US consulate reconsiders visas to Goan band

The US Consulate in Mumbai has issued visas to members of a Goan music band, after denying them earlier.

Buyao Theatre Goem, a local band, is scheduled to perform at Detroit and New York this month. Siddhanath Buyao, a band member, told that the US authorities had reconsidered their decision.

The band has been invited to perform at “North Goan American Convention” at Detroit on July 7 and 8. Well-known local singer, Lorna Cordeiro, is a part of the group.

On July 2, US consulate denied them visas, saying that “the applicants could not satisfy the interviewing officer that they will depart the United States at the end of their temporary stay and they could not demonstrate strong social, economic and/or familial ties outside the United States”.

After the reports of denial of visas appeared in the media, the consulate reviewed its decision. The group would fly to US from Mumbai on Friday night, Buyao said. After a performance in New York on July 22, it would return to India on July 24.