[Goanet] Panjim Church and traditional Palm Sunday Procession - a video n pics
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Panjim Church and traditional Palm Sunday Procession - a video n pics http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk/122590726/ this pic reminds me of my place/church on 'Rama Aitar' I left early to arive home 7.30pm so that I could get this ready for upload by 10pm but it was ready around 4am in the morning. Please watch this video, uploaded just for you Thanks. http://youtube.com/watch?v=cCk3wEuWlqY or http://is.rediff.com/filevideo-Palm-Sunday-id-134203.php Pics http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk13/2338959866/sizes/l/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk13/2339243491/sizes/l/ new Those of you who are unable to view pics from Flickr, may try here with rediff. http://ishare.rediff.com/filephoto-Palm-Sunday-id-134204.php http://ishare.rediff.com/filephoto-start-101-Jesus-id-134206.php Pl pass it on to your friends family thanks [EMAIL PROTECTED] for Goa NRI related info... http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ For Goan Video Clips http://youtube.com/joeukgoa or http://is.rediff.com/profilevisitor.php?mem_id=48419 ___ Rise to the challenge for Sport Relief with Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/
Re: [Goanet] Investigate the mafia-police-politician nexus
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Fiona Mackeown's charge of the existence in Goa of a drug mafia-police-politician nexus is prodded and backed by today's Bailancho Saad's Press Release. This has been posted on goanet and written by Ms. Sabina Martins (see below). As the women take on the mafia-police-politician nexus, the ladies are being valiant and doing Goa a valuable service. Fiona Mackeown should receive praise for exposing something that Goa's and India's investigative journalists have miserably failed. I hope goanetters, journalists, Chamber of Commerce etc. will support and help Fiona Mackeown and Bailancho Saad. Hence some Goanetters who are arguing about libel and defamation may be missing the forest for the trees. With the international spotlight on Goa, the government can 'make lemonade from lemons' or can continue their pretenses that 'all is fine' in amchem bangarachem Goem. Goans should 'strike the iron when it is hot'. Goans have put up with the drug menace for too long. Goa's and India's investigative journalists should look into the trail of drugs down to the streets, bars and the place of the Rave parties in many places in Goa. And also follow the trail of money as it is laundered and moved into the financial and political system. Or as in the case of Scarlett's death, are the native journalists going to leave it to the British Guardian and Daily Mirror newspapers and magazines? Will Times of India back its own editorial advice to Goans and put its top investigative journalists where its editorial mouth is? The rapists have admitted to their compromising roles. Now the political system in Goa is reported to be in a compromising position. The shanna-boy of Anjuna Beach should expose a whole lot of elected Shano Goenkar in Panaji and in Delhi. I hope the politicians will admit to their role. I am intrigued that any 15-yr old girl from England or Holland, can hop-off the plane in Goa, and in a day find the Rave party places and beach bars where drugs are easily available. But the Goan police, politicians and journalists (national and international) have not been able to find these spots ... till now. Now that the mafia-police-politician nexus is exposed and reported nationally and internationally, some useful insights and concrete action may come from this tragedy. The owners of these drug joints; and drug and money dealers are as much in violation of Goa's and India's laws as the drug junkies and pigeons who violated the juvenile protection laws in Goa. I concur that the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) should take over the drug and money trail; and follow it to where it leads. The state police are unlikely to have the expertise and resources; given that this is an international drug trade, involving citizens of several countries as suppliers, traffickers and consumers. The Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh cannot be excused by stating this is a local 'state law and order' issue. Drug-money is a financial issue involving money laundering, banking transactions and international commerce. Many of these criminals may even be in violations of India's tax laws. Kind Regards, GL - Scarlet murder-Bailancho Saad Press Release It is a known fact that drugs are freely available in the coastal belt with the patronage provided by the police and politicians. It is also a known fact that no person will lodge complaint against drug peddler in the police station due to this nexus. With the coming of casinos in Mandovi river Goa will soon become a place where respectable tourist will abhor visiting. The state has to take responsibility for making Goa unsafe by its policies of promotion of vices rather than shift the blame on the mother. Bailancho Saad is of the opinion that the freedom of movement of women especially at night is being violated by the unsafe environment. Women?s right to work during the night shifts cannot be enforced because of this unsafe atmosphere. On the one hand the govt promotes night life for tourism and then blames the women for venturing into these places . Bailancho Saad is of the opinion that for justice to prevail, the investigations should be handed over to an independent investigating agency CBI ,as the police officers right from the top to down were involved in covering up the crime by stating on record that it was an accidental death. Sabina Martins, For Bailancho Saad
[Goanet] [JudeSundayReflections] Maunday / Holy Thursday
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- 17-Mar-2008 Dear Friend, Thousands of stories, poems, songs and movies are alltalking about love and how wonderful it is to be in love! Usually love isportrayed as a warm cozy feeling of being special to someone and of possessingsomeone as one's own. This kind of 'love' is centred on 'I, me, myself'. Itbelieves is getting and grabbing as much as I can, whenever I can. Jesus cameto show us a new way of loving, other-centred, where one wants to give and giveand give. Christians are called to live the new commandment - (Maundy) to be'under the new management'! Have a loving weekend being touched and served byJesus! Fr. Jude Sunday Reflections: Maundy Thursday-To love is to serve! 20‑Mar‑2008 Readings: Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14; Corinthians11: 23-26; John 13: 1-45; Today's first reading from the Book of Exodus describes indetail the ritual for celebrating the Passover meal. The Passover, seen as apermanent feast was meant to recall God's fidelity to his covenant and be anassurance that God would look after his people. It was at one and the same timea looking back with gratitude for what God had done for his people and alooking forward to the many blessings in store for his faithful ones. ThisPassover meal would prefigure the Eucharist celebrated today in the Church, amemorial that looks back at the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross at Calvary andlooks forward to the resurrection. Praying hands -Memorial Two young friends in Germany, Albrecht Durer and FranzKonigstein, were struggling to become artists. Since their funds were toomeager for attending the university, they decided that one of them should findemployment and support the other until he had completed school. Then he couldsell his paintings and finance the other's education. They drew lots and Durerwent to school and Konigstein went to work. Durer turned out to be a genius.After he had made a good deal of money from the sale of his paintings, hereturned home to keep his part of the bargain. Only then did he painfullyrealize the great price his friend had paid. Franz's delicate and sensitivefingers had been ruined by years of rugged manual labour. Although he had toabandon his artistic dream, he had no regrets, but rejoiced in his friend'ssuccess. One day Durer saw Franz Konigstein kneeling with his gnarled handsintertwined in prayer. The artist quickly sketched the praying hands. Today'sart galleries feature many of the works of the famous Albrecht Durer, but thepeople's favourite is the 'Praying hands'. That painting has been copiedmillions of times the world over, telling its tender eloquent story of love,sacrifice, labour and gratitude -Love demands sacrifice! Where there is nosacrifice, there can hardly be genuine love. The story of these two friends isa reminder to all of us that sacrifices made because of genuine love will neverbe a waste! Percival Fernandez in '100 Inspiring Anecdotes' In the second reading from St. Paul's letter to the Corinthianswe are made aware of the tremendous generosity of the Lord shown to the pointof death. Paul passes on the tradition, which he asserts, goes back to Jesushimself. In fact he is passing on an established liturgical formula. But thecommand to repeat the action, 'Do this in memory of me' does not refer merelyto celebrate the Lord's supper, but to keep alive the memory of Jesus by livingas he did and spending our lives in fruitful service. Giving Generously Harry was a confirmed bachelor. I do not know why he nevermarried. He had a decent job and lived with his brother's family. This brotherwas a respectable hard-working man. However, his modest income was notsufficient to sustain a somewhat large family. Harry was very sensitive to hisbrother's financial difficulties and would quietly pick up and pay off a few ofthe bills or slip money into his hands to take care of some of the major familyexpenses. His married brother was always grateful for whatever help hereceived. When Harry died they found among his belongings several slips ofpaper and receipts for medical or other expenses that he had borne for a goodmany poor people he had come to know of through the St. Vincent de Paul Societyof the Parish. Harry always gave generously yet anonymously. True to thegospels he didn't want his left hand to know what his right hand was doing. Hedidn't even allow his name to be published. He didn't want to be praised forhis generosity. God, he felt was the giver of all good gifts and that he wasonly giving to others
Re: [Goanet] Re. WE THE PEOPLE in Goa on the Scarlett Keeling Murder
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- To Goanet. I heard the debate was kind of like a fish market Group Discussion. No direction. Anyways, I didn't witness it myself. And one question. What exactly is the logic behind including Bina Ramani and Manish Makhija in the debate? I never did get that one. -- Truth Liberates, Nigel Britto http://amicusnaturae.blogspot.com
[Goanet] GERMAN GIRL MOLESTED IN GOA
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Just read that a German has been molested somewhere at Cavelossim, wonder what'z this all about , only God can help and save our motherland. All these scarry incidencies in Goa just cannot happen , somewhere something strange is cooking up and each and every Goan needs to be cautious ,well focussed, and take care of the tourists , our own sisters/mother's and brothers and above all protect the name of our motherland. It's my humble request to all those who read this short mail , to deal with such maniacs and insane people who tend to behave immorally with tourists , if we Goans remain quiet the next would be our own family members , after the Scarletts murder Goa's image has suffered badly. Goenkars get up and protect the tourists , it's tourism that keeps many goan businesses going and we need to unite at this critical period of time. Bonefacio
Re: [Goanet] Come on Ravi....your reputation is our reputation
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Scarlett case got front page attention because her mother Fiona chose to fight singlehandedly for which the national and international media paid attention. Disregarding Scarlet and Fionas past and their backgrounds I still admire the guts of Fiona - a women who singlehandedly took on a battle all alone against a very powerful drug mafia in Goa, exposed Goa police and also Goas Home Minister! I have read most of the messages posted on Goanet and am of the opinion that Scarlet Case should have not been debated on repentant mother or an errant adolescent but should have been focused on Goa Governments failure and or their irresponsible behaviors. I say this more because we all know the prevailing truths along the cost lines of Goa and yet we still prefer making a fuss of someones parenting. Second truth is Fiona has lost her child .why is it so difficult for the police and the government to accept the fault, negligence and the mess they created in tarnishing human rights. Has any one taken a glance at the astonishing number of similar cases that took place along the Goa coastline in past 3 - 4 years!! Has anyone traced how many such murder cases in Goa have gone unreported as well!! Okay .now what are we going to talk on the recent issue about a young German tourist girl being molested on the Cavelossim beach? Are we going to say its only the case of molestation not a case of rape or not a case of murder? Or are we going to come up with a theory that this is only a case of adolescent attraction nothing beyond this - At this age, most people want to try everything!! Or should we spare Congress government and still continue blaming BJP or NCP or MGP for such things happening in Goa? Or should we continue blaming Manohar Parrikar for not eradicating drug trade which was going on along the coastline even before he took over as CM of Goa? Or should we spare all previous CMs of Goa and still question only ex-CM Manohar Parrikar as to what measures he took to stop drug trade when he was CM of Goa for 4 ½ years? Friends, gone are the days when our children and families could roam safely on Goan beaches even during night. Just think how we or for that matter Goan politicians would have reacted if Scarlet type of incidence was to take place with our children, our sisters our mothers, or close relatives? Yes, friends its truly a paradise lost in Goa. Truly Goans has lost the self esteem for what Goans were known for world wide athithe devobhava its a shame for all Goans. The biggest challenge to all Goans is who we should blame for Goa losing its Paradise? And how should we come out of the mess? Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] Of Xenophobics and Patriots
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dear Anandbab It is nice to read your comments using very good sarcasm and humour. I am only joining your discusiion, not attcking your integrity like some people are doing. For many years various Goans are speaking against outsiders coming and buying big properties in Goa. # how can one believe that all of them agree with each other or for that matter do they agree with Dr Rajan parrikar whose motto is I disagree with everybody. # The good dotor, Colaco bab might not find agreement coming from Datta Naik and Sridhar Kamat who are hurrying the Regional Plan to be done by the Task force to help the builders. # Parrikar is the person who gave prime land to INOX at a very low deal. How can one believe that he disagrees with his own deeds when in power # Mathany is become a paper tiger who only roars before media and did not even make a small mew as MLA Tourism Minister # Prashant Naik is a person not to relied because he is involved as broker The problem is not just the foreigners or non-Goans who are buying land. The biggest problem is the Goan land sharks like Dhempo, Landscape, Commonwealth Developers, Models who are filling up fields, cutting mountains, breaking CRZ other laws. They are forcing the farmers, fishermen and sons of soil to leave their land so that these guys can build 8 floor buildings in which only rich Goans and rich non Goans and rich foriegners can buy flats. The biggest culprit is Government of Goa. Also most of our NGOs are working for non-Goans, not for Goans. .people are talking that when politician like Narvekar makes such statement it means he is blackmailing somebody for more bribes. Satyamev Jayete From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]gt; On 12 March 08 the patriotic Dayanand Narvekar said that there should be a restriction / ban on sale of Goan lands to non Indian nationals. On 13 March 08 the xenophobic Dr Rajan Parrikar stated on this forum that this ban should be extended to Indian nationals who are not of Goan origin. On 14 March 08 ( to my sheer delight ) the few patriotic Indians on this forum castigated Rajan in no uncertain terms. On 15 March 08 ( to my utter distress ) more than a few Goan sons of the soil fully supported what Rajan had suggested ( look at newspaper links below if you are uncertain ) List of xenophobic Goenkars who agree with Dr Rajan Parrikar :nbsp; ( specially prepared so the Indian patriots on this forum can writenbsp; to them and censure them as they did with Rajan ) nbsp; # DR FRANCISCO COLACO ( of the apolitical Lok Shakti )nbsp; # POORNANAND CHARI ( convenor of Goa Hitrakan Manch )nbsp; # ADV. RYAN MENEZESnbsp; # MATANHY SALDANHAnbsp; # PANDURANG RAUT ( president MGP )nbsp; # ADV. JOAQUIM GODINHAnbsp; # MANOHAR PARRIKARnbsp; # ANTHONY DA SILVA ( organiser of a signature campaignnbsp; supporting this terrible idea...and collecting several hundrednbsp; signatures every day )nbsp; # PRASHANT NAIK ( spokesperson for Goa Hitrakan Manch
[Goanet] GOA:Tourism, shacks, markets, cash flows, drugs and teenaged drug mules
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dears, Here is one well researched and presented article on the drug underbelly that Barkha Dutt failed to expose on NDTV's WE, THE PEOPLE perhaps because the hidden agenda of property deals kept popping up! ;-) Drugs: Scarlette case a tip of the iceberg by Glenn Costa Panaji, March 16 Scarlette Eden Keeling's rape and murder has opened a virtual Pandora's box as the media attention, local, national and international have brought the seedy underside of the Goan tourist trade and the underlying drug trade under spotlight in sharp contrast to the usual singing praises of Goa's pristine coastline as well as its thriving nightlife. It has also shifted the focus to the new alternate lifestyle that is in vogue among the ˜rough round the edges foreign tourists today, who come from a financial 'middle class' background but are with a manual labour background. Workmen like plumbers, carpenters or general maintenance people are highly prized and paid well in the west. These are the people seen in Goa and are known to indulge in this type of lifestyle, say insiders in the know. While the Tourism Minister has gone on record about the drug scene, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kishen Kumar does not deny that drugs are freely available in the state and argues that this is why almost Rs 50 lakh of drugs have been seized this year and that is not including the latest ganja seizure at Porvorim the other day. He also agrees that the seizures are a tip of the iceberg. Reportedly even with the most sophisticated equipment used by the US authorities the seizures still account for a miniscule amount of the total drugs trafficked. Goa had around 2.5 million visitors last year, including 3,80,000 foreigners, of whom 1,60,000 were British. Goa has evolved from a place where drugs were sold at rave parties to a transit point for drugs to and from various European countries as well as becoming a centre for production of party drugs. Police sources say that drugs like ecstasy, charas, LSD, cocaine, ganja or marijuana or grass as it is popularly known, MDMA, a popular party drug, which goes for around Rs 400 per tablet and heroin are common today, though today heroin does not have the same popularity that it enjoyed in the 70s and 80s. Sources say the charas and ganja come from the Kullu-Manali region and Nepal while opium comes from Rajasthan. Cocaine comes from Latin America and is transported mostly by mules or drug carriers, who are minors many-a-times, either by air or sea to Delhi or Mumbai and then the consignment finds its way to Goa and MDMA or LSD comes from Europe and Charas goes to Europe from Goa. If charas costs Rs 100 per gm in Goa its cost is hundreds of times more there and so it is profitable to send and difficult to detect unless they have specific information, say police. Some locals say that the drugs trade is not organised, or that shacks are involved while others say that it is controlled by a small handful of local men. However, they deny that foreign women are taken advantage of. Proof of minors being used in the drug trade was the arrest of an Italian minor girl who was caught at the Dabolim airport when she was about to board an Indian Airlines Mumbai to Auckland flight last year. This arrest exposed a Goa-based Israeli drug racket that was using this method to transport drugs out of the country. Cases of a German and an Israeli boy are also pending before the courts. Minors are being used to outwit the system as according to the Juvenile Justice Act, if a juvenile commits a bailable or non-bailable offence, he or she shall be released on bail with or without surety. Further detention can only be at a home and not in a prison while according to the tough Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act the possession of drugs of less than ten gram is for individual consumption and worthy of a minimum sentence of six months while anything above ten gram rates a ten-year sentence and a fine of Rs 1,00,000. Any subsequent offence entails in a much higher penalty. Sources say that the smuggling of ketamine, which is a combination of cocaine and the anaesthetic ketamine involves Italian, German, English and Scottish drug dealers who operate from Europe and using 'charter tourists' as carriers or couriers as a means to transport the stuff. Dr Praveen Tippat from the St Anthony's Hospital at Anjuna says that he sees usage of drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA, LSD and ketamine along this coastal belt as they deal with drug overdose victims as the hospital also serves as a detox centre. He says that cases of overdoses among
Re: [Goanet] Why Religion is not a private matter
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dear Dr.U.G.Barad, Thanks for the sincere message given by you. It is a delicate point to be dealt with. We should speak without hurting anyone in their religious sensitivity. but I don't know how the same persons will react to calling religion to be private matter! Fr. Ivo da C. Souza might explain to us much on this issue!! I hope he explains. * Once we understand what Religion is, we can know whether it is individual or communitarian affair. Religion is a map for our human existence. It regulates our individual and social life, our relationship to God, to neighbour, to oneself, to the Universe. ...If we are to survive then we must muster all the courage and conviction we have and speak up, speak out and speak against all that is wrong within our own religious dogmas as well as that of others. *We can always question, and re-formulate answers. The theologian Hans Küng wrote his book, Does God exist?, and answered after discussing in the light of Science, Philosophy, Theology, Music in the affirmative, namely that 'there is a God'. We can always be critical of other religions and cultures and traditions, as well as of our own. That is what Catholic Theology is doing today. You need not contradict the traditional doctrine but also re-inforce it with new evidence. You should remember that 'religious' language is symbolic, analogical. We try to express the mystery of God with human categories. Therefore, there will be different images and metaphors for the Reality of God. Each Religion has different or also common ones. You can correct some of them. Regards. Fr.Ivo
[Goanet] : India, sixth 'Wonder' of Americans
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dear Venantius./ Sachin Thanks for your write-ups to my query. I appreciate both your honest views. I also thank Mario for his reply. But then the main issue is the survey. As has been pointed by Mario, who maybe feels that the surveys opinion may have been given after, intermingling with the Indian community in USA. The Indian community must have been the silent ambassadors to promote India in such a large way, although now they themselves being American citizens. I wonder what could be the percentage of Indians who have already settled in USA. It could also be due to cheap medical treatment that is available in India compared to American prices, which has made India a more popular destination? Just my opinion. Well whatever may be the reason, good to know that the negative conceptions the Americans had about India, are gone. I hope this conception will not rise again due to the present news of Goa which seems to be doing the rounds now a days. Cheers Jerry From: Venantius Pinto [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Sachin, It would have helped if you asked specifically which part you did not understand. I must say that the my grammar in my post is not the finest. But other than I believe the ideas do come across. In all probability no one else may respond, so here is what I meant. The thread as you know began with Jerry Fernandes' query reproduced below. When that question was asked by JF, Dear Netters So what has brought about this sudden rise in the interest of India amongst the Americans? Is there any truth in this news? [WASHINGTON (Agencies)], I responded; answering your vide, The report indicates the results of a survey, and unless one says that it is manipulated, one should take it at face value I do not need to say it is manipulated, but since you ask questions in tandem -- SP: And if one says it is manipulated, one should give the reasons why one is coming to such a conclusion, I shall point the general rational behind my response, and not specific details. I do sense that you feel I am being irresponsible towards India. We give our opinions (as if they matter) on a plethora of issues in this forum. I gave my opinion based on how I viewed JFs question. I could have made little of it, but too it seriously, and cared to explain, but also giving examples that force one to think for oneself -- whether one wishes to do so or not. This is where it begins. I began by looking briefly at the word popular (CAPPED by me in the excerpt from Jerry Fernandes below), by making an analogy between the qualities (largely superficial) between a human and extrapolating those notions (but seeing them deeply and relating them to the country as an being) onto country -- in this case India. What I am doing is attempting to nail down why India is considered as being popular in the imagination/analysis/or survey of the WASHINGTON Agencies. I also said, There are good sides to India, but the USA is comfortable with an India which is assiduously following its lead on many issues...(economically motivated) This as well as my examples should be a response to your point, There are indeed many faults in the Indian society, and amongst the Indians. However, one has to see the broader picture, and this is what those who responded to the survey have done. I am not allowing myself to be held in thrall by the pronouncement of the popular for two reasons. First of all, although an Indian I am not impressed with notions of popularity, and secondly having lived a life of observation (as have others too) -- the media is the media, and being the media, seen it(the media) puts out news, including facts, largely based on the interests of power brokers. So my response must be seen within this duality. India, sixth 'Wonder' of Americans WASHINGTON (Agencies): India is the sixth most POPULAR country in the US, with 69 per cent of the Americans having a positive image about it, while Pakistan finds itself among the 10 most unpopular nations, according to a new poll. Of 22 countries rated in Gallup's 2008 World Affairs survey, Canada, Great Britain, Germany and Japan win favour with at least 80 per cent of Americans. The top four is followed by Israel at 71 per cent. India ties with France at the sixth spot for the positive image. [GT] So my picture, is a broad picture, and will always be a broad picture. My expressive temper may come across as harsh, but it aims for precision and the splintering of obfuscation or pithy statements, which we inadvertently absorb into our social identities. India is complex, and I do understand that, but India like any other
[Goanet] Now, now Ravi....no hitting below the belt
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dear Goanetters , Statements have been made by Digamber Kamat and other Congress politicians as well as by the Goa police trying to shift the blame on Scarlette Keelings mum for leaving her alone in Goa. The Goa police have gone a step further in trying to malign the dead child and her family by releasing her private diary as well as confidential emails from the police computers to the public. http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080044189ch=3/16/2008%206:14:00%20PM My question to the Goa police and the great leader Ravi Naik is : WHAT THE DICKENS ARE YOU TRYING TO PROVE BY RELEASING ALL THIS INFO TO THE PUBLIC ? Are you trying to tell us that Scarlette Keeling led a far from blameless life ? Are you trying to tell us that Fiona MacKeown has led a far from blameless life ? Are you trying to tell us that this child and her family are far from being the cream of English society ? Fine , we are entirely convinced. Now answer me this. Just because Scarlette and her family led a far from blameless life ( and were not the creme de la creme of their society like you are in yours ), 1 ) DOES THE CHILD DESERVE TO BE RAPED AND KILLED ? 2 ) MORE IMPORTANTLY , DOES THAT MEAN THAT YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO COVER UP HER DEATH AND PASS IT OFF AS ACCIDENTAL DROWNING ? In case it has not yet registered , Ravi ...it is no longer a question of whether young Scarlette was murdered and who committed the actual act.The fact that the chief of Forensic medicine in Goa and senior police staff were very likely involved in the cover up means that Fiona's comments ( which by the way named RAVI NAIK specifically and were not just a random outburst ) are beginning to have a ring of truth in them. COME ON , RAVIif you have the slightest honour left , go on and defend it. File a libel case and sue this woman who you and your police are trying to run down by using below the belt tactics. Here is some more help from Bab Gabe Menezes on how to go about it : http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A1183394 By the way , we are assuming our home minister ( or his close family ) do not have a strong nexus with the Goan drug mafia as claimed by Fiona. regards, anand ( Dr Anand Virgincar ) _ Get Hotmail on your mobile, text MSN to 63463! http://mobile.uk.msn.com/pc/mail.aspx
[Goanet] Goanet] GOA's KILLER ROADS:Navelim school girl crushed to death by loaded truck
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dear Netters With the present Murder case doing its rounds not only on Goanet but also on international papers, some of which has been read by goanetters thanks to Gabe, and others, I wonder where the murder of this poor girl who was crushed to death stands. The british girl knew where her life was leading, but not this girl. The british girl had no dreams or maybe her dreams were to be the greatest zombie on earth. But this poor girl must have had great dreams hence she was going for tuitions maybe to secure best percentage in her SSC exams. The poor Goan girl was only one year elder to the British Girl but when compared to news, it seems the British girl was more human, than the Goan girl. What a pity. The way the news has been going for the British girl, the Goan girl seems invisible. Will she too get much better news coverage and the truck driver punished as severely as the person involved with the British girls murder? God rest her soul. Cheers Jerry Fernandes From: Goa Desc [EMAIL PROTECTED] Do GOACAN a favour, circulate this email to your family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. Help others be BETTER INFORMED. Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC) Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- - Rawanfond girl crushed to death - A pall of gloom descended on Rawanfond area after a 16-year old girl student was crushed under the wheels of a loaded truck at Rawanfond on Wednesday afternoon. A student of Rosary High School, Navelim, young Jessila Carvalho as usual was heading towards Navelim on her cycle for the afternoon tuitions in view of the fast-approaching SSC examinations, when she was knocked down by the truck from behind. The girl was run over by the truck when she came under the rear wheels. She breathed her last on the spot. A team of Margao police personnel had to face the wrath of the agitated locals as they came late to the accident site. Locals alleged that one of the constables was under the influence of liquor, an allegation later denied by police officials. Sources said the young girl was busy preparing herself to answer her forthcoming SSC examination when fate proved otherwise. PI Santosh Dessai and PSI Navlesh Dessai rushed to Rawanfond upon hearing the news and to keep the tension at bay.The body was later shifted to the Hospicio hospital for post mortem examination. PI Santosh informed that a case has been registered against the truck driver for rash and negligent driving causing the death of the young girl. The driver, however, has got himself admitted in a private hospital for some ailment.
Re: [Goanet] Of Xenophobics and Patriots
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- It is the xenophobes who pride themselves as being the real patriots. The battle here has to be between the Indian patriots and the Goan subpatriots within their own party, both of whom share similar instincts when it it comes to guarding their territories. My problem with them is not what they are or what they call themselves and others whom they dislike, but that there is no substance beneath their supercilious rhetoric. No semblance of a rational and consistent position, leading to a practical solution for Goa as a state under the Indian union and her constitution. To me, abiding by the constitutional principle that every Indian citizen has a right to settle anywhere in her country, as recently upheld again by the Supreme Court, is not airy idealism. It is a sober affirmation of the settled law of the land with profound practical implications. As I have said before, those who favor balkanization of India have never articulated any cogent rationale for it. Their case is essentially rhetorical, hysterical and political - a sputtering series of turgid rants. They have never addressed the real causes of all the problems in any meaningful way beyond dismissively outsourcing the blame or cursing their petty political opponents. The mindset on display is too vacuous to take into account the ground realities of the demographic transformation that Goa and the rest of India are undergoing in the 21st century. Unless there is a genuine change in attitude and outlook, such a mindset would always be blind to the fact that both, the causes and the transformation, lie within us. The problems facing Goa are easily recognizable for traitors and patriots alike. They are unplanned development, misuse of land and resources, environmental degradation, mutilation of landscape, overcrowding, crumbling infrastructure, and poor living and working conditions for an expanding underclass of migrant laborers. The answer to these problems is also obvious to anybody who is in physical or audiovisual contact with Goa, even to those who are fixated on the ghats in the distance, or who let their vision be distorted by a non-therapeutic artificial lens. There is nothing original about the answer. Its appreciation does not require special knowledge or skill. Stated simply, it is obeying the laws, properly enforcing them, reforming outdated ones and enacting new ones wherever necessary - laws against corruption, misuse and pillage of land, destruction of the environment and heritage, social discrimination and prejudice, and exploitation of the working class. In talking to socially conscious folk in Goa I know that they are fully aware of all the details about them. They know how they apply in each specific case and their own obligation in that regard. So what one needs is a grass roots campaign to expand this awareness among the masses, to inspire them to hold their local and state-wide representatives accountable through non-violent action. Notice that these actions do not require banning other Indians or foreigners from relocating to Goa. They do not depend on a stealthy violation of the Indian constitution nor in creating protectionist impediments to a growing modern economy. If the separatist or segregationist concern then is only about maintaining the racial, casteist or cultural purity of the Goan population then this impulse deserves nothing but condemnation. For, the notion of purity is a figment of an impure mind. No such state has ever existed in our history, nor is it desirable from a biological standpoint because endogamy has taken its toll on our stagnating gene pool. Todays ground reality of demographic transformation, therefore, is a welcome development. Perhaps, more than across state borders, we see it occurring in our families. The younger generation is forging matrimonial ties with an ever widening circle of humanity, ignoring all geographical boundaries. To keep pace with this dilution of Goanness the xenophobes would have no recourse but to quickly ban miscegenation of Goans with non-Goans, while inventing new slurs to refer to their children and preventing them from inheriting Goan land. Cheers, Santosh --- anand virgincar [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: List of xenophobic Goenkars who agree with Dr Rajan Parrikar : ( specially prepared so the Indian patriots on this forum can write to them and censure them as they did with Rajan )
[Goanet] Indian Film Festival - April 3-5, 2008 in Kuwait
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Indian Film Festival - April 3-5, 2008 The Indian Film Festival is being organized by the Embassy in collaboration with the Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC) from April 3-5, 2008 at the Granada Cinema Theatre, Khaitan. During the Festival, three recent popular Hindi films viz. Chak De India, Veer Zaara and Black with Arabic subtitles, will be screened on April 3, 4 5 respectively. The movie will be screened at 1800 hrs each day. For more details, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Forwarded by www.goa-world.com - Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.
Re: [Goanet] India, sixth 'Wonder' of Americans
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- To my comment: The news report that I read said that 55% of the respondents viewed China negatively and 42% positively. I do not think this data would indicate love. Venantius Pinto responds: The data simply indicates that MORE people viewed China negatively. Why bring in love in -- is this some kind of qualitative analysis? If Venantius had read his own posting carefully, it would be clear that he was the one who brought love in the picture. He had written: But despite such acts of belligerence and a fascinating insult to itself,they still love the Chinese. I had included this quote of his in the message to which Venantius responded. Sachin Phadte _ Post free property ads on Yello Classifieds now! www.yello.in http://ss1.richmedia.in/recurl.asp?pid=220
[Goanet] Needless ruckus over Barve’s Comments By SIMON ALPHONSNO on GT WEEKENDER Dated Mar 16 Pg 14
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Needless ruckus over Barve’s Comments There was certainly no need for an uproarsuch as the one we are witnessing in Goan chess today. Shrikant Barve made someobservations on the net on All India Chess Federation circular that spelt feesto GMs/IMs for coaching that they would impart to players around the country.If Barve, who is a life member of the state chess association (GSCA) chose thewrong forum to express his views, the wiser men in the association also madethe same mistake. The GSCA, unnecessarily, got worked up. It was a personal andunilateral opinion, and theirs is no reason why GSCA should even take seriousnotice of it as along as it(Association) was not dragged in to the controversy it or it did not cause thegame in the state to come to a halt. It appears that Barve’s detractors were lying in waiting for a lameexcuse to checkmate the man behind the success story of Taleigao Chess Academy. Thepast come to haunt About a year ago, I had got a whiff of behind –the-back scenes as the growing stature of Barve through numerous competitions for youngsters and his so-called ‘success’ with the coaching regiment for beginners was making some prominent chess buffs uneasy. When I enquired whether he has blessings of the Association to conduct various activities, he just gave me wry smile. I did not want to pursue the matter, but was certainly expecting a tirade against him. His detractors finally grabbed the opportunity when Barve posted his comments on the AICF circular on the net. They even tried to dig into his unglorious past, which I think is of no concern as long as he’s helping in development of the game. Moreknowledgeable men in GSCA The most difficult job of a coach in any game is to impart thebasics to his pupils. The sporting fraternity in the state would want to knowwhether Barve’s style of functioning or his presence is good for the game toprosper or in he’s charging exorbitant fees. If his resume of an ‘unrecognizedand unrated’ coach is not suitable for providing the best of training, the GSCAshould create an awareness about it so that the parents refrain from sendingtheir children to the Academy. With almost all its members quite knowledgeableof the game, some as much as Barve and many even more than him, it would bebetter for GSCA to start its own academy. I’m sure that the members, wheneverrequired, would certainly offer their time and services for free as much as theGMs/IMs from outside the state – Goa has no GMs or IMs- have offered to do so.In case the AICF imposes a life ban on Barve, he will certainly not be able touse the services of the GSCA. But can they stop him from conducting trainingsessions? If they can’t, a similar situation like in taekwondo may occur,wherein players trained by Barve may not be allowed to participate in variouscompetitions in the state. With Sameer Salgaocar at helm, chess has taken anupswing mode in the state but these bickerings won’t do any good. Meritsand demerits Coming to the AICF circular, it merely puts a curb on the fees that werebeing charges by the rated coaches until now. Without doubt, the circular thatprescribes a fee of Rs.10,000 for GMs and Rs.7000 to Rs.5000 for others for a10 day coaching stint, has its merit and demerits. The main advantage is thatit will make the accessibility to quality training for aspiring players easier.The disadvantage is as Barve describes it will set a bench mark’ because whenour own players turn into GMs and IMs and would want to train younger playersthey will have to accept the fees without a murmur or just shy away from such ascheme. The poor remuneration may act as an obstacle for players in theirdecision to make a career out of chess and eventually it could lead to a dearthof coaches. Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: [Goanet] WE THE PEOPLE in Goa on the Scarlett Keeling Murder
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- To Goanet - Jason Monserrate wrote: confused. To make things worse, more airtime was given to Alexio Sequiera than to someone like Oscar Rebello who had crisper, meaningful and more relevant points to make. I saw the notice for this programme and the first thing that struck me was the composition of the panel: 4 Catholic Goans, 1 Hindu Goan (that too an editor of a newspaper whose reputation isn't exactly stellar), and 4 non-Goans. I have no issue with the numbers of Catholic Goans on the panel. But I have a big problem that only one Goan Hindu was invited and worse, NDTV deemed it fit to invite 4 non-Goans. Why, are all Goan Hindus dead? I immediately emailed Barkha Dutt and asked her why the Goan Hindu voice had been relegated thusly (I don't expect her to respond). I didn't watch the show last night but this morning I caught the first 16 minutes or so on the NDTV website. It was a relief that Remo and Maria Couto didn't say anything silly. Couto made a few v good points. But then the floodgates of fatuity burst open once the poseur Dr. Oscar Rebello commandeered the microphone (he of the valiant and amazingly farsighted Digambat Kamat fame). We heard Dr. Rebello hold forth on some priceless piece of wisdom he claimed he had inherited from his friend Rajan Narayan. With friends like these... After that stiff dose of Dr. Rebello's bilge I was done with my quota of rubbish for the day. Warm regards, r
[Goanet] LIMERICK FOR THE DAY 40 - LOSS OF INNOCENCE
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- DEATH OF SCARLETT KEELING AND THE LOSS OF INNOCENCE The death of Scarlett Keeling refuses to die down and in fact has grown Especially after the mother has made serious allegations of her own Of the involvement of politicians in the murky side of life These have ignited more rumours which are now rife - It seems this case has now out of all proportion been blown. Old-timers from this laid-back village of Anjuna must lament How much this news does their reputation misrepresent. On the *balcaos*, in the evening, the talk used to be How little one could get these days for a rupee - Now they must be horrified over the loss of innocence to such an extent The talk among the fish sellers and buyers at the *tinto* in Anjuna Was about the latest news from Africa of de Souza and da Cunha. Now they must be talking about people like Scarlett And how she was in some ways, no better than a harlot - I guess there is nowadays no interest in the price of fish like tuna. - Shanti Dhoot
[Goanet] Now, now Ravi....no hitting below the belt
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dears, It is NOT FAIR to release anyone's Personal Diary to the Press. It is unethical for the Media to publicise a Private individual's Private life. It was bad enough that Scarlett Keeling was raped on a beach. It was worse that her nude body was left there till sunrise. what can I say about the learned Police Officers .. of IPS cadre, to boot . who release the contents of her private diary. Are they civilized? Do they live in a civilized society? If not, why do they not roam in the buff themselves? What sense of propriety and do they have? If our CM is really a gentleman that he claims to be ...let him publicly upbraid his Home Minister, DGP and IGP for this unpardonable act of denying the dead her dignity. They are almost outdoing NDTV's We, The People show recorded and telecast last afternoon. The reactions are coming in to that blatant attempt to market properties and justify in-migrations by challenging the Goan's to open up. Or let us put THEIR personal lives under the microscope as they do in the USA: No holds barred. Mog asundi. Miguel Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:10:50 + From: anand virgincar [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] Now, now Ravino hitting below the belt Dear Goanetters , Statements have been made by Digamber Kamat and other Congress politicians as well as by the Goa police trying to shift the blame on Scarlette Keelings mum for leaving her alone in Goa. The Goa police have gone a step further in trying to malign the dead child and her family by releasing her private diary as well as confidential emails from the police computers to the public. http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080044189ch=3/16/2008%206:14:00%20PM My question to the Goa police and the great leader Ravi Naik is : WHAT THE DICKENS ARE YOU TRYING TO PROVE BY RELEASING ALL THIS INFO TO THE PUBLIC ? Just because Scarlette and her family led a far from blameless life ( and were not the creme de la creme of their society like you are in yours ), 1 ) DOES THE CHILD DESERVE TO BE RAPED AND KILLED ? 2 ) MORE IMPORTANTLY , DOES THAT MEAN THAT YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO COVER UP HER DEATH AND PASS IT OFF AS ACCIDENTAL DROWNING ? In case it has not yet registered , Ravi ...it is no longer a question of whether young Scarlette was murdered and who committed the actual act.The fact that the chief of Forensic medicine in Goa and senior police staff were very likely involved in the cover up means that Fiona's comments ( which by the way named RAVI NAIK specifically and were not just a random outburst ) are beginning to have a ring of truth in them. regards, anand ( Dr Anand Virgincar ) -- -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. Miguel Braganza, S1 Gracinda Apts, Rajvaddo, Mhapsa 403507 Goa Ph 9822982676 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
[Goanet] Goans, must see NDTV video : Sun, Sand Murder
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dear netters, Please cut past the below link to your address bar to view the video. Barka Dutt of NDTV in hard talks with Scarlette mother Fiona, Remo, Dr. Oscar, Alexio etc... http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/videopod/default.aspx?id=25120 thanks, borgee Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: [Goanet] Re. WE THE PEOPLE in Goa on the Scarlett Keeling Murder
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Among the infinite things Goan, of import or not, are such trivialities as nonchalance in spelling name even, pretty common, in daily use, ones. Okay, if Ranjan's Ghatti elements in the press thus fumble. But that a veritable bastion of goanna like Miguel Bragança wantonly degenerate Aleixo to Alexio or others, Faleiro to Falerio is unmitigatingly deplorable. Not to overlook those that minguelize Miguel. I wonder what they will mutilate poor Alfred Hope not where it counts! Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:02:42 +0530 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] Re. WE THE PEOPLE in Goa on the Scarlett Keeling Murder Dears, WE,THE PEOPLE on 16 March, 2008, featured the panelists on the debate include Power Environment Minister Alexio Sequeira, Chief Secretary J P Singh, Herald Editor Ashwin Tombat, Pop Star Remo Fernandes, Socialite Bina Ramani, Author Maria Couto, writer Sonia Faleiro, GBA Convenor Dr Oscar Rebello, Journalist Sudip Chakrabothi, former SP Alex Rasquinha and restaurant owner Manish Mukhija Can anyone share a sound byte that defined what each of them said? What was the consensus view? or, for that matter whcih POINT was hotly debated? The term used by Jason Monserrate from Santa Cruz Hotch potch was perhaps the most appropriate description for the rambling debate. Mog asundi. Miguel _ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/
�Maim � tuzo upkari hanv� Konkani Tiatr in Dubai On April 10
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Maim tuzo upkari hanv Konkani Tiatr in Dubai On April 10 Tiatr a traditional musical dramatic live stage performance depicted in a lucrative presentation in act and music. Just in time for Easter celebrations, Roseferns the famous Goan Konkani play writer and director is bound to capture the hearts of the Goan Community in the Gulf again. It has rather become traditional to have Roseferns amidst the Gulf Goans to witness his versatile stage performance every year. The show Maim tuzo upkari hanv a show saluting the indebtness to mothers, is dedicated to all the mothers. A real treat for a pleasant get-together for the Goans and the Konkani speaking community will be presented by Roseferns and his troupe including the traditional musicians coming all the way from Goa performing at Kuwait and the UAE Dubai. Jose Rod and Micheal DSilva from Kuwait will add glitter the show, hilarious comedy by Sally and one of the youngest singing sensation of the Konkani stage a 3 ½ years kid Baba Maythan. The show will be staged in Dubai at Al Nasr Leisureland on 10th April 2008 at 8.00 p.m. The presence of all the Tiatr lovers for this exclusive performance will be a great gesture supporting our mother tongue Konkani and tribute to the Konkani stage. By Sabina Fernandes e Dias Daijiworld.com http://www.daijiworld.com/chan/sponsors_view.asp?s_id=755 - Forwarded by www.goa-world.com - Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.
[Goanet] REPEAT telecast today -NDTV
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Yesterday 16th March, 2008 was Palm Sunday and there were lenten services in most of the Churches in the evening which got over around 2030 hrs. Unprecedented thunder lightening and heavy showers also lashed Goa from 2100 hrs onwards with most TV transmissions went off the air as a precautionary measure until late today morning. This writer was telephonically informed by several persons that the programme We the People featuring Ms Barkha Dutt Managing Editor NDTV with Ms Fiona Mc Keown mother of late Scarlet Eden Keeling in debate with other panelists on the sands Near Tito's - Marine Shack Baga Bardez Goa could not be witnessed by many. This writer then brought this to the notice of NDTV Mr Vijeesh in a tele-talk 09868883092 and also the fact that some excerpts /comments appeared to be cut out in the process. NDTV officials from New Delhi confirmed telephonically to this writer that features which may have been blanked out could be owing to technicalities or paucity of time but promised another telecast today 17th March, 2008 at 2200 hrs IST perhaps with some fresh edition. Viewers of NDTV 24x7 may kindly note the same. GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES, BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA) +91 98221 58584 (24 HRS) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Do you get hundreds of mails everyday? Delete none. Go to http://in.rd.yahoo.com/tagline_mail_9/*https://edit.india.yahoo.com/config/eval_register
[Goanet] Mickey Pacheco under fire, - US, Japan, Russia .....
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- While the rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling has led to Britain updating its travel advisory to Goa, on March 7, other countries like the US, Japan, Russia and Israel have all separately questioned the Goa Tourism Ministry with concern. Foreign offices of the above countries have written to the Goa Tourism Minister Mickey Pacheco asking why they shouldnt issue travel advisories declaring Goa unsafe. In the wake of frequent foreigner deaths, and with causes of over 50 such deaths in the last five years still remaining a mystery (still awaiting laboratory reports), and reports of a thriving drug mafia, Im being asked questions about action taken. The foreign offices of Britain, US, Japan, Russia and Israel have all written to me about Goa turning into a unsafe tourist destination, Pacheco told Sunday MiD DAY. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) in London has already dashed cautionary messages to their clients traveling to foreign countries. Pachecho added that he would constitute a tourism task force to allay their fears. And while the tourism ministry is trying its best to prevent Goas image from being maligned as an unsafe destination, the home ministry in Goa has blamed the tourists themselves. With the Scarlett case generating interest with questions being asked, not just about the deceased, but now also about her mother Fionas past the Goa government does not have a clear answer. However, Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat does not think tourism will be affected due to a few isolated cases, which, he said, had been blown out of proportion by the media. Talking to Sunday MiD DAY, he said, Goa has always attracted tourists from different parts of the world and is safe as always. Kamat had earlier controversially said that foreign women tourists had to be careful, and that they couldnt just do these things and then blame the government for the consequences. On this, he clarified that all he meant was that as we take precautions when visiting a foreign country, tourists visiting Goa needed to be cautious too. Meanwhile Goa home minister Ravi Naik told Sunday MiD DAY that he was in the possession of a criminal investigation department (CID) report which highlighted the fact that foreign tourists wore beach outfits even while walking down the Anjuna market road stretch. These foreigners also use their children as carriers to transport drugs, Naik said, blaming Fiona Mackewon of using her children for the purpose. The home minister accused Scarletts mother Fiona of having drugs on her while making a trip to Karnataka. This will soon be proved, he said. Fiona has denied this. Though Naik, who has been accused by Fiona of trying to hush up the case to protect a few influential people (read drug mafia), refuses to acknowledge that Goa has turned into a hotspot for the drug cartel, he claims that it was always the tourists who were involved. The involvement of tourists is evident from the fact that nearly half of the people arrested in narcotics cases are foreigners, he said. The inspector general of Goa Kishan Kumar said, In 2007, the death toll from drug abuse was 59. And 55 foreigners died in the previous year, Kumar said. Records however reveal that in half the cases, touching 350 in the last five years, the cause of death still remains unknown since the viscera report is yet to received. In 2008, the number of cases sent for viscera analysis is six of twelve deaths, the head of forensic medicine, Goa Medical College (GMC) Dr Silvano Sapeco said. All the cases were referred to laboratories in Hyderabad and Mumbai, because drug abuse was suspected. All these cases pertain to foreigners, Sapeco said. The viscera report establishes whether death was due to presence of drugs or poison in the stomach. Goa does not have such a laboratory. Till reports arrive, it is difficult to invoke Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (murder), Nerlon Albuquerque, the police official suspended in the Keeling case, said. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
[Goanet] Let's kill him and rape his wife, screamed the mob. Welcome to Goa
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Let's kill him and rape his wife, screamed the mob. Welcome to Goa By DAVID MATTHEWS - More by this author » Last updated at 23:53pm on 15th March 2008 Comments It was past midnight in Goa and a mob of 200 men had surrounded my minibus, rocking it from side to side. Suddenly there was a loud crash and the windscreen caved in. We're going to kill you, you black bastard, someone cried. Next to me, my wife Frances looked terrified. Minutes earlier I had stopped a group of locals from molesting her. Now, for daring to defend her honour, a furious crowd wanted me dead. Scroll down for more... Trip to hell: David on honeymoon in Goa. The ordeal there helped to destroy his marriage Read more... EXCLUSIVE: Casual sex, drink and drugs: The disturbing last days of murdered schoolgirl Scarlett revealed in her own diary Scarlett's spirit gave me the strength to survive, says older brother who nearly died after horrific car crash The memory of that scene resurfaced when I heard about the murder of Scarlett Keeling. On holiday with her family, 15-year-old Scarlett was found on a beach in Goa with just a bikini top around her neck. Initially police tried to claim she had drowned but, thanks to the persistence of her mother, they have now admitted she was raped and murdered. Sadly, the news doesn't surprise me. Goa may have a reputation as a hedonist's paradise but it has a dark and violent side. Many local men regard Western bikini-clad women as little more than prostitutes and have a seething resentment of tourists. I arrived there in March 1991 on an extended honeymoon. My new wife and I had known each other for barely six weeks before we got married and, crazy as it seems, I had ditched my flat, job and car to join her on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. We were like chalk and cheese: she was the 24-year-old trustafarian daughter of Sir Robert Jones, a New Zealand property tycoon with an estimated personal fortune of £100 million; I may be a documentary-maker now, but in those days I was a 22-year-old electrician earning £10 an hour and full of working-class bravado. After our wedding we headed for Portugal, then Spain, Morocco, Egypt and Israel. But it was on a dusty potholed road in India, our final destination, that the honeymoon turned sour. Scroll down for more... Target: Frances on the honeymoon, during which she was the object of unwanted attention from some very dangerous men Our first stop was Bombay. The repressed sexual tension became palpable as soon as we landed. Walking through the crowded streets, I could hear whispers of 'nice t***' and see Frances swatting wandering hands away. There are on average 53 rapes a day in India and recent statistics suggest it is the country's fastest-growing crime. When we arrived in the Goan beach resort of Colva, it seemed a world away from the sleazy streets of Bombay and it didn't take long to settle into the laidback vibe, an atmosphere reinforced by a steady stream of backpackers and ageing hippy expats. But Colva was also popular with Indian holidaymakers, particularly young men from Bombay who thought they could get lucky with tourists. On a number of occasions we caught men masturbating in the bushes and in the sea while we were sunbathing or swimming. Groups would hover round us in the water. When I remonstrated with them they shrugged as if to say: So what? Women are common property. After a few days, a couple of Goan guesthouse owners, Chris and John, invited us and some friends to an outdoor concert in a village 30 miles away. John had grown up there and assured us we'd have a good time. At least 2,000 people had assembled in a large field for the event. Everything was fine until midnight when Frances and I became separated. Scroll down for more... Scarlett Keeling: The discovery that the 15-year-old was raped and murdered comes as no surprise to those who know Goa's dark side When I eventually found her, a handful of men were leering and laughing at her. Get your hands off me, she shouted at a heavy-set guy who was trying to grab her breasts. What the hell's going on? I said, stepping between Frances and the fat man. Get lost, he laughed, trying to brush me aside. Without even thinking, I shoved his hand away and punched him square on the chin, knocking him down. One of his friends stepped towards me and I hit him twice. He staggered back and then ran into the crowd. Come on, let's get out of here, I said to Frances, grabbing her arm. When we got back to the minibus that had brought us to the concert, I ushered everyone into the vehicle
Re: [Goanet] Investigate the mafia-police-politician nexus
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- It is time that Tehelka.com put their superlative undercover investigative skills to the drugs, police, politician and land scandals in Goa. They did a fine job on Narendra Modi's gangs in Gujarat and before that the George Fernandes defence scandal. Even though they were bankrupted by the govt in retaliation. But, as mentioned by an astute observer on a goanet post, the police are beyond repair. Roland. On Sun, Mar 16, 2008 at 9:27 PM, Gilbert Lawrence [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Fiona Mackeown's charge of the existence in Goa of a drug mafia-police-politician nexus is prodded and backed by today's Bailancho Saad's Press Release.
Re: [Goanet] Hinduism and Henotheism
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Rev. Fr. Ivo responds to my above messages after quite some time for he was ENGROSSED with recent development in Goa! With this let me move on to main topic to answer Fr. Ivo's queries. I must admit you are doing excellent job in Goanet in trying to keep your Christian community in tact by way of preaching every day on Goanet as in church, of course on religious front. I have no problem with any religion or caste as is made clear in my posting titled above. But certainly I would request you Fr. Ivo please don't take up any issues about my religion or caste because you have not read anything about our religion nor you have in-depth knowledge about my religion. I say this from the responses you posted to me recently. From your responses I can comfortably say that you have neither read nor grasped what Mahabharat, Ramayana, Bhagvat Gita, etc. is all about. Fr. Ivo, I believe that one must not try venturing in writing about something which one does not have complete knowledge and or mastery. Your mastery undisputedly may be in Christianity not in other religious believes and definitely not in our religion which is so vast that it will take years to grasp and understand fully. Though I say you possess mastery in Christianity I find it amusing to see your own community rubbishes your philosophy with exchange of responses. Fr. Ivo, with due respect to you and your sincerity I would only request you to first try to set your house in order which I believe is your prime responsibility! Or else people will say Fr. Ivo is Jack of all trades, Master of none. Would you like people to say this to you? At least I would not prefer to here this. Fr. Ivo, after this message to you I will never respond to any issue(s) about your religion NOR will I accept any stupidity about my religion NOR do I want to educate any one of your age. I think you are smart enough to know what I am trying to convey you. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
[Goanet] From Sherlock Holmes' secret files: cuddling together taking stock
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Did anyone videotape the cuddles and DySP Gaonkar's marathon walk down the entire beach stretch? r Dy SP Umesh Gaonkar, Colva PI Edwin Colaco were huddled with the victim girl and her companion... Cavelossim Sarpanch Edwin Barretto also accompanied the police officials to the spot where the woman was molested to take stock of the situation. Dy SP Umesh Gaonkar is believed to have walked down the entire beach stretch from the incident spot right down to Cavelossim to take stock of the situation. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=1159cid=2 r
[Goanet] Come on Ravi....your reputation is our reputation
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dr Barad wrote: Jerry you are right. You can never know what can happen in this Congress ruled Goa. Comment: Are things any different in BJP ruled Gujarat or other states or was it any different in BJP ruled Goa? Marshall Mendonza
[Goanet] JudeSunday Reflections
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Its very comforting spiritually for the soul and soothing for the mind to read Fr. Jude Botelhos JudeSundayReflections. I feel as though I am listening to the Sunday sermon in Goa, specially for guys like me who have no access to The Church In Saudi Arabia. Pray that Fr Jude has a blessed, long and healthy life. Keep up the good work Father. In Christ Rosario Abel goanet@lists.goanet.org
[Goanet] India, sixth 'Wonder' of Americans
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Mario Goveia wrote: India is growing as a popular destination for American tourists and businessmen, and even more would come if they didn't hear so many stories in the news about rape and murder and corruption and poverty and civic carelessness, i.e filth, inadequate sanitation systems, spitting all over the place, public urinitating and defecating, throwing thrash in public places and driving without consideration for anyone else. Fri Mar 14 19:48:12 PDT 2008 From Mervyn Lobo mervynalobo at yahoo.ca Mario, Americans would feel at home with the rape, murder, poverty, civil carelessness, etc. After all, isn't the US the world leader in these fields? Mario responds: I don't think so, Mervyn. It sounds like you are unfamiliar with conditions in both India and America. If you were correct, the number of applications for residency in America would not have increased so sharply from the days when you apparently had applied. Neither would the desperate attempts to get into America, illegally if necessary.
[Goanet] Daily Haiku #45
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- DAILY HAIKU #45: _ LOVE _ love is like the malcurad, its sweet strike hits you hard! _ http://2008goanconvention.com/blog/index.php http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.php _ Your chance to win great prizes with Windows Live Mail and Rogers MobileMail. Click here to learn how. http://g.msn.ca/ca55/207
[Goanet] Religion
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Dear Albert What would you suggest is the best way to make the Christian community be more aware of what Jesus Christ Preached. I bet you will have some ideas, and it would be nice to know your views. I believe that the church reads the whole of the Bible during the entire year, only thing is that our people go for mass only for 52 Sundays, hence they miss on the other 313 days of reading. Bibles are freely available, only our people dont make an attempt to buy or read them, so can we blame the clergy for this failure? When you say the three readings, you are referring only to Sunday readings, which makes me wonder why you avoided the two readings on the week days. Does it mean that you too Visit church only on Sundays? The only problem that I find is that the reading on sundays mostly done by kids is not done in professional way. It is no doubt an encouraging way of making the kids read in public, yet, as the church knows that the reading are important, they should be given to those who can read professionally. But I did find the solution to this problem. St Pauls publication, sell for Rs 2 Only, the whole years readings which one can read at home before going to the church where by, one will know what the readings are. AS for the problems you have mentioned, well, you know that Satan is the master of earth, and many have fallen in his trap. These problems just remind us that the Second Coming of Christ is near. Cheers Jerry Fernandes From: Albert Desouza [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear friends I fully agree with Ann Marie Mario and others regarding Catholic religion. What Jesus Christ preached and practiced is far different what we get now a days in catholicism.is nothing. Actually it is true that apart from hearing masses, receiving sacraments and saying rosaries we have nothing very concrete with us. Today the world is faced with lots of problems.Divorce, juvenile deliquency, rapes, murders, poverty etc but the church is indifferent to all these. The word of God find no prominence in the liturgy of the church except the three readings at the mass. The lay has lot of potentials to propagate the word of God but the clergy wants upper hand and will try to stop the lay from spreading the gospel.Love God and love neighbour is only in words. Quo Vadis Domino. albert
[Goanet] ALEXYZ Daily Cartoon (17Mar08)
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- On newspaper reports that a German tourist was molested in Goa: First Scarlett...Now another Scar... On Tourism Goa To enjoy the visual cartoon please visit: www.alexyztoons.com Site sponsored by www.goasudharop.org
[Goanet] Goa news for March 18, 2008
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Goa News from Google News and Goanet.org Visit http://www.goanet.org/newslinks.php for the full stories. *** 12 suspects questioned in Goa molestation case - Sify [16 hours ago] Panaji: Goa police is questioning 12 people in connection with the alleged molestation of a German tourist on south Goa's beach. ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/2-0fd=Rurl=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14623591cid=1143002498ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA *** Goa against visa extension for Mackeown - Hindu [3 hours ago] PANAJI: The Goa government has decided to write to Union Home Ministry and the External Affairs Ministry not to extend the visa of British national Fiona ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/1-0fd=Rurl=http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/18/stories/2008031854711300.htmcid=1143469874ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA *** Goa wants murdered British teen\'s mother out of India - AFP [3 hours ago] PANAJI, India (AFP) #148; Authorities in Goa said Monday they will ask the Indian government not to extend the visa of the mother of a British teenager raped ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/0-0fd=Rurl=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5j4t6ohQAypHB3dxz_zjdbEVA-UEQcid=1138055169ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA *** Goa Shipyard woos customers - Gulf Times [48 minutes ago] By Ramesh Mathew ONE of the topmost shipyards catering exclusively to the requirements of the navies of the South Asian region, Indias Goa Shipyard Limited ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/6-0fd=Rurl=http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2item_no=207973version=1template_id=36parent_id=16cid=0ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA *** Taj SATS to initiate operations in Bengaluru and Goa - HospitalityBizIndia [11 hours ago] The Bengaluru unit is scheduled for operations when the Bengaluru International Airport will open on [May 11, 2008] , while the Goa unit is expected to be ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/9-0fd=Rurl=http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=753sid=1cid=0ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA *** Advertising comes to Goa - Goafest spots - AdLand [9 hours ago] ... he's just not swimming - duh!), Soaking sand, Sand Broom, and Goan boat all created by ad agency Contract in Mumbai advertising the Ad Goa Fest. http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/8-0fd=Rurl=http://commercial-archive.com/node/143018cid=0ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA *** Goa govts meeting with Planning Commission today - Navhind Times [2 hours ago] ... chairman of the Planning Commission, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, for allocation of central funds to Goa has been slated for March 18, in New Delhi. ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/7-0fd=Rurl=http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=031833cid=1143475860ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA *** Goa Hitrankhan Manch opposes housing project - Navhind Times [2 hours ago] Mr Naik further said that one such project in the village of Carmona in Salcete, promoted by a non-Goan builder threatens to trample over all vestiges of ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/5-0fd=Rurl=http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=031825cid=0ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA *** Model schools to be established in Goa - Navhind Times [2 hours ago] One model school of high quality will be established in each of the blocks in Goa, according to the information given by the Union Minister of States for ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/4-0fd=Rurl=http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=031829cid=0ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA *** Tibetans in Goa protest forceful occupation by China - Navhind Times [2 hours ago] As part of their protest campaign, the Tibetans, some of whom have been in Goa for the lastÃ#130; 30 years, observe the strike every year by stopping even their ... http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=Tct=us/3-0fd=Rurl=http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=031832cid=1140103175ei=_P7eR6uIFIPoqwOxrfCuDA Compiled by Goanet News Service http://www.goanet.org/newslinks.php
[Goanet] Municipalities in Portugal - Heritage and Tradition
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Municipalities in Portugal - Heritage and Tradition Centro de Língua Portuguesa/ Instituto Camões - Goa will be displaying a collection of posters and photos, leaflets and books related to different Portuguese municipalities and areas. Portugal today is a developed and modern nation. Its cities and villages are a reflection of that modernity. Its advantages include its geographical position, natural endowments and the economic and social environment. The country's rich and diverse monuments, historical sites are of a great and significant importance. Portugal is celebrating the municipal tradition that became very representative overseas from 1508. In regards to this first experience with the city of Funchal, Madeira Island, this exhibition shows different aspects of most of the municipalities found in the North, Centre, South and Islands of Portugal. The exhibition, research and planning by Jose Miguel Ribeiro Lume, organization and assembling by Mark Sebastian Pinto with the collaboration of Joseph Dilip Rodrigues, was possible due to the contribution of the following Portuguese Municipalities which contributed with posters, books and leaflets: ÁGUEDA, ALANDROAL, ALBUFEIRA, AMADORA, ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ, ARRONCHES, BRAGA, CARREGAL DO SAL, CASTRO VERDE, CELORICO DA BEIRA, CHAMUSCA, CONSTANÇA, ESTARREJA, FELGUEIRAS, LAGOA, LAGOS, LISBOA, LOUSÃ, MANGUALDE, MARCO DE CANAVEZES, MARVÃO, MATOZINHOS, MEALHADA, MOITA, ODEMIRA, OVAR, PALMELA, PENAFIEL, PORTALEGRE, REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ, RIO MAIOR, SANTA MARIA DA FEIRA, SANTARÉM, SATÃO, TAVIRA, VIZELA Some municipalities who didn't contribute with informative materials will also be divulged through posters and information produced by teachers and students supported by Instituto Camões. Documentaries and videos will be screened every afternoon, 04.00 p.m., according to a plan found at Instituto Camoes in Panaji. All students, members of CLP/IC and interested public are invited to participate in these cultural events and to visit the exhibition being held at the premises of the Centro de Língua Portuguesa/ Instituto Camões in Panaji (AGVA HOUSE, Dr. Dada Vaidya Rd.) from 17th to 31st of March. For further information, please contact Jose Miguel Ribeiro Lume (Tel: 0832 6647737) Centro de Língua Portuguesa/ Instituto Camões AGVA HOUSE, 9/32 Dr. Dada Vaidya Road, Panaji-403001GOA-ÍNDIA Tel: 0832 2422237/ 0832 6647737 «» E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[Goanet] TOP BOLLYWOOD STARS TO ATTEND MAY BALL ON 8TH MAY IN QATAR
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- TOP BOLLYWOOD STARS TO ATTEND MAY BALL ON 8TH MAY IN QATAR The eight edition of the May Ball the most successful and colorful social annual gathering of Goans organised by the Goan Welfare Association will be held at the Diplomatic Club on May 8 and promises to be fun filled event. Title sponsor is Splash. The May Ball dinner-dance has been growing in stature with every passing year. The highlight of the evening has been the presence of a host of Bollywood Stars who have graced the occasion in the past editions of the May Ball. This year too a host of top Bollywood stars will be flown from Mumbai for the show informed president of the Association Simon DSilva. An added feature has been added to this year's May Queen contest. Participants will be provided with dresses, courtesy by Splash - first time for a Goan event in the Middle East. Like last year, participants will be Association's honoured guests. The May ball has been successful in getting worldwide coverage for the event and is one of the eagerly awaited event among the Indian community in the State of Qatar. More details can be had on 5550491.
Re: [Goanet] WE THE PEOPLE in Goa on the Scarlett Keeling Murder
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- For one of the 'we the people' who got to hold the microphone for just under 30 seconds on the Barkha Dutt show at Bage beach yesterday, I would like to inform those who were not present at the actual shoot-out t hat there was a tremendous side-show which was not caught on the camera. (1) When Alexio Sequeira, rubbed in a question who is selling the Land? insinuating that Goans are getting exorbitant prices and they are having a ball, yours sincerely countered him by shouting him down (at he top of the voice) No Alex, you're wrong, the Ownerships of the properties of the Expats who think these are safe back home are being fraudulently changed by crooks with the connivance of authorities. (read mamlatdars/Dy. Collectors even lawyers whose spouses are the judges in Civil Courts thro' forged Power of Attorneys of even long dead people). (2) Ex. Dy. SP Mr. Borges who was seated accross from the minister charged his as corrupt, both sort of coming to blows until Barkha had to plead for calm. Mr. Borges was so furious that he even challenged Alex after the show and both had to be separated and calmed down. What yours sincerely wanted to say which was interrupted by Barkha snatching the mike is :- Problem: The political class has broken the back-bone of the administrative authority, especially the police, to render them to the chores of errand boys. Solution: 1. Limit the term of office of politicians to (max) 2 terms preferably just one term for Goan politicians. 2. Debar the political class from having anything to do with recruitment /appointing/promoting and posting of Civil servants/police personnel etc. Because this develops the detrimental nexus. The best item in the show, however, was the question asked by young Melissa Simoes to the minister if he was justifying the abundant availability of drugs in Goa just because drugs were available every where in the world. Alex did fumble some answering this question. Cheers fc. PS1: I was there for the show because a friend of mine asked me to come as he was invited. PS2: My phone was out since last 3 days. - Original Message - From: Rajan P. Parrikar [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 1:11 PM Subject: Re: [Goanet] WE THE PEOPLE in Goa on the Scarlett Keeling Murder To Goanet - Jason Monserrate wrote: confused. To make things worse, more airtime was given to Alexio Sequiera than to someone like Oscar Rebello who had crisper, meaningful and more relevant points to make. I saw the notice for this programme and the first thing that struck me was the composition of the panel:.. After that stiff dose of Dr. Rebello's bilge I was done with my quota of rubbish for the day. Warm regards, r
Re: [Goanet] Goan Recipe BOTTATEAMCHI BHAJI OR SUKHI BHAJI
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://www.2008goanconvention.com --- Hi, I am a Moidekar in Canada and I am terribly missing the mouth watering Botat Bhaji Puri from Café Bonsle/Cafae Real in Panjim. Also the Ussal (Hindu style) that I used to enjoy in the small Chai Joints in Goa.made of Green Peas. Can you send me some of these recipies? Mog Assundhi. Nash Lobo Fund Accountant RBC Dexia Investor Services Phone: 416 955 3817 Fax#1: 416-313-5632 Fax#2: 416-955-3555 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This e-mail may be privileged and/or confidential, and the sender does not waive any related rights and obligations. Any distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it contains by other than an intended recipient(s) is unauthorized. If you received this e-mail in error, please advise me (by return e-mail or otherwise) immediately and delete this e-mail. The contents of any attachment to this e-mail may contain software viruses or other defect which might affect your own computer system once received or opened. While companies under RBC Dexia Investor Services Trust and its affiliates take reasonable precautions to minimize that risk, we cannot accept liability or responsibility for any damage or loss which may occur or be sustained as a result of a software virus or other defect. You are responsible for virus checks before opening any attachment.
[Goanet] ALEXYZ Daily Cartoon (18Mar08)
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- Blatant Robbing of Sand by Builders... Soon our Beaches will be as Bare as the Tourists To enjoy the visual cartoon please visit: www.alexyztoons.com Site sponsored by www.goasudharop.org
[Goanet] Goan jailed for doctoring passport, ID
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- Goan jailed for doctoring passport, ID PANJIM, MARCH 17- Philip Fernandes, a Goan who came to Britain and landed a job on a false passport, has been jailed for a year. According to police, Philip bought a false Portuguese passport and identity card in Germany, but the 47-year-old was caught after trying to get a National Insurance (NI) number at a job centre in Swindon. David Maunder, the prosecutor, told a Swindon Crown Court that Philip went to fill in the forms on January 10 this year, and tried to get the NI number on a false name using the identity on the forged passport and ID card. The interviewing officer from the Department for Work and Pensions was immediately suspicious of the paperwork and retained them for further examination. A closer examination showed that the passport had been manipulated and the identity card was counterfeit. Fernandes was arrested at his place of work, at Del Monte in Wootton Bassett, three weeks later. At the police station, he gave his real identity and said he was from Goa. Fernandes said he had bought the documents in Germany for ?1,500, knowing that if he entered the United Kingdom on his genuine passport he would not be able to stay or work. He used the passport to get into the country, open a bank account and get a job through the Pertemps agency. Asked about his motivation, he said it was a common practice among those in Goa. Fernandes pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing false identity documents with intent. Ironically, Philip could have applied for a Portuguese passport, but he said the process takes a long time and he was being pressured by his family to come to the UK. Jailing him, Judge Charles Wade said Through your advocate you say that it is common practice for those from your country to use false documents in this way. If this is so, I would like to send out a message that it has to stop. http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=1212cid=2
[Goanet] *Happy Birthday Mario!*
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- Folks, It's that time of year again! 18 March: Happy Birthday Mario Goveia! Great to see you online again - I'm sure Santosh, George, Gabe, Gilbert, Bosco, Cornel, Mervyn, etc. are tickled pink! See ya Toronto at the Great Goan Convention in July. Oooops, I almost said Toledo - is there a party tonite?? Have a great year! FR. http://www.2008goanconvention.com/ _ Spread the Love by installing 30 free Messenger Emoticons. Get them now! http://g.msn.ca/ca55/212
[Goanet] Mothers and monsters (Madeleine Bunting... in The Guardian)
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/mar/14/pressandpublishing.india Mothers and monsters * Madeleine Bunting * The Guardian, * Friday March 14 2008 In the media's hands, Fiona MacKeown has become a scapegoat for the middle classes This article appeared in the Guardian on Friday March 14 2008 on p39 of the Comment debate section. It was last updated at 00:17 on March 14 2008. Compassion is not a response the media seem able to sustain. That small window that affords a degree of respect for the grief of the bereaved seems to shrink ever more, but even so the treatment of Fiona MacKeown, the mother of the 15-year-old murdered on a Goa beach, has plumbed new depths of harsh judgmentalism. While MacKeown struggles to get the police to take on the case of her daughter's killing, she has a second child lying in hospital in the UK with a broken neck from a car accident that happened shortly before her daughter's death. This goes well beyond the platitude of a mother's worst nightmare. Yet even such circumstances have not inhibited the torrent of criticism and contempt that has poured down on this woman's head. Open season has been declared on every part of her family life, her parenting style and even her appearance. She is blamed for abandoning her daughter in a resort while continuing her travels; accused of a recklessly indulgent style of parenting; and criticised for her mode of grieving. Almost every article refers to her hair - it is lank, a curtain and, most unforgivably, grey. Most commentators offer a perfunctory sorry before they plunge in the knife. But apologies are disingenuous because they have styled the MacKeown story in such a way as to subtract all details that don't support their charge sheet. Forget the information variously offered by MacKeown, family friends and neighbours: that she was a devoted mother, that all her nine children are well behaved and polite, that she had been reluctant to leave her strong-willed daughter, who insisted on remaining in Goa. Forget the most basic principle of bereavement, which is that grief has many faces - some weep, some wail, some become steely-faced in a quest for truth or justice. Was she a perfect mother? Did she make mistakes? Was there an error of judgment? No, yes, yes: and what parent wouldn't admit to the same tally? But this has become one of those cases on which the smug middle classes gorge themselves with self-righteousness. The MacKeowns' home in caravans in a field in Devon is held up as evidence of heinous hippy parenting. But when did unconventionality become a crime? Is it so inexplicable that she wanted to give her children a sense of freedom and adventure in the country rather than ram them through an exam-stuffed, minutely supervised, screen-based childhood? Neglect takes many forms - it is as likely to lurk in the most affluent home as in a muddy field. MacKeown is not the only one. Kate McCann was criticised for dressing too well, not crying enough, her hair too neat; Shannon Matthews's mother, Karen, has had too many children and too many partners. No woman emerges from the public scrutiny unscathed. Let's be clear, the scale of the intolerance is well beyond rationality. There is a profound superstition (or social mechanism) at work whereby we transmute anxiety into persecution. MacKeown has to be made into a monster; it enables readers to distance themselves from the tragedy and so find flimsy reassurance that it could not happen to them. The reader enjoys a rich moment of I'm not like that self-congratulation: this is how the media turns tragedy into a form of entertainment. We are much like the Ancient Greeks who, as Terry Eagleton reminds us in his book Holy Terror, would select a criminal to be driven through the streets, beaten and perhaps murdered as a way of expiating their guilt. Jews sent a goat into the desert laden with their sins. These are some of the origins of the term scapegoat. Our media demonstrates that the impulse to blame and persecute persists - all that has changed is that its object is the mother. [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[Goanet] BSG: Working towards a GREENER Goa.
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- BSG's Goa Home Garden Competition 2008 The Botanical Society of Goa had organized the 14th annual All Goa Home Garden Competition in January. 2008. A panel of judges led by the Immediate Past President Dr. Heman Yeshwant Karapurkar, D. Sc [Gernmany] with Dr.K.G. Hiremath, Ph.D, Ms. Rena Menezes e Fernandes [Directorate of Agriculture], Anand Jadhav [Horticulturist at the Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula] and the current President of BSG a members. The panel visited the houses from Sanquelim to Chandor and judged the gardens for aesthetics, health of plants, composting of garden and kitchen waste, recycling of water and maintenance of roadside trees near the residence. A true plant lover's concern for plants transcends the compound walls. That has been our experience. The results of which are as follows: First Place: Dr Jyoti Mallaya, Ponda, Second Places: Mrs Amita Audhut Nayak Salatry, Porvorim, and Mr. Cedric D' Souza, Altinho-Mapusa, Third Place: Lira Rodrigues, Davorlim- Margao. We have a Special Category for Home Gardeners who have won the First Prize more than thrice in the past twelve years. We have also two unique gardens which are truly venues for a self-learning experience. Their gardens are masterpieces beyond competition. They are Professionally landscaped garden of Dr Carmo Gracias at Borda-Margao, enthusiatic Amateur Gardener's masterpiece of Mr Nicholas Sequeira at Sonarbhat- Saligao, the environmental landscape of Mr.John Hicks near the Church- Camurlim, and the labelled tree paradise of the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr, on Torda Road at Porvorim. All other enthusiatic participants will be given certificates of merit and participation on 30 March. The Annual General Meeting of the Botanical Society of Goa (BSG) and the elections to the new executive committee of the BSG for the 3-year term 2008-2011 will be held on Sunday 30 March at 10.00 A.M. in the WWF Office, Nehru Science Centre campus, off Dr. Jack Sequeira Road, Miramar-Panaji. . Spot nominations will be accepted only for those posts for which nominations are not received by noon of 19 March, as intimated earlier. All the members of the BSG are requested to attend the Annual General Body meeting. The prizes and certificates of the All Goa Home Garden Competition 2008 will be awarded on the 30th March at 11:00 am at the AGM. For any further enquiries contact Miguel Braganza-9822982676 or Christina De Souza-9822124032. Christina De Souza Secretary of BSG Dears, If you are already a member of the BSG, please do attend the AGM and award function. If you are not yet a member but would like to join the group of avid plant lovers, gardeners, foresters, agriculturists and teachers [often two or more of the above terms are applicable to a single BSG member, with plant lover being the ONLY essential requirement for BSG membership] you can still come. Should you want to join after you have met the others all you have to do is fill a membership form and pay Rs.1000/- by cash or cheque for a life time. Mog asundi. Miguel -- -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. Miguel Braganza, S1 Gracinda Apts, Rajvaddo, Mhapsa 403507 Goa Ph 9822982676 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Re: [Goanet] Is Christianity a Religion
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- Ana Maria's comments 'There is an ocean between Christ and Catholics, Yes there is a big ocean. Leo and Hortencia. Dubai. .In my opinion, if you do your best to be more like Christ, as hard as that may be, you cannot go wrong, and you will be well regarded, in this world and the next. Isn't that what the word Christian should mean? Dears, This is the first time I have gone thro' this tread and I like what is being said. Hence my two-bit inputs. 1. IMHO the catholic community as such is dead. It only shows its head at church services and related functions and festivities, weddings get-to-gathers and ofcourse 'funerals'. 2. IMHO , the meaning of the words and action of Jesus 'DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME' have been truly and sadly misinterpreted over the years and the same have been used as an exercise to build muscles in the arms, raising and lowering ... I have always wondered as to what was in Jesus' mind when he said those words and/or what was he telling his workers/deciples. i.e. What was he asking them to remember him by? Do what in his memory? 3. I believe Christianity to be a way of life and cannot be pinned down to the rituals of a religion. To elaborate my point I shall want to tell the following often told joke: Two masked men, dressed in black, armed with AK-47s, walk up the aisle to the alter in the fully packed Church during the Sunday Mass. Reaching the alter they both turn and face the congregation. The leader shouts. Those of you who want to die for Jesus remain seated. The rest take off. You have one minute. All pandemonium breaks loose. When the din had subsided, the leader faces the priest , removes his mask, gives a big smile and says Father, you may now continue with the service. The hypocrites are gone. There were only a handful left mostly who couldn't run for their lives. Cheers fc PS: I hope I am wrong. Please tell me if I am. Tks. - Original Message - From: Leo Conrad D'Souza [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: goanet@lists.goanet.org Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 12:53 AM Subject: [Goanet] Is Christianity a Religion Dear Ana Maria and Mario, Is Christianity, a religion? To us it is not, its only a relationship with Christ. The Ten Commandments in the Old Testament was summed up by only Two Commandments in the New Testament by Christ. These Two commandements covers up all the Ten Commandments and much more. Your comment, Mario 'it is an undisputed fact that the Catholic Church is the original Christian religion instituted by Christ,.
[Goanet] Alcohol metabolism in Goans and Indians
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- --- Gilbert Lawrence [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The purpose of writing this article is to bring to the attention of Goans, the effect of drugs and alcohol, as the same chain-of-events can happen to non-hippies. In fact Goans and Indians, whose liver can less effectively metabolize alcohol than 'Whites', may be more prone to this chain of events. I was suspicious of the above claim when I read it a few days ago. The rest of the rationale also seemed somewhat flawed because it is well known that the inability to metabolize alcohol leads people not to be dependent on it in the first place because of a strong aversive reaction to it. This is true of many Chinese, Japanese and Koreans. They lack a particular type of liver enzyme and have an inactive form of another, both of which are required for the efficient breakdown of ethyl alcohol, and its metabolite acetaldehyde. I ignored the apparent blunder with respect to the hepatic metabolism of alcohol in Goans and Indians because I gave Gilbert the benefit of doubt, thinking that he may be referring to some study that I was not aware of. However, after checking through the medical literature I am unable to find any support for his factual assertion and logical discrepancy. Indians do not have the metabolic deficiency that Gilbert claims they do in comparison with whites. And those who have this deficiency, such as the orientals, are less likely to become addicted to alcohol. Cheers, Santosh
Re: [Goanet] India, sixth 'Wonder' of Americans
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- As the worthy discussant that you are, I had wriiten an elaborate response to your post with the incomplete excerpt, but lost my post due to a Gmail hiccup--my first. So in brief here is what I said with the prodigal sentence beginning with Why: But despite such acts of belligerence and a fascinating insult to itself,they still love the Chinese. Why -- undoubtedly for what China is willing to do to satiate the bellies of capitalism, their own and that of the USA. Perhaps you inadvertently missed the sentence immediately following the one you employed to make your case, Once that sentence is in place it becomes clear that I was looking at Nation States--their power brokers (elites if you will) and not survey responders. I am pleased that you went back to the earlier email, and I hope other do too. I am disappointed that I lost my text. I had also nailed the grammar on that one. venantius From: Sachin Phadte [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Goanet] India, sixth 'Wonder' of Americans To my comment: The news report that I read said that 55% of the respondents viewed China negatively and 42% positively. I do not think this data would indicate love. Venantius Pinto responds: The data simply indicates that MORE people viewed China negatively. Why bring in love in -- is this some kind of qualitative analysis? If Venantius had read his own posting carefully, it would be clear that he was the one who brought love in the picture. He had written: But despite such acts of belligerence and a fascinating insult to itself,they still love the Chinese. I had included this quote of his in the message to which Venantius responded. Sachin Phadte
[Goanet] more on selling Goa
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- dear Goanet readers, JC wroteAs a Catholic Goan who has experienced the MGP attempt to ethnically cleanse Goa of Catholics, etc,etc,---. Is migration by Catholics for greener pastures called ETHNIC CLEANSING? What was the population of Catholics when Bandodkar died? what is the population of Catholics now after 25 odd years of Congress rule? What is the population of Muslims,specially in salcette now? Is Goan Catholicism so weak that one VCD can finish it off? Indira Gandhi was the one who?started criminalisation of Politics.She tried to?destroy every?institution in the country.How can congressmen afford to pay Rs 1000-2000 for every vote? Daughter in law is?carrying on her?Mother in Laws legacy so the Gandhi Dynasty can rule for ever!? As far as the sale of the properties and the highest bidder is concerned, there is a queue of Delhiwallas waiting and they have offshore accounts in Bahamas as well! cheers Dr. Anesimo Fernandes
[Goanet] Seedy Underbelly Of Goa’s Tourism Expo sed (Fr. Desmond de Sousa CSsR, SAR NEWS)
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- Seedy Underbelly Of Goa's Tourism Exposed By Fr. Desmond de Sousa CSsR, SAR NEWS PANAJI, Goa (SAR NEWS) -- Drowning or murder? The death of 15-year-old British girl Scarlette Keeling on Anjuna beach in north Goa, has opened the proverbial can of worms. Goa's international fame as a tourist destination has been shattered. The glossy tourist brochures projected Goa as an idyllic beach-holiday destination, with swaying coconuts palms, silver-sanded beaches, easygoing lifestyle and affordable hotel accommodation. The seedy underbelly of tourism: the easy availability of hard drugs, wild rave parties and free sex was deliberately ignored. On the night of February 18, Scarlette, already high on drugs and alcohol, staggered alone into an Anjuna beach shack. She was fed with more drugs by a local dealer Placido Carvalho. The shack owner Samson D'Souza, loaded her with more alcohol, then raped her. As she began to collapse, he dragged her onto the beach to revive her. He finally abandoned her in the shallow water, where she drowned. Her half-naked body was discovered the next morning. The first autopsy indicated death by drowning. Her mother Fiona Mackoewn, in Goa with her eight children and her partner, came in November. She left Scarlette alone in Goa with a boyfriend-cum-tourist guide while holidaying in Karnataka. Summoned to appear before the juvenile unit of the Goa police four days later, she refuted the verdict of the first autopsy. Scarlette was a good swimmer and could not have drowned. Accusing the Goa police of a cover-up, she demanded another autopsy. The case got national and international news coverage. The Goa police and government admitted a lapse in the investigation. Fiona vowed to expose the politicians-police-drug mafia nexus. She accused IGP Brar and Home Minister Ravi Naik of orchestrating the nexus. They ordered an investigation into her presence in Goa and her finances. Meanwhile, the newspapers both in India and England began publishing unsavoury details about Fiona's past. Law minister Dayanand Narvekar, fearing losing his portfolio, sought to distract attention by announcing a change in the law about foreigners owning land in Goa, before the Cabinet's decision. Notoriously, corrupt politicians like Narvekar have literally sold Goa to the local and foreign land mafia. The Russian and Israeli mafia own large areas of land along north Goa beaches. The Coalition of continental Churches called the Ecumenical Coalition on Third World Tourism (ECTWT) in 1982, prophetically denounced mass and luxury tourism as an unmitigated disaster for third world countries. Even the Vatican rubbished their critique as unfounded. From a European, tourist-sending perspective, the way tourism was structured was good, provided certain negative fallouts like drugs and prostitution were contained. The Third World perspective starts from a different premise. The tourism industry is a clone of capitalist society, where profits are more important than persons. This is endemic to the very structuring of the industry. From a Third World perspective, the very structuring of mass and luxury tourism industry reflects the structures of sin of capitalist society. The tourism industry in Angeles City (the Philippines) and Pattaya (Thailand) were the Rest and Recreation centres for the American navy and army during the Vietnam War (1965-75). Tourism co-opted their already existing infrastructure after the war. So mass and luxury tourism was structured around the already existing function of rampant prostitution and hard drugs, rather than around people seeking to understand one another at leisure. Goa was first discovered by the hippies in the late 1960s. These protestors against the Vietnam War were dropouts of society. Their rampant drug use, blatant nudity and free sex lifestyle was a gentle poison (according to a Goan playwright) for transfusion of their decadent lifestyle into the culture of local youth along the beaches. Droves of male Indian tourists came to ogle at this tourist attraction! Today, this decadent lifestyle has created the infrastructure of Goa's tourism. It has become an attractive hangout for dysfunctional people from all over the world. Goa's beaches are infested with drug dealers from all over the world. The foreign tourists that fuel Goa's tourist industry are often low-income tourists and adventurous youth out for cheap thrills. Easy availability of drugs and Goa's reputation as a tourist paradise where liquor flows uninterruptedly has perpetuated its image as a permissive haven, away from the rough and tumble of
[Goanet] LIMERICK FOR THE DAY 41 - WHEN WILL GOA AWAKE?
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- Goa is engulfed in controversies of land-grabbing, drugs and sex, While other states forge ahead and their muscles proudly flex Makes me wonder when we will awake and shake off our indifference. And find an inspiring leader who will in our minds drive some sense. Embolden us so that we regain our spine and stick out our necks. Are we doomed to be hewers of wood and drawers of water? Are we forever going to be like lambs ready for slaughter? What is the solution to our manifold and complex ills? When will we have freedom for the creativity of our skills? I hope this will at least happen in the lifetime of my son and daughter. - SHANTI DHOOT
Re: [Goanet] Of Xenophobics and Patriots
--- 2008 International Goan Convention Toronto, Canada Early Bird Discount Registration closes March 31, 2008 http://2008goanconvention.com/registration.html --- Santosh Helekar wrote: It is the xenophobes who pride themselves as being the real patriots. Santosh, You could have stopped right here and this would have been an excellent post. The rest of your post is excellent almost beyond description. Thank you. Mervyn Lobo PS. I am leaving the rest of your words untouched so that anyone who missed it the first time gets another chance to read it. The battle here has to be between the Indian patriots and the Goan subpatriots within their own party, both of whom share similar instincts when it it comes to guarding their territories. My problem with them is not what they are or what they call themselves and others whom they dislike, but that there is no substance beneath their supercilious rhetoric. No semblance of a rational and consistent position, leading to a practical solution for Goa as a state under the Indian union and her constitution. To me, abiding by the constitutional principle that every Indian citizen has a right to settle anywhere in her country, as recently upheld again by the Supreme Court, is not airy idealism. It is a sober affirmation of the settled law of the land with profound practical implications. As I have said before, those who favor balkanization of India have never articulated any cogent rationale for it. Their case is essentially rhetorical, hysterical and political - a sputtering series of turgid rants. They have never addressed the real causes of all the problems in any meaningful way beyond dismissively outsourcing the blame or cursing their petty political opponents. The mindset on display is too vacuous to take into account the ground realities of the demographic transformation that Goa and the rest of India are undergoing in the 21st century. Unless there is a genuine change in attitude and outlook, such a mindset would always be blind to the fact that both, the causes and the transformation, lie within us. The problems facing Goa are easily recognizable for traitors and patriots alike. They are unplanned development, misuse of land and resources, environmental degradation, mutilation of landscape, overcrowding, crumbling infrastructure, and poor living and working conditions for an expanding underclass of migrant laborers. The answer to these problems is also obvious to anybody who is in physical or audiovisual contact with Goa, even to those who are fixated on the ghats in the distance, or who let their vision be distorted by a non-therapeutic artificial lens. There is nothing original about the answer. Its appreciation does not require special knowledge or skill. Stated simply, it is obeying the laws, properly enforcing them, reforming outdated ones and enacting new ones wherever necessary - laws against corruption, misuse and pillage of land, destruction of the environment and heritage, social discrimination and prejudice, and exploitation of the working class. In talking to socially conscious folk in Goa I know that they are fully aware of all the details about them. They know how they apply in each specific case and their own obligation in that regard. So what one needs is a grass roots campaign to expand this awareness among the masses, to inspire them to hold their local and state-wide representatives accountable through non-violent action. Notice that these actions do not require banning other Indians or foreigners from relocating to Goa. They do not depend on a stealthy violation of the Indian constitution nor in creating protectionist impediments to a growing modern economy. If the separatist or segregationist concern then is only about maintaining the racial, casteist or cultural purity of the Goan population then this impulse deserves nothing but condemnation. For, the notion of purity is a figment of an impure mind. No such state has ever existed in our history, nor is it desirable from a biological standpoint because endogamy has taken its toll on our stagnating gene pool. Today’s ground reality of demographic transformation, therefore, is a welcome development. Perhaps, more than across state borders, we see it occurring in our families. The younger generation is forging matrimonial ties with an ever widening circle of humanity, ignoring all geographical boundaries. To keep pace with this dilution of Goanness the xenophobes would have no recourse but to quickly ban miscegenation of Goans with non-Goans, while inventing new slurs to refer to their children and preventing them from inheriting Goan land. Cheers, Santosh Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the
