BOND BETWEEN KUWAIT AND CATHOLICSM.

Seen in the picture is Amir of Kuwait with the Pope at Vatican yesterday.
This is the sign of strong bond between Kuwait and Vatican.



Kuwait is one of the first countries in the Arab World to establish diplomatic relationship with Vatican and possibly the first from the Gulf. According to Vatican tradition, Vatican does not approach others to establish diplomatic relationship with it but the process is the other way round. During the last so many years of diplomatic link with Vatican, Kuwait has gained lot of goodwill from all around the globe. When Kuwait was invaded on 2nd August 1990 by Iraq under Saddam Hussein, early in the morning our Holy Family Cathedral was surrounded by Iraqi Millitary Tanks giving an impression that Iraqis are going to demolish our Cathedral. And to do this brutality was not difficult for the Iraqi beastly invaders when on the same day at noon they have fired at one of the Holy Mosques at Abbasiya and destroyed its beautiful Dome. While I was escaping from the clutches of Iraqi soldiers early in the morning on 2nd Aug., 1990, behind Sheraton and trying to take shelter in the Church Compound, I was caught and severely punished by two of the Iraqi soldiers preventing me from going towards the Cathedral. (My forthcoming Autobiography will throw more light on the events happened on the first day of the invasion). My contention was that since Kuwait Church is having diplomatic relationship with Iraq, why the hell Iraqi soldiers should harm it?

When Iraq invaded Kuwait, our the then Pope at Vatican felt extremely hurt and when the time came to start the war “Desert Storm” to liberate Kuwait, after obtaining all the okays from all around the globe, including from UN, President Bush Sr. of USA contacted our Pope at Vatican for his nod and when Pope finally consented, the war for the liberation of Kuwait started. During the first few months of the liberation of Kuwait, lot of Church and Catholic emissaries visited Kuwait as a sign of support for the Kuwait Church and the Catholics residing in Kuwait. Catholics in particular and Christians in general played a pivotal role in helping the process of liberation of Kuwait. All the three major warring nations against Iraq to liberate Kuwait were Christians namely USA, UK and France. If it was not for the efforts of Christian nations, Kuwait would not be what it is now – an independent sovereign nation. Kuwait an Islamic country invaded by another Islamic country Iraq was finally liberated by Christian countries and our Pope at Vatican supported this move. When President Bush Sr. was accused by some Muslim leaders sympathetic to Saddam Hussein of interfering in this war, he told everyone in the presence of Michael Gorbachev of Soviet Russia that “this war in the Persian Gulf is not the war between Christians and Muslims. It is a war between Muslims and Muslims; America is just gone there to help our Muslim friends. The war in the Persian Gulf is not the war between West and East. It is a war between East and East. West is just gone there to help its friends”.

While Christian nations were physically fighting the war for the liberation of Kuwait, we the Kuwait evacuee Christian Catholics from Goa in India under the banner of Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Center were campaigning very hard during the invasion period to raise our voice against the invasion of Kuwait and in support of the liberation of Kuwait. We were trying to pressurize Indian Government at Delhi to give open and clear support for all concerned for the liberation movement of Kuwait and for all the resolutions introduced at UN for the cause of Kuwait. And finally our voice was heard in Delhi. Kuwaiti Ambassador in Delhi at that time acknowledged the effects of our support, Government of Kuwait in exile based at Taif in Saudi Arabia also acknowledged our support with their communications directly to me since the movement in Goa in support of Kuwait was done under my initiative. The photographic Album of our movement when seen by the Vatican Emissary in Kuwait Monsg. Andreas, he patted me saying “when I need, I will surely make use of it with the local dignitaries and officials to make them aware of the contribution of the Catholics in the process of the liberation of Kuwait”. Under the guidance of Fr. Pinto, the same Album was kept for display in the Parlour of Cathedral and was seen by innumerable dignitaries, visitors and officials especially Western who used to visit the Church.

After the liberation of Kuwait, we in Kuwait under Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Center organized another movement in support of the freedom of Kuwait’s POW’s. This was independent movement, independent from Indian Embassy though Indian Diplomats including Indian Ambassador Addressed our annual meetings organized at Hotel Plaza. These meetings were also attended and addressed by top local officials mainly from the Interior Ministry, local top personalities including members of the ruling family who always patted me for taking up the issues of Kuwaiti interest. When I went to Delhi leading a delegation of Goa-Kuwait Solidarity Center to campaign for the freedom of Kuwait’s POW’s, many personalities and dignitaries in Delhi including the then Foreign Minister of India could not believe I am a Christian fighting for the cause of Islamic country. So much so, when Fr. Gabriel Dias a Goan Carmelite Priest from Kuwait Church addressed one of our meeting in this connection at Hotel Plaza in the midst of top Kuwaitis including Rola Dashti and other dignitaries from different communities and nationalities, everyone was stunned to listen to Fr. Gabriel’s intellectual oratory on the subject in question. And who was Fr. Gabriel? He was a Roman Catholic Priest and as a representative of Catholic Church he proved to outside world how Catholic Church of Kuwait supports Kuwait’s cause. I am yet to see another Catholic priest in Kuwait as intellectual orator as Fr. Gabriel. Earlier as second in command of Kuwait’s Writers Guild, I invited Fr. Gabriel to deliver a lecture on “Christianity and Humanity”, the entire gathering consisting of great writers, poets, intellectuals, diplomats and few Ambassadors was astonished to listen to this Catholic Priest.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

DRUGS & CONDOMS FOUND IN SCHOOL BAGS.

Drugs And Condoms Found In School Bags.

Page 2 of Herald dated 5th May’10, has an article captioned “Tourism ill-effects affecting children in Canacona,” It is a bleak reminder that “all is not well with our children today”. It is not just in Canacona, the deadly epidemic has engulfed the whole of Goa and not just limited to the coastal belt.
It was indeed shocking to know that children were carrying drugs and condoms in their school bags, were they going to school or a rave party ? It is not just the duty of the teachers to be vigilant but it is the moral responsibility of the parents and the home people to see, what their children are up to and should by all means know what they carry to school.

How is it possible that the parents are unaware of their kids involvement in drugs, drug addiction is so very obvious. If parents and the home people cannot detect then how do we expect the teachers to do it ? No doubt some schools and teachers are sometimes offenders, when they try to hide such things because of adverse publicity to their institutions, but they should know that morality and the wellbeing of children is far more important than their reputation and as such these cases should be dealt with accordingly.

Goans in coastal areas have to be extra vigilant and take utmost care that their loved ones do not fall prey to the glitter of drugs and sex. I have seen a lot of people along the coast, hire their houses to the tourists and they themselves live in sheds, that too has an adverse effect on the kids, who then value money more than life. We should not make money our prime objective. NGO’s and organizations are trying their best to educate children on the ills of drugs and casual sex. It is of paramount importance that the parents take up this cause for their children.
Where is the Home Minister that said, that there were no drugs in Goa ? Has reality hit him in the face or is he still in wonderland ? It is the responsibility of Home Department and the duty of the security services to keep our streets and neighbourhoods clean and clear off the unhealthy elements of society trading in drugs and sex.

With the nexus between the police and the drug lords being exposed, the police have been hit where it hurts, hope they will do all they can to resurrect themselves from the ashes of disgrace and prove themselves honest and competent. After the exposure of the police, we await the exposure of the politicians involved in the garbage pile, I won’t be surprised, if it involves the next of kin of the moron who said “No drugs in Goa”

If money is lost – nothing is lost, if health is lost – also, nothing is lost, but if the innocence of our children is lost – everything is lost ! Wake up Goan parents and be vigilant. During our younger day at school, mom made sure we had a holy picture in our bag as we made off for the boarding, who knew about drugs and condoms then ?

Freddy Agnelo Fernandes,
Dubai - UAE

Churchill crowns Navelim with coveted NYC Trophy in Kuwait

:::NYC Trophy:::
Churchill crowns Navelim with NYC Trophy

By Gasper Crasto

Kuwait: Hosts Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) claimed the coveted NYC Trophy for the 7th time beating Curtorcares United 4-0 at the finals played under floodlights at Sabah Hospital Grounds on 30th April 2010.

The tournament played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) was sponsored by international corporate houses Gulf Custody Company, Axis Bank and My Money Mart.

PWD Minister Shri Churchill Alemao, one of Goa's famous personalities on a visit to Kuwait, was the Chief Guest at the event. He was given a rousing welcome by the spectators on arrival at the ground. In his speech, Mr. Alemao complimented Navelim for their activities in Kuwait and inculcating friendship among the community through the sport. Whilst congratulating the teams for some quality football he reckoned his dream to take India into the World Cup in the near future.

It was also announced that Navelim would hold Churchill Brothers sponsored Late Alvernaz-Lalush Alemao Memorial football tournament during the next Ramadan.

Earlier, Alisha Fernandes, daughter of the NYC President welcomed Mr. Alemao with a bouquet of flowers and President Agnello A.S. Fernandes introduced the chief guest to the finalists. In a statement Agnello said, "I am overjoyed to note that NYC has created a sort of a hat-trick of coincidences and an unique one too, by having amidst us a Navelim constituency MLA for a Navelim run tournament in which Navelim played the finals." The President also thanked Mr. Alemao for accepting the invitation and attending the event despite having to catch a flight back to Goa later that evening.

Navelim displayed an attacking game, tremendous stamina and fire-power scoring at regular intervals. Former Salgaocars/East Bengal/Churchill Brothers player Bernard Pires scored Navelim's first goal with a solo effort finishing off with a volley to the far right of Curtorcares goalkeeper Olavo (1-0). Bernard was later declared man of the match.

Left wing back Godfrey Aguiar increased the lead while mid-field maestro and top scorer of the tournament Duarte Ferrao scored another before striker Cruzedio Rodrigues, one of the most consistent scorers in Kuwait, finished off with a brilliant goal.

The final match was officiated by P.A. Tony and supported by Jerry D'Mello and Derrick Gomendes on the lines.

The Champion team – Navelim Youth Centre comprises of Britto Pereira, Adrian Goes, Godfrey Aguiar, Christi Pires, Joaquim Rodrigues, Wilson Pires John Furtado, Alfred Pires, Nilesh Parmar, Bernard Pires, Americo Fernandes, Simao Gaonkar, Duarte Ferrao, Cruzedio Rodrigues, Seby Barbosa, Ivo D'Costa, Sydney Rodrigues, Inacio Fernandes, Savio Furtado, Gasper Crasto, etc. The team is managed by Avelino Dias and coached by Johny Luis.

Curtorcares United included Olavo Monteiro, Laurent Furtado, Savio Rebello, Sebastiao Oliveiro, Camilo Azavedo, Rony Dias, Zico Fernandes, Roland Fernandes, Christovam Vaz, Minguel Mouro, Felon Gonsalves, Francis Fernandes, R.V. Murthy, John Vaz, Benjamin Pereira, Christi Menezes, Francisco Costancio, Mario Viegas, etc.

Icon Player Award
Former Dempo Sports Club player and Navelim captain Americo Fernandes, hailing from Taleigao, Goa was awarded the NYC Icon Player Award. The award instituted by Navelim is presented to a player who has served football for a number of years. Americo who started his career with Salcete Football Club way back in 1989, has been playing for Navelim from the beginning of this decade.

Earlier, in an exhibition match played prior to the finals, Indian Public School (IPS), Salmiya defeat Navelim Juniors 6-0. Captain Ihab Khairy scored 4 goals while Shawn Braganza and Ibrahim Diab scored a goal each.

A minute's silence was observed at the start of the final as a mark of respect to Peter Colaco, founder member and ex-footballer of NYC, who died on 13th April onboard a Kuwait Airways flight whilst returning back from India.

Present on the ocassion were a number of eminent personalities, that included KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes, UFC President Cajetan Pereira, Rising Stars President Lawry Pinto, UG President Tony Gonsalves, Santos FC President Tony Dias, GWS President Wilson Coelho, GCC President Carmo Santos, etc, and other distinguished guests.

Gasper Crasto compered the function and proposed a vote of thanks. DJ Brian enlivened the evening with some hyped-up music including Konkani dulpods.

Prizes and Awards

The prize distribution ceremony was sweet and brief. The awards were presented at the hands of Chief Guest Shri Churchill Alemao, NYC President Agnello Fernandes, Luis D'Silva (Vice-President – NYC), Norman Noronha, Eusebio Fernandes, Avelino Dias, Mario Carneiro, Mrs. Neeta Fernandes and Cleema Carneiro.

Following prizes were awarded:
Fair Play Award – Indian Strikers, Kerala.
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament (offered by Mrs. Wendy Gomes in memory of her late husband Flobert Gomes) – Melvin of United Goans Centre.
Best Defender of the Tournament – John Furtado of Navelim Y.C.
Best Mid-fielder of the Tournament – Zico Fernandes of Curtorcares United.
Best Striker of the Tournament – Cruzedio Rodrigues of Navelim Y.C.
Highest Scorer of the Tournament (offered by Mrs. Wendy Gomes) – Duarte Ferrao of Navelim Y. C.

Man of the Match (offered by Succor Colaco) – Bernard Pires – Navelim Y.C.

Following clubs have won the NYC Trophy since 1999-2000:
1999-2000 - Navelim Y. Centre
2000-01 - Colva United
2001-02 - Colva United
2002-03 - Navelim Y. Centre
2003-04 - Bombay Boys
2004-05 - Curtorcares United
2005-06 - GOA Maroons
2006-07 - DHL Kuwait
2007-08 - Kuwait Goan Association
2009-2010 – Navelim Youth Centre