2008/7/30 Francis Rodrigues <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: Just a note of clarification -
Hon. Faleiro IS a diplomat, here in Toronto on official Government business, and holding a perfectly valid Indian diplomatic passport. After concluding his official business here and inaugurating the 2008 Toronto International Goan Convention, Hon. Faleiro was proceeding to Sao Paolo, Brazil, on a 4-day official visit for the Govt. of India. Air Canada made a palpable mistake, which could have been avoided. As the Consulate-General of India in Toronto does not retain legal counsel, he retained me as attorney and I drew up his compensation papers (DBC), for follow up by the Indian High-Commissioner, Ottawa. You will be glad to know Air Canada has today unreservedly apologised to Hon. Faleiro, and has agreed to compensate him for this travesty. I had the opportunity to interact extensively with Hon. Faleiro during his stay here in Toronto, and found him to be a wonderful gentleman full of old-worldly charm. I shall cherish the memory. == Dear Francis, Thank you for the clarification. I stand corrected. The following however remains unchanged: If he was and he had any official business in Brazil, he or the Govt of India would have to advise the MFA Brasil of his visit. If he was on a private visit, he would need a visit visa. I submit that it is important for us to know that there have been changes since 9/11. I find it impossible to believe that Air Canada would deny Mr. Faleiro passage IF he had all the "papers" with him. IF they did - despite his being in possession of all the documents, they surely need to pay up. IF they are "compensating" despite his NOT being in possession of all the papers, that is another story. I know you will let us know I further add that mere possession of a diplomatic passport does not guarantee safe passage to a third country. jc
