SHAME OF GOA.

This is Azad Maidan, Panjim where you can notice nothing but the shame of Goa where the Goa government is totally blind and deaf to the grievances of our Mothers and Sisters who are on Hunger Strike since last 39 days. Their pleas and cries are gone unoticed because Sports Minister true to his own revengeful self has refused to show any sympathy and compassion to them.  These women from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs are denied of the human rights of employment from the DSYA and in their places as per my information are engaged  new ones.  Hence, they are on Hunger Strike since last so many days. 

Four of them are on “Fast Unto Death”, very often they fall sick there needing urgent medical treatment, one or two of them were taken to Hospital where they were admitted even to the Intensive Care Unit.  Even their small children are falling sick due to the shocking state of their mothers. Do the concerned Minister and those running the government machinery have mothers, wives and sisters?  How they would feel seeing them fasting sleeping on the floor at Azad Maidan?

Azad Maidan today

Why the Goa government and  the concerned department closing their eyes to the pleas of these striking women?  Why the MLA’s now shouting, howling, fighting and even some of  them barking like dogs in the Assembly cannot see their plight and raise this issue in the Assembly with the concerned Minister to get the clear reply from him? Why the local media not raising this issue forcefully? And where are our Tiatrists?  Why they cannot raise this issue from the Stage?  Are they not obligated to fight for justice for the weak ?     

                                                  Seen are exhausted striking women


A.Veronica Fernandes.  

FRANCIS DE TUEM A FAMILY MAN.

The incident that happened  on 23.07.16 at Pai Titarist Hall, Margao,  during the Tiatro of Conception de Tuem was disturbing.   Though it looked confusing in the beginning  but after my meeting both with Francis de Tuem and his wife, the picture looks different.  

  

According to Francis’ wife, the action she took against Conception was her own decision without the knowledge of her husband who was totally unaware of this decision. This decision she had to take because the Tiatro “Answer” according to her was referring to Francis of course without naming him directly.  It is a long time now she said Conception is spoiling the name of my husband thru his songs and Tiatros.  This time he crossed all limits even by naming me with my real name Jenny in his Tiatro ANSWER. Since I could not bear it any more, I had to put an end to it and hence I took that decision spontaneously for which  whatever consequences are there I will face.  Though my husband sings on injustice done by the corrupt politicians but he never takes original names of their original wives. 

When questioned whether there is any truth as portrayed in Tiatro ANSWER that Francis is having extramarital affairs and staying separately in a Flat in Margao at Maddel, she flatly  denied it and challenged anyone to prove it and if anyone proves Francis de Tuem is owning a Flat at Maddel Margao  as per their version in Tiatro "ANSWER", she said they are  ready to give that same Flat  free of cost to that same person.

About those persons who came to the Stage and assaulted the director, she said they are not known to her nor to her husband further adding that they came on their own just as somebody on 10^th of this month from the audience came and tried to stop Conception Tiatro "ANSWER" and because of this interruption the proceedings on the Stage had to be halted for about 8 – 10 minutes;  Minister Avertano Furtado was also present there as a Chief Guest for that Show. According to her, almost everywhere this Tiatro was staged there was some sort of interruption  because of portraying Francis negatively, of course by not naming him directly. The whole Tiatro is maligning Francis by using  similar rhyming name as FRANZY and to clarify that character is Francis, hired persons by them seated in audience shout as "he is Francis de Tuem". 

Though Police Case has been registered and further investigations are going on, we have to wait for its outcome but meantime I only request all concerned not to repeat such unpalatable incidents for the sake of smooth running of our Tiatros.  What has happened was not good and I don't approve it.

A.Veronica Fernandes.     

  

                

WARNING TO CONGRESS PARTY.

I am sure the Congress High Command emissary Digvijaysingh while in Goa now will assess the whole political scenario and especially of his Congress Party in Goa.

According to me, Congress Party is going to dig its own grave in Goa if, as given to understand, it gives party tickets to contest the coming election to all those oldies who betrayed the Party in the past, so also to those who were involved in scandals, either moral or financial.   Besides, none of the defeated candidates should be given the party tickets to contest the next election.  Because they are corrupt they were rejected by the voters in the last election.  However, inspite of this, if they are given the party tickets to contest the next election then it would be construed as they have purchased the party tickets by paying crores of rupees to both the Low and High Commands of Congress Party.  In this case, we the voters, reserve the right to vote them all out.     

The only solution for Congress Party now to save its face is to align itself with the like minded local parties in seat sharing adjustment.  I don’t want Congress to run this contest parallel to other like minded parties because in this case Congress will not only not get anything but on the contrary it will split the anti-BJP votes thereby giving an edge to BJP to grab power easily. 

The moot point now is to defeat BJP and if Congress is really interested in this goal then it must have an alliance with other like minded parties.  Otherwise, Congress under Luizin Fleiro will be held responsible for bringing BJP back to power in which case BJP will finish Goa of all its Goan characteristics.  That will be the end of Goa and Goans.

Congress Party contesting the coming election independently without aligning with the other like minded parties, will create a nuisance value of itself.

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.

THE LATE FR. GABRIEL DIAS.

The Late Fr. Gabriel Dias.

Fr.Gabriel seen addressing a meeting at Kuwait Plaza

It is with regret and sorrow I got the news yesterday of the death of Fr. Gabriel Dias, a Carmelite from Margao.  About 2 months back I along with my wife and daughter went to see him at his Margao Monastery but unfortunately he was not in a position to recognize me.  

Fr. Gabriel seen during felicitation of Prince Jacob in Kuwait

He was my best friend in Kuwait since he came to Kuwait in early Nineties as one of the priests for Kuwait Church. His tremendous love for Goa and Goan causes brought us together and we together fought many battles against the injustice going on against Goans in Kuwait.  He was very bold and daring, could face any mighty person whether Kuwaiti or American or European. His forte lies in his fight for justice for humanity.  He helped many Maids especially Goan from the persecution they suffered from some nasty Kuwaitis.

Fr. Gabriel addressing one Meeting in Kuwait City Hotel

We both founded one organization called “KONKANI HERITAGE KUWAIT” to bring greater fusion among all the Konkani people living in Kuwait and also to help the Maids to get them released from the Prison and get them back to India by paying their Air Tickets.  In this way we saved so many of our sisters and sent them back to Goa in the arms of their family members. In fact KHK is the combined efforts of all our colleagues and all the like minded people.

Seen seated next to (right) Indian Ambassador

He was a great preacher and his preaching was meaningful, faithful like his sermons very much.  He was the architect of starting of Night Vigil in Kuwait. He was very humble and kind hearted priest.  

Seen entering Indian Embassy Auditorium for his farewell function

Unfortunately, due to his popularity among all segments of people in Kuwait he acquired lot of jealousy from his own circle in the Church, one of them was his own Maltese Bishop Monsg. Frances Michallef who even complained against him to his Provincial in Mangalore even implicating me for misguiding him.  

Seen delivering his farewell speech

Though he was so busy in his work yet he was always accessible to any one at any time.  He never got tired in helping the needy.  

Seen presenting a memento to Tiatrist Marcus Vaz

Under KHK we organized many functions in Kuwait mainly the Tiatros and Musical Shows by bringing prominent artistes from Goa, these Shows were scripted by the late Rosary Ferns and directed by Fidelis.  These were the most beautiful and most successful Shows in Kuwait. Thru these Shows we collected funds for our activities.

Indian Ambassador presenting a farewell gift to Fr.

May his Soul Rest In Peace.

                               Seen in the middle with artistes & colleagues after Musical Show
                                                       

A.Veronica Fernandes.

CONGRESS SAID "NO TO GRAND ALLIANCE".

Referring to the report in Herald dated 20.07.16, on failure of the formation of “Grand Alliance”,  finally, as expected has happened when Luizin Faleiro and his clique voted against forming of grand alliance to counter the might of BJP in the coming election. Vijay Sardesai and his like minded colleagues without any further delay must embark on forming an alliance of all the anti-BJP parties, groups and individuals to fight against BJP, Congress and AAP.  This is the right time now to totally finish Congress Party from Goa. On its own individual capacity under the skippership of feeble Luizin Faleiro, Congress will lose very miserably.  In  view of this, now it is imperative for all those who oppose BJP to form their own alliance minus BJP, Congress & AAP.  

Luizin Faleiro is not the xaviour of  Congress Party and he will do nothing to bolster the sagging image of Congress.  Those who opposed the alliance must be the aspirants of election tickets for them and for their cronies;  they must be sure that if there is an alliance then their chances of getting election tickets for them will be bad. 

Now this will be a good chance for Congress High and Low Commands to make money by selling the election tickets to the highest bidders. This is the Congress culture where individual interest takes priority over the party.  In this manner most of the Congressmen thru illicit manner accumulated surplus wealth.  Otherwise, how the Congress persons built big Hotels, acquired most expensive vehicles, purchased expensive properties?  Can Luizin first as the leader of Congress Party disclose the source of his income?  What was his wealth before entering into politics and what it is now?   

Vijay and his group must now only frame their “people friendly” manifesto disclosing their opinion also on VIP Culture which Indians inherited from the British.

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.

TIATRO "MHOZO SUSKAR TUM !".

TIATRO “MHOZO  SUSKAR  TUM !” BY ROSEFERNS.

Antonette de Maina

On 17^th of this month, at Kala Academy Hall, Panjim, I saw this Tiatro starting at 8.05 instead of at 7.45 PM.  It was a too much rush at the entrance of the Hall because of the unwarranted delay and because of this delay there was chaos at the entrance.  

Ageema Opening solo

The attendance was packed to capacity which indicates the popularity of the director to woo the attendance.  In fact Roseferns is the name and fame in the Tiatro circle with good reputation as a writer, director, singer and “decent partist”.

A scene:Roseferns -Sanaya-Roma 

In this Tiatro he plays a leading role of the father and along with Tari, Antonette de Maina, handsome Creto, Sanaya and Roma raise the level of the play to the pedestal.   Tari’s role as a “Bebdo” was excellent and one of the attractive females of Konkani Stage Antonette de Maina mesmerizes the audience with her beautiful role. Currently, she is one of the darlings of the audience.

One more scene: Is it worth admiring or it is a shame?

The story is a family story revolves around Love between Creto and Sanaya where Antonette also involves.   Since this Tiatro is being staged all over Goa, I will not give further details.  

Comedy scene: Dorothy-Selvy-Richard

The comedy part was not palatable to digest by the decent audience because it consists of vulgarity where  many expressions and actions carried double meanings.  It was below my dignity to watch  such a dirty comedy.  As a dignified director with high respect in Tiatro circle and beyond, Roseferns should not have introduced such a vulgar comedy in this otherwise nice play.  It does not suit Roseferns, he should make some amendments and reword it before his reputation gets damaged.  

Tony de Ribandar on his political solo

If you see one of the photos above where one  comedian with the stick pulls up from behind the dress of another comedian exposing the underwear. It is nothing but filth.

Rosario de Benaulim - Solo on Talent

In the Side Show songs, Benny de Aldona’s solo on human equality was the best.  Xavier Gomes, Rosario de Benaulim, Lawry Travasso, Ageema, Tony de Ribandar rendered their  solos very well, so also Duet by Rosario de Benaulim and Roma.

Tony de Ribanda & his group on BJP

Some Tiatrists in this Tiatro crossed their limit when one in his political solo called Parricar as “xinkop ason Dukor”.  This has to stop otherwise be prepared for the Censorship.  

Lawry Travasso on solo as captioned

In another group song, the singers bring dummies of Parricar and Parsencar and make  mockery of both of them by playing on them. However bad they may be but to make such a mockery is below one’s dignity.  There were so many dignified people in the Hall, they felt below their dignity to watch such a cheap comedy.

Benny de Aldona's solo on human equality

Political Trio Xaier-Lawry-Marcus

                                                                    Last scene


A.Veronica Fernandes.

VIJAY SARDESAI SHOULD NOT REJOIN CONGRESS.

In today’s Herald dated 17.07.16, in his interview with Herald, MLA from Fatorda Constituency and a stalwart of the newly formed Party “Goa Forward”, Vijay Sardesai  declared saying “I CANNOT GO BACK TO THE CONGRESS”. 

Well said Vijaybab and you should not go back.  It is not you who need Congress to gain power back but just the opposite.  As a face saving device and  for its survival Congress must join the alliance otherwise what is little remaining of Congress in Goa  will that also extinguish.  Congress under the current leadership is a sinking ship and if it goes alone for the coming election then it will meet with the fate of Titanic.

People in Goa especially once its backbone are averse to Congress because it has destroyed Goa during its nasty rule in Goa.  It encouraged its  leaders and rulers to loot Goa  and act as “Dadas” thereby turning them into artificial Hitlers and Maharajas.  There is no accountability of the disproportionate wealth they have accumulated. I have one such leader below my nose and likewise there innumerable of them all over Goa  who looted poor Goans.  To punish these looters and extortionists, in the last election people in Goa especially the supporters of Congress Party revolted against it with a powerful defeat.

Now, the same people have vowed to completely annihilate Congress Party from Goa.  In view of this, it is better for Congress Party to fight the next election by remaining in the shadow of other parties in a form of Alliance.  Hence, it is of paramount importance for Congress to join the grand alliance  to contest the coming election where everyone wants to dethrone BJP.  If the common goal of every party is the same including that of Congress then why the hitch  of joining the Alliance?

Is Luizin Faleiro putting a blockade? If yes then what he thinks Congress will win on its own?  Even if hundred Luizins join together nothing will happen.  The rating of Congress in Goa gone down with the exit of John Fernandes.

A.Veronica Fernandes.

                                                                                                                               

UGDDAS M. BOYERACHO - NEW KONKANI ALBUM.

After a tremendous success in his first Konkani Album – CD – “CALANGUTE”, Jerry Cal from Calangute, is coming out with his second Konkani Album  “UGDDAS M. BOYERACHO”.  This will be in two formats – CD and DVD – and this Album is going to be released officially on 8^th September this year.

Front Cover.  Seen right is Producer Jerry Cal

                                                                Back Cover

Alfred Rose carries the distinction of producing the first Konkani Audio Cassette and Rosary Ferns from Kuwait got the distinction of producing the first Konkani CD, this was released in Kuwait.

Since then there is no stopping of producing more and more Konkani CD’s – VCD’s – DVD’s.  Jerry Cal also contributed in this business. Hailing from the picturesque and scenic village in Calangute, Jerry Fernandes popularly known as Jerry Cal, did his early schooling in Portuguese and then shifted to Arpora School where he completed his SCC.  From here he went to Bombay Taj where he acquired the degree in Hospitality and after working there for 5 years he migrated to the Gulf, Abu Dhabi to be precise.  While working in Abu Dhabi Hilton, a Five Star Hotel as  Chef de Partie, he then joined Abu Dhabi Sheraton as a Sous Chef.  Then from here he was sent for further training to Germany and Holland.  A few years back he voluntarily retired from his top job at  Abu Dhabi National Hotels Co. as Executive Chef and returned to his original soil. 

From the early age he was involved in participating in sports in his school and his locality where he excelled beautifully in Table Tennis and Cycle Race.   Acting in Tiatros in his school and locality from the early age and later on in the Tiatros staged by the top professionals, namely of Remmie J Colaco, M. Boyer, Menino de Bhandar and  Fr. Freddy etc. he gained a good name for him.  He not only sings but also composes his own songs.

While in Abu Dhabi he worked very hard along with his  wife, the late Theresa Fernandes to promote the cause of Konkani especially by collecting  funds for the Konkani movement in Goa and also for Konkani Martyrs Fund.  He was instrumental from Abu Dhabi to bring Goan troupes to UAE and stage their Tiatros, namely of M. Boyer who was his personal friend, Pascoal Rodrigues, Fr. Freddy J. D’Costa, Menino de Bhandar,  C. Alvares  and others.  

In UGDDAS M. BOYERACHO there are 12 songs, 7 of which are composed by Jerry Cal and the title song is rendered by Jerry Cal himself.  Thru this song Jerry Call pays highest tributes to M. Boyer by describing  very beautifully the great work M. Boyer did on Konkani Stage, also by quoting his Tiatros and displaying the visuals of the awards  he received from the Presidents of India, namely Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma and Dr. Abdul Kalam at Rastrapati Bhawan, Delhi.  This song is worth admiring and very informative as none composed such a one earlier.  The other song Jerry Cal renders in this Album is SOBIT CLANGUTE where all the top scenic views of Calangute and neighbouring places are shown giving lot of information of these views.  Oldest English High School of Goa,  St. Joseph’s High School Arpora, beautiful Baga spot where the miraculous Chapel is located are also shown.  And special mention is made to the Hotel Goan Heritage which is the brainchild of Kuwait Goans.  It will be a nice opportunity for the global Goans to see the visuals of this Hotel.  It is the very good mode of marketing of this hotel  thru this Album.

This Album Jerry Cal has dedicated to his  wife late Theresa Fernandes.

A.Veronica Fernandes.

REQUEST TO CONGRESS SUPPORTERS.

According to the available information, very shortly,  possibly on 18^th of this month, Congress Party in Goa is going to have its Conclave to decide what steps to take to win the next election. 

As a Congressman from my School days, I feel I have an obligation to air my views and thereby expecting others too who are attending the Conclave to do the same so that the Congress Party in Goa is saved from extinction. As on now, the chances of Congress of winning the next election is very bad if it goes alone without aligning with other like minded parties. 

It is imperative now and NOW ONLY for the Congress Party in Goa to seek an alliance with the like minded parties to avoid the splitting of votes of anti-BJP outfits in the coming election.  As per my source,  all the anti-BJP parties are ready for this alliance except Congress and AAP that is come to Goa at the last minute as visitors to spoil the chances of other parties. That it cannot win a single Seat is a sure fact because it would be controlled from Delhi.  Both these parties Congress and AAP are still not realizing that they cannot create any impact in the next election if they go alone individually.  Their High Commands in Delhi will be like the High Command in Lisboa during Salazar's time in Goa.  Because we wanted our High Command in Goa we fought for freedom and inspite of this we are surrendering our rights to High Command in Delhi?  Something is wrong with us.

In view of this,  the Congress members attending this Conclave must make their stand very firm and clear in favour of formation of alliance of like minded parties and not the grand alliance of all the old men of Congress.  I was given to understand that this grand alliance of old men is like a stumbling block for the formation of alliance of like minded parties for their fear of losing the power from their hands.

In case this proposal is rejected then we the supporters of Congress Party will hold the present leadership of Congress Party responsible not only for the loss but also for the demise of Congress Party in Goa.

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel:7507394349.

      

  

TIATRO "AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY".

TIATRO:  "AMAR  AKBAR  ANTHONY"  BY MARIANO FERNANDES.

Jr. Nelson sings solo on Jr. Rod

On Sunday, the 3^rd of this month, at Mapusa, I saw the Tiatro “AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY”, starting at 10.35 AM and it was attended by the capacity crowd. The story in short revolves around a Hindu family where a Christian daughter-in-law was not welcomed by the Hindu mother-in-law because of which the daughter-in-law faces lot of hardship in her husband house.  However, in the end, the mother-in-law was forced to realize due to the sickness she undergoes, her folly and reconcile to the changed situation.  This was made possible when she as a Hindu along with  one Muslim and Christian in a sign of co-operation give their body organs to the  others including to the Hindu lady.  It was a sign of unity among the members of the three communities.

A scene: Siddarth & Ariti

The role played by the mother-in-law (Ariti – a real Hindu) was excellent, so also by Shiddarth (also a real Hindu) as her husband.  They showed their Tiatrist talent very beautifully.  However the major credit of elevating the level of this Tiatro goes to Anil Pednecar who played an excellent role of their son and also the role played by attractive Maggy as his wife was superb.  Her attractive looks, beautiful dress code and clarity of her each and every word gave an extra colour to this well accepted Tiatro by the audience.

The comedy part handled by seasoned Joana, Domnick and Luis Bachan was good but too noisy and screamy which I think is unwarranted.  

Duet:  Olga & Anil

During my younger days comedy roles were played by those days gigantic comedians namely, Kid Boxer, Jacinto Vaz, Jepsis Hitler, Champion Peter, M. Boyer, Anthony Mendes, Rico Rod and Titta Pretto but they did not indulge in shouting and screaming at the top of their voices to make the audience laugh.  Comedians like Jacinto Vaz, Champion Peter, M. Boyer, Anthony Mendes and Jepsis Hitler would make the audience laugh just by their simple entries only, they need not even utter a single word, by looking at them at the Stage audience used to laugh.  They brought serenity on the Stage by their serene manner comedy and did not make the Hall filled with unnecessary noise.  They had unique class of Tiatro acting in them as they belonged to the genuine Tiatro class comedy and not of Khell Tiatro class. 

Saby de Divar sings solo

The Side Show songs were good,  some even received encores. The solos rendered by Aniecedo, Olga, Saby de Divar, Reagan, Cajy, Mini Mario and Duets by Anil & Olga, Reagan & Maggy and a Trio by Andrew & his partners are to be appreciated. 

Olga sings her solo

The best song in this Tiatro was the one rendered by Jr. Nelson (Tomy Afonso) on the recent death of the late Jr. Rod, the son of legendary Minguel Rod. In fact a sizable number of people came to see this Tiatro only to listen to this excellent song which Tomy rendered with the necessary decorum and due respect to the departed soul, wearing Black Suit and entering the Stage with slow and serious pace thereby giving an advance impression that his song is of serious nature.  In this song Tomy elaborated Jr. Rod’s certain qualities as a human being and also his superlatives as a Tiatrist stressing philosophically and spiritually on his life.

                                                    Trio of Andrew seen in the middle

To compose and sing songs on the dead persons is rather a difficult task.  In the recent past the late Rosary Ferns from Kuwait mastered this art when he composed and rendered the songs on Alfred Rose, Romeo Mendes and Dr. Rosario Rodrigues.  Earlier Alfred Rose rendered on the death of Anthony Mendes and Anthony D’Souza (Trio fame) on Alexinho de Candolim.

Reagan singing his solo

But the greatest of all was the song composed and rendered by Young Menezes on the death of Jr. Rod’s father, Minguel Rod.  He composed it on the same night of Minguel Rod’s death and rendered it on the next day.  The great Tiatrist of those days Alexinho de Candolim after listening to that song said “I don’t think anybody can compose and sing such a song”.  When Young Menezes was singing that song, many members of the audience were practically crying.  While seeing him making entry to sing that song bare footed, black dress and walking with slow pace and also listening to the sorrowful music, audience started crying. 

Jr.Nelson (Tomy), deserves highest compliments for rendering such an excellent song on the late Jr. Rod.

                                                       Aniecedo sings his solo

A.Veronica Fernandes.