GoaNet-UK re-launches this week and changes name to GoanVoice UK. The format will evolve gradually over the next few months to a web page newsletter with graphics. GoanVoice Canada is to appear fortnightly from next week. It will be co-ordinated by John J. D'Souza from Toronto. Goa Info News, edited by George Pinto from California, will be re-launched as a fortnightly GoanVoice USA. The three newsletters will have assistance from Goacom but there will be no editorial or content connection between Goacom and Goan Voice. The service will continue to be free but funded by voluntary donations and sponsorship. Each of the three newsletters will be independently managed. To subscribe to any of the other newsletters, please e-mail goanvoice@goacom.com.

Ex-East African Goans can revel in nostalgia at the British Library Newspaper section in Colindale where they can find a microfilm copy of the 1958 issues of the Goan Voice (Nairobi). Events such as the opening of the Tailors Society rest house, the death of Dr. A.C.L. de Sousa, the detention of Pio Gama Pinto etc. are covered. The advertisements for Zam-Buk skin ointment, Dumex baby food, Peps tablets, Brooklax, etc. will bring back memories of a bygone era. Have your lunch at the Oriental City across the road. In the Food Court there is a wide variety of canjee dishes available for £3.

The two oil paintings by FN Souza in the Christies auction of 18 Oct. fetched £1,175 (Martyr) and £1,351 (Cardinal) against the estimated value of £1,500 - £ 2,500 each. At the same auction the Goanese 19th c. ivory carving of Christ realised £470 (est. £400-£600).

Sun. 24 Nov. 2.30pm. Goan Association (UK). Fr Agnelo’s Day. 75 Commeration Mass. St George’s Cathedral, Westminster Bridge Road. Thereafter at the Amigo Hall.

From Goan Voice UK (formerly Goanet-UK)
Editor: Eddie Fernandes

As President of the Goan Association (UK), I wish to convey best wishes for the relaunch of your weekly electronic newsletter with a very apt title of the Goan Voice (UK) ­ for me it evokes many happy memories of my childhood days in Kenya.

Your publication has provided a vital service to our widespread Community and has gradually become an indispensable medium of communication. Its international flavour will be enhanced with additional support from Goa, USA and Canada. It is an opportune moment to declare our confidence for the future and, with this in mind, I am pleased that the Board of Directors of the G.O.A. (UK) has approved a contribution of £500 towards the running costs for the year. Accordingly, I am sending you a cheque for this amount under separate cover. I have always been conscious of the tremendous sacrifice and effort that you have put in which has made the newsletter a success and as an individual I am grateful. As a token of my appreciation, I am sending you a personal cheque which I hope will be of help to defraying your costs. It is my earnest wish that other Goan organisations and individuals will continue to support the newsletter by sending in news items or donations. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the newsletter has been a turning point in the Community awareness and cohesiveness. Attendances at social events and funerals have improved markedly with the advent of your weekly publication. Our senior citizens also feel comforted by getting news even if they are too frail to venture outdoors. The younger members of our Community have been able to form their own group and have their own events. May the Goan Voice be forever heard here and elsewhere!

From Flavio Gracias
President of the Goan Association (UK)