POLICE PROTECTION ORDERED BY COLLECTOR AT DAVORLIM SPRING

MARGAO: South Goa District Collector G P Naik has ordered police protection at Davorlim from Wednesday to carry out the work of desilting of the spring and construction of the retaining wall at Layamati-Davorlim.  Maina Curtorim Police Station incharge, PI Sidhant Shirodkar said the Collector has issued the order as the work site witnessed some commotion on Tuesday morning.

CHURCH AUTHORITIES SERIOUS ABOUT SECURITY ISSUES AT OLD GOA FEAST

PANJIM: The Old Goa Church authorities have taken a serious view of some stall keepers jumping the Basilica of Bom Jesus wall to use the tap water facility in the church premises during the novena days being celebrated in preparedness for the feast of St Francis Xavier.

SITARS USED TO HIDE DRUGS BY PEDDLARS

PANJIM: An Indian musical instrument sitar was used by three drug peddlers to conceal some of the contraband drugs, which totally valued at around Rs 32 lakh and which was seized by the Anjuna police in a well-planned operation on Monday midnight.

SALIGAO-SALMONA SPRING TO BE RENOVATED SOON

MAPUSA: Springs and water bodies have always been known to be a source of attraction as it believed that water of such springs has medicinal properties and a soothing effect, which ensures that people flock to them, especially during the summer months.

STATE HAS TO PLEAD FOR FRAMING APPROPRIATE ISSUES ON MADEI RIVER DIVERSION

PANJIM: Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal told Mr Shantaram Naik MP, on Tuesday that the state of Goa will have to plead their case for framing of appropriate issues regarding their objection to the Karnataka irrigation project, before the tribunal.

PANJIM POLICE MANHANDLE NHDAC MEMBERS

PANJIM: Members of the National Highway Diversion Action Committee (NHDAC) alleged manhandling by Panjim police on Monday, after ten of their members marching amongst others towards the International film festival of India (Iffi) venue were stopped near the Panaji collectorate and taken to the police station.

HC TO HEAR GCA’S PETITION AGAINST RTI ON 1ST 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 1st 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.

POLICE INSPECTOR ANTHONY MONSERRATE, A GENEROUS AND KIND PERSON by Menino Fernandes

No matter what! Goa Police have been tainted badly and a bad picture is painted of the Police force of Goa. But it does not mean that the entire police department is bad and corrupt. Some readers may not like, But the truth of some Police Officers of Goa has to be brought out to the public.  Why should the few good police officers from lowest to the highest grade also suffer defamation for the sake of the bad ones? The truth of how with a smile these officers suffer at the hands of the politicians if they do not bend before their whims.

HC ADJOURNS SUNITA SAWANT ‘S PETITION AGAINST AIRES TO 6TH DEC

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

WHITHER PURIFICATION? FREEDOM FIGHTERS TRY TO PURIFY SEA by Mike Carvalho, Canada

On the 25 of November I read and article on the online local daily OHeraldo captioned “Freedom fighters purify sea at Khariwado.” The article mentioned that Freedom fighters along with other volunteers on Thursday last sprinkled holy water on the statue of freedom fighter Dr T B Cunha and collected some water and poured it in Goan sea to ‘purify’ it following the visit of Portuguese ship ‘Sagres’.

TALATHI APPREHENDED ACCEPTING BRIBE BY ANTI CORRUPTION BUREAU

QUEPEM: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), on Monday, trapped Quepem talathi, Mr Subhash Velip red-handed for accepting a bribe to complete some mutation work, informed officials.  Sources also said that the talathi, who was trapped accepting speed money at the Quepem mamlatdar office, was in charge of the mutation work for the whole of Quepem taluka and has since been suspended pending an inquiry.

PROTESTORS STOPPED FROM PROCEEDING TO THE IFFI VENUE

PANJIM: The Panjim police, on Monday, foiled the plans of the National Highway Diversion Action Committee of holding an agitation outside the IFFI venue by obstructing them while the protestors were on their way to it.

CBI PROBE DEMANDED INTO LAND ALLOTMENT SCAM BY VIRODHI MANCH

PANJIM: SEZ Virodhi Manch has demanded CBI inquiry into the alleged land allotment scam in allotting the spaces to SEZ promoters in the State and also sought resignation of those Board of Directors of Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and other officials involved in the scam.

RESHMA'S FAMILY SHOWS SUSPICION OF HER BEING MURDERED

PANJIM: The family of the deceased Reshma Korgaonkar, who died after hanging herself three days ago, has suspected that she was murdered and her death has been projected as suicide creating circumstances around her death.

TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE RESOLVED: MARGAO RTA

MARGAO: In a clear rebuff to the demand by the private bus operators to scrap the traffic changes introduced in the commercial capital, the RTA, Margao on Monday resolved to maintain with the decision banning short distance route buses from using the old bus stand.

BURGLARS STRIKE AT SADOLXEM: TWO HOUSES AND CHAUDI SUPERMARKET

CANACONA: After a series of temple thefts in the State, burglars have now targeted Canacona and struck at three different places, including a super market at Chaudi and two residences at Sadolxem on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

UTILIZE COMMUNIDADE LAND FOR GARBAGE MANAGEMENT GETS GREEN SIGNAL

PANJIM: A proposal to utilize comunidade land for garbage management at St Cruz received a green signal at the gram sabha. However, some members insisted that the panchayat should follow it up before the next meeting.

PROTEST PLANNED AGAINST HIGHWAY EXPANSION AT IFFI VENUE

PANJIM:  In a bid to seek national and international attention, a protest would be held at the ongoing International Film Festival of India on Monday against the expansion of the national highway in the state.  The sit-in would be staged by members of the National Highway Diversion Action Committee, its convenor Sunil Desai told reporters here today.

NIZ GOENKAR SOCCER TEAM MAKES ITS STUNNING DEBUT IN MUSCAT, OMAN

(Our First New Soccer Team Introduced in Muscat, OMAN)

MUSCAT: The Niz Goenkar’s soccer team which was formed a few days ago, made their debut in the OICC All India 11-A-Side football tournament which witnessed 12 teams competing for the glittering OICC trophy at the Al Bustan Stadium on Friday, 26th November 2010.

GOVERNMENT GRATITUDE BY DRAGGING FARMERS TO THE COURT by Vishwas Prabhudesai, Loliem

The land for Konkan Railway in Loliem Canacona, was acquired by the Govt in early 90s and a part of compensation distributed. After almost three years. in place of giving the remaining part of the compensation, the farmers were issued notice to refund a portion of the compensation already given by bringing the price of land as low as Rs 3 per square meter by an award by the collector, thus forcing the farmers to go to Courts!

SUNITA SAWANT ‘S PETITION AGAINST AIRES: HC TO HEAR ARGUMENTS ON NOV 30TH

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa Justice N.A. Britto will on Nov 30th hear arguments on the petition filed by Police Inspector Sunita Sawant challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

THE CRITICAL STATE OF THE INDIAN JUDICIARY by Adv. Aires Rodrigues

The indictment by the Supreme Court that there was something very rotten about the Allahabad High Court is yet another slap to the already badly bruised and battered judiciary. The suggestion to transfer the rotten apples elsewhere is no solution to the malaise.

INEPT ADMINISTRATION by Jonas Correia, Aldona

Our freedom fighters have woken up from slumber after 50 years to suggest change of names of places. They are not bothered about people’s progress as long as they receive pension and get job reservations for their wards.

MUNICIPALITY OFFICES IN GOA TO BE COMPUTERISED: CM KAMAT

CANACONA: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat said all the municipality offices in the state will be computerised and in due course, the process of obtaining any certificate will be simplified. Mr Kamat was speaking after distributing cheques and sewing machines to the needy and flood-affected residents of Canacona.

USGAO-GANJEM GRAM SABHA WITNESSES NOISY SCENES

MARCEL: Usgao-Ganjem Gram Sabha on Sunday witnessed noisy scenes over the issue of illegal parking of trucks by an industrial estate in Marwa-Sada, Usgao.

TURMOIL AT CANCA OVER THE PROPOSED COMMERCIAL PROJECT

MAPUSA: Verla Canca gram sabha that was held, on Sunday, witnessed turmoil over a proposed commercial project that is to come up at D’Mello Waddo, Canca. Secretary surrendering to the demand of the villagers adopted a resolution seeking revocation of the licence issued to undertake the project.

GOVT. GIVES IFFI MORE IMPORTANCE THAN THE OLD GOA NOVENAS AND FEAST

OLD GOA: A large number of devotees thronged Old Goa on the fourth day of the novenas in honour of St Francis Xavier on Saturday. Sources said that over a lakh devotees attended the masses that started at 5am. As the 9.30am mass ended, however, two persons fainted, and in the absence of emergency services (ambulances) had to be transported by private vehicles for medical treatment, said sources.

WILL FR NEWTON HAVE TO RETURN TO GOA TO DEPOSE IN RIBANDAR CHURCH CASE?

PANJIM: If Crime Branch Inspector Sunita Sawant succeeds in her petition before the High Court challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case the former Parish Priest of Ribandar Fr. Newton Rodrigues who is the Complainant will have to depose in the case. Fr. Newton Rodrigues is currently settled in Canada and is Pastor of St. Bernadette Church at Calgary.

UNION MINISTRY OF COMMERCE CLEARED TO DENOTIFY THE 3 SEZ'S: SHANTARAM NAIK

PANJIM: Decks have now been cleared for the Union Ministry of Commerce to denotify the three notified SEZs in Goa, said Mr Shantaram Naik, MP, who has been vigorously pursuing the issue of denotification for the last two years.

GOA POLICE COMPLAINT AUTHORITY HAS CALLED FOR FURTHER ACTION: ANTHONY D'SILVA V/S MARGAO PI

MARGAO: The State Police Complaint Authority has called for further action in respect of the complaint filed by social activist Anthony D’Silva against Margao Police Inspector Santosh Desai.

MADKAIKAR EXPRESSES SATISFACTION OVER GOVT. DECISION TO PUT HOLD ON LAND ACQUISITION PROCESS

OLD GOA: Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar on Saturday expressed satisfaction over the State government’s decision to keep on hold the land acquisition process to widen the NH4A along the Old Goa-Corlim route.

ANTI NARCOTIC CELL FACES SHORTAGE OF STAFF

PANJIM: While, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) is already facing serious staff shortage, the Goa Police have transferred ANC Police Sub-Inspector Sunil Gudlar to security office at police headquarters.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES LETTER OF INTENT TO ARIHANT SHIP BREAKERS

PANJIM: The government on Saturday issued letter of intent to M/s Arihant Ship Breakers, the Mumbai-based firm which successfully bid the tender for cutting and removing the River Princess.

PERNEM MAGISTRATE'S ORDER QUASHED BY ADDITIONAL SESSIONS COURT

PANJIM: The Additional Sessions Judge, Panjim, Mr P V Sawaikar quashed the order passed by the Magistrate, Pernem directing the Superintendent of Police, North Goa to register an FIR against police officers, Mr Krishna Subhaji and Mr Sachin Narvekar, on the ground that the allegations made against them were incorrect.

TRUTH IN AN ENCOURAGING EMAIL RECEIVED FROM JOHN R. FERNANDES

(Received by email on 25th November 2010)

Dear Editor of Niz Goenkar

I thought of writing a few words of encouragement to you I have come across your blog Niz Goenkar , I am residing in Mumbai since my childhood, It is shocking to know that our Politicians , officials from village and other vested interest are keen on destroying Goa for their own selfish needs, the beautiful Goa that it was is all lost , it will not be long before we will be dominated by outsiders in our own place and will be left orphans ,first of all our language konkani is not in place.

IFFI A WHITE ELEPHANT by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The government should come out with a white paper as to in which way IFFI is beneficial to Goa and Goans.This annual extravaganza is definitely a colossal waste of public money. An unnecessary and unjustified drain on the State exchequer. The Government should get its priorities right.

FORMER IGP KD SINGH SON’S CAR CRASH COST THE TAX PAYER Rs. 4 ,33, 200

PANJIM: The 4th December 2009 car crash by the son of Goa’s former IGP, Mr. K.D.Singh while driving his father’s official a Toyota Innova GA-07-G-0063 has cost the State exchequer Rs 4, 33, 200. This has been revealed in information furnished to Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S MIRACLE by Filomeno Diogo Jacinto Da Silva

Endowed with the natural talent for playing the violin, I was recruited in the Portuguese military in 1958. I went to Portugal in 1959 for my Sergent Militian course, and returned to Goa in 1960. From 17 October 1961, I started working for Emmisora do Goa, which later became All India Radio (AIR), where I served till my retirement in 1993.

INDEBTED TO PORTUGUESE by Jerry Fernandes, Saligao

I am an open-minded liberal Goan and am proud of my ancestral joint family. We cherish Hindu values but I am also grateful to the erstwhile Portuguese regime for bringing Christianity into our lives.

APATHY OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT:: PAINS OF A FAMILY IN DIVAR

OLD GOA: While they continue to grieve over the loss of their loved one in the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, a family from Divar now expresses pain for another reason — apathy of the State government.

Chef Urban do Rego, father of Boris, a young and promising chef who was shot dead by terrorists at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, is upset with the State government for failing to do anything for his family.

RS 8 CRORE SCAM IN CCP: FURTADO

PANJIM: Corporation of City of Panjim (CCP) corporator Surendra Furtado today claimed scam of Rs eight crore by the CCP between 2006 and 2009. Information procured by Furtado under Right To Information (RTI), shows that the State had released several lakh of rupees to the corporation in each of these four years, which is calculated to a total of Rs eight crore.

FISHERMEN SHOW THE WAY by Dr. Shiv Prabhu

The colourful farewell given by fishermen to the Portuguese ship ‘Sagres’ makes me wonder why all those who are regularly seen partying at Indo-Portuguese festivals, or at cocktail parties hosted by the Portuguese Consul General, did not openly voice their opinions? Are they scared, or do they move as per the wind?

MEMORIES OF GOLDEN DAYS by Dalia

What are your own memories of your golden days in Goa? Can you summarize? I am sure, you will particularly if you were born 50 years ago. And for the new generation, I beg to look into the history of Goa and know how peace prevailed alongside with total harmony.

ONE LAKH WORTH COCAINE SEIZED FROM A NIGERIAN

MAPUSA: The Anjuna police on Friday arrested a Nigerian and seized from him cocaine weighing around 11 gms and worth about Rs 1 lakh.  According to information given by Anjuna PI, Mr Manjunath Dessai, the accused, whose name was disclosed as Samuel Kelvin, aged 29, had come with the consignment to sell it to some customers at Ximwaddo-Arpora.

HIGH COURT: LAND ALLOTTED FOR SEZ ILLEGAL

PANJIM: The division bench of the High Court of Bombay at Goa constituting Mr Justice S B Deshmukh and Mr Justice F M Reis held on Friday that the allotment of land as special economic zones was illegal.

NCP WANTS MORE SEATS FOR NEXT ELECTIONS

PANJIM:  Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Goa Thursday said that they will ask for more seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections considering that their strength is growing in the state.

JUSTICE BRITTO PRE-PONES HEARING OF PETITION AGAINST AIRES TO 30TH NOV

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa’s Justice N.A. Britto today pre-poned to Nov 30th hearing of the petition filed by Crime Branch Police Inspector Sunita Sawant challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case. Justice Britto had yesterday fixed the matter for 6th December.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY REPORT IS A WAKE UP CALL FOR THE GOVT by Nisser Dias

The recent assessment and report of the National Geographic Society’s centre for Sustainable Destinations -- rating Goa among the world’s 10 worst beaches should ring a warning bell in the ears of our elected representatives at all levels from the panch member to the chief minister to the parliamentarians that all is not well along our hundred and four kilometres serpentine coast belt. Which way back in the 70s had attracted tourists to the state.

PANJIM POLICE PRESSURISING VICTIM OF HIT-AND-RUN TO WITHDRAW CASE

PANJIM: Panjim police are allegedly trying to hush up a hit-and-run case involving a car, which belongs to a senior police officer.  Sources said that a white Maruti Swift dashed against Sainath who was on his Hero Honda motorbike near Goa Science Centre on Wednesday.

A LITTLE FREEDOM FIGHTER – brought to you by Dr. Ferndinand dos Reis Falcao

(This article is taken from Gomantak Times)

It was in 1952, I was about 13 years old.  After completion of my Portuguese studies, and due to financial reasons I joined 7 other girls, working at the match factory in Ponda and resided at the nearby church.

TEMPLE THEFT CASE HAS TO BE EXPEDITED: MAPUSA DySP PRESSED HARD

MAPUSA: A delegation of panch members from Saligao, Guirim and Sangolda alongwith BJP activists and temple committee members of Shree Bhumika Sateri temple, Guirim, led by Saligao MLA, Mr Dillip Parulekar and Saligao ZP member, Mr Michael Lobo called on Mapusa DySP, Mr Sammy Tavares and urged him to expedite investigations into the Bhumika Sateri temple burglary case.

THIEF ON MOTORCYCLE SNATCHES MANGALSUTRA

MAPUSA: A motorcycle-borne man with his face covered with a helmet snatched mangalsutra weighing 28 grams, worth ` 25,000, from a woman at Karaswado on Thursday morning.

HC DIRECTS THAT FRESH NOTICE TO AIRES BE SERVED BY SUNITA SAWANT

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa’s Justice N.A. Britto today directed that a fresh notice be issued to Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the petition filed by Crime Branch Police Inspector Sunita Sawant challenging his acquittal in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

NILKHANT HALARNKAR SAYS TOURISM DEPARTMENT NEEDS FUNDS BADLY

MARGAO: Tourism Minister Nilkhant Halarnkar has said the Tourism department is in dire need of additional funds to develop tourism infrastructure in the state and disclosed plans to revive the Food Festival.  During an informal chat with newsmen on a visit to the city, Halarnkar said he would call on the Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat with a plea for a hike in budgetary allocation for the Tourism Ministry.

PILGRIMS FLOCK IN THOUSANDS FOR THE NOVENA OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

OLD GOA: Thousands of devotees from all over the State flocked to Old Goa to participate in the nine-day novena services in preparation for the feast of St Francis Xavier, which began at the Bom Jesus Basilica on Wednesday.

REGIONAL PLAN 2021: FEARS OVER SETTLEMENT ZONE

PANJIM: Contrary to the suspicions that large areas of land would be brought under settlement zones in the Regional Plan 2021, the state level committee has recommended that no development should be permitted in 80 per cent of state land and only allowed increase in settlement area based on projected development of the areas during the plan period, even as the settlement zones in the Regional Plan 2001 stand corrected.

TEMPLE BURGLED: VALUABLES WORTH 18 LAKHS STOLEN

MARGAO: In a telling reminder that the men in khaki have not been able to crack down on robbers striking at religious places and these perpetrators are in fact are spreading their tentacles in South Goa, valuables worth more than 18 lakhs were stolen from Shri Chandreshwer-Bhutnath temple on Tuesday night.

7 DAYS JAIL FOR JHARKHAND DRIVER FOR RASH & NEGLIGENT DRIVING

MARGAO: The special judicial magistrate, Mr S B Faria on Wednesday sentenced Arun Kumar, 29, a truck driver from Jharkhand but presently residing at Sanvordem, in connection with a case of rash and negligent driving. The incident had occurred near Chandor market on November 10

VOTING FOR NRI'S PASSED: ALL NRI'S CAN NOW VOTE

 NEW DELHI: A longstanding wish of millions of NRIs for voting right in India has come true with the Centre issuing a notification to this effect to enable them to exercise their franchise.

Parliament had in the monsoon session passed the Representation of People (Amendment) Bill, 2010 to allow NRIs to vote in Indian elections and now government has issued a gazette notification in this regard.  “Gazette notification has been issued giving voting rights to Non-Resident Indians,” Overseas Indian Affairs Minister told Lok Sabha, replying to a question.

An estimated 11 million NRIs are living in various countries across the world.
However, the person will be able to exercise the franchise only if he or she is present in the constituency on the polling day.

Ravi said NRIs, “who have not acquired citizenship of any other country and are living abroad owing to employment, education or otherwise, are now eligible to register their names in the electoral rolls” in their places as mentioned in their passport.
He said the Election Commission is likely to soon finalise the rules and regulations prescribing modalities for entry of names of NRIs in electoral rolls.
The Government had decided to allow the NRIs to participate in the democratic process to further boost the two-way engagement.

As per the existing rules, an NRI’s name gets deleted from the voters’ list if he or she stays outside the country for more than six months at a stretch.

The new law will allow an Indian citizen residing abroad to enroll in voter’s list and exercise his franchise even if he or she remained away from place of residence in India for more than six months owing to employment, education or otherwise.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, addressing the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas earlier this year, had indicated that Indian passport holders living abroad could get voting rights by the time of next Lok Sabha elections in 2014. - PTI

READY TO FACE SECOND TRIAL IN RIBANDAR CHURCH CASE SAYS AIRES

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today stated that he was ready to face the trial in the second charge sheet filed against him and prove his innocence in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

NOVENAS OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER AT OLD GOA BEGINS

PANJIM: The annual feast of Saint Francis Xavier will be celebrated on December 3, at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. The 9-day Novena to Saint Francis Xavier will get underway from November 24 to December 2.

CHURCHILL SAYS MEET AT LOHIA MAIDAN POLITICALLY MOTIVATED

MARGAO: Churchill Alemao who is hell bent on expanding the NH-17 for reasons best known to him only termed Monday’s meeting at the Lohia Maidan, as politically motivated. PWD Minister Churchill Alemao has said some people have started opposing the NH-17 expansion when the alignment is yet to be finalized by the government.

MARKET VALUE COMPENSATION FOR HOUSES FACES DEMOLITION DUE TO NH EXPANSION

MARGAO: Appealing to the people not to be "misguided" by rhetoric over the expansion of the national highways, five cabinet ministers on Tuesday underlined the point that the people, whose houses would face demolition, would be rehabilitated and compensation for houses and land worked out at market values.

POLICE OPPOSE GRANTING OF PERMISSION FOR MICKKY TO TRAVEL ABROAD

MARGAO: The Crime branch on Tuesday has opposed granting permission for former Minister Mickky Pacheco to travel abroad and as well as released of the CPUs attached by the investigating agency in connection with the Nadia Torrado death case.  Mickky’s application will come up for arguments in the sessions court on November 25.

RUSSIAN MINOR MOLESTOR ACQUITTED BY COURT

PANJIM: The Goa children's court on Monday acquitted Aman Bharadwaj of sexually abusing a nine-year-old Russian girl on January 26 this year on Arambol beach.  Children's court president PV Sawaikar acquitted the accused of grave sexual assault punishable under Section 8(2) of the Goa Children's Act 2003.

SURENDRA SHIRSAT THE NEW CHIEF OF NCP IN GOA

New Delhi: Senior NCP leader Surendra Shirsat was on Tuesday appointed President of the party's Goa unit. Shirsat, at present Vice President of the NCP's Goa unit, succeeds Jose Philip D'souza, who had resigned from the post recently.

IF POLICE COULD NOT FIND HEALTH MINISTER HOW WILL THEY GET ATALA : AIRES ASKS GSPCA

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues today submitted before the four member Goa State Police Complaints Authority headed by Justice Eurico Da Silva that if the Goa Police were unable to find Health Minister Mr. Vishwajit Rane they could not be expected to trace Atala.

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.

LIFE GUARDS LEAVING FOR GULF TO EARN DINARS

PANJIM: Nitesh Gaonkar, 23, (name changed) from Valpoi flew to the Gulf acouple of days ago. "I'm going to be a lifeguard abroad," he said a few hours before leaving. Catching the government unaware, and leaving tourism officials with a new problem to grapple with, some 30 other lifeguards from Goa, have left the state's beaches over the past few months to pursue a job as a lifeguard in the Gulf.

SPECIAL PP MAHESH AMONKAR LYING TO COURT, ALLEGES AIRES

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has today accused Special Public Prosecutor Mahesh Amonkar of lying and misleading the High Court in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

BANGALORE RESIDENT ARRESTED AT DABOLIM FOR POSSESSING LIVE BULLET

VASCO: Vasco police on Monday arrested Suhas Suresh, 25, a resident of Bangalore, for possessing a live bullet. Suresh was arrested at the Dabolim airport.

TWO KARWAR WOMEN CHAIN SNATCHERS ARRESTED IN PONDA

PONDA: Ponda police on Monday afternoon arrested two women for allegedly snatching a gold chain worth 35,000 from the neck of a woman in Ponda. The chain has been recovered from a purse belonging to one of the accused.

NCP WILL FORMULATE A NATIONAL YOUR POLICY: A SAFEGUARD OF YOUTH INTERESTS

PANJIM: The Nationalist Congress Party will formulate a national youth policy to safeguard the interests of the youth, which form 71 per cent of the nation’s electorate.

NH AGITATION WILL BE INTENSIFIED WITH PRESENT ALIGNMENTS

MARGAO: A widely attended meeting at Margao’s Lohia Maidan, called by the National Highway Diversion Action Committee threatened to intensify the agitation against the proposed national highway widening with the present alignments.

TRIBUNAL FORMED FOR MADEI WATER DISPUTE

PANJIM: After a long delay, the Union government finally issued a notification constituting a tribunal consisting of three judges to adjudicate the dispute between Goa and Karnataka over diversion of water from the Madei basin.

GOVT OUTLETS CAUGHT SELLING VEGETABLES FOR PRICES MORE THAN THE CONTROLLED RATE

PANJIM: In a major scam, the outlets of Goa State Horticulture Corporation Limited (GSHCL) were found selling vegetables for higher price forcing the authorities to issue them circular asking them to desist from cheating common men.

FIGHT WITH A WIFE LEADS TO HUSBANDS SUICIDE

PANJIM: A 25-year-old man committed suicide by stabbing himself with a knife in the stomach at Calangute on Saturday evening, as his wife refused to give him money to purchase liquor.

LOUD MUSIC PLUS THREATENING THE POLICE LANDS A COUPLE IN POLICE NET

PANJIM: A couple from Caranzalem was booked for playing loud music in their garden and later threatening Panjim cops who went to stop the music late Saturday night.

THE RT. DISHONOURABLE CHURCHILL BRAZ ALEMAO - THE END IS NIGH by N. Fernandes, London

In a photograph published in the Navhind Times dated 21/ 11/2010, and at the opening ceremony of the Dr LUIS GOMES LIBRARY, along with Margao`s or MADGAONS most notorious political escapologist and worst HOUDINI impersonator Mr Digu Kamat, anyone with a keen eye will have noticed that Churchill is looking very ill.

VISHWAJIT RANE CASE: CASE AGAINST 3 PI’S ON 23rd NOV

PANJIM: The Goa State Police Complaints Authority will on Tuesday 23rd Nov at 10.30 hear the preliminary arguments on the complaint filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against the three police Inspectors who had handled the complaint against Goa’s Health Mr. Vishwajit Rane in the threat to kill case.

LIKE THE PM IS OUR CM by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s long silence and inaction on the 2G Spectrum scam is unforgivable. Action against the corrupt has to be ruthless and dealt with an iron hand.

GOAN DECIMATION by James Moraes, Cuncolim

Said to be a victory for BJP, freedom fighters, and like minded organisations decision to stop the Governors visit to NRP Sagres a Portuguese navy ship, was a senseless thing to do.

CASE AGAINST AIRES: HIGH COURT DIRECTS FRESH NOTICE

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa’s Justice N.A. Britto today directed that fresh notice be issued to Adv. Aires Rodrigues with his correct name in the petition filed Crime Branch Police Inspector Sunita Sawant’s petition challenging his acquittal in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

SAN JOSE DE AREAL REVOKES NOC GRANTED TO A CRUSHER

MARGAO: The San Jose de Areal gram sabha on Sunday, passed a resolution to revoke the NOC granted to a crusher within the panchayat area.  The gram sabha, presided over by the deputy sarpanch, Mr Vincy Mascarenhas, in the absence of the sarpanch, Ms Liberatta Travasso, told the presiding officer that the issue of the crusher NOC was in court and so the court should decide on the same, and the present NOC issued should be revoked.

NEW METHOD OF GRABBING LAND IN THE NAME OF HIGHWAY EXPANSION

MERCES: Stating that the highway expansion project is only a ploy to grab land from Goans, John Lobo of Ribandar Chimbel Rakhonn Samiti stated that the government is out to sell Goa to the highest bidder in the name of development.

DIGAMBER KAMAT SILENT OVER LIBRARY JOBS DEMAND BY LOCALS

MARGAO: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat maintained a stoic silence over the demand for jobs for locals in the Dr Francis Luis Gomes district library inaugurated, even as the police tightened security as residents of Ward No 16 assembled outside the library building demanding jobs.

BOMBAY TO GOA LINER PLANNED

PANJIM: Those days are remembered with nostalgia by many who travelled aboard the Konkan Shakti and the Konkan Sevak. Twenty-two years later, one may get to experience those moments again with the state government passing a proposal to start a passenger liner service on the Goa-Mumbai-Goa route.

PRIVATE BUS OWNERS CALL OFF STRIKE

PANJIM: The private bus owners have called off their bus strike on November 22, following the intervention of the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Sunday morning.

NATIVE FROM ORISSA FOUND DEAD: MURDER SUSPECTED

PORVORIM: A 44-year-old native of Orissa was suspected to have been murdered in his room at a construction site in Porvorim on Sunday. According to Porvorim Police, deceased Ganga Mandal along with his son Sanyasi (21) had arrived from Orissa on Sunday morning.

JUSTICE BRITTO TO DECIDE ON FATE OF GOVT’S PETITION AGAINST AIRES ON NOV 22nd

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa’s Justice N.A. Britto will on 22nd Nov decide the fate of Crime Branch Police Inspector Sunita Sawant’s petition challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

LIBRARY JOBS FOR LOCAL YOUTH DEMAND MARGAO YOUTH

MARGAO: The youth of Ward No 16 of Margao Municipal Council has demanded for jobs for the local youngsters in the Dr Francis Luis Gomes district library which will be inaugurated on Sunday.

CONDITIONAL BAIL TO COUPLE IN DOWRY HARASSMENT CASE

MARGAO: The first additional district and sessions judge, South Goa, Margao, Mr Desmond D’Costa, on Saturday granted conditional anticipatory bail to a couple, who was charged for cruelty related to dowry demand by their daughter-in-law.

TWENTY FIVE KONKANI ORGANISATIONS TO BE HONOURED BY THE PRESIDENT

PANJIM: Thomas Stephen Konkani Kendr and Konkani Bhasha Mandal are among the 25 Konkani organisations from around the world selected to receive the honour from the President, Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil on December 9, at a function to be held at Nehru Maidan to mark Konkani Ekta Day on the occasion of World Konkani Cultural Convention.

Mandd Sobhann, the premier Konkani cultural organisation has announced that the World Konkani Cultural Convention would start from November 25.

FORTY SEVEN POLICE FAMILIES WILL LOSE THEIR HOMES

 MARGAO: Forty seven families of the guardians of the peace could be out on the streets soon or even worse, under collapsing buildings if action is not taken at the earliest if the PWD is to be believed.  An order has been issued by the executive engineer of PWD works division 8, Fatorda, stating that buildings A1- A4 and B1 and B2 are in very bad condition "as per non-destructive test" and the families have been asked to vacate "immediately before any major casualty occurs."

POLITICAL HYPOCRISY by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Ashok Chavan was rightly axed as Maharastra Chief Minister for his alleged involvement in the Adarsh scam. The Congress however exposed its double standards and hypocrisy by initially claiming that Mr. A. Raja though allegedly involved in a much bigger scam could not be grounded because of the coalition government compulsions.

GOVT’S PETITION AGAINST AIRES DEVELOPS YET ANOTHER SNAG

PANJIM: Crime Branch Police Inspector Sunita Sawant’s petition filed in the High Court challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case has developed yet another snag.

On 15th November Bombay High Court at Goa’s Justice N.A. Britto had directed that fresh notice be issued to Adv. Aires Rodrigues with his correct name.

STOP THE PENSION OF FREEDOM FIGHTERS by Carlos Fernandes

The pension paid to the freedom fighters should be abolished just the way privy purses paid to the Maharajas was abolished by Indian government.

ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDED NOTIFICATION: PADGAONKAR WASHES HIS HANDS

PANJIM: The recent notification as regards using Konkani and Marathi languages for signage pertaining to street names, besides government signboards and so on, is an effort to display the finer differences existing between the two languages, the director of official language, Mr G D Padgaonkar in hand washing gimmick, said on Friday

NO DONATIONS FOR KG I & II ADMISSIONS

PANJIM: A school in Panjim has written to a parent that it will now not take donations for admissions to pre-primary.  The parent, one Kashinath Shetye, had recently filed an application before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) at Panjim raising the issue of illegal collection of donations by schools at the time of admissions.

VASCO MOLESTATION CASE ACCUSED ACQUITTED

PANJIM: The children's court has acquitted a 25-year-old man charged for molesting a four-year-old girl near Vasco last year as the prosecution failed to prove the case.  Police had filed the chargesheet against the accused for molesting the victim, who was his neighbour.

ACTION AGAINST MICKKY PACHECO DEMANDED BY VASCO NCP COUNCILLORS

PANJIM: Councillors affiliated to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Vasco have demanded action against the party's Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco alleging that he worked against the interests of the NCP during the municipal polls.

HOUSE COMMITTEE SHOULD DECIDE FINAL NH ALIGNMENT:PARRIKAR

PANJIM: The state BJP has demanded that the final alignment of the national highway (NH) expansion project should be decided by the 'house committee' set up by the state legislative assembly and not the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

MAGNIFICIENT & DIPLOMATIC SEND OFF TO PORTUGUESE NAVAL SHIP NRP SAGRES BY GOANS by Menino Fernandes

VIVA GOA! VIVA PORTUGAL! – The natural salutation that comes to mind as one sits down to write on the Grand Brass band farewell that the people of Khariawaddo Vasco and the Vascoites gave to the Portuguese Navy on 16th November 2010. These people of Khariawaddo showed that they still have the Goan Portuguese culture in them and that there is still love for them in our hearts.

LOCAL DAILY NEWS HAMMERED THE LAST NAIL IN GOA'S COFFIN by Nisser Dias

Last week one of the highest selling news daily in Goa created ripples not only in Goa but all over the world with irresponsible, inaccurate caption that 45 percent of Goans are alcoholics. Several requests to the editor to issue a corrigendum fell on deaf ears; furthermore the issue was further muddled with an editorial which said that 45 percent of Goans consume alcohol.

RIBANDAR CHURCH CASE CHARGESHEET WAS FILED WITH CM RANE’S APPROVAL

PANJIM: The charge sheet against Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case was filed with the approval of then Chief Minister Mr. Pratapsingh Rane.  This has been revealed in the file notings of the case obtained by Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act.

TRANSPORT MINISTER TO CANCEL PERMITS IN CASE OF BANDH BY PRIVATE BUSES

PANJIM: The ministers and the transport authorities time and again have been threatening the private bus owners that if they held a “BANDH” their permits will be cancelled. But till date not a single permit has been cancelled for going on strike of the private buses. The talks are only to show the public that action will be taken.

CASINOS STILL IN THE SAME PLACES AS USUAL

PANJIM: Despite the government’s decision to shift them elsewhere, offshore casinos parked within city limits of the Mandovi River continue to operate from their “privileged position”.  In September, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had declared that three offshore casinos would be shifted towards Ribandar side of the river in the first phase and four other vessels would be relocated in the second phase.

GOA PLACED IN TEN WORST BEACH SPOTS BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

PANJIM: In what could dent Goa’s image as a top tourism destination, the State has been named amongst the 10 worst beach destinations in the world in 2010 based on six different standards.  Based on six standards, 340 experts have selected the 10 worst cities in the world in 2010 in a selection held by the National Geographic Society’s Centre for Sustainable Destinations.

LADAINH AND TULSICHEM LOGN RITES WERE PERFORMED AT THE GRANDY ISLAND

VASCO: The traditional LADAINH and TULSICHEM LOGN  were performed by the members of Hindu and Christian fishermen community from Baina with a great pomp and gaiety at Grandy Island on Thursday.

CM SAYS GOA IS ONE OF THE FINEST TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

PANJIM: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat said that Goa is one of the finest tourist destinations in the country and seized the opportunity to invite tourists to Goa while addressing the Goa Day Cultural evening as the chief guest at Lal Chowk Theatre at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on Thursday.

POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS RESERVED WASHERMAN'S POST FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED

PANJIM: Strange it may seem but true. The police department seems to prefer procedures to ground realities when it comes to hiring the best suited person for the job.  In one such instance, the department has placed an advertisement for the job of a Dhobi (washerman) and the post has been reserved for a physically disabled person.

COURT OFFICIALS FACE INJUSTICE by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

More than a year after their retirement three of our high court officials are yet to receive their monthly pension. While their files crawl in the bureaucratic muddle they remain pensionless.

THE JUDUCIARY'S VITAL AND VIBRANT ROLE by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Today economic and social development is not just about building roads and bridges or increasing taxes. It is increasingly about the rule of law. The rule of law prevails only when there are meaningful and enforceable laws. Laws that ensure transparency, fairness and accountability.

AGITATION PLANNED AGAINST MINING IN SONAL SATARI BY ANTI-MINING PANEL

VALPOI: Members of Anti-Mining Committee from Sonal village in Sattari are planning to launch an agitation against the renewal and grant of mining leases in their village, and have forwarded a memorandum of their objections to the Union Minister of Environment and Forest.

NAVY SAYS IT WANT ISLANDS FOR SECURITY REASONS.

VASCO: Indian Navy is facing stiff resistence at Baina for their plans to acquire Pequino and Grand Zuvem island . Navy says they want to acquire both these places as per the report of Central agencies. But locals are opposing the idea. Navy has already asked Govt to hand over these islands. Navy says they have no other interest in the property other than the security concerns.

ONE ARRESTED FOR RAPING A WOMAN AT MAINA

MARGAO: The Maina-Curtorim police on Wednesday, arrested Dilip Goswami, a resident of Dicarpale, for allegedly confining a 52-year-old woman from Quepem in a room and then raping her.  The police said that according to the victim, she was sexually abused for two nights. She is a grand mother and has a family at Quepem.

RUSSIAN TOURIST MOLESTED IN GOA

PANJIM: A Russian tourist has complained that a thief molested her in her rented apartment and looted valuables running in several lakhs at Colva, 40 kms from Panjim, during the wee hours of Wednesday.

POLICE CONSTABLE SUSPENDED FOR VISTING CASINO ON DUTY

PANJIM: A constable attached to a police station here was suspended after he skipped duty to visit a casino and allegedly misbehaved with the staff.

POLICE CONSTABLE DRIVERS' JOBS FOR SALE IN GOA by Bebdo

Many of the forty-five candidates who have been selected recently to fill in the vacancies for the post of Police Constable Drivers (Grade III) by direct employment have alleged that they are being asked from a minimum of Rs 2 lakhs to a maximum of Rs 5 lakhs to get their appointment letters from the home ministry.

RTI SAYS VISHWAJIT RANE IS UNDER Y SECURITY : AIRES CLAIMS ITS Z PLUS

PANJIM: The Goa Police in information furnished to Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act has claimed that Goa’s Health Minister Mr. Vishwajit Rane is only getting Y security.  Superintendent of Police, Security has informed Adv. Aires Rodrigues that those categorized under Y Security are entitled to two Personal Security Officers round the clock.

IS DR. OSCAR REBELLO PLAYING DIPLOMACY OR EXPOSING IGNORANCE by Dr. Ferdinando dos Reis Falcao

I am totally lost at words that an educated and professional person like Dr. Oscar Rebello could write what he did in one of the dailies under caption Portuguese v/s freedom fighter debate. I fail to conclude whether Dr. Oscar is playing diplomacy or exposing ignorance.

RUMOURS OF JOAQUIM ALEMAO'S SON JOINING POLITICS

MARGAO: With rumours rife that he is all set to introduce his pilot son Yuri into electoral politics, Cuncolim MLA and Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao scotched all such reports, saying his son may succeed him only after his retirement.

WORLD CLASS GOLF COURSE GOING TO BE A REALITY IN GOA SOON

PANJIM: In what could be described as a major decision to bolster the tourism sector and retain its competitive edge over others, the tourism department would soon invite expressions of interest (EoIs) from among the large land holders in the private sector for allowing their land for setting up of an international standard golf course in the state.

NH17 WIDENING ISSUE SEES NO END IN SIGHT

PANJIM: Though the state government is making tall promises of reducing the width of national highway from 60 metres to 45 metres and 35 metres in congested areas, the Union Ministry for Surface Transport is yet to issue a notification to this effect.

GRP A PUNISHMENT CELL FOR ERRING POLICE PERSONNEL

PANJIM: The Goa Reserve Police (GRP), the Siberia for errant policemen, is brimming with inspectors. With police inspector, Mr Nolasco Raposa becoming the latest entrant to this department, the number of PIs now ‘serving time’ in the GRP has gone to four, not to mention a police sub-inspector, who got embroiled in a case with international ramifications.

GOVERNMENT INFORMED BY ARIHANT THE PRINCESS REMOVAL PROCESS

PANJIM: The management of ship breaking firm M/s Arihant Ship Breakers, which has been selected for award of contract for removing the River Princess, has informed the government that it would cut the River Princess above the water line by gas cutting process and thereafter use the services of divers for underwater cutting of the vessel and remove the structure and equipment as part of its methodology for removal of the grounded vessel.

COPS WILL GET AFTER TOURSITS SMOKING HOOKAH AND DRUGS

PANJIM: Tourists sitting in shacks or strolling on the beach and blowing smoke rings of charas, ganja or tobacco had better beware.  North Goa police have initiated a drive in the coastal belt and are booking persons smoking in public places in violation of the provisions of the Indian Tobacco Control Act, 2003, that aims at curbing smoking in public places in order to protect individuals from the hazards of second-hand tobacco smoke.

APPOINTMENT OF ADVOCATE GENERAL by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The government should consider a constitutional amendment to the manner in which an Advocate General of the State is selected and appointed. Like the appointment of the Lokayukta and Chairman of other authorities such as the State Public Service Commission, the selection of the Advocate General should be in consultation and consensus with the Leader of Opposition and possibly with the other recognized political parties.

COLONIAL LEGACIES by Vincent Rego, Dubai

We must not forget that British Raj had propelled Indians into the forefront in the field of education. This also spurred our advance into the English language and today’s technology hub.

PORTUGAL & THE NEW WORLD HAS THE LAST LAUGH. By N. Fernandes (London)

The arrival of the Tall ship NRP SAGRES from Portugal seems to have caused a stir amongst the ruling class, and a foolish bunch of old retired freedom Fighters in Goa. The arrival has also been met by a bunch of clowns from the BJP and associated Political radicals.

GOVERNMENT TO SEEK FUNDS FROM CENTRE TO REMOVE RIVER PRINCESS

PANJIM: Even as the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) decided to award the work of removal of River Princess to M/s Arihant Ship Breakers, which qualified by virtue of being the lowest bidder and technically qualified firm, the government has also decided to approach the Union Home Ministry for seeking financial assistance for the purpose.

CEREMONIAL BRASS BAND SEND OFF TO PORTUGUESE SHIP SAGRES

VASCO: Amid protests by freedom fighters and BJP for the arrival of Portuguese tallest training ship, NRP Sagres, fishermen from Khariwado-Vasco are all set to give ceremonial brass band send-off to the ship on Tuesday morning.

200 PAGES CHARGESHEET FILED IN ALEBERT LUIS MURDER CASE

MAPUSA: Mapusa police have filed a charge sheet in the Albert Luis murder case that took place in Mapusa in the first week of August. In all 50 witnesses are to be examined.  The charge sheet is of 200 pages and has been filed in the JMFC court at Mapusa. Mapusa PI, Rajeshkumar under the supervision of DySp, Mr Sammy Tavares conducted the investigations in the case.

VISHWAJIT RANE CASE: CASE AGAINST 3 PI’S ADJOURNED TO 23RD NOV

PANJIM: Chairman of the Goa State Police Complaints Authority Justice Eurico da Silva today adjourned to 23rd November for preliminary arguments the complaint filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against the three police Inspectors who had handled the complaint against Goa’s Health Mr. Vishwajit Rane in the threat to kill case.

TRIAL OF TRAFFIC CHANGES IN MARGAO EXTENDED DESPITE STRIKE CALL

MARGAO: Ignoring the strike call given by the All Goa Bus Owners Association, the Margao RTA has resolved to further experiment with the traffic changes till the school reopens next week and a final decision would be taken by the transport panel on 29th November.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR CHEATING

MAPUSA: Mapusa Police has arrested a 24-year-old woman from Canacona on charges of cheating people. In her complaint a couple of days ago, Apeksha Gaonker of Khorlim had told Mapusa Police that her friend, accused Sapna Gaonkar, had stolen her bag containing cash, chain and other items.

HC DIRECTS FRESH NOTICE TO AIRES IN SUNITA SAWANT’S PETITION

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa Justice Mr.N.A.Britto today directed that fresh notice be issued to Adv. Aires Rodrigues with his correct name in the petition filed by Crime Branch Police Inspector Sunita Sawant’s challenging the acquittal of Adv. Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

SUDIN DHAVLIKAR URGES PEOPLE NOT TO AGITATE FOR HIGHWAY PROJECT

POINGUINIM: Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar on Monday urged the people not to come to the streets and cause undue hardships by staging road-blockade agitations on the highway project.

LOAN ON FAKE DOCUMENTS: MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ARRESTED

MARGAO: Cuncolim police on Monday arrested mother and daughter for allegedly obtaining a loan from a bank by producing fake documents of a flat and for cheating the flat owner, a resident of Assolna.

MINING POLLUTION TO BE CHECKED: NEW RULES IN PLACE

PANJIM: There finally is hope for those breathing polluted air in mining areas. The Union ministry of environment and forest (MOEF) has for the first time set new standards for operators of iron ore mining leases and ore processing units in a bid to control pollution caused by these activities, sources said.

FOR THE EYES OF GOANS ONLY by Shyam Sawant, Ponda

Welcome Sagres FFs by Carlos Fernandes

I write these few lines in regard to NRP Sagres’ arrival in Goa. I can understand the BJP protests, as they are desperate to be in the limelight. But I fail to understand the Goan Freedom Fighters (FFs) joining them in the protest. They should have welcomed the Portuguese with garlands of gold.

ONLY COLONIAL FREEDOM? by Julius Carvalho, Dubai

BJP and ABVP are protesting because they are confirmed communal organisations for which history is waste paper and politics is divide and rule game. Nagesh Karmali may be one of the few genuine Freedom Fighters (FFs) unlike many other fake FFs registered soon after Liberation. Instead of calling for removal of Portuguese names from Goa, he should call for the removal of fake FFs names which are a burden on the taxpayer.

WHY BOW TO FREEDOM FIGHTERS by Dr. Flora Miranda, Panjim

Dr. Flora Miranda, Panjim, Ex-Professor and Head of Skin Dept. GMC (Received by email)

I read with concern the letters to a local newspaper written by Marcos Alemao, Nelson Lopes, Adelmo Fernandes (8th November) and Dr. Francisco Colaco (11th November). I am shocked that our State Government is going to bow down to the demands of the so-called freedom fighters like Naguesh Karmali and Flaviano Dias.

PORTUGAL WAS THE FIRST COUNTRY TO SUPPORT INDIA FOR UNSC

PANJIM: The Ambassador of Portugal in India, Mr Luis Castro Mendes told the Governor, Dr S S Sidhu that Portugal because of her special friendship with India was among the first states which supported India’s claim for permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

BICHOLIM POLICE STATION INSPECTED BY CHIEF MINISTER AND RAVI NAIK

BICHOLIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and Home Minister Ravi Naik recently visited Bicholim to take stock of the dilapidated Bicholim Police station.

LAMANIS DETAINED FOR HARASSING TOURISTS

CALANGUTE: Calangute and Anjuna Police on Sunday arrested 19 Lamanis on charges of harassing tourists at Calangute, Baga and Anjuna beaches.

ANOTHER ACQUITAL TO MAHANAND’S CREDIT

PANJIM: Case after case of Mahanand Naik the alleged serial killer from Ponda seems to be going into dust bin. For the fifth time he has been acquitted by the North Goa District and Sessions Court in the case of murder of 33-year-old girl. Is there any faulty investigation? Is there any loop hole in investigation? Or is there any politician involved behind the continuous acquittal of Mahanand are the questions poised by the public in General.

GUJARAT NATIVE INVOLVED IN MANY FRAUDS CAUGHT BY MAPUCA POLICE

MAPUSA: Praveen Rajani, a native of Gujarat, who was involved in many frauds and had cheated people in and around Mapusa, finally landed in Mapusa police net.  According to Mapusa PI, Mr Rajeshkumar, the accused was a professional offender and used to try all possible ways and means of duping people and had succeeded on many occasions.

CENTRE IS LOOKING INTO PARTIAL TOLL WAIVER: DIGAMBER KAMAT

PANJIM: While the land acquisition officer for NH4A in Goa will start displaying the new alignment plans to the public from Monday, Goa's request for extending the waiver for toll from 20 km radius to 40 km radius is being looked into by the central government, chief minister Digambar Kamat sais on Saturday.

NH-17 WIDENING MUST FOR STATE, SAYS ALEMAO

MARGAO: PWD minister Churchill Alemao said on Thursday that the views of the local legislators and the agitators will be taken into consideration while preparing the final draft of the NH-17 widening, which he said would be ready by November-end.

THE BATTLE AGAINST THE BOTTLE- by Adv. Jos. Peter D’Souza

Remember the good old tape-recorder? Remember when it suddenly went dead? What was the first thing we did? A drop or two of ‘feni’ on a handkerchief, wipe the head, and voila, it worked!! Alcohol did the trick. As one author put it: There is no solvent better than alcohol – not only does it remove stains, aches and pains, but it is also known to dissolve bank rolls, bank balances, marriages etc.

WHEN WILL GOA GET AN ADARSH ADVOCATE GENERAL by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Any other Advocate General would have by now put in his papers. What is more anguishing is the inaction on the part of Goa’s Governor and Chief Minister despite a mountain of documented evidence of excessive billing and professional misconduct by Subodh Kantak. In a way they must share the blame for just watching and allowing the high constitutional post of Advocate General go down the gutters.

PI SUNITA SAWANT’S PETITION AGAINST AIRES: HEARING ON 15TH NOV

PANJIM: Crime Branch Police Inspector Sunita Sawant’s petition challenging the acquittal of Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the 2004 Ribandar Church case will come up for hearing before Bombay High Court at Goa Justice Mr.N.A.Britto on 15th Nov.

THREE DRIVERS ARRESTED IN THEFT OF PIPES FROM ZUARI WAREHOUSE

VASCO: Verna police on Saturday arrested three persons in connection with the theft of materials worth around Rs 90,000, from the premises of Zuari Industries Ltd (ZIL).

N. R. P. SAGRES, THE PORTUGUESE NAVAL SHIP by P. Cruz, Vasco da Gama

The Sail training ship “Sagres” was built in 1937 in the shipyard of Blohm & Voss, Hamburg, having then received the name of “Albert Leo Schlageter”. She was the 3rd of a series of four ships built by the German Navy comprising “Horst Vessel”(now Eagle of the US Coast Guard), “Gorch Fock” (now Tovarisch Ukaraine) and another sister-ship, “Mircea”, was also built expressly for the Romanian Navy.

COPS CLOSELY MONITORING MOTI DONGOR

MARGAO: Early a week after violence erupted at Moti Dongor, the Margao police continues to maintain close vigil on the migrant inhabited hillock till date.  Though Margao police station in-charge, PI Santosh Desai claims that peace has returned to the hillock after stray clashes amongst rival political groups, the police have not yet withdrawn the force from the area.

RENAME GOA AIRPORT by Vincent Rego, Dubai

My humble request to all members of Legislative Assembly to work together without any differences and name Goa’s only International Airport after Father of Goa’s Opinion Poll Dr. Jack De Sequeira. So that people around the world may know it as Dr. Jack De Sequeira International Airport.

DIDN'T ARMY LIBERATE GOA? by Paulo Mascarenhas, Panjim

Even in the backward African countries the freedom fighters of their country became the rulers of those countries once independence was given to them. Our people in Goa were highly advanced in education as well as the so-called freedom fighters.

A TEAR FILLED LIBERATION by Dr. Francisco Colaço, Margao

When there is so much to gloss over, 50 years after Goa’s Liberation, why do we have to further compound our miseries? We learn with concern that Konkani and Marathi will be used on signage, police statements and government notices. First of all, there was no need to press this divisive resolution in a tearing hurry.

FOR THE EYES OF GOANS ONLY brought to you by Shyam Sawant, Ponda

Navy land grabbers by Zino Carvalho, Davorlim

It is high time that State Government and people of Goa oppose the latest ‘Grabland’ attitude by the Indian Navy in the name of security, to acquire our two picturesque islands at Vasco, which are close to Dabolim Airport. They claim this is for ‘security’ to the operations at the Naval Air station.

GOVT. JOBS TO CHILDREN OF FREEDOM FIGHTERS: SUDESH LOLIENCAR

PANJIM: The Chief Minister Digamber Kamat had promised to give government jobs to the children of the freedom fighters on 18th June program. But since then there has been no movement to fulfill the promise said Sudesh Loliencar son of the dead freedom fighter Vishwanath Loliencar.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY: WIDENING WITH A HUMAN TOUCH

PANJIM: PWD minister Churchill Alemao on Friday said that Union ministry of road transport and highways Kamal Nath has agreed to save more than 400 structures that were earlier identified for demolition for road widening/four-laning of NH 4-A.  He said the structures between Panaji and Mollem which were slated for demolition will now be reduced to 135 from 576. "Union minister for road transport and highways Kamal Nath has been sympathetic to us," Alemao said.

VISHWAJIT RANE CASE: HEARING AGAINST 3 PI’S ON 15TH NOV

PANJIM: The Goa State Police Complaints Authority will on 15th November at 10.30 hear the preliminary arguments on the complaint filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against the three police Inspectors who had handled the complaint against Goa’s Health Mr. Vishwajit Rane in the threat to kill case.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF NIZ GOENKAR by Bebdo

Many of you who are reading Niz Goenkar must have been wondering who we are and what is our goal. Some of you must be saying that we are just rabble-rousers of nuisance value and would make no difference to the political scene in Goa which is reeling from corruption, nepotism, sycophancy and mismanagement. Some of you may also say that groups like us had mushroomed in the past and then just like the mushrooms, disappeared with the end of the monsoon season.

BAIL PLEA OF JOHN FERNANDES REJECTED

MARGAO: The South Goa Sessions court has yet again rejected the bail plea of John Fernandes in the Russian woman rape case. While rejecting the application, Additional Sessions Judge, Vijaya Pol said the there is a strong possibility of John tampering with the evidence since the evidence of all the main prosecution witnesses is not yet over.

COURT GRANTS PERMISSION TO CONRAD TORRADO

MARGAO: The Sessions court on Thursday granted permission to Conrad Torrado, brother of deceased Nadia, to travel for Singapore.While granting Conrad’s application, the Court, however has directed him to appear before the Investigating officer as and when required and to appear before the court at the time of filing of chargesheet.

SAUDI STUDENTS ARRESTED IN MARGAO

MARGAO: Three students of a Bangalore-based engineering college, were arrested on Friday morning by the Margao police, for committing the theft of a bag containing electronic goods.  Margao police said that all three students are originally from Saudi Arabia, but were studying in a college at Bangalore. Offence under section 279 of IPC has been registered.

CONGRESSMEN FLAY SUDARSHAN'S STATEMENT AGAINST SONIA

PANJIM: Like their counterparts in the country, the Congressmen in the state too protested against the alleged derogatory statement of Mr K Sudarshan, the former chief Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, against the Congress president, Ms Sonia Gandhi, and burnt his effigy.

EXPEDITION PART OF GOODWILL: PORTUGUESE COMMANDER

VASCO: The Commanding Officer of the Portuguese ship ‘NRP Sagres’ Proenca Mendes stated that the ship has nothing to do with the policies of the government and politicians in Goa, and was in fact on a goodwill visit to the state.

RIVER PRINCESS TO ARIHANT

PANJIM: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat has said the contract for cutting and removal of River Princess would be awarded to Arihant Shipbreaking Company, which has qualified in the tendering process by being the lowest bidder, on Monday.

CONGRESSMAN FLAY SUDARSHAN'S STATEMENTS AGAINST SONIA

PANJIM: Like their counterparts in the country, the Congressmen in the state too protested against the alleged derogatory statement of Mr K Sudarshan, the former chief Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, against the Congress president, Ms Sonia Gandhi, and burnt his effigy.

FROM FEB TO AUG 2010 SUBODH KANTAK PAID OVER 31 LAKHS

PANJIM: From Feb to August this year the Goa Government has paid Advocate General Mr. Subodh Kantak Rs. 31, 81,000.

MICKKY PACHECO GETS FRIGHTENED OF NIZ GOENKARS OF DUBAI by Bebdo

Mickkey Mouse Pacheco came to Dubai but did not attend the tiatr as the chief guest. The Al Nashwan hall was packed to capacity and Mickkey's chamchas were totally outnumbered by Niz Goenkars of Dubai.

NIZ GOENKAR WILL WIN GOA'S ASSEMBLY ELECTION THIS TIME SAYS PAUSILIP DOURADO by Bebdo

An interview of Pausilip Dourado a Niz Goenkar by Bebdo

Niz Goenkar will win Goa’s Assembly elections this time, says our candidate Pausilip Dourado

I am happy to inform my fellow Niz Goenkar brothers and sisters that in pursuance of our goal to bring in a socio-economic and political revolution in Goa and to preserve the unique identity of Goa, our culture, our language, our land and our heritage for our future generations to come, we have been grooming our young leaders for the battle ahead. The battle of the ballots which we call elections, is a very tricky affair and has to be fought on many fronts.

COUNCILLORS ARE PAUPERS IN THE HANDS OF THE POLITICIANS by Nisser Dias

In the just concluded elections to the eleven municipalities in Goa, majority of new faces or rather personalities have been voted to oversee various aspects like the cleanliness, revenue, trade and infrastructure of our towns. I refuse to say that they have been elected to power because I am of the strong opinion that no man or women wants to hand over power to somebody else.

NRP SAGRES TO REACH GOA ON 12TH NOVEMBER AMID PROTESTS BY FREEDOM FIGHTERS

PANJIM: Portuguese navy's decorated ship, NRP Sagres will sail to Goa shores on November 12, amidst objections by freedom fighters against any celebration for completion of 500 years of Vasco-da-Gama's arrival in Goa. "The tallest ship of the Portuguese Navy, NRP Sagres is visiting Goa as a part of its 2010 circumnavigation of the world," Portugal Consul General Dr Antonio Sabido Costa said.

THREE COPS FACE ACTION FOR GROSS MISCONDUCT

PANJIM: Three cops 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 their mundkarial rights.

GOVT WILL RESPECT LOCAL CENTIMENTS IN NAVY’S ISLAND TAKEOVER: CM KAMAT

MARGAO: Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has said his government would accord top priority to the sentiments of the local population vis-à-vis the demand made by the Indian Navy for NOC to take over the Piequeno and Grande Island off Vasco.

GOA WANTS VISAS TO BE ISSUED IN 10 DAYS TO UP TOURIST INFLOW

PANJIM: In an attempt to contain drop in foreign tourist arrivals in Goa due to visa issues, the state government has requested the Centre to ensure that the process to issue visa be cut short from 3 weeks to 10 days. The state has written to External Affairs Minister S M Krishna after few of the chartered flights had to delay their landing in Goa due to visa problems.

CM WARNS ACTION AGAINST MARGAO TRAFFIC COPS

MARGAO: Strange it may seem, but true. Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat would now police the Margao traffic cops after they have been found napping while regulating and streamlining traffic in the city.  An agitated Kamat is believed to have issued strict directions to the traffic cops not to leave the Margao city jurisdiction and instead stay put in the city to regulating worsening traffic scenario.

BIRD HITS CHARTER PLANE TO MOSCOW OF 250 PASSENGERS: PLANE GROUNDED

DABOLIM: A chartered plane to Moscow with 250 passengers on board had a narrow escape early Thursday when it suffered a bird hit at the runway of Goa's Dabolim international airport.

BATTLING CORRUPT JUDGES by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The Judicial committee set up by the Rajya Sabha, finding Calcutta High Court Judge, Mr. Soumitra Sen guilty of misappropriating Rs. 33,22,800 comes as another blow close on the heels of a string of corruption charges against the judiciary. The impeachment proceedings against Justice Sen should be swift.

GOA`S WARRING CHILDISH POLITICIANS By N.Fernandes, London

Goans awoke today to read in newspapers and watch on TV the shameful and disgraceful incident between Mickky and Jose Philip.

These 2 warring idiots are meant to lead by good and exemplary example.

This incident is WORSE THAN childish.

What sort of example is this to the Younger Goan generations?

GOA: SEX AND MAFIA ON COCAINE COAST brought to you by Bebdo

GOA: Yaniv Benaim aka Atala, the most colourful of Goa's Israeli drug dons, made headlines with a video on YouTube. His Swedish model-girlfriend named Lucky Farmhouse alias Amori posted the grainy, shaky video clip that became an instant Internet must-watch.  An Israeli drug peddler revealed that policemen supplied him drugs stolen from a police godown. His arrest led to Goa's first drug-related gang war.

NAVY NOT ISSUED NOC SO FAR TO ACQUIRE 2 ISLANDS: DEFENCE MENISTER ANTONY

PANJIM: The Defence Minister, Mr A K Antony in a written reply informed Mr Shantaram Naik, the Rajya Sabha MP from Goa, on Wednesday that the Goa government has so far not granted any NoC to hand over two islands as requested by the Indian Navy.

FATE OF RAHEJA PROJECT AT CARMONA HANGS IN BALANCE

MARGAO: The fate of the Mumbai-based real estate developer Ms Raheja Universal Pvt Ltd hangs in balance as the builder has knocked the doors of the Town and Country Planning development seeking permission for construction of bungalows at Carmona village.

TRAFFICKED GIRLS UNDERGO OSSIFICATION TEST

PANJIM: Ossification test on the four girls from Mumbai, who were rescued by police from three alleged traffickers, is being conducted at the Goa Medical College, informed police sources.   Tiswadi sub-divisional magistrate, Mr Shabaji Shetye had given his nod to the police to carry out the age verification test on Tuesday.

POLICE RAID SHOPS SELLING TENANT FORMS

PANJIM: Faced with a major embarrassment, Goa police had to raid the shops in the coastal belt which were selling tenant forms and stranger enrolment forms by charging the people.  It has been learnt that Superintendent of Police (North) Arvind Gawas ordered the coastal belt police stations to crack down on these vendors after he received complaints.

CHURCHILL ANGRY AS CM KAMAT GIVES APPROVAL FOR TRAFFIC CHANGES IN MARGAO

MARGAO:  PWD Minister Churchill Alemao was left fuming while Chief Minister Digambar Kamat gave his stamp of approval to traffic changes introduced in the commercial capital on Wednesday barring short distance buses from taking a round of the Margao Municipal garden.

AN OPEN LETTER TO CHIEF MINISTER OF GOA by Roger D'Souza

Dear Readers,

The following Open letter that I sent to the CM Digambar Kamat this Diwali Season on behalf of "Anguished Goans" was published under "OPinionatED" in Herald on November 9th.
If you wish to write to him his e-mail address is cm.goa@nic.in.  Roger D'Souza
OPEN LETTER TO CM
Dear Mr Digambar Kamat,
Warm Greetings for the Diwali Season and the Festival of Lights from all Goans. We sincerely hope that Good will prevail over Evil for Goa, but alas to our dismay at this time it doesn't seem to be!

GCA’S PETITION AGAINST RTI ADJOURNED BY THREE WEEKS

PANJIM: Bombay High Court at Goa Justice N.A.Britto today adjourned by three weeks the petition filed by the Goa Cricket Association against 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 PACHECO GRANTED PERMISSION TO VISIT UAE BY SESSIONS COURT

MARGAO: Additional district and sessions judge, Ms Vijaya Pol on Wednesday granted conditional permission to the Benaulim MLA, Mr Francisco alias Mickky Pacheco to visit UAE.  Mr Pacheco had made an application before above court giving details about his visit to UAE and had prayed that he may be allowed to visit UAE.

BANGLADESHI ARRESTED NEAR NAVAL DEFENCE AREA

PANJIM: Just ahead of US President Barak Obama’s India visit on November 6, Goa police arrested Bangladeshi national who was found in the restricted naval area. However, for the reasons best known to them the information was not leaked until today.

CM HAS POWER TO VISIT ANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT SAYS KAMAT

MARGAO: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has said that he is the Chief Minister of the state and no one can question him for visiting any of the government departments. Kamat made the remarks when he was asked about his presence in the Electricity head office, Aquem on Tuesday morning.

PI NOLASCO RAPOSO TRANSFERED FOLLOWING IMPROPER 'RAID' PROCESS

PANJIM: Calangute police inspector, Mr Nolasco Raposo, who had come under scanner for not adhering to the norms of Immoral Traffic Prevention Act while raiding beauty parlours in Calangute, Anjuna and rescuing 29 girls suspecting them to be involved in flesh trade, has been transferred to Goa Reserve Police with immediate effect.

A FIFTEEN YEARS OLD BOY DROWNED QUARRY WATER AT MALPAN SATARI

VALPOI: 15-year-old boy from Malpan Satari was found dead at a laterite stone extraction site at Malpan late Monday evening. According to Valpoi Police, Sharlappa Yedgri was reported missing since Sunday evening. However, his body was found floating in the water, which was accumulated due to rain, at stone extraction site at Malpan on Monday evening.

GCA TAKES BATTLE AGAINST RTI TO HIGH COURT: HEARING ON NOV 10

PANJIM: The Goa Cricket Association has moved the Bombay High Court 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 petition will come up for hearing before the vacation judge of the Bombay High Court at Goa Justice .N.A.Britto on November 10th at 11 am.

BARGAINING BY JOSE PHILIP: WIFE TO BE THE CIVIC CHIEF

VASCO: As the date to elect new chairperson of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) is fast approaching, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza is reportedly bargaining hard with the newly elected councillors to install his wife, Neny, as chairperson.  According to sources, horse-trading activities have commenced to buy the crucial votes to prove majority to install their chairperson.

TOURSIT INFLOW TO THE STATE AFFECTED BY TOUGH VISA NORMS

PANJIM: The regular charter flights from Poland to Goa have been deferred owing to strict visa norms, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) spokesperson Ralph D’Souza said. The chartered tourist flights from Poland were to start their regular movement to Goa from this year, but have now prolonged their operations by one-and-half month.

TOY GUN GIVES COPS ANXIOUS MOMENTS

MARGAO: A Maharashtra registration car found abandoned on the NH-17 at Nuvem gave some anxious moments to the men-in-uniform after a gun and a danda was found inside the vehicle.  The police heaved a sigh of relief only after the weapon turned out be a toy gun, but the owner of the vehicle told the cops that the vehicle was parked at the spot following a breakdown.

IFFI-2010 PREPARATIONS REVIEWED BY THE CHIEF MINISTER DIGAMBER KAMAT

PANJIM: With less than a fortnight to go for the opening of the 41st edition of the International Film Festival of India in the city, the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Monday held a review meeting to take stock of the ongoing preparations for the mega film event.

KARMALI'S DEBT TO PORTUGAL by Marcos Alemao

Received by email

Naguesh Karmali, so-called freedom fighter seems to have gone insane demanding the government remove the names of persons of Portuguese origin from the roads etc. We Goans do not require any dictation from persons like Karmali on what to do and what not to do.

FREEDOM FIGHTER'S WARNING by Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim

Received by email

History cannot be wished away by deleting names that connect with the distant past. History is a continuum, whether one likes it or not. The culture of centuries in respect of names, dress, food, festivals, etiquette, laws etc. have become a part of our life and culture.

HC SENDS COMPLAINT AGAINST AG TO GOA CS FOR ACTION

PANJIM: The Bombay High Court has forwarded to the Chief Secretary of Goa for necessary action the complaint filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against the professional misconduct by Goa’s controversial Advocate General Mr. Subodh Kantak.

INDIAN NAVY WANTS TO GRAB BIMBVEL LAND AND ISLANDS by P. Cruz, Vasco Da Gama

Goa is a land of Beauty the golden shore is its beautiful features and appreciated in the world. Also Small Islands are spread like pearls in the Arabian Sea. Once conquered by the Portuguese and when liberated by the Indian Army these pearls like Island and the shore are now vanishing. These Island & the Shores always have attachment to the Goans hearts and mostly to the fisher folks of the Goans. These are inhabited by the Goans civilians and they were part of their routine trips as we can see lot of Holy Cross of centuries are existing in these places. Here is the sorry tale of the two families & Two Island where Goans will no have access as they will be taken by the Indian Navy shortly.

DELEGATION FROM VANXIM WILL MEET ARCHBISHOP FELIPE NERI FERRAO

PANJIM: A delegation of Vanxim villagers will meet the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrao, on November 22, to discuss the issue relating to the alleged sale of church land to private parties.  At the gram sabha meeting held on Sunday, it was informed that they had sought an appointment with the Governor, Dr S S Sidhu’s office to get all the relevant reports from various government departments. The villagers had submitted a memo to the Governor on August 11 and had followed up on it on 22nd October.

MAUVIN'S HOLD ON CORTALIM DIMINISHING

CORTALIM: The municipal elections seem to have effect on the Cortalim constituency although the constituency does not have any representation in municipality.  Deputy Sarpanch Ramakant Borkar, who until the municipal elections was a close associate of Mauvin Godinho, criticised Sarpanch Rathod and expressed the need for replacing her with a local women panch.

ACQUISITION OF LAND AT CUTBONA OPPOSED BY VELIM GRAM SABHA

VELIM: The Velim gram sabha on Sunday resolved to appoint trained counsellors in all high schools, higher secondary schools and colleges. The members opined that trained counsellors are the need of the hour as they go a long way in guiding the students and preventing them from going into wrong hands.

MAN WHO FELL IN A ROADSIDE MUNICIPAL WELL RECUED

QUEPEM: Mr Inacio Barboza from Zoglammoddi, Quepem, fell in a roadside municipal well while walking home after a prayer meeting on Saturday evening. He was rescued by the villagers, and escaped without any major injuries.

JOSE PHILIP TENDERS RESIGNATION AS NCP CHIEF IN GOA

PANJIM:  NCP's Goa Unit President Jose Philip D'Souza on Sunday tendered his resignation from the post, hours before party's fact-finding committee was supposed to submit their report to high command.  D'Souza said this afternoon that he has faxed his resignation to high command in Delhi.  "I have not given any reasons," D'Souza, who was involved in a public brawl with his party colleague Fransisco Micky Pacheco, said.

CHANDOR LOCALS PRESSURE TO JOAQUIM ALEMAO TO LISTEN TO THEIR GRIEVANCES

PANJIM: Villagers from Cavorim-Chandor and Guirdolim at a meeting held on Friday unanimously demanded that the local MLA and urban development minister Joaquim Alemao be called to the village to listen to their grievances where they would ask him to press the government for immediate notification of the Goa Regional Plan 2021.

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE TOURISM MINISTER OF GOA by Dalia

Dear Tourism Minister,

I am glad that you along with your team are going to visit UK to attract tourists. Welcome news for the Goans and the Taxi Drivers, Hoteliers and of course the Goa Pulis. Taxi Drivers will be seeing you off at the Dabolim airport in large numbers on your departure.

THE DEATH TRAP ON AIRPORT ROAD By Sancet Marques, Chicalim

"Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by a large number of international and domestic tourist each year."  This is what Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia has to say about Goa and the unending cycle of tourist arrival in Goa every year. And just look at the warm welcome our government gives them.

CHURCHILL SAYS GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF PEOPLE'S BASIC NEEDS

PANJIM: The Minister for PWD, Mr Churchill Alemao, launched the construction work of 300 cubic metre overhead reservoir at Housing Board colony at Camurlim village in the distinguished presence of the Tourism Minister, Mr Nilkanth Halarnkar, recently.  The proposed scheme consists of construction of 300 cubic metre overhead reservoir for augmentation of water supply to Camurlim village.

WOOING CHINESE TOURISTS NEXT ON GOVERNMENT AGENDA

PANJIM: After having succeeded in wooing the Russian tourists in large numbers to the state, the state tourism department authorities as well as the captains of hospitality industry have now set their eyes on tourists from China, South East Asian nations and Australia.

VANXIM ISLANDERS SUPPORTED AGAINST GOLF COURSE BY NGO

MARGAO: The Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP) has extended support to the agitating Vanxi island people against golf course, 5 star hotel, Spa, luxury villas and Marina at the behest of merchant capital interests.

KASHMIRIS, NIGERIANS, NEPALIS UNDER SCANNER OF ANTI NARCOTIC CELL

PANJIM: Kashimiris, Himachalis, Nepalis and Nigerians are amongst the most watched out people by Goa Police’s Anti-Narcotic Cell during the tourist season.  ANC sources stated that visitors hailing from these places and having history of narcotic trade are kept under strict surveillance by the department.

SELECTION OF JUDGES by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The current selection process of Supreme Court and High Court judges is shrouded in total secrecy. This judge -appointing-judge system must come to an end. It leaves room for friends and former colleagues of current and retired judges to manipulate their way through the system.

KONKANI THE ONLY OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF GOA by Menino Fernandes

No child has two mothers and step-mothers cannot nurture a child as would the real mother. Though Konkani which is our mother tongue, has already been officially initiated as the state language of Goa. Why is it that some of the Goans are still languishing for Marathi? Has any one heard of a child having two biological mothers at a time?

TOURISM MINISTER OF GOA NILKANTH HALARNKAR & DELEGATION TO VISIT LONDON

PANJIM: The Tourism Minister, Mr Nilkanth Halarnkar would lead a three-member official delegation of the state to the World Travel Market (WTM) in London that begins from Monday 8th November, where the state officials and the captains of travel and hospitality industry would make renewed efforts to woo back the tourists from United Kingdom.

KONKANI ACTIVISTS' HOMES VANDALISED IN KARWAR

POINGUINIM: A strong mob of 50 Kannada activists from Ankola placed Karnataka flags along the residence of Konkani activists and allegedly vandalized the residence of Konkani Sanskruti Mandal President Usha Rane and other Konkani activists on November 1 (Karnataka Statehood day).

NEW PRIESTS ORDAINED IN GOA

CALANGUTE: The Archdiocese of Goa, Daman and Diu is gifted with 18 new Priests after a long wait of 50 years. The rich harvest of 18 Priests also coincides with the 400 years celebration of Rachol Seminary. All the 18 were ordained Priests by Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao at their respective villages and preferences in October.

ANTIQUES OF TELAULIM CHURCH UNDER ATTACK

PANJIM: The main altar and other wooden antiques in the 17th century St Anne's church at Telaulim (also referred to as Talaulim) were crumbling with age and mite infestation. Conservation measures have helped restore the cultural heritage reasonably to its visual beauty.

TWO OFFICIAL LANGUAGES OF GOA? SIGN BOARDS IN TWO LANGUAGES

PANJIM: Konkani and Marathi, Goa's official languages, will be splashed all over starting December 19, Goa's Liberation Day this year.  Both languages will feature on road names, instructions on streets etc based on the latest orders from the directorate of official language.

WISDOM TO BEHOLD! by Bebdo

ATTENTION CORE NIZ GOENKAR DUBAI

For Zeus a temple was built in Athens, it was built to last Alas the builders forgot that Bolders without steel and concrete are not EverLasting.

CALL FOR TIVIM PEOPLE TO SUPPORT GBA

PANJIM: In its second meeting on the eve of Diwali, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan, along with the Tivim Bachao Manch, gave a call to the villagers of Tivim to strengthen its hands to fight for notification of eco-sensitive zones and restriction of 50 FAR (floor area ratio) pending finalisation of the Regional Plan 2021.

MADEL RESIDENTS PROMISED HOT MIXED ROADS BY PWD MINISTER

MARGAO: Residents of Madel in ward 8 can look forward to hotmixing of all dilapidated roads across the ward before Christmas. The low-lying area hit by overflowing soakpits and septic may also be finally connected to the sewerage project by April next.

DEATHS DUE TO RATOL CONSUMPTION ON AN ALARMING RISE

MARGAO: Five cases, three deaths in the last eight days. That’s the alarming number of deaths due to ratol consumption reported at government-run Hospicio hospital, showing a surge in cases of ratol consumption as a means to commit suicide.

PROPOSAL TO RAISE THE COMPENSATION FOR LAND ACQUIRED AFFECTED

PANJIM: The state authorities have proposed to substantially raise the compensation to be paid to the people whose lands were acquired for various government projects, including the Mopa airport project.

DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORT SAYS PUBLIC MUST NOT BOARD PACKED BUSES

PANJIM: The director of transport, Mr Arun Desai, on Thursday, said that the process of improving public transport system will not be complete without the participation of the public.  With the department focusing on creating awareness among the public not to board crowded buses, Mr Desai said challaning the buses alone will not solve the problem faced by the commuters and if the public transport system in Goa is to be improved, the public also has to take up as much responsibility as the bus owners.

LEGISLATORS ENDORSE DISTRIBUTION OF MONEY DURING POLLS by Nisser Dias

4th Oct 2010: The recent fisticuffs between two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) members and legislators of the Goa Assembly namely Jose Philip D’souza and Mickky Pacheco let the cat out of the bag that our politicians win elections basically with money power.

DESPITE OPPOSITION NARAKASUR PROCESSION TO BE HELD IN GOA TODAY

PANJIM:  Notwithstanding right-wing Hindu groups opposition to the processions of Narkasur, scores of effigies of the demon king would dot every nook and corner of Goa Thursday.  The right-wing Hindu groups in Goa have opposed organising Narkasur's processions on the occasion of Diwali terming it as "glorification" of evil.

3 YRS RIGOROUS IMPRISONMENT FOR ATTEMPTING TO KILL PSI

MARGAO: The additional sessions court here on Wednesday sentenced one Santosh Naik to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years and to pay a fine of Rs 8,000 for attempting to commit the murder of police sub-inspector Prasanna Bhagat by stabbing him with a knife.

GOAN FATHER OF A GIRL STABBED BY AN ASSAMESE GUARD AT ANJUNA

MAPUSA: An Anjuna hotel security guard on Wednesday allegedly stabbed the father of a girl who asked him why he (guard) was stalking his teenaged daughter. Security guard Babu Nayak from Assam and in his early 20s, was then caught by locals who allegedly thrashed him and handed him over to the police.

UPSET WOMAN SETS HERSELF ON FIRE

PANJIM: Upset with her husband for taking up for their teenaged son, a woman set herself ablaze and is now battling for life at GMC hospital, where she was admitted on Tuesday night with severe burn injuries on the chest.

GOA DAY DOHA-QATAR: ALL GOANS ARE WELCOME brought to you by N. Fernandes, London

(Courtesy Gulf Times)

Cultural event to mark Goa Day

Doha Goans Sports Club is to hold Goa Day on November 19 by presenting a cultural programme at Municipality Building conference hall near the Museum Roundabout on the Corniche.

JOIN NIZ GOENKAR by P. Cruz, Vasco Da Gama - Goa

A picture of Goa is presented here in three ways - PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE for the evaluation and judgement by the Goans in general.  Fate of Goa rests in your hands dear Goans.  Wake up now and heed the call for a cleaner, greener and golden Goa.

DEFENCE CROSS EXAMINES RUSSIAN RAPE VICTIM

PANJIM: Cross examination of the Russian woman rape victim has finally ended in the South Goa sessions court on Wednesday. The rape victim was being cross examined by the defense for the last three days after her examination in chief.

FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION TO MONITOR DIWALI SWEETS

PANJIM: With large quantity of mithai, the traditional sweets being sold in the local markets for the Diwali festival, which is just round the corner, the Food and Drugs Administration has began carrying out tests of samples of sweets, collected from around the state.

SECURITY WELL ARRANGED FOR DIWALI FESTIVAL IN GOA

PANJIM: The state authorities have made elaborate arrangements to ensure that no untoward incident takes place in any part of the state during the Diwali celebrations which begin with the burning of Narkasur effigies during the night intervening Thursday-Friday.

MOTI DONGOR IN UNEASINESS AS TENSION RISES UP

MARGAO: An uneasy calm prevails on Moti Dongor as police rushed to the migrant inhabited hillock as tension flared up in the basties once again on Tuesday afternoon.  Lathi wielding policemen led by Margao PI Santosh Desai descended on the hillock and maintained strict vigil as rival groups came face to face – the second time in three days, creating a fear psychosis amongst the residents of the slum area.

DUDU’S BAIL PLEA REJECTED BY NDPS COURT

PANJIM: Drug Baron David Driham alias Dudu failed to get relief from the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances court as Hyderabad-based laboratory is yet to furnish report on the drugs seized from him. NDPS court today rejected his bail application filed by the drug dealer, who is currently in judicial lock up.

NOVEMBER 30TH FOR THE HEARING OF PANJIM POLICE STATION ATTACK CASE

PANJIM:  The case of infamous attack on Panjim Police station allegedly involving state minister, current city Mayor, then Mayor and prominent people, will be heard on November 30 by Judicial Magistrate First Class.  The matter came up for hearing today before the court but had to be adjourned as the court was not sitting today.

PROTEST MORCHA AT PANJIM AGAINST NH4 & NH17 EXPANSION IN GOA

PANJIM: The morcha blocking Mandovi Bridge resulted in long traffic snarls leaving the common man on street caught in a traffic jam.  The chaos prevailed near Kadamba bus stand as the protestors under banner of National Highway Diversion Action Committee blocked Old Mandovi Bridge for over two hours as a part of the demonstration.

RIVER PRINCESS REMOVAL: NINE FIRMS IN THE RACE

PANJIM:  Nine companies from around the world have bid to remove the River Princess. Technical tenders received in response to the ninth global tender issued by the state government were opened on Monday, but with time to award the work order running out, the government may an extension from the high court of Bombay at Goa to take a decision.

JOSE PHILIP PROVES HIMSELF THE INCHARGE IN VASCO

VASCO: After the recent spat between former tourism minister Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco and local MLA and revenue minister Jose Philip D'Souza, electoral pundits in Vasco had expected the legislator to lose over the infamous bout of 'Goonda Raj'.

AG SUBODH KANTAK’S CASE AGAINST AIRES ADJOURNED TO 2nd DEC

PANJIM: Panaji Civil Judge Senior Division Mr. Edgar Fernandes today adjourned to 2nd December at 10 am the civil defamation case filed by Goa’s controversial Advocate General Mr. Subodh Kantak against Adv. Aires Rodrigues. Today Adv. Rodrigues submitted to the court his additional written statement to the amended petition of Mr. Subodh Kantak.

CONGRESS BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION? by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The velocity with which the CBI moved to get former Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah’s bail cancelled raises many eyebrows. As never before, within hours of the Gujarat  High Court order, the CBI burnt midnight oil to knock on the doors of the Supreme Court.

JOAQUIM ALEMAO SAYS PEOPLE HAVE REPOSED FAITH IN CONGRESS

MARGAO: Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao said that the thumping victory for the Congress-backed candidates in the Civic polls is a vindication of the development and progress done in the urban areas by the Congress government in the state.