Newsline Canada

Multiculturalism (In Canada ): its Advantages and Limits
Text of Address by +Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic - November 13, 2003 at Empire Club
Excerpt....
What is Multiculturalism?
It is much easier to say what it is not. It is not a multiplicity of economic systems; nor is it a multiplicity of legal or public administrative systems; nor is it a multiplicity of public educational systems. Even heritage classes in schools follow the pattern accepted in our schools. .....
The difficulty in defining multiculturalism is compounded by the difficulty in defining or describing the culture we live in. McLuhan's statement that fish was not the first to analyze water is very applicable here. While we find it easier to describe other cultures, we do it by means of contrasting them with our own customs. Pierre Berton has written a book on being Canadian: I cannot recall the title, but I found it insightful; but it too set up a contrast with the Americans. Luigi Barzini's Italians comes to mind as about the best description of a culture known to me......
To the best of my ability I would describe the phenomenon of multiculturalism in Canada as "a benevolent letting be, in religion, language and private customs, in regard to ethnic communities and individuals". The emphasis here is on "benevolent", for ethnic communities have existed and will exist whether the dominant culture likes it or not. I shall return to the importance of the term "benevolent".
Full text at :http://www.goacom.com/news/news2003/nov/msg00122.html

New Ontario Government Throne Speech
See: http://www.goacom.com/news/news2003/nov/msg00111.html
See also: http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/english/Library/ThroneSpeech112003_ts.asp
Excerpts:
Premier McGuinty made his comments as the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, presented a Speech from the Throne, opening the First Session of the 38th Parliament of Ontario.
In the Speech, the government highlights the need for decisive action. Since the year 2000, spending has grown more than ten times faster than tax revenue. If no action were taken, the Tory deficit would grow to $7.7 billion next year and $8.6 billion in 2007. And that's without any new programs or spending.

The Speech also lists several steps the government will take to keep its commitment to:
- Provide Excellence for All in Education, including anti-bullying programs, safety audits, character education, and new programs to ensure teaching excellence, while laying the foundation for smaller class sizes, learning until 18, and the Best Start early childhood education plan.

- Deliver the Health Care We Need, including introduction of a new Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act, new agreements to bring new private hospitals into the public sector, more independence for the Chief Medical Officer of Health, smoke-free workplaces, and more accountability for health care dollars.

-Build an Economy that Achieves Our Potential, including a two-year tuition freeze, access to trades and professions, a plan to ensure stable and reliable electricity, an increase in the minimum wage and an end to the legislated 60-hour workweek.

-Grow Strong Communities, including a permanent greenbelt across the Golden Horseshoe, a ban on the disposal of untreated toxic sludge, protection of our drinking water and fresh water resources, and measures to stop urban sprawl.

-Create Government that Works for You, including a new minister for democratic renewal and steps to give MPPs a greater role and hold ministers accountable for attending Question Period.

Emigrating to Canada? - - Think again!
If you are in a computer related industry in India and thinking of emigrating to the US or Canada then you need to think again.
For full text on "The makings of tech juggernauts" in the Business Section of today's Toronto Star click here.
Craig Mundie, chief technical officer at Microsoft Corp was speaking at a Canadian Club luncheon.
Here are two quotes from the article:
"All of these things are kind of a stealth process that's draining away current and even future talent from places like Canada," he says, adding that the old brain-drain problem - that is, the flow of jobs from Canada to the United States - pales in comparison.
"If they thought that was bad, now we're seeing the input supply being choked off - you're kind of losing it on both ends. I think there's real risk."

"`It's scary, and frankly I don't think that policy makers of the G8 countries, broadly defined, have really come to grips with the fact of how radical they might have to be'Craig Mundie, chief technical officer at Microsoft Corp.

News Clips from Goa
by Joel D'Souza & Fred Noronha

Attribute to Goanet & George Pinto.
"International Goan Women's Appreciation Day" organized by Goa Sudharop Community Development Inc., was celebrated on November 16, 2003 at Caritas Complex, St. Inez,
Panjim - Goa, from 4.30 pm onwards.
Tea and snacks was served to the participants before the programme got underway at 5.00 pm.
Olav Menezes, Goa Representative of Goa Sudharop, as the host, welcomed the participants. He spoke about the transition of Goan women from homemakers to family co-providers and eventual excellence in their chosen careers. He gave a background of Goa Sudharop, its past support to individuals, groups and organizations in Goa and invited members from these groups to come forward and join hands with Goa Sudharop for the betterment of Goa and Goans worldwide. For more text click here.

Pio Gama, a Goan who fought for Kenya’s cause.
Recently reports have appeared in the Kenyan press, of the release of Kisilu Mutua after 36 years in prison for the assassination of the Kenyan MP, of Goan origin, Pio Gama Pinto, in Nairobi on February 25, 1965. Mutua has consistently denied his role in the murder. Pio Gama Pinto, born in Nairobi on March 31, 1927 to Goan parents living Nyeri, North of Nairobi, disliked publicity. At the age of eight, Pio was enrolled in a boarding school in Bangalore. Later, he completed his matriculation at St Joseph’s High School in Arpora. He studied journalism in Bombay and at Karnataka College, in Dharwar. He got immersed in the political movement quite in life in Bombay. Pressed by his family, he returned to Kenya in 1949. He did clerical work in Magadi and journalism in Nairobi. Worked for the “Daily Chronicle” and “Colonial Times” and got involved in Kenyan politics, to overthrow colonialism. He became a man driven to work for human dignity, justice, democracy and equality. He produced anti-colonial journalistic material in English, Swahili and even in Konkani. He made outstanding political speeches in English and fluent Swahili. On January 9, 1954, Pio married Emma nee Dias, but barely five months later, he was detained for activity deemed ‘detrimental to the interests of the State’. Pio sided with the resistance by working as a strategist and by secretly obtaining and delivering funds and arms for the movement. He was incarcerated for several years. His party, KANU (Kenya African National Union), was victorious in 1961, and in 1963, following independence, Pio was elected a member of the Kenya Central Legislative Assembly. In 1964, he was appointed a Specially Elected Member of the House of Representatives. Unfortunately for Pio, his wife, and three young children, and the many people for whom he had worked so selflessly, he died in the driveway of his residence from a hail of bullets fired from a very close range. The assassination was well planned and executed. (Abridged from an article in “Herald” by Cornel da Costa cornel@btinternet.com, a prelude to a biography “Pio Gama Pinto: A Life and A Cause”.)

Mando still moves Goans

It seemed like a change for the better, when a near-houseful audience flocked to the Kala Academy on November 26 for the 37th Mando Festival, organised by the Goa Cultural and Social Centre, after years of lean crowds and declining interest in this form of traditional Konkani song. Participants were seen decked in their traditional finery, some carrying the traditional Goan drum “ghumott”, large artistic fans, top-hats and Western suits for men and traditional Goan attire for women.

St Francis: Goencho Saib
The Goan Christians, who left Goa in the 16th century and migrated to what is now Maharashtra and Karnataka, come to Old Goa in a walking pilgrimage lasting at least five days; a small group starts from the Kolhapur district in Maharashtra and the pilgrimage gains momentum as it passes through Azra, Halkarni and crossing the Ram Ghats, the pilgrims reach Bicholim. Another two groups join them in Goa—one from Belgaum area and another from Sindhudurg. Even children take part in this walking pilgrimage joined in by Hindus too, about 100 to 150 of whom mingle with the Catholic pilgrims. This pilgrimage was organised by Swami Prabadhar Constant, a Jesuit of the Goa Province. By the time they reach “Pornem Goem” Old Goa) on 2 December, this number swells to about five hundred. (Fr Moreno de Souza, sj, in GT)

IFFI benefits for Goans
The Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, said that the International Film Festival will bring about an economic spin in the State, thereby giving benefits to the people. He asked the authorities to enlist the works which could be handled by the people particularly young entrepreneurs of the State. He said the government has initiated all schemes and projects of IFFI in a way that promotes Goan interest.

Grand closure of Ven Fr Agnel platinum jubilee

A number of events werelined up for the culmination of the Platinum Jubilee year of Venerable Fr Agnel de Sousa, most illustrious son of Anjuna. In Anjuna, Bishop Alex Dias, Andaman Islands, was the main celebrant at the mass service held at St John's Chapel at Ganvaddi, in the vicinity of the ancestral house of Fr Agnel. A girls's group from Ambernath performed prayer dances at the religious function.

People Places and Things

Blessed Mother Teresa meeting with Johnny and Maura Lobo in Nairobi, Kenya.
	Johnny and Maura were appointed in May 1988 as The National Links of The Missionary of Charity Homes in Nairobi, Kenya. They formed a group of Co-Workers and together they looked after the three homes in Nairobi, In carrying out this task they had the support of many Goans and people from all walks of life who joined them as they carried out their mandate.
In 1987 they were appointed International Area Links for Northern, Eastern and Central Africa. They actively began networking in Uganda and Tanzania until they emigrated to Canada in 1993. Johnny and Maura would like to share the wonderful experiences they had as Co-Workers and also had the opportunity to know Mother Teresa and had long conversations with her. Further issues of Goan Voice Canada will provide details together with photographs and letters

24 Aug. Daily Nation. Leonard D'Cunha, a Kenyan studying at McGill University in Montreal, Canada played a crucial role in developing the solar race-car with a top speed of 120km/hr. which was driven from Chicago to Los Angeles. Leonard developed his passion for engineering at Strathmore School, Nairobi. For more text click here.

A Letter to Canada - from The Times of India
Goan for the Jocular
by Cecil Pinto
--------------------
Dear Gilbert,
Hope all is well with you and the children. The photos you attached came out really cool.
Thanks for the offer of being my 'sponsor' if I choose to come to Canada but I have to decline. Before I give you my reasons let me say that the word 'sponsor' has a different connotation here in Goa. The immediate image that comes to mind is that of a liquor company which you approach when organising an event. Unlike the old days, that you fondly recall, successfully organising a event here no longer depends on your management skills - or the cause you are promoting. If you find a major 'sponsor' for your show then everything will work out well. Remember the good old days when we organized Jam Sessions at the Aldona Institute and paid off the caterers from the entrance money itself? Long gone. For more text click here.

Savio Nazareth making the strides in Golf - seeking your support!

We have another reason for being proud to be a Goan and a Tanzanian!. Moshi born Savio Nazareth, a youth in his early 20's, son of Romeo and Sabina Nazareth is continuing to make his mark in the World Professional Golfing world in the US! His ambition is to reach the ranks of Tiger Woods! Not an impossible dream, just by looking at his track record. He was featured in the Sports Illustrated magazine last year. I have also read an article on him written in July last year, titled "Guilford Golfer, the pride of Tanzania" online on www.news-record.com sports section. Can he make it? Yes! He can!. For more text click here.

GoaNOW Webzine November 2003
Goacom's GoaNOW Webzine for November 2003 is online. If you have not yet checked up, it's available at www.goacom.com/goanow .
The current issue has been dedicated to the famed Goan singing-tiatrist ALFRED ROSE, who expired recently. Besides the cover story, there is separate profile too on Alfred Rose by Isidore Dantas. Featured too is the Goan village, CARAMBOLIM, famed for its wetlands, church, first Goan priest and historical past.There is an interesting article on "Dementia" by Dr Amit Dias, besides the regular columns like Profile, News round of last month, Tourism, Photo Featire. Greetings, ArtNOW, People, Tiatr, Konkani-English Dictionary (continued), Goan Weather, NGOs, Goan Books, Music, Obituaries & "Goemchi Chitt" in Urba, the Konkani section. There are enough coloured pictures, besides a couple of VIDEO CLIPS and some AUDIO too.
We would appreciate your comments on the contents of the issue. Write to joel3@goacom.com

Announcements

Toronto - Traditional Christmas Sweets available from Goan Snacks - Click for Details

From an appeal by Gen.Sunith Rodrigues, Chairman, Interaction Session of the Convention:
"The Government of Goa, is holding a Convention titled "Gomant Vishwa Sammelan", under the aegis of NRI-Goa Facilitation Centre. The 3-Day convention will be held at Kala Academy, Panaji, Goa, on 3rd to 5th January, 2004 and is expected to attract people of Goan origin, settled in various parts of India and overseas.
The aim of the Convention is to essentially strengthen the cultural roots of people of Goan origin and to facilitate their direct and/or indirect participation in the ongoing development of Goa, in the fields of their own interest, while removing any apprehensions or mistrust."
Full details of the Convention are available on the Centre's website "www.nrigoa.com"

Free post Thanksgiving Goan meal - San Francisco Bay area
Through the kindness of Fr. Al, Anthony Furtado from Essence of Goa will be serving some of his excellent food at St Marks Church Hall in Belmont (325 Marine View St). Anthony's website can be found at www.goanfoods.com; he is a Goan business pioneer and needs all your support and encouragement.
The reception will take place on Saturday November 29, 2003 from 5:30 to 8:30, and you are invited to come enjoy some Goan sausages, sorpotel, pulao and pickles. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be served. So that we may properly cater, please let me know that you are coming by calling me at (925) 330-5231 or via email at sshastri2000@juno.com. Limited seats available.
Come enjoy an evening of authentic goan treats and Konkani music...sorry no feni will be available.
If you know someone who would like to join us this evening, please feel free to extend this invitation, but RSVP is necessary

Obituary

18 Nov: Siolim, Goa. ANGELINA (ESTEFAN) FERNANDES. (Born 1940, Ex-Bombo, Uganda). Wife of late Frank (Toto), mother of Daisy/Reis de Lima(Canada), Delaney/Ghulam, Donald/Sybille (Canada), David/Lynn (Mumbai) and Desmond/Havovy (London).

17th of November. RODRIGUES MOLLY( ex Nairobi). Wife of Marcus, Mother of Judy, Mellisa/Johnny, Mario, Meverick/Stephanie, (All resident in Canada), Sister to Luis Pereria & Jane in Naveli in GOA, Sister-in-law to Arthur, Nelson & Genovy and grand- mother to Mark-Dylan & Taryn . Condolences to rodrigues_melissa@hotmail.com

Funeral/Catholic Church Service of late JOSE ROQUE DE SOUZA (Calangute, Porbavaddo, Goa who died in Sweden, Kisa on 5/11/2003) will be held on Friday the 28 November, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at the Linkoping Catholic Church in Sweden attended by his children/grandchild & brother - Carolina, Cecilia, Michael/Tim & Dominic De Souza.
A commemoratory Mass for the departed soul of late Jose Reque de Souza will be held on Friday the 28 November, at 0700 a.m. at the American school in Doha, Qatar.
Family and friends are kindly requested to pray for eternal repose of the departed soul.

Events

Saturday, November 29th 2003
EVENT:	The Friends of Saint Francis Xavier
Invites all Goans to come and join in the celebration of the feast of St. Francis Xavier On Saturday 29th November 2003 At St. Francis Xavier Church 5650 Mavis Road, (Mavis & Matheson), Mississauga, Ontario, Canada A solemn procession at 10.00 a.m. with the relic of St. Francis Xavier and an honour guard provided by the Knights of Columbus, and a Goan Konkani Choir will grace the celebration. Followed by solemn high mass Celebrant : Fr. Terence D'Souza Thereafter the congregation is invited to a Family Fair in the Church Hall, with food stalls, gift tables, etc.. Everyone is invited (Admission is Free)
For further information on participation, contact
Evelyn De Souza (905) 270 -9165 John J. D'Souza (905) 451-2527 Lazarus Pereira (416) 292-1653 or fax: (416) 292-07

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2003
EVENT:	Feast of St. Francis Xavier
Organized by:	Son's and Daughters of the Goan Tailor's Society
Mass will be held at Christ the King Church. (3495 Confederation Parkway, Mississauga, Tel 905 270 1133) at 7:30 p.m. followed by a social gathering in the Church Hall - Downstairs.
Saturday, December 6th, 2003
EVENT:	Feast of St. Francis Xavier's Dance
At 6:00 p.m. at the Royal Banquet Hall, (185 Statesman Drive, Mississauga, Tel 905 564 7895) Tickets: Adults/Seniors:- $20:00 Children: 6-12 Years:- $10:00 Children: 0-5 Years:- Free
For details & tickets Contact
Tony Fernandes 905 823 3067 Tony Cunha 905 567 6460 Babush Barreto 905 785 0061 Nash Fernandes 905 858 0581 Fatz Fernandes 905 824 6418 Suku Gomes 905 819 1825 Antonio Fernandes 905 858 - 8461 Rosy Cabral 416 494 4540

Saturday, December 06th, 2003
EVENT:	Christmas Dinner Dance
Organized by:	GOA Chicago
Time :	From 6:30pm to 12:00 pm
Venue:	At the Crown Jewel, 1730 S. Elmhurst Rd, Des Plaines IL Tel: (847) 847-758-8225 Intersection of Elmhurst Rd/Oakton Rd
Here are the details of the program 6:30 PM Doors open. 7:00 PM – 8:00PM: Cocktails/Hors d'oevers and Open bar. 7.30PM: Our Chief guest from Greenland “Mr. Claus” will entertain and distribute presents to your children. (Parents please bring your presents before Santa arrives) 8:00PM – 9:00PM: Dinner with music (Open Bar closed 8:00pm-9:00pm) 9:00PM - Dancing until midnight (Bar open 9-11) To summarize, you will have appetizers, open bar (free drinks), Santa's grand entrance, three main course dinner buffet and a great live band.
Seating is limited so please RSVP ASAP. RSVP before November 24th, 2003
Please visit the site below for information for the Christmas Dance http://www.goacom.com/goa-chicago/xmas2003/Xmas2003_Chicagoan.pdf

Sunday, December 07th, 2003, MONTREAL
EVENT:	The feast of the Immaculate Conception Celebrated by the Villagers and Friends of Moira
TIME :	1:00pm Mass, followed by social until 6.00pm
VENUE:	(NDG) Royal Canadian Legion (24/106), 5455 De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal. West of "Metro VENDOME" just over the Decarie expressway
CONTACT:	Luiza D'Sa, Tel: 450-676-8560 /Email: felix_d14u@yahoo.com

Sunday, December 07th, 2003,
EVENT:	Feast of our Patron Saint Francis Xavier / Children's Xmas Party
ORGANISED BY :	The Managing Council
Greet old friends and make new ones wishing everyone Boas Festas. Holy Mass will be at 12 noon at St. Anne of the Sunset Church Hall, 850 Judah Street, San Francisco (See Yahoo maps for directions). After Mass, the traditional chones (grams with coconut) will be distributed...a little reminder of our good old days in Goa. Food will also be sold for a nominal price. The variety show will bring out some of the talents of our Goan brothers and sisters. To enliven the afternoon, there will be raffles and bingo with attractive prizes. There will also be Arts and Crafts booths. Let the kids welcome Santa with jingle bells and other Christmas carols. It is time for the kids to frolic and have some fun. This is a day when we can all come together as a community and celebrate our Goan heritage. Let us be supportive of Goan Institute activities which have been there for us since 1969. Viva Goa.

Saturday, December 13th, 2003
EVENT:	ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE
ORGANISED BY	The NEW ENGLAND GOANS COMMITTEE
VENUE:	St. James Church Hall 900 Worcester Road (Rte 9), Wellesley, MA
TIME :	6 PM- 12 AM
DRESS:	Formal
Santa will arrive at 6:15 p.m. Each parent to provide their own gifts for presenting by Santa. Parents of children under 6 years of age who would like them to receive a present form Santa, should kindly bring a wrapped gift (no more than $10.00 value) and hand it over to a committee member by 6:00 p.m. Beverages: Soft Drinks will be provided. Alcoholic drinks will not be available and are your own responsibility ENJOY LIVE MUSIC AND SUMPTUOUS GOAN CUISINE Tickets Cost: General Admissions $35 Students and Retiree's $25 Children (6-15yr.) $15 INFANTS and Children under 5 yrs: FREE OF CHARGE The Hall has an 'Infant Changing Room and Feeding Space' For ticket information email: hilda_carneiro@hotmail.com DEADLINE FOR TICKET SALES IS DECEMBER 5, 2003 140 max admittance allowed excluding kids 5 and below. Cut Off date is Dec 5th or 1st 140 tickets sold. No sale of tickets at the door.
For More Information, Please Contact any of the Committee members for this Year's event:
Benegal & Debbie Pereira cammot@empire.net Manu & Fatima Pinto mapgoa@aol.com Francis & Cecilia Fernandes cfernandes@edc.org Deepa Santhumayor dsmayor@comcast.com Hilda Carneiro hilda_carneiro@hotmail.com Audrey Figueiredo audreyfig@yahoo.com