For the last so many elections; even going back into the previous decades, Benaulim has elected (and re-elected) MLA's who have only made the constituency worse. It appears that there is one sure way of winning the Benaulim seat again & again i.e. have the most amount of cash, entice/buy the gullible electorate, have a lavish PR campaign/celebration and you are sure of winning. And after the win, there is no obligation to improve the Constituency, as most people are all too happy to sell their souls for the “goodies” that they get from the MLA's and give the respective MLA a free hand to keep on destroying this beautiful constituency. It does not matter what the source of funds are, that this MLA has at his/her disposal i.e. corruption, illegalities, destruction of Goa etc to give away the “goodies”. Today there are very serious problems in Benaulim, as a result of all the in-competent & corrupt MLA’s who have bought their way to power, over the last so many years/decades i.e. disgusting Colva beach, garbage & sewage crisis, land filling, land/water contamination, mega-project monstrosities, RP2021 in-consistencies, Threat of MOPA etc and it is only the few specific activists in Benaulim who are fighting this onslaught, for the benefit of all Benaulikars. The Majority Voters who have elected the MLA do not question the MLA on the total performance failure and keep on enjoying their selfish benefits, whilst their village continues to deteriorate. And once the MLA has seriously damaged one constituency, he moves to the other. But perhaps I am completely wrong and maybe most Benaulikars know best and actually want their Constituency to be deteriorated further, by electing the people that they prefer to be in Power!!
Arwin Mesquita, UAE.
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Monday 13 December 2010
Goa’s Freedom Fighters & Liberation Day (19 Dec)
Why are Goa’s Freedom Fighters silent today on the critical issues facing Goa and Its Identity? Serious issues like rampant corruption, mega-project rampage, indiscriminate/illegal mining, migrant vote-banks, and sale of Goan land to outsiders by Politicians etc are ignored by Freedom Fighters today, who instead focus on un-Important Issues. We can understand Real/Genuine Freedom Fighters, who are either no longer with us (unfortunately) or not in a position today at their current age, to act or voice out their opinions. The Other Fake Freedom fighters are not acting for Goa for possibly the following reasons:(1) Their intentions for Goa were never right from the start (Pre-Liberation) and they were working at the behest of vested interests, actually working against Goa & Goans. (2) They are on the Government Payroll (at Taxpayers expense) and have only their selfish interests in mind.(3) They want try for more benefits from the State (again at Taxpayers expense) by making their presence felt, via attacking useless un-important issues!! Now these Fake Freedom Fighters will participate in the so Called “Liberation Day” on 19th December and make another mockery of Goa & Goans; who must realize what is being celebrated here, Is it Liberation of Goa from the Portuguese or it is actually the Liberation of Goa from the Goans?Arwin Mesquita, UAE.
Friday 10 December 2010
Real Estate Goans
There are Goans too lazy to do anything constructive or think of good business ventures which could take a little more effort, so they do the easiest thing that is available to them i.e. get into Real Estate. My question to each of them is: after you have sold our priceless land to outsiders, facilitated the building lobby to sell apartments to outsiders, made Goa Non-Goan, destroyed Goa's pristine & clean environment, polluted land/air/water, converted fields illegally with the help of corrupt politicians, destroyed hills/beaches, converted Goa from a paradise into a living hell etc, what will be you next line of business; as surely you know that Goa has limited land? Who/What will you sell next? Surely you do not care about your future generations or the fate of Goans in the future with respect to Health, Quality of Life, Identity etc so I will not bother questioning you all on this particular point!!
Arwin Mesquita, UAE
Arwin Mesquita, UAE
Monday 29 November 2010
Narrow Goan Vision
We know that many Western Countries are taking more interest, in partnering with the increasingly progressive Eastern Countries like China, India etc as these countries are witnessing very high economic growths. We can see a clear economic shift from West to East and it will only be a matter of time for the Asian Tigers to overtake many Western Nations.
So why are many Goans are selling their priceless land, real estate in Goa and migrating permanently to the West for short term gains? Perhaps these Goans know of some facts that others do not!!
Arwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
So why are many Goans are selling their priceless land, real estate in Goa and migrating permanently to the West for short term gains? Perhaps these Goans know of some facts that others do not!!
Arwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Sunday 21 November 2010
Opting for Foreign Citizenship - Tomazinho Cardozo
Opting for Foreign CitizenshipPublished on: November 20, 2010 - 23:54
More in: PanoramaBy Tomazinho CardozoDuring the Portuguese era Goans have gone abroad to earn a living. This trend of going abroad for better prospects continues till date. Many Goans have ultimately opted for citizenship of the country in which they have been working. This craze for citizenship of European countries continues. And, unfortunately, this trend is on the rise.One has to explore possibilities to improve ones financial conditions. Having a good job is one way of achieving this. However, besides migrating, there are other ways of achieving financial satisfaction. Post liberation, successive government introduced various self-employment schemes and small scale industries to encourage Goan youth to seek their fortune in Goa itself. In spite of the numerous opportunities many opted and continue to opt to emigrate. Earlier, most Goans went to African countries like Mozambique which were Portuguese colonies, and to Kenya, Uganda, and Dar es Salaam where British had their supremacy. Today it is the Gulf countries, Europe, Australia, Canada and United States of America. With universal political awakening all African countries became free. At that time a majority of the Goans working there opted to go to England or Portugal. Most opted for citizenship of those countries. Such acts constitute a grave insult to one’s motherland. Initially, when the Gulf countries opened their doors, there were a few Goans. Today thousands of Goans earn their livelihood in these countries. If one analyses the type of Goans working in the Gulf States one finds that most of them are from the middle class. Very few are from the higher strata of society. Most return after retirement. But there are a few who would like to settle in European countries or Australia or in the USA after retirement. Their reason is that they would like to secure a better future for their children. Many Goans dream of leaving Goa and going to Portugal. In fact their destination is not Portugal, but being Goans it becomes very easy to for them to get a Portuguese passport. From Portugal they can then easily go to any of the European countries. This is the reason why the Portuguese Consulate in Goa is always crowded with people seeking Portuguese passports. It is only because of our selfishness that we opt for citizenship of another country. How unfortunate indeed!A question that bothers many is: Is it not possible to make a future in Goa? Take the example of the people from other states of India who came to Goa for jobs. Analyse the departments of the Goa government as well as private establishments in which people from other states occupy major positions. Who are the beneficiaries of the government schemes? One will find that many non-Goans control small businesses and carries self-employment schemes further. This has become possible because of the hard work and dedication they have put in. This has also happened because Goans have opted for shortcuts to improve their personal economic situations and by doing so they have lost grip of the Goan economy. Everyone needs money. Hence a good job is important. However, today, it is also important and meaningful to be self employed. There are various government schemes to set up small businesses. Self employment helps in two ways. It gives the needed financial support on one hand and creates job opportunities. Such an effort ultimately helps the state because such persons contribute towards reducing the number of unemployed. Goans who venture into business directly or indirectly help create jobs and need to be saluted because they help Goa and Goans in the true sense of the word. I have come across many Non Resident Goans (NRGs) who have become foreign citizens. They do not speak Konkani nor do they make any attempt to teach their children Konkani or the Goan culture. But they make numerous observations and give umpteen suggestions as to how Goa should be governed. They make conscious efforts to prove publicly that they love Goa. These Goans, if they really love Goa, and are really interested in the development of Goa, should stop professing their love in words and instead come to Goa and join hands with other like-minded people to fulfil the dream of developing Goa.
More in: PanoramaBy Tomazinho CardozoDuring the Portuguese era Goans have gone abroad to earn a living. This trend of going abroad for better prospects continues till date. Many Goans have ultimately opted for citizenship of the country in which they have been working. This craze for citizenship of European countries continues. And, unfortunately, this trend is on the rise.One has to explore possibilities to improve ones financial conditions. Having a good job is one way of achieving this. However, besides migrating, there are other ways of achieving financial satisfaction. Post liberation, successive government introduced various self-employment schemes and small scale industries to encourage Goan youth to seek their fortune in Goa itself. In spite of the numerous opportunities many opted and continue to opt to emigrate. Earlier, most Goans went to African countries like Mozambique which were Portuguese colonies, and to Kenya, Uganda, and Dar es Salaam where British had their supremacy. Today it is the Gulf countries, Europe, Australia, Canada and United States of America. With universal political awakening all African countries became free. At that time a majority of the Goans working there opted to go to England or Portugal. Most opted for citizenship of those countries. Such acts constitute a grave insult to one’s motherland. Initially, when the Gulf countries opened their doors, there were a few Goans. Today thousands of Goans earn their livelihood in these countries. If one analyses the type of Goans working in the Gulf States one finds that most of them are from the middle class. Very few are from the higher strata of society. Most return after retirement. But there are a few who would like to settle in European countries or Australia or in the USA after retirement. Their reason is that they would like to secure a better future for their children. Many Goans dream of leaving Goa and going to Portugal. In fact their destination is not Portugal, but being Goans it becomes very easy to for them to get a Portuguese passport. From Portugal they can then easily go to any of the European countries. This is the reason why the Portuguese Consulate in Goa is always crowded with people seeking Portuguese passports. It is only because of our selfishness that we opt for citizenship of another country. How unfortunate indeed!A question that bothers many is: Is it not possible to make a future in Goa? Take the example of the people from other states of India who came to Goa for jobs. Analyse the departments of the Goa government as well as private establishments in which people from other states occupy major positions. Who are the beneficiaries of the government schemes? One will find that many non-Goans control small businesses and carries self-employment schemes further. This has become possible because of the hard work and dedication they have put in. This has also happened because Goans have opted for shortcuts to improve their personal economic situations and by doing so they have lost grip of the Goan economy. Everyone needs money. Hence a good job is important. However, today, it is also important and meaningful to be self employed. There are various government schemes to set up small businesses. Self employment helps in two ways. It gives the needed financial support on one hand and creates job opportunities. Such an effort ultimately helps the state because such persons contribute towards reducing the number of unemployed. Goans who venture into business directly or indirectly help create jobs and need to be saluted because they help Goa and Goans in the true sense of the word. I have come across many Non Resident Goans (NRGs) who have become foreign citizens. They do not speak Konkani nor do they make any attempt to teach their children Konkani or the Goan culture. But they make numerous observations and give umpteen suggestions as to how Goa should be governed. They make conscious efforts to prove publicly that they love Goa. These Goans, if they really love Goa, and are really interested in the development of Goa, should stop professing their love in words and instead come to Goa and join hands with other like-minded people to fulfil the dream of developing Goa.
Friday 29 October 2010
Goan migration is an unhealthy trend. (By Nisser Dias)
From: Nisser Dias Date: 28 October 2010 08:56Subject: [GOAN-NRI] Goan migration is an unhealthy trend -- By Nisser DiasTo: asia-goan@yahoogroups.com, editor@targetgoa.com, goa-goans@yahoogroups.com, goa-world-europe@yahoogroups.com, GOAN-NRI@yahoogroups.co.in, goanint@yahoo.co.uk, goansworldwide@yahoo.co.in, goaworldtoday@yahoo.com, gulf-goans@yahoogroups.com, robinviegas@hotmail.com, ukgoanet@yahoogroups.com
By Nisser Dias 28th Oct 2010
Goan migration is an unhealthy trend.
Last week a local news daily carried an item about Goans acquiring Portuguese citizenship and migrating to European countries for better quality of life there. It is said that the pasture is greener on the other side of fence and some of our Goan brethren have bitten the bait and have experienced a better quality of life in the faraway land by way of better education for their children, better health facilities so on and so forth. But the question staring in our faces today, is this a healthy trend for Goa and Goans, who boast about their unique identity and culture.
Undoubtedly it is an individual decision and nobody has the right to impose one’s ideas or perception on the others. Migration has its advantages and disadvantages, but in Goa our authorities are yet to analyze and study the impact of permanent migrations of Goans to other parts of the world.
So far and some decades back, migration of Goans to Gulf or America or elsewhere in the world were purely for employment reasons and one could be sure that Goans would ultimately return to his roots. But this trend has paved the way for permanent settlement especially among the younger generations who were brought up outside the country or rather the state. This is because this particular generation have not experienced our traditions, cultures, our way of living as they were brought up in foreign land, educated and mingled with children of lot other nationalities with a few Goan families for comfort at the place of residence. Thus the love for Goa to them is alien.
Having said so, I do not wish to cast aspersions on those permanently migrating to other countries. Infact many Goans who have opted or rather forced to work abroad due to lack of opportunities here. They have surely given a boost to our economy. The demand for unskilled labour in other countries has been huge and Goans have cashed in on it and made living for their families in Goa comfortable.
But the current trend or acquiring Portuguese citizenship to settle in Europe is disturbing especially to the Catholic community. According to information provided in the House that 1200 Goans have acquired Portuguese citizenship since 2008 is frightful because a time will come in the near future when we will be struggling to maintain our identity. Firstly because of Goans migrating to some other countries and this vacuum is being filled by migrants from other parts of the country.
The scenario looks even bleak for the Christian community first because for decades now Christian families had adopted two children per family system and the trend is further changing to one child per family. This coupled with the fact that a large section of Christian community seeking employment oversees. If one assess the percentage of Christians in government departments including police department one will realize that barely 5 to 10 percent of the employees are from the Christian community.
To further add to this dwindling numbers a large section of Christian community prefer to stay single because of host of reasons like unemployment and also employment abroad which keeps them away from their families, long working hours with hardly any time for families and some simply do not want the shoulder the burden of marriage and family. To add to this number is the high rate of divorce cases which scuttle family ties.
In contrast to this Hindu communities are more conservative in nature even today, they marry among their own communities, still seek employment closer to home and family, though the trend in Hindu families is also changing to two children system the Hindu community is on a stronger wicket.
Then there is another angle to this Portuguese citizenship. Even after Goans acquire foreign citizenship, it is not mandatory for them to give up their rights in Goa. Infact the government protects their property rights here causing a lot of heartburn to relatives living here. For example one Goan family had migrated to Portugal almost five decades back. Their children were also born and brought there and they have not once bothered to visit Goa. But as of today this same family is demanding share of ancestral property here.
The government has the details of migration with it, it should study the intricacies, complexities and legality of the matter and come out with legislation that allows Goans to acquire Portugal citizenship but at the same time, government should also safeguard the interests of Goans staying behind. If at all Goans have not acquired Gulf citizenship, it is because Gulf countries do not have the policy of granting citizenship to any foreigner. This have proved to be a boon to the state otherwise thousands of Goans would have preferred to acquire citizenship there. Of course in some case some Goan families after working for some years in Gulf have migrated to Canada, Australia, America and even New Zealand.
However whatever said and done migration of Goans in huge numbers is not very healthy for our state and the government should evolve ways and means to discourage the trend. The government should seriously think of creating opportunities for the younger generations to stay back, it should revamp its policies regarding education and health. This would also infuse fresh blood in the functioning and administration of the state and also help in building our economy.
Send your comments/reactions to nisserdias@gmail.com or SMS (9422437029)
By Nisser Dias 28th Oct 2010
Goan migration is an unhealthy trend.
Last week a local news daily carried an item about Goans acquiring Portuguese citizenship and migrating to European countries for better quality of life there. It is said that the pasture is greener on the other side of fence and some of our Goan brethren have bitten the bait and have experienced a better quality of life in the faraway land by way of better education for their children, better health facilities so on and so forth. But the question staring in our faces today, is this a healthy trend for Goa and Goans, who boast about their unique identity and culture.
Undoubtedly it is an individual decision and nobody has the right to impose one’s ideas or perception on the others. Migration has its advantages and disadvantages, but in Goa our authorities are yet to analyze and study the impact of permanent migrations of Goans to other parts of the world.
So far and some decades back, migration of Goans to Gulf or America or elsewhere in the world were purely for employment reasons and one could be sure that Goans would ultimately return to his roots. But this trend has paved the way for permanent settlement especially among the younger generations who were brought up outside the country or rather the state. This is because this particular generation have not experienced our traditions, cultures, our way of living as they were brought up in foreign land, educated and mingled with children of lot other nationalities with a few Goan families for comfort at the place of residence. Thus the love for Goa to them is alien.
Having said so, I do not wish to cast aspersions on those permanently migrating to other countries. Infact many Goans who have opted or rather forced to work abroad due to lack of opportunities here. They have surely given a boost to our economy. The demand for unskilled labour in other countries has been huge and Goans have cashed in on it and made living for their families in Goa comfortable.
But the current trend or acquiring Portuguese citizenship to settle in Europe is disturbing especially to the Catholic community. According to information provided in the House that 1200 Goans have acquired Portuguese citizenship since 2008 is frightful because a time will come in the near future when we will be struggling to maintain our identity. Firstly because of Goans migrating to some other countries and this vacuum is being filled by migrants from other parts of the country.
The scenario looks even bleak for the Christian community first because for decades now Christian families had adopted two children per family system and the trend is further changing to one child per family. This coupled with the fact that a large section of Christian community seeking employment oversees. If one assess the percentage of Christians in government departments including police department one will realize that barely 5 to 10 percent of the employees are from the Christian community.
To further add to this dwindling numbers a large section of Christian community prefer to stay single because of host of reasons like unemployment and also employment abroad which keeps them away from their families, long working hours with hardly any time for families and some simply do not want the shoulder the burden of marriage and family. To add to this number is the high rate of divorce cases which scuttle family ties.
In contrast to this Hindu communities are more conservative in nature even today, they marry among their own communities, still seek employment closer to home and family, though the trend in Hindu families is also changing to two children system the Hindu community is on a stronger wicket.
Then there is another angle to this Portuguese citizenship. Even after Goans acquire foreign citizenship, it is not mandatory for them to give up their rights in Goa. Infact the government protects their property rights here causing a lot of heartburn to relatives living here. For example one Goan family had migrated to Portugal almost five decades back. Their children were also born and brought there and they have not once bothered to visit Goa. But as of today this same family is demanding share of ancestral property here.
The government has the details of migration with it, it should study the intricacies, complexities and legality of the matter and come out with legislation that allows Goans to acquire Portugal citizenship but at the same time, government should also safeguard the interests of Goans staying behind. If at all Goans have not acquired Gulf citizenship, it is because Gulf countries do not have the policy of granting citizenship to any foreigner. This have proved to be a boon to the state otherwise thousands of Goans would have preferred to acquire citizenship there. Of course in some case some Goan families after working for some years in Gulf have migrated to Canada, Australia, America and even New Zealand.
However whatever said and done migration of Goans in huge numbers is not very healthy for our state and the government should evolve ways and means to discourage the trend. The government should seriously think of creating opportunities for the younger generations to stay back, it should revamp its policies regarding education and health. This would also infuse fresh blood in the functioning and administration of the state and also help in building our economy.
Send your comments/reactions to nisserdias@gmail.com or SMS (9422437029)
Goan migration is an unhealthy trend. (By Nisser Dias)
From: Nisser Dias Date: 28 October 2010 08:56Subject: [GOAN-NRI] Goan migration is an unhealthy trend -- By Nisser DiasTo: asia-goan@yahoogroups.com, editor@targetgoa.com, goa-goans@yahoogroups.com, goa-world-europe@yahoogroups.com, GOAN-NRI@yahoogroups.co.in, goanint@yahoo.co.uk, goansworldwide@yahoo.co.in, goaworldtoday@yahoo.com, gulf-goans@yahoogroups.com, robinviegas@hotmail.com, ukgoanet@yahoogroups.com
By Nisser Dias 28th Oct 2010
Goan migration is an unhealthy trend.
Last week a local news daily carried an item about Goans acquiring Portuguese citizenship and migrating to European countries for better quality of life there. It is said that the pasture is greener on the other side of fence and some of our Goan brethren have bitten the bait and have experienced a better quality of life in the faraway land by way of better education for their children, better health facilities so on and so forth. But the question staring in our faces today, is this a healthy trend for Goa and Goans, who boast about their unique identity and culture.
Undoubtedly it is an individual decision and nobody has the right to impose one’s ideas or perception on the others. Migration has its advantages and disadvantages, but in Goa our authorities are yet to analyze and study the impact of permanent migrations of Goans to other parts of the world.
So far and some decades back, migration of Goans to Gulf or America or elsewhere in the world were purely for employment reasons and one could be sure that Goans would ultimately return to his roots. But this trend has paved the way for permanent settlement especially among the younger generations who were brought up outside the country or rather the state. This is because this particular generation have not experienced our traditions, cultures, our way of living as they were brought up in foreign land, educated and mingled with children of lot other nationalities with a few Goan families for comfort at the place of residence. Thus the love for Goa to them is alien.
Having said so, I do not wish to cast aspersions on those permanently migrating to other countries. Infact many Goans who have opted or rather forced to work abroad due to lack of opportunities here. They have surely given a boost to our economy. The demand for unskilled labour in other countries has been huge and Goans have cashed in on it and made living for their families in Goa comfortable.
But the current trend or acquiring Portuguese citizenship to settle in Europe is disturbing especially to the Catholic community. According to information provided in the House that 1200 Goans have acquired Portuguese citizenship since 2008 is frightful because a time will come in the near future when we will be struggling to maintain our identity. Firstly because of Goans migrating to some other countries and this vacuum is being filled by migrants from other parts of the country.
The scenario looks even bleak for the Christian community first because for decades now Christian families had adopted two children per family system and the trend is further changing to one child per family. This coupled with the fact that a large section of Christian community seeking employment oversees. If one assess the percentage of Christians in government departments including police department one will realize that barely 5 to 10 percent of the employees are from the Christian community.
To further add to this dwindling numbers a large section of Christian community prefer to stay single because of host of reasons like unemployment and also employment abroad which keeps them away from their families, long working hours with hardly any time for families and some simply do not want the shoulder the burden of marriage and family. To add to this number is the high rate of divorce cases which scuttle family ties.
In contrast to this Hindu communities are more conservative in nature even today, they marry among their own communities, still seek employment closer to home and family, though the trend in Hindu families is also changing to two children system the Hindu community is on a stronger wicket.
Then there is another angle to this Portuguese citizenship. Even after Goans acquire foreign citizenship, it is not mandatory for them to give up their rights in Goa. Infact the government protects their property rights here causing a lot of heartburn to relatives living here. For example one Goan family had migrated to Portugal almost five decades back. Their children were also born and brought there and they have not once bothered to visit Goa. But as of today this same family is demanding share of ancestral property here.
The government has the details of migration with it, it should study the intricacies, complexities and legality of the matter and come out with legislation that allows Goans to acquire Portugal citizenship but at the same time, government should also safeguard the interests of Goans staying behind. If at all Goans have not acquired Gulf citizenship, it is because Gulf countries do not have the policy of granting citizenship to any foreigner. This have proved to be a boon to the state otherwise thousands of Goans would have preferred to acquire citizenship there. Of course in some case some Goan families after working for some years in Gulf have migrated to Canada, Australia, America and even New Zealand.
However whatever said and done migration of Goans in huge numbers is not very healthy for our state and the government should evolve ways and means to discourage the trend. The government should seriously think of creating opportunities for the younger generations to stay back, it should revamp its policies regarding education and health. This would also infuse fresh blood in the functioning and administration of the state and also help in building our economy.
Send your comments/reactions to nisserdias@gmail.com or SMS (9422437029)
By Nisser Dias 28th Oct 2010
Goan migration is an unhealthy trend.
Last week a local news daily carried an item about Goans acquiring Portuguese citizenship and migrating to European countries for better quality of life there. It is said that the pasture is greener on the other side of fence and some of our Goan brethren have bitten the bait and have experienced a better quality of life in the faraway land by way of better education for their children, better health facilities so on and so forth. But the question staring in our faces today, is this a healthy trend for Goa and Goans, who boast about their unique identity and culture.
Undoubtedly it is an individual decision and nobody has the right to impose one’s ideas or perception on the others. Migration has its advantages and disadvantages, but in Goa our authorities are yet to analyze and study the impact of permanent migrations of Goans to other parts of the world.
So far and some decades back, migration of Goans to Gulf or America or elsewhere in the world were purely for employment reasons and one could be sure that Goans would ultimately return to his roots. But this trend has paved the way for permanent settlement especially among the younger generations who were brought up outside the country or rather the state. This is because this particular generation have not experienced our traditions, cultures, our way of living as they were brought up in foreign land, educated and mingled with children of lot other nationalities with a few Goan families for comfort at the place of residence. Thus the love for Goa to them is alien.
Having said so, I do not wish to cast aspersions on those permanently migrating to other countries. Infact many Goans who have opted or rather forced to work abroad due to lack of opportunities here. They have surely given a boost to our economy. The demand for unskilled labour in other countries has been huge and Goans have cashed in on it and made living for their families in Goa comfortable.
But the current trend or acquiring Portuguese citizenship to settle in Europe is disturbing especially to the Catholic community. According to information provided in the House that 1200 Goans have acquired Portuguese citizenship since 2008 is frightful because a time will come in the near future when we will be struggling to maintain our identity. Firstly because of Goans migrating to some other countries and this vacuum is being filled by migrants from other parts of the country.
The scenario looks even bleak for the Christian community first because for decades now Christian families had adopted two children per family system and the trend is further changing to one child per family. This coupled with the fact that a large section of Christian community seeking employment oversees. If one assess the percentage of Christians in government departments including police department one will realize that barely 5 to 10 percent of the employees are from the Christian community.
To further add to this dwindling numbers a large section of Christian community prefer to stay single because of host of reasons like unemployment and also employment abroad which keeps them away from their families, long working hours with hardly any time for families and some simply do not want the shoulder the burden of marriage and family. To add to this number is the high rate of divorce cases which scuttle family ties.
In contrast to this Hindu communities are more conservative in nature even today, they marry among their own communities, still seek employment closer to home and family, though the trend in Hindu families is also changing to two children system the Hindu community is on a stronger wicket.
Then there is another angle to this Portuguese citizenship. Even after Goans acquire foreign citizenship, it is not mandatory for them to give up their rights in Goa. Infact the government protects their property rights here causing a lot of heartburn to relatives living here. For example one Goan family had migrated to Portugal almost five decades back. Their children were also born and brought there and they have not once bothered to visit Goa. But as of today this same family is demanding share of ancestral property here.
The government has the details of migration with it, it should study the intricacies, complexities and legality of the matter and come out with legislation that allows Goans to acquire Portugal citizenship but at the same time, government should also safeguard the interests of Goans staying behind. If at all Goans have not acquired Gulf citizenship, it is because Gulf countries do not have the policy of granting citizenship to any foreigner. This have proved to be a boon to the state otherwise thousands of Goans would have preferred to acquire citizenship there. Of course in some case some Goan families after working for some years in Gulf have migrated to Canada, Australia, America and even New Zealand.
However whatever said and done migration of Goans in huge numbers is not very healthy for our state and the government should evolve ways and means to discourage the trend. The government should seriously think of creating opportunities for the younger generations to stay back, it should revamp its policies regarding education and health. This would also infuse fresh blood in the functioning and administration of the state and also help in building our economy.
Send your comments/reactions to nisserdias@gmail.com or SMS (9422437029)
Friday 15 October 2010
Goan Literacy
Many Goans sing praises of their beloved MLA's/Ministers who apparently help them with specific favours. Surely, if the system of governance was properly working in the first place, there would be limited need for the MLA’s to "assist" the people at the low micro level and these Politicians should have been instead, involved at the much higher Macro level, of taking the state forward in the right manner for the benefit of Goa & Goans. It appears that Goa's Politicians are hugely favored and possibly support a highly flawed system of governance, with high level of corruption, lethargy & incompetence in the Government Departments; as a result of which Goans are forced to approach the MLA’s for “assistance “and then be forever enslaved to the respective Politician. Then as a source of “gratitude”, these people allow corrupt Politicians to continue further with the Sale/Destruction of Goa Environment & Identity; which is exactly what the corrupt MLAs/Minister’s want!! Goans appear to be proud of their high literacy/awareness, which is understood to be important for successful democratic governance. But with such ignorance, I would argue if this High Literacy rate has actually improved the state of affairs in Goa or is it just an un-necessary Statistic!!
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Greater Goan Identity
Ref http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Local%20News/Sardinha-opposes-Greater-Goa/41433.html
In Principle, I agree with statements by Senior Congress Leader Mr. Luizinho Faleiro and MP Francisco Sardinha that Goan Identity has to be preserved; whilst expressing in their opposition to the Greater Goa proposals; which meant adding territory from other states to Goa. But however other than their lip service, what action has been taken? Their government is actively attracting migrant vote banks, issuing ration cards to migrants, supporting demography changing & migrant attractive mega projects, bringing in industries favoring employment to outsiders, destroying the environment, contaminating land/water, facilitating large scale land sales to outsiders, facilitating the large scale Goan migration out of Goa due to lack of opportunities etc. Even after 20 years Konkani still does not have her place in Goa. Sonia Gandhi promised Special Status during the 2009 Lok Sabha Election campaign. In August 2008, the Goa Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution strongly recommending that the state government take up with the Centre the urgent need to grant special status to Goa; this was done to ensure that the state preserves its unique identity. Can these Senior Congress Leaders follow up on the same and provide an update to Goans and challenge their “High Command”? Today Goa is rapidly losing its prized identity within just 50 years of liberation. If the Goan Majority and their politicians do not want to address this critical issue then perhaps, it is better to go for Greater Goa or even merger with another state; let us bury the issue of Preserving Goan Identity once and for all!!
Arwin Mesquita, UAE.
In Principle, I agree with statements by Senior Congress Leader Mr. Luizinho Faleiro and MP Francisco Sardinha that Goan Identity has to be preserved; whilst expressing in their opposition to the Greater Goa proposals; which meant adding territory from other states to Goa. But however other than their lip service, what action has been taken? Their government is actively attracting migrant vote banks, issuing ration cards to migrants, supporting demography changing & migrant attractive mega projects, bringing in industries favoring employment to outsiders, destroying the environment, contaminating land/water, facilitating large scale land sales to outsiders, facilitating the large scale Goan migration out of Goa due to lack of opportunities etc. Even after 20 years Konkani still does not have her place in Goa. Sonia Gandhi promised Special Status during the 2009 Lok Sabha Election campaign. In August 2008, the Goa Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution strongly recommending that the state government take up with the Centre the urgent need to grant special status to Goa; this was done to ensure that the state preserves its unique identity. Can these Senior Congress Leaders follow up on the same and provide an update to Goans and challenge their “High Command”? Today Goa is rapidly losing its prized identity within just 50 years of liberation. If the Goan Majority and their politicians do not want to address this critical issue then perhaps, it is better to go for Greater Goa or even merger with another state; let us bury the issue of Preserving Goan Identity once and for all!!
Arwin Mesquita, UAE.
Greater Goan Identity
Ref http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Local%20News/Sardinha-opposes-Greater-Goa/41433.html
In Principle, I agree with statements by Senior Congress Leader Mr. Luizinho Faleiro and MP Francisco Sardinha that Goan Identity has to be preserved; whilst expressing in their opposition to the Greater Goa proposals; which meant adding territory from other states to Goa. But however other than their lip service, what action has been taken? Their government is actively attracting migrant vote banks, issuing ration cards to migrants, supporting demography changing & migrant attractive mega projects, bringing in industries favoring employment to outsiders, destroying the environment, contaminating land/water, facilitating large scale land sales to outsiders, facilitating the large scale Goan migration out of Goa due to lack of opportunities etc. Even after 20 years Konkani still does not have her place in Goa. Sonia Gandhi promised Special Status during the 2009 Lok Sabha Election campaign. In August 2008, the Goa Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution strongly recommending that the state government take up with the Centre the urgent need to grant special status to Goa; this was done to ensure that the state preserves its unique identity. Can these Senior Congress Leaders follow up on the same and provide an update to Goans and challenge their “High Command”? Today Goa is rapidly losing its prized identity within just 50 years of liberation. If the Goan Majority and their politicians do not want to address this critical issue then perhaps, it is better to go for Greater Goa or even merger with another state; let us bury the issue of Preserving Goan Identity once and for all!!
Arwin Mesquita, UAE.
In Principle, I agree with statements by Senior Congress Leader Mr. Luizinho Faleiro and MP Francisco Sardinha that Goan Identity has to be preserved; whilst expressing in their opposition to the Greater Goa proposals; which meant adding territory from other states to Goa. But however other than their lip service, what action has been taken? Their government is actively attracting migrant vote banks, issuing ration cards to migrants, supporting demography changing & migrant attractive mega projects, bringing in industries favoring employment to outsiders, destroying the environment, contaminating land/water, facilitating large scale land sales to outsiders, facilitating the large scale Goan migration out of Goa due to lack of opportunities etc. Even after 20 years Konkani still does not have her place in Goa. Sonia Gandhi promised Special Status during the 2009 Lok Sabha Election campaign. In August 2008, the Goa Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution strongly recommending that the state government take up with the Centre the urgent need to grant special status to Goa; this was done to ensure that the state preserves its unique identity. Can these Senior Congress Leaders follow up on the same and provide an update to Goans and challenge their “High Command”? Today Goa is rapidly losing its prized identity within just 50 years of liberation. If the Goan Majority and their politicians do not want to address this critical issue then perhaps, it is better to go for Greater Goa or even merger with another state; let us bury the issue of Preserving Goan Identity once and for all!!
Arwin Mesquita, UAE.
Thursday 26 August 2010
Corrupt Politicians and A Dishonest Vote-Bank
http://www.navhindtimes.in/opinion/letters-editor-141
DEMOCRACY gives people power to decide on management, progress and future of their state/country by electing representatives who should actually be public servants. So why is democracy not giving the desired results in Goa today? Powerful Goan ministers treat the Goan electorate as pawns; who despite being aware of their tainted backgrounds, continue electing the same corrupt MLAs each time. These ministers are confident that their loyal vote-banks (Goan, as well as migrant) will bring them back into power and allow them to continue with their insatiable looting of Goa. Migrant vote-banks are not the only reason we keep seeing the same corrupt MLAs again and again. Politicians have perfected the art of looting in crores and then giving/spending relatively smaller amounts to keep the voters happy (or in bondage) via cash or kind. I am saddened to note that despite the highly religious perception in Goa, we have actually sold our souls to the devil–or in this context, the respective politicians. These MLAs are aware that the Goan electorate can easily be bought at a price which is relatively smaller as compared to the huge amounts they will realise on being re-elected. We must realise that our actual losses are much higher as compared to the favours we get in return–lack of employment or jobs sold for a price; gradual deterioration of living standards and Goa’s identity; air, water and land contamination; migrant influx; migration of Goans due to the degradation of Goa by corrupt politicians; excessive corruption etc all speak for itself. Then there is another segment of Goans who do not vote, and by doing so actually help corrupt politicians get re-elected. If we want Goa to change for the better then we have to first change our attitude.ARWIN MESQUITA, UAE
DEMOCRACY gives people power to decide on management, progress and future of their state/country by electing representatives who should actually be public servants. So why is democracy not giving the desired results in Goa today? Powerful Goan ministers treat the Goan electorate as pawns; who despite being aware of their tainted backgrounds, continue electing the same corrupt MLAs each time. These ministers are confident that their loyal vote-banks (Goan, as well as migrant) will bring them back into power and allow them to continue with their insatiable looting of Goa. Migrant vote-banks are not the only reason we keep seeing the same corrupt MLAs again and again. Politicians have perfected the art of looting in crores and then giving/spending relatively smaller amounts to keep the voters happy (or in bondage) via cash or kind. I am saddened to note that despite the highly religious perception in Goa, we have actually sold our souls to the devil–or in this context, the respective politicians. These MLAs are aware that the Goan electorate can easily be bought at a price which is relatively smaller as compared to the huge amounts they will realise on being re-elected. We must realise that our actual losses are much higher as compared to the favours we get in return–lack of employment or jobs sold for a price; gradual deterioration of living standards and Goa’s identity; air, water and land contamination; migrant influx; migration of Goans due to the degradation of Goa by corrupt politicians; excessive corruption etc all speak for itself. Then there is another segment of Goans who do not vote, and by doing so actually help corrupt politicians get re-elected. If we want Goa to change for the better then we have to first change our attitude.ARWIN MESQUITA, UAE
Wednesday 21 July 2010
STOP ALL MEGA HOUSING PROJECTS INCLUDING CANSAULIM (By Nitin Kamat)
On Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:47:02 +0530 wrote
STOP ALL MEGA HOUSING PROJECTS INCLUDING CANSAULIM All housing projects including the one in Cansaulim-Arossim village need to be stopped and construction licences immediately revoked. These projects are against Goan interests and do not benefit Goenkars in any way. Wherever construction licences are obtained by deceit or illegally means by circumventing legal processes or by producing false master plans, these need to be investigated and the credentials of such people involved needs to be scrutinised strictly by the law enforcing agencies and courts via suo moto hearings and fast track courts to ensure that not only the common man avoids unnecessary hardships but also to allow the justice system to prevail and inspire. This will restore the confidence of people in the power of courts in these difficult times which are ruled and manipulated by corrupt and tainted representatives and bureaucracy. The fact that there are manipulations and widespread intimidation to people fighting for justice demonstrates their hidden agenda behind these mega housing projects and hence it is left to us We the people to scrap such projects permanently which are nothing but detrimental the peace and prosperity of Goans. Now a days a lot of such infamous projects have come to light which have been approved by gross violations and illegal plans in collusion of our elected representatives. Their determination to go against the wishes of the people implicates them of widespread corruption and wrong doing. Today a great tragedy has come to us in the form of these projects which are raising their ugly heads, and we need to meet them with the best that is in our state, with courage and concern for others because this is Goa . This is who we are true Goenkars. Goans must not ignore the threat gathering against us namely the grabbing of our ancestral land by the outsiders and imminent danger of leaving us without an identity in our own land. Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof, of being left out on the streets and outsiders occupying our homes and villages. The mega housing projects will house mostly non-Goans of the rich and famous from their vast accumulated and unaccounted wealth thereby changing the demography of the state whereas such housing cannot be afforded by most Goans, thanks to the bad governance and lack of vision of elected representatives to tackle problems of unemployment, poverty and education which has resulted in poor people getting more poorer and the rich getting more richer. This has also compounded their divide and rule policies and won them the loyalities of many Goans who are helpless due to poverty and lack of employment avenues. Goans also need to be careful of the type of people coming and settling in our neighbourhoods especially when hard core terrorists like Headley and Rana have hoodwinked our intelligence agencies and sneaked in our country for organising terrorist missions. They have been successful in masquerading and changing names and passports which caught the attention of the sleeping agencies too late after so many tragic incidents. Since most Goans will not be able to afford to stay in these housings it will be difficult to keep an eye on such anti social elements and with the instances of builders like Abobakr Sheik, the one constructing the housing project in Cansaulim, being hell bent on driving the Goans out of their land, the consequences of ignoring antisocial elements in our vicinity will be catastrophic. Goa will not be able to bear another form of 26/11 claiming innocent lives. We are accountable to our children and our grandchildren. We should not be like our elected MLAs and bureaucrats without any accountability. We have a duty, a duty to protect our identity, our land and hand it over to our future generations. Today even the most advanced countries are reinventing their immigration laws worldwide to safeguard the interest of their land. There is a lot of slander being propagated that only Catholics are making a noise and are against these developments. Being a non-Catholic, I am also opposing the unfavourable housing mega developments along with other affected people who also belong to my religion of Hinduism. Therefore can anyone say that I'm a Catholic just because majority of the people in my group fighting this injustice have their roots linked to Christianity? Not at all. However everyone will do agree that we are ethnic Goans opposing the wrong actions and demonstrating with democratic and peaceful means. And when we say Goans we remain as true Goans fighting the divisive and corrupt regimes irrespective of our religion or status in society. And so politicians indulge in slander and malicious campaigns to divide and rule Goans. They use such tools for their survival and to accumulate vast wealth in seeking commissions from controversial projects. Can each of the elected MLAs and panchayat members make their stand clear in public about their support for the various housing projects? Can they prove their clean image and do they have the integrity and values to distinguish themselves publicly whether they are with the Goan people or are against them? Now that I am also opposing the unfavourable housing mega developments, I am not counting myself as a Hindu but as a patriotic Goan seeking a better future for Goa and its ethnic Goans. And when we say Goans we remain as true Goans fighting the divisive and corrupt regimes irrespective of our religion or status in society. Any government that supports, protects or harbours these monsorities is complicit in the destruction of Goans and their identity. We need to send a clear signal this time to the 40 cheats and thieves that we will not blink in the face of danger, and will not tire when it comes to upholding the interests of Goans. They ought to be shown the door in the coming elections and new faces with integrity, professionalism and accountability should need to be given a chance to Save Goa. We cannot accept ourselves being stooges for the rest of our life nor should we remain second class citizens since we are educated and know what is in best interest of us and Goa. We need to choose our destiny and it is our choice to choose a better welfare and a better future than allowing corrupt elected representatives to dictate our destiny and jeopardise our well being by enforcing unfavourable mega housing projects. And in these trying times, the most solemn duty of any true Goan is to protect Goa and its identity. The action we take and the decisions we make in this decade will have consequences far into this century. If Goans shows weakness and uncertainty or division now, Goa will drift toward tragedy. The fight has started and hence we Goans need to move forward. Just as a army of soldiers marches in the forward direction for a victory never to turn back and we having taken the first initial steps to weed out high level corruption, our fight also should be in the forward direction without being demoralised at any point of time. No one goes to a battle field if victory is not certain and no one will come forward to fight where they cannot win. The fact that we see so many people coming forward from different parts of Goa and united in fighting the unfavorable housing projects shows that victory is certain against the corrupt and tainted and as usual in the end truth will always prevail. All that is needed unity and our true leadership lies in bringing people together and using all the democratic means to see justice triumph. Our motivation and inspiration should be our legal justice system and just to name a few are the best examples of bail being denied to high profile mice who were evading the law enforcing agencies and that some determined activists have got some victory in the courts, in their fight against the destructive Monstrocities and high court directions to stop issuing construction licenses to multi-dwelling units in the beautiful Colva Village. The time has come to put an end to all wrong doings and say to our selves Enough is Enough. Viva Goa.
Yours Truly Nitin KamatVia Email.--
STOP ALL MEGA HOUSING PROJECTS INCLUDING CANSAULIM All housing projects including the one in Cansaulim-Arossim village need to be stopped and construction licences immediately revoked. These projects are against Goan interests and do not benefit Goenkars in any way. Wherever construction licences are obtained by deceit or illegally means by circumventing legal processes or by producing false master plans, these need to be investigated and the credentials of such people involved needs to be scrutinised strictly by the law enforcing agencies and courts via suo moto hearings and fast track courts to ensure that not only the common man avoids unnecessary hardships but also to allow the justice system to prevail and inspire. This will restore the confidence of people in the power of courts in these difficult times which are ruled and manipulated by corrupt and tainted representatives and bureaucracy. The fact that there are manipulations and widespread intimidation to people fighting for justice demonstrates their hidden agenda behind these mega housing projects and hence it is left to us We the people to scrap such projects permanently which are nothing but detrimental the peace and prosperity of Goans. Now a days a lot of such infamous projects have come to light which have been approved by gross violations and illegal plans in collusion of our elected representatives. Their determination to go against the wishes of the people implicates them of widespread corruption and wrong doing. Today a great tragedy has come to us in the form of these projects which are raising their ugly heads, and we need to meet them with the best that is in our state, with courage and concern for others because this is Goa . This is who we are true Goenkars. Goans must not ignore the threat gathering against us namely the grabbing of our ancestral land by the outsiders and imminent danger of leaving us without an identity in our own land. Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof, of being left out on the streets and outsiders occupying our homes and villages. The mega housing projects will house mostly non-Goans of the rich and famous from their vast accumulated and unaccounted wealth thereby changing the demography of the state whereas such housing cannot be afforded by most Goans, thanks to the bad governance and lack of vision of elected representatives to tackle problems of unemployment, poverty and education which has resulted in poor people getting more poorer and the rich getting more richer. This has also compounded their divide and rule policies and won them the loyalities of many Goans who are helpless due to poverty and lack of employment avenues. Goans also need to be careful of the type of people coming and settling in our neighbourhoods especially when hard core terrorists like Headley and Rana have hoodwinked our intelligence agencies and sneaked in our country for organising terrorist missions. They have been successful in masquerading and changing names and passports which caught the attention of the sleeping agencies too late after so many tragic incidents. Since most Goans will not be able to afford to stay in these housings it will be difficult to keep an eye on such anti social elements and with the instances of builders like Abobakr Sheik, the one constructing the housing project in Cansaulim, being hell bent on driving the Goans out of their land, the consequences of ignoring antisocial elements in our vicinity will be catastrophic. Goa will not be able to bear another form of 26/11 claiming innocent lives. We are accountable to our children and our grandchildren. We should not be like our elected MLAs and bureaucrats without any accountability. We have a duty, a duty to protect our identity, our land and hand it over to our future generations. Today even the most advanced countries are reinventing their immigration laws worldwide to safeguard the interest of their land. There is a lot of slander being propagated that only Catholics are making a noise and are against these developments. Being a non-Catholic, I am also opposing the unfavourable housing mega developments along with other affected people who also belong to my religion of Hinduism. Therefore can anyone say that I'm a Catholic just because majority of the people in my group fighting this injustice have their roots linked to Christianity? Not at all. However everyone will do agree that we are ethnic Goans opposing the wrong actions and demonstrating with democratic and peaceful means. And when we say Goans we remain as true Goans fighting the divisive and corrupt regimes irrespective of our religion or status in society. And so politicians indulge in slander and malicious campaigns to divide and rule Goans. They use such tools for their survival and to accumulate vast wealth in seeking commissions from controversial projects. Can each of the elected MLAs and panchayat members make their stand clear in public about their support for the various housing projects? Can they prove their clean image and do they have the integrity and values to distinguish themselves publicly whether they are with the Goan people or are against them? Now that I am also opposing the unfavourable housing mega developments, I am not counting myself as a Hindu but as a patriotic Goan seeking a better future for Goa and its ethnic Goans. And when we say Goans we remain as true Goans fighting the divisive and corrupt regimes irrespective of our religion or status in society. Any government that supports, protects or harbours these monsorities is complicit in the destruction of Goans and their identity. We need to send a clear signal this time to the 40 cheats and thieves that we will not blink in the face of danger, and will not tire when it comes to upholding the interests of Goans. They ought to be shown the door in the coming elections and new faces with integrity, professionalism and accountability should need to be given a chance to Save Goa. We cannot accept ourselves being stooges for the rest of our life nor should we remain second class citizens since we are educated and know what is in best interest of us and Goa. We need to choose our destiny and it is our choice to choose a better welfare and a better future than allowing corrupt elected representatives to dictate our destiny and jeopardise our well being by enforcing unfavourable mega housing projects. And in these trying times, the most solemn duty of any true Goan is to protect Goa and its identity. The action we take and the decisions we make in this decade will have consequences far into this century. If Goans shows weakness and uncertainty or division now, Goa will drift toward tragedy. The fight has started and hence we Goans need to move forward. Just as a army of soldiers marches in the forward direction for a victory never to turn back and we having taken the first initial steps to weed out high level corruption, our fight also should be in the forward direction without being demoralised at any point of time. No one goes to a battle field if victory is not certain and no one will come forward to fight where they cannot win. The fact that we see so many people coming forward from different parts of Goa and united in fighting the unfavorable housing projects shows that victory is certain against the corrupt and tainted and as usual in the end truth will always prevail. All that is needed unity and our true leadership lies in bringing people together and using all the democratic means to see justice triumph. Our motivation and inspiration should be our legal justice system and just to name a few are the best examples of bail being denied to high profile mice who were evading the law enforcing agencies and that some determined activists have got some victory in the courts, in their fight against the destructive Monstrocities and high court directions to stop issuing construction licenses to multi-dwelling units in the beautiful Colva Village. The time has come to put an end to all wrong doings and say to our selves Enough is Enough. Viva Goa.
Yours Truly Nitin KamatVia Email.--
Saturday 10 July 2010
Goa – Answer Within
We blame politicians who are looting/destroying Goa, its land, environment & Identity. But with all due respect, let’s first look within to see the major causes of the same. (1) Who has voted for corrupt MLA's (2) Don't we ourselves support corruption & unethical democratic methods; I appreciate that sometimes we are forced to, but surely this can be avoided in many cases (3) How many ask illegal favors from Corrupt MLA's and then become their slaves for life; what we do for selfish reasons will ultimately destroy ALL of us. Also, what we do illegally will come back to haunts us, in some form or the other (4) How many of us Glorify various Corrupt Politicians at various events in Goa/Overseas for obvious reasons; knowing that they are the biggest destructors of Goa & our Identity; even if do invite them, how many do let these politicians know, of the our concerns on Goa (5) Taking the Catholic perspective (it is the same for other religions), we pray, fast, try to portray ourselves as good Catholics, try to teach our children right from wrong etc and then in hypocrisy, our actual thinking/actions does the opposite and we set bad examples; aren’t we supposed to show by example? Granted many Goans are handicapped by illegalities in the past and Corrupt Politicians use these, as points to intimidate/checkmate genuine concerns for Goa; point is that tomorrow can be a New Beginning and we can change; first ourselves and then everything else will follow. We could have made mistakes in the past but we can always stop/avoid this going forward and help Goa/Goans go for the better!! The Answer is obvious and the choice/decision is finally with each one of us!!
Arwin Mesquita (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Arwin Mesquita (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Monday 21 June 2010
Reduce Goan Political Hyprocrisy (Kuwait Goan Example)
The recent widely publicized rivalry among mainly Kuwait Goans leaders/members in Kuwait Goan Association(s) has prompted me share my views, on some negatives of our Goan Mentality. Just to re-iterate 2 POINTS : (A) I am NOT supporting or opposing any particular person or group of people (B) This is just an example of Kuwait but the same negatives can be seen amongst Goans (many but perhaps not all) in other countries and in GOA itself.
My observation is at the Higher Level as an independent observer i.e.:
I understand that the loud noise from Kuwait was on financial allegations & wrong-doings by Goans as leaders/members of Goan Association(s). Which begs the question....? Why was there not an EVEN LOUDER noise when the most corrupt & tainted MLA's/ Ministers were on a well publicized/sponsored visit in Kuwait recently, and these so called Heroes, were dined & facilitated by many/specific Kuwait Goans; who are members/leaders of Goan Associations?
These MLA's are well known for their Anti-Goan Policies e.g. SEZ's, Mega Projects, Destructive Mining, Selling Jobs etc all in the objective of realizing huge amounts of illegitimate incomes; Surely the Astronomical Incomes by these MLA's makes any other Goan Financial Scandals Overseas, a "petty issue" in huge comparison? These Specific Politicians are primarily responsible today for Selling Goa to Outsiders, Forcing Goans to migrate due to (A) their compliance with corruption, (B) Faulty Employment polices favoring Outsiders (3) Asking for huge kick backs even for even genuine projects etc but strangely all this appears to be tolerated. If at all Goans are genuinely opposing financial and related wrong doings, why are these tainted politicians who are committing even bigger wrong doings being spared?
It is high time that we Goans reduce our Political Hypocrisy. Many have all the time to have our "petty" fights in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and elsewhere; but are too hesitant to spend our precious time/energy/resources where it really matters; and to fight the real/bigger enemies of Goa & Goans!!
Arwin Mesquita (UAE)
My observation is at the Higher Level as an independent observer i.e.:
I understand that the loud noise from Kuwait was on financial allegations & wrong-doings by Goans as leaders/members of Goan Association(s). Which begs the question....? Why was there not an EVEN LOUDER noise when the most corrupt & tainted MLA's/ Ministers were on a well publicized/sponsored visit in Kuwait recently, and these so called Heroes, were dined & facilitated by many/specific Kuwait Goans; who are members/leaders of Goan Associations?
These MLA's are well known for their Anti-Goan Policies e.g. SEZ's, Mega Projects, Destructive Mining, Selling Jobs etc all in the objective of realizing huge amounts of illegitimate incomes; Surely the Astronomical Incomes by these MLA's makes any other Goan Financial Scandals Overseas, a "petty issue" in huge comparison? These Specific Politicians are primarily responsible today for Selling Goa to Outsiders, Forcing Goans to migrate due to (A) their compliance with corruption, (B) Faulty Employment polices favoring Outsiders (3) Asking for huge kick backs even for even genuine projects etc but strangely all this appears to be tolerated. If at all Goans are genuinely opposing financial and related wrong doings, why are these tainted politicians who are committing even bigger wrong doings being spared?
It is high time that we Goans reduce our Political Hypocrisy. Many have all the time to have our "petty" fights in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and elsewhere; but are too hesitant to spend our precious time/energy/resources where it really matters; and to fight the real/bigger enemies of Goa & Goans!!
Arwin Mesquita (UAE)
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Alternative to Violence
The recent incident at Porvorim Secretariat by the Village Groups needs to be viewed carefully by Goans. Let’s not believe the Deceitful/Corrupt Goa Government, as they are only too keen to tarnish genuine protestors, so as to continue with the destruction of Goa for personal gains. Anyway on the topic of Violence, it is definitely wrong, but we need to find an alternative not only to Violence but for argument sake, an alternative to peaceful means as well. We see a common statement around the World and India in a particular, where Governments ask to renounce violence and ask for peaceful ways to solve issues (including dialogue), but in many cases activists are forced into violence after trying desperately via peaceful manner and dialogue? See the Goa Scenario, our current Chief Minister and most of the Ministers never keep their promises, manipulate facts/situations, constantly sabotage genuine action for Goa, intimidate activist by abuse of the machinery including Quasi Judicial bodies, Police etc Court Cases are taking too long to deliver justice; and is a classic case of Justice delayed Justice Denied. So may I ask again, what alternative can we give to these activists who are being checkmated at every point? Democracy is being abused via migrant vote banks, communal basis, ignorant & gullible voters. Again, I am not advocating the Violence option but am only asking if there is another option, other than the violent & the peaceful one; the latter which obviously not working in Goa? Needless to say these activists are not fighting for only themselves, but for all of Goa and Goan; from the Anti-Goans!! Arwin Mesquita (UAE)
Monday 17 May 2010
Celebrating Goa's Ministers
I am as guilty as many of my other Goan Colleagues; as I was part of associations celebrating Goa's Corrupt Ministers, a few years back. But I have come to my senses and hope that my fellow Goans, would do the same as well. Goans are honoring Goan Ministers in Canada, USA, Europe, Gulf, Goa etc and I really need to ask the question; Why? Are we honoring the very people who are responsible for the sorry state of affairs Goa is in today. These corrupt MLA's that we are honoring, have and are today actually seriously damaging Goa, its land, its Identity and are continuing to do so with all of our blessings. Following are some facts which these MLA's or Ministers are guilty of; on some or all of them:(1) Using the Konkani movement to enter Politics and then using Power to gain illegitimate wealth and pull in respective family members into politics and further damage Goa & Its Identity; what is the status of Konkani today?(2) Liaising with powerful Non-Goan companies to sell of Goan Land or bring in un-wanted mega-projects e.g. in Carmona. And these very people had hypocritically floated political parties to Save Goa!!(3) Supporting Migrant vote-banks, issuing ration cards to migrants and supporting Parties that encourage migrant vote-banks; leaving no stone un-turned to gain as much power & wealth as possible.(4) Excessive Corruption, Faulty Employment & Industrial policies done mainly in personal monetary interests, forcing Goans to go overseas; and many of these Overseas Goans ironically reciprocate by honoring them?(5) Illegal Land Conversions, Hill-cutting, filling of fields, contamination of land & water etc(6) Using scarce taxpayer’s money for their selfish exploits with absolutely no accountability; then use a small percentage of their loot for bags of rice, sugar, alcohol, meals etc so as to buy off gullible voters!! Surely the above are only some facts and there are much more. So again, I really would like to know why Goans are celebrating these people; who if allowed to continue, will spell doom for our beautiful land & our prized identity!! Many Overseas Goans in particular complain, that they are too far away to do anything for Goa; well then please at least stop honoring/entertaining the very people who are destroying Goa & Goans. Let them know that they are not our heroes but are actually the enemies of Goa & Goans!! Arwin Mesquita (UAE)
Saturday 8 May 2010
Migration: towards meeting disturbing situation to Goan topography & identity
Migration: towards meeting disturbing situation to Goan topography and identity
http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Local%20News/Migration-towards-meeting-disturbing-situation-to-Goan-topography-and-identity/36659.html
BY JUINO DE SOUZA
Migration: towards meeting disturbing situation to Goan topography and identityBY JUINO DE SOUZAGoa is the most beautiful State in the whole planet and for hundreds of years migration has been taking place. Earlier, during the Portuguese regime because of poor economic development, there was outward migration where sons and daughters of Goa were moving outside mainly and venturing to all places in the world. Today Goans can be found almost everywhere contributing in countless ways to the societies of which they are now an integral part.Meanwhile, back home currently a reverse inward migration is taking place mainly because of the economic success and peaceful environment as well as the beauty of Goa which has been transformed into a magnet attracting migrants. All types of people from India and abroad including the rich, middle class, business class, labour class and others are flocking to Goa in large numbers and are becoming an essential part of our State.All theories of migration concede that migration occurs when the region of origin lacks the opportunities which the destination promises. It is inherently a combination of pull and push factors. Variation in economic development, better facilities and environment is a primary motive and reason for migration to greener pastures.Immigration is a complex psychosocial phenomenon; it mobilises a multifaceted process of destabilisation/restabilisation, besides increase in migrant population also causes pressure on land and inequality of infrastructure.The question is: How do we address the issue of migration with respect to limited carrying capacity of a small state such as Goa? What if hordes of outside population keep converging in our small State of Goa with a view to settle down permanently? Can our limited resources and inadequate infrastructure hold such huge influx? How can such kind of population growth be sustained over the long term unless government programs a priority on instituting reforms?We don’t have a proper garbage disposal system nor do we have any worthwhile sewerage system, our public transport is in shambles and housing cost is unaffordable. Although many towns have been declared urban as per past census, yet vested interests do not allow urbanisation and which is why most of Goa falls under panchayat administration.Can we afford to convert Goa into another Mumbai where migrants are found sleeping, defecating and reproducing on the road? Can we allow Goa to switch into another slum such as Dharavi? It is five decades since Goa became free from Portuguese rule and achieved independence but how is this State of ours progressing sociologically?No doubt the economic rise has led to opening businesses from hardware to diamond shops which are all owned and operated by migrants, but what is the solution to the growing resentment of insiders against outsiders? How do we deal with the concern of Goan identity? What happens when non Goans who know nothing about Goan ethos and may end up winning elections and become rulers of this small state of Goa in future? It is definitely a worrying situation.Migration brings along with it many challenges and cannot be addressed unilaterally. We cannot take shelter of our constitution by saying that any Indian is free to travel and settle anywhere in India? Settling does not mean using the side of the road and footpath and encroaching private and public property and setting up slums and causing nuisance to taxpaying citizens? This our founding fathers had never imagined. There is a growing need for us to understand the opportunities and also the challenges posed by migration. We should not be fuelled by prejudice and instead our goal should be to harness the power of migration to help more people share in Goa’s prosperity. We must therefore have a stake in managing migration well and we must work together, united in purpose and united in action to expand that development potential.Migration can no longer be casually viewed by economists as the only beneficent process necessary to solve problems of growing labour demand. I would like to highlight three challenges that add to the urgency for action. One is the need to regulate migration. Take the case of labourers who migrate to Goa in search of jobs which they are denied in their native region. We make use of them to clean our gardens, build our houses, for carpentry, for odd jobs. When they don’t get jobs then for survival they take the easy route and indulge in thefts, burglary and even murders and which is why the crime graph in Goa is rising. There may be terrorist and naxalites entering Goa and which can pose a danger to the people of the state and in the absence of any control and regulations over them we don’t even know who they are? Therefore the state machinery must have a regulation in place and rules should be framed for compulsory screening and registration of all migrants entering Goa. Second we must strive to bring in some measures to control the excessive migrant influx as it is needed to ensure the welfare of Goan residents. We could even consider having a permit system. How many can we permit? Can it be done by restricting the number of industries from coming to Goa? Should the migrant be asked to go back once he has finished with his job? To obviate the fear that migrants may become future rulers can we consider disallowing migrants from voting in Goa? What if every employer is asked to take a sworn affidavit voluntarily from every migrant employee recruited that they will not enrol themselves as voters in the state of Goa? Such workers may be sanctioned leave so as to allow them to vote in their state of origin? All such measures may seem to be against the constitution yet we must find some practical remedies.Third, there are rich migrants who anyhow want to own a piece of land and are willing to pay any price for it. Almost all rich Indians and foreigners be they film stars, industrialists, traders and merchants own a second home in Goa and this is one of the reason why property prices in Goa are soaring and out of bounds for Goans. So can we stop such outsiders from buying properties through obtaining special status for Goa is what all should ponder.(The above is the text of a paper on Migration submitted at the seminar organised by the Goa Study Centre Group.)
http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Local%20News/Migration-towards-meeting-disturbing-situation-to-Goan-topography-and-identity/36659.html
BY JUINO DE SOUZA
Migration: towards meeting disturbing situation to Goan topography and identityBY JUINO DE SOUZAGoa is the most beautiful State in the whole planet and for hundreds of years migration has been taking place. Earlier, during the Portuguese regime because of poor economic development, there was outward migration where sons and daughters of Goa were moving outside mainly and venturing to all places in the world. Today Goans can be found almost everywhere contributing in countless ways to the societies of which they are now an integral part.Meanwhile, back home currently a reverse inward migration is taking place mainly because of the economic success and peaceful environment as well as the beauty of Goa which has been transformed into a magnet attracting migrants. All types of people from India and abroad including the rich, middle class, business class, labour class and others are flocking to Goa in large numbers and are becoming an essential part of our State.All theories of migration concede that migration occurs when the region of origin lacks the opportunities which the destination promises. It is inherently a combination of pull and push factors. Variation in economic development, better facilities and environment is a primary motive and reason for migration to greener pastures.Immigration is a complex psychosocial phenomenon; it mobilises a multifaceted process of destabilisation/restabilisation, besides increase in migrant population also causes pressure on land and inequality of infrastructure.The question is: How do we address the issue of migration with respect to limited carrying capacity of a small state such as Goa? What if hordes of outside population keep converging in our small State of Goa with a view to settle down permanently? Can our limited resources and inadequate infrastructure hold such huge influx? How can such kind of population growth be sustained over the long term unless government programs a priority on instituting reforms?We don’t have a proper garbage disposal system nor do we have any worthwhile sewerage system, our public transport is in shambles and housing cost is unaffordable. Although many towns have been declared urban as per past census, yet vested interests do not allow urbanisation and which is why most of Goa falls under panchayat administration.Can we afford to convert Goa into another Mumbai where migrants are found sleeping, defecating and reproducing on the road? Can we allow Goa to switch into another slum such as Dharavi? It is five decades since Goa became free from Portuguese rule and achieved independence but how is this State of ours progressing sociologically?No doubt the economic rise has led to opening businesses from hardware to diamond shops which are all owned and operated by migrants, but what is the solution to the growing resentment of insiders against outsiders? How do we deal with the concern of Goan identity? What happens when non Goans who know nothing about Goan ethos and may end up winning elections and become rulers of this small state of Goa in future? It is definitely a worrying situation.Migration brings along with it many challenges and cannot be addressed unilaterally. We cannot take shelter of our constitution by saying that any Indian is free to travel and settle anywhere in India? Settling does not mean using the side of the road and footpath and encroaching private and public property and setting up slums and causing nuisance to taxpaying citizens? This our founding fathers had never imagined. There is a growing need for us to understand the opportunities and also the challenges posed by migration. We should not be fuelled by prejudice and instead our goal should be to harness the power of migration to help more people share in Goa’s prosperity. We must therefore have a stake in managing migration well and we must work together, united in purpose and united in action to expand that development potential.Migration can no longer be casually viewed by economists as the only beneficent process necessary to solve problems of growing labour demand. I would like to highlight three challenges that add to the urgency for action. One is the need to regulate migration. Take the case of labourers who migrate to Goa in search of jobs which they are denied in their native region. We make use of them to clean our gardens, build our houses, for carpentry, for odd jobs. When they don’t get jobs then for survival they take the easy route and indulge in thefts, burglary and even murders and which is why the crime graph in Goa is rising. There may be terrorist and naxalites entering Goa and which can pose a danger to the people of the state and in the absence of any control and regulations over them we don’t even know who they are? Therefore the state machinery must have a regulation in place and rules should be framed for compulsory screening and registration of all migrants entering Goa. Second we must strive to bring in some measures to control the excessive migrant influx as it is needed to ensure the welfare of Goan residents. We could even consider having a permit system. How many can we permit? Can it be done by restricting the number of industries from coming to Goa? Should the migrant be asked to go back once he has finished with his job? To obviate the fear that migrants may become future rulers can we consider disallowing migrants from voting in Goa? What if every employer is asked to take a sworn affidavit voluntarily from every migrant employee recruited that they will not enrol themselves as voters in the state of Goa? Such workers may be sanctioned leave so as to allow them to vote in their state of origin? All such measures may seem to be against the constitution yet we must find some practical remedies.Third, there are rich migrants who anyhow want to own a piece of land and are willing to pay any price for it. Almost all rich Indians and foreigners be they film stars, industrialists, traders and merchants own a second home in Goa and this is one of the reason why property prices in Goa are soaring and out of bounds for Goans. So can we stop such outsiders from buying properties through obtaining special status for Goa is what all should ponder.(The above is the text of a paper on Migration submitted at the seminar organised by the Goa Study Centre Group.)
Friday 9 April 2010
Exploitation & Terrorism
The recent killings of security forces by Maoist Rebels must be condemned by all. However, we should also look at the root causes of this terrorism. Surely these could be actions by frustrated people in impoverished areas, who could have been possibly exploited by corrupt/selfish politicians and specific wealthy colleagues. Let’s look at the Goa analogy, where many powerful MLA's & their wealthy colleagues plunder/exploit the state and society at will, without any consequences. Also there are many cases in Goa, where genuine individuals fighting in a civilized manner for basic rights for themselves and their environment are targeted by the Government & corrupt MLA's, who use various means to intimidate, including the Police Machinery. Many times these individuals are also targeted at the behest of specific Wealthy people, who do not want anything to stand in the way of realising their greed. Quasi-Judicial Government bodies are controlled by powerful MLA's and the common man’s petitions/rights are not respected or defended. And all this is happening in the relatively high literate Goa; obviously the exploitation in other places of lower literacy is higher. We must appreciate that the people responsible for the massacre of the security forces are not only the Maoist Rebels but also respective powerfully corrupt politicians and specific wealthy individuals who have found loop holes in the Indian System to be basically invincible; so as to continue with the collection of their illegitimate wealth!!
Monday 29 March 2010
1961 Goa's Liberation Mistake
I appreciate that although not impossible, it is a challenge today to put in measures for protecting Goan Demographics, Identity, Land and our way of life. This challenge is mainly because of the perceived restrictions by the Indian Constitution, which was officially never approved by Goans and opinions given by pessimists. However, before we even try to look at measures to protect Goa’s Interests, we first need to at least publicly acknowledge and get the Central Government to appreciate; that there were serious flaws in the manner, Goa was absorbed into the Indian Union without any safeguards. By admitting the latter, can help look at possible remedial measures. Goa could have progressed within India, in a positive manner post 1961 i.e. into a world class state with a special identity, comparable or even ahead of other beautiful places in the world, unfortunately the mistakes we made at Liberation has resulted in Goa actually going backwards; with rapid destruction of its beauty, contamination of its land, air & water, deteriorating standards of living, fuelled by an un-controlled migrant influx, change in demographics, rampage by Central Politicians and their powerful & influential Indian business associates etc. Yes, each one of us needs to play our part to save goa, but it would really help if our freedom fighters gave their honest views on Goa today. I appreciate that there were huge sacrifices by Genuine Freedom fighters who obviously had the best intentions, but I would like to know, if they are really happy with the current state Goa is in today, surely their sacrifices will be in vain, if Goa that they hoped for gets destroyed and results in being liberated from the Goans!!
Friday 19 March 2010
Special Status not enough
I appreciate efforts by the North Goa MP Mr. Shantaram Naik for lobbing the Central Government, to adopt Special Status to Save Goa's Identity. However, this alone will not be enough, we need to take urgent measures, which should among other things include: (1) Creating sustainable employment/business opportunities for Goans, so as to stop the Goan Exodus from Goa and bring back its sons/daughters from overseas countries (2) Favourable Educational & Medical opportunities for Goans; including Non Resident Goans (2) Stop further deterioration of quality of life via promoting destructive development, environment damage etc (3) Urgent adopt policies & measures to address the un-controlled migrant influx into Goa (4) Formulate a comprehensive Housing Policy, which favours housing Goans only and not create un-necessary homes for outsiders to come in; at the cost of destroying Goa's Environment, Ecology, Forests and contaminating its air, land and water. The Question is do our current bunch of MLA's in the Government have the capacity or at least the will to do this? They seem to be too busy fighting for their huge selfish personal stakes and appeasing their Supreme Masters in Delhi; at the cost of destroying Goa and its precious Identity. It is high time that the Voters who have elected these MLA's for whatever reasons, start demanding remedial measures else they are also part of the problem and will be the cause of Goa's Destruction!!
Friday 12 March 2010
Colva Updates
Subject: Colva Sewage Crisis
(ref below article ) The Sewage crisis in Colva should not come as a surprise, particularly to the residents of Colva. In-discriminate issuance of licenses to commercial projects without strict norms and also approvals to so many un-necessary housing including mega-projects, are undoubtedly the key factors that have created this Mess. The Local MLA's and specific corrupt panchayat members have ignored the interests of the village to realise their huge illegitimate profits. Local Activists have been warning of this crisis for a long time but unfortunately (with the exception of some), most Colva residents & non-residents, like their counterparts in other parts of Goa appear indifferent to the ruthless destruction of their village. I hope all Colva residents & non-residents wake-up before it is too late and save their beautiful village, from the clutches from corrupt politicians, builders and other destructive elements!! Recently various villagers were in the news protesting on the CD issue, whilst I appreciate that this issue was offensive and hurt the sentiments, surely we know that there are more serious issues facing the village and I hope we use the same passion to fight the genuine threats facing the village. Arwin Mesquita, UAE.
http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Local%20News/Sewage-choking-Colva/34540.html
Sewage choking Colva
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 11 Welcome to the world famous tourist village, Colva. The village may boast of attracting large number of tourists at its beach, but the government appears blind to the unsanitary environment plaguing the village in recent times.The sewage disposal has come to haunt the locals and the panchayat, even as the village is already grappling with the tones of garbage generated by hotels and restaurants and a growing number of housing colonies.An inspection of the village countryside on Thursday revealed the worst fears of local activists. Storm water drains have been conveniently used by the hotel establishments to discharge sewage and waste waters.That’s not all. Believe it or not, a traditional road – used by the local residents — lay submerged under sewage and waste water, forcing the locals to take an alternate road.Neither the Sarpanch Agnela Borges, nor the panchayat secretary, who accompanied the members of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum during the site-inspection, had an answer to the discharge of waste waters in the drains and open space.As convenor of the Colva Civic Forum Judith Almeida and other activists demanded stringent action against the hotel establishments, Sarpanch Angela promised to convene a special meeting to discuss the emerging health hazard before cracking a whip against erring hotel and restaurant owners.Pointing to a garbage dump, Judith termed the situation as a mini-Sonsodo in Colva, with neither the local body nor the government finding any permanent solution to the garbage woes.“The garbage situation is going from bad to worse. How much more time would the local body and the authorities require for finding a solution?” she demanded to know.At another location, garbage was found burnt by the establishment owners in the absence of any garbage disposal mechanism. “Will the authorities open their eyes at least now? The Tourism Department should open it eyes to the menace. Certainly, the department does not invite tourists to look at the filth and garbage,” she added.Sarpanch Angela is not averse to issuing show cause notices to the erring establishments and has drawn up a scheduled to issue the notices within eight days time. “I am sending notices to the establishments inspected today. Besides, the matter will be placed before the meeting (of panchayat members) to work out a long-term solution,” the sarpanch added.Judith, however, said that the Forum activists would wait for 15 days; she threatened to gherao the panchayat members and knock the doors of the Judiciary, if no action was taken against the erring establishments during the 15 days. “In the past, the Forum had approached the High Courts to wake up the authorities from deep slumber. Only the High Court can give the hapless residents solace and relief from the emerging health hazard in the village,” Judith asserted, while demanding revocation of licences of the erring establishments
(ref below article ) The Sewage crisis in Colva should not come as a surprise, particularly to the residents of Colva. In-discriminate issuance of licenses to commercial projects without strict norms and also approvals to so many un-necessary housing including mega-projects, are undoubtedly the key factors that have created this Mess. The Local MLA's and specific corrupt panchayat members have ignored the interests of the village to realise their huge illegitimate profits. Local Activists have been warning of this crisis for a long time but unfortunately (with the exception of some), most Colva residents & non-residents, like their counterparts in other parts of Goa appear indifferent to the ruthless destruction of their village. I hope all Colva residents & non-residents wake-up before it is too late and save their beautiful village, from the clutches from corrupt politicians, builders and other destructive elements!! Recently various villagers were in the news protesting on the CD issue, whilst I appreciate that this issue was offensive and hurt the sentiments, surely we know that there are more serious issues facing the village and I hope we use the same passion to fight the genuine threats facing the village. Arwin Mesquita, UAE.
http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Local%20News/Sewage-choking-Colva/34540.html
Sewage choking Colva
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 11 Welcome to the world famous tourist village, Colva. The village may boast of attracting large number of tourists at its beach, but the government appears blind to the unsanitary environment plaguing the village in recent times.The sewage disposal has come to haunt the locals and the panchayat, even as the village is already grappling with the tones of garbage generated by hotels and restaurants and a growing number of housing colonies.An inspection of the village countryside on Thursday revealed the worst fears of local activists. Storm water drains have been conveniently used by the hotel establishments to discharge sewage and waste waters.That’s not all. Believe it or not, a traditional road – used by the local residents — lay submerged under sewage and waste water, forcing the locals to take an alternate road.Neither the Sarpanch Agnela Borges, nor the panchayat secretary, who accompanied the members of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum during the site-inspection, had an answer to the discharge of waste waters in the drains and open space.As convenor of the Colva Civic Forum Judith Almeida and other activists demanded stringent action against the hotel establishments, Sarpanch Angela promised to convene a special meeting to discuss the emerging health hazard before cracking a whip against erring hotel and restaurant owners.Pointing to a garbage dump, Judith termed the situation as a mini-Sonsodo in Colva, with neither the local body nor the government finding any permanent solution to the garbage woes.“The garbage situation is going from bad to worse. How much more time would the local body and the authorities require for finding a solution?” she demanded to know.At another location, garbage was found burnt by the establishment owners in the absence of any garbage disposal mechanism. “Will the authorities open their eyes at least now? The Tourism Department should open it eyes to the menace. Certainly, the department does not invite tourists to look at the filth and garbage,” she added.Sarpanch Angela is not averse to issuing show cause notices to the erring establishments and has drawn up a scheduled to issue the notices within eight days time. “I am sending notices to the establishments inspected today. Besides, the matter will be placed before the meeting (of panchayat members) to work out a long-term solution,” the sarpanch added.Judith, however, said that the Forum activists would wait for 15 days; she threatened to gherao the panchayat members and knock the doors of the Judiciary, if no action was taken against the erring establishments during the 15 days. “In the past, the Forum had approached the High Courts to wake up the authorities from deep slumber. Only the High Court can give the hapless residents solace and relief from the emerging health hazard in the village,” Judith asserted, while demanding revocation of licences of the erring establishments
Friday 12 February 2010
Goa Ministers Literacy Rate
Goa is recognised as a having a high literacy rate and large number of people, have at least passed Secondary Education. Is this same literacy rate reflective, for ministers in our current government, particularly Salcete, which has many of its MLA's as Ministers? No Wonder, Goa is not progressing harmoniously!! It is high time Literate Goans start taking a greater role in the governance and the constructive development of Goa; with respect to preserving our land, culture and identity. Overseas Goans in particular, who have gained Global Expertise & Best Practices should now consider returning and saving Goa from the Current MLA's and other destructive elements!!
Monday 25 January 2010
SALE OF GOA
It is really unfortunate to know of Goans, actively engaging is the large scale of Goan Land to outsiders, to realise a life of luxury for themselves and their families. As a result of their selfish actions, Goa and majority of the population, have to bear the brunt of various related negative fall-outs e.g. (1) Garbage/Sewerage issues (2) Land/Water Contamination (3) Effect on basic water/electric supplies (3) Changes in Demography & resultant effect on Identity (5) Scarce land available for locals etc. It is a well known fact that capitalism cannot be allowed an in-discriminate spree; to affect the land & local populace negatively. These in-discriminate land sales which benefits the lifestyles of a privileged few, has to be stopped/restricted; these greedy individuals are in the process of selling their state, values, identity for greed/personal gains. To quote Mahatma Gandhi: ”There is enough for everyone's need but not enough for everyone's greed."
Sunday 24 January 2010
Suggestions/Best Practices/Proven Action to Save Goa & Its Identity
Dear Goans,
This page will be constantly updated with suggestions, best practices, proven action to save Goa, Its Land & its Identity; you can replicate for action in your respective area or communicate to those who need help/advise, on how to act on the same.
Dev Borum Korum,
Arwin
(1) PIL by Mr. Floriano Lobo (Goa Su-Raj Party)
Re: Opportunity for Non Resident Goans to help Local Goans save goa Posted by: "floriano" floriano.lobo@gmail.com Fri Jan 22, 2010 6:17 am (PST)
Dear RG & NRG Goans,Taking the queue from Arwin's post I called Orlando to tell him this:Quote"You don't need to file a Writ Petition in the HC paying thousands of rupees and engaging costly lawyers who ultimately will screw you by compromising your case with the mega builders for money. That I have never relied upon any lawyer and have not paid a single paise to them in all my 7 successful PILs in the HC. I got the HARA project decimated even before they started digging in the Calapur salt pans through a simple letter to the HC. YOu put your Public Interest Petition on the paper, plead with the HC for justice and you will get it, Raheja or no Raheja. If you file a Writ Petition, you will bleed and Rahejas will buy most of your people and the genuine ones will be left holding the baby. I am in contact with Ms (prof) Savia and my services are available to you Carmonkars any time if they can help you and help Goa.Please go for PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION where it has to be a Litigation in real Public Interest. Any hint of personal interest in this will destroy the petition.I assure you the HC will come to your rescue for absolutely free if this is the case. Therefore you must take care how you draft your petition. You must make sure the Justices get tears in their eyes when they read it.UnquoteCheersflorianogoasuraj9890470896http://www.goasu-raj.org/
This page will be constantly updated with suggestions, best practices, proven action to save Goa, Its Land & its Identity; you can replicate for action in your respective area or communicate to those who need help/advise, on how to act on the same.
Dev Borum Korum,
Arwin
(1) PIL by Mr. Floriano Lobo (Goa Su-Raj Party)
Re: Opportunity for Non Resident Goans to help Local Goans save goa Posted by: "floriano" floriano.lobo@gmail.com Fri Jan 22, 2010 6:17 am (PST)
Dear RG & NRG Goans,Taking the queue from Arwin's post I called Orlando to tell him this:Quote"You don't need to file a Writ Petition in the HC paying thousands of rupees and engaging costly lawyers who ultimately will screw you by compromising your case with the mega builders for money. That I have never relied upon any lawyer and have not paid a single paise to them in all my 7 successful PILs in the HC. I got the HARA project decimated even before they started digging in the Calapur salt pans through a simple letter to the HC. YOu put your Public Interest Petition on the paper, plead with the HC for justice and you will get it, Raheja or no Raheja. If you file a Writ Petition, you will bleed and Rahejas will buy most of your people and the genuine ones will be left holding the baby. I am in contact with Ms (prof) Savia and my services are available to you Carmonkars any time if they can help you and help Goa.Please go for PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION where it has to be a Litigation in real Public Interest. Any hint of personal interest in this will destroy the petition.I assure you the HC will come to your rescue for absolutely free if this is the case. Therefore you must take care how you draft your petition. You must make sure the Justices get tears in their eyes when they read it.UnquoteCheersflorianogoasuraj9890470896http://www.goasu-raj.org/
Positive Achievements for Goa
Dear Goans, This page will be constantly updated with positive achievements for Goa, Arwin
(1) Cansaulim says NO to Mega-Projects
http://www.navhindtimes.in/news/goa-news/7776-cansaulim-villagers-say-no-to-mega-projects-
MARGAO: Sunday was to be a day of mega projects in South Goa, with these issues dominating gram sabhas in Salcete and surroundings.
Cansaulim gram sabha, presided over by the sarpanch, Mr Jose Manuel Fernandes, resolved that no mega projects, including hotels or multi-dwelling units be allowed in the village until proper arrangements for basic necessities like water and electricity are made in the villages of Cansaulim, Arossim and Cuelim by the concerned authorities. Drafting of minutes of the meeting by the secretary also came under the scanner.The resolution, on these mega projects, proposed by Ms Sheela Gracias and seconded by Mr Alvaro D’ Costa, that saw a majority of gram sabha members approving it, declared that no commercial mega projects like hotels or mega commercial housing projects be allowed in the village till such time adequate basic necessities like water and electricity are provided to the villagers by the concerned authorities as the villagers face daily water cuts and power shortages – with some pointing out that it was the fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution that a citizen be provided the same and a denial of the same was violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.The sarpanch, speaking to media, after the gram sabha, said that the meet was against any mega projects or hotels or even multi dwelling units coming up in the village.“The gram sabha members were upset that every now and again electricity fails, and there is a shortage of water. Till proper water and electricity is available no projects should be given permission, was what the gram sabha wanted,” he said. A sidelight – amusing and scary at the same time - was a long time serving former sarpanch stating that the gram sabha had no powers to pass such resolutions, eliciting protests from the villagers that while on one hand the Union Government was trying to empower grass root democracy - that is the village panchayats and gram sabhas - certain elected representatives were still trying to brow beat the villagers and seeking to deny and deprive them of their powers.Also, in a subsequent decision, the gram sabha decided that the NOC given for a project for the construction of 46-odd flats and having a swimming pool and club house be revoked, pointing out that there was an earlier gram sabha resolution - endorsed by the panchayat body at their meeting where new proposed constructions for multi dwellings units should be placed before the gram sabha before any NOC or licence or occupancy certificate was given. The gram sabha wanted the immediate revoking of the licence issued by the village panchayat stating that it was going against the resolution passed on August 5, 2008 by the panchayat body.The drafting of minutes of the earlier gram sabhas by the panchayat secretary also raised hackles with members alleging that there were omissions on his part. The secretary was absent today and the today’s gram sabha was recorded by another panchayat secretary – apparently on deputation from another village.Another topic that came up for discussion – brought up by gram sabha member, Mr Evans Fernandes – saw the sarpanch being asked on the action being initiated on the Park Hyatt Hotel, Arossim consequent to the show cause notice served on them by the Goa State Pollution Control Board for allegedly letting out contaminated water from the hotel into the agricultural fields and ponds.
(1) Cansaulim says NO to Mega-Projects
http://www.navhindtimes.in/news/goa-news/7776-cansaulim-villagers-say-no-to-mega-projects-
MARGAO: Sunday was to be a day of mega projects in South Goa, with these issues dominating gram sabhas in Salcete and surroundings.
Cansaulim gram sabha, presided over by the sarpanch, Mr Jose Manuel Fernandes, resolved that no mega projects, including hotels or multi-dwelling units be allowed in the village until proper arrangements for basic necessities like water and electricity are made in the villages of Cansaulim, Arossim and Cuelim by the concerned authorities. Drafting of minutes of the meeting by the secretary also came under the scanner.The resolution, on these mega projects, proposed by Ms Sheela Gracias and seconded by Mr Alvaro D’ Costa, that saw a majority of gram sabha members approving it, declared that no commercial mega projects like hotels or mega commercial housing projects be allowed in the village till such time adequate basic necessities like water and electricity are provided to the villagers by the concerned authorities as the villagers face daily water cuts and power shortages – with some pointing out that it was the fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution that a citizen be provided the same and a denial of the same was violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.The sarpanch, speaking to media, after the gram sabha, said that the meet was against any mega projects or hotels or even multi dwelling units coming up in the village.“The gram sabha members were upset that every now and again electricity fails, and there is a shortage of water. Till proper water and electricity is available no projects should be given permission, was what the gram sabha wanted,” he said. A sidelight – amusing and scary at the same time - was a long time serving former sarpanch stating that the gram sabha had no powers to pass such resolutions, eliciting protests from the villagers that while on one hand the Union Government was trying to empower grass root democracy - that is the village panchayats and gram sabhas - certain elected representatives were still trying to brow beat the villagers and seeking to deny and deprive them of their powers.Also, in a subsequent decision, the gram sabha decided that the NOC given for a project for the construction of 46-odd flats and having a swimming pool and club house be revoked, pointing out that there was an earlier gram sabha resolution - endorsed by the panchayat body at their meeting where new proposed constructions for multi dwellings units should be placed before the gram sabha before any NOC or licence or occupancy certificate was given. The gram sabha wanted the immediate revoking of the licence issued by the village panchayat stating that it was going against the resolution passed on August 5, 2008 by the panchayat body.The drafting of minutes of the earlier gram sabhas by the panchayat secretary also raised hackles with members alleging that there were omissions on his part. The secretary was absent today and the today’s gram sabha was recorded by another panchayat secretary – apparently on deputation from another village.Another topic that came up for discussion – brought up by gram sabha member, Mr Evans Fernandes – saw the sarpanch being asked on the action being initiated on the Park Hyatt Hotel, Arossim consequent to the show cause notice served on them by the Goa State Pollution Control Board for allegedly letting out contaminated water from the hotel into the agricultural fields and ponds.
Friday 22 January 2010
Opportunities for Non Resident Goans to Help Local Goans Save Goa
Dear Non Resident Goans,
Here are opportunities to help Goans to save Goa. Please read below; which is separated by village/town and will be constantly updated. It is an uphill battle but if more Goans join the effort, we can overcome!! Should you want to help, kindly contact respective person directly
Arwin Mesquita, UAE
CARMONA, SALCETTE, GOA
Date: 10th Januar’2010.My Dear Friend Arwin bab
Through News paper reports of major Goan dailies you all are aware what is happening in your beautiful village of Carmona and the state of Goa at large. Since the year 2008, we Carmonakars have lodged a sustained battle with the authorities in Goa to protect our mother land from the clutches of the land sharks. If land sharks such as the Raheja’s of Mumbai fame are allowed to set mega housing projects meant as second homes for the neo-rich from outside the state there will be no land left for our future generations. As it is with one mega deal by the Raheja’s in our village the land prices has soared to astronomical figures thereby eroding the purchasing power of every Carmonkar whether he is working in Goa, the gulf or the luxury liners. The basic infrastructure of water, electricity, garbage disposal and sewerage at present are so dismal that our living will be made impossible by these mega projects. Our revolt against the mighty Raheja’s in Carmona has awakened many Goan villages from the deep slumber and today each and every gramsabha in goan villages are questioning the Sarpanchas and authorities on the issue.But our own elected representative such as MLA’s and Panchayat members blinded by short term personal greed are supporting these mega projects by outside builders. The same has happened in Carmona. Recently at the gramsabha meeting held on 20/12/2009 the people of Carmona has passed a resolution and told the Sarpanch to call back the file of the Raheja’s.But our sarpanch and the balance group of five who have sold themselves to the bread loaves offered by the Raheja’s are in no mood to listen to the voices of the people. At the behest of our local MLA the town and country planning department has issued a provisional NOC to the builder which will be ratified by our panchayat in its meeting to be held on 13/01/2010 to issue license to The Raheja’s.The action of the Town and country planning department and the Panchayat to issue the provisional NOC is nothing but a fraud. As per circular dated 29.08.2008 the builder has to show the actual width of the existing access road at site. The said circular says that no NOC should be issued based on proposed road/ broadening. I enclose a copy of the said circular for your perusal.Many likeminded people from the village are of the opinion that this fraud has to be challenged in the high court and have promised support. We have contacted lawyers and has taken opinion and are told that it is fit case to permanently block the Raheja’s and also to give fiting reply to our local MLA and the Panchas supporting the builder.Our estimate runs in a few lakhs of rupees to match against the mighty Raheja’s. But we count on support of all our dear brothers and sisters working in far away countries and are hoping to return our sweet home after retirement.Please circulate this appeal to all blue blooded Goans to spare a few ruppess from their hard earned incomes to save our mother land from the hungry volves.
Thank you very much,On behalf of the People of Tamdeg and Carmona at large. Orlando. S. A. Da. SilvaMobile No. 9823491364 – Feel free to contact for any clarifications if required.Cheques can be issued in my favour and I assure thorugh and honest accountablity for the purpose it is asked for.
Here are opportunities to help Goans to save Goa. Please read below; which is separated by village/town and will be constantly updated. It is an uphill battle but if more Goans join the effort, we can overcome!! Should you want to help, kindly contact respective person directly
Arwin Mesquita, UAE
CARMONA, SALCETTE, GOA
Date: 10th Januar’2010.My Dear Friend Arwin bab
Through News paper reports of major Goan dailies you all are aware what is happening in your beautiful village of Carmona and the state of Goa at large. Since the year 2008, we Carmonakars have lodged a sustained battle with the authorities in Goa to protect our mother land from the clutches of the land sharks. If land sharks such as the Raheja’s of Mumbai fame are allowed to set mega housing projects meant as second homes for the neo-rich from outside the state there will be no land left for our future generations. As it is with one mega deal by the Raheja’s in our village the land prices has soared to astronomical figures thereby eroding the purchasing power of every Carmonkar whether he is working in Goa, the gulf or the luxury liners. The basic infrastructure of water, electricity, garbage disposal and sewerage at present are so dismal that our living will be made impossible by these mega projects. Our revolt against the mighty Raheja’s in Carmona has awakened many Goan villages from the deep slumber and today each and every gramsabha in goan villages are questioning the Sarpanchas and authorities on the issue.But our own elected representative such as MLA’s and Panchayat members blinded by short term personal greed are supporting these mega projects by outside builders. The same has happened in Carmona. Recently at the gramsabha meeting held on 20/12/2009 the people of Carmona has passed a resolution and told the Sarpanch to call back the file of the Raheja’s.But our sarpanch and the balance group of five who have sold themselves to the bread loaves offered by the Raheja’s are in no mood to listen to the voices of the people. At the behest of our local MLA the town and country planning department has issued a provisional NOC to the builder which will be ratified by our panchayat in its meeting to be held on 13/01/2010 to issue license to The Raheja’s.The action of the Town and country planning department and the Panchayat to issue the provisional NOC is nothing but a fraud. As per circular dated 29.08.2008 the builder has to show the actual width of the existing access road at site. The said circular says that no NOC should be issued based on proposed road/ broadening. I enclose a copy of the said circular for your perusal.Many likeminded people from the village are of the opinion that this fraud has to be challenged in the high court and have promised support. We have contacted lawyers and has taken opinion and are told that it is fit case to permanently block the Raheja’s and also to give fiting reply to our local MLA and the Panchas supporting the builder.Our estimate runs in a few lakhs of rupees to match against the mighty Raheja’s. But we count on support of all our dear brothers and sisters working in far away countries and are hoping to return our sweet home after retirement.Please circulate this appeal to all blue blooded Goans to spare a few ruppess from their hard earned incomes to save our mother land from the hungry volves.
Thank you very much,On behalf of the People of Tamdeg and Carmona at large. Orlando. S. A. Da. SilvaMobile No. 9823491364 – Feel free to contact for any clarifications if required.Cheques can be issued in my favour and I assure thorugh and honest accountablity for the purpose it is asked for.
Friday 15 January 2010
Honour the Historic Opinion Poll that kept Goa Separate
The Opinion Poll held on 16th Jan 1967 saved Goa from Merger into Maharashtra. Most Goans surely are happy today, that Goa remained a separate state with a separate identity; but will this identity remain, or will it be extinguished in the near future. Will the efforts of all those who fought to save Goa from merger go in vain? Today Goa's Identity is under threat from (1) Corrupt Politicians, (2) Mega-Projects, (3) Land Sharks & Rich Non-Goans indiscrimately buying up Goa; with practically no land available for Goans today, (4) Uncontrolled Migrant Influx, slums & vote banks being used to checkmate Goans, (5) Konkani losing prominence against other languages (6) Government in-difference to so many Goans leaving Goa, due to lack of employment opportunities and if action is not taken, Goans will soon be a minority in their own state. It is time for another movement to re-visit what Goans had actually voted for in 1967; its time for Goans today to rise from their slumber; to speak/act in one voice that Goa is not for SALE and Goans have a right to protect their identify, land and our way of life. Yes, the Indian Constitution has a lot of good points but this legal document has its serious flaws if it assists, in decimation of any states local identity; needless to say, Goans were never party to the process of forming the Constitution; so it is high time that our views are now taken into consideration!!
Thursday 14 January 2010
Letters for Goan Identity in Goan Media - Compilation
(1) Swamped by migration Nazir Aga, Panjim
http://www.oheraldo.in/newpage.php?month=1&day=14&year=2010&catid=13
The attempts by certain sections to unjustly accuse Soter D’Souza of propagating communal hatred is downright malicious and disgusting, especially when the issue of immigration is definitely a matter of concern to every Goan, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Protecting Goa’s social, economic, and cultural interests is not unconstitutional. If other states are bent on implementing their culture, language and protecting their economic interests, there seems nothing wrong in Goans doing the same. If not, let all state boundaries be dissolved and let only one language and culture prevail. Colonisation of any state by migrants is definitely not a constitutional right. Why should Goa, which has a negative birth rate, be penalised for the failure of other state governments who have not been able to provide for the social and economic needs of their people?
(2) Goa’s Illusionary Liberation
http://www.navhindtimes.in/opinions/7019-letters-to-the-editor
In 2011, our politicians at the state and national level intend to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Goa’s Liberation; what may I as do they want Goans to really celebrate, other than the slow liberation of Goa from the Goans. Enough of this; years of brainwashing Goans and decimation of the local population and their respective identity; In my view, Goans should now start in increasing numbers, to oppose/protest the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the “illusionary liberation”!! Arwin Mesquita, UAE
(3) 18 Dec, 2009 Reflections on the Eve of Liberation Day
http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Opinions/18-Dec-2009/31273.html
We deceive ourselves if we feel everything in Goa is fine, while our identity, culture and survival are at stake, says DR JOE D�SOUZA
Since 1961, every 19th December, Goans celebrate their �Liberation Day� from their colonial masters. The Indian Army took over the administration of Goa from the Portuguese in a smooth operation, before anyone in Goa knew anything much. Power was peacefully transferred without any bloodshed and with no loss of life.But as I lie on my bed, lazily reflecting on the past, my mind poses a question: �Is Goa truly liberated?�I belong to the generation which can vividly remember and reflect about those good old days with their pleasant times. I belong to the era wherein as a child I could sea no evil, as I wasn�t big enough to know and understand much about the difference between Indian democracy and Portuguese dictatorship. My interaction with the Portuguese pakles was at the check post, each time I visited Goa from Mumbai (then Bombay) for the annual summer holidays. What Aunty Laura used to do as a freedom fighter then mattered to the extent that we missed her company during the time she was in the freedom movement.Good fish, lots of cheese and a tinge of port wine was on the table for us to relish, especially when she was around. Lots of oysters, big crabs and mussels fresh from the River Chapora used to find their way to our home from the nearby fishing canoes. In the 1950s our lives in Mumbai were a bitter struggle, I can remember famines, rationed food and study under dim lights or sometimes under electric poles. But once in Goa, it was like going from hell to Paradise. My granny used to rear pigs and fowls, grow vegetables and ensure that plenty of mangoes, jackfruits and tender coconuts remained on our trees. Taking a bath straight from the brass pot drawn from the village well on a hot summer afternoon and again under the banana plantation, either by moonlight or the dim light of a small kerosene lamp, was an enchanting experience.A wholesome and healthy quality of life for our family all through the erstwhile Portuguese regime under Salazar made me ponder if liberation for Goa is truly achieved, especially as the life in the state for the niz Goemkar is becoming increasingly tough and challenging. Mining beyond sustainable limits has made Goan agriculture reluctant and unremunerative. Our rivers have been silted with mining rejects and our aquiferous hills have been butchered, raped and bled devoid of forest cover, inviting floods and drought. The greed of our politicians, bureaucrats and the manipulative illegal mine-owners lobby has ushered in lopsided tourism and mushrooming of concrete jungles which has transformed Goa from green to grey. I cannot visit the pristine beaches of Goa and swim at Vagator beach as I once did during the Portuguese, era because it is today infested with cancerous tar balls and rich in oil slick and copious amounts of drifting garbage. Industrial pollution has contaminated our air, water and soil. My beloved Mandovi River is today colonised by casino vessels, belonging to rich migrants who employ Russian belly-dancers, women from the North-East and Punjabi managers.The garbage menace is seen all around due to lopsided tourism. Today Goans are prisoners of gambling and victims of alcohol abuse due to faulty planning of economic activities. We accuse Portuguese of colonial dominance, oppression and religious inquisition, but do we realise for a moment that Goa today is seeing increasing religious intolerance, thefts in churches and temples on a daily basis, destruction of public properties, deaths due to suicides, rapes, murders and road accidents � all essentially a result of lax implementation of law.Today more Goans are leaving Goa�s shores to make a living outside the country. Acquiring a Portuguese passport is today not only a status symbol but an identity for receiving international credibility � a recognition which is not available with an Indian passport. Let us not be hypocrites, and let us acknowledge the blessings which we have derived and still derive due to our association with the Portuguese. Genuine freedom fighters and worthy Goans, while accepting the blessings of liberation, do not go hammer and tongs against the Portuguese benevolence.There are a few smugglers and antisocial elements who claim to be freedom fighters. By destroying anything of Portuguese history in Goa, they want to project their nationalism, which is totally absurd and misleading.Elsewhere, in another article, I have recounted that for about 12,000 years of written history of Goa, Goans have yet to learn to accept their mistakes and historical blunders. Goans over 12,000 years have always remained as a subdued society, ruled by invaders, be it the Kolarian tribes, Sumerian warriors, the Aryans, Portuguese, etc.In the past Goa was plundered and looted not only by Mohammad bin Tughlaq, but also by the Bahamani and the Vijayanagar empires, which found Goa and the Goan people an attractive target to exploit. We would be soon heading towards celebrating 50 golden years of Liberation. But alas! Goans call themselves free citizens of a free country but cannot feel safe to live or reside in their own traditional homes, which face threats of demolition due to CRZ laws, Mega housing projects have brought home hordes of dubious migrants and unscrupulous builders from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Belgaum, Bangalore, etc, and Goans are pressurised into selling their homes. It is not the Moguls or the Marathas this time but the Russian, Israeli and Delhi barons who have taken over. Our markets are flooded with vendors from Karnataka. Our hotels and restaurants have cooks from the North-East and our labour force is from Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar, UP, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Dancing during meaningless carnival shows and during the IFFI celebrations, if we feel everything in Goa is fine and under control, we would be deceiving ourselves. More than ever before, our Goan identity, culture and survival are at stake. The active protests at Gram Sabha meetings about the destruction of Goa by unscrupulous politicians and obliging bureaucrats is a welcome sign. Actions speak louder then words. We must free Goa from the clutches of vested interests who are looting and plundering Goa beyond sustainable limits. In the next 50 years global warming and adverse impacts of climate change would see a 16 cm rise in sea level and temperatures would rise by 4�C. Being a coastal people, Goans must prepare themselves for the imminent disasters due to affect the state. Let not unscrupulous elements destroy and butcher our hills, fill up low-lying areas and reclaim them, or else the sea would reclaim us and liberate us for ever. Eternal vigilance is the price we must pay for freedom. May I salute the Gram Sabhas all around Goa for working hard to nip in the bud the growing menace of corruption and open rape of Goa by our greedy politicians and unconcerned legal system, which seems truly blind to Goa�s degradation and Goan marginalisation.
(4) Liberation or false dawn?Zino Carvalho, Davorlim
http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Letters/19-Dec-2009/31287.html
As Goa completes 48 years of its Liberation, despite the tremendous progress we have made since 1961, the people hope that the Central Government would grant special status to the state. But this has not yet materialised.The feeling of being colonised has not yet left us. At present we are concerned by the influx of immigrants, lack of job opportunities, sale of land, exploitation of mines, stench of rancid garbage at every nook and corner, plundering of agricultural fields and green zones for concrete mega projects, sky-rocketing prices and cost of living, full implementation of the Official Language Act, etc. Goa was not part of the Constituent Assembly deliberations. It was liberated through army intervention in 1961. We missed the first two Five-Year Plans. In order to preserve our identity, culture, land we need special status like Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal or Jammu & Kashmir to regulate or restrict ownership and transfer of land to non-Goans. Goa ought to have been given the special status soon after Liberation as promised by the then central government, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, who had assured Goans that he would do this to preserve the unique Goan identity for our future generations.
Viva Liberation!Joel Morais, Cuncolim
Liberation changed Green Goa to a concrete jungle. Liberation opened the doors and welcomed the criminals. Liberation welcomed the communal fanatics to create communal riots and bomb blasts. Liberation opened a market to sell government jobs. Liberation allowed the rich and the powerful to have their own laws. Liberation welcomed pollution to pollute our ground water. Liberation allowed the rape of our virgin beaches. Liberation welcomed the River Princess to take shelter in Candolim. Liberation allowed the sons and daughters of top government officers to use and crash government cars. Liberation allowed the elected people in power to use official force against the sons and the daughters of the soil. Liberation converted us from the slaves of Portuguese law to the slaves of our own law. Last but not the least, Liberation will once again welcome the elected licensed Goa looters to hoist the holy flag of our beloved country on 19 December.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/opinion/letters-editor-43Need to Save Goa for Future Generations GOA was loved by tourists because of its scenic beauty, its natural green environment, clean beaches and hospitality of the local Goans. But alas, all this will be gone in a few years. Just look at the pace at which the greenery of Goa is being destroyed. Are the concrete jungles essential? And for whom? Can Goa sustain the influx of heavy-pocketed people from other states? How is the government going to cater to the needs of these people? Think about the amount of garbage that is going to be produced. What are we going to leave our children–polluted air, litter-strewn beaches, unsafe chaotic roads, consistent power shutdowns and restricted water supply? Will they ever be able to visualise a green Goa? How can the government turn a blind eye to the influx of non-Goans? Non-Goans in Goa have outnumbered the Goans and our very identity is at stake. The immigrants have started their own organisations to propagate their language and their culture in Goa. Is parasitism of cultures justifiable? The price of land has gone way beyond the reach of the common man. What is the government doing about all this? I fully agree with Mr Seshagiri Raghu Kumar who voiced his concern for Goa in the letter ‘Save Goa’ (NT, April 29). Goa is not a destination for employment like the metros of India. It is basically a tourist destination and the government should do all it can to save the natural environment of Goa. It should develop policies to safeguard the interest of Goans in the employment sector by reserving 90 per cent quota for Goans before issuing permission for industries, hotels etc. Are any of our Goan leaders listening? More importantly, will they take the necessary action to save Goa?NANDINI VAZ FERNANDES, Margao
http://www.oheraldo.in/newpage.php?month=1&day=14&year=2010&catid=13
The attempts by certain sections to unjustly accuse Soter D’Souza of propagating communal hatred is downright malicious and disgusting, especially when the issue of immigration is definitely a matter of concern to every Goan, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Protecting Goa’s social, economic, and cultural interests is not unconstitutional. If other states are bent on implementing their culture, language and protecting their economic interests, there seems nothing wrong in Goans doing the same. If not, let all state boundaries be dissolved and let only one language and culture prevail. Colonisation of any state by migrants is definitely not a constitutional right. Why should Goa, which has a negative birth rate, be penalised for the failure of other state governments who have not been able to provide for the social and economic needs of their people?
(2) Goa’s Illusionary Liberation
http://www.navhindtimes.in/opinions/7019-letters-to-the-editor
In 2011, our politicians at the state and national level intend to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Goa’s Liberation; what may I as do they want Goans to really celebrate, other than the slow liberation of Goa from the Goans. Enough of this; years of brainwashing Goans and decimation of the local population and their respective identity; In my view, Goans should now start in increasing numbers, to oppose/protest the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the “illusionary liberation”!! Arwin Mesquita, UAE
(3) 18 Dec, 2009 Reflections on the Eve of Liberation Day
http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Opinions/18-Dec-2009/31273.html
We deceive ourselves if we feel everything in Goa is fine, while our identity, culture and survival are at stake, says DR JOE D�SOUZA
Since 1961, every 19th December, Goans celebrate their �Liberation Day� from their colonial masters. The Indian Army took over the administration of Goa from the Portuguese in a smooth operation, before anyone in Goa knew anything much. Power was peacefully transferred without any bloodshed and with no loss of life.But as I lie on my bed, lazily reflecting on the past, my mind poses a question: �Is Goa truly liberated?�I belong to the generation which can vividly remember and reflect about those good old days with their pleasant times. I belong to the era wherein as a child I could sea no evil, as I wasn�t big enough to know and understand much about the difference between Indian democracy and Portuguese dictatorship. My interaction with the Portuguese pakles was at the check post, each time I visited Goa from Mumbai (then Bombay) for the annual summer holidays. What Aunty Laura used to do as a freedom fighter then mattered to the extent that we missed her company during the time she was in the freedom movement.Good fish, lots of cheese and a tinge of port wine was on the table for us to relish, especially when she was around. Lots of oysters, big crabs and mussels fresh from the River Chapora used to find their way to our home from the nearby fishing canoes. In the 1950s our lives in Mumbai were a bitter struggle, I can remember famines, rationed food and study under dim lights or sometimes under electric poles. But once in Goa, it was like going from hell to Paradise. My granny used to rear pigs and fowls, grow vegetables and ensure that plenty of mangoes, jackfruits and tender coconuts remained on our trees. Taking a bath straight from the brass pot drawn from the village well on a hot summer afternoon and again under the banana plantation, either by moonlight or the dim light of a small kerosene lamp, was an enchanting experience.A wholesome and healthy quality of life for our family all through the erstwhile Portuguese regime under Salazar made me ponder if liberation for Goa is truly achieved, especially as the life in the state for the niz Goemkar is becoming increasingly tough and challenging. Mining beyond sustainable limits has made Goan agriculture reluctant and unremunerative. Our rivers have been silted with mining rejects and our aquiferous hills have been butchered, raped and bled devoid of forest cover, inviting floods and drought. The greed of our politicians, bureaucrats and the manipulative illegal mine-owners lobby has ushered in lopsided tourism and mushrooming of concrete jungles which has transformed Goa from green to grey. I cannot visit the pristine beaches of Goa and swim at Vagator beach as I once did during the Portuguese, era because it is today infested with cancerous tar balls and rich in oil slick and copious amounts of drifting garbage. Industrial pollution has contaminated our air, water and soil. My beloved Mandovi River is today colonised by casino vessels, belonging to rich migrants who employ Russian belly-dancers, women from the North-East and Punjabi managers.The garbage menace is seen all around due to lopsided tourism. Today Goans are prisoners of gambling and victims of alcohol abuse due to faulty planning of economic activities. We accuse Portuguese of colonial dominance, oppression and religious inquisition, but do we realise for a moment that Goa today is seeing increasing religious intolerance, thefts in churches and temples on a daily basis, destruction of public properties, deaths due to suicides, rapes, murders and road accidents � all essentially a result of lax implementation of law.Today more Goans are leaving Goa�s shores to make a living outside the country. Acquiring a Portuguese passport is today not only a status symbol but an identity for receiving international credibility � a recognition which is not available with an Indian passport. Let us not be hypocrites, and let us acknowledge the blessings which we have derived and still derive due to our association with the Portuguese. Genuine freedom fighters and worthy Goans, while accepting the blessings of liberation, do not go hammer and tongs against the Portuguese benevolence.There are a few smugglers and antisocial elements who claim to be freedom fighters. By destroying anything of Portuguese history in Goa, they want to project their nationalism, which is totally absurd and misleading.Elsewhere, in another article, I have recounted that for about 12,000 years of written history of Goa, Goans have yet to learn to accept their mistakes and historical blunders. Goans over 12,000 years have always remained as a subdued society, ruled by invaders, be it the Kolarian tribes, Sumerian warriors, the Aryans, Portuguese, etc.In the past Goa was plundered and looted not only by Mohammad bin Tughlaq, but also by the Bahamani and the Vijayanagar empires, which found Goa and the Goan people an attractive target to exploit. We would be soon heading towards celebrating 50 golden years of Liberation. But alas! Goans call themselves free citizens of a free country but cannot feel safe to live or reside in their own traditional homes, which face threats of demolition due to CRZ laws, Mega housing projects have brought home hordes of dubious migrants and unscrupulous builders from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Belgaum, Bangalore, etc, and Goans are pressurised into selling their homes. It is not the Moguls or the Marathas this time but the Russian, Israeli and Delhi barons who have taken over. Our markets are flooded with vendors from Karnataka. Our hotels and restaurants have cooks from the North-East and our labour force is from Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar, UP, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Dancing during meaningless carnival shows and during the IFFI celebrations, if we feel everything in Goa is fine and under control, we would be deceiving ourselves. More than ever before, our Goan identity, culture and survival are at stake. The active protests at Gram Sabha meetings about the destruction of Goa by unscrupulous politicians and obliging bureaucrats is a welcome sign. Actions speak louder then words. We must free Goa from the clutches of vested interests who are looting and plundering Goa beyond sustainable limits. In the next 50 years global warming and adverse impacts of climate change would see a 16 cm rise in sea level and temperatures would rise by 4�C. Being a coastal people, Goans must prepare themselves for the imminent disasters due to affect the state. Let not unscrupulous elements destroy and butcher our hills, fill up low-lying areas and reclaim them, or else the sea would reclaim us and liberate us for ever. Eternal vigilance is the price we must pay for freedom. May I salute the Gram Sabhas all around Goa for working hard to nip in the bud the growing menace of corruption and open rape of Goa by our greedy politicians and unconcerned legal system, which seems truly blind to Goa�s degradation and Goan marginalisation.
(4) Liberation or false dawn?Zino Carvalho, Davorlim
http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Letters/19-Dec-2009/31287.html
As Goa completes 48 years of its Liberation, despite the tremendous progress we have made since 1961, the people hope that the Central Government would grant special status to the state. But this has not yet materialised.The feeling of being colonised has not yet left us. At present we are concerned by the influx of immigrants, lack of job opportunities, sale of land, exploitation of mines, stench of rancid garbage at every nook and corner, plundering of agricultural fields and green zones for concrete mega projects, sky-rocketing prices and cost of living, full implementation of the Official Language Act, etc. Goa was not part of the Constituent Assembly deliberations. It was liberated through army intervention in 1961. We missed the first two Five-Year Plans. In order to preserve our identity, culture, land we need special status like Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal or Jammu & Kashmir to regulate or restrict ownership and transfer of land to non-Goans. Goa ought to have been given the special status soon after Liberation as promised by the then central government, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, who had assured Goans that he would do this to preserve the unique Goan identity for our future generations.
Viva Liberation!Joel Morais, Cuncolim
Liberation changed Green Goa to a concrete jungle. Liberation opened the doors and welcomed the criminals. Liberation welcomed the communal fanatics to create communal riots and bomb blasts. Liberation opened a market to sell government jobs. Liberation allowed the rich and the powerful to have their own laws. Liberation welcomed pollution to pollute our ground water. Liberation allowed the rape of our virgin beaches. Liberation welcomed the River Princess to take shelter in Candolim. Liberation allowed the sons and daughters of top government officers to use and crash government cars. Liberation allowed the elected people in power to use official force against the sons and the daughters of the soil. Liberation converted us from the slaves of Portuguese law to the slaves of our own law. Last but not the least, Liberation will once again welcome the elected licensed Goa looters to hoist the holy flag of our beloved country on 19 December.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/opinion/letters-editor-43Need to Save Goa for Future Generations GOA was loved by tourists because of its scenic beauty, its natural green environment, clean beaches and hospitality of the local Goans. But alas, all this will be gone in a few years. Just look at the pace at which the greenery of Goa is being destroyed. Are the concrete jungles essential? And for whom? Can Goa sustain the influx of heavy-pocketed people from other states? How is the government going to cater to the needs of these people? Think about the amount of garbage that is going to be produced. What are we going to leave our children–polluted air, litter-strewn beaches, unsafe chaotic roads, consistent power shutdowns and restricted water supply? Will they ever be able to visualise a green Goa? How can the government turn a blind eye to the influx of non-Goans? Non-Goans in Goa have outnumbered the Goans and our very identity is at stake. The immigrants have started their own organisations to propagate their language and their culture in Goa. Is parasitism of cultures justifiable? The price of land has gone way beyond the reach of the common man. What is the government doing about all this? I fully agree with Mr Seshagiri Raghu Kumar who voiced his concern for Goa in the letter ‘Save Goa’ (NT, April 29). Goa is not a destination for employment like the metros of India. It is basically a tourist destination and the government should do all it can to save the natural environment of Goa. It should develop policies to safeguard the interest of Goans in the employment sector by reserving 90 per cent quota for Goans before issuing permission for industries, hotels etc. Are any of our Goan leaders listening? More importantly, will they take the necessary action to save Goa?NANDINI VAZ FERNANDES, Margao
Friday 8 January 2010
Goan Heroes
During the Konkani Agitation in 1986-87’s, I was among many Goans who strongly respected leaders Luizinho Faleiro & Churchill Alemao, as Goan Heroes. Today, many Goans including myself feel betrayed & disillusioned with both of them. Goa, its environment & its identity is being destroyed by land sharks, un-necessary mega-projects, excessive out-migration of Goans, uncontrolled migrant influx etc and both these leaders are part of the Party/Government that is abetting, all of these Anti-Goan activities. Today, they are too busy trying to protect their electoral base, so as to ensure their own political survival. My question is that besides their personal/family achievements, what have they substantially achieved for Goa, Goans & Our identity? If the current trend continues, Goa/Goans will be irrelevant in the foreseeable future
My plea to both of them, is that if at all, they have any selfless love for Goa & Goans left, they take up the cudgels and do what it takes to Save Goa, its land & its prized identity. They occupy senior positions in the Congress Party/Government and can move mountains; if they really want to!!
Arwin Mesquita, UAE
My plea to both of them, is that if at all, they have any selfless love for Goa & Goans left, they take up the cudgels and do what it takes to Save Goa, its land & its prized identity. They occupy senior positions in the Congress Party/Government and can move mountains; if they really want to!!
Arwin Mesquita, UAE
Friday 1 January 2010
What Are We Waiting For? (By Carmen Miranda)
http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=31766&cid=14
What Are We Waiting For?
Squeezed between the calamities of tourism and mining, Goa is on the brink, says CARMEN MIRANDA, as she calls for change
As 2010 dawns, ending another decade, Goa’s destruction continues unabated, driven by the greed of a few people inspired by an economic system that has enormous shortcomings, such as the environmental crisis that threatens to engulf us all. We could have been the lucky ones, living in Goa with a pristine environment, enjoying the simple things in life, enriched by an idea of prosperity and happiness that did not know the hunger of consumerism that dominates society today and which comes at an enormous cost to planet Earth, and a deadly cost to Goa. Goa, ‘the Pearl of the East’, among the smallest states in the country, could have been a jewel in the crown of India – a model of sustainable development that valued and cultivated its unique environment, culture and traditions which sustained and guided countless generations. It could have been an inspiration to the rest of the country. Instead we ended up with a Goa which has lost its ‘pearl’ while being stripped from its lush forests and disembowelled by mining operations, and cursed by the worse kind of tourism one can imagine, fuelled by sex, gambling, drugs and crime. Our biggest misfortune has been the unscrupulous and ignorant politicians with a misguided approach to development who have dominated politics for decades and whose governance amounted to protection of narrow interests, an assault on Goa’s dignity, traditions and environment, an assault on its capacity to provide a happy, prosperous and peaceful existence. We have been fooled into believing that this is the road to progress, but it has in reality been just a long rugged path of decline. Economic growth has become an end in itself, and the narrow business interests of building contractors and mining barons have become sacred, riding way above the interests of the rest of the population. Why?Why do they have more rights to destroy the environment which is vital for our survival than the rest of us, who want to preserve the fine ecological balance of nature, and who know that our real wealth is in our irreplaceable forests and biodiversity, our water resources, our fertile agricultural land? What about our right to fight for our survival, and mitigate the impact of extreme weather episodes that are about to hit us hard as result of climate change caused largely by business and industry? The environmental destruction has been justified as being in the pursuit of ‘sacrosanct’ economic growth – a myth that has spectacularly failed and enslaved society, and failed the fragile ecological systems on which we depend for survival. Fortunately the search for an alternative to current destructive economic model is on, and already producing interesting sustainable possibilities, more in tune with the limitations of a finite planet. The sooner we accept them and put them into practice the better. But first we must challenge the status quo which is threatening our very survival. Meanwhile Goa, ravaged by greed and irresponsible governance, lingers on precariously, between the Arabian Sea that is beginning to engulf its crowded beaches and the ever-increasing number of denuded gigantic dark brown dusty craters of the mining belt. Squeezed between two calamities, the Goans will soon have nowhere to run… It’s obvious that many fellow Goans are aware of and fed-up with what is happening in Goa. Their criticism of the politicians in power has been so relentless that if the politicians had any shame and conscience, they would have by now resigned and gone into hiding! But they cling on, and the list of blunders continues to grow, together with the list of measures that need to be taken urgently, before Goa reaches the point of no return. It is these measures that we need to concentrate on. We need to be clear about what we would do differently in Goa if we were in power, and we must be careful to avoid the pitfalls and perceived developmental needs that have misguided successive governments.Given that criticism has not budged the culprits an inch nor moved them into changing their ways, I ask you: are we going to continue being merely helpless spectators of the destruction of Goa, or are we going to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! – and actually do something about it, such as offering or even imposing alternatives?How can we move forward from just writing about it, into some concrete action that will provoke a radical change? Are we going to get organised, and get down to the business of stopping the plundering and looting of Goa, or are we going to just sit down under a coconut tree singing “adeus kortso vellu pauta, ai mujem kallizo fapsota” and writing excruciatingly painful descriptions of the mess that turned Goa into a place I don’t recognise any longer?A growing number of Goans now share the feelings of a shattered Goan dream and are yearning for change. There are also potential leaders in Goa who together have the power to provoke a profound and radical change in politics without the colourings of partisan politics. This is a call to those leaders that have acted in the past, and can do it again now, to unite and focus on the real enemy of Goa – the ruling powers. This ‘cause’ is bigger than our individual ambitions, and calls for bold and swift action to put the culprits in their rightful place – on top of a pile of garbage in the nearest street corner. Goa’s reputation around the world is practically in the gutter – ruled by clueless men, corruption and crime, Goa does not have much time before it is irrevocably destroyed. It is in our hands the power to impose the end of impudent and shameless cynicism, the end of endemic corruption and institutionalised banditry. What are we waiting for? For the next election, to recycle the same people into power again? Enough of this affront of corruption at all levels of the administration and the unruly and unsustainable exploitation of Goa’s resources – everything has limits and we must draw the line now – else the destruction can be irreversible. When our streets are pilled high with garbage; when agricultural land is piled high with buildings; when all our beaches are polluted and infested with shacks; when our hills and forests are bulldozed flat for mining; when our water tables are emptied by the mining operations, leaving us with dry wells and fountains and silted and polluted rivers; and our politicians have become billionaires – it is time to say enough is enough! I hope that 2010 will be the year of unity and action among Goans who share a different dream for Goa – the year of courage and vigorous popular movement that produces a real reform in politics and radically changes governance. It is not going to be an easy ride, but our genuine actions will explain themselves, while conformity and inaction will explain nothing to future generations. It is in our hands to systematically provoke a reform that will scare away from public life those swindlers and crooks who are sucking the blood out of Goa! Otherwise nothing will ever change.
What Are We Waiting For?
Squeezed between the calamities of tourism and mining, Goa is on the brink, says CARMEN MIRANDA, as she calls for change
As 2010 dawns, ending another decade, Goa’s destruction continues unabated, driven by the greed of a few people inspired by an economic system that has enormous shortcomings, such as the environmental crisis that threatens to engulf us all. We could have been the lucky ones, living in Goa with a pristine environment, enjoying the simple things in life, enriched by an idea of prosperity and happiness that did not know the hunger of consumerism that dominates society today and which comes at an enormous cost to planet Earth, and a deadly cost to Goa. Goa, ‘the Pearl of the East’, among the smallest states in the country, could have been a jewel in the crown of India – a model of sustainable development that valued and cultivated its unique environment, culture and traditions which sustained and guided countless generations. It could have been an inspiration to the rest of the country. Instead we ended up with a Goa which has lost its ‘pearl’ while being stripped from its lush forests and disembowelled by mining operations, and cursed by the worse kind of tourism one can imagine, fuelled by sex, gambling, drugs and crime. Our biggest misfortune has been the unscrupulous and ignorant politicians with a misguided approach to development who have dominated politics for decades and whose governance amounted to protection of narrow interests, an assault on Goa’s dignity, traditions and environment, an assault on its capacity to provide a happy, prosperous and peaceful existence. We have been fooled into believing that this is the road to progress, but it has in reality been just a long rugged path of decline. Economic growth has become an end in itself, and the narrow business interests of building contractors and mining barons have become sacred, riding way above the interests of the rest of the population. Why?Why do they have more rights to destroy the environment which is vital for our survival than the rest of us, who want to preserve the fine ecological balance of nature, and who know that our real wealth is in our irreplaceable forests and biodiversity, our water resources, our fertile agricultural land? What about our right to fight for our survival, and mitigate the impact of extreme weather episodes that are about to hit us hard as result of climate change caused largely by business and industry? The environmental destruction has been justified as being in the pursuit of ‘sacrosanct’ economic growth – a myth that has spectacularly failed and enslaved society, and failed the fragile ecological systems on which we depend for survival. Fortunately the search for an alternative to current destructive economic model is on, and already producing interesting sustainable possibilities, more in tune with the limitations of a finite planet. The sooner we accept them and put them into practice the better. But first we must challenge the status quo which is threatening our very survival. Meanwhile Goa, ravaged by greed and irresponsible governance, lingers on precariously, between the Arabian Sea that is beginning to engulf its crowded beaches and the ever-increasing number of denuded gigantic dark brown dusty craters of the mining belt. Squeezed between two calamities, the Goans will soon have nowhere to run… It’s obvious that many fellow Goans are aware of and fed-up with what is happening in Goa. Their criticism of the politicians in power has been so relentless that if the politicians had any shame and conscience, they would have by now resigned and gone into hiding! But they cling on, and the list of blunders continues to grow, together with the list of measures that need to be taken urgently, before Goa reaches the point of no return. It is these measures that we need to concentrate on. We need to be clear about what we would do differently in Goa if we were in power, and we must be careful to avoid the pitfalls and perceived developmental needs that have misguided successive governments.Given that criticism has not budged the culprits an inch nor moved them into changing their ways, I ask you: are we going to continue being merely helpless spectators of the destruction of Goa, or are we going to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! – and actually do something about it, such as offering or even imposing alternatives?How can we move forward from just writing about it, into some concrete action that will provoke a radical change? Are we going to get organised, and get down to the business of stopping the plundering and looting of Goa, or are we going to just sit down under a coconut tree singing “adeus kortso vellu pauta, ai mujem kallizo fapsota” and writing excruciatingly painful descriptions of the mess that turned Goa into a place I don’t recognise any longer?A growing number of Goans now share the feelings of a shattered Goan dream and are yearning for change. There are also potential leaders in Goa who together have the power to provoke a profound and radical change in politics without the colourings of partisan politics. This is a call to those leaders that have acted in the past, and can do it again now, to unite and focus on the real enemy of Goa – the ruling powers. This ‘cause’ is bigger than our individual ambitions, and calls for bold and swift action to put the culprits in their rightful place – on top of a pile of garbage in the nearest street corner. Goa’s reputation around the world is practically in the gutter – ruled by clueless men, corruption and crime, Goa does not have much time before it is irrevocably destroyed. It is in our hands the power to impose the end of impudent and shameless cynicism, the end of endemic corruption and institutionalised banditry. What are we waiting for? For the next election, to recycle the same people into power again? Enough of this affront of corruption at all levels of the administration and the unruly and unsustainable exploitation of Goa’s resources – everything has limits and we must draw the line now – else the destruction can be irreversible. When our streets are pilled high with garbage; when agricultural land is piled high with buildings; when all our beaches are polluted and infested with shacks; when our hills and forests are bulldozed flat for mining; when our water tables are emptied by the mining operations, leaving us with dry wells and fountains and silted and polluted rivers; and our politicians have become billionaires – it is time to say enough is enough! I hope that 2010 will be the year of unity and action among Goans who share a different dream for Goa – the year of courage and vigorous popular movement that produces a real reform in politics and radically changes governance. It is not going to be an easy ride, but our genuine actions will explain themselves, while conformity and inaction will explain nothing to future generations. It is in our hands to systematically provoke a reform that will scare away from public life those swindlers and crooks who are sucking the blood out of Goa! Otherwise nothing will ever change.
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