Newsline Canada

The Iraq War - Goans in Kuwait
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-March/000693.html

Border clogged as Iraq war looms
CBC News Mar 18, 2003

Queenston, Ont. — An American security crackdown backed up traffic at U.S. border crossings for a second day Wednesday.

The heightened measures were put in place Tuesday in response to American fears of terrorist attacks as U.S. forces prepare to invade Iraq.

As a result, Ontario Provincial Police in the Niagara region had to close access to the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge for four hours Tuesday because of severe traffic back-ups. Those lineups began to grow again Wednesday morning.

Security on the Canadian side of the border was also increased Wednesday, as the province declared a "Level 2" alert.

Public Security Minister Bob Runciman said Ontario' security was being boosted as a precautionary measure, not in response to any known threats.

Earlier in the week, Runciman said there was little the provincial government could do to speed traffic across the border during such uncertain times.

War brings Indians from Kuwait, evacuation plans ready
http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2003-March/000684.html

Excerpts from The Pulse March 2003 of the Goan Overseas Association ~ Toronto
Click here (pdf file) for Upcoming 2003 Events, Presidents Message and Names of the 2003 -2005 Executive Committee

Al-Jazeera network coming to Canada soon
Barbara Shecter Financial Post
Saturday, March 15, 2003

Canadian cable companies are applying to the federal broadcast regulator for permission to carry Qatar's Al-Jazeera network, best known in Canada for airing interviews with al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden from undisclosed locations.

Taanta Gupta, vice-president of communications at the country's biggest cable operator, Rogers Cable, said yesterday a formal application should be made to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission in the next few weeks.

The Arabic news channel is on a list to be submitted by the Canadian Cable Television Association on behalf of its members, including Canada's largest players, Rogers and Shaw Communications Inc.

Montreal-based Vidéotron ltée, owned by printer and publisher Quebecor Inc., has filed a separate application to carry Al-Jazeera, along with Spanish and Portuguese channels, said Quebecor spokesman Luc Lavoie.

"Some of our clients have asked for it," he said, adding that Montreal has a strong Arab community.

Mr. Lavoie said Vidéotron would like to be able to offer Al-Jazeera to keep those who want it from switching to grey or black market satellite dishes that bring in U.S. signals -- the only way to get the channel in Canada right now.

The CRTC will decide whether the Arabic-language news channel ends up in the houses of Canadian cable subscribers, a process could be long depending on response from the public and interested parties, said Denis Carmel, a spokesman for the commission.

The values of this Western civilization under the leadership of America have been destroyed
http://www.goacom.com/news/news2003/mar/msg00050.html

Canada Immigration ~ Making Harder to Get In
Toronto Star
Mar. 15, 2003. 01:00 AM

Thousands of skilled-worker immigrants are trapped by the federal government's retroactive changes to immigration rules

ALLAN THOMPSON OTTAWA BUREAU

OTTAWA—Canada's immigration system is in turmoil.

Officials who were already scrambling to implement last June's sweeping overhaul of the immigration rules are now confronted by a volley of court challenges to the new regulations and the retroactive way they were put into force.

Federal Court judge Michael Kelen ruled last month that even though the immigration department extended the deadline for applying new rules for skilled-worker immigrants to March 31, it hadn't done enough to plow through a backlog of between 80,000 to 120,000 files before the new rules take effect.

The retroactive rule changes mean that some applicants who would have qualified under the old point structure will be denied entry into Canada under the new system.

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Denis Coderre is appealing the court ruling that also said his department treated one group of applicants unfairly and misled Parliament about the number of cases that would be caught in a backlog when the new rules come into force.

"To govern is to choose, and I believe that not only were we very, very fair, but we applied (the rules) in a pragmatic way, and after March 31, it's the new regulations that will be in full force," he says.

The Federal Court decision could have sweeping implications for thousands of applications by prospective skilled-worker immigrants. And new court challenges could force the department to pay millions of dollars in compensation or re-open processed files.

Critics charge that the confusion about the rules for skilled-worker immigrants is but one symptom of the malaise in Canada's immigration system.

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

RANGEL-REBEIRO'S BOOK UNVEILED: "A collection of short stories must be like a cigarette. Compact, with good workmanship, taste and smell. But most important of allit must burn. A book cannot be released, because it was never in bondage. It is a writer who gets released during a book release," said noted Konkani writer Dr Manoharai Sardesai on March 15 at the release of the book of short stories "Loving Ayesha" by Victor Rangel-Ribeiro at Fundacao Oriente. "His language expouses his thoughts, feelings of the characters in his book. No two stories in the book are similar and are written differently in a very transparent style," Dr Sardessai pointed out.

GOAN EXPATRIATES START RETURNING: After spending several anxious day, Goans today (March 20) heaved a sigh of relief as their kith and kin started arriving from the war-stricken Gulf. Of the 1235 passengers, who arrived in four special Indian Airlines flights operated from Kuwait to Mumbai, about 50 were from Goa. Apart from this, four other Goan families were on board the special flight, which arrived in Delhi from Baghdad. (NT)

TEN great value-for-money places to eat out in Goa

Events

March 21, 22, 23 2003
EVENT:	Toronto Retreat/Bible Convention/Healing Service: March 21, 22, & 23
Organized by:
Annual Bible Convention and Healing Service will be held in March 2003, led by Rev. Dr. Augustine Vallooran, V.C., PhD., (Divine Retreat Centre, India). Gospel singers from Divine Retreat Centre, Glen La'Rive & Teresa Christopher, will also be present at the convention. The convention will be held at Canada Christian College, 50 Gervais Dr. (Location Map & Driving Direction), Toronto, Ontario, on Friday, March 21, 2003 (6.30 P.M - 9.30 P.M), and Saturday & Sunday, March 22 & 23, 2003 (9 A.M.- 6 P.M.). (Registration: Free). Main celebrant and homilist on Saturday, March 22nd would be Most Rev. Richard J. Greco, D.D, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto. There will also be a Family Renewal Gathering at St.Johns Hall, (Lituanian Martyrs' Church), 2185 Stave Bank Road:, Mississauga, Ontario (Location Map & Driving Direction) on Saturday, April 5th & Sunday April 6th, 2003 (9 A.M.- 6 P.M.). The Registration Form is available on-line, please click on the registration form link above to get a printable format. Completed registration form along with payment is to be received by us not later than March 28, 2003. Seats are limited and will be available on a first come first serve basis. Also check our on-line Convention/Family Renewal Gathering Flyer.

Sunday, March 23, 2003
EVENT:	Celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph - Toronto
Dr. Riberio Goan School - Nairobi All Ex-students & Staff are invited to celebrate The Feast of Saint Joseph Sunday, March 23, 2003 Mass: 3.00 p.m. Our Lady of Rosary Church 2950 Midland Avenue - Scarborough (Just South of Finch Ave) Mass will be followed by Fellowship in the Church Hall. Light refreshments will be served For further details please contract: Claude Gomes - 416-299-0492 Elsie Fernandes -416 286-8337 Bel Remedios - 416-400-5354

W A N T E D ACTIVE CATHOLIC SOLES to take part in the Toronto SuperCities Walk for MS on Sunday, April 13th, at Sunnybrook Park Check-in: 8:30 am       WALK Starts: 10:00 am It's a fun, one-day, non-competitive, 5 and 10 km walk for a great cause!

Sunday, March 30th, 2003
EVENT:	Goan Professionals and Associates Meeting at @ 10.00 am
The first meeting in the new format will be held in the Boardroom of SCI Computer Solutions 170 Brockport Drive Unit 101 Toronto, Ontario M9W 5C8 (Courtesy of Sharon Barretto) The easiest way to find this location is to exit the Hwy 401 at Hwy 27 and turn left (West) at the first set of traffic lights (Bellfield Rd). The Keynote address will be on "Plastic Injection Moulding" by Joseph D'Souza. The meeting will start at 10:00 am and will end at 2:00 pm. Lunch will be served. PLEASE BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARDS TO THE MEETING.

Sunday, April 20th, 2003
EVENT:	Easter Dance
FRIENDS CLUB SOCIAL COMMITTEE invites you, your family & friends to THE EASTER CELEBRATION DANCE Time: 12:00 (noon) - 8:00PM Location: International Banquet Hall 5835 Kennedy Rd. Mississauga (East of Kennedy/South of Britannia) Dance to the rhythmic sounds of PAVE CONNECTION With DJ & special guest artiste, Tammy (Vocalist) TICKETS: Adults - $20    Children 5-12 - $15    Children 4 & under - FREE For further details CALL Francis Fernandes Tel: (905) 820-1901 Cell: (416) 294-6009 Francis Joseph Tel: (905) 602-7755 Cell: (416) 529-6070 Tony Da Costa Tel: (905) 458-1215 Cell: (416) 571-0256

Saturday, April 26th, 2003
EVENT:	Tropical Delites Anniversary Dance
THE GOAN OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS TROPICAL DELITES Anniversary Dance Buffet Dinner at 6.30 p.m. Taj Banquet Hall 4611 Steeles Ave. West (West of Hwy. 400) Dance to the island rhythms DJ Darren and Steel Drummer NAT playing soca, reggae, calypso..... Members: $25.00 Guests: $30.00 Limited tickets available: Order yours today from: Dana D'Cunha (West) 905-275-2855 Merlyn Fernandes (West) 416-464-3798 Seira Furtado (West) 416-695-3239 Elena Mascarenhas (Central) 416-544-9714 Natasha Andrade (East) 416-732-6565 Plavin D'Souza (East) 416-885-0023

Sunday, May 18th, 2003
EVENT:	Out of Africa Extravaganza
Out of Africa Extravaganza Africa: One continent, many cultures.. Grab your spirit of fun and let's get together to celebrate our diversity Venue: Halton Hills Banquet Hall 3090 Steeles Avenue West - Hyw 401 W-25 S Time: 6:00 p.m. - 2:00 A.M. Cost: $65.00 (Inclusive Drinks, Buffet Dinner, Dance) Ages: 18 yrs to Golden Plus Dance to the African Rhythms of Naked Flame & DJ Fatz Authentic African Prizes - Special Traditional Performances & Habeeba's Egyptian Belly Dancers Dress: Elegant African Costumes Limited Tickets - Reserve early for tables of 10 to avoid disappointment For information & tickets please call - Tim Remedios @ 905-819-0708. Raphael Fernandes @ 905-272-4792 Cheques to be made out to: Tim Remedios, 6460 Eastridge Road, Mississauga ON, L5N 4K8

Saturday, June 7, 2003
EVENT:	"Annual Walk-A-Thon"
Organized by:	Goan Charitable Organization (Toronto)
You can make a difference Come and support our "Annual Walk-A-Thon" on Saturday, June 7, 2003 9:00 a.m. at Lakeshore Promenade (in Mississauga) * Free BBQ * Free Refreshments * Free-T-shirts and prizes for participants Have a great time and help your brothers and sisters in need in our community.

Sunday, June 8, 2003
EVENT:	Feast of the Holy Spirit
ARE YOU FROM MARGAO? Come celebrate the Feast of the Holy Spirit on June 8, 2003 at St. John's Lithuanian Hall 2185 Stavebank Road, Mississauga (Major intersection: Mavis/Queensway) Mass followed by Social Enjoy authentic Goan cuisine and hospitality Live Band and DJ For tickets contact: Francisco Barretto - 905-607-2143 Rosie Cabral - 416-494-4540 Tony Fernandes - 416-568-3289 Sara Ferrao - 905-569-6609 Ethena Silveira - 905-785-1505

Saturday, August 2, 2003
EVENT:	Annual Picnic - Princeton Country Club, West Windsor
Organized by:	Goan Association of New Jersey (GOANJ)
For more information please contact Tony Barros at barrost@yahoo.com

Saturday, September 13, 2003
EVENT:	Gala Dance Commemorating 75th Anniversary
Organized by:	Nairobi Goan School Ex-students

Saturday, October 18,2003 (tentative)
EVENT:	Whist Drive - Venue (TBD)
Organized by:	Goan Association of New Jersey (GOANJ)
For more information please contact Tony Barros at barrost@yahoo.com

Saturday, December 20, 2003
EVENT:	Holiday Ball at Ukranian Cultural Center, Somerset
Organized by:	Goan Association of New Jersey (GOANJ)
For more information please contact Tony Barros at barrost@yahoo.com

Obituaries

De Mello, Francis Xavier (of Thika) - 15th March 2003
Mr. Francis Xavier De Mello of Thika passed away on 15th March 2003, after an illness borne bravely. He is the beloved husband of Flora De Mello and the father of Derek (U.K.), the late Anne (Buna) and Tony (UK). The funeral was held at St. Patrick's, Thika at 12.00 p.m. on Thursday, 20th March 2003. The burial was held at Langata Cemetary at 2.30 p.m.

Alvares, John Baptist Antonio (Parra, Goa) - 17th March 2003
Husband of Late Maria Leticia Alvares, loving father/father-in-law of Lincoln/Ligia, Sydney, Gregory/Tania, brother of Marshall (U.K), Steve (Canada) and Leena (Canada). Loving grandpa of Leander, Leticia and Jerusha. Expired peacefully on 17th March 2003.
Funeral took place on 18th March 2003 at St. Anne's Church, Parra.

Mr. Sinencio Coutinho (Nairobi) - 17th March 2003
Mr. Sinencio Coutinho of Nairobi on 17th March 2003, after an illness borne bravely. He was buried on 18th March 2003
in India. He was the beloved husband of Illa Coutinho and the father of Chris Coutinho and brother/in-law to Penny and Ino Dias. The will be a seven-day memorial mass at St. Francis Xavier's Chruch, Parklands on Sunday, 23rd March at 5.30 p.m.

D'Souza, Eugene (Retired Archbishop of Bhopal) - 18th March 2003
Retired Archbishop Eugene D'Souza of Bhopal passed away March 18 morning, CBCI informed SAR News. He was ailing for sometime and was admitted recently to a hospital in Bhopal. According to the Bhopal Archbishop's house, the funeral is scheduled to take place in Bhopal, March 20 afternoon. D'Souza was appointed the first archbishop of Bhopal in 1964. He resigned March 20, 1994.

Announcements

Two new mini-networks have been activated. They are for the people of Anjuna/Assagao and for people from the villages around the Serula area of Bardez. To join Anjuna/Assagao network, send a blank email to
anjuna-assagaonet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. To join The Serula network, send an email at
serulanet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Get in touch with Fred fred@bytesforall.org if you would like to form a mini-network for people of your region.

New immigration law in Portugal
Today comes into effect the new immigration law in Portugal. It simplifies the procedure of expulsion of illegal entrants. There seem to be 400,000 legal immigrants in Portugal at the moment, but also over 50,000 illegal workers. The new law forces an illegal immigrant to accept his illegality and be banned for 5 years from entering the Schengen space, or not admit it and be expelled with fines that can go up to 25,000 euros. Those reponsible for sponsoring the illegal immigration can be imprisoned for up to 3 years. The new law proposes to create quotas of visas every year according to the job needs of Portugal. Those interested in more information on the subject could visit the following site of the Portuguese immigration authority: http://www.sef.pt/

The QUEBEC GOAN ASSOCIATION, Montreal, Canada, have ELECTED their COMMITTE for the year 2003/2004:

President: Nereus Rodrigues
Vice President: Austin De Souza
Secretary: Noel Rodriguez
Social Secretary: Blaize Pereira
Treasurer: Austin De Souza
Auditor: Theo Da Silva

Committee Members: Mary Silveira, Phyl Gomes, Adrian De Souza

Any correspondence should be addressed to : QGA c/o Nereus Rodrigues,8715 Boulevard Rivard,Brossard P.Q. CANADA J4X 1W2
Tel:(450)466 4469 E-Mail:pgom@total.net

People Places and Things

Saligao Centurion man will be 107 years old

Saligao Centurion man, Mr Jose Remedios will be 107 years old on 19th march, 2003. He is the son of Late Mrs, Ritina Carlotta Fernandes, who was married to Severina. They had two sons and a daughter.
1. Napoleo
2. Dennis
3. Linda

He served in Africa in her Majesty's Colonial Goverment and is still a pensioner of her Majesty. He had another three brothers,
1. Francisco Xavier - Father of Olympia Saldana (wk)
2. Camillo - Grandfather of Vira D'souza (uk)
3. Caetano Paulo - father of Adriao Valentino, Loina, Theodoline and John.

Lina had two sons, late Porfilio and Albert Mascharenhas, who lives in Donvaddo Saligao. Theodoline lives at the ancestral house at Trabravaddo Saligao. The families and friends wish him "Muito Admulto Anos".

Canada at a Glance
http://www.statcan.ca/english/Pgdb/12-581-XIE01001.pdf

Baghdad Spy: A Personal Memoir of Espionage and Intrigue from Baghdad and London. By Corinne Souza. ISBN: 840187034. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7-615088,00.html

Rangel - Ribeiro's Book Unveiled: "A collection of short stories must be like a cigarette. Compact, with good workmanship, taste and smell. But most important of allit must burn. A book cannot be released, because it was never in bondage. It is a writer who gets released during a book release," said noted Konkani writer Dr Manoharai Sardesai on March 15 at the release of the book of short stories "Loving Ayesha" by Victor Rangel-Ribeiro at Fundacao Oriente. "His language expouses his thoughts, feelings of the characters in his book. No two stories in the book are similar and are written differently in a very transparent style," Dr Sardessai pointed out.