Goan Photographer J.L. RIVON GOMES

J. L. Rivon Gomes


Smile Please! Who else on earth always wants us to smile? Its none other than a photographer. Whether he is an artist or not, the photographer is a joyous sensualist, for the simple reason that the eye traffics in feelings, not in thoughts. If you do not want beautiful moments of your life to fade away, he is there to frame them up. He is renowned for photography in the international media, who holds over 30 certificates and many awards for his remarkable and picturesque photography at global level. Yes! That is Mr. Jose Luis Rivon Gomes.

Rivon Gomes is currently working as sales supervisor in CANON - Nasser Mohamed Al Sayer Communication Company, Kuwait. He studied in Diploma-Tech Engineering as High Skilled Craftsman from Cardian Technical Institute - Mumbai and qualified production engineering. As soon as he graduated in 1979, he joined a studio Company in Dubai, U.A.E. In the year 1980 he landed in Kuwait to join Al Alamiah (Fotofast), as Lab Technician. While working here, he graduated in advance photo finishing from American Institute. His job responsibility as a lab technician included installation of systems, training the staff, setting up new studios, and also working on the professional studio, commercial, structural/architectural and celebrity jobs as well as attended training in Germany. His action photography swings him with the best angles he captures without missing his prey, at which every fraction of a second is well calculated and captures the perfect exposure without missing it sharp and clear, manipulating with all the F-Stop and speeds that are needed accordingly. After an experience of over two decades, his responsibilities included and expanded to handling sales, managing showrooms and professional studios and also as a lab manager was handling production and quality control working in Al Alamiah Company. Later he had his own business on the photography lineup.

In 2001, Rivon Gomes joined CANON and now with his innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, he owns a business in commercial photography. Having 30 years of experience in photography, he is very creative, idealistic and believes in quality and carries the motive of achieving highest customer satisfaction through delivering incomparable quality. He is a workaholic and loves whatever he does. He enjoys dealing with all professional line of cameras and also provides his valuable advice and suggestions to people who come to him. He also aims at setting up studios in India and training budding youngsters in the field.
Though he is a high profile person, he is humble and very down to earth. He is a quick learner and believer in his own ability. He aims high and never left any task incomplete. He toiled day in and day out to achieve his goals and fulfill his dreams. Since he believes in quality, it brought him a good fame in Kuwait. So why not we say that his zeal and passion towards photography made all his dreams come true.

In terms of learning about new technology and latest model cameras, he is quick and purchases high tech cameras whichever is new in the market. His favourite cameras are SLR and Twin lens Reflex Camera.


Isn’t it also true that behind every successful man there is a woman, and of course his family too. The credit of Rivon Gomes’ success can be accredited to his wife Fatima Glensia Gomes, who is an executive secretary for Al Zayani for the past 20 years. She had been a great support to her husband right from day one. They were blessed with two children. As the saying goes, “As you sow, so you reap”, Rivon Gomes’s children too are very talented like him. The elder son, Staski Jude Gomes, is popular for his music and is good at sports. He is now in U.K. pursuing his higher studies. Scot Savio Gomes is their younger son, who is currently studying in standard nine at Carmel School, and has groomed to be a “drummer” as his hobby!

Rivon is born in a well disciplined family and hails from picturesque Raia village in Goa, India. His father was an auditor section officer in control in Indian Navy, and so he could inherit the discipline from his father. Apart from being passionate with photography, Rivon was also an accomplished footballer and an athlete. In the year 1976 he won first place in 110 Metres hurdles at all India Mining Meet held in Goa when he worked for Sesa Goa Pvt. Limited.

Rivon is well disciplined, creative, confident, innovative, hard working, entrepreneurial, an all rounder with a loving family and satisfying personal and professional life – what more do a complete man require?

(By N Mohandoos/Gaspar Almeida)

'KONKNNI OPARINCHO JHELO' RELEASED

'KONKNNI OPARINCHO JHELO' RELEASED

Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) celebrated their 5th anniversary in grand style with the release of Brazinho Soares (Kalapurkar)'s KONKNNI OPARINCHO JHELO - a collection of Konkani sayings which the author has collected for over 46 years.


Brazinho Soares was specially flown in from Goa for the occasion. This is the first time an inaugural release of a KONKANI publication takes place in Kuwait. The occasion was beautifully orchestrated by KGTS committee members and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was done at the hands of Rev. Fr. Melywn D'Cunha, vicar of the Holy Cathedral Church, Kuwait City on 17/4/2007.

KGTS President, Katty de Navelim, presented a shawl and a Memento to the author. At the commencement, a prayer recital and a minute's silence was observed in the fond rememberance of late Shri Ulhas Buyao. During the ceremony an exhibition of Konkani books, magazines, novels and periodicals was inaugurated by Elvira D'Souza. Incidentally, Brazinho Soares was also honoured on the same day at the Kala Academy Goa together with several senior Goan Tiatr Artistes. The event has been compered by KGTS General Secretary, Dominic Araujo.

A brief about Brazinho Soares:
Brazinho Soares hails from Santa Cruz and hence the alias Kalapurkar gets attached and recognized synonimously. Born 1938, his first Konkani poem titled "Doriachem Ojeap" was published on 9/2/1958 in 'Aitarachem Vachop' Konkani newspaper. After this, there was no turning back, as Brazinho Soares' love for Konkani writings flowed from his pen and it is interesting to note that not a single newspaper, magazine, weekly is left without his contribution being published. A man of few words, he has the unique record of collecting Konkani publications, Tiatr reviews, leaflets (handbills), which he did as a hobby in his youth, which continues todate. Brazinho Soares has often loaned his entire collections to Kala Academy (Goa) whenever are exhibitions and seminars held for Konkani promoting organizations and has received appreciation from several dignitaries including Goa's Chief Ministers, Kala Academy heads/chairperson, Senior Tiatrists as well as Editors of Konkani publications and magazines.
Brazinho Soares has also participated in several tiatr competitions and has been honoured by various Konkani and Cultural Organizations, both in Goa as well as overseas. He is the receipient of Goa Government Awards, Ave Maria Furtado Award (Qatar), Santa Cruz Social Welfare Association, Kala Academy, etc. Brazinho's creative writings and poems have been published in Gulab, Vauraddeancho Ixtt, A Vanguarda, Ave Maria, Porjecho Adar, Goan Express, Vauraddi, Cine Times, The Goa Mail, Udentechem Noketr, Goencho Sad, Divtti, Sot, Uzvadd, Loksad, Goykar, Novem Goem, Goencho Avaz, Goenchem Ful, Konkan Mail, Arso, Goencho Porzoll, O'Heraldo, Goan Sports Weekly, Dor Mhoineachi Rotti, Konknni, Arso, Goencho Fuddari, and other periodicals.
Brazinho Soares has also been managing editor of Konkani periodicals and magazines such as Karnaval, Goencho Gulab, Hea Sonvsarant, Konknni Noketrancho Uzvadd, etc. A good tiatr writer and director, he has presented 'Mogacho Xevott Simiterint and 'Mogachi Doulot' tiatrs which were well appreciated by the audience. He has also presented two Lenten-based plays 'Ho to Monis' and 'Sorvonddar Mell'lo' which were based on Jesus Christ's passion and his teachings. Earlier he has published two books with his collection of 'poems'.


"KONKNNI OPARINCHO JHELO" is a collectors' item and a treasure trove.
KGTS has supported the venture in publishing it. The publication will be made available to all KONKNNI lovers in Goa and worldwide from today (22nd April). To order your copy, email: araujodc@rediffmail.com or Mob: (965) 9391452 or contact: Brazinho Soares, Kalapurkar, Ubo Dando, Santa Cruz, Ilhas,
Goa-403005 - Tel: +91 832 2446962 or email: teddynov@rediffmail.com

Report by Gaspar Almeida, associate, www.goa-world.com
Additional input: KGTS.
Photographer: Rewon Gomes rewgomes@hotmail.com



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DOMINIC ARAUJO - The dynamic all-rounder

DOMINIC ARAUJO - The dynamic all-rounder


Domingos Caetano Araujo, better known as DOMINIC ARAUJO. A Gemini, born on 20 June 1965, is 42Y/25D hails from St. Agostinho Vaddo, Santa Cruz–Ilhas, Tiswadi, Goa, one of seven siblings of Late Joao Francisco de Araujo and Annalia Inacia Araujo (Anul). Araujo’s primary education was at Government School and in 1982 he passed SSCE from New English High School, Santa Cruz.



After passing SSCE examination he was misguided by his relatives. “Xinkkon Konn Voir Sorla? Passport Kor ani Kuveit Voch!" (Who has benefitted from education, get your passport and go to Kuwait). "It was at that time when multi-coloured shorts, t-shirts and jean pants were in demand", he smiles mischievously. "Not only that the temptation was so, whoever comes from Gulf was called "Kuveitkar"". Araujo’s father worked for the Public Works Department PWD Div IV - Panjim for nineteen years up to 1977, and later worked in Bahrain until 1992.

Araujo narrowly missed the admission for Goa Polytechnic College at Farmagudi, otherwise he could be top notch! He laments, "I was not favoured by lady luck. That’s how I landed in Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Atinho Panjim, where he spent two years for a trade certificate". There was less training, not-up-to-the-mark facilities and more leisure at the ITI. Araujo took good advantage of this and along with his colleague Bonifacio Dias from Penha de Franca (Britona) got themselves involved in the persuit of Konkani articles and news clippings. Soon, Araujo's leadership qualities sprung open and formed "Jolly Boys of St. Agostinho" club, and in the very first year organized record four football tournaments. 72 teams competed in a single tournament and was the biggest success of his leadership, that’s happened in mid eighties at Green Field Football Ground in Santa Cruz - the facility offered courtesy Dr. Alvaro Pinto.



As a tiatrist Araujo has something different that any other tiatrist! Every second tiatrist made wonders at a tender age of 7, 8 or 10, 11 on stage! Araujo clocked it in little less time at the age of six. He recalled: “Tiatrs were staged using oil lamps (Petromas) when there was no power in villages”. “Araujo witnessed tiatr in the absent of either oil lamps or power lights”!!! Yes it’s true, it was in early seventies during the Indo-Pakistan war, he was visiting his Banda-Mai (great maternal mother from St. Cruz village of Bandar linking to Teleigao). He recalls on his way not far from his house at Marod/Maddir the traditional annual tiatr for the feast of St. Agostinho scheduled for 4 p.m. to escape black out during the night. Araujo discovered the art in broad daylight! He returned home without visiting his Banda-Mai, and to prove himself, enacted the same tiatr performance he witnessed, his maiden off stage acting in sheer pursuit of being a tiatrist and managed to convince his parents. But it was not easy, it took him another nine years to prove his hidden talents when he was offered to enact the role of a honest cop in the school play. His maternal mother, who witnessed his love for Konkani, cheered him. Araujo feels proud and claims "It’s his Banda-Mai, who opened him the path of acting". Araujo’s success owed to his Konkani subject teacher Shri. Bharat Nayak, hailing from Goa-Velha - a theatre personality and writer/director/actor of numerous Konkani plays and dramas. “Khaxi Pondak” is one of Bharat Nayak's best suspense plays staged for his school concert, he recalls.


As far as acting is concerned Araujo believes he's rusted steel, but will not throw away for cheap price. He is very innovative and creativity runs in his viens. In 1986 under the banner of Jolly Boys of St. Agostinho, he staged his maiden tiatr "MHOZO BHAV" without acting in any tiatr even at village level. Araujo later presented “MHOZO BHAV” at the Kala Academy Tiatr Competition which was performed on the very first day of competition at Kala Academy Open Air Hall with his upcoming budding teenagers.

Araujo’s prowess as writer/director/actor was recognized by noted local tiatrist Peter Barbose (Father of Carmin/Elvis, who was recently awarded KALA GAURAV AWARD by Chief Minister of Goa, Digamber Kamat for his meritorious service in the field of tiatr, he has written more than 50 tiatrs), Brazinho Soares Kalapurkar (writer/collector of Konkani literature) and Anthony Fernandes (Bollu Anton). It was Anthony Fernandes who gave Araujo the opportunity to perform in the title roles in his tiatrs namely, "DUDDVANCHE AXECHO" and "NIDDUKAI". Araujo’s singing capacity is equally the same as his acting! He has composed a few songs. Araujo formed his own trio with his close friends Anthony Fernandes and Socorro Bocarro. A song composed to praise the only Konkani monthly magazine "GULAB" was well applauded by audience. Araujo’s colleague Anthony fired one political solo on Goan MLA’s “AMDAR AMCHE AMKAM SANNAM KHAVOITA, ELISANVAM VELLAR FUGHE FULLOITA” sung for one of his tiatrs. As was the censorship trend then, Araujo was summoned for enquiry by then Deputy Sarpanch, Late Dr. Antonio Gonsalves on the instructions of then Santa Cruz MLA Michael Fernandes. An explanation was requested and in his own immitable way, he smiled at Dr. Gonsalves and presented him some newspaper clippings! Araujo acted with Peter Barbosa in his tiatr "CUSTOM OFFICER" staged near Sao Gonsalo Chapel, Cujira on 27th November 1986.

In 1987 Araujo was tempted by a lucrative job in Saudi Arabia when it was a peak time for tiatr and one act plays competitions in Goa. For seven years he could not think of tiatrs or anything related, as he felt that he has landed in an alien land where he could not even speak a single word in Konkani! He had subscribed to GULAB magazine, but that was also cut short due to non receipt of renewal notice in time. Following vacation time Araujo visited the GULAB office in Panjim to express his sadness and feelings to the founder/editor, Late Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa concluding: “TUZO GULAB VACHTOLE ZAITE ASSA, PUN VIKTO GHETOLE KONN NAM ”. In 1994 Araujo returned for good to Goa. He tried to carry forward on Konkani stage, but did not find suitable incentives. In 1995, just before he landed in Kuwait he had a last laugh in Cyril Almeida’ tiatr on stage in Goa!!

In June 1995 Araujo took a trade job in Ahmadi - the place well known as the cradle and birthplace of Konkani tiatr in Kuwait . From 1995 to 2001 it was a long journey - a height of patience when very few tiatrist were seen and performed tiatrs. He confesses "It appeared there were no tiatrists in Kuwait even after the big guns like Kuwait Trio of Cajetan-Marcus-Xavier, Mendes Bros: Felix-Derick-Xavier, H.Britton, etc. and no opportunity to display your talents". It was only when United Club of Utorda-Kuwait announced their first one act Konkani play competition when he met Alex de Consua. Alex offloaded his role just a week before the competition to give Araujo his first stage appearance in Kuwait". The play was written and directed by Estevan Rodrigues from Mandur, Ilhas. Later, Araujo climbed on new pedestal when he was invited as guest artiste for SONGIT SANZ at Kuwait City in Fakher Eldeen Palace in October 2001 organized by Konkani Heritage Kuwait. Araujo soon licked well within the tiatrists’ faternity. A man of action and grace, he continued his march towards his goal and formed "KALA MOGUI – KUWAIT (KMK)" and organized First Konkani Singing Competition and staged a well acclaimed short Konkani play “MAFI MAGTAM” on 28th December 2002. "Araujo - a man of strong voice is very selective, a little sensitive and the best critic"! Under the banner and leadership of Kala Mogui – Kuwait , he has shown keen interest and participated in various events held in Kuwait . On 13th April 2007, “KMK”staged Anil Olga’s MUNIS TUM the 75th Silver Jubilee show with a colorful celebratory ceremony. Araujo took centre stage as the compere of the show, later in a very first scene he was acting too. He has no hesitation to shoulder any responsibilities on and off stage! On the Soor football grounds you will see him distributing flyers, assisting to promote Konkani, helping tiatrists to sell Konkani materials like CD’s, VCD’s, Konkani publications, etc.



Araujo distances himself from controversial elements and avoids friction. He cannot bear the thought of any Goan put down by unsocial elements within the community. He says: Everything he does, in the interest of Konkani, in his point of view, tiatrists are not for Konkani, they deserve credit as the ambassadors without knowing the alphabets of Konkani. Araujo believes he is hundred times far than tiatrists, even though his admirer appreciates his dedication for Konkani and tiatr.

Araujo the victim of love & life follows pelican crossing, it’s really difficult for one man to handle all alone, he was deserted by unwanted incident. Today he is a proud father and a loving husband, his two years and four months old daughter DJ STACY and his wife MARIA has everything they deserve. Araujo is the professional Auto-CAD Design Draftsman works for Arabian Construction Company - one of Kuwait Fire Department’s Approved Grade “A” Fire Fighting Contractors. Today if Araujo is the perfect planner from oil field to commercial projects for mechanical/electrical works is only from learn-while-you-earn policy.

Araujo is the President of Kala Mogui – Kuwait (KMK) the organization created by him to promote art and culture. He is the General Secretary of Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS), and also the elected member of Goan Welfare Society (GWS) managing committee (2007-08).

Araujo is very grateful to T-Bush for inviting him on the sets of the first Konkani e-cinema BLACK NHESOP ATANCHEM FASHION. Araujo, with his focussing eyes, enlightens " The first Konkani e-cinema is ready to behold - there won’t be any slip either from the shoulder nor from the waist which will undress to young or old, all the angles are well captured by T-Bush the man behind the lens too". For Araujo, T-Bush is the hero; the master of art, besides direction & editing T-Bush has written the script too. Araujo strongly believes and proudly mentions: "T-Bush is the man who can literally bring down the stars on earth. The quality of his art will prove millions of Konkani speaking people around the globe. T-Bush’s generosity is unbeatable. Why? During the formation of Kala Mogui, Araujo was looking for some one to design the logo for his organization. He was introduced to T-Bush by Nicholas Rodrigues (United Club of Utorda). No doubt his art work is marvelous, the greatness of T-Bush is his "smile n services". It’s beyond your expectation!



Araujo stars as one of the guest artistes, and wishes all the best for the co-artistes, the technicians, the musicians, the crew, the publicity coordinators, and above all the director T-Bush. The grand premier is schedule for 10 August 2007, at Mashra Al-Hawally A/C Auditorium in the State of Kuwait.

A couple of weeks to go and to coincide with this grand occasion Araujo takes the opportunity, on behalf of T-Bush Films International and the cast, to thank all Kuwaiti Ministry Officials, for the cooperation and support for the first Konkani e-cinema and the first Indian film entirely shoot in the State of Kuwait.

Action!..… Dialogue! … Cut!.… "BLACK" is ready to go on SCREEN!


Gaspar Almeida
www.goa-world.com



http://www.youtube.com/uly334
"DOMNIC's GOA" To get your copy email cecilpinto@gmail.com
CREATING HISTORY! The First Konkani-E-Cinema by T-BUSH - Releasing in Kuwait on 10 August 2007.
www.goachess.info

photos

GWS CHRISTMAS 1999

GWS X'MAS 1999

SECRETARY'S REPORT























This year, as the Goan Welfare Society (GWS) is successfully completing a momentous decade of existence in Kuwait, it is with pride to draw the attention of all Goans that it has has strived constantly to earn for itself and its members abundant credence in bolstering in every sphere of social service and help towards needy Goans and countrymen. GWS has strongly stood to the challenges and have strived for the betterment of the Goan community. And the saga of success continuous unabated. 1999 saw GWS celebrated with style the 5th Goa Day event - a much cherished event for the Goan community in Kuwait to display unity among Goans. It was attended by over 2000 during the day long programme comprising of Goan cultural, food, games of skill, educational, and talent contests. The Goa Day '99 had the participation of all Goan clubs in Kuwait and this was specially witnessed at the lighting of the traditional lamp for the opening ceremony, serenaded by the visiting Goan troupe, Augustinho da Cruz and his troupe, which was flown direct from Goa - courtesy of Indian Airlines. GWS participation in the social, cultural and economic programmes and forums organized by the Embassy of India, Indian Arts Circle (of which GWS is a member), the Association of Indian Professionals (AIP), the visiting Indian delegations, and others further enhances our commitment of solidarity among the Indian expatriates in Kuwait. On the call by H.E. The Ambassador of India, Rs. 98,000/- were raised towards the Indian Army Welfare Fund for the Kargil cause in the name of the Goan community - thanks to the individuals and the clubs/associations for their contribution. GWS actively participated in the Diwalli Programme in November '98 organized by the Embassy of India at the IAC Auditorium, and the Republic Day celeberations at the Indian Embassy. The GWS X'mas Tree '98 function was a grand success. GWS was invited by H.E. the Ambassador of India to Kuwait for a Christmas Party hosted for prominent Indians. We
contributed towards the Christmas illumination of the Embassy building and the Auditorium repairs and renovation works . A warm welcome was accorded to Fr. Hilary Fernandes of Pilar Society by GWS and helped him to raise funds for charity. He was honoured and presented with a Memento. GWS offered full support and cooperation for the canonization process of Vernerable Fr. Agnel D'Souza. GWS makes it a point to look homeward, and spare a thought for those needy and less fortunate bretherns who are unfortunately rendered homeless. Over the past year, we have, in our small way, rendered assistance to: Home for the Aged (Albergue)-Loutolim, Associacoa Pao de Sto. Antonio-Curtorim, Inmates of Deao's Home-Quepem, Old Age Home-Quepem (M.C. Sisters), Patrocial Chapel-Benaulim, Asylum of Margao
(Provedoria), Navajyothi Rehabilitation Centre-Nuvem, Clergy Home (Hospicio do Clero)-Margao, Missionaries of Charity (Asilo)-Panaji, Fr. Agnel Trust, among others. GWS offered full support to Don Bosco Mission to establish an unique institute in Kuwait. In times of need, GWS has been always on the forefront, in the interest of the Goans. The matter for compensation for the accident victim case in Kuwait, Mrs. Maria Ninette Fernandes of Nuvem, Verna, Salcette, was vigorously followed-up since December '96, with the assistance and cooperation of the Indian Embassy , and GWS is pleased to inform that it has been favourably settled by the Courts of Kuwait and a sum of KD. 16000/- was granted. GWS donated Rs. 10,000/- towards Mrs. Anita Noronha's kidney transplant operation and we are pleased to inform that the operation has been a success. Time and again, GWS has been committed itself to look into the grieviences of the Goan destitues. GWS has very recently assisted in the repatriation of two Goan destitute housemaids, Ms. Martha Barretto hailing from Canacona and Ms. Simona Alemos hailing from Ilha de Rachol, Salcette, through the good offices of the Indian Embassy. Both were flown by Indian Airlines direct to Goa and airfares borne soley by GWS. We have expressed our interest to the Indian Mission looking after the interest of the runaway Indian maids, within our means, to fly out the six Goan maids - four Christians, one Hindu and one
Muslim - presently at the Safe House, and re-unite them with them family, hopefully, before the X'mas Day! At the request of the Indian Embassy, GWS rendered help to a Goan maid to transport her left baggage on KWI/GOI flight. With the help of our benefactor, Mr. Tony Figuerado, it was handed over to her in Goa. The top Goan artiste, Lorna, who visited Kuwait for a Konkani drama was honoured by GWS and presented with a Memento. It has been a proud privilege to make a headway in the local sports activities of the expatriate Indians. GWS responded to the call of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) to sponsor the J.P. D'Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy (KIFF Super League) in recognition of his services towards the promotion of football in India and Kuwait. GWS has also sponsored the "Kuwaitkar Team" who will participate with other Gulf, North America and African Football Team for the first ever Goan Soccer 2000 World Cup Tournament to be held between 9th - 22nd January 2000, conducted under the auspices of Goa Football Association (GFA) in Goa. The top ranking Goan students at the 1998-99 Goa Board's Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) were honoured at a recently held Lions Club function in Curtorim. A sum of Rs. 5000/- each to the top Goan girl, Neelam R. Prabhugoanker of M&N English High School - Margao and to the top Goan boy Vankatesk Kolvalker of Mustifund High School - Panaji were handed over by the chief guest, Mr. Francisco Sardinha, Hon. Minister of Health in the presence of GWS Treasurer, Mr. Joaquim Sardinha. The annual scholarship awards are sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Sam Alphonso, patron member of GWS. The 1999
annual GWS academic scholarship awards for students studying in Kuwait's Indian Schools affiliated to the CBSE Board, New Delhi has been extended to Std. IXth, Xth, XIth and XIIth. The receipients of the GWS Scholarship awards for 1999 are: Miss Christabelle Pinto (Std. IX), and Miss Myra Antao (Std. IX), Miss Chantelle Marise Miranda (Std. X), Master Noel Micheal D'Souza (Std. X), Olinda D'Mello (Std. XI - Commerce), Master Wilson Ignatius Gonsalves (Std. XI - Science), Master Osborn Gomes (Stx. XII -
Science), and Miss Michelle D'Souza (Std. XII - Commerce). Our hearty congratulations to these young Goans who make us feel proud. GWS thank in a very special way, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Alphonso for their kind sponsorship of these academic awards. Over the past years, GWS has taken special interest in seeking jobs for Goans by recommending suitable candidates to the employers. Service benefits for those Goans not recalled and which was at stake has also been looked into. The war compensation benefits were also followed. The May Queen '99 Ball was held at the Messilah Beach Hotel-Habiba Ballroom on 6th May 1999 and hailed as a success. Ms. Analy Furtado was crowned the May Queen. Handsome prizes, air-tickets and
electronic goods, prize coupons, etc. were donated by Kuwait's top business houses and well wishers in Kuwait. The Educational Seminar, organized by GWS, at the Carlton Hotel in April '99 saw eminent and illustrious educationists, doctors and high profile professionals from IT, Airlines, Tourism, Advertising, and Administrative cadres in Kuwait conveyed the indepth vocational guidance to the students of the Indian schools. A large number of students, parents, school administrators and attended and H.E. The Ambassador inaugurated the seminar. Plans are in the offing to establish and operate a medical facility in Goa. The idea has been mooted in coordination with the Goan football clubs in Kuwait and prominent Goans in the Gulf region. Towards this end, efforts are being made to implement this much cherished dream through the cooperation of Goan doctors, medical technologists, nurses and the medical faculty in Kuwait with close liaison with medical professions and the concerned authorities in Goa. GWS looks forward to make this dream a reality with the cooperation of all. GWS Membership have recorded a upsurge in the last two years and continues in the trend currently at the same pace. Issues of vital interest to the Goan community in Kuwait and back home have been taken at official levels with the Governor of Goa, the Chief Minister, honourable members of Goa's Legislative Assembly, the Speaker of Goa, and educational/social institutions to redress the genuine grieviences. The issue of reservations of seats for NRI Goan students in medical and professional colleges in Goa has been continuously been looked into. A joint delegation comprising of GWS and the Presidents of Goan clubs/associations recently met with the Indian Airlines management in Kuwait and we are pleased to announce the commencement of the Kuwait-Goa direct flight in November '99. We are also pleased to announce a special additional direct flight by Indian Airlines on Wednesday 22nd December 1999 at 0130 hours. Issues of mutual interest concerning ticket reservations, cargo, baggage allowances and inflight services were raised and deleberated. Indian Airlines has been very receptive to the suggestions put forth by the delegations. As we cross the threshold of a new century and open the doors to the new Millenium,
let's dedicate ourselves to continue to foster the unity, the rich Goan culture, traditions and heritage we have been bestowed on! Ask not what GWS can do for you but ask what you can do for GWS in the interest of Goa and Goans.

Merry X'mas and Best Wishes for the year 2000 to all our Members and well-wishers.


Gaspar Almeida
General Secretary - Goan Welfare Society
(GWS) - Kuwait