Xit-Koddi - Apr - Jun 2016

Portuguese Citizenship For Goans

The issue of Portuguese citizenship issue for Goans has attracted much attention in the media in the last few days. Some have criticised those Goans with Portuguese passports.

Let us not forget the real reason, our fellow Goans who are toiling to make a decent living in European countries, make a contribution to our economy. Many Goans and Goan clubs, institutions from European countries support worthy causes in Goa. I doubt any true Goan would choose to work outside Goa if there were sufficient good and decent job opportunities at home. A large number of Goans apply for Portuguese passport only to avail of the facility to work in European countries and not because they love Portugal or to live in Portugal.

It’s said time and time again, and we repeat, 'A Goan may be out of Goa but Goa is never out him.' 

Yours truly 

Global Goans Chamber of Commerce Launched:  With the aim of promoting dialogue among Goans on economic matters, across the world, Global Goans Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) was launched on April 11. The GGCC is an independent body for meaningful interaction with government departments and corporations to work out public-private partnerships. The GGCC will work to foster social and cultural bonds with Global Goans and to promote participation by NRI Goans in business and industry. The Congress party has promoted the GGCC but it is across party lines to provide a platform for all Goans to participate in Goa’s economy. The launch ceremony at the Congress House in Panjim was attended by Congress Party President (Goa) Luizinho Faleiro, former Goa NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro and many other prominent social figures. GGCC is headed by Simon D'Silva (Qatar), President and Carmo Santos (Kuwait) and Francis Correia (Bahrain) as Vice Presidents. Our Editor GR Crasto (Bahrain) is the Secretary while Edson Fernandes (Qatar) is the Joint Secretary, Pradeep Kotkar (Qatar) Treasurer and Henry Fernandes (Dubai) Joint Treasurer. Other Executive Members of the Board are Domnic Colaco (Oman), Agnelo D'Costa (Kuwait), Ramdas Revadkar (Kuwait) and Siddesh Gaunkar (Qatar). 

Gold Pass At Customs: Non-resident Indians visiting India loaded with jewellery to attend a wedding or function and citizens going overseas carrying gold for similar occasions may no longer get hassled at customs in the near future. The government is preparing a framework to ensure trouble-free customs clearances for such travel into and out of India. Stringent norms that were put in place to curb gold smuggling through personal baggage had led to problems for those bringing in jewelry for personal use. The problem the government is faced with is how to allow movement of such jewelry easily while ensuring that the route is not abused for smuggling. Various options such as paying duty through cards or online are being considered. Essentially, this would mean that based on valuation of jewelry, duty could be paid on entry and refunded when the person returns. This would ensure that even if such jewelry is brought in and not taken back, customs duty would have been paid. A final call on the matter would be taken shortly. This was disclosed to the media by a senior official of the finance ministry.

Know Goa Program: The Department of NRI Affairs of the Government of Goa, headed by Dr. Wilfred Menezes Mesquita, Commissioner for NRI Affairs, has announced that the 9th Know Goa Programme is scheduled from November 27 to December 11, 2016. The program is formulated for the benefit of Goan Diaspora Youth who are not Indian nationals and have had no opportunity to discover their roots in Goa and in India. The program is open to students and young professionals, in the age group of 18 to 28 years, who have distinguished themselves in various fields and have an abiding interest in Goa and in India. Those interested may submit their applications to the nearest Indian Mission latest by August 15, 2016. More details of this program are available at:  http://www.nri.goa.gov.in/Know-Goa-Programme-2016.pdf 

YGC Executive Committee 2016: Noel Fernandes was re-elected unopposed for a second term as President of Young Goans Club, Manama at the Annual General Body Meeting of the club held on April 8. The other members (elected to the executive committee for the year 2016-17 elected unopposed) were Steven Dias (Vice-President), Roland Varella (General Secretary), Chris Noronha (Asst. Gen. Secretary), Terence D’Costa (Treasurer), Marshall D’Souza (Asst. Treasurer), Silvester Bonnie Mascarenhas (Entertainment Secretary), Angelo Lawrence (Asst. Entertainment Secretary), Clifford Correia (Outdoor Sports Secretary), Rico Braganza (Indoor Sports Secretary), Blake D’Souza and Manuel Fernandes (Committee Members). David D’Costa will continue as Internal Auditor.

John M. D’Costa (Bahrain): Thanks to Xit-Koddi for giving us the news about Goans and their activities in Bahrain. It was interesting to read interview with Francis Correia. I look forward for more such interviews of Goans in Bahrain. My good wishes to the Xit-Koddi team

Portuguese Citizenship For Goans In the past few days, several reports have appeared in the media on the issue of Portuguese Citizenship for Goans. We bring links to some of these reports to our readers. 

Herald-Goa: Goans registered in Portugal’s Registry may lose Indian citizenship.                    http://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Goans-registered-in-Portugal%E2%80%99s-Registry-may-lose-Indian-citizenship/102564.html

matters india: Hindu outfit opposes Portuguese citizenship for Goans.    

http://mattersindia.com/2016/06/hindu-outfit-opposes-portuguese-citizenship-for-goans/      

The Navhind Times: Benefits as Portuguese national only after getting citizen card, passport: Consul General. 

http://www.navhindtimes.in/benefits-as-portuguese-national-only-after-getting-citizen-card-passport-consul-general/

Herald Editorial: The citizenship issue shouldn’t be an excuse to delete non-BJP voters from the rolls.

http://www.heraldgoa.in/Edit/Editorial/The-citizenship-issue-shouldn%E2%80%99t-be-an-excuse-to-delete-nonBJP-voters-from-the-rolls/102477.html

Sacred Heart Church -  Manama

'Kids for Kingdom' Retreat for children of 7 to 20 years of age for four days from 4 to 7 July'2016. For registration and details contact parish office.