Sad Demise Of Fr Freddy & Felicio Cardozo
	Goa grieves the loss of Rev Fr Freddy J da Costa, editor of Konkani monthly "Gulab", and Mr Felicio Cardozo, eminent Konkani writer and freedom fighter, who expired in a tragic accident last night while traveling to Hubli. The driver of the vehicle has been seriously injured.
For Konkani lovers, the death of Goa’s two illustrious sons is an irreparable loss, both being in Konkani journalism in the roman script and the language itself far too long. Just recently efforts have been initiated to rejuvenate the Dalgado Konkani Academy, to work for the development of roman script Konkani. Fr Freddy along with Felicio Cardozo and Tomazinho Cardozo figured prominently among those who had volunteered to spearhead the proposed movement. Since Fr Freddy had kicked death twice on account of his sickness, I just cannot believe that death could snatch him away so cruelly in a road accident. Fr Freddy was longing to celebrate the silver jubilee of “Gulab”, which is in its 22nd year of publication. I had a close rapport with him for about 18 years, and always found him frank in his opinions and always encouraging in his approach to writers. Fr Freddy and Felicio generally worked together in most of the projects and even traveled together to research stories for “Gulab”. Shall post more details as soon as I receive them. (Daniel D’Souza dannyboy04@rediffmail.com danielf@sancharnet.in) For a pictorial tribute to them see: http://www.goacom.com/goanow/2004/may/Whatsnew.htm

Exposition Panel
The Exposition of the holy relics of St Francis Xavier is scheduled to be held in Goa from 21 November 2004 to 2 January 2005. The core committee is headed by Transport Minister Pandurang Madkaikar. Other members are Bosco George, Exposition Commissioner, Allen D’Sa, Asst Exposition Commission, Sanjeet Rodrigues, Commissioner CCP, Director of Education Supdt Engineer, Circle V, Panaji or his representatives; and representatives of Arch Bishop and rector of Bom Jesus Basilica, Old Goa. (WE-GT)

Siolim parish fete
	The 3-day fete of fun, games, song, dance, music and traditional food, organised for the first time by St Anthony’s parish in Siolim, ended yesterday with a thrilling Konkani performance by Anthony San and his troupe. Young Chico and his son Jr Chico performed on the first evening, whereas heartthrob of the young Konkani lovers, Olavo, the singer of the highly popular Jess Louis song “Kor Cantar”, and his dance-troupe regaled the large audience gathered at the church compound on the second day.
On all the three days the delicious san’nam and sorpotel at the canteen were wiped clean even before the evening was out. Local band “Breathless” and a children’s group “Mute Beat” entertained the crowd on all the days. With Alister Miranda as the moodsetter, the excitement touched the peak most of the time. The prize for the American auction was a wonderful hamper including a full-grown “Kombo” (rooster). Kudos to asst parish priest Fr Romeo and the dynamic youth brigade of Siolim for the very well-managed summer event.

Venkatesh Pai Raikar is no more
Noted writer and stage artist, Venkatesh Pai Raikar, expired at 2.30 pm on May 25, after a brief illness at his son’s residence at Cuncolim. He was 92. Late Raikar, who had fluency over Marathi and Konkani languages, translated a number of Portuguese works, mainly novels into Marathi, prominent among them being “Teen Tarunee” (1942) from the original “Tres Raparigas em Liberadade” by Amadeu de Fretas and “Premvidei” from the original “Doida de Amor” by Dr Antero de Figueredo.

Canada keen on Mopa airport
A Canadian trade delegation, led by a senior official of the Canadian department of foreign affairs, Mr Richard Dubace, has shown keen interest in involving in infrastructural projects in the state including the construction of the proposed international airport at Mopa in the Pernem taluka.

State Capable Of Bearing IFFI Expenditure Burden: Parrikar
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said the State was “capable” of bearing the expenditure burden of the International Film Festival of India even if the Centre does not provide any funds. Speaking at an interactive session organised by the ITT Alumni Goa, Mr Parrikar said the total cost of infrastructure work pertaining to the film festival will be in the region of Rs.110 crore. The main festival theatre for the International Film festival of India would be constructed at Campal, while the first phase of the plaza at the old Goa Medical College complex would consist of advanced multiplex theatres, according to the presentations of the IFFI-related cinema houses. The presentations made body Mr Uttam Jain: Architects and Planners and the INOX Group, during the interaction session with the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar, relating to IFFI, organised by the IIT Alumni Goa, on May 22, came out with the details of the prestigious cinema halls and said that they would be completed by October 31, irrespective of the monsoon.

Monsoon likely over Goa soon
Even as recurrent pre-monsoon showers blunted the rigours of a harsh summer, the setting in of the southwest monsoon over Goa is likely during the next few days. Weathermen are loathe to state it officially but it is learnt that the monsoon has already advanced over some area of coastal Karnataka yesterday and Goa may not lag behind in experiencing the first showers of the wet season. While it has rained in one part of the State of the other since 5 May, the 19-day pre-monsoon spell may be the longest one in recent memory.

MAY QUEEN 2004’ in Qatar
	Eighteeen-year-old Mearl Cabral from Dona Paula was crowned May Queen 2004 by Bollywood actor Aftab Shivdasani during the Goans’ traditional 4th Annual may Queen Ball 2004, held on May 20 at the Diplomatic Club organised by the Goan Welfare Association, Qatar.