Press Note For Favour of Publication
*John Gomes (Kokoy’s) death Condoled* * * “John Gomes (Kokoy) was not only a tiatr artiste, a singer, lyricist or a director but he was also a writer of repute in Konkani as well as in English and that he used his talents very fruitfully in order to disseminate information about tiatr and tiatr artistes to the masses” said Tomazinho Cardozo, President of Tiatr Academy of Goa. Mr. Cardozo was speaking at the meeting organized by Tiatr Academy Goa to condole the death of Mr. John Gomes (Kokoy) at Margao on 9th June 2011. Speaking further, Mr. Cardozo stated that late John Gomes (Kokoy’s) writings include a book entitled *‘Tiatr Palkache Khambe’* in which he gave details of the lives of numerous tiatr artistes who are no more living today. He was working on another book on the lives of tiatr artistes who are living, which he could not complete due to his ill-health –Cardozo concluded. Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Sharon Mazarello remembered John Gomes (Kokoy) as a friend who floated a fan-club in the name of Wilmix-Sharon and organized numerous activities through that club. Agnel de Borim suggested that his writings should be collected and published in the book form. Premanand Lotlikar, remembering his association with late John Gomes (Kokoy) stated that not only tiatr stage but the Konkani movement lost a very progressive writer. Anil Kumar, Teotonio D’Costa, Master Vaz, Jessie Dias and Sabina also spoke on various facets of life of late John Gomes (Kokoy) Dr. Francisco Colaco, a prominent Margao based doctor and Cultural activist, Altinho Gomes, General Secretary of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, Vincy Quadros, Vice President of Goa Konkani Akademy, Roseferns, Vice President of Tiatr Academy Goa and veteran and popular tiatr artistes namely John Claro, Anthony San, C D’Silva, Diana, Socorro de Santa Cruz, etc attended the condolence meet. Besides John Gomes (Kokoy’s) brothers Franky and Balwin Gomes, sister Roffy Vaz and other family members also attended the meeting. Webly Gomes, a member of John Gomes (Kokoy’s) family proposed a vote of thanks. *Victor de Sa* Member Secretary
