HARASSMENT OF EXPATRIATE WORKERS IN KUWAIT.

HARASSMENT OF EXPATRIATE WORKERS IN KUWAIT.

During these days lot of news is appearing in the local English Dailies in Kuwait about the harassment of poor Cleaning workers in Kuwait, how they are ill treated by not paying their meagre salaries by the big Kuwaiti companies. It is nothing but missery they are facing in Kuwait. In response to this, I wrote the following to Kuwait Times which was published in its edition dated 24.07.08. I am reproducing it here in Goa Kranti so that people especially our Goans should know what it is to work in Kuwait especially for lower grade workers.

Since time immemorial or at least since the time of the existence of modern Kuwait, expatriate workers have always been exploited with nobody caring to take their side. The exploitation of Cleaning staff, maids and other workers has totally disgraced the image of Kuwait. There is no way for rectification of this disgrace though since my coming to Kuwait 3 decades ago I have been always listening to the news items appearing in the local press that there is going to be a change in the Kuwait Labour Law for the benefit of workers especially expatriates. I am now convinced during the autumn of my tenure in Kuwait that there will never be a change in the current Labour Law which was formulated half a century back according to the prevailing conditions at that time. The same Labour Law has now become outdated and it does not fit the developed and advanced social conditions of the workers, especially of the expatriates. It looks to me at times as if the current Labour Law of Kuwait is anti - expatriates.

One thing is certain, there is nobody in Kuwait who is sincerely thinking good of expatriates, all are full of empty talk, wanting only to fool the world. The economy of this country is based on expatriate labour force but unfortunately there is no berth in the Ministry for a Minister for Expatriates to protect their interests.

I still remember 18 years back when Iraq invaded Kuwait, some Iraqis were talking of the maltreatment of maids and other expatriates by the Kuwaitis and by using this subject Iraqis in the early stages of invasion were gaining sympathy for them.

I cannot understand how some Kuwaitis can become so cruel towards fellow human beings when they follow the religion of equality and compassion! It is against their religious tenets to exploit the poor expatriate workers who are toiling very hard in Kuwait in terribly harsh climatic conditions and under far too cruel severity. These cleaners who are maltreated by their companies are the backbone of the Kuwait’s economic system.

If they stop working, they could paralyse the whole of Kuwait's sanitation system. Cleanliness is the most important facet of any country’s health. Kuwait will stink and will face all types of diseases if these poorly paid cleaners are denied their remuneration. Cleaners, maids and domestic servants are the main backbone of Kuwait’s economic system and we came to realise their importance during the invasion of Kuwait. When domestic workforce started leaving Kuwait for their countries of origin, most of the Kuwaitis faced worst of the hardship in their homes because even to prepare a cup of tea they had to rely on domestic help. Because of the accumulation of garbage that ensued from expatriate workers returning home at that time, many places in the country also stank.

Let Kuwait and Kuwaitis not treat the low paid cleaners and domestic servants with disdain, contempt and neglect. They deserve better working conditions and better salaries and not just KD 18/- per month which is like the daily pocket money of an average school/college going Kuwaiti student. Maltreating them in any form especially by denying them of their due salaries is a sin against God. And those who pray five times a day and still commit such crimes against the innocent and poor children of God deserve highest devine punishment which will surely come sprinting or slowly. The maltreatment for cleaning staff and domestic servants has already spoiled the reputation of Kuwait in the foreign countries and its impact is so high that there is no easy way out to retrieve it, even if damage control exercise is conducted since so many people in this country are sadistic towards the expatriates labour force. They must know "TO PAY TO THE LABOURER HIS WAGES BEFORE HIS SWEAT DRIES UP".

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

J.P. D’MELLO AND KIFF LEAGUE.

J.P. D’MELLO AND KIFF LEAGUE.

This is in response to the news article in this forum on 23.07.08 of the J.P. Memorial KIFF League Football Tournament final written by prominent Goan writer and former National footballer Gasper Crasto. There is nothing much to write further on this since the writer has covered all the points minutely and poignantly too on certain incidents still happening during our soccer games.

When UG started our soccer in 1979, I interviewed the then UG President Tony Fernandes from Siolim who himself was once an ace footballer in Goa playing for the Goan top teams Bemfica and Lube. Tony said, at his place in Salmiya, "These soccer activities are initiated to promote friendship and good will amongst us. Thru these soccer activities, there should be more unity amongst Goans’.

This interview I conducted on behalf of ‘Goycho Mog’, a Goan Konkani Weekly from Margao. After reading the news on the final, I still feel some discords are happening amongst us, may be because we all cannot accept the defeat sportingly. Victory and defeat are part of the game. We are not competing in World Cup to take the defeat so seriously. Even in the World Cup and in Euro Cup the defeated teams accept the defeats and leave the field gracefully.

Though for some it is difficult to accept the defeat yet the seniors and elders in the teams and team management must try to console the hurt and defeated. Let us try to build more and more friendships thru this football.

Our discord will surely have bad effect on our friendly relationship. We Goykars especially the Goa based Goans must try to overcome our partisan differences and come together for the betterment of our Goa. As it is, Goa is getting finished for Goans. Our Goan Clubs and Teams must utilize their resources and manpower to protect Goa from going into the hands of non-Goans. To do this we must have our unity starting first at soccer grounds where Goans congregate in large number.

Though UG initiated our soccer activities with the intention of promoting friendship amongst us, yet they were the first to destroy this friendship existing amongst us when they maliciously suspended G.O.A. Maroons from their tournament. This they did only to disintegrate the then powerhouse Maroons which engulfed in its fold the best available footballers in Kuwait amongst us. Besides G.O.A. had an excellent band of committee members of which type no other club or team had and will never have either.

UG was jealous of G.O.A. Maroons progress and to further stop the development of Maroons, the Divadkar and Siolekar became the main architects of suspending Maroons even against the wishes of other members. The seed of discord amongst us thus for the first time was sowed by UG against their principle which said “friendship thru sports”. Unfortunately, they inculcated “enmity thru sports”. G.O.A. Maroons is still going strong while once mighty UG is TOTTERING and if nothing can be done to revive it, then it will disappear like an ETHER. As it is their former office bearers and supporters have already ‘DESERTED’ UG. Their fall is very imminent, either today or tomorrow.

It is nice to remember J.P.D'Mello (J.P) by organizing the Kuwait Indian Football League Tournament in his honour. He was the backbone of our activities then at Sour Grounds in the sense that he was a guide and mentor for us and although his total allegiance was for UG yet he said “I am for all Goans and for football”. Because of his presence amongst us, we attained certain respect in Kuwait as far as soccer is concerned. He was a genius in soccer laws. Once, the then mighty Indian soccer organizer from Bombay Mr. Ziauddin, while having conversation with JP at Cooperage said, “Mr. J.P., can you please give me that genius brain of yours where soccer knowledge is stored? If you give me that then I will give you anything”.

JP had great love for Goa and Goans and he participated in our activities for the cause of Goa, Goans and Konkani. In Kuwait, everyone involved in soccer loved and liked him except one Mangalorean Judas Iscariot, an ex-IFRA referee who inspite of receiving farewell parties is still rotting in Kuwait taking Bible in his sinful hands. He was envious of J.P because he could not do what JP could do. May the genuine Goan soul of JP Rest In Peace.

When JP was first time brought to Sour Ground after his arrival in mid eighties, Tony Fernandes the then UG President introduced him to me. While exchanging views, suddenly JP saw the boundary Flags which were very small in size. Then he immediately asked Tony: “Are you running this tournament on FIFA rules or your own rules?” Tony answered “as per FIFA rules”. Then JP told Tony to change the Flags to bigger size as per FIFA rules. While this conversation was going on, there was one UG man, little drunk, who started poking his nose in the discussion. JP asked: "Who is this man? Tony said “he is one of our members”. Then JP retorted rather bluntly and also sarcastically: “How can you run football tournaments with such “Bebdes” (Drunkards)? Keep such persons out of your reach because they bring soccer into disrepute”. Bebdes are Bebdes, however much educated they may be. And those who are supporting Bebdes are double Bebdes.

JP was very rigid as far as physical fitness of the Referees and other requirements were concerned. Many of the current referees are overage; they have crossed more than the permissible age limit prescribed by FIFA. Some of them are become paunchy with their bellies like watermelons and yet still shamelessly officiate the games either from the middle or from the lines. Once they know that they have crossed their age limit they must voluntarily withdraw with good name and fair image. What is the age of referee Sarto Batista who is struggling to push himself even on the sidelines. What about others? It is these physically unfit referees that soil the prestige of our soccer. It is my request to them that all those who are not fitting into the rules of FIFA must withdraw before they are disgraced and forced to leave. Most of the people who are involved in running the soccer association and teams are doing so for their own personal honour and glories. For this reason they do so much, even spending so much of money to run their affairs.

Our people are crazy for name and fame because it missed them back at home. They are suffering from ancestral deficiency and inferiority complex but they must know very well that back home in Goa, they are still non-entities.

Many of the earlier so called mighty Kuwait Goans showing their professional, influential, financial and physical might in Kuwait are now gone underground in Goa. They are living like unknown entities because nobody cares them in Goa. They are afraid even of their own shadows. It is a pity to see them on this “estad”. While they were in Kuwait they were shaking the earth below and around their feet but now in their retired life in Goa, the same earth is shaking them. Yesterday’s presidents, chairmen, other office bearers in our associations; managers and officers, foremen and service advisers and other top positions holders in their companies who were acting like Maharajas in Kuwait are become ordinary tadpoles in Goa now. Our pompous show is meant only in Kuwait. Many of us are like frogs in the pond and we will remain so because the world for us is only around the pond.

When we started our soccer activities in 1979, it was at Sour Grounds. This lasted till the last year but this year we shifted to Salmiya, and according to my information, this place is also closed for us. What will be the next venue for us now? Who will decide? I heard that KIFF have approached the Indian Embassy, Sheikh Talal (President of Kuwait Football Federation), Kuwait Youth & Sports Organization, Kuwait Football Clubs who own football stadiums, and even AIFF Gen. secretary Mr.Alberto Colaco plus other influential individuals. But have they approached with their right people or with Bebde? Do we have capable people in our midst to get a permanent venue for us at a particular place? Do we have influential and clever people for hard bargaining? Do we have capacity to approach the relevant authorities as JP once did by directly approaching the local soccer authority? JP was a gigantic figure and his gigantic power was accepted by others. I only hope something will be materialized soon. Let us hope so.

Finally, as announced during the final, over a lakh of rupees have been collected by the KIFF affiliated clubs and other individuals as gift to the player of KGA who was injured by DHL a few months back. Thru this collection it was proved now that we are ready to shoulder our responsibility towards others who have nobody to take care.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

“Konkani Tiatro” is an Industry

By Wilmix Wilson Mazarello (Goa)

wilson_mazarello@rediffmail.com

Year 1950:
Son: Dad, I want to be a “Tiatrist”.
Dad: Son , that “Tiatristponn”, is not for us. “Tiatrisponn”, is for drunkards, unemployed and for those who do not have any respect in Society.

Year 1960 :
Son : Dad I want to be a “Tiatrist”.
Dad : My son, by being a Tiatrist , you can’t make a living for yourself. Tiatrists don’t have a regular income. What will you eat ? How will you support a family ?

Year 1970 :
Son: Dad, I want to be a Tiatrist.
Dad : First, get yourself a permanent job. Then, if you want to show your talent, you may do it, only as a “part-time”.

Year 1980 :
Son: Dad, I want to be a Tiatrist.
Dad : I’ve no problem with that . Be a real good “Tiatrist”. Earn something there. Don’t be just an “Ordinary Tiatrist”, and waste your time.

Year 1990 :
Son: Dad, I want to be a Tiatrist.
Dad: My son, I’ve heard it’s very difficult to get into tiatros. Will those tiatrists, accept you ?

Year 2000:
Son: Dad, I want to be a Tiatrist.
Dad: With great pleasure. Be a real good Tiatrist.Bring name & fame to your family.
I’ve heard, they earn well in tiatros.You too earn in tiatros, and make a living for yourself.

Reading the above dialogues, between father & son, we get a reasonably-good glimpse, into the history of “Konkani Tiatro”, during those 50 years i.e. between, year 1950 and year 2000.
We come to know, what developments, what changes, have happened in Konkani Tiatros, during these 50 years.

The father’s replies, show us, how much the attitude, of Goan Society, changed towards Konkani Tiatro, during these 50 years.

Before 1950, very few people, would have thought of taking, “Tiatrisponn” as a profession.
Today, everyone wants it.

WHAT’S CHANGED ?

Today , a Tiatrist is honoured & respected. Today , there is “money” in tiatros. Today, with “Tiatrisponn”, as a proffesion, one can afford a reasonably good life, for oneself and one’s family.
Some of our tiatrists, earn as much as senior-managers, of multinational companies.

INDUSTRY

It is heard, that our Government of Goa, accords a “Small-scale-Industry” status, to any company which has a turn–over of Rs. 5 lakhs, or employs a minimum of 10 workers.
Such companies, having status of a “Small-scale-Industry”, get a lot of facilities from the Government.

Facilities like, subsidies for developing business, income-tax exemption , insurance cover for workers etc. etc.

If so, why is it that, the status of an “Industry” is not given to “Konkani Tiatro”? Or is it, that the “Konkani-Tiatro”, does not satisfy the criteria, for receiving “Industry-Status”?

“TURN-OVER” IN TIATROS

Has any body, ever, tried to find out what is the “turn-over” in Konkani tiatros? Has anybody, bothered to find out, what is the “income”, generated in Tiatros, and how many Goans, make a living on Tiatros ?

Does anyone know, how many jobs, are created by Konkani tiatros?

Well, I have done my research, and I know my findings are “right’, to a very great extent.

CHECK-IT-OUT.

A.

Today in Goa, there are at least 10 Producer/Directors, who release 2 new Konkani Tiatros every year, and they stage at least 50 performances of each of these tiatros, within that year.
These Producer/ Directors include, Roseferns, Prince Jacob, Mario Menezes, Minin de Bandar, John D’Silva, Anil Pednekar, Comedian Dominic, Minin Mario, Pascoal Rodrigues and Maxcy Pereira.

The Income, on these Tiatro-performances, is as follows :

10 Producers x 50 performances x 2 (ie. twice a year) = 1000 performances
1000 x 800 tickets per Hall = 800,000 tickets
800,000 tickets x Rs 60/- (Price of a ticket) = Rs. 4,80,00,000/- (Income)

B.

Similarly, there are at least 6 producers in Goa, who release just one Konkani tiatro in a year, and they have at least 50 performances of that tiatro , within that year.

These producer/Directors include, Tony Dias, Samuel Carvalho, Comedian Ambe, Comedian Agustinho, Ben Envangelisto and Mariano Fernandes.

The Income, on these performances, is as follows :

6 producers x 50 performances x 1 (Once a year) = 300 performances
300x 800 tickets per Hall = 2,40,000 tickets
2,40,000 tickets x Rs 60/- (cost of a ticket) = Rs. 1,44,00,000/- (Income)

C.

Then, there are at least another 10 producers, who release 1 tiatro in a year, and they have minimum of 25 performances of that tiatro, within that year.

Among these producers are, Milagres de Chandor, Anthony Sylvester, Inacio de Canacona, Jr. Reagan, Ives Tavares, A.M. Pacheco, F.Cardozo, Dominic Carvalho, Patrick Dourado and Betty Alvares.

The Income, on these performances, is as follows:

10 producers x 25 performances x 1 (once a year) = 250 performances
250 performances x 800 tickets = 200,000 tickets
200,000 tickets x Rs. 60/- (Cost of a ticket) = Rs.1,20,00,000/- (Income)

D.

After these, comes a list of 5 producers, who release just 1 new tiatro in a year and they stage at least 20 performances of that tiatro, within that year.
Among these come , Kennyferens, Cyril Almeida, Star of Curtorim, Anthony San, and Succur de Santacruz.

The Income, on these performances, is as follows :

5 producers x 20 performances x 1 ( just once a year )= 100 performances
100 x 800 tickets = 80,000 tickets
80,000 tickets x Rs 60/- (Cost of a ticket ) = Rs. 48,00,000/- (Income)

E.

These, are followed by a list of 6 priests, along with Shri Ligorio Fernandes, who release just one Religious tiatro in a year, during the season of Lent.
Each of these producers, stage at least 30 performances of their tiatro.

The Income, on this performances, is as follows :

7 Producers x 30 performances x 1 ( once a year ) = 210 performances
210 performances x 800 tickets = 1,68,000 tickets
1,68,000 tickets x Rs 60/- (Cost of a ticket) = Rs. 1,00,80,000/- (Income)

F.

Finally , comes a list of Local Producer/ Directors, at village –level, who produce and direct their own tiatros, in their own villages.

For the purpose of our calculation , lets suppose there are just 5 such producers in each Taluka, and lets say they stage just one performance of their tiatro in a year, for the village feast.

The Income on these performances is as follows :
5 producers in each Taluka x 11 Talukas x 1 ( once a year ) = 55 performances
55 performances x 800 tickets = 44,000 tickets
44,000 tickets x Rs 60/- = Rs 26, 40,000/- (Income)

(Other than the above, every year, there are tiatr-performances, held outside Goa, ie. Mumbai...40, Gulf.....20, and Europe / America ....10.

The Income, on these performances, is :

70 performances x 800 tickets per performance x Rs 300/- = Rs. 1,68.00.000/-“Income”. However, for our today’s calculation, we are not considering this figure, as we are considering the ‘Income’, on performances held in Goa, alone)

Hence, the total “Income” on Tiatros, staged in Goa alone is :

A) + B) + C) + D) + E) + F) = Rs 4,80,00,000/- + RS 1,44,00,000/- + Rs 1,20,00,000/- + Rs 48,00,000/- + Rs 1,00,80,000/- + Rs 26,40,000/-

= Rs. 9,19,20,000/-
(Rupees, Nine Crores Nineteen Lakhs Twenty Thousand )

Is this “Income / Turn-Over”, not sufficient to give , “Konkani Tiatro” the status of an “Industry”?

TIATRO GIVES JOBS

Further more, the Konkani Tiatro, is a source of regular income to a lot of Goans.

Some of the Goans who live of the Konkani tiatro are :- Hall-Owners, Tiatro Writers/ Directors/ Actors / Actresses/ Singers/ Musicians. Stage Managers, Sound Operators, Light Operators, Setting Hirers, Troupe Transporters, Setting Transporters, Stage-Hands, Helpers, Canteen Operators, Ticket-Sellers, Ticket / Handbill Printers, Poster-Painters, Car-Publicity-Operators, Newspapers, Rehearsal-Houses, Script-typists, Xerox Operators, etc. etc .

So much employment , is generated through the Konkani Tiatro. So many Goans, make a living out of Konkani Tiatro. Is this, not sufficient to give the “Konkani Tiatro” , the status of an “Industry” ?

TIATR PRESERVES OUR GOAN IDENTITY

Konkani Tiatro, preserves our Goan Art & Culture.
Konkani Tiatro, keeps our Mother-Tongue, Konkani alive.
Konkani Tiatro is a “watch-dog”, for our Society and our Government.
Konkani Tiatro, teaches good family values to our society, in addition to giving a good entertainment.

WHAT ELSE DO WE NEED ?

If the Konkani Tiatro, can do all this, with no support , from, the Government
of Goa, imagine what all it could have done, if some support was forthcoming, from the Government.

All said and done, there is no point in talking about something , that’s not likely to happen.

Whether the Goa Government recognizes it as an Industry, or not, the people of Goa have already taken the Konkani Tiatro, to the level of an Industry.

KONKANI TIATRO TODAY, IS ALREADY, A VIBRANT, MULTICRORE INDUSTRY.

J.P. Memorial KIFF League Football in Kuwait - Winners and Losers

DHL-Kuwait beat Kuwait Goans for Third Place
Navelim win record 5th League Title

KIFF President B.M. Viegas handing over the J.P. D’Mello Memorial Trophy to Navelim President Mario Carneiro & Captain Britto

Kuwait: The KIFF League played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) and officiated by I.F.R.A referees provides Indian players with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition, while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play -- in perhaps one of India's only 11-aside league abroad.

League football is a test of players’ skills, stamina and endurance. The Phase II of the league played in scorching summer heat was rigorous and nearly impossible at times. Just standing there in temperatures as high as 48°C can melt the skin, burn the feet and make the eyes breathe fire. The summer heat was not just the right weather for a final match of the league.
The League named after late Jerome Pascoal D'Mello (popularly known to all as J.P. D’Mello), Goa's first international football referee, consisted of 18 registered teams. The league which commenced in October last ended on 18th July 2008 with Navelim Youth Centre emerging champions in the final match. Navelim beat Kerala Challengers, Kuwait Goan Association and AVC in their last 3 encounters.

Winners and Losers

In the final match played at Salmiya Grounds, Navelim Youth Centre beat AVC-Kuwait in the tie-breaker 4-2 (Full time score 0-0).

Navelim have now won the league for a record 5 times followed by G.O.A. Maroons (3 times) since the establishment of the League in 1994-95.

DHL-Kuwait won the Third Place displacing mighty Kuwait Goan Association by a solitary goal in the other match of the day.

Winning the League Championship was one of the sweetest achievements for Navelim for more reasons than one. Navelim is the only football club in Kuwait that can boast of maximum players (12 players in the first sixteen) from their own village in Goa.

Navelim played a unique formation of 4-5-1 with just one forward which was more suitable for the hot conditions where some players looked like ‘fish floating on water about to be kicked to shore’ towards the end of the match.

AVC defenders Francis Rodrigues, Peter and Joseph Quadros played well in the defence, while their other central defender played Jamaican fooball with the sole intention of kicking the ball anywhere but away – even out of reach of his own players.

Man of the Match Seby Furtado receiving the award from P.A. Tony

Navelim played a passing game throughout that unsettled AVC time and again. Navelim built the moves right from their defence with John Furtado, Joaquim Rodrigues, Wilson and Alfred Pires initiating the moves. Their midfield had incredible control over the ball with man-of-the-match Seby Furtado running tirelessly and combining well with his team mates. Simao Gaunkar, Christi, Americo, Duarte Ferrao, Sidney Rodrigues and Ivo D’Costa played lot of passes between themselves before finishing off on AVC goal.

Savio Fernandes, Luciano D’Souza and Edward Dias were outstanding for AVC but the strikers Kevin Vaz, Melvy Fernandes, Ronnie Fernandes and Molvito Mascarenhas were overshadowed by Navelim defence. Navelim were unlucky not to have found the mark when Gasper Crasto’s 30 yard free kick beat AVC goalkeeper Jose Fernandes and rebounded from the cross bar off the goal line.

The tie-breaker was enforced after the teams failed to break the deadlock even after extra time of play. Navelim goalkeeper Britto Pereira, whose diving in recent seasons was as sluggish as a python, showed tremendous reflexes in saving 2 penalties with flying, full length dives in the air, brining in memories of his glory days when he won accolades playing for Vasco Club, Churchill Brothers and the famous all-Goa champion tie-breaker club ‘Dire Straits’.

The Champions

The Champion team Navelim included Britto Pereira (goalkeeper), Wilson Pires, John Furtado, Alfred Pires, Joaquim Rodrigues, Simao Gaunkar, Christi Pires, Seby Furtado, Duarte Ferrao, Americo Fernandes, Gasper Crasto, Ivo D'Costa, Sidney Rodrigues, Victor Fernandes, Cruzedio Rodrigues, Kelvin Rodrigues, etc.

Coach: Gasper Crasto; Team Manager: Bernard Fernandes; Asst. Team Manager: Britto Pereira President of Navelim: Mario Carneiro; Sports Secretary: Avelino Dias

KIFF President B.M. Viegas gave away the J.P.D’Mello Trophy to the Winners and spoke on the occasion. He praised his committee for all the support and singled out Sports Secretary Derrick Gomindes and the I.F.R.A referees for their wholehearted contribution.

Vice-President Manuel D’Costa proposed a vote of thanks. KGTS President Cajetan de Sanvordem and Mr. V.K. Vohra were among the dignitaries that attended the final.

KIFF Managing Committee for the season consisted B.M. Viegas – President, Manuel D'Costa - Vice President, Fidelis Fernandes - General Secretary; Cajetan Ferrao - Treasurer
Derick Gomindes - Sports Secretary; Michael Fernandes – Registrar; P. A. Tony - Asst. Sports Secretary; Steven Fernandes – P.R.O; Mario (Katty) Carneiro - Executive Member

Arrogant Players

By and large, the spectators enjoyed the final game except for some glum incidents. One of AVC’s senior midfield players was seen incessantly screaming insults at fellow players like a middle-aged fisherwoman screaming at cats in the fish market. So much was the frustration of this player during the game and after, that he, along with another uncivilized player almost disrupted the prize distribution function.

Both these players have played for donkey years and should be thankful enough to the game of football for having been nurtured by their former club into playing - one ransomed out from a Kuwaiti house where he would have rotted if not for football, the other made into a standard footballer – something which he never achieved in his attempts in Goa. Both are gone bald playing football in Kuwait over the years; the former was even banned by KIFF for manhandling a referee some years back, while the other rejected by his previous club for repeated tantrums with players and committee members. Yet that has not shut their pride or made them aware of what strata of society they come from.

Football among Indian expatriates in Kuwait fulfils its function to divert one’s mind from reality whilst bringing different communities together in unity. The arrogance of players raise the question: What do our clubs play for? Friendship or enmity? What do our clubs teach their players? Discipline or hatred? What are our teams fighting for? Gold or Diamonds? What are we going to take home finally? Trophies or sand? Respect or a black face? What is the contribution of such players towards the promotion of the game? AVC coach Alvaro Dias, who has played many a battle in his career, am sure, will try to inculcate sense in his team as there are no others in the vicinity of the club who can understand football as much as him or are worth his calibre.

B.M. Viegas handing over Runners-up Trophy to AVC coach Alvaro Dias and captain Francis Rodrigues

Legacy of Indian Football Clubs in Kuwait

All the Indian clubs in Kuwait have worked hard over the years to carve a niche in Indian football and keep the name of their clubs flying high. United Goans’ Centre have been in the forefront for over 3 decades with their slogan ‘Friendship Through Sports’. Santos Football Club, founded under the name of ‘Apache’ has been actively involved in the promotion of football activities since 1979. CRC Chinchinim have strived to boost Indian football since 1992. Curtocares United has promoted football activities since 1995. Kerala teams of Fahaheel Brothers, and Kerala Challengers have participated competitively with their teams and in the true spirit of the game. Youth Recreational Centre (Rising Stars), one of the formidable clubs have organized and played quality football and helped to take Indian Football to a high. Bombay Boys have also played a stellar role over the years for the upliftment of the game.

The current league Champions Navelim YC have always done an amazing job in the past to uphold its values and traditions, livng to its standards since the establishment of the club in 1987 – organizing football and promoting footballers. Navelim are among the top teams in Kuwait winning every trophy at stake, being proud holders of all 3 Silver Jubilee Trophies conducted in Kuwait – the UG Silver Jubilee Trophy (2002-03), Rising Stars Silver Jubilee Trophy (2003-04) and GOA Maroons Silver Jubilee Year Trophy (2004-05). Navelim’s NYC Trophy tournament has completed 18 grand editions with the host (Navelim) winning the Championship for a record 6 times followed by G.O.A Maroons (5 times).

Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A) popularly known as ‘GOA Maroons’ founded in 1979 have promoted friendship through football over the years. The strong bond of friendship that glues this club together can be seen everywhere, be it on the soccer field, off the field or the social front. Maroons have won many championships, perhaps the greatest of all being the ‘Forest of Dean RA Trophy’ organized by Hubara Club – at Ahmadi in the early 1980s, where, in the semifinal, Maroons defeated the mighty Hubara club which had players of European and Kuwaiti nationalities. They say, that was one of the most memorable game played by Indians in Kuwait – played at midnight on floodlit grounds which brought together hundreds of Goans in support and unity.

I.F.R.A, K.I.F.F and the memory of late J.P.D’Mello

The Indian Football Referees Association (I.F.R.A.) has been one organization which has given an immense goodwill to Indian football in Kuwait. Since 1980, the association has trained and recruited new referees as its members and provided services for football matches. The late J.P. D’Mello, Founder President of the Association was the one instrumental in forming the current Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F). His memory has been justly kept alive by KIFF through its affiliated Indian football teams/clubs/associations by naming the KIFF League after him.

The Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) established in 1983 controls all Indian expatriate football activities in Kuwait. In the just concluded season 2007-08, a total of 18 teams were registered with the federation with over 400 players displaying their skills every Friday morning. Apart from the League, 4 regular tournaments and 5 Seven-a-side tournaments are held under KIFF every season. The KIFF will celebrate 25 glorious years of its existence next season.

For over 30 years, Indian clubs and associations have strived to ensure development of individual players while teaching the importance of team effort, fair competition, discipline and good sportsmanship.

Players, officials, clubs may come and go. But Indian football, for sure, will remain a Winner in Kuwait for a long time.

KIFF Committee presents popcorn prizes

It is a crying shame that the KIFF Managing Committee never even thought twice while presenting KD1.500 (Rs. 229 equivalent) worth of medals as mementos to the winners and runners-up players. Are these medals, which are usually given for school kids, worth a memory of a grueling league where players fight and slog, squander time and energy, brave the winter and heat, risk injuries, etc, and go through much anxiety and depression?

KIFF, which consists of 18 clubs, conducts just one tournament in a year – the league. They are expected to organize and give away the best prizes than the clubs and make the event a memorable one for players and everyone involved. Has KIFF done justice distributing these low cost biscuits? Even the Nepalis and Bangladeshis who hold matches for just a couple of Fridays a year give away better individual prizes. Prizes/trophies and cash awards won by teams that play even in paddy fields in Goa are to be seen to be believed. Pity the KIFF-affiliated club players. The top 4 teams’ players all deserved better prizes – such as a windcheater or a track suit with the KIFF logo.

If KIFF can find sponsors to organize a grand dance, can’t they find someone to sponsor prizes for the deserving players? What are the committee members for? Just to display their new shirts, suit and ties on the day of the final? Did they see the look of dismay and disbelief on the faces of the players receiving the medals? With all due respect for their presence in KIFF, administration and running around throughout the year, the incapability of KIFF to even move the prestigious KIFF final to a stadium or floodlights tells a sorry story. Trophies given to teams don’t mean anything to players, but the prizes given to individual players mean a lot to every player and perhaps remains with them for life as a cherished souvenir.

A year long league certainly deserves better and more prizes than what KIFF gave at the finals. There should be prizes for every position - Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Best Striker of the League and Player of the League. These kind of prizes is an encouragement to perform better in future and will certainly boost the enthusiasm of youngsters.

The trend to stop giving these medals was pointed to the KIFF after KIFF gave these medals to the League winners (Navelim) in 2001-02, and United Goans (UG) gave them in their Silver Jubilee Year in 2002-03 (at a very prestigious event). UG have continued giving peanuts at finals and repeated the feat again this year. They should be given a Bharat Ratna for doing that. UG should either buy good prizes from their next ‘Edition’ or stop this another ‘Addition’ before the club and UG Trophy is unceremoniously forced to the grave.

V.K. Vohra handing over Top Scorer of the Season Gold Coin to Andre Dias

The V.K. Vohra Gold Coin

Mr. V.K. Vohra has been giving away a gold coin to the ‘top scorer of the season’ for many years now. Navelim’s Cruzedio Rodrigues has won the Gold Coin 5 times. This year the coin went to Andre Dias of Kuwait Goan Association. Andre topped the league as well as the entire season. Kuwait Indian Football needs such thoughtful persons as Mr. Vohra, a former KIFF President, persons who know the real worth of players. May the Almighty fill his home with a hundred thousand gold coins for his love for the game and for being a source of inspiration to budding footballers.

Winners of the League since 1997-98:

1997-98 -Navelim Youth Centre;

1998/99 - United Friends Club;

1999/00 - League not held;

2000/01 - GOA Maroons;

2001/02 - Navelim Youth Centre;

2002/03 - United Friends Club;

2003/04 - Bombay Boys;

2004/05 - AVC Overseas Association;

2005/06 - Navelim Youth Centre;

2006-07 - Kuwait Goan Association;

2007-08 - Navelim Youth Centre

Photo courtesy:Simon Dias

About the Writer

Gasper Crasto is a former National level player who played for Salgaocar between 1990-91 to 1998-99. Played in the National League and 2 Federation Cup Finals – one against Mohun Bagan (Goa - 1993-94), other against East Bengal (Salt Lake, Culcutta - 1995-96) besides representing Goa at Santosh Trophy and playing in various other tournaments.

Awarded ‘Athlete of the Year’ in Kuwait in 2003

Current player/coach of League Champions Navelim Youth Centre.

Website: http://gaspersworld.tripod.com/

Some Articles by the Writer:

Cable TV effects on Indian Football
http://www.indianfootball.com/features/column/column-gasper200705-2.html

Another Year, Another Season, Where are we?...
http://www.indianfootball.com/features/column/column-gasper200705.html

Superstars... and Crazy Boys of the Game
http://www.indianfootball.com/features/column/column-gasper200507.html

Hipolito Fernandes – A Physio for Indian Players in Kuwait
http://www.indianfootball.com/features/column/column-gasper200608.html

Indian Football in Kuwait - 2003
http://gaspercrasto.tripod.com/id77.html

Man of the Match Awards
http://gaspercrasto.tripod.com/id88.html

Indian Football in the Middle-East – Mini Football
http://gaspercrasto.tripod.com/id177.html

Men in Black – Focus on Referees
http://gaspercrasto.tripod.com/id175.html

Tiatr, Football, Dances and Newton’s Third Law in Kuwait
http://goa-kranti.blogspot.com/2007/05/tiatr-football-dances-and-newtons-third.html

Pundalik Naik is Gulab's Man of the Year

By Gaspar Almeida

Panaji July 21, 2008: Goa Konkani Akademi president, Pundalik Naik was conferred the prestigious ‘Gulab Man of the Year award at a glittering function held at Gomant Vidya Niketan, Margao on July 20, 2008 on the 55th birth anniversary of Gulab founder editor late Fr. Freddy J. da Costa.

Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion Faleiro stressed the need to bring together Konkani in Roman and devanagri scripts and asserted that the government should help and support both the scripts as they are keeping the language alive. However, Konkani should be taught in the devanagri script in schools he opined.

Gulab editor Fausto V. da Costa while addressing the jam packed auditorium urged all Konkani activists to agree on a single agenda and have a clear vision in the interest of the language. He condemned the balancing act being performed in the name of Konkani and opined that this will damage the language rather than help it.

Chief guest Eduardo Faleiro presenting Gulab's Man of the Year to Pundalik Naik

Mumbai based tiatrist Rio Rosa presenting the Goan Review Man of the Year award to Romaldo Rodrigues

Forest Minister Filipe Neri presenting Gulab's Director of the Year to Roseferns

While opining that the age old struggle over the language was sustained by the common people, he decried the recent trend of seeking grants.

Meanwhile the Gulab Roman Konkani writer award went to Soter Barreto, a renowned Roman Konkani litterateur. Child prodigy Ivanna Furtado bagged the Gulab Sportsperson of the Year.

In the tiatr category, the best musician award went to Carlito Fernandes for the tiatr "Amkam Xanti Di". The best singer male award was bagged by Francis de Tuem who is popular for his political songs, while Roshan won the award for best singer female.

Theatre personality Fermino Goes won the best actor award for his popular role "Nagappa" in Roseferns tiatr "Ami Goenkar, Tumi Konn?" Seasoned actress Felcy won the best actress award for her portrayal in the tiatr "Ho Bazar Kiteak Cholta?" The award for the best actor in comic role went to Selvy for his role in Agostinho's "Sir".

Agostinho who has earned much fan following as a comedian won the award for best tiatr writer for his tiatr "Sir", while Roseferns, the king of Centuries won the Gulab Award for best Director of the year for his tiatr "Ami Goenkar, Tumi Konn?"

Acclaimed writer-director-actor Mario Menezes' daughter Baby Rioma Menezes won the award for best Child Artiste for her debut performance in the tiatr "Hevui Chukik Bhogsonnem Nam."

Romaldo Rodrigues who has been tirelessly working for Konkani by getting subscriptions for Konkani publications was conferred the Goan Review Man of the Year award.

Winners of the literary competition organized by Fr. Freddy J. da Costa Memorial Trust were also presented their certificates at the hands of Mrs. Serafina da Costa, mother of late Fr. Freddy.

The function was very well compeered by renowned theatre personalities Aplona and Mario Menezes.

Fabian G. da Costa, the manager of Gulab proposed the vote of thanks.

Links :

[Gulf Goans] Pri. Freddy J. Da Costa-ache Ugddasak
"GULAB" Tiatristam khatir staplole fankivont "GULAB AWARDS". ... Associate goa-world.com & presented by Ulysses Menezes, Owner goa-world.com website. ...www.mail-archive.com/gulf-goans@yahoogroups.com/msg00075.html

GOA WORLD Kuwait Konkani Kendr
So what is the language of Goa? Konkani ! Yes, it is Konkani. ... Also, Kuwait Konknni Kendr established the Gulab Award for the best Konkani writer. ...www.goa-world.com/goa/org/kendr.htm

KONKANUAE.COM
Gulab is a premier Roman script Konkani monthly mangazine from goa which is started by late Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa. These Annual Awards will be awarded in ...www.konkanuae.com/news/displaynews.asp?id=1228

Konkani TIATR Khobro: 25th ‘Gulab’ awards 2007
The ‘Gulab’ Awards, promoted by the Konkani magazine ‘Gulab’ were instituted ... magazine ‘Gulab’ continues to recognise and reward genuine talent from Goa. ...konkanitiatr.blogspot.com/2008/01/25th-gulab-awards-2007.html

Independent Goa Observer
Yet another priest, Fr. Moreno D’Souza S.J., bagged the Gulab award for best writer ... of books particularly on the history of the various churches in Goa. ...www.goanobserver.com/archive/4-12-2004/onstage.htm

Navhind Times on the Web: Sport
MARGAO - Goa’s young chess wonder, double U-8 world champ and Dempo’s Goodwill Ambassador Ivana Maria Furtado won the Gulab Award for best sportsperson for ...www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=072130

Navhind Times on the Web: Goa
MARGAO — The president of Goa Konkani Academy, Mr Pundalik Naik was declared the ‘Gulab Personality of the Year’ at the ‘Gulab Awards, 2007 ceremony held at ...www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=07216

GOA-WORLD - Tiatr
Gulab Awards · Tony A Senior Tiatr Legend · Willy Getting Into The Act · Cajetan's Artwork ... Silver Juiblee of Tiatr Competion - Kala Academy Goa (Book) ...www.goa-world.com/goa/tiatr/index.htm

[Gulf Goans] Gulab Puroskar Ani Tiatrist
Amkam sogleank ‘awards’ zai. Fuddle khepek puroskar ditna Faustbabak ho vosro pavchona dekhun .... [Gulf Goans] Gulab Puroskar Ani Tiatrist Gaspar Almeida ...www.mail-archive.com/gulf-goans@yahoogroups.com/msg00871.html

IN FOND REMEMBERANCE OF FR
Konem tori hi khobor Gulf Goans Newsletter-acher porgott zalea mhunn khobor dili. .... "GULAB" AWARDS: Nine Goans who excelled in certain fields will be ...www.goa-world.com/GOA/konkani/Frfreddy.htm

Gmane -- Mail To News And Back Again
The two times winner of the prestigious 'GULAB' award does enact comedy roles ... www.goa-world.com team Goa's Pride - http://www.goa-world.com Gulf-Goans ...article.gmane.org/gmane.culture.region.india.goa/68638

IA slashes air fares from Dubai

*IA slashes air fares from Dubai*

Herald had published that - DUBAI, JULY 18 (UNI) — Indian Airlines has slashed fares to most of the Indian destinations from Dubai at a time airlines are hiking the fares to meet the exorbitant cost of fuel.

Indian Airlines and Air India together operate 19 flights daily from Dubai and Sharjah to Indian destinations. With the reduced fares, one-way ticket from Dubai to a destination in Kerala costs dh 790, taxes included, down from dh 900. A single journey to New Delhi and Mumbai, too, is costing dh 790 against the previous dh 1,070 and dh 880, respectively (one dirham is Rs 11).

Passengers flying from Sharjah to any Indian destination also stand to benefit from the reduced fares as Sharjah-Mumbai ticket price has come down to dh 690 from dh 840, while Sharjah-New Delhi ticket price is down to dh 740 from dh 1,070.

However, the fare to Bangalore remains untouched at dh840 from both Dubai and Sharjah. Anand Pande, country manager of Indian Airlines, told Khaleej Times that even though the rising fuel prices are affecting the operational costs of the airline, Indian Airlines has reduced the prices with an eye on an increased volume.

Indian expatriates in the UAE have welcomed the airline’s reduced fares.

Whereas, Goans are Goans and not Indians and I prove it is true. What about the air fare to Goa? Which means the airfares has not gone down and still the most expensive one as usual. It is right; I feel the pinch that IA is still playing the monopoly system toward the all goans residing in Dubai, Kuwait and other gulf countries.

It shows that what Mr. Veronica written in his article ‘Degoanising of Goa’ is correct. India was independent in 1947 and Goa was still under the Portuguese rule. During the formation of National Anthem of India, Goa was not included in the song, which shows that Goa is not the integral part of India.

After the liberation of Goa in 1961, Goa was robbed by the Indian Army and made the integral part of India and made as a 25^th State of India.

Since 1961, Mineral ore has been explored by the non-goans such as Timblo’s, Chowgule’s, Gosalia’s, Salgaokar’s, Dempo’s, Sesa Goa, etc. and looted the wealth of goans from Goa. Did any goans benefit from the mineral ore? All the income (percentage) of the ore went to the centre before Goa made as a state. They did not have a fund reserve for the goans, I mean the government of India. Who to blame? I say the first Chief Minister of Goa, Bahusaeb Dayanand Bandodkar, who made ample money by helping the above non-goans. He was the main responsible person to bring the non-goans into Goa with the help of Y.B. Chavan of Maharastra.

Imagine, till today 2008, Goa lacks the Infrastructure of modern roads, proper water supply to all parts of Goa, modern electricity, i.e. underground cable system, closed door transformer houses in each villages, etc, which are the most important things in each and every goans life. No proper Medical trauma centers in Goa.

We have a Goa Medical College at Bambolim but lacks proper management and ruled by cruel managers. Margao Hospicio is the same old hospital in the salcete which was built by the Portuguese which needs infrastructure and developments and since more than 46 years Goa became liberated, the government did not bother to give an infrastructure to Margao Hospicio hospital. Like same, there are many small government hospitals in different parts of Goa which are still need to be developed.

There are many latest hospitals are built by the private managers who are also non-goans, but Margao Hospicio Hospital is the home for the poors who cannot afford to pay for the top services. I still remember my childhood days when I used to go with my parents and relatives to pay the visit to the sick patients from my village admitted there. I love the moments of my childhood.

Does Goa needs the developments such as above which I mentioned?

The garbage issues are the most critical issue in throughout Goa. We need to solve it as fast as possible. Who is responsible for not having the garbage issue solved? It is the government first and we all goans.

During my childhood days, I never heard there was a garbage issue. We used to burn the garbage and made use in our fields, etc. But now most of the fields are not cultivated and lots of buildings are built in all over Goa. Peoples are living in the flats and where do the garbage go? Therefore, you need a garbage disposal area to dump and recycle, so garbage recycling plants are required. Goans should understand first and demands to recycle the garbage at the earliest.

Having second International Airport at MOPA will not solve the Garbage disposal issue. But do you know MOPA International Airport is built more than 3000 crores of rupees. It would be best if the said amount is being used for the infrastructure and developments of Goa, such as garbage disposal plants, water supply, roads, electricity of our own, Best Trauma Centers, etc.

And lastly, Goans are charged high airfares to travel to Goa from Gulf countries by Indian Airlines more any other Indians being the shortest distance and it is 100% true.

Santana Piedade Afonso – Kuwait/Goa.
sales.hotlinegtce@gmail.com

BEIMAN PADRI.

BEIMAN PADRI.

In another few days time, that is, on 2nd August, we will be marking yet another invasion day of Kuwait because in 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait on that fateful Thursday. Kuwait was never colonized by any foreign power, neither by Ottoman Empire nor by the British though till 1960 Kuwait remained under British as British protectorate. According to available information soon after the end of II World War, Goans started coming to Kuwait for work either directly from Goa or from Bombay thru agencies, mainly Grey Mckenzie. By coming to Kuwait Goans have done lot of development in Goa, for them, for their families, relatives and to their surroundings. While they were working in Kuwait, Goans have also helped in giving donations in lakhs of rupees for the good causes, namely for the constructions of Churches and Chapels, Schools and Colleges, Community Halls in their villages, assistance to the political parties etc. But the biggest help Kuwait Goans gave was for the cause of Konkani and for Goa Cancer Hospital. The biggest beneficiaries of our help were priests and nuns for their Schools, Convents and Churches. By relying on our help many of the priests and Pe. Vigars did lot of developmental work in their areas and villages in Goa, so also in their Churches and Schools.

When Kuwait was unexpectedly invaded by Iraq, we came down to Goa and started our movement in support of Kuwait for the liberation of Kuwait. For this movement we expected all the priests and nuns, at least those who received financial assistance from us for the construction of their Churches and Schools and other business ventures to associate with us in their support for us and for the country from where we sent so much of donations to them. Thru our movement in Goa we did not actually liberate Kuwait but we only awakened the conscience of Indian Government to force it to support the liberation movement of Kuwait. We organized this movement to put pressure on Indian Government to condemn Iraq for invading Kuwait and to help in the process of liberation of Kuwait. Normally priests and nuns come on to the streets in hundreds in support of social and political justice but when we came on to the streets of Panjim to ask for justice for Kuwait, NOT A SINGLE PADRI AND MADRI came with us on to the streets of Panjim in our rallies and public meetings. Why they remained immune to our cause and our plight? What made them to distance from us during the hour of our crises? At Mapusa one priest said that “Kuwaitkarank butt laglo to boroch zalo”. Why they turned out to be so ungrateful for the good we did so much for them? I spoke over this ingratitude to many priests who did not receive a single pie from us as donation and all of them have felt very bad for the ingratitude shown by the priests and nuns who enjoyed our largesse.

Amongst all the priests, the late Fr. Freddy J. D’Costa was the biggest “Beiman”. He was the most helped by us amongst all the priests. I was on the forefront to help him so much financially. Even on one particular occasion we kept him about 8 days at the residence of our Alex Martins in Kuwait City taking care of his every need when he came to raise funds for Gulab. I have collected so many thousands of rupees for his Gulab by arranging one special Gulab Issue on “Goan Foot-ball in Kuwait”. Besides, I was regularly contributing articles and newsletters from Kuwait for Gulab. I don’t think any other person in Kuwait has done what I did for him and for his Gulab. Not only this, I was also pushing my other colleagues and friends to do the same and they were like me doing the same even by ignoring their personal and family needs. All these activities and help we Kuwaitkars did only to help his Konkani Magazine Gulab in which we had no financial stake though we should have asked for it before doling our financial assistance. New Goan Overseas Association with the assistance of Aggie Alcasoas, the late B.X. Rodrigues, Fidelis Fernandes, Rosary Ferns and others organized Fr. Freddy’s 2 Tiatros “Utt Goykara” and “Khata Pita Dev Dita” in Kuwait and raised huge amount for Gulab funds. Besides so many people gave hefty donations to strengthen his Gulab. The donations that we gave him from Kuwait itself was sufficient enough for his personal property, Gulab to survive till eternity. Not only this, I even pushed my friend Jerry Call and his wife Theresa in Abu Dhabi to help raise funds for Gulab and they in fact did a lot.

When we did so much for him, did he reciprocate at least a little bit of our love and help during the invasion of Kuwait? Leave aside other “Beiman Padri ani Madri” who showed their ingratitude to us but we were most hurt by the manner in which Fr. Freddy behaved during the invasion of Kuwait. He was mocking at us as many other priests. He was telling “Kuwait is gone and Kuwaitkars are finished”. Because Kuwaitkars were finished he had to close down his Daily Romi Konkani Paper. “Goycho Avaz”. He was telling sarcastically “what man, Veronica is come to organize movement in Goa to liberate Kuwait?”. This behaviour of Fr. Freddy was totally in bad taste especially at that particular time when we were passing thru bad days. And as a priest he should not have mocked at us, he should have shown his sympathy for us and for our sufferings. He should have supported us openly because he was more obligated to stand by us during the hour of our crises. He was the biggest beneficiary of Kuwait Goans financial assistance. But instead he proved to be the biggest enemy of Kuwait.

There is a group of Goans who are equally anti-Kuwait like Fr. Freddy and other Padris and Madris and because they are anti-Kuwait they refused to support our movement when Kuwait was under the seize of Iraq. These Goans were the chamchas of Fr. Freddy and supporting Fr. Freddy who was an anti-Kuwait, is yet another sign of these chamchas being anti-Kuwait too. These chamchas should be exposed so that they are reprimanded by the concerned authorities. Such people should not have place amidst us who are strong supporters of Kuwait. Pro Kuwait Goans must keep a distance from them. Fr. Freddy used Gulab many times to malign the donors and financiers of Gulab from Kuwait. He had dirty habit of being arrogant and ungrateful. Nobody knows the current financial standing of Gulab but it has its asset created thru our donations which should be sufficient enough for the survival of Gulab unless there is mismanagement done in which case public should be made aware. People in Kuwait must screen the credentials of any altu-faltu person approaching for fund collection without any proper authority and without any financial statement proving the health of the issue in question. If any one wants any funds to collect then the donors must ask for the right to be a part of the management.

There is a dirty habbit in Goa from the time of Novem Goem to ask for funds for Konkani publications but never to make the donors a part of the management team. We from Kuwait itself gave as donation to Novem Goem Daily approximately 5 lakhs of rupees when they wanted only one lakh but unfortunately we never asked them our right to a membership of the Trustees running Novem Goem Pratishan. For Goa Cancer Hospital we gave from Kuwait itself around 20 lakhs of rupees but never asked for the right to be in the board. They received our hard earned money and frittered away our donations. Where is Novem Goem Daily gone now? Dead finally. Because of mismanagement by all the misfit trustees headed by Gurunath Kelekar. Where is Cancer Hospital gone now? It is in whose hands now? Manipal. Where is our donations gone? Where is Dr. Vaidya gone now? We have been cheated by all. The same thing should not happen again. Unless the real financial health of Gulab is ascertained properly nobody should volunteer for anything. And those who are approaching for donation, their character and sincerity to Kuwait should be ascertained first. If they are anti-Kuwait like Fr. Freddy, they should be kicked out because I know who are the people who supported Kuwait’s cause during the invasion of Kuwait when we organized our public Meeting followed by public Rally in November 1990. Supporting Kuwait means also supporting our ownselves. Konkani cause and Konkani publications by all means should be supported but not to fritter away our aid in mismanagement. Konkani Magazines and Konkani publications by all means should be supported but not those which humiliated us after receiving our donations. Not those whose editors, publishers and owners mocked at Kuwait during the invasion of Kuwait.

Once at Alex Martins place, while having a dinner, in front of everyone, I asked Fr. Freddy this question: “Fr., God forbid, if anything bad happens to you, what will be the future of Gulab for which I in particular and others in general have done so much? Will it go into the hands of proper persons or to your family members to do the way they want even to the extent of selling it to Marathivadis for the greed of money? If it goes into the hands of your family members, then why? Gulab is not your baby only, you alone have not milked it as a baby, we also participated in milking this baby though your efforts are bigger but that does not mean our efforts are negligible”. When he heard this, his appearance changed but to put it diplomatically with a composed face, he said, “don’t worry, I have done everything right, it will not go into the hands of any of my family members, it will go into the right hands”. Now, the question is this: Is it in the right hands? Where is its asset created with our financial aid? These questions need to be answered.

While concluding, a good news for Romi Konkani readership. Under the Editorship of Tomazinho Cardoso, a new monthly magazine “Goykar” has been started in Goa which is a good sign. Besides this, there is already another Monthly Magazine circulating in Goa “Jivit” and they are not begging for any funds. Many time funds collected for Konkani are gone into the wrong hands for the wrong purposes. When any person approaches you for any fund collection for any magazine, first analyse his credentials, his character and his past and above all his love for Kuwait from where he earns his livelihood. His past will give an idea what he will do.

A. Veronica Fernandes.
Kuwait.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Navelim Youth Center for winning the KIFF League 2007-2008. Keep it up.


Cheers!!!!!!!!!!

Xavier Furtado
AVC - Kuwait
francis.furtado@gdc.com.kw

Hats off to A. Veronica Fernades.

In reply to DeGoanisation of Goa.

Hats-off Mr. Veronica, I fully support you in your write-up. No body dares to write what was right and you have enlightened the most educated goans living in this world either in bushes or caves. For them Money is first and then their homeland Goa. They say who care, we are not interested in this things, that’s why most of the goans sold their ancestor houses and land to non-goans and migrated to Canada, USA, Europe and elsewhere. They visited once a time to their homeland as a tourist. Non-goans are ruling our homeland and became asli gomekars.

I always says that our freedom fighters who sold our beautiful Goa to India after the liberation of Goa. What Mr. Veronica said is correct and after liberation of Goa, Maharastran’s and Kerelites entered in Goa with the help of India, Mr Chavan the then Defence Minister played a dirty game by fraud in votes favouring MGP an alliance of Maharastra. Most of the Goan antiques are still lying in New Delhi, but why? Goa became a state and why our antiques are not returned? All goans shall ask to their respective MLAs and Ministers in their own constituencies.

Airport: what is the population of Goa? Do we need two airports in Goa? All goans shall first ask this question to themselves. Who gave rights to the MLAs and ministers to decide for having two airports in Goa? How many flights are coming to Goa from Europe, USA and rest of the world except from the Gulf.Recently CM Digamber Kamat along with 3 live saints - Shantaram Naik, Francisco Sardinha and Sripad Naik along with Chief Secretary J P Singh met Prime Minister of India and presented him the report with regards to the proposed Mopa international airport project, which was recently approved by the empowered committee headed by him. My first question is: “Does CM Digamber Kamat got the clear majority from the Goan public to have another airport in Goa? Does the construction of second airport is passed with the opinion poll of all goans?”Let the CM Digamber Kamat answer the question to all th public of Goa. If goans says go ahead then he should go ahead with the second airport. If the the answer is No, then he should not present the report.What about the Dabolim International Airport? Why it is not developed so far? More than 200 cores Rupees has been sanctioned by the centre more than 15 years back and why does the upgrading been not done so far? Was the Indian Nay is blocking the upgrading / development of Dabolim International Airport?

Instead of having another airport in Goa, why do we have first upgrading the electricity in Goa? CM Digamber Kamat was the Power Minister before during the BJP government and what modernization has been done by him in Goa regarding the electricity? Goa is borrowing electricity from the neighbouring states of Maharastra and Karnataka and huge money is wasted in paying the electricity tariffs to them. Instead of borrowing electricity, can we have our own electricity project in Goa by means of having nuclear power project?Goa government and the ministers’ first concentrate what is most needed for the state instead of having another airport in Goa. Having another airport in Goa is the plan of the last BJP government and who will benefit, Maharastrians and Karnatakis, the ghanttis.

For example: KRC is running thru Goa and who is benefiting the most, the ghanttis and others Indian nationals.The ministers and MLAs are after the second airport because they have allotted plots next to the airport site at MOPA, who will benefit more and more money inflow, that's why MP's, CM and the Chief Secretary met PM at New Delhi. What does the am-admi will benefit? Nothing...... slog and slog.

Earlier, we aware Angendiva Island next to Karwar, Goa's biggest island sold the the Indian Navy by then then BJP/Congress Ministers for Rs. 300 cores (not exactly known the amount) without discussing the Opion Poll of the Goans. Where is the Money? And now MOPA Airport will be the another case similar to Angendiva Island. Goans watchout.............I requests all goans to wake-up and march forward to save Goa from the hands of the traitors who will spoil the peace and harmony of Goa and the Goans……….

I’m proud to be a Goan!

Santana Pieade Afonso – Kuwait/Goa.

In Praise of Veronica's writings.

jerrisa30@yahoo.com>Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 9:49:26 PM

Subject: 1) Death of Domnick Correia - Ex Kuwait.
2) Degoanisation of Goa.

Hi A. Veronica Fernandes from Kuwait.

Heartiest congratulations regarding the two beautiful articles you wrote, one on the death and achievement of the late DOMNIC MARTIN CORREIA whom I know very well as a good man and the other on deGoanisation of Goa. Both the articles are superb and deGoanisation is just a masterpiece. I dont think anybody among Goans can write like this. Veronica Fernandes you are a great writer and because of your regular writings Goa-Kranti is become the most popular Goan website. No other Goan website can compete with your writings and with Goa-Kranti.

It was a sparkle to me by reading your article regarding the death of Dominic M. Correia, especially when I read these few lines "in front of gods decision science failed and it will always fail". And, also the last line which said "and your final victory will be in heaven because you have done good for others".

Domnick Correia was a devoted to his wife and his family. I knew him for the last 20 years,he was a real gentleman as he was very polite and a humble person, always coming forward to help others and he had a craze for football. He was a great footballer and he was playing with my brother on St Josephs High School Arpora Ground. He used to play in a forward position and his shots were powerful. He used to run up and down with full stamina like Brazilian player Scorates. He was really a cool and calm on the ground and he was always a good striker. He was a proud Nogoakar helping others like Patrick Mendes and not to his own family members like the other Nagoakars are doing in Kuwait. They are selfish having in mind their own promotion and own personal interest in their mind. For this reason they are hated by all while Correia and Patrick loved by all for their helpful nature.

Regarding deGoanisation of Goa article, everything what you wrote in this artcile is true Veronica. We Goans are fit only to dance in 5 Star hotels, Drink huge amount of "soro" and play football. This is the only thing we can do. And the most we are ready to go to Canada and live there like unwanted persons. Most of the Goans who migrate to Canada are coming from lover level of Goan community and to hide this they go to Canada because they are suffering from inferiority complex. Our Goan Associations in the Gulf and in other places in the world must start purchasing little by little what is remaining of Goa otherwise Ghanttis will become Bhattkars in Goa.

Veronica Fernandes you are the only Goan worlwide doing strong awakening in support of Goa, Goans and Konkani. Your efforts should be admired and rewarded. I salute you and Goa-Kranti which is the best among all other Goan websites and you are just the best among all the expatriate Goan journalists. Nobody got guts to write they way you write and nobody got as much knowledge as you re having. We Goans are fortunate enough to have you among us. God will protect you because you are doing good thru your writings. Your writings are genuine and not copy-cat, borrowed from here and there. Keep it up and we salute you all. We need you for Goa and Goans.

Recently two months back I was a witness to your excellent speech given at Calangute Church Square in front of about 5 thousands people. On that day you were the most applauded speaker and you alone gained more limelight among all the speakers. Your style and matter in your speech was totally different from others. You have an international standard. Your tongue is as powerful as your pen is. Please return to Goa fast as we need you more in Goa than in the Gulf. We are in readiness to back you up if you return to Goa fast. We are very serious and we formed a group in our locality to support you, we will support you to any extent but come down to Goa first.

With my total admiration for you,

Jerry Fernandes.

Kuwait Indian Football League Finals on Friday 18 July 2008

Kuwait, July 15, 2008: The Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) League, the only competition of its kind among expatriate Indians abroad promises a spectacular finale when the top two teams in the League, AVC Sports Association and Navelim Youth Centre clash Friday morning, 18th July 2008 at the Salmiya Grounds for the coveted J.P. D'Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy.

The summer heat and humidity in Kuwait may not be a perfect climate for the amateur players to display their full potential skills but anyway it all seems like a lovely antidote to enjoy watching two best teams vying for top honors.

Football among expatriates in Kuwait fulfills its function to divert one's mind from reality and all football lovers fall for the con. The mythology of football here is that it is an independent game, where the working man in particular can be heard. The myth holds that spectators are the clubs and it's their collective memory which remains constant as players, officials and clubs come and go.

The diehard supporters always throng the Grounds and cheer the lads. Everyone is aware the games here are played for love and not fortune. One may not certainly see huge crowds and players changing shirts with opposition teams after each match as seen on TV but the euphoria created during some games is nothing less than a 'World Cup' match.

Navelim versus Kuwait Goans

Semi-final matches of any game in the world are the toughest ones – not something strange among Indians either. In the League semifinals for played last Friday, defending champions Kuwait Goan Association lost out to Navelim Youth Centre in the tie-breaker after the teams were locked 1-1 during normal time.

Navelim stand-in goalkeeper Alfred Pires saved 2 crunch penalties to put Navelim in a record 7th League Final in the last 10 editions.

Earlier, striker Cruz Rodrigues put Navelim into the lead in the 20th minute of the game. Captain Vico D'Souza of Kuwait Goans equalized in the second half ten minutes remaining for the end of match. Navelim midfielders Duarte, Simao, Ivo D'costa and Savio Furtado, and goalkeeper Britto were excellent in the game.

DHL versus AVC

The other semifinal played between DHL and AVC was a high drama game, both teams fighting to be in the finals. AVC, who are already crowned Season Champions for winning major tournaments this season scored through Savio Fernandes. DHL fought valiantly for the equalizer but AVC stood strong. Vincy Pereira, Francis Fernandes, Ronnie, Lucian, Kevin, etc, excelled for the winners.

AVC, one the consistent teams for the past few years are coached by former Churchill Brothers (Goa) footballer Alvaro Dias while Navelim are coached by ex-Salgaocar (Goa) Gasper Crasto, both active players in the League.

Meanwhile, KIFF President Mr. B.M. Viegas has extended invitation to all member clubs, affiliates and football lovers to come and witness a grand finale to the season. A Third Place play-off will be played prior to the finals between DHL and Kuwait Goan Association according to KIFF Sports Secretary Derrick Gomendes.

KIFF League matches are officiated by referees affiliated to Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA).

J.P. Memorial Rolling Trophy

The J.P. Memorial Rolling Trophy - KIFF League is named after late Jerome Pascoal D'Mello (popularly known in India and Kuwait as J.P). Ex-FIFA referee and Member of Asian Football Confederation Referees Committee and Ex-Hon. Secretary and Member of Bombay Referees' Association, D'Mello who lived in Andheri East, Bombay, left for his heavenly abode in 1994. He was the prime architect in conceiving the idea of forming KIFF.

The KIFF League of 2007-08 which commenced in October last included 18 teams registered with the Federation. The teams were divided into two groups for a round robin League.

Navelim Youth Centre have won the League a maximum four times followed by G.O.A Maroons (3 times) since the inception of the Trophy in 1994.

Record of the League for the past 10 years:

1996/97
Navelim Y. Centre v/s G.O.A Maroons
GOA Maroons

1997/98
Navelim Y. Centre v/s United Friends Club
Navelim Youth Centre

1998/99
United Friends Club v/s United Goans Centre
United Friends Club

1999/00
League not held


2000/01
G.O.A Maroons v/s United Friends Club
GOA Maroons

2001/02
Navelim Y. Centre v/s G.O.A Maroons
Navelim Youth Centre

2002/03
Navelim Y. Centre v/s United Friends Club
United Friends Club

2003/04
Bombay Boys v/s United Friends Club
Bombay Boys

2004/05
Navelim Youth Centre v/s A.V.C. Overseas Association
AVC Overseas Association

2005/06
Navelim Youth Centre v/s GOA Maroons
Navelim Youth Centre

2006-07
Kuwait Goans v/s Kerala Challengers
Kuwait Goans

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Forwarded by gaspersWorld gaspercrasto@hotmail.com

DEGOANISATION OF GOA.

DEGOANISATION OF GOA.

If Goa remained as Goa till today then the credit for this should surely go to the Portuguese for colonising Goa for 450 years and thus keeping Goa secured for Goans as Goa and to protect the “GOYKARPON” of Goans, I repeat Goanness of Goa and Goans. Because Goa was under the domination of Portuguese, the influx of non - Goans and their FILTHY influence on Goa and Goans was non existent. When India got independence from the British, Goa was still a separate entity from India. When the constitution of India was framed the interest of Goa was not taken into consideration. Hence, we missed a lot to be Indians. Even when the National Anthem of India was composed, we and our Goa was not taken into consideration as a part of India. When British left India, Indian Government asked the consent of princely states to join the Indian Union but no such consent was solicited from Goa and Goans. With the backing of few tin-pot freedom fighters, Nehru’s Congress conquered Goa as if Goa is his father’s property.

When Portuguese was ousted from Goa in December 1961, Indian Government kept its CRUEL doors opened for CRUEL Indians to invade and absorb Goa the way they wanted. In the bargain most of the third class Indians started pouring into Goa mainly from Kerala and Maharastra in the beginning of Indian Raj. Their entry into Goa was facilitated and made easy by the Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party and their leaders namely Dayananda Bandodkar and later on by his anti-Christian daughter Shashikala Kakodkar. The early Malyalis who descended on Goa following the ouster of Portuguese rule in Goa were the classless Malyalis, not even third class, whom we call as “Rostad” who went on exploiting every segment of Goan community. Many of them were robbers, criminals and crooks of first grade. And as a matter of fact, the first person to be hanged in Goa at Aguada on 28th of January 1978 at 6.00 in the morning was a Malyali, Kumar by name who killed a child and her pregnant mother, cut their bodies into pieces and put them into boxes, at Caranzalem, Ilhas, Goa.

If Goan administration in the first general election itself had to fall into the hands of United Goans, till today Goa would have been much secured and safer place for Goans from every Goan community. But, no, Bandodkar and his MGP proved to be more colonialists then colonial Portuguese by handing Goa and its administration into the hands of Marathiwadi Maharastrians and deputationists from Delhi and other parts of India. According to one source, the then big man of Maharastra, Y. B. Chavan holding strong influence in Delhi due to his being the Defence Minisater of India, deputed especial emissary of Indian Government to oversee the first general election process of Goa with a clear instruction to manipulate the counting of votes, this emissary was from Punjab and since Goans at that time were not expert in the election, electioneering and vote counting process including stacking of ballot boxes, being novices in this election process, there was lot of mischief done thru the chickanery of Punjabi expert election manipulator otherwise UG would surely and rightly come to the power then itself and rule Goa under the able administrators coming from Christian, Hindu and Muslim communities. I still remember as a young school going boy how the trend was in favour of UG then but the Punjabi “chor” robbed Goa and Goans thereby denying Goans of their right to frame their destiny.

It is said in the Bible “Sword Beget Sword” and this is exactly what has happened to Punjabi and Punjab. Under the terrorist and fanatic Punjabi Bindranwale, Punjab was about to get some sort of independence or autonomy. Indira Gandhi sent troops to Golden Temple in Punjab and killed hundreds of Punjabis including Bindranwale. There was chaos not only in Punjab but also all over India. The religious sentiments of Sikh community was hurt by Indira Gandhi and her Congress party. To contain this chaos and to stop secessionist trend going on in Punjab, Indian Government sent an expert Super Cop, a Goan and a genuine hard core Goan, Julius Ribeiro who not only stopped the anti-Indian thinking of Punjabis but also killed the thoughts of having separate entity for Punjab. Sword beget Sword, those who fight with Swords will die with Swords only. A Punjabi tricked Goans into submission to MGP and a Goan used fair means to teach a very good lesson to Punjabis who were aspiring for independence for them. There is a saying in Konkani, “kelem tukam ani zalem makam”. So also, “korta tea mapan bhogta”.

What is the state of Goa now when I saw it with my own eyes a month back? Goa is no more what it was. What during the 450 years of Portuguese rule did not happen in Goa is now happening during the last 47 years of corrupt Bharati rule in Goa. Goa is become free for all Indians having lot of money collected legally or illegally. Every place in Goa not only in the coastal belt but also all over Goa, non Goans are purchasing Goan land, constructing their own houses, small and big and bunglaws and totally changing the demographic set – up of Goa. To one’s neighbourhood one see plots purchased by non-Goans and built their own residential houses. In my locality and in surrounding areas one sees only Ghanttis. Goykars are seen only in the Churches and for Tiatros otherwise everywhere you find non-Goans. They are acting like “dadas”, they are dominating Goa and also threathening Goans. Our “Rostad Bhattkars” are responsible to sell Goa to them and our politicians in the Assembly and Panchayats are equally responsible for promoting the sale of Goa to outsiders for Thirty Silver Coins like Judas Escariot. Good that MGP during its rule promulgated “Mundkar Kaido” making the Mundkar owner of his house and also some metres around his house otherwise the Goan Rostad Bhattkars would not only sell their properties to non-Goans and builders as they are doing now rampantly but along with their properties they would also sell the Mundkar houses along with Mundkars also, like slaves. At least this was something good MGP has done for Goa and Goans. Otherwise, MGP has laid the foundation stone for the destruction of Goa and Goans.

Now after selling their properties, Bhattkars are coming to an end in Goa and in my locality itself one has to take a lighted Lantern in his hand during the daytime only when the sun is directly overhead to see if any Bhattkar is vissible in the market place and all around. The once honourable and respectable word "SENHOR BHATTKAR" IS COMING TO AN END IN GOA.

The Goan Bhattkars have not done anything good for Goa and Goans, they have only exploited their Munddkars and poor Goans. Now their example is emulated by the local Sarpanches and other Panches by allowing builders to build legally and illegally big buildings in our villages against all the ecological considerations. By allowing the builders to construct huge buildings the local Sarpanches are getting as bribe, of course free of charge, One Posh Flat after every building of 10 Flats. In this way almost every village Sarpanch is becoming an owner of innumerable Flats thus acquiring huge illegal wealth. It is a pity that the local village administration is fallen into the hands of Ladru & Pedru type of Goans whose only motto is to make money by all means and thereby destroy the originality of Goa. And regrettably, our local Church leaders like priests and Nuns are supporting these local Rostad rulers. This is the quality of our Goan priests now.

In Goa now there are two types of non-Goan settlers who built their own dwellings, one type are rich who either purchase from builders big bunglaws costing 2 – 5 crores of rupees and they come to stay there occasionally, they don’t want to permanently settle in Goa, they like to come to Goa as tourists and go back. In the other category falls all the Rostad whom we call Ghanttis. They are like bees swarming all over Goa upsetting Goan culture, history, tradition, language and every decent aspect of Goan life. They dont return to their native places. These non-Goans are eradicating Goanness and Goans from Goa. They don’t even talk Konkani but impose their mother tongues on Goans. These non-Goans are having lot of money, from where? Nobody knows. We Goans cannot compete with them financially because we are not as wealthy as they are. We only talk wealthy and act as wealthy otherwise we are “pokou” internally. To stop them from further purchasing Goa we must bring pressure on Goa Government to make a law to prevent non-Goans from purchasing Goan land. Such a law is existing elsewhere in India. It is better to allow Westerners to purchase Goan land but surely not by non-Goan Indians. At least Westerners one day will go back to their countries of origin with their original nationality intact but these Indian Ghanttis will never. These Ghanttis speak the language not of thousands and lakhs of rupees but crores of rupees thereby tempting even for a hardcore Goan to sell his anchestral house for crores of rupees. I cannot understand in what direction we are going. God alone will have to protect us from the onslaught of outsiders and from going into extinction.

While this trend is speedily going on in Goa we the non-resident Goans residing in the Gulf and in the West cannot remain as silent spectators. Our Goan associations especially village based must work hard and try to purchase land and properties from their villages and localities. Land is fixed and gradually it will come to an end. Instead of depositing money in Goan Banks, NRI Goans must start vigorously to purchase any available piece of land in Goa. Land price in Goa is become like that of Diamond price. Goa is getting finished and if we allow to get it finished by non-Goans then we will have no place to live in Goa. Very shortly there will be a Goan convention in Toronto. All Goans gathering there must ponder over this point. It is useless talking of Goa and Goans from outside Goa and having Goan conventions when we are not doing anything to save Goa from extinction. We must not allow even our “Kombiancho ani Dukrancho Gudd” built by our grand parents to fall into the hands of outsiders. Even our “Kumau” we must protect because there is a party in Goa coming from outside Goa which is ready to buy even one square metre of Goan property, even if it is filthy. Can we do something to save us from extinction? Or the prophecy of St. Francis Xavier will come to reality when he said “My Goa nobody will take away but it will come into extinction for Goans”. It is high time now for Goans spread all around the globe to work hard to protect their ancestral land, properties and houses. We must slow down in organizing dances and instead think of how to save Goa. Once again I say that Toronto Goan convention must come out with some solution because West settled Goans can do much better to save Goa. But will they? I have my doubts because during the fight for separate statehood for Goa and language agitation in Goa other than Gulf Goans mainly the Kuwait Goans, all Goans were sleeping. Will they wake up now atleast? Or they will organize empty talk Conventions only? Otherwise expatriate Goan Associations and Goan Conventions “ghalat dobean”.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

DEATH OF DOMNICK MARTIN CORREIA.

Recently I was in Goa on my annual vacation. Suddenly on 27th of June 2008 I was informed that my friend Domnick Correia from Nagoa Bardez and a prominent ex Kuwait Goan has expired on the very day when he returned home from a Doctor with his medical report giving him clean chit of all his medical tests. Medical science decided one thing and God decided something else. The decision of God always takes precedence over all other decisions taken by human beings even on the basis of scientific evidence.

In front of God’s decision, science failed and it will always fail. In front of God’s judgment scientific judgments failed resulting in the death of Dominick Martin Correia. A week before his death on one Sunday I met him at Mapusa attending Konkani Tiatro along with his kind hearted and ailing wife due to her limping leg. We exchanged lot of pleasantries outside the hall and both of us we embraced each other. Earlier three years back when I went to his house with my wife to invite him for my Silver Wedding anniversary since he was witness to my wedding in Kuwait 25 years earlier along with his wife and children, he showed his dislike for me for not inducting my son into G.O.A. Maroons soccer team in Kuwait when in his own words he said to me: “you being the founder of G.O.A. (Maroons) you should not have done this. Your son plays so well and since Goa Maroons is your baby you should have inducted your son in Maroons”. This was his regret he showed to me. But my answer to him was this:

“Correia, how can I force my son to play for the team of my liking? It is his decision to play for whichever team he likes. He is a matured boy and knows what is good for him. Besides, how he will play for Maroons if Maroons is not showing any interest openly and expressly in him? He will not go like a beggar to Maroons to plead them to enroll him in their team. My son has his own dignity and prestige since he is the prestigious player being one of the best amongst us in Kuwait”. For this my friend Correia had no answer. I withdrew from Maroons because I realized it allowed in its fold people with cowboy mentality and not soccer development mentally. My coming out of Maroons was the result of my disapproval of the questionable and weak leadership of the organization where I could not do much to bring about the change. Hence, I withdrew with the consent of few respectable colleagues of mine in the organization who totally accepted my decision. Though I played a major role in the formation of G.O.A. (Maroons) in 1980 yet I was not the only person in founding G.O.A. Peter D’Souza and Domnick Correia were equally responsible for forming G.O.A.

The late Domnick Martin Correia came to Kuwait from Bombay somewhere in 1954 brought by his father and immediately got employed in one of the British contracting companies, M/s Kuwait Development Company. After working there for some time, he then left that job and joined the then prestigious Behbehanis in Carrier Air-conditioning Division and from here finally he joined Mercedes where he held a good post in the supervisory capacity and worked there till his retirement. In Mercedes, owned by Al Bisher & Zaid Al Kazemi he was highly respected by his top management for his work efficiency, sincerity and dedication, so also by the staff not only working under him but even others in the company and also the community members. Having close contact with the top management he used his influence to employ many Goans there, thought them the basics of the jobs and made them fit not only on the job but even in life. Many of the Goans who are till today working there it is only because of the goodwill of Domnick Martin Correia.

Because of his job, he created very good rapport with some of the top locals thru whom he helped many of the community members. Even people arrested for some minor and major misdemeaneours he got them released from Police Lock-up thru his influence. He was like a saviour for many of the rejected and distressed people. In Kuwait, we cannot forget two Goans who have done so much for Goans getting released from the Police Lock-up: one is Sheikh Agnelo now residing in Agacaim, Goa, and the second our late Domnick Martin Correia. They proved to be like Biblical “Bom Samaritans” during the critical times of many of the Goans. But inspite of doing so much for the good of the community members he once told me when I interviewed him for “Goycho Mog” Weekly in eighties; that he regretted the majority of those who received his help finally turned out to be ungrateful and betrayed him with a Judas Kiss. This is the main fault of our Goans because of which many time a good Goan is reluctant to help another Goan. And which are these Goans? Mainly Christians coming from “Ladru – Pedru” type of family background. Without proper basic family discipline at home under the good parental guidance nobody can acquire good habits. Now-a-days good discipline is not taught in schools and in colleges, they have their syllabus to complete and hence no time to discipline the students in good mannerism. Good discipline is not thought now by “Padris & Madris” because they have their own priorities. Good discipline is not taught now by unties, uncles and neighbours, they have their own things to take care first. And there is a saying in Konkani “Sezareani tor burgeank sambaulelim zalear mae ani pai kiteak zai also?”

Domnick Martin Correia was a great lover of sports and extra curricular activities, soccer being his forte in which he excelled extremely well as a player first and as an organizer secondly. While in Bombay he played as a stalwart in the forward line scoring innumerable goals for his village team in the Inter-village Goan tournaments conducted in Bombay. Then he played for the then mighty soccer team in Bombay “Pe. Agnelo” where he made a strong impact of his skill in dribbling and powerful shooting prowess due to which the then powerful Bombay outfit “Kohinoor Mill” spotted him. With this team he made a name and fame for him at Cooperage ground where great footballers of India played.

After coming to Kuwait as a young, energetic and bustling man, he joined “Blue Wizard” for which team he played at Ahmadi KOC Grounds and finally shifted to the gigantic Goan team “Young Goans” which even terrified Europeans teams at Ahmadi. The Young Goans of that time had great players in its fold, one of them was the late Stanley from Siolim who was while in Goa a regular for GOA XI along with topmost Portuguese Pakle players in a very stiff competition.

Amongst all his four sons, the eldest Tony emulated his father’s feat in soccer. Though Tony and I played together for many years for G.O.A. Maroons at Sour Grounds in Kuwait City and also at KOC grounds in Ahmadi, I found him extremely good yet those who witnessed the games and playing styles of both the son and the father, they say that father rates much higher than the son. This is a big credit to the late Domnick Martin Correia for his football playing skill. And according to one person who observed Domnick Correia minutely during his hey days as a footballer, if he had not come to Kuwait then, surely he would fit in any of the top Indian teams. Unfortunately lack of financial opportunities have destroyed natural talents in many of us in our home countries. Talking to his son Tony, when he came to Kuwait fresh from School, he was in such a top form that even the British players showed their admiration to his playing skills. I am yet to see another Tony Correia amongst us in Kuwait. His shooting power was just fantastic, his running skill with the ball was extremely well and his positioning himself on the ground to receive the ball was admirable. If he had not to come to Kuwait at that tender age, I am sure he would have been spotted by any of the top Goan teams.

Domnick Martin Correia since the inception of our competitive soccer in Kuwait 1979 was involved in the promotion of football at Sour grounds first by supporting Blue Razors (Blue Wings?) and then by being one of the founders of G.O.A. Maroons. His contribution for G.O.A. was great as a founder, organizer, financier and helper to some players in getting jobs. Such kind hearted and helpful people are not existing in our midst now. He was the genuine Goan having all the attributes of pristine Goan. He supported many of our activities for the cause of Goa and Konkani. A soft spoken and decent man with cool temperament but once lost his temper it was very difficult to control him. Though I was very much junior to him in age and in many other respects yet he valued my association and friendship. When I met him last month in Goa, his loving hug once again proved his liking for me. His death when he was still active and healthy was a great loss for us and for our soccer in Kuwait. As a befitting tribute to his enormous contribution for the promotion of our soccer in Kuwait a memorial soccer tournament should be organized or the tournament that G.O.A. Maroons orginses annually should be renamed as Dominick Martin Memorial football tournament. And as a befitting tribute to him for the inception and promotion of G.O.A. Maroons, a condolence meeting to mourn his death should be called immediately by the G.O.A.. Some of the new entrants in G.O.A. are surely not aware of the contribution of Correia to the formation, development and promotion of G.O.A. Maroons. His memory should be kept alive.

May His Soul Rest in Peace and may God give courage to all his family members especially his loving and devoted wife to bear this colossal loss. He was a very dedicated and responsible father to his children, a faithful and devoted husband to his equally faithful and devoted wife and above all he was a man of character having compassion for the weak and downtrodden. He was the only person in the midst of his colleagues having pure genuine Goan character. It is sad that such genuine Goans are coming to an end. Once again, May His Soul Rest In Peace. Domnick Martin Correia, you played your game very well and you entertained the spectators also very well. You have won the victories on and off the soccer grounds and your final victory will be surely in Heaven because you have done good for others.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.