Non-Resident Goans Hold Brainstorming Workshop in Toronto
By Goan Voice Canada with files from IGO

A group of determined Goans met in Toronto on Sunday, September 10, 2006, to address the issue:
“How do we look after the interests and welfare in Goa of Non-Resident Goans from Canada”
The workshop, convened by the International Goan Organization, (IGO), was expertly conducted by management consultant, Cellie Gonsalves.
The specific objectives of the workshop were:
· To pursue the interests of Non-Resident Goans (NRGs) with the State Government in Goa, and the Central Government of India.
· To assist NRGs in protecting their rights in Goa especially in property related matters
· To provide facilities to NRGs on their visit to Goa.
· To help in investment by NRGs in Goa
· To maintain cultural and ethnic bonds of NRGs, especially the new generation with Goa.

The statement of objectives was followed by a brainstorming session and concluded with a distillation of best ideas under the heading “How Can We….”.

Cellie Gonsalves kept the flow of ideas on course, allowing all those present to freely express their views and ideas. A small bowl was on the table to collect a loonie fine for those who punctuated their comments with “YES BUT”. The meeting concluded with the bowl empty, and the IGO left with a pile of flip chart sheets full of best ideas for further consideration.
A communiqué is expected to be issued in due course.

The IGO incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1989, has an impressive list of accomplishments:
· International Goan Youth Convention – Goa, December, 1990
· Academic Conference in Toronto March 1991
· Indo-Canadian Enterprise Exchange Program – Toronto, November 1993
· Health Services Project 1999, 2000

IGO contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

IGO Output (powerpoint file)