GOANS MARKED 25TH LIBERATION DAY OF KUWAIT IN GOA..

A.Veronica addressing the gathering

As scheduled, Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Center has successfully organized the yesterday’s meeting at Chamber of Commerce Hall, Panjim, at 10.00 AM to mark the 25^th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi invasion.  Due to last minute death of the close family member of one of the Kuwaitis,  Mubarak Al Hindal, the Kuwaiti delegation of 3 Kuwaitis had to cancel their visit to Goa to attend to this meet. In this respect the email sent by Mubarak Al Hindal offering his apologies for cancelling their coming to Kuwait was informed to the audience by A. Veronica.  Also, the audience was informed of the willingness expressed by Mubarak Al Hindal to help any Goan in trouble in Kuwait, if he/she approaches him.

 

Speakers at the dais

 

The meet was attended by the capacity attendees who enjoyed the meet addressed by Prof. Sergio Carvalho, Alfred Fernandes, Manuel Fernandes and Raymond D’Sa.  The vote of thanks was proposed by Caetano Joao and A. Veronica compeered the proceedings. 

A section of the attendees

 

During the meeting the Autobiography “FROM COCONUT TREES TO OIL WELLS” written by A.Veronica Fernandes was released at the hands of Raymond D’Sa the president of Goan Overseas Association, Kuwait, who came from Kuwait  in the morning yesterday to attend to this function.

 

News cutting from today's Gomantak Times.

 

The book at the moment is available with the author but shortly it will be available with different places and with different people and their names will be announced later.  However, in Goa anyone needs he/she can contact the author on his mobile number as indicated below.  The cost of the book is Rs.200/-

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.  

 

 

SAD DEMISE OF OPHELIA CABRAL.

 

 

It is with deep sorrow I write these few lines on the death of my late friend Ophelia Cabral, in Mumbai yesterday.

 

 

Ophelia was one of the best female Tiatrists among the galaxy of yesteryears artistes. I saw her acting first time somewhere in 1958 when she came to Goa with C. Alvares’  troupe to act in his Tiatro “AXEA” which was a masterpiece of Alvares’s mighty pen where Ophelia played a masterpiece role of a young fiancée of Alvares.  In fact during that time she was not even twenty as I was told but having beautician’s body frame and attractive looks.  That time she was acting in the company of other female Bombay based artistes namely Cecilia Machado, Philomena Braz and Violet.  It was a  very critical time during that period as the enmity between India and Portuguese India was at its peak and to travel between Bombay and Goa was very complicated yet Alvares managed.

 

 

One of the resons for C. Alvares’s Tiatro becoming instant hits was the introduction in his Tiatros some of the best beauties of that era whose presence on the Stage mesmerized the audience and Ophelia Cabral easily fitted in that segment.  

 

 

My friendship with her became strong when we from Kuwait brought her and her artiste daughter Babli to participate in the show "Ghor Bhandlem - Ghorabo Moddlo' which we organized in Kuwait and it was scripted and directed by the renown playwright the late Rosary Ferns.  At that time she resided at my place in Kuwait City along with her daughter and during this time I noticed in her something extra ordinary discipline in all respects.  She would never inconvenience me in my house for anything, she maintained her needs to the bare minimum, she would very rigidly maintain her regular schedule of getting up from her bed at 3.00 AM and go into deep prayer which was her strong solace.   

 

 

In that Show in Kuwait she played a very good role and rendered a very good Portuguese song which gave her lot of admiration from the full house audience majority coming only to see her. When she entered the Stage for the first entry, she was given such a rousing reception by the audience that it was turned out to be the most exciting standing ovation lasting about 6-7 minutes.  Seeing this she broke down into tears unable to control and the audience was also not stopping from clapping and screaming in her name saying “Ophelia we love you”.  That was the most historical moment I witnessed.  I don’t think such a mighty standing ovation was received by any other Tiatrist.

 

 

During her stay at my place, it was great to see her innumerable fans queuing up at my door to see and meet her in appreciation of her role she played in raising the standard of Konkani Tiatro.  During that visit we at “Konkani Heritage Kuwait”, honoured her in one of the City Hotels in the midst of Goans and other Konkani speaking people residing in Kuwait.

 

 

She was very good in tragic roles and precisely because of this the Editor of Goa Times Dr. Simon Fernandes named her Tragedy Queen.  Her tragic role of "Kuddem Anita" in Alvares' Tiatro and the sorrowful Canto "Anita" was the most memorable song she rendered.  In Boyer's "Besaum" she was on her zenith and again in Alvares' "Patki Nhoi Ghatki" her performance as wife of Alvares was most exciting.  These are only a few instances of her genius. 

 

 

In her death Konkani Stage has lost a great artiste of whose type we will not easily get again.  May her soul rest in peace and may the heavenly father give courage to her only daughter Babli, son-in-law and the grand child to bear this colossal loss.

 

 

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.

 

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TIATRO "APURBAECHIM FULAM" BY LAWRY TRAVASSO.

 

It was a full house yesterday’s Tiatro “APURBAECHIM FULAM”written and directed by Lawry Travasso, at Kala Academy, Panjim, at 7.30 PM.

The story is based on the latest trend of dumping the old parents into the Azilo and the fad of not believing in Mother Mary, the tussle between parents believing in Mother Mary and opposing this by the son and daughter- in- law.  “Apurbaechim Fulam” is referred to the children who inspite of being brought up by the parents with love and affection, finally get them admitted into Old Aged House.

The role of aged father played by Tari was excellent having strong support of Rosy Alvares as his wife.  Lawry Travasso’s character role of a dejected man was very good and the role played by Mario Menezes deserved highest compliments, it was played very appropriately in all respects. Franky and Antonette de Maina both as young wedded couple played their part well. As usual pretty looking Antonette de Maina dazzled the audience with her attractive dress code.

In the comedy part though there were too many comedians yet comedy Queen Jannet, John D’Silva and Agostinho Temudo stole the show.

In the Side-Show Songs though there were too many songs based on religion yet the solos of Xavier Gomes,  Marcus Vaz, Lawry Travasso, Tony de Ribandar, Rosy Alvares and Francis de Tuem were well accepted by the Audience. Ribandar’s duet with Antonette de Maina was interesting.

Well done Lawry Travasso and his troupe.

 

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.

 

A.VERONICA TO RELEASE HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

During the public meeting in Panjim on 25^th of this month organized by GOA-KUWAIT SOLIDARITY CENTER to mark the 25^th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait  from Iraqi invasion, an especial ceremony will be held to release the book  “FROM COCONUT TREES TO OIL WELLS” written by A. Veronica Fernandes.  It is an autobiography of the author where he describes his personal experience of the life in Kuwait, working conditions in Kuwait, eyewitness invasion account of Kuwait, contribution of Goans employment in Kuwait  and many more details of Goa and Kuwait so far not known.

A delegation of three Kuwaitis headed by the well-known Kuwaiti personality Mubarak Al-Hindal will be flying from Kuwait especially to attend to this meeting and deliver speeches on the friendly ties between Goa and Kuwait.

All the like-minded people are cordially invited to this meeting and book launching ceremony on 25^th of this month at Chamber of Commerce Hall in Panjim at 9.30 AM.

 

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

IS BISHOP OF GOA GUILTY OVER VANXIM SALE?

 

Four months are finished now and still there is no arrest of the murderers of Fr. Bismak and it looks BJP government is shielding the murderers.  Fr. Bismark was fighting for shielding the Vanxim Island from the clutches of big buillders who got entry into Vanxim thru the open arms of the Bishop of Goa.  Ironically, immediately after the murder of Fr. Bismark, Goa government doled out the facilities for the builders to step into Vanxim and convert it into a brothel for national and international customers.  Who is going to be responsible for turning Vaxim island into a sinful place?  Will it not be the head of Goa Church who is supposed to be a holy man spreading the gospel of upright life and not a sinful life?  I think time will come for the faithful in Goa to reject the Bishop of Goa who is helping the sinners to spread sin in Goa.

Poster of Bharat Mukti Morcha

On 11^th of this month at T. B. Cunha Hall, Panjim, Bharat Mukti Morcha organized a meeting to take stock of the Vanxim situation and to mark  the 10^th anniversary of the sale of Vanxim by the Goa Bishop to Mahendra Gauneckar.  Also discussed in this meeting was the problem faced by the employees of “Nestle” company.

                                                                 Saby seen speaking

During the Press Conference conducted there, the president of BMM Maggie Silveira  besides other things asked the Bishop Neri  Ferrao to show all the letters sent to Vatican  to obtain permission to sell Vanxim to Gaunekar.  As per Canon Law 1291 Church cannot sell Church property to anyone with obtaining approval from the Vatican. According to the information, Bishop sold the Vanxim without Vatican’s  permission and hence Bishop committed a robbery and a crime against Vatican. Can we trust such a man to be our pastoral leader? Will it not be right for the faithful to reject his authority?

                                  
                                              Maggie addressing the press conference

Meantime, it is surprising to note that there is a total silence on the campaign to demand justice for Fr. Bismark.  Are they kept silent by the government or by the Church or by the builders lobby?  Those who were shouting and demonstrating on the streets must come out with some answers of their silence.  

 

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349

 

 

 

PRIESTS NEED MENTAL CHECK-UP.

According to the information available, very shortly there will be the transfer of postings of priests. It is my request to the Goa Church authorities before the transfer is effected, the every transferee should be sent for medical treatment to check  the uprightness of his mental faculty.

From what I observed, very many  Pe. Vigars require this check more than the Pe. Curs.  It is the Pe. Vigars if not all then at least many are disturbing the peace in their parishes due their faulty mental capacity.  I saw how some Pe. Vigars are acting with the faithful in the Church and outside Church premises with pride, arrogance and Hitlerian “dadagiri” as if they are omnipotent.  This indicates their mental weakness.

I am sure many must have observed similar to what I have observed.  I am writing this piece from  my own personal experience and further  I  say that because of such mentally rude Pe. Vigars, many of the Catholics are leaving Catholicsm and embracing other denominations and yet these Pe. Vigars are not even apologetic for this exodus from Catholicism.  These Pe. Vigars like dramatists preach humility from the Altar but themselves are not practicing what they preach. I don’t blame them for this mental attitude of theirs but request the Church authorities to do the necessary test of their mental faculty before they do damage not only for the faithful in their parishes but also to the Church as a whole.

Can you say any priest who is cursing the people from the Altar as mentally sound?  Can you accept a priest as mentally sound when he speaks Hitlerian language in Satanic tone?  Will a mentally sound Pe. Vigar interrupt the Mass innumerable times to make announcements?  Only the mentally unsound Pe. Vigar will act thus needing mental treatment. Hence, my request to the concerned authorities of the Church to do the needful.

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.

MEET IN PANJIM TO MARK THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF KUWAIT LIBEARION.

This year on 26^th of this month, Kuwait observes the 25^th anniversary of its liberation. 

To mark this day, Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Center will organise a public meeting in Panjim at Chamber of Commerce Hall, opposite Azad Maidan, on 25.02.16 at 9.30 AM.

To participate in this meeting, a special delegation of 3 prominent Kuwaitis headed by Mubararak Al Hindal will come to Goa.

This year’s meeting is sponsored by the Gulf Goans Hotels Co., (Hotel Goan Heritage).

Under Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Centre, in 1990 immediately following the invasion of Kuwait, Kuwait Goan returnees organized a big movement in Goa to condemn Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and to support the demand for the liberation of Kuwaiit.

All are invited for this meeting.

 

A.Veronica Fernandes.

Tel:7507394349.

 

PAL SOARES' TIATRO AT CANDOLIM MANDD.

 

On 2^nd of this month, as usual, the Candolim MAND  at Pintos Vaddo,  to mark the feast of Condoi Saibin, organized  a Tiatro “Hantrun Polloun Payem Sodd” written and directed by Pal Soares.  Declared by the writers and critiques  as the best Tiatro of the season, it was staged about 50 times in Goa  and everywhere it is acclaimed as praiseworthy. 

 

 

Beautiful Jessica with Godwin in one scene

This time in Candolim it was very well attended by the audience who enjoyed the story as well as Side Show songs.  Financially it was a great success both to the director as well as to the organisers whose Kitty has been enhanced. 

This Mandd is a charitable organization doing lot of charities towards good causes.  Last time when the late Antonette de Calangute needed money for her Kidney transplantation which was ultimately not done, this Mandd named as Holy Cross, donated 50,000 rupees.  Since the said operation was not done,  there is no news of where the collected fund is gone.  It is the duty of all the donors to demand the accountability of their donations and also it is an obligation of  those responsible to collect this fund to declare the where about of this fund.

 

Director Pal Soares addressing the audience

The Tiatro was excellently enacted by all the smart artistes but major credit goes to the beauteous spot Jessica who played her role very beautifully.  Her beautiful looks, appropriate dress code, elegant presentation and perfect acting gave an added booster to this Tiatro.  Similarly, the role played by Godwin with fluent expression in a Prem Kumarian style created extra impact of this Tiatro.  Due credit must also go to the excellent role played by Ivon as a Lawyer. 

 

Baba Cielo singing his solo

 

In the comedy part, young boy Gladwin, the son of Menino Mario showed lot of enthusiasm and given more opportunities he will be a great asset to Konkani Stage.  He shows all the qualities required to be a good comedian. Seeing him for the first I was very much impressed by his comedy.

                                                        Marcos Vaz singing his solo

In the Side Show songs, Baba Cielo stole the show by his excellent solo on how the government looting the citizens by way of taxes and how expensive life Modi spends.  Marcus Vaz’z solo on Priests was liked by the audience, so also his other solos.  Manino Mario, Ivon, Estibeiro and Valencio rendered their solos well.

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.

 

SAD DEMISE OF MACHADO – EX KUWAIT.

It is with deep sorrow and chagrin that I got the sad news of the sad demise of our colleague in Kuwait Mr. Francisco Machado from Taleigao. During his over three decades of stay in Kuwait he was a part of our movement in Kuwaiit in support of Goan causes. Whenever we oganised any activity he was always on forefront to lend his support.  He was a very good musician playing Violin, Organ and Guitar.  He used to teach music to many young music students during his spare time. 

Whenever we organized Manddo Festivals in Kuwait he was always there with his Violin, he was also a member of the Choir group in the Kuwait City Church playing his favourite instrument Violin.  He was also known as Violonist Machado in Kuwait.  So many times he played for our functions but never even once he charged us any money knowing the cause behind it. 

In his death we lost a great Goa lover Goan Francis Machado.

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

 

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.