ANNOUNCEMENT

From Eddie Fernandes: I will be in Goa from 15 Nov. to 6 Dec. During this period I will be connecting with my usual email address but there will be a restricted news service. If you need urgent attention please copy your message to Selma Carvalho at elisabeth_car@yahoo.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Video clip: President-elect Obama with the Pereiras

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Apologies for the incorrect link given earlier. For a short video clip (2m. 16s) showing President-elect Obama with Benegal & Neville Pereira (ex-Kenya), click here.

UK: Brandon Fernandes shines at Old Trafford
7 Nov: Eastern Eye (UK). … Brandon, aged 13, from Goa, got a chance to impress Manchester United’s coaches … the former U-13 captain got to play in front of Brian McClair and Bryan Robson… “It was a great experience but I was nervous on the day of the finals,” Fernandes said …He currently plays for the youth team of Salgaocar FC … Proud father Joaquim believes that Brandon has the ability to make it … Click here.

Football: Dubai-based Goans prevail in tourney
9 Nov: Gulf Times (Qatar). The 1st Intra-Gulf Goans one-day nine-a-side football tournament was organised over the weekend by the Goan Welfare Association. Nine teams, representing the expat Goans from across the GCC participated in the tournament …Vaxim Divar Dubai won the tournament … 537 words. Click here.

Wisconsin: Peter D'Souza: IndUS brings fusion to the table
10 Nov: Appleton Post Crescent, USA. Fusion Funtastic interweaves the cultures of India and America. The gourmet banquet, on Nov. 22 is a highlight of the evening. Chef Peter D'Souza, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, once again has prepared a menu that showcases the idea of merging one culture with another. 377 words. Click here.
Peter D’Souza has been teaching food and beverage courses at University of Wisconsin-Stout for the past 20 years. He was a Chef for Taj Mahal Intercontinental Hotel in Bombay. For his bio, click here.

'Know Goa' programme for NRI youth of Goan origin
11 Nov: Navhind Times. … the Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Mr Eduardo Faleiro said that the first programme to be held this year in which 11 participants coming from Australia, Canada, Mozambique, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA will participate…Mr Faleiro will leave for Japan on Tuesday and would like to meet the Tokyo Goans there… 552 words. Click here.

Eduardo Faleiro: Global Goans Forum
11 Nov: Herald. The NRI Commissioner, Eduardo Faleiro said his office was close to forming the Global Goans Forum. A preliminary meeting on this subject was held last Friday where representatives of the Goan community in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Kenya participated. He has requested ambassadors and high commissioners across the world to contact Goan organisations so that they may appoint their representatives in Goa … Click here.

Margaret Mascarenhas: Goan Art at the Nehru Centre, London
11 Nov: Times of India. Seven Goan artists are exhibiting at the Nehru Centre and at Kiki’s Art Gallery in London. So far, 12 art works have sold, and this is, surprisingly during recession. Margaret Mascarenhas, novelist, columnist and art collector is the curator of this show… 600 words. Click here.

Kuwait: Sponsor’s teen son rapes Goan maid
13 Nov: Arab Times (Kuwait). An Indian maid from Goa was reportedly raped by the 13-year-old son of her sponsor. The twenty-seven-year-old maid brought the incident to the notice of her sponsor and the latter flew into rage before accusing the maid of fabricating the story. The maid, who had been working for the sponsor for over five years, has refused to file a complaint against the boy but has sought immediate repatriation… 334 words. Click here.

UK: Petition the Prime Minister to Condemn the religious violence in India
17 Nov: Please sign the petition to the Prime Minister to Condemn the religious violence in India and call on the Indian government to stop the violence and address its causes. You must be a British citizen or resident to sign the petition. Sign petition before 17 Nov. and ask your friends to alert their contacts. To sign the petition go click here.

DEATHS

10 Nov: Sydney, Australia. GEORGE E PEREIRA (Ex Air India Nairobi; former President of the G.O.A. NSW Inc.). Husband of the late Sheila (nee Correa). Father to Colin, Clive and Carl. Father-in-law to Pamela, Flavia and Yati. Adored Papa to Sean, Franz, Joshua, Iylia, Najid, Nadirah and Christopher.
The funeral services will held at Saint John The Apostle Church, Waratah Parade, Naraweena, NSW 2099, Australia on Friday 14th Nov. at 11:00am followed by a burial at Frenchs Forest Lawn Cemetery, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086. It was Georges’ wish not to hold a traditional wake but offer meals at Mother Theresa Orphanage in Goa. Condolences to colingpereira@yahoo.com [Info from Tony Colaco, Sydney]

7 Nov: Nairobi, Kenya. PASCOELA FERNANDES. Wife of the late Francis. Loving Mother to Primrose, Petunia, Flavius and Feo. Mother- in- law to Brent and Shamla. Grandma of Christie-Rose, Dasha, Aaron, Liam, Micah and Maya. The Funeral service will be held at Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Tuesday 11th November at 10.30 a.m followed by cremation at the Hindu Crematorium at 1.00pm. Condolences to Feo Fernandes, sfa@wananchi.com [Info from Goan Welfare Society, Nairobi].

6 Nov: Santa Monica, California. OSLINDA TELLIS (nee Mascarenhas) wife of Roland Tellis (formerly of the Immigration Dept., Dar es Salaam, Tanzania). Sister of Omega De Mello Mascarenhas (Toronto). The funeral Mass will take place at St. Anne's Church, 1519, 20th St., Santa Monica at 3.00 p.m. on Nov.9. Condolences to rolandtellis@hotmail.com [Info from Antu (Anthony) Braganza, Massachusetts & ex-Tanzania].

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Albert Castanha: First Death Anniversary

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17 Nov 2007. Mombasa, Kenya. ALBERT CASTANHA. Brother of Julie Sequeira, Tony/Paulina Castanha & the late Walter Castanha. Uncle of Yohann, Teresa/Angelo Costabir, Merlyn/Caruso Monteiro, Thalia/Mike Knight. Albert used to work for the Golden Key Casino -Tamarind and previously for International Casino. He was a sportsman many will remember for years to come. Messages to caruso@blueyonder.co.uk
For a tribute to him click here.

SELMA CARVALHO: WHO THE BLEEP CARES?

Selma Carvalho

Who the bleep cares about activists in Goa? Well, I do and so should you. Love them, hate them, agree with them, disagree with them, they are an integral part of a fully functioning democracy. Personally, I think the proliferation of activists in a democracy is a symptom of a disease. What should rightfully be the role of the police, the polity and the judiciary is being carried out by ordinary citizens. People, who would otherwise have entrusted the task of equity, justice, law and order into the hands of elected officials, have now to devote their own personal time and energy to do the job the functionaries of democracy have failed to do.

I also think a lot of activists in Goa are misguided. Taking on issues whose complexity eludes them, embracing myopic short-sighted solutions where a more measured, long-range vision is essential to Goa's growth and development. But disagreement and dissent should not have any bearing on their right to exist without hindrance and harassment. The recent case of activist Venita Coelho being detained by the police for speaking up at a village council meeting is cause for grave concern. For details click here.

The very succour we look to in the form of police protection has been turned against a concerned citizen who dares to speak. This is a murky slide into an abyss of anarchy.

It's time for us in the Goan Diaspora to speak up, and speak up loudly. For too long have we hidden behind our chorizo food stalls at fairgrounds. Understandably, we have our own lives that take precedence in our adopted homelands but we can never become indifferent to Goa. She is the muse to our inspiration, the well-spring of our strength and identity, the custodian of our history and culture. We, in the Diaspora, must form a body of opinion which strengthens Goa's well-being. We can start by signing Venita's petition to the Governor of Goa. To do so, click here.

This is the first, of what is hoped will be a regular weekly series by London-based Selma Carvalho, elisabeth_car@yahoo.com

TRAVEL & TOURISM NEWS:

Age proof for entry into night clubs soon
7 Nov: Times of India. Minors may not be able to walk into a night club or discotheque in Goa, as the government is considering asking the club authorities to demand "valid age proof identity" from clients before granting them entry… The minor German girl who was allegedly raped was a frequent visitor to night clubs and discotheques in the coastal belt… 376 words. Click here.

Goa’s Famous Beach Resorts - Blending fun and charm!
7 Nov: American Chronicle (California). Thousands of people from all parts of the world come to Goa to spend some time amidst the beautiful sea side surroundings. Goa also has a rich Portuguese cultural influence and is also home to beautiful churches and forts. The huge tourist inflow has led to the growth of a wide range of Goa beach resorts. 541 words. Click here.

Goa tourists on guard after adverse publicity
7 Nov: PTI. The adverse publicity earned by Goa after the German minor rape case has forced tourists to take abundant precautions… “We preferred to come here in a group and now are enjoying our honeymoon without any fear” a newly wed couple from Maharashtra said... Deepak Rama of Mumbai said his friends have strictly advised him not to visit places like the flee [sic] market…372 words. Click here.

Goa gets its 1st woman lifeguard in lass from UK
8 Nov: Times of India. Goa is all set to get a blonde, blue-eyed, long-legged lass from the UK as a lifeguard. Kerry Blewett, 22 years and 5’10” in height, from Cornwall, a graduate in sports science from Cardiff University, came to give Goan lifeguards a lesson in rescuing, but could well turn out to be a tourist attraction herself … Comparing Goan beaches to those in the UK, Kerry says, “The beaches here are wider, and the water’s warmer and calmer.” 433 words. Click here.
8 Nov: Herald. Kerry Blewett feels Goan girls should shed their inhibitions and definitely look at the option of working as lifeguards… 353 words. Click here.

Your holiday just got cheaper
8 Nov: Business Standard …the party scene in Goa will be dull this year… charter traffic is down by 30-35 per cent…in Goa, at the five-star Majorda Beach Resort, a package for three nights costs Rs 25,000 around Christmas … At the boutique Soul Vacation in Goa, packages for five nights around Christmas-New Year start at Rs 33,000 for a deluxe room…1538 words. Click here.

Railways plans belly dancers in Kolkata-Goa-Mumbai package tour
8 Nov: IANS. From 2-11 January tourists can experience a world-class luxury package tour with enchanting train hostesses, Russian belly-dancers, multi-cuisine food, plus a lot more… a package tour from Kolkata to Mumbai via Goa and back on a 16-coach luxurious train priced at a mere Rs.34,990 per head… In Goa, there will be beach carnivals, rain dance parties, samba and salsa by Brazilian dancers, belly dances and ballet by Russian dancers besides a cruise party and sight seeing… 395 words. Click here.

Five Indian beach houses
8 Nov: The Independent (UK). …Coco Shambhala, Goa … Coco Shambhala, Coco Beach, Nerul, Bardez, Goa (01202 484257; cocoshambhala.com). Weekly rental of a four-person villa starts at £1,185…. Click here.

Slump hits Goa’s hospitality industry
8 Nov: Economic Times. The global slowdown has started pinching Goa’s hospitality industry. The 20-25% dip in tourist arrivals to Goa in the current quarter has industry worried… As the number of foreign tourist arrivals falls, hotels have begun wooing Indians. 311 words. Click here.

Slice of Eden; Arambol, in North Goa
9 Nov: Economic Times. Arambol in north Goa is perfect for a relaxing holiday, especially if you are a budget traveller… 837 words. Click here.

25% drop in Brit tourists to Goa likely
10 Nov: Times of India. A drop of 25% in British tourist arrivals is expected this season. Charter flights from Britain are also expected to be less by about 120 when compared to the previous season… Goa’s economy is in for serious trouble…347 words. Click here.

Somak fears over India hotel prices
11 Nov: TTG Live. Bookings to India have fallen off Somak chief executive Ash Sofat said today at World Travel Market. Somak's bookings to Goa have dropped 30% year-on-year as a result of price increases introduced … the price of some two-week packages had increased by 50% from £1,600 to £2,900 between 2001 and 2008… 262 words. Click here.

Tourism: The other side. By Lionel Messias
11 Nov: Herald. … Increasing number of impediments Goans have to bear in the name of tourism….Domestic tourists often subject Goan women to a constant stream of degrading pick up lines. Girls are politely asked albeit leeringly whether they would like to be their escorts. Migrant workers urinate and defecate behind bushes refusing to use toilets built for them… 1504 words. Click here.

Domestic air passenger arrivals drop further
12 Nov: Herald. Domestic air passenger arrivals to Goa is on a downslide with a 35 per cent drop recorded in passenger operations by the Goa airport at Dabolim…. However, the airport will see 11 more charter flights landing at Dabolim in comparison to the corresponding period last year…The highest number of charters are from Russia followed by Germany, London, Sweden and the Gulf… 279 words. Click here.

FOSAM seeks improvements in tourism sector
12 Nov: Herald. The Federation of Small and Medium Hotels and Guest Houses in Goa (FOSAM) has entered into a dialogue with the Tourism Department to create an atmosphere, to promote tourism as a meaningful and enjoyable experience for visitors. 399 words. Click here.

GOA: PROPERTY PURCHASE BY FOREIGNERS:

India moves to stop illegal land sale in Goa
6 Nov: Reuters. India is clamping down on foreigners illegally buying property in the country, including the coastal state of Goa…the authorities may consider reviewing registration of sale/purchase already made to determine their compliance with legal requirements… 415 words. Click here.

Goa property deals ring alarm
7 Nov: Times of India. The Union finance ministry on Thursday stated that “foreign nationals are buying immovable property illegally in some parts of the country, particularly in Goa” … for the past one year the Goa government has stopped registering sale of immovable property to the foreigners… 380 cases of illegal property purchases by foreigners have been referred to the Enforcement Directorate… Goa has also set up an enquiry committee to scrutinise all land dealings involving foreigners…578 words. Click here.

Real scandal: Dead men buying property in Goa
8 Nov: Economic Times. In Goa, a dead person is named as an Indian partner to the business deal to enable foreigners to buy property in Goa … since 1999 nearly 500 foreigners own property in Goa, mostly British and Russians… Goa will soon be empowering registrars to refuse registration of deals made to a foreigner if it’s not in ‘public good’. This has already frightened many foreigners who claim that they are being simply harassed for being an ‘outsider’… they cannot even sell their property and go back… 537 words. Click here.

Check foreigners’ visas before sealing land deals, states told
8 Nov: Economic Times. The Centre on Thursday advised state governments to review records of immovable property purchases in India by foreigners, particularly in Goa, to verify that these buyers were eligible for such transactions. 339 words. Click here.

Goan land buys discouraged
10 Nov: Vancouver Sun. It’s a familiar picture. The family goes on holiday to some tropical paradise, and at some point someone says: “We should buy ourselves a vacation home here.” Well, that’s been happening far too often for New Delhi’s liking among visitors to the magnificent Indian tourist destination of Goa. New Delhi has been heavily petitioned for help by social groups and the state government that are worried about the social consequences of a mounting tide of foreigners buying up Goan property… 160 words. Click here.

Enforcement Directorate issues show cause notices to foreigners owning properties
12 Nov: Navhind Times. Show cause notices (as to why the properties should not be confiscated for violation of country’s laws) have been issued to six of the 482 cases being investigated by the enforcement department… Meanwhile, some of the British bloggers are carrying out a tirade against Mr Anupam Kishore, a state government official … The blog site Britishexpats.com has also been carrying out messages against Mr Dayanand Narvekar, former finance minister… 490 words. Click here.

Editorial: Foreigners under Scanner
13 Nov: Navhind Times. The Enforcement Directorate has served show cause notices in 6 of the 482 cases of purchase of properties by foreigners in Goa that it investigated for FEMA violation, asking why they should not be confiscated…There is little doubt that government’s laxity has created the present situation. The organised nature of the foreigners could be gauged from the fact that they have launched a tirade through blogs against the ED official who carried out the investigation… 469 words. Click here.

Property: India beckons for those who flew the nest
13 Nov: The Telegraph (UK). About 25 per cent of the Indian market consists of sales to non-resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin (PIOs), whose Indian connections allow them to buy freehold property… Many Britons bought leases on property in Goa expecting to be able to convert to freehold ownership once residency had been achieved. But following a recent tightening of the residency rules, they now face possible confiscation of their property… 1987 words. Click here.

Has Your Dream Goa Home Become a Living Nightmare?
13 Nov: ITV. We are looking for stories for a new primetime TV series. Do you know of any British expats whose home abroad has become a living nightmare, problems with the builder etc? We want to hear about homes bought to start new life abroad that have proven disastrous. We are interested in Goa as it is one of the areas we anticipate researching. Please contact: homes@itv.com

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Frederick Noronha: Goa in the fine print
7 Nov: Business Line. In Black and White Insiders’ Stories about the Press in Goa. Price: Rs 195. Insider stories are seldom dry and this collection of reflections from journalists who worked with the Goan press doesn’t plead to be different… Frederick Noronha, who compiled and edited this book, says “there are journalists dissatisfied with the way the media works”. 1076 words. Click here.

Ven. Agnelo’s devotees to throng Pilar for favours
7 Nov: Times of India. Come November 11 and people from different walks of life will be flocking to the Pilar hillock for the nine-day novenas to commemorate the 81st death anniversary of the Venerable Fr Agnelo D’Souza. The Ven Agnelo, who is awaiting canonisation by the Vatican, is believed to grant whatever favour is sought… 423 words. Click here.

Goa: Portuguese week celebration opposed
8 Nov: Navhind Times. Goa Freedom Fighters Association opposed the Portuguese Cultural Week being celebrated from November 7 to 14 in the state… they claimed that Portugal had given passports to over 40,000 Goans [enabling them to emigrate to Europe] … the Portuguese had also brought ‘rape culture’ to Goa and they raped the temples, women and culture… 308 words. Click here.

Goa: Real estate goes through a bad patch
8 Nov: Navhind Times. The middle segment of the real estate which is defined as Rs 25, 000 to Rs 40,000 per square metre is drying up and sales dropping by 20 per cent … However, as of now there has been no crisis in the premium segment (priced Rs 50,000 and above per square metre)… 570 words. Click here.

Supreme Court to hear Aires Rodrigues Petition
8 Nov: Herald. The Supreme Court will hear on November 10 a Petition filed by Adv Aires Rodrigues against Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane for allegedly threatening to kill him. 169 words. Click here.

Leicester Kids Enjoy Indian Summer
8 Nov: Football League (UK). A team of Leicester City Under-14s were narrowly beaten 2-1 in a tour match in Goa…13-year-old Jacob Lescott said: "It was an incredible experience and such a beautiful place.” … the quality of the hosts was such that two youngsters were invited back to the UK for a trial with the Leicester City Academy … Photo and text, 261 words. Click here.

Shoot Goa temple desecrators: Congress
8 Nov: IANS. The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has advocated shoot-at-sight orders in order to curb the rising incidents of desecration of religious structures in the state. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and the home minister were present at the GPCC executive committee meeting after yet another series of temple desecrations in South Goa… 372 words. Click here.

Book Review: 'Once Upon a Time in Aparanta
9 Nov: Deccan Herald. Sudeep Chakravarti tells Marianne de Nazareth that his book 'Once Upon a Time in Aparanta' is about the ordinary people in Goa… Photo and text, 644 words. Click here.

Portugal fest in Goa amid controversy
9 Nov: MSN. `Semana de cultura Portuguesa,’ a cultural festival aiming to cement bonds between Goa and Portugal, was kicked off amid controversy with the Goa Freedom Fighters' Association protesting against it. 373 words. Click here.

BJP behind temple desecrations in Goa, alleges Congress
9 Nov: IANS. The Congress Sunday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was behind the desecration of temples and shrines in rural Goa … 353 words. Click here.

Goa Medical College victim of staff apathy, negligence
11 Nov: Navhind Times. Goa government-run hospitals have become victims of bureaucratic wrangles, staff apathy and casualness… The government’s promise that free medicines would be provided to patients admitted to Goa Medical College has remained just a promise. 575 words. Click here.

73 arrested at Colomb for laying siege to mine
12 Nov: The Quepem police arrested 73 people, including 34 women, after they laid siege to the mining site owned at Colomb and obstructed mining activities on Wednesday morning. The arrested accused were released on bail late on Wednesday night … the protesters accused the police of unleashing brutal force on the peaceful protesters. 407 words. Click here.

Kids dump garbage in mayor’s chamber
13 Nov: Times of India. In a move that is sure to raise a stink, school students dumped garbage in the Panaji mayor’s table and chair on Wednesday. Angered by the foul smell streaming into their classrooms, around 1,200 students from five schools at Fontainhas-Mala, undertook a protest march to the Corporation of the City of Panaji. 426 words. Click here.

Goa economy feels the heat as iron ore exports plunge 50%
13 Nov: Economic Times. Bit by bit, the edifice is crumbling. Iron ore mining, the backbone of Goa’s economy along with tourism, is in serious trouble. The industry is facing probably the worst slump, with exports dropping by 50%...Prices per tonne have also dropped by 60-70% this quarter. 432 words. Click here.

Weekly Update
13 Nov: Times of India (Goa). Weather: Max = 35.8; Min = 24.5. Humidity 70% to 93%
Exchange rates £=74.81 ; $ =48.13; Euro = 61.09.

ALLEGED GERMAN RAPE:

Bizarre Bazaar
6 Nov: South Asian News (Canada). An advertisement in a daily in Goa has created a controversy for allegedly defamatory references to a minor German rape victim. The English daily Herald carried the half-page advertisement supported by 390 named individuals. The advertisement, besides identifying the victim's mother by name, also claims that the victim was "romping with men of older age at Goan night clubs". Click here.

Goa rape: More jail time for education minister's son
7 Nov: Times of India. Goa education minister Atanasio Monserrate's son Rohit, accused of raping a German teenager, will have to spend more days in jail as a court here on Friday extended his police custody till Monday. 164 words. Click here.

Text + Video: German woman seeks to withdraw rape case
9 Nov: Times of India. The German woman, who had accused Goa Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate’s son Rohit of raping her minor daughter, on Sunday sought to withdraw her complaint in the rape case stating that she was fed up with the “attitude of the authorities”, hence she has decided to withdraw the rape case… 2m. 12s. Click here.

German mother does U-turn
10 Nov: Times of India. The German woman is really upset and does not want another unnatural death as in the case of British teenager Scarlett Keeling said Aires Rodrigues… however it may not be easy to withdraw the complaint as the court will have to decide … sources confirmed that the woman said she was being harassed and that Goa is not a nice place to live in anymore… 443 words. Click here.

German woman seeks to withdraw complaint
10 Nov: Navhind Times. Aires Rodrigues claimed that the system had failed the mother … He also said that they would be meeting the Governor on Monday to demand that the Chief Minister be immediately sacked … the mother has refused to make any comment… the German Consul, Mr Walter Stechel is to look into the developments... 560 words. Click here.

Consulate keeping an eye
10 Nov: Herald. German Consul General Walter Stechel has said that the Consulate in Mumbai was closely monitoring the German minor rape case. “As the German consulate we are responsible for the safety and security of German families here,” he said … 209 words. Click here.

Plaint can't be withdrawn: Police
11 Nov: Deccan Herald. The Goa police on Monday said that the rape complaint against the minister’s son could not be withdrawn and the investigations in the case would continue, regardless of whether the German mother wanted to pursue the case or not. 388 words. Click here.

Victim's anger at Indian government
11 Nov: Press Assoc. Sex attacks on foreign tourists are not being taken seriously by the Indian government, according to a British woman whose rapist was released on bail after serving three months of a 21-year jail sentence… The case gained publicity in the wake of the rape and murder of teenager Scarlett Keeling, who was killed in Goa in February… 389 words. Click here.

Goa rape case: German woman wants justice now
12 Nov: times of India. Two days after writing to Calangute police seeking withdrawal of the rape case against Rohit and the sexual harassment case against Warren Alemao, the German woman now wants justice for her daughter. She had a closed-door meeting with SP (north) Bosco George and investigating officer Tushar Vernekar on Tuesday. 408 words. Click here.

Goa rape case: ‘German mom, daughter verbally abused’
12 Nov: Express India. Aires Rodrigues has alleged that both the mother and the girl were verbally abused by Dr Silvano Sapeco, one of the doctors during the medical examination, which confirmed rape… The mother and girl were made to wait for almost 40 minutes before the doctor arrived. And when the mother questioned the delay, she was asked to ‘shut up’," he said… 310 words. Click here.

German Rape Case: Punish guilty, says Ambika Soni
12 Nov: Times of India. Visibly upset over the withdrawal of the complaint by the German mother, Union minister for tourism Ambika Soni said that the police should identify the culprits and ensure exemplary deterrent punishment… “Giving women equal rights becomes meaningless if the vulnerability of women is permitted to be exploited,” she said… “Goa is a great tourism destination and its image must be protected.” 310 words. Click here.

Govt to place German plea before court
12 Nov: Herald. The government will not decide on the request of the German woman seeking withdrawal of her complaint alleging that her minor daughter was raped by kin of two ministers… the matter would be placed before the court… 241 words. Click here.

Now, victim’s lawyer withdraws
12 Nov. at 1636 hrs IST. Express India. The German minor rape case on Wednesday received another setback with the lawyer representing the mother of the victim withdrawing himself from the case. “There has been a communication gap between my client and me”, Aires Rodrigues, said… Rodrigues, a social activist and lawyer by profession, was brutally attacked by a group of hooligans on October 13, a day before he was supposed to escort the complainant to the police station… 247 words. Click here.

Neither seen nor heard
12 Nov: Yahoo India. In any civilised country, bail for a man accused of raping a minor would have evoked outrage. Not so in India. Rohit Monserrate has been charged with raping a minor German girl, yet the police did nothing to oppose his bail. 401 words. Click here.

India has 'attitude problem'
13 Nov: AFP (France). India needs a complete overhaul in the way it handles rape allegations, human rights campaigners say, after a German woman dropped a sex attack claim citing pressure and intimidation… As in the case of British girl Scarlett Keeling, 15, whose body was found on a Goa beach in February, revelations of drug taking and that she had an older boyfriend led to an attitude that 'she asked for it' … 630 words. Click here.

German mom wants to leave India soon
13 Nov: Deccan Herald. The German woman whose 14-year-old daughter was allegedly raped by the son of a Goa Minister is expected to approach the High Court for permission to leave the country with her daughter as soon as possible…She has told the police that she wants to take her daughter back to Germany for treatment… 297 words. Click here.

AIRES RODRIGUES ATTACK:

Aires Attack: “CM should undergo brain mapping”
7 Nov: Herald. The Margao unit of the BJP has demanded that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat subject himself for brain mapping to prove his innocence in the attack on social activist Adv Aires Rodrigues. 222 words. Click here.

Aires submits letter to Governor
11 Nov: Navhind Times. Mr Aires Rodrigues has submitted a letter to the Governor elaborating on the assault on himself … he has held the Mr Monserrate responsible and the Chief Minister with giving the nod. He also submitted a copy of the letter which the German mother had written … [text of letter follows]. The Governor has assured Aires that nobody would be spared however high and mighty he may be. 399 words. Click here.

Accused in Aires attack granted bail
11 Nov: Times of India. Sandeep Vaigankar, the alleged mastermind behind the attack on Aires Rodrigues has been granted bail though he has confessed and brain mapping, lie detector and polygraph tests are yet to be conducted. 236 words. Click here.

Aires Rodrigues Attack: Prajal brushes off allegations of CM's involvement
12 Nov: Navhind Times. Mr Prajal Sakhardande, the lecturer of history in a city college who was attacked by a group of people carrying weapons, last month, along with the social activist and advocate, Mr Aires Rodrigues, on Tuesday brushed off the possibility of the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat giving consent to carry out the attack. 331 words. Click here.

IN THE NEWS:

Best Books of the Year
3 Nov: Publishers Weekly. Fiction: … The Konkans. By Tony D'Souza (Harcourt). This story of an Indian-American family's immigrant experience in Chicago is loaded with humor and pathos. Young in writer-years, D'Souza writes with a seasoned hand. For details of the book click here.

UK: Redruth: New Candle Shop
6 Nov: The West Briton. Jackie Burchell who spent more than a decade travelling the world has opened a new shop in Redruth selling soaps, candles and unusual gifts from abroad… She buys most of her stock during frequent trips to visit her husband in Dubai and to their second home in Goa, India… Photo and text, 195 words. Click here.

These Marwaris speak sparkling Konkani
7 Nov: Times of India. Chira Bazaar in Bombay has 33 jewellery stores catering to the Goan, Mangalorean and East Indian Christians in Mumbai for generations… 743 words. Click here.

Obama: a quiet snack of chai and samosas
9 Nov: Sunday Nation (Nairobi). When he came to Kenya for the first time, he passed as any other visitor…When asked what he missed most about the country of his father’s birth, he quipped: “I miss the days I would walk into Green Corner Restaurant and enjoy chai and samosa without attracting attention.” … Kenya Government spokesman Dr Alfred Mutua, who during Sen Obama’s visit in 2006 denounced him as ignorant after he criticised the Government, last week changed his tune … Click here.

Time Has Come To Work For A Truly Indian Church
10 Nov: Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN). The Church has a reputation for being slow but morally correct, and this posture prevailed in the Church's response to the Orissa violence… The Church in India has many perceived leaders but no single leader. ..Regionalism is another problem. The Churches in Mangalore, Kerala, Bombay, Goa, Ranchi, Shillong and Tamil live insulated, each acting as if complete and full. There is no national Church… There is no time to waste. The Church must act now, and act fast. 980 words. Click here.

Gordon Ramsay: Goanese salad
10 Nov: The Times (UK). This salad is not only incredibly colourful, but it's refreshing and light, too. What you'll need … 2 large green chillies, deseeded and finely sliced… 175 words. Click here.

Text + Video: Miriam Makeba of Malaika fame Dies
10 Nov: BBC. Former South African President Nelson Mandela has paid tribute to singing legend Miriam Makeba, who has died aged 76 after a concert in Italy… she was popular in East Africa for recording a version of the Swahili song Malaika… Click here.
For a video clip of the Miriam Makeba recording, click here.

Indian with false Portuguese passport jailed in UK
12 Nov: Times of India. An Indian national has been jailed for a year and faces deportation for possessing a fake Portuguese passport. Zakirbhai Shaikh, 35, was arrested in Leicester, when police raided his property… 121 words. Click here.

SCARLETT KEELING MURDER:

Scarlett Keeling Murder: CBI expected to file charge-sheet in 2 months
8 Nov: Navhind Times. Mr Vikram Verma, the counsel for the mother of the deceased has said that it appeared to him that the CBI was doing their job well and there was every possibility that the agency would file its charge-sheet in the next two months subject to availability of evidence, else he felt it could take a little longer. 344 words. Click here.

Scarlett Keeling haunts German mother
10 Nov: IANS. The German mother said she was scared her daughter could become ‘Scarlett II’ … she is scared of proceeding with the case, especially after the murderous attack on her counsel Aires Rodrigues… making genuine complaints against the rich and mighty is entirely counter productive… Goa, which was once a nice place to live, had become a living hell…691 words. Click here.

Sexual assault charges dropped against Scarlett Keeling boyfriend
11 Nov: The Daily Telegraph. The court has dropped sexual assault charges against the boyfriend of the murdered British teenager Scarlett Keeling. The 15-year-old girl had been staying with Julio Lobo, 27, before her death in February this year. Mr Lobo still faces a charge of having unlawful custody of a minor. If convicted he could be jailed for a year and receive a fine. 233 words. Click here.

Rape anger erupts at UK tourism date
13 Nov: The Telegraph (Calcutta). A British journalist, who was raped by a guesthouse owner in Rajasthan last year, today spoiled attempts to promote “Incredible India” at the World Trade Market here by accusing the Indian government of not giving due attention to sexual crimes against women… the senior Indian official who performed the ribbon-cutting at the India pavilion had to defend the government… according to Indian government statistics rape is apparently the country’s fastest-growing crime… 675 words. Click here.

GOANET HIGHLIGHTS
BY CORNEL DACOSTA

A controversy has arisen on Goanet about the role of the freedom fighters in Goa pre 1961 and since then. In a recent discussion, this has been linked to the value, if any, of the contributions of Goanetters from the Goan Diaspora to matters pertaining to Goa. In this context, a post from Venantius Pinto throws some light on what makes his contribution to Goanet, from abroad, significant and of value. His response to Samir Kelekar on the theme of 'Citizens avoiding responsibility and blaming freedom fighters' provides interesting insights from the perspective of a Goan Diasporian.

We have often heard the term 'Islamist' in general use but may not have encountered the term 'Christianist'. However, an interesting article titled 'Isms and Phobias' by William Safir originally published in 2005, has been provided on Goanet and is, to my mind, well worth reading at a time when so much is increasingly being written about Hindutva.

Linked to the above, another article on how Hinduism is being hijacked by Hindutva should also make interesting reading. Click here.

Finally, following the Obama victory in America, there has been much discussion on his potential to bring about the change he emphasised so much, as well as his need to prioritise urgent matters. Much of this discussion has been demanding intellectually. However, there is also some material in a lighter vein. On the theme of the 'Obama Effect' the discussion between Mario Goveia and Miguel Braganza is interesting because Mario reflects American thinking and Miguel reflects Indian/Goan thinking on the use of face creams to lighten complexion while others do so to obtain a dark tan. The discussion then goes on to "Obama is not the 'mixed version of the Great White Hope" and to issues about the kind of outcomes that are expected from Obama.

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

REALITY SHOW: 101 Challenges. Channel 4
Saturday 15th Nov. 12:55 to 13:45. Two brothers, Lindsay and Lee visit India and one of their challenges in Goa is to cut down a red ant nest and eat the ants live on a sandwich. Watch Online.

TRAVEL: Goa. Sky2
Sunday 16th Nov. 07:30 to 08:00. Choose your perfect holiday destination with Sky Travel.

DOCUMENTARY: My Holiday Hostage Hell. Virgin 1
Sunday 16th Nov. 20:00 to 21:00. Series recounting the nightmare experiences of tourists. Two girls in India take a detour they will soon regret.

NEWS: Asian Network Report. BBC Radio Asian Network
Monday 17th Nov. 18:30 to 19:00. Chapatti's Over. Balti houses became popular in the 1980s and 90s, but a more health-conscious society mean their time may be over.

FILM: Murder Unveiled. True Movies
Wednesday 19th Nov. 18:30 to 20:30. Based on a true story. A young woman runs away to India to be with the man she loves. But soon she is in fear of her life.

ARTS: The Essay. BBC Radio Three
Wednesday 19th Nov. 23:00 to 23:15. Adam Kuper examines how modern anthropology is underpinned by the idea that an individual's beliefs and activities should be understood in terms of their own culture. In an age of expanding globalisation and multiculturalism, he questions the validity of this.

DOCUMENTARY: India with Sanjeev Bhaskar. BBC 2
Thursday 20th Nov. 23:20 to 00:20. On the final leg of his journey, Sanjeev Bhaskar heads into the magical state of Rajasthan

TRAVEL: Panasia. Travel Channel
Friday 21st Nov. 10:00 to 10:30. Sian Richards travels in style on the luxurious Palace on Wheels train

FORTHCOMING

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

Sun. 16 Nov. Navelim Feast at Bishop Thomas Grant School, Belltrees Grove, SW16 2HY. Music by Rainbow End. For tickets contact Vincent Fernandes 020-8764-8780; Violet D’Silva 020-8642-3283; Loy Rebello 020-241-9246 or Selwyn Ferrao 0208-933-8362.

Sun. 30 Nov. G.O.A. Feast Of St Francis Xavier at St. Boniface Church, Tooting Broadway, London SW17. Contact: Alfred Rebello 020 – 8337 8022

Wed: 3 Dec. S.E.GOANS will be celebrating the FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER at St Stephens Church, Deepdene Road, Welling, DA16 3QL. Mass will commence at 7pm. Mass will be celebrated by his lordship Bishop Patrick Lynch along with local clergy. Following the mass their will be a celebration and refreshments, we look forward to seeing you there!

Sat. 6 Dec. G.O.A. Xmas Pantomime – Peter Pan at Fairfield Halls, Croydon – 2pm. Contact: Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 – 8771 4457, Bernie Gracias 020 – 8723 1322

Sun. 7 Dec. North London Goans invite you to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier at Woodside High School Hall (Formerly White Hart Lane School, Opp. New River Sports Centre), White Hart Lane, Wood Green, London, N22 5QJ. Holy Mass at 12:45pm.Followed by a social gathering. Music by LEVEL 4
For tickets contact any of the following: - Tony Gomes 020 8245 1364, Seby D'Silva 020 8245 5463, Joe Telles 020 8443 1014, Oboe Noronha 020 8340 0439, Cos Fernandes 020 8888 8659, Meredith Soares 020 8803 4173, John Fernandes 020 8881 4579, Frank Mendes 020 8888 1400 or Bernadette Dias 020 8361 9417

Sun. 14 Dec: 1-5pm. S.E.GOANS KIDS XMAS PARTY. A great FAMILY party for children & parents to enjoy. St Stephens Church Hall, Deepdene Road, Welling DA16 3QL. Music, Buffet, crafts, games, kids entertainer & Santa Claus. (Please provide kids costumes for Nativity play & have a present clearly labelled with their name). Contact Sharon 01322 400732, Tatayana 0208 316 1473 for tickets. £2 members, £3 non members.

Mon 26 Dec. 7pm till 1am. Slough Goans Christmas Dance at the Polish Association Club, Stoke Poges Lane. Music by “Say One Do One”. Adult Tickets £12 before 8th December. Tony/Suzy Rodrigues 01753 675072, Paul 07956 496 190. Sold out every year so please buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment

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