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COMMUNITY NEWS
Maria Pereira: Millionaire's housekeeper vanishes on way to church
16 Dec: Daily Express (UK). The mystery disappearance of Maria Pereira, a millionaire's housekeeper was being investigated by detectives last night. She has not been seen for almost the last two weeks. Police said they were becoming very concerned for the safety of Maria Pereira, who has never gone missing before and is a regular churchgoer
Miss Pereira was employed as a housekeeper by Dr Faisal Zeera, who spends most of his time in Bahrain
Miss Pereira had been working at the house for six months. She was living in Bahrain before she came here. Text, 1,162 words, and photos at the link below. Click here.
Maria Pereira: Fears grow for missing woman
20 Dec: Oxford Times. Police searching for missing woman Maria Pereira have today been searching areas surrounding her home and have conducted another search of her house to try to find clues to her whereabouts. Maria Pereira, 46, who lives in Catslip, Nettlebed, has not been seen since 10.30am on Sunday, December 3, at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Henley. Her mobile phone has been switched off since. The police helicopter has been used in the search as well as specialist underwater search teams
If anyone has any information they should contact Acting Det Insp Biddle via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don't want to speak to police and don't want to leave your name, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Text, 211 words and photo at the link below.Click here. |
Xavier D'Souza: Bodybuilder makes his mark
14 Dec: Caymanian Compass. Xavier D'Souza, a Grand Cayman personal trainer based at Powerhouse Gym, is on a roll. He has collected a slew of bodybuilding trophies with his name on them in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. D'Souza is a softspoken gentleman, according to fellow bodybuilders. Up on the stage, however, he transforms into a pure barbarian with a powerful physique that makes judges sit up in their chairs
Excerpt: One of my next door neighbours, Bento was involved in karate back home in Goa and advised me to train with him at the gym
978 words. Click here.
| UK: Carol Furtado: Merchants of Bollywood |
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15 Dec: Eastern Eye (UK). Carol Furtado has the female lead in the stage musical which can be seen at Hammersmith Apollo in London from Dec.21 to Jan.7. Click here. |
| Canada: Carolann Fernandes. Nursing-care standard |
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16 Dec: Mountain News.
Carolann Fernandes, a Hamilton representative of the Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens' Organizations, said her group supports the call for a minimum standard as well as public hearings. She said, "Seniors should be able to age with dignity in their homes, and if you reach a point in your life where you have to go into a nursing home, then we want to ensure that there are standards." For a profile of her click here.
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| Belgium: Michelle Sequeira: Worship of Ankle Bells |
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17 Dec: Navhind Times. By Patricia-Ann Alvares.
Michelle Sequeira captivated audiences in Gemboux when she presented her Arangetram along with Belgian, Hanne Doms, in early November this year
The dancers were accompanied by artistes from Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands and India
Interestingly, Mr Placido D'Souza, a Senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer is also the proud grandfather of Michelle
Michelle has proved her mettle. A quiet, reserved girl, Michelle is a high school student in Gembloux, fluent in English and French with an interest in fashion designing. Her path has |
been paved and nurtured by her parents, Jacinta and Raphael, and brother Thierry who, interestingly, traces their ancestry back to Goa. While Jacinta and her father Placido D'Souza hail from Anjuna in Goa, Raphael is from Mangalore and they are, incidentally, amongst the very few Indians residing in Belgium. Keeping alive the traditions and cultures of India, Jacinta and Raphael run the Indian Cultural Centre in Gembloux and they also own a boutique Sapna'. 502 words. Click here. |
Kenya: Railway houses fall from glory to near ruins
17 Dec: East African Standard. Houses of Kenya Railways that were once the envy of many but slowly went down the drain
From Nairobi to Kisumu, Mombasa and all the stations nestled along the steely snake's path housing units put up by the then East African Railways and Harbours Corporation, were a difficult thing to miss
Houses allocated along racial lines
Asian and Goan employees could relax with their families and while their time away at the exclusive Asian and Goan clubs in the area. Photos and text, 1900 words. Click here.
Fatima Barreto: A cause worth fighting for
17 Dec: Mail on Sunday (UK). Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling's announcement in Parliament of a further culling of the Post Office network spells the end for thousands of branches. Toby Walne visited Darling's Edinburgh constituency - to gauge reactions
Fatima Barreto, 32, from Goa, now lives in Dalry with her husband, Wilson, 33, and comes into the post office with their three-year-old daughter, Shannon, to post a letter back home. She says:'No one is fooled by these latest closures - it is just another attack on post offices and no doubt more will follow.' Click here.
UK: Welcome to the new holy land
17 Dec: The Observer (UK). They come to Britain in their hundreds of thousands, all seeking refuge, asylum or just a better life. And for many, the first port of call is the Catholic Church. Together they form a diverse new flock that is revitalising - and reinventing - the faith
Every Tuesday evening at St Anthony's church in Upton Park, east London, a remarkable ceremony takes place: a Novena to the saint, by the church's mainly Asian congregation - Indians from Goa and Kerala
5,379 words. Click here.
Tony Fernandes is Malaysia's Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
19 Dec: Sun2Surf. AirAsia's CEO, Tony Fernandes was named Malaysia's Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 in a glittering ceremony last night. He received the award from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at a hotel here. Fernandes, who moved from the recording industry to pioneer the country's first no-frills low-cost airline, was also named Master Entrepreneur of the Year
Fernandes will represent Malaysia at the 7th Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year awards in Monte Carlo in May, in which more than 40 entrepreneurs from around the globe will compete. Click here.
For the GVUK Tony Fernandes supplement click here.
Australia: NSW: Trevor D'Mello of The Yellow Piano
20 Dec: Central Coast Express (Sydney).
For restaurant owner, Trevor D'Mello, of The Yellow Piano, at Wyoming, there will be orders of food to stock his kitchen for people who have booked in for Christmas lunch. "Someone has to keep people happy," he said. Q: What are you doing for Christmas Day? A: Same as every year, singing for my supper (working). Q: What does Christmas mean to you. A: I work in the morning and play in the evening. Q: Are you going away or working over the break? A: I'm working, someone has to keep the people happy.
[Trevor D'Mello was born in Karachi and traces his Goan roots to Anjuna. He is a vocalist and plays the saxophone, guitar and, when called upon, the piano. For a photograph of him click here.
Bahrain Goans debate role at Global Goan Convention
21 Dec: Gulf News (Bahrain). The participation of Bahrain's Goan residents in the forthcoming Global Goan Convention was discussed at a meeting
Prominent academicians, policy-makers and people of Goan origin from all over the world are expected to attend.Click here.
Eight Overseas Goans to be honoured at Global Goans Convention
21 Dec: Navhind Times. Eight eminent Non-Resident Goans and persons of Goan origin will be bestowed with the Global Goans Achievement Award at the 4th edition of the Global Goans Convention, to be held from January 3 to January 5, 2007.
Dr Alfredo Bruto da Costa, President of the Portuguese Economic and Social Council.
Dr Narana Coissoro, President of the Institute of Oriental Studies, Lisbon.
Mr Fitz de Souza, ex-Deputy Speaker of the Kenyan Parliament.
Mr Justice Wolfango Dourado, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Zanzibar.
Prof Damodar R Sardesai, Emeritus Professor of History, University of California.
Ms Patricia Rozario, OBE. (UK). eminent opera singer.
Mr Leslie de Mello, Austria: artist, sculptor and painter.
Mr Neville Roach, Australia. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fijutsu, Australia
For full text, 448 words, click here.
DEATHS
19 Dec: Ucassaim/Alto Porvorim (Goa). MIGUEL JOSE (MICHAEL) BARRETO. (Born 1932, Ex-Sena Sugar Estates Ltd, Luabo, Mozambique). Husband of Lea. Brother of Late Fertedinho/Rosy, Elsa /Late Peter Rodrigues.
19 Dec: Cayman Islands. EDWIN FERNANDES. (Born 1974, ex-Siridao). Husband of Paulina (London). Father of Master Figo (London). Son of Agnelo Fernandes/Quiteria Colaso (Franskin)(London). Brother of Sebastian/Natalina (London), Raul/Lorna, Wilson/Sophia, Johny, Ana-Rita (London).
17 Dec: Calangute, Goa. JOSEPH FILOMENO ROSARIO (born 1945, ex-Nairobi). Husband of Margaret. Father of Melvin, Racheal/Monico and Valaney.
17 Dec: Mapusa, Goa. FRANCIS ALVARES (Born 1922, ex-Brunei). Husband of Celine. Father of Franceline/ Tony De Nazareth (UK). Grandfather of Kenrick. Condolences to tony@freeuk.net
17 Dec: St Estevam. Goa. ANINHA CLARITA RODRIGUES. Wife of late Elvino. Mother of Alvaro/Reina (London), Linda (Lisbon), Malaquinha/Hillary and Eva/Felezinho.
15 Dec: Alperton, London. PERPETUA DE SOUZA (ex-Mombasa). Daughter of late Peter/late Guilhermia. Sister of Dora, Antoinette, late Maxie and late Damien (DD). Passed away suddenly. Funeral on Thu 21 Dec. at 12.30pm at Church of St John Fisher 41 Langdale Gardens, Perivale, Middlesex, UB6 8DU. Burial at Alperton Cemetery, Clifford Road, (off Bridgewater Road), Alperton, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 1AF. Followed by a reception at Sudbury Golf Club, Bridgewater Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 1AL. Condolences to: 17 Bamford Avenue, Alperton, Middlesex, HA0 1NA.
From Jennifer de Souza (Mombasa). Holy Mass for the Late Perpetua De Souza on Wed 20 Dec. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Tudor, Mombasa, at 5.30 P.M.
15 Dec: Margao, Goa. COSME DG FERNANDES (born 1925, ex Dar-es- Salaam, Tanzania). Husband of Vitliara (Lily); Father of Roque/Renee, late Freddy/Sarah, Anita/Lusito Rebello, Stanley /Flocy.
14 Dec: Morden, London. CHARLIE VAZ (ex-Nairobi and Colva, Goa. Husband of Rose. Father of Effie, Shirley, Sharon, Eveline and Corrinne. Grandfather of 13. Funeral is at 12:00 noon on Thu 21 Dec at St. John Fisher's Church, 207 Cannon Hill Lane, Morden. SW20 9DB. The Cemetery is Merton & Sutton Cemetery, Garth Road, Morden. Condolences to walton_sharon@hotmail.com
10 Dec: Margao, Goa. RITA GRACIAS E VAZ (OLINDA) Born 1933. Wife of late Eugenio. Mother of Aristo/Mina (USA), Oliver/Philo (Austria), Joanita/Eliazar, Arty/Joe (UK), Vienna/Troy, Joseph, Godfrey (USA), Johnson.
10 Dec: Harare, Zimbabwe. MARIO LUIS DOS REMEDIOS. (Aged 54). He is survived by his mother, Amalia, and sisters Ana and Tania. Mario was a leading figure in the Zimbabwe corporate world in the years following Independence. Obituary, 995 words, in the Zimbabwe Independent, 21 Dec. 2006. For text click here.
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HOLIDAY INFORMATION
| Goa on the road to being Las Vegas |
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18 Dec: CNN-IBN. Till few days back Caravela had the monopoly over legalized gambling in the state but if things go according to Goa government's plans it could soon be facing stiff competition. The state government has decided to issue licenses for three more casinos to be opened up in Goa. Watch the videoclip at the link below.Click here. |
Goa terror threat
14 Dec: Times Now (India). Sources have claimed that at least 300 chartered flights to Goa have been cancelled following a travel warning issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry to Israelis against visiting Goa during the Christmas and New Year season, citing a serious threat from al Qaeda
the chartered flights that have been cancelled include both domestic and international flights. Click here.
Goa Police reject Israeli warnings of al-Qaeda threat
14 Dec. Forbes (USA). Police in the seaside resort state of Goa rejected Israeli warnings of "a severe terror threat" by al-Qaeda ahead of New Year celebrations. "We have not received any specific threat or intelligence on such a threat either from New Delhi or any international agency," Goa state police chief B.S. Brar told Agence France-Presse. Click here.
Israelis Warned to Avoid Goa
16 Dec: New York Times. A favored destination of young Israelis seeking respite from the frazzle and stress of home, the tourist haven of Goa got a rude reminder of reality this week
In Goa, the news of Al Qaeda's suspected designs was greeted with a mixture of apprehension and aplomb
The embassy in New Delhi estimated that around 35,000 Israelis come to Goa each year
856 words.Click here.
Goa: Next Al Qaeda target
19 Dec: Weekly Blitz. In a travel advisory on 13 Dec. Israel's Foreign Ministry said:
there is now a concrete threat focusing on the Goa region where multitudes of visitors, including Israelis, gather in late December
On 15 Dec. DEBKA, a well-known non-governmental Israeli think-tank posted the following comments on its website: "Information has reached Jerusalem that Al Qaeda is in an advanced stage of preparing coordinated attacks on the big, end-of-year seasonal parties held by Western and Israeli tourists in Goa
There has been a greater alert this year following the reported arrest on 11 Mar of Tarique Jalal from the Margao railway station. It was reported that one kg of RDX, two Russian-made hand-grenades, two electronic detonators, two cameras and a mobile phone were seized from him.
This was followed by the arrest on 30 Mar. of Shamim Ahmad who was reportedly a resident of Goa. An AK-47, two hand grenades, a mobile phone, maps of dams and power grid installations in Andhra Pradesh
were reportedly seized from him. 868 words. Cick here. |
Goa approves casino expansion
15 Dec: Casino City Times (MA, USA) As reported by the Times of India: Goa is on its way to becoming India's casino capital and guess who is the capital gainer from this? Not the Great Gambler yet, but the Goa government.
Instead of the earlier license fee of Rs 1 crore, they will have to shell out Rs 5 crore for running casinos
Click here.
Where to find the heat in January
16 Dec: The Telegraph (UK). In need of sunshine? The prices of holiday packages in hot spots are likely to be reduced just after Christmas
Goa, southern India You can be sure of one thing if you come to this part of the Indian coast: it won't rain. The January average on the whitesand Goan beaches is 1mm for the whole month. They bake under nine hours of sunshine a day, which pushes temperatures up to 29C, though the sea breezes take the edge off the heat. This week has seen clear skies and temperatures a couple of degrees higher than average.
Healthy start to 2007
16 Dec: The Guardian. Yoga retreat specialist Lotus Journeys is offering a dramatic alternative with two weeks of instructed yoga, meditation and organic food at the Bhakti Kutir retreat near Palolem beach in Goa, starting on December 23. The package includes yoga tuition from instructor Lara Bauman, treatments, transfers, accommodation, brunch, Christmas and New Year parties, day trips to local attractions and liquid refreshment from the Bhakti Kutir's very own juice bar. £800pp excluding flights. Lotusjourneys.com 020-8968 3666.
Hot Spot; Sun World; Travel; Goa
16 Dec: The Sun (UK). Goa's 32 degrees C. A week's B&B at the 2* Prainha in Dona Paula is from £359 each with flights from Manchester on Jan 7. Call 0870 550 2555 or visit thomson.co.uk.
Higher pricing: Goa may lose out on tourism
16 Dec: Business Line. Goan hospitality industry, which is gearing to encash the hype of Christmas-New Year celebrations in this tourist coastal state, received a word of caution from the Goa Chief Secretary, Mr J.P. Singh, who said: " Goa will price itself out of tourism market due to high tariff."
He said that some groups from the UK and Canada told him that compared to prices in South East Asian destinations, Goa prices were much higher and warned that if the word spreads, Goa would lose out on tourism business. 605 words. Click here.
Tourism impacting Goa's environment, society: study
16 Dec: Gulf News. Goa's unbridled tourism is having an adverse impact on the state's environment and society, says a study sponsored by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Undertaken by the Goa Institute of Management here, the study says the large-scale growth of tourism is leading to increased pressure'on both society and the environment'. 525 words. Click here.
Deals of the Week
17 Dec: Sunday Mirror. A two-week B&B break at the two-star Resort Village Royale in Goa costs from £501pp including flights from Gatwick on Dec 30. Details: 01293 533 338, jewelholidays.com Click here.
Last-minute deals
17 Dec: Sunday Times (UK). Goa: Olympic Holidays (0870 429 5090, olympicholidays.com) has seven nights, B&B, at the five-star Goa Marriott Resort from £679pp (saving £427), flying from Gatwick on January 4. Click here.
Putting Goa in a trance
17 Dec: Daily News & Analysis. The countdown has already begun for the beach blow-out party at Zanzibar in Goa for New Year's Eve, organised by DJs Nikhil Chinapa and Pearl
The party which begins on December 26 goes on till January 2 and is free of charge. People can just come and chill, dance, walk in or walk out
Click here.
Another year, another dash for rooms...
17 Dec: Business Standard. We searched and searched and searched. Man, it's difficult to get a room in Goa now, and impossible for the weekend you're planning to spend there sometime between Christmas 2006 and New Year 2007. Didn't you notice, silly _ that one week is crazily sold out every year. 615 words. Click here.
Go Goan Green
18 Dec: Express Travel World. Beyond the clichéd azure waters and golden beaches of Goa lies latent tourism potential called eco-tourism. Click here.
Goa world's fourth hottest Christmas spot
19 Dec: Indian Catholic. Goa's famed sun, sand and sea continues to charm tourists from abroad. And their favorite time to visit this tiny western Indian state is Christmas season. In a recent survey, Britons voted Goa as the fourth most popular destination for those spending Christmas abroad
In another survey, Frommers.com, an online destination for those planning a travel excursion, also has included Goa as the top 10 destinations for 2006. 138 words. Click here.
Right way to Goa
21 Dec: The Times (UK). Get going to Goa for 2007 with Jewel in the Crown, which offers a fortnight's B&B at a new hotel with pool near the lively resort of Calangute. It costs from £ 501 with flights from Gatwick and Manchester on December 30. A flight only deal from Manchester on the same day is £ 199 return with charterflights.co.uk . 01293 533338/ 0845 0450153
GOA REGIONAL PLAN PROTEST
Organisations gear up for anti-regional plan rally
17 Dec: Navhind Times. The opposition to the Regional Plan 2011 is building up with political parties, religious leaders, intellectuals and professionals, besides non-government organisations joining their hands against the controversial public document valid for a period of 10 years from 2001 to 2011. Click here. If court scraps plan, I'll accept it: Monserrate. Click here. Religious bodies join protest. Click here.
Goa is on the Boil
18 Dec: NDTV. It's high tourist season in Goa but the region is on the boil. Thousands of Goans will converge at a massive rally in the heart of Panjim on Monday to protest against a new plan that threatens to open up illegally vast stretches of its coastline and forests. Watch the videoclip at the link below. Click here.
| Goa Regional Plan Protest: Video Clips |
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19 Dec: CNN-IBN. Monday's rally was the biggest non-political rally to take place after the liberation of Goa in 1961
1:36 min. Click here.
19 Dec: NDTV. For a free 1 min video clip of each link: Click here.
19 Dec: NDTV. No more sussegad. Click here.
19 Dec: NDTV. Goa development plan cause for alarm. Click here.
19 Dec. NDTV. Goa paradise for land scams. Click here.
19 Dec: NDTV. Goa property deals violating FEMA. Click here. |
GOA NEWS HEADLINES
Aspiring lifeguards fail swim test
14 Dec: BBC News. Officials in India's best known foreign tourist destination, Goa, are having a tough time finding lifeguards. They advertised in October for 100 lifeguards to man Goa's famous beaches which have been gaining notoriety recently for a spate of drownings. But of the 129 applicants who appeared for a swimming test, only one managed to pass. 506 words. Click here.
Goa University to bestow Doctorate to President of Portugal
17 Dec: Agência Lusa. Goa University is planning to bestow an Honorary Doctorate to Cavaco Silva during his visit to Goa in January
The dragon singes green Goa
17 Dec: Daily News & Analysis. Forget real estate and tourism, Goa's biggest threat now comes from iron-hungry China
Goa's iron ore exports to China have multiplied nine-fold since 2001. Last year, Goa exported 24.5 million tonnes of ore, nearly 13 million tonnes (53 per cent) of which went into China's furnaces. Iron ore used to fetch $15 per tonne in 2003. Click here.
On This Day: Goa's liberation
18 Nov: Asian Tribune. Exactly 45 years ago, on December 18-19, 1961, Indian troops marched into Goa, the last of South Asia's Portuguese colonial strongholds following a lightening air and land attack on Dec. 18. Click here.
Iron ore reserves depleting in Goa
18 Dec: PTI. Goa, which accounted for more than a third of the country's total iron ore exports last year, will see reserves decline in about 20 years, according to a report. "At the current rate, it appears that Goan exports would be sustainable for approximately another 20 years or so after which they are likely to decline gradually due to the reserves in Goa getting exhausted," the report prepared by Goa Institute of Management on behalf of industry body CII.
Goan mining tragedy was'disaster waiting to happen'
18 Dec: Metal Bulletin (UK). By Gilbert Lobo. A search operation to retrieve the bodies of seven miners crushed by a landslide at the Tollem iron ore mines in Goa on December 9 has so far managed to recover just two bodies
The mine, owned by Timblo Group, was ordered by the Supreme Court to close down two years ago, but continued to work on temporary permits, according to an environmentalist and member of the Supreme Court's empowered committee. "It was a disaster waiting to happen," he said. "Many more mines are equally dangerous... they are mining deeper and deeper in view of the high prices of ore." There are just two officials supervising mines safety in Goa, he added. "Most of the time they are in courts fighting various cases," he said
Prices of Goan ore are $40-50 per tonne, up from around $15 per tonne four years ago.
Music crazy crowd in Goa finds new career in DJ
19 Dec: PTI. With an increase in tourism, partying and night life, the young music crazy crowd in Goa is increasingly taking up the profession of Disc Jockeys (DJs). Click here.
A Queen's bone is found in Goa
19 Dec: Daily News & Analysis. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) have discovered a long bone reportedly belonging to Queen Ketevan and they are awaiting a confirmation from a DNA test, that the relics are indeed hers
Queen Ketevan, who died a martyr, was bestowed sainthood in the 17th century. In 1627 part of her remains were brought to
Goa and kept in the black box in St Augustine Chapel, Goa. 538 words. Click here.
IN THE NEWS
| Ileana makes waves in Telugu industry |
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9 Dec: NDTV. The Goa girl burst on Telugu 70mm this year first with the hit film Devadas and then playing the lead opposite Mahesh Babu in Pokiri. The film went on to become the biggest hit of 2006. Ileana says it is her look that has caught eyeballs so far. Click here. For a videoclip of her click here. |
Catholic Church against gender discrimination in India
14 Dec. Asia News. The situation of women is getting worse in India. The country's Catholic bishops demand action against discrimination as a rising number of abortions of female foetuses is reported. Mgr Stanislaus Fernandes, secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, told AsiaNews that in rural India girls need special attention because discrimination begins as early as birth and then because tragic.Click here.
Another high-profile wedding in Goa
14 Dec: India eNews.com. Nivan Chaudhury a Doon School and Harrow alumnus is to marry Swasti, daughter of Ashok Mittal, a well-heeled Indian businessman with interests in Goa and Bangalore. The wedding is scheduled for April when the groom and his relatives will be given a royal reception in Goa at a lavish ceremony costing many millions
Click here.
Georgina Bouzova: The driven snow
14 Dec: News Shopper (UK). Georgina Bouzova has travelled a long way from her studies at the Sorbonne to soap opera stardom. Currently she is starring as Snow White at Croydon's Fairfield Halls
Her favourite restaurant is Ma Goa in Putney. Guys, you know what to do - get ringing for a reservation. 932 words. Click here.
Changing coastline and life
15 Dec: Business Line. They are a wonderful couple from England. One has known them for the last three years. They usually fly in to Mumbai en route to Goa during the English winter season to enjoy the warmth of the so-called Indian winter. The couple is now in Goa, enjoying the benign sun, sand and surf. This is an interesting account of what a typical Englishman thinks about Goa and developments therein
718 words. Click here.
UK's Trinity Capital PLC to build hotel in Goa
15 Dec: Indian property fund Trinity Capital PLC said it will invest £11.34 mln in a new company to own and develop luxury Indian hotels. The new company, which currently owns one 5-star Indian hotel, will develop a further three hotels, in Mumbai, Pune and Goa. The three hotels are expected to be completed within the next 36 months. Click here.
Clinical studies to be done on turmeric extract for cancer cure
15 Dec: Business Line. A major breakthrough to treat cancer using bio-enhanced reconstituted turmeric extract could be expected once the clinical studies on the efficacy of this product is completed at the national level. 558 words. Click here.
Sick killer hopes for British jail
17 Dec: Wales on Sunday. A seriously-ill holidaymaker jailed in Goa for the Christmas Day murder of his girlfriend is hoping to be transferred to a UK prison in the New Year. Adrian Duggan, 38, who has only one kidney, was sentenced to life last year, but maintains he is innocent of the 2003 slaying of Catherine Campbell, 43, just days into a two-month dream holiday
he is still trapped in Goa, where prison conditions are notorious, with inmates sometimes held 10 to a cell. Family and friends are concerned for his health as he is having trouble coping with the spicy food
There is no clean water, the little food he gets is of bad quality and he's been staying in unhygienic, overcrowded cells. Click here.
Death in Oman flood
17 Dec: PTI. An Indian worker was swept away in a flash flood triggered by heavy rain in Muscat, police said. The body of Remedio Bento Fernandes, 61, was recovered nearly 25 kilometres away from Bausher district of Muscat, Oman, Gulf News reported. Fernandes and fellow workers from the Al Nasr Trading and Contracting Company were caught unawares by the flash flood in Bausher on Thursday, according to the police. Click here.
UK visa queue may grow to 1 million by 2012
18 Dec: Economic Times. The bonhomie between UK and India seems to grow as the two nations have become the third-largest investors in each others economies. But beyond the commercial ties, UK expects a huge jump in the visa applicants from India. The number is expected to double from half-a-million currently to a million by 2012. Click here.
Indian politician's son guilty of murder
19 Dec: Belfast Telegraph. In a sensational climax to one of India's most notorious murder cases, the High Court in Delhi has found the son of a Indian politician guilty of shooting dead a waitress in a high society bar after she refused to serve him a drink after closing time. Manu Sharma, whose father is a wealthy member of the government's ruling Congress coalition, was found guilty in Delhi High Court after more than seven years of judicial wrangling
Jessica Lall, 34, a part-time model, was tending the bar at an exclusive party in Delhi. She was shot in front of host of socialites, bureaucrats and even police officials in 1999 because she would not serve Sharma. According to the prosecution, Sharma took out a pistol and said "I will do it my way," before shooting once in the air and then firing a single bullet at Ms Lall. Click here.
Internet TV for non-resident Mangaloreans
19 Dec. Business Line. The Mangalore-based Web portal - daijiworld.com - is planning to launch an Internet TV channel to cater to the needs of non-resident Mangaloreans overseas
The TV channel will telecast the important news clips and major event clips from Mangalore region through Internet. He said the Internet TV channel TVdaijiworld - would have tie-ups with local TV channels for contents and would be launched in the first week of January. 185 words. Click here.
Canadian Christmas, South Asian flavour
19 Dec: Toronto Star. Just as news broke that a Toronto judge had banned the Christmas tree from a downtown courthouse for being offensive to non-Christians, staff at the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women were putting theirs up
The centre is named after a Toronto activist
Born in Bangalore, India, to missionary parents, Elspeth Heyworth was a professor at York University who did outreach work with new immigrants. She drowned while on vacation in Goa in 1991. For text, 740 words and photos click here.
Christmas Makes a Comeback
19 Dec: National Catholic Register (USA). Efforts to put Christ back in Christmas took a big leap this year
Click here.
Indian bishop attacked by extremists
20 Dec: Catholic News (Australia). Bangalore Archbishop Bernard Moras and two priests were attacked and detained by a mob of alleged Hindu fundamentalists while on a visit to a parish church and school on the outskirts of the southern Indian city. Click here.
Premature baby is a holiday souvenir
20 Dec: Manchester Evening News. Lisa and husband Steve were sunbathing during the second day of a two-week trip to Goa, India, when she began suffering stomach pains. She said: "It was so early, I was only just over 29 weeks pregnant, so I thought I was feeling a bit dodgy because of something I'd eaten. Lisa, 33, was taken to hospital in the capital Panaji and within an hour baby Luka Lennon was born weighing just three-and-a-half pounds. Photo and text, 538 words at the link below.Click here.
Sending Donations or Aid to India
21 Dec: Indian Express. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2006 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on Monday. This replaces the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976. The Bill has implications for all voluntary bodies and other individuals and groups receiving any foreign donation or aid. For full text, 1025 words, Click here.
RECENT ITEMS OF PARTICULAR
INTEREST ON GOANET. BY CORNEL DACOSTA
Is there such a thing as a "crab mentality" among the Goans? And if so, what exactly is this so called crab mentality that is so often referred to by Goanetters? A discussion on this theme is continuing on Goanet currently and Goan Voice (UK) readers are particularly welcomed to contribute to this lively discussion.
The sorry tale of lifeguards (or their absence) on the beaches of Goa has been examined rather seriously recently following a concern for so many tourist deaths as well as those of indigenous peoples. Articles in the Western media have also focused on this issue, leading many to ask if there is a risk that foreign tourists may seek alternative beaches, where they may be safer, rather than the ones in Goa. By way of an opinion, even a relatively poor country like Cuba, invests heavily on very well trained lifeguards on beaches that are much like those in Goa. Consequently, one can feel quite safe generally, and particularly when walking to and along a well lit beach at night. Clearly, there is much for Goa to emulate on this issue, from some foreign tourist destinations.
Israel issued a rare terrorism alert of a planned Al Qaeda attack on tourists in Goa during the current holiday season. Indeed, the New York Times reported that Israelis have been warned to avoid Goa ---a long time favourite tourist destination for young travellers. However, the police in Goa have rejected the Israeli warning of a "severe terror threat."
Goanet-Reader, an adjunct of Goanet, welcomes contributions from its readers by way of essays, reviews, features and think-pieces. One recent piece was from Canada-based Tony Fernandes. It is titled "On that cold, winter morning...a childhood memoir." The piece tells us about the events experienced in Goa when Indian forces overwhelmed Portuguese forces on December 19, 1961. The impact of this on the local residents is recalled very vividly and GV(UK) readers are encouraged to submit interesting pieces to Goanet-Reader for the 8000 strong Goanet readership.
Goanet reports that, Pope Benedict XVI has appointed the noted Indian space scientist K. Kasturirangan as a member of the prestigious Rome-based Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The new member has expressed his delight at his appointment by the Academy where over 35 per cent of the members are distinguished Nobel Laureates in various natural science disciplines. Kasturirangan is only the fourth Indian scientist to be so appointed from his Bangalore base at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).
Dominic Fernandes can be relied upon to treat us with a seasonal gem. This week he captivates us with an account of the Goa Christmas celebrations in the 1950's. From the making of the bamboo & paper stars, the crib, home made sweets (he even includes a recipe for nevreos), the Xmas Church service, etc. Pure nostalgia!
Finally, GV(UK) readers are urged to read a piece by Godfrey Gonsalves titled "Goans Say No to Regional Plan 2011." This piece encapsulates much of the sentiment expressed by several other writers who have rejected, almost wholly, the Government's Regional Development Plan for Goa. As so many GV(UK) readers own ancestral homes in Goa, it becomes critical that they are fully informed about the Regional Development Plan for Goa 2011.
More details can be found at the Goanet archives at http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/
Or to subscribe to Goanet, send an email to subscribe@goanet.org
UK: TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS By Lira Fernandes
DOCUMENTARY: Race to the Top of the World. BBC News 24
Tue 26 Dec. 20:30 to 21:00. India and China, the great powers of Asia, are racing each other to the top of the world's economies, a race which will change all of our lives. James Robbins travelled to India and China to watch the race unfold.
HISTORY DOCUMENTARY: Churchill's Bodyguard. BBC 2
Wed 27 Dec. 10:50 to 11:40. Indian Nationalist Assassin. Warned by the FBI that the Prime Minister's life is in danger, Walter Thompson draws his gun on three occasions. The third time he saves Winston's life. They have to escape the USA by the back door.
NEWS: Asian Network Report. BBC Radio Asian Network. Also Online
Wed. 27 Dec. 12:00 to 12:30. Don't Call me Asian: More and more people in the UK Asian communities are objecting to being called'Asian'. They want a more individual identity, based on background, culture or religion. We look at why the term'Asian' is becoming unfashionable for many. Click here.
NEWS: Asian Network Report. BBC Radio Asian Network. Also online.
Thu 28 Dec: 12:00 to 12:30. Real Brick Lane: 2nd-generation British Bangladeshi Konnie Huq visits Brick Lane. What's the real story of British Bangladeshis? Click here.
FORTHCOMING
See http://www.lanfranc.com/lanfranc_location_2000.pdf for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon
Sun. 31 Dec. Plumstead SE London New Year's Gala Ball - dancing to the sounds and lighting of Music Mania. Commencing at 7pm to 1am.No tickets sold at the gate, strictly formal. Contact evenings only: Tony Joanes 020 8265 9644, Paul Barretto 020 8311 1195, Joe Fernandes 020 8301 2608.
Sun. 31 Dec. Saligao Association UK Sparkling New Year's Eve Ball 2006 at Tolworth Recreation Centre, Tolworth KT6 7LQ. Grand Unlimited Buffet / Childrens entertainer / Hot Band and Disco / Showstopper. Book online / reserve tables (no fee) on www.SaligaoUK.com Enquiries to tickets@SaligaoUK.com or call Cedric de Souza on 07725 080239/Marion Pereira 020 8408 0748.
Sun. 31 Dec: 7.00pm to 3.00am. Dark Star Social Club presents a NEW YEAR'S EVE Gala Ball at the NEW Harrow Leisure Centre. Music by live band "SECOND NATURE" and disco"SOUND FX ROADSHOW". For tickets and other information, email info@dssclub.co.uk or call Derrick Pereira 020-8952 8899 or Bernie Gracias 020-8723 1322. GOA members entitled to 2 tickets at £12 each. Contact: Bernie Gracias 020 8723 1322. For the flyer click here.
Sun 31 Dec. 7pm-1.30am. SE Goans New Years Ball. Orpington Hall, 311 Orpington High St, Kent. BR6 0NN, Band & Disco. Contact Dominic 07854 490617; Ron 0208 303 3386.
Sun. 31 Dec 7.00pm to 1.30am. Friend's Circle presents a NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL at Belmont Community Hall, Kenton Lane, Belmont Circle, Harrow HA3 8RY. Entertained by Goa's top most band "BREAKTHRU" Guest artist from Dubai "CONNY" and Disco "SOUND SOUND". Ticket & Info. Francisco 0208 3574281 Carlos 0208 2487387 Teresa Felix 0208 2453786
Sun. 31 Dec. - St. Diogo's Association (UK) Guirim/Sangolda. New Year's Eve Ball at the Grand Civic Suite, Wandsworth Town Hall, London W12. Live Band and Disco and fabulous prizes including two free air tickets to Europe as well as other attractive prizes of Dinner for two and a weekend stay in five star hotel in London and many, many more......Snacks, Buffet, Tea and Coffee are included in the ticket. Hurry, demand for tickets is great - so please book early to avoid disappointment. Contact: Apolonia DeSouza Tel: 020 8686 1876, Gilbert Fonseca Tel: 020 8670 1955, Nigel D'Souza Tel: 0118 979 0044.
See http://www.lanfranc.com/lanfranc_location_2000.pdf
for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon
FOR LATER EVENTS SEE http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/ |
