COMMUNITY NEWS

Text + Video: Placido D’Souza’s art work on display in Belgium

Click to enlarge

9 May: Newspost Online. Art lovers in Belgium had an opportunity to see the portraits of 40 world leaders prepared by a senior Indian diplomat Placido D’Souza… Presently, residing in the United States, Placido D’Souza has four children who live in the US and Belgium … The exhibition was mounted by his daughter who runs SAPNA, the Indian Cultural Centre in Gembloux. For text, 373 words, click here.
The video recording of D’Souza’s TV interview (in French and English) at the Belgium display, (12m. 52s) is in two parts. For Part 1, click here.
For Part 2, click here.
Placido D’Souza was born in 1933 in Dar es Salaam and entered the Indian diplomatic service in 1957 serving in Kenya, Panama, New York and Hong Kong. He is married to Sushila and father of Jacinta, Lucia, Maria and Francisco.
For links to some aspects of Placido D’Souza’s background, click here.
For an article by Placido D’Souza, Of Ponti (Oil Lamp) And Konkani Proverbs click here.
For 3 photographs of the exhibition, click here.

Ferdinand "Ferdy" Carasco: Cafe Fills Niche in New Mexico
5 May: The Santa Fe New Mexican. People in Aldea can get a Jamaican Meat Patty at Cafe Aldea (www.cafealdea.com/) run by a former Ugandan refugee with a doctorate in physics. Cafe owner Ferdinand "Ferdy" Carasco, originally from Goa and raised in Uganda, spent a year in a refugee camp in Italy -- during the regime Idi Amin -- before being reunited with is family in London. From there -- during what he likes to refer to as his "misspent youth" -- Carasco pursued education with a vengeance… A little over two years ago, Carasco took his nest egg -- he never married or had children -- and relocated to Aldea… 870 words. Click here.

Canada: Sulana & Neville D’Souza: Himalaya Gourmet Sauces
6 May: Western Star (Canada). … Sulana D’Souza started Himalaya Gourmet Sauces Inc. in 1989 when she was living in Montreal and working at a bank. She and her husband Neville now operate the business, making fresh Indian sauces, chutney, dips and pickles from a commercial kitchen in Cambridge… Although they live in Milton, Ont., the business is in Cambridge … Neville, a retired microbiologist, helps in the kitchen and does tests to make sure the sauces are safe … 488 words. Click here.

Audio + Text: Toronto: Eric Rodrigues talks about his ordination to the Priesthood.
7 May: Newstalk 1010 (Canada). Lorna Rodrigues will take her seat at St. Michael's Cathedral on Saturday morning to see her son Eric ordained as priest. Eric is a 32 year old guy, born and bred here in Toronto; graduated from the University of Waterloo and went on to do graduate works at McGill in epidemiology. Up until about five years ago, he was on track to be "the doctor" in the family… For the audio file, 8m. 02s click here.
For text, 540 words, click here.
Eric is the son of Edmund Rodrigues (ex-Nairobi) and Lorna (ex-Mombasa); brother of Craig who lives in California. [Info from Dr. Anthony de Souza, Toronto].

Radha D'Souza: Impoverished sermonising
7 May: The Times Higher Education Supplement. A proselytising book assumes much about world poverty but answers little, writes Radha D'Souza in reviewing Global Justice: A Cosmopolitan Account by Gillian Brock. Oxford University Press 288pp… Radha D'Souza is reader in law and deputy director of School Research Centre, University of Westminster. She has practised as a barrister in the High Court of Bombay and her research interests include international law and development, global and social justice, social movements and social change…. 698 words. Click here.
Radha D’Souza is a Reader in the School of Law at the University of Westminster. She was previously at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. She is an international lawyer, social justice activist, columnist and writer. For a photo and profile of her, click here.

Canada: Michael De Souza: Cowtown band does 'Bot duty
8 May: Edmonton Sun (Canada). Shagbots, the Calgary dance-rock quintet is throwing the CD release party for its debut We Were Born Tigers upstairs at the New City Likwid Lounge … Davis de Souza comes from a Portuguese background while Michael De Souza is East Indian… For photo and text, 476 words, click here.
Michael was born in Calgary, the son of Placidus (ex Kericho, Kenya) and Florenciana (ex Philippines). For the Shagbots website with video, audio, photos and more, go to www.theshagbots.com/

Canada: Quincy Almeida: Parkinson's centre
9 May: Waterloo Record. Sun Life Financial is putting its name on a local research centre that is gaining an international reputation for improving the lives of people with Parkinson's disease… The centre, led by award-winning researcher Quincy Almeida, will be called Sun Life Financial Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre. Almeida "is making quite substantial headway" in helping people with Parkinson's disease. He's "ahead of his peers in the work he's doing.” … 468 words. Click here.
Quincy is the son of Odette and Magneric Almeida (ex Kenya Police) now currently residing in Mississauga, Ontario, and brother of Gwen and Gigi. Married to Erin, he has a son, Malcolm. For the Quincy Almeida bio page and links click here.

John Fernandes secures princely win in golf competition
10 May: Local London. John Fernandes, 17, who is a member of Enfield Golf Club won the Prince of Wales Challenge Cup by a single shot in the 36 hole event… His father, Agnelo Fernandes said: "He has done extremely well to win at such a prestigious event." John also won the Kent Playing Fields Silver Salver for the best 36 hole handicap score. Photo + 156 words. Click here.
For the GVUK John Fernandes supplement click here.

Bernie D’Souza: German water dispenser firm sets up UK base in Warwick
12 May: Birmingham Post. German manufacturer Tycoonita Water Dispensers has chosen Warwick as the location for its first operation in the United Kingdom, with up to 20 more regional sales offices planned across the country within two years… Bernie De Souza has been brought in as sales director to set up a nationwide sales strategy to market the product in this country… “This is a low-cost water solution that doesn’t compromise on quality…” he said … 376 words. Click here.
Bernie was born in Nairobi in 1941 and drove from there to the UK in a VW beetle in 1960. For a photo of him see GVUK 2008-17.

Father Raymond J. De Souza: Meeting the Pope at a holy site for all the nations
13 May: National Post (Canada). It is always a blessing to meet the Pope, but I did not expect the blessing of meeting him at the Western Wall… I was with the dignitaries as a guest of the chief rabbi of the Western Wall, thanks to the good offices of a Canadian friend who knows the rabbi well… Photo: Father Raymond J. De Souza shakes hands with the Pope at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. (National Post photo). 808 words. Click here. [Fr De Souza is the son of Greta (ex-Mombasa) and Cedric De Souza (ex-Uganda and Nairobi) of Calgary].

Canada: Diane Nalini: Kiss Me Like That
16 May: Diane Nalini will be Mary Ito's guest on "Fresh Air” on Saturday, May 16th between 8:30am and 9:00am on CBC Radio One. For more information, click here.
24 May: CD Launch concert of “Kiss Me Like That” at Hugh's Room in Toronto. For details click here.
For the Diane Nalini website with bio, photos, videos, mp3 etc. click here.

Sabrina De Souza Denies Being a CIA Agent
14 May: The New York Times. Photo shows Sabrina De Souza, 53, in her lawyer’s office in Washington last Friday. She is accused of involvement in the kidnapping of a Muslim cleric in Italy and of working for the Central Intelligence Agency… Sabrina is seeking diplomatic immunity from criminal charges in Italy …she has been described as “Sabrina the tiger, with stiletto heels and fists of steel” and as the case’s Mata Hari … Sabrina grew up in India and became a naturalized American citizen in 1985 … 731 words. Click here.
For links to Italian media overage of her involvement, click here.

DEATHS

12 May: Toronto. JOSEPH D'SOUZA (aged 51). Loving husband of Elizabeth (Lobo). Darling father of Lara and Gina. Brother of Pamela, Mary, Leela, Joan and Paul. Resting at the Paul O'Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave. E. from 6-9 p.m. Friday. Funeral Mass on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in St. Maria Goretti Church. Click here.

12 May: Cuncolim, Goa. ADV. XAVIERITO DIAS (Born 1927; Ex Nairobi) Husband of late Elsa. Father of Nelinda/Dr Albino D’Silva (Australia), Dr Christopher/Marilu (Australia), Eng Cleasby/Regina, Dr Celcio/Noreen. Brother of (all late) Fr Raul, Fr Vasco, Arthur, Armando, Alfredo, Ilda, Lilia and Aida. Funeral date to be announced later.

11 May: Vasco, Goa. DANIEL FERNANDES: Husband of late Liberata. Father of Menino/Amelia (Swindon), Marcos-Domnic/Maya, Fatima/Binu (Dubai), Socorro/Sharon.

10 May: Tivim, Goa. MARIA FELICIDADE BARROS E SOARES. Relict of Fernando Cesar. Mother of Ruby/Vincent Pereira, Rena/Patrick de Souza (Canada), Hedwig (Ted)/Anulucia and Ralina/Bobby Rodrigues (France)

7 May: Cortalim, Goa. ANDRE FERNANDES. (Born 1933). Husband of Assucena Carvalho. Father of Piedade Luis/Jennifer, Antoneta/Miguel (UK), Ana/late Menino Fernandes. Grandfather of Jayden, Alistair, Meryl, Bamiro and Milburn.

6 May: Anjuna Goa, SILVESTER LOYOLA FERNANDES. (Born 1921; ex-Kenya. Husband of Jessica Vales e Fernandes. Father of Allen/Annie Fernandes (Moira), Isaac/Judith Fernandes, Mabel/Felix Lobo and Sheila/Agnelo Souza. Funeral on 10 May at Anjuna.

6 May: Mississauga, Canada. THELMA FONSECA. Beloved wife of Anthony for 62 years. Devoted mother to Lorraine Crabb. Loving Nana to Steven, Suzanna and Sacha, and great-grandmother to Thomas. Cherished sister to Leslie, Eddie, Joe, Dolly and the late Sonnu. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter "Peel" Chapel, from 7-9 p.m. on Friday. Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Sat May 9 at 11:30 a.m. If desired, remembrances may be made to the Arthritis Society. www.turnerporter.ca

6 May: Milton Keynes, UK: CHARLES BEDIER (ex-Nairobi). Son of the late Alexandre and Victorine Bedier. The late Victorine Bedier was the renowned midwife in Nairobi. There will be a Memorial Service at St Jude’s Chapel, Rhapta Road, on Saturday 16th May, 2009 at 5.30pm. Info from Goan Welfare Society, Nairobi.
12 May: Milton Keynes Citizen. The funeral service will take place on Thursday 14th May at 11.30am at Crownhill Crematorium.
No flowers, but donations, if desired, to ‘Cancer Research UK’ may be sent c/o Heritage & Sons, The Willows Funeral Home, 1 Vicarage Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes. MK2 2EZ. Click here.

2 May: Zimbabwe. TARRYN DE SOUZA. (Born 1985). Tarryn DeSouza, a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and Champions of Character award winner as a tennis player at Oklahoma Christian, passed away after a heart attack in her native Zimbabwe. She was just 24 years old… 868 words. Click here.

WHO THE BLEEP CARES?
Weekly column by Selma Carvalho.

Who the Bleep cares about Fair & Lovely girls?

One of the things that really gets my goat every time I am in India, are the Fair & Lovely cream advertisements. This year they are particularly obnoxious. There is one about a girl being given a Fair & Lovely tube prior to attending an interview. Another seeks to remedy repeated refusals on the marriage front by daily applications of this wonder cream.

This begs the question: Are Indians really part of the twenty-first century? Are they really part of the global economy, leaders in information-technology, a super-power in the South-East Asian region, one of the largest world economies and the world’s largest democracy? If so, what are they doing telling their female population that their entire worth is to be measured in terms of their skin colour?

It boggles the mind that this sort of attitude should emerge from a former colony of the British, where Indians were routinely subjected to humiliation by being called coolies and darkies. So 60 years after achieving Independence we are still manacled to a mindset which thinks being fair is superior to being dark in all aspects. It would be treacherous enough to tell young girls that their worth in the marriage market is to be determined by their skin colour but if we insist on telling our women that their worth in the job-market depends on looking like a bleached, shiny utensil for sale at the bazaar, then we really are paddling backwards.

I wonder where the ethical conscience Hindustan Unilever who manufactures this product is. And make no mistake. Indians buy into this ruse; hook, line and sinker for it is India’s largest selling cream. Ironically, Fair & Lovely awards scholarships to girls from the lower income strata. Ashok Venkatramani, Vice President of Skin Care, Hindustan Unilever issued this statement: “We believe in supporting any good initiative that works towards girl-child and women empowerment. To us education could be the first biggest step towards making this empowerment possible. Fair and Lovely Foundation has reached out to women from the smallest part of India and is a platform to carry this empowerment across to the women of India.” How rich it is to tell girls that they should acquire an education but that education will only take them so far. To get a job or a husband one still has to be fair.

It is perhaps India’s greatest shame that it has not been able to emerge from a society riddled with prejudice and discrimination. The search for fair-skin traces its roots to India’s caste bigotry. To be fair, is to be an Aryan, a Brahmin, a conqueror. To be dark skinned is to be a dalit, the subservient, the vanquished. When India finally unearths itself from the debris of casteist bigotry and stigmatisation maybe then it will begin to tackle its rather perverse affair with colour discrimination.

Do leave your feedback at carvalho_sel@yahoo.com

TRAVEL & TOURISM NEWS:

Tourist turtles
7 May: Huddersfield Examiner (UK). Turtles have started nesting at a noisy tourist spot in Goa after soil erosion forced them to look for new sites. Hundreds of turtles make their way to the beach every year but erosion at Galgibaga could be the reason why turtles lumbered to Agonda tourist beach. 52 words. Click here.

Not tourism, migrant labour spread AIDS in Goa, says NGO
7 May: IANS. Migrant labour and not tourism was responsible for the rise in AIDS numbers in the coastal resort state of Goa, an NGO said Thursday… 437 words. Click here.

Brits set for far-off destinations
10 May: Press Association. British tourists are prepared to take the long-haul route to look for the best holiday bargains according to travel company Expedia.co.uk. Goa had a 194% increase in interest in April this year compared with the same time last year. 64 words. Click here.

'No prostitution aboard casinos'
10 May: Times of India. The newly formed Association of Offshore Casino Operators (AOCO) has assured that there will be no prostitution aboard any of its member vessels… Residents in Panaji have already complained of suspicious activities being carried out aboard the off-shore casinos operating in the River Mandovi… 365 words. Click here.

BBC TV: Love Cheats in Goa
11 May: From Maggie Latham, Producer, BBC Inside Out: I am a BBC television producer researching a story about women who have been cheated by men they've had relationships with in Goa. I have spoken to several women who have been victims of this but am trying to build up a wider picture of how these men operate. You can speak to me in confidence on 0191 2441232 or via e-mail at maggie.latham@bbc.co.uk

Get the perfect travel mixture with i-to-i’s new Goa trips
12 May: PR Insider. Travellers hoping to see the hidden side of Goan culture may find just what they are looking for with i-to-i’s new trips... Travellers can spend 4 weeks in the Goan paradise of Calangute teaching songs, reading, writing, telling stories, playing games and generally being as active as possible with the local kindergarten! … For further details take a look at i-to-i’s website www.i-to-i.com/gap-year-india.html ... 536 words. Click here.

Drop in foreign tourists arrival in April
12 May: Times of India. Despite the government's 'Visit India 2009 campaign', the arrival of foreign tourists declined in April this year… According to the arrival data maximum negative growth was witnessed at Goa airport (-13.9%) … 208 words. Click here.

DEATH OF ELENA SUKHANOVA

Video: Love angle to Russian girl's death?
10 May: Times of India. Elena Sukhanova was aged 19. A letter written by her mentions her boyfriend Vinnie. She had arrived in Goa on April 19… she had been partying a few hours before her death… 1m. 06s. Click here.

Video: Russian found dead beside railway tracks in Goa
10 May: Times of India. Elena Sukhanova had been staying at the Sun City Resort in Baga. She had befriended one of the shack owners at Baga and had said that she did not want to return to Russia. 1m.10s. Click here.

Two waiters under police scanner
10 May: Zee News. Two waiters working in different restaurants at Baga beach are under scanner following the mysterious death of Elena Sukhanova … she had gone missing before and on her return had told police that she was with Winnie … 367 words. Click here.

Russian's death in Goa: Accident or murder?
10 May: NDTV. The case of a Russian teen Elena Sakharov’s death in Goa just got murkier. CCTV shows 19-year-old Elena entering the Sun City hotel with a 38-year-old Russian man on the night of May 7. And this is just hours before her death. The Russian man is now being questioned … She had given a statement to the police saying she loved Goa and it was a cool place and she also gave the hint that she was in love with someone … The Goa Police claim her death was an accident… 283 words. Click here.

Hunt on for Russian tourist's friend
10 May: Times of India. Goa police have zeroed in on a man to unravel the mystery behind the death of a Russian tourist whose mutilated body was found on the railway track on Friday… investigators were on the lookout for an Indian man named Winnie who was friends with the deceased and had spent time with her… 223 words. Click here.

Russian girl's death an accident: Mapusa police
11 May: Navhind Times. The Mapusa police have claimed that the Russian girl whose dismembered body was found on the rail track three days back is a case of an accident and that in all probability she must have died by falling out from a moving train… Further investigations are in progress… 440 words. Click here.

Now, love angle to Russian girl's death
11 May: Times of India… Elena had told police that she was in love with a boy named Vinay alias Vinny, working as a waiter at a shack on the Baga beach. However, the shack owner expressed surprise. He said, “Vinay left the job a month and a half back … I don’t think they were in love.” … The resort staff said that the teenager loved to party late at night. She had also dated a 22-year-old waiter from Himachal Pradesh, Bir Singh. However, when the hotel authorities came to know about it on April 24, Bir was asked to resign. “Bir left Goa on May 6 and is now at Himachal Pradesh,” police sources said… 765 words. Click here.

Indian police hunt two waiters over Russian woman's death
11 May: Times of Malta. Goa police were yesterday hunting two waiters after the mutilated body of a young Russian woman was found near railway tracks… Goa is as famous for its sandy beaches as its reputation for sex, drink and drugs and has seen a rash of violent crime since last year, including rape and murder, according to police figures… 389 words. Click here.

Russian's death in Goa: railways doubt police theory
11 May: IANS. Konkan railway officials have disputed the police theory that a 19-year-old Russian girl Elena Sukhanova had died after falling off the train… Goa Police officials were criticized for botching up investigations into the murder of British teenager Scarlett Keeling… Police are also intrigued by CCTV footage at the hotel's reception desk which shows a burly Russian asking for Elena on the night when the Russian girl left the hotel, never to return… 438 words. Click here.

Russian consulate wants probe into events in Elena's death
11 May: PTI. The Russian consulate today said the police should investigate the events leading to the death of Elena Sukhanova … The autopsy conducted on the remains of her body suggests that she died due to impact of moving wheels of the train. However, the consulate feels the police should investigate whether her fall under the train was accidental or homicidal … 211 words. Click here.

Police cast aspersions on dead Russian teen
12 May: PTI. While a team of police is probing Elena Sukhanova's death, the stories of her love with a local shack waiter and her visit to discotheques are being churned out in the local media reminding how local police had drawn a similar line investigating British teenager Scarlet Eden Keeling case… The Russian Consulate representative, who is monitoring all the media reports and police investigation, said that there is no place for character assassination… 472 words. Click here.
12 May: CNN-IBN. Russian girl death may not be accident: Goa cops. Text + Video 1m. 08s. Click here.

Two detained amid police flip-flop over Russian teenager's death
12 May: Samay Live… "We have detained Vinay Haldankar alias Vinnie and Vardhaman Simepurushkar " a police spokesperson said. Vinnie is employed at a shack that Sukhonova used to frequent, while Simepurushkar is a taxi driver … Mystery surrounds the death of the teenager, with police rapidly switching their versions… 504 words. Click here.

Russian teen’s death: Consulate rejects police’s accident theory
13 May: IANS. In a major blow to the credibility of the Goa Police, Russian authorities have refused to accept their contention that 19-year-old Elena Sukhanova's death was accidental… Superintendent of Police (North) Tony Fernandes, the probe’s chief supervisory officer, has switched his version nearly three times from “accidental death” to “all options are open” to “accidental death” yet again… 326 words. Click here.

Police official summoned in Russian's death
13 May: Times of India. The police have now summoned their media spokesperson to the police station. The Railway spokesperson had told the media that given the circumstances, it was impossible for a person to accidentally fall off a compartment and get dragged under the wheels… the police theory is that the Russian teenager was in a drunken state and could have fallen off the train… 420 words. Click here.

Police stick to accident theory in Russian girl's death
14 May: Navhind Times. … going by her background the deceased who was already in an intoxicated state while boarding the train to Mumbai must have come to the compartment door for a puff and might have lost her balance … on the last night she was drunk and abusive…. She was at times rude due to her involvement in smoking, drinking and possibly drugs … she was a “party girl” … she could have been friendly with some waiters or some hotel staff … 1068 words. Click here.

Russian consulate jumped the gun over teen’s death: police
14 May: IANS. The Russian consulate has jumped the gun in critiquing police investigations into the death of a Russian teenager a police spokesperson said here Thursday… After switching versions several times, the police had Tuesday evening said that Elena’s death was accidental … they were forced to eat their own words after the Railway officials rubbished the theory… 348 words. Click here.

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Practices of Smallpox: Notes from Colonial Goa
Spring 2009: Bulletin of the History of Medicine. Vol. 83, pages 141-163. By Cristiana Bastos… While the actions of some of the Portuguese head physicians epitomized the conflict between state-sponsored vaccination policies and local preferences for smallpox inoculation … Click here.

Aires Rodrigues Death Threat: Health Minister to be Charged
6 May: The Goa bench of Bombay High Court directed the Old Goa police to file chargesheet against state Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane in the ‘threat to kill’ case, registered by social activist Aires Rodrigues… 117 words. Click here.

Goa still a soft target for terror: Defence officials
9 May: Times of India. Numerous illegal landing zones, improper mechanisms to check trawlers, unverified migrant workers employed on board fishing vessels and a media-sensitive tourism hub, continue to make Goa a perfect soft target for terror attacks, maritime officials said… 502 words. Click here.

Aires Rodrigues Death Threat: Cops chargesheet Vishwajeet after High Court rap
9 May: Herald. The Old Goa Police finally filed a 73-page chargesheet, on Friday, against Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane, after getting a dressing down from the High Court for the delay in filing the same… 324 words. Click here.

Gold: A Must among Goans
9 May: Navhind Times. Across Goa in practically every neighborhood, the presence of a traditional goldsmith doing business is a must… People cannot do away with gold even if they want to. They explain that the process of collecting gold for even a family with average means starts off from birth… 547 words. Click here.

Football: Odafe Onyeka Okolie & Zoran: The Pride Of Goa
9 May: Gulf News (Dubai). By Alaric Gomes. Odafe Onyeka Okolie is only 23 years old. And after winning the “Golden Boot” for a record third time in a row last month, the Nigerian wants to scramble towards international recognition by looking beyond the revamped I-League… Former Dubai coach Zoran makes a mark for Churchill Brothers … Photos and text, 461 words. Click here.

Goa Sports Associations threatens boycott
9 May: Times of India. The Goa Olympic Association has caught the government by its collar and demanded that it implement the state sports policy within three months or face the wrath of a boycott … The resolution, mooted by the Goa Football Association, was unanimously adopted by the general body, attended by 22 out of the 28 state association representatives… 331 words. Click here.

Women’s panel to probe Goa University molestation case
9 May: IANS. Dissatisfied with the progress made by Goa University’s probe into a molestation and sexual harassment case filed by some students against their teacher, the Goa State Commission for Women will investigate the complaint … 381 words. Click here.

In search of the perfect Lonche
10 May: Times of India. Lonche or pickle is a salty, pungent preserved product prepared in Goan homes especially before the monsoon. These are excellent appetizers which also aid in digestion. Various seasonal vegetables or fruits are flavoured with spices and condiments and preserved with local rock salt and mustard oil or sesame seed oil. No artificial preservatives are used in Goa while making pickles… 736 words. Click here.

In search of a better education system
10 May: Times of India. While Goa's changing sociological and cultural scenario are keeping the education system in constant-improvization mode, the resultant changes have thrown up new challenges as well as dilemmas for schools, students and parents… the number of students in government-run schools have been dwindling. To keep up with facilities offered by private institutes therefore, there is no alternative but to improve… 1102 words. Click here.

117 years on, tiatrs still enthral & enlighten
11 May: Times of India. It is 2009 and tiatrs continue to bring home social messages. "Tiatrs are a powerful and effective medium to reach out, rouse emotions and awaken people," says tiatr veteran Tomazinho Cardozo… From the first ever tiatr in history, "Italian Bhurgo" (The Italian Boy) by Lucasinho Ribeiro staged in Mumbai on April 17, 1892, till today, this form of theatre - several acts entwined with songs backed by a live band, continues to enthral and enlighten Goan society… 458 words. Click here.

Army officer held for taking obscene pictures of girl
11 May: Times of India. An Army officer was arrested today for allegedly clicking obscene pictures of a teenager and blackmailing her … Major Tarun Singh (27) was in a Goa hotel in the room next to where the girl had checked in with her family… the Major allegedly shot an obscene video of her while she was taking a bath, by dislodging window tiles and then attempted to blackmail her. 223 words. Click here.

Chargesheeted minister’s supporters threaten to topple Goa government
13 May: IANS. The Congress-led ruling coalition in Goa may head for fresh turbulence … Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco and Congress legislator Dayanand Narvekar have both warned the Chief Minister that they would topple the government if Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane is dropped from the cabinet after being charged with threatening to kill a lawyer. [Aires Rodrigues]. 344 words. Click here.

Keith Vaz’s Silver Star pilot camp at Assolna
13 May: Herald. The Silver Star Appeal, a charity organisation of Leicester East MP Keith Vaz (UK) launched its first foray of charity in Goa by holding a diabetes testing camp at Regina Martryum High School Hall, Assolna … Keith Vaz informed that his own type two diabetes was diagnosed by a chance screening as he opened an assessment center in his constituency. He announced that the first mobile diabetes unit would be released shortly in Goa… 380 words. Click here.

Mineral water sales up
14 May: Navhind Times. The government’s inability to provide quality drinking water has resulted in a boon to packaged drinking water which has a potential of growing by over 200 per cent in the next couple of years… people even use packaged drinking water for their daily cooking requirements while some even use it for having bath… 493 words. Click here.

Indian Elections: Exit poll gives Congress slim lead
14 May: The Guardian (UK). Results are expected in the morning of Saturday 16 May. Early indication is that neither ruling coalition nor opposition BJP alliance will have clear majority… 630 words, click here.
14 May: Times of India. Exit polls predictions for Goa is that Congress will win one seat and lose the other to the BJP. Click here.
14 May: Herald. Goa set to unveil poll result. Click here.

IN THE NEWS:

Book Review: The Disappearance of Irene Dos Santos

Click to enlarge

20 Apr: Publishers Weekly (USA). In her second novel, Mascarenhas (Skin) uses a 15-year-old girl's disappearance to spin a multilayered history … At times overwhelming in its breathless explosions of information, this family epic is immersive; no character or event is left unexplored from multiple perspectives. Indeed, the conclusion is like the final piece of an intricate puzzle… 174 words. Click here. Book by Margaret Mascarenhas. $13.99. 348 pages. ISBN 978-0-446-54110-7. For ordering info, click here.

Meera Syal talks of marriage, unhappiness and becoming a comedian
1 May: The Daily Mail (UK). Actress and writer Meera Syal talks about her first marriage and growing up feeling insecure for the first time… she says she found it difficult growing up as an Indian girl in a white, working-class mining village. “I felt isolated as a child because I was different. … I stuck out like a sore thumb.” … 1993 words. Click here.

UK: Anita Rani explores skin lightening cosmetics
1 May: BBC. The One Show's presenter Anita Rani goes on a journey around the country to discover what it is that makes some people want to have lighter skin in a new documentary for BBC One to be shown later this summer… Starting with her own mother's preference for lighter skin, she explores the reasons that drive a growing number of people to lighten their skin… 201 words. Click here.

Sarah Singleton’s next novel to be Goa based
9 May: Gazette & Herald (UK). Award-winning author Sarah Singleton is gearing up for more success ... She says, “The next book is about three 18-year-olds who are on a gap year to Goa, and it is aimed at a slightly older audience, probably sixth formers.” … Photo and text, 322 words. Click here.

Scarlett Keeling case: CBI moves HC
9 May: Times of India. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has approached the high court against an order of the children's court rejecting its application for further investigations in UK in the Scarlett Keeling murder case. The CBI had sought to interview Fiona Mackeown and British national Charles Carter … the accused, Samson D'Souza, had argued that the CBI could not be allowed to embark on a new investigation… 386 words. Click here.

Vote for the 7 Wonders of Portuguese origin in the World
9 May: O Fuxico (Brazil). 27 places have been shortlisted for selection as the 7 Wonders of Portuguese origin in the world. To vote, please visit www.7maravilhas.sapo.pt/ The result will be announced on June 10, 2009… Amongst the places listed are Fort Jesus of Mombasa, Fort Kilwa in Tanzania, the Fort of Damão, Fort of Diu, the Church of Bom Jesus in Goa and the Se Cathedral in Goa … Click here.

Will Pike: Terror victim in Mumbai, now abandoned in Britain
10 May: The Observer (UK). Will Pike escaped with his life from last year's Taj Mahal hotel massacre, but suffered spinal injuries that left him severely disabled. His nightmare had only just begun…. Will Pike and Kelly Doyle, had just checked in for one night, as a treat at the end of a two-week holiday in Goa… 1957 words + photo. Click here.

Restaurant Review: Mumbai: Simply Goa
10 May: Times of India… It’s in a new eatery near the Khar railway station… It’s relaxed. Fun. Moderately priced. Some of the dishes (especially the pork ones) are robust and the real Mckoy… 531 words. Click here.

Christa D'Souza: Body Talk
Jun 2008: Vogue (UK). For this month's Body Issue of Vogue, Christa D'Souza reveals the trials, tribulations and sometime-triumphs of having been a "weight-control obsessive" for the last twenty years - and asks if there is really any point in it… As the magazine asks various famous beauties how they feel about their most famous physical assets (Kelly Brook's boobs; Sadie Frost's bottom; Jemima Khan's hair), D'Souza articulates exactly what millions of women go through every day - and reveals the result of giving up on the rules. Click here.

Freida's success is no big deal, says Gulshan Grover
12 May: Mid-Day. During a recent visit to LA, Gulshan Grover was overheard saying not-so- kind stuff about Freida Pinto. A source reveals he was telling his white hosts that Freida's success isn't a big deal. He went on to claim that every other Goan girl resembles Freida… Click here.

India to outsource Canada consulate
12 May: Times of India. With an aim to make visa services faster, hassle-free and efficient, the Indian Consulate here has decided to outsource its consular services under a new visa regime which will become functional from May 22… From May 22 the Consulate would stop receiving applications for consular services including visas, passports, PIO and OCI cards. 203 words. Click here.

Pakistan's religious minorities report violence
13 May: Associated Press. …"In Pakistan today there is a lot of feeling of fear by all the minorities," said the Rev. Richard D'Souza of St. Jude Church in Karachi. The trouble in D'Souza's parish started with bold blue graffiti on the church walls condemning Christians as infidels. Young Christians in the neighborhood protested. Within days, about 25 burly men rampaged through the neighborhood, beating Christians, pelting women with stones and setting fire to the doors of houses and to meager possessions. An 11-year-old boy was killed, and several people were wounded… D'Souza said the parish is thinking of forming its own armed youth brigades to patrol Christian areas… 1236 words. Click here.

Ontario targeting India
14 May: London Free Press (Canada). Premier Dalton McGuinty is heading to India on a trade mission to push "clean technologies" including green energy and clean water, government officials said. The mission will leave in December and include business leaders, as well as International Trade Minister Sandra Pupatello… India is one of the world's fastest growing economies but has only a paltry trading relationship with Canada -- despite more than 400,000 expatriate Indians living here… 187 words. Click here.

World Busk Day to Support Goa Charity
14 May: Bridport News (UK) … Internationally renowned violinist David Juritz set up the charity Musequality in 2007. To raise money for the charity’s next project, a music centre for homeless children in Goa, he came up with the idea of a World Busk. On Saturday, June 14, at noon, local time musicians around the globe will take to the streets to raise funds for Musequality and hopefully gain a coveted world record… For more details visit www.worldbusk.org or alternatively www.musequality.org Contact David Juritz david@juritz.com or telephone 020 8747 4869 – 07973 343314. 478 words. Click here.

GOANET HIGHLIGHTS
BY Cornel D'Costa

Cornel D’Costa is on holiday.

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

COOKERY: Indian Food Made Easy. UKTV Food
Friday 15th May. 20:30 to 21:00. Food writer and chef Anjum Anand travels to Cornwall where self-taught chefs Nirmal and Louis are about to cook at a local pub's curry night.

FILM: North West Frontier. BBC 2
Saturday 16th May. 14:00 to 16:05. An adventure set in 1905, in which the life of a young Hindu prince is threatened by a siege of a British fortress in India's north-west frontier province. 1959.

DRAMA: Primeval. ITV1
Saturday 16th May. 19:20 to 20:20. An anomaly opens at a race car test track and a huge insect-like creature comes through. It is carnivorous and lethal. Starring: Laila Rouass …

DRAMA: Classic Serial. BBC Radio Four
Saturday 16th May. 21:00 to 22:00. The Siege of Krishnapur. First of a two-part dramatisation by Shelagh Stephenson of the novel by JG Farrell. It is 1857 and British rule in India is under threat. Pt 2 is at 15:00 on 17 May.

TALK SHOW: The Big Questions. BBC 1
Sunday 17th May. 10:00 to 11:00. The topical live debate with Nicky Campbell comes live from the Samworth Enterprise Academy, Leicester. Taking part are Jasvinder Sanghera, founder of the Asian Women's Refuge and Dr Raj Pandit Sharma from the Hindi Council UK.

POLITICAL: Sacred Election. BBC Radio Four
Sunday 17th May. Time: 17:00 to 17:40. Political anthropologist Dr Mukulika Banerjee reports from India on the many surprising ways in which the country manages to defy apparently insuperable odds to deliver an efficient and effective democratic process.

TRAVEL: Planet Food. Travel Channel
Sunday 17th May. 19:00 to 20:00. Goa. Angela May journeys to the Western Coast of India to sample the cuisine and culture of the thriving melting pot that is Goa. She eats Goan foods from vibrant restaurants across the region, gets cooking lessons from Goan chefs, and tries her hand at creating some of the dishes for herself.

FILM: Chak De! India. Channel 4
Monday 18th May. 00:55 to 03:35. Kabir Khan becomes the coach of the Indian women's national hockey team but discovers he is in charge of an amateurish and unruly bunch of young women. 2007.

COOKERY: Feasts. BBC 4
Wednesday 20th May. 21:00 to 22:00. India. Food writer Stefan Gates makes a journey across India to discover how feasts and celebration both divide and bring together a turbulent nation.

FILM: Nina's Heavenly Delights. BBC 1
Wednesday 20th May. 23:50 to 01:20. Comedy. Nina takes over in the running of her dad's beloved Indian restaurant, the Taj and finds herself becoming attracted to her pretty new business partner, Lisa. 2005.

ARTS: Musical Migrants. BBC Radio Four
Thursday 21st May. 15:45 to 16:00. “Stella Rodrigues's complex family roots are Dutch, Portuguese, Indonesian and Indian, but it was in Ireland that she found her music, her home and herself.”
Stella traces her Indian roots to Goa – her grandfather was a musician there.

FORTHCOMING

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

Sat: 16 May. Goan Association Anniversary and May Ball. Wandsworth Civic Suite. Nite Life In Attendance Further Details From Norma Menezes Rahim 020 8771 4457 or Rosy De Souza 020 8677 0390

Sun 17 May. Tiatr! Tiatr! Goan Cultural Society proudly presents their annual Konkani Tiatr “MUMMY MHAKA TUJE VENGENT DHOR” written by Goa Academy Prize winner, Albert Leo D’Souza, at St John’s Hall, Bourne Hill, Palmers Green, London N13 at 3.00pm. For details contact: Bella – 020 8372 1253; Ida – 020 8881 2921; Camilo – 020 8801 3637 or Gregg – 07931 753653. For full details and photos of the cast, click here.

SOLD OUT! Sun: 24 May. 1.00pm - 8.30pm. The Bakuli Reunion at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon. Live music by Mellow Tones and disco by "DJO" Tickets Adults: £14.00 Children (2 -12 years) £7.00. Price includes a meal and snacks. SOLD OUT!

Sat 6 Jun. 3.00 p.m. Archbishop Lanfranc High School, Mitcham Rd. Croydon. Konkani Dramatic Association, Tiatr! Tiatr! Him Tujim Panvlam. KDA 8th production, written & directed by comedian Santana Fernandes performing with the most famed tiatrists from Goa. Felcy (Nightingale of Goa), Luis Bachan Top comedian, Joana (Queen of comedy), James Vaz, Philip De Chandor and UK Tiatrists. Tickets are £12.00 and £10.00 pre-booked. Contact Nina Pinto 02087670663 or Judy Pacheco 02087632606// 07949403741. For the flyer, click here.

Sat 13 Jun. 4.00 p.m. New College, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Konkani Dramatic Association. Tiatr! Tiatr! Him Tujim Panvlam. KDA 8th production, written & directed by comedian Santana Fernandes performing with the most famed tiatrists from Goa. Felcy (Nightingale of Goa), Luis Bachan Top comedian, Joana (Queen of comedy), James Vaz, Philip De Chandor and UK Tiatrists. Tickets are £12.00 and £10.00 pre-booked. Contact: Alvaro 07745773919, Domnic 07872064811 or Xavier 0179 3325686/ 07961560935. For the flyer, click here.

Sun 14 Jun. 12.00 p.m. Copland High School, Cecil Avenue, Wembley. North London. Konkani Dramatic Association. Tiatr! Tiatr! Him Tujim Panvlam. KDA 8th production, written & directed by comedian Santana Fernandes performing with the most famed tiatrists from Goa. Felcy (Nightingale of Goa), Luis Bachan Top comedian, Joana (Queen of comedy), James Vaz, Philip De Chandor and UK Tiatrists. Tickets are £12.00 and £10.00 pre-booked. Contact: Damacian 02083761609// 07940501196, Francis 07908591759, Anthony 02084529406// 07988896904, Santan 0208 7971950// 07904564658 and Rosy 0208 3529450. For the flyer, click here.

Sat. 20 Jun. Siolim Union (London) invites you to the first ever evening celebration of the feast of their patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua at Archbishop Lanfranc School Hall, Mitcham Road, Croydon CR9 3AS. Holy Mass will commence promptly at 5pm followed by dancing to the fabulous music of “Maz & Co.” and “Say One Do One” till 12 midnight. Licensed Bar. Tickets £10 each includes a meal. Children under 12 free admission. Dress: Strictly Formal (strictly no Jeans or Trainers) - the Siolim Union Committee reserves the right of admission. No Table Reservations Allowed. No tickets will be sold at the door so please book early to avoid disappointment. For tickets and further details please contact Eugene Fernandes 0208 6654773, Charlotte 0208 6564836, Vanessa 0208 3951084 or Loretta 0208 3309307

Sun. 21 Jun. Goan Chaplaincy Day. Eucharistic Celebration at 1.30pm followed by a get together. Venue: Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon. Details to follow. Contact Chaplaincy Office: 020 8665 2176 –Tuesday & Thursday between 10 am to 2pm.

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