G O A

Kranti Editor.

Sir

Please publish this article in your blog. I am a regular reader of your blog. Keep up the good work.

This is in response to Julio Cardozo's post about refereeing. I have a few points to make in this regard. Julio writes that referees are humans and that they are prone to make mistakes. I completely agree on this aspect. But the fact of the matter is that Julio should also understand that when we are talking about big league games there is a lot at stake. There is no drawing parallel between Soor soccer and professional league at the highest level. Please keep in mind that my article is only focusing on major soccer leagues.

For example, assuming Chelsea and Manchester City play one another the pressure on players is so enormous that sometimes it gets the better of them. Referees sometimes commit howlers as the whole world witnessed in the Champions League between Manchester United V/s Real Madrid.

Turkish referee committed a blunder that changed the whole complexion of the game. You may remember that Manchester United were in driving seat and in full flight until Nani was red carded for a high challenge. That foul deserved yellow at best. In a situation like this, what you expect the players to do? Kick the ground?

In the subsequent melee, the referee was surrounded by referee and the players began arguing and that is fine. The referee should also realize that he made mistake and the referee no doubt has a reverse gears on decisions but at least he is cautious knowing the fact that he is under the scanner. Imagine if the referee is not questioned he is under the impression that everything is cruising well, so it is important that the player hold up the mirror to him. In short, it keeps him on his toes.

For example, in premier league, a player can lose his berth temporarily for committing a mistake. Drawing parallel between soccer and other games, Julio should remember that soccer is played at ferocious tempo, end-to-end action, as opposed to slower pace of the other games.

When you play at high tempo, the adrenalin is pumping and the stress begins pick up steam. It has been scientifically proven that professional soccer players are more aggressive because the way the game is being played. Moreover, professional teams are under great pressure to deliver from their sponsors and as a result the pressure gets to the players.

Manchester City were at the receiving end last week as the referee failed to point to the dreaded spot after Everton player handled the ball. This again was a game changer. Manchester City players circled the referee and quite rightly so. Here they were being robbed of a goal and if emotions don’t run high---what will?

Subsequently, Everton’s tail was up after that and they fired on all cylinders and went on to win the match. On many occasions, referees have ruined matches due to bad decisions. So what does Julio has to say about situations like these? The referee always goes scot free but the players come under fire. Referees also never apologize for their mistakes. So as you can see referees always get away with their sloppiness and incompetence. In order to avoid this, we need to bring in technology into play. Just like the third umpire in cricket. Believe me it will change the landscape of football in a positive manner. Hope better sense prevails.

Seby Mascarenhas.

Edit - Herald

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has triggered a hornet’s nest with his statement on the floor of the House that Matanhy Saldanha was convinced that Mopa airport was needed for the State. The chief minister, if he expects universal public acceptance for this statement, may be in for a disappointment.

Ironically, though, Parrikar's statement may well be happily welcomed by the Opposition as the Mopa airport plan was initiated by local Congressmen and there are vested interests who will always fall silent because an airport at Mopa would mean a huge increase in valuation of landholdings in the vicinity, even for those with mokaso land!

The truth is that Matanhy was dead against Mopa. He foresaw that Goa’s over-development would sound the death knell of Goan identity. He even termed the airport plan as a "land scam" wherein builders were eyeing the project to build structures for migrants.

A year has gone by without Matanhy. Among those for whom power is an end in itself, Matanhy well may have been condemned as a failed politician. Many wrote him off as a disgruntled element, with some even concluding that he feared success. But giving credence to such assessments and conjectures would be to ignore a very fundamental aspect of his life ~ he lived his political-activist life as an underdog fighting for the rights of others. Perhaps Matanhy was a so-called failed politician but a resounding success as a man of the masses, who was ahead of his times at that. Agree with him or disagree, it cannot be denied that his lifelong opposition to government policies he perceived as anti-people and his passion for Goa were his calling cards. He dreamed of a better, more equitable Goa and was extremely vocal about what he strongly felt ~ Goa, Goa and more Goa.

As early as 2008, he lamented the indiscriminate hill cutting and vociferously opposed the manner in which hillocks were being flattened in Mandrem, Chopdem and Korgao that adversely affected the forest cover. Matanhy is on record as stating that "Goa is already saturated". The following extract from his 2008 Press note is a telling blow to those who presume that the people will believe what is being said about him today:

“With further profit-ridden development, by builders, real estate agents, and some unscrupulous elected representatives, Goa soon will make Goans not only a minority, but strangers in their own land. Do we want this? Goans and all who love Goa, irrespective of religion, caste, region or political affiliations, UNITE to stop Goa from being eliminated.”

More tellingly, on Mopa, he said in an interview published in November 2002: "I am totally against another airport in Goa. Goa is too small for another airport. They (politicians) don’t know the implications...

The whole idea of the airport arose because Disneyland wanted to come to Goa. So they wanted to do it on a Build Operate Transfer basis… Why didn’t they exchange Dabolim airport for Anjidiva when the island was handed over to the Indian Navy? There was nothing anti-national about it. In Hyderabad, the chief minister compelled the Indian Air Force to leave. He said, he wants to make Hyderabad an international airport. So, what national security are we talking about?”

Apparently, the ruling dispensation has gone back on the solemn commitment made at the funeral of Matanhy, promising to keep his legacy alive. Would he, if he had been among us today, accepted and/or signed up to the Chief Minister's statement? Your guess is as good as ours.

Bangladesh prior to its independence on 16th December 1971 was a part of Pakistan as it was then known as East Pakistan while the current Pakistan was known as West Pakistan but both the wings known as Pakistan under one sovereignty and one national flag. Though it was under one Pakistan yet East Pakistani people were not happy to remain under one Pakistan. Since independence from the British, East Pakistanis were clamouring for separate homeland for them, independent of West Pakistan. East Pakistanis always felt that under united Pakistan where West’s influence was more dominant, they were likely to lose their Bengali culture, tradition and everything related to Bengali including their mother tongue Bengali, the language of the great Indian Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Hence they decided to secede from the West and establish their own independent country as Bangladesh.

To form their own independent nation, on 26th March 1971 under their patriotic leader Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, gave a call to all East Pakistani people to revolt against West Pakistan to create an independent sovereign nation known as Bangladesh. Within East Pakistan revolution took place and thousands of East Pakistani people to avoid atrocities committed on to them by the West Pakistani troops, fled to India. Indian States bordering East Pakistan flooded with refugees coming from East Pakistan. To support them physically India under Premier Indira Gandhi had to face lot of problems major being financial. To raise adequate finance for this cause India taxed its citizens by way of 25 Paise Stamp Tax for the every financial transaction carried on by the Indians in India. This was the big financial burden on Indians to support the cause of Bangladesh and its people.

Additionally when every opportunity failed to settle the dispute peacefully between East Pakistan and West Pakistan, India in support of East Pakistan’s claim for the total independence, waged a war against Pakistani Armed Forces based in East Pakistan and within a few days of most bloody war, liberated East Pakistan from the sovereignty of West Pakistan leading for an independent sovereign East Pakistan known as Bangladesh.

In this war for the liberation of Bangladesh India lost in millions financially plus thousands of its soldiers. It was a big sacrifice on the part of India for the sake of Bangladesh’s liberation. Additionally which is the worst result of this war, India created a Pakistani front for itself in Kashmir bordering West Pakistan. As a revenge for helping East Pakistani Bengalis for the creation of Bangladesh and splitting one united Pakistan into two parts, Pakistan is supporting secessionist movement in Indian Kashmir with arms and ammunitions and finance. This is the biggest set-back for India for its earlier support for the creation of Bangladesh.

Some political analysts said India in the first place should not have involved in the internal affairs of Pakistan in its dispute with East Pakistan. Because of this one wrong decision of Congress Party under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, India is now facing the onslaught of Pakistan in Indian Kashmir. Because of this one small spot the entire India is bleeding and suffering and it will go on bleeding thus forever. According to the events going on in Indian Kashmir now, with the clandestine support from Pakistan, Kashmiri people in Indian Kashmir will never stop fighting with Indian government until Indian Kashmir is reunited with the Pakistani Kashmir for the final establishment of one sovereign independent Kashmir. The way India helped East Pakistan to secede from West Pakistan earlier in the same way now Pakistan is helping Indian Kashmiris to secede from India for the creation of separate independent Kashmir. It is a ‘Tit – for – Tat’ war where India is totally at the mercy of Pakistani terrorism.

Now, coming back to Bangladesh, on 26th of this month it marked its National and Independence Day by remembering everyone who helped Bangladesh to free itself from Pakistan but never making any mention of India and its heroic role in liberating it from West Pakistan. If it was not for India, Bangladesh would never come into existence.

Are all the current leaders of Bangladesh including its Premier, President and Ambassador in Kuwait gone blind to what India done for its liberation? In the local Press in Kuwait their messages have been published but without mentioning India’s name. Is it a sign of INGRATITUDE? It looks like!! After all it was said by Shakespeare "the good that man does often interred with the bones while evil always remains after him".

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

Kuwait: CRC Chinchinim will hold the finals of their 20th Edition 9-aside Football Tournament on Friday, 5th April 2013 at MoH grounds, Shuwaikh. The finals will be preceded by the semi-finals matches as follows:

· Don Bosco Oratory v/s Indian Strikers
· AVC & Skynet Raiders

The first game will begin at 6:45am. The tournament is played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation and officiated by IFRA referees.

According to CRC Chinchinim President Bosco Leitao, a number of dignitaries and presidents of participating clubs are expected to attend the event. Like every year, CRC established 'Athlete of the Year' award will be presented to the most deserving personality for outstanding services in the field of Kuwait-Indian sports in general and football in particular.

SKYNET RAIDERS

DON BOSCO ORATORY

INDIAN STRIKERS

AVC OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION

Following is the list of 'Athlete of the Year' award winners. 1. Alcantra Barretto (Navelim Youth Centre) -1995
2. Francis Machado (CRC Chinchinim) - 1996
3. V.K.Vohra (ex-President of KIFF) - 1997
4. Inacio Faleiro (ex-President of KIFF) - 1998
5. Tony Coutinho (GOA Maroons) - 1999
6. Judas Fernandes (CRC Chinchinim) - 2000
7. Cajetan Godinho (Veterans XI) - 2001
8. Joseph Salema (United Goans Centre) - 2002
9. Sarto Baptista (United Friends Club) - 2003
10. Gasper Crasto (Navelim Youth Centre) - 2004
11. Gajendra Pillay (GOA Maroons) - 2005
12. Tony Dias (ex-President KIFF & Santos FC) - 2006
13. Julio Cardoso (GOA Maroons) - 2007
14. Tony Gonsalves (United Goans) - 2008
15. Avelino Dias (Navelim Youth Centre) - 2009
16. Anthony Rebello (Curtorcares United) - 2010
17. Americo Fernandes (Navelim Youth Centre) - 2011

ABOUT CHINCHINIM
Cultural and Recreational club of Chinchinim as the name indicates is an organization for Chinchonkars based in Kuwait.

Founded in 1992, by only a handful of Chinchonkars, CRCC Kuwait started initially as a soccer club. At the same time they also founded the CRC football tournament also known as the BBK trophy because of the financial backing by the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait.

The club also organizes annual picnics for its members and their families in addition to other get-togethers held during the year.

In 1994, the club members decided to organize a Christmas dance party. And so December 12th of 1994 marked the beginning of what was to become a very successful annual event in the Goan calendar in Kuwait. Every year since then the annual 'Fiesta' is being held during the Christmas season.

Remarkably, CRCC Kuwait has only had two presidents since its birth. Anselmo Furtado and Bosco Leitao. They, along with the backing of other committed members, have helped make the CRCC name one of class and prestige.

From the very beginning CRCC had established a scholarship fund for the bright and upcoming students of the Chinchinim village. This scholarship was awarded to Chinchinim student toppers in all the various schools in the village back home.

In addition to helping the village, the club has also aided other organizations when in need. This has not been limited to Goan organizations or needs only. The club also looks after its members in Kuwait and uses its collective influence to assist everyone.

CRCC is still a young club, but it has earned a lot of recognition for its achievements in Kuwait. And surely the best is yet to come!

By Aires Rodrigues

In a major setback to Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar, he has today lost his political control over the Corporation of City of Panaji. Manohar Parrikar pulled every trick under his sleeve to retain power at the CCP. He even manipulated most undemocratically and abruptly in postponing the Mayor’s election which was earlier scheduled last month. Manohar Parrikar publicly claims that he does not interfere in Municipal and Panchayat politics, but we know it all.

Will Manohar Parrikar’s losing grip over the CCP be the beginning of the much needed Parivartan? It has to be seen whether the Ponda Municipality which goes to the polls next month is the next destination.

Vaidehi Naik is one of the most incompetent and inept Mayor Panaji has seen. She was basically a puppet dancing to her master Manohar Parrikar’s tunes. Surendra Furtado may be a very seasoned Councillor but he would now as the Mayor have to deliver and prove his mettle. As a first step in the right direction he should surrender that red beacon which is being used on the Mayor’s car and not wait for the Supreme Court clamp down. The Supreme Court has now ruled that use of the red beacon should be limited to only top constitutional authorities.

Let us hope that now all the 30 Corporators will put their hands together for the better of Panaji. The CCP coffers are empty while it is embroiled in knee deep Corruption ridden scams and scandals. It all stinks more than Panaji’s garbage.

By Aires Rodrigues

It is appropriate that the Goa Government has decided to name the Goa Engineering College after Goa’s first Chief Minister late Dayanand Bandodokar.

But successive governments despite their assurances have done nothing in memory of Goa’s first Leader of the Opposition Dr Jack Sequeira. But for Dr Jack Sequeira’s then tireless efforts, Goa might have today been languishing as a mere taluka of Maharastra

Dayanand Bandodkar and Dr Jack Sequeira had a vision and passion for Goa. Only a few of such politicians still remain in our midst and will be also always remembered for the good they have done for this State. About the rest and in particularly some of the current politicians who have been leading and steering Goa down the gutters there will be no obituary to write and no land remaining to even raise a Samadhi. May be the Central jail being built at Colvale could be named after one of them.

Dayanand Bandodkar and Dr Jack Sequeira dared to speak what their heart felt. Unlike many of today’s politicians who are self-centered, they relentlessly raised and pursued issues concerning the backward, down-trodden and neglected communities of Goa.

It is imperative that students today in our schools and colleges should be told and made aware of the contribution of Dayanand Bandodkar and Dr Jack Sequeira towards Goa. They cannot remain our forgotten heroes.

Politics today is no longer a mission, not even an honest profession. It has been reduced to a scoundrel’s last resort. It has become a ruthless business, with morals and ethics twisted beyond recognition, thrown to the winds or long buried deep in the slush of ignorance and thuggery. Those belonging to a genre of politicians with qualities of head and heart cannot survive in today’s politics. Today a politician has to be thick skinned and a hypocrite to the core. He has to be ready to break and bend all the rules to survive

It is distressing to see and be witness the continuing rampant destruction and devastation of Goa. We were promised a Parivartan by this government but Goa is just getting further corroded beyond recognition. Posterity will never forgive them for their selfish role in this irreparable damage and destruction of what was once known as our once beautiful Goa, the Paradise of the East.

“He is a despot, a dictator, a monster”, these were the very harsh words I heard in the early morning from the mouth of the late Baroness Margaret Thatcher on BBC News bulletin on 2nd August 1990. These very harsh words were deservingly referred to Iraqi dictator the late Saddam Hussein and these harsh words were spoken by Margaret Thatcher from the USA where she went for the summit meeting with the American President Bush Sr. Cutting short her other appointments she immediately rushed to President Bush and forcefully requested him to give a lead to wage a war against Saddam Hussein to liberate Kuwait from illegal Iraqi invasion. She said this Iraqi invasion of Kuwait should never be allowed and by all means Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi troops must be kicked out from Kuwait. If this invasion of a small country by the mighty Iraq is allowed then there is every possibility for the powerful nations to swallow their weak neighbours, said she. Hence, she requested USA to give a lead and other nations will surely follow this lead to liberate Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation.

She was the most matured and wisdomatic politician, not only a mighty politician but also a mighty Statesman. Because of her statesmanship she managed to get the support of USA to liberate Falkland from the hands of Argentina. USA being a part of America had obligation to support its continent’s colleague Argentina against Britain but thru her wisdomatic and shrewd diplomacy Margaret Thatcher won over USA and because of USA’s open and clandestine support, Britain finally regained the control of Falkland.

Soviet Russia branded her as Iron Lady. Yes, it was a right name befitting her character. In Northern Ireland when the movement gained momentum for independence she shut her door for any negotiation for such talks even when so many young people died in hunger strike. She was so adamant that she even remarked saying “I don’t care for the deaths of hunger strikers”. Then the then Pope pleaded with the hunger strikers to end their strike and when Pope’s pleas also fell on deaf ears, Pope declared that “killing oneself thru hunger strike is a sin of suicide which is against Christian doctrine that prohibits oneself from taking one’s own life".

During the Commonwealth CHOGM Retreat in Goa in early eighties she made a point to go to Dona Paula where there is a small Cemetery where British soldiers killed in the Second World War were buried. Margaret Thatcher when she went to pay her homage to those British soldiers in that Cemetery she asked her aide “who looks after the maintenance of this Cemetery?” And when she was shown the old Goan lady standing at one corner and who was keeping the Cemetery clean, Margaret Thatcher was moved by the good work of that old Goan lady and removing from her bag gave that old Goan lady a few Notes of Indian Rupees, of course with tears in her eyes.

The other time I noticed tears in her eyes was when she was dethroned from the Premiership after serving for three long innings with top credibility.

In mid-eighties she visited Kuwait and during the Press Conference one Palestinian Journalist asked her a very lengthy question for which she bluntly remarked asking her Kuwaiti aide thus “is it a question or a speech”?

In her death world lost a great personality, a great political figure and a great statesman of whose type it is very difficult to come again. Her contribution in the movement for the liberation of Kuwait will be remembered in the history books written in golden letters. May her soul rest in peace.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

Kuwait: Comedian Agostinho will present his new Super-hit Konkani Tiatr "Corruption Kabar?" in Kuwait at the Kuwait Medical Association Hall, Jabriya, on Friday, 12th April 2013.

The star cast for the show includes veteran stage artiste Sabina, Jessica, Comedian Janet, Jaju, Jr. Nelson, Salu de Loutolim, Filipe Almeida, Hitman of Konkani Stage Sylvester Vaz, Comedian Selvy, Director -Comedian Agostinho Temudo, and singing sensation Seby de Divar, among others.

Comedian Agostinho's acting in Konkani dramas and video films during the last decade has acclaimed him as one of Konkani stage's top rated comedians.

Agostinho came into 'global' limelight with his first VCD 'Mar taka Soddnaka' which became an instant super-duper hit. His other VCDs 'Sorry Pai', 'Kuroikar', 'Sunday', Gantti Goenkar, etc, were also well accepted.

Agostinho also has audio albums of jokes and songs to his credit – the popular ones being Interview, Good-for-nothing, Suseg, and Honeymoon. Perhaps Agostinho is one of the few Konkani artistes to feature in over 50 other audio albums and many more videos as well.

In recent years, Agostinho has toured UK and Canada along with some of Goa's top most artistes and has entertained hundreds of thousand audiences with superhit dramas like Police, Public, etc. His comedy is highly captivating. He is perhaps one of the few artistes and comedians to stand up to the expectations of local (Kuwait) public and remain one of the top-most performers till date. He has overshadowed most of the visiting stars - whichever show he has performed.

Comedian Agustinho is the eldest son among 4 brothers and one sister. He hails from Dongorim, Navelim. He is happily married and blessed with a son and daughter.

In his own words, Comedian Agustinho rates the Kuwait audience as one the most knowledgeable Konkani audience.

On 22nd of March 2013 an appeal appeared in this forum for financial assistance for one ex-Kuwait Goan, Jose M. Rodrigues, currently suffering from one sickness in Goa. According to one source he is afflicted with very bad sickness requiring lot of money for the medication. Because of his pathetic financial scarcity he came with an appeal. Cannot we Kuwaitkars help this man now who was with us earlier in our midst facing along with others good time and bad time too?

We Kuwaitkars did lot of charities for our Goans suffering from financial defficiencies in Goa but neglected our brothers and sisters suffering below our own eyes. The late Mr. Araujo was the first and the only one till now to be hanged in Kuwait somewhere in 1989 for murdering two persons – one Egyptian Bus Conductor and the other a Turkish Bus Driver of the same Kuwait Public Transport Bus. He had his brother in Kuwait but was not rich enough to hire a top lawyer to fight for Mr. Araujo. The need for financial assistance was imperative. So his brother by borrowing from here and there managed to collect little amount which was suffice enough to get the services only of a mediocre lawyer who could not save the late Araujo from going to the gallows.

Vincente Desouza was a long timer in Kuwait, a dynamic Goan personality and extremely influential among Goans in Kuwait who used to do lot of social work. He was a strong lover of Goa and was the first Goan from Kuwait to create a bridge between Goans and other nationalities. He was the person responsible to establish Kuwait Goan Association, Goan Arts Circle, initiate New Indian School Jabriya, Direct Flight from Kuwait to Goa movement and Gulf Goans Hotels Co. Ltd. The last initiative of his was to establish Goan Welfare Society-Kuwait.

The foundation for GWS was laid down with a public meeting at Hotel Sheraton where I was a very much part of it to encourage Mr. Vincente to go ahead provided this association serves the poor Kuwait Goans by helping them financially and otherwise. Even in my speech there on that day I have highlighted the financial problem Araujo’s brother faced to hire a good lawyer to fight the case of Araujo to commute his sentence. Additionally I have impressed upon the gathering there we should not allow any Goan to suffer due to lack of finance.

Accordingly GWS was formed and thru holding of socials some funds was created which was to spend for the welfare of Kuwait Goans irrespective of whether he is a member of GWS or not. The benefit of GWS must go to every needy Goan. This was our initial motto.

GWS is at the moment is having around one crore of rupees in its kitty. This fund has been collected for and on behalf of Goans to be utilised for the good of Goans. Unfortunately this fund of GWS is kept dormant. Some financial assistance could have been a very good gesture at this moment for our ex-Kuwait Goan who is sick in Goa and need financial assistance. But who will enlighten the big bosses of GWS? The sick man in Goa must have been directly or indirectly a part of the promotion of GWS when he was in Kuwait though personally I dont know him.

GWS is not in the hands of proper Goans, there are some people involved in it who are of questionable character and there is not a single person in it to fight for justice.

Take for example; when it re-started its operations in Kuwait after the invasion and liberation of Kuwait many of the founder members were not even informed, they were kept in total darkness. Unfortunately to raise this issue in GWS there was not a single voice to ask justice for all those founder members who were deliberately kept out. Even the new managing committees under new leaders remained silent on this topic giving an impression that there is not a single person in GWS who is capable for fighting for justice. Tomorrow these people will return to Goa and when they shout at the top of their voices for justice in Goa, surely persons like me will ask them what type of justice they are talking when they themselves are known to promote injustice in Kuwait among Goans?

Is there anyone in GWS to raise this issue and the issue of ailing Mr Jose M. Rodrigues for whom some financial assistance could be sent from the public fund collected from the public?

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

They themselves take the LOlIPOps home saying that 20 years they served GWS a bigger lollipop and those who completed 10 years have taken a small lollipop. There is NO innocent neither decent personality in GWS. The members of GWS... their wedding anniversaries, silver jublees, children commuinion parties, children wedding parties they are giving GOLD gifts from the GWS funds and how they will raise their VOICE?????

All are equally balanced and guilty and moreover all of them have PORTUGUSE PASSPORTS and other foreign passports. None in that circle is a just person to fight for justice for others. I feel sorry for the huge funds of GWS which ultimately will disappear the way the fund of Kuwait Goan Evacuees Society's Fund disappeared. Some of the super crooks involved in KGES are again a part of GWS and what good one can expect from such crooks?

Thanks & Regards.

(IDENTITY WITHELD ON REQUEST)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: averonicaf806@hotmail.com

To: averonicaf806@hotmail.com

Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:58:49 +0000

G O A

--No plans in this revolution are written for retreat--

April 10, 2013

UTILISE GWS-KUWAIT FUND FOR THE GOOD OF GOANS.

The article on GWS Kuwait Fund on 10.04.13 written by the Kuwait based writer and activist Mr. A. Veronica Fernandes was the best among all the best he wrote recently in Goa-Kranti. Kuwait Goans are fortunate to have among them such a solid personality who does lot of awakening in support of justice. There is not a single writer in Kuwait among Goans capable of doing such just writings as Mr. Veronica does.

Veronica is the most upright Goan among all the known Kuwait Goans and because he is such he can write bold articles as on GWS Fund. Mr. Veronica even after being in Kuwait for such a long period and doing so many activities has never got a black spot on his white shirt. He has not duped anyone, he was not involved in any fund scandal, he did not misapropriate any fund, he was not involved in womanizing and in concubinage, he was not involved in rowdism, he is not a drunkard. His path is straight. For these reasons he acquired success in all his campaigns and activities. Among all the popular and prominent Kuwait Goans he is the only person so far remained above suspicion. Anyone is free to correct me with genuine justification, if I am wrong

About GWS Fund, according to me this fund was collected to spend for the benefit of Kuwait Goans and not to keep idle for such a long period. Kuwait Goans must raise their voices against this. The Dolls and others in GWS should not be allowed to take the community for a ride.

There is not a single person in GWS to fight for justice, all are chamchas and yes men otherwise they would act adroitly. None of the members is capable to create impact in society. Beyond GWS they are nothing. They got GWS on silver platter.

Carmo Santos was the president of this GWS for some years but why he did not raise the issue of founder members who were kept out of GWS? Carmo Santos needs to answer this question. Like all others he too is at fault of being silent on this topic when power was in his hands.

It is true that some important members of GWS are holding Portuguese Passports. It is against Indian system and India law. If anyone supplies me their names I will directly bring it out to the notice of Indian Embassy with cc to CBI-Delhi. GWS Kuwait is an Indian organization registered with Indian Embassy and how can foreign national involve in it? This dual passport issue is a very serious issue and it has to be handled very seriously.

Thanks.

A. FERNANDES.

Navelim born and Bahrain based Mr. G.R. Crasto (Gabriel Crasto), a prominent Goan in the Middle-East will be celebrating his Silver Anniversary of his Marriage to wife Catherine on 18th April 2013 at the Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain.

Mr. Gabriel has been one of the prominent members of Young Goans Club in Bahrain for the last many years and has been elected for different posts at the club.

Mr. Gabriel writes fluently both in English and in Roman script Konkani. He has been writing right from his school days. Apart from writing exclusively for Gulab and Goan Review Magazines, Gabriel has written a series of articles for different publications. His works have appeared in Uzvadd - Weekly Magazine, Goencho Mog, Novem Goem and the English Daily West Coast Times.

He has regularly written poems, short stories, one-act plays and dramas. His one-act play 'Kalina' won the Konkani Bhasha Mandal Award, while his drama 'Harijan' was well-recognized for it's subject.

Mr. Gabriel Crasto also received the Man of the Year 2006 Award from the Goan Review Art Foundation, and is also a recipient of Goan NRI Leadership Award from the Government of Goa.

In Bahrain, Mr. Gabriel won many prizes for his plays at one-act play competitions organized by Young Goans Club, Riffa Goans, etc.

Mr. Gabriel has been living in Bahrain since the last 30 years and is currently working for Bahrain’s famous Jalal Travel Agency as a Manager. He is an active member of both Young Goans Club and Konkan Singers and served in different capacities in their managing committees.

Some years back, Mr. Gabriel headed a football team called United Goans which ran for over 5 years in Bahrain. Along with his friend Mr. Francis Correia, Mr. Gabriel formed the Goan Dramatic Troupe. Under this group they organized many dramas and Musical shows.

Mr. Gabriel is currently Bahrain Goans Football League Chairman.

In recent years he contributes most of his thoughts through ‘Bahrain-Goans Xit-Koddi’, a web-portal published every month.

Coming back to the Silver Jubilee, Bab Crasto you are residing in Bahrain and I am in Kuwait and still you remembered me to send your invitation card to attend your great occasion. I regret my inability to attend because of the geographical barrier but I pray to God to bless you both husband and wife.

You and me we both are two separate identities but having the same ideology towards Goa and Goans. I am proud of the activities you have been doing for the cause of Goa and Goans. Please continue in doing what you are doing. I am sure your beloved wife must have been assisting you in the same. I hope she too will continue in assisting you towards your activities for the greater cause of Goa and Goans. I am also sure your both the children are imbibing you and gradually they will take over from you when everyone will say "Like Father - Like Children".

To live together as husband and wife for Twenty Five long years so successfully is not a joke especially now when the temptations are so many. Many couples separate from each other just within 25 hours of their marriage but you have lived together for 25 long years, it is very much admirable. You both husband and wife are blessed couple to live like this and I hope and pray to God to keep you together as you are now to celebrate not only Golden Jubilee but Platinum Jubilee also.

As a Silverian myself, I know how difficult it is to remain embedded to each other but with real love and faithfulness to each other one can easily overcome all the obstacles that comes on one’s path.

Though you both completed 25 long years together yet looking from the recent photo above, both together in a jovial mood, it looks to me that you are just a newly married couple wedded just 25 days before and not 25 years before. Your youthfulness is an added freshness to your success. Keep maintaining the same youthfulness even though age may try to meddle in between. For genuine love age should not be a hindrance.

Finally I wish you Gabriel and your wife Catherine all the best.

A happy 25th Wedding Anniversary. May God Bless You Both.

A. Veronica Fernandes.

Kuwait.

DON BOSCO LIFTS COVETED CRC TROPHY.

SEEN ABOVE RIGHT SIDE, FIDELIS FERNANDES

WINNERS DON BOSCO

Kuwait: Don Bosco Oratory emerged champions of the 20th Edition CRC Chinchinim 9-aside Football Tournament beating Skynet Raiders in the tie-breaker in the finals played at MoH grounds, Shuwaikh.

The tie-breaker was enforced after the teams failed to break the deadlock in a pulsating final. Don Bosco turned out better shooters from the spot. Godfrey Aguair and Roney excelled for Don Bosco, while Skynet goalkeeper Melvin showed immense reflexes throughout the tournament.

Earlier, in the semifinals, Don Bosco defeated Indian Strikers while Skynet Raiders overcame inform AVC to reach the finals.

A number of dignitaries and presidents of participating clubs attended the finals. Glittering prizes and trophies were awarded to the winners and runners-up.

Samson of Skynet was awarded Man of the Match while Godfrey Aguiar was adjudged best defender of the tournament.

CRC Chinchinim President Mr. Bosco Leitao spoke on the occasion and also proposed a Vote of Thanks. Vice President of the CRC Chinchinim Mr. Venancio Pereira, Anthony H. Viegas – Sports-Incharge, Gen. Secretary Mr. Olvin Leitao, Lester Fernandes – Team coordinators, Anthony Fernandes – Team Manager, and other members of the club were also present on the occasion.

Mr. Aleixo Minguel Fernandes, CRC Chinchinim’s longest serving player and member was felicitated on the occasion at the hands of Mr. Olvin Leitao.

The prestigious and popular CRC established 'Athlete of the Year' award instituted since 1994 was presented to Mr. Fidelis Fernandes, President of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF), for yeomen services rendered in the promotion of football among Indian expatriates.

The award was presented at the hands of CRC Chinchinim President Mr. Bosco Leitao.

Fidelis Fernandes awarded Athlete of the Year

Fidelis Fernandes hails from Colva, Salcette, Goa and has been President of KIFF for 4 consecutive years. He is associated with KIFF for several years in various positions and has been elected in the past to executive committees of New Goan Overseas Association (1987), Goan Welfare Society (GWS) (1989), Colva United Centre-Kuwait (2005), Kuwait Goan Association (KGA), among others.

Though he is not a sportsman himself, during his younger days till now, Fidelis has been prominent as a well known sports administrator. Throughout his career in Goa, in his village, he was known to organise sports events at every level -- and mainly in his village school, Infant Jesus High School.

He was elected general secretary of Sporting Club of Colva, back home in Goa, in the year 1973.

Inheriting his father’s aptitude for sports, in Kuwait, Fidelis embarked in the promotion of Football among expatriates. His major step in this direction was the formation of one sports body called New Goan Overseas Association (NGOA) to promote football. In 1990, under his Presidency, NGOA football team created a unique record by being the first Kuwait Goan team to play exhibition matches in Bahrain.

Fidelis came into more limelight as an able sports administrator after the invasion and liberation of Kuwait when he joined Goan Overseas Association as its Sports Secretary. He helped Goa Maroons to develop vastly and win laurels in Kuwait and elsewhere in the Gulf. He organised an athletic event in 2002 at Sour grounds for Indian students studying in different Indian schools in Kuwait. In 1995 he joined KIFF and in 2003 under his initiative, KIFF invited All India Football Federation secretary Mr. Alberto Colaco to visit Kuwait to witness KIFF finals.

In 2009, Fidelis was elected as president of KIFF and he is still occupying the hot KIFF president's post with very great efficiency uniting not only Goans but also other Indians under one banner.

Apparently, Fidelis is also the President of the Konkani Heritage Kuwait (KHK) which has, in the past, presented Konkani tiatrs, one-act play competitions, singing competitions, and Konkani ‘songit sanz’ (musical) shows in Kuwait under his able direction.

Following is the list of 'Athlete of the Year' award winners.

1. Alcantra Barretto (Navelim Youth Centre) -1995

2. Francis Machado (CRC Chinchinim) - 1996

3. V.K.Vohra (ex-President of KIFF) - 1997

4. Inacio Faleiro (ex-President of KIFF) - 1998

5. Tony Coutinho (GOA Maroons) - 1999

6. Judas Fernandes (CRC Chinchinim) - 2000

7. Cajetan Godinho (Veterans XI) - 2001

8. Joseph Salema (United Goans Centre) - 2002

9. Sarto Baptista (United Friends Club) - 2003

10. Gasper Crasto (Navelim Youth Centre) - 2004

11. Gajendra Pillay (GOA Maroons) - 2005

12. Tony Dias (ex-President KIFF & Santos FC) - 2006

13. Julio Cardoso (GOA Maroons) - 2007

14. Tony Gonsalves (United Goans) - 2008

15. Avelino Dias (Navelim Youth Centre) - 2009

16. Anthony Rebello (Curtorcares United) - 2010

17. Americo Fernandes (Navelim Youth Centre) – 2011

18. Fidelis Fernandes – 2012-13

About CRC Chinchinim Cultural and Recreational club of Chinchinim as the name indicates is an organization for Chinchonkars based in Kuwait.

Founded in 1992, by only a handful of Chinchonkars, CRCC Kuwait started initially as a Football club. At the same time they also founded the CRC football tournament also known as the BBK trophy because of the financial backing by the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait.

The club also organizes annual picnics for its members and their families in addition to other get-togethers held during the year.

Remarkably, CRCC Kuwait has only had two presidents since its birth. Anselmo Furtado and Bosco Leitao. They, along with the backing of other committed members, have helped make the CRCC name one of class and prestige.

From the very beginning CRCC had established a scholarship fund for the bright and upcoming students of the Chinchinim village. This scholarship was awarded to Chinchinim student toppers in all the various schools in the village back home.

In addition to helping the village, the club has also aided other organizations when in need. This has not been limited to Goan organizations or needs only. The club also looks after its members in Kuwait and uses its collective influence to assist everyone.

By Aires Rodrigues

Goa Governor Mr. B.V.Wanchoo has to be lauded for not giving his assent to those draconian and unjustified amendments to the Goa Lokayukta Act which were adamantly bull dozed through by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in the last session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

The Governor has rightly invoked his constitutional discretion and sent the amendments back to the Legislative Assembly and has asserted that he is not a rubber stamp Governor. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar should now also come clear on who really had proposed those draconian amendments now sent back by the Goa Governor. Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni’s legal acumen is also now in question as surely those amendments were vetted by him or may have had his tacit consent.

It is now hoped that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will bow down in all humility to the wishes of Goans and pass in the current session of the Legislative Assembly his promised amendments on the lines of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act so that the Goa Lokayukta Act is empowered with the right powers and teeth to tackle the current rampant corruption and mal administration prevalent in the State. The Goa Government could seek the advice and assistance of former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hedge while finalizing these amendments. The fee of Rs 500 required to be paid by those filing a complaint before the Lokayukta should be scrapped as it would put off citizens from filing cases against corruption and mal administration.

The Goa State Chief Information Commissioner and the State Information Commissioner should also be appointed immediately in a very transparent manner and in accordance with law. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar should not dare repeat his earlier ploys while attempting to high-handedly appoint Pandurang Nadkarni and Pradeep Padwal as Information Commissioners.

The Chief Minister faltering and goofing on almost every issue is due to his high levels of arrogance and his uncontrollable tongue. Both these of his acute deficiencies are inter-related to the brain and Manohar Parrikar would have to deal with them on a top priority. I wish I could have been of help but Mr. Manohar Parrikar would have to seek assistance at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) at Bambolim. The sooner he does the better for Goa. Let us hope he gets well soon.

He came to power like a thief, stayed away from his country for about 5 long years like a thief, returned to his country and when his bail application was rejected by the court he ran away from the courtroom like a thief and finally he was arrested by his country’s security like a thief only. This is Pakistan’s once strong man General Pervez Musharraf. His biggest mistake was illegally robbing the power from the legally elected Premier of Pakistan Nawaz Sharief.

This was the biggest robbery Musharraf commited on the will of the people of Pakistan by dethroning Premier Nawaz Sharief who was duly elected by the people of Pakistan and sending him into exile to Saudi Arabia. Good that Saudi authorities intervened otherwise I am sure Musharraf would send Sharief to the gallows just as earlier General Zia sent Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to the gallows.

‘Sword beget Sword’, says the holy book Bible. Nawaz Sharief is nicely enjoying his freedom as a free man while his enemy Musharraf who wanted to punish Sharief is himself punished by the law of Pakistan's judiciary. "Sword beget Sword".

What made Musharraf to take things lightly and return to Pakistan and fall into the jaws of court’s punishment? There was a time he with his iron fist used to bend and subdue the power of Pakistani Judiciary but now the same Judiciary is bending Musharraf and teaching him a very good lesson which he never expected - "Sword beget sword". These are Biblical words and one must pay respect to these word.

When once Musharraf tasted power it is very difficult for him later on to stay without power. For this reason he must have returned to Pakistan because 5 years in England and Dubai he spent with frustration for living without any power. It is very difficult for a person to remain powerless after tasting the power. It is said, "Lion once tasted blood will never give up tasting blood again". This is the power of the POWER.

Musharraf cannot live without power and to get it back he returned to Pakistan. He had money but money is not everything in life. For beggars money is the only thing that matters in life while for persons like Musharraf POWER is also imperative. For this reason he came back to Pakistan like a fool not knowing what is in store for him and directly fell into the hands of Judicary which is very powerful in Pakistan now.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

In this month at Kuwait City Cassette Shop, 4 new Konkani Albums are kept on sale. Price is very cheap, each costing 250 Fils while the same Album in the original cover at Tiatro Hall and at Football Ground sold at KD 1.000, either CD or VCD. This VCD Mr. Godwin has dedicated to his beloved mother. All the songs and skits are written by Mr. Godwin Afonso and the musical score is provided by Llenoy Gomendes.

The VCD “ZOXEM MHAKA TOXEM TUKA” by Godwin Afonso deserves mention now and hence I pen down a few lines on this VCD consisting of Songs and Comedy Skits; songs are rendered by various well known singers, namely majestically pretty looking Jessica, seasoned singer Felcy, Platilda’s daughter Ilma, Anthony San and Godwin Afonso himself. While the comedy skits performed by natural comedian Jesus, renowned comedy queen Platilda, ex Kuwaitkar and prominent Tiatro writer – director Pal Soares whose new Tiatro will be released shortly and other artistes.

The comedy was excellent and both the natural comedians Platilda and Jesus played their roles extremely well, Jesus was at his best while rendering a comedy duet “Antonet ani Competer” with equally smart Platilda, exhibiting his natural feelings thus making the song more lively. As for Platilda, once beauty of Konkani Stage but now inspite of aging dished out her role exactly in the same manner as she used to do when she first appeared on Konkani stage in mid-sixties with her brother Aires and promoted by the late M. Dod de Verna. She truly gives an added booster to this film even, as usual, speaking in Portuguese. Her assetic values on Konkani Stage are still vissible and in fact she is still an asset for Konkani Stage even though she is seen acting after a decade. I still remember her fantastic comedy roles she used to perform with Jacinto Vaz and Luis Rod. She has not lost any touch of her comedy even though it was a decade back she was last seen acting.

The songs to be admired are the ones rendered by Jessica with her mellifluent and trebulous voice with Felcy and other with Godwin Afonso. Anthony San’s solo is also meaningful. Godwin’s solo on “Cardanchi Pack” resembles that of the solo M. Dod de Verna rendered in his tiatro “No Vacancy” staged somewhere in 1958/59. Both the singers describe Biblical names and events by displaying the Cards while singing and comparing the same with the figures on the Cards. M. Dod de Verna's song was more meaningful and more educative. Here below I give its last two verses:

Khellak bhullele munis, paddinant Aitar sont

Eko munnnchem somzotat, ek Dev Sotivont,

Him assat don soimbam, Dev ani Munis jivont,

Martoch he tin khille, Jesuk bhogli khont.

He aslet choug Evangelist, thoddik panch chagam, Jesuche kuddik poi sou dissani Devan sounsar ghoddlo,

King vortoulo dhoni Sorga Sounsaracho, kon khellak bhulleat tanni xevttak Joker zauncho poddlo.

Mr. Dod de Verna was hard hitting at those who are afflicted with the vice of “Kartancho Khell” finally turning into JOKER. How true M. Dod de Verna was!! May his soul rest in peace. Since his death Konkani Stage has not produced another like him and if I am permitted, I can rightly say tha Konkani Stage will never produce another M. Dod de Verna.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

-by Gasper Crasto / Kuwait

Kuwait: Goan dramas or films are traditionally known to be based on true to life story-line to a certain extent.

However, a new dimension is seen in recent dramas where most of the scripts are focussed on government issues or bureaucracy. ‘Corruption Kabar?’, as the name suggests, written and directed by well-known slapstick director of Konkani stage Comedian Agustino Temudo was no exception.

A few decades back, learned directors like Tomazinho Cardozo and Mike Mehta tried their hands on these kind of subjects but never rose to great heights. ‘Corruption Kabar’ proves how popular ‘political-based’ dramas have become with the public. Or is it only the humour of Comedian Agustin and his sidekicks that does the trick?

Nonetheless, ‘Corruption Kabar,’ has a realistic sentiment in today’s world of corrupt bureaucracy. The performance which drew a full-house on 12th April 2013 can be termed as a sequel of Comedian Agustin’s earlier super-hit tiatr ‘Public’. The drama was lively, and provided an absorbing evening of entertainment with a combination of laughter, tit-for-tat dialogues and sensible songs.

The plot of the play centres on the theme of eliminating corruption, not just from governmental structure, but from every strata of society. The script has a flowing ‘twist’ in highlighting rape cases too which is somehow related to the whole script although practically it falls in a different area altogether.

The play has epic, captivating dialogues, entwined with hilarious comedy by Janet, Selvy and Comedian Agustino.

The cast comprises a troupe of thespians with Salu de Loutolim shining in his dual roles. Jessica, Tommy and Kuwait’s most popular star Sylvester Vaz bring color, charisma and nobility to the presentation. The brilliance of these actors is remarkable and demonstrates each actor’s individual talents. Salu de Loutolim’s terrific lightness and the spontaneity in his catchphrase dialogue ‘Kastachi asa tachi shape’, and the ethereal quality of his voice, makes him a standout nominee for a best actor award.

Veteran actress Sabina in the role of a widower is the emotional heart of the play, although the script lacks authentic emotions seen in yesteryear tiatrs of M. Boyer, C. Alvares, Rosario Rodrigues, Rosary Ferns, etc. But then, Comedian Agustin is no William Wordsworth to pen ‘touching’ tales, perhaps he relies on what is accepted by the public.

There were a number of other strong supporting performances by Jaju, Philip Almeida and Seby de Divar. Janet bloomed in her ‘lead’ role and in her bright outfits.

Director Agustin Temudo gave his role visibility, all the while delivering the most important sentences, and stressing on dialogues which were pivotal to the play. All the threesome -- Selvy, Janet, Agostinho were at their usual best with trademark accent and witty words.

Sylvester Vaz sang the opening chorus of the drama to a melodious music. Majority of the songs (cantaram) were noteworthy, but there were a few that stood a tad above the rest. Seby de Divar’s songs were well applauded although his style of singing has turned monotonous after only his second visit to Kuwait. Tommy’s songs were a cluster of variety -- nicely composed and weaved to stimulating tunes, he sang like a rock star. His song on Pope Francis was wonderful.

Political song by Seby de Divar, Sylvester, Tommy and Salu de Loutilim was based on the latest gimmicks by Goan politicians; however, the criticism directed at the government and some ministers is too open, too harsh (although it is nothing new in Konkani dramas). It unethically exploits India’s freedom of speech. There are countries in the world, including Kuwait, where even twitters against the government are forbidden. It is surprising that no action is taken on the self-professed firebrand Konkani singers by the Goa government.

Philip Almeida and Janet were fluent in style and rhythm with their ‘Kerala-Goa’ duet while Jessica sang exceptional, rhythmic songs too. Songs by Jaju, Sabina, Selvy, etc, were equally good.

Musical score for the show is credited to the troupe’s musicians James Vaz & Agnelo Dias.

Earlier at the start of the drama, director Agustino Temudo was honored by the organizers in appreciation to the yeoman service done for the enrichment of Konkani stage and the cause of Konkani in particular. He was presented with a memento at the hands of the chief guest Mr. Terry Lantz from US Embassy. Mr. Tony Gonsalves from Wembley, UK was the guest of honor while the organizers of the show in Dubai Mr. Anthony de Varca and Mr. Caje D’Costa were special invitees at the event.

Jesrico Dias, Agnelo Fernandes and Britto Pereira were the main organizers of the show supported by event assistants Ms. Martha (ex-Raja Stores), Mr. Felix de Merces, Mr. William D’ Souza, Domnic Araujo, Manuel Gomes, Santan Dias, Agnelo Rebello, Adrian Goes, etc. The show was co-sponsored by Sherly’s Beauty Saloon – Salmiya, Navelim Youth Centre, Skynet Raiders, Joaquim Vaz – Skynet, Rajendra Limbu – Nepal, Spinn, Brian Almeida – Parra, Marcos D’Costa – Navelim, Edgar Fernandes – Seraulim, Seby Fernandes – Sanvordem, Francisco Dias – Tivim, Francis Cruz (Azad Catering), Rocky D’Souza, Domnic Araujo – Santa Cruz and a well-wisher-Betalbatim.

:::The above NEWS appeared in Kuwait's Arab Times dated 23.04.2013:::

With my head down in shame as an Indian, I strongly condemn the attitude of Indian Delhi Police handling of the Rape case of the 5 year old poor Delhi girl last week. I also strongly condemn the action of Delhi Police in Slapping one female protester in the aftermath of the rape.

Seeing the innumerable Rape cases going on in India unchecked without strong preventive government measures, I feel disappointed to be a part of this country India where there is nothing good under the current corrupt leaders who are reluctant to enact stringent laws to prevent and to stop rapes in India. As a genuine Goan brought up in Goa decently under strict rules and regulation before this corrupt Bharat with its military might forcibly invade Goa, I feel I am in Hell now because the leaders of India are become Lucifers who are ruling India like ruling the Hell. Nothing is going well in India. I think India is become a failed Nation.

The freedom and independence from colonialists is become good only for the corrupt people and corrupt leaders. The current India is not meant for decent and good Indians. Only corrupt can attain success in India and they can easily get whatever they want by doing corruption. If there is no life security in India then I say “to hell with the freedom and independence”. I don’t want this type of India and I don’t want this type of freedom and independence where there is no life security for one’s life. Instead I prefer colonialism where life security was there. What is important in life is life security and without it the freedom and independence is meaningless.

The job of a policeman is a great job if it is done properly, nicely, decently and sincerely to protect the law and order and human life. Otherwise Policeman’s job is the most disgraceful job when this job is done disgracefully. In most cases policemen are most disgraceful creatures because by virtue of being a policeman he easily succumbs to the sins of corruption, illicit sex, bribe receiving, committing cruelty and ruthlessness and in one sentence everything bad and immoral. For this reason in Goa during Portuguese time persons having good family background were desisting from joining police force although isolated incidents were there. During that era in Goa only the last grade of Goans used to join police force because it was considered as below one’s human dignity to become a policeman when Potuguese Pakles used to treat Goan police personnel as pimps by keeping them on low level only.

Recently. the Chief Minister of Gooa Mr. Parrikar in the Goa Legislative Assembly told that Christians in Goa are shying away from Police jobs and according to me what he said was right. It is not now only, even during Portuguese era Goan Christians were rejecting police jobs because as true to their Christian doctrine, Christians cannot commit and perform the immorality, cruelty, barbarity, hard heartedness as normally associated with the police uniforms. As a policeman one has to be a Hitler to survive on his job and very few Christians with unchristian principle can become Hitlers.

When the father of that 5 year old raped Delhi girl went to file a complaint with the local police station, he was told by the police officer to remain thankful because the child is alive. That means, according to that rascal policeman the rapist has done a favour on the child’s parents by not killing her. See the barbarity on the part of that policeman!! Secondly the same policeman offered a bribe of Rs. 2000/- to the father of the child to close this case. This is another case of cruelty on the part of the policeman. Is India a civilised country? If yes, then why the important segment of Indian society, that is the Police Force acting cruel and barbaric? I think our police force should undergo before taking up their postings a course in Moral Science.

In India one cannot get anything unless one shouts and comes on to the streets in demonstration. This happens because our leaders are immune to listen to the public pleas when told silently and decently because our leaders are deaf and corrupt. To bring pressure on the authorities to enact stringent laws to control the rapes in India, people in big number last week came on to the streets of Delhi. While they were demonstrating, one policeman like a brute wild animal gave a slap on the face of one of the female demonstrators without any hesitation. During Portuguese time when the cruel Agente Monteiro to extract confession from one lady he beat her on her palms with a thick ruler. When this matter was brought to the notice of the higher authority, Agente Monteiro was severely reprimanded because during those days of colonial rule in Goa, colonialist Pakle treated females with highest respect while in free Goa and in independent India Ghantti policemen disrespect females for this reason as shown in the photo above Ghantti Indian Policeman blindly slaps one female demonstrator on the street of Delhi.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

MARIA FATIMA D'SOUZA E PINHO (BIJEEN)

Maria Fatima D'Souza e Pinho (Bijeen), wife of Jose Ambrosio Pinho, mother of Jeff, Jessica, Jeanette and Jonathan, passed away in Kuwait on 21st April 2013.

A Requiem Mass will be held at the Holy Family Cathedral on Saturday, 27th April 2013 at 4:30 p.m.

Mortal remains will be flown to Goa, India.

Last respects can be paid at Al-Sabah Hospital Mortuary (Shuwaikh) on Sunday, 28th April 2013 between 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m.

In Goa, a Funeral Service (Mass) will be held at Our Lady of Milagres Church, Mapusa at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, 2nd May 2013, and thereafter, for the final rites.

Relatives and Friends kindly accept this as the only intimation. No condolence visits please.

"Eternal Rest Grant unto her, O Lord, and Perpetual Light Shine upon her. May her soul Rest in Peace".

One of the interesting Konkani Albums received for sale in Kuwait in the Cassette Shop is”AMCHIM KORTUBAM” by the new shining Konkani Stage star Saby de Divar. This is a DVD consisting of Songs and Jokes; Jokes by Comedians Selvy, Agostinho and Jannet while songs are rendered by Saby de Divar, Jessica Gomes, Jr. Reagan, Jr. Nelson, Salu, Jaju, and others.

Among the songs I liked the best were of Saby de Divar's, his all songs, solos and others rendered with his colleagues are worth listening. “Mahila Manddal” a duet he rendered with a new comer Ms Tracila was excellent. It was very well rendered by both the singers; Tracila with her sweet voice, excellent presentation and very good attractive personality brought an extra colour to this duet composed well by Saby de Divar. Seeing her for the first time she proved like a very seasoned artiste, acting and singing very confidently.

The trio on “Mathanay Saldanha” rendered by Jr. Nelson, Jaju and Salu deserves compliments. It was beautifully delivered by all the three, composed by Jr. Nelson whose voice and facial appearance resemble that of his late great father Nelson who was highly gifted in composing such songs. To bring Mathanay to the pedestal is good but one must not forget that when Parrikar’s government harassed Goan Catholiccs by cancelling their religious holidays, Mathanay Saldanha supported Parrikar’s decision thereby allowing Parrikar to work against Goan Christians. In the minds of many Christians in Goa, Mathanay Saldanha will be an anti-Christian though his good work will never be forgotten, neither his pride he acquired after becoming a minister will be forgotten.

Benny and Alia rendered their song on Mother Theresa and Indira Gandhi, though it was not right to bring the devilish serpent Indira Ghandi closer to saintly woman Mother Theresa. Indira Gandhi was the author of Satanic rule of Emergency in India. She was the worst criminal, ruthless and stone hearted woman.

“Ximitirin Alma” a quartet by Saby de Divar, Comedian Domnick and others was very precious one and also very philosophical. It was beautifully composed by Saby de Divar and rendered by all the singers very nicely. It was very scary to see them as “Almas” with their fearful presentation especially when they moved from one angle to the other and also while coming out of the Cemetery and going back. While singing they were describing philosophically their own experiences as dead. Lot of lesson is there in this song for the living ones.

Jessica Gomes with her sweet voice and majestic and attractive personality rendered her solo “Apsuati Munxeachi Zath”. Day by day this beauty of Konkani Stage is showing her maturity more and more.

Saby de Divar though I have not seen him performing on Stage live even though he performed in Kuwait where he is become the darling of the audience yet by watching him singing in the VCD and DVD I find him exceptionally gifted singer and talented composer. He got very attractive voice and his topics are also very attractive. While singing he keeps the timing very well. As a young man he is charismatic and his attractive looks gives him an extra colour to his performance. It is very admiring to see him capturing audience and viewers’ attention so fast. Very few Stage artistes gained popularity as quickly as Saby de Divar gained. I wish him all the best.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

IN REPLY TO JULIO CARDOSO'S ARTICLE.

PARRIKAR IS A LIAR - MATANHY NOT.

UNGRATEFUL BANGLADESH.

Grand CRC Finals to be played on Friday 5th April 2013

PARIVARTAN IN PANAJI.

DO NOT FORGET DR JACK SEQUEIRA

ADEUS BARONESS MARGARET THATCHER.

Goan Tiatr Corruption Kabar in Kuwait - Friday 12th April

UTILISE GWS-KUWAIT FUND FOR THE GOOD OF GOANS.

RESPONSE TO VERONICA'S ARTICLE ON GWS FUND.

ONE MORE RESPONSE TO GWS ARTICLE OF VERONICA.

CONGRATULATIONS TO G.R. CRASTO (BAHRAIN) ON HIS SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.

IN KUWAIT, DON BOSCO WINS SOCCER FINAL.

BRAVO GOVERNOR WANCHOO.

GEN. MUSHARRAF !! "SWORD BEGET SWORD".

VCD “ZOXEM MHAKA TOXEM TUKA” By Godwin Afonso.

Comedian Agustino's drama 'Corruption' brings down the house in Kuwait

DISGRACEFUL INDIAN POLICE FORCE.

OBITUARY - MARIA FATIMA D'SOUZA E PINHO (BIJEEN)

DVD "'AMCHIM KORTUBAM" BY SABY DE DIVAR.