ANNOUNCEMENT

Message to all users of the Goan Voice Weekly Newsletter

I thank you for your interest in the weekly issue of the newsletter which was ten years old on 1st July 2009. All the weekly issues are archived at the Goan Voice website. Goa to www.goanvoice.org.uk/ and select Newsletter archives from the title bar (the light blue bar).

Most of the users prefer to access Goan Voice at the website where there is a 24 X 7 updating service. The weekly newsletter has become too long and stale. More importantly, I have yet to meet anyone in recent years who claims to read it in its entirety.

I have previously announced my intention to abandon the weekly edition which takes considerable time and effort to compile. This suggestion was met with protests from some quarters who felt that the news had to be sent to them otherwise they would miss out on what was happening.

As from 1 July 2009 the weekly newsletter will be replaced by a daily one delivered to your mailbox. It will be supplied free of charge for the month of July but the subscription will be £20 per year or part of the year from 1 August 2009. Many of you make an annual donation and can opt to receive the daily newsletter without additional cost.

I would urge you to check out the Goan Voice website at www.goanvoice.org.uk/ and try the 24 X 7 service. If you feel that you may miss out on the news, you can make Goan Voice your home page.

Please respond to short questionnaire below:

1. I am interested in receiving the free trial daily newsletter in July 2009 and will let you know if I wish to subscribe.
2. I am not interested in having the daily newsletter delivered to my mailbox but will read it on the website.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Video: Did You Know Lily Fernandez?
28 Jun: BBC. Heir Hunters is on the trail of people entitled to inherit money from long forgotten relatives. Spinster Lily Fernandez died alone in Cray Road, Sidcup, UK, her body lying undiscovered for several weeks… investigators discover that Lily actually owned not just one, but two properties… An investigator visits India without success. Lily was a midwife who worked in various London hospitals… Did you know Lily? Can you help? The programme aired on 29 Jun and will be repeated at 03:30 on 06 Jul. on BBC one. UK viewers can also see it till 5 July online. Click here.

Global Goan Convention 2009
29 Jun: Navhind Times. The Commissioner for the NRI Affairs, Goa, Mr Eduardo Faleiro said the Global Goan Convention 2009, scheduled to be held in Oman 5-6 Nov. will have ‘Gulf Goans’ as its theme, while the founder secretary of the Goan Community of Oman, Dr Mario de Souza stated that no stone would be left unturned to ensure high attendance and maximum participation of NRI Goans at the convention. Click here.

Indians moving from Dubai to Oman and, Qatar
29 Jun: Navhind Times. The ambassadors of India to Oman and Qatar have said that Indians in Dubai are being affected by the world recession and are moving to Oman and Qatar… There are 150,000 Goans in the Gulf countries … 885 words. Click here.

Christa D'Souza: My boom and bust boobs
30 Jun: Daily Mail (UK). Having a breast enlargement and then deciding to reduce them again might sound contrary at best but I have had three sets of implants. Now, I am very seriously thinking of having them out entirely… I feel terribly '20th Century' with these two boulders of silicone in my chest… 2213 words. Click here.
Christa D’Souza is a freelance journalist, the daughter of Stanley D’Souza and the Baroness Frances D’Souza. For the account of the quite extraordinary romance of her parents click here.

Goa TV Channel to air debate on NRI Goans
1 Jul: Times of India. Doordarshan Kendra, Panaji, will telecast a debate on Welfare of NRI Goans' on Friday at 6pm. Commissioner for NRI affairs Eduardo Faleiro, along with prominent NRIs and resident Goans, will feature on the programme. Click here.

Bahrain: Comic treat for theatre fans
1 July: Gulf Daily News (Bahrain). Konkani theatre fans will be treated to a comedy performance in Bahrain next weekend. The Konkani musical drama, Soglim Khuxeal (Happiness to all), will be staged in Adliya, at 8pm on July 9. It is being organised by Bahrain-based social group the Bahrain Goans… 240 words. Click here.

John Pereira: The Indian specific
1 July: The Australian. It is clear after only a few minutes of speaking to John Pereira that he is passionate about what he does. As chief executive and founder of the India Equities Fund and a keen investor in emerging markets, Pereira, 49, says he can't imagine doing anything else. "I spend every day living and breathing it," he says. 912 words. Click here.

DUBAI: DEATH OF CHELSEA & NATHAN

Dubai: Hospitals questioned over deaths
26 Jun: The National (UAE). Two children who died after being treated for suspected food poisoning and released from hospital may have been discharged too soon, the head of the Dubai Health Authority said last night, while also suggesting there may have been negligence in their care…. “Perhaps this is a case of medical malpractice, but we cannot say as we are still investigating.” He said… 361 words. Click here.

Dubai: D'Souzas trust authorities to do justice
27 Jun: Gulf News (UAE). Patrick D'Souza - father of Nathan and Chelsea, who died two weeks ago of suspected food poisoning - says responsibility now rests with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Police to ensure justice is done… DHA has found negligence on the part of the private NMC hospital… 624 words. Click here.

Dubai: Hospital facing negligence charge denies wrongdoing
27 Jun: Gulf News. "We have done nothing wrong," Marwan Al Marzoui, partner and executive director of NMC, told Gulf News in response to the Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) assertion that the hospital had been negligent while attending to three members of a family who came down with suspected food poisoning… 483 words. Click here.

Dubai: Chelsea & Nathan: Candlelit vigil held
30 Jun: Gulf News (UAE). Nathan and Chelsea D'Souza, who died of suspected food poisoning in Dubai, were buried in France on Monday by their grieving parents … Audrey Fonseca organised a candlelit vigil at St Mary's Church for the children … 339 words. Click here.

DEATHS

29 Jun: Nairobi, Kenya. GONZAGA DA GAMA PAIS (Born 1963; ex Moira, Goa; USA) Beloved son of Gertrude/late Dr Caetano. Brother of Jose/Marlene, Caetano/Sabrina and Fr Anand. Uncle of Nikhil, Neol, Akshay, Rahul and Anakarina. Expired suddenly in Nairobi.

29 Jun: Velim, Goa. IRENIO MIGUEL FLORIANO FERNANDES (Born 1924) Husband of Robertina. Son of late Damaso Bento/late Amacina. Brother of late Francisco/Leonora (Nairobi, Kenya), late Guilhermina, Visitacao/alte Theotonio, Filomena; father of Judy, Meena/Charlyn, late Damas, Noel/Meera, Michelle/Daniel.

28 June: Vasco, Goa. MARIA ANA DE SOUZA. Relict of late Gabriel de Sousa. Mother of Joyce/Capt Bruno, Carl/Theresa (Canada) and late Wendell. Grandmother of Tania/Rahul Menezes (USA), Clive/Sharon (USA), Neil (France) and Gail (Switzerland).

28 Jun: Raia, Goa. GRACY FRANCISCA GOMES. (Born 1949). Devoted wife of Cajetan. Beloved mother of Malcolm. Loving sister of Sr Josephine Carvalho FHIC, Sarah/Rosario Rodrigues, Cynthia/Caetano Barreto, Fatima/Julius D’Costa (UAE). Doting aunt of Dr Tanya/Steve Fyfle (Canada), Paul Barreto (UK), Amanda D’Costa (UAE), Beverley D’Costa (UAE). Funeral at Raia on 29 June at 4 pm.

27 Jun: Aldona, Goa. ALBAN COUTO. Husband of Maria Aurora Couto. Father of Vinay/Lynn; Veena/Carl; Vivek/Sue. He was an IAS officer, and advisor to the Goa government, both in the 1960s and currently. In the 1980s, Alban Couto was posted in the UK as director of the Industrial Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Funeral on 1 July at Aldona. [Info and photo from Frederick Noronha]. For full details click here.

27 Jun: St. Catharines, Ont. Canada. IMELDA D'COSTA (Aged 68; nee Dias). Beloved wife of Joseph D'Costa. Loving mother of Conrad (Cheryl) and Ivan. Loving "Nana" of Nathan and Daniel. Beloved daughter of Rosita Dias and her late husband Caserio. Dear sister of Bosco Dias and Naomi (Eugene Noronha). Friends may call at the Patrick J. Darte Funeral Chapel, St. Catharines July 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Funeral Liturgy at St. Denis Roman Catholic Church, St. Catharines on July 2, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. Memorial donations to the Niagara Mental Health Association would be appreciated.Click here.

18 Jun: Dubai. RUI EDUARDO COTA. (Born 1949; died under tragic circumstances) Beloved husband of Gracy. Funeral at Betalbatim, Goa on 29 Jun.

WHO THE BLEEP CARES?
Weekly column by Selma Carvalho.

Who the bleep cares about dinner with Eduardo Faleiro?

What do you do when the NRI Commissioner and former Federal Minister calls you up and invites you to dinner? You fall over the chair you are sitting on and babble a yes.

My first call was to Eddie Fernandes, editor of Goan Voice UK. There were important matters of state to discuss such as why did Mr Faleiro invite me? Granted calling up London from Goa to discuss my dinner date is a bit over the top, but then Eddie seems to spend his time with his ear to the ground and might have some background information. He did!

My next call was to Goa’s veteran journalist “Lenin”. Goan parents have a penchant for naming either their first born sons or their dogs after dictators such as Salazar and Stalin. This wasn’t the case with Lenin’s parents. I have merely changed the name to protect his identity. Lenin has been trailing politicos for the past 30 years or so, surely he would know what sort of conversation is expected on these occasions. “Be forthright, tell him what’s on your mind” advises Lenin. I dismiss this as bad advice. No man in his right mind wants to spend an entire evening listening to a full-blooded Shastikann like me.

What could we talk about? If Micky Pacheco had invited me, we could have discussed how a Minister can win 1.25 crores at a hotel casino. If Churchill had invited me, we could have talked about how to project oneself as the great Chardo hope of Salcete. But this was erudite, well-spoken Eduardo Faleiro, whose list of previously held political portfolios is as long as my arm. Still, didn’t my mother send me to the best school her petro-dollars could buy? Didn’t she hire me a private piano teacher to tutor me at home even when it became painfully obvious to him and our neighbours that I was tone-deaf? Didn’t she teach me to suppress my abundant gay laughter and enthusiasm because well-bred girls in Goa are supposed to look anaemic and depressed at all times? All of that must have been preparation for something or the other.

How do I impress Mr Faleiro? I could tell him I’m a Gulfie but that word has a “fie” attached to it, which sounds derogatory. I could tell him that I’m a US-return, but that has “return” attached to it. NRIs only have value if they actually reside outside of Goa. Much like a Honda city car, they depreciate 50% upon return. I’ll tell him I’m a Londonkar. That sounds so much like bhatkar and Afrikar which still garners some respect in Goa.

I arrive early at the house. The house speaks just one language; that of history. Of generations who have live here before and loved the land; of women who have sat on the brick-red sopas as twilight set in, swapped stories about the day and waited for their men to return; of men who have walked up the winding path which cuts a natural swathe through the village, returning home, glorious and powerful.

I find Mr Faleiro in the study; a spacious, dignified room, stacked with bookshelves, its vaulted ceiling and imposing walls peering down on me. What was I doing here? Me, grand-daughter of Joaquim Santan Purification Cardoz. Was it too late to become a theist and wish that Purification was watching me from above? A generation ago, the likes of me would only have been admitted through the kitchen door, preferably carrying a pail of water on my head. The weight of centuries of a social divide was pinning me to the ground.

As the evening wears on, I find myself genuinely liking Mr Faleiro. He wears charm and breeding like a second skin. He’s an excellent raconteur of stories, animatedly regaling us with anecdotes that span from Bhutan to Brazil. He’s got that rare thing, which women find attractive, a self-deprecating sense of humour and an understanding of human frailty. He is the last of a generation that came back from Portugal, just prior to liberation with an earnest desire to make a difference to the country that was home. The fact that we, Goan Catholics, have not produced another generation like him to represent our interests politically is perhaps our greatest failing.

Do leave your feedback at carvalho_sel@yahoo.com

TRAVEL & TOURISM NEWS:

Ozonegroup 180 Acre Goa Project.
25 Jun: Business Line (India). Real estate firm Ozonegroup plans to set up a leisure project in Goa on 180 acres but declined to divulge further details…. Click here.

Goa: Casino hotel & boat for sale.
26 Jun: Hotel Development. Located on a hill top and having a river front , this hotel can "mix business with pleasure". Extensively renovated over the last 1 year, this property is an excellent opportunity to invest in the fast growing Indian luxury hotel industry.
Price: USD 40,000,000. Click here.

Surf and Sand on the Cheap--Destination: Goa
26 Jun: The Examiner (USA). Goa, like Texas, is a "whole nother country," replete with culture, religion, architecture, and cuisine you can't find anywhere else in India… Get thee to Goa as soon as possible and try your best to want to come back--it will be a challenge! 767 words. Click here.

Harassing Brits
27 Jun: Herald. By Michael Vaz, Merces, Goa. Some British citizens who have bought land in Goa are denied the right to get their sale deeds registered, allegedly under instructions from the government. Has any legislation been passed forbidding sale of our precious land to foreigners? Are we acting under any written law or purely arbitrarily? … Let us not forget that there are several Goans who have acquired valuable immovable property in the UK and other parts of the world… 179 words.

The Complete Guide To: Goa
27 Jun: The Independent (UK). By Hannah Russell and Simon Calder. This diminutive Indian state packs in miles of relaxed beaches, a rich Portuguese heritage and coconut-laced cuisine… The image of loose Western women has been circulated by the Indian media and as a result foreigners can sometimes experience pestering from local men asking for a photo or simply staring… Sections on: The best beaches…Can I get active …I want to reconnect with my soul… What will I eat and drink… Party like it's 2009… 2434 words. Click here.

Paedophilia cases on the rise in Goa
27 Jun: Navhind Times. The deputy director of National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Mr Pandule Judson Phillips has opined that Goa is a transit point for flesh trade and a major destination for paedophiles. “Under the garb of tourism, flesh trade as well as paedophilia has been going on in the state,” he said… 251 words. Click here.

Immigration staff at airport to sport smart new look
28 Jun: Times of India. A new dress code will see immigration officials at Dabolim airport sport white shirts and navy blue trousers from the next tourist season to reflect how pleasant a tourist state Goa is … Goa is a hot destination with foreigners … 436 words. Click here.

Goa seeks special powers to control land sale to foreigners
29 Jun: Economic Times (India). The Goa government has asked for special powers to regulate land sale to foreigners after it failed to get the President’s nod for the Bill which empowered subregistrars to refuse registration of land sold to foreigners… This comes in the wake of a campaign launched by over 200 UK citizens demanding right to buy land in Goa. 335 words. Click here.
[Ed: The petition does not demand the right to buy land in Goa but to remove the threat of confiscation of property bought legally. To view the petition and to sign it, click here. ]

Goa steps up coastal security after terror alert
29 Jun: PTI. Goa has put its coastal police machinery on alert following intelligence inputs about possible terror attacks by Pakistan-based militants on vital installations along the Indian sea coast… The warning is general in nature, but the state is not leaving anything to chance… 160 words. click here.

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Football: Savio Messias withdraws from Lusofonia Games 2009
25 June. Indian Football. Goa FA secretary Savio Messias today decided to withdraw his name from the list of officials for the Lusofonia Games 2009 to be held in Portugal from July 11 to 19. This comes after the GFA executive committee had selected two other officials whilst there were continuing talks to have him as manager… 1069 words. Click here.

I will never again visit a casino: Pacheco
25 Jun: Zee News. Goa Tourism Minister Francisco Pacheco on Thursday said henceforth he would never visit a casino, be it onshore or offshore. He was recently in news after a casino operator accused him of threatening the latter over gambling money and the minister accused the casino operator of not paying him his winnings … 180 words. Click here.

Goa nurses protest 'differential' punishment, threaten strike
25 Jun: IANS. A nurses association in Goa has threatened to go on strike in protest at the 'differential' punishment by the state health minister to two nurses. During a surprise visit to the Goa Medical College Vishwajeet Rane ordered the suspension of senior nurse for using torn linen in the paediatric ward. However, another nurse in Rane's constituency was let off with a 'mere warning' after she administered Dettol to a three-month-old baby in place of polio drops. The baby had to be admitted to hospital after consuming the antiseptic liquid… 423 words. Click here.

Report exposed Zuari bridge cracks
25 Jun: Herald. A report by the Indian Institute of Technology over the status of the Zuari bridge three years ago pointed out that the bridge is in precarious condition, despite the extensive repair work done in 2002 and cracks are beginning to appear on the concrete again.… the PWD Minister Churchill Alemao clarified that the cracks were not deep and are only on the bituminous surface… When asked for comments a top official in the PWD, who did not want to be named said that the department had forwarded the report to the successive governments, which have failed to take any action till now... 455 words. Click here.

Plastic ice-cream cups not cool
26 Jun: Times of India. Plastic is out. Beginning Monday, ice cream scoops will be served in cones or paper cups. The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has asked ice cream parlours in the city to stop using plastic containers to reduce the plastic waste that is generated… 362 words. Click here.

Health minister meets Goa Medical College officials
26 Jun: Times of India. Health minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday held a meeting at the GMC … nurses complained that there was no proper supply of bedsheets, medicines, water, stretchers and even soap… doctors complained that they have not been provided with adequate gloves, syringes, proper soap to clean the gloves, hand-wash and even operation theatre clothes… 337 words. Click here.

Malnourished girls in N Goa to get free rice
26 Jun: Navhind Times. The government, has started distribution of 6 kg rice, free of cost, on monthly basis, to the malnourished girls from North Goa, in the 11 to 19 age group who weigh less than 35 kg. 421 words. Click here.

"Goa has failed to attract green industries"
27 Jun: Times of India. The President of the Goa Small Scale Industries Association (GSSIA), Atul Naik, criticized the government for "lack of policies conducive to industrial growth in the state" at the body's annual general meeting on Friday … 369 words. Click here.

Goa records lowest ever reservoir levels as rains fail
26 Jun: Environmental Data Interactive Exchange (UK). Goa has recorded lower-than-ever water levels at its two biggest reservoirs after it saw a 10cm drop in rainfall last year… Water level in the state's Anjunem dam is now dangerously close to the minimum 'safe' level … Water reserves at the state's other major dam at Selaulim are slightly over half what they were last June… current reserves are expected to last two months… 174 words. Click here.

IFFI Goa 2009 to get Rs 27 million from Central Government
26 Jun: Indian Television. The 40th International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa in November has been allocated a sum of Rs 27 million from the Plan expenditure of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry…the Festival will be held from 23 November to 3 December… 302 words. Click here.

Piped gas in Goa by 2012
27 Jun: Navhind Times. Goa will start receiving piped natural gas in 2012. It will be supplied to households initially in Panaji and Margao and subsequently to other parts of the state. 593 words. Click here.

30% of Goa’s poor are not poor enough
27 Jun. Herald. In a searing indictment of the Goa’s government, a study has revealed that the exclusion of the poor from the below poverty line (BPL) subsidy schemes is highest in Goa and Uttarakhand, where the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) failed in targeting up to 30 per cent of the poor… 403 words. Click here.

IFFI standards to match Cannes, Berlin festivals: Minister
28 Jun: PTI. Hoping to bring the International Film Festival of India on par with those in Cannes, Berlin and Shanghai, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni has insisted that the event should be made more competitive from this year and become a permanent fixture in the global entertainment calendar … IFFI is scheduled to be held from November 23 to December 3 this year in Goa… 334 words. Click here.

Casino operator in Goa booked for alleged cheating
28 June. The Hindu. Goa Police have registered a case against the casino operators at Majorda Beach resort for allegedly cheating Tourism Minister Micky Pacheco. Mr. Pacheco had alleged that he was not paid an amount of Rs.1.25 crore which he had won at Casino Treasures… 168 words. Click here.

Goan handicrafts in California and Greece fairs
28 Jun: The Hindu. State-owned Goa Handicrafts Limited will showcase Goa’s traditional handicrafts in two international trade fairs, in the California Gift Fair, Los Angeles from July 17 to 21 and in Thessaloniki Gift Fair, Greece from September 5 to 13. Click here.

Goa: Toddy tapping on verge of extinction
28 Jun: Navhind Times. Toddy tapping which was once regarded as an important traditional occupation in Goa is today on the verge of extinction. The younger generation seems to be turning away from this occupation. 595 words. Click here.

Recipe: Coconut Toddy
28 Jun. Straits Times – Lifestyle (Singapore). Toddy was once used all over Asia ranging from Portuguese-Goan breads to Filipino bibingka… If you have a recipe calling for toddy, here's how to make an approximation. Simmer 300ml coconut water with 2 Tbs palm sugar for 2 to 3 minutes, until slightly syrupy. Let cool to lukewarm, then stir in 1 to 2 tsp finely crushed ragi wine yeast (from Chinese medicine shops). Let stand at room temperature, loosely covered, for at least four hours, until it is giving off bubbles and a slightly winey aroma. Proceed with your recipe. This pseudo-toddy is fine for cooking but does not taste that great as a drink. 461 words. Click here.

Time to revamp primary education
28 Jun: Times of India. Archana Rajiv Kamat wants the government to realize that in today's highly competitive age, education in Konkani is detrimental to a child's confidence in a globalized world… 1026 words. Click here.

Work on Zuari Bridge to be started on War Footing
28 Jun: Herald. The work on Zuari, Talpona and Galgibag bridges would be started on war footing. Tenders would be finalised in the next two-three months, declared Chief Minister Digambar Kamat at a press conference on Saturday here… Click here.

Benaulim votes for jobs in hotels for Gulf returnees
29 Jul: Herald. The Benaulim gram sabha has adopted a resolution demanding 90 per cent jobs in the starred hotels and hotel industry in the village be allocated to Gulf returnees due to recession… 322 words. Click here.

BSNL launches its wireless broadband service in Goa
29 Jun: Business Standard. Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) today announced the full scale commercial launch of its wireless broadband service in Goa. The company targets to cover 10,000 customers in Goa in the first phase … in the next three years, the BSNL intends to cover 100 million people in Maharashtra and Goa through this service. 208 words. Click here.

GMC Crisis: Govt not to accept Dean’s resignation
29 Jun: Navhind Times. The Health Minister, Mr Vishwajit Rane has said the services of Dr V N Jindal, the dean of Goa Medical College, were needed to improve the healthcare system in the state and that he would not allow him to leave the job… He denied having made corruption charges against the Dean who had submitted his resignation late on Friday evening… 537 words. Click here.

GMC Crisis: Graft charges influenced decision to quit
30 Jun: Navhind Times. The decision of Goa Medical College dean, Dr Viney N Jindal to resign took most in the medical fraternity by surprise. He says, “My decision to quit was also influenced by the unfounded charges of corruption and inefficiency against me.” 638 words. Click here.

Machines to sieve dirt from Goa's sand
1 Jul: Times of India. Mechanized beach cleaning is set to be introduced in Goa… To begin with, just two stretches, one each in North and South Goa, will be taken up… the major problem faced in beach cleaning in the last few years was not the cleaning itself, but the disposal of the collected garbage… 518 words. Click here.

River Princess: State goes soft on Jaisu again
1 Jul: Times of India. The state government is willing to grant Jaisu Shipping company till March 31, 2010 to complete the work of re-floating and towing away the River Princess, grounded off Candolim beach for the last nine years. 196 words. Click here.

Weather & Exchange Rates
1 Jul: Navhind Times. Wed: Max: 30.2 C. Min: 24.6 C. Humidity: 83%. Forecast: Spells of rain and thunder showers.
Exchange (Buying) rates: £= 79.4; $ = 48.0; Euro = 67.3

IN THE NEWS:

Leicester: Crowds to see Gandhi statue unveiled
25 Jun: Leicester Mercury. People from across Britain and as far away as India are expected to attend the ceremony in Belgrave Road, Leicester… Home Secretary Alan Johnson will be making one of his first official appearances by visiting the city… The Indian High Commissioner and Leicester East MP Keith Vaz will speak at the event. Mr Vaz said more than 1,000 people were expected to attend… 469 words + comments. Click here.

India plans hot chilli grenades
25 Jun: BBC News. Indian defence scientists are planning to put one of the world's hottest chilli powders into hand grenades. They say the devices will be used to control rioters and in counter-insurgency operations to immobilise people without killing them… 160 words. Click here.

Herbal viagra brings out rare bonhomie in TN assembly
25 Jun: Times of India. A brand of herbal viagra, which has become a runaway hit weeks after it was launched by a state-run corporation, brought out a rare bonhomie in the Tamil Nadu assembly between members of rival parties after it was distributed for feedback... 312 words. Click here.

Leicester: Gandhi statue unveiled amid tight security
26 Jun: IANS. A large statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in Leicester amid tight security after internet protesters warned it could be defaced… Police made tight security arrangements for the ceremony after a Facebook page on the internet warned of protests by 'English nationalists' who want a local Leicester hero - rather than Gandhi - to be honoured… 571 words. Click here.

Geraint Anderson: City boy
26 Jun: Bangkok Post. Until recently Geraint Anderson was a stock broker in London. His book, Cityboy, is based on his own and composite stressful London experiences, much of which he wrote in an anonymous column of the same name in thelondonpaper… He's been to Thailand, yet prefers the beach of Goa…511 words. Click here.
25 Jun: 2008. The Daily Mail (UK). Sex and the City Boy: Champagne, cocaine and prostitutes - in the Square Mile. Click here.
23 Jan. 2009. Cityboy. By Geraint Anderson. Ways to survive the Credit Crunch: Give it all up and go to Goa … book a one-way flight and join us. Click here.

Good migrations: Britons moving abroad
27 Jun: The Guardian (UK). More of us are choosing to emigrate – and you don't have to be young and carefree to join the exodus … With the jobless rate at a 12-year high 7.2%, tens of thousands of Brits are preparing to follow the masses of Aussies and Kiwis … Increasing numbers of UK nationals have become permanent residents in Canada, up … A more immediate option for highly educated Britons are the Gulf states… 1653 words. Click here.

British actresses flock to Bollywood
27 Jun: The Telegraph (UK). An estimated 1,000 white British actors and dancers to move to Mumbai in the past three years, according to casting directors… Hazel [photo], 24, from Tunbridge Wells, has been in Mumbai for five years. She says, “I'm going to Goa next week to shoot a new film and I also do shows, for which I get paid £2,000 a night.” … Indians have a liking for white skin and equate it with beauty… 741 words. Click here.

Australia: 'Old' Indians say youngsters invite attacks
30 Jun: Times of India. Conspicuously missing from the entire issue of Indian students being attacked in Australia is the Indian immigrant community that has distanced itself from the young community of Indians, particularly those who are ``well settled'' and consider the whole brouhaha surrounding the attacks on students as ``unnecessary''… 1111 words. Click here.

Football: Houghton speaks up for players
30 Jun: The National (UAE). Bob Houghton admitted he had some strong words to say about the plight of Indian football, but reasoned it was time to speak up. India is a land of contradictions... cricketers are idolised and glamorised but the Indian national football team are training in Dubai since they have no training facilities available back home. Photo + 803 words. Click here.

Mumbai: 'Forever Konkani Songs' Audio CD Released
30 Jun: Bellevision. JEDI Music Company has re-recorded 20 popular Konkani songs in an album, 'Forever Konkani Songs'. 530 words + photos. Click here.

GOANET HIGHLIGHTS
BY Cornel DaCosta

Much has appeared on Goanet about the apparent racist attacks upon Indian students in Australia. It is not yet clear as to the exactly who the perpetrators are. Indeed some have claimed that these attacks are an illustration of fighting among relatively recent sets of immigrants, while in one example, there is a claim that 'Old Indians in Australia say [Indian] youngsters invite attacks.' At least one Goanet poster has claimed that Canadians visiting Australia have found it pretty racist. To top it all, an article submitted by Ruby Goes, says 'Mumbai is racist, Stop slamming Oz. To read further about the above, click here and here

No place today is perhaps safe from terrorist attacks and India seems particularly vulnerable as we saw recently re the attacks on Mumbai. Indeed, Goa was viewed as at risk and many precautions were taken over this. We can now note that army units in Goa will get special training to deal with terrorism and hostage taking along with other places like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, Chandigarh etc. To read more about this click here.

Commentary on Michael Jackson's sudden death has been widespread across the world's media. Understandably, it has been commented too on Goanet although it may have had nothing to do with "Goa and the Goans" as per Goanet rules! A piece by Venantius Pinto titled 'Michael Jackson's Nonsense Chant is intriguing and interesting. It tries to explain, for example, the nonsense-syllable chant at the end of one of his songs---"Wanna Be Startin Something" that has its roots in a 1973 Cameroonian hit that played a role in the origins of disco in New York City. Clearly, there was much complexity in Jackson's music and one can read about this in relation to 'rock syncopation:stress shifts or polyrhythms' here

Finally, clearly, wherever the Christian Goans have located themselves in the Goan Diaspora they have invariably formed Goan clubs to provide for social entertainment. sport and other facilities. There is much nostalgia for the early pioneers who established such organisations, including celebrating their endeavours in places where fellow Goans have moved on from say Nairobi to Toronto in Canada. One Centenary Celebration will be held in Toronto on Sept 20, 2009 relating to the Railway Goan Institute, Nairobi. My source of information is the Goan Voice, Canada and I have taken the liberty of drawing from their current planning for the Centenary. Click here and also here.

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ENTERTAINMENT: Gurinder, The Movie. BBC Radio Four (also online)
Saturday 4th July. 10:30 to 11:00. Film Director Gurinder Chadha tells the story of her 'dual nationality'. She discusses how her early life in Southall in west London has informed and enriched her hit films including Bend It Like Beckham.

MUSIC: World Routes. BBC Radio Three (also online)
Saturday 4th July. 15:00 to 16:00. Rita Ray introduces one of East Africa's biggest stars, Samba Mapangala, with Orchestra Virunga in concert at the 2009 Sauti za Busara Festival in Zanzibar.

SITCOM: Mumbai Calling. ITV1
Saturday 4th July 21:30 to 22:00. My Mate Mumbai. Sitcom set in a call centre in Mumbai.

TALK SHOW: The Big Questions. BBC 1
Sunday 5th July 10:00 to 11:00. Nicky Campbell presents The Big Questions from Whitgift School, Croydon. Taking part in the topical debates are Peter Tatchell, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, and Christina Rees.

MOTORING: Karma Enduro. Men & Motors
Monday 6th July. Time: 20:00 to 20:30. A non-competitive event in Goa where drivers get behind the wheel of the classic Hindustan Ambassador cars to drive into the mountains and across rough terrain.

DOCUMENTARY: Heir Hunters. BBC 1
Tuesday 7th July 03:30 to 04:15. Heir Hunters is on the trail of people entitled to inherit money from long forgotten relatives. Attempt to track down relatives of Lily Fernandez of Sidcup. ( Repeat: see Community News section).

FILM: Lord Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy. Movies4Men
Tuesday 7th July 21:00 to 23:15. The great grandson of Queen Victoria must face his toughest mission overseeing India's transition to self-rule. Remarkable true story. (15)

TALK SHOW: Night Waves. BBC Radio Three (also online)
Tuesday 7th July 21:15 to 22:00. Bidisha talks to novelist Arundhati Roy about her collection of essays tracking the faultlines that threaten India's democracy.

COMEDY: Shappi Talk. BBC Radio Four (also online)
Thursday 9th July 18:30 to 19:00. Comedy series in which Shappi Khorsandi examines what it is like growing up in multi-cultural families. Shappi is joined by Meera Syal to discuss the theme of racism.

DOCUMENTARY: Big Fat Indian Weddings. Wedding TV
Friday 10th July. 20:00 to 20:30. Meet Suneet and Amrita from San Francisco as they live the dream of a destination wedding in the city of sun, sand and sea... Goa.

FORTHCOMING

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

Sun: 5 Jul. Aldona Association celebrates the Feast of our Patron Saint Thomas at Moss Hall School, Nether St. Finchley, N3 1NR. Walking distance from West Finchley Station. Mass at 12.30 p.m. followed by social to the live music of famous band MUSTANG. Tickets £13 Non members; £11 members; £6 children 6-12 years and under 5 free. Includes Goan snacks, main meal and dessert. For tickets please phone Vanessa 020 8800 5413, Oliver 020 8965 0979, Damacian 020 83761609. The Aldona website is at: www.aldonalondon.org.uk

Sat. 11th July and Sun. 12th July 2pm-5pm each day. Eucharistic Healing Services led by renowned Rev. Fr. Mathew Naickomparambil – Founder/Director of The Divine Retreat Centre, Potta, Kerala, India. Venue: All Saints Church, 531 Kenton Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 0UL. Contact: Maryann 0208 204 2293 mob: 0750 455 2168

Sun. 19 Jul. Tivimneses Association celebrate the feast of St Christopher at St Boniface Church Mitcham Road, Tooting. Mass at 1.30 pm followed by an afternoon of celebration and dancing to Maz & Co at St Boniface Church Hall. Tickets £13 Adults and Children £5 (12 years and under) inclusive of main meal and snacks. For tickets telephone: Norma on 020 8771 4457; Roland 7485 7878; Ronald 8298 9263; Ingrid 8905 3872; Helen 8304 5585; Elu 8654 1281; Fiona 8656 3317.

Sun. 26 Jul. G.O.A. GOAN FESTIVAL in conjunction with Goan Organisations at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon. Starts with Holy Mass at 12.15 pm. Contact: Herbert Fernandes 01277 651052, Alfred Rebello 020 – 8337 8022. For stall applications contact: Bernie Gracias 020 - 8723 1322.

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