THE LATE GOAN FOOTBALLER DOMNICK SOARES.

It is with deep grief I got the sad news of the unexpected death of an ace Goan ex footballer Domnic Soares from Saligao, Bardez, Goa. A very humble man devoid of any pride and arrogance inspite of being such a great man of soccer.

It was in mid sixties while I was schooling at Arpora that I came in contact with this soccer wizard who with his left foot would make the ball to do anything except talk. He first came into limelight during the inter village soccer tournaments played at Saligao representing his village team. People there were talking of Domick only and he was new in Goa coming from Africa.  When our village team Candolim was playing against Saligao, I was given a special task to stop him from scoring goals with his left foot.  It was not an easy task to stop him because he was very speedy left inner having excellent ball control and powerful shooting power.

Playing at village level first his fame went far and wide.  Immediately Dr. Gustavo Monteiro from Candolim and the then President of GFA approached him to play for Academica which was coached by Pe. Chico Monteiro who was the brother of Dr. Monteiro. From there within a short span of time he moved on to Vasco Sports Club.  During those days to play for Vasco means now playing for Real Madrid.  That time Vasco, Sesa, Salgaocar and Shantilal were the top 4 teams in Goa at upper division.  I was playing for Sesa and while playing for Sesa I faced him innumerable times.

As a right defender playing for Sesa and he playing for Vasco on the left flank we both encountered each other on the playing field innumerable times and also clashing with each other.  Many times our coach instructed me to mark him very tightly to stop his mobility with the ball with ease.  He was weak in the aerial duels which were my forte and on his right leg he was not very strong but what he was missing his left foot was covering up. He had power in his left leg and very good accuracy too. While playing, his legs were playing less but his brain was playing more. I never found any player in Goa and elsewhere in India as beautiful player as he was.

He was very cool on the field, never losing his temper, never ever I saw him arguing with the referees if proper decision was not given by the referees. He was always a decent and clean player and never had I seen referee giving him warning or reprimanding for foul play. Like Neville D’Souza he was a terror in the penalty box drawing the defenders towards him and suddenly feinting in the wrong direction and then releasing powerful left footer. 

He was not at ease with Bernard who many times was erratic in shooting but with Andrew definitely yes, so too with Catao. Yet most of the goals Bernard scored were from Domnick’s supply. Their quartet ABCD meaning Andrew, Bernard, Catao and Domnick was a unique one and such a quartet I never saw earlier or currently.  They were moving up and down like a well oiled  machine and without uttering a word interchanging their positions thereby puzzling the opponents' defense.

It was not only this quartet that was excellent but as a matter of fact the whole team was a dream team. In their goal Arvinder Sigh was like a rock stopping any shot from his opponents; in the defense they had Himalayan boulders in George Ambrose and Styan and in the midfield they had George Rosemond and genius Keshav who like a maestro orchestrating all their moves.  Till now Goa has not produced another midfielder like Keshav.    

Domnick was a specialist in taking penalty kicks and never ever I saw him missing the penalty. Many of the goalkeepers were afraid of his shots. Many players are nervous while taking the penalty kicks but Domnick was never; on the contrary he was very happily and smilingly used to take penalty shots.

It was not the Portuguese soldier Arantel while playing for Vasco during Portuguese era that made Vasco a force to reckon with but surely it was the late Domnick Soares who made Vasco the darling of Goan spectators.

Inspite of being such an excellent footballer why he was not selected for Indian team is a big question mark.

In his untimely death Goa lost a great footballer of whose type it is very difficult to come again because such persons come to this world once in many years.

May his soul rest in peace and may God give courage to his family to bear this colossal loss.

A. Veronica Fernandes, 
Kuwait.

  

HOTEL GOAN HERITAGE & ITS IRRESPONSIBLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

This has reference to an article published in this forum 2 days back on 11 lakhs rupees spending by the Board of directors for the celebration of 25^th anniversary of Hotel Goan Heritage.

As a Shareholder, I condemn the Board for spending such a big amount of money unnecessarily.  Worst part of it was that share holders were not even invited to take part in the celebration.

Spending 11 laks of rupees to fritter away money meant for shareholders as dividends is wasting of share holders money.  Is this amount budgeted and were the shareholders taken into confidence on this subject? Spending this huge amount on celebration is like a robbery done by the Board on shareholders.

Were the 2 Kuwait based directors taken into confidence before deciding to spend this amount?  If not then both the Kuwait based directors if they got a shame should submit their resignations. 

Otherwise what is the benefit of the Kuwait based directors if they cannot play any constructive role?  One of them is such a shameless that for show business and for fake honour he will do anything.  The other is a "Bach'cha" who does not know anything but wants to be in the board for show.

Were the new directors based in Goa like Chef Jerry, Pascoal Soares and Sequeira aware of this expenditure?  Were they taken into confidence by the Board when decision taken on this subject?  Were they aware of this reckless expenditure? And what will be their reaction on this now? 

They were selected by the shareholders to do justice.  Are they doing the justice by allowing the chairman and Wilsons to waste the money in lakhs? Justice to the shareholders is expected from them, even at this late hour. They cannot remain asleep like the 2 Kuwait based ones.

On 30^th of this month there is going to be the AGBM of the Hotel company at Panjim.  Share holders must attend this meet and question the Board on this topic.  Also the shareholders must question the board on what basis second Kuwait based director inducted into the Board. Is it thru chamchageri?  What is the especialty of this director?

Share holders must be assertive of their rights and privileges.  Heritage Hotel is not the monopoly of directors. They are there to protect the interest of the shareholders and not to waste money.  This Board is unfit to run the affairs of the company and all the Board members are useless including the two idiots based in Kuwait. 

May God Save Hotel Goan Heritage from the grip of greedy Directors.

A CONCERNED SHAREHOLDER.

LOOTING BY THE BOARD MEMBERS IN HOTEL GOAN HERITAGE.

Can you imagine, the Board and the Hotel management spent 11 Lakhs and plus to celebrate Silver Jubilee?  Whereas astonishingly, shareholders of the Company who are the actual Owners of the Company were never invited to share in the joy of having completed 25 years with the hotel ?

Shareholders who are witnessing their loot and plunder are much disgusted with the character and attitude of Board of Directors, that includes both the Kuwait based idiots,  because of this it is observed in the last 3 AGM's the shareholders present in the hall were persistently demanding the dissolution of the Board which the board does not care.

To spend in lakhs is not only wrong but it is a sin.  The same money could have been distributed to the Share holders as dividends because they are the real owners of the Hotel company. Chairman Justin is a puppet in the hands of both the Wilsons while Kuwait based ones are dummies, they know nothing of what is going in the Board and yet shamelessly boasting of their directors.

 

It was expected from the Goa based new directors, the recent inducted ones, some justice in the board and how they too accepted the reckless expenditure is a big question mark. The new inductees from Goa are Jerry Call, Pascoal Soares and Sequeira.  Are they also party to this reckless expenditure? Much justice is expected from them.

 

God save our Company.

A concerned shareholder.

SUPPORTING ROMI SCRIPT KONKANI.

PRESS CONFERENCE JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY

DALGADO KONKNNI AKADEMI,
JAGOTIK KONKNNI SONGHOTTON,

ROMI LIPI ACTION FRONT AND TIATR ACADEMY GOA

1.          This has reference to the Press Conference given by Goa Konkani Academy (GKA) yesterday (23.09.2013) and to the numerous faulty statements made by Shri Pundalik Naik, President of GKA.

2.          It is unfortunate to observe that a literary institution like GKA is opposed to giving awards to Konknni in Romi script. This only proves the selfish attitude of promoting Devnagari script by destroying the Romi script in Goa. They tried to do so in the past and failed miserably.

3.          These four organizations namely, Dalgado Konknni Akademi, Jagotik Konknni Songhotton (Global Konknni Organisation), Romi Lipi Action Front and Tiatr Academy Goa strongly support the decision taken by the Chairman of Kala Academy and Hon’ble MLA of St. Andre Constituency, Shri Vishnu Surya Wagh for giving separate literary award not only to Konknni in Romi script but also for books in English and in other regional languages written by Goans. In fact this decision must be hailed by all the persons of literature because Shri Vishnu Surya Wagh has recognized the literary creativity not only in Konknni and Marathi but also in other languages used by Goans.

4.          GKA has not projected factual position of literary awards as far as Goa Kala Academy is concerned. Goa Kala Academy has been awarding literary awards to Konknni in Devnagari script as well as to Konknni in Romi script since the inception of literary awards by Kala Academy. There are so many writers of Konknni in Romi script who have received such awards in the past.

5.          It was in 1987 that the Official Language Act (OLA) of Goa was passed and fraudulently it was mentioned in the Act that Konknni in Devnagari script will be the Official Language. In fact this was the great betrayal to the protagonists of Konknni in Romi script because of whose support the Konknni language became the Official Language of Goa.

6.          It is after the Act was implemented that some leaders of Devnagari lobby such as Adv. Uday Bhembre, Pundalik Naik, Naguesh Karmali, Arvind Bhatikar, Fr. Mousinho Ataide and others worked directly or indirectly to stop the promotion and development of Konknni in Romi script. Their selfish actions are : 

a)      They stopped Kala Academy from giving awards to Konknni in Romi script as they controlled the committees of Kala Academy. The reason given was that the OLA recognizes Konknni in Devnagri script only.

b)      GKA did not help in any way for the promotion and development of Konknni in Romi script. It was only in 2005 that the Goa Govt., with a resolution passed in the Goa Assembly, directed the GKA to provide funds for the promotion and development of Konknni in Romi script.

c)      This lobby has succeeded in manipulating the Konknni movement at all levels. At the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi their manipulative tactics have helped them to keep away the protagonists of Konknni in Romi script, since the recognition of Konknni by  Sahitya Akademi in 1976. This is proved from the facts that the advisory bodies appointed by the Sahitya Akademi have 10 out of 10 members who are the supporters of Devnagari script. Their strategy is such that they appoint some Christians to the advisory bodies to show that they include everyone. However, the Christians who are appointed are basically the supporters of Devnagari script.

With all these actions, it only proves that Devnagari lobby is all out to destroy Konknni in Romi script.

7.          Because Kala Academy stopped giving Literary Award to Konknni in Romi script and GKA refusing to support Konknni in Romi script, the protagonists of Konknni in Romi script agitated. They appealed to the political leadership of Goa as well as to the lovers of Konknni language to give justice to Konknni in Romi script. As a result of this, the then Govt. of Goa, including the Opposition, was compelled to pass resolution in Goa Assembly to direct GKA to promote and develop Konknni in Romi script also.

8.          It is due to the direction of Govt. that GKA were compelled to support Konknni in Romi script since 2005. It is completely wrong to make it appear that they supported Konknni in Romi script out of their free will.

9.          It is also wrongly informed by GKA that they supported Government’s decision to get Govt. grants to Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) for the promotion and development of Konknni in Romi script. In fact, they opposed even at the last moment and tried to stop the then Chief Minister to give grants to DKA but in vain.

10.       Protagonists of Konknni in Romi script continued their fight with Kala Academy to restore the Literary Award to Konknni in Romi script. The protagonists of Konknni in Romi script also demanded that Award for Konknni in Romi script should be given in a separate category. This is needed because the Devnagari lobby consider the literature of Konknni in Romi script is below standard and many a time pass derogatory comments on literature of Konknni in Romi script even without reading the books. This bias against Konknni in Romi script does not help the writers of Konknni in Romi script to get any awards as the panel of judges include Devnagari writers only. Hence the demand for separate category.

11.       The agitation with Kala Academy continued and finally the Executive Board of Kala Academy took a decision to give separate award for Konknni books in Romi script. The press note to this effect was issued, books in Konknni in Romi script  were called, a committee was set up and the first award for a book in Konknni in Romi script  for the first time was given by Kala Academy in separate category. The book ‘Kunkolle-Ek Mahan Ganv’  written by late Fr. Planton Faria  received the first literary award.

12.       However, as the decision afterwards was discussed in the General Council of Kala Academy, Adv. Uday Bhembre who was  the member of General Council of Kala Academy along with the supporters of all the Marathi lovers in the General Council managed to revert the decision. Once again injustice to Konknni in Romi script was perpetuated by Kala Academy due to the pressure tactics from Devnagari lobby. That time Shri Pratapsing Rane was the Chairman of Kala Academy.

13.       When  Shri Vishnu Surya Wagh became the Chairman of Kala Academy, the protagonists of Konknni in Romi script again approached the Chairman and placed before him the injustice done to writers of Konknni in Romi script. Being a litterateur himself, he understood the matter and finally took a decision in the Executive Board as well as in the General Council to give separate award to Konknni in Romi script along with separate awards to other Goans who create literature in English and in other Indian languages.

14.       From the statements of the leaders of the GKA and that of Devnagari lobby, it only appears that they are frustrated because if recognition is given to Konknni in Romi script it may flourish and adversely affect the prospects of Konknni in Devnagari  script as it happened in the primary education.

15.       These four organizations will leave no stone unturned to see that the decision taken by Kala Academy is not reverted because it is done to give justice to the writers of Konknni in Romi script. These organizations will meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister and other political personalities to see that the justice done to writers of Konknni in Romi script is not sabotaged. 

Shri Premanand A. Lotlikar, President of Dalgado Konknni Akademi

Shri Tomazinho Cardozo, President of Jagotik Konknni Songhotton   

Prince Jacob, President of Tiatr Academy Goa                                   

Shri Wilson Mazarello, Convenor, Romi Lipi Action Front                  

Shri Jose Salvador Fernandes, Secretary of Dalgado Konknni Akademi

 Shri Walter Menezes, Treasurer of Dalgado Konknni Akademi

Fr.Conceicao D'Silva, Executive Member of Dalgado Konknni Akademi

Xmt. Jessie Dias, Executive Member of Dalgado Konknni Akademi

Dated:         24.09.2013

Place: Tiatr Academy Goa, Conference Hall,

          Campal, Panjim, Goa 

--

Pratap Naik, s.j.
Jesuit House

Municipal Garden East

Post Box 112

Panaji, Goa - 403 001, INDIA
E-ID: <pratapnaiksj@gmail.com>
Cell: 09850658565

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. REAL BETALBATIM FC, DON BOSCO ORATORY, GOA MAROONS WIN. KUWAIT GOAN ASSOCIATION AND YRC RISING STARS SHARE SPOILS ON MATCH DAY 2.

The second round of KIFF League 2013/2014 once again saw goals galore with 12 goals being scored in 4 matches that were held on 20^th September 2013 at the Al Kazema grounds in Adeliya. The early two matches saw Don Bosco Oratory taking on Kerala Challengers on ground 'A' and Real Betalbatim FC clashing with United Goan Strikers on ground 'B'. The youthful side of DBO dominated the proceedings and went ahead through Nikhil D'Souza whose first time strike gave Kerala Challengers keeper no chance. The second half started on the same note and DBO increased its tally through Lloyd. Kerala Challengers tried in vain to come into the game but DBO defense held firm and emerged victorious 2-0. Man of the match award was awarded to young Nikhil of DBO for his brilliant display and presented by Raymond D'Sa President of GOA Maroons. RBFC and UGC started on a cautious note and increased the tempo as the game progressed. The midfield dominated the game and defense held firm with goal scoring chances few in the first half. In the second half RBFC found their rhythm and dominated the proceedings. UGC defense absorbed the pressure as RBFC strike force upped the tempo and as the game petered towards a stalemate Lawrence Colaco of RBFC found the net to put his team ahead and finish the match 1-0. Lawrence of RBFC was adjudged the Man of the Match and handed over by Rev. Fr. Franco Fernandes, President of Don Bosco Oratory.

The late 2 matches were between GOA Maroons and United Friends Club on ground 'A' and YRC Rising Stars and Kuwait Goan Association on ground 'B'. GOA Maroons started the game on a positive note with an attacking intent and Steven found the net to put GOA Maroons ahead in the first half. In the second half GOA Maroons were all over UFC and scored at will with young Clevan D'Cunha scoring the first hat trick of the season. Ian made it 5-0 in favor of GOA Maroons . UFC had no answer to the marauding strike force complimented with a supporting midfield of GOA Maroons. Clevan of GOA Maroons was rightly bestowed with Man of the Match award for his classy and youthful exuberance and the award was given by  M.M. Jacob of Kerala. The match between Rising Stars and KGA was a scrappy affair but attack minded intent on display by both sides. KGA went ahead through Clifton D'Cruz, but Rising Stars came strongly to equalize through Cheslee. Rising Stars went ahead when KGA defender Inacio misread the flight of the ball and headed backwards into his own net with his onrushing keeper beaten. KGA increased the pressure to equalize and found the net through Xavier whose powerful shot bulged the nets. Both the teams went for the winner towards the fag end of the game, but had to settle for a draw with the match ending 2-2. KGA goalkeeper Nelvy Rodrigues was awarded the Man of the Match for his brilliant performance and handed over by Lawrence Pinto President of YRC Rising Stars.

The matches were supervised by IFRA officials. In between the breaks KIFF felicitated Cruzedio Rodrigues for his contribution towards the game in KIFF for more than a decade. The fleet footed striker who played for UFC, Navelim Youth Center and now presently donning colors for DHL FC has the unique distinction of winning 8 highest goal scorer awards over a period of time he played his soccer in KIFF.  Rodrigues is leaving the shores of Kuwait for good was presented with a memento by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes. KIFF also welcomed Mr. M.M. Jacob from Kerala who is on a private visit to Kuwait. Jacob is a well known soccer personality in India and Kerala having represented the Kerala state team as a player for 8 years from 1974 and captaining the side in 1982 and was awarded G.V. Raja Gold Medal twice in 1979 & 1981 for being 'The Best Footballer of Kerala'. He also coached the Kerala state team for Santosh Trophy for 8 years.  He represented Indian Soccer team for various international tournaments for 4 years in Seoul, Bangkok, Middle East, Russia and Hungary from 1976 to 1979. Represented the Central Excise and Customs soccer team for 16 years and also captaining the team for 12 years.  Jacob was introduced to the players playing the second matches of the day.

Man of the Match awards for KIFF League season are sponsored by United Steel Industrial Company.

The match schedule for 27^th September 2013 to be played at Al Kazma Grounds is as follows:

At 6.45 am Cutorcares United v/s Santos United on Ground 'A' and AVC - Kuwait v/s Indian Strikers on Ground 'B'

At 7.45 am DHL FC v/s FC Sparx on ground 'A' and Malabar United v/s Skynet Raiders v/s on Ground 'B'.

__,_._,___

HOTEL GOAN HERITAGE AND ITS USELESS BOARD.

It is now evident after reading the write-up yesterday in this forum disclosing the arrogance of the Board of Gulf Goans Hotels Co. Ltd., in unnecessarily wasting company’s money in the office at Panjim.  By losing so much money the Board is responsible for wasting huge amount thereby denying the Shareholders larger amount of dividends.  It is once again proved that the current Board headed by the Chairman Justino Fernandes is unfit to run the show.

When such injustice is done I cannot understand why intelligent members in the Board are keeping silence.  Or there is not a single intelligent member in the Board?  In this case, are all the members idiots?

That both the Kuwait based Harward educated economist directors are useless to contribute anything worthwhile is now proved beyond any doubt.  What is their role in the Board on this topic? Are they both treated with respect in the Board or as unwanted?  Do they have a say in any decision making or they are considered as a burden on the Board? According to one source they are both non entities.  Hence, it is better not to expect anything good from both the idiots.

ONE CONCERNED SHAREHOLDER.