Newsline Canada

Toronto must be more competitive, says OECD
http://www.oecd.org/document/36/0,3343,en_2649_37429_44033380_1_1_1_1,00.html

06/11/09 - Toronto is home to 40% of Canada’s business headquarters, the world’s seventh largest stock exchange, and it produces almost 20% of the national GDP.

Canada to expand overseas new immigrant services
http://www.southasianfocus.ca/printArticle/80292
Wednesday November 11 2009 | By SUNIL RAO

Canada proposes to expand its overseas pilot project aimed at better equipping newcomer professionals immigrating through the skilled worker program to hit the deck running after landing here, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney said last week.

New Canadian Citizenship guide to help understand Canada
http://www.visabureau.com/canada/news/16-11-2009/understand-canada.aspx

A larger and more comprehensive study guide for Canadian Citizenship was launched recently by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

China pledges $10bn Africa loans
Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/8349020.stm

China has pledged to give Africa $10bn (£6bn) in concessional loans over the next three years, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said at a summit in Egypt.

The Chinese leader is attending a two-day forum on China-Africa cooperation in Sharm el-Sheikh, attended by officials from 50 nations.  "We will help Africa build up financing capacity," Mr Wen told the summit.  Several heads of state and government are attending the meeting, including the Presidents of Sudan and Zimbabwe.  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak inaugurated the forum, the fourth of its kind, and spoke of "peace, security and growth," and of "boosting cooperation between China and Africa."

International Criminal Court seeking speedy Kenya trials
Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/8347999.stm

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor says he wants to move quickly against the perpetrators of Kenya's 2007 post-election violence.

Luis Moreno Ocampo said two or three cases could come to trial by July next year. Mr Ocampo said "speed" was important so Kenya could hold its next election in 2012 without the threat of violence. On Thursday, Mr Ocampo formally requested judges at the Hague to open an investigation into the violence.

Commentary

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

Youth & The Courage to Be
http://www.southasianobserver.com/editorialopd_news.php?w=editorial&id=126
By: Dr. Sehdev Kumar, Professor Emeritus at the University of Waterloo, ( Nov 12 2009 )

Every generation in all parts of the world seems to say that those who follow them, the next generation, is morally lax, physically indolent, less ambitious, less socially engaged; in short, far inferior than what they were. I don’t know the metaphysical or psychological basis of this well-entrenched myth, but I do know, having lived a few years, that this is a false myth, utterly without any truth.

Elders as 'Role models'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5231803,prtpage-1.cms
TNN 15 November 2009, 05:32am IST

Although we boast of development in all fields and state that we belong to a modern society, I fail to understand how we measure development and what exactly we mean by "modern". One of the many examples that come to my mind at this point of time is the treatment given by today's generation to their elders. Can we claim to be modern when we despise, disrespect and ill-treat our parents and grandparents? Are our parents and grand-parents not responsible for what we are today? If they sacrificed their time, energy and money for our well-being, is it right for us to abandon them in the evening of their lives? Can such a cruel act be considered "modern"? If despising, disrespecting and ill-treating our elders is part of modern culture, I regret to state that the so-called modern society is destined to be doomed.

The Gulf Goans
Published on: Tue, 10/11/2009 - 10:32am
http://www.villagetinto.in/article/gulf-goans-571

If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

Simon D'Silva addresses the gathering at the Global Goan Convention 2009 5-6 November 2009, Muscat. We are the world wanderers, coming home to rebuild, the promised dream in the heart of peace, under the coconut tree, wrote Goa’s renowned poet Dr. Manohar Rai SarDessai.

People Places and Things

The Bishop's Man is the Giller prize winner
http://license.icopyright.net/user/viewFreeUse.act?fuid=NTc2MjIzNg%3D%3D
By CBC Arts | November 11, 2009

CBC journalist and Giller-winning author Linden MacIntyre says he turned to fiction to tell a story of abuse inside the Catholic church because he found he could go deeper into the story.

"Let's stop treating bishops and priests as some kind of royalty. Let's see them as public servants, which is what they really are and let's ask them for accountability."

"The story has been covered as much as you can cover a controversial story of that nature in journalism," MacIntyre told CBC News, the morning after winning the $50,000 Giller Prize for his novel, The Bishop's Man.

M.G. Vassanji, now a Governor General's Literary Award-winner for non-fiction
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2009/gg-lit-09-winners.html
Excerpts from :CBC News

M.G. Vassanji, already celebrated for his fiction, is now a Governor General's Literary Award-winner for his evocative memoir, A Place Within: Rediscovering India. (Paperback $16.95)

The Toronto-based author — a two-time winner of the Giller Prize for fiction — was named English non-fiction winner of the 2009 Governor General's Literary Awards in Montreal Tuesday.

Goan Overseas Association – Toronto – Fall Pulse Newsletter 2009

Click to Read:
Pulse Newsletter (pdf)
Correction: G.O.A. Auditor's are Al Mathias and Edgar Faleiro.

Goan Overseas Association – First Goan Sweet Making and Tasting Event
By: Marcelina Dias, Cultural Secretary, G.O.A., Toronto
Photos by: Chantelle Barreto

The G.O.A. (Toronto) held its first Goan Sweet Making and Tasting event on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at Vic Johnson Community Centre in Mississauga. It was encouraging to receive a huge response to this event, this proves that Goans are keen to learn and continue Goan traditions.

Goan Archives Project Launched in Toronto
By: Ben Antao & Photos by Uvy Lopes

A group of senior Canadian Goans of Toronto have launched a Goan Archives project to preserve for posterity books and other printed material covering Goan literature, culture and heritage. The project took official shape on Remembrance Day (Nov. 11, 2009) at an open house at the Holy Rosary Church Hall in Scarborough, Toronto

Eight-Wheeled Electric Car from Japan
Nov. 13, 2009

Japan's Eliica may look like science fiction, but with the engine power in its wheels -- all eight of them -- a top speed of 230 mph and a range of 200 miles on a single charge, this electric car has potential in the real world.
Click for Video
Sent by Tony Braganza

TEGSA VISIT TO FORT ERIE CASINO , WINERY & FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Written by Sal Rocha
November 14th

Our trip coordinator, Flavia de Souza is to be congratulated on organising another successful event. Unfortuately the untimely death of Flavia’s uncle, John Gomes , two days before prevented her from attending the occasion. Carmelita, Peter, Cleo, Leo, Wilma, Conrad and Sal stepped in to help with the arrangements.

News Clips from Goa

Enemy property in Goa comes under scanner
http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5234264,prtpage-1.cms
TNN 16 November 2009, 07:11am IST

PANAJI: Over a century after many Goans migrated to Pakistan, a tussle appears imminent between the Indian government and descendants of these Pakistani Goans over their properties, today known in government circles as "enemy properties".

Phyan leaves trail of destruction in Galgibaga
The Galgibaga coast has had to bear the brunt of a natural calamity yet again, as the cyclone ‘Phyan’ left its mark of trail by uprooting trees and causing heavy sand erosion. The waves hitting the coast during the cyclonic winds have uprooted several casuarinas while the entire coastline is a battered lot, with wide tracts of sand disappearing into the sea. Incidentally, Galgibaga, which presently provides shelter to turtle nests, is one coast unlike Talpona, Colomb, Patnem, Palolem or Agonda, where habitations are not in close proximity to the beach. The Galgibaga coast has been constantly battered during the monsoon period and this is perhaps the first time that such rampage was caused in November. [H]

Goa Pavillion projects state as entertainment hub
The state of Goa is well projected as an entertainment hub and destination of festivals at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), inaugurated by the President, Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at New Delhi. The Goa Pavilion, is located at hall No 6 at Pragati Maidan, and is receiving a large number of visitors including foreigners. Even though the Exhibition Ground is restricted to the business class, during the first five days of IITF, a large number of people were seen viewing the exhibition displayed at the Goa Pavillion. [NT]

Volunteers to form part of security for Old Goa feast
Over a hundred volunteers will take part in round-the-clock security within the Bom Jesus Basilica, while police and CRPF teams will patrol the area outside the famed site for the forthcoming feast of St Francis Xavier. Speaking to Herald, Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica Fr Savio Barretto justified the involvement of volunteers to provide security inside the Basilica. [H]

Navelim-the largest parish in Goa
The Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Navelim has witnessed numerous rounds of renovation since the past decades. From a house of worship made of mud to a huge structure of today. And along with the structure, the members within its folds have also increased manifold to become the largest parish in Goa. The feast of the patron is a time when all the members who stay in Navelim and who have migrated away from this village return back for a grand reunion with family. [NT]

Govt to seek opinion on loud music
With night music coming under the High Court scanner and the police cracking a whip on loud music after 10 pm, the government has decided to seek the opinion of the Law Commission to work out a solution to the impasse created by the Madhya Pradesh Act over restrictions on loud music. Affected parties have decided to call on State Environment Minister Alexio Sequeira with a plea to take up the matter with Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to grant at least two hour relaxation in playing loud music given that tourism is the main stay of Goan industry. Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat told Herald that he would discuss the matter with the Chairman of Goa Law Commission, Ramakant Khalap and other members and seek a report on how to go about the matter. [H]

Honda’s new Aviator unveiled in Goa
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI), the wholly-owned 2-wheeler subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Japan, on Tuesday unveiled the New Aviator with Euro III in Goa. Powered with an 110cc engine, the new model will deliver a power of 8bhp. New Aviator features the Combi-brake and adheres to even the BS-III norms. Among the other attractive features of the new Aviator includes the front Disc brake with 3 piston calipers and the alloy wheels (in Dlx Variant). [NT]

ESG announces red carpet event
The Entertainment Society of Goa on Monday announced its red carpet event to be organized throughout the 40th edition of the International Film Festival of India, which opens in the city on November 23, daily between 6 pm and 7.30 pm. The chairman of the red carpet committee, Mr. Chandrakant Kavlekar, addressing a press conference at the Maquinez Palace hall said that film premieres would be arranged during the evening hours so that at least 3 to 4 leading film personalities walk on the red carpet, with people in general getting an opportunity to watch their favorite actors and actresses in person. [NT]

Machine to clean up two beach tracks
The Department of Tourism has decided to launch a mechanized beach cleaning project on pilot basis on two out of nine beach stretches in the State. According to a tender floated by the department for the beach cleaning, seven stretches will have manual cleaning while two would be mechanized. [H]

Demand for land huge in coastal areas: TCP
There’s a huge demand for land in the coastal areas of the State for development purposes, according to the Town and Country Planning Department which is in the process of preparing final draft of the Regional Plan 2021 by incorporating suggestions received from individuals and panchayats. Citing an example, Senior Town Planner T Puttaraju said at Mandrem in Pernem taluka there was a request for 79 lakh square metres of land for development as per suggestions received from individuals and panchayats. “The problem before the TCP is how to cut down on this requirement,” he stated .[H]

Outlets to sell cheaper rice
Considering the rising price of some essential commodities, the government has decided to provide rice and wheat at reduced rates through marketing federation outlets. Goa will get an allocation of 1601 metric tonnes of wheat and 1406 tonnes of rice from the Centre through Food Corporation. The two commodities will be sold in the open market upto December 31 this year. [H]

Largest Naval offshore vessel launched
‘INS Sunayna’, the largest Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) designed in-house and built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) was ceremoniously launched on Saturday at GSL by Rajni Bhasin, wife of Vice Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Flag Officer commanding-in-chief, Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area, Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai, GSL Chairman and Managing Director S Ananthasaynam and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. [H]

News Clips from India

India Poised to Emerge Strong from the Global Crisis with GDP Growth of 7.5%

Visit by Canadian Prime Minister is an important milestone in India-Canada relations

MUMBAI, India and TORONTO, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - India's economy is well positioned for post-recession growth and stands to rank amongst the best in the world, with a GDP forecast of 7.5% next year, according to a new report by BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO).

Investigations in India Point to New Government Focus on Corruption
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/30/business/global/30fraud.html?_r=1&page
October 30, 2009 | By HEATHER TIMMONS and VIKAS BAJAJ

NEW DELHI - Less than a year after India was rocked by a large fraud at one of its biggest technology companies, Indian authorities are starting a raft of high-profile corporate investigations.

India Informs Miner Sesa Goa of Investigation
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704317704574503152018151862.html?
OCTOBER 30, 2009 | By PRASENJIT BHATTACHARYA

NEW DELHI - Sesa Goa Ltd. said Thursday that India's fraud-investigation agency has notified the iron-ore miner about an investigation into its finances and management. The Press Trust of India news agency reported Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid as saying Wednesday that any action, if warranted, would be taken against the company only after detailed examination of the financial accounts.

In road accident deaths, India tops southeast Asia
http://www.samaylive.com/news/in-road-accident-deaths-india-tops-southeast-who/.html
(Source: IANS)  | Published: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 at 17:16 IST

New Delhi: Road accidents kill 33 people every hour in southeast Asia-and the highest number of these deaths are reported in India, a World Health Organisation (WHO) report has said.

Announcements

Essay Competition on Goan Migration
Fri Nov 13 04:38:46 PST 2009

13, 2009: The Department of NRI Affairs would be holding an Essay Competition for students having maximum age limit of 25 yrs, who are doing their under graduate or post graduate studies in colleges in Goa or at the Goa University.

8th Pravasi Divas Jan 7-9 New Delhi

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is organizing the 8th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention (PBD 2010) Jan 7-9 2010 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The annual event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Members of the Indian community in Canada are requested to participate in large numbers in the forthcoming PBD convention. PBD Conventions provide the largest platform to the Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non Resident Indians (NRIs) for exchange of views and networking on matters of common interest. For details visit www.pbdindia.org

Events

Tough love 'is good for children'
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/8348938.stm

Children brought up according to "tough love" principles are more successful in life, according to a study.

The think tank Demos says a balance of warmth and discipline improved social skills more than a laissez-faire, authoritarian or disengaged upbringing.It says children aged five with "tough love" parents were twice as likely to show good character capabilities. Report author Jen Lexmond said: "It is confidence, warmth and consistent discipline that matter most."

Retiring 'is new lease of life'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8352220.stm

Most people feel younger and healthier soon after retiring, a study of French workers has found.

Researchers looked at 15,000 employees over the best part of a decade, and found they felt up to 10 years younger within months of retirement. The greatest improvements in perceived health were among those who came from a poor working environment.

Watchful waiting for prostate cancer is safe: study
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091116/wachfulTopStoriesV2
Mon. Nov. 16 2009

Taking a watch and wait approach to prostate cancer, rather than attempting to remove the cancer, is a safe approach and doesn't lead to more deaths, concludes a new analysis.

Screening for Breast Cancer

Release Date: November 2009
Summary of Recommendations / Supporting Documents
From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbrca.htm 

Summary of Recommendations

• The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient's values regarding specific benefits and harms.
  Grade: C recommendation.

Practicing Office Etiquette is Good for the Environment
November 13, 2009 @ 12:00PM

Toronto Hydro’s Peak Out Poll reveals common ways energy is wasted at the office

Who hasn’t shut the elevator door on someone to avoid the awkward conversation during the ride? Or madly pushed the ‘close door’ button to save time wasted by stopping on different floors? According to Toronto Hydro-Electric System’s (“Toronto Hydro”) 2009 Peak Out Poll, about 70 per cent of those surveyed say they’ve never closed the elevator door on someone but almost as many people say it’s been done to them. Six-in-ten surveyed say they’ve had the elevator door closed on them when the person saw them coming. An elevator can account for up to 10 per cent of a building’s energy consumption, so holding that door can help to cut electricity consumption.