Newsline Canada

SARS in Toronto

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has been declared a provincial emergency by the Premier and steps are being taken to contain the spread of SARS and to make sure people who have been exposed are safely isolated. The main symptoms of SARS are: • High fever (>38C or 100.4F), and • One or more respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing • You are at risk if you exhibit these symptoms, and

• You have had close contact (having cared for, lived with or had direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids) with a person who has been diagnosed with SARS, and/or • You have recently traveled to areas reporting cases of SARS -- China (Hong Kong), Vietnam, Indonesia, The Philippines, Singapore and Thailand The incubation period -- the length of time between exposure and symptoms emerging -- is estimated to range from two to seven days. For this reason, self-quarantine for a period of 10 days is required if: • You are a suspected SARS case and are exhibiting symptoms as outlined above • You have had close contact with a confirmed case of SARS but are exhibiting no symptoms • You entered Scarborough Grace Hospital after March 16 If you meet any of these conditions, report it immediately to your Doctor. Maintain good personal hygiene. Washing hands with liquid soap or using hand sanitizer products and disposable towels is recommended. A SARS hotline has been set up by Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.Additional information is available on the Internet at www.toronto.ca/health/pneumonia_report.htm For more on SARS http://www.cbc.ca/news/sars/

AIR CANADA
From CBC News April 1, 2003

Montreal — Air Canada's struggle to stay airborne took a dramatic new turn Tuesday as it was granted court protection from its creditors, a move commonly known as filing for bankruptcy protection. The announcement comes hours after the Toronto Stock Exchange halted trading on the company's shares. "Air Canada is determined to do all in its power to restructure itself through this process and emerge as a world-class competitive and profitable airline," said an airline affidavit filed with Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

The move clears the way for a major restructuring the airline hopes will allow it to dig itself out from under a mountain of debt. Air Canada said it has lined up $700 million US in special financing to help keep it operating while it restructures. Filing for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) gives companies time to reorganize their operations and hold talks with their major stake holders? creditors, bond-holders, unions and suppliers. While CCAA protection is in place, all creditors are prevented from taking any action against the airline. Air Canada's protection is in place until May 1, but can be extended. I have to think we're probably going to see some fairly significant cuts, in terms of capacity and frequency, and that, of course, is going to mean job cuts," airline analyst Rick Erickson told CBC Newsworld. The bankruptcy filing comes as the airline faces major debt repayment deadlines and dwindling cash reserves which analysts said might run out in three months. Air Canada has been struggling with almost $13 billion in debt, part of which it acquired in its successful 1999 takeover of Canadian Airlines. Troubles deepened after the economic downturn in 2000 and 2001 ate into its lucrative business travel. Then came the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which devastated airline business around the world. Air Canada has also been busy trying to fend off competition from discount upstarts like WestJet and CanJet. A series of price wars hurt its bottom line as it fought for market share with rivals that had much lower labour costs. High fuel prices didn't help either, and the war in Iraq further cut back on passenger traffic. On March 20, Air Canada cited the war as one of the reasons why it was cutting 3,600 of its 35,000 jobs. Those cuts were on top of $650 million it wants to slash from its annual labour bill. US Airways, United Airlines' parent UAL, and Hawaiian Airlines have all filed for Chapter 11 in the United States? the American equivalent of a CCAA filing. There are also rumors that AMR, parent of American Airlines, is days away from filing for Chapter 11. The lobby group for U.S. airlines estimates that 10,000 airline jobs disappeared in the first week of the Iraq war.

Canadian in passport fiasco
Berna Cruz, the Canadian Goan who was humiliated at Chicago airport and deported.Text at click here.

Dr. Domnic Pinto honoured at Buckingham Palace
http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2003-13/

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

'SARS' ALERT: Health officials in Goa were working on a plan on Wednesday to tackle any exigencies in case persons infected with the deadly pneumonia virus, which is spreading public health concerns across the globe, enters the State. (H) NOC HOLDERS IN QUANDARY: While the government is completing the ground work for the proposed Rs.600 crore project of widening the existing Highway from Pernem to Canacona (NH 17) to four-lane, the government's recent decision to freeze all construction activities 65 metres on either side from the centre of national highway seems to have opened a Pandora's box.(H) POLICY ON BIO-TECH: Fr Francisco Sardinha said that government should now focus its attention on promotion of bio-technology in the State and frame a policy about it at the earliest, even as he called the government to implement the budget proposals in true spirit and not let them remain on paper. (NT) "DECLINE IN SEX RATIO ALARMING": Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said the decline in the sex ratio was a dangerous and worrisome trend and the government would come down heavily on clinics offering pre-natal sex-selection tests. While stating that action against the guilty will not be made a public issue as such, he informed the Goa Assembly that 'selective murders' would not be tolerated. (GT)

Events

Sunday, April 20th, 2003
EVENT:	EASTER BASH 2003!
(In aid of Margao Simba Soccer team. Every year they host an Easter Bash to raise funds for the team and help Goan youth in the team to play for the season.) DATE: Sunday April 20th, 2003 TIME: Noon to 7:00pm Location: Royal Banquet Hall (Hwy 10 / Derry Rd) 185 Statesman Drive, Mississauga DJ: Fatz TICKETS: Adults - $20.00 Children 6 - 10 - $10.00 CALL FOR YOUR TICKETS NOW! PHILIP - (905) 277-9698 SOCO - (905) 819-1825 TONY D - (905) 567-6460 TONY F - (905) 823-3067 ANTONIO - (905) 858-8461 BABUSH - (905) 607-2143

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

New Seniors Group for Mississauga/Brampton Area
Text at http://www.goanvoice.ca/2003/issue4/announcements.htm

International Goan Directory
Text at http://www.goanvoice.ca/2003/issue4/announcements.htm

Clyde Vaz, a recent MBA graduate from the University of Scranton, is looking for a room to share or rent, preferably in Randolph, New Jersey or its surrounding area. He is looking to find something within the next week. If you can help him, please contact him directly at (570) 357-9151. You may also email him at cjclyde@yahoo.com

Congratulations to Marilyn Abreu who is getting married to Oscar Vaz in the middle of May 2003. As most of you will be aware, Marilyn is the designer of the Goan Voice website and newsletter. She is based at the GoaCom office in Goa and is the GoanVoice trouble-shooter. You can write to her at marilyn@goacom.com Marilyn is currently training Bindiya Phadte to substitute for her. I would also like to introduce you to the other team leaders of GoaCom: Moni Abraham (Manager); Sandeep Raul (programming); Luiza de Mello (web designing); and Jhony D'Costa (System Adminstrator).Check their details and photographs at: http://www.goacom.com/teamleaders/

Obituaries
Carlota Nazare Mascarenhas
Mr Carlota Mascarenhas aged 88 passed away peacefully on tuesday, April 1, 2003 in Calangute, goa. Wife of the late Miguel Mascarenhas (ex-bombo. uganda). Father/father-in-law of (Bombo, Uganda) mother/mother-in-law of Dr. Ricardo/Dr. Otilia, rev. fr. Cirilo S.F.X., Marieta/Alvaro, Antonio/Ruby (canada),). Morgano.Grand-mother of Dr. Rochelle/Richard, Ryan, Dr. Joe, Indira/Arvin, Dr.Michelle, Maria-Renata & Roberto.
Funeral cortage will leave sauntavaddo, calangute at 4.00 p.m. on wednesday, april 2, 2003 to st. alex church, calangute, followed by concelebrated mass and burial at calangute cemetary. condolences may be e-mailed to: fatimavi@goatelecom.com or villa.fatima@sympatico.ca relatives and friends accept this as the only intimation.

Q & A
Q: What is SARS?
SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It's a new communicable disease that's become a global health threat. This is the first time this illness has appeared, so it is being treated with extra caution by health officials. Worldwide 1,408 people have been infected with SARS.
More information click here.

People Places and Things

Goa Cashew Fenny on Sale in Toronto

VINTAGES Debut 943084 CASHEW FENNY $ 27.80 (Canadian) http://www.vintages.com/ 'Big Boss', Goa, India 750 mL ~ (Madame Rosa Distillery). This is a unique and rare opportunity to experience a spirit that has never been in our market before. Fenny (alternately spelled Feni) is a spirit distilled from either coconut sap or, in this case, the cashew apple that grows below the well-known cashew nut. Though other countries produce spirits from the cashew apple, Cashew Fenny is unique to Goa, India's 'Riviera' and a Portuguese colony until 1961. The pungent cashew apples are picked, foot-trodden and then fermented. After three days of fermentation, traditionally in mud pots but now more commercially in stainless steel tanks, the product is then triple distilled. Afterward the high alcohol is cut with spring water to bring it into line with most 40-45% alc./vol. drinks. Cashew Fenny is a unique taste experience. Many Goans drink it neat, but, for the international set, we recommend it on ice, with soda water and lemon or with a variety of fruit juices. It also works as an excellent partner with the Goan dish -Chicken Xacuti.