November 17, 2012

CHIEF MINISTER TARGETS A GOOD POLICE OFFICER.

CM TARGETS A GOOD POLICE OFFICER


 
By Aires Rodrigues

 
The sudden politically motivated transfer of Ponda Police Inspector Sagar Ekoskar only establishes that the gross interference in the working of the police continues even under Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who also holds the Home Portfolio. Sagar Ekoskar has been known to be a very talented and upright officer. His talents will be rested if not wasted with him being shunted to the Goa Reserve Police.

The Supreme Court has been very candid that the Police should be wholly insulated from any political pressure, whatsoever and should be allowed to freely discharge their duty of ensuring that law and order prevails. The Supreme Court directives do not permit police officers to be transferred before the completion of two years in their posting.

The Police force should function as an independent body. It is a shame that over the years officers have been manipulated and emasculated by politicians in power and in fact the officers have no role to play except to dance to the tunes of those in power. In effect they have been bound and gagged. The frequent transfer and victimization of police officers at the instance of politicians has to stop. It affects the morale and credibility of the entire police force. Manohar Parrikar has fooled Goans by promising us a Parivartan. He is just taking Goa further down the tube. Shame on you, Mr. Chief Minister.









November 16, 2012

DR. WILFRED MESQUITA SAYS IT ALL.

 
By Aires Rodrigues



He has officially let the cat out of the bag. It now seems that the truth has started emanating from the horse’s mouth. Goa State BJP Vice President and party spokesman Dr Wilfred Mesquita who himself is enjoying cabinet status after having been politically rehabilitated as NRI Commissioner being an unnecessary burden to the State Exchequer in a interview with Goa Chronicle said,

 
“Zero-corruption is our mantra. But unfortunately here is a fact, corruption in the state still exists even though it is our government”.

Dr Mesquita in his interview went on to say “Corruption and corrupt practice exists at all levels across departments, giving bribes and taking bribes still continues”.

Dr Mesquita has only reiterated the ground reality which is known to all. He may now not be able to wriggle out of what he said as the entire interview was reportedly recorded. As party spokesman for once he has spoken the truth. He will however have to explain as to what action his party’s government has taken on the people he has seen or knows taking and giving bribes. The so called mantra of Zero tolerance to Corruption is a hoax. This government has been nine months in office and Corruption continues unabated. Only the agents, brokers and beneficiaries have changed. Selective targeting of certain individuals is an old game, to keep opponents busy and the public fooled that there is a genuine cleanup drive.

The reason why the Chief Minister is shying from having a sturdy Lokayukta is obvious. That Manohar Parrikar chose to give Shobha Dumaskar two extensions in service as Director of Prosecution despite a Corruption related Court directed F.I.R of cheating against her is just an instance of the rot below.

For his outbursts on corruption against his own government, Dr Mesquita may now have to scout for a new party. It will however not be an arduous task for someone who has seen one to many. From the MGP to the Congress and later to the Save Goa Front with then joining the BJP, he has toured it all. If the clock ticks he may wade through to the NCP and could even land in Mamata Banerjee’s TMC as his constituency has a big chunk of voters from West Bengal. Let us however hope that Manohar Parrikar does not punish Mesquita for speaking the truth. The Vasco Gynecologist would hate to see his dream come true of cabinet status with red beacon abruptly aborted.









November 14, 2012

'TIATRIST' - Amazing New Konkani VCD to be Released in Kuwait - Friday 16th Nov 2012‏

By Gasper Crasto; Photo Art ImagEnations by Simon Dias (Tel No. 97827670) 
Kuwait: Konkani VCDs have always been in great demand with overseas Goans, and particularly with Kuwait Goans. Thanks to innovative Goan artistes based in Kuwait, there are plenty of Video albums released every year. Infact, Kuwait has a distinct record of releasing Konkani VCDs and albums at almost every Goan show.

Francis Almeida better known as Maestro Shahu will release his 2nd Video production 'TIATRIST' on Friday, 16th November 2012 during the staging of the Konkani drama 'Aitar Budhvar' at Kuwait Medical Hall, Jabriya, Kuwait.

Shahu’s debut video album ‘MUSICIAN’ was well accepted and admired.

‘TIATRIST’ features a galaxy of Goan and Kuwait based stars in a unique presentation. The picturisation of each song entwined with rhythmic beats showcases the Goan spirit that makes Konkani-style songs so popular -- making the album creative, rich and melodious. The VCD made for a global audience is sure to leave a mark of Shahu’s class as a showman – a singer, director, maestro and a one-man musician of immense ability.

Shahu is no stranger to Goan world of music and drama. He is the 1st Goan musician to ‘single-handedly’ play music on Konkani Stage.

Few however know that Shahu, a dynamic talent with his keyboard, began his tryst with music drumming from St. Francis Xavier School, Macazana and Guardian Angel College, Sanvordem, to propel into a musical horizon forever. Evolving into an ace drummer, he had the rare and splendid opportunity of honing his musical skills under the baton of Chris Perry, the eternal Goan icon. But it was his evolution into a keyboardist that shot him into instant fame.

Shahu has indeed come a long way with his association with music spanning nearly two decades. His musical creativity was elevated further after his arrival in Kuwait in 1999. He has played at almost every show in Kuwait since then. The maestro has also played in UK, Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Bangalore, Darjeeling, etc, either directing or performing for top directors. He has also done a short stint playing live music at Dubai's famous Viva Goa restaurant.

In recent years, Shahu has created a niche for himself by forming his own band called 2#Sharp which is adept in belting out all kind of songs, be it in Hindi, English, Konkani, Portuguese or other languages -- performing a large repertoire of songs on the request of audience.

Footage of ‘TIATRIST’ was shot in Goa, as well in Kuwait where outdoor videography is largely prohibited. Video & Editing of the album are credited to Kuwait-based Franky Fernandes who has demonstrated great expertise of art in giving special effects for a spot-on combination and clarity.

The album contains captivating songs by leading singers of Konkani stage – Lawry Travasso, Marcus Vaz, Ben Evangelisto, Cajetan de Sanvordem-Michael D’Silva-Mario de Majorda, Lopes Brothers, Bab Agnel, Katty de Navelim, Ignatius de Xelvon, etc.

The album also brings into limelight Shahu’s wife Clemmie Pereira-e-Almeida who is making her debut as a singer with an adorable and enchanting voice – singing in style -- as cheerful as her dad Cajetan de Sanvordem. Young Muriel too has an impressive first appearance.

The composition of title song 'TIATRIST' is a tribute to Goan artistes who have kept the flame of ‘tiatr’ burning over the years. The song presented in an inimitable fashion and rhythm is sung by Shahu, Clemmie, Bab Agnel, Cajetan de Sanvordem, Mario de Majorda and Michael de Silva. A clipping of Shahu receiving ‘Artiste of the Month’ award in Goa at the hands of Goan icon Prince Jacob can be seen in this song. Incidentally, Shahu is the first NRI artiste to receive this award.

Muriel sings ‘Mai ani Pai’ with a sweet, charming voice. This is sure to be one of the standout hits of the album.

‘Chitt’ by Marcus Vaz and Clemmie has a wonderful advice especially for men working abroad. While Bab Agnel’s song ‘Chotur Rau’ is sure to go well with Goans and expatriates living in Kuwait. The song is supported in screenplay by Jose Fernandes, Rita Mascarenhas and Benson.

Well-known and most admired trio of Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda-Michael de Silva sing ‘Gulfantleo Igorzo’, putting up yet another treble of great excellence.

Superstar Lawry Travasso sings an incredible song ‘Kamrak Xiddkavni’ which is identical to his trademark tunes and lyrics, and displays ‘class’ of the seasoned singer.

Lopes Brothers has a perfect duo, immortalizing one of the most loved and respected stars of Konkani stage who died an untimely death, recently.

Katty de Navelim has a powerful and truth-seeking solo in ‘Bhurguem’ sequenced with scenes enacted to perfection by Zaneta Aranha (Mangalore), Remy Fernandes, Himanshu, Aerosmith Almeida and the ever-green Lawry Miranda.

A song astonishingly well sung and perhaps beyond anyone’s imagination is  Ignatius de Xelvon’s ‘Xevalleacho Operator’. The natural beauty of Goa backed by excellent flow of music find a place in this song.

Ben Evangelisto singing as a ‘Nustekarn’ needs no narrative, it is simply awesome!

The album will surely go down in history of Goan art and drama as one of Maestro Shahu’s best works. It is certainly expected to be a blockbuster with fans giving ‘TIATRIST’ a 5-star rating.

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