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Cecil Pinto wrote: "Now some thirty - forty years back the terms were considered pretty derogatory. For example a Captain of ship would be insulted to be called a Shipee which put him in the same category as the uneducated deck hand - as usually was the case at that time with very few Goans being employed in the upper categories both on ships or in the Gulf. In the decades since a lot has changed. Goans hold the top posts on Ships as well as in the Gulf and the word Shippe and Gulfee have now taken on a different meaning. A very respectful one I think." __________________________________________________________________ Being the daughter of a "Gulfee" and the wife of a "Shippee",here is my contriution to this discussion. GULFEE:My dad went to work in Muscat thirty years ago.It was a hard life,climatic conditions were tough with sandstorms in the desert. People who went to work in the Gulf were nicknamed Gulfees.Far from being a derogatory term,I think Gulfees have to be admired for their hard work. They make a great sacrifice staying away from their families,for long periods of time..Gulfee wives also have to be admired,they manage their homes,raise kids singlehandedly. I do think the term Gulfees was sometimes used in a derogatory manner ,years ago - a lot of the labour class went to work in the Gulf .All Gulfees tended to be classified as unskilled workers,unfortunately. Today,working conditions in the Gulf have improved tremendously.Family visas are granted much easier than before and people are living a very decent standard of living.Working abroad in the Gulf,they live good lives, &they can afford to build houses in Goa.When gulfee goans come down to Goa,they spend lavishly-they contribute to the economy.I do not think the word Gulfee is used in a derogatory manner any more. SHIPPEE:Again this word shippie earlier referred to goan cooks and stewards who worked on ships.Many catering staff who have worked on ships have encouraged their children to study and join as deck officers,engineers.So today ,the connotation of the word "shippie" has changed.My husband is a Captain,he has no problem being called a "Shippie".I am a "Shippie Wife",I have sailed for quite a long time and I have seen life on board.It is a tough life,without a single day off. .Shippies work hard for their money.They stay away from home for long periods of time. So I do think that today the words "Shippie" and Gulfie , are seen in a new light and are far from derogatory. Cheers, Melinda
