CURSEFUL GOAN FREEDOM FIGHTER DIED A CURSED DEATH.

She was one of the last irresponsible Goan freedom fighters to die as unwanted and unsung. Unwanted in Goa for whose sake she sacrificed and suffered so much from the hands of Portuguese colonialists. Unwanted by her own children who neglected her so much even when she was on her deathbed. Her last days gone unsung any Hosanas in her praises for the efforts she put in to drive out from Goa the dictatorial rule of Potugal’s Lisboa and in the bargain irresponsibly bring in another dictatorial rule in Goa of Bharat’s Delhi. This was the late Dr. Laura D’Souza Rodrigues from Parra Bardez who was then called just Laurabai.

Being a Goan and fighting for Goa’s freedom she should have been in Goa to breathe her last and to burry in Goan soil but no, God has denied her this privilege to die an honourable death in her own Goa. This was the tragedy of many of those who tried to destroy the good future of Goa and Goans by helping invasion of Goa by Bharat without taking Goans into confidence. Laura and other such freedom fighters were not the spokesmen of Goans and they had no right to decide what was good and what was bad for Goa and Goans. They were not freedon fighters but Chamchas of Bharat.

On its edition of 16th February 2013, Herald from Goa headlined the news with her photo saying “Goan freedom fighter dies a destitute in Mumbai”. This type of death was the punishment for such irresponsible freedom fighters who had no love for the genuine Goa and its morality, culture, language, tradition, folklore and everything attached to genuine Goa and genuine Goans. Just to give a slogan saying “Salazar Murdabad and Nehru Zindabad” does not qualify you to be a great freedom fighter. Goan freedom fighters like Laura, G.M. D’souza and their likes had no vision for Goa after the ouster of Portuguese from Goa.

Portugal had to leave Goa that was certain but in its place was it right to bring in another Portugal in the name of Bharat? Bharat and Goa are two different entities and as such Goa should have been an independent nation, totally independent from Portugal and totally independent from Bharat. But all our freedom fighters like Laura gave Goa on silver platter to Nehru’s Bharat. And because of this we now are suffering in Goa from the curse of invasion of Goa by Bharat.

By being a part of Bharat, Goa is losing all its original characteristics existed in Goa before 19.12.1961. Freedom fighters like Laura worked not for freedom but for slavery for this reason she submitted blindly to the annexation of Goa to Bharat.

Following the entry of Bharat in Goa she while in Goa was the regular visitor to Calangute Khobravaddo at the palatial residence of rich Bhattkar Fausto Andrade who was the renowned Manddoist and who introduced Calangute group in the name of Congottchim Lahram to Manddo Festival in Goa in late Sixties. My wife as a young girl residing in the same Vaddo opposite to Andrade’s house was one of the beautiful members of this beautiful Congottchim Lahram that won many awards during Manddo Festival contests in Goa in different categories.

One day when Andrade asked Laura “whether she was feeling sorry for driving away Portuguese from Goa and bringing in substitute Portuguese and thereby destroying genuineness of Goa”, Laura had no answer in her defense but shamelessly started abusing Portugal as a freedom fighter. Goan freedom fighters are not genuine freedom lover for Goa, they had no vision for Goa, they just wanted Goa to get swallowed by Bharat with her cruel culture of “Sala Banchot” and this is what we see now everywhere in Goa. Inviting Bharat to help driving Portugal out from Goa is okay but not allowing Bharat to annex Goa to it surely would be beneficial for Goa and Goans and also for the freedom fighters whose efforts gone unnoticed and unsung like that of Laura, G.M. D’Souza and others.

Many of the freedom fighters thought that they would become the rulers of Goa once Portuguese are ousted from Goa but for their regret they got a kick on their back. Good that some of them are given Pensions as Alms and this was done to silence their mouths in support of Portugal. Otherwise many of them would be beggars and as a matter of fact they had qualities in them of beggars, robbers, murderers and cheats. The value of their efforts is equal to the Tamrapatras they received and the Pensions they are receiving. This is the worth of their struggle. I don’t know in what category of freedom fighters Laura falls. Among them there was one category of Murderers, another category of Robbers and yet another category of Liars but according to me surely Laura falls into the category of Liars.

On 19th December in the morning while it was declared that Portuguese Governor Vassalo e Silva was going to sign the surrendering document in Panjim, at Mapusa over Bustand one Helicopter was hovering and in that Helicopter there was one nice looking lady on Microphone advising in fluent Konkani the people down below who were restless not knowing what was exactly happening in Goa, to remain calm and nothing will happen to them. Also the same voice saying that “we are come to Goa to do good for you and don’t worry everything will be good in Goa for Goans”. These were the lies spread by that nice looking lady in the Helicopter at Mapusa in support of the invasion of Goa by Bharat. And by the way, who was that lady speaking from Helicopter? She was none other than Laurabai as righty noticed by the people from the ground.

Laura was acting like more Indian than Indian themselves. Opposing India and its leaders was not tolerated by her as if she was the owner of India and Goans are slaves of India. When Churchill Alemao was alleged to have burnt the Indian Flag she jumped like a spring from her chair demanding his arrest without knowing the authenticity of this news. This was the trend then of Goan freedom fighters to show to the “Panpotti” Central leaders in Delhi that Goan Freedom Fighters are more patriotic than patriotic Indians. Laura was one such freedom fighter who fought for Goa’s freedom without thinking of Goa’s future.

As a human being I regret her death in such a pitiable situation but as a freedom fighter she was a curse worked to bring curses on Goa that we witness now under the Bharati rule in Goa.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

TERRORISTS ATTACK IN HYDERABAD - INDIA.

It was a pure barbarity committed by the terrorists in Hyderabad last week in India and thru this terrorism these terrorist committed a sin not only against their own religion but against all the religions since no religion preaches violence. Inspite of the alert given to the government of India about this attack in Hyderabad by the Indian Intelligence Service, Indian government like its sleepy home minister went to sleep and as usual the blame shifted on to Pakistan. For any terrorist attack in India, Pakistan is immediately made a scapegoat by New Delhi. Pakistan is the worst enemy of India and being so how India can expect something good from Pakistan? Besides to point finger to Pakistan is very easy but to prove this accusation with concrete evidence is very difficult.

Secondly we have to keep our doors properly closed to prevent our enemies from entering into our house because our enemy in our neighbourhood is constantly prowling on us. Our enemy is laughing at us for keeping our doors opened. Our security apparatus are so lax that even by bribing us and the Door keeper of our house our enemy can easily enter inside our house and get what he wants from us. Where else atomic secrets are sold for Whiskey bottles as it was done in India? It is not enough to say “Mera Hindustan and Hum Sab Hindustani”. All Indians are not patriotic for this reason many are selling India to our enemies by getting bribe in the form of Money or Whiskey or Sex.

According to me to create terrorism in India it is not necessary for Pakistan to do it, in India we have enough of terrorist groups to create disorder and terrorism. To bomb Indian cities like Hyderabad we don’t need Pakistani Mujahiddin, we have enough of Indian Mujahiddin not only to plant bombs in cities like Hyderabad but every corner of India. Khalistan terrorist bombings in India were not initiated from Pakistan but from independent Indian soil by the very indigenous Indians and the so called patriotic Indians. According to one source these bombs in Hyderabad were the work of RSS and VHP to create a tension between Hindus and Muslims in the aftermath of hangings of two Pakistani terrorists in India, namely Ajmal Khasab and Afzal Guru.

India is soft on terrorists and lawbreakers because the lawmakers themselves are terrorists who will surely support terrorism in India. Unless law is made to bar tainted persons from contesting elections in India there will never be erect persons in our Legislatures. Corrupt lawmakers will never enact erect laws. It is a curse in India to allow corrupt people to contest election and once they are elected they will do everything within their power to bend the laws to suit their needs. The biggest terrorists in India are the corrupt legislators who are responsible for creating disorder in India and not Pakistani terrorists. Blaming Pakistan for our disorder will never bring peace in India.

Pakistan is a hurt nation, hurt by India during the partition time and at the time of the war in East Pakistan for the creation of Bangladesh. India will never get peace from Pakistan for the damages India inflicted on Pakistan and Muslims as well. Kashmir problem is the best issue for Pakistan to teach India a very good retaliatory lesson. In future wars India will never be able to defeat Pakistan like in earlier wars because now Pakistan is equipped with Atom Bomb. Pakistanis are ready to die and destroy themselves but in the bargain they will destroy India as well. Can India afford to happen this?

Indian Intelligence Service is in the hands of weak people; Ministers and other law makers do not care for the Intelligence report and if they did action would have been initiated when Intelligence alerted government of India prior to Hyderabad bombings. Because of weak Intelligence and weak will to take action on Hindu Kar Sewaks coming from all over India including from Goa with Crow Bars, Babri Masjid demolition incident took place. Demolition of Babri Masjid by Hindu fanatics has created a very heavy scar on Muslims not from India only but also from all around the globe and this scar will never disappear. When Mumbai attack took place Indian Intelligence was sleeping to alert Mumbai security and the Coast Guard of India was on vacation for this reason Pakistani terrorists easily got access to enter Mumbai.

In view of what I said above, there will be lot of terrorist attacks in India. Hyderabad will not be the last. Indians living in Indian soil must remain vigilant because Indian governments at the Centre as well as in States are incapable to stop the onslaughts of our home grown enemies and not from Pakistani enemies. The destructive enemy of India is in India only and not in Pakistan, this has to be noted carefully.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

kuwait.

REMEMBERING GOAN MOVEMENT FOR KUWAIT'S LIBERATION.

FRANCO DSOUZA

6:19 AM (2 hours ago)

 

Hi Veronica,

You never forget to remind us of the invasion of Kuwait, your contribution to oppose the invasion also will always be remembered, we all peace loving Goans at that time took some crucial steps that had a great bearing on world opinion, we may be spread all around the world since then, but can never ever forget those dark invasion days.

 

Francis Dsouza

Canada.

TODAY - LIBERATION DAY OF KUWAIT.

TODAY,  26TH  FEBRUARY  IS THE  LIBERATION 

DAY  OF  KUWAIT.

ON BEHALF OF GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER, I, A. VERONICA FERNANDES, THE INITIATOR OF GOA-K.S.C. MOVEMENT IN GOA IN SUPPORT OF THE LIBERATION OF KUWAIT, ON BEHALF OF GOAN COMMUNITY WISH KUWAIT, ITS RULERS, ITS GOVERNMENT AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF KUWAIT, ALL THE BEST.

MAY GOD BLESS KUWAIT.

Below are some photos of our movement in Goa during the invasion of Kuwait.

Azad Maidan - Panjim, venue of the meeting.

Gathering before the public rally starting from Azad Maidan.

Crowd preparing to start the public rally.

.

                                            Public Rally in progress.



A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

NATIONAL DAY OF KUWAIT - TODAY.

TODAY, 25TH FEBRUARY IS THE NATIONAL DAY OF KUWAIT.

ON BEHALF OF GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER, I WISH KUWAIT, ITS GOVERNMENT & RULERS AND THE PEOPLE OF KUWAIT, ALL THE VERY BEST.

MAY GOD BLESS KUWAIT.

A. VERONICA FERNANDES,

GOA - KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER.

REAL BETALBATIM & KERALA CHALLENGERS IN FINALS.

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

 

Real Betalbatim made it to their first ever major final when they upset United Friends Club 2-0, while in an earlier match Kerala Challengers subdued a strong AVC Sports & Cultural Association 1-0 in the semi finals of the 19th edition of the ongoing G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh on 15th February 2013 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation.

On a cold morning in a chaotic semi-final, with tampers flying high, and where referee Pascoal had to give marching orders to one players from either side, Kerala challengers scored in the 14th minute of the first half when Fajillu Maveli’s feeble attempt in a goalmouth melee saw the ball rolling in the AVC goal with goalkeeper Alvaro caught off guard and his defenders flatfooted. The second half saw AVC make a number of attempts with Savio, Anthony and Sydney coming close to scoring, but the strong Kerala defence led by Sumesh Valappil and Arun Appukuttan ensured the scored remained 1-0 in their favour. Kerala Challengers also won a few fans when they came back on the field to play out the last five minutes of the game when the referee had accidentally ended the match five minutes before time. The match was officiated by Pascoal and he was assisted by Sharma and Tiago on the lines.

In the second semi-final title favourites United Friends Club suffered a shock defeat when Real Betalbatim fielding a couple of extremely talented youngsters and led by their crafty and experienced defender Theodore Pinto plummeted them into submission 0-2. Real Betalbatim playing tidy soccer with Denzil, Bradley, and Assemcao feeding off each other, scored the first goal in the 10th minute when a UFC defender handled the ball in the penalty area and Bradley Rogtao coolly slotted past a diving Martin Dias in the UFC goal. In the second half, although Jamnas and Hemanth of UFC made a couple of attempts, the Real Betalbatim defence held firm with their keeper pulling of a couple of excellent saves. The second goal that virtually killed off the UFC challenge came in the 15th minute of the second half when an attempt by a Real Betalbatim forward deflected off defender Teotonio into the UFC goal. The referee had to caution as many as six players, three from either side to keep the game from getting out of control. The match was officiated by Julio Cardoso and he was assisted by Sharma and Tiago in the lines.

The final of this prestigious tournament now into its 19th edition between Kerala Challengers and Real Betalbatim will be played on 8th March 2012 at 8:45am.

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait.

CORRUPTION CONTINUES UNABATED IN GOA

By Aires Rodrigues

When this government took over the reigns of Goa last March the Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar had vowed emphatically that it would be Zero tolerance to Corruption. The least that was expected to begin with was for the Chief Minister to reign in his Ministers, MLAs and the coterie of busy bees hovering around him. But this does not seem to have happened and corruption is booming despite the recession and the economic slow down

My sources reveal that a steel company had to pay a bribe of a whopping three crores to get 20 M.V.A power for the expansion of their plant. I have not been able to confirm with Mr. Lyndon Monteiro the Officer on Special duty and Man Friday to the Power Minister whether infact such a corrupt transaction had taken place.

I have however given the details to the Chief Minister yesterday and requested him to investigate. He did call me up in the evening to say that he was going to look into the matter.

But what is further disturbing is that it is now revealed that the deal did come to the notice of the Chief Minister who promptly directed the Minister concerned to deposit the bounty in the BJP fund. If it has happened the Chief Minister should admit it. There is no point hushing it up as the Almighty God has seen it all.

 

May be its time to set up CCTV cameras at the offices and official residences of the Ministers possibly controlled and monitored by the Lokayukta.

LAND DONATED FOR CATHOLIC CHURCH IN BAHRAIN.

‏From: Santos Carmo (carmosan50@hotmail.com)

Sent: 22 February 2013 07:13AM

In the Independent Catholic News on 17Feb2013

The King of Bahrain has donated 9,000 square metres of land to the Catholic Church for the construction of a cathedral.

Mgr Camillo Ballin, mccj, Apostolic Vicar of north Arabia, vicariate which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia told Fides that he was in Kuwait when he received a request for a meeting from the King of Bahrain's Minister, Shaykh Ahmed Bin Ateytallah Al Khalifa, who later handed him the deeds to the land.

Mgr Ballin was keen to highlight that the document was dated 11 February, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes that in Bahrain corresponds to Our Lady of Arabia .

"Our prayers have been answered," writes the Bishop. "Our Lady of Arabia is capable of doing miracles!"

Bishop Ballin said that 13 February he was invited to the royal palace for a meeting with King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa with all the religious authorities, and was that he was going to be seated next to the King as a guest of honour. He said this would enable him to personally thank the King for this gift. The new church will be Cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of Arabia.

 

RESTORING THE LOST GLORY.

By Nisser Dias.                                                                           21st Feb 2013

It is indeed a nostalgic moment for Goa and its people that the 16th century Reis Magos fort has been renovated and restored. I really cannot say whether it has been restored to its past glory but the very fact that it has been restored under the guidance and supervision of our own renowned architect Gerald da Cunha I do not any doubts in my mind that he would leave any stone unturned to do a fantastic job of it.

That one of our heritage pieces has been restored gives me that deep feeling of happiness that somewhere someone appreciates our heritage and wants to spend huge amounts of money for its restoration. It gives us hope that hence forth our state government and also the Union government will learn from Lady Helen Hamlyn Trust and set a fund to restore many forts in Goa which are in ruins. The government while setting a fund should also make sure that only experts or professionals like Gerald da Cunha are engaged or made responsible along with historians so that restoration process once set in motion does not get entangled in red tapism and delayed and finally whatever money is spent shows up in the CAG audit report as wasteful expenditure.

We should raise our hats and bow to Gerald da Cunha simply because his grit and determination. He encountered so many hurdles with Shiv Sena trying hard to stall the restoration work, police case was filed against him. But his resolve and fortitude to look beyond these hurdles have paid dividends today. But the dividends are not for Gerald but for Goa, Goans and its future generations. For Gerald it must be only satisfaction that he completed the work he undertook. That is what a true Goan should be.

Surprisingly chief minister Manohar Parrikar extended government support to Helen Hamlyn Trust to promote Reis Magos fort as a tourism destination and also provide appropriate funds to the Reis Magos Heritage Society so that in few years it would generate its own funds and undertake renovations of other forts in the state. This is a step in the right direction. I am surprised because during his earlier stint as chief minister Parrikar was opposed to Fundacao Oriente undertaking restoration and renovations of Heritage buildings. One must remember Fundacao Oriente had renovated some heritage structures including Police Headquarters in Panjim. His contention was that major source income of Fundacao was through gambling. Of course, off-shore casinos were subsequently allowed to operate in Goa. Maybe this could have changed his mind-set.

Chief minister also disclosed tourism plans which would again be good to promote tourism away from the beaches of Goa. There is dearth of heritage tourism in Goa as its potential was never explored but it now seems that the shift from beach tourism to other areas have just begun and it would be very healthy for the state and its economy. But we should not forget to put a price to it. For example a hefty entry fee is charged for tours of churches and other heritage monuments in England and the revenue generated is utilised for the upkeep of these structures of architectural value and importance. The government should also pursue with the handicraft corporation to prepare models of our heritage structures for tourists to take as mementos.

Lady Helen Hamlyn Trust and architect Gerald has given the push and the roll should begin earnestly to restore our forts that are in ruins. I know that it is not an easy task but an arduous one but as it is said ‘nothing is impossible’, it only needs grit, determination, dedication, will power and financial aid.

I am also very glad that the freedom fighters association has also not raised its voice. Otherwise they are always in the forefront of playing their empty drums against anything and everything that is foreign. Although in the confines of their homes they enjoy it. It was surprising that they did not object to an English Trust pouring money to restore a Portuguese structure. This is indeed encouraging. Bygones should be bygones, we should be forward looking and restore, preserve our rich heritage for our generation to come.

One has to appreciate the greatness of Helen Hamlyn, a mere request by our own renowned cartoonist late Mario Miranda to restore the fort was accepted by her and today after some years we Goans have something to be proud about. We will also grateful to personalities like Helen irrespective of her nationality and also to Gerald da Cunha. At the same time they have done their bit and it is upto us now to keep this halo shining. Like Dipti Salgaocar has said it is their vision to make Reis Magos a living fort. They have their own plans towards this endeavour. The government should also think of ways of making students aware of this fort.

A chapter on Reis Magos fort should be introduced from the next academic year in the history books to teach students its importance. Next academic year government aided school students should be brought here for study tour. And this is possible because chief minister who has extended financial aid to the Reis Magos Heritage society also holds the Education portfolio.

Very soon students will be on summer vacation, parents should dedicate a day to take their children to the fort to see first-hand what it looks like. At the moment the first picture that comes to mind when you say fort is ruins. Helen Hamlyn Trust has changed that picture and given an opportunity to our children to have the right perception and we have to take advantage of it.

I conclude in the hope that in the near future other forts in Goa along with heritage monuments will be renovated, restored and preserved thus bringing the lost glory of Goa.

Send your comments/reactions to nisserdias@gmail.com Or SMS 9422437029)

THE REAL MANOHAR PARRIKAR

 

By Aires Rodrigues

I have absolutely nothing personal against Manohar Parrikar with whom I have a very cordial relationship. Over the last 40 years I have highlighted wrongs done by successive governments and this mission I shall relentlessly pursue till my very end. During the Congress rule I was branded as a BJP man, now the BJP may feel I am an agent of the Congress. But I am what I am and so shall I remain, uncompromising and outspoken against anything that is wrong. I believe in fearlessly taking the bull by the horn.

Unlike his earlier stint as Chief Minister people thought that learning from his past mistakes that Manohar Parrikar would change for the better. Far from it, he has been a disaster. The problem with Mr. Manohar Parrikar is that he continues to be a bad listener. Unable to tolerate any criticism. His arrogance which he had craftily masked during last year’s election campaign now stands exposed. His autocratic style of functioning has no place in our democratic set up. A shrewd manipulator, Mr. Parrikar is a man who cannot be trusted for his word. He can give you a twist in the tale and take you on a joy ride into the fool’s paradise. A good leader has to be humble, caring, sensitive and without ego.

As part of his cunningly orchestrated political stunts Manohar Parrikar may have driven pillion on Caitu’s scooter at Benaulim, ridden a bicycle at Rachol and bought grams at the Navelim feast. These are all antics of a politician which by now will fool no Goan. His attendance at weddings and funerals of one and all will also mesmerize none. His mandate was for Zero tolerance to corruption and good governance with utmost transparency. What we have seen instead is over 11 months of a chaotic one man rule, riddled with a mountain of U turns. Manohar Parrikar stands red faced, but sadly he does not see his own face.

I am sure he must be working overtime to try and corner me. Fortunately as a lawyer I am not dependent on the government for my daily bread. My 35 sq mt office keeps me content. No desire of a multi storeyed office or a fleet of Mercedes alike my friend Atmaram Nadkarni.

Manohar Parrikar’s vindictive nature is now known to all. He must be yearning to catch me on the wrong foot but I act strictly within the parameters of law. I have no property for the Government to acquire as otherwise he would have definitely tried to settle scores by invoking the Land acquisition Act. He would be happy to see me fined whilst talking on the phone while at the wheel. But I have vowed not to take any call even the Chief Minister’s. I never over speed and always wear a seat belt. He will never get an occasion to use a breathalyzer on me as I never take to the wheels after hitting the Tuborg. The only rule I have been violating is of not going to Church every Sunday. But on this matter it is not Mr. Parrikar but his neighbor the Archbishop of Goa who can pull me up. And of course he may try and penalize me for not wearing a helmet. But Mr. Chief Minister I have now already bought one.

I have known Manohar Parrikar for over a decade and half but there are persons who could be a better judge of him. Vijay Khot, Dayanand Sopte and Rajesh Patnekar were his MLAs and have worked very closely with the Master of all U turns for many long years. They may be in a better position to speak about Manohar Parrikar the Man, his character, integrity and trustfulness. However, I earnestly appeal to Mr. Manohar Parrikar to take criticism positively and change his style of functioning and begin acting as a good decent leader, before it gets the better of him. I rest my case.

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY - KUWAIT.

                                                        

AVC, UFC AND KERALA CHALLENGERS IN LAST FOUR

Don Bosco Oratory, KGA and Santos United make exit

 

United Friends Club (UFC) came one step closer to finally grabbing the prestigious GOA Rolling Trophy when they subdued a strong Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) 2-0, while AVC Cultural & Sports Association, and Kerala Challengers also joined them in the semi finals of the 19th edition of the ongoing G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh on 15th February 2013 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation.

Although it was KGA who started well with a couple of good moves initiated by Vitorin Mendes and Agnelo Martins, it was once again goalkeeper Martin Dias who kept UFC in the game with a penalty save in the 25th minute of the first half. Mathew Fernandes made it 1-0 for UFC in the 40th minute when he scored from a cross and Remedio put the game beyond KGA when the referee awarded a penalty in the 57th minute. The match was officiated by David of IFRA and assisted by Mubarak Yousuf and Nikush.

In the second quarter final, although Santos United put up a spirited fight, they were no match for title favourites AVC and went down fighting 0-3. Anthony Rodrigues of AVC scored the first goal in the very 5th minute of the first half and was on the score sheet again in the 17th minute of the second half. The very talented Savio Fernandes added a third in the dying minutes of the game to set up a mouth watering semi-final clash with Kerala Challengers next week. The match was officiated by Mubarak Yousuf and he was assisted by Pascoal and David in the lines.

Stamina and strength was the backbone of Kerala Challengers 1-0 victory over a youthful Don Bosco Oratory in the last match of the day. In some rousing end to end action, Kerala Challengers scored in the 8th minute of the first half when Jinesh latched on to a pass from Fajilu to put his team in the front. Don Bosco Oratory came back strongly with Ashton, Loyed, Alexandro and Michael playing some delightful soccer, but the equalizer eluded them. A penalty in the 18th minute when a Kerala Challengers defender handled the ball was shot wide by the usually dependable Loyed drawing groans by the DBO supporters. Both teams missed a number of chances in the second half, with Michael of Don Bosco coming closest to scoring, and the game ended 1-0 in favour of Kerala Challengers. The match was officiated by Philip and assisted by Pascoal and Julio Cardoso.

The Semi Finals on 22/2/2013 will feature AVC & Cultural Association taking on high flying Kerala Challengers at 6:45am followed by Real Betalbatim versus United Friends Club at 8:30am. Teams are requested to report on time

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait

IS GOA GOVERNMENT SERIOUS ON CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN ?

 

By Aires Rodrigues

 

The Goa Government seems not to be serious on prosecuting those responsible for crimes against Children. Though the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 came into force on 14 November 2012, the Goa police are still using the Goa Children’s Act and apparently, are not even aware of the existence of this Central enactment.

The Central Act was passed by Parliament in May 2012 and under its ambit defines child as a person below the age of 18 and is gender neutral and has a clear definition for all types of sexual abuses like sexual harassment, penetrative or non-penetrative sexual abuse and pornography.

Under Article 254 of the Indian Constitution once the Central Act came into force the Goa Children’s Act impliedly stood repealed in as much as the doctrine of occupied field would come into play, by which the State Legislation would become void. Any proceedings initiated under the Goa Children’s Act would automatically be illegal and void.

The Central Act has defined the punishments following the kind and harshness of the offence that includes life imprisonment for heinous crimes of sexual assaults and abuses. The Act under its ambit has tried to set up the standards of International Child Protection Rights and has made it mandatory to report the sexual offences against any child. Punishment against the person trying the allegedly defame any person that also includes a child via false information is mentioned in this Act.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 has defined the ways to provide a child friendly process of offence reporting to evidence recording, trial and even investigation. Section 45 of the Act allows the Union Government to make the necessary changes in the Act, whenever and wherever required.

All the rules have been structured and framed relying upon the Juvenile Act, 2000 for making arrangements in regards to the care and protection of the child. The devised rules of the Act also pay attention to the fact that the child is not re-victimised at time of investigation as well as trial. The Act has also made it clear that under situations in which the child is being taken for the medical facility on an emergency factor that no documentation or magisterial requisition would be demanded before the treatment.

The Rules laid down in the Act also defines the criterion of awarding the compensation by the Special court that includes loss of educational and employment opportunities along with disability, disease or pregnancy suffered by the subject as the consequence of the sexual abuse. This compensation would be awarded at the interim stage as well as after the trial ends.

In the recent Vasco Rape case the provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 have not been invoked. Is the entire attempt by the authorities aimed at letting the accused go scot free at the end of the trial, for having been prosecuted under a non existent law? Can it be believed that the law enforcing agencies are so naive or ignorant about the law of the land as it stands or are they functioning under pressure or dictates of a hidden hand?

MONTH'S MIND: J.F. SANTANA F. CARVALHO.

It is said that if you want to get best of education in the world you either go to Oxford in UK or Harvard & Yale in USA or Sorbonne in France or Vienna Music Academy in Austria and attain mastery of the subjects of your choice. Similarly, it was said in Goa years back that if you want to attain excellence in education and sports you go to Arpora Bardez and join St. Joseph’s High School there and attain all round excellence in life. That was the standard of that school once upon a time under the Principalship of Monsg. Philipe Neri Mendonca popularly known as Fr. Mendonca. Some of the great intellectuals of Goa of the past century were the products of this school.

“Cibaria Necessaria Sumite Et Abite” written in Latin was the motto of this school and it was indicated on the school emblem. The meaning of this in English is: ”Take the necessary food and depart”. Taking this view into consideration the late Santana Carvalho as a young boy bustling with energy and radiating positive thinking joined Arpora School after the end of the World War II not only to gain educational knowledge but also to excel in extracurricular activities including debates, dramas and sports. He was the regular participant in the annual school drama organized on the birthday of the school principal Fr. Mendonca. Music was his other specialty and playing of Violin was his forte.

However his main specialty was centered around sports and the game of soccer was his devotion playing as a regular for the then mighty school soccer team under its bar. He was extremely good goalkeeper and according to the elder teachers of that school, Arpora School has never produced such a gigantic and magestic keeper in its long and great history. During those days Arpora School soccer team was one of the best teams in Goa, so much so, even those great Goan teams dotted with exceptionally talented Portuguese players were afraid of Arpora School team because our Santan Carvalho under its bar was unbeatable.

During those days Arpora School team because of its very high standard had the unique distinction of playing a friendly soccer match at School ground against the visiting German team. No doubt our Carvalho was not schooling at Arpora at that time but if he was, surely he would be an automatic choice in the first eleven. When once I asked what was his feeling on this point he replied that it was the greatest “miss” of his life at Arpora where he achieved everything the best in educational field as well as on soccer field.

When he was playing for Arpora School all the spectators watching the game used to call him thus “COME ON LION”. Under their bar he was nicknamed as Lion after the name of Fr. Lyon a foreigner who founded this first High School of Goa which was then called as “COLLEGIO DIOCESAN DE ST. JOSE” because of its all-round high standard. Also, he was called a Lion because of his Lionic courage to put his big hand with very broad palm for any powerfully difficult ball thus preventing the ball from entering into his goal.

In his death last month Goa has lost one of the greatest soccer goalkeepers of all time. As a mark of respect for his excellent goalkeeping Goan soccer community in Goa and in Kuwait should do something to keep his memory alive which should not be allowed to get faded. Such excellent footballers do not come into this world very often for this reason we have to keep their memory alive.

In Kuwait he always supported soccer activities at Sour grounds and encouraged the Goan boys to take part in it. He not only loved soccer in general but he also loved active soccer played by Goans in Kuwait so enthusiastically.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

GOANS & PALESTINIANS. INDIA V/s PALESTINE SOCCER.

The situation of Palestinians and Goans is somewhat similar. Palestine was forcibly usurped by the Jews and converted it into Israel while Goa was forcibly invaded by Nehru’s Congress and forcibly annexed it to Bharat against the wishes of overwhelming majority of Goans. By their coming into Arab Palestine in greater number from all around the globe the demographic structure of Palestine is altered by the Jews in favour of them while Palestinian Arabs including Muslims and Christians are gone into minority in their own land thereby losing their Arab identity, culture, tradition, language, folklore and everything best associated with the Palestinian Arabs.

Similarly by Bharat’s forcibly annexation of Goa when Goa was not a part of Bharat, the demographic structure of Goa is getting upset due to the unwanted influx of enormous amount of non-Goans into Goa. These non-Goans are not only coming as visitors but they are in greater number coming to Goa and purchasing Goan land and settling down in Goa thereby introducing their dirty culture, dirty tradition, dirty habits and everything dirty and harsh associated with them. In fact generally speaking there is nothing good in Bharat, everything is worst which is foreign to genuine Goans. Because of the influx of non-Goans into Goa the genuine identity of Goa and Goans is diminishing.

It is over 60 years now Palestinians are fighting for their separate independent Palestinian State but Israel is adamant. Goans are also asking for Special Status with special privileges for Goa but Central government is closing its eyes and ears for Goa's demands. If this adamancy persists for long, the present generation and the generation to come, out of frustration against Central government’s step motherly treatment meted out to Goa, may demand total independence for Goa from Bharat because Goa was never a part of Bharat. The time for this demand may be closer otherwise Centre must heed Goa’s voice and accord especial status to Goa now only as per the wishes of the Goans. Many of the problems of India are due to the refusal of the genuine demands of the States by the Center. Central government consider itself as the “Dada” of India which is not correct. This Hitlerian attitude of the Centre must change as per the changing of the time in India.

Just like original Palestinians, Goans are also kind, big hearted and soft people and because of this they allowed to be captured and invaded by the foreign powers and invaders. Currently due to their hard life Palestinians are become very progressive in all the fields because they are become aware that only thru hard work they can achieve their goals. Sports is one field where they are doing well and especially in Soccer they are showing lot of improvement. Their soccer team is winning them laurels in the Arab World and in the Middle East as well. Recently in the last week their soccer team played against Indian National team at Delhi in India and surprisingly they defeated India by 4-2 goals. They not only defeated India by such a big margin but they also made misery of Indian footballers in every department of the game by outbeating every Indian player thereby putting the host into a big shame.

India’s tradition in soccer is longer than that of Palestinian tradition yet India is not a powerhouse in soccer. Palestine which is not even a full-fledged independent State being under the domination of Israel and yet beating such a mighty India means something to be applauded. Compared to India’s size, population and industrial development Palestine is minnow. What is the secret behind Palestine's victory over India? It is nothing but dedicated hard work they put in to brush their soccer skills with very limited financial resources at their disposal. Besides, the patriotic feelings Palestinians are having for Palestinian causes are great compared to what Indians are having for Indian causes.

These Palestinians are living for decades in Refugee Camps where there is no proper soccer ground but within available means they make maximum use. Instead of soccer balls Palestinians are familiar to see Bombs from Israelis but still they play better football. In India we have rain of water but in Palestine they experience rain of Bombs and bullets coming from Israelis and yet they play better football than Indians. What an excellent achievement!! I admire them especially for their killer instinct for victory, either on the sports field or on the battle field fighting against Israeli occupation of their land.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.

VETERAN KUWAIT GOAN FOOT-BALLER JULIO CARDOSO.

Julio Cardoso

                                            Julio Cardoso in action.


Further to the review in this forum on 10th of this month on the soccer matches played on 8th Feb.2013 in the morning at Sabah Hospital Ministry Ground, I like to add something more on the match between G.O.A. Maroons and Don Bosco.

It was during the first match that I noticed veteran Julio Cardoso guarding the citadel of Maroons under their bar. I was surprised to see Julio still doing so well under Maroons bar inspite of his age. As a young boy in 1979 when we first initiated our competitive soccer activities at Sour Grounds, Julio Cardoso was one of the best custodians among Indians in particular and expatriates in general. From then till now he is still maintaining somewhat the same form means something cannot be imagined. Immaculately maintaining his youthful presentation on and off the field, he still exhibits his youthful reflexes between the two posts and above the bar his punching the ball was same as it was in 1979 in an acrobatic style. It is an incredible feat to maintain such a high level of goalkeeping for over 34 years while all his 1979 colleagues have completely disappeared from the soccer field as footballers.

On Friday 8th of this month if it was not for his daring saves Maroons should have gone down by a further margin of 3 more sure goals but Julio saved Maroons of further embarrassment. Maroons is no more a powerhouse as it was before but Julio under its bar makes Maroons a force to reckon with. Julio is the only surviving footballer from the group that participated in the inception year in 1979. If any player needs to be decorated with honour it should be Julio for playing continuously such a long period and for that matter playing effectively an important role in the team among young players some of whom were not even born when he started his career in soccer in 1979 by playing competitive football.

I am happy that by witnessing the match on last Friday I got an opportunity to pen down a deserving eulogy of his extremely good game at this ripe age. What he did on soccer field none among us in Kuwait did.

Both his young and youthful daughters are very fortunate to see their loving Papa in action as a footballer while the same luck God has not given to both the daughters of the great Maradona when they wanted very much to see physically their Papa in action. Unfortunately for them their Papa Maradona meantime already retired from active soccer. What Maradona’s both the daughters missed Julio Cardoso’s both the daughters got.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY - KUWAIT SOCCER.

DON BOSCO, REAL BETALBATIM  AND UNITED FRIENDS CLUB WIN.

                
                                           

Don Bosco

Real Betalbatim

                                                                            UFC
                                                                             

Defending champions Navelim Youth Centre and former champions and hosts Goa Maroons were knocked out in the pre-quarter final stages, while Real Betalbatim scraped through to their first semi-final in the 19th edition of the ongoing G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh on 8th February 2013 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation.

In the day’s first match, Don Bosco Oratory subdued mighty Goa Maroons 2-0 in an end to end action encounter. Both the goals were scored in the second half when Loyed Mascarenhas outran James in the Goa Maroons defence to slot home from an acute angle. Few minutes later, classy Michael Dias made it 2-0 when he latched on to a defence splitting pass from Vicky to score past the diving Maroons keeper to ensure their progress into the quarters. Goa Maroons who started the game very well and had the better chances in the first fifteen minutes could not keep the tempo in the second half. Any chance of equalizing faded when Sandy’s fierce volley in the second half was well blocked by DBO keeper Alido. The match was ably handled by Francis, John and Sharma.

A hugely improved Real Betalbatim defended well and missed several chances themselves to hold favorites DHL Football Club to a goalless draw. DHL FC missing their star central midfielder Vico made a few good moves but were goal shy and the Real Betalbatim defence led by Theodore Pinto stood firm. In the ensuing tie-breaker Terrence D'Çosta missed his penalty for DHL FC to give Real Betalbatim their first semi-final slot in this prestigious tournament. The match was officiated by Nicholas, Sharma and Sarto.

In the last match of the day, United Friends Club held their nerves in a heart stopping penalty shootout to win 3-2 (normal time score 1-1) against Navelim Youth Centre. The match was played at a blistering pace and UFC were the first to score when Jamnas’s header bounced its way to the goal beating the Navelim defence and goalkeeper Britto. Navelim however led by Cruzedio and Duarte Ferrao fought back strongly and go the equalizer in the second half when Ivo Rodrigues managed to squeeze on past goalkeeper Martin Dias in a goalmouth melee. Navelim brought in their super sub, Gasper Crasto in the last fifteen minutes of the game hoping to use his experience to find the winner, but to no avail and the match ended in a draw. In the tie-breaker, Martin Dias of UFC was the hero when he saved the sixth penalty to move his team to the quarter finals. The match was officiated by Pascoal, Francis and Alvaro of IFRA.

The quarter final matches of this prestigious tournament continue on 15th February 2013, as Kuwait Goan Association take of United Friends Club at 6:45am, followed by AVC playing Santos United at 8:15am. The last match of the day will feature Kerala Challengers versus Don Bosco Oratory at 9:45am

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait

HUSHING THE RAPE AND SHIELDING THE RAPIST

By Aires Rodrigues

It is almost one month that the 7 year old Vasco girl was brutally raped in her school premises in broad daylight. Ironically it was the very reputed Deepvihar Primary School run by the Mormugoa Port Trust. It seems that for obvious reasons the investigating authorities have failed to make any headway to nab the culprit and book the others who went out of the way to destroy vital evidence. The parents of this tender young girl have been running from pillar to post when justice should have been delivered at their door step.

The parents of this traumatized girl have now approached me to try and legally get them justice. As a lawyer and more so as a citizen I would have been failing in my bounden duty if I fail to assist them. The legal profession cannot be just about making money. We need to rise to the occasion when justice evades the deserving.

A perusal of the sequence of events right from the rape till date is very disturbing. There has clearly been a sustained cover up of this heinous crime.

Though the rape was committed at 10.30 am the police were informed only three hours later. The father of the girl was informed 45 mins after the rape. Shockingly the grieving 7 year old received medical attention only over eight hours after she was brutally raped. All this while the school management was busy washing away all traces of evidence.

The Headmistress of the school was suspended only on the 19th, five long days after the crime. She has allegedly been booked for negligence but not for destroying evidence. She was arrested but did not have to cool her heels in the police lock-up as she was privileged to get preferential comfort during her brief police custody.

The Class teacher and the Head clerk though have not been booked till date for having destroyed all the vital evidence. They have only been suspended and that too on the 21st, eight days after the crime. Is the class teacher being shielded because her husband is an active worker of the ruling party? It was imperative for the investigating officers to get all the call details of the phones used by the Headmistress and the other teachers while they were washing out all the evidence.

The Chief Minister who is also the Education Minister reached the school 10 hours after the rape took place. He visited the school while attending the birthday party of the local MLA in the neighborhood. How could the MLA have celebrated his birthday when the same morning a 7 year student was raped not far from his residence?

Infact politicians should keep away from visiting scenes of any offences as they only delay and distract police investigation. The Supreme Court has infact time and again reiterated that the police investigation should be insulated from any political interference and cover up.

To rub salt in the wound, an official of the Mormugoa Port Trust visited the parents of the child on 16 Feb with a draft of Rs five lakhs in an attempt to silence the parents and cover up the crime. The parents were brave and spurned the five lakhs. The MPT later transferred that official but the bottom line remains that the official had gone on the instructions of the MPT Chairman and the five lakh draft which was allegedly hush money was drawn at Andhra Bank by the MPT.

As the rapist was allegedly seen at the school on earlier occasions, the security guards on duty and their entry registers at the Security office needed to be scruplosuly scrutinized.

The plea of the parents to the authorities that their 7 year old traumatized girl be immediately provided counseling services also fell on deaf ears. The Counselor was provided only on 3rd Feb which is 18 days after the crime. The counseling should have been instant when the extent of trauma was at its peak.

The family has been seeking answers from the authorities but all in vain. There should have been more care, compassion and better communication by the authorities. Is it because the parents belong to the Schedule Tribe community and not very well to do.

A perusal of this rape case establishes a total collapse of the system which has failed to bring solace to the grieving victim and her sorrowful parents. Did we as Goans do enough to stand by this young girl and show her our love and concern? Sadly no. Shame on us, Goa. Will it take the rape of our very own child to understand the trauma that this young innocent girl has had to go through with her parents?

HANGING OF AFZAL GURU IN DELHI.

Finally on 9th of this month early in the morning at Tihar Jail in Delhi the deadly terrorist Afzal Guru was hanged after a lengthy Indian judicial process was completed. The terrorist act of attacking Indian Parliament was done under his leadership in 2001 and after 11 long years of giving a long rope to him to exploit all the avenues to get fair justice including the privilege of Mercy Petition to the Indian President, he was hanged.

 

When Afzal Guru attacked Indian Parliament many in India applauded this act because they wanted Afzal Guru to kill all the MP’s who were known to be criminals, rapists and robbers and who were disgracing India and Indians. Those wishing such an operation were the real lovers of India and not the enemies of India and who wanted to get rid of bad MP’s looting and destroying the nation.

 

There was also another group of Indians who wanted Afzal Guru to conduct the kidnap operation of MP’s and take all the corrupt MP’s as hostages just like Venezuelan terrorist Carlos the Jackal did in late seventies when he in a deadly operation took hostage all the OPEC members while gathered at Vienna during their OPEC Meet.

But fate decided differently otherwise by now Indian Parliament would be filled with good MP’s only doing good for the country and countrymen. Afzal Guru failed and failed in his mission miserably. In this operation he lost a few terrorist colleagues of his while India lost about 5 security personnel guarding the MP’s including all the corrupt ones who otherwise were a burden on the nation because of their corrupt and criminal activities.

According to one source 9th of February will be marked as a day of Moaning by all the Indians who supported and subscribed the ideology of Afzal Guru in eradicating all the corrupt MP’s from the Parliament of India. It is these MP’s who are responsible for all the ills of India. Their place is not Parliament but Prisons and Graves.

Afzal Guru and earlier Ajmal Khasab and his colleagues who terrorised Mumbai about 4 years back were the products of wrong doctrine taught to them by their gurus in Pakistan to kill others and in the bargain get themselves killed. The latter act is like an act of committing suicide which is against the commandment of God. Other than God nobody got right to kill himself and still those who do that are committing a sacrilege for which the punishment is Hell. All those who commit such terrorist operations as suicide squads in the name of their religious belief are the enemies of God. Acts of suicides and homicides are forbidden in all the religions. Only God is the custodian of our life and He alone is empowered to take life from us and not Afzal Gurus, Ajmal Khasabs and such others.

Was it necessary now to hang Afzal Guru after such a long delay? Is it done now for creating a vote bank by the central government for the Congress Party in the next general election? No doubt his crime was great deserving highest punishment but why this execution took such a long delay? Was central government had intention to commute his sentence to please the Muslim community in India and if yes, what was the reason for the sudden change? I only hope by such a long delay in his execution government of India will not make a Martyr of Afzal Guru.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Kuwait.