Yes, there were efforts made earlier to unite the two associations. A draft constitution was circulated and the issue came up at one of the AGMs. The offer, if I can remember, was for CanOrient members, especially those not Goans, to be associate members of GOA.This was not acceptable to CanOrient.
I'm not sure whose efforts it is to unite the associations. I feel the two associations are better off being separate. It would be better to make concerted efforts to rope in the large exodus from the Gulf countries into the GOA. But most of these "Gulfies" want to be part of their own groups, and there are many of them. I understand there are Goans who have formed small groups of Mahim Goans or Bandra Goans. Some who talk here, I understand, have not been members of GOA despite living in Toronto for many years. These people still believe what they have been told that GOA, in reality, stands for Goans of Africa. True, African Goans started the GOA and sustained it over the years. I feel till today the Goans from Mumbai and Goa and not more than 30 per cent of the membership. I tried hard to talk to Goans from Bahrain and elsewhere from the Middle East to join GOA. But they dismissed the suggestion with their usual contempt. Maybe very few have joined. First and foremost, these Goans were taken aback by the $40 fee, as the groups they belong to don't charge membership fees. It's true CanOrient has its own premises. The GOA has a house in the Canada Wonderland area. But it's not rezoned yet to have community clubhouses. I'm not sure what's the fate of the clubhouse is today. I just got my shares in the clubhouse back, minus the dividends as promised. But that's okay with me, as I never expected any dividends nor the principal back. I believe if the clubhouse is sold at a profit then the stakeholders will get some benefit. The GOA was not interested in having a small place as it would not be enough accommodate lot of members who come for events, especially the dances. Prior to owning the property, the GOA bought and sold a small premises in Etobicoke. The reason to sell was because it was getting difficult to have rezoning. It was hard to convince all the neighbours to have their approval. Hence, the GOA sold to someone who is a Goan builder. GOA and CanOrient youths had many joint events together. But no more. Each youth group is doing things their own way. Many Goans held or still are members of both associations. The Pakistani Goans were mostly involved in CanOrient. With the large number of Gulf Goans in Toronto and surroundings, it's time they realize to become members of either the GOA or CanOrient. That's where the unity counts, being part of a larger group and, at the same time, retaining their small groups. Wish to see the result of the meeting. Also wish to know who called the meeting in the first place. Euigene
