Goan Archives Interview on release of Phase I Report
 

Muriel Lucas		Cecil D'Cruz

Muriel Lucas interviews Cecil D’Cruz.

1. ML: Cecil, as chairperson of the Goan Archives Steering Committee, you must be quite pleased with the results of the phase I report, so far.
   CD: Yes, I am. We have been working quite hard over the last six months and I am glad it’s done.
    

2. ML: Before we get into the report, first, tell us about the cover, the logo, in particular – what does it signify.
   CD: The logo is meant to convey the idea of safeguarding – our Goan heritage in this case. If positive steps are not taken to conserve our written or oral history, it will be lost in time, and we will be all the poorer.
    

3. ML: And the ribbon of images around the logo – any special significance.
   CD: These are the covers of seminal publications, or logos of Goan organizations active in this country over the last four decades. It is by no means comprehensive – we just picked out the more attractive covers.
    

4. ML: In summary what are the results of Phase I. What did you set out to do and what was actually achieved?
   CD: Phase I was essentially an information gathering effort. We wanted to see what was out there and in danger of being lost, as we are an ageing community. More than 80% of donated items came from individuals. Apart from the International Goan Organization, and the 55PGA, I cannot honestly say that we received tangible support from the mainstream Goan organizations.
    

5. ML: Why is that?
   CD: personally think that Goan organizations, like businesses, and political parties, are focused on the short term. They think in terms of tenure of office – two years. Most of their energy seems to be taken up in organizing social events, and ensuring that dance tickets are sold with an eye on the bottom line. Perhaps this is what their members want, but I would have expected more foresight and co-operation from our Goan organizations.
    

6. ML: Lets move on and look at what you have collected. More than 450 items from 40 or so Goan organizations to date – that’s quite a lot from a small community of less than 10,000 would you say.
   CD: As you can see no one item dominates. Books seem to be on the low side, but we have more than 40 on hand. The chart speaks for itself.

7. ML: What will happen to the collection eventually.
   CD: They will have to be placed in some national archive. We still have some work to do. We had made some initial enquiries to the Archives of Peel. They were quite receptive, but at present they are undergoing a massive $11 million expansion to be completed in 2011. I think this would be a suitable place for a repository.
    

8. ML:Will the Goan public have access to these items.
   CD: These items are in the public domain. They will be stored in bankers’ boxes, and accessed by making an information request and subject to the same conditions as the general public.
    

9. ML: But, before they get buried - where & how will the Goan public be able to view these collections.
   CD: Muriel, most of the items in the archives are printed material which most Goan households received in the mail, or were handed out at events. It should come as no surprise as to what is in the archives. We have to thank a few people with foresight and a sense of community for retaining these items. If by some miracle the long-awaited dream of a Goan Centre materializes, we will be the first in line donating books to their library.
   We can have a public viewing of the collection – but someone has to sponsor the expenses. These are not that high – but Goan Archives Canada is not in the business of fundraising. This has to come from community organizations.
    

10. ML: What about the next Phase
    CD: The archives will still be open for receiving new items. We think we have gleaned more than 90% of items from Goan organizations and may be more selective henceforth. It is in the personal memoirs and family history section, where we could always do with new material. This will help building a genealogy base for the future.
    The problem of placing archived material on-line is a matter of funding, from Goan organizations or family endowments. Until this is in place, Phase II will be on the back burner.
     

11. ML: Cecil you have given the Goan public much to think about. Let’s hope Phase II will soon be burning bright for all concerned.
    
    Thank You Cecil.