[Goanet] Frederick's Sunday Special-Konkani music from two other continents
I just want to record my sincere thanks to Senhor Fred for the extra mile he has gone to in downloading these songs from an ancient cassette thereby preserving the memory of a very dear cousin(Jock Sequeira). In addition to his writing flair and powerful vocal chords, Jock was also a great actor; he admired all things Goan and was a great devotee of the Goan tiatr. Although a son of Aldona, Jock spent a greater part of his younger days at our mutual grandparent's home in Salvador-do-Mundo(Saloi) where he was always remembered as a crack shot(he loved this outdoor sport) and a singer with a very powerful voice. His tribute to our Granny in his song Xamai Mogachi (in which Sybila Pinto and I sing) speaks volumes. His songs have a certain poignancy and feeling as in the two about my parent's death at sea - Dorian meloi puta and Sounsar Polko(which I translate as This empty World), as also his farewell to Goa in, Vetam, vetam Vetam. This may well be a shot in the dark - but, if any reader has any of the original 78 rpm recordings, I'd ,love to hear from them. Fred, once again, very ,many thanks. Mervyn(M)
[Goanet] The Goans of Poona - Stray thoughts of a Toronto Goan(Roland Francis)
Excellent article, Roland. Even though I'm not an ex- Vincentian, the article brought back many happy memories. My mother spent sometime at the Convent of Jesus and Mary. My late Jesuit brother was ordained at De Nobli College and, my late younger brother and I were privileged to serve at his First Mass at the said convent. I remember the Soares family(especially the children of the late Edward Soares founder of St. Thomas High School, Aldona).His eldest son(Cyril) still lives in Poona, and we keep in touch via his sister in Bombay.Through another member of the Soares family, my wife and I were able to spend many hours at the Military Academy at Khadakvasala where we met some of the officers/cadets. Thanks for the memory, Roland(from someone who has not spent much time in Poona!). Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] . John Baptiste da Silva, A story to be told
Hi Mervyn, Thanks for this most interesting story of a wonderful character. His story needs to be recorded for posterity. Sad that his life had to be cut short at a comparatively young(these days) age. Mervyn M.
[Goanet] Swahili all over!
As there has been a Swahili flavour in some of the recent posts on goanet, I couldn't resist sharing this extract from an e-mail I received today from an African journalist friend from Kenya's Northern Frontier: My children have kindly taken for me medical insurance.Uzee inaanza kukuja.God bless them *Uzee inaanza kukuja *which I think literally translates: Old age has started to come or better still Old age has begun? If I were to attempt to put this into Konkani, would, *Matharpon ailem *be right? Apologies to the Administrators for throwing this rather 'off topic' item in! Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Swahili-English Phrases Proverbs (Melvyn Fernandes)-Reply to Rose
Dear Rose, Many thanks for those timely references. As one who belongs to the Stone Age, modern technology is something I am not really au fait with. Anyway, much appreciate your help. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Town Hall Meeting - Toronto I (Mervyn Lobo-Mervyn Maciel)
Hi Mervyn, Many thanks for the tip and link. I can see myself becoming an expert in Ki-Swahili before long or, to have it translated from the link you gave: Mimi lazima kuwa na mtaalam katika Kiswahili! Need to brush up on my Ki-Swahili - asante sana Bwana. Mervyn M.
[Goanet] Town Hall Meeting - Toronto
Mervyn Lobo wrote: As you can see, the Goans in Toronto?have been?quite active politically. A few years ago, they?pushed for and got?Canada to pass laws that now makes it possible to prosecute in Canada, Canadians that?commit?pedophile?crimes in India. RESPONSE I say Hats off to the Toronto Goans who are active not just socially but ;politically too. Bravo!. Mervyn, I so liked your Ki-Swahili quote - could do with some more of these. The brother of a Tanzanian priest friend of mine(here in the UK) had once sent me an English-Swahili dictionary from Dar-es-salaam, but what I really need is an Swahili-English Phrase book. Availability? Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Town Hall Meeting - Toronto
I was very pleased to read about this meeting in an earlier posting on Goan Voice(UK), and since this is a topic very close to the heart of the International Catholic Charity (Aid to the Church in Need) for whom I've now been working(as a volunteer) for over 20 years, I have recently posted a copy of our booklet Persecuted Forgotten together with relevant reports from our Head of Press and Information - to Zulema de Souza. If anyone is interested or would like a copy of our booklet and any associated reports, I'd be quite happy to send them on. Two years ago, I joined a protest march in London, where several hundreds of Christians had gathered outside the Pakistan Embassy. From there, we made our way to 10 Downing Street where a petition, calling for an end to the persecution of Christians, repealing of the illegal blasphemy laws and the release of Asia Bibi - was handed in. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] The Education of the Masaai
Mapenzi yangu translates as My darling Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Swahili word for music
Tony de Sa wrote: Wouldn't drums be more appropriate for NGoma? Or is that Tanzania ishtyle? Like for instance jinga (Kenya) and kamba (Tanzania) for prawns? I agree Ngoma could also be used for drums. As for prawns, I have always referred to prawns as KAMBA in Kenya. While all this discussion is going on, I'm tempted to suggest: WATU WA AFRICA MASHIRIKI - TU IMBEI PAMOJA Some of you may even want to CHEZA NGOMA? Kwaherini Mabwana! Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Swahili word for music
Manuel Tavares wrote: Muziki is a common name for Music in Swahili. Another term is Goma. My own feeling is MUZIKI is the right word for music in Swahili Goma, or rightly speaking, NGOMA refers ,more to dance? Correct me if I'm wrong. Mervyn(M
[Goanet] goanet @ 18 years
My congratulations and thanks to all those hardworking individuals at goanet - FN, Herman and Bosco and all those working behind the scenes who make it so easy for us to access the 'assortment' of posts on goanet at the mere click of a mouse. Many, many thanks once more. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Avocados
Hi Fred, My own experience while still at school in Aldona was that avocados didn't do well in our Goa climate. Let me explain - my maternal grandfather(ex Zanzibar) had an avocado plant(at our Moira house) which he had grown, presumably from seed/s he had brought back from Zanzibar. The plant had grown into a huge tree but we rarely saw any fruit on it. He often told us about how delicious this fruit was(I'd never even seen one then!), but it had to be many years later that I enjoyed 'king-size avocados especially at Kisii in Kenya and also at my in-laws in Kitale(Kenya). Maybe there's someone in Goa who can come up with a more positive story? Mervyn(M)
[Goanet] The tale behind the tail(Mervyn Maciel/Gabe Menezes
Gabe, As an infrequent visitor to the clubhouse, I am unaware whether the clubhouse was not being maintained during the period you mention, but you obviously feel so. All I wanted to state is that despite the setback caused by the arson attack, the Club has continued to function to this day. As for the programme of events, I think anyone - member or non-member is free to access the Associations' website at; www.goauk.com I very much regret having been tempted to enter the fray and do not intend to bore goanetters with any further comments on this subject. AMEN! Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] The tale behind the tail(Mervyn Maciel/Gabe Menezes)
In his recent post Gabe wrote: My grouse was that persons who do not know the history, would feel that we only lost the Club House because of an arson attack. Response: As a former President of the Goan Association(UK), I accept that Gabe would know more of the history of the Association than myself;but nowhere have I suggested that we lost the Clubhouse only because of the arson attack. The sale of the clubhouse may well have been a fait accompli, but until such time as the sale was completed, members would still have been able to use and enjoy the facilities. Although without a permanent clubhouse or grounds, the Association continues to maintain a full programme of cultural and social events throughout the year, and this is to be commended. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] The tale behind the tail(Mervyn Maciel/Gabe Menezes)
In his recent, albeit belated posting, Gabe Menezes wrote: It is not proper to give an impression that we would still be inheritors of a Club House and grounds, if not for the arson attack. A resolution to sell lock, stock and barrel was made and the present President took on the post RESPONSE: I fail to see where Gabe gets this idea that I might have insinuated that it is not proper to give an impression that we would still be the inheritors of a Clubhouse and grounds. Nothing could be further from the truth. I merely pointed out that despite the setback of the arson attack, The Goan Association(UK) was still functioning and continuing to provide a valuable service to the Goan community at large. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Goans in Tanganyika and British Governors
Mervyn Lobo wrote: In my personal observations, the coastal Goans i.e. Mombasa, Tanga, Dar and Zanzibar always seemed much warmer than those who lived in the interior, who were usually richer and less fun.?? Response: Have no experience of Tanga or Zanzibar, but couldn't agree more about the Goans in Mombasa and, for the short time I was there, Dar too. In fact my very first experience was at the Goan Institute in Mombasa. I had just arrived in Mombasa, aged 18, to take up my first job in Nairobi-yet,was coaxed into staying on and taking part in a concert at the G.I. Mombasa, little realising that my salary had started from the day of landing! Thanks to A.B. Rego of the Govt. Coast Agency at Mombasa and my late cousin, Jock Sequeira. Mervyn (Maciel)
[Goanet] Goans in Tanganyika and the British Governors Message-
Thanks Mervyn. Enjoyed reading the articles and couldn't help but admire the high ideals of our early Goan pioneers to East Africa. Their aims, as mentioned in the President's speech, *to foster unity among Goans, to promote social and intellectual activities and* *to provide the best possible means of spending their leisure hours -* speak volumes. Wise words indeed from our Sages of yore. I could also visualise my former boss(Sir Richard Turnbull) delivering that speech and praising Goans in his customary manner,fortified(as I'm sure he must have been) with a good tot of his famous Scotch?! Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have a feeling that Goans in Tanganyika(Tanzania) got on far better than those of us in Kenya? Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] The Real Deal
Roland, Your nostalgia-filled piece took me back to those unforgettable days of our childhood -holidaying in our then unspoilt Goa, being content with the simple pleasures of life, and breathing the clean, un-polluted air in a Goan village. T here is so much of this glorious past locked away in the hearts of every Goan who lived during those halcyon days. Thanks for making my day on a wet and 'dullish' English, supposed-to-be-Summers' day! Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] Nairobi South Cemetery Project
Some years ago, I had publicised the work being done to restore this cemetery by my good friend and well-known historian, the late Monty Brown. I did receive a few positive responses from some members of the community at the time, but am unaware of any tangible support. While senior members of the Goan community in Nairobi are interested in the project, the same cannot be said for the younger generation. This is a pity in a way since, but for Monty's efforts, we would never have known of the existence of 170 Goan graves among the 840 Christian graves that were 'unearthed'. In one of his letters to me, Monty wrote, The cemetery as such is really looking good, with monuments restored, polished and glistening. Before his efforts, the cemetery resembled a waste ground. The cemetery is 109 years old and the Museums of Kenya are being asked to have the ground gazetted as a National Monument. It is not too late to support this project and so honour the memory of our pioneers, and I will be quite happy to forward any donations to the Team in Nairobi. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Unearthed - a 1908 letter by a Goan in Kenya
An English friend of mine has just sent me a copy of a letter from a Manoel De Souza(Baker Confectioner) of Nairobi. The letter is dated 1st February, 1908, and the style is quite fascinating. Who knows, there might well be a relation of Manoel who accesses goanet or even on Goan Voice(UK)? Posting this just as a matter of interest. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] The tale behind the tail
Perhaps I should have made it clear that my piece was originally written in response to a request from the Secretary of the Kenya Administration Club(members include former Provincial/District Commissioners, Ambassadors/High Commissioners and myself!) here in the U.K. Our former Colonial masters wanted to know how we'd settled in this foreign land. While I appreciate the positive feedback from Mervyn Lobo, I'd just like to comment on some of the points raised by Melwyn Fernandes. As far as I can remember, jobs in those days were aplenty, and I personally encountered no discrimination in the job market. While I am aware that some Goans worked for London Transport (Tube network) and/or British Rail, many other Asians took on jobs as bus drivers/conductors. Not so sure if any Goans worked as dustmen(earned more than the collar and tie) - but if they did, good luck to them for not shirking manual labour(something which, sadly, many of us have looked down upon for ages). I am not aware of any culture of bribery, but Melwyn may well have proof of this? Neither am I aware of the property value of houses(at least in our area) falling,when we (the very first non-Whites , with four children) moved into our present home. In fact, our White neighbours went out of their way to welcome us and we have had excellent relations with the neighbourhood all these years. I was also sorry to hear from Melwyn that our people were only good for cleaning church benches and cut flowers for the church. Never encountered this situation here, nor any problems with arranging a funeral. Understandably, as the Goan/Asian population in London increased, the need for an Asian Chaplaincy was felt. Here, I feel my late brother(Wilfred) may have had a hand in its esbablishment since the late Fr. Moraes once told me that the late Cardinal Hume, Archbishop of Westminster, had shown him a letter Wilfred had sent him from Kenya, suggesting that the need for an Asian Chaplaincy be considered. Thanks to Goan Voice(U.K.), we are kept aware of what's going on, on our doorstep and beyond, while goanet has a far wider outreach. All in all, I think we Goans have certainly made our mark in this country - something we should all be proud about. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] For possible inclusion on Goan Voiced UK?
Hi Eddie, Wonder if you could include this Notice in the next edition of Goan Voice(UK). Many thanks. Copying it to goanet too. Regards. Mervyn Archbishop Joseph Coutts in London: On Thursday 17th May, Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi will be among several religious leaders and Christians ,as they gather together in faith and solidarity at the NIGHT OF WITNESS event in London's Westminster Cathedral, organised by the Sutton-based U.K. Catholic charity - Aid to the Church in Need, for which many locally based Goans and others work as volunteers. Archbishop Coutts will be joined by Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster,Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton,also Bishop Zakaria of Egypt, Mgr. Taban Mousa of Sudan, and priests and faithful from Iraq,Pakistan, Zimbabwe,Sudan, Nigeria,Sri Lanka and Lithuania.
[Goanet] UK Goan Oral Histories Project - Observations by Melvyn Fernandes
Don't think I'm qualified to comment on your lengthy post, Melvyn, but just wanted to correct the following: from the Highlands and the Rift Valley to the coast places like Eldoret, Narok, Kitale, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Narok,Kitale, Kisumu, Thika are certainly NOT in the Coast. Eldoret Kitale are in what was then the White Highlands and in the Rift Valley Narok was in what was then Southern Province, Kisumu in Nyanza, and Thika in Central Province. Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Goan Oral History Project(my reply to Rose Fernandes)
Dear Rose, I'd passed your comments to my friend who feels that his earlier statement is quite clear and needs no further clarification. I too have no wish to prolong this subject as there were points you brought up which bore no relevance to the topic under discussion, i.e. Oral History of East African Goans. Where, for example, was there need to bring in your dietary preferences, or your charity giving etc? I think we are going off the subject and I prefer not to make any further comment. Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] GOAN ORAL HISTORY PROJECT(My reply to Rose Fernandes)
I'd like to share the comments a friend made(in a private message to me), after seeing my reply to Rose Fernandes. Here's an extract from his message: As usual, a most eloquent statement from a Goan mzee! However, the last line needs amplification. I don't think that it was SOME Goans who CHOSE to treat the African as 'inferior'; it was almost every Goan living in an urban environment, including yours truly, who had that prejudiced attitude. But that was the status qou during the colonial era as you quite rightly pointed out. I was only enlightened when Tanganyika gained Independence, and I CHOSE to become a Tanganyikan citizen shortly thereafter. What is shameful is when SOME or MANY Goans today, unlike you and me, keep reminiscing about the good old days without nary a sense of remorse or a feeling of guilt or a sense of gratitude towards the African who was relegated to the lowest rung in society in his own land while we prospered at his expense. What is even more tragic is that when the African got freedom, the majority of the population found themselves far worse off than in the colonial days, as a result of dishonesty, fraud, corruption, and tribal rivalries of their own leaders. Today's news on the BBC is about the discovery of oil in the Turkana Distist of Kenya (see below). You (and I) will thank the Good Lord for finally showering his blessings on the Turkana - the prospect of women in decent clothing instead of goatskin skirts around their waists, men driving in air-conditioned cars, air-conditioned homes with piped water, hospitals, schools, etc. Then we look back at independent African countries and ask ourselves; is our wish just a dream? Will the lure of oil wealth spawn tribal rivalries, border disputes, warfare, land mines and killings of innocent people? And will the survivors still be living the same way they did when you were a Karani? I hope and pray that BEFORE they pump the first drop of oil out of the ground, the tribal chiefs sit down around a table, with a British District Commissioner (or a Bwana Karani) as the Chairman, and agree to maintain peace. Otherwise it will just be another oil-rich Nigeria where poverty is still rampant. Like many predictions I made in the past, I am going to retain a copy of this message that I will track in years to come. --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
Re: [Goanet] Goan Oral Histories Project - Interview with Mervyn Maciel (by Rose Fernandes)
Dear Rose, How nice of you to make the time to comment on my interview. Much appreciated. I 've been so encouraged by the many positive messages I've received ever since the interview went 'public'. Contrary to what you observe, I do not, in any way, consider my posting to that hell on earth unfortunate. In fact, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise,partly because I am a nomad at heart, and also because I love the African people, especially those from the former N.F.D.(Northern Frontier District). As a young(20-year old) bachelor at the time, it was quite an adventure and a fascinating experience to be out in the wilds miles away from civilisation! I got to love the Turkana tribe and learnt a lot from their simple lifestyle. As a former colonial District Commissioner once observed, The Turkana are certainly the most primitive in East Africa; no other people could survive with so few material possessions. And yet, they seemed so contended. Compared to today's generation, I don't think that the East African Goans(esp. those in the Civil Service), faced major hardships except, perhaps, during the war. Think of the perks - a virtually stress-free office life, lunch and 'siesta' breaks, paid local and overseas leave, including an 8-10 day luxurious cruise (except for those who chose to travel deck class). Ours was truly a Life of Riley'! Racial segregation or the 'colour bar' did exist in Kenya, but then, didn't we Goans discriminate against our own? Since most of my service was in the wilds of East Africa, I had no problem mixing about with Europeans or Africans for that matter and had many friends among both races. Admittedly, our salaries were structured on a racial basis, but that was the status quo then -things changed for the better much later. Looking back, I feel we were truly 'privileged' to enjoy such a wonderful life in Kenya, but my one regret is that some of us chose to treat the African as an 'inferior' being. That was truly shameful. Mervyn Maciel On Sun, Mar 25, 2012 at 11:13 PM, Melvyn Fernandes mel...@orange.net wrote: Dear Mervyn Thank you for sharing your experiences of your time in Kenya with us through a link on goanet. It has been some time since the phrase hell on earth has been heard by me. As only one-tenth of Kenya is fertile, it was indeed unfortunate that your work station happened to be in the part that was desert and that you had to endure the heat of the sun while working for the British Colonial Administration. Your interview has brought home to me how fortunate I was to have lived in Mombasa on the coast of Kenya. My happy and positive experiences are largely due to my parents who lived their life very much interacting in the social environment prevailing at that time amongst our community. There can be no doubt they faced challenges and a hard working life but, on analysis, these were no more or less challenging than those being faced today where jobs are scarce, competition fierce and working hours, especially for our young people, getting longer and longer. Those joining the workforce are also faced with final salary pensions being closed down leaving them with little hope of a well funded retirement combined with the state pension retirement age in the UK increasing day by day. Contrast this with what my father (and many of his generation) whose working life was 8am to12 o'clock, two hours for lunch and siesta, returning to work from 2pm to 4pm. After tea and cake, he headed for the waterhole of the Mombasa Institute to socialise with his friends there and catch-up on the day's gossip while keeping an eye on our community children playing in the grounds and on badminton courts. All expenses paid holidays were three weeks every year, with three months every fourth year (to go to Goa). On retirement, my father received a decent pension he enjoyed for years and which my mother still enjoys to this day. In agreement with Roland Francis, it would have been good to have seen the entire recording of your interview. Also interesting to know whether you felt subjected to any discrimination during this period of time and, if so, were able to do anything about it? The reason for my question is, as a community, we are nomadic. Our forefathers had skills and the courage to leave their sheltered life in Goa to earn their livelihood in East Africa while supporting family in Goa at the same time. These skills will have been passed down to us and if we were unhappy during our time in East Africa, (remembering most of us lived there for 20 years plus) I feel sure we would not have suffered in silence and would have moved on earlier to another country. Therefore, for the record, it will be good to see more of our people interviewed recount their positive experiences here. Today, it is no longer extraordinary to hear of a person from our community, for example, spending his childhood
[Goanet] Kenya's N.F.D.(Northern Frontier District)
Apropos Gabe's comment, I agree the region was known as the N.F.D. and wonder if this might not have been an unfortunate slip up on Selma's part when transposing the words? For the benefit of our readers, I quote from what that well known American author, Negley Farson, had to say: *There is one half of Kenya about which the other half knows * *nothing, and seems to care even less. This is the N.F.D., Kenya's* *Northern Frontier District, about 100,000 square miles mostly* *volcanic desert.* Many years ago, I'd composed a poem on this region(which I love), the last verse of which ran: *Sir Richard Turnbull had this to say,* *The day he left Kenya, Tanganyika-way.* *My heart is in the N.F.D., he said,* *There too MY heart will always be!* * * * * *Mervyn Maciel* --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Goan Engleesh
Just as Frederick's ear was attracted to their innovative use of language, my shrinking memory took me back to my holidays in my ancestral village of Saloi(Salvador-do-Mundo). When playing in a friendly football match on an open field, an oft heard expression was: shoot men ( meaning, 'pass the ball') Wish I could think of a few more, but there must be many youngsters(burge) on goanet who could come up with better gems. Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Recollections of Mau Mau
I am grateful to Gabe for the very informative link provided on the Kenya Regiment. I was ignorant of many of the aspects mentioned in the link. Yes, the Kenya Regiment was a White preserve, and having been stationed in Kitale(one of the key centres of the White settlers), I got to know quite a few of them. The Turkana tribe, who I got to love during my time with them, are a war-like tribe to this day, and even when I was there, there were frequent raids between the Turkana and the Donyiro tribesmen from the Sudanese border, as also the Merille from the Ethiopian side. All said and done though, I still love the Turkana! Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Recollections of Mau Mau
I agree with Gabe that the abbreviation K.P.R. did stand for Kenya Police Reserve. A few Europeans and Asians were recruited for this force. The Kenya Regiment was made up of more hardy young men. Another aspect I found a trifle difficult to believe was where one interviewee says that she could hear the cries(or words to that effect) of those who were being attacked. Throughout my own experiences during the Mau Mau Emergency, I cannot recall any Goan or other family living with earshot of such atrocities. Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Goanet Reader-Honeymoon in the Wilds(Elsie Maciel)
Dear Tony(D'Sa) , Thank you for your kind words on my article. Quite honestly, I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback I've received from so many Goans on the net, and have replied to them all individually. Mervyn and I hope that my article may have revived happy memories of your own days in East Africa. Best wishes and asante sana once more! Elsie --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Bishop Joseph Coutts
I was so pleased to hear of the appointment of Bishop Joseph Coutts as the next Archbishop of Karachi. A couple of years ago, I was fortunate to meet him at Westminster Cathedral in London, as he was the Chief Guest speaker at the annual event organised by the Catholic Charity(Aid to the Church in Need) for which I've been doing voluntary work for the past 20+ years. Some local Goans also work for this charity as volunteers. Having heard him speak fearlessly about the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, I am sure he will be a source of great strength to his flock and I wish him well. When he called at the Charity's Head Office here in Sutton, I was able to test him on his Konkani which, I am pleased to say, he still remembers! If I remember rightly, I think he mentioned that he hails from Aldona. Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] British awards for Goans in East Africa Message
Apologies for prolonging this topic, Fred, but there are a few points I'd like to clear. I never felt that the African ire was directed at us, WaGoa(as we were known), but rather at the Wahindi(Asian businessmen), who openly exploited the illiterate African masses especially in the Reserves(districts). A couple of post-Uhuru(independence) African Provincial Commissioners I knew always spoke very favourably of us, especially of the help they'd received from us in the Civil Service. One of them was kind enough to visit me during his trip to the U.K. some years go.(Would he have bothered if we were exploiters??). As for Marlon's rather flippant comments, all I can say is - there were no quislings in the Colonial Kenya Civil Service I belonged to. If we are to continue this discussion, can I please request that we do so in a civil and gentlemanly manner? Where, may I ask, was the need to bring in Vivian's beautiful property and illicit wealth when the topic under discussion is British awards for Goans in East Africa? If there are old scores to be settled, please keep them out of this public forum. Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] British decorations/awards for Goans Message-ID:
I think Roland has put it succinctly. What one has to remember - and here I am speaking personally, we went to East Africa for a certain purpose, i.e.to earn a living, just as our fathers and grandfathers before us had done. While some of those(mentioned by Frederick) were free to criticise the colonial government, we, as government servants were not afforded such a luxury. I was not in that happy position to risk losing my job if I'd spoken out of turn so to speak.Neither was I prepared to bite the hand that fed me. The fact that many of our Goans (who rendered valuable service to the colonial government) were honoured by various awards is something we should be proud and not ashamed of. There may have been a lot wrong about British colonialism, but there were positive aspects too. Let me just quote one that affected me and my family personally. When my parents became victims of the ill-fated S.S. TILAWA during World War II, my two brothers and I were orphaned overnight. The then Colonial Government in Kenya awarded each of us(3 brothers) a pension up to the age of 18. In addition, my paternal grandmother, who was supported by my father, received such a pension till her death. I wonder which other colonial government would have shown such compassion? Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] British awards/decorations for Goans
I recently asked a Goan friend of mine to view Roland's review of my book on goanet. The individual concerned was born and raised in East Africa during the colonial era. Having seen some of the subsequent posts on goanet, this is what he had to say in a recent message to me: Quote:The British Colonial Government was about a hundred years ahead of its time. It did what is being done today by several corporations; to keep cost down, it simply outsourced the clerical work to Goans. But unlike their corporate counterparts today, the British Government treated their workers as “employees” and not “outside contractors”, and they rewarded them with fair salaries, access to medical care, residential quarters in some instances, bursaries for their children to pursue higher education, a lifelong pension, a welcome mat to those who chose to live in Britain, ... and the English language that has helped Goans prosper in their adopted lands and which some of us, regrettably, use so fluently to condemn British colonialism.Unquote. Lets be fair - we were not treated as slaves, nor were we kicked out; The choice to move from a country and people we loved was purely our own, and was made largely for family reasons. Mervyn Maciel Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] British decorations for East African goans
Tony's interesting post on the achievements of Goans should be preserved in our archives. It it heartening to note that the contribution of these individuals, and Goans generally, was recognised by the award of the various honours(decorations). There were several civil servants in Kenya who also received the M.B.E., and a few, apart from those already mentioned that immediately come to mind are: the late Pascoal D'Mello Francis da Lima - who is still around at lives in Porvorim There must be several more, but sadly, my memory is not as sharp as it once was! Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Bwana Karani Sir Richard Turnbull
Dear Tony all, Pardon me for this general and rather hasty response to some of the postings on goanet recently. For the benefit of all, Yes, Sir Richard was my Provincial Commissioner in the Northern Frontier Province; he then became Minister for Internal Security Defence, then Chief Secretary and Acting Governor of Kenya and finally Governor of the then Tanganyika and latterly first Governor General there too. Many years later, he was appointed British High Commissioner in Aden, but was treated rather shabbily by former Labour Foreign Secretary, George Brown, something he never got over. Just for the record, BWANA KARANI nearly never happened! When I approached Sir Richard in the 70's with a request that he contribute the Forward to my book which was then still in the embryo stage, he put me off by suggesting that writing a book was a very arduous and difficult task and quoted Samuel Johnson. Discouraged by his comments, the whole idea lay dormant for years,but something inside me felt that I should approach him again. This I did in the early 80's, and the rest, as they say, is history. I have a whole file of correspondence exchanged between us, many letters in his own hand writing - during that period. He was very co-operative and patient seeing he lived in Scotland and I here in Surrey. He was delighted when the book was finally published and wrote me a charming letter. Many other colonial officers who bought the book, and later more copies for their children and grandchildren, also wrote in favourable terms. Allow me to quote from just one or two such letters from former District Commissioners: *Once again, many thanks for all the pleasure your book has given me, a powerful * *reminder, if one was needed, of the dedication and loyalty we received from you and* *your Goan colleagues - the backbone of the Provincial Administration -another wrote,* *so glad you wrote the book for posterity, as without the Goan community,the salt of the* *earth, the Provincial Administration would never have achieved the standards it did* *Some goanetters may also remember my speech to former Colonial officers and * *their wives at Henley-on-Thames in Oxford when I reminded them, inter alia, that* *THEY GOT US ON THE CHEAP! So much more to say, but don't want to bore* *goanetters unnecessarily Kwaherini Mabwana!* * * * * *Mervyn Maciel* --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Subject: Re: Goanet Reader: Bwana Karani -- a story well told, from the heart of Africa (Roland Francis)
In reply to Victor's comment - I feel certain that what Roland meant was caste although he's used the word class To our eternal shame, 'casteism' was very prevalent in Kenya( and dare I say, East Africa) in those days, especially in the Civil Service. To me, personally, this whole question of caste is so repugnant, and I've said so before both in a letter to GOA TODAY(during the Editorship of my good friend, Lambert Mascarenhas), and latterly in written exchanges with another good friend, the late Cornel Da Costa. Let us bury caste once and for all! Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Braz Menezes's ' Just Matata'
Hi Roland, Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your excellent Review of Braz's book. Hope others will be encouraged to read it(JM) too. Mervyn(Maciel) --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Mario Miranda R.I.P.
The news of Mario's exit from our midst is a sad loss to Goans the world over. He could fill our 'duller' moments with joy and laughter through his down-to-earth cartoons. Goa has lost a great son and we all mourn his loss. Our condolences to his family and friends. Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Lies and video-tape by our Goans
My late friend Cornel D'Costa was the one who introduced me to goanet, and while my own contributions on the net have been negligible- virtually nil, I have previously quite enjoyed some of the posts on the forum -they were healthy. Of late, however, some of the posts appearing on the net have got me wondering whether we have not sunk to an all time low. Mervyn Maciel --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Goan Catholics under British Empire
Found this very interesting - thanks Fred. Mervyn(M)
[Goanet] Goan Archives Canada The Passages project
The item below was sent by a friend from Canada and may be of interest to fellow Goans? Mervyn(Maciel) * * In February 2011, Goan Archives Canada was invited by the Peel Heritage Complex in Brampton Ontario to participate in the Passages Project. *“We all make passages through life. We celebrate points along the way which we remember through photographs or other keepsakes,” *said Christine Boyanoski, guest curator of Passages. ”Some passages are physical journeys to a new home. We carry with us those things that remind us of the people, places, and experiences we left behind. This web project explores what these things say about us – both as individuals and as a community,” “We know what makes us different; now, what is it that we all share?” see http://www.peelregion.ca/heritage/passages/ The Goan Community was among the first of the mark with more that 20 persons relating a 200 word account of their treasured items or keepsakes. These write-ups with the photos of articles and contributors are now online at http://www.peelregion.ca/heritage/passages/#/gallery Items featured with stories include: Red Ruby Earings A Chair from Goa Memorabilia from the 2008 Goan Convention Press Clippings the list goes on In the spring of 2012 when the renovated Peel Heritage Complex Opens, Goan Archives Canada is set to deposit 12 bankers boxes of memorabilia of the Goan Community covering their presence here over the last forty years.
[Goanet] BRITISH GOANS HERITAGE PROJECT
Let me set the record straight once and for all. I am at a loss to understand where Gabe got the idea that I, (the good Bwana-Karani-Boran) and the dusky Shashtikar (should this not be Shashtikan?) -talked and an idea was formed This assumption is miles away from the truth. The fact of the matter is that the oral history project, had already received the support of the Royal Geographical Society and historian and good friend Dr. Margaret Frenz, and I was then asked whether I could enlist the support of former colonial officials of the Kenya Administration. I was only too pleased to oblige, and being a member of the Kenya Administration Club here in the U.K., I approached a former District Commissioner who, expressing his own delight at the project, had no hesitation in supporting it. While I agree that someone like Stella, who has first hand East African experience, could well have undertaken the job, I must say, in fairness to Selma, that she, with no experience there, *can and will do* an excellent job with the support of the community at large. One has only to refer to her masterly work,Into the Diaspora Wilderness to see how, someone who has never set foot on East African soil, was able to record so much of our own history in those lands. As Goans, we should be proud that some individuals(me excluded!) have taken it upon themselves to record and preserve a slice of our past for the benefit of future generations. Oral history is so important and it is a pity that none of us felt the need to record such stories earlier, even though, many years ago, I had encouraged our Goans to come forward with their experiences. This was after my wife and I were interviewed by the BBC for a television programme. We were latterly also interviewed by the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol, and finally, by the ABC network of America. Our stories are housed in their archives. It is a pity that when some from among our community volunteer to take on such tasks, we are so lacking in support. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT LEA VAZ RANGEL-RIBEIRO
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Victor(except in cyberspace) and Lea, I send my heartfelt condolences to Victor and the family on their great loss. May the Good Lord grant peace to Lea's soul and strength to Victor and the family at this sad time. Mervyn Elsie(Maciel)
[Goanet] Fwd: FW: LONDON CONVENTION COST GOAN TAX PAYER OVER 12 LAKHS
-- Forwarded message -- From: Cyprian Fernandes skip...@live.com.au Date: Tue, Aug 30, 2011 at 1:58 PM Subject: FW: [Goanet] LONDON CONVENTION COST GOAN TAX PAYER OVER 12 LAKHS To: maciel mervynels.watuwasha...@gmail.com B -- From: skip...@live.com.au To: goanet@lists.goanet.org Subject: RE: [Goanet] LONDON CONVENTION COST GOAN TAX PAYER OVER 12 LAKHS Date: Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:53:24 +1030 Aires, This is a piece I wrote a few weeks ago: I was very impressed that the GA had taken on challenge of hosting the GGC as part of your own celebrations. However, in the quiet light of day, the convention raises many questions. I am not into criticising or detracting from the conference. My efforts are aimed at setting out the facts. Is the convention worthwhile or not? If it is, why, what does it deliver? If the convention is to have a future, what is the best way forward? A professional redesign of the convention? I also have a problem with the use of the word “convention”. Perhaps it is a word favoured by spin doctors to make a meeting look grander than it actually is. According to the venerable Oxford English dictionary it is: - a large meeting or conference, especially of members of a political party or a particular profession or group:*the party held its biennial convention* - *North American *an assembly of the delegates of a political party to select candidates for office. - a body set up by agreement to deal with a particular issue. - *historical *a meeting of Parliament without a summons from the sovereign. I find it hard to defend the relevance of the whole thing. I do not know of one iota of the cause of Goans in UK or the wider Goan diaspora or the Goans in Goa was enhanced in any shape or form by the GGC. I also found those speakers quite irrelevant.I would even suggest that this meeting had more to do with drumming up business for the celebration of the golden jubiliee of Goa’s liberation/annexation than anything to do with the community of Goans or the dialogue therein. The argument is forwarded that the Goan Festival was the most successful ever. My answer is that you don't need a global convention to organise the festival. Goans from around the world have attended the festival on previous occasions. 1. What was the purpose of the Goan Convention? What was the architecture of the conference: Aims, objectives, deliverables, key messages, tangible achievements in Goa, easier access and solution to personal/individual, property issues, opportunity for genuine dialogue rather than an opportunity to kowtow to people. 2. Was this achieved in London, if yes, how was it achieved? 3. How did this convention benefit the Goans of UK or Goa? 4. With so many speakers focussing on the past, was this not a just a drumming exercise to celebrate the anniversary of annexation/liberation? 5. Would it be fair to say most of the speakers were irrelevant in terms of Goa's needs today and in the future (with the exception of Carmen Miranda)? Was this not the ideal opportunity to engage people in attempting to debate some of Goa's critical problems? Not just paying lip service, but serious transparent commitment to beginning the path to repairing the damages of institutionalised corruption? 6. How much money, if any, did it cost the Goan Association? How much was contributed by the Goa Government? What is the total cost of the convention? How much interference was there from Goa? Why and what was it about? 7. What is your answer to your accusers who say these conventions are a waste of time, do not achieve anything and are just junket which benefits Sir Lunchalot or Lord Travelalot? On the other hand, I have been hearing good things about the Know Goa programme. It seems to be a reasonable programme which is delivering what it has set out to do: allowing young Goans from around the world to get to know their ancestral motherland. What I tried to do was establish the bona fides of the GGC. Is it a good thing? Does it deliver what it sets out to do? Does it enhance the lot of the Goan? Is there another project that would deliver better value for the Goan rupee? If the answer is in the negative for most of these questions, then the GGC should be dumped and whole process rethought and given a fresh start with transparency in all facets. Cyprian Fernandes Date: Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:35:41 +0530 From: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com To: goa...@goanet.org Subject: [Goanet] LONDON CONVENTION COST GOAN TAX PAYER OVER 12 LAKHS With some of the expenditure details yet to come in, the Goa Government has already incurred an expenditure of over Rs 12, 60, 000 on the four day Global Goans Convention which was held at London from July 22nd to July 25th this year. This has been revealed in information obtained under the Right to Information Act. The expenditure incurred includes a financial assistance of Rs 6, 11, 231 ( GBP 8500) given to
[Goanet] goanet Happy 17th Anniversary
I join in the felicitations and send my congratulations, good wishes and thanks to all those unsung heroes at the helm - Fred, Bosco and others who keep us, Goans worldwide so well connected. I appreciate this can sometimes seem a thankless job, but, thanks to your initiatives, we are kept well informed of happenings in Goa and abroad, while at the same time enjoying some interesting postings on goanet. Keep up the good work. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Want to stave off Alzheimer's-Have a Beer(or Wine)
Folks, mine's a Kenya TUSKER any day, Bwana. Cheers. Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] How many expat Goans inyour City/country
Hi Fred, Speaking of Goans in the London and Outer London Areas, maybe Stella Mascarenhas-Keyes or even our Eddie Fernandes(Goan Voice UK), may be the best to provide you with this info? On the wider U.K. scale, I can't think of anyone who would have this information. Perhaps Flavio Gracias as President of the Goan Association(UK)? As for Village Feast celebrations, Gabe may well be right as far as Saligao is concerned, but Saligao and Moira were equally popular in those early days, and who knows, Moira may well have been a close second or (at the risk of incurring the wrath of Saligaocars), even the first! Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] London riots
Some years ago, I do remember Goans who were living in the Tottenham area, but am not sure if there are any there now. Enfield does have some Goan residents and Croydon is certainly home to many Goans - not only Croydon, but the surrounding areas of Thornton Heath, Norbury etc. Let's hope the Police manage to contain the situation. So far, haven't heard of any Goans being affected. The fires are the worst since the Blitz and that certainly says something for the frustration of the common man - but that is no excuse for the senseless looting and destruction thats' been going on. Sadly, London is in the news again for all the wrong reasons. That apart - had a wonderful luncheon meeting in Wimbledon yesterday meeting old schoolmates from St. Paul's and St. Joseph's in Belgaum. It was great seeing friends I hadn't seen for years! Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] Handicrafts Goa - an amazing diversity
Hi Fred, Enjoyed watching this well -put- together video. Having a potter in the house made it doubly interesting. Thanks again for preserving so much of our rich Goan heritage. Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] Food for another day-Nachne
Hi John, Glad to see you've entered the 'nachne' debate! I well remember matama but feel this is more like sorghum with larger grains than finger millet(wimbi in Swahili). The locals even made quite an intoxicating brew from wimbi(nachne). Anyway, let's wait and see what our other Goan sages have to say.Salama Bwana. Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] Nachni
Hi Fred, The very mention of *nachni * took me back to my school days in Goa when my grandma(Xamai mogachi) used to prepare my favourite 'Tisan'(sp?); another elderly aunt would also make some mouth-watering 'bakris' kneading the flour with leftover 'canji(pez!). You certainly took me back a few years. I believe *nachni* also has some medicinal value; when one of our Goan parishioners here heard of my leukaemia condition, she immediately produced a small bag of *nachni* and recommended that I have a porridge of it daily.Haven't followed her advice to the letter though! I also recall that our cook in Kenya, who grew a lot of *nachi(Swahili word=wimbi) *always brought us a large bag of the millet to make up for overstaying his holiday! Memories, Bwana. Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] Historian Cynthia Salvadori
Have just received the sad news a few moments ago that my good friend and well known Kenya author and historian, Cynthia Salvadori, committed suicide last night. She was in regular touch with me, exchanging lengthy e-mails about our mutual concern for the peoples of Kenya's Northern Frontier. Her last e-mail to me was last week. Many will remember her two tomes - THROUGH OPEN DOORS the 3 masterly volumes, WE CAME IN DHOWS The end of an era. Cynthia lived on Lamu island in Kenya. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Wanted translation
Hi Fred, Sorry can't help you with the translation of : Amani gomani Maux' baba O manddo xiva re O manddo xiva xiva -but I've sung these verses on many an occasion! I'm sure some of the more seasoned Goans on goanet will come up with an answer. Mervyn (M)
[Goanet] Not Goanese?
Why 'Goanese' is incidentally a puzzle, since when speaking English, they refer to themselves, and are referred to by other Indians, as *Goans;* so that the word 'Goanese' is now in many ways a term of opprobrium, descriptive only of the employment of Goans in European domestic service. So observed Sir James Richards in his book, *GOA.* Correct me if I'm wrong, but I feel this may well be the reason why we like to be referred to as Goans and not Goanese. I remember the London Times magazine publishing my letter in 1994 in which I'd suggested that their Food critic refrains from referring to us as Goanese! Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Shying away from Konkani
Fr. Conceicao D'Silva's lament about Goans shying away from Konkani, reminded me of a poem composed by that late Goan Jesuit historian(who taught English at St. Paul's, Belgaum) -Rev. Claude Saldanha, S.J. Sadly, age had dimmed my memory, but here are some of the verses I can recollect.(referring to these Goans as 'Kalafirgis' who inhabit an imaginary land of KALAFIRGISTAN, he had this to say)... They are shy to talk sweet Konkani Because they think it's low; They rattle off in company, A foreign tongue for show. Melodious mandos, swaying song, With all their hearts they hate, Which cannot swing the girls around By arms at any rate. And so they say, 'the mando 's dead Not meant for 'cultured 'folk, But all their culture it is said, Would not impress a bloke. The men put on some pantaloons, And think they look just fine; They hardly know, the good buffoons, That borrowed plumes don't shine (If any former Paulite can remember all the verses, I'd love to have these please!) Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Goa Book Club, images from Jan 20, 2011 meeting
Hi FN, Joel, Leroy and all, The pictures speak for themselves, and I am sure you are all encouraged by the interest shown by authors and others alike. Took me back to the day the Book Club was first launched, an occasion I felt so privileged to be present at. Long may the TT Book club continue. With all good wishes. Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] Vimto lore
FN, Pardon my ignorance, but hadn't realized that my school days favourite drink(Vimto) had an English connection. We live and learn! Mervyn(M)
[Goanet] Craftpersons
--- http://www.GOANET.org --- Goa Sudharop Annual Awards January 5, 2011 - 3:45 - 6:30pm Hotel Mandovi, Panaji, Goa Details at: http://bit.ly/GoaSudharop2011 --- Hi Fred, The one potter who immediately comes to mind is John Paul of Jose Valles Sons, Vaddem, Socorro. Because of my wife(Elsie's) interest in pottery, I spent quite some time visiting this pottery, learning about his different methods of firing etc etc and took several photographs. Very interesting and pity I couldn't spend more time during my recent trip to Goa. Another craftsperson, whose premises I visited - Verodina at The Attic, Camarcazana, Mapuca. Makes terracota figurines and I also saw some old type Goan furniture here. Have some photos. Mervyn(M) --- NEW BOOK: 'PATRIOTISM IN ACTION: Goans in Indias Defence Services' Copies now available at: GOA: Literati (2277740), Other India (2263306), Broadway (6647038), Mandovi (2427904), Noel DSilva Associates (9823120454 / 9096781714), Confidant / Golden Heart Emp (2732450), David Co (2730326), Vardaan (9527463684) SERV / RETD Def Offrs in Goa: O/o Sainik Co-op Hse Bldg Sty, Def Col, Porvorim (2417288) MUMBAI: David Co (22019010) PUNE: Manneys (26131683), Popular (25678327) BENGALURU: Narayan (22865800) DELHI: Ritana (24617278) ONLINE (worldwide delivery): http://www.ritanabooks.com/booksdistri.htm, http://goa1556.goa-india.org ---
[Goanet] GOANS OF THE NAIROBI ORCHESTRA
--- http://www.GOANET.org --- NEW BOOK: 'PATRIOTISM IN ACTION: Goans in Indias Defence Services' With Foreword by Gen SF Rodrigues, PVSM, VSM, ADC (retd) former Chief of Indian Army Staff and Governor, Punjab Administrator, Chandigarh UT Copies now available at: GOA: Literati (2277740), Other India (2263306), Broadway (6647038), Mandovi (2427904), Noel DSilva Associates (9823120454 / 9096781714), Confidant / Golden Heart Emp (2732450), David Co (2730326), Vardaan (9527463684) SERV / RETD Def Offrs in Goa: O/o Sainik Co-op Hse Bldg Sty, Def Col, Porvorim (2417288) MUMBAI: David Co (22019010) PUNE: Manneys (26131683), Popular (25678327) BENGALURU: Narayan (22865800) DELHI: Ritana (24617278) ONLINE (worldwide delivery): http://www.ritanabooks.com, http://goa1556.goa-india.org --- Goan music lovers will be pleased to hear that the contribution made by Goans in the Nairobi orchestra. has now been well documented in a recently-published book, *QUAVERS NEAR THE EQUATOR,* by Richard(Dick) Moss - player, conductor and 'general dogsbody' who has been associated with the orchestra for 50 years.(although I have never met Dick personally, we have corresponded over the years and have mutual friends in the classical music world. But for a message from my good friend, Cynthia Salvadori, I might have missed this gem). Among the many Goans featured in the book are my late friends Tony Alvares Oboe Noronha. Others who feature in this masterly volume include: Aires Campos A Mr. DeSouza Diana DeSouza Walter Fernandes Prashant Fernandes Rudolf Gonsalves Ilda Noronha(nee Rodrigues) Luis Pires Gillio Pires Albert, Braz Kirk Rodrigues Leandro Saldanha and A Mr. Vas Without in any way wishing to minimise the part played by other Goans mentioned in the book, I'd like to, if I may, quote from a brief tribute to my friend Tony Alvares: *On his first day as a Civil Servant, he(Tony) was introduced to his boss(the Chief Native Commissioner* **at the Secretariat), who haughtily announced, we have a violinist as our Registry Clerk -has my section been up-graded? These, and many glowing tributes are paid to Tony and others while the Goan Institute and Dr. Ribeiro's Goan School are also mentioned. The book, priced at £20 would make an ideal late Christmas present; details ISBN 978-9966-05-261-5 Published in 2010 in England. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] WHY DO GOANS NOT PAY A FAIR PRICE
--- http://www.GOANET.org --- NEW BOOK: 'PATRIOTISM IN ACTION: Goans in Indias Defence Services' With Foreword by Gen SF Rodrigues, PVSM, VSM, ADC (retd) former Chief of Indian Army Staff and Governor, Punjab Administrator, Chandigarh UT Copies now available at: GOA: Literati (2277740), Other India (2263306), Broadway (6647038), Mandovi (2427904), Noel DSilva Associates (9823120454 / 9096781714), Confidant / Golden Heart Emp (2732450), David Co (2730326), Vardaan (9527463684) SERV / RETD Def Offrs in Goa: O/o Sainik Co-op Hse Bldg Sty, Def Col, Porvorim (2417288) MUMBAI: David Co (22019010) PUNE: Manneys (26131683), Popular (25678327) BENGALURU: Narayan (22865800) DELHI: Ritana (24617278) ONLINE (worldwide delivery): http://www.ritanabooks.com, http://goa1556.goa-india.org --- Well said, Roland.I think you've hit the nail squarely on the head. This has been my experience too. When my wife's Goan cookery book was published a few years ago, some well to do Goans, far from spending a negligible £2(a percentage of which was going towards charity), even had the cheek to ask whether they could borrow the book and make photocopies of recipes they fancied! I remember being present at the stall where Selma's book was being sold, and noticing a Goan couple flicking through the pages, commenting its a nice book, but then cooling walking away. I expect the Goa sausages and similar Goan fare were top priority! As for the fate of my own book, I'll say no more. Why are some of us so reluctant to support our own? Mervyn (Maciel)
[Goanet] CHRISTMAS IN BRITAIN CELEBRATED AS IT SHOULD BE
Goanetters annual year-end meet is on Dec 27, 2010 (Monday) from 4-6 pm at Institute Piedade (near Hotel Mandovi, opp Bread More) in Panjim. Do come along. RSVP via SMS 9822122436, f...@goa-india.org or 2409490 (after 2 pm). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Thank Heavens, commonsense has prevailed in Britain at last! No more fear of Christians celebrating Christmas lest it offended other faiths(as the 'political correctness' pundits of yesteryear dictated). Banning Nativity Plays, re-naming Christmas as Winterval or multi faith holiday are all things of the 'dismal past', and thanks to the Cameron Government for putting religion back on the the political agenda in this, a Christian country, where it rightly belongs. How refreshing to know that Christians in many parts of Britain could celebrate Christmas as they always had - attending their Church services, and later enjoying a mince pie and mulled wine without fear of causing offence to those of other faiths. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Goanetters get together on the 27th
Hi Fred, I'll be there in spirit(pun intended!). Mervyn M.
[Goanet] M.X. Fernandes of Isiolo, Kenya
*M.X. FERNANDES OF ISIOLO, Kenya* * * During my recent trip to Goa, I ran into the grandson(Mario) of Mr. M.X. Fernandes, pioneer Goan businessman of Isiolo, Northern Kenya.I am anxious to obtain a photograph of the Fernandes duka at Isiolo and wonder if any former N.F.D.-wallas can help? Mario gave me a photo of his grandparents but a photo of the duka would help enhance the article I'm working on, on this Goan pioneer. Thanks - Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Sweden, rapes, Goa
--- http://www.GOANET.org --- Book Release: Goanetter Valmiki Faleiro's Patriotism in Action Dec 18, 2010 (Sat) at 5.30 pm at Goa Chitra, Benaulim, Goa Copies available at: Hotel Mandovi or Broadway (Panjim), OIB (Mapusa), Sainik Co-Op (Porvorim), Literati (Calangute), David Co, Confidante (Margao) David Co Mumbai, Mumbai Catholic Gymkhana; Manney's and Popular (Pune), Narayan (Bangalore), Ritana Books (Delhi). Online: http://goa1556.notlong.com --- Dear Fred, I sincerely hope Goa is not treading on that route. High time the Government woke up to the seriousness of the situation and took action to stop this evil 'trade'. Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] PATRIOTISM IN ACTION
--- http://www.GOANET.org --- Book Release: Goanetter Valmiki Faleiro's Patriotism in Action Dec 18, 2010 (Sat) at 5.30 pm at Goa Chitra, Benaulim, Goa Copies available at: Hotel Mandovi or Broadway (Panjim), OIB (Mapusa), Sainik Co-Op (Porvorim), Literati (Calangute), David Co, Confidante (Margao) David Co Mumbai, Mumbai Catholic Gymkhana; Manney's and Popular (Pune), Narayan (Bangalore), Ritana Books (Delhi). Online: http://goa1556.notlong.com (DefenceColony Flyover Market) --- Every country honours its heroes and heroines, so it is refreshing to see our own Goan heroes recorded in history by Valmiki Faleiro's timely book. But for such accounts, many of us would be quite ignorant of the valuable contributions made by Goa's sons and daughters in a variety of spheres. I hope many others will be encouraged to sing the praises of our unsung heroes and heroines. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] The Canadian Dream
Selma, How I enjoyed your comments to Roland. Your mention of a young girl trying to teach you(a highly educated individual) how to send faxes (and perhaps make coffee !!)reminded me of something I experienced at my first job in London. My colleagues and I shared a Dictaphone and were expected to dictate quite a few letters daily. Imagine my surprise(and anger!) when one of the typists came up to me and asked whether I'd used the wrong word. The word I'd used was exculpate which she'd never heard.. As for punctuation and grammar, forget about it; and yet, when we had hardly been in the country for 5 minutes, we were often asked by recruitment agencies, have you any London experience? The rest is history! Mervyn (Maciel)
[Goanet] Snow, airport, flights etc
Just to let you all know that I got back safely landing at Gatwick this evening. Thompson's must have felt the pinch of paying for our stay at Dona Sylvia Beach Resort in South Goa, so sent a special plane from Manchester to pick us up. I had hoped to enjoy the luxury of this resort for another day especially since my evening was made yesterday, when I Just couldn't resist joining our famed Emeliano Da Cruz and his trio in singing some old favourites at his request. Was glad to meet this great Goan for the first time too, as also FN and many other talented Goans at their Thursday Book Club. So many memories to cherish in so fleeting a break. (I know FN meant me, and not my late brother, Wilfred) Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Guru the silent 'N'
My Ki-Swahili is pretty 'rusty' these days , but I can well remember the delicious GURU. Those of us who lived in up-country Kenya, never failed to return home without a parcel of guru after a holiday at the coast. This was often converted into the mouth-watering PARAA or fried and added to a spicy salad of finely chopped onions mixed with tomato, chilli and a generous sprinkling of vinegar. Sukari guru is, as Gabe points out, unrefined sugar,the same term being used for jaggery. The silent 'N' also reminds me of NGURUWE(pig). Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] West of Zanzibar
Asante sana, Bwana Tony. You certainly brightened an otherwise cold and dullish autumn day! What happy memories - I couldn't resist dancing to an old favourite. By sheer coincidence, we were discussing Zanzibar on another Forum, and I was explaining how we were caught up in that bloody revolution in 1964. Anyway, thanks again Tony; I now know which link to click when this b. weather gets me down! Kwaheri! Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] Sarto Esteves
Sarto Steves was a close friend of my late younger brother(Wilfred), and I remember meeting him on several occasions during my overseas leave from East Africa in the early 1950's. He struck me as a very kind and unassuming individual. He used to write fairly regularly for the Catholic journal The Examiner, and if my memory serves me, it was he who contributed the obituary of my late brother in the same journal. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Bernie Carvalho
--- http://www.GOANET.org --- Goanet joins Noel Rebello to raise money for Daddy's Home (Margao, Goa) Sponsor Noel as he climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,882m or 19,298 ft) Make a donation at www.Goanet.org, click on MAKE A DONATION, state Daddy's Home in the Donation comments For more information see: http://bit.ly/SupportDaddysHome --- Many thanks Jose for the helpful information. Mervyn(M)
[Goanet] Looking for Bernie Carvalho
--- http://www.GOANET.org --- Goanet joins Noel Rebello to raise money for Daddy's Home (Margao, Goa) Sponsor Noel as he climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,882m or 19,298 ft) Make a donation at www.Goanet.org, click on MAKE A DONATION, state Daddy's Home in the Donation comments For more information see: http://bit.ly/SupportDaddysHome --- At our(Kenya Administration Club) annual luncheon at Henley-on-Thames(Oxford) today(19th Sept), I was asked by an English colleague about the present whereabouts of Bernie Carvalho who worked for the East African Customs and Excise. If anyone knows his whereabouts, could they please contact me at: mervynels.watuwasha...@gmail.com Many thanks. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Dr. Cornel D'Costa
To say that I am visibly shocked would be putting it mildly. I can hardly believe that we both shared the stage only a few weeks ago at the Goan Festival which saw the launch of Selma's now-popular book. Cornel and I exchanged views on a variety of subjects and he always mentioned his regret that Goans, generally speaking, didn't take an interest in books and reading in general. He was a great orator and writer too and had many other strings to his bow including his musical talents. Many of his former Mombasa band colleagues will miss, just as I do. Words cannot express how empty I feel on the passing away of a great Goan. His memory will live on. He may have been an atheist, but I believe in a forgiving God, and pray that his soul may rest in peace. On behalf of my wife and myself, I should like to send our deepest condolences to his family. Mervyn(Maciel)
[Goanet] GOA TODAY
I think the year 1966 which Anna-Maria refers to, may have been the year when Goa Today was published under it's new ownership. It was FIRST published much earlier and started by my dear friend Lambert Mascarenhas. Here's an extract from the Editorial of the Ruby Anniversary issue: On this momentous occasion, right at the start, I can't help offering my salutation to the magazine's stout-hearted founder-editor, Lambert Mascarenhas, now a nonagenarian - for not only founding the magazine, but for nurturing it for 19 long years before passing on the baton to us -- Mervyn Maciel * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ISSUES BEING DEBATED: In East Africa, despite colonialism, the British afforded the Goan a sliver of a socio-political voice. Read *Into The Diaspora Wilderness* by Selma Carvalho. Soon to be available in Toronto. Pp 290. Via mail-order from goa1...@gmail.com http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/
[Goanet] DISTH
What an amusing subject which brings back so many memories of my childhood days in Goa. I don't think my brothers and I ever escaped the DISTH ritual on our annual holidays in Goa. To us, it was a bit of fun. Whenever we complained of 'suddenly feeling unwell,the immediate diagnosis of our elders was this MUST be disht - the evil eye of so and so. My brothers and I couldn't help giggling during the 'ritual' as the rubbing of the chillies against our bodies left us with a ticklish feeling. Not everyone seemed 'qualified' to perform this ritual. There were those among our villagers whose hands were more effective or, as the Konkani expression went, Taso ath patha(pardon me if I've got this wrong, but this how I remember it, phonetically speaking!). I had my DISHT taken out with plump chillies(oh, what a waste I think now!) and salt, alum and, if I remember rightly, a wettish paste made with some leaves, which were then sprinkled on your face! Be interesting to hear what other goanetters have been through. Mervyn Maciel -- Mervyn * * * How were the 1950s, East African Goans and British Overseas Citizenship linked? Which Kenyan-Goan was one of the world fastest sprinters in the 1960s? What did the 1878 London-Lisbon treaty mean to Goa? Find your answers in Selma Carvalho's *Into the Goan Diaspora Wilderness*. Buy from Broadways Book Centre, Panjim [Ph +91-9822488564] Price (in Goa only) Rs 295. http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/ * * *
[Goanet] Eddie George
I have so far resisted the temptation of entering the fray as there were far more seasoned goanetters who were contributing to this 'debate'. Having seen the latest posts, all I can say is - All's well that ends well -with a touch of humour too! Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] While researching Kenya and the Caroline Elkins book
Those of you who have read my memoirs will know that I too was in Kenya during the Mau Mau era and in fact came in contact with many of the Mau Mau leaders, some of whom went on to become Ministers in Kenyatta's first independent government. I was also sent to Kapenguria during the Kenyatta trial and used to see Kenyatta and the political prisoners charged with him -being led daily from the Prison,passed my government quarter to the improvised Court house.Also met several of the Defence Counsel - D.N. Pritt, Diwan Chaman Lal, Kapila and Fitz D'Souza. Being stationed in a predominantly White settler farming area, I was well aware of the Mau Mau activity in the district and within the Province generally. Everyone lived in fear in those days, and seeing white farmers fully armed while shopping, was not an uncommon sight in town. Part of my job(in the absence of the District Commissioner), also included the issue of Travel Passes to members of the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru tribes whose movements were restricted during the Emergency. There is no doubt that atrocities were committed on both sides, but some of methods described by Elkins are truly barbaric and cannot be condoned. During my later posting to the Northern Frontier Province - where many of the political prisoners were restricted, I was also responsible for visiting them, censoring all their in-coming and out-going mail etc. All this at a time when the D.C. was the sole Administrative official, with no District Officer to assist him. I always treated the detainees with respect but, as a serving civil servant at the time, could not discuss politics! The Mau Mau uprising turned bloody more because the powers that be failed to sense the mood of the African masses(especially the Kikuyu). Mervyn Maciel -- Mervyn
[Goanet] Who the bleep cares about Valentine Andrade Caetano Rodrigues
Thanks, Selma, for resurrecting the names of these gallant Goans, Valentine and Caetano from the [mists of obscurity]. Perhaps there are similar 'untold' instances of bravery by our Goans which lie buried in family archives. While history records the part played by the White Man in opening Africa, we can all take pride in the fact that none of this would have been possible without the sacrifices made by individuals like Valentine and Caetano and many other unsung heroes. -- Mervyn M.
[Goanet] Goan Wedding Traditions
--- Sign the Petition requesting The Honble Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/C) to maintain the moratorium on issuing further environmental clearances for mining activities in Goa http://goanvoice.org.uk/miningpetition.php --- In Village Goa by Olvinho Gomes, there is a reference to The Bath with coconut-pulp juice -- Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Old Konkani Records
Just a shot in the dark maybe, but while all this discussion on 'Old Konkani records is going on.. I wonder if anyone on goanet has some of the old Konkani records produced in Bombay in the 40's by HMV, and which contain songs composed by my late cousin Joaquim (Jock) Sequeira? Or would they be able to direct me to anyone who may be able to help in this matter. Some of the song titles: 1.Maibas Mostitai? - a plea not to trample upon the language of our forebears 2.Mog Castam Pollenam - an old theme of how caste differences come in the way of marriage proposals etc. 3.Dorian Meloi Puta - This song, with a poignant touch(and sung on the original recording by my late brother(Fr.Joe Maciel, S.J.) - is about the tragic death at sea of my late parents during World War II when the ill-fated TILAWA was torpedoed by the Japs, and we, 3 brothers, became orphans overnight! There are many others, of topical Goan folklore, and both Jock's sons and I are anxious to try and preserve these, maybe on a CD/DVD with help possibly from Sigrid. Some years ago, and before Jock's death, we produced a cassette, here in the UK, of some of his compositions, but as the recording was done at home(and not in a studio), the quality isn't what it should be! I feel that those of my vintage must surely be interested in the old,, truly Goan folk songs with none of today's Indianised/Westernised adulteration. -- Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Deu borem korun
Whenever I've used Deu borem korun or Deu boro dis dium in the past, I've always heard the response, tuka-i-dium. Doesn't kurpa refer more to grace- in the religious sort of sense? -- Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Goans dom't read or write enough
I tend to agree with Ben Antao, although I feel his comments are not intended as a generalisation. While there seems to be too much emphasis laid on socializing - even in our Goan Institutions, I feel the injection of some intellectual stimulus would not go amiss. -- Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Racist Tourists in Goa
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- Apropos the apparent take over of parts of the Morjem beach area, by Russians, I came across some interesting comments made in the correspondence columns of a then U.K.-based Goan magazine, nearly 20 years ago, which I'd like to share with goanetters.Extracts from one letter read: We are being flooded with low budget European tourists who find themselves receiving fantastic treatment from the locals, quite out ofproportion to what they have paid for their holiday.These tourists are clearly from the rough end of the social classes in Britain or Germany(my comment -*Russians had not* *entered the tourist scene then). Sadly, we Goans have such slavish attitudes to white people that we are prepared to accept all kinds of abuse from them* *Another correspondent wrote:* *Because of these tourists, we locals have to pay more for food and transport; we get kicked by these people and have to even put up with* *pockets of prostitution and concubinage in the Baga-Calangute belt and Dona Paula..and then goes on to add ..if there are more of these* *colour-conscious and arrogant European tourists, I won't be surprised* *if parts of our beaches become, WHITES ONLY zones. I hope* *socially-conscious groups take up the issue of these new colonialist,* *half-naked tourists and their local tour operator/hotelier running dogs.* *Doesn't appear that much has changed since these comments were made?* * * * * *Mervyn (Maciel) * -- Mervyn
[Goanet] Who the bleep cares about Colonial Clerks and Goan honour
--- *** Follow Goanet on Twitter *** http://twitter.com/goanet --- I had circulated Selma's pieced among a former Colonial official friend of mine, and this was his response: -- Dear Mervyn, That's a fine tribute to all the Goans in the Kenya Service. We could not have run the country without you. If the Kenya Government had allowed the Goans to remain in the Civil Service there would not be half the corruption that there is today. Every week there is a new corruption scandal in Kenya. The latest is the disappearance of Sh 100 million from Free Primary Education funds. There is also now an investigation (?) into the loss of millions of shillings from the importation and sale of 3 million bags of maize during the famine of 2008. A sad state of affairs. Best Wishes, Peter . Peter Fullerton, in addition to being Secretary of the Kenya Administration Club (of which I am a member), is also a former District Commissioner and post Kenya was in the Diplomatic service. Mervyn
[Goanet] Vegetable Seed growing in Goa
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible Hi Frederick, Sorry, but I can't remember the actual name of the seed company apart from the word Pestonji which sticks in my mind. I was never in Poona so can't recall the address(i.e. road etc) The various vegetables you've mentioned should all do well in Goa; I remember some of them from my childhood days in Goa where some of our villagers would grow prize lady fingers, snake gourds, tendlim, not forgetting thambdi bhaji(which sadly I've not been able to grow in our allotment plot even though our mutual friend Tony Fernandes(TF) has had success. It was he who gave me the seeds. As for marigold - this should do well in Goa. We grow it here and it almost goes wild! My wife(Elsie) uses the flowers to make a cream(ointment) for dry skin which is very effective. The flower belongs to the Calendula family. Good luck to your friend. -- Mervyn
[Goanet] Wanted -Vegetable Seeds
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible Hi Frederick, Don't know if our seeds would do well in the Goa climate. Have you tried the Agricultural department in Goa or a firm in Poona I seem to remember during my school days in Belgaum - they were called Pestonji Poonja Sons(sorry memory lapse, so can't guarantee spelling!)- but they specialised in seeds. I shall make enquiries and see if the varieties of lettuce, cucumber, pumpkin, butternut squash etc that we grow would do well in Goa. Happy sowing! -- Mervyn
[Goanet] The Governor's wife
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Two new showrooms/office spaces, double height (135 sq m each with bath) for lease in upscale Campal/Miramar beach area, Panaji, Goa. Contact: goaengineer...@aol.com Although I've never lived in Tanganyika/Tanzania, I found this piece by Tony Barros quite interesting. BTW, was the Governor in question Sir Rex Hunt formerly of the Falkland Islands? Mervyn Maciel -- Mervyn
[Goanet] Treatment of British families in Goa
Pardon me if my thinking on this issue is a bit 'clouded';I had all along assumed that the discussion was not so much about foreigners pushing up the price of property(or fish for that matter!), to the detriment of the indigenous Goans, but rather, the sad plight of those British expatriates who, having gone through reputed lawyers and Estate Agents, and bought their properties legally(after all one expects local lawyers/Estate Agents to be au fait with the laws obtaining in their own country?)- now find themselves in the unfortunate situation of losing these properties and their life savings solely because a law is now being applied retrospectively to Goa. By all means, restrict the sale of property to foreigners and perhaps, speculative land sharks too, but where property has been legally acquired, I cannot see the justification in wanting to take it back. No one is condoning illegal deals, but surely if lawyers, Estate Agents and Banks were all involved in the initial advice-giving and subsequent transactions, then I feel it is they who should now face the music. Mervyn Maciel --
[Goanet] Treatment of British Families in Goa
I agree wholeheartedly with Tony de Sa's comments.Where property has been acquired illegally, by all means, let the culprits - be they politicians, lawyers or whoever, face the rigors of the law. Some Brits may well have been gullible and trusted their host advisers. If, however, they have gone through reputable and registered lawyers and Estate Agents, then I feel the onus of responsibility should lie on the shoulders of the latter. I do not in any way wish to appear to be siding with the Brits, but I think there is such a thing as trust and fair play. Mervyn Maciel --
[Goanet] Treatment of British Families in Goa
As a Goan, I was ashamed to read of the plight of innocent British families who, havingfollowed the proper procedures and legitimately bought property in Goa, now find themselves being hounded by the authorities, and risk losing these properties . I hope their Petition to Prime Minister Gordon Brown will receive the support it deserves. It is disgraceful to find that while we, Goans, who emigrated to Britain from East Africa, India/Pakistan or elsewhere, were, on the whole, made welcome, the same courtesies cannot be extended to these unfortunate Britons. -- Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] An Expatriate Goan's Personal Recollections of the Catholic Church in Colonial Kenya
Religion, it is said, is the process of entering into personal communication with God - a matter of deep faith so to speak; and we, Goans, true to our Patron Saint, St. Francis Xavier, have carried our faith to the far corners of the globe, and so, it was not unusual that Goans should take an active interest and involve themselves in all matters relating to the church. Of us, like the Poles, it could be said, Goans, semper fidelis(always true to the Church). While Goan Catholics are among the best known of Kenya's Asian communities, what is less well known is that their association with Kenya predates the colonial era; and yet, very little has been documented of that early history in Kenya especially during the Portuguese presence. Commercial though the Portuguese exploitation of the Indian ocean and colonisation of Goa was, religious proselytizing served as a moral and convenient justification for imperial expansion, and the serious missionary work which began in Goa - firstly by the Dominicans(followed latterly by the Franciscans, Augustinians, Carmelites and Jesuits), resulted in our conversion to Roman Catholicism. Thus began the inter-twining of two major branches of the Indo-European cultures. Catholic Goans are therefore often referred to as European Indians, and Goa itself, as Rome of the East, It is a well known fact that Goans have made a significant contribution towards the establishment of Catholicism in Kenya. They have been amongst the founders, and latterly, pillars of the church - as in the case of the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Mombasa(where, incidentally, my own parents were married in 1926), the Holy Family Basilica, Consolata Church and St. Paul's chapel in Nairobi. Whenever newly-arrived European missionaries set foot on Kenya soil, it was the Goans they turned to for moral and other financial support. Many of the churches in the smaller towns of Kenya also owe their existence to the collective efforts of Goans. In 1933, the Goans built their own church in one of Nairobi's suburbs, Parklands, and named it appropriately after their Patron, St. Francis Xavier. Nor did the Goan contribution end there; they were co-founders of various Church organisations like the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Legion of Mary, Catholic Action groups etc. Because of their ingrained love of music and aptitude for singing, the Goans were quick to start choirs, many of which graced the cathedrals and churches of Kenya. The Goans were equally generous when the question of Catholic education was raised, and donated freely towards the establishment of schools in Nairobi and elsewhere. All this, despite the discrimination practised in Catholic establishments, where many Catholic schools, siding with the Colonial government of the day, did not admit non-European Catholics to their schools. The same was true of mission-run hospitals. Sadly, it must be recorded, that while the missionaries made good use of the Goans - a matter of convenience almost, the treatment that some of these Catholic Goans received at the hands of some priests and nuns was, to say the least, deplorable. Racial discrimination was rife in schools and hospitals(mission hospitals at that!), where White non-Catholics were freely admitted while Goan catholics were left in the lurch. Many Goans who did not speak English, but who were devout and staunch Catholics, were openly discriminated against even in churches, where benches, especially at Christmastime, were reserved for Europeans(in many cases, such Europeans being 'once-a-year-churchgoers'). Mothers were often humiliated by the priest asking them to take their crying infants out of the Church,while no White mother was discriminated in this way. I realize that all this will make sad reading but feel that the story needs to be recorded if only to complete the whole picture of missionary activity in colonial Kenya. I may add that I have many friends among the missionaries in Kenya - both White, Brown and Black - Bishops, priests and ordinary folk. On various occasions I have discussed this issue with them and found that they were in agreement with many of the issues raised in this article. Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] GOANS THE COLONIAL ADMINISTRATION
Remembering Aquino Braganca (b. 6 April 1924), who fought for freedom of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. An online tribute http://aquinobraganca.wordpress.com/ (includes many historical references, some photographs and documents) While Fitz De Souza is quite right in pointing out that Goans formed the backbone of the British Colonial Administration in East Africa, I'm afraid I cannot agree with his observation that they could have been more critical of White colonialism in the dark continent. What Fitz has to remember is that the Goans he is probably referring to were all civil servants like myself. As such, we were not permitted to engage in politics or make any political statements however much we may have wanted to do so. We could not(and here I speak personally) afford the luxury of losing our jobs. When an opportunity presented itself, here in the U.K., I made my feelings clear in a speech delivered at Henley-on-Thames, Oxford, some years ago, and which some of you may have read.In a further article published in the Kenya journal, KENYA PAST PRESENT,(a magazine of the Kenya Museum Society), I put the Goan contribution on record. Mervyn Maciel -- Mervyn
[Goanet] Preservation of Nairobi South Cemetery
Remembering Aquino Braganca (b. 6 April 1924), who fought for freedom of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. An online tribute http://aquinobraganca.wordpress.com/ (includes many historical references, some photographs and documents) Interested goanetters may remember my appeal in December last year regarding the preservation of Nairobi South cemetery where many of our Goan pioneers were buried. Following my introduction of some prominent Nairobi Goans to my historian friend(Monty Brown,author Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society), I have now received some feedback. The Goans who met Monty were unaware of the fact that over 170 Goans(including children) were buried in Nairobi South cemetery and, as a result of their interest, they were able to meet at the cemetery last month, and were shown the Goan burial areas. The idea, as I mentioned earlier, is to have the place gazetted as a National Monument by the Museum of Kenya. Those interested in supporting this worthy project should contact: Jack de Souza P.O. Box 49872, Nairobi 00100-Kenya or by e-mail at: jdeso...@copycatltd.com I very much hope that Goans, especially those with East Africa connections, will support this worthy cause, and towards this end would ask Goan Associations worldwide to give this project publicity. Thank you. Mervyn Maciel -- Mervyn
[Goanet] Days of the Goan Bullock Cart
I must say I enjoyed Tony Fernandes's reminisces of the Eco-friendlyGoan ghaddo. It took me back to the day, some 3 years ago, when I just couldn't resist the temptation of hitching a ride on one of these carts from my ancestral home to the local shop(posro), much to the amusement of my neighbours and other lookers-on. Have a photo to prove this! Mervyn Maciel --
[Goanet] What happened to the Great Goan Poie
Like others on the forum, I too ' mourn the passing away' of our humble Goan poie. I can still recall how, during our school days in Goa, we used to look forward to the arrival of the Poder when, among the few white loaves we bought, there always HAD to be at least 2 Poies! These days we are so conscious about the type of bread we eat - be it wholemeal, allbran, or whatever. What wouldn't I give for the return of the humble Goan poie? Mervyn Maciel
[Goanet] Why the West's luck has run out
Thanks, Marcos for that true-to-life article.Reminded me of the poem we learnt at school in our younger days; here, are a few lines that my now-failing memory has retained: I owe no penny, I cannot pay I thank the river Dee That turns the mill, That grinds the corn To feed my babes and me. Oh, for those pre-Credit card days! Mervyn
[Goanet] Heavy snow and travel chaos
It looks as though it is only in Britain that things grind to a halt when wehave what others call a flurry of snow. Good excuse for workers to take days off and for school children to have extra holidays, but what of the consequences? Even our postmen seem to find it hard to deliver our mail. For the second day running I, like many others, have had no mail. I do miss my daily mail. I daresay we will all have to pay for this added luxury through extra taxes Mervyn Maciel
