ASHES TO ASHES, DUST TO DUST
Revolt by villagers in the Saleli village against the stone crushers in the area has once again brought to fore problems of residents in Sattari taluka, who are bearing the brunt of development...Many people in the Sattari taluka were lured away with dreams of a better future, good life and development. Little did they realise at that time that their decision would only bring in grief and devastation in future? Tragedy is now staring at their face, yet they know that there is little respite! Mining activities in the area has destroyed the source of water and depleted ground water level. As a result majority of villagers are now dependent on water supplied by the tankers of the mining units. As the fields are destroyed, farmers are forced to work in the mining units, often for a paltry sum. (Preetu Nair, WE-GT)
PANJIM:

ALEXYZ'S GOA TOON

NRIs to get voting rights: PM
HYDERABAD, UNI, Jan 7: After granting citizenship to overseas Indians, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, today announced that they would soon be granted voting rights. The Prime Minister, who gave overseas citizens of India certificate to two prominent non-resident Indians, said the demand for voting rights at home had "convincing political basis". "This proposal is in an advanced stage of consideration by our government and we hope to take appropriate measures in this regard," Dr Singh said while inaugurating the three-day fourth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here. (NT)

I will never sell Goa, says Churchill
MARGAO: Claiming that the Star TV's sting operation that 'exposed' him was move by his detractors to dislodge him from the anti-Mopa movement, South Goa MP Churchill Alemao remarked that he "would never sell his beloved land, Goa". Churchill, in an emotional speech at the Lohia Maidan here, protested that the state Congress leaders were 'out to finish' him. (WE-GT)

MIRAMAR COLONY GIRL SUCCUMBS
PANJIM: One of the three girls, Sayuri Gaunekar, 9, who came in contact with a high-tension wire at La Campala Colony in Miramar, expired on January 7 morning at the Vintage Hospital in St Inez after battling for life for seven days. The doctors had to amputate her already amputated left hand up to the shoulder. (H)

Water sports facilities at Baina beach planned
MORMUGAO, Jan 7: Baina beach will add yet another entertainment activity, with a Mumbai-based private party 'H2O Water Sports' planning to start water sports at Baina beach. Ex-Navy Commander, Mr Patil, who runs a similar activity at Dona Paula, has taken keen interest to start water sports at Baina beach. (H)

MMC move to rent part of children's park irks parents
VASCO: The parents are irked by the decision taken by the Mormugao Municipal Council to rent a part of children's park opposite the La-Paz hotel for Bombay sale. (WE-GT)

Shift birth, death records to South Goa: Shiv Sena
MARGAO: The Salcete branch of the Shiv Sena has protested against the shifting of the birth and death records to the archives department, Panjim, and requested the authorities to shift it back to South Goa as it causes a great deal of inconvenience to the people of South Goa. (WE-GT)

Jamir to visit Saleli today
PANAJI, Jan 7: The Governor, Mr SC Jamir, will visit Saleli village tomorrow morning. Highly placed sources in the police department today said that the Governor will meet the agitating villagers and listen to their grievances, at 8 am. (NT)

Jaya Bachchan terms Goa as 'Mini Bharat'
PANAJI, Jan 7: Amidst colourful dances and music from seven different states, the 3-day Mandovi Milan programme (meeting at the shore of Mandovi river), conceptualised by the Yuvak Biradari and supported by the state government got of to a start today. Celebrated film actress, Ms Jaya Bachchan, who is also the president of the Yuvak Biradari, in her address described Goa as 'Mini-Bharat' and urged Goan students to foster brotherhood, live in clean and hygienic condition, respect women and to save the planet. (NT)

Tiatr writing competition
Goa Konkani Akademi will hold its fifth Tiatro play writing competition with an objective of encouraging the play writers and preserving its specialty. The first prize is Rs.4000, second Rs.3000 and third is Rs.2000. The first prize winning entry will be published in the book from. Tiatro could be in Roman on Devanagri script. Entries may be sent to secretary, Goa Konkani Akademi, 243, Patto Colony, Panaji. (WE-GT)

UAE national dies of injuries
A 28-year-old UAE national expired while undergoing treatment at the Goa Medical College Hospital. Mohammed Yusuf, residing in Parra, was hurt in a vehicular accident at the Assagao slope on January 5. (WE-GT)

KALLKHACHI VATT SURU ZALEA
excels at five competitions
PANAJI, Jan 7: Kallkhachi vatt Suru Zalea, a one-act play presented by Fulte Machi Mogi Nirmiti staged in Goa during the Christmas season, bagged first prizes at five places in all-Goa one-act play competitions. The play is written and directed by Marcos Gonsalves. Speaking to The Navhind Times, Mr Gonsalves pointed out that the aim behind the story was to awaken the people to preserve Goenkarponn of the Goa entity and Goan originality. (NT)

NRI conventions have scope for improvement: Bhatkar
PANJIM, Jan 6: After the Gomant Vishwa Sammelan for Non-Resident Indians, the organisers from the NRI Goa Facilitation Centre, are of the opinion that there is scope for improvement of such conventions. Around 150 NRIs and NRGs attended the convention this year and approximately rupees four to five lakh was spent on the convention. (H)

"Never have I seen such affection and mutual respect anywhere:
It was always known as Jua. Better known as Santo Estevam by which it honours its patron saint. It was also known as Ilha Verde because of its perennial greenery. It produced the best lady fingers in Goa and came to be known as the village of Benddekars. Jua is an island about 20 kms from Panjim with a hill almost in the centre and holds the ruins of the Portuguese fortress that resisted the attempt of Sambaji (1683) who had plans to invade Goa. The panorama from the hill is gorgeous and breathtaking. The Portuguese suffered heavy losses and Sambhaji had to change his plans and abandon the fort...The dominant feature of my village were the inhabitants. There were no neighbours in the modern sense. The whole village was one home. The bond that existed between the rich and the poor made the village a single home. Kindness, concern for all, were qualities hat made the village a single unit. Never have I seen such affection and mutual respect anywhere - and I have pretty much seen the world! That was the village I lived in and loved. (Dr Bailon de Sa, former Vice-chancellor of Cape Coast University, Ghana, in WE-GT)

Jovila, Saffa grab honours
PANJIM, Jan 7: Jovila Sequeira and Saffa Shaikh were among the impressive performers on the inaugural day of the Japan Karate Association of India - all-Goa Karate Championship, at Indoor stadium, Campal. Jovila and Saffa's competitiveness in the kata and kumite events were the highlights of the morning. While Jovila won the women's kata gold in the open category relegating Saffa to the second spot, Saffa did well to win the kumite gold while Jovilla settled for the silver medal. (H)

07 Jan: Velim-Baga: NOLENCIO BRITO EFFIO D'CRUZ; Husband of Rumaldina, father of Agnelo.
07 Jan: Sanvordem-Khamamoll: ANTONETTE COLACO: Mother of Santana/Hortencia (Kuwait), Philomena/late Salvador, Marina/late Antonio, Jaime.
07 Jan: Balli-Cotto: JUILIA CASMIRA REBELO E D'SOUZA (FILOMENA): Wife of late Manuel graciano, mother of Andrew (USA)/Jasmine, Mariano/Antonette, Peter/Prescilla, Dennis (P&O Cruises)/Clemmy, Sumita/Xavier Velho (USA).
07 Jan: Sirvodem/Margao: CAROL D'COSTA: Daughter of Viriato/Monica, sister of Nella and Grace.
06 Jan: Vasco-Butem Bhat/Cansaulim: MICHAEL GODINHo: Husband of vervasinha, brother of Fr Andreh, father of Anthony, Aelred, Aelrea, Aviva.
07 Jan: Cuelim: HERIBERTO FRANCISCO MARIA DA CUNHA: brother of late Lizeta, late Rosinha, late Vicente, late Lourdino, late Aninha, late Fabia, Alberto, late Alzira, Julia and Berta.