SO CALLED FREEDOM FIGHTERS ARE THE JOKERS OF GOA by Jim Fernandes

These so called "Goa Freedom Fighters" had no guts to fight the Portuguese and gain freedom for 450 years! Had it not been for the Indian military intervention (and with tacit American and Russian nod), the Goa Liberation story would have been quite different.

GRA'S STAND ON THE SO CALLED FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF GOA by Floriano Lobo

GRA'S stand on the so called Freedom Fighter's of Goa:

These are no Goa's Freedom Fighters. These are pests, who are the PENSION FIGHTERS since 1961. They have taken on themselves to fight Portugal 24 x 7 since 1961 to justify their pensions. This breed is so un-informed that they do not even know that India and Portugal has DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS by virtue of the Co-Operation Treaty having been signed in New Delhi by both Countries in 1974.

JMFC ISSUES NOTICES TO SIT FOR NOT FILING FIR AGAINST HOME MINISTER RAVI NAIK AND HIS SON ROY NAIK

PANJIM:  Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Panjim on Saturday issued notices to Special Investigating Team (SIT) for not filing First Information Report (FIR) filed by local activists alleging of receiving threats from Home Minister Ravi Naik, his son Roy and other police officers in the police-drug nexus case.

THE HOLY FATHER – THE SAINTLY POPE JOHN PAUL II BEATIFIED ON SATURDAY

VATICAN CITY: Tens of thousands of people from around the world descended on Rome on Saturday for the beatification of Pope John Paul II, six years after his death.  "It’s almost as if he is here,” said Mr Enzo Arzellino, who travelled all night on a bus from southern Italy with his parish group to attend the beatification on Sunday.

PERMITS OF 10 PRIVATE BUSES SUSPENDED FOR PARTICIPATING IN STRIKE

PONDA: Taking a strong view of the bus strike that was held on April 15, Ponda road transport authority (RTA) has suspended the temporary permits of 10 buses plying on different routes from Ponda and issued notices of suspension of permanent permits to others for their participation in the bus strike.

ARCHBISHOP SAYS CHURCH ALWAYS ALERT ON THE EVER CHANGING SOCIAL SITUATIONS

PANJIM: In his Workers’ Day message, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrão has said that the Church in Goa is always alert to the ever-changing social situations and responds to them through relevant action in every possible way to uphold the Gospel values of love, justice and equality.

FOREST DEPARTMENT SHOWS GUTS, ACTS AGAINST HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL ILLEGAL MINERS

PANJIM: Forest department officials have finally shown guts to act against the “highly placed persons” involved in illegal mining by seizing heavy machinery used to carry out excavation in the Netravali wildlife sanctuary, belonging to the kin of a heavyweight Congress politician from South Goa.

TRAFFIC COPS’ HEALTH AFFECTED DUE TO CONSTANT EXPOSURE TO HEAT AND DUST

MARCEL: Continuous exposure to heat and dust pollution is taking a toll on the health of the traffic police in Ponda taluka.  The overburdened traffic cell in Ponda often receives complaints from the traffic policemen of health-related problems, probably due to exposure to heat and dust pollution.

EARTH DIGGING POLICY FORMULATED TO AVOID MISHAPS

PANJIM: The Goa Government has decided to formulate an 'earth digging policy' so as to avoid mishaps due to recklessness of the contractors. The administration yesterday issued an order making it mandatory for the road contractors to take prior permission from Deputy Collectors before digging.

GRA’S GAME PLAN EXPOSED by Floriano Lobo

As a GRA [Goemchea Rakhondarancho AWAZ] member, I did read Soter's tirade with great interest. Actually, the questions he poses are of very much relevance to Goa's SURVIVAL in this jungle of political cannibalism.

DEVANAGIRI WILL DESTROY KONKANI by Agnelo Gomes, Combakar

Devanagari Script is a script of sub-continent of India. It's common in Uttar Pradesh among Hindus only, and in Maharashtra. North of India uses Urdu Script very popular in Hajratganjh in Lucknow, Kashmir, Pakistan, and in Lahore, Punjab, among Muslims.

INDIAN GOVT COLLUDED WITH D. BANDODKAR TO MANIPULATE VOTES AGAINST DR. JACK SEQUEIRA by Michael Britto

Indeed Rane's created so many fake Freedom Fighters (especially HINDUS who were chicken mentality during Portuguese times) and in creating this fake freedom fighters, RANE has done so much damage and mockery to the word of True freedom fighters honour and dignity . It is simply distorting for anyone to understand how and when these Hindus fought against portuguese during portuguese times.

GOA GOVERNMENT WEBSITES ARE OUTDATED by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The Goa Government brags so much about Information technology but most of its websites are outdated and some of them redundant. E-governance is still a very distant dream. All websites should be updated on a day to day basis but unfortunately most of them are not for weeks if not months together.

IN LAST FOUR MONTHS GOA’S CHIEF SECRETARY MADE 9 TRIPS OUT OF GOA

PANJIM: From January to April this year Goa’s Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjay Srivastava made a total of nine trips out of Goa.  The information furnished to Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act by the Chief Secretary’s office has revealed that the trips include seven to Delhi, one to Diu and a 12 day trip to the United States of America to attend a Goa Tourism Road show.

THE INVASION OF DADRA e NAGAR-AVELI by Agnelo Gracias, Dabul-Bombay

Dadra and Nagar-Aveli are two adjacent enclaves of Portuguese India located in the interior from Damaõ. Administratively, they belong to the District or Conselho of Damaõ, under the Governor of Damaõ. Dadra's headquarter is the village of Dadra; the town of Silvasa is the headquarters of Nagar-Aveli.

MINE OWNERS HAVE BLACK MONEY STASHED IN MILLIONS IN SWISS BANK ACCOUNTS

PANJIM: Several owners of Goa's 100-odd open cast iron ore mines have millions of dollars worth of black money stashed away in Swiss bank accounts, a Communist Party of India (CPI) leader said on Friday.

"Several of Goan mine owners have their black money parked in Swiss banks.

EX-TOURISM MINISTER PACHECO IN THE DOCKS AGAIN

MARGAO: Former tourism minister and Benaulim MLA, Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco alias Mickky and his friend Mr Mathew Diniz on Friday appeared before the court of the chief judicial magistrate, Margao, Mr C Fernandes in a threatening case, which was reported in 2009 in a Majorda beach resort.

CLEAR CUT MESSAGE FROM GRA TO GOVT FOR FAILURE OF DUTIES

MARGAO: An impressive meeting of the Goemchea Rakhondarancho Avaz at the historic Lohia Maida has conveyed a message loud and clear to the government and opposition that the conglomerate of NGOs should bring about a movement for a political change if they fail or show signs of shirking away from their duties in addressing issues affecting the local people.

SENIOR POLICE OFFICER SAYS SUFFICIENT COMPENSATION BE PAID TO THE VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING

PANJIM: A senior police officer has mooted that substantial amount of compensation should be paid to victims of trafficking, so that they do not go back to the same ‘profession’.  Speaking at the inaugural function of a two-day seminar on anti-human trafficking, Inspector General of Police (Crime Branch-Andhra Pradesh) S Umapati, said that atleast Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 be paid per victim of human trafficking to ensure a proper rehabilitation process.

TIATRIST ANIK AMDAR MONTRI by Ramesh Naik

Kudos to Willie Severes and Freddy Angelo Fernandes for pointing out a very wrong practice followed by our tiatrist. I being a lover of Tiatr since my childhood would really appreciate the talent portrayed by each and every Goan tiatrist.

POLITICS – A FAMILY BUSINESS by Willie Menino Severes, Majorda (Dubai)

A Politician should be a person, honest and straightforward, having the charisma and hunger to do something for the people of his/her State and Country. But, right now Goa has been going through a period of shameful politicians and disastrous political culture which is affecting the life and living of the Aam Admi in the state.

GOA NEED YOUNG GUNS by Joel Morais, Cuncolim

The boneless tongue is the free gift of God to humans, we can talk whatever we like, it’s really not necessary to follow our own words or writings and that's what I m doing. My thoughts are mine; they might be cheap or under-educated for others. I am the master of my own life, nobody can force me to think the way they want and till today I have not understood what is exactly legal and illegal in Goa? A highly illiterate person in Power decides our children's future with regard to Education. Is this legal?

SPCA: AGACAIM POLICE INSPECTOR COMMITS SERIOUS MISCONDUCT IN CIPRIANO FERNANDES CASE

PANJIM: The State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA) has observed that there is prima facie serious misconduct on the part of the Agasaim police inspector for failing to register an FIR in the custodial death of Cipriano Fernandes.  The SPCA has now asked the PI to prove that he did not register the FIR in good faith and at the advice of the director of prosecution.

HONOUR IN BEING CROWNED QUEEN AT THE HANDS OF THE PIMPS - GWA QATAR by Rupert Coutinho, Dubai

This article is regarding May Queen Ball 2011 in Qatar organised by Goan Welfare Association. When I was small I recollect the elders in the village inviting our local Parish Priests to grace important occasions of house inauguration and seek their blessings.

AN ASSURING CM OF GOA REFUSES TO MEET AGITATING PARENTS

MARGAO: The agitating parents, who have come under the Forum for Rights of Children’s Education and supported by former tourism minister, Mr Francisco Xavier Pacheco alias Mickky, have given deadline of May 7 to the government to include English language as medium of instruction, under the right to education.

HIGH COURT ASKS SPCA NOT TO PROCEED WITH SHOWCAUSE NOTICE IN CUSTODIAL DEATH OF CIPRIANO FERNANDES

PANJIM: The high court of Bombay at Goa has asked the State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA) not to proceed with the showcause notice initiating suo moto inquiry proceedings into the alleged custodial death of Cipriano Fernandes till May 2.

GOA COULD HAVE BEEN IN FOOTBALL WORLD CUP by Agnelo Gomes, Combakar

Football in Goa during Portuguese regime has one of the highest standard, since India occupied Goa, football in Goa and everything else along with it died in Goa. Due to lack of funding and lack of Goan spirit and Patriotism, Goa is still controlled from Delhi.

AG KANTAK ASSURES HANDING OVER DUDU CASE TO CBI

PANJIM: Advocate general (AG) Subodh Kantak on Thursday assured the high court of Bombay at Goa that the state government will issue a notification for handing over the case involving alleged Israeli drug dealer David Driham alias Dudu over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

LOCALS DEMONSTRATE: STOP HOUSING PROJECT AT CUELIM

VASCO: About 200 locals of the Arossim-Cansaulim-Cuelim village panchayat on Thursday held a demonstration near the site of a proposed 145-apartment housing project coming up at the base of the Cuelim hill.  Locals said that though a December 2008-gram sabha meeting had unanimously resolved against granting the builder a construction licence, the licence was issued on a December 2010-order of the additional director of panchayats, Margao.

GRA RALLY AT LOHIA MOIDAN, MARGAO ON 29TH APRIL AT 3:00 PM

Goemchea Rakhondarancho Awaz (GRA) is holding its second mass contact in Margao to give people of Goa affected by mal-governance to voice their anger and to empower them to take corrective actions and to liberate them fom the chronic woes plaguing them.

“DUKOR’S” NEW PROHPESY UNTIL MAY 2012 – ENGLISH AS MOI AND FORGET MOPA AND RAHEJAS FOR THE TIME BEING by Rupert Coutinho, Dubai

It is surprising to note that the big, fat, stinking and filthy ‘’dukor’’ attempts to invigorate MoI issues to appease the parents but the reality is that this anti-Goan doesn’t have any sauce in his balls to stand up firmly against Rahejas and MOPA promoters.

416 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT DESTORRO, BAINA AND KATEM BAINA IN VASCO

VASCO: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Thursday told the high court of Bombay at Goa that it had identified 416 illegal structures at Destorro, Baina and Katem Baina in Vasco.  During the hearing of a petition filed by the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), MMC's advocate S D Padiyar said that the civic body has identified 416 illegal. The MMC would now issue demolition notices against these structures, he told the court.

ANJUNA POLICE ARREST A SOUTH KOREAN DRUG DEALER

PANJIM: The Anjuna police have arrested an alleged South Korean drug dealer with drugs worth 2 lakh on Thursday. Policemen were patrolling the Anjuna beach on Thursday afternoon when they saw the alleged dealer, 41-year-old Hongjae Yoo, walking towards a shack.

MOPA VILLAGERS ACCUSE GOA GOVT OF FARCE TO ACQUIRE LAND FOR AIRPORT

PANJIM: Mopa villagers alleged that the Goa government is enacting a farce of acquisition of land for the Mopa airport, though it cannot be pursued on grounds of economic viability and international aviation norms, stating that they will not accept any compensation for it.

HIGH COURT ADJOURNS TO MAY 2ND GOA GOVERNOR’S PLEA AGAINST RTI

PANJIM: A Division bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa comprising of Justice S. C. Dharmadhikari and Justice F.M.Reis today adjourned to May 2nd the petition filed by Goa’s Raj Bhavan against the Right to Information Act. The Goa Raj Bhavan was today not represented by State Advocate General Mr. Subodh Kantak but by Advocate Mahesh Sonak

SEND THE LOOTERS TO JAIL by Dalia

During the period of the rule of Digambar Kamat including his days in BJP and now, there have been growing corruption, injustice and police brutality on people in Goa. Innocent citizens of the state are suffering great hardships and the machinery of the government is a total failure.

SPORTS AUTHORITY OF GOA IS MORE INTERESTED IN GENERATING REVENUE THAT BOOSTING SPORTSMEN by Nisser Dias

At the recently concluded assembly session Congress legislators in the absence of the BJP MLAs (boycotted - demanding dropping of Education minister Babush Monserrate from cabinet on charges of currency smuggling) made a fervent plea to either develop or construct play grounds to give a boost to sports in the state.

MORE FEES? ATTENTION PARENTS by Ramesh Naik

Sir,

I an ex student of MARINA English medium school – Verna – Goa.

It is a very sad thing to learn that the management of most unaided recognised English medium schools blind fold the parents and hike fees structure at frequent intervals, with an invalid excuse to pay the teachers. But in reality they fill their booties. One will be shocked to learn that teachers serving in such schools (also Marina –Verna) with 20 to 25 years experience are paid a paltry salary of Rs. 3000/- to 5000/- per month with out any benefits of Provident fund, Gratuity, or any other allowances. In turn they deprive the teachers of their legitimate right.

MICKKY PACHECHO SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IMPRISONMENT FOR ASSAULTING JUNIOR ENGINEER

PANJIM: Former Goa Tourism Minister Fransisco Mickey Pacheco was on Wednesday sentenced to one-year imprisonment for assaulting a junior engineer of the state electricity department.  Judicial Magistrate First Class in Margao town ordered the imprisonment, which was suspended for 30 days, allowing Pacheco to appeal in the higher court. Pacheco, an NCP legislator, had been arrested in connection with the death of his lady friend Nadia Torrado last year.

CCP COFFERS ARE EMPTY BUT MAYOR WANTS A NEW CAR by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Inspite of the Corporation of City of Panaji coffers being empty the new Mayor Yatin Parekh has been racing for a new car. The Mayor’s current official vehicle being in good condition the purchase of a new vehicle is uncalled for.

FAKE EATING A CAKE AT OUR OWN COST by Joel Morais, Cuncolim

With Regard to Nagesh Karmali's Statement demanding the closure of Two Portuguese Institutes in Goa,I would say Nagesh Karmali should see a doctor and get himself treated.There is not point in writing any more on a Person who has got a severe understanding problem.

MIGRANT IN CHIMBEL RAPES HIS GIRLFRIEND

PANJIM: A 20-year-old girl from Chimbel has complained that she was raped by her migrant boyfriend. The Old Goa police have registered a rape case against the boy.

GOAS BOGUS FREEDOM FIGHTERS DEMAND CLOSING OF PORTUGUESE INSTITUTIONS

PANJIM:  Bogus freedom fighters in Goa have given a verbal notice to the Government of India demanding to close down two major Portuguese institutions in Goa.  Goa Freedom Fighters Association (GFFA) has warned the government of a massive agitation across the State and disallow functioning of the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa, if their demands are not met.

BABUSH MOVES HC TO TRANSFER PANJIM PS ATTACK CASE TO SIT FROM THE CBI

PANJIM: Goa Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate has moved the Bombay High Court seeking transfer of probe in the 2008 Panjim police station attack case to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the CBI.

MISSING SUSPECTS LINKED TO MOLEM MURDER

PONDA: The Ponda police suspect that the April 10 murder, where a burnt body was found in a jungle area of Borkotem, Molem, has links with that of a missing person of Bicholim, Deelip Naik. Deelip was reported missing since April 9 from his residence in Bicholim.

HIGH COURT TO HEAR GOA GOVERNOR’S PLEA AGAINST RTI ON 28TH APRIL

PANJIM: The Bombay High Court at Goa will on Thursday 28th April hear the petition filed by Goa’s Raj Bhavan against the Right to Information Act.

SVATANTRIYAPURTI DIWAS?? by Adv. Antonio Lobo

Preamble: The article, as reported by HERALD appears in black print. What was not printed or edited out appears in red. Without the edited out portions, this article does not make sense.HERALD manipulated the article to suit the politicians.
The article. 
The ‘special’ mention by the Rajya Sabha MP, Shantaram Naik, that December 19, 1961 should be celebrated as the day when India attained full independence, is indicative of how much the Goan psyche has been affected by the relentless propaganda since it’s annexation on 19.12.61 by the Indian army .

WOMAN ARRESTED WHILE ACCEPTING MATKA BETS

CANACONA: When women break barriers in a male bastion, they are normally lauded for their achievement.  But in this case, there were no accolades and the woman in question ended up with an offence booked against her.

SERVILITY OR SELF-RELIANCE? by John Menezes, Bombay

During 450 years under Portuguese rule, Goa retained systemic order in its grass-root mini-republics dating from Vedic times which died out elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent but prospered in Goa. 

DIGNEM-SURLA RESIDENTS BLOCK MINING ROADS

BICHOLIM: The residents of Dignem-Surla in the Bicholim taluka sore over the uncontrolled dust pollution staged a rasta roko in their village, on Monday.  The traffic on the road stretch from Onda to Velguem-Pale was blocked.

HUSBAND MURDERS WIFE: ARRESTED BY COPS

MAPUSA: One Ganpat Shetye (29) from Nachinola was arrested by the Mapusa police Tuesday evening for murdering his wife Sneha.  According to information provided by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr Sammy Tavares, the police control van received information Tuesday evening at around 8 pm that a female was lying at Nachinola in a bruised state.

MINE OWNERS WARNED BY SOUTH GOA COLLECTOR

MARGAO: The South Goa Collector, Mr G P Naik Tuesday warned mine owners not to test the people’s patience and said a day will come when all mining activity in the state will come to a standstill “and that day is not far away.”

HIGH COURT ADJOURNED HEARING ON A PETITION FILED ON BEHALF OF RAJ BHAVAN

PANJIM: A division bench of Bombay High Court adjourned hearing on a petition filed on behalf of the Raj Bhavan here, challenging the order of Goa State Information Commission till April 28, directing that the matter be heard by a single judge only.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS SET FIRE TO MINING TRUCKS

MARGAO: In an incident that has rattled those involved in the mining transportation business in South Goa, unidentified persons set fire to some 12 trucks parked near a mine at Tollem, Sanguem, in the intervening night of Sunday to Monday.

“YOU ARE ANTI-NATIONAL”....................................by J Mario Fernandes

“You are anti-national. My friend repeatedly accused me over the table as we imbibed a few drinks. “Of course I’m not”--I retorted loudly now, and instead charged him of pursuing a communal game of his favourite political party.

SUPPORT N. SHIVDAS by Ramesh Naik

Sir,

I proudly take this opportunity to Congratulate Shri. N. Shivdas for taking this bold step in publishing his poem in title “Chedi”.

GOA CM VIOLATED RULES TO HOST LUNCH IN HONOUR OF PRESIDENT PRATIBHA PATIL

PANJIM: Goa’s Chief Minister Mr. Digambar Kamat violated the government rules to host a lunch at a five star resort in honour of President of India Mrs. Pratibha Patil during her controversial visit to Goa in January this year.  This has been revealed in the information obtained by Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act from Goa Government’s protocol department.

THIS IS A LET DOWN! by Floriano Lobo, Goa Suraj Party

This recipe from Anand is when the people of Panchayat areas and Municipal wards remain soundly asleep when it is time to elect their representatives.  Being watch-dogs is very very necessary. This job becomes simple when your representative have been elected on a programme that s/he should follow, the pro-people's programme.

PRABHAKAR SINARI A MAN WITH A CRIMINAL PAST PRE AND POST SO CALLED LIBERATION OF GOA by Tulshidas Shirodkar, Sanguem

A rogue called Prabhakar Sinari is talking on behalf of Goans whom he has looted and cheated all his life. He calls himself a freedom fighter, under this disguise he use to loot and rob. Once he raped a lady in Sanguem where he was hiding under the fear of Portuguese law. I still remember the incident I was a young man then.

GOA TO WITHDRAW LOKAYUKTA BILL: SUFFERING FROM LEGAL INFIRMITY OR ENCOURAGING CORRUPTION?

PANJIM: The Goa government on Monday said that Lokayukta Bill, introduced in the state Legislative Assembly in 2003, would be withdrawn as it was suffering from "legal infirmity" and various Union ministries had raised objections.  It looks like the government of Goa is safeguarding the foreign bank accounts of the politicians of Goa.

SHANTARAM NAIK WANTS TO EDUCATE MIGRANTS TO ACHIEVE 100 PERCENT LITERACY IN GOA

VALPOI: In yet another blow the genuine Goans, the MP Shantaram Naik wants to educate migrants to achieve 100 percent literacy in Goa. It appears that Shantaram Naik does not want the Goans to be educated but is more interested in the migrants.

GOA LOKYUKTA BILL NEEDS MORE TEETH TO TACKE CORRUPTION

PANJIM: Member of the joint drafting committee on Lokpal Bill, Santosh Hegde, on Monday said that Goa Lokayukta Bill needed more teeth to tackle corruption in the state.  Hegde, who attended a brainstorming session on Goa Lokayukta Bill here, said that the Bill should give policing powers to Lokayukta so that he can either conduct a probe or personally supervise the course of investigation in the cases of corruption. 

HAS THE DEADLINE GIVEN BY MICKKY PACHECO EXPIRED? by Menino Fernandes

A little more than a week back Mickky Pacheco had given another Ultimatum to the government of Goa over the Medium of Instructions issue. Pacheco had warned the government to immediately give grants to the schools with English as MOI, failing which he said he would react and strike hard at the government.  A week's time was given to the government for action.

GOA GOVERNOR’S PLEA IN HIGH COURT AGAINST RTI TO BE HEARD BY A SINGLE JUDGE

PANJIM: A Division bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa comprising of Justice S. C. Dharmadhikari and Justice F.M.Reis today declined to hear the petition filed by Goa’s Raj Bhavan against the Right to Information Act and directed that the matter be heard by a Single judge. The matter will now be heard on April 28th by a Single judge of the Bombay High Court at Goa. Goa Raj Bhavan was today represented by Adv. Mahesh Sonak and not the State Advocate General Mr. Subodh Kantak.

VIVA LIBERATION by Joel Morais, Cuncolim

In my 37 years of life,till today I don't understand what exactly Liberation means?In so called liberated Goa,a day ago, about 90 Cavrem locals including women and minors were arrested for fighting against injustice.Their holy water and air is polluted in the name of mining and looks like according to law,fighting to save nature is a offense.

CAN CONGRESS BE CLEANED? CAN BJP BE MADE LESS COMMUNAL? By Judy Rebello (email)

Do you really think anyone can get into the congress and clean it???? Or make the BJP less communal? An educated man like Parrikar tom-toms their ideology...... not in a million years! the Oh so Clean PM dirtied himself(!) but pretending the dirt did not exist....

THE EMPTY EGG - AN EASTER STORY by Nisser Dias

Jeremy was born with a twisted body and a slow mind. At the age of 12 He was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool,and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, As if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy just irritated his teacher.

THE NOISE ABOUT “CHEDDI” by Willie M. Severes, Majorda (Dubai)

Various women organizations in the state are demanding that N Shivdas should be asked to step down from his post of President of Goa Konkani Academy (GKA), for penning and publishing the poem “Chedi”, which in Konkani means prostitute.

ESCORTING POLICE FAILED TO ALERT THE LOCAL POLICE ABOUT MICHAEL’S ESCAPE

PANJIM: The Bicholim police personnel, who were escorting gangster Michael Fernandes, failed to alert the local police for almost an hour about Michael's escape, police sources revealed. This lapse gave time to the accused to escape.

CHIMBEL LOSING CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS LAND MARK DATING BACK TO PRE-PORTUGUESE ERA

PANJIM: Raising apprehensions about the loss of a cultural and religious landmark in Chimbel dating back to pre-Portuguese times, locals have requested the town and country planning (TCP) department to revoke the approval granted to a new construction near the Devi Chimelkarin baim (well).

KARWARIS ATTRACTED TO POLEM TO PLAY MATKA GAMBLING

PANJIM: Many residents of Karwar in Karnataka have had a close attachment to Polem-Canacona for varied reasons. Cheaper availability of booze and fuel (petrol and diesel) has been a key factor for the attraction to Polem, but many Karwaris are now being drawn to the nearest village across the border for another reason.

NDPS COURT MAPUCA DISMISSES APPLICATION FILED BY SOCIAL ACTIVISTS CHALLENGING CRIME BRANCH INVESTIGATION

MAPUCA: The NDPS court at Mapusa has dismissed an application filed by social activists alleging that the crime branch was not conducting proper investigations into the alleged activities of former ANC police sub inspector (PSI) Sunil Gudlar.

INFANT LOSES TWO FINGERS: ERRING DOCTOR SUSPENDED FOR NEGLIGENCE BY HEALTH MINISTER

PANJIM: Health minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday evening said he has ordered the suspension of a doctor attached to the gynaecology department of GMC in connection with a botched caesarian operation in which an infant lost two fingers.   "I have asked joint secretary (health) Dattaram Sardesai to order the suspension of Dr V Pereira pending inquiry, based on the preliminary report submitted by medical superintendent Dr Rajan Kuncolienkar," Rane said.

HIGH COURT TO HEAR GOA GOVERNOR’S PLEA AGAINST RTI

PANJIM: A Division bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa comprising of Justice S. C. Dharmadhikari and Justice F.M.Reis will on Monday 25th April hear the petition filed by Goa’s Raj Bhavan against the Right to Information Act.

CORRUPT GOVT, POLICE BRUTALITY: RECIPE FOR DISASTER FROM CAVREM

CAVREM: Today the desperate villagers of Cavrem in Quepem taluka blocked the road once again. They have lost all their crops due to mining pollution. Their complaints to all authorities fell on deaf ears. Only one mine was closed.

MASSIVE HUNT FOR MICHAEL FERNANDES

PANJIM: An extensive manhunt has been launched, a day after Michael Fernandes, wanted in 19 cases and being investigated for accepting a contract to harm the family members of State Home Minister Ravi Naik managed to escape from police custody, a story largely fabricated by the home minister Ravi Naik to divert attention from his drug dealer son Roy Naik

THIS IS A LET DOWN! Oscar Gomes, Benaulim

I was surprised to read in your esteemed paper that Dr Hubert Gomes had withdrawn from the race for MLAs elections from Benaulim Constituency. This is the same Dr Gomes who had made several statements in the past that come what may, he would never withdraw from the race.

HIGH COURT SETS FREE A RAPIST CONVICTED FOR LIFE TERM

PANJIM: The high court of Bombay at Goa has held that a convict, who was sentenced in 2008 to undergo life imprisonment by the children's court, was a juvenile at the time of committing the offence. The court has set him free after he served seven years behind bars in the case of rape and murder of a minor girl at Betul in 2004.

GOA FORGAVE PORTUGAL IN 1974: ENVOY by Ramnath N Pai Raikar

PANJIM: The Ambassador of Portugal to India, Mr Jorge Roza de Oliveira on Saturday said that he has still not been able to understand what really Goan freedom fighters want from Portugal, as the Portuguese foreign minister, way back in 1974 had already pleaded forgiveness for the 450 years of Portuguese rule in Goa, and was given the same.

PANCHAYAT HELPLESS AS GOVERNMENT DESTROYS FORESTLAND

ANJUNA: Admitting that forestland is being destroyed in the name of farming, Anjuna-Cainsua Sarpanch Lavino Rebello has said the panchayat is helpless to act in the matter as the project has received the approval from other government departments. Rebello agreed to the sentiments of the villagers about the commercial developments in the name of farming activities.

PRESIDENT PRATIBHA PATIL’S 4 DAY VISIT TO GOA IN JANUARY WAS OFFICIAL AND COST THE TAX PAYER RS 14, 18, 772

PANJIM: President of India Pratibha Patil’s four day visit to Goa in January this year was an official one and not a private trip. This has been revealed in information furnished to Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act by the Goa Government’s Protocol Department.

FAILED AGITATIONS? By Joel Morais, Cuncolim

Goa has been in the news for a number of agitations. I remember the Anti - Konkan Railway agitation where in we stood like strong pillars to block the project but the railway ran over us. The fake leader of masses from Salcete was a part of this unsuccessful agitation.

CHURCHILL FOOLING PEOPLE SAYS HE ASKED CM TO GIVE GRANTS FOR ENGLISH MOI: SECRET AGENDA TO MAKE MONEY

MARGAO: PWD Minister Churchill Alemao on Friday said that he has told Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to give grants for English medium of instruction from the academic year.  But according to Custodio a local of Comba Margao, Churchill is only play acting to make some money and then dupe the cause just as he dupped the Mopa Airport cause after getting enough money as bribe.

QATAR GOAN ASSOCIATION – GLORIFYING LOOTERS OF GOA by Vicente E. Do Rego

Again this year “Goan Welfare Association” Qatar, are going to organize their annual May Queen Ball and the list of invited Guest includes biggest looter of Goa Mr. Luizinho Faleiro, infested with controversies Mr. Dayanad Narvekar and marketing and seller of whole of Calangute belt to rich and famous of Delhite’s Mr. Agnelo Fernandes.

LIQOUR IS CHEAPER IN GOA AND WOMEN STILL CHEAPER SAYS BOLLYWOOD by Godfrey J. I. Gonsalves

Liquor is cheaper here and women still more cheaper there is no value for life -- If these lines were to make it to the glossy brochures of any Department of Tourism of the Govt of Goa or for that matter of the Govt of India and circulated world wide obviously it would arouse sharp condemnation from civil society in general and women organisations in particular.

‘DUM MARO DUM’ MAY BALL 2011 by Willie M. Severes, Majorda , Dubai

Come 28th April 22, 2011, the 11th Annual May Queen Ball 2011 organised by the Goan Welfare Association (GWA) will be held at the Ramada Plaza Doha Hotel from 8.30 pm onwards. The highlights of the event will be the crowning of May Queen by a number of Bollywood stars, among which includes Aditya Pancholi, the co-star in the controversial film Dum Maro Dum.

GOOD FRIDAY OBSERVED WITH RELGIOUS FEELINGS IN GOA

PANJIM: Prayers and religious services marked the observance of Good Friday in the state with thousands of faithful attending the services at various churches. “Thy will be done and not mine, prayed Jesus even as he got ready for his ordeal ending with his crucifixion on cross for the salvation of mankind,” the main celebrant told the faithful gathered at the Mary Immaculate Church, Panjim.

GOA POLICE SEEK CUSTODY OF JOE BOY

PANJIM: Goa Police on Friday sought custody of Joe Boy alias Jose Lopes, who allegedly gave contract to harm state Home Minister Ravi Naik's family. This has been claimed as ridiculous and a made up story by Ravi Naik to divert the attention of the Law from his Drugs Dealer Son Roy Naik.

MICHAEL FERNANDES AGAIN ESCAPES FROM POLICE

PANJIM: Notorious criminal Michael Fernandes again managed to escape from custody making his fifth escape.  His accomplice, Dipak Kerkar, who had also fled with him from Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) complex at Bambolim, was nabbed near Goa University within hours of his escape.  Deputy Superintendent of Police Deu Benaulikar said that Michael and Dipak were brought to IPHB after they complained of ‘mental illness.’

GOA TOURISM DECIDES TO HAVE ITS OWN STALL IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MART: PERSONAL ENJOYMENT?

PANJIM: Probably, Goa Tourism Department has learnt its lesson. Henceforth, it will have an independent stall whenever it is participating in any international travel mart.  For some time now the Tourism Department has been under fire for its stalls at international travel/tourism shows have been downright unappealing. It has decided to henceforth present Goa smartly by taking up an independent stall.

BJP TRYING BIHAR EXPERIMENT TO GET VOTES

PANJIM: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to replicate its 'Bihar experiment' in Goa in the forthcoming state Assembly elections. BJP Mahila Morcha's National President Smriti Irani told reporters here that the party had conducted a detailed survey before allotting the tickets in 2010 Bihar elections.

GOA GOVERNOR TAKES HIS BATTLE AGAINST RTI ACT TO THE HIGH COURT

PANJIM: Governor of Goa Dr. S.S.Sidhu has now taken his battle against the Right to Information Act to the Bombay High Court at Goa. The petition by Goa Raj Bhavan has been filed by the Governor’s Special Secretary Dr. N.Radhakrishnan.

WHICH COUNTRY HAS TWO LANGUAGES AS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THE STATE? By Menino Fernandes

After listening to all the arguments of the pro English and pro Konkani groups, let me agree with the state language protagonists. Let me agree with them on some issues. Let me bring out before our Goans the ideas the I perceived from both the camps and let me give some ideas of my own.

FORCE – IS IT HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION? by Nisser Dias

Last week the frustration over inaction by the members of the FORCE to compel the government to commit - including English as medium of instruction spilled over with villagers from the coastal belt of Salcete organising themselves as a parallel outfit. At their very first meeting they fired salvos at Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco and PWD minister Churchill Alemao, something which members of FORCE were avoiding so far.

TAR BALLS ON GOAN SHORES by Freddy Agnelo Fernandes, Dubai

With all the clamor about the tar balls in the Goan media I thought our Authorities would be forced into action, if only I was right ! Today some assumptions have been made by the Navhind Times with regard to the source of these tar balls and if they are right, it exposes the pathetic attitude of our Authorities towards our environment, our marine life and the welfare of coastal Goans at large.

PUBLIC LECTURE ON ROLE OF LOKAYUKTA IN GOOD GOVERNANCE by Ivo D’Souza, Dubai

No doubt India has made tremendous progress in space, sports, science, technology and education, but this graph has only been one sided and restricted only to a fraction out of the 1.2 billion citizens and unless all the other stakeholders and underprivileged too are alleviated to the same level and their more critical issues of poverty, unemployment, corruption, education and access to basic amenities, sanitation and effective healthcare addressed, the general perception is that India will be a completely failed state in the next decade or so.

PASSION OF THE LORD BEGINS WITH MAUNDY THURSDAY

PANJIM: In our life, the last minute before doing something important is very significant. For example the time before we start on a journey is very important and we want to say a lot of things. Just like that, Jesus Christ, so many years ago, knew that his time was up and on the previous day of his departure gave us three gifts, said the Archbishop Patriarch, Rev Fr Filipe Neri Ferrao at his homily during the Observance of Maundy Thursday at the Se Cathedral-Old Goa, on Thursday evening.

CELEBRATING THE RAJ – by Juvenal.

Readers must have seen the advertisement by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, in the local media, requesting “Panchayati Raj Institutions / States / UTs to celebrate National Panchayati Raj Day on 24th April, by organising purposeful Gram Sabha meetings for making India a fully participatory democracy”.

GOENCHEA OSTOREANCHO AWAS DEMANDS BAN ON DUM MARO DUM

PANJIM: Goemchea Ostoreancho Awaz (GOA), a newly formed women's organization, on Wednesday demanded a ban on the screening of Rohan Sippy's 'Dum Maro Dum' in India and abroad, saying the movie not only portrays a wrong image of Goan women but also of Goa as a whole.

2nd MEGA RALLY AT LOHIA MOIDAN – MARGAO ON 29TH APRIL 2011 by Vicente de Rego

GOA: The GRA [GOEMCHEA RAKHONDARANCHO AWAZ] announces it's 2nd. mega rally at the Lohia Maidan, Margao, for 29th April, 2011.  Incidentally, this rally was originally planned for the 8th. April, 2011, but had to be postponed for the 29th. April due to unforeseen circumstances.

GOAN BEACHES THRONGED TO BEAT OFF HEAT

PANJIM: With soaring mercury coupled with high humidity hitting Goa, locals and visitors are thronging to the state beaches to beat the heat. The Indian Meteorological department in Goa has predicted that the heat will continue for some more time due to the easterly winds.

VISHWAJIT RANE ASSURES USGAO PEOPLE OF THEIR EXCLUSION FROM NEW TALUKA

PANJIM: Health minister Vishwajit Rane has assured the people of Usgao that their demand for exclusion of Usgao village from the new Dharbandora taluka will be met soon.  I have discussed the issue of exclusion of Usgao from Dharbandora taluka with chief minister Digambar Kamat, Rane said and exuded confidence that an early solution to the issue, in the interests of the people and Usgao village, will be found.

GOANS WILL NEVER HAVE PEACE AS LONG AS EVIL INDIA RULES GOA by Michael Britto

To those Wise Goans who walk in th wisdom of true GOD, Goa and Goans will never have peace of God that prevailed during portuguese times.....even though Goans were not rich finanacially......yet Goans lived a life of peace and died in peace.

CAVREM VILLAGERS BLOCKS MINING TRUCKS

MARGAO: In a brave move that deserves applaud the tribal villagers of Cauvrem village, supported by the Cauvrem Adavasi Bacccho Samiti, on Thursday, blocked mining trucks from five mines transporting mining ore.  The villagers said that this is the only road used by five villages and in spite of several request and pleas to the authorities to broadened and repair the road, nothing has been done in this regard.

ACCUSED IN USGAO MURDER GETS 14 DAYS POLICE CUSTODY

PONDA: Shrikant Naik, arrested in connection with the murder of Shankar Ganba Desai in Usgao, has been remanded to 14 days police custody for further investigations into the case. The accused was produced before the judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) court in Sanguem.

HAS THE FIRE DIED DOWN? CIPRIANO’S SPIRIT CRIES FOR JUSTICE by Menino Fernandes

How many months have passed since the murder of Cipriano took place at the Panjim police station? The Goans can sit and count the months and years which will run before Cipriano gets justice. The fire seems to have died down. The police department is waiting for such an opportunity to reinstate the erring officers or the murderers of Cipriano.

PACHECO ON A COMPLAIN FILING SPREE : BIRDS OF SAME FEATHERS!

MARGAO: A day after he filed a complaint at the crime branch, Dona Paula, against PWD minister Churchill Alemao, Benaulim MLA Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco dropped another bombshell on Tuesday. He stated that he would file ten more complaints against different ministers- including Alemao-along with documentary evidence soon.

FUTURE OF THE CHILDREN LIES WITH THE PARENTS

MARGAO: The future of kids’ education lies with the parents, and any changes to the patronage of primary schools will have to be managed in a way that is neutral, said FORCE spokesperson, Ms Cynthia Fernandes, on the sidelines of a press meet, demanding that parents should be allowed to choose the medium of instruction.

MIGRANT HOTEL OWNER REMANDED TO JUDICIAL CUSTODY FOR ASSAULTING MINOR WITH A KNIFE

PONDA: The children's court on Tuesday remanded Vishwas Balkrishna Shetty, who had allegedly assaulted his minor waiter with a harvest knife, to 14 days of judicial custody.   Shetty, a hotel owner from Ponda, was arrested on Monday for alleged child abuse under Goa Children's Act and for causing grievous hurt to the minor. The 16-year-old victim had lodged a complaint with the Ponda police against the hotel owner.

UNRULY BUS OPERATORS ARRESTED UNDER SECTION 151 CrPC

PANJIM: Frustration at not getting their way saw 16 unruly bus operators being arrested under Section 151 of the IPC for disrupting bus services at the Kadamba bus stand on Wednesday.  A section of private bus operators first barged into the transport director’s office to get him to revoke the suspensions and show cause notices issued on Tuesday for an illegal bandh resorted to by them on Friday. But he refused to give in and asked them to approach the concerned licensing authority and get the necessary relief.

LAW OR JOKE! FINE OF RS 5000 FOR ACCUSED OF MONTE DONGOR

MARGAO: Rupees 5000 is like pocket money to criminals and accused under the patronage of politicians like Digambar Kamat. The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Margao, Mr D Kerker convicted and ordered Manjunath K to pay a fine of ` 5000 in connection with an accident reported at Monte Dongor in 2009, in which two persons were injured.

DAMOR MARO DAMOR IN GOA by Freddy Agnelo Fernandes, Dubai

In Goa a lot more seasonal festivals are being celebrated and they profess to the world, the unity in diverse Goa. It’s a wonderful feeling to be present in Goa for any such festival at any given time. It is always a joyous occasion with the spread and display of harmony and colour in unison.

CANSAULIM GRAM SABHA CASTIGATES D. B. SHANKE, ADDL. DIRECTOR OR PANCHAYATS FOR MISCHIEVOUS ORDER by Maria Mascarenhas

At the gram sabha held in Cansaulim on 17.04.2011, the gram sabha members led by Dr. Marconi Correia came down heavily on Mr. D.B. Shanke, Addl. Director of Panchayats for pronouncing a mischievous order in Panchayat appeal no.91/2008, directing the local body to renew the construction licence issued to M/s RTCL, Ltd for construction of a mega housing project in a rural, ethnic ward of Cansaulim.

MP SHANTARAM NAIK RAISES HIS VOICE AGAINST PRODUCERS OF DUM MARO DUM

PANJIM: Goa’s only politician Mr Shantaram Naik as so far been raising his voice on most of the Goan issues. Be it against the Indian Navy or be it Dum Maro Dum. Rest of Goa’s politicians appear to have been already bribed by the producers of the controversial film Dum Maro Dum.

PACHECO: HIGH COMMAND DOES NOT UNDERSTAND LOCAL GOANS DIFFICULTIES

MARGAO: Giving clear indications that he is distancing away from the NCP, Benaulim MLA has said the high command from Delhi or Maharashtra do not understand the problems and difficulties of the local people.  Saying that he does not care what NCP thinks on the medium of instruction row, Pacheco told newsmen that he does not believe in parties that rule the state from Delhi.

THE HIGH COURT DISMISSES A PIL FILED BY A LOCAL AGAINST DUM MARO DUM by John Pereira

The judge found no ground to pass a stay order against the film, based on the facts and evidence placed on record in support of the petition. Therefore, the Court found it fit to permit the release of the film as scheduled on April 22.

MICKKY PACHECO TO KNOCK THE DOORS OF HC IF CRIME BRANCH FAILS TO REGISTER CASE

MARGAO: Former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco has threatened to knock the doors of the High Court if the Crime Branch fails to register a case against the PWD Minister Churchill Alemao in the PWD tenders case and announced plans to loge 10 other criminal complaints against different ministers.

PANJIM POLICE ARREST ONE FOR CHEATING THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT

PANJIM: The Panjim police have arrested an owner of a private firm for cheating the Indian government by misusing the telephonic connection.  Ramanand Sharma, owner of ‘Pernial Solutions’ was arrested late on Tuesday night following a complaint filed by B R Bawaskar, Assistant Director, Department of Telecom, Maharashtra.

OPEN DRAINAGE POSE NUISANCE TO VALPOI RESIDENTS by Abdulla Khan, Valpoi

VALPOI: Residents Valpoi especially houses located behind State Bank of India has to face immense difficulty as the drain here are left open. Open drainages in this area creates unhygienic condition in the locality as well as for the municipality as people dump their domestic garbage and construction debris into this open drainages further chocking the same.

BOMBAY HC CJ’s INTERVENTION SOUGHT TO CLEAN UP GOA’S JUDICIARY

PANJIM: Adv. Aires Rodrigues has drawn the attention of Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Mohit Shah to the corruption, malpractices and irregularities prevailing in Goa’s Judiciary.

GOAN FIESTA 2011 A GRAND KONKANI SHOW by Rajesh D’Mello, Muscat

Dear GCO Leadership Team,

My salutations to the organisers for providing such opportunities to revel in our unique culture. I would have loved to attend and see the galaxy of our goan singers and comedians perform particularly Lorna Cordeiro. However, I wish to voice that I strongly oppose the idea of putting on a pedestal as 'Guests of Honour' the very politicians who are responsible for the decay, loot and plunder of Goa and its unique indentity.

GRA A LOST FORCE by Dalia

Watching the daily news or flipping through the day, it is sad to notice the end of GRA from the minds of the public. Months ago, it was the topic of the week, the day and as hours approached, it was realized that GRA was a lost force within itself.

OF COMMUNALISM AND MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION by Tomazinho Cardozo

The happenings at the Azad Maidan on 6th April 2011 have exposed the true colours of leaders of Konkani movement. These leaders who used to shout at the top of their voices that Marathi language had no place in Goa, they were sharing the platform along with the protagonists of Marathi language.

TIATR DIS CELEBRATED BY KA AND TAG

PANJIM: Tiatr Dis’ was jointly celebrated by the Kala Academy Goa and Tiatr Academy of Goa recently at the Kala Academy, Panjim. This day is commemorative of the staging of the first tiatr ‘Italian Bhurgo’ written and directed by Lucasinho Ribeiro in Mumbai.

CHURCHILL DENIES CHARGES BY MICKKY

PANJIM: The PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao, denied “200 per cent” the charges levelled against him by his Nationalist Congress Party colleague, Mr Francisco Pacheco alias Mickky saying: “toh bhekar podla,” while speaking to media Monday.

17 YEAR OLD COMMITS SUICIDE AT SHIRODA

PONDA: Rohit Ramakant Raikar, a 17-year-old youth from Karai-Shiroda in Ponda, ended his life by hanging himself to a fan in his bedroom on Sunday afternoon. Police suspect that the youth could have taken the extreme step due to a frivolous domestic squabble.

ANOTHER MURDER IN PONDA WITHIN FOUR MONTHS

PONDA: The Ponda police sub-division on Sunday registered a fifth murder in barely four months and the second within eight days. The deceased has been identified as Shankar Ganba Desai, 25, from Castle Rock in Karnataka.

CYCLIST DIES KNOCKED DOWN BY OVERSPEEDING MARUTI CAR

PANJIM: A 63-year-old cyclist succumbed to injuries in Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim (GMC) after a speeding Maruti Swift car on Sunday morning knocked him down at Siolim. Ramesh Rama Bandekar, a resident of Camurlim, was riding his cycle in Siolim at 9.30am on Sunday when Sharif Shiraz Dodamani came speeding in his car from behind and dashed into Bandekar's cycle.

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AT A GLANCE by Pratap Naik

Directorate of Education, Panjim has published two books, namely, List of Recognised Educational Institutions in Goa 2009-2010 and Educational Statistics at a Glance 2009-2010. In these two important and useful books one could get a lot of information regarding the medium of instruction, number of students and data related to the primary schools (Std I to IV) and high schools. In Goa there are 315 Non-Government (private) primary schools.

DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM AT BIRONDEM INAUGRATED by Abdulla Khan, Valpoi

VALPOI: Director of Agriculture, Mr Satish Tendulkar today inaugurated ‘Drip irrigation system’ at Zagoti Nature farm located at Birondem. The other dignitaries present on inaugural function were Director of ICAR, Mr N.P Singh, Birondem sarpanch, Mr Uday Rane, Valpo ZAO, Mr Hoble, Bicholim ZAO, Mr P Malik, Fr Inacio Almeda, Mr Prasad Khadilker and other officials of agriculture department.

GOANS HAVE NO PROPER ELECTRICITY IN HOUSES BUT SWAPNIL NAIK OUT TO ILLUMINATE PERNEM BEACHES

MAPUSA: The director of Tourism, Mr Swapnil Naik has said that beaches in Pernem would soon be illuminated as the tourism department has already sanctioned ` 25 lakh to the electricity department to erect new fixtures.  Goans do not have proper electricity in their houses a fact that has been ignored by the current corrupt government of Goa and now they are out to illuminate the beaches.

A KERALITE CAUGHT RED HANDED TRYING TO BREAK OPEN A TEMPLE FUND BOX

MAPUCA: A person was caught red-handed at Corlim, Mapusa, on Saturday afternoon when he was trying to break open a fund box in a temple.  Baboo Nair was allegedly in the process of breaking the fund box of the Sree Rastroli Devasthan at Corlim, when a local Dilip Aroskar, who was passing by, felt something suspicious was going on and entered to make inquiries.

RS 9 CRORE HANDED OVER TO CIPL TO BUY 84 NEW BUSES UNDER GBR SCHEME

PANJIM: Minister for social welfare and transport Ramkrishna Dhavlikar recently handed over a cheque for ` 9,02,41,620 to the general manager of Chowgule Industries Private Limited N B Khandeparkar towards the purchase of 84 buses under the scheme Gomant Bal Rath implemented by the department of social welfare.

MAN COMMITS SUICIDE, CONSUMES RATOL

BICHOLIM: A 65-year-old man from Cudchirem in Bicholim taluka on Friday committed suicide by consuming poison. Exact reason for committing suicide is not known but apparently he appeared to be suffering from various ailments.

BENGALI SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS FOR CIRCULATING FAKE CURRENCY IN VASCO

VASCO: H Ashraf, a native of West Bengal, was on Saturday sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the district and sessions court at Margao for circulating fake notes in Vasco last year.   According to the prosecution, the accused was caught by the Vasco police while attempting to recharge his cell phone with a fake ` 1000 note at Vasco market on March 23, 2010.

SCREENING OF DUM MARO DUM WILL BE OPPOSED IN VASCO THEATRES

VASCO: The members of fishing community from Khariawaddo in the port town of Vasco under the banner of Khariawaddo Affected People (KAP) has resolved to oppose the screening of ‘Dum Maro Dum’ in the theatres in Vasco.

HC BENCH WATCHES DUM MAARO DUM PROMOS AHEAD OF HEARING by Edgar Faleiro

The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court has moved the hearing on Rohan Sippy's forthcoming film Dum Maaro Dum to April 18.  The bench today watched the promos of the movie, which ran into controversy after a media professional, Savio Rodrigues filed a PIL in the court seeking a ban the release stating that it portrayed Goa and its people in bad light.

ONE DAY TRAINING CUM FIELD DAY PROGRAM HELD FOR FARMERS AT SATARI, by Abdulla Khan, Valpoi

VALPOI: ICAR Research Complex for Goa in collaboration with Directorate of Agriculture today held Training cum Field day program on Rice based Cropping system at Zagoti Nature farm located at Bhirodem.  Those present on the occasion were Director of Agriculture, Mr Satish Tendulkar Director of ICAR, Mr N.P Singh, Program coordinator, Mr R Narayan, Valpoi ZAO, Mr Hoble, Bicholim ZAO, Mr P Malik, Fr Inacio Almeda, Mr Prasad Khadilker sarpanchas of Bhirondem Mr Uday Rane and Dhamse Mr Mascarenhas.

UGLY FANATICS! by Joel Morais, Cuncolim

We all are proud Goenkars.Konkani comes in our blood through our mother's milk. We are been fed with English since our birth and I can proudly say that our children had got very good command over the same. Goenkars are been known internationally as decent citizens of India and our behavior has been appreciated by the world.

VALPOI WEEKLY MARKET SHIFTED TO NEW LOCATION by Abdulla Khan, Valpoi

VALPOI: Shifting of weekly market on road leading towards VMC ground was an important and drastic decision taken by Valpoi municipal council is proving to be more convenient for the people as well as traders here.

HAS CIPRIANO'S MURDER BEEN PUT IN THE CUPPBOARD? TWO OUT OF EIGHT POLICEMEN REPLY BEFORE SPCA

PANJIM: Two of the eight police personnel, Shyam Amonkar and Ramesh Desai, both head constables, have filed their reply before the State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA), in the Cipriano custodial death case.

GOA GOVT ASKS ICG AND INDIAN NAVY TO CLEAR WATERFRONT BLOCKADE OF MPT

PANJIM: The Goa government on Saturday asked the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indian Navy (IN) to clear a "guerrilla style" waterfront blockade of the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) by fishermen using their trawlers to protest the recent demolition of their houses.

READERS' IDEAS AND OPINION REQUESTED by Niz Goenkar

Dear Readers,

NIZ GOENKAR recently completed 1 year as a Forum for exchange of ideas and as a tool, to express concerns that affect Goa and Goans.

GOAN WOMEN ANGRY WITH A KONKANI POEM AND ITS WRITER

PANJIM: A senior Goa Congress functionary and writer is in the eye of a storm for his Konkani poem, which has invited the ire of several women's organisations. N Shivdas, a Vice-President of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) and President of Goa Konkani Academy, has penned a poem titled 'Chedi' (prostitute in Konkani language).

DUM MARO DUM: SPECIAL SCREENING FOR A COMMITTEE HEADED BY A NON GOAN

PANJIM: Fox Star Studios and Ramesh Sippy, the producers of the controversial film Dum Maro Dum, which is slated to release on April 22 have agreed to hold a special screening of the film for a state-level committee constituted by the government under the chairmanship the information and publicity secretary, Mr Rajiv Verma on April 18 at the Maquinez Palace auditorium.

TEMP HALT ON STRIKE BY KHARIAWADDO RESIDENTS

VASCO: In a late evening development on Saturday, the Khariawaddo Affected People (KAP), has called off their agitation in abeyance till Monday, following an assurance given by the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, to fulfill their five demands.

FRUSTRATION OF PARENTS OVER ENGLISH AS MOI

MARGAO: A sense of frustration is gripping the parents of children from English-medium primary schools. These parents are at odds with the government stand on the medium of instruction.   On Saturday, a small and vociferous parent group, representing thousands of parents from the beach belt of Colva, Benaulim, Betalbatim, Utorda and Majorda, gathered at the Margao municipal council press hall and turned up the political heat -- demanding that English be the medium of instruction in primary schools.

INDIA'S CHIEF JUSTICE CRACKS THE WHIP by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Chief Justice of India S H Kapadia’s has rightly expressed great concern about judges frequently socializing with particular members of the legal profession. In Goa we all know of that High Court judge a few years ago who did over socialize with some advocates.

GOA: SEX AND MAFIA ON COCAINE COAST by Tony, Kuwait

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.

GOVT OF GOA, SWAPNIL NAIK AND NILKANTH HALARNKAR ACT LIKE PIMPS TO DESTROY THE MORAL STRUCTURE OF GOA by Menino Fernandes

We accuse the lay people of immoral acts in our society, but in fact it is the government of Goa that brings in all immorality into Goa. Ours is a conscious society unlike the western society that has given up all the morality. Swapnil Naik the tourism director seems to be very much exited to launch bikini into Goa.

VIKAS OF VIDYA OR CORRUPTION by Joel Morais, Cuncolim

Goa is been governed by garbage and this is one of the reason, the garbage dumped at Sonsoddo is progressing like anything.We at no cost can leave the future of our innocent children in the hands of this government consisting of ministers which are worse than garbage and these political pollutants presently pose a serious threat to Goa and niz goemkars.

AN UNTRUSTWORTHY CHURCHILL TRIES TO FOOL GOANS

MARGAO: The PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao on Friday urged the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, the Chief Secretary and other MLAs to resolve the contentious issue of medium of instruction by holding a meeting at the earliest.

FISH MONGERS CLOSE DOWN FOR THE DAY

VASCO: The fishing business in the port town of Vasco will be closed on Friday with the Khariawaddo Affected People (KAP) requesting the fishing community to extend their support to protest against the recent demolition of Khariawaddo houses.

JOHN’S BAIL CANCELLATION HALTED BY SUPREME COURT: A BIG BLOW TO CHURCHILL’S DREAMS

PANJIM: Mr John Fernandes, an accused in the Russian’s rape case, got a major reprieve from the Supreme Court, as it stayed the suo motu proceedings against him as regards to cancellation of the bail granted to him.

DALGADO KONKANI AKADEMI WORKING ON PROMOTING ROMAN SCRIPT KONKANI

MARGAO: Dalgado Konkani Akademi on Friday said the medium of instruction at the primary level should be in Konkani by giving an option to the students to choose either Devnagiri or Roman script. Akademi president Premanand Lotlikar said that since the Akademi is working towards the promotion of Konkani in Roman script, the government should give the option to the students to study Konkani in roman script at the primary level.

MEET AT LOHIA MOIDAN FOR MOI: FORCE OVERRIDES DREAMS OF THE MARATHI LOBBY AT LOHIA MAIDAN

MARGAO 13th April: Another day to be reckoned int he history of Goa after the mass gathering in favour of the Opinion Poll, Statehood and the language agitations in the past that bore fruits is today's meeting at Lohia Maidan, Margao called in by the Forum For Rights Of Children's Education (FORCE) demanding inclusion of English as Medium of Instruction in every school including Govt. aided schools in Goa.

ANNA HAZARE – THE ONLY WAY FORWARD by Nisser Dias

Last few days of the week millions of Indians especially the youth were glued either to their television sets or taking hour to hour account of the biggest crusade undertaken by an elderly statesman to drastically reduce the meteoric rise in corruption (in every form like dishonesty, fraud, sleaze, nepotism, bribery, discrimination, scams and scandals) in every single department of the Union government as well in the state governments in this country.

WHAT IS HOLDING BACK "FORCE" FROM ACTING IMMEDIATELY? by Ashley Fernandes, Margao

What are they waiting for?

This has reference to the report on the huge public meeting held at the Lohia Maidan by parents “pressing for the English language as a choice for the medium of instruction”. Whilst the intention of this forum has been good to begin with, their follow up act lacks the intensity, primarily due to absence of an action plan, which is found wanting. To spark a reaction, you require action. Hence “WELL BEGUN IS HALF DONE”.

THE UNEDUCATED AND UNDEREDUCATED MLA’S WE ELECT by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The one good thing about Assembly elections these days is that voters are entitled, among other things, to know the educational qualifications of the candidates. It is mandatory for every candidate to file an affidavit declaring among other things the educational qualifications and criminal record, if any.

DIGAMBAR KAMAT DISTRIBUTES RS 25 LAKH EACH FOR 29 NGOs

PANJIM: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, on Thursday, distributed cheques of Rs 25 lakh each, to 29 institutions from the state, at a function organised by the Directorate of Art and Culture in the city.  This was part of the one-time Golden Jubilee Grants in the memory of Blessed Mother Teresa Grants.

KAMAT BENDS TO THE PRESSURE OF WOMEN’S ORGANISATION OVER DUM MARO DUM

PANJIM: Bowing to intense pressure from the women’s organisation, Goa government has sought Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s intervention over the controversy surrounding Rohan Sippy’s upcoming movie ‘Dum Maro Dum.’

MARMAGOA CHAIRPERSON SUCHITA SHIRODKAR LODGES COMPLAINT AGAINST JOSE PHILIP

VASCO: Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Suchita Shirodkar on Thursday lodged a police complaint against Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza for allegedly grabbing municipal land for personal purpose. Will the Goa Police entertain the complaint against the minister?

PMC OFFICES BOYCOTTED BY ELECTED BODY OF COUNCILLORS

PONDA: Sources in the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC), informed that the elected councillors, including the chairperson, Mr Kishore Naik, have boycotted the offices of the PMC, since the last ten days, reportedly over the controversy of sopo tender. This has led to tremendous hardships caused to the local public.

MORJIM ROADS GET RS SIX CRORE FUNDS

MAPUSA: The state BJP president and Mandrem MLA, Mr Laxmikant Parsekar said that road works to the tune of Rs 6 crore have been taken up at Morjim in Pernem and that the same are expected to be completed before monsoons.

CAVREM LOCALS BEAT TRUCK DRIVER

QUEPEM: Tension flared up at Cavrem on Thursday, after a local and a truck driver were assaulted over the blocking of mining trucks by the locals on Wednesday evening.  According to sources, some truck drivers and owners were irked that their trucks were blocked by residents on Wednesday evening and later detained by Quepem police.

HERITAGE LOVERS CRY FOUL OVER DEMOLITION OF A HERITAGE HOUSE

MARGAO: Heritage lovers on Thursday have cried foul over the demolition of a heritage house in the conservation zone along the Abade Faria road in the commercial capital.  Historian and heritage lover Prajal Sakhardande has demanded to know how the Conversation Committee has granted the permissions to raze down the heritage house in the conservation zone.

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND PERENNIAL BETRAYERS by Praxy Fernandes, Sanquelim

If ever in Goa there can be nobel prize for a ‘Betrayers’ it will go to the Bandodkar family. Bandodkar wanted to betray us by merging Goa with Maharashtra to achieve his sinister designs. Thank God we had Dr. Jack Sequeira to save us Goans from being ghantis in our own motherland those days, ofcourse now we have the rogue evil greedy politicians who have sold our Goa wholesale to outsiders that we have become ghantis and ghantis have become goanese(mind you I cannot use the term ‘Goans’ because Goans are unique & dignified people).

CORRUPTION AND THE LOK PAL BILL by Freddy Agnelo Fernandes

Corruption in Indian politics has been gaining momentum even since independence; to start with it was slow and even invisible but today it is flourishing to the extent that it is being flaunted in the open market, as more and more scams are being exposed, over the years it has certainly gained enormous horizontal as well as vertical mobility and momentum.

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION by Arnaldo Cardozo, Varca

Good education can come from English medium only.
1. Child is exposed to the vast knowledge of the world.
2. It will benefit economically – weaker background community.
3. English medium will make higher education easy.

WOMEN IN SOUTH GOA WARNS GOVT OF BLOCKING MINING TRAFFIC

PANJIM: Thousands of women in South Goa have warned the State government of blocking the mining traffic complaining against the frequent road blockages due to erring and arrogant trucks around Sanvordem.  Ekvat Society, a conglomeration of 18 women organizations in the state, has given a deadline of 10 days to the State government to work out immediate solution for the mining traffic problems in the area.

PATIENCE OF THE PARENTS RUNNING OUT

MARGAO: Sending a warning loud and clear to the government that the patience of the parents is running out on the medium of instruction, a huge meeting of the Forum for Rights of Children’s Education (FORCE) has threatened to gherao Ministers and MLAs from the beginning of the academic year if their genuine and just demand to make English as the medium of instruction is not fulfilled by the government.

MICHAEL GETS POLICE CUSTODY WHILST TWO MORE GANG MEMBERS ARE ARRESTED

PANJIM: The DySP, Mr Deu Banaulikar, (SDPO) informed that the police are on the look out for one more gang member of Michael Fernandes, who is presently at large.  He said two members, Pravin Patil and Karbotkar were arrested in Kankavli in Maharashtra, while the other two, Michael and Deepak Kerkar were arrested in the jungle of Falah at Betul. The gang consisted of five members.

DRAFT REFERRED BACK TO DIRECTORATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

PANJIM: The draft Goa Educational Policy 2011 submitted to the State Government on Monday has been referred back to Directorate of Higher Education to work out its financial implications, sources stated. The sources in the State secretariat said that Education Secretary has referred the file back to Director of Higher Education Bhaskar Nayak, who will have to work financial liability, once the policy is implemented in totality.

IN 2010 GOA CHIEF SECRETARY’S TRAVELS COST THE EXCHEQUER RS 8, 47, 827

PANJIM: In 2010 Goa’s Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjay Srivastava made 27 official trips within India and two trips overseas. This has been revealed in the information furnished to Adv. Aires Rodrigues under the Right to Information Act by the Chief Secretary’s office.

DIFFERENT LAWS FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE? by Joel Morais, Cuncolim

Looking at the present situation,looks like things in our beloved country will never change for good.In our beloved country,we always witness different laws for different people.Take the recent case in which the highly educated Education minister of Goa caught by the customs for carrying a huge sum of money.

BABUSH CALLS ON CONGRESS LEADERS IN DELHI

PANJIM: Goa's Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate, who was detained by Customs at Mumbai airport for carrying Indian and foreign currency beyond permissible limits a few days ago, on Sunday called on Congress leaders in Delhi.

CORRUPTION IN GOA? CELEBRATE! PRAY FOR MORE RAPES! By Lucio Mascarenhas

There is a veritable rash of crime in Goa today. Never before has Goa seen so much crime. Every day there are rapes and murders and so on. People are grumbling. Goa pols are grumbling.  But I ask, Why Whine? You ought to Celebrate!

BBSM DECIDES TO EDUCATE PARENTS ON MOI ISSUE

PANJIM: After having a massive convention in support of local languages as Medium of Instruction (MOI), earlier this month, Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) has now decided to educate parents on the MOI issue wiping out the misconceptions created by English language proponents.

THEN AND NOW by Alberto Leitao, Varca

DURING SALAZAR'S dictatorial rule Goans could not open their mouth. But today in our so called largest democracy we can shout but truth is never out.

DURING SALAZAR'S rule there was peace and tranquility but today amongst Goans there is no unity and today's elected representatives and most of our bureaucrats have no character and lack integrity.

BOGUS ID CARDS CRIPPLING TICKET COLLECTIONS: GBOA

PANJIM: Private bus owners in Goa Monday demanded that the 50 per cent concession granted to students should be reviewed with certain riders, to curb its misuse.  The bus owners, who will be striking from April 12, with indefinite fasting before Director of Transport?s office in the city, have said that several bogus Identity Cards have crippling their ticket collections.

PILOTS ISSUE DIRECTIVES NOT TO FLY TO GOA

NEW DELHI: After six airlines including Air India broke rules, undertaking blind landings at the Goa airport, Air India's pilots body has issued a directive to all pilots asking them to not fly to Goa.  Six airlines landed at the Goa airport without navigational aid between April 7 and April 10 2011, putting the lives of thousands of fliers at risk. 

THE RIGHT STEP by Willie M. Severes, Majorda (Dubai)

It was a wise decision by the authorities of Rosary College, Navelim to debar a group of final year students from answering the examinations for lack of 75 per cent attendance as per the Goa University Act.  Other colleges in the state should follow the same guidelines to maintain discipline among the students.

SIRGAO VILLAGERS STRUGGLE AGAINST MINING FIRMS

SIRGAO: Sirgao villagers’ struggle against the mining firms in their village has now got a shot in the arm after local communidade claimed that their land has been illegally encroached by three mining firms. Sirgao communidade members in their letter to the Chief Secretary, has claimed that the mining firms have acquired more property than what they were allotted in the village by bribing the government officials some years back.

SOME NAVIGATIONAL AIDS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE TO PILOTS LANDING AT DABOLIM AIRPORT DUE TO REPAIR WORK

PANJIM: Certain navigational aids would not be available to pilots at the Goa Airport due to the ongoing maintenance work and it would affect flight schedules, airport officials said on Tuesday.  Goa Airport Director D Paul Manickam said that Indian Navy has undertaken maintenance work of the runway which would go on for the next two months affecting aircraft movement.

MICHAEL FERNANDES REMANDED TO NINE DAYS POLICE CUSTODY

PANJIM: Notorious gangster Michael Fernandes on Tuesday was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Panjim and remanded to nine days police custody.  Michael, 23, is presently undergoing interrogation for a spate of offences including robbery, threatening, assault, dacoits and other cases.

GOA'S MOST CORRUPT AND WEAKEST GOVERNMENT by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Goa’s top most priority should be the setting up of a Lokayukta. Rampant corruption is Goa’s biggest obstacle to its overall development and prosperity. Even the high constitutional post of Advocate General in Goa has been surrounded by a mountain of serious financial and other irregularities.

1963 ELECTIONS — INDIAN FRAUD EXPOSED by Michael Britto

It was a mere coincidence, that I and my friend bumped into this Punjabi man at Miramar, who looked half Goan and half European but to our surprise, was just a Punjabi who had once served as a special security officer during the 1963 elections in Goa.

NO HAFTA NO CHOR BAZAAR: MARGAO POLICE WAKE UP AFTER YEARS OF SLEEP?

MARGAO: After turning a blind eye to the activity over the years, the Margao police on Sunday cracked a whip against Chor Bazaar along the station road in the Commercial Capital.  In fact, the hustle and bustle associated with the Chor Bazaar went missing on the Station Road this morning, raising eyebrows over the sudden action initiated by the Margao police against the activity.

CHURCHILL CALLS FOR AN OPINION POLL TO DECIDE MOI

MARGAO: The PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao’s call for an opinion poll to decide the contentious issue of medium of instruction has detractors as well as supporters -- some outright reject the demand while others favour to give it a chance.

OLD GIMMICK TO WIN ELECTIONS: PACHECO NOT TO TOLERATE ANY ONE HURTING SENTIMENTS OF BENAULIM PEOPLE

MARGAO: Asserting that he would not tolerate anyone hurting the sentiments of Benualim villagers, former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco on Sunday offered his full help and assistance to the people of the village. Speaking to tourist taxi drivers and owners after inaugurating the office of the Tourist Taxi Association of Benaulim on Sunday morning, Pacheco said he would always support the people of Benaulim and will not forget the love and affection shown to him since 2002.

AG TELLS HC OF MAPUCA HOSPITAL’S FULL FUNCTIONALITY BY END OF MAY

PANJIM: Advocate general (AG) Subodh Kantak on Monday told the high court of Bombay at Goa that the new district hospital at Mapusa would be fully commissioned by the end of May.  During the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Prakash Sardessai, the AG replied that due to the constraints beyond its control the government cannot immediately commission the new hospital. 

MICKKY PACHECO DENIES HE EVER THREATENED JE OF THE ELECTRICITY DEPT

MARGAO: Benaulim MLA and former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco on Monday denied charges of threatening and assaulting a junior engineer attached to the electricity department in 2006, before a judicial magistrate first class court at Margao.

AGITATION AGAINST MINING TRUCKS SOAR UP IN COTOREM, SATARI

VALPOI: The agitation against mining trucks picked up momentum in Cotorem village in Satari taluka. On Monday, Cotorem locals blocked mining trucks going to a mine at Gavane, allegingthat the mine bearing T C No. 31/55 was functioning without the necessary permission. Officials from the directorate of mines and Valpoi police later intervened.

THE CROOKS NEED TO BE SENT HOME by ShambuSwamy, Marmagoa

It is common knowledge that jobs of non-Goans or GHANTTIS as they are affectionately known get done at jet speed by politicians as well as government servants. There are 2 main reasons - first is because they immediately pay bribes under the table and the second reason is that our so called leaders right from panchayat panch members, MLAs and their chamchas see them as assured vote banks for the elections.

THE PREACHER CAUGHT COMING OUT OF BROTHER by Rupert Coutinho, Dubai

Shortly after India’s forced annexation of Goa the then US President late John F. Kennedy referring to the perception, especially in the West, that India had previously been lecturing the world about the virtues of nonviolence, told the Indian ambassador to the US, “You spent the last fifteen years preaching morality to us, and then you go ahead and act the way any normal country would behave.... People are saying, the preacher has been caught coming out of the brothel.”

KONKANI SUPPORTED TO PROMOTE REGIONAL LANGUAGES by Constancio Fernandes Chinchinim

This is with reference to a recent meeting which demanded that the current grant-in-aid policy for primary schools should continue without any change.  The mother tongue of Goa is Konkani, but Konkani is being supported out of frustration, to give a backdoor entry for Marathi, Urdu, Kannada, etc.

WHO THE BLEEP CARES ABOUT TYRANNY OF THE MASSES AND ENGLISH MEDIUM by Selma Carvalho

The phrase "tyranny of the masses" is often used in democracies to mean decisions taken by the majority which undermine minority rights and trample on individual freedoms.

Now, Goa for centuries has thrived on the "tyranny of a few thousand families," who have dominated it with impunity. The tired, familiar faces of these families can still be spotted at book launches and parties hosted by the Fundacao Oriente.

RAPE OF GOAN WOMEN by A. Veronica Fernandes

The raping took place in Goa during the annexation of Goa by the Bharati Army is hundred percent correct though I dont have all the records and statistics in my hand now to give. Because of the fear of more raping see below what our village Pe. Vigar did to prevent raping of our village girls by the Bharati soldiers:

40 MLAs COULD NOT OFFER ANY VIEWS ON MOI IN DRAFT EDUCATION POLICY

PANJIM: None of 40 MLAs offered any views on medium of instruction in draft education policy whose copies were circulated to them by the education department.  The director of higher education, Mr Bhaskar Nayak, who had been entrusted with formulating new education policy for the state, said that he would submit the report of the draft education policy to the government on Monday.

POLITICIANS TRYING TO GAIN MILEAGE: CHURCHILL A MAN WITH DOUBLE STANDARDS

BETALBATIM: With the medium of instruction controversy hotting up in South Goa, politicians there appear to be leaving no stone unturned to gain mileage from the issue. Inevitably, they are not missing an opportunity to hit out at their detractors.

FUTURE OF GOA AND KONKANI by U Kamat

What will be the fate of Konkani in future? Will maharashtra be successful in capturing Goa as half Goa they have already captured by getting Marathi as second language status in Goa.  In India all states are having only one official language they why two language that to one unwanted(marathi) in Goa.

TIME TO DEAL STERNLY WITH CORRUPTION by Siddhey Sardesai, Panjim

The candlelight march at Azad Maidan was a campaign against corruption which is spreading like wildfire across our country. Corruption has been a major issue in India for ages and it's high time we deal with it sternly.

DOES GOA BELONG 2-PAK, BANGLA, PORTUGUESE, INDIA OR TO GOANS? by Micheal Britto

Did Indian govt took GOANS for a ride??? After they removed the Portuguese out of Goa and made a way for themselves to be the evil masters, in the name of liberating GOA?? From the foreign york. Well, if we look minutely at the liberation of goa one finds that, how Indian govt took calculated decision in one hand--to show Goans and the rest of the world that evil Indian govt---just wants to help --Goa-- get liberated from foreign york--and--on other hand—Indian evil military show of help to Goans---was indeed mischievous ,evil, and of ,only---one---- intention-----that was--to merge GOA after liberating from Portuguese, with rest of other Indian states ------and make it look like----GOA---was part of India.

IS JOHN A SERIOUS THREAT TO VALANKA’S VICTORY IN BENAULIM? By Menino Fernandes

It certainly appears that Churchill Alemao is unpleased at the release of John on bail. It is also certain that Churchill is quietly intimidating the modern corrupt judges to cancel the bail of John. This can be seen from the show cause notice served by the court to John asking him a reason why his bail should not be cancelled.

AS OFFICERS DIFFER: INQUIRY AGAINST GOA AG SUBODH KANTAK STILL PENDING

PANJIM: The inquiry into the professional misconduct by Advocate General of Goa Mr. Subodh Kantak remains pending for over five months as the Law Secretary and Special Secretary Home differ as to who should conduct the inquiry against the Advocate General.

HOW TO BETTER INFLUENCE THE GOVERNMENT by Rozario Menezes

Anna Hazare called off his 4-day old indefinite fast after the government issued a gazette notification to form a joint committee of ministers and civil society activists to draft the Lokpal Bill.  The government can be influenced in two ways. One is the method that both Mahatma Gandhi and Anna Hazare adopted.

TRUCK AND MOTORCYCLE MISHAP AT COTOREM, SATARI

VALPOI: Tension prevailed in Cotorem on Saturday morning with villagers blocking roads after a mining truck knocked down a two-wheeler. The motorcycle rider, Dashrath Malu Gaonker, sustained injuries in the accident that occurred at around 6.15am.

TO DRIVE OUT EVIL FORCES IN GOA WHO HAVE EVIL VISION AGAINST OUR BELOVED GOA by Vicente E. Do Rego

ON GOOD FRIDAY THE DAY OUR JESUS DIED FOR US....
I felt compelled to write this and hope you too will do on your part.
There is a great deal to gain and absolutely nothing to lose!
To All my Dear Goans,

GOAN POLITICIANS FOR THE WELFARE OF NON-GOANS by Silvester Gomes

The present CM is CM for non-Goans, all top post in Goan administration are mostly held by non-Goans who just don’t understand our culture, environment, ecology nor our language, that they don’t mind granting permissions and licenses to destroy our beautiful state with damning projects and industries. Worst is even our own Goenkar government employees now work solely for the sake of non-Goans.

CBI INQUIRY DEMANDED INTO THE FINANCES OF ATANASIO MONSERRATE

PANJIM: The BJP Saturday demanded a CBI inquiry into the finances of Goa Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate, who was detained at the Mumbai airport last week for allegedly carrying unaccounted foreign and Indian currency.

MP SHANTARAM NAIK HAS FAXED TO AMBIKA SONI TO SUSPEND DUM MARO DUM.

PANJIM: Mr Shantaram Naik M.P. in a letter sent by him by fax on Saturday, to Mrs Ambika Soni, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting has requested that the Central Government should suspend the exhibition of Hindi feature film ?Dum Maro Dum?, scheduled to be released all over the country, including Goa, on 22nd April, 2011 under section 6 of the Cinematograph Act 1952.

GSCW FILES A POLICE CASE AGAINST THE HINDI MOVIE DUM MARO DUM

PANJIM: The Goa State Commission for Women (GSCW) has lodged a police complaint against the movie Dum Maro Dum for 'defamatory and obscene depiction of Goa in general and women in particular in the trailor/clippings that are being released of the film'.

HIGH COURTS CANNOT BECOME LIKE UGDP OFFICE by Silvester Gomes, Portais-Panjim

It was totally sickening to read the reaction of Anacleto Viegas on the elevation of Judge Bakre to the High Court. Mr Viegas probably thinks the judiciary is another UGDP party which has no self-respect and moral values either and maybe he wants all the Judges to act upon his and his coterie’s whims and fancies.

GOAN WELFARE SOCIETY – KUWAIT FELICITATES SSC TOP RANKERS

KUWAIT: The Goan Welfare Society – Kuwait, organized the Awards presentation ceremony, on the 25th of March, 2011, at Village Inn, Kuwait city, to felicitate and honour, the two top ranking students from Kuwait, who presented their credentials, in response to the announcements published in the news media, for the prestigious GWS Awards. The Awards include, Certificates of Merit and Cash Packets. The GWS Awards, have been generously offered by, Mr & Mrs Sam Alphonso, Patron Members of the Goan Welfare Society.

CRIMES OF SERIOUS NATURE BY POLITICIANS' HENCHMEN by Silvester Gomes, Portais Panjim

It is reliably learnt that some politicians mainly ministers and their personal staff use their political clout to tap the phones of those people who speak or write against them in newspaper columns.  No wonder the mobile telephone companies easily get permissions to erect towers in villages without proper approvals thereby jeopardizing the lives of the common man.

MEETING AT LOHIA MAIDAN ON WEDNESDAY AT 3.30PM by Ashley J. Fernandes

The Forum Of Rights for Children's Education(FORCE) is organising an
ALL GOA MEETING at 3.30pm on Wednesday, 13th April 2011 at Lohia
Maidan, Margao.
The meeting is in support of the demands of the parents for inclusion of English as a "Medium of Instruction" in Primary schools in Goa.

DON’T PLAY WITH OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE by Joel Morais, Cuncolim

The rally by Shashikala Kakodkar and company at Azad Moidan,Panjim to protect the mother tongue was massive but did Shashikala supported konkani during the Konkani agitation?It's the right of the parents to educate their children as per their wishes.We are not bothered about rallies,We want our children to prosper at the international level and we are seriously bothered about their future.

ERLICH PINTO by Lucio Mascarenhas

Erlich Pinto belongs to the Pinto-Rosario family from Porvorim. During Portuguese Administration it was easy for Goans to visit Portuguese Installations. Erlich Pinto of the Indian Union Airforce was send by Indian Union on a spying visit to Goa few Months before the Invasion of Goa.

FAR FROM THE TRUTH by Veena Edmunds, Anjuna

It is very disconcerting to know that the Bollywood film, Dum Maro Dum, has featured Goan women in an adverse manner. That Bipasha Basu is reported to have called Goan women cheaper than liquor, is very revolting. In a way, this is nothing new. Bollywood films more often than not, portray Goans as drunkards and loose characters.

PUBLIC MEETING OF BHARATIYA BHASHA SURAKSHA MANCH (BBSM) AT AZAD MOIDAN – by Joaquim Correia-Afonso

The BBSM organised a public meeting at Azad Moidan to demand that the state make its policy of grants-in-aid to be extended only to regional language primary schools as a permanent policy. There were lots of people attending, many speakers. As a result: many statements, many demands.

MOHAN RANADE by A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait

Mohan Ranade was a non-Goan Ghantti, a Marathi teacher teaching at Verem Bardez in Marathi Xalla. He was anti-Portuguese and working clandestinely against Portuguese interest in Goa. Being a "Ghantti" he had no right to interfere in our affairs yet he did.

HC SHOW CAUSE NOTICE TO JOHN: CHURCHILL BEHIND ALL THIS TO SAVE VALANKAS DEFEAT

PANJIM: The high court of Bombay at Goa on Thursday issued a notice to rape accused John Fernandes asking him to show cause as to why bail granted to him by Margao district and sessions court in the Russian woman’s rape case should not be cancelled.

BJP DEMANDS IMMEDIATE SACKING AND ARREST OF BABUSH MONSERRATE

NEW DELHI: BJP on Thursday demanded immediate sacking and arrest of Goa Minister Babush Monsserrate, who was detained at the Mumbai international airport for carrying Indian and foreign currency beyond permissible limits en route Dubai.

CALL FOR AN EFFECTIVE FOLLOW-UP ACTGION TO JUSTICE MICHAEL SALDANHA’S INDEPENDENT PROBE

PANJIM: Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrao has said that a repetition of the communal violence in Karnataka will destroy the very fabric of society, and has called for an effective follow-up action to justice Michael Saldanha's independent probe which has indicted the BJP government as perpetrators behind the anti-Christian strife that took place there.

SULLYING GOA’S IMAGE by Sayed Iftiyaz, Margao

Goa is a peaceful state in India. People here are warm, affectionate, loving, charming and basically have a susegad nature.

GOA ASSEMBLY WAS ADJOURNED FOR THE FOURTH DAY TODAY

PANJIM: The Goa Assembly was adjourned for the fourth day Friday over the detention of state Education Minister Atanasio alias Babush Monserrate last week by Mumbai airport customs for allegedly carrying foreign exchange worth crores of rupees.

FORMER GOA SPORTS MINISTER RECEIVED SMS PREDICTING EXACT RESULTS PRIOR TO THE MATCH

PANJIM: Former Goa sports minister Francisco Silveira on Friday told the state Assembly that he received an SMS, which allegedly originated in Pakistan, and it detailed how Shahid Afridi's team would crumble against India in the March 30 cricket World Cup semifinal.

HONOUR AMONGST CORRUPT MINISTERS By Nisser Dias

Last Saturday, Goan politicians added yet another shady controversy in its Hall of Shame with the detention of Education minister Babush Monseratte by the Customs officials at the Mumbai international airport for allegedly trying to smuggle huge amounts of money including foreign currency abroad.

UNFAVOURALE WEATHER CONDITION: SATARI FARMERS A WORRIED LOT by Abdulla Khan, Valpoi

VALPOI: Cashew cultivation is the primary occupation of people in Satari while extraction of juice and production of feni or urak is considered as secondary.  Hectares of land are covered under cashew plantation in the taluka and farmers during the summer season remain occupied with it.

BAN HINDI FILMS by Praxy Fernandes, Sanquelim

I have always said and I maintain that all ‘ghantis’ come to Goa, enjoy our hospitality thanks to our weakness which has been exploited by our politicians to the hilt. They then brand us with cheap stuff which actually portrays their true colours and their hereditary culture.

BOTH SONS OF HOME MINISTER RAVI NAIK ARE PAID SALARIES FROM GOVT COIFFERS

PANJIM: Both the sons of Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik are being paid salaries from the state government coffers as they are shown to be his personal assistant and private secretary.  A written reply tabled on the floor of the House by the Home minister mentions that his son Roy Naik is drawing a salary as the personal assistant while his second son, Ritesh Naik is being paid as a private secretary.

THEN AND NOW by Agnelo Gomes, Combakar

50 years ago before Goa was annexed by the Indian Union the standard of living of Goa with population only 600,000 was much higher than that of Asia and even some parts of Eastern Europe along with rich cultural heritage. Up to 1980's standard of living was still far better.

GARBAGE DUMP IN THE BACKYARD OF VALPOI MUNICIPAL COUNCIL by Abdulla Khan, Valpoi

Although Valpoi town is progressing and lot of transformation are seen through the beautification project, nothing concrete has been done about the Valpoi stream that flows in the backyard of the Valpoi Municipal Council’s office.

BBSM TRYING DOUBLE STANDARDS TO PROTECT MARATHI WHICH IS NOT THE MOTHER TONGUE OF GOANS IN GUISE OF HALTING ENGLISH AS MOI?

PANJIM: Supporters of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) filled Azad Maidan and clung onto the ground's iron railings on Wednesday afternoon as they pledged they will not rest till the state makes its policy of grant-in-aid to only regional language primary schools its permanent policy.

ATANASIO MONSERRATES CASE INVESTIGATED BY CBEC

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) on Thursday said that it was investigating the case of Goa's Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate allegedly carrying undeclared currency.  The Minister was detained at Mumbai airport by customs on April 1 for carrying undeclared currency and was later let off. 

ASSEMBLY IN CHAOS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE DAY

PANJIM: Opposition benches continued to disrupt proceedings of Goa Legislative Assembly for the third consecutive day demanding a discussion on the conduct of state Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate.  The minister was detained at the Mumbai international airport on Saturday for carrying Indian and foreign currency beyond permissible limits en route Dubai.

ELECTIONS AND MONEY POWER by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

The Election Commission officials in Tamil Nadu must be applauded by one and all and commended for seizing a whopping Rs. 3.82 million in a day’s raid on money that was stacked to buy votes in the current Assembly elections there. This action holds a ray of hope if the authorities act firmly to curb the use of money in elections.

BHOTTAK ZAI TEDNA OMAS by Freddy Agnelo Fernandes, Dubai

As I browsed through all the papers I just couldn’t help but notice the photograph of the PWD minister in his chamber at the Secretariat, there are two other MLA’s in the photo and probably reporters. It was amusing to see the statue of our lady of Valankani on the side table, at first what looked like a lamp just in front of the statue, on further scrutiny turned out to be a tea cup, what a way to respect our holy mother.

ORIGINAL PANCHANAMA CHANGED TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT RECOVERED FROM MONSERRATE

PANJIM: Alleging that the original panchanama prepared by the officials of the Mumbai Customs in connection with the ‘Monserrate cash controversy’ has been tampered with, so as to reduce the amount recovered from the Minister for Education, Mr Atanasio Monserrate,  during his detention at the Mumbai airport, last week, the leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar, on Wednesday, demanded a probe into the same, including interrogation of certain Customs officials, who initially cross-examined the Taleigao MLA.

GOA’S MOVEMENT FOR SPECIAL STATUS AND ITS BENEFITS

Why and how Goa will benefit by Special Provisions (Special Status) under Article 371 of the Constitution of India. The euphoria of being finally liberated from the Portuguese rule blinded Goans at that particular moment to such an extent that they forgot their rationale.

GOANS PROTEST AND TEACH BOLLYWOOD A LESSON by Ivo D’Souza, Dubai

Bipasha Basu has stooped very low by her comments on Goan Women. Goan women don’t have to sell themselves and their souls since we have dignity and we are proud of our rich culture and heritage that we have inherited from so many generations.