Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
from special correspondent

Panaji, January 15: Goa's expatriate community, which traces its migration history to more than two centuries back, has decided to hold a reunion meet in Panaji later this week.

Goans spread worldwide are expected to converge here on January 19 as part of the meet organised by the World Alliance of Goan Overseas Associations (WAGOA), an umbrella organisation of 45 groups.

"Goans were among the first Indians to migrate from the country and hence we could find them almost everywhere," said Tony Colaco, WAGOA general secretary, who also heads Goans Overseas Association in Sydney.

Chief minister Digamber Kamat along with NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro will be present at the function.

"We want that the community members should mingle with each other and share their experiences. This is a family reunion," said Colaco, who addressed a press conference in the presence of WAGOA convenor Rene Barretto and others last evening.

"We have not sought any government help for the function," Colaco stated.

"The first Goan Overseas Association (GOA) was born 120 years ago in the East African countries," said Colaco, who works with Boral, Australia's largest construction company.

Based on the theme `We still Call Goa Home', the convention will chalk out programmes which the Goa's NRI community can take up in the state.

"We want fellow Goans to join us so that we can do something for Goa," Colaco said.