I would not like to add the cause as to why I did leave it soon thereafter, but if there is one reason I did get back was due to the tremendous loyalty and dedication to the cause of my good old friend George Fernandez. And for it to succeed, you required rock solid support from the stalwarts in the field. Dedication, loyalty, fun, entertainment, bonhomie, camaraderie et al came in with the man who embodies the Goan spirit so well. And around that grew the building blocks, one by one, with support from Jazz Joe, Valerio Sequeria, Colin D’Cruz, Lester Godinho, Gerson Rebelo, Ethel Da Costa, Mac Dourado, Jean Kalgutkar, Caetano Fillipe Colaco, Arturo D’souza and so many others.

 

The family continues to grow. It give me tremendous pleasure to know that it is jazz that rules and it is jazz that creates excitement in the music industry today, Whether it is Cavala in Baga, Fiplees in Benaulim, Palm and Sands in Candolim or Rebelo Mansion in Betalbatim, it is all happening. And, it is getting people together. Which is great news since Goa is all about entertainment and style, and all about a relaxed breath of fresh air.

 

As Panjim readies itself for the International Film Festivel, we can safely say that Goa is becoming a permanent destination for events tourism.. And, isn’t that natural? We have been entertainers and that runs in our genetic code!!! So, let us grasp our natural inclination and go for it. And get down to the real meaning of sussegado. Instead of belittling the word that means relaxation, let us be creative in creating a “sussegado industry” where we handle entertainment and relaxation in a professional manner.