Drugs And Condoms Found In School Bags.
Page 2 of Herald dated 5th May’10, has an article captioned “Tourism ill-effects affecting children in Canacona,” It is a bleak reminder that “all is not well with our children today”. It is not just in Canacona, the deadly epidemic has engulfed the whole of Goa and not just limited to the coastal belt.
It was indeed shocking to know that children were carrying drugs and condoms in their school bags, were they going to school or a rave party ? It is not just the duty of the teachers to be vigilant but it is the moral responsibility of the parents and the home people to see, what their children are up to and should by all means know what they carry to school.
How is it possible that the parents are unaware of their kids involvement in drugs, drug addiction is so very obvious. If parents and the home people cannot detect then how do we expect the teachers to do it ? No doubt some schools and teachers are sometimes offenders, when they try to hide such things because of adverse publicity to their institutions, but they should know that morality and the wellbeing of children is far more important than their reputation and as such these cases should be dealt with accordingly.
Goans in coastal areas have to be extra vigilant and take utmost care that their loved ones do not fall prey to the glitter of drugs and sex. I have seen a lot of people along the coast, hire their houses to the tourists and they themselves live in sheds, that too has an adverse effect on the kids, who then value money more than life. We should not make money our prime objective. NGO’s and organizations are trying their best to educate children on the ills of drugs and casual sex. It is of paramount importance that the parents take up this cause for their children.
Where is the Home Minister that said, that there were no drugs in Goa ? Has reality hit him in the face or is he still in wonderland ? It is the responsibility of Home Department and the duty of the security services to keep our streets and neighbourhoods clean and clear off the unhealthy elements of society trading in drugs and sex.
With the nexus between the police and the drug lords being exposed, the police have been hit where it hurts, hope they will do all they can to resurrect themselves from the ashes of disgrace and prove themselves honest and competent. After the exposure of the police, we await the exposure of the politicians involved in the garbage pile, I won’t be surprised, if it involves the next of kin of the moron who said “No drugs in Goa”
If money is lost – nothing is lost, if health is lost – also, nothing is lost, but if the innocence of our children is lost – everything is lost ! Wake up Goan parents and be vigilant. During our younger day at school, mom made sure we had a holy picture in our bag as we made off for the boarding, who knew about drugs and condoms then ?
Freddy Agnelo Fernandes,
Dubai - UAE
May 6, 2010
Churchill crowns Navelim with coveted NYC Trophy in Kuwait
:::NYC Trophy:::Churchill crowns Navelim with NYC Trophy
By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Hosts Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) claimed the coveted NYC Trophy for the 7th time beating Curtorcares United 4-0 at the finals played under floodlights at Sabah Hospital Grounds on 30th April 2010.
The tournament played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) was sponsored by international corporate houses Gulf Custody Company, Axis Bank and My Money Mart.
PWD Minister Shri Churchill Alemao, one of Goa's famous personalities on a visit to Kuwait, was the Chief Guest at the event. He was given a rousing welcome by the spectators on arrival at the ground. In his speech, Mr. Alemao complimented Navelim for their activities in Kuwait and inculcating friendship among the community through the sport. Whilst congratulating the teams for some quality football he reckoned his dream to take India into the World Cup in the near future.
It was also announced that Navelim would hold Churchill Brothers sponsored Late Alvernaz-Lalush Alemao Memorial football tournament during the next Ramadan.
Earlier, Alisha Fernandes, daughter of the NYC President welcomed Mr. Alemao with a bouquet of flowers and President Agnello A.S. Fernandes introduced the chief guest to the finalists. In a statement Agnello said, "I am overjoyed to note that NYC has created a sort of a hat-trick of coincidences and an unique one too, by having amidst us a Navelim constituency MLA for a Navelim run tournament in which Navelim played the finals." The President also thanked Mr. Alemao for accepting the invitation and attending the event despite having to catch a flight back to Goa later that evening.
The tournament played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) was sponsored by international corporate houses Gulf Custody Company, Axis Bank and My Money Mart.
PWD Minister Shri Churchill Alemao, one of Goa's famous personalities on a visit to Kuwait, was the Chief Guest at the event. He was given a rousing welcome by the spectators on arrival at the ground. In his speech, Mr. Alemao complimented Navelim for their activities in Kuwait and inculcating friendship among the community through the sport. Whilst congratulating the teams for some quality football he reckoned his dream to take India into the World Cup in the near future.
It was also announced that Navelim would hold Churchill Brothers sponsored Late Alvernaz-Lalush Alemao Memorial football tournament during the next Ramadan.
Earlier, Alisha Fernandes, daughter of the NYC President welcomed Mr. Alemao with a bouquet of flowers and President Agnello A.S. Fernandes introduced the chief guest to the finalists. In a statement Agnello said, "I am overjoyed to note that NYC has created a sort of a hat-trick of coincidences and an unique one too, by having amidst us a Navelim constituency MLA for a Navelim run tournament in which Navelim played the finals." The President also thanked Mr. Alemao for accepting the invitation and attending the event despite having to catch a flight back to Goa later that evening.
Navelim displayed an attacking game, tremendous stamina and fire-power scoring at regular intervals. Former Salgaocars/East Bengal/Churchill Brothers player Bernard Pires scored Navelim's first goal with a solo effort finishing off with a volley to the far right of Curtorcares goalkeeper Olavo (1-0). Bernard was later declared man of the match.
Left wing back Godfrey Aguiar increased the lead while mid-field maestro and top scorer of the tournament Duarte Ferrao scored another before striker Cruzedio Rodrigues, one of the most consistent scorers in Kuwait, finished off with a brilliant goal.
The final match was officiated by P.A. Tony and supported by Jerry D'Mello and Derrick Gomendes on the lines.
The Champion team – Navelim Youth Centre comprises of Britto Pereira, Adrian Goes, Godfrey Aguiar, Christi Pires, Joaquim Rodrigues, Wilson Pires John Furtado, Alfred Pires, Nilesh Parmar, Bernard Pires, Americo Fernandes, Simao Gaonkar, Duarte Ferrao, Cruzedio Rodrigues, Seby Barbosa, Ivo D'Costa, Sydney Rodrigues, Inacio Fernandes, Savio Furtado, Gasper Crasto, etc. The team is managed by Avelino Dias and coached by Johny Luis.
Curtorcares United included Olavo Monteiro, Laurent Furtado, Savio Rebello, Sebastiao Oliveiro, Camilo Azavedo, Rony Dias, Zico Fernandes, Roland Fernandes, Christovam Vaz, Minguel Mouro, Felon Gonsalves, Francis Fernandes, R.V. Murthy, John Vaz, Benjamin Pereira, Christi Menezes, Francisco Costancio, Mario Viegas, etc.
Icon Player Award
Former Dempo Sports Club player and Navelim captain Americo Fernandes, hailing from Taleigao, Goa was awarded the NYC Icon Player Award. The award instituted by Navelim is presented to a player who has served football for a number of years. Americo who started his career with Salcete Football Club way back in 1989, has been playing for Navelim from the beginning of this decade.
Earlier, in an exhibition match played prior to the finals, Indian Public School (IPS), Salmiya defeat Navelim Juniors 6-0. Captain Ihab Khairy scored 4 goals while Shawn Braganza and Ibrahim Diab scored a goal each.
A minute's silence was observed at the start of the final as a mark of respect to Peter Colaco, founder member and ex-footballer of NYC, who died on 13th April onboard a Kuwait Airways flight whilst returning back from India.
Present on the ocassion were a number of eminent personalities, that included KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes, UFC President Cajetan Pereira, Rising Stars President Lawry Pinto, UG President Tony Gonsalves, Santos FC President Tony Dias, GWS President Wilson Coelho, GCC President Carmo Santos, etc, and other distinguished guests.
Gasper Crasto compered the function and proposed a vote of thanks. DJ Brian enlivened the evening with some hyped-up music including Konkani dulpods.
Prizes and Awards
The prize distribution ceremony was sweet and brief. The awards were presented at the hands of Chief Guest Shri Churchill Alemao, NYC President Agnello Fernandes, Luis D'Silva (Vice-President – NYC), Norman Noronha, Eusebio Fernandes, Avelino Dias, Mario Carneiro, Mrs. Neeta Fernandes and Cleema Carneiro.
Following prizes were awarded:
Fair Play Award – Indian Strikers, Kerala.
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament (offered by Mrs. Wendy Gomes in memory of her late husband Flobert Gomes) – Melvin of United Goans Centre.
Best Defender of the Tournament – John Furtado of Navelim Y.C.
Best Mid-fielder of the Tournament – Zico Fernandes of Curtorcares United.
Best Striker of the Tournament – Cruzedio Rodrigues of Navelim Y.C.
Highest Scorer of the Tournament (offered by Mrs. Wendy Gomes) – Duarte Ferrao of Navelim Y. C.
Man of the Match (offered by Succor Colaco) – Bernard Pires – Navelim Y.C.
Following clubs have won the NYC Trophy since 1999-2000:
1999-2000 - Navelim Y. Centre
2000-01 - Colva United
2001-02 - Colva United
2002-03 - Navelim Y. Centre
2003-04 - Bombay Boys
2004-05 - Curtorcares United
2005-06 - GOA Maroons
2006-07 - DHL Kuwait
2007-08 - Kuwait Goan Association
2009-2010 – Navelim Youth Centre
Mi-great writing on the Wall: Part V (The End)
:::Tongue and cheek on migration & working abroad:::
Susegad style Bar & Restaurant at Manora-Raia, Margao - Goa.
Ch. V : Before you kick the buck'et
"If you have a receiver and decoder from one of the Direct TV operators in India, you can view all Indian channels by paying in INR. Petrol is cheaper than water. Petrol at 60 fils per litre is cheaper than water at 100 fils. Probably explains the next point."
I halted to have another look at the 'fry' while everyone waited with baited breath.
"What's the next point?"asked Roque impatiently.
"Cars running with the AC on to cool them when they are still in parking. It gets unbearably hot with temperatures shooting over 50 degrees and therefore this is done to cool the car before the owner gets on during the scorching summer months."
"Anything else unique?" asked Mr. Medeira, "Or more funny.. ha ha?"
"Funny?" asked Anthony while I answered, "Not just funny.. sometimes, it is embarassing to go watch a Hindi movie in cinemas, specially of Shahrukh, Aishwarya or Salman.. You hardly find any Indians there, most audiences are Kuwaitis, and they laugh louder than you.. Other strange things.. hmm let me think... hm.. seeing a car overturned on a platform minutes after having walked past that spot.. accidents are a common phenomenon and you see at least one every day.. On another note, I won't be offending if I speak the truth .. .. but I have never seen a clear blue sky in Kuwait.. and the air.. it's so dusty all the year.. Gulf Air, have you heard of that?"
Nobody wanted to know.
"Baghdad and Iran are always in the news ..threatening everyone on heaven and earth. Any danger to Kuwait?" questioned Arvind.
"Thanks to the gulf war, most people are aware of the Middle-East. Kuwait is sandwiched between the Indian ocean on one side, and Iraq and Saudi Arabia on the other. It's strange how this country came into existence."
"How?" Little Lawrence showed some interest.
"Kuwait's ruling family is Al-Sabah," Anthony was quick with the answer, "they landed on this small stretch of land and claimed it as their own in the 16th century. They were surrounded by much larger neighbors in Saudi and Iraq, yet no one thought of annexing it."
I halted to have another look at the 'fry' while everyone waited with baited breath.
"What's the next point?"asked Roque impatiently.
"Cars running with the AC on to cool them when they are still in parking. It gets unbearably hot with temperatures shooting over 50 degrees and therefore this is done to cool the car before the owner gets on during the scorching summer months."
"Anything else unique?" asked Mr. Medeira, "Or more funny.. ha ha?"
"Funny?" asked Anthony while I answered, "Not just funny.. sometimes, it is embarassing to go watch a Hindi movie in cinemas, specially of Shahrukh, Aishwarya or Salman.. You hardly find any Indians there, most audiences are Kuwaitis, and they laugh louder than you.. Other strange things.. hmm let me think... hm.. seeing a car overturned on a platform minutes after having walked past that spot.. accidents are a common phenomenon and you see at least one every day.. On another note, I won't be offending if I speak the truth .. .. but I have never seen a clear blue sky in Kuwait.. and the air.. it's so dusty all the year.. Gulf Air, have you heard of that?"
Nobody wanted to know.
"Baghdad and Iran are always in the news ..threatening everyone on heaven and earth. Any danger to Kuwait?" questioned Arvind.
"Thanks to the gulf war, most people are aware of the Middle-East. Kuwait is sandwiched between the Indian ocean on one side, and Iraq and Saudi Arabia on the other. It's strange how this country came into existence."
"How?" Little Lawrence showed some interest.
"Kuwait's ruling family is Al-Sabah," Anthony was quick with the answer, "they landed on this small stretch of land and claimed it as their own in the 16th century. They were surrounded by much larger neighbors in Saudi and Iraq, yet no one thought of annexing it."
"The British who have a knack of exploiting everything on earth ruled them till 1961," I completed. "After independence Kuwait changed their currency from Indian rupee to the Kuwaiti dinar."
"What about the Kuwaitis?" asked Christopher.
"What about them!" Mr. Medeira was much inquisitive.
"Kuwait has the 5th largest oil reserves after Saudi, Canada, Iran and Iraq." I said, " Kuwait has a total population of 3 million people, of which 2 million are expatriates. Of the 2 million, a lot of them are Indians and among Indians a lot of them are 'mal'lus' - Keralites. They say that you shouldn't be in the gulf if you don't speak Arabic or Malayalam. I don't speak both and a logical derivation is that I shouldn't be there. But I am there!"
Alipio stretched his arms, Chris cracked his neck while Oster yawned like a lazy cat.
"What about you, patrao?" I asked the owner Mr. Medeira, "You never thought of chasing the green, or settling abroad..?"
"Me?.. I have traveled all over India, ...my 'loving' India.. No.. not to Europe or the West but I've been to Singapore, the Petronas Towers, Malaysia; and the 124th floor observation deck of Burj Khalifa in the 'United States of Emirates' - the U.A.E .. ..But.. what I love doing on my off days is 'picnicking' to the 'incognito' virgin spots of my 'grande' Goa.."
The barman paused for a moment looking at the distant hills.
"Well, Goa is gentle, 'xitoll',..and I am in love with its idiosyncrasies.. I'll tell you what," he continued, "the real beauty of Goa is in it's interiors..., the best way to explore it is to hire a motorbike and set off... The 'bumpy' roads bordered by swaying grass, friendly locals and the hole-in-the-wall taverns.. You can choose your Goa. It will delight you, charm you, keep you entertained for life.. what else you want, ixtta?.. Ummm..there's so much more still .. Well, there is just one thing at the back of my mind though, ..always.."
"What would that be.." a bunch of us pounced with our doubt.
"With the entire world trying to come and settle down in our beautiful little, majestic Goa, am gonna save money and set up an agency for the Portuguese and foreigners' immigration to 'amchem' Goa.. I am sure its gonna be a lucrative business, and good for us too.. The chosen ones can spend some 'susegad', heavenly moments and treasure it for life..."
"Not a bad idea.. .." I blabbled.
"Not bad?.. The idea is as lethargic and lackadaisical and 'susegad' as...." someone in the row wanted to speak.
"Hey.. wait a minute," cut the barman. "Susegad doesn't mean laid back or lazy.. it simply means contentment, relaxation and in control of yourself. After all, this is what any 'art of good living' teaches you, isn't it?.. Relax, take your time, enjoy life, be happy. That's the meaning of Susegad.. That's our Goa....the best place on earth.."
There was silence. A couple of us toyed with the glasses, in deep thought; the others hardly moved. Celebrated Goan singer Remo Fernandes sang his popular dulpod over the stereo somewhere in the surround.
"Ya, ya maya ya, ya ya maya ya...!" sang the barman along with Remo, leisurely walking across the bar, "Catch the next wave, folks,..catch the next wave!.. or else jump in a lake.. No matter how well the world is interlinked, my feeling is that.. it could be too late later.. .. Anyway, não se pre-ocupar.. ..for sure the agency will prefer Goans wishing to migrate back...!"
"What about the Kuwaitis?" asked Christopher.
"What about them!" Mr. Medeira was much inquisitive.
"Kuwait has the 5th largest oil reserves after Saudi, Canada, Iran and Iraq." I said, " Kuwait has a total population of 3 million people, of which 2 million are expatriates. Of the 2 million, a lot of them are Indians and among Indians a lot of them are 'mal'lus' - Keralites. They say that you shouldn't be in the gulf if you don't speak Arabic or Malayalam. I don't speak both and a logical derivation is that I shouldn't be there. But I am there!"
Alipio stretched his arms, Chris cracked his neck while Oster yawned like a lazy cat.
"What about you, patrao?" I asked the owner Mr. Medeira, "You never thought of chasing the green, or settling abroad..?"
"Me?.. I have traveled all over India, ...my 'loving' India.. No.. not to Europe or the West but I've been to Singapore, the Petronas Towers, Malaysia; and the 124th floor observation deck of Burj Khalifa in the 'United States of Emirates' - the U.A.E .. ..But.. what I love doing on my off days is 'picnicking' to the 'incognito' virgin spots of my 'grande' Goa.."
The barman paused for a moment looking at the distant hills.
"Well, Goa is gentle, 'xitoll',..and I am in love with its idiosyncrasies.. I'll tell you what," he continued, "the real beauty of Goa is in it's interiors..., the best way to explore it is to hire a motorbike and set off... The 'bumpy' roads bordered by swaying grass, friendly locals and the hole-in-the-wall taverns.. You can choose your Goa. It will delight you, charm you, keep you entertained for life.. what else you want, ixtta?.. Ummm..there's so much more still .. Well, there is just one thing at the back of my mind though, ..always.."
"What would that be.." a bunch of us pounced with our doubt.
"With the entire world trying to come and settle down in our beautiful little, majestic Goa, am gonna save money and set up an agency for the Portuguese and foreigners' immigration to 'amchem' Goa.. I am sure its gonna be a lucrative business, and good for us too.. The chosen ones can spend some 'susegad', heavenly moments and treasure it for life..."
"Not a bad idea.. .." I blabbled.
"Not bad?.. The idea is as lethargic and lackadaisical and 'susegad' as...." someone in the row wanted to speak.
"Hey.. wait a minute," cut the barman. "Susegad doesn't mean laid back or lazy.. it simply means contentment, relaxation and in control of yourself. After all, this is what any 'art of good living' teaches you, isn't it?.. Relax, take your time, enjoy life, be happy. That's the meaning of Susegad.. That's our Goa....the best place on earth.."
There was silence. A couple of us toyed with the glasses, in deep thought; the others hardly moved. Celebrated Goan singer Remo Fernandes sang his popular dulpod over the stereo somewhere in the surround.
"Ya, ya maya ya, ya ya maya ya...!" sang the barman along with Remo, leisurely walking across the bar, "Catch the next wave, folks,..catch the next wave!.. or else jump in a lake.. No matter how well the world is interlinked, my feeling is that.. it could be too late later.. .. Anyway, não se pre-ocupar.. ..for sure the agency will prefer Goans wishing to migrate back...!"
:::The End:::
DISCLAIMER:
:::All stories are a work of fiction. The characters do not exist, except in the mind of the author. Any similarities to names in the story are purely fictitious:::
:::DEDICATION:::
The story is dedicated to the 'Class of 90s' champions of Fr. Agnel Engg College, Verna - Goa. Some of these great 'champions' (mostly teetotalers) scattered around the world are ever so active and in touch, with inspiring debates, shared ideas and sage counsel.
The story is dedicated to the 'Class of 90s' champions of Fr. Agnel Engg College, Verna - Goa. Some of these great 'champions' (mostly teetotalers) scattered around the world are ever so active and in touch, with inspiring debates, shared ideas and sage counsel.
The champions normally meet once every year in Goa. The next 'convention' is supposedly proposed in December next at Manora-Raia's exotic 'Susegad' Restaurant owned by Mr. Agnelo Medeira (brother-in-law of the writer).
The characters most dear are:
Name | Hometown | Working | |
Anthony D'Souza | Betim | Kuwait | |
Arvind Menezes | Loutolim / Porvorim | Angola (Africa) | |
Blaise Britto | Loutolim | Goa | |
Christopher Rodrigues | Shiroda | U.A.E | |
Damodar Kale | Vasco | Goa | |
Datta Prasad Naik | Panjim | Panjim | |
Gasper Crasto | Navelim | Kuwait | |
Glen Rebello | Porvorim | Goa | |
Ishwar Prabhudesai | Navelim | Goa | ishwar.prabhudesai@betts-india.com |
Jickson Rodrigues | Vasco | rjickson@yahoo.com | |
Jose Alipio Noronha | Ucassaim | Australia | |
Joseph R.L. Vaz | Navelim | Goa | |
Kevin Alvares | Aldona | Mumbai | |
Lawrence Viegas | Sadashivgad | U.A.E | viegaslawrence@yahoo.com |
Levinson J. Martins (GCS) | Assolna | Dy Collector & Sub Div Magisterate - Vasco Da Gama | levinsonjmartins@rediffmail.com |
Manoj Kakode | Cuncolim | Goa | |
Marcos D'Cruz | Pirna, Revora | U.A.E | |
Mohandas Phadte | Bardez | Goa | |
Oster Carvalho | Porvorim | U.A.E | |
Ramsey Antao | Margao | Oman, Muscat | |
Rock Fernandes | Siolim | Goa | |
Roque Martins | Porvorim | Brazil | |
Rui Colaco | Assolna | Mumbai | |
Sandeep Kamat | Panjim | Goa | |
Sanjiv D'Costa | Margao | U.A.E | |
Sidharth Karapurkar | Margao | Goa | |
Sushant Bhandari | Margao | Goa | |
Vinayak Sankoli | Ponda | Goa |
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