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April 30, 2013
Lucy Aranha to star in Songit Sanz - May 10th
April 28, 2013
GOAN SUPPORT FOR KUWAIT'S CAUSE.
This year on 26th February I sent a congratulatory message to Kuwait on the occasion of its Liberation day. Kuwait was invaded by Iraq on 2nd Aug. 1990 and was liberated on 26th Feb. 1991. In this connection I sent the congratulatory message thru this forum. Immediately following this message Mr. Francis D’Souza from Canada sent the following response.
“ 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.”
The response refers to the movement we Goans organised in Goa under the banner of GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER during the invasion of Kuwait. Our movement initiated by myself started in October 1990 and lasted till March 1991. During this period we in Goa organised 2 big public meetings at Azad Maidan, Panaji and 2 big public rallies on the streets of Panjim. Both these events – Meetings & Rallies - were covered by the national and international news agencies including CNN. Besides, we also organised at lower level other activities in support of the liberation of Kuwait. The effect of our movement felt immediately in Delhi alerting government of India and Kuwait Embassy as well making Kuwait Embassy in Delhi to communicate with us in Goa thanking us for supporting Kuwait so openly, so boldly and so forcefully. Letters and Faxes we received from Kuwaiti Ambassador in Delhi in this connection are in the custody of this writer.
I was one of the earlier Goans to be recalled for re-employment by my company in Kuwait, it was in April 1991. My recall by my company has got nothing to do with our movement. Since my company management felt that my services are required, they recalled me. After coming to Kuwait I saw many of our Goans were not recalled by their respective companies and very few Kuwaitis were aware of what movement we did in Goa for the cause of Kuwait. And to tell you the truth many in Kuwait were annoyed at India’s stand of being bias towards Kuwait. India’s foreign minister Gujral’s embrace to Saddam Hussein in Iraq during the early days of invasion of Kuwait was looked upon with hatred in Kuwait thereby acquiring some sort of hatred for India.
I was very much concerned of our people still not recalled to Kuwait. In order to impress upon Kuwaitis of what we did for their country’s sake and to gain their goodwill, I spending money from my own pocket made copies of the Video Cassette of our movement, approximately around 500 copies and circulated with Kuwaitis to make them aware of what we did for the cause of their country Kuwait. Simultaneously, I made photographic big Albums with all the photos and other relevant details and correspondence done in regards to our movement and these Albums I circulated with Kuwaitis to impress upon them of what movement we did for the cause of Kuwait. The total number of Albums was 100. Both the activities of Albums and Video Cassette preparing cost me around 1000/- Kuwaiti Dinars which I spent from my own pocket without anybody’s help. Neither anybody asked me whether I needed any financial help for this great and important job.
Within a very short time the news of our movement with the help of the publicity done thru Video Cassettes and photographic Albums, spread everywhere in Kuwait mainly in Kuwaiti circle including Kuwait TV whose anchor and News Reader Adeeb Shuoibar showed the pictures of our movement twice in KTV2 programme with nice commentary, once on 15th September 1991 during the interview conducted by KTV of visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Mrs. Sharma. From this publicity the name of Goans among Kuwaitis reached to the pedestal which also helped many Goans stranded in Goa to get recall on their previous employment. Because of the name and fame Goans acquired among Kuwaitis, many of the other Indians became jealous towards Goans. It must also be noted that by showing our Video Cassettes and Albums to Kuwaitis many of our people brought their nearest and dearest to Kuwait.
Then under the banner of GKSC, we in Kuwait at Plaza Hotel Ballroom started organising public meetings in support of the release of Kuwait’s POW’s. These meetings were organised on 26th of every February till the fall of Saddam Hussein. These meetings were considered of very high profile and highly important for the release of Kuwait’s POWS and for the relationship between Kuwait and India in general and between Kuwait and Goa in particular. Such high profile meetings were never organised in Kuwait by any expatriates community. These meetings were attended and addressed by the top diplomats, Indian Ambassadors, high ranking expatriates in Kuwait from different nationalities and high profile Kuwaitis including members of the Royal family. Thru these meetings we indicated to everyone how great we Goans are. Very many Non-Goans who were dubbing us as the community of Domestics now came to know how great intellectually we Goans are. In one word the rating of Goans reached to the zenith, thanks to all who involved in making our movement a force to reckon with. Because of this movement Kuwaitis of all ranks started not only interacting with Goans but also integrating with Goans.
As a step forward, in this connection, I on my own initiative and expenses on behalf of GKSC went to Delhi and with the cooperation of one MP Mr. Khan from Hyderabad who was the Chairman of Indo-Arab Friendship Society met with the top Indian leaders, world diplomats stationed in India including chiefs of Arab League and OIC based in Delhi requesting them thru Memoranda submitted by me to them, to work speedily for the release of Kuwait’s POW’s. This news flashed thru media like wild fire making Kuwaitis at all levels impress upon Goans very highly.
What we Goans have done for the cause of Kuwait during its critical time no other individual community has done and in this exercise what role I personally played none among the expatriates played, leave aside Goans and other Indians. What I did it was done on ideological ground and not to get personal benefit and I expected nothing and expect nothing either. In fact by doing so much I have not gained any personal benefit, neither have I sought any personal benefit. As long as there is peace in Kuwait and as long as our people get opportunities to work in Kuwait, it is enough for me. This is my wish and happiness.
Finally to reach our movement still to more people, recently I have made one more DVD of our movement as latest edition but with commentary in English. Very shortly I will release it for circulation. Let this DVD circulate more and more especially with Kuwaitis and thru this medium let the bridge built between Goans and Kuwaitis remain strengthened forever. I may not be here in Kuwait for long but let our Goans working in Kuwait be proud of what their elders have done for the cause of Kuwait. Let the Kuwaitis say anything but let them also know that we Goans have stood by them when some of their own brothers in race, religion and language deserted them. Also the new generation of Kuwaitis should know of our contribution for the cause of Kuwait by seeing this DVD which will be easy for them to understand since the commentary is in English. Thru this DVD let every Kuwaiti know that we Goans are not just “Hindi Muskin” but a community with rich heart, rich intellectual power, rich gratitude and rich love and affection for Kuwait having supported Kuwait during its critical time as none among Indians did. Our support for Kuwait was not a purchasable commodity because it was priceless.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
April 27, 2013
DVD "'AMCHIM KORTUBAM" BY SABY DE DIVAR.
One of the interesting Konkani Albums received for sale in Kuwait in the Cassette Shop is ”AMCHIM KORTUBAM” by the new shining Konkani Stage star Saby de Divar. This is a DVD consisting of Songs and Jokes; Jokes by Comedians Selvy, Agostinho and Jannet while songs are rendered by Saby de Divar, Jessica Gomes, Jr. Reagan, Jr. Nelson, Salu, Jaju, and others.
Among the songs I liked the best were of Saby de Divar's, his all songs, solos and others rendered with his colleagues are worth listening. “Mahila Manddal” a duet he rendered with a new comer Ms Tracila was excellent. It was very well rendered by both the singers; Tracila with her sweet voice, excellent presentation and very good attractive personality brought an extra colour to this duet composed well by Saby de Divar. Seeing her for the first time she proved like a very seasoned artiste, acting and singing very confidently.
The trio on “Mathanay Saldanha” rendered by Jr. Nelson, Jaju and Salu deserves compliments. It was beautifully delivered by all the three, composed by Jr. Nelson whose voice and facial appearance resemble that of his late great father Nelson who was highly gifted in composing such songs. To bring Mathanay to the pedestal is good but one must not forget that when Parrikar’s government harassed Goan Catholiccs by cancelling their religious holidays, Mathanay Saldanha supported Parrikar’s decision thereby allowing Parrikar to work against Goan Christians. In the minds of many Christians in Goa, Mathanay Saldanha will be an anti-Christian though his good work will never be forgotten, neither his pride he acquired after becoming a minister will be forgotten.
Benny and Alia rendered their song on Mother Theresa and Indira Gandhi, though it was not right to bring the devilish serpent Indira Ghandi closer to saintly woman Mother Theresa. Indira Gandhi was the author of Satanic rule of Emergency in India. She was the worst criminal, ruthless and stone hearted woman.
“Ximitirin Alma” a quartet by Saby de Divar, Comedian Domnick and others was very precious one and also very philosophical. It was beautifully composed by Saby de Divar and rendered by all the singers very nicely. It was very scary to see them as “Almas” with their fearful presentation especially when they moved from one angle to the other and also while coming out of the Cemetery and going back. While singing they were describing philosophically their own experiences as dead. Lot of lesson is there in this song for the living ones.
Jessica Gomes with her sweet voice and majestic and attractive personality rendered her solo “Apsuati Munxeachi Zath”. Day by day this beauty of Konkani Stage is showing her maturity more and more.
Saby de Divar though I have not seen him performing on Stage live even though he performed in Kuwait where he is become the darling of the audience yet by watching him singing in the VCD and DVD I find him exceptionally gifted singer and talented composer. He got very attractive voice and his topics are also very attractive. While singing he keeps the timing very well. As a young man he is charismatic and his attractive looks gives him an extra colour to his performance. It is very admiring to see him capturing audience and viewers’ attention so fast. Very few Stage artistes gained popularity as quickly as Saby de Divar gained. I wish him all the best.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
April 26, 2013
OBITUARY - MARIA FATIMA D'SOUZA E PINHO (BIJEEN)
MARIA FATIMA D'SOUZA E PINHO (BIJEEN)
Maria Fatima D'Souza e Pinho (Bijeen), wife of Jose Ambrosio Pinho, mother of Jeff, Jessica, Jeanette and Jonathan, passed away in Kuwait on 21st April 2013.
A Requiem Mass will be held at the Holy Family Cathedral on Saturday, 27th April 2013 at 4:30 p.m.
Mortal remains will be flown to Goa, India.
Last respects can be paid at Al-Sabah Hospital Mortuary (Shuwaikh) on Sunday, 28th April 2013 between 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m.
In Goa, a Funeral Service (Mass) will be held at Our Lady of Milagres Church, Mapusa at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, 2nd May 2013, and thereafter, for the final rites.
Relatives and Friends kindly accept this as the only intimation. No condolence visits please.
"Eternal Rest Grant unto her, O Lord, and Perpetual Light Shine upon her. May her soul Rest in Peace".
April 25, 2013
DISGRACEFUL INDIAN POLICE FORCE.
With my head down in shame as an Indian, I strongly condemn the attitude of Indian Delhi Police handling of the Rape case of the 5 year old poor Delhi girl last week. I also strongly condemn the action of Delhi Police in Slapping one female protester in the aftermath of the rape.
Seeing the innumerable Rape cases going on in India unchecked without strong preventive government measures, I feel disappointed to be a part of this country India where there is nothing good under the current corrupt leaders who are reluctant to enact stringent laws to prevent and to stop rapes in India. As a genuine Goan brought up in Goa decently under strict rules and regulation before this corrupt Bharat with its military might forcibly invade Goa, I feel I am in Hell now because the leaders of India are become Lucifers who are ruling India like ruling the Hell. Nothing is going well in India. I think India is become a failed Nation.
The freedom and independence from colonialists is become good only for the corrupt people and corrupt leaders. The current India is not meant for decent and good Indians. Only corrupt can attain success in India and they can easily get whatever they want by doing corruption. If there is no life security in India then I say “to hell with the freedom and independence”. I don’t want this type of India and I don’t want this type of freedom and independence where there is no life security for one’s life. Instead I prefer colonialism where life security was there. What is important in life is life security and without it the freedom and independence is meaningless.
The job of a policeman is a great job if it is done properly, nicely, decently and sincerely to protect the law and order and human life. Otherwise Policeman’s job is the most disgraceful job when this job is done disgracefully. In most cases policemen are most disgraceful creatures because by virtue of being a policeman he easily succumbs to the sins of corruption, illicit sex, bribe receiving, committing cruelty and ruthlessness and in one sentence everything bad and immoral. For this reason in Goa during Portuguese time persons having good family background were desisting from joining police force although isolated incidents were there. During that era in Goa only the last grade of Goans used to join police force because it was considered as below one’s human dignity to become a policeman when Potuguese Pakles used to treat Goan police personnel as pimps by keeping them on low level only.
Recently. the Chief Minister of Gooa Mr. Parrikar in the Goa Legislative Assembly told that Christians in Goa are shying away from Police jobs and according to me what he said was right. It is not now only, even during Portuguese era Goan Christians were rejecting police jobs because as true to their Christian doctrine, Christians cannot commit and perform the immorality, cruelty, barbarity, hard heartedness as normally associated with the police uniforms. As a policeman one has to be a Hitler to survive on his job and very few Christians with unchristian principle can become Hitlers.
When the father of that 5 year old raped Delhi girl went to file a complaint with the local police station, he was told by the police officer to remain thankful because the child is alive. That means, according to that rascal policeman the rapist has done a favour on the child’s parents by not killing her. See the barbarity on the part of that policeman!! Secondly the same policeman offered a bribe of Rs. 2000/- to the father of the child to close this case. This is another case of cruelty on the part of the policeman. Is India a civilised country? If yes, then why the important segment of Indian society, that is the Police Force acting cruel and barbaric? I think our police force should undergo before taking up their postings a course in Moral Science.
In India one cannot get anything unless one shouts and comes on to the streets in demonstration. This happens because our leaders are immune to listen to the public pleas when told silently and decently because our leaders are deaf and corrupt. To bring pressure on the authorities to enact stringent laws to control the rapes in India, people in big number last week came on to the streets of Delhi. While they were demonstrating, one policeman like a brute wild animal gave a slap on the face of one of the female demonstrators without any hesitation. During Portuguese time when the cruel Agente Monteiro to extract confession from one lady he beat her on her palms with a thick ruler. When this matter was brought to the notice of the higher authority, Agente Monteiro was severely reprimanded because during those days of colonial rule in Goa, colonialist Pakle treated females with highest respect while in free Goa and in independent India Ghantti policemen disrespect females for this reason as shown in the photo above Ghantti Indian Policeman blindly slaps one female demonstrator on the street of Delhi.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
April 24, 2013
Comedian Agustino's drama 'Corruption' brings down the house in Kuwait
-by Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
Kuwait: Goan dramas or films are traditionally known to be based on true
to life story-line to a certain extent.
However, a new dimension is seen in recent dramas where most of the scripts
are focussed on government issues or bureaucracy. ‘Corruption Kabar?’, as the
name suggests, written and directed by well-known slapstick director of Konkani
stage Comedian Agustino Temudo was no exception.
A few decades back, learned directors like Tomazinho Cardozo and Mike
Mehta tried their hands on these kind of subjects but never rose to great
heights. ‘Corruption Kabar’ proves how popular ‘political-based’ dramas have
become with the public. Or is it only the humour of Comedian Agustin and his
sidekicks that does the trick?
Nonetheless, ‘Corruption Kabar,’ has a realistic sentiment in today’s
world of corrupt bureaucracy. The performance which drew a full-house on 12th
April 2013 can be termed as a sequel of Comedian Agustin’s earlier super-hit
tiatr ‘Public’. The drama was lively, and provided an absorbing evening of entertainment
with a combination of laughter, tit-for-tat dialogues and sensible songs.
The plot of the play centres on the theme of eliminating corruption, not
just from governmental structure, but from every strata of society. The script
has a flowing ‘twist’ in highlighting rape cases too which is somehow related
to the whole script although practically it falls in a different area
altogether.
The play has epic, captivating dialogues, entwined with hilarious comedy
by Janet, Selvy and Comedian Agustino.
The cast comprises a troupe of thespians with Salu de Loutolim shining
in his dual roles. Jessica, Tommy and Kuwait’s
most popular star Sylvester Vaz bring color, charisma and nobility to the
presentation. The brilliance of these actors is remarkable and demonstrates
each actor’s individual talents. Salu de Loutolim’s terrific lightness and the spontaneity
in his catchphrase dialogue ‘Kastachi asa tachi shape’, and the ethereal
quality of his voice, makes him a standout nominee for a best actor award.
Veteran actress Sabina in the role of a widower is the emotional heart
of the play, although the script lacks authentic emotions seen in yesteryear
tiatrs of M. Boyer, C. Alvares, Rosario Rodrigues, Rosary Ferns, etc. But then,
Comedian Agustin is no William Wordsworth to pen ‘touching’ tales, perhaps he
relies on what is accepted by the public.
There were a number of other strong supporting performances by Jaju, Philip
Almeida and Seby de Divar. Janet bloomed in her ‘lead’ role and in her bright outfits.
Director Agustin Temudo gave his role visibility, all the while
delivering the most important sentences, and stressing on dialogues which were pivotal
to the play. All the threesome -- Selvy, Janet, Agostinho were at their usual
best with trademark accent and witty words.
Sylvester Vaz sang the opening chorus of the drama to a melodious music.
Majority of the songs (cantaram) were noteworthy, but there were a few that
stood a tad above the rest. Seby de Divar’s songs were well applauded although
his style of singing has turned monotonous after only his second visit to
Kuwait. Tommy’s songs were a cluster of variety -- nicely composed and weaved to
stimulating tunes, he sang like a rock star. His song on Pope Francis was
wonderful.
Political
song by Seby de Divar, Sylvester, Tommy and Salu de Loutilim was based on the latest gimmicks by Goan politicians; however,
the criticism directed at the government and some ministers is too open, too
harsh (although it is nothing new in Konkani dramas). It unethically exploits India’s freedom of
speech. There are countries in the world, including Kuwait, where even twitters
against the government are forbidden. It is surprising that no action is taken
on the self-professed firebrand Konkani singers by the Goa government.
Philip Almeida and Janet were fluent in style and rhythm with their ‘Kerala-Goa’
duet while Jessica sang exceptional, rhythmic songs too. Songs by Jaju, Sabina,
Selvy, etc, were equally good.
Musical score for the show is credited to the troupe’s musicians James
Vaz & Agnelo Dias.
Earlier at the start of the drama, director Agustino Temudo was honored
by the organizers in appreciation to the yeoman service done for the enrichment
of Konkani stage and the cause of Konkani in particular. He was presented with
a memento at the hands of the chief guest Mr. Terry Lantz from US Embassy. Mr.
Tony Gonsalves from Wembley, UK was the guest of honor while the organizers of
the show in Dubai Mr. Anthony de Varca and Mr. Caje D’Costa were special invitees at
the event.
Jesrico Dias, Agnelo Fernandes and Britto Pereira were the main
organizers of the show supported by event assistants Ms. Martha (ex-Raja
Stores), Mr. Felix de Merces, Mr. William D’ Souza, Domnic Araujo, Manuel Gomes,
Santan Dias, Agnelo Rebello, Adrian Goes, etc. The show was co-sponsored by
Sherly’s Beauty Saloon – Salmiya, Navelim Youth Centre, Skynet Raiders, Joaquim
Vaz – Skynet, Rajendra Limbu – Nepal, Spinn, Brian Almeida – Parra, Marcos
D’Costa – Navelim, Edgar Fernandes – Seraulim, Seby Fernandes – Sanvordem,
Francisco Dias – Tivim, Francis Cruz (Azad Catering), Rocky D’Souza, Domnic
Araujo – Santa Cruz and a well-wisher-Betalbatim.
:::The above NEWS appeared in Kuwait's Arab Times dated 23.04.2013:::
April 22, 2013
VCD “ZOXEM MHAKA TOXEM TUKA” By Godwin Afonso.
In this month at Kuwait City Cassette Shop, 4 new Konkani Albums are kept on sale. Price is very cheap, each costing 250 Fils while the same Album in the original cover at Tiatro Hall and at Football Ground sold at KD 1.000, either CD or VCD. This VCD Mr. Godwin has dedicated to his beloved mother. All the songs and skits are written by Mr. Godwin Afonso and the musical score is provided by Llenoy Gomendes.
The VCD “ZOXEM MHAKA TOXEM TUKA” by Godwin Afonso deserves mention now and hence I pen down a few lines on this VCD consisting of Songs and Comedy Skits; songs are rendered by various well known singers, namely majestically pretty looking Jessica, seasoned singer Felcy, Platilda’s daughter Ilma, Anthony San and Godwin Afonso himself. While the comedy skits performed by natural comedian Jesus, renowned comedy queen Platilda, ex Kuwaitkar and prominent Tiatro writer – director Pal Soares whose new Tiatro will be released shortly and other artistes.
The comedy was excellent and both the natural comedians Platilda and Jesus played their roles extremely well, Jesus was at his best while rendering a comedy duet “Antonet ani Competer” with equally smart Platilda, exhibiting his natural feelings thus making the song more lively. As for Platilda, once beauty of Konkani Stage but now inspite of aging dished out her role exactly in the same manner as she used to do when she first appeared on Konkani stage in mid-sixties with her brother Aires and promoted by the late M. Dod de Verna. She truly gives an added booster to this film even, as usual, speaking in Portuguese. Her assetic values on Konkani Stage are still vissible and in fact she is still an asset for Konkani Stage even though she is seen acting after a decade. I still remember her fantastic comedy roles she used to perform with Jacinto Vaz and Luis Rod. She has not lost any touch of her comedy even though it was a decade back she was last seen acting.
The songs to be admired are the ones rendered by Jessica with her mellifluent and trebulous voice with Felcy and other with Godwin Afonso. Anthony San’s solo is also meaningful. Godwin’s solo on “Cardanchi Pack” resembles that of the solo M. Dod de Verna rendered in his tiatro “No Vacancy” staged somewhere in 1958/59. Both the singers describe Biblical names and events by displaying the Cards while singing and comparing the same with the figures on the Cards. M. Dod de Verna's song was more meaningful and more educative. Here below I give its last two verses:
Khellak bhullele munis, paddinant Aitar sont
Eko munnnchem somzotat, ek Dev Sotivont,
Him assat don soimbam, Dev ani Munis jivont,
Martoch he tin khille, Jesuk bhogli khont.
He aslet choug Evangelist, thoddik panch chagam, Jesuche kuddik poi sou dissani Devan sounsar ghoddlo,
King vortoulo dhoni Sorga Sounsaracho, kon khellak bhulleat tanni xevttak Joker zauncho poddlo.
Mr. Dod de Verna was hard hitting at those who are afflicted with the vice of “Kartancho Khell” finally turning into JOKER. How true M. Dod de Verna was!! May his soul rest in peace. Since his death Konkani Stage has not produced another like him and if I am permitted, I can rightly say tha Konkani Stage will never produce another M. Dod de Verna.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
April 20, 2013
GEN. MUSHARRAF !! "SWORD BEGET SWORD".
He came to power like a thief, stayed away from his country for about 5 long years like a thief, returned to his country and when his bail application was rejected by the court he ran away from the courtroom like a thief and finally he was arrested by his country’s security like a thief only. This is Pakistan’s once strong man General Pervez Musharraf. His biggest mistake was illegally robbing the power from the legally elected Premier of Pakistan Nawaz Sharief.
This was the biggest robbery Musharraf commited on the will of the people of Pakistan by dethroning Premier Nawaz Sharief who was duly elected by the people of Pakistan and sending him into exile to Saudi Arabia. Good that Saudi authorities intervened otherwise I am sure Musharraf would send Sharief to the gallows just as earlier General Zia sent Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to the gallows.
‘Sword beget Sword’, says the holy book Bible. Nawaz Sharief is nicely enjoying his freedom as a free man while his enemy Musharraf who wanted to punish Sharief is himself punished by the law of Pakistan's judiciary. "Sword beget Sword".
What made Musharraf to take things lightly and return to Pakistan and fall into the jaws of court’s punishment? There was a time he with his iron fist used to bend and subdue the power of Pakistani Judiciary but now the same Judiciary is bending Musharraf and teaching him a very good lesson which he never expected - "Sword beget sword". These are Biblical words and one must pay respect to these word.
When once Musharraf tasted power it is very difficult for him later on to stay without power. For this reason he must have returned to Pakistan because 5 years in England and Dubai he spent with frustration for living without any power. It is very difficult for a person to remain powerless after tasting the power. It is said, "Lion once tasted blood will never give up tasting blood again". This is the power of the POWER.
Musharraf cannot live without power and to get it back he returned to Pakistan. He had money but money is not everything in life. For beggars money is the only thing that matters in life while for persons like Musharraf POWER is also imperative. For this reason he came back to Pakistan like a fool not knowing what is in store for him and directly fell into the hands of Judicary which is very powerful in Pakistan now.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
BRAVO GOVERNOR WANCHOO.
By Aires Rodrigues
Goa Governor Mr. B.V.Wanchoo has to be lauded for not giving his assent to those draconian and unjustified amendments to the Goa Lokayukta Act which were adamantly bull dozed through by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in the last session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.
The Governor has rightly invoked his constitutional discretion and sent the amendments back to the Legislative Assembly and has asserted that he is not a rubber stamp Governor. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar should now also come clear on who really had proposed those draconian amendments now sent back by the Goa Governor. Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni’s legal acumen is also now in question as surely those amendments were vetted by him or may have had his tacit consent.
It is now hoped that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will bow down in all humility to the wishes of Goans and pass in the current session of the Legislative Assembly his promised amendments on the lines of the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Act so that the Goa Lokayukta Act is empowered with the right powers and teeth to tackle the current rampant corruption and mal administration prevalent in the State. The Goa Government could seek the advice and assistance of former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hedge while finalizing these amendments. The fee of Rs 500 required to be paid by those filing a complaint before the Lokayukta should be scrapped as it would put off citizens from filing cases against corruption and mal administration.
The Goa State Chief Information Commissioner and the State Information Commissioner should also be appointed immediately in a very transparent manner and in accordance with law. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar should not dare repeat his earlier ploys while attempting to high-handedly appoint Pandurang Nadkarni and Pradeep Padwal as Information Commissioners.
The Chief Minister faltering and goofing on almost every issue is due to his high levels of arrogance and his uncontrollable tongue. Both these of his acute deficiencies are inter-related to the brain and Manohar Parrikar would have to deal with them on a top priority. I wish I could have been of help but Mr. Manohar Parrikar would have to seek assistance at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) at Bambolim. The sooner he does the better for Goa. Let us hope he gets well soon.
April 18, 2013
IN KUWAIT, DON BOSCO WINS SOCCER FINAL.
SEEN ABOVE RIGHT SIDE, FIDELIS FERNANDES
WINNERS DON BOSCO
Kuwait: Don Bosco Oratory emerged champions of the 20th Edition CRC Chinchinim 9-aside Football Tournament beating Skynet Raiders in the tie-breaker in the finals played at MoH grounds, Shuwaikh.
The tie-breaker was enforced after the teams failed to break the deadlock in a pulsating final. Don Bosco turned out better shooters from the spot. Godfrey Aguair and Roney excelled for Don Bosco, while Skynet goalkeeper Melvin showed immense reflexes throughout the tournament.
Earlier, in the semifinals, Don Bosco defeated Indian Strikers while Skynet Raiders overcame inform AVC to reach the finals.
A number of dignitaries and presidents of participating clubs attended the finals. Glittering prizes and trophies were awarded to the winners and runners-up.
Samson of Skynet was awarded Man of the Match while Godfrey Aguiar was adjudged best defender of the tournament.
CRC Chinchinim President Mr. Bosco Leitao spoke on the occasion and also proposed a Vote of Thanks. Vice President of the CRC Chinchinim Mr. Venancio Pereira, Anthony H. Viegas – Sports-Incharge, Gen. Secretary Mr. Olvin Leitao, Lester Fernandes – Team coordinators, Anthony Fernandes – Team Manager, and other members of the club were also present on the occasion.
Mr. Aleixo Minguel Fernandes, CRC Chinchinim’s longest serving player and member was felicitated on the occasion at the hands of Mr. Olvin Leitao.
The prestigious and popular CRC established 'Athlete of the Year' award instituted since 1994 was presented to Mr. Fidelis Fernandes, President of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF), for yeomen services rendered in the promotion of football among Indian expatriates.
The award was presented at the hands of CRC Chinchinim President Mr. Bosco Leitao.
Fidelis Fernandes awarded Athlete of the Year
Fidelis Fernandes hails from Colva, Salcette, Goa and has been President of KIFF for 4 consecutive years. He is associated with KIFF for several years in various positions and has been elected in the past to executive committees of New Goan Overseas Association (1987), Goan Welfare Society (GWS) (1989), Colva United Centre-Kuwait (2005), Kuwait Goan Association (KGA), among others.
Though he is not a sportsman himself, during his younger days till now, Fidelis has been prominent as a well known sports administrator. Throughout his career in Goa, in his village, he was known to organise sports events at every level -- and mainly in his village school, Infant Jesus High School.
He was elected general secretary of Sporting Club of Colva, back home in Goa, in the year 1973.
Inheriting his father’s aptitude for sports, in Kuwait, Fidelis embarked in the promotion of Football among expatriates. His major step in this direction was the formation of one sports body called New Goan Overseas Association (NGOA) to promote football. In 1990, under his Presidency, NGOA football team created a unique record by being the first Kuwait Goan team to play exhibition matches in Bahrain.
Fidelis came into more limelight as an able sports administrator after the invasion and liberation of Kuwait when he joined Goan Overseas Association as its Sports Secretary. He helped Goa Maroons to develop vastly and win laurels in Kuwait and elsewhere in the Gulf. He organised an athletic event in 2002 at Sour grounds for Indian students studying in different Indian schools in Kuwait. In 1995 he joined KIFF and in 2003 under his initiative, KIFF invited All India Football Federation secretary Mr. Alberto Colaco to visit Kuwait to witness KIFF finals.
In 2009, Fidelis was elected as president of KIFF and he is still occupying the hot KIFF president's post with very great efficiency uniting not only Goans but also other Indians under one banner.
Apparently, Fidelis is also the President of the Konkani Heritage Kuwait (KHK) which has, in the past, presented Konkani tiatrs, one-act play competitions, singing competitions, and Konkani ‘songit sanz’ (musical) shows in Kuwait under his able direction.
Following is the list of 'Athlete of the Year' award winners.
1. Alcantra Barretto (Navelim Youth Centre) -1995
2. Francis Machado (CRC Chinchinim) - 1996
3. V.K.Vohra (ex-President of KIFF) - 1997
4. Inacio Faleiro (ex-President of KIFF) - 1998
5. Tony Coutinho (GOA Maroons) - 1999
6. Judas Fernandes (CRC Chinchinim) - 2000
7. Cajetan Godinho (Veterans XI) - 2001
8. Joseph Salema (United Goans Centre) - 2002
9. Sarto Baptista (United Friends Club) - 2003
10. Gasper Crasto (Navelim Youth Centre) - 2004
11. Gajendra Pillay (GOA Maroons) - 2005
12. Tony Dias (ex-President KIFF & Santos FC) - 2006
13. Julio Cardoso (GOA Maroons) - 2007
14. Tony Gonsalves (United Goans) - 2008
15. Avelino Dias (Navelim Youth Centre) - 2009
16. Anthony Rebello (Curtorcares United) - 2010
17. Americo Fernandes (Navelim Youth Centre) – 2011
18. Fidelis Fernandes – 2012-13
About CRC Chinchinim Cultural and Recreational club of Chinchinim as the name indicates is an organization for Chinchonkars based in Kuwait.
Founded in 1992, by only a handful of Chinchonkars, CRCC Kuwait started initially as a Football club. At the same time they also founded the CRC football tournament also known as the BBK trophy because of the financial backing by the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait.
The club also organizes annual picnics for its members and their families in addition to other get-togethers held during the year.
Remarkably, CRCC Kuwait has only had two presidents since its birth. Anselmo Furtado and Bosco Leitao. They, along with the backing of other committed members, have helped make the CRCC name one of class and prestige.
From the very beginning CRCC had established a scholarship fund for the bright and upcoming students of the Chinchinim village. This scholarship was awarded to Chinchinim student toppers in all the various schools in the village back home.
In addition to helping the village, the club has also aided other organizations when in need. This has not been limited to Goan organizations or needs only. The club also looks after its members in Kuwait and uses its collective influence to assist everyone.
April 15, 2013
CONGRATULATIONS TO G.R. CRASTO (BAHRAIN) ON HIS SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.
Navelim born
and Bahrain based Mr. G.R. Crasto (Gabriel Crasto), a prominent Goan in the
Middle-East will be celebrating his Silver Anniversary of his Marriage to wife
Catherine on 18th April 2013 at the Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain.
Mr.
Gabriel has been one of the prominent members of Young Goans Club in
Bahrain for the last many years and has been elected for different posts at the
club.
Mr.
Gabriel writes fluently both in English and in Roman script Konkani. He
has been writing right from his school days. Apart from writing exclusively for
Gulab and Goan Review Magazines, Gabriel has written a series of articles
for different publications. His works have appeared in Uzvadd - Weekly
Magazine, Goencho Mog, Novem Goem and the English Daily West Coast Times.
He
has regularly written poems, short stories, one-act plays and dramas. His
one-act play 'Kalina' won the Konkani Bhasha Mandal Award, while his drama
'Harijan' was well-recognized for it's subject.
Mr.
Gabriel Crasto also received the Man of the Year 2006 Award from the Goan
Review Art Foundation, and is also a recipient of Goan NRI Leadership Award
from the Government of Goa.
In
Bahrain, Mr. Gabriel won many prizes for his plays at one-act play competitions
organized by Young Goans Club, Riffa Goans, etc.
Mr.
Gabriel has been living in Bahrain since the last 30 years and is
currently working for Bahrain’s famous Jalal Travel Agency as a Manager.
He is an active member of both Young Goans Club and Konkan Singers and
served in different capacities in their managing committees.
Some
years back, Mr. Gabriel headed a football team called United Goans which ran
for over 5 years in Bahrain. Along with his friend Mr. Francis Correia, Mr.
Gabriel formed the Goan Dramatic Troupe. Under this group they organized many
dramas and Musical shows.
Mr.
Gabriel is currently Bahrain Goans Football League Chairman.
In
recent years he contributes most of his thoughts through ‘Bahrain-Goans
Xit-Koddi’, a web-portal published every month.
Coming
back to the Silver Jubilee, Bab Crasto you are residing in Bahrain and I am in
Kuwait and still you remembered me to send your invitation card to attend
your great occasion. I regret my inability to attend because of the
geographical barrier but I pray to God to bless you both husband and wife.
You
and me we both are two separate identities but having the same ideology towards
Goa and Goans. I am proud of the activities you have been doing for the cause
of Goa and Goans. Please continue in doing what you are doing. I am sure your
beloved wife must have been assisting you in the same. I hope she too will
continue in assisting you towards your activities for the greater cause of Goa
and Goans. I am also sure your both the children are imbibing you and gradually
they will take over from you when everyone will say "Like Father - Like
Children".
To
live together as husband and wife for Twenty Five long years so successfully is
not a joke especially now when the temptations are so many. Many couples
separate from each other just within 25 hours of their marriage but you
have lived together for 25 long years, it is very much admirable. You both
husband and wife are blessed couple to live like this and I hope and pray to
God to keep you together as you are now to celebrate not only Golden Jubilee
but Platinum Jubilee also.
As
a Silverian myself, I know how difficult it is to remain embedded to each other
but with real love and faithfulness to each other one can easily overcome all
the obstacles that comes on one’s path.
Though
you both completed 25 long years together yet looking from the recent photo
above, both together in a jovial mood, it looks to me that you are just a newly
married couple wedded just 25 days before and not 25 years before. Your
youthfulness is an added freshness to your success. Keep maintaining the same
youthfulness even though age may try to meddle in between. For genuine love age
should not be a hindrance.
Finally
I wish you Gabriel and your wife Catherine all the best.
A
happy 25th Wedding Anniversary. May God Bless You Both.
A.
Veronica Fernandes.
Kuwait. April 13, 2013
ONE MORE RESPONSE TO GWS ARTICLE OF VERONICA.
The article on GWS Kuwait Fund on 10.04.13 written by the Kuwait based writer and activist Mr. A. Veronica Fernandes was the best among all the best he wrote recently in Goa-Kranti. Kuwait Goans are fortunate to have among them such a solid personality who does lot of awakening in support of justice. There is not a single writer in Kuwait among Goans capable of doing such just writings as Mr. Veronica does.
Veronica is the most upright Goan among all the known Kuwait Goans and because he is such he can write bold articles as on GWS Fund. Mr. Veronica even after being in Kuwait for such a long period and doing so many activities has never got a black spot on his white shirt. He has not duped anyone, he was not involved in any fund scandal, he did not misapropriate any fund, he was not involved in womanizing and in concubinage, he was not involved in rowdism, he is not a drunkard. His path is straight. For these reasons he acquired success in all his campaigns and activities. Among all the popular and prominent Kuwait Goans he is the only person so far remained above suspicion. Anyone is free to correct me with genuine justification, if I am wrong
About GWS Fund, according to me this fund was collected to spend for the benefit of Kuwait Goans and not to keep idle for such a long period. Kuwait Goans must raise their voices against this. The Dolls and others in GWS should not be allowed to take the community for a ride.
There is not a single person in GWS to fight for justice, all are chamchas and yes men otherwise they would act adroitly. None of the members is capable to create impact in society. Beyond GWS they are nothing. They got GWS on silver platter.
Carmo Santos was the president of this GWS for some years but why he did not raise the issue of founder members who were kept out of GWS? Carmo Santos needs to answer this question. Like all others he too is at fault of being silent on this topic when power was in his hands.
It is true that some important members of GWS are holding Portuguese Passports. It is against Indian system and India law. If anyone supplies me their names I will directly bring it out to the notice of Indian Embassy with cc to CBI-Delhi. GWS Kuwait is an Indian organization registered with Indian Embassy and how can foreign national involve in it? This dual passport issue is a very serious issue and it has to be handled very seriously.
Thanks.
A. FERNANDES.
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