Sun 20 Mar G.O.A. Singles Carrom Tournament - Men’s & Ladies Singles: (Entry fee 3.00) Children: 7-12 Singles: (No entry fee) Venue: HSBC Sports Club, Lennard Road, New Beckenham BR3 1QW. (Time: 10.30 am) - Contacts: Richard Fernandes 020 – 8300 5347, Assumption Gomes 020 – 8641 5995, Viju DeSouza 01784 – 430547, Desmond Britto 020 – 8543 4352, Lazarus Rato 020 - 8767 0342.

Sun. (Easter) 27 Mar. G.O.A. Strictly Come Dancing at Lola Jones Hall, Greaves Place, Tooting. Jive and Freestyle Disco Competition. Dark Star in attendance. Further details from - Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 - 8771 4457, Bernie Gracias 020 - 8723 1322

Sun. 17 Apr. YLGS El Shaddai Fundraising Dance. at Bishop Thomas Grant School. Starts with Holy Mass at 12.00 followed by Dancing & Slave/Talent Auction. Music provided by Breakthru, Maz & Co and Guava Groove! Food & Drink will be on Sale. Special Guest Speaker, Keith Vaz MP. Contact Alison Braganza at events@ylgs.org.uk or on 07799 586793. For Tickets, Info & updates check the flyer at http://www.ylgs.org.uk/images/elshaddai.gif

FOR LATER EVENTS SEE http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/