A YEAR FULL OF SHAMS FOR LAW AND ORDER IN GOA

PANJIM: In the run up to the golden jubilee celebration of its liberation from Portuguese rule, Goa had its share of shame on law and order front.

2010 A TOUGH YEAR FOR GOA POLICE

PANJIM: 2010 proved to be a year with more ‘downs’ than ‘ups’ for the state police.  The big blow came in the form of a video tape uploaded on ‘Youtube’ which exposed alleged links between drug dealers and personnel who had served in the Anti-Narcotics Cell.

NCP SPEAKER WANTS MICKKY TO HEAD NCP IN GOA

PANJIM: Giving clear indications of disqualifying its two defiant MLAs - Revenue Minister, Mr Jose Philip D’Souza and Tourism Minister, Mr Nilkanth Halarnkar - the Nationalist Congress Party has sent a letter to the Speaker of the Goa legislative assembly, Mr Pratapsingh Rane requesting him to replace Mr D’Souza with the Benaulim MLA, Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco alias Mickky as the leader of the NCP’s legislative wing in the House.

WOMAN SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS RI FOR PROSTITUTION

PANJIM: Goa Children’s Court today sentenced one Ranjana Pathak to 7 years rigorous imprisonment for trafficking a minor girl from Bangladesh and pushing her into prostitution in 2004.

MONSERRATE ANNOUNCES HIS 30 MEMBER PANEL

PANJIM: The Education Minister and the Taleigao MLA, Mr Atanasio Monserrate, on Friday, announced his 30-member panel for the forthcoming election to the Corporation of the City of Panjim, with almost all the ruling-side councillors given candidature.

AIRES ASKS UNION LAW MINISTER NOT TO INAUGRATE ARBITRATION CENTRE

PANJIM: Even before the International Arbitration Centre at Goa is inaugurated next month, social activist Aires Rodrigues has written to Union law minister Veerappa Moily requesting him not to associate himself with the centre's inaugural function as it is being set up by a private trust. Moily is scheduled to inaugurate the centre in Goa on January 4, 2011.

DRIVE AGAINST BOGUS RATION CARDS

PANJIM: The civil supplies department will launch a door-to-door drive to check bogus ration cards in the state. The drive has been planned only after its preliminary exercise of asking people to surrender unauthorized cards failed to evoke a response.

OPEN LETTER TO CHURCHILL ALEMAO by Rupert Coutinho, UAE

Politicians in Goa have been so much publicised in the last 50 years that we read so many public toilets having names of some prominent politicians on their inaugration details. Are these the reasons why we have elected representatives for trivial causes or is it for a greater cause to have a better life and unique identity?

RTI ACT: PETITION FILED AGAINST GOA’S AG MR SUBODH KANTAK

PANJIM: A petition has been filed today before the Goa State Information Commission by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against Advocate General of Goa Mr. Subodh Kantak for his failure to comply with the provisions of the Right to Information Act.

MARGAO`S CANCER-MOTI DONGOR OR “MULLAH DONGOR” By N Fernandes, London

This issue at Moti Dongor or "Mullah Dongor", considering most of the inhabitants seem to have very Muslim names, is unlikely to see peace. To satisfy "Politically correct people" like Yogesh Marathe, as we are all Indians now, given all freedoms by the Freedom Fighters with one exception, that is yet to be achieved..PEACE (from crimes)...we could also call give it a subtle name of "MUTINY DONGOR".

CONTROVERSIES HOGGED MICKKY PACHECO FOR MOST OF THE YEAR by Nisser Dias

As the world welcomes the new year, I would like to reminisce about some important events involving our elected representatives and officials during 2010. Topping the list is bandanna sporting MLA who has been in news for all the wrong reasons.

NEW YEAR PRAYER AND RESOLUTIONS by Dalia

Let us cherish the coming of the New Year as usual, year after year. Let us try to be good and content, kind to each other. If it didn't bring you joy just leave it behind, let's ring in the new year with good things in mind. It's a new year, let's give a cheer.  Pour some wine and some beer.

RESPONSE TO YOGESH MARATHE By N Fernandes, London:

Goa should be as progressive State?

**NOTE: I am mindful and aware that some commentators have remarked that replying to Yogesh Marathe is a Pointless and fruitless exercise.

PORTUGUESE LEGACY IN GOA by Dr. Francis Colaco

It is imperative therefore that we exorcise ourselves, first and foremost, from the demons of hatred and unforgiveness that hang within us. As grown-ups it is also high time we squarely accept the blame that rests on us for the present chaos in Goa. Moreover, a healthy society doesn’t regale in the opening up of past wounds.

BOBBY FARELL OF BONEY M FAME DIES AGED 61

MOSCOW: The charismatic frontman of Boney M, Bobby Farrell, has died on tour in St Petersburg after finishing a gig despite medical concerns.  The 61-year-old, who brought the Caribbean carnival tradition of his native Aruba to western pop, had complained of breathing problems before and after the show.

COPS CLUELESS SO FAR IN KUNDAIM MURDER

PONDA: Four days later, and the Ponda police are still looking for clues in the murder of Kundaim resident, Ramesh Gaikwad reported at Manaswadda, Kundaim.

WHO ARE THE REAL FREEDOM FIGHTERS STILL SURVIVING by Rupert Coutinho, UAE

Of late there are so many debates on who the true freedom fighters are since its been more than 50 years of the forced occupation of Goa by Indian Union and doubts are expressed on the survival or true age of these people. Since freedom fighters registered with government authorities draw allowances/ pensions from the taxpayers, this taxpayers money contributed by Goans should not end up being misused. Native Goans need to reap the benefits of the taxes they pay.

ENQUIRY AGAINST THREE COPS ON INDICTION BY SPCA

PANJIM: The police department has ordered a disciplinary inquiry against three cops who have been found guilty by the State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA) of having ''played an active role in a conspiracy'' against a Colva mundkar to deprive the latter of mundkarial rights.

THREE PERSONS ARRESTED IN MONTE DONGOR RIOTING AND MURDER ATTEMPT CASE

MARGAO: Three persons arrested in Tuesday's attempt to murder and rioting case at Monte Dongor were on Wednesday remanded to six days police custody by a local court here.

GOA'S CONGRESS LAW COMMISSION by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Every State Law Commission in the country has been headed by either a retired Supreme Court or High Court Judge.

INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE AT GOA IS A SCAM IN THE OFFING ALLEGES AIRES

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today alleged that the proposed International Arbitration Centre at Goa was a major scam in the offing.  Cautioning the Goa Government not to associate or get itself involved with it, Adv. Rodrigues has demanded a thorough probe into the setting up of the proposed International Arbitration Centre by misusing the Law Commission of Goa.

THIEVES IMPERSONATE POLICE TO ROB AND LOOT

MARGAO: If a woman was burgled of her bag containing valuables worth over Rs seven lakh at a nuptial ceremony in a Church here on Tuesday evening, another woman became the victim of thieves while on an early morning jog around the Margao municipal garden – just a stone’s throw away from the Margao police headquarters on Wednesday.

STORM SUBSIDED BUT IS IN A VERY FRAGILE SHAPE

MARGAO: An uneasy calm prevailed atop the migrant inhabited Monte Dongor locality of the commercial capital throughout Wednesday after Tuesday’s clashes and attacks on women, even as the Margao police charged the assailants for the offence of attempt to murder.

NEW MODUS OPERANDI BY DRUG PEDDLARS TO FOOL POLICE

PANJIM: The drug peddlers have come up with a new strategy to hoodwink the police and continue with their illegal drug trade on the eve of the New Year.

WHO CREATED THIS SITUATION AT MONTE DONGOR, MIGRANTS OR THE POLITICIAN OF MARGAO?

MARGAO: Who gave the settlement NOC to build a Nagar? Was it Digamber Kamat who reared up the migrants to be his future vote bank is the question asked by the Goans of Margao today. Well the answer is YES this settlement is only with the blessings of Digamber Kamat. Were the Goans asleep when the migrants were gathering in pieces? Digamber Kamat has definitely taken the advantage of the SUSEGAD Goans. Is there any solution or will tension flare up? Goa is slowly changing into another Bihar.

ARCHBISHOP OF GOA SAYS CHURCH READY TO PROMOTE DIGNITY OF MAN

PANJIM: Assuring that the Church in Goa will only be too glad to offer its collaboration in the building of a society that sincerely and genuinely promotes the dignity of the human being, religious freedom and cultural harmony as well as peace and justice for everyone.

PARRIKAR WILL CONTEST ELECTIONS FROM PANJIM ONLY

PANJIM: The leader of the opposition and the city MLA, Mr Manohar Parrikar, on Wednesday, said that he would be contesting from the Panjim constituency, and only Panjim constituency.

APPEAL TO GOANS FOR UNITY by P. Cruz, Vasco da Gama

At present there is conflict between Congress-NCP about the Ministerial berth for Mickky, and the fight seems to be dragging between two camps. Just now I was watching the News on Local Television and there was an Interview of Mickky Pacheco.

FILE ON GOA LAW COMMISSION GOES MISSING

PANJIM: The official file pertaining to the formation of the Goa Law Commission headed by Mr. Ramakant Khalap has gone missing. This has been revealed in information furnished by the Law department to Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act.

BABUSH MONSERRATE READY TO CONTEST PANJIM SEAT

PANJIM: If the Congress agrees, education minister and Taleigao MLA Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate will challenge opposition leader Manohar Parrikar to represent Panjim in the legislative assembly.

TENSIONS AT MOTI DONGOR LEADS TO ARREST OF FOUR, MORE ON LIST

MARGAO: Tension prevailed at Moti Dongor in Margao after two groups clashed on Tuesday evening. Four persons have been arrested by the Margao police so far and are on look out for more.

RAVI NAIK SILENT ON POLICE-POLITICIAN-DRUG NEXUS

PANJIM: A Congress legislator and top cricket official in Goa on Tuesday said state home minister Ravi Naik and the police chief were mute spectators when it came to handling the investigation pertaining to the police-politician-drug mafia nexus.

MICKKY REJECTED BY CONGRESS FROM INCLUSION INTO CABINET

PANJIM: After days of haggling and bowing to internal pressure from rebels, the Congress on Monday outrightly rejected the NCP demand to reinduct Benaulim MLA Francisco ‘Mickky’ Pacheco into the Digambar Kamat cabinet. AICC general secretary in charge of Goa desk B K Hariprasad said, “It would be problematic for the government considering the thin majority it has.” NCP, however, has not given up its demand and still wants the former tourism minister back in the ministry.

GOA PORTUGAL's PROVINCE TO INIDIA’s COLONY brought to you by Franco Fernandes

A year after Indian troops ended Portugal's 451-year rule over its tiny colony of Goa on India's west coast, native Goans were longing last week for the good old days of Portuguese Rule.

MICKKY SAYS HE WILL NOT COMPROMISE ON NUVEM SEAT

MARGAO: Former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco has asserted that he will not compromise on his decision to contest the coming Assembly polls from Nuvem constituency.  “I want to make categorically clear that in politics I will not compromise with anyone. I will contest only in Nuvem. This is my constituency as I have the right to cast my vote in this constituency”, he told newsmen on Tuesday.

OWNER FOILS THEFT AT MARGAO JEWELLRY SHOP

MARGAO: Attempt by a gang of four to lift gold ornaments from a jewellery shop at Gandhi market on Monday was foiled, after police arrested one woman from the gang and recovered the stolen items found on her.

POLICE CAUGHT RED HANDED FOUR THIEVES

PORVORIM: In an unusual incident, police arrested four persons and recovered stolen booty even before a complaint was lodged regarding the burglary.  Porvorim police have arrested four persons in connection with theft of gold and silver ornaments worth Rs 1.24 lakh.

LEGAL NOTICE GIVES GOA AG SUBODH KANTAK 48 HOURS TO COMPLY WITH RTI ACT

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues today served a legal notice on Goa’s Advocate General Mr. Subodh Kantak calling upon him to forthwith comply with the provisions of the Right to Information Act.

EVEN THE GOVERNOR'S HAIRCUT IS PAID FOR BY THE TAX PAYER by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

With the Goa Governor Dr. S.S.Sidhu not complying with the RTI Act, we have the constitutional head of the State himself violating the law. Governor Sidhu who is otherwise a highly respected senior retired bureaucrat has let us all down.

MICKKY PACHECO HUNGRY FOR MINISTERIAL BERTH

PANJIM: Breaking his silence over the political crisis in Goa triggered by his proposed re-induction in the Cabinet, controversial NCP legislator Fransisco Mickey Pacheco on Monday said it is the prerogative of his party to make him a minister and Congress should not interfere in it.

POLICE TO MAINTAIN STRICT VIGILANCE ON SUNBURN FIESTA

PANJIM: Every breath blown, every move made, every step taken during the three-day Sunburn Goa electronic music fest, will be watched by men in uniform. There will be one uniformed policeman at the venue for every 10 persons dancing to the tunes of the world's best names in electronic music.

TRAFFIC BROUGHT TO A HALT AT BAGA-CALANGUTE ROAD

MAPUSA: Peeved over the closure of some routes to the public, a rasta roko was staged at Calangute, on Monday afternoon, that brought traffic along the Baga-Calangute road to a complete halt for 3 hours.

PROPOSED DOCKYARD OPPOSED BY KUNDAIM VILLAGERS

PONDA: Residents of Mauzwadda ward of Kundaim and other villagers, under the banner of Kundaim Nagrik Samiti, on Monday, gathered at the panchayat office of Kundaim demanding that the sarpanch should stick to the October gram sabha resolution, which opposes the proposed dock at Mauzwadda.

SHARP RISE OF CRIME IN SOUTH GOA

MARGAO: The South Goa district has witnessed a rapid change in its demographic structure and the crime pattern has also changed accordingly.  Inadequate deployment of police personnel and lack of infrastructure are posing difficulties for the administration to keep crime under check.

GOA POLICE NOT SERIOUS OF POSSIBLE TERROR ATTACKS

PANJIM: Goa police do not seem to be serious of fears of possible terrorist attack in the State even as tourist season is at its highest and the entire west coast on alert following intelligence report on suspected terrorist activity in the western part of the country.

FIVE PERSONS CHARGED WITH MURDER HAS BEEN ACQUITTED BY COURT

MARGAO: The South Goa Sessions court on Monday acquitted all the five persons who were charged by the Colem Police for the murder of a woman at Anmod Ghat last year for want of evidence.

MICKKY’s INDUCTION WOULD CAUSE PROBLEMS TO THE GOVERNMENT

PANJIM: The Congress Monday refused to induct Nationalist Congress party (NCP) legislator Fransisco Micky Pacheco in the cabinet, claiming his induction would be "problematic" for the Digamber Kamat-led government in Goa.

INDIA: END OF AN IMAGE, FRIDAY DEC 29, 1961 brought to you by A. Lyndon Perreira

What are the basic elements of our policy in regard to Goa? First, there must be peaceful methods. This is essential unless we give up the roots of all our policies and all our behavior . . . We rule out nonpeaceful methods entirely. —Jawaharlal Nehru, 1955

GOA RAJ BHAVAN ACCUSED OF LYING ABOUT RTI

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today accused Goa’s Raj Bhavan of lying on the Right to Information Act issue.  Adv. Rodrigues has alleged that the reply given to him that the Raj Bhavan was not furnishing information under the RTI Act inview of the affidavit filed in the High Court was factually incorrect and grossly misleading.

DISGRACEFUL FREEDOM FIGHTERS by Esmeraldo Luis, Carmona

The pseudo freedom fighters should purify their heart first for the crimes they committed, and the illegal trades that they carried out during the Portuguese times instead of making the water impure that was already purified by the Portuguese ship Sagres III at Khariwaddo jetty, Vasco.

SHAMELESS AND IMMORAL POLITICIANS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS by Menino Fernandes

In what appears to be the “shameless” acts and where shame does not hold its stand, Mickky Pacheco seems to be trying to hold his stand. It is also a real shame if not to the speakers and supporters but to us the real Goans who are self conscious to have to the adulterous Mickky back in the cabinet as a minister from where he had resigned.

PRELUDE TO MY RESPONSE TO YOGESH MARATHE by N. Fernandes, London

I sincerely hope that some of the excerpts I am copying and pasting here will help Yogesh Marathe.   It is my understanding of History. It can be denied...but it cannot be re-written completely.  What the Portuguese did 450 years or 4 Centuries ago, and what the Indians never did, 4 centuries ago cannot be used as an excuse for current day problems.

TWO ACCIDENTAL DEATHS IN SATARI

VALPOI: Two persons were killed in separate mishaps in Satari taluka.  According to Valpoi police, Yeshwant Kashiram Dharne (22) of Bhedshi-Maharashtra was knocked down by a motorcycle (GA-04/B-7900), driven by Gudu Falsing Rajput at Saleli-Onda recently. The accused fled from the scene. The deceased, who fell by the roadside, was found dead next morning.

PAI TIATRIST HAD GREAT VISIONS FOR TIATRs SAYS RAFAEL

PANJIM: Dr Rafael Fernandes said Pai Tiatrist -- Joao Agostinho Fernandes, was a visionary and hence saw that Konkani tiatr scripts as well as songs were preserved for posterity and thus, produced the first Konkani gramophone record, the centenary of which is being celebrated this year.

FOUR GIRLS RESCUED FROM SEX RACKET AT DONA PAULA

PANJIM: Panjim town police informed that they have on Saturday arrested two persons in connection with a sex racket and rescued four girls while they were at a spot in Dona Paula. A decoy customer was sent to bust the racket.

ATTACK ON CALANGUTE FISHERMEN DENOUNCED

MAPUSA: Speakers flayed the attack on Calangute fishermen that took place at the Candolim jetty a few days back.  Speakers after speakers, which included panchayat members of the Calangute panchayat and zilla panchayat member, addressing at the meeting organised at Calangute felt that this was not the right way of treating fishermen of Calangute and warned of an agitation if things did not improve.

CONGRESS GS HARIPRASAD COMING DOWN TO SOLVE THE CRISES

PANJIM: Congress general secretary in-charge of Goa B K Hariprasad is arriving here to hold talks with the dissident MLAs who have threatened to topple the party-led coalition Government over the proposed re-induction of tainted NCP lawmaker Fransisco Pacheco in the Cabinet.

MY STAND ON RIGHT TO INFORMATION by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

After years of hectic lobbying, the efforts of civil society for getting the Right to information law were finally rewarded on 15 June 2005 when the President of India gave his assent to the Right to Information Act 2005. Over the last five years however the greater challenge has been the actual implementation of the Act.

GOA SHOULD BE A PROGRESSIVE STATE - PART 3 by Yogesh Marathe, (Goa) Dubai

I had decided not to write anything in defence of my article but again a detailed rebut By Mr. Fernandes (London) against me meant I needed to reply to him.

CAR RUNS OVER A 28 YEAR OLD AT VARCA:VALANKA ALEMAO HELPS

VARCA: One Gregorio, a 28 year old man was run over by a car, which left him dead on the spot. Ligorio was crossing the road to go to his vehicle across the road when the incident occurred.

CONTRACTOR STRANGULATED TO DEATH AT KUNDAIM

MARCEL: A 30-year old labour contractor was strangulated to death in his car at Kundaim. According to Ponda police, Ramesh Gaikwad, a native of Satara-Maharastra but residing at Manaswada-Kundaim was a labour contractor at the Marcaim Industrial Estate and was reportedly missing since December 23.

OFFENCE REGISTERED AGAINST DAYANAND NARVEKAR FOR FORGING SONs BIRTH CERTIFICATE

PANJIM: Mapusa police have registered a case against Goa Cricket Association (GCA) president Dayanand Narvekar for forging his son's birth certificate to reduce his age and to ensure that Ganesh Raj would play in the U-15 Goa cricket team. Acting on a complaint filed by Shekhar Salkar, the police on Thursday registered a case against Narvekar under sections 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document) of IPC.

TWO SISTERS DISCHARGED BY HC OF STEALING OWN ANCESTRAL MANGOES

PANJIM: The high court of Bombay at Goa recently set aside the prosecution of two sisters who were charged for allegedly stealing 3,000 mangoes from their ancestral property. The complaint had been filed by their brother claiming that he was the administrator of the property.

CONSUMER COURTS IN GOA ARE GROUNDED by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The consumer protection courts in Goa are unable to functioning effectively. While the North Goa Forum is without a president, the South Goa forum has been short by one member for a long time. The affairs at the State Commission are worse with, the President, a retired High Court judge from Maharastra coming once a month, but the other two members are yet to be appointed.

MICKKY’S IMMEDIATE INDUCTION DEMANDED BY SUPPORTERS

MARGAO: Bitterly protesting over the delay in inducting him in the Digambar Kamat Ministry, supporters of Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco have demanded that the former tourism minister be immediately inducted in the Cabinet and vowed to stand by the MLA come what may.

BJP SELLS ONIONS FOR RS 30 PER KG: SOME SAY A CHEAP GIMMICK USED TO WIN ELECTIONS

PANJIM: In a bid to expose the ineffectiveness in the sale of onions by the Goa State Horticulture Corporation (GSHC) at the rate of Rs 35 per kg, to counter the phenomenal rise in the prices of onions, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday made available onions at the rate of Rs 30 per kg, at three centres namely Panjim, Margao and Shiroda.

CHRISTMAS TIME, MISLETOE AND WINE

PANJIM: The churches and chapels resonated with the sound of bells, which along with midnight masses marked the Christmas celebrations in the state, to mark the birth of Lord Jesus. There were grand displays of fireworks also to mark the joyous occasion of arrival of Lord Jesus.

ALLIANCE OF CONGRESS-NCP ON ROCKS – HUNGRY FOR POWER, POLITICIANS

PANJIM: The statement made by senior party leaders in New Delhi about keeping out Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco of the Nationalist Congress Party from the cabinet headed by Mr Digambar Kamat, has made many state Congress leaders feel that this could rock the alliance between the two alliance partners with the NCP leadership also maintaining adamant postures.

SIRSAT TALKS TOUGH ON CONGRESS LEADERS BLURT OUT

PANJIM: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Goa on Friday took strong cognisance of a statement by a Congress leader that Sharad Pawar-led party was colluding with BJP to destabilise Congress-led government in the state.

FIREWORKS AND FUN OF CHRISTMAS AT SEA

PANJIM: All at sea, when it comes to thinking of a new way of ringing in Christmas? 'X'Mas at sea' is Goa tourism's latest offering this festive season. It lets tourists soak in the festival of cheer on a cruise ship.

DEMAND FOR DOWRY AND AN ATTEMPT TO MURDER 3 LAND IN JAIL

BICHOLIM: Bicholim police on Friday arrested three persons on charges of dowry demands and attempting to murder a woman from Vathadev Bicholim.  According to Bicholim DySP Bossuet D’Silva, Mohammad Gavas from Dhabdabo Bicholim lodged a complaint with police stating that his sister, Sabina, had married Rafique Shekh from Vathadev.

COMPLAINT AGAINST ONE BY PASSPORT OFFICER FOR FORGERY

PANJIM: Passport officer S B Heere today filed a complaint with Panjim town police against a Quepem resident of producing fake documents to obtain a passport.  In his complaint letter, Heere accused Rexon Gomes of furnishing fake SSC and schooling certificates to get Emigration Clearance Not Required in passport.

“10 RUPEE NOTE” GANG STRIKES AGAIN

PANJIM: The '10-rupee' gang has struck again in the city. Shyam Naik, 38, on Thursday complained to the Panjim police that an unidentified person took away his bag containing electronic items worth 18,500 and some important documents.

GOA GOVERNOR GIFTED A COPY OF RTI ACT ON CHRISTMAS EVE

PANJIM: On Christmas Eve, Adv. Aires Rodrigues sent the Goa Governor Dr. S.S.Sidhu a copy of the Right to Information Act 2005.

COPY OF HISTORICAL SUMMONS TO THE GOVERNOR OF GOA

Copy of historical summons to Governor of Goa to appear before the State Information Commission 2010-12-22

It appears that a brand new Freedom Struggle has begun in Goa. This copy of the summons reproduced below issued to the Governor of Goa by the State Information Commission will have historical significance in years to come. It marks a significant milestone in the struggle to impose transparency and accountability in all government servants including the Governor.

DUBAI 2011- GUEST LIST AVAILABILITY By N.Fernandes-London

To the Goan "Organisers" in Dubai...and I mean only "THE ORGANISERS "...not normal hardworking Goans. Here are the Rogues and Grand thieves of the first order, available as Guests for your functions... Tiatrs, Picnics, Dances, Carnival, May Queen Ball etc.

IS CHOOSING AND DROPPING MINISTERS STILL CM’s PREROGATIVE by Nisser Dias

Last week Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat was experiencing a storm in the tea cup or rather a little discomfort with some of his cabinet colleagues coming together to plot a scheme to stop him from reshuffling the council of ministers. Among those who got together were those who were supposed to be directly affected as their names figured in the list of minister to be dropped. At the same time there were others who would be indirectly affected of getting their kith and kin elected at the next assembly hustings with the inclusion of a controversial MLA.

CONGRESSMEN (MLAs) OPPOSE THE INDUCTION OF MICKKY IN THE CABINET

PANJIM: A group of dissident Congress legislators has asked party president Sonia Gandhi to apply the same principles while inducting ministers in Goa as was done in Maharashtra where Ashok Chavan was dropped from the chief minister's post after corruption allegations.

INDUCTION OF MICKKY WILL BE DECIDED AFTER CHRISTMAS

PANJIM: The Congress high command would take a decision on the request made by its alliance partner the Nationalist Congress Party in the state on the inclusion of its legislator, Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco alias Mickky, in the cabinet headed by Mr Digambar Kamat only after the Christmas celebrations.

CONGRESS UNLIKELY TO HEED TO PAWARs DIRECTIVES

NEW DELHI: The Congress is likely to ignore Mr Sharad Pawar’s directive to induct controversial NCP legislator, Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco alias Mickky into Goa ministry after a group of ten Congress MLAs threatened to topple the party-led government in the state if he was made a minister.

GOA POLICE ARE COMMITTED TO PEOPLE’S SAFETY AND SECURITY SAYS RAVI NAIK

MAPUSA: The Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik has praised the functioning of the Goa police saying that they were going all out to solve or detect any type of cases.  “It is easy to criticise but have we ever wondered that inspite of several shortcomings, the Goa police are going all out to protect the citizens of the state. Several kidnap and robbery cases have been solved successfully by our police force yet we sometimes fail to acknowledge their services,” Naik said

NATIVE OF BIJAPUR ARRESTED FOR THEFT

MARGAO: In a swift action, the Margao police arrested a native of Bijapur and recovered from him goods stolen from a city-based hospital last night.

CM REFRAINING FROM TAKING A STAND ON MICKKY ISSUE

PANJIM: The Bharatiya Janata Party has said that the golden jubilee celebrations of state’s Liberation began on a “lackluster” note because of the on-going political drama that started on the eve of the celebrations and that the Chief Minister could not pay proper attention to the organisation of programme in wake of the developments.

TWO MIGRANT LABOURERS HELD FOR THEFT

BICHOLIM: Bicholim Police on Thursday arrested two labourers from Uttar Pradesh in connection with a theft case.

TOURIST ROBBED OF RS ONE LAKH BY PICK POCKETERS

PANJIM: While a suspected gang of pickpockets took home a booty of Rs one-lakh in cash, it made a domestic tourist, whose pocket was found torn, poorer by that amount in a crowded city bus on Wednesday evening.

CAVEAT AGAINST GOA GOVERNOR FILED IN THE HIGH COURT

PANJIM: A caveat has been today filed before the Bombay High Court at Goa by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against the Goa Governor Dr. S.S.Sidhu.

GOVT WILL BE TOPPLED IF MICKKY SWORN IN: THREATENS CONGRESS MLAs

PANJIM: NCP president Sharad Pawar's directive to Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat to re-induct controversial MLA Fransisco Pacheco in the ministry resulted in a group of 10 Congress legislators tonight threatening to topple its own government in such an eventuality.

ANTI NARCOTICS ARREST AN UP NATIVE WITH DRUGS

PANJIM: Much to the controversy of the words of Home Minister Ravi Naik drugs and drug mafia non existent in Goa, An Uttar Pradesh (UP) native has been arrested and charged with possession of narcotics at Candolim. Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) sleuths seized 1.5 kg Ganja and 130 gms Charas from Dharmadev Rajbhar when he was waiting for his prospective customer near Shantadurga Temple at Candolim, today.

POLICE CONSTABLE SUSPENDED FOR TAKING BRIBE

PANJIM: A police constable attached to the foreigners' registration office (FRO) was suspended on Monday for demanding a bribe from two Latvian nationals in order to extend their employment visa in Goa.  Sources said that constable Kishore Naik had demanded 60,000 from Barazna Anzeline, 33, and Pogrebnaja Jekaterina, 29, for ensuring the extension of their employment visa.

WHAT LIBERATION? By Rupert Coutinho, UAE

UAE: With every freedom and liberation, comes development, equality and prosperity. 50 years later, even after ‘liberation’, Goa stands nowhere in prosperity, compared to other colonies like Macau and Hong Kong. There has been ever increasing deterioration of its land, culture and identity which was preserved by the Portuguese for over 450 years.

CURCHOREM TEMPLE ROBBED OF VALUABLES WORTH 2.5 LAKH

MARGAO: Burglars struck at Shri Sateri temple located near Sarvodaya High School, Curchorem on Tuesday night and made away with valuables worth around ` 2.5 lakh.

CHARGESHEET FILED IN SAMPRIT MALVANKAR MURDER CASE

MAPUSA: Anjuna police on Tuesday filed a charge- sheet in the Samprit Malvankar murder case. Incidentally, police filed the charge-sheet just one day prior to the three-month period within which a charge sheet has to be filed.

BASIC FACILITIES TO BE SETUP IN SCHOOLS: FUNDS SANCTIONED FOR 74 SCHOOLS

PANJIM: The government, taking note of the basic facilities required by the students, has sanctioned ` 1.5 lakh each, for construction of separate toilets for girl students. Altogether 74 government schools around the state have been sanctioned the funds. In addition, ` 25,000 have been given to the schools, for setting up drinking water facility.

WOMAN SUCCUMBS IN AN ACCIDENT AT ALTO-DABOLIM

VASCO: In a tragic accident reported near Alto-Dabolim junction, on Wednesday morning, a 44-year-old woman from Quellossim, Cortalim, died on the spot as a speeding Mahindra Bolero jeep dashed her two-wheeler from the rear side.

BRITISH NATIONAL FOUND DEAD IN HER HOTEL ROOM AT CALANGUTE

PANJIM: A British national was found dead in her hotel room on Tuesday at Calangute.  Police said that British woman, Geraldine Qirushem, 44, came along with her husband to Goa on December 14 and was staying in a Calangute resort.

100 YEARS OF KONKANI GRAMAPHONE RECORDS

PANJIM: Tiatr Academy Goa (TAG), Panjim, will celebrate the centenary of Konkani songs on gramophone records on Wednesday, at 4.45pm, at its conference hall.

FOOL-OCRACY OF 5th CLASS FAIL HOME MINISTER RAVI NAIK by N. Fernandes, London

LONDON: Ravi Naik for sure is suffering from a very severe form of mental illness or disorder. Anyone looking at his face will easily conclude that many of his "faculties" are missing. For sure he is constantly haunted and disturbed by the ever increasing "GUILT" he feels, from the involvement of his son Roy and himself too, in Goa`s Drug scene. He is looking for many ways and ideas to reduce the pain & guilt he feels.

STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION SUMMONS GOA GOVERNOR DR. S.S.SIDHU

PANJIM: Goa State Information Commission has today issued notice to Goa Governor Dr. S.S. Sidhu directing him to personally appear before the commission on 4th January 2011 at 10.30 am in connection with the complaint filed against him by Adv. Aires Rodrigues for non- complying with the Right to Information Act. The Commission has also issued notice directing the Special Secretary to the Governor Dr. N.Radhakrishnan to also remain present.

RAVI NAIK CLAIMS THAT THERE ARE NO DRUG MAFIA’S IN GOA

PANJIM: The Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik on Tuesday morning stated that there is no drug mafia in the state. But the opposition has a different story to tell. They say that the son of Ravi Naik himself is a drug mafia.  Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function along with the Director-General of Police, Mr Bhim Sain Bassi, Mr Naik said opposition’s allegation that the drug mafia was operating in the state was baseless.

RAVI NAIK TELLS POLICE NOT TO SUCCUMB TO POLITICAL PRESSURE

PANJIM: Home Minister Ravi Naik has asked the Goa police not to succumb to political pressures, which are aiming at demoralizing the force. Addressing police officers after inaugurating a new barrack for Goa Reserve Police (GRP) at Altinho today, Naik said that some people accused police officers in the State Legislative Assembly to demoralize them.

INAUGRATION OF NEW SIOLIM COASTAL SECURITY POLICE STATION ON 22ND DECEMBER

MAPUSA: Coastal Security in Bardez and Pernem will get a boost with the inauguration of the new Siolim coastal security police station on December 23, at the hands of Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik.  Close on the heels of the inauguration of the new Anjuna police station last year, a new coastal security police station will be inaugurated on December 23 at Siolim.

A JUDGE FINALLY GETS JUSTICE by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Goa’s distinguished judge, Anuja Prabhudesai is finally being reinstated. Her suspension was unwarranted and a grave injustice.

ONION PRICES SOAR TO RS 70 PER KG

PANJIM: Onion prices continued to soar high due to heavy shortage following largescale damage to the crops, bringing a tear in the eyes of the consumers. Onion prices went up by 50% in less than a week, with the price shooting up to Rupees 70 per kg on Monday in Mapusa, while it sold at Rupees 60 a kg in Panjim and Vasco.

RTI: PETITION FILED AGAINST GOA GOVERNOR BEFORE STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION

PANJIM: A petition has been filed today before the Goa State Information Commission by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against Goa Governor Dr S.S. Sidhu for his failure to comply with the provisions of the Right to Information Act. The Special Secretary to the Governor Dr. N.Radhakrishnan has also been made a party in the petition.

FLAT IN PER-SERAULIM GUTTED: LOSS OF RS 1.2 LAKHS

MARGAO: The Margao fire brigade arrived late by nearly an hour as a residential flat was gutted in a major fire at Per-Seraulim on the outskirts of Margao on Monday morning.

REPLY TO YOGESH MARATHE (GOA), DUBAI – By N. Fernandes –London

To Yogesh Marathe:::

There is quite a lot to digest from your reply/article/comment.

There is a also quite a lot of drivel and plain nonsense.

For the moment I just wish to correct a few of your views of Goans that went to Africa and other parts of India and elsewhere. These Goans were invited by the Portuguese & the British to fill-up jobs in their colonies. The Civil services was one such job amongst others. It was in no way due to persecution by the Portuguese /British. Goans going to these parts were not slaves.

ROOT CAUSE OF ALL PROBLEMS IN GOA by Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falcão, Margao.

Land is not “the root cause of all problems in Goa” as our Chief Minister said on the eve of the so called ‘Liberation Day’. Our Goans are gullible to whatever politicians say, and politicians know it. Did we not have the same land in Goa for the 450 years of Portuguese rule? Do not other States and Countries have land? Or is it different from land in Goa?

GOA POLICE HEAD CONSTABLE DIES OF ACCIDENTAL TEETH BRUSHING WITH RATOL

VASCO: A 44-year-old head constable, attached to immigration department died on Monday while undergoing treatment at the Goa Medical College, Bambolim, after he allegedly consumed Ratol.

ACTIONS FROM THE GOVT. REQUIRED NOT JUST WORDS

PANJIM: Our state has entered into the golden jubilee year. Liberation day was marked by official celebrations with ministers and bureaucrats attending official ceremonies across the state. Speaker after speaker portrayed different aspects of Goa's liberation. The same speeches are delivered year after year.

NIGERIAN ARRESTED WITH NARCOTIC DRUGS WORTH RS. 1,24,600

PANJIM: A Nigerian who had been residing in Goa without valid documents since the past year was caught by the Calangute police on Monday evening with narcotic drugs worth 1,24,600.  Nwododo David, 23, was caught red-handed by the Calangute police team led by PSI Chimulkar on Monday while he was waiting near a parking area at Saligao trying to sell drugs that he was carrying with him to tourists.

SENTENCE UPHELD BY HC OF BRIBERY CASE ACCUSED

PANJIM: The high court of Bombay at Goa recently upheld the one year imprisonment sentence imposed by a special court on then assistant labour commissioner Chaitanya Audichya, for accepting a 10,000 bribe to issue a license to a contractor in 2003.

CHEATER ARRESTED BY ANJUNA POLICE

PANJIM: A man who allegedly cheated people by inducing them to invest in his firm by assuring a huge profit after 40days was arrested by the Anjuna police. Pandit Sambhaj Kolanbkar, 52, would ask people to invest 1.10 lakh in his firm and promise them a return of 1.50 lakh after 40 days.

ANTICIPATORY BAIL GRANTED TO ATTEMPT TO MURDER ACCUSED

MARGAO: Additional sessions judge Desmond D'Costa on Monday granted anticipatory bail to Rosa Periera and Pedro Rebello who are charged for allegedly attempting to murder one Jeromino Periera with an iron rod.

REBELLION AGAINST THE HIGH COMMAND OF NCP

PANJIM: In what could be a major rebellion against the high command, Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Goa ministers held a meeting of their supporters resisting to quit from the Cabinet warning the party leaders of mass resignations.

IN REPLY TO MY ARTICLE GOA SHOULD BE A PROGRESSIVE STATE by Yogesh Marathe

There have been some serious & strong replies that have been posted against my article in the previous edition. Firstly thanks a lot for all of your comments and suggestions

I have every right to explain my point of view and here I am doing the same. About people questioning me being a Goan, I don’t have to prove my identity for that; I have already done it to the concerned persons and they are quite contemplated with it

RECALL SOUGHT OF JUSTICE BRITTO’S ORDER IN RIBANDAR CHURCH CASE

PANJIM: In a petition filed today before the Bombay High Court at Goa Adv. Aires Rodrigues has sought the recall of the order passed by Justice N.A. Britto last week in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

Justice N.A. Britto in his order had allowed the petition filed by Police Inspector Sunita Sawant challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in that case.

AWAKE GOA, AND REMEMBER THE EVIL OF 1961 by Senhor Lucio Mascarenhas

In a few days, yet another anniversary of the invasion, occupation and annexation of Portuguese India by the Indian Union, and its illegal pretended absorption will pass the great sleeping people of Goa by. It has been forty-nine years since this monstrous crime was perpetrated, but the voices raised against it are still too few, feeble and faint. The loudest noise is that of the great snoring Goan people.

NCP WANTS MICKKY TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE MINISTRY

PANJIM: The crisis in the Congress-NCP alliance deepened further on Saturday with the observer deputed by the NCP high command, Prakash Binsale, submitting a letter to chief minister Digambar Kamat that Benaulim MLA Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco be inducted into the state cabinet by dropping one or both the ministers who are in the news-—revenue minister Jose Philip D'Souza and tourism minister

NCP MINISTERS STICK TO THEIR SEATS, REFUSE TO STEP DOWN

PANJIM: A day after asking them to resign from the cabinet for their alleged hobnobbing with the Congress legislator in the state, both the Nationalist Congress Party ministers from Goa have refused to step down.

PORTUGUESE CONSUL GENERAL SAYS KNOWLEDGE OF PORTUGUESE VERY RELEVANT IN TODAY’S WORLD

PANJIM: The Consul General of Portugal in Goa, Dr António Sabido Costa on Sunday said that knowledge of foreign languages becomes most critical in context of diplomatic, economic and cultural exchange between different countries, in the globalised world, and under such circumstances, knowledge of Portuguese has become relevant in today’s world.

NCP ASKS ITS TWO MINISTERS TO RESIGN FOR ANTI PARTY ACTIVITIES

PANJIM:  Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday asked its two Goa Ministers to resign for alleged anti-party activities, failing which they would be sacked from the state cabinet.

KERALITE WANTED IN USA FOR ABDUCTION IS ARRESTED IN ANJUNA

PANJIM: The Anjuna police on Saturday arrested Ranjit Varghese, who works in a shop in Anjuna, after the American consulate sought his arrest and extradition to the US to face trial, following an order from an American court.

HOW I SAW THE INVASION OF GOA by Francisco Monteiro

Turning the calendar page for next day on December 18 another anniversary of the brutal and insidious invasion of Goa, Daman and Diu by troops of the Indian Union, I want through a simple and short narrative of the events lived by me for exactly 41 years ago, paying tribute to who gave their lives in defense of those territories.

19th DECEMBER TO MARK AS ROBBERY DAY by A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait

Indian Military actually landed on Goan soil on 18th December 1961. We saw them in their innumerable Jeeps and Tanks early in the morning on 18th December 1961 approximately at 5.30 AM going to Aguada. First time in my life I saw Sardarjis with their beard and turbans and I was so terrified that I thought what I was seeing were not normal human beings but someone from the other planet, so much I was frightened to see them.

INDUCTION INTO THE CATEGORY OF "FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF GOA" by Vijaykukar Mohan Surlakar

TRANSLATED FROM MARATHI on Goanet by Floriano Lobo

By: Vijaykumar Mohan Surlakar ( A Shiv Sainik ) Navprabha - Wednesday- Dec 8, 2010 edition [page 4]

When I was young, just about 15 years old, I was living in Panjim near Mahalaxmi Temple. Mr. Mahadev Harischandra Chari - alias 'Bhau' was my neighour then. His prediction has come true today. He had predicted there would be acute shortage of water and electricity in Panjim city, and waste water will make way through roads making them open drains.

CHURCHIL ALEMAO TO GIVE FULL SUPPORT TO JOSE AND NILKANTH

MARGAO: Public Works Department Minister, Churchill Alemao has warned that he would go all out with the two beleaguered Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ministers, Jose Philip D’Souza and Nilkanth Halarnkar if the duo is dropped from the Digambar Kamat ministry.

CRITICISM FOR GOVERNOR’S REFUSAL TO FURNISH INFORMATION UNDER RTI ACT

PANJIM: Refusal by Goa Governor Dr S S Siddhu to furnish information under Right To Information (RTI) Act has come under severe criticism with social activists asking him not to hoist the national Tricolour on the Republic day on January 26, 2011.

CHRISTOPERH FONSECA SAYS FEAR OF CREATION OF NEW MAOISTS

PANJIM: The general secretary of All India Trade Union Congress, Mr Christopher Fonseca, said that unrest is brewing in the state amongst the working class and the day is not far, when this unrest would burst out in the form like the Maoists, which are presently operating in the northern states of the country.

REFUSAL TO QUIT BY NCP MINISTERS

PANJIM: With the two Goa NCP ministers—revenue minister Jose Philip D'Souza and tourism minister Nilkanth Halarnkar— refusing to resign from the cabinet despite directions from their party high command, in order to accommodate Mickky Pacheco into the Congress-led coalition government, the NCP high command is contemplating action against them, party sources said.

CM TELLS TO FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY, ILLITERACY AND UNEMPLOYMENT

PANJIM: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, on Saturday, said that though the fight against the colonial rulers is long over, fight against enemies of the state such as poverty, illiteracy and unemployment is still on.

RTI FORUM MEET CONDEMNS GOA GOVERNOR DR. S.S.SIDHU

PANJIM: A public meeting organized by the Goa Right to Information Forum at Panaji today strongly criticized and condemned Goa Governor Dr. S. S.Sidhu for his refusal to comply with the RTI Act by claiming that he was not a Public Authority.

GARBAGE ALL OVER GOA by N. Fernandes, London

Goa has definitely become filthy, with plastic bags, garbage etc all along the roads. The beaches too are no longer pristine as I know it. With the commercialisation and hotels, there is plenty of garbage all around.  The Goa Govt. along with the Panchayats is still looking for dumps and waste treatment plants.

SPECIAL STATUS DREAM by Tulsidas Malkarnekar, Margao

All along, our leaders have been telling us that the issue of getting special status for Goa is taken up and vigorously followed up with the centre.

TEMPLE THIEVES OUTSMART THE COPS

MAPUSA: In a rare incident the Mapusa police managed to reach a temple at Verla-Canca, while it was being burgled on Thursday night, however, the robbers managed to give the cops a slip. One of the alleged thieves was later arrested on Friday evening.

NOTICES ISSUED TO CHURCHILL AND NILKANTH HALARNKAR BY COURT

PANJIM: Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Panjim today issued notices to Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Churchill Alemao and Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halankar on alleged Colvale land scam.  The ministers are asked to appear before the court on January 4, 2011 for reply, failing which the court said, it will decide the matter in their absence.

DISASTERS OF SMOKING by Vishwas Prabhudesai, Loliem

Smoking is bad and causes fatal diseases like cancer! The tobacco products need to be taxed very heavily to discourage smoking. Similarly addiction to drinking hard liquor also causes damage to the liver -ultimately resulting into untimely death!

GOA GOVT. TO PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE TO CITIZENS

PANJIM: The Goa government on Friday announced an ambitious health insurance scheme that would provide cover to its citizens from all kinds of medical emergencies.

CUSTOMS ANOTHER HURDLE IN REMOVAL OF RIVER PRINCESS

PANJIM: The process for removal of River Princess has now encountered the customs ‘hurdle.’ As the ship is a foreign-registered vessel, its scrap would attract customs duty and the authorities need to take immediate steps to address the issue.

GOANS ARISE- CHURCHILL ALEMAO INSULTS REMO FERNANDES (A HERO GREAT SON OF GOA) by N. Fernandes, London

Note: We Goans demand nothing short of an apology, and resignation from Churchill “THE SMUGGLING CROOK”

From:Article: 'Greater Goa was a dream of Ravindra Kelekar'-Courtesy Times of India

Remo was awarded the Padmashree award, the highest honour India confers on a person with distinguished and meritorious service.

Remo declined this award as he had a great conscience.

What has Churchill been awarded?

GOA SHOULD BE A PROGRESSIVE STATE by Yogesh Marathe (Goa), Dubai

I am Goan currently working in the Middle East. Came across this website a few days ago, saw some astonishing write ups on the website about Goa. What forced me to write this reply below was the NRP SAGRESS issue, hope this gets published in this website, proving that Niz Goenkar is a fair ground for people with different views.

WOULD THERE HAVE BEEN ANYTHING CALLED GOA IF NOT FOR PORTUGUESE by Dr. Eduardo Braganza

Prompted by the oppressed Hindus under Adil Shah’s rule and with the help of Timoja Naik of Honawar, a feudatory of the Vijaynagar Empire, Portuguese Admiral Afonso de Albuquerque first conquered Old Goa in March 1510. The people did not offer any resistance, and handed over the keys of the city. But two months later, Albuquerque was defeated on 23 May 1510 by Adil Shah’sarmy, forcing him to flee with a few damaged ships.

LAND LOSERS ARE NOT LIVING IN FOOL'S PARADISE MR. CHIEF MINISTER by Nisser Dias

Very recently chief minister of Goa Digambar Kamat made some grand announcement that his government would pay land losers compensation at the market rate. For politicians it is very easy to make such comments not only beforehand but even before application of mind. Of course politicians are known to resort to rhetoric to appease the masses and also for votes. But when statement involving crores and crores of exchequers money is made, people immediately realize that the politician (in this case the chief minister) is trying to pull wool over their eyes.

GOA DIVIDED OVER ISSUES OF SECULARISM VERSUS COMMUNALISM by Dr. Joe D’Souza

There are plenty of issues genuinely dogging the state of Goa and its people. The main opposition in the Goa legislative assembly, has to pull up their socks and confront the ills which are plaguing Goan society. They should also tackle societal problems involving maladministration and the deterioration in the living standards of the people, due to increase in corruption and bad governance.

MLAs BLOCK UP OF MICKKY’S INDUCTION TO THE CABINET AS A MINISTER

PANJIM: In what is seen as pressure tactics against the NCP and Congress high commands on the reported move to re-induct former tourism minister and Benaulim MLA Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco into the Digambar Kamat cabinet, eight MLAs, including ministers, had a meeting at the residence of Congress general secretary Vijay Sardesai at Fatorda late Wednesday evening.

ATTACK INTIGATION DENIED BY CALANGUTE MLA AGNELO FERNANDES

PANJIM: The Calangute MLA, Mr Agnelo Fernandes has flatly denied the charges leveled against him by the former tourism minister, Mr Matanhy Saldanha, and former Calangute sarpanch, Mr Joseph Sequeira that he had instigated the attack on some fishermen on Wednesday at Sinquerim.

THE JUDICIAL CRISIS by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

In the current unprecedented murky judicial spat, the nation needs to know whether it is former Chief Justice of India Justice Balakrishnan, Justice H L Gokhale or Justice Reghupathy who is lying. In this sordid state of affairs we need to bow our heads in shame over the shadow that has overcast the highest ranks of judiciary.

LEGAL NOTICE GIVES GOA GOVERNOR 48 HOURS TO COMPLY WITH RTI ACT

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today served a legal notice on Goa’s Governor Dr. S.S.Sidhu for the refusal of Raj Bhavan to furnish information under the Right to Information Act.  Adv. Rodrigues has given Governor Sidhu 48 hours to furnish the information sought by him or face legal proceedings.

MERGER OF KONKANI SPEAKING AREAS INTO GOA WAS CHURCHILL’S SUGGESTION

MARGAO: The issue of merger of Konkani speaking areas of Karnataka into Goa may not subside soon as PWD minister Churchill Alemao said that a greater Goa was the dream of late Padmbhushan Ravindra Kelekar.

HOME GUARDS MADE TO DO DOMESTIC PERSONAL HOUSEHOLD WORK BY POLICE OFFICERS

PANJIM: In what could be sheer misuse of Government machinery, Home Guards (HGs), an elite force par with Police, are made to mop the floor at officer’s residences as part of their duty.  It has been revealed that many HGs are performing odd job of sweeper, dhobi, cook, barber and even working at residences of police officers.

WARNING TO HIGH COMMAND NOT TO DROP MINISTERS BY 8 MLA'S

MARGAO: Eight MLAs and ministers of the state government held a late-night meeting on Wednesday at the residence of GPCC general secretary, Mr Vijay Sardessai.

THE FALL OUT OF TOURISM by Vishwas Prabhudesai, Loliem

The drinking, drugs, sex on the beaches etc are the legitimate fall out of the tourism as can be seen from all the major tourist destinations of the world! It is always disputable as to what extent these undesirable activities can be controlled by the present system!

VENDORS ARE NOW ALLOWED TO OPERATE ON BEACHES OF GOA

PANJIM: Vendors would now be allowed to do business on the beaches of Goa, a decision that has not gone down well with the state's tourism industry. Tourism associations feel that the presence of vendors on the beaches who sell fruits and other items annoys foreigners sun bathing on the beach.

GOA POLICE REGISTERS A CASE AGAINST MLA AGNELO FERNANDES FOR INSTIGATING

PANJIM: Calangute police registered a case against local MLA Agnelo Fernandes for instigating persons to form an unlawful assembly and to restrain a traditional fisherman, after two groups fought over rights to use a jetty at Sinquerim.

NON BAILABLE WARRANT AGAINST ACCUSED IN MONTE HILL

MARGAO: Judicial magistrate first class Devidas Kerkar on Wednesday issued a non-bailable warrant against Mohammed Mohiddin alias Amin Sheikh, one of the accused in the sensational Margao Monte hill swords seizure case of 2008.

AIRES FILES COMPLAINT WITH CHIEF JUSTICE AGAINST JUSTICE BRITTO

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues today filed a complaint with the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court against the alleged judicial impropriety committed by Justice N.A. Britto.

In his letter to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Adv. Rodrigues has pointed out the judicial impropriety by Justice Britto in handling the Revision Petition in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

HIGH COURT ADJOURNS TO JAN 11TH GCA’S PETITION AGAINST RTI

PANJIM: The Division Bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa comprising of Justice S.B.Deshmukh and Justice F.M.Reis today adjourned to 11th January the petition filed by the Goa Cricket Association challenging the order of the Goa State Information Commission which had ruled that the GCA comes under the ambit of the Right to Information Act. The Court today directed the Government of Goa to file its affidavit in the matter.

GOVERNMENT SHOULD RECOVER COSTS OF VEHICLE REPAIR FROM THE FORMER IGP , SAYS AIRES

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has demanded that the Goa government should recover from the former Inspector General of Police Mr.K.D.Singh the amount of Rs 4, 33, 200 spent on the repairs of the official vehicle crashed by the former IGP's son.

3 ARRESTED FOR ASSAULTING AND OUTRAGING THE MODESTY OF A WOMAN

MARGAO: A brawl in a bar near the Rajendra Prasad stadium left a husband-wife duo – the owners of the bar and restaurant – injured and the premises damaged. In this connection, acting Margao Police Station incharge, PI Sidhant Shirodkar informed that the Margao police have arrested three persons for outraging the modesty of the woman besides other offences. The police are on the look out of the fourth accused person, he said.

125 TREES DONE AWAY WITH TO BUILT A NEW CRICKET STADIUM AT TIVIM

PANJIM: Around 125 trees were felled from Saturday onwards for the 75 metre pitch and pavilion area at the site earmarked for the international cricket stadium at Tivim. A section of the villagers alleged that GCA had violated the assurance given to the high court of Bombay at Goa that no trees would be cut and no work carried out until the requisite approvals from various authorities were obtained.

GOVT. OFFICIALS SHOULD BE PROMPT IN THEIR SERVICES TO PEOPLE: KAMAT

PANJIM: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat has said that the state officials should work hard to provide prompt service to the people, even as he said that just adding new services or technologies was not enough and stressed that the government officials would have to ensure that the new services worked efficiently at all times.

GOVERNMENT SEEKS OPINION FROM THE LAW DEPARTMENT ON CASINOS

PANJIM: The government has moved a file to Law Department for its opinion on issuing notices to the off-shore casinos, which are operating sans trading licences in River Mandovi. Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava said that the government has asked the Law Department for its opinion on whether the operators could be asked to shut down for plying without licence.

THREE APPLICANTS FOR SETTING UP GOLF COURSE

PANJIM: Three companies have applied for setting up golf course at Pernem responding to the Department of Tourism advertisement, Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said here on Tuesday.  Disclosing this at a press conference, Halarnkar said the department has advertised inviting expression of interest by the companies for setting up golf course in Pernem taluka.

SEZ VIRODHI MANCH DEMANDS DISMISSAL OF ALEIXO SEQUEIRA

MARGAO: The SEZ Virodhi Manch has demanded that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat sack IDC Chairman Babu Kavlekar and Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira, besides officials and initiate judicial or CBI inquiry into the alleged illegal allotments for SEZ causing losses to the public exchequer to the tune of over Rs 100 crore as per the CAG report for 2008-09.

NADIA’S MOTHER ALLOWED TO TRAVEL OUT OF THE COUNTRY

MARGAO: Sonia Torrado the mother of the deceased Nadia Torrado had filed and application to the South Goa Sessions Court for the release of her passport which had been attached by the Crime branch during the investigation of the death of Nadia. The Court on Tuesday granted the application filed by Sonia Torrado, to travel abroad.

R. I. P. GOAN GREATNESS by A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait

About a week after Portuguese was forced out of Goa by the unwanted Indian Military might sent by the Government of India headed by irresponsible Nehru’s Congress, all the Government employees earlier working for the Government of Goa – India Portuguesa - were called by the Military Government of Goa at Panjim. They were called for briefing on the next course of action. My brother being a Government employee at Policia de Goa while attending this meeting removed his Raybun Sun Glasses and put it in the pocket of his shirt and its case in the right side back pocket of his Trousers.

CHRONOLOGY OF TERRORIST ACTIVITY BY THE INDIAN UNION AGAINST GOA, DAMÃO AND DIU by Francisco Monteiro, Lisboa

CHRONOLOGY OF TERRORIST ACTIVITY UNLEASHED BY THE INDIAN UNION AGAINST THE TERRITORIES OF GOA, DAMÃO AND DIU BY FRANCISCO MONTEIRO

Subsequent to the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington; a lot has been said and a lot has been spoken of the terrorism which has come to devastate the world, but this is a good occasion to speak of terrorist actions promoted and assisted by the Indian Union in Goa, Damão and Diu between 1954 and 1961; the Indian Union which hoisted itself to be a pacifist and democratic country did not behave as one, therefore we take the initiative to present some facts which cannot be denied by anyone, because terrorism is every criminal attack on life and property of civilian population in any part of the world we live in. Attention of the readers is drawn to the fact that only actions aimed at civilian targets are mentioned here and not those against police outposts, military units or other defence installations.

HIGH COURT DIRECTS 2004 RIBANDAR CHURCH CASE TRIAL BE EXPEDITED

PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Goa has directed that the trial in the 2004 Ribandar Church case be expedited.

Allowing Adv. Aires Rodrigues’s request for a speedy trial, Justice N.A. Britto of the Bombay High Court at Goa has directed that the trial be expedited as expeditiously as possible considering that the case is of the year 2004. The trial of Adv. Aires Rodrigues and 14 other Ribandar residents including a 80 year old widow will now commence before the Panaji Chef Judicial Magistrate on 20th Dec.

ONLY POLITICIANS WILL BENEFIT FROM MERGER OF KONKANI SPEAKING AREAS: REMO

MANGALORE: The merger of Konkani speaking areas in to Goa will only benefit politicians and in no way help the Konkani Language was what pop star and Padma Shri winner Remo Fernandes said.

THE PEACEFUL COLONY OF GOA by E. D. Gardner brought to you by Dr. Ferdinand dos Reis Falcao

From the Archives of "The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 30 October 1943"

On the walls of the hall of private audience of the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan's historic red palace in Delhi is a Persian inscription, "If there be a paradise on the earth, it is this, it is this, it Is this."  More than 1,200 miles across the plains and mountains of British India from Delhi is the Portuguese possession of Goa. If Goa is not quite an earthly paradise, at least it is a place of scenic beauty, a home of friendliness and courtesy, and a store-house of rare war-time surprises.

COURT REJECTS THE PLEA OF MICKKY TO RELEASE SEIZED ARTICLES

MARGAO: The Margao sessions court on Monday dismissed an application filed by former tourism minister Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco seeking release of his laptop computers, cell phones and other articles seized by the police during a raid on his offic eand residence at Betalbatim in connection with the Nadia Torrado death case in June this year.

MAHARASHTRIAN CAUGHT SELLING PIRATED VCDs AND DVDs

PANJIM: A trader from Maharashtra was caught by the Crime branch at the Mapusa bus stand on Saturday when he had come to sell pirated VCDs and DVDs to prospective buyers, both individuals and shop keepers.

TWO KARNATAKIS HELD FOR SELLING FAKE MEDICINES

PONDA: A group of people from Khandepar in Ponda on Sunday nabbed two persons from Karnataka for attempting to cheat people on the pretext of supplying fake herbal medicines and handed them over to Ponda police.

NELA D’COSTA DIES AFTER CONSUMING RATOL

MARGAO: A resident of Macazana, Salcete, Nela D'Costa, 19, who was undergoing treatment at the Goa Medical College ( GMC) and hospital after consuming rat poison, Ratol, on December 10 passed away on Monday.

SC ISSUES NOTICE TO GOA’S HEALTH MINISTER VISHWAJIT RANE

PANJIM: A Division bench of the Supreme Court comprising of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice Cyriac Joseph today directed that notice be issued to Goa’s Health Minister Mr. Vishwajit Rane in the Special Leave Petition filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the threat to kill case. The Supreme also directed that notice be issued to the Government of Goa.

MIGRANTS SAVED THE FACE OF MICKKEY by L. Gomendes

BETALBATIM: We reached our destination early with time to give the place a decent run through. The whole affair commenced the only way it could have. It was a dull day as ever due to clouds hovering in the sky. Duller was the atmosphere around the Betalbatim Church until 6 PM this evening as the face of the birthday boy Mickky Pacheco was showing total embarrassment.

LETTER TO JAWAHARLAL NEHRU BY ADV. DR. A. A. BRUTO by Agnelo Gomes

Letter of advocate Dr. A. A Bruto da Costa addressed to the Prime Minister J. Nehru, dated 15th August 1962 By Agnelo Gomes - Goancauses

Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru

Prime Minister of the Union of India

Your Excellency, Sir,

Eight months have passed since the date when the Indian Union, without any prior notice, or a declaration of war, invaded the “State of Portuguese India” and occupied its territory.

VALPOI BUS STAND WORK RESUMES IT SECOND PHASE

VALPOI: The GSIDC has begun the second phase work of the new bus stand at Valpoi, after it was kept pending for more than a year. The bus stand in the ward number 2, Valpoi-Velus road would cost Rs 7crore and is being set up over 2.5 acres of land.

MAHANAND’S CASES WILL BE REFERED TO DIRECTOR OF PROSECUTION

PANJIM: With seven of the 18 murder cases slapped against alleged serial killer Mahanand Naik by the police ending in acquittal, the government has decided to refer the matter to the director of prosecution (DoP).

ESCAPED LIFE TERM CONVICT CAUGHT AFTER FIVE YEARS IN KARNATAKA

VASCO: A lifer who escaped from Aguada jail five years ago was caught in Karnataka on Friday and brought back to the prison in Goa on Saturday by a police team from Mormugao police station.

CHURCHILL CRITICIZED FOR HIS REMARKS BY GOANS

PANJIM: Goan politicians have distanced themselves from PWD minister Churchill Alemao's statement at a public function in Karwar that the Konkani-speaking areas of Kawar, Karnataka, be acceded to Goa.  While some felt that this is a politically-motivated statement by the minister, others said that the Goa government has not demanded the merger of Karwar with Goa.

THE BIRTHDAY OF BETALBATIM'S FILTHIEST & GRANDEST FORNICATING CLOWN By N. Fernandes-London

To day (12.12.2010) is the Birthday of Mickky Pacheco (AKA Mickky Mouse).

It is stated, he did not request a Birthday Bash.The Bash is instead being organised by “the People”.Who are “THE PEOPLE”?

MYSTERY NON PDA ODP IN REGIONAL PLAN SHOCKS DEAN D CRUZ AND VILLAGERS

TARGET GOA DEC 12: As the worms crawl out from the RP2021 can a new concept of “non-PDA ODP” has emerged as the brain child of the State Level Committee (SLC). It seeks to develop villages that have been the chosen ones of big builders. The piecemeal Regional Plan seemed too good to be true. And it looked like it fooled not just Oscar Rebello, but members of the SLC too. Dean D'Cruz is in shock.

GOVERNMENT DID PAY FOR IGP SON’S ADVENTURE, SAYS AIRES

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today expressed surprise that the Home Minister Mr. Ravi Naik and the Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjay Srivastava were unaware that the cost of repairs of the official police car crashed by former Inspector General of Police Mr.K.D.Singh‘s son was paid by the Goa Government.

SC TO HEAR PETITION AGAINST HEALTH MINISTER VISHWAJIT RANE ON 13th DEC

PANJIM: A Division bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice Cyriac Joseph will on 13th Dec hear the Special Leave Petition filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against Goa’s Health Minister Mr. Vishwajit Rane in the threat to kill case.

SIGNBOARDS AND SIGNPOSTS by John M Vaz, Aldona

Goa’s state language is Konkani. Marathi does not come in the picture; it is the state language of Maharashtra. Which state has two official state languages? Goa is a tourist destination, and all signboards should be only in English, which is an international language known to all.

POLLUTED RIVERS by Lawrence Fernandes, Sancoale

Very soon, Goa will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its so-called freedom. But what we achieved in these 50 years is a mystery. We still have the narrow roads built by the Portuguese. But there is more and more pollution everywhere.

CHURCHILL TRIES TO SAVE FACE ON MERGER STATEMENT

MARGAO: Reacting to the controversy he has kicked off in Karnataka, over his remarks on merging certain areas of Karnataka to Goa, the PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao, on Saturday defiantly argued that if an opinion poll was held today, 99 per cent of the people living in those areas would opt for a merger.

PWD MINISTER CHURCHILL ASSURES CANACONA DEVELOPMENT

POINGUINNIM: The Minister for PWD and RDA, Mr Churchill Alemao, on Saturday, laid the foundation stone for the academic block of Dnyan Prabodhini Mandal’s Shree Mallikarjun College of Arts and Commerce, Delem-Canacona.

RS 1 CRORE FUNDS FOR MIDDAY MEAL WILL BE SANCTIONED BY CM

PANJIM: Taking note of the confusion prevailing in the implementation of the Mid-day Meal Scheme, this academic year, due to the paucity of funds, the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat has given indication of sanctioning of funds to the tune of Rs 1 crore, in the first phase of strengthening of the scheme. The Chief Minister also holds the finance portfolio.

NRP AFONSO DE ALBUQUERQUE by Franco Fernandes

The NRP Afonso de Albuquerque was a warship of the Portuguese Navy, destroyed in combat on 18 December 1961, defending Goa against the Indian Armed Forces invasion. The ship was the first of the Afonso de Albuquerque class, which also included the NRP Bartolomeu Dias.

RAVI NAIK SAYS SEARCH IS ON FOR THE ACCUSED WHO PLOTTED TO KILL HIS SON

PANJIM:  Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik said that searches are on in Mumbai and other places to nab the main accused who had given a "contract" to kill his son.  Naik told reporters on Saturday that the police was yet to nab the accused whose name was given as Joe Boy (real name not known) and had given the contract to kill his son and harm other family members.

THE SUPREME COURT HAS HIT THE NAIL ON THE COFFIN by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The Supreme Court has rightly expressed concern about the kith and kin of some Allahabad high court judges practicing in the same court. These are fundamental professional ethics that need to be upheld across the entire spectrum of the judiciary.

RAJ BHAVAN GROUNDS RTI ACT: CLAIMS GUV NOT A PUBLIC AUTHORITY

PANJIM: It has now been revealed that Goa’s Raj Bhavan has been declining to furnish any information under the Right to Information Act.  Last month Adv. Aires Rodrigues by an application dated 29th November had sought from Raj Bhavan under the Right to Information Act details of action taken on the complaints made by him to the Governor of Goa against Advocate General of Goa Mr. Subodh Kantak. Adv. Rodrigues had also sought copies of noting sheets and correspondence pertaining to the processing of his complaints against the Advocate General.

MICKKY PACHECO TO CONTEST FROM NUVEM SAYS CLOSE CONFIDANTE LYNDON MONTEIRO

MARGAO: Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco alias Mickky will contest from the Nuvem constituency and on the Nationalist Congress Party ticket, categorically stated his ex-OSD and close confidante, Mr Lyndon Monteiro, on Friday, at a press conference held to announce various schemes for the birthday of ex-tourism minister.

GOANS MUST JUDGE GOOD FROM BAD by Jerry Fernandes - Saligao

Some people allege that Goans had no freedom and were treated like slaves during the colonial regime but at least during that period the properties of all our Goans were safe. Today, we have freedom and what not but our own elected people are auctioning Goa to the highest bidder. They are virtually selling almost everything in Goa including agricultural lands, ancestral homes through manipulations.

CHURCHILL ALEMAO KICKS OFF A ROW IN KARNATAKA

PANJIM: Goa PWD Minister Churchil Alemao has kicked off a row in Karnataka after he reportedly made a statement at a public function in Karwar to fellow Konkanis that the Konkani speaking areas in Karwar, Karnataka, be acceded to Goa.

LIFEGUARDS FROM SATARI WANTS THEIR MLA’S INTERVENTION

PANJIM: Even as Drishti Special Response Services have begun the recruitment process of new lifeguards, the ongoing strike continued into its fifth day on Friday. In fact, warring lifeguards said that Saturday's scenario would be no different.

PRINCESS TO STAY PUT IN SINQUERIM

PANJIM: River Princess is not going to leave the Sinquerim shore before monsoon 2011. The state government on Friday admitted that Arihant Shipbreakers that has been awarded the task of cutting the ship had sought 180 days of fair weather that would be spread over two seasons.

JJB HAS ORDERED ENQUIRY INTO THE DETENTION OF MINORS BY MARGAO POLICE

PANJIM: The juvenile justice board (JJB) has ordered an inquiry into the alleged illegal detention of three minors for interrogation and issued summons to the Margao police. The minors were arrested by the Margao police for their involvement in a series of robbery cases.

54 LIFEGUARDS LOSE JOBS, STIR WORRIES GOA TOURISM

PANJIM: As 54 striking lifeguards faced termination of services, a worried Goa tourism industry called for an end to the five-day old stir in view of a large number of tourists expected in the state for Christmas and New Year.

FAKE LIBERATION OF GOA by A. Veronica Fernandes – Kuwait

After India got independence, some Goan freedom fighters went to Gandiji asking him to help them to oust Portuguese from Goa. For this Gandhiji replied thus "Now you are ruled by the Portuguese but once Portuguese is ousted from Goa, I am afraid you may be ruled by the Delhi Portuguese".How prophetic were these words from Gandhiji!!

BENAULIM-NUVEM FELICITATION COMMITTEE PLANS GRAND BIRTHDAY BASH FOR MICKKY

MARGAO: All eyes are focused on Betalbatim – the home village of former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco – as the Benaulim-Nuvem felicitation committee has planned a bash on the occasion of Pacheco’s birthday on December 12.

MAUVIN GODINHO STRESSES NEED FOR FORMING A WOMEN FEDERATION

VASCO: The Deputy Speaker of State Legislative Assembly, Mr Mauvin Godinho, on Thursday, stressed the need for forming a federation of women in the Dabolim constituency in order to empower the women at the grass-root level.

PLANNING COMMISSION CONVENED MEETING TO DISCUSS FUNDS TO SALVAGE PRINCESS

PANJIM: The Planning Commission has convened a meeting in New Delhi on December 27 to discuss salvaging of the motor vessel, the River Princess, and funds of about Rs 69 crore for removing the vessel lying grounded for over a decade.

2 GANGS, 11 MEMBERS – A GANG OF THIEVES BUSTED BY MARGAO POLICE

MARGAO: In a major breakthrough in the series of robbery cases reported in Margao and Panjim during the last couple of months, Margao police on Thursday busted two gangs involving some 11 persons.  Margao town police inspector Santosh Desai, along with his team who had laid a trap on Thursday, told reporters that all 11 persons arrested had been produced before the court at Margao and remand of five days sought.

ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES STARTED AT SARVAN, IN BICHOLIM TALUKA

SARVAN: Situated three kilometres from Bicholim town, Sarvan is known all over Goa for the pleasing fragrance ofthe surangache valesar, a garland made from the wild flowers of Ochrocarpus longifolius. These flowers, however, could become history, say environmentalists, as allegedly illegal mining activities have started in the village.

SESSION COURT HAS SUMMONED RUSSIAN RAPE VICTIM

MARGAO: The sessions court Margao has once again sumoned the Russian rape victim to appear before it in connection with the trial against the local politician and accused John Fernandes.  Court sources informed that scientific analyses report of the clothes of the accused, which had been sent to the forensic laboratory at Hyderabad, has been recently submitted to the court.

It may be recalled that the trial was adjourned for sometime as the forensic reports were awaited. The submission of the report by the crime branch to the court has paved the way for further hearing of the matter.  It may be recalled that Fernandes is in judicial custody since the last ten months for allegedly raping the 25-year-old Russian woman at Colva on December 1 last year after spiking her drinks. (TNN)

SCRAP FREEDOM FIGHTERS PENSION, 50 YEARS IS ENOUGH BY Dr . Ferdinando dos Reis Falcão

I am putting forth here many of the benefits Goa and Goans have had prior to the year 1961 and the contrast that Goa and Goans are facing post 1961. It is for the knowledge of those Goans who were either born post 1961 or were too small to comprehend things.

MAHANAND NAIK USED, MADE SCAPEGOAT? by Nisser Dias

Did Goa police off-load all their unsolved cases on him?

Last week I opened the news dailies just to read that Mahanand Naik was acquitted of yet another two murder charges alleged committed by him. With the last two acquittals serious doubts has been cast on police investigation on number of aspects.

THE PORTUGUESE AND INDIA by Adv. Antonio Lobo

The debate over the visit of NRP Sagres to Goa and the simultaneous protest of some 30 or less BJP/RSS/FF protesters is to be viewed also in the context of the send off given to the very same ship by a flotilla of fisherman from Vasco, people who decided to discard the vacuous and false propaganda of the so-called Freedom Fighters such as Karmali etc all as well as what is taught today in the schools in Goa under the garb of history with regard to the period from 1510-1961.

SUBODH KANTAK CONTINUING AS THE AG IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL: AIRES

Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today alleged that Mr. Subodh Kantak continuing as Advocate General of Goa was unconstitutional.

HIGH COURT ISSUES NOTICE TO GOA POLICE IN-RE DRUG DEALER YANIV BENAIM (DUDU)

PANJIM: The Panjim bench of the Bombay High Court Wednesday issued notice to the Goa Police asking it to reply within a month to the bail application of Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Dudu, who was arrested here in February.

CM SAYS GOVERNMENT WILL PAY FAIR COMPENSATIONS TO LAND LOSERS

PANJIM: Under pressure to provide better compensation to land losers, the government has put the process of formulating the new land acquisition policy on a fast track and the basic aspects like determining the market rate in various parts of Goa and providing suitable annuity for 20 years to losers of orchard and agricultural land, will be finalized by this month end.

IRATE DAVORLIM VILLAGERS BLOCK THE EASTERN BYPASS HIGHWAY

MARGAO: Irate villagers of Davorlim blocked the eastern bypass highway near Maruti temple in Davorlim, on Wednesday morning protesting against the failure of the authorities to erect speedbreakers at accident-prone zones along the stretch passing through the village.

GOA POLICE GO TO BOMBAY TO RECORD STATEMENTS FO THAI GIRLS

PANJIM: The crime branch has written to the immigration office in Mumbai asking them not to allow the eight Indonesian girls, who have alleged that they were brought to India with forged documents and bogus appointment orders and forced to work in a spa in the state, to leave the country pending inquiry.

CANADIAN IT ENGINEER CAUGHT WITH CHARAS WORTH ABOUT Rs 25,000

PANJIM: A Canadian tourist, an IT engineer by profession, was caught with 210 grams of charas by the Pernem police late Tuesday night. The accused claimed that he had bought the "stuff" from a local at Arambol junction for self-consumption.

MINING TRUCK KILLS A 28 YEAR OLD AT KAKUMODDI

QUEPEM: Another gruesome fatal accident and an alleged cover up, apathy and insensitiveness by the authorities had locals up in arms and threatening retribution and prolonged agitation against speeding mining trucks, on Wednesday evening.

BENAULIM VILLAGERS’ ACTION COMMITTEE - (A PRESS NOTE)

BENAULIM VILLAGERS’ ACTION COMMITTEE

H. NO. 19, ADSURLIM, BENAULIM SALCETTE – GOA 403 716

8th December, 2010

Press Note

Banaulikars assert that the Benaulim Panchayat has failed not only on the garbage front but in the overall development of the village. BVAC challenges the Sarpanch to show even one single developmental activity being undertaken by the present dispensation headed by her during the last three years, despite their political mentor and the local MLA having been in the State Cabinet.

WHAT IS "GOAN IDENTITYY"? by Lucio Mascarenhas

There are many ideas of what constitutes Goan identity, principally why Goans cannot attain to unity and to unified action or orchestration, against the forces militating against us. Yet there is indeed a Goan Identity, and it needs to be defined.  Goa as it is today is the creation of Portugal and of the Crusading effort, and more specifically of the Crusading effort called the Reconquista or Reconquest.

2010 - THE YEAR OF SCAMS by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

As the year of the Scams comes to a close those in power and authority have a lot to explain with so many questions left unanswered. With each scam more mind boggling than the other it is difficult to decide the Scamster of the Year. The growing revelation of so many scams will make it difficult for the Supreme Court and High Courts to monitor and keep pace.

DROP IN SEX RATIO IN THE STATE:GOVERNMENTS

PANJIM: While the state boasts of many achievements on various fronts, it appeared to have been fighting a losing battle in maintaining a healthy male-female sex ratio, as the figures for the last three years indicate a big fall in the number of girl children born in the state.

BENAULIM SARPANCH TO FILE A POLICE COMPLAINT AGAINST BVAC

MARGAO: Benaulim sarpanch Carmelina Fernandes has taken offence to the exercise undertaken by the Benaulim villagers action committee ( BVAC) of offloading two pick-up loads of plastic garbage in front of the panchayat premises on Monday to protest the panchayat's "failure" over the garbage disposal front.

OFFENCE REGISTERED AGAINST MMC CHIEF OFFICER

VASCO: Vasco police have registered an FIR against the chief officer of the Mormugao municipal council (MMC) and the member secretary of the planning and development authority, Mormugao, for permitting an allegedly illegal construction on comunidade land.

NORTH GOA COLLECTOR TOURS MINING AREAS TO VERIFY PROBLEMS TO PEOPLE

QUERIM: Collector of North Goa Mihir Vardhan, along with Pali MLA Pratap Gawas and government officials, visited Surla and other mining areas in Bicholim taluka to see for himself the problems faced by the locals due to the mining transportation.

OFFENCE REGISTERED AGAINST MMC CHIEF OFFICER

VASCO: Vasco police have registered an FIR against the chief officer of the Mormugao municipal council (MMC) and the member secretary of the planning and development authority, Mormugao, for permitting an allegedly illegal construction on comunidade land.

GOVERNMENT INITIATES ENQUIRY INTO THE ILLEGAL MINING AT NETRAVALI

PANJIM:  Goa government has initiated an inquiry into the alleged mining operation near Netravali wildlife sanctuary in South Goa which has been on, despite permit rejection from the Environment and Forest Ministry.  State Wildlife Warden Shashi Kumar said the forest department has demanded a probe into whether mining activity by M/s A X Poi Palondicar, adjacent to the wildlife sanctuary, still continues.

MEMBERS OF BVAC DUMPS GARBAGE NEAR PANCHAYAT GHAR

MARGAO: In an attempt to expose the Benaulim Panchayat on the failure on the garbage front, residents along with members of the Benaulim Village Action Committee (BVAC) on Monday collected tons of waste from the village and dumped the gunny bags near the Panchayat ghar for disposal.

14 YEARS OLD BOY RAPES AN 8 YEAR OLD GIRL

MARGAO: In a shocking incident, a minor boy of 14 years allegedly raped a 8-year old girl in the remote village of Barcem in Quepem taluka.

RELEASE OF PRASHANT JUVEKAR THE BLAST ACCUSED OPPOSED BY NIA

MARGAO: Opposing the bail application filed by blast accused Prashant Juvekar in the sessions court here, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) on Monday stated that the offence registered against him is serious in nature.

PRIVATE BUS OWNERS PROTEST FOILED BY COPS

MARGAO: Attempts by private city bus owners on Monday to go on a 'protest fast' against the decision of the district administration to change the routes of city buses—aimed at decongesting the city—were foiled, as police clamped down on the protestors and the authorities engaged them in yet another round of talks.

HIGH COURT VERDICT ON PETITION AGAINST AIRES NEXT WEEK

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa Justice N.A. Britto will pronounce next week his verdict on the petition filed by Police Inspector Sunita Sawant challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case. Justice Britto today heard arguments advanced by Special Public Prosecutor Mahesh Amonkar and Adv. Aires Rodrigues.

HC ADJOURNS TO 14TH DEC GCA’S PETITION AGAINST RTI

PANJIM: A. Division Bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa comprising of Justice S.B.Deshmukh and Justice F.M.Reis today adjourned to 14th December the petition filed by the Goa Cricket Association challenging the order of the Goa State Information Commission which had ruled that the GCA comes under the ambit of the Right to Information Act.

IS CHURCHILL ALEMAO DERANGED, DEMENTED and DELUDED? By N. Fernandes - London

I do read as many Goa and Indian Newspapers as I can every day. It is part of my routine which starts the day off for me.

The newspapers I read are Navhind Times, Times of India, O`Heraldo.

However the most truthful and honest online news items and studious comments are on “NIZ GOENKAR”.

STOP FOOLING GOANS by Carmen de Miranda, Loutolim

It is a real pity that the Chief Minister of Goa and the other “A Rajas” in his Cabinet use every opportunity to fool the Goans. The credibility of the government has now reached its nadir.

NAVY HARASSES US SAYS HE LOCALS OF BIMBVEL ISLAND

VASCO: It's just two families who have been calling a small portion near the Bimbvel beach their home since generations. However, over the last few months-and especially since the Navy's controversy-ridden attempt to acquire the beach-the seven members of the Dourado family and the two-member Landez household claim their lives have become a living hell.

CRIME BRANCH WRITES TO INDONESIAN CONSULATE FOR PERMISSION TO GET STATEMENTS OF THE GIRLS

PANJIM: The Crime Branch has written a letter to the Indonesian Embassy in Mumbai, asking the officials there to make it convenient to interrogate and record the statements of the Indonesian girls, revealed the investigating police officer from CID/crime branch, Ms Sunita Sawant.

NAIK, SARDINHA TELLS DEFENCE MINISTER NAVY’S PROPOSAL TO ACQUIRE ISLANDS NOT GENUINE

MARGAO: Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik has said he and South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha has categorically told Defence Minister, A K Antony that the proposal to acquire the two islands off Vasco is not bonafide and genuine.

MAN BRUTALLY STABS HIS FRIEND NEAR AMONA BRIDGE

MAYEM: A 30-year-old man from Bicholim was seriously injured, after his friend brutally stabbed him in the neck near Amona Bridge on Saturday night just for non payment of a debt of Rs 10/-.  Bicholim Police arrested the accused Bechan Sahani of UP in connection with the attack on his friend Vakil Yadav.

CISF PERSONNEL ASSAULTED BY A RUSSIAN AT DABOLIM AIRPORT

VASCO: The Vasco police have arrested a Russian national for assaulting a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, while the latter was discharging his duty at the arrival gate of the international terminal of Dabolim airport on Sunday morning.

VILLAGERS OF CHANDEL OPPOSE LAND ACQUISITION FOR MOPA AIRPORT

PERNEM: Protesting the acquisition of land for Mopa international airport, residents of surrounding villages said location of two airports within a radius of 70 km, excluding a third one at Chippi in Maharashtra will not be a feasible proposition considering requirement of volumes of traffic.

CORRUPT CHIEF GUESTS FROM GOA NOT REQUIRED & NEED NOT APPLY By N. Fernandes, London

A.V.C Club (Kuwait)- CONGRATULATIONS

Goans all over the world would like to congratulate the A.V.C. Club (ARROSIM, VELSAO & CUELIM CLUB), Kuwait, Kuwait Goans and other Sponsors for a great and spectacular celebration of “Global Goan Convention” held recently.

FOUR AGUADA JAIL GUARDS ARRESTED FOR ROBBERIES

PANJIM Four jail guards attached to the high security Aguada central prison in Goa were arrested near here early Sunday while trying to rob a truck driver on a national highway, police said.  The guards - Ankush Naik, Vishal Naik, Keshav Gawas and Dinesh Warang - were caught around 3 a.m. at Ponda, 30 km from here.

HC TO HEAR ARGUMENTS ON SUNITA SAWANT ‘S PETITION AGAINST AIRES ON 6TH DEC

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa Justice N.A. Britto will on December 6th hear arguments on the petition filed by Police Inspector Sunita Sawant challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

RTI REVEALS THAT GOA AG MAINTAINS NO RECORDS OF FILES SENT TO HIM

PANJIM: The Office of the Advocate General of Goa maintains no records of files sent to him for legal opinion.

This has been revealed in information furnished by the Law Department to Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act.

HC TO HEAR GCA’S PETITION AGAINST RTI ON 6th DEC

PANJIM: A. Division Bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa comprising of Justice S.B.Deshmukh and Justice F.M.Reis will on 6th December hear the petition filed by the Goa Cricket Association challenging the order of the Goa State Information Commission which had ruled that the GCA comes under the ambit of the Right to Information Act.

MICKKY APPLIES TO COURT TO RELEASE HIS LAPTOPS AND MOBILES

MARGAO: Former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco has moved an application before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao for release of his laptops and mobiles seized by the CBI in connection with the alleged overseas recruitment and money laundering case.

CHURCHILL ASKS FOR FUNDS FOR RDA SCHEMES IMPLEMENTATION

MARGAO: Rural Development Agency Minister Churchill Alemao has asked Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to make available funds with the RDA department for implementation of schemes for the weaker sections of the society. Alemao made the request before the Chief Minister at the concluding day of the Goa SARAS festival at the SGPDA grounds here on Saturday.

GERMANS SAY GOODBY TO GOA DUE TO FILTH SAY EXPERTS

PANJIM: The filth on Goa beaches and expensive holidays has made the state less preferred vacation gateway for the Germans, an expert said.

INDONESIAN GIRSL ESCAPE FROM THE CLUTCHES OF PROMOTERS

PANJIM:  Eight Indonesian girls working in a leading spa in Goa have escaped from the 'clutches' of its promoters and have fled to Mumbai, where they complained to the consulate that they were being harassed and that they were brought to India with forged documents and bogus appointment orders.

DIVERSION OF MADEI WILL CAUSE SHORTAGE OF WATER TO GOA

PANJIM: Goa in its master plan has projected that the Madei river water will not be enough to meet state’s irrigation and drinking water requirement by 2051 and any kind of water diversion by Karnataka will spell doom for the state.

MINISTER VIOLATING THE LAW by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

It is extremely distressing that the High Court had to intervene to rescue a 70 year old whose access to his abode at Dona Paula was being blocked by our Health Minister Mr.Vishwajit Rane.

CHURCHILL'S NOTE TO ACQUIRE LAND WILL BE OF NO HELP TO RAJEJA AT CARMONA

MARGAO: PWD Minister Churchill Alemao’s official note to acquire land for widening of the existing road to 10 meters may not be of any help to Mumbai-based real estate developer Ms K Raheja Universal Ltd to obtain construction license for construction of bungalows in Carmona village till the land in question is acquired and the road developed.

GOA GOVERNMENT HAS NOT MADE ANY REQUEST FOR SPECIAL CATEGORY: UNION MINISTER

PANJIM: There is no request made officially by the government of Goa for granting it special category, revealed the Union Minister of State for Planning, Parliamentary Affairs, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, Mr V Narayanasamy to Mr Shantaram Naik, MP, in the Rajya Sabha, in a written reply to his question.