[Goanet] End of GVUK

[Mervyn Maciel]

As the familiar GVUK changes in the New Year,
I'd like to thank Eddie and Lira for their selfless
efforts in producing the daily newsletter for almost
a quarter of a century.
Many of us are going to miss this letter which we took
for granted. That Eddie managed to produce this in all
weathersand even when on holiday, is commendable and
stands to his credit.
  Thank you again Eddie and Lira and we wish you both well in the future.


Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] Keeping tyhe memory of the SS TILAWA alive

[Mervyn Maciel]

Hi Darrell,

Don't want to bore Goanetters with something
that may not be of interest to all - so prefer
to continue this thread with you in private.


Mervyn

On Sat, 14 Oct 2023 at 09:07, Mervyn Maciel <
mervynels.watuwasha...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Dear Darell and all,
>
> My apologies for not checking that my original
> poem was not reproduced in full. Here are the
> missing verses - with apologies again!
>
>
> Mervyn
>
>
>
> “He smilingly said, “I’ll come back soon ,
> But we knew not death would call so soon!
>
> So soon God’s Summons,
> So quick the deep sea
> Did swallow them all, O Destiny,
> No time to say, goodbye,
> No time to say , Wait,
> Death’s cold gatekeeper
> Had  opened the gate!
>And now that he’s gone we can murmur not,
> But trust in God for that’s our lot,
> And trusting in Him who reigns on high
> We’ll patiently wait till the end draws nigh.
>Then Daddy and Mummy
> Soon shall we meet
> When death has silenced our last heartbeat
>  There shall we meet forever and ever,
> In Heaven so beautiful, we shall part - No NEVER!
>
>
>
>
>

[Goanet] Keeping tyhe memory of the SS TILAWA alive

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear Darell and all,

My apologies for not checking that my original
poem was not reproduced in full. Here are the
missing verses - with apologies again!


Mervyn



“He smilingly said, “I’ll come back soon ,
But we knew not death would call so soon!

So soon God’s Summons,
So quick the deep sea
Did swallow them all, O Destiny,
No time to say, goodbye,
No time to say , Wait,
Death’s cold gatekeeper
Had  opened the gate!
   And now that he’s gone we can murmur not,
But trust in God for that’s our lot,
And trusting in Him who reigns on high
We’ll patiently wait till the end draws nigh.
   Then Daddy and Mummy
Soon shall we meet
When death has silenced our last heartbeat
 There shall we meet forever and ever,
In Heaven so beautiful, we shall part - No NEVER!

[Goanet] Keeping the memory of the SS Tilawa alive

[Mervyn Maciel]

Sharing my letter to the Editor which has appeared
in the latest issue of old africa magazine.

Mervyn

ISSUE No.109 October-November 2023 OLD AFRICA 6
would be of interest for pilots,
students or even passengers.
Dr Anahied Gafar,
Khartoum. Sudan

Dear Editor,
As you must know by now,
everything stops with me
whenever a copy of Old Africa
turns up. Today is such a day!
I was delighted to read the
article, “To East Africa by
Sea” by Michael Sparrow.
What caught my eyes even
more, was the photo of the
B.I. liner, the AMRA on which
I travelled from Bombay to
Mombasa in 1947. It revived
so many near-lost memories.
Most of the Goan Civil
Servants from East Africa,
(Kenya, Uganda and
Tanganyika) were entitled
to overseas leave with FREE
second class passages for
themselves and their families
to either Bombay or Goa
(where most of us headed to).
Travelling on the AMRA was
more like a ‘HOME FROM
HOME’ as both the Purser
and Assistant Purser were
Goans - so too were most of
the cabin boys.
The fact that I loved singing
and dancing made me a
rather popular passenger
on the voyage. I am lucky
in that I don’t suffer from
seasickness. I enjoyed the
voyage immensely and did
full justice to the food and
drink. Since I entertained the
passengers with my singing,
I was never short of a drink
either. My cup was forever
overflowing!
Later on after my marriage
and subsequent promotion,
I was entitled to First Class
Passages for my entire family
and myself.
I can still recall the stops at
Mahe in the Seychelles where

we were allowed to disembark
and tour the town and buy
the assortment of curios that
were available. It is only
during the conflict between
India and Portugal that our
ship was not allowed to land
in Marmagoa and instead,
we had to go all the way via
Karachi but were not allowed
to disembark, so I saw very
little of Karachi except for the
port!
My wife and children
enjoyed the voyages
immensely and the kids were
always fussed over by the
captain and some of his staff.
Travelling by sea also
brings back sad memories for
me personally since it was on
such a voyage during World
War II, that I lost my entire
family (Dad, step-Mum and
three very young children -
two girls aged three years and
three months respectively
and a boy just one year old
- a devastating blow for us
all as my two brothers and I
were still at school in British
India and became orphans
overnight. Thanks to a kindly
maternal grandfather, we
were all supported until we’d
finished our schooling.
It is sad that the tragic
case of the sinking of the SS
TILAWA seems to have been
almost forgotten altogether.
Thanks to a friend, Emile
Solanki from Toronto and his
father Kash, from Leicester,
we are determined to keep
the memory of the TILAWA
alive. Towards this end, a
commemoration was held
in Bombay in November
last year, which sadly I was
unable to attend and at
which the Chief Guest was
the Deputy British High
Commissioner in Bombay,
who, at the conclusion of his

speech, read out a poem I’d
composed as a 14-year old
schoolboy to mark the sad
loss of my entire family.
I very much hope that
the story of the SS TILAWA
will be kept alive, if only to
honour the memory of my late
family and many others who
perished when two Japanese
torpedoes were fired at this
passenger ship in November
1942. Here in London,
we are hoping to hold a
similar commemoration at
the Maritime Museum in
Greenwich on the very day in
November this year.
Mervyn Maciel, Sutton, Surrey
The following poem
was composed by Mervyn
Maciel in 1944 on the
second anniversary of his
family’s tragic death in the
torpedoed SS TILAWA.
MEMORIAM
by Mervyn Maciel
My mother was snatched at
too early an age
My father soon followed that
same old stage,
And left us three brothers
quite helpless and alone,
To bear the yoke that they
had borne.
My mother’s death took
place at home
Where all of us did weep and

mourn;

But my father’s was a death

at sea,
It tore our hearts and
orphaned three!
My Dad with step-mum and
children three,
Was sailing to Africa full of

glee;

He smilingly said, “I’ll come

[Goanet] Valmiki Faleiro

[Mervyn Maciel]

I was truly saddened to hear of the sudden passing away of a dear friend,
Valmiki.
Valmiki was a rare breed of Goans,highly intelligent and
yet, very modest.
  Like many others, I'd written to congratulate him on his latest book -
"Goa - 1961" which received rave reviews.
He was always very encouraging in his responses to my
letters.
   He certainly leaves a void in the literary Goan World, and I send my
sincere condolences to his family, and may
his soul rest in Peace.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Fwd: BBC World Service Request - Arvindbhai Jani

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear All,

Sending you the email just received from the Producer of
the Tilawa tragedy programme. Although with many others,I
lost my entire family, this short programme concentrates on
the survivors. 
We are hoping to hold a Commemoration in November this
year at the Maritime Museum in Greenwich - the first of its kind
in the UK.

Mervyn


Begin forwarded message:

> From: Ben Henderson 
> Date: 4 May 2023 at 12:19:32 BST
> To: Mervyn Maciel 
> Subject: RE: BBC World Service Request - Arvindbhai Jani
> 
> Hi Mervyn,
>  
> If they click this link they can listen to it anytime from the 9th May: 
> https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4xg2
>   
> Or, if they listen to podcasts they just need to type in ‘Witness History SS  
> Tilawarece’ in the search bar of their podcast platform then scroll down to 
> the episode from 9th May.
>  
> Let me know if that’s unclear.
>  
> All the best!
>  
> Ben
>  
>  short
> Ben Henderson
> Presenter & Producer – Witness History & Sporting Witness, BBC World Service
> +44 (0)7977 290 086
> Twitter: @benhenderson96
> Listen to Witness History here
> 
>  
>  
>  
> From: Mervyn Maciel  
> Sent: 03 May 2023 11:07
> To: Ben Henderson 
> Subject: Re: BBC World Service Request - Arvindbhai Jani
>  
> Morning Ben.
> Looking forward to the programme on 9/10th.
> Just wondered whether my 
> overseas friends will be able to access the programme after these dates - 
> just in case they missed them due to holidays etc?
> Thanks and apologies for the trouble.
> Have a good day (busy I expect with the coronation looming? I met the King 
> when Prince of Wales a few
> years ago and have a photo of the occasion!
>  
> Mervyn 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> 
> On 16 Mar 2023, at 09:59, Mervyn Maciel  
> wrote:
> 
> Thanks Ben.
> No problem at all not mentioning my name!
> Grateful for all your help and interest.
> Kind regards.
>  
> Mervyn
>  
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> On 16 Mar 2023, at 08:36, Ben Henderson  wrote:
> 
> Hi Mervyn,
>  
> Of course!
>  
> By the way, whilst I use the recording of Adam Gemell reading your poem in 
> the piece and a description of you I don’t include your name. Really sorry 
> about that it’s just there’s so much to include in only 9 minutes especially 
> with two survivors giving their accounts. We generally try to mention as few 
> characters as possible to avoid confusing the audience.
>  
> I wanted to flag that to you as I don’t want you to be disappointed when you 
> hear it.
>  
> I hopeful that’s ok.
>  
> Kind Regards,not
>  
> Ben
>  
>  
> Ben Henderson
> Presenter & Producer – Witness History & Sporting Witness, BBC World Service
> +44 (0)7977 290 086
> Twitter: @benhenderson96
> Listen to Witness History here
> 
>  
>  
>  
> From: Mervyn Maciel  
> Sent: 15 March 2023 17:29
> To: Ben Henderson 
> Subject: Re: BBC World Service Request - Arvindbhai Jani
>  
> Sorry to worry you Ben, but I just wondered if it  is at all possible to send 
> the link a day or so before 9th May more so because of my overseas friends.
> Sorry for being a pest!
> Many thanks and all the best.
>  
> Mervyn 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> 
> 
> On 10 Mar 2023, at 14:54, Mervyn Macie  
> wrote:
> 
> Thanks Ben.
> Cheers 
>  
> Mervyn 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> 
> 
> On 10 Mar 2023, at 14:00, Ben Henderson  wrote:
> 
> 
> No problem Mervyn! I’ll send a link on the 9th. It’ll air on the 9th at 
> 8:50am, 12:50pm, 6:50pm, 11:50pm, then on the 10th at 03:50am and 05:50am all 
> those times are in British Summer Time (BST).
>  
> All the best,
>  
> Ben
>  
>  
> Ben Henderson
> Presenter & Producer – Witness History & Sporting Witness, BBC World Service
> +44 (0)7977 290 086
> Twitter: @benhenderson96
> Listen to Witness History here
> 
>  
>  
>  
>  
> From: Mervyn Maciel  
> Sent: 10 March 2023 13:45
> To: Ben Henderson 
> Subject: Re: BBC World Service Request - Arvindbhai Jani
>  
> Thanks Ben for your message to the rest of our 
> Tilawa group.
> Nearer the date would you mind sending me the link to the programme as I know 
> many of my overseas friends will be interested.
> What time does the programme go out on the  9th May?
> Many thanks.
> Good weekend.
>  
>  
> Mervyn 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 9 Mar 2023, at 17:24, Ben Henderson  wrote:
> 
> 
> Haha never!
>  
> Speak soon.
>  
> Ben
>  
> From: Mervyn Maciel  
> Sent: 09 March 2023 16:28
> To: Ben Henderson 
> Subject: Re: BBC World Service 

[Goanet] The SS Tilawa -The Forgotten ‘Indian Titanic’

[Mervyn Maciel]

I’ve been informed that the BBC Programme will go on
air on the BBC World Service on the following days/Times:

9 th May at 8.50 am, 12.50 pm, 6.50 pm
& 11.50 pm

10th May- 03.50 am &  05.50 am 
All times are BST- British Summer Time.

The programme will concentrate more on the survivors.
The Tilawa is the vessel that claimed the lives of my entire family and
many others during World War II in November 1942.




Mervyn Maciel



 
 

[Goanet] Mombasa's Oldest Goan-Owned Bar

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear friends.
Have just received my copy of the latest Old Africa magazine in which there
is an interesting article on the Goan-owned Kilindini bar
established by A.C.DeSouza in 1908, a pioneer who I’ve met at my visits to
Mombasa.

I have been a regular visitor to this famous bar in the company of my late
cousin, Jock Sequeira. In addition to drinking at this friendly watering
hole, I’ve also enjoyed the tasty beef cutlets that Mrs. DeSouza used to
serve us whenever we ordered these or some other tasty Goan snacks -
all prepared on the premises within minutes of ordering!
It is sad to have to report that this historic pub will be demolished in
the near future to make way for a new bridge being built from the mainland
to Mombasa island.
I understand the Kilindini bar has an official Visitors Book and it has
been suggested that this book be housed in a museum in the event of the pub
being demolished.

Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] A wartime story

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear Friends,

Sending you this link to an article just published in the Goa
paper - Herald - and written by my journalist friend, Vivek Menezes.
Now trying to get someone interested in producing a documentary on
this forgotten tragedy - "The Indian Titanic"

Best.


Mervyn

03:17 (3 hours ago)

https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/%E2%80%98So-Quick-The-Deep-Sea-Did-Swallow-Them-All%E2%80%99/197583

[Goanet] Review of Braz Menezes's latest book -SOUL SEARCHING IN THE SEYCHELLES

[Mervyn Maciel]

Am appending below my Review of Braz's latest book .


Mervyn Maciel





*SOUL SEARCHING IN THE SEYCHELLES .*

*A Review of Braz  Menezes's latest book*
Not one to sit back and relax after having produced four highly
readable books,
I just wonder where my friend, Braz, gets the energy to keep going!
  Soul Searching in the Seychelles, in which the author recounts his
experiences in this Paradise on Earth - transported me back
to my own days when I too stopped over at this idyllic island on my trips
from
Goa/Bombay to Mombasa in East Africa. Those were our halcyon days!
The author has a knack of taking the reader with him sharing every detail
of the journey as he and his wife explore the possibility of taking the
children somewhere more peaceful and safer from Kenya. In the mid-seventies
that country was mired in deep and seemingly unstoppable corruption. The
opportunity to take over the architectural practice of ex Kenya Graham
McCullough, who had designed and built the luxurious
Mahe Beach Hotel was tempting. The initial trip was made April 1976, two
months before Seychelles became an Independent Nation in June of that year.
However, within a year, a coup d’etat toppled the first President, who was
replaced by the Prime Minister. The new leader changed direction and
pursued a Socialist ideology (supported by the Eastern Bloc, much to the
frustration and disappointment of the Western Bloc countries. Sanctions
were imposed. International flights stopped. Tourism and trade must have
suffered. It appears the people were happy. The government had programs
 to help the under-privileged.
However, with the benefit of hindsight and from his own experience, Braz
has tried to evaluate the country’s performance in 2022, against more
generally accepted criteria on social justice, universal literacy,
corruption perception indicators (CPI) and so forth.
After all, as he points out, Seychelles was a very lopsided society at
Independence.
Less than five percent of the population were white and wealthy (plantation
owners) with great political clout. The remainder about ninety five percent
of the population were of Creole background, most descendants of liberated
slaves, and others who came from other islands seeking employment. They had
no money, no legal rights, were lacking literacy, and opportunity. The
government focused on what is called a ‘progressive’ agenda. Free social
services, especially literacy, health, workers’ rights. This approach
appears to have paid big dividends.
But Soul Searching in the Seychelles is more than just a simple family
adventure. The Seychellois, especially those that chose to emigrate, shared
a common platform for about sixty years with Goan emigres heading to East
Africa in search of jobs. The Seychellois, smaller in numbers, found easy
accommodation under the Goan tent. They are a fun-loving community, share a
common Roman Catholic faith, some intermarried with Goans. By the time of
Independence in the East African countries in the earlysixties, both Goans
and Seychellois were forced to move again to seek peace and safety
elsewhere. As Braz reminds us, there was the Mau Mau revolt in Kenya, The
1964
Revolution in Zanzibar(which my family and I witnessed),  and finally the
mass deportations of Asians in Uganda.
Their journeys, like mine, made us seek greener pastures and many of us
found sanctuary in the U.K., Canad, Australia,anywhere where our families
could find peace, become citizens and serve their new countries with hard
work and loyalty. There are no regrets. I served my time in Kenya’s civil
service and have no regrets. As I write these words, I hear on the news
that we now have two Goan Ministers working with Prime Minister Sunak.
Makes me proud.
And so it is with the two families explored in depth in ‘Soul Searching’.
  The book includes many family photographs, many of the people I knew and
met too and this lends a warm feeling to the narrative.
   Once again, Braz has provided us with a wonderful account in a book that
is
informative, factual, and can be read by a wide audience.
I just can't wait for his next book.

Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] The hypocrisy of the Modi Government

[Mervyn Maciel]

Sharing an interesting article from the Times.


Mervyn Maciel



Spare us the Sunak sycophancy, Modi. You’re a hypocrite | Comment | The
Sunday Times (thetimes.co.uk)
<https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/7e947e62-56d5-11ed-8e9a-37443e2955cd?shareToken=fcf8de4008948c16f19aea30ba51fd2d>

Re: [Goanet] Pope Francis issues lame apology for abuse & murder of thousands of Canadian natives

[Mervyn Maciel]

I see you've indulged in your favourite pastime of 'Pope bashing' and
Catholic Church 'bashing' -
something that obviously gives you great pleasure Eddie.
Pope Francis is the first Pontiff to meet the indigenous people of Canada
and offer apologies
for the disgraceful treatment of their people by members of the Catholic
Church in the past.
In addition, I understand that some financial compensation has been made.
   Perhaps you forget that the Pope has a long history of suffering from
sciatica, a very
painful knee condition. This is why he had to use a wheelchair - certainly
not to avoid
kneeling.
  No one is condoning the evils of the past, but I think Pope Francis has
made every effort
to try and heal the wounds of the past and it seems pointless trying to
have a 'bash'
at the Pope or the Catholic church every time.
Surely, there must be other passtimes you can engage in??


Mervyn Maciel



On Sun, 23 Oct 2022 at 22:04, Eddie D'Sa  wrote:

>
> Pope Francis decided to visit Canada to apologise for the massive abuse
> and killings of thousands of indigenous Canadians (including children) over
> decades.
>
> And all he could do was issue a verbal apology for the damage done.
>
> What sort of Catholic God would allow the natives to be abused and killed
> by the white clerics without inflicting punishment on the evil doers?
>
> And was a plain verbal apology enough? Why was substantive financial and
> material reparations not dispensed over decades for the damage done?
>
>
>
>
> It's disgraceful that the white Pope, ultimately responsible for the evil
> done to the Natives sat comfortably on a chair while he was wheeled about
> on open ground accompanied by Native leaders. Why didn't he have the good
> sense and humility to adopt a kneeling posture and move kneeling to
> indicate appreciation of the sufferings of the Natives? Such a posture
> would remind him of the pain inflicted on the Natives.
>
> The apology as offered seems quite inadequate and suggests a lack of
> understanding of the sufferings meted out to the Natives by the holy white
> men.
>
>
> Eddie Ray
>
>
>
>

[Goanet] The first Goan in the mainly white Loreto Convent Valley Road

[Mervyn Maciel]

And here are two more links on Dr. Rose D'Sa's book by our
friend, Cyprian Fernandes.


Mervyn Maciel

https://www.headlinesofmylife.today/2022/10/the-law-and-dr-rose-m-dsa.html

https://www.headlinesofmylife.today/2022/10/the-first-goan-to-crack-race-bar-at.html



The first Goan in the mainly white

Loreto Convent Valley Road

[Goanet] Review of Dr. Rose D'Sa's Book

[Mervyn Maciel]

Am appending a link to the  review by our good friend,
Cyprian Fernandes of Dr. Rose D'Sa's latest book -
'*Going Juu'.*
* Dr. D'Sa is a Kenya-born Goan who rose to great heights as you*
*will see from the review. Rose D'Sa,who qualified as a barrister,*
*becoming a Professor of English Law, eventually became the longest **serving
British woman   on the E.U's  Economic and *
*Social Committee in Brussels.*
*Unfortunately, the book is only available from Berlin whence I was*
*able to **get my copy during my recent visit there.*


*Mervyn Maciel*


Thu, 6 Oct, 21:27 (10 hours ago)

https://www.headlinesofmylife.today/2022/10/rose-dsa-kenyan-goan-british-superstar.html

[Goanet] Tribute to the late Queen

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear All,

My tribute to the late has now appeared on the internet along with
hundreds of others.
   The outpouring of grief and the sheer patience of the crowds
queueing in cold weather for hours on end, just goes to show
what an exceptional monarch she really was.
   Tomorrow is going to be quite an emotional occasion for us
all, including my own family since the 19th September is also
my dear Elsie's birthday.


Mervyn

--
More news
<https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBGB998GB998=ALiCzsbiTSqVZWuBFmjthPPI5mPRMJKyLA:1663502371405=tributes+to+the+late+queen+by+email=nws=univ=u=X=2ahUKEwjAx7ifpZ76AhXNRcAKHb3RAN0Qt8YBegQIAxAF>

Her Majesty The Queen: Leave your tribute here
<https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/civic_roles/book-condolence-leave-tributes-her-majesty-the-queen.aspx>



   -
   -
   [image: Tina Larson]
   External
   303.17 September 2022 at 7:00PM, Tina Larson wrote

   You are the only Queen I've ever known! You will be missed and loved
   forever! Thank you for your service to the people and country! Condolences
   to your family and all who love you! Now reunited with your Prince! Rest In
   Peace! 
   - [image: Mervyn Maciel (93-years old)]
   External
   304.17 September 2022 at 8:11PM, Mervyn Maciel (93-years old) wrote

   HOMAGE TO AN EXCEPTIONAL QUEEN

   On that fateful September day(8th September 2022),

   The whole world st0od in shock

   'Cause the Queen they loved so much,

   Had moved to her heavenly home.

   True to the oath she once swore,

   She worked unceasingly till the very last,

   Seeing our out-going Prime Minister leave,

   While welcoming our new Prime Minister,another Liz!

   For all the good she's done during her reign

   With her steadfast faith in her God and guide,

   We pray that the Angels welcome her home

   To the HOME we are all destined to go>
   -

Re: [Goanet] [GOABOOKCLUB] 80th Anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. TILAWA

[Mervyn Maciel]

ix 5.9" guns, torpedoes, and
> even a float plane stored in her hold. During this first cruise she was
> under the command of Capt. Otto Kahler.
>
> On the morning of the 25th the Thor closed to almost point blank range
> before opening fire. Soon the Britannia was burning from stem to stern and
> sinking. The decks were strewn with dead and wounded. The 400 survivors
> were ordered into the remaining four lifeboats as the sinking Britannia's
> decks became awash.
>
> In one of these lifeboats the 27yr old Third Officer William "Mac" McVicar
> was in command. In this boat, designed for 56, were 82 people of which many
> were gravely wounded. One of the more able bodied was a young 22yr old
> Australian born Royal Navy Sub Lieutenant Ian McIntosh who had been in
> transit to his posting.
>
> McVicar had managed to plot their position before abandoning ship and
> whilst only 600 miles off West Africa his navigational experience of the
> prevailing winds and currents told him that Brazil 1600 miles to the west
> was the more achievable goal.
>
> Rigging the heavily laden boat sails was not an easy task. From the outset
> everyone was rationed to an ounce of water, one biscuit per day, and a few
> drops of condensed milk. Subsequent storms, though endangering the heavily
> laden craft, enabled rainwater to be caught.
>
> Nevertheless, the sufferings of the survivors were intense. Many were
> gravely wounded. All suffered from dehydration and many developed abscesses
> as flesh, wasting on their limbs, rasped against the hard thwarts with the
> rolling of the boat. Performance of the simple bodily functions was an
> agony. After ten days of malnutrition and exposure men began to die. A
> number of the Indian seamen drank seawater and expired in torment. But
> McVicar and McIntosh kept the spirits of the remainder up and organised
> duties for those fit enough to keep watch and to collect rainwater.
> McIntosh repaired the shrapnel rents in the lifeboat's hull with makeshift
> patches.
>
> After only 23 days at sea, McVicar, and another RNR lieutenant who died
> before the landfall was actually made sighted land, thanks to a fine piece
> of navigation. By that time, 44 men had died of their wounds or exposure
> and of the remaining 38, most were in very poor condition. They dragged
> themselves ashore near São Louis, Brazil, where they were discovered the
> following morning by a group of fishermen. They fed them, and took them in
> canoes up river to a hospital run by nuns at Corupu. A note scribbled by
> McVicar informed the British Consul and the survivors were repatriated
> after their recovery. The other Britannia's boats were picked up at sea,
> and 235 survived in all.
>
> The young Australian Sub Lieutenant went on to become Vice-Admiral Sir Ian
> McIntosh DSO DSC MBE who, as a Lieutenant, commanded HMs/m Sceptre from
> March 1942. His skills included those of towing X-craft on Operations
> Source, Guidance, and Heckle. Successful patrols in the Atlantic, Arctic,
> North Sea and Bay of Biscay earned him the accolade of "Bring em' back
> alive McIntosh" He was indeed the most successful Australian born WWII
> submarine commander. We will continue his story soon.
>
> McVicar's War was not over yet! His next vessel, the troopship California
> was in a convoy that was attacked by Focke Wulf FW 200 bombers off the
> coast of Portugal and sunk. He was rescued from the water with most of his
> crew within hours. He went on to take part in the Normandy landings.
>
> Captain William McVicar, MBE, became senior captain of the Anchor Line and
> died on 9 August 1997, aged 83.
>
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>
> http://www.german-navy.de/kriegsmarine/ships/auxcruiser/thor/
>
> *Thor (HSK 4)*
>
> The Thor was one of the few German auxiliary cruisers that did two
> operations. The first one lasted 329 days and 57532 miles, it ended in
> Hamburg on 30.04.1941 In this operation, the Thor engaged three British
> auxiliary cruisers, destroying one of them (Voltaire ) , the other two
> (Carnarvon Castle and Alcantara ) were badly damaged. Half a year later, on
> 30.11.1941 the second operation stated. It too until 14.01.1942 until the
> Thor finally broke through the British lines into the Atlantic. In
> difference to the first operation, the operation area was the Indian Ocean,
> on its way there, it was planned to capture allied whale hunters in the
> Antarctic.
>
> After 321 days the second operation ended in Yokohama, Japan on
> 09.10.1942. On 30.11.1942 the supply ship Uckermark exploded, the resulting
> fires spread on the Thor as well and destroyed the ship.
>
>
> On Sunday, 4 September 2022 at 04:38:59 UTC+5:30 gilbert2114 wrote:

[Goanet] 80th Anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. TILAWA

[Mervyn Maciel]

I have today been approached by the individuals
who want to commemorate this event.
  The S.S. TILAWA is the ship on which I lost my
parents and three very young siblings in 1942 when the ship was
torpedoed by the Japanese while on its voyage from
Bombay to East Africa..There were several survivors and
several lost their lives too.
   The organisers are asking if there are any individuals among our
people who may recall this tragedy or anything connected with
it.
   If any of you can help, I'd be grateful to hear from you.
They are also hoping to make a documentary of the TILAWA
and I have approached my friend, David Elstein, former
Chief Executive of Channel 4 to see if he can advise.

Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Book Reviews

[Mervyn Maciel]

An excellent 2-page Review of Urmilla Thakore’s book about her Scottish mother -
by Neera Kapur-Dromsom has appeared in the latest issue of Old Africa magazine.
Urmilla, or Milla as she was popularly known is the widow of Neves Pereira of 
Mombasa.
  The book talks a lot about race relations in colonial Kenya  and how her 
Indian father who had married a Scottish lady in the heady days of segregation 
was
viewed by the prejudiced Whites in Kenya.

Mervyn Maciel
Sent from my iPad

[Goanet] Book by Kenya-born Goan lady -Title: Going Juu

[Mervyn Maciel]

I have just returned from Berlin and managed to get a copy
of this very interesting book by Dr. Rose D'Sa.(It was published
in Berlin - a hardback with many photographs).
It is a story of triumph over adversity and is sure to appeal
to many Goans.

Mervyn Maciel

The author gained a doctorate in law, qualified as,
 a barrister, worked at the Human Rights Unit of
the Commonwealth Secretariat in London and
became a Professor of European Law, eventually
becoming the longest serving British woman on
the E.U's  Economic and Social Committee in Brussels.

[Goanet] 50th Anniversary of the expulsion of Uganda Asians

[Mervyn Maciel]

Am appending  a message from Praveen Moman about this
event .
  I remember speaking to Praveen when he brought out a
book about his late father who was a good friend of mine.


Mervyn Maciel


*50th anniversary of the Ugandan Asian Expulsion: Exhibition and Panel at
Arundells, Salisbury - 1 September 2022 *



Dear all



Some of you may be aware that 4 August 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of
the announcement in 1972 by then President Idi Amin of the expulsion of the
Asians from Uganda.



The Trustees of Arundells, Edward Heath's home in Salisbury, have kindly
arranged an exhibition to mark the event as the expulsion happened while
Edward Heath was Prime Minister. They have also organised a panel
discussion and reception on Thursday 1 September. It will discuss aspects
of the expulsion of the community, their arrival in the U.K. and their role
in British society today.



Nimisha Madhvani, the newly appointed Ugandan High Commissioner to the U.K.
will be among the panelists. I will be chairing the panel.



Tickers are available from
https://arundells.org/events/ugandaasianscrisis/



Could I also request you to publicise the event.



Best wishes



Praveen



Praveen Moman

[Goanet] Book by Kenya-born Goan lady

[Mervyn Maciel]

Just saw this in our Goan Voice UK daily newsletter.
Sounds like an interesting book.


Mervyn Maciel


*Rose D'Sa: Going Juu: A Tale of Three Culture - Experiences of a British
Kenyan Goan*

click to enlarge <http://unbouncepages.com/rosedsa-going-juu/>
This autobiography is about the life journey of a migrant and her
self-imposed quest to go 'juu' (a Swahili word meaning 'up'). Born in
Kenya, to parents whose ancestors came from Goa, Rose D'Sa has since lived
most of her life in Wales. Her story is about the personal response of a
British, Kenyan, Goan to the challenge of being uprooted and making the
most of her destiny. Rose arrived in the UK as a teenager with a tennis
bursary to Millfield School, qualified as a barrister, worked at the Human
Rights Unit of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, and became a
Professor of European Law, eventually becoming the longest-serving British
woman on the EU's Economic and Social Committee in Brussels.
The book describes her determination to overcome obstacles, including
bereavement and prejudice, and how love for and marriage to an Englishman
surmount the grief of the tragic early death of her father. Encounters with
royalty, politicians and other personalities add to the interest of this
entertaining book. To order your copy go to www.lexxion.eu/rosedsa-going-juu
<http://unbouncepages.com/rosedsa-going-juu/>

[Goanet] Canadian Prime Minister Praises Contribution of Expelled Uganda Asians

[Mervyn Maciel]

It is interesting to see that not only did Canada welcome Asians
who were expelled from Uganda by the evil dictator(Idi Amin), but
heartening to hear this tribute from Justin Trudeau on the contribution
these individuals have made to Canada.

Mervyn Maciel


https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2022/08/04/
statement-prime-minister-50th-anniversary-ugandan-asian-resettlement

[Goanet] Review of Dr. Leo De Souza's 1Book

[Mervyn Maciel]

Glad you enjoyed the review by my good friend, Stephen Luscombe. Roland.
Stephen has been a close friend for many years and, at my request,
has reviewed books by Braz Menezes and also Cyprian Fernandes
including my own two books. He is a great reviewer.
  I'm sorry to be late in commenting but like many other goanetters,
for some obscure reason, I have not been receiving Goanet now for
nearly two months. I only happened to see your comments, Roland
when I went to the Archives.

Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] Review of Dr. Leo De Souza's Book -No Place for Me

[Mervyn Maciel]

Some addressees have been having problems opening the link
I sent earlier.  If you have had problems, please try the
link below.


Mervyn Maciel


www.britishempire.co.uk/library/noplaceforme.htm


On Mon, 18 Jul 2022 at 12:17, Mervyn Maciel <
mervynels.watuwasha...@gmail.com> wrote:

> My friend, Stephen Luscombe ,has just reviewed this book
> which is now on the British Empire site - a link to which I
> append below.
>   I am most grateful to Stephen for producing this excellent review.
>
> Mervyn Maciel
>
>
> https://www.britishempire.co.uk/library/noplaceforme.htm
>
>
>

[Goanet] Review of Dr. Leo De Souza's Book -No Place for Me

[Mervyn Maciel]

My friend, Stephen Luscombe ,has just reviewed this book
which is now on the British Empire site - a link to which I
append below.
  I am most grateful to Stephen for producing this excellent review.

Mervyn Maciel


https://www.britishempire.co.uk/library/noplaceforme.htm

Re: [Goanet] Subject: Re: Challenge for Diaspora Goans

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks Skip for your detailed comments on this subject.
I’m afraid I cannot speak for the rest of the Goans in Kenya 
but only those civil servants who were on overseas leave terms.
 Cyprian is right when he says that the White bosses did precious little
to help us despite all the loyalty we had given them over many years.
We were left on our own to fight our own battles which, thank God we did
at our own expense without any help from the Kenya or British government.
Our White bosses were more interested in the Golden handshakes they’d 
been promised by the British government .
 In fairness, I should mention that we were given ample opportunity to decide 
on our future. We could opt to return to Goa or go to the U.K. when our passages
would be paid. Our pensions were also guaranteed by the British government.
  I could write a lot more on this but every individual’s case will be 
different.
  I’m so sorry I can’t go on as I’ve just received the sad news that my 
sister-in-law
passed away in Nairobi this morning.
 Best wishes.


Mervyn

Gilbert - an ex-Kenya Doctor friend had set me Dr. Leo’s book which after 
quickLy
flicking through, I passed on to a friend at the British Empire library to 
review.
The book is very well written and deserves to be widely read especially by 
those 
of us who worked in East Africa. 

Sent from my iPad

> On 24 Apr 2022, at 08:57, Cyprian Fernandes  wrote:
> 
> 
> The lingering questions I had in my mind after reading the book, was in 
> hindsight: 
> 1. Would he have done something differently?
> 2. Should the community in E. Africa have done something differently - 
> before, during, after. 
> 3. From my recollection, the Goans were treated as orphans and in limbo by 
> UK, India and Portugal.   
> 4. Do those who went through that experience have any thoughts and ideas how 
> the Goan community could be better prepared for the next ordeal or evacuation 
> due to natural or man-made disasters? 
> 5. May be the consensus is nothing could be done differently and moving 
> forward nothing should be done. 
> 
> I have not read the book so I cannot comment. 
> If you were not a citizen of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania or any other African: 
> After independence, one had no right to expect anything.
> Even with citizenship, a few, if not many (especially in the case of Uganda) 
> felt discriminated against. Expected that many had packed off their children 
> to parts far and wide.
> On the other hand, those who remained, on the whole, have done very well 
> financially. However, there is an ever disappearing number of Goans, who may 
> not be that well off.
> Their support is mainly from the Goan Welfare Society, many fundraise online, 
> hoping that Goans in the diaspora will help them especially if they need 
> financial help with serious illness or injury. That help is also disappearing 
> as the parent Goans in the diaspora go to meet their maker.
> 2. There was not much the community could have done differently. After 
> independence, the African countries simply wanted to get rid of the Asians: 
> thus freeing their businesses, job, their homes etc.
> I knew from my very first years as a journalist that Kenya was no place for 
> me. I got to know every politician and the millionaire makers and it was 
> clear in Kenya, the Europeans and their huge farms would the first ones out, 
> next the Asian businessmen and the shopkeepers and Goans et al would be out. 
> Africanisation in Kenya would start first in the civil service (which was 
> once the fortress of the Goans, more than the white man ran Kenya). There was 
> nothing anyone could do to stave off this fate. Virtually every politician 
> including Jomo Kenyatta thought I was a Kenya citizen, yet efforts were made 
> to nudge me out of a senior position. they succeeded when one of them told my 
> wife that "there was a bullet with my name on it."
> 3. I would suggest that the British treated the Goans more adopted members of 
> the civil service family, and there ended the connection. They were very good 
> and respected the managers and accountants of the golf clubs, social clubs 
> etc. But we did not socialise. The British did not lift a finger to help 
> Goans get to the UK after independence.
> 4. I have no idea what other Goans think of this challenge. I am not going 
> anywhere. When my wife and I stood on the stairs of the plane that brought us 
> to Australia, we both said simultaneously, "this country gets my bones." Goa 
> is not an option. Very soon there will be very few Goan Catholics left there.
> 5. A lot of people knew Independence meant Goodbye to Africa for all Asians 
> and Europeans and the rest of the expatriate community including those born 
> in Africa.
> 
> By the way, among those Goans who decided to remain in Kenya there are some 
> great success stories.
> 
> Look forward to the other views.
> 
> Cyprian
> 
> 
> 
>> On Sun, 24 Apr 2022 at 12:54, Gilbert Lawrence  wrote:
>> Hi Mervyn, Cyprian, and 

Re: [Goanet] WHEN MINISTER NILESH LCABRAL FALLS ASLEEP IN THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

[Mervyn Maciel]

Bwana Adolfo,

Some M.Ps are paid to fall asleep whether on Urak, Feni or
even Scotch as happens in our House of Lords sometimes!

Mervyn

On Mon, 4 Apr 2022 at 13:22, Adolfo Mascarenhas  wrote:

>
>
>  The Tiny State of Goa is not  a Superpower ...Yet some poor named
> minister who has been working non-stop since he <>> the election was
> very keen to snow how effective he has been. Naturally in the process he
> had a totg of Feni and some Urak...can you blame him f falling asleep.
>
>
> I am referring to Message: 7  Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2022 19:56:04
> + (UTC)  Message-ID: <662960906.715278.1649015764...@mail.yahoo.com>
>
> As the only known Goan resident of Makongo Juu  I am appealing for
> compassion this is based on my experience in working   in in several
> countries including USA, Japan, Switzerland Zimbabwe
>
> In the Superpower country I mentioned..The President Regan the Actor  used
> to fall asleep ...and not only that he consulted ASTROLOGERS etc If you
> do not trust my uncle from Mars just Google ..Indeed one top
> University in the USA has the story.
>
> So let us be compassionate, not judge others harshly we serious Goans some
> noted for having a <<<>>  might be mistaken for  being an ally of
> another actor called   ZELLENSKY
>
>
> PEACE
>
> Grandolfo
>
> PS Just a reminder  Let the Minister have his nap
>

[Goanet] The ideological vacuum in Kenyan politics

[Mervyn Maciel]

It is refreshing to see young Kenyan(African) intellectuals
acknowledge  the part played by Pio Gama Pinto in the
struggle for freedom.
  Pio was a genuine loyal Kenyan who had the interests of
the ordinary man(the *wanainchi) *at heart and sadly paid
for his herculean efforts by his life.

Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] India Today

[Mervyn Maciel]

A very interesting interview with Nobel laureate, Arundhati Roy
on the state of India today.


Mervyn Maciel


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ACxkPzV6fLY

[Goanet] Subject: .. and a Malaika part sound-alike in Hindi

[Mervyn Maciel]

A good try!


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] > Subject: When Lata Mangueshkar sang Malaika...

[Mervyn Maciel]

With due respect to the late  Lata Mangueshkar, I don't think she
did justice to this popular  African love song, Malaika.
  I wonder what Fadhili William would make of her

performance.
   I feel her  high pitched voice is more suited to Indian songs.



Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] Abide with Me

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for that,Venantius.
Am now trying to memorise at least 2 verses -not easy @ nearly 93!

Mervyn

Sent from my iPad

> On 30 Jan 2022, at 05:40, Venantius J Pinto  wrote:
> 
> Hello Mervyn! 
> 
> I copied the complete lyrics of the rendition of KARIBU NA WEWE, by Msanii 
> Records Choral, from the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlyogmgXAVg
> 
> Karibu na wewe, Mungu wangu:
> Karibu Zaidi Bwana wangu, 
> Siku zote niwe Karibu na Wewe, 
> Karibu zaidi, Mungu wangu. 
> 
> Mimi nasafiri duniani, 
> Pa kupumzika sipaonio., 
> Nilalapo niwe karibu na Weve, 
> Karibu zaidi, Mungu wangu. 
> 
> Yote unipayo yanivuta 
> Pa kukaribia nitapata;
> Na nielekezwe, karibu na Weve, 
> Karibu zaidi, Mungu wangu. 
> 
> Ba kwa nguvu zangu nikusifu; 
> Mwamba, uwe maji ya wokovu 
> Mashakani niwe karibu na Weve; 
> Karibu zaidi, Mungu wangu. 
> 
> Na nyumbani mwa juu, Baba yangu 
> Nikinyakunliwa toka huko, 
> Kwa furaha niwe pamoja na Weve, 
> Karibu zaidi, Mungu wangu. 
> + 
> 
> Best all, 
> Venantius
> 
>> On Sat, Jan 29, 2022 at 2:54 AM Mervyn Maciel 
>>  wrote:
>> Hi Venantius,
>> 
>> Thanks for this lovely rendition in Swahili by this African choir.
>> Now it is a question of mastering the words and playing it on my harmonica.
>> Thanks again.
>> 
>> 
>> Mervyn
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>>> On 29 Jan 2022, at 01:27, Venantius J Pinto  
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hello Adolfo, Hello Melwynm and all! 
>>> 
>>> Consider this rendition KARIBU NA WEWE, by Msanii Records Choral
>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlyogmgXAVg
>>> 
>>> Karibu na wewe, Mungu wangu:
>>> Karibu Zaidi Bwana wangu, 
>>> Siku zote niwe Karibu na Wewe, 
>>> Karibu zaidi, Mungu wangu. 
>>> 
>>> Mimi nasafiri duniani, 
>>> Pa kupumzika sipaonio., 
>>> Nilalapo niwe karibu na Weve, 
>>> 
>>> Venantius
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Thu, Jan 27, 2022 at 4:51 AM Adolfo Mascarenhas  
>>>> wrote:
>>>> Mervyn
>>>> Thank you very much for sharing your views on Nearer My God .I know you
>>>> sing the Hymn at Funerals ...I can picture the scene and mood.  There must
>>>> be a Swahili Version.  The purpose of writing to you is to do us another
>>>> favour..Could you petition the Queen of GB  to give the Order of the
>>>> Great Boot *(OGB)* .to a certain Netters who would like to join the Modi
>>>> militants.
>>>> 
>>>> As they say >>>>Let us not be harsh of this individual >>>>> We all know
>>>> what happened to  Saul when he was struck down from his horse..This
>>>> netter residing in White GB might even volunteer to go to El Salvador
>>>> Guatemala .
>>>> I am so grateful to Fr. Naik for putting us and especially me into the
>>>> broader picturewe as individuals do not have to praise Hitlers, the
>>>> Churchills and Enoch Powell or Mr Kim of North Korea
>>>> 
>>>> Grandolfo
>>>> I am suddenly conscious that although I visited nearly all African and
>>>> European countries, many Asian Countries...from Japan to Singapore,
>>>> Thailand, Indonesia .my  exposure to Latin American countries is
>>>> zilch..only  Panama  !!!  It's a long story why I did not go to Chile .
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> On Wed, Jan 26, 2022 at 11:29 PM Mervyn Maciel <
>>>> mervynels.watuwasha...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> > Hi Bwana,
>>>> >
>>>> > All the controversy being stirred up over this lovely hymn which I love
>>>> > and have sung on many occasions - especially at funerals too.
>>>> >  Those who doubt the existence of God - and there are some among
>>>> > our own people should listen to these two love pieces.
>>>> > Kwaheri Bwana.
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > Mzee Mervyn
>>>> >

Re: [Goanet] Abide with Me

[Mervyn Maciel]

Hi Venantius,

Thanks for this lovely rendition in Swahili by this African choir.
Now it is a question of mastering the words and playing it on my harmonica.
Thanks again.


Mervyn

Sent from my iPad

> On 29 Jan 2022, at 01:27, Venantius J Pinto  wrote:
> 
> Hello Adolfo, Hello Melwynm and all! 
> 
> Consider this rendition KARIBU NA WEWE, by Msanii Records Choral
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlyogmgXAVg
> 
> Karibu na wewe, Mungu wangu:
> Karibu Zaidi Bwana wangu, 
> Siku zote niwe Karibu na Wewe, 
> Karibu zaidi, Mungu wangu. 
> 
> Mimi nasafiri duniani, 
> Pa kupumzika sipaonio., 
> Nilalapo niwe karibu na Weve, 
> 
> Venantius
> 
> 
>> On Thu, Jan 27, 2022 at 4:51 AM Adolfo Mascarenhas  wrote:
>> Mervyn
>> Thank you very much for sharing your views on Nearer My God .I know you
>> sing the Hymn at Funerals ...I can picture the scene and mood.  There must
>> be a Swahili Version.  The purpose of writing to you is to do us another
>> favour..Could you petition the Queen of GB  to give the Order of the
>> Great Boot *(OGB)* .to a certain Netters who would like to join the Modi
>> militants.
>> 
>> As they say >>>>Let us not be harsh of this individual >>>>> We all know
>> what happened to  Saul when he was struck down from his horse..This
>> netter residing in White GB might even volunteer to go to El Salvador
>> Guatemala .
>> I am so grateful to Fr. Naik for putting us and especially me into the
>> broader picturewe as individuals do not have to praise Hitlers, the
>> Churchills and Enoch Powell or Mr Kim of North Korea
>> 
>> Grandolfo
>> I am suddenly conscious that although I visited nearly all African and
>> European countries, many Asian Countries...from Japan to Singapore,
>> Thailand, Indonesia .my  exposure to Latin American countries is
>> zilch..only  Panama  !!!  It's a long story why I did not go to Chile .
>> 
>> 
>> On Wed, Jan 26, 2022 at 11:29 PM Mervyn Maciel <
>> mervynels.watuwasha...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> > Hi Bwana,
>> >
>> > All the controversy being stirred up over this lovely hymn which I love
>> > and have sung on many occasions - especially at funerals too.
>> >  Those who doubt the existence of God - and there are some among
>> > our own people should listen to these two love pieces.
>> > Kwaheri Bwana.
>> >
>> >
>> > Mzee Mervyn
>> >

Re: [Goanet] John Rendell of "A lion called Christian" fame

[Mervyn Maciel]

Following the 'Lion's' story I'd put out earlier, perhaps I should have
included
this article which appears on the British Empire site.


Mervyn Maciel

--

[image: The Story Of The Two Elephant Feet From Marsabit]

--

*Contributed by Mervyn Maciel
<https://www.britishempire.co.uk/article/mervynmaciel.htm>*

--
[image: Two Elephant Feet From Marsabit]
<https://www.britishempire.co.uk/article/twoelephantfeetb.htm>
Two Elephant Feet From Marsabit
<https://www.britishempire.co.uk/article/twoelephantfeetb.htm>Marsabit was
noted for marauding elephants during my time there in the early 1950’s, and
it was not uncommon to see a herd of elephants outside one’s Government
quarters, especially at night.

Quite often, as one relaxed indoors in the late evenings, listening to
music from the old-fashion rather bulky portable battery-operated radio,
one would hear the crash of breaking branches as the elephants feasted
happily and noisily on the pepper trees outside our houses. For the locals,
they were more of a pest as they raided their shambas, trampling over their
crops and destroying what little home-grown food they’d hoped to harvest.
It was therefore not uncommon for the Administration to call on the Game
department for help from time to time.

On this particular occasion the individual who arrived to do the culling,
was none other than Terence, the brother of George Adamson (Bwana Game
<https://amzn.to/3wWIbae> fame) and brother-in-law of Joy (of Born Free
<https://amzn.to/3ny7Bbj> fame). Terence had done a good culling job and
the Administration labourers (notably the Turkana) were delighted at this
unexpected bounty of fresh meat. I, on the other hand, was keen to acquire
two of the feet as trophies (something to brighten my then
sparsely-furnished bachelor home!). Imagine my disappointment when the men
I’d sent returned empty-handed saying, “Bwana, watu wamekwisha kula wote" -
the men have ‘polished off’ the lot!) Seeing I was unhappy, they quickly
added that there were just two partly eaten feet still available, if I
wanted them. When I said, “Ndio” (yes), they quickly disappeared and
returned with 2 feet – one fore and one hind. We instantly set about
scooping out the meat and bones, and after thoroughly rinsing out the feet
with gallons of Dettol and Jeyes Fluid-filled water, we began filling them
tightly with soil from the garden. The feet were then left outdoors to dry
out. Imagine my horror when, on waking up one morning, I found the feet had
gone!

I was very upset and asked some of our Station hands to look for them.
Moments later they returned with both feet, one slightly damaged with sharp
hyena teeth marks clearly visible.

Rather than risk leaving them out again, I used to keep them indoors and
when they had hardened sufficiently, I emptied all the soil they’d been
stuffed with, and asked one of our Government truck drivers to leave them
out in the Chalbi desert for drying out, on their next safari. This they
promptly did, and the feet remained in the desert for 3 long months. No one
dare touch them as they knew they belonged to a Bwana in the D.C.’s office
at Marsabit! When they were brought back to the boma, they felt rock hard.
My next job was to stuff them with the moss found around Marsabit - (we
called it elephant grass or ‘old man’s beard), and later send it to a
cobbler friend in Moyale for converting into two sturdy stools.

[image: Two Elephant Feet From Marsabit]
<https://www.britishempire.co.uk/article/twoelephantfeetc.htm>
With John Rendall
<https://www.britishempire.co.uk/article/twoelephantfeetc.htm>This he duly
did, covering the top with a decorative hide. I’ve lost count of the number
of tins of boot polish I’ve used on these feet for the past 60 years!

While I remained at Marsabit, there was no problem about possessing them,
but when the time came for us to leave for the U.K. many years later, I
applied for, and obtained a Permit from the Game department in Nairobi. I
had two crates specially made to ship these trophies to England and they
now have pride of place in our lounge. Understandably, not everyone was
pleased to see them and feel that they belong to the elephant (our
grandchildren feel so too!) – but can I assure them and all animal lovers
that this, and other elephants shot during the culling exercise, were not
shot for pleasure or gain; the only reason I wanted to bring them with me
to the U.K., was to retain that link with Marsabit and its people, who I
love and still keep in touch with.

*Postscript: A Happy Ending*

Late in 2010, I was fortunate in meeting John Rendall of A Lion called
Christian <http://www.alioncalledchristian.com.au/> fame. As he is involved
with the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust in Kenya, he willingly
accepted these elephant feet on behalf of the Trust. My family and I were
overjoyed that they we

[Goanet] John Rendell of "A lion called Christian" fame

[Mervyn Maciel]

I wonder if any of you have read this book by my friend John Rendell
who sadly died of Covid in London yesterday(26th January).
   Rather than repeat the whole story, I am including a Youtube link
from which you will get the entire story.
John and I became good friends after we'd met at a celebratory
luncheon in London some years ago. During that meeting I mentioned
the fact that I was looking for someone who would be interested in
transporting the two elephant feet which I had brought out from Kenya
(having cured them myself during my service in the Northern
Frontier Province) back to a museum in Kenya. John immediately
jumped at the idea and before long he and a fellow author,( the
late Juanita Carbery) came and had lunch at our Surrey home and
later left with the two feet which I am hoping are somewhere in
Kenya.
The last time I met John was when we were invited to a presentation
in London by Virginia McKenna(of Born Free fame) where I spent some
time talking to Virginia and also John.
   I was very sorry to hear of his untimely death yesterday, but still
treasure
the memory of our meetings.


Mervyn Maciel

I would love to share the photo of John and myself but as goanet does
not publish photos or attachments, will gladly send it to anyone who
requests it.


 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ-da0AZcRU

[Goanet] Buonasera Signorina & Marina Marina

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for the memories, Roland.
You certainly got my 'solo' feet a-tapping.
Buonasera is one of the numbers I sing in my first CD.
These two numbers certainly made my day on this frosty
cold English morning.
Many thanks again.



Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Fwd: Keep it clean

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thought of sharing this Notice which my Council uses to
'educate' litter louts.
Perhaps authorities in Goa could try something similar to
ensure that the beaches and public places are kept clean
and not littered due to the selfishness  of others.


Mervyn

[Goanet] I'm drinking from the saucer

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks Roland for sharing that lovely poem by John Paul Moore.
We could all take a leaf from it.



Mervyn

[Goanet] Mother Teresa's Charities

[Mervyn Maciel]

After the thousands of innocent lives that must have been saved
through the efforts of the Missionaries of Charity, it is disgraceful
to see the latest obstacles the government is now introducing  in an effort
to
stop this Charity from receiving vital funds from overseas donors.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Violence against Christians

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for that link, Roland.
What a disturbing account, and all this
with the full approval of the government. How disgraceful.
If and when Pope Francis does visit India(after a much
belated invitation), I wonder if Modi will be able to look
him in the eye without feeling a sense of  guilt??
   For the last 25 years, I've been doing voluntary work with an
international
Catholic Charity(Aid to the Church in Need) whose main concern is
helping persecuted Christians.
  The situation in some parts of India and Pakistan too is truly
frightening.
   No respect for what the Indian Constitution purports to uphold!


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] HAPPY FEAST

[Mervyn Maciel]

Boas Festas to all my friends on goanet..
St. Francis can still work miracles!



Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] A Konkani Love Song

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks, Roland,  for posting that wonderful love song so
beautifully sung by Wilma Lopes to the accompaniment of
equally talented musicians including the two  young violinists.
I could see the pianist enjoying every moment of it
You must be so proud of this Quepemcarn, Mwalimu Adolfo?
Here's to some more love songs from Goa!


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: Shortage of workers

[Mervyn Maciel]

While our government won't admit it, the shortage of workers
here in Britain is the direct result of Brexit.
  Following Brexit many of the European 'foreign' workers
left Britain to return to their own countries.
  Now, with the shortage of these very workers, especially in the
agricultural field and transport business - the British government is
 wooing some of these workers to return albeit on short term
basis.
It is left to be seen whether any will want to return to a divided
Britain.



Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] Hip, Hippie Hooray to Chorizos or Goan Sausage ..this delicacy should be called Portuguese Sausage

[Mervyn Maciel]

Hi Adolfo,

You and Roland have caused a riot with  my taste buds!
Which Goan cannot salivate when he hears the very mention
of our Goa sausage - *chorizo?*
  Many years ago, and following the success of my late wife's(Elsie's)
Goan Cookery Book, friends encouraged her to produce Goa
sausages which they would buy.
  In no time, my wife had converted a discarded fish tank into
an ideal 'contraption' for drying the sausages and our tiny
Goa sausage 'factory' came into being.
   The sausages were mostly for family and close friends
but they went down a treat!.


Mervyn

On Wed, 6 Oct 2021 at 08:54, Adolfo Mascarenhas  wrote:

>
> Original Subject: Re: [Goanet] Bacalhau salted cod fish Portugal
>
> Message-ID: 
>
>
>
> Roland
>
> In Issue 540 which arrived some hours ago you state that << Portuguese sells the best sausages you can get in Toronto and also the
> creamiest cheese sauce-filled Thank you for your positive attitude
> ..Unlike certain fallen Brotherns like in an island which broke away from
> EU.
>
>
> Chorise nearly took you to Heaven .Let me tell you of my experience
> about 8 months ago when a friend arranged that I leave Goa via Mumbai and
> fly directly to DSM,  I go to Margao, not far from the Post OfficeA
> store sells all types of Goan delicacies...I picked up four tins (cans) of
> REGO Goan Pork Sausage (RGPS)..350 grams in each can.  The tin had a clip
> like opener so no need to waste time   I have one can left RGPS
> .sitting on top of the fridge
>
> As several Goans pretend not to know .the CHORISA is a reflection of the 
> Portuguese
> cuisine we have even introduced a new Spanish word.  This raises all types
> of questions like When did Catholics break from the Jewish traditions and
> start eating pork .the beast that scavenged. Even in towns..Pigs
> scavenged right up to 1960
>
>
> RGPS can be imported into the STATES without the Custom Officials turning
> snooty and dropping this precious GOAN food into the waste bin.
>
>
> I have consulted a couple of top authorities I wish to share
>
> 1. Sanghvi, Vir (14 February 2015). *"Goa's pork sausages have much
> in common with the chorizos of Spain"*
> .
>  Hindustan
> Times*. Retrieved **2020-08-14*.
>
> 2.^ Jump up to:*a*
>  *b*
>  Sharma,
> Nik (25 July 2018). *"A Brown Kitchen: Prawn and Chorizo Pulao"*
> 
> . *San Francisco Chronicle*
> *. Retrieved *
> *2020-08-16*.
>
>
> Lets leave the canterous fellows in UK to eat stale crackers and bleu
> cheese and raise the Inquisition issues ...Meanwhile let Goans take
> the very top jobs ..like PM, Minister of Finance and Planning in Portugal
> ...Its reverse Colonialism its permissible.
>
>
> Grandolfo
>
> In Makongo Juu.
>
>
>
> Roland.
>
> Toronto.
>
> 1. Sanghvi, Vir (14 February 2015). *"Goa's pork sausages have much
> in common with the chorizos of Spain"*
> .
>  Hindustan
> Times*. Retrieved **2020-08-14*.
>
> 2.^ Jump up to:*a*
>  *b*
>  Sharma,
> Nik (25 July 2018). *"A Brown Kitchen: Prawn and Chorizo Pulao"*
> 
> . *San Francisco Chronicle*
> *. Retrieved *
> *2020-08-16*.
>
>  Note one of these authorities states  Chorizos They are consumed largely
> during the monsoons when fish becomes scares !!
>
>
>

[Goanet] The Great Emiliano da Cruz

[Mervyn Maciel]

Many years ago, when returning from a holiday in Goa, our plane
was delayed owing to heavy snowfalls in the U.K.
As a result, we were accommodated at the friendly Dona Sylvia Resort at 
Cavelossim In 
South Goa. 
Emiliano and his band were there to entertain stranded passengers all night.
As he was playing many of my favourite tunes, I just couldn’t help asking him 
if I could
join in the singing - to which he readily agreed. I remember singing along with 
him
well into the night as we were due to fly out the next day.
 The rest as they say is history as this memorable photo proves.


Mervyn Maciel

-- next part --


Sent from my iPad

[Goanet] Tony de Sa

[Mervyn Maciel]

So sad to hear of Tony's passing away from Roland's post.
I send my sincere condolences to all the family and will be
offering a Mass for him. May his soul rest in peace.
  As Roland rightly says, Tony has left us a better world.



Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Tony de Sa

[Mervyn Maciel]

I was very sorry to hear that Tony is seriously ill and send my prayers and
best wishes for his recovery.
I echo what Roland has had to say-that  Tony is indeed a lovely guy.
Get well soon Tony



Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Benny Mascarenhas

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for your post Fred.
I was very sorry to learn of Benny's passing away and send my
sincere condolences to Cecilia.
  I remember Benny well since  in addition to his other musical
engagements, he also played along with my cousin(Denzyl Sequeira).
   Once again - my deepest sympathies to Cecilia and all the family.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: You're Just In Love

[Mervyn Maciel]

Roland,

Thanks so much for making my day after listening to the D'Silva
sisters from Bandra. What a lovely combination -such beautiful voices.
   You've put a puff in the old boy but I still can't find my dancing
shoes!!


Mervyn

[Goanet] Religious Groups Found Wanting

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear Ivan,

Thanks for your post.
I have not read the full report but merely followed what was
announced in the news/national press. Here is a link you
may  find useful:


Religious groups in UK failing children over sexual abuse ...
https://www.bbc.co.uk › news › uk-58420270
<https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58420270>
2 Sept 2021 — There are "shocking failings" and "blatant hypocrisy" in the
way major UK religious groups handle child sex abuse allegations, ...
I have been fairly active in my parish and various religious
groups I belonged to in the past - but now at 92, and following a recent
heart attack, I have been advised to slow down. Hard though this is,
I have to listen to medical advice and am trying to adjust my
'new life' accordingly.
 It is a shame that so much of what was going on in religious
institutions(Catholic included)  was swept under the carpet for so long-
but eventually, the truth has to surface.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Religious Groups Found Wanting

[Mervyn Maciel]

Sorry  Ivan - in the rush of replying to your post, I omitted to
comment on the question you raise about my e-mail address.
Many years ago, my late wife and I rented a plot from our local council
where we grew our own vegetables/fruits etc.  Seeing we were working on
the land, I felt that *'watuwashamba' (*people of the land or farm people
in Swahili) would be an appropriate address for our e-mail and this has
amused quite a few from East Africa!


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Religious Groups Found Wanting

[Mervyn Maciel]

The report is a timely warning for ALL religious groups.
For too long now they have been hiding under the cloak
of secrecy  wanting to preserve their good name while
allowing innocent victims to suffer further indignity.
   While I know the Catholic authorities in Britain have introduced
stringent measures to safeguard individuals against Child Sex abuse,
a lot still needs to be done throughout ALL religious organisations.
They need reminding that they are certainly not above the law.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Sir Richard Turnbull

[Mervyn Maciel]

Antonio Menezes is quite right about spotting Turnbull  on
his early morning rounds in Dar-es-salaam on a bicycle.
That is the way he always operated even when he was
Provinciaal Commissioner of the Northern Frontier Province
in Kenya. He was up very early and, accompanied by his
D.C.(District Commissioner), tour the township just to
check on things - furious if he found litter on the streets
or a Tribal Police not smartly turned out etc. He loved
foot safaris and would often walk miles in the desert
heat just to impress on his D.C.s that he expected the same
of them rather than have them sitting in their comfortable offices!
He was a stickler for perfection and wasn't one to suffer fools
gladly.



Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] 1. Life and Death in the 9/11 Century (Dhaka Tribune, 10/9/2021) (V M)

[Mervyn Maciel]

Enjoyed reading your very descriptive article,, VM.
I can just imagine what those like you, Fernandes and
others must feel twenty years on , especially tomorrow
(11th September) - having witnessed events that changed
ur world forever.



Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] The Book I have yet to see...Real Healthy Nostalgia

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks Adolf.
Maybe you haven't had time to read my amateurish books, but
when you do, I'd like your feedback, Bwana!
  Bis Noronhs, who was an Engineer with Shell I think, had a lovely
house at Oyster Bay where we stayed prior to that fateful flight to
Zanzibar where I have family connections. My mother was born there,
my priest grand  Uncle was the first Holy Ghost missionary there and I
believe
my great-grandfather had a chemist's shop there? Pity no one bothered
to find out all this from our grandparents. It wasn't the done thing in
those days and now we are missing so many links in that long chain.
 Mwalimu Adolfo, despite the revolution and all the up's and down's
of Uhuru, my heart still lies in East Africa -particularly the barren
stretches of Kenya's
northern frontier which Turnbull so loved!
Kwaheri Bwana!



Mervyn M.

On Fri, 10 Sept 2021 at 10:12, Adolfo Mascarenhas  wrote:

>
>
>
> Mervyns
>
> Applies to you both.  I have been fascinated by Maciels account from many
> perspectives some distant and yet close
>
> InMessage: 4 Dated : Thu, 9 Sep 2021 17:21:23 +0100 on the  Subject:
> [Goanet] Subject: Re: Never Give Up(How my first book nearly never
> So what makes me comment
>
> Mervyn Maciel You are a real EAST AFRICAN
>
> 1) All of us have Zanzibar Links I through my late Ophelia nee LCM
> Rodrigues  who stayed opposite the GI in Zanzibar
>
> 2) When Tanganyika became a  Republic ,,,my Dad, Ophelia and myself went
> to the Stadium  to watch the British Flag come down and the Tanganyika Flag
> go up. We were the only Asians ...we were part of the crowd...Later a few
> Goans asked me whether I was not scared I was surprised Scared of
> what...Years later I realized that "Fear " is real but it is essential to
> keep calm
>
> 3) So the Zanzibar Revolution came as a  surprise...instigated by a fellow
> called Okello .We were safe in UCLA ..We heard about it a couple of
> days later ...but one again there is a Zanzibar connection.  ...Prof.
> Michael Lofchie, a lecturer in Political Science, had just completed his
> Ph. d on Zanzibar ..Ophelia was a much sought candidate to do a MA in
> Political  Science rather than  Librarianship ..Lofchie years later was one
> of the five member  Committee the  Ph d
>
> 4) Lobo you mention Noronha staying in Oysterbay both really
> remarkable...she started a school, he work for TOM( A Dutch Firm) then with
> nationalization STC and was even sent to Uganda where are they
> now???
>
>
> There is another trend in Goanet. >>>>> Who is a Goan >>>>> You do not
> have to be Born in Goa, neither do your have to be Born in India .and you
> do not have to speak Konkon or Portuguese.You just know you are a Goan
> Whether you are in Dar, Hoima or Addis, or Bombay or Colombo we are
> Goans.
>
> Keep on writing its  primary healthy Material
>
> Wake up Goans of Tanzania, Singida. Bagamoyo and Mtwara (sorry Adrian I
> must review your book that has been produced ...
>
> Grandolfo
>
> Makongo Juu
>
> Its Hot +32 C and stll
>
>
>

[Goanet] Subject: Re: Never Give Up(How my first book nearly never

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for your comments, Tony.
I think you are being  a bit too  harsh on Turnbull as I didn't find him
that
bad from my working experience with him.
  He also had a soft corner for the Goans and did much to fight
for them during his time as ProvincialCommissioner of the Northern
Frontier Province.

Best wishes.


Mervyn

[Goanet] Sir Richard Turnbull

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks Mervyn for the photo of my onetime boss nd
the Foreword when he opened your new Clubhouse
in Dar.
Brings back memories as I visited the club when
my family and I were staying with our good friend
(Biz Noronha) at Oyster Bay en route to Zanzibar
where we were  caught up in that bloody revolution!
  Thanks for the memories.

Best wishes.


Mervyn

[Goanet] 1. Re: Never Give Up(How my first book nearly never happened!)

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks Edwin.
Many thanks for your kind words.
Don't forget, I'm a *TAURUS * and like to get the bull by the horns!!


Mervyn

Re: [Goanet] Never Give Up(How my first book nearly never happened!)

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear Roland,

Thank you so much for your very generous comments on
my piece about my very first book - which leave me truly humbled.
   One of the reasons I decided to get Sir Richard Turnbull to
contribute the Foreword was more because he was not only
the first Governor-General of independent Tanganyika, a former
British High Commissioner in Aden - but also my principal boss
when I was serving in Kenya's Northern Frontier Province.
He, of all senior colonial officials would be best placed to have
known me especially since, during my time in Marsabit, I often used
to help draft reports(including during the Mau Emergency) since writing
reports or Minutes of meetings was not my immediate boss's forte!
   Am so glad I refused to accept his original  "wet blanket"
attitude and went along to realise my dream - albeit, a modest dream!
 One again - many thanks and best wishes.


Mervyn

On Wed, 8 Sept 2021 at 17:31, Roland Francis 
wrote:

> Dear Mervyn, first of all let me say you are a credit by far and by all
> measures to the Goan community. You have, through your books, given us a
> very good glimpse of the times in which you were at the top of your game. I
> have not met you in person but I know if I did, it would not be anything
> but an honour for me.
>
> Men and women like you don’t come in one’s life frequently. They came more
> often in the past than they do now. But whenever they do come, they are
> like stars that brighten up a dreary sky or even a well moonlit evening.
>
> I have carefully followed your jottings on your interaction with Richard
> Turnbull and I am glad you persisted through all his mostly sharp and
> unkind comments.
>
> One’s first reaction would be to curse his ways, to label him a racist,
> albeit with a semblance of kindness that sometimes peeks through. Here was
> an officious white man, invested with the power of Office and mentally
> conditioned to put a person of any other colour ‘in his place’.
>
> But I can see through all that and what I see is someone of privilege made
> a prisoner of his office, his class and his prejudices. Strip him of all
> that and what appears is a person who took the time to, in his own
> convoluted way, encourage you.
>
> In my long period in the Persian Gulf, I came across a few such
> Englishmen, so I know what I am  talking about. In those days although they
> recognized my skills and unhesitatingly promoted me several times in my
> job, I gnashed my teeth as much at them as with their system, that stank of
> discrimination.
>
> So lesson well taken: Bash on, regardless - as a Goan General once told
> his Indian Army troops surrounded by Pakistani armour - and let your
> determination and talent shine no matter the criticism, as you so ably
> demonstrated.
>
> Roland.
> Toronto.
>
>
> > On Sep 8, 2021, at 6:15 AM, Mervyn Maciel <
> mervynels.watuwasha...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Recuperating from my recent setback, and wanting to fill the vacant
> moments,
> > I am going through some of my 'saved papers' and among them found a
> > Note I'd made over 30 years ago in relation to my first book.
> >  I hope this is not going to bore readers but I just want to share this
> in
> > an
> > effort to encourage anyone who has a story to tell  -not to be
> discouraged
> > by remarks or  comments others make.  Here's where the story begins:
> >
> > I first wrote to Sir Richard Turnbull about my "dream" of publishing my
> > memoirs on 4th December 1978 - a day after I'd met him and Lady Turnbull
> > at Westminster Cathedral in London where they were the Guests of Honour
> > of the Goan community at our annual celebration of the feast of our
> patron
> > saint, St. Francis Xavier. In my letter, I'd asked if he would be wiling
> to
> > contribute the Foreword.
> > While expressing his willingness to do so in a hand-written letter from
> > his Henley-on-Thames home on 6th December, a comment(reproduced
> > below) he included rather discouraged me, and led to the whole idea being
> > shelved for some five years. Here is his comment:
> >   "*don't forget that writing is demandingly hard work and that*
> > *   it takes up a lot of time. As the great Doctor Johnson said -*
> > *"You have to set yourself doggedly to it.".*
> >
> > Despite this initial setback, the urge to write would not go away, and
> > five years later, in October 1983, having typed some seventy five pages
> > in draft form, I again wrote and asked if he would be prepared to look
> > through the rough draft. Once again, his hand-written reply on 22nd
> > October, this
> > time from Jedburgh, said:
> >  *"I shall be happy to loo

[Goanet] Never Give Up(How my first book nearly never happened!)

[Mervyn Maciel]

 I can remember. My wife has been quite *
*seriously ill and in and out of hospital with some obscure cimplaint*
*that required fairly prolonged treatment etc.  I have been devoting*
*myself to household management and invlid cookery".*
Several letters followed, and again in  hand-written letter dated 25th Jubne
1985, he commented, inter alia, on my use of the words "gunned down".Here
is what he had to say:* I don't much care for the expression 'gunned down'*
*in relation to David Dabasso Wabera. It is not in accordance with your
usual dignified style. Would "assassinated"not be more suitable?"*
 More letters followed and ss we were nearing the  end of this work, he had
this to say in his hand-written letter of 2nd July 1985 after he'd sent me
the draft Foreword.  *"  pg 5. I note that the passage on this page is a*
*repetition on the last para on page 4, so remembering how sternly*
*I criticised you for repeating yourself, I have cut out the page 5 bit,*
but then adds: *I shall feel quite lost without Bwana Karani, and*
*speculation about the Foreword to occupy my spare time"*
And finally, in his hand-written letter of 25th October 1985, this is
what he wrote
"*Congratulations on the finished product. I had the pleasure of*
*seeing in fine print the pages over which you hve been working*
*with such patience and determination for the past three or four*
*years. Merlin Books have made a really workmanlike job of the*
*book - good clear print, well set out with all the skill of the*
*experienced craftsman; the photographs neatly reproduced and*
*the whole, a volume which you and the publishers can be*
*justifiably proud of. And how happy and relieved you must be*
*to realize that the long task is over. All the ssmr, its completion*
*will leave a gap in your life which will need a great deal of filling.*
*My apologies at not being able to be ble to get to the launching*
*party. I so much hope that the Kenya High Commissioner will*
*rise to the occasion. The Goan Association will, I am sure, come*
*to your aid and do you proud with the music and oratory which so*
*happily distinguished the Goan community.*
*Best wishes for a splendid launching."*

My apologies if I have bored you all -but I just wanted to prove that
once you have an idea, go ahead and pursue it and never be discouraged
by initial criticisms.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: My Happiness

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for the memories, Roland.
Loved seeing and hearing the young Max Bygraves and Judith Durham
singing this favourite piece I've sung on many occasions and wherever
I've been.
 Love it! - makes me feel young again!


Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] [Goanet-News] Remembering Idi Amin -- when the "last King of Scotland, Conquerer of the British Empire" and the President of Uganda was still a simple soldier (Ferdie Rodrigues)

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear Armand,

I have always wanted to keep your great brother's(Ferdie's) memory alive,
and it so happened that when recuperating from a recent heart attack, and
having to slow down - I decided to rummage through some of the papers
I've stored hoping that I had not destroyed the 6-page notes that Ferdie
had sent me when I was doing some de-cluttering. Thank God, I hadn't
and the rest as they say, is history.
   Ferdie was someone I had the greatest respect for - not just because
he was a fellow Goan, but more because of his unassuming and modest
personality.  He had every right to boast of his many achievements  but
never sought the limelight.That's where his greatness lies
  Always one to encourage anything GOAN,, I can well remember the
support he gave when both my wife's Goan Cookery Book and my
own memoirs came out. I can never forget his interest, encouragement
and sincere praise.
Long may Ferdie's memory live.



Mervyn

On Tue, 7 Sept 2021 at 18:15, Armand Rodrigues  wrote:

> Dear Frederick :
>
> Thanks for this.  You may or may not have known that Ferdie was my
> brother.  I certainly appreciate Merwyn's initiative, and yours, in keeping
> my brother's memory alive.  Ferdie was right where the action was in
> Uganda.  Thanks again.
>
> Warm regards.
>
> Armand
>
> -- Original Message --
> From: Goanet Reader 
> Date: September 6, 2021 at 4:26 PM
>
>
> A senior Goan civil servant, who knew Idi Amin well
> and worked under his regime, was the late Ferdie
> Rodrigues, the former Kenya civil servant Mervyn
> Maciel reminds us. Rodrigues' wife and daughter
> have brought out a book on him -- Ferdie
> Extraordinary Man https://tinyurl.com/yef68ttd
>
> Ferdie Rodrigues has been described in the ebook as
> "fearlessness wrapped in empathy and intelligence
> and navigated shifting apartheid, class, customs
> and rules." He was born in Jinja, Uganda, went to
> school in Goa, returned to Uganda not knowing what
> his future will be. There, he worked for 21 years
> as a Civil Servant, ending up as the Under
> Secretary in the President's Office (under both
> President Obote and President Idi Amin). He took
> early retirement in 1972 and moved to England,
> worked for Crown Agents, then did 23 years with
> Guinness (was Company Secretary -- Guinness
> Overseas Limited and then promoted to Intellectual
> Property Manager, Guinness PLC).
>
> Ferdie played for the Uganda national football team
> as a goalkeeper and was also the Uganda National
> Darts Champions twice. The wellbeing of the Goan
> Association (UK) was important to him and he helped
> to produce a revised Constitution & Rules which was
> approved by the general body in 1988. Ferdie
> thought that connection and membership was about
> maintaining codes that Goans valued. His ebook
> records his social, work and personal spheres.
>
> Together with three other Asians (B.G.Patel, James
> D'Souza and Eric D'Souza of the Treasury
> Department), Ferdie was awarded the Uganda Republic
> Medal by President Amin after his retirement, with
> permission of the Queen, in April 1972.
>
> UK-based Maciel shared with Goanet Reader a
> detailed missive that Ferdie Rodrigues penned to
> him almost a decade-and-half earlier.
>
> By Ferdie Rodrigues
> 1st February 2007
>
> The film, "Last King of Scotland", and a letter from H.H.
> Greaves, published in The Sunday Mail of 28th January 2007,
> prompts me to write this.
>
> I was born in Jinja, Uganda. My father, who was a British
> Civil Servant was employed as a Clerk in the Forest
> Department. He had emigrated from Goa, then Portuguese
> India, in 1915 (aged 19), the only son, seen off at Mormugao
> Harbour (the scene for the film "Sea Wolves"), by his tearful
> mother Artemisia Godinho Rodrigues, whose husband had
> perished at sea many years earlier.
>
> My father was fortunate to set out to work for a
> merchant, the Menezes family business, in Kisumu.
> They owned a prosperous general store in Kisumu,
> Kenya. (Kisumu was earlier on a part of Uganda but
> was transferred by the colonial powers of the day
> to Kenya, to give it an only outlet on to Lake
> Victoria.) President Idi Amin in the 1970's offered
> to buy it back for £2000 which was the nominal book
> value when it was transferred.
>
> My father left the Menezes firm to join up on the SS
> MacKinnon, a boat that did the rounds of Lake Victoria. He
> then joined the Forest Department and served in Masindi,
> Jinja and Entebbe for a total of 35 years. He was duly
> recognised by the British Government with a Certificate of
> Honour awarded by King George VI.
>
> We still treasure his Certificate and memories, including a
> toffee 

[Goanet] Cock & Bull Stories

[Mervyn Maciel]

While recuperating at home following my recent stint in hospital,
I've been going through some of  old papers/cuttings that I've
saved over the years. I refer to these as my 'accumulated junk"!
   Among these, I found this - which I'd like to share with you all.


Mervyn Maciel

*Cock & Bull Stories*

*All  travellers tales are exotic, erotic or lewd; they may even be*
*grotesque and horrifying, but all are certainly well embroidered.*
* The best travellers tales stem from the Stagecoach days, when*
*coaches met at the staging inns to change horses and let passengers*
*out to stretch their legs.*
*   Two such inns are on the A6, near Stony Stratford(Gt. Britain).*
*The Bull where the 17th century Birmingham to London down*
*coach stopped and close by,  The Cock where the London to *
*Birmingham up coach stopped.*
*   So exaggerated were their stories that tall tales were termed*
*Cock and Bull stories, even in a Court of Law!*

[Goanet] Fr. Benny

[Mervyn Maciel]

I was saddened to hear of Fr. Benny's death and send me
condolences to his family.
I knew Fr. Benny well and met him on several occasions during
his trip to London. He was even kind enough to review my first book
in his popular paper.
   I loved reading his editorials in the paper(The Examiner) he
steered so well.
  May his soul rest in peace.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: To save one building highway at Bambolim to be diverted?

[Mervyn Maciel]

The whole area gives the appearance of a huge rubbish dump!


Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] Jawaharlal Nehru?s vision for a just and equitable post-colonial world, with India leading the way

[Mervyn Maciel]

Glad you liked the article, Roland. It was sent to me by my
daughter who lives and works in Western Australia(Perth).
  Today's world needs forward thinking and progressive leaders
like Nehru, but I sometimes wonder if his vision for a 'just
and equitable post-colonial world'  will ever be realised if India
has leaders like the present incumbent? Nehru's idea was
to unite rather than divide people.
 My comments could apply equally to leaders in Africa, the Middle East,
Latin America etc.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision for a just and equitable post-colonial world, with India leading the way

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thought of sharing this interesting article - but just wonder what
Nehru would make of today's India?


https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-07/jawaharlal-nehru-vision-for-india/100358290


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: The Misdeeds of Catholic Church in Canada is BACK

[Mervyn Maciel]

Hi Adolfo,

The man who was found hanged at Blackfriars Bridge in London
was Roberto Calvi -popularly known as 'God's Banker'.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Of Humility & Forgiveness

[Mervyn Maciel]

A friend sent me this powerful video which I'd like to share with you all.
 Despite the evils of war,  we cannot remain enemies forever!


Mervyn Maciel

DVIDS - Video - Jerry Yellin, World War II Veteran Interview
<https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dvidshub.net%2Fvideo%2F395572%2Fjerry-yellin-world-war-ii-veteran-interview=04%7C01%7Cdave%40newportleasing.ca%7Cd04d8cab7a414bd2dd8708d95165d197%7C728c091afc6e4142ba156e08f6039533%7C1%7C1%7C637630320017764400%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000=5X6NKAyzrtqiCt0rjaZ7sE1iihzwomPRe5ugqTpfArA%3D=0>

[Goanet] Subject: Chup Chup Chup

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for posting that, Roland.
Loved the singing by Lulu and Neil and equally
the musical accompaniment.
But just couldn't  *SHUT UP!*



*Mervyn Maciel*

[Goanet] Subject: Anyone with a Mozambique link here?

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for that link, Fred which I've passed on to my cousins
in Mozambique.
  Just as an aside, I was happy to meet Sonia Shirsat in cyberspace
some months ago and together we sang,* Tambde Rosa Tuje Pole'.*
Small world - thanks to an introduction by Lui Godinho.


Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] Power of Goan DIASPORA Burma and Malaysia Singapore and Boyamd

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear Adolfo,

Our Attorney General here is Suella Braverman(nee Fernandes.)
I think you were probably thinking of Stella Mascarenhas-Keyes -
when you referred to her as a  Mascarenhas?
Yes, our Goans are to be found all over the world -perhaps in the North
& South poles too???
Hujambo Bwana!


Mervyn Maciel

On Sun, 18 Jul 2021 at 21:19, Adolfo Mascarenhas  wrote:

>
>
> John in your Message: 1   Message-ID: <
> sj0pr06mb78056b25e07e257e7b206906ff...@sj0pr06mb7805.namprd06.prod.outlook.com
> >  dated : Sat, 17 Jul 2021 15:19:10 + on the Subject: Re:  Goans in
> Burma & Malaysia...You reveal an astonishing amount of details.
>
>
>
> John tis is really Great stuff.  It was a torrent of refreshing water
> from Dudsagar.  So Goans in Burma and Malaysia and Singapore and creating
> music and creating children.  The Biblical increase and multiply taken
> seriously !!!
>
>
>
> In your reply to Mervyn you narrate an incredible. You modestly state
>
>
>
> <<<< my mother's relatives.
>
>
>
> My maternal grandfather Antonio Francisco Matias Gomes (born 1886 in
> Malar, Divar, Goa) accepted a contract in Kuala Lumpur to lead an orchestra
> in movie theatres during the time of the silent movies.
>
>
>
> At the time he was part of an industry of travelling orchestras that were
> playing in such movie theatres in India. He arrived in KL in Aug 31, 1913.
>
>
>
> To quote from The Strait Times of 8 Dec 1963 "To trace his life is to
> trace the early history of Western [classical] music in the country."
>
>
>
> He had 17 children (including my mother), and 73 grandchildren - 68 of
> which were born in Malaysia. One of his brother followed him and also
> formed an orchestra in KL, and one of son Francis had a famous orchestra
> there too. In all he had 400 descendants, many who have emigrated to other
> parts of the world, but mainly Australia.>>>>
>
>
> One Woman and One Man creating a colony of 400 FOUR HUNDRED humans 
>  Yadd
>
> <<< There were other Goans who migrated to Malaysia - so 90% were either
> my grandfather's descendants or were married to them >>>>.
>
>
> That was the Maternal side of the Fernandes family HISstory. Then from
> your Fathers side there was
>
> <<< Moira) emigrated to Singapore in the 1920s. One of them Prof. Filipe Nery
> Nazareth became a noted Singaporean historian. So there was a small Goan
> community there too. >>>>>>
>
>
> OK Goans I am wondering when a Goan Man or Woman will become the Prime
> Minister of Canada or Australia or maybe the PM of the  UKAfter all
> there are real Goans who have taken over Portugal: I mean the Prime
> Minister, Minister of Finance etcIn GB there is a Mascarenhas who is
> the Solicitor General
>
>
> Grandolfo
>
> In quiet Makongo Juu wondering how we can make this a model neighbourhood
>
>
>
> Regards
>
> John
>

[Goanet] Subject: Re: Subject: Re: Goans in Burma & Malaysia

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks John for that interesting piece on Goans in Malaysia. and
your own family's connection. Large families in those days too!
Goans have certainly made their mark in the music field
wherever they've been and this stands to their credit.
Regards


Mervyn

[Goanet] Subject: Happy Birthday Goan Voice UK

[Mervyn Maciel]

I echo all that Roland has said about the selfless service Eddie
(& Lira) have give, and continue to give us, the Goan community at large
over many years.
  Theirs is a thankless task which some of us take for granted.
   Eddie has not only produced this daily newsletter in season
and out and we owe him a debt of gratitude for unbroken service.
  Congrats Eddie and long live GVUK!


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: Re: Goans in Burma & Malaysia

[Mervyn Maciel]

Hi Adolfo,

I am not aware of any Goans in  Malaysia, but certainly remember
Goans who fled from Burma during the Japanese invasion.
Some of these families landed in Belgaum(then British India) and
I had several classmates who were in this category..


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Not forgetting Fr. Stan

[Mervyn Maciel]

Following the Vigil in London yesterday, I hear that a similar
event is planned in Toronto on the 15th July.
Glad to see that this man's memory is being kept alive.
He fought tirelessly for the downtrodden and voiceless and needs
to be remembered for all his good works.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Remembering Fr. Stan

[Mervyn Maciel]

For those who may not have seen the item on GVUK(12th July),
I am reproducing it here.


Mervyn Maciel



*Video: London: Vigil for Father Stan Swamy - murdered by the Modi
Government*

11 Jul: South Asia Solidarity Group. A Vigil was held at 3 p.m. on Saturday
10 Jul outside the Indian High Commission in London, to remember Father
Stan Swamy, murdered by the Indian State… In one voice, we in the Indian
diaspora, as well as allied groups, condemn the regime that persecuted
Father Stan, denied him dignity and care, and hounded him to his death. We
demand a judicial enquiry into his death… 6m. 24s. click here
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAcWCCkgS-U>

Toronto: Facebook. Thursday July 15th at 6.30 pm, SADAN - South Asian Dalit
Adivasi Network- Canada Join at Indian Consulate General Office Toronto. click
here
<https://www.facebook.com/indianmuslimsincanada/photos/a.1937521916568206/2967701423550245/>

[Goanet] Subject: Rong, Ronggit Goem

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for posting that link, Roland.
Enjoyed every bit of it.
Such musical and vocal talent in our Goa which
I hope will be recognised by all.
Made my day as I gear up for watching tonight's Final
at Wembley!
  Only hope our English fans don't go wild!


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Not Forgetting Fr. Stan

[Mervyn Maciel]

A  2-hour vigil is being held today outside the India Embassy in
London to condemn the inhuman manner in which Fr. Stan met
his death at the hands of the Indian authorities.
   It is sad to note that despite numerous protests from lawyers,
fellow Jesuits and many activists around the world, the
government chose to ignore their pleas for justice and
fair play and instead, condemned him to this ignominious
death.
I trust the government gets the message.which will save
future activists from meeting a similar fate.



Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: Stan Swamy?s Death - Unfortunate Or Deliberate

[Mervyn Maciel]

I am inclined to go along with Sonia Faleiro's 'verdict' - that Fr.Stan's
death seems to have been planned. It was no accident of nature.
   Those responsible have blood on their hands.
 I am confident that Fr. Stan's relentless fight for justice for the
downtrodden will continue with renewed vigour .


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: Re: Pope Francis to Undergo Colon Surgery

[Mervyn Maciel]

Very comforting to know that Pope Francis is doing well
after his recent intestinal operation.
Keep him in your prayers.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] ] 50 Years of My Journey in the Society of Jesus

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear Fr. Pratab,

Firstly, my sincere congrats on your Golden Jubilee with the Jesuits.
You have obviously used your God-given talents to the full and
for the benefit of the  Society at large; here I am thinking especially
about your important contribution in the field of our *amchi bhas.*
Future generations will applaud you for your selfless service.
 I have not had the pleasure of meeting you but have followed
some of your postings and was particular interested in the
Konkani course since my granddaughter(who lives and works in
Berlin) is very keen to learn our mother tongue.
Although my own brother(the late Fr. Joseph Maciel, S.J.)
was also a Jesuit, he could hardly boast of the many attributes
of your own life so well listed in your post.  i also love all
the quotations in your post!
Once again - I wish you well Father and hope that the Good
Lord will spare you for many more years to see through your ambition
of having your *Amchi Bhas Xikat *course completed.
I shall sing a silent Te Deum in your honour.
Ad multos annos, dear Father.



Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Goan, Goes, Goanese

[Mervyn Maciel]

I think, by and large, we, Goans like to be referred to as
Goans as opposed to Goanese. Why, I can't tell.
  But the word Goanese is regarded by some as a term of opprobrium!



Mervyn Maciel







Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] [GOABOOKCLUB] Lambert & Goa Today

[Mervyn Maciel]

A Great Goan has left us, but his legacy lives on.
I still remember when he and Jolly visited us at our Sutton
homestead and again when I was  entertained by the couple at
their Dona Paula mansion many years ago during my trip to
Goa.
   He will be remembered not just as a Freedom Fighter, journalist,
author and Founder Editor of the prestigious GOA TODAY magazine, but as
a great son of Goa.
   I hope the country and Goans the world over will do this
great Goan proud.
   My deepest sympathy to Jolly and all the family - please know
that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.


Mervyn Maciel



On Sun, 27 Jun 2021 at 13:21, Valmiki Faleiro  wrote:

> Eugene,
> Salgaocars closed Goa Today last month.
> Lambert Mascarenhas passed away today, aged 106.
> Best, v
>
> --
> *** Please be polite and on-topic in your posts. ***
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "The Goa Book Club" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to goa-book-club+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web, visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/goa-book-club/CAGoMsAD6xVh_nzfY5j1YWh2-NLuBW_6PtdDna2iMULN6jVRUkQ%40mail.gmail.com
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/goa-book-club/CAGoMsAD6xVh_nzfY5j1YWh2-NLuBW_6PtdDna2iMULN6jVRUkQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email_source=footer>
> .
>

[Goanet] Adeus Korso Velu Paulo

[Mervyn Maciel]

I never tire of listening to this emotional and 'haunting' piece
which I've sung on many occasions and will sing again next
Saturday 19th June, when my good friend and fellow =Saloikar,
Marius Fernandes aka *Goemcho Festakar' * visits me for the
second time along with his daughter(Gemma), sister and another
London-based good friend(Tony Fernandes) of the
East Africa-Goa *RAFIKI - Amigos & Valued Friends site fame).*
We shall all sing with gusto and even though  my friend Marius is
a teetotaller, there will be a bottle of *FENI *standing by - just to
give us all a whiff of the paradise we've left behind !


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: CM PRAMOD SAWANT SHOULD STOP HIS DOUBLE TALK

[Mervyn Maciel]

Dear Ayres,

I keep reading some of your posts, many of which are critical
of the government, especially the Chief Minister and some
politicians.
As a matter of interest, apart from sharing some of your views
with us, have you taken up any of these 'gripes' with the C.M.
and politicians concerned or  exposed them  through
the popular Press in Goa?
   Just curious.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] This is how Happy Brthday Sounds in Goa

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for posting that link, Fred.
I loved it - made my day.
Just in case they are looking for a vocalist, I am
ready to fly out once this Indian/Delta virus is
crushed!
  Awaiting instructions from High Command/


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: . From Madurai to Dabolim: a Tamil Nadu minister wins fans in Goa

[Mervyn Maciel]

Hats off to   Palanivel Thiagarajan for having the guts to put
a Goa minister in his place - referring to him as an 'empty vessel.
   I think the people of Goa should thank this fearless politician
who obviously has their interests at heart.
 Thanks VM for putting this story out.
I hope Goa's C.M. takes note.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: Catholics question why Boris Johnson was able to marry in church

[Mervyn Maciel]

I hadn't read the Guardian article, and have yet to consult some of my
Catholic priest/Jesuit friends - but my own feeling is that this may
have been a 'blessing ceremony' rather than a full-fledged wedding
ceremony.  I may be wrong, but I will check.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] GOA TODAY - R.I.P

[Mervyn Maciel]

I was very sad to hear that GOA TODAY,  a  magazine I've
been a life subscriber of ever since the days of my dear
friend, Lambert Mascarenhas, is to cease publication later this
month.  A sad day especially for us, overseas Goans, who
eagerly looked forward to each monthly issue.
   While I accept that all good things must come to an
end, I must close by mentioning the founder Editor of GOA TODAY -
my dear friend(Lambert Mascarenhas) who, despite initial
financial problems steered this magazine through sometimes
stormy waters. Difficult to know how many overseas Goans
responded to his appeal for support when the going was
tough.
   Anyway, thanks also to the current Editor, my friend,
Vinayak Naik in whose offices I spent some time many moons
ago discussing a variety of subjects. Wish you well, Vinayak.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: Ian Gomes at the Ritz piano, in London

[Mervyn Maciel]

Loved that Eric - but  while Nightingales should be singing in
Berkley Square, it feels more like "Rain drops keep falling on my head"
right now - and its May(not April)!
Whether Her Majesty would allow me to entertain her with my
rendition of' *Tambde Rosa Tuje Polle' * on my harmonica, is something
I'm working on and have just put in a word to Charles.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: The Dystopian Dichotomies of Vaccine Apartheid

[Mervyn Maciel]

While I agree that Covid-19 is a Global problem and that
"we are all in this together", I sometimes wonder whether
the lax attitude of the Modi government in allowing religious
celebrations to go ahead without due observance to  social
distancing, wearing of masks etc - is not a contributory factor
in the present crisis? The same applies to electioneering rallies
etc.
   While the rest of the world has a duty to come to India's aid
in the present crisis - and some countries have responded,
I feel the Modi government must accept the greater share of the blame.
   Here, in part, is  what that well known Indian author(*Arundhati Roy)
had to say:*


*“The system hasn’t collapsed. The government has failed. Perhaps ‘failed’
is an inaccurate word, because what we are witnessing is not criminal
negligence, but an outright crime against humanity,”*


*Describing the current government as a “crisis-generating machine,”
she said “incapable of leading us out of this disaster”.*

*She added - “Modi the magician” took a bow for saving humanity by
containing the virus during the first wave while “boasting and gloating”
about the virus doing less damage than predicted by experts.*


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Goa's Medical System Disaster

[Mervyn Maciel]

What a sad state of affairs especially after the
disgraceful shortcomings at the Goa Medical
hospital. were exposed.
   Looks as though statues are worth more than human life!
How sad.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Hymns - How Great Thou Art

[Mervyn Maciel]

How Great Thou Art is one of my favourite hymns which
I've sung with gusto in our parish choir on many occasions
and at funerals of family and friends. I love the words and
the tune too.
  Another favourite of mine is " The Old Rugged Cross"


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] Subject: Re: . Church on the Frontline... St Peter's Church

[Mervyn Maciel]

Yes, Fred,

St. Peter's in Bandra and St. Stanislaus High School were
all Jesuit institutions.
  Nice to hear from Edwin of the good work my brother and some of
the other Jesuits did while there.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] . Church on the Frontline... St Peter's Church, Bandra

[Mervyn Maciel]

For many years, my late brother(Joseph Maciel, S.J.)
was Parish Priest of this imposing church.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] End of Empire

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks Roland for posting that link which I hadn't seen
before - however, it brought back many memories of
the difficult period we lived through.
   Some of my former Kenya colonial bosses appear in
the film as also Fitz D'Souza, Kapila and Sir Michael
Blundell who was at one time my Minister in the Ministry
of Agriculture.
 Seeing Kenyatta and the 'Kapenguria 6' took me back to the
daily scenes I witnessed as they were brought out from their
cells to Court in Kapenguria,  passing through my government
quarter each morning!   Memories.


Mervyn Maciel

[Goanet] A Tribute To All Goan Cooks

[Mervyn Maciel]

Well said, Roland - and I go along with all that you've said.
 When I look back on my childhood days,especially our
summer holidays in Goa, I can't forget the mouth-watering
meals our grandmothers would turn out for us with the minimum
of fuss or bother  Nothing was too much trouble for them;
 in fact, they loved cooking all the dishes, pickles and Goan sweets and
snacks that we so loved and enjoyed.
  God bless them all.
   It is a shame that we took so much for granted and
didn't appreciate all their hard work done with love and
ungrudgingly.  It is also a shame that we never gave cooks
the credit they deserved -always looking down on their
profession which, in my book, is a form of art which deserves
praise and recognition.
   I salute all those cooks of yore - grandmas and others
who made sure that our inner man was always well
cared for.


Mervyn Maciel

Re: [Goanet] Al Jazeera article on Portugal's Attempt to Hide Under The Carpet..Slavery

[Mervyn Maciel]

Thanks for that Adolfo.
I too watch Aljazeera regularly as they go 'in depth' with
their news and stories.
   As for Portugal's colonial past, you may remember me telling you
that after my late brother(Wilfred) visited Angola after his short
imprisonment in the Congo(foreign journalists were badly treated)-
he saw at first hand the brutal treatment the Africans were enduring.
On arriving in Tanganyika, he saw Julius Nyerere and Oscar Kambona
and appraised them of the situation in Angola. On hearing his report,
Nyerere broke off diplomatic relations with Portugal.
A report of this was carried in the Indian Express newspaper - thanks
to the late Jawaharlal Rodrigues who was a senior reporter at the
Nation newspaper in Nairobi at the time and a regular correspondent of
the Express.
 Best wishes.


Mervyn

On Thu, 11 Mar 2021 at 15:33, Adolfo Mascarenhas  wrote:

> Roland
>
> Thank you very much for sharing with us such a balanced view that Al
> Jazeera published  I have a high respect for this station and make it a
> point to watch it in Goa, here in Tanzania.
>
>
> There were many things I simply had no idea about when you watch the
> pictures in detail you being to see the inhumanity ..a picture of a young
> African mother actually a girl herself carry a load and her child ...Oh
> the Lisbon Earthquake 1754 and what it unleashed the banishment of the
> Jesuits etc
>
> :::;What you sent coincided  with threethings I am working on:
>
> A) Who brought the domestic Pig in Mozambique
>
> B) The Work of the Chinese Photographer among both FRELIMO and White
> Portuguese  Soldiers in Mozambique
>
> C) The Great Goan Heroine SITA VALES and antithesis of The RICHEST WOMAN
> In Africa.  I am wondering whether the Review Article I wrote on Sita Vales
> was published either in its entirety or a shorter version
>
>
> Grandolfo In Makongo Juu
>
> Appreciating on Truthful News rather than State Propaganda
>
> Message  1 Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:39:18 -0500
>
>
>
> https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/3/10/how-portugal-silenced-centuries-of-violence-and-trauma
>
>
>

[Goanet] Subject: Re:Shashi Tharoor and Jesuit Education

[Mervyn Maciel]

I must say I was bowled over by listening to the speech
by Minister Goyal - thank you Tony for including this
clip in your message.
   I could sense that the man was speaking from the heart,
and what a memory he has.
   For him to remember the part many Don Bosco priests and
teachers played in his life - particularly the fatherly advice he
received from Fr. Bonny is very commendable.
   I wish so much that many politicians, holding high office
today, would have the humility to admit and pay tribute
to the priests and teachers whose advice and guidance
was in no small way responsible for their attaining the lofty
positions they now hold.


Mervyn Maciel