Newsline Canada

Toronto: A City of Startling Contradictions

TORONTO, Oct. 6 /CNW/ - Toronto's Vital Signs (R) Report 2009, released today by the Toronto Community Foundation, finds Toronto still climbing the ranks of "world class" cities, but like so many of them, Toronto is failing on too many issues vital to its future success.

Immigrant illiteracy costs Canada billions
http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=45102

Immigrants are not being utilized to their full potential, costing Canada's economy billions of dollars every year, says a new report from TD Economics -- and poor language and literacy skills are at the heart of the problem.

Canada warns residents visiting India
http://www.southasianobserver.com/south_asian_canadian_news.php?mid=5&cid=1742
(Sep 23 2009)

Canada has joined Australia and Israel in issuing a travel advisory to its residents planning to travel to India. The Department of Foreign Affairs issued the new travel advisory to India Tuesday warning “Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution at all times.”

Pope says African church must oppose 'toxic waste' of materialism
http://www.catholicregister.org/content/view/3485/849/
Monday, 05 October 2009 | Written by Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service,

Presiding Oct. 4 over the opening Mass for the special Synod of Bishops for Africa, Pope Benedict said the vocation of the Catholic Church on the continent is to work for peace and to promote the holiness that will lead to justice, strong families and care for the weakest members of African societies.

New Policy shows how to Provide Human Rights in Rental Housing

TORONTO, Oct. 5 /CNW/ - New guidelines will help improve equal access to rental housing for all Ontarians. The Policy on Human Rights and Rental Housing, Canada's first comprehensive look at how barriers to housing can be identified and eliminated, was released today by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC).

Canadian fertility rates up, but still not high enough
http://www.catholicregister.org/content/view/3460/849/
Friday, 02 October 2009 | Written by Michael Swan, The Catholic Register,

Excerpts…

More women are having more babies, but still not enough to sustain Canada’s population, reports Statistics Canada. The latest numbers are from 2007 and show a 3.7-per-cent increase in births over 2006. It’s the fastest increase in the birth rate since 1989.

Commentary

The statements, opinions, or views in the articles may not necessarily reflect that of the Goan Voice Canada.

Institutional Corruption In India.
http://www.southasiamail.com/blog/?p=63
Posted on September 6, 2009 | By JN Jayashree

In the context of the recent statement of the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, the following will be read with interest.

The life of a whistleblower in India is a dangerous one. In 2003 the country was stunned by the murder of a government engineer who exposed corruption in the national highway building programme; two years later a manager at a state-owned oil company was shot after he informed on a scheme to sell impure gasoline. JN Jayashree, the blogger, is married to a bureaucrat who has spent his career protesting against bribery and swindling in government practices. When she started to fear for her husband’s safety, she decided to start up a blog to protect him and document their anti-corruption movement.

Has the Non Resident Indian fallen from grace?
http://www.southasiamail.com/blog/?p=62
By Swapan Dasgupta

The average NRI’s fall from grace in India has been precipitate. The vacuous condescension that marked earlier attitudes has been replaced by desperation to find some accommodation somewhere. The big NRI players have no problem — they have seen their social worth in the West keep pace with India’s soaring reputation as a rising power. But the small fish whose tie and a twang once enabled him to lord over his less fortunate brethren in India has seen envy replaced with disinterest.

People Places and Things

Goan Soccer League Toronto – Inter-Village Finals
Margao 2 –Aguada 1 | Editor of South Asian Observer, Eugene Correia
Excerpts from: http://www.southasianobserver.com

Toronto: Margao clinched the Gaudencio Fernandes tropny defeating Aquada 2-1 in the final of the 14th Goan Inter-Village Tournament at the Centennial Ground, Etobicoke, on Oct 2. Margao were champions in 2004 and losing finalists in 1998, 200, 2001 and 2008. It was Aquada's maiden entry into the final.

Lunch time
http://www.canadianimmigrant.ca/immigrantstories/moneybusiness/article/4712
Sabrina Almeida

When a friend suggested buying a Lunch Lady franchise after reading about it in a parenting magazine in 2003, Bernadette Kusuma didn’t need much convincing. “With five children to take care of, a home-based business seemed an ideal choice,” she says.

Pura Vida Spa...ahh! 100% Handmade Soaps

Body quenching products by Pura Vida Spa...ahh! are now available in the GTA just in time for the Christmas season. Natural soaps containing no detergents, yummy body scrubs and a variety of gift baskets & boxes for that perfect Christmas or any occasion present.

Anish Kapoor Royal Academy Showcase
http://www.desiblitz.com/content/anish-kapoor-royal-academy-showcase
By S Basu October 2, 2009

Anish Kapoor the Indian born British installation artist is showcased at the Royal Academy with a unique waxwork called Svyambh featured at the the exhibition.

Excerpts…

The Royal Academy is exhibiting a retrospective show of sculptor Anish Kapoor, Indian born British installation artist. He is the winner of the Turner Prize and creator of the most beautiful pieces of monumental modern art in recent years. Anish Kapoor has been described as “the darling of the contemporary art market.”

News Clips from Goa

October 2009 Floods in South Goa
Photos sent by Salus Corriea - saluscorreia@optusnet.com.au

CM to submit report on losses to centre
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat yesterday said, he would submit a detail assessment report of the flood-related damage in Canacona and other parts of Goa to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in Delhi today (Thursday). Kamat returned from Delhi yesterday after meeting Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who sanctioned Rs 5 crore as interim relief for the floods. [GT]

Rs 164 cr loss in Canacona
The cumulative losses in the Canacona floods, including destruction of houses and personal belongings and damage to state infrastructure, is around Rs 164-crore, according to an estimate prepared by various state government departments and agencies. Thirty-eight bandharas were damaged, which according to Water Resource Department (WRD) would cost Rs 48-lakh to repair. The damage to the National Highway is assessed at Rs 48-crore, and various teams from the South Goa Collectorate have reported other losses to the tune of over Rs 40-crore. [GT]

North Goa losses estimated at Rs 33.5 lakh
As per the preliminary estimates, North Goa district has suffered an estimated loss of Rs 33.5 lakh due to the recent incessant rains. The losses were primarily due collapsed houses and water logging. Bardez taluka has suffered the maximum loss of about Rs 20 lakh with Pirna and Assonora villages being worst hit While, Pernem taluka suffered a loss of Rs 15 lakh. [GT]

Ravi stresses on hassle-free vacation for tourists
The Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik has said that the state police officials have already taken steps to ensure free movements to the foreign as well as domestic tourists arriving in the state, even as the police force has been geared up to prevent any law and order situation in the state. Mr Naik told The Navhind Times on Wednesday evening that it would be in the interest of the state that tourists were not harassed while visiting Goa and that all concerned including the tour and travel agents, hoteliers, transport operators (including taxi drivers), traders and others made all-out efforts to ensure a pleasant stay and holiday for the tourists. [NT]

Salcete students turn away from mid-day meal
A survey is being conducted by the education department to assess the number of students eating food items provided under the mid-day meal scheme. The survey is being carried out in the light of the reported decline in the number of students eating the meal, especially in schools of coastal belt of Salcete taluka. A headmistress of a school from the coastal belt, a headmaster of another school and some teachers disclosed that most of the students are not inclined to have the mid-day meal due to lack of taste for the food items. [NT]

1/10 Goans hit by anxiety, depression, results reveal
One in 10 adults suffer from depression and anxiety in Goa as per the Manashanti Sudhar Shodh (MANAS) programme of Sangath which is the biggest ever trial undertaken for identifying stress-related mental health problems in the developing countries. According to co-founder of Sangath Dr Vikram Patel, who is monitoring the project, “The one in 10 figure is what seems very evident in Goa, but the final evaluation of the programme will be made in April 2010. So far, over 2,700 patients with depression are involved with the MANAS programme.” [H]

Seven inches of rain disrupts rail, air traffic in Goa
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/460601.aspx

Torrential rains since Wednesday have forced closure of Goa's Dabolim airport and disrupted train services in the state, and one person is feared drowned, officials said on Friday. State Chief Secretary Sanjiv Srivastava told reporters that the army's help could be sought to rescue residents in 100-odd houses in the Canacona region in south Goa, trapped due to the flooding of the area.

Racial discrimination has been one of Goa's worst kept secrets
Andrew Pereira, TOI Crest 3 October 2009
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5083772,prtpage-1.cms

Vincent Fernandes, a guest house owner at Chapora-Anjuna , has the last word on this. "The code is clear. Your skin should be white. It doesn't matter whether you sell vegetables in Europe for a living."

Concern Raised Over Growing Number Of Senior Citizens Facing Isolation
Written by NT Network
Saturday, 03 October 2009
http://www.navhindtimes.in/news/goa-news/3722-concern-raised-over-growing

PANAJI: While the government is looking to protect the senior citizens through various policies and schemes, there has been increasing concern over the growing number of cases of senior citizens facing isolation.

Loutolim Locals Call For Survey Of ‘Migrant-Inhabited’ Houses
HERALD REPORTER | MARGAO, OCT 4
http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=28206&cid=26
From: wagoa@yahoogroups.com

Loutolim villagers on Sunday called for a survey of residential houses which have let out their premises for migrants in view of the emerging problem of sanitation facing the village.

News Clips from India

PM congratulates Ramakrishnan for winning Nobel prize
http://www.ptinews.com/news/320341_PM-congratulates-Ramakrishnan
STAFF WRITER 14:32 HRS IST

New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI):  Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today congratulated scientist Venkatraman Ramakrishnan for winning Nobel prize in Chemistry and said it was a "great pride for India" and a "tribute to the educational system" in the country.

India emerging out of the recession
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/
Date: Monday,5 October, 2009 | By Sushma Ramachandran/New Delhi

The outlook is promising as the Asian Development Bank has revised its growth projection for India up to 6% from an earlier one of 5% for 2009

Are the clouds of recession lifting over the Indian economy as they seem to be over the rest of the world? That is the big question everyone is asking today, whether they be economic analysts or policymakers in the central government and the financial institutions.

DNA trawl shows long history of India's castes
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5054413,prtpage-1.cms
REUTERS 25 September 2009, 11:35am IST

WASHINGTON: A genetic search of India's diverse populations shows most people have mixtures of European and ancient south Indian genes, and helps illustrate the deep roots of the country's caste system, researchers reported on Wednesday.

Car sales zoom in festive mood
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/460278.aspx

Car and two-wheeler sales in the country have lived up to the hype that has preceded the festive season this year. All major automobile manufacturers have logged healthy growth in September. In fact, the demand for cars outstripped even industry expectations, with Hyundai, General Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra posting their best-ever monthly sales.

India's fight against poverty set back "by years", by floods, drought

• World Vision says malnourished families being pushed to the very edge

• Drought impacts north, northeast and some parts of western India, sudden floods catch people by surprise in the south

CHENNAI, India, Oct. 7 /CNW/ - Massive food shortages are now impacting hundreds of millions of Indians with floods and droughts, setting back efforts to combat poverty by years, warns World Vision.

 Obituary

Sybil Mary Fernandes

Fernandes Sybil Mary Passed away peacefully at Mount Sinai Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer on October 20, 2009 in her 68th year. Beloved wife of Francis of 39 years. Loving mother of Sonja (Tom) and Carl (Sonia) and grandmother of newly born Zara Ann. Predeceased by her father, Hypolito Pereira and survived by her dear 95 year old mother, Bertha. Also survived by brother Oscar (Sabiha) and sister Sylvia (Manuel Castellino) and many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral service will be held on saturday October 24th at 11am at St. Patrick's Church, 921 Flagship Drive, Mississauga, Reception to follow.

+ JOSE ROMERO LOPES DIAS

Dias, Jose Romero Lopes (ex - Dar-es-Salaam) Peacefully while surrounded by his family at Princes Margaret Hospital, Toronto on Sunday October 18, 2009 in his 72nd year. Son of the late Jose Antonio and Maria Melba Lopes. Beloved husband of Vivien (nee DeMello, formerly of Mombasa) for 41 years. Loving father of Daphne Dias (Peter Ribeiro) and of Rev. Fr. Darren. Cherished Avo of Zachary, Spencer, Olivia and Pierson. Dear brother of Lizette (Luis Mendonca) and Aliette (Robert D’Souza) and brother–in-law of Branca Andrade, Martha (Newton Da Costa), Roserita (Ernest Ries Fernandes) and Gladys Sequeira. Romero will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and their children.

R. S. Kane Funeral Home
6150 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M2M 3W9
416-221-1159 800-419-7375
www.rskane.ca

FERNANDES, Tom Passed peacefully on October 9, 2009 at the age of 72 with his family by his side at York Central Hospital.  Beloved husband of Fiona. Cherished son of the late Alleluia and Rosalina Fernandes. Loving father of Richard, Debra (Usman), and Kevin (Sara). Devoted grandpa of Joshua, Jordyn, Amber, Felix and Kate. Brother to Anne, Anthony, Ignatius, Christine, Michael, Mary, Peter and Phillip. Cherished son-in-law of Tressy and the late Elfred Lobo. Brother-in-law of Clary, Sybil, Irwin, Terence, and the late Lawrence Lobo. He will be sadly missed by all his brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A Month's Mind Mass

A Month's Mind Mass for the soul of the late Niven Romero Menezes (Expired 25th September, Horwich, Bolton U.K.)  has been offered by Braz, Blanche, Julio and Clifford at Christ the King R.C. Church, 3495 Confederation Parkway, Mississauga, Ont L5B 3G5. (Tel 905.270.1133). On Saturday, 24th October 2009, at 5:30pm followed by "refreshments" in the Church Hall.

For futher information: Tel 905.858.9740 - Luiz Gomes

Announcements

Quebec Goan Association – St. Francis Xavier Feast Celebration

Message From: Melissa Fernandes (melstar_13@hotmail.com)

The QGA would like to announce that preparations are well underway for the Saint Francis Xavier's Feast. The event is being sponsored this year by Matthew and Thereza D'Souza's family.

Date: Saturday, December 5th, 2009.
Location: St Mary's Parish, 735 Miller Street, Greenfield Park, J4V 2X2
Mass will start at 5:45 PM. The celebration will follow in the parish hall.

Events

Indian Origin Minister Plays Good Samaritan Mid-Air
http://www.southasianobserver.com/south_asian_canadian_news.php?mid=1&cid=1752

Deepak Obhrai, an Indian origin junior minister in the Canadian government, has earned kudos for helping out a woman diabetic while on a flight from Ottawa to Calgary. Obhrai, a five-time MP from Calgary and parliamentary secretary (minister of state) to Canada's minister for foreign affairs, was flying from Ottawa to his hometown last Monday when a woman passenger suddenly fell ill.

Survey: Canadian boomers feel effects of aging despite positive outlook
2009-08-29, 13:02:57

According to the recent Tylenol Canadian Pain Survey findings, 67 per cent of Canadians 45+ who suffer from osteoarthritis agree that the disease makes them feel older, and more than half (54 per cent) say they have felt down or depressed when it prevents them from participating in their favourite pastimes and activities. The majority, however, try to maintain a positive outlook about remaining active (88 per cent) and don let it dominate what they can and cannot do.

Hot Chillies Could Wallop Heart Disease, Diabetes
http://www.southasianobserver.com/lifestylenews.php?mid=13&cid=4167

Sydney, Aug 31: An Indian researcher has found that the flavour-potent chilli could wallop diabetes and cardiovascular disease which are the leading cause of mortality in developed countries.

Extra virgin olive oil could prevent Alzheimer's disease, scientists have claimed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6250641/Extra-virgin-olive-oil

01 Oct 2009: A naturally occurring compound called oleocanthal that is found in the oil alters the structure of toxic brain chemicals that are believed to contribute to the debilitating effects of dementia.

Colon, rectum cancer No 1 killer in Goa
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5053505,prtpage-1.cms
TNN 25 September 2009

PANAJI: Modern lifestyle changes, genetic alterations added with changing dietary habits are increasing the risk of cancer of the large intestine and rectum among urbanized Indians.

South Asian dementia sufferers to rise by 107 percent in 20 years
http://www.southasianobserver.com/southasiandiaspora_news.php?mid=23&cid=307

London, Sep 21: The number of people living with dementia will nearly double in the next 20 years across the world, rising by as much as 107 percent in South Asia, researchers warned Monday. Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London said that by next year there will be 35 million people globally with dementia.