GOACOM DAILY NEWS CLIPPINGS 06 January, 2005 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Bogtiponna poros dusri anik kainch vondavnni nam." (Nothing is more attractive than Godliness.) "domnic fernandes" [EMAIL PROTECTED]
HIGH POWER WORKING GROUP FOR WATER, SANITATION REFORMS: Government of Goa announced on January 5 the appointment of an interdepartmental working group for water and sanitation reforms, which will look into improving and enhancing the water and sanitation facilities in the State, through various regulatory and operational reforms. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said, "Goa has already made its mark on the global tourist map. To provide further infrastructural support to the growing tourist, we need to upgrade the public utilities, to bring it at par with the international standards. This will benefit the local population as well. (GT) TENDER FOR "PRINCESS" REMOVAL: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said on January 5 that the tender file for the removal of the "River Princess" grounded off the Candolim coast, has been cleared and the work order is to be issued any time now. "Everything that the government needs to do has been done now. But, sometimes, some things also depend on luck," Parrikar said in response to a poser to him by a non-resident Goan at a face-to-face at the concluding session of the 2nd Gomant Vishwa Sammelan at the Kala Academy.Parrikar, in typical style proffered cryptic arguments interspersed with digs at the media, to defend the position of his government on several issues raised by the Sammelan participants. (H) 'TO MAKE GOA PLASTIC-FREE STATE': Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said he is seized of the garbage problem in the state and therefore steps would be taken up to solve the problem in the near future. Speaking at the second Gomant Vishwa Sammelan at the Kala Academy, he said that it was primarily the responsibility of local self-bodies to take care of the garbage problem in their respective jurisdiction. However, a scheme would be drawn up to assist the local self-bodies financially and technically. His intention, Parrikar said, was to make Goa plastic-free in near future. He promised to look into various other problems and advised the NRIs and NRGs to email him in brief their problems and suggestions.On a question by Ravindra Pimenta (Kuwait) that the Immigration officials take out Xerox copies of their passports, the Chief Minister replied that this was done in wake of an ECNR stamp racket. (GT) JOURNALISTS TAKE EXCEPTION TO CM'S REMARKS ON SCRIBES: The delegates of the second Gomant Vishwa Sammelan on Wednesday (Jan 5) had something more than they had bargained for when Goa Union of Journalist president, Ashley do Rosario, took strong objection to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's tirade against journalists. It happened when Parrikar was participating in a face-to-face interaction with the delegates at the Kala Academy auditorium. The Chief Minister then clarified that he was not against the Press.but he was more annoyed over the manner in which minor issues were blown out of proportion by the media (GT) PANEL TO HIGHLIGHT PROBLEMS OF NRIS: The chairman of the NRI Goa Facilitation centre, Mr Chandrakant Keni, said that a delegation of the Facilitation Centre would make a presentation during the Pravasi Bharati Day, a convention of the non-resident Indians, to be held at Mumbai, later this week. He also informed that the delegation members would interact with the officials of the NRI ministry, adding that the delegation would further meet some of the NRIs and NRGs in Goa, from January 12 to 16. Mr Keni said that the second Gomant Vishwa Sammelan was attended by around 400 NRIs and NRGs, the NRIs hailing from 27 countries and mostly representing the associations of Goans in those countries.Noted advocate and MP (Rajya Sabha), Mr Adhik Shirodkar who addressed the valedictory function, said the culture of intolerance and arrogance should not be allowed to enter Goa - which has its own unique culture of unity.The Gomant Vishwa awards were, however, not presented on the occasion due to a limited number of nominations received by the selection committee. (NT) DEAD AND MISSING CROSS 15,000 MARK: Efforts to provide relief and rebuild infrastructure gathered pace on January 5 along the battered coastal area of the southern states and Andaman and Nicobar islands even as the number of people dead and presumed dead crossed the 15,000 mark with bodies being continued to be pulled out of the rubbles. (GT) "EVEN GOA IS NOT TSUNAMI-FREE": In an exclusive interview with GT, Dr Arun Bapat, a senior research seismologist at Pune, speaks about how he had warned the administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands about the earthquake in Andaman and Nicobar Island way back in August 2004. He also said that even Goa is not really tsunami-free. He said, "Goa could be hit by a Tsunami.There are unconfirmed reports about tsunami hitting Goa in 1883...The 1945 tsunami hit Goa.The occurrence of tsunami cannot be avoided but the disaster following the tsunami could be reduced." (GT) 'NO INFORMATION OFFICE': After the earthquake on 26 December, there was a good three-hour gap before the tsunami hit the Indian coast. But such was the level of ignorance about the oncoming tsunami in India that no one knew about it until the tremor traveled more than 1,000 miles, from the seabed off Indonesia to the seashore of India. Finally, when the government and National Institute of Oceanography, a premier institute in India, who's mission is "to continuously improve our understanding of the seas around us and to translate this knowledge to benefit all", did wake up to the problem, it was too late, because the waves had already swept through the coastal area in Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. (GT) "WE ARE WEEPING WITH THE PEOPLE": "No parish and no church remains. All churches, schools, convents in Nicobar Island have been washed off completely. In Car Nicobar, there is even no evidence of the church foundation. It is so bad..We are looking after five parishes, plus our own house. We had 13 priests posted there, and thanks to God, all are safe. In fact, all religious working in Andaman and Nicobar, including the Salesians and Jesuits are safe. The news about the havoc wrecked on the islands must have been devastating. Since we were closely associated, it came as a great shock to us. The Society of Pilar is weeping with the people of Andaman and Nicobar islands." (Fr Tony Lopes, SFXZ, Superior General of Pilar Fathers, in an interview with Alister Miranda in GT) SOCIETY OF PILAR TO PROVIDE RELIEF: Stating that the Society of Pilar is emotionally distressed with the people of Andaman and Nicobar islands, Fr Tony Lopes, Superior General of Pilar Society, has informed that their thrust is now on to provide relief and evacuate people from the affected islands. The 576 islands forming the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands was radically impacted by a December 26 undersea earthquake 160 kms off the coast of Indonesia. (H) UNTOLD STORY: While the rest of Goa enjoyed its first post-Christmas siesta, the seawater crept menacingly into the beach shacks of Arambol, Morjim and Palolem, but it was a small community that watched in fear and awe the majesty and might of the dying breaths of the tsunami in Siridao. "We could see far in the sea the tall waves building up and moving towards us with an eerie howling sound. They crashed on the shore with the fury and din we have never seen before in our lives," says Ms Domiana Marques of the Sea Shell Fast Food restaurant located right on the water's edge. Even around 2.30 pm, people and children were playing on the beach just below the Sea Shell. Somebody called for the people to bring up the children. Around 5.30 pm the first of the big waves hit the beach like a thunder sending people scurrying further up. (Joaquim Fernandes in NT) SANQUELIM GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS LEARNT THEIR TSUNAMI LESSON IN KANYAKUMARI: "As we halted near the Swami Vivekanand Memorial Rock (at Kanayakumari) at around 10.45 am, we saw some unusual trend in the waves; they were approaching and receding. Suddenly, I saw a dead body floating, and some small ships floating on the water; for a while we could not fathom what was happening"..."The waves were rising and receding at an interval of two to three minutes. We could actually see the depth of the coastline when the water was receding"."Some might have heard of this type of waves but not seen in real life and here we could see it with out own eyes, really unbelievable!" (Reactions of the students of Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim, who were on a visit to Swami Vivekanand Memorial Rock, Kanyakumari, Kerala, in NT) ESG LAMBASTED: The Corporation of the City of Panaji has lambasted the Entertainment Society of Goa for supporting commercial activities in the city which have not obtained permission or valid licenses from the CCP. In a very stern communiqué, the Commissioner, N Suryanarayanan, has referred to commercial programs recently held on the river front promenade without the consent of the CCP.Ward councilor Patricia Pinto had sought to know whether any permission or licence was issued by the CCP to the organizers of the recently held commercial event. (H) CHARAS SEIZED: The sleuths of the Anti-Narcotic Cell of the Goa Police caught red-handed a Nepali national and recovered from his possession drugs worth Rs.4.21 lakh and cash amounting to Rs.10,000, on January 5. Acting upon a tip-off that a Nepali national, aged 30, is likely to visit Moon Dace Hotel at Vagator to deliver charas consignment, the police laid a trap and arrested him. (NT) NON-FUNCTIONING OF PHONE: A telephone set is an essential instrument of communications in a rural setting and any disruption can put the people in a backward taluka like Pernem to great hardship, says Ulhas G Korgaokar. The school teacher from Mandrem says, Non-functioning of my phone is a usual phenomenon and its restoration by the department's personnel without delay is a miracle which I have been waiting all these years," says Korgaokar. (Suhas Parsekar in GT) ROBBERY CASE BOOKED: Colva police has registered a case of robbery against four youngsters, who at the point of knife took away Rs.4000 in cash and electronic goods valued around Rs.21,000 from a British couple at Cavelossim-Mobor beach on January 4 evening. (H) TALEIGAO CRIMINALS EXTERNED: Notorious criminals, Sanjiv alias Gabba Mangueshkar and his brother Nilesh Mangueshkar of Taleigao have been externed from North Goa district for a period of six months. (GT) MOLESTATION CASE TAKES GLOBAL TURN: The alleged molestation of two British children at the Goa Marriott Resort is now bound to become an international issue with the parents of the children all set to approach the British High Commission. (GT) SANGATH PREMISES SHIFTED: The Margao branch of Sangath Centre for Child Development and Family Guidance has been shifted to a new location. The premises is located at Sunningdale Avenue Co-op Housing Society, Pajifond, Margao. (NT) CLASSICAL DANCE FESTIVAL AT MARDOL: Kala Academy-Goa, West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, and Shree Mahalsa Devasthan, Mardol, will jointly organize the classical dance festival from January 7 to 9 at 7 pm onwards at the Shree Mahalsa Temple, Mardol. (H) BISHOP LONGINUS PASSES AWAY: Bishop Longinus G Pereira, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Bombay, recently passed away in Mumbai at the age of 93. Born in March 15, 1911, Bishop Longinus G Pereira, was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Bombay in November 27, 1938, and was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay and Titular Bishop of Vada on May 5, 1955. He retired as auxiliary bishop of Mumbai on December 13, 1986. (H) SOLACE THROUGH PAINTING: 'Returning to the Source' is the inaugural art exhibition of the recently opened Dev's Art Gallery at Calangute. Deviprasad C Rao, the owner of the said gallery, opened his venture by displaying his personal creations. A commerce graduate, Deviprasad ventured into journalism and worked as a medical consultant for nearly a decade before finally chucking that all up to devote his full time for art. Man of serious concerns and deep emotions, his reports have appeared in a number of mainstream publications. (Naguesh R Sardessai in NT) LIZY GETS TEACHER AWARD: The Association of Mathematics Teachers of India recently honoured Lizy David, a maths teacher at Mary Immaculate Girls High School, Panjim, with "Innovative Teacher Award". The award was presented at the hands of Dr Vasant Barve during the 39th conference of AMTI at Nasik. Founder vice-president and later president of All Goa Mathematics Teachers Association, she was involved in workshops, including courses organized by Education Department, State Institute of Education and Nirmala Institute of Education's Extension service. (H) MADHAVI EXCELS: Ms Madhavi Naik of Ganeshnagar-Khandola, Marcela, excelled in the BHMS examination conducted by the Goa University in 2004, securing the first place in the University and a prestigious gold medal. She was a student of Kamaxidevi Homeopathy Medical College, Shiroda. (NT) TODAY IN GOA: Screening of Goa Freedom Struggle film at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research, at 5.30 pm, at Alto Porvorim. S P O R T S FURTADO TOPS AT TELAULIM MOTOCROSS: Gordon Furtado was simply unstoppable as he won the grand prix Indian modifier class in the Telaulim motorcross championship, organized by youth of Mount Carmel, Telaulim. He was followed by Uday Arolkar and Fidel Furtado, witnessed by around hundreds of speed buffs from all over Goa. (H) DIANA IS BEST JUDOKA: Diana Araujo of Carmel College, Nuvem, was recently adjudged as the best judoka at the Inter Higher Secondary School judo competition, organized by Directorate of Sports, at Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa. Competing in the above 61 kg weight category, Diana was a clear cut above the rest of her rivals. The performances of this Loutulim resident have been also encouraging. (H) D E A T H S 3 Jan: Clapton, London: JOAO ROSARIO DINIZ (ex-Nairobi - Carpenter - MOW). Husband of late Antonette Diniz (ex-Nairobi); father of Andrew/Albina, Mary/late Justino D'Souza & Vincila/Peter Carvalho; Granddad of Amanda, Aidan, Tiffany, Tanya, Tyrone, Tyraa, Sean & Ryan. Condolences to [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Funeral is on 7 Jan. at 0915hrs. at St. Scholastica's Church, 17 Kenninghall Road, Clapton, London E5 8BS. Burial at St. Patrick's cemetery, Langthorn Road, London E10 followed by wake at the Church Hall. 05 Jan: Navelim/Guirim-Nuvem: TRINDADE MASCARENHAS; wife of late Joaquim, mother of Sucorina/Thomas, Asucena/Anthony, Carmin, Milagris/Conceicao, Anthoneta/Bernard. 05 Jan: Margao-Borda: LIRA DE ATAIDE E QUADROS: relic of Vicente, mother of Jose Maria, Olinda, Francisco, Augusta/Luis Soares, Felizardo. 03 Jan: Assolna: WELLINGTON D'COSTA; husband of Priscilla, father of Willianne & Wilborne. 04 Jan: Pilerne-Marra: JENNIFER LOBO; daughter of Clemento/Effie, sister of Jasson and Joel. 05 Jan: Sarzora: INACIO MANUEL CARDOZO: husband of Jeromina, father of Milagris/late Linnet, Romaldo/Meena, Luizinha/Conceicao, Sylvia/Francis, Digna/Peter, Antonette/Avertano. G O A W E A T H E R Max temp: 33.6 degC; Min temp: 21.5 degC; Relative Humidity: 70% Weather: Clear weather, blue skies, bright sunlight. Courtesy: GT=Gomantak Times; NT=The Navhind Times; H=Herald; WE=Weekender. JOEL D'SOUZA Assagao, Bardez, Goa. www.goacom.com