Grievance Goa Customs

To the Navhind Times, Goa


Dear Sir/Madam,

Please can you publish my letter in your esteemed newspaper


Sincerely,
Michael Fernandes.
[ADDRESS]

Subject: Grievance Goa Customs

REF: http://www.navhindtimes.in/opinion/letters-editor-323
This is with reference to letter "Inquiry into Public Grievance" dated 10th June 2011 by LILLIAN FERNANDES, Asst Commissioner of Customs, Vigilance Section, Panaji; which was in reponse to an earlier letter by Mr. Arwin Mesquita ‘Corrupt Goa Customs’ (NT, May 23). Please be informed that Arwin wrote this letter after I informed him of My Incident which happened on [DATE: ###], when I arrived from Dubai on Air India Flight Number [AI ##]. Arwin has also experienced the same in the past 2 years but does not have details, as it has been some time he has flown direct to Goa. May I also suggest that you publicly inform Overseas Goans respective email/phone details so as to contact your vigiliance office; should any similar unpleasant incidents occur at Goa Customs .

Michael Fernandes, Dubai.

Konkani Gone Global with Pride (International Amersfoort Jazz Festival - The Netherlands)

This is with reference to the recently held Konkani Rocks event by Heritage Jazz, at The International Amersfoort Jazz Festival in The Netherlands. I appreciate the all the hard work and efforts of Mr. Armando Gonsalves and his team, for taking Konkani to the Global Stage which is certainly a very big International boost for our mother tongue. No one can dispute the fact that Konkani is the core of our Goan Identity and it is high time for Goans, to give Konkani the respect that it truly deserves; not only in Goa but also at the Global Level. Just as other World Communities like the English, Spanish, Germans, French, Italians or the Indian Communities like the Gujaratis, Maharashtrians, Keralites, Punjabis, Tamils etc are proud of their mother tongues, so should Goans be proud of Konkani. I believe that with genuine Goa lovers instilling the pride and love for Konkani within Goans, particularly the younger generation, there will power surge for Goans (Local & Overseas) to rise over political, communal and other destructives challenges to preserve their Prized Land, Culture & Identity, which makes up that “Goan Magical Charm” admired by people the world over. Also it today’s increasingly Globalised World it’s is extremely important to “Be Global but Act Local” which means that we also have to make use of Globally accepted languages like English without at the same time Forsaking our Mother Tongue Konkani. We Goans certainly have treasure within us and it is high time that we shout our loud, proudly cherish the same and share it with the World Community!!
Arwin Mesquita, UAE

The Amazon and the Green Goa Context

Are Goans aware that the Amazon Rainforests provide 20% of the earth’s oxygen and 60% of its freshwater? Even worse, Are Goans aware that with current rate of de-forestation by a highly capitalistic human race, these rainforests will be gone within the next 40 years? Even if Goans are not aware of the latter, surely we should be aware of the severe consequences should the latter happen!! But then, if we are really aware of the detrimental consequences, why are we allowing the destruction of forests, greenery, hills etc. in our own beautiful state of Goa to satisfy the enormous greed the Rich Few i.e. Builders, Land Sharks, Real Estate agents and Corrupt Politicians. Why are we encouraging destructive industries, Government Projects and Multi Dwelling Mega Projects particularly in cases where we know that they are not in the interests of Goans at Large!! The sad truth is that the Anti-Goan Politicians have compromised Gullible Goans with Cash (mostly acquired via corrupt means), Favors (mostly illegal), paying of amenities, rice, sugar, water tanks, electronics, sponsorships and also threats/intimidation; so as to allow them a free hand, in continuing with the realization of their illegitimate incomes.

Also, so many Goans are involved in the Real Estate business which is way beyond, what Goa's environment can tolerate. Are these Real Estate people interested in selfish short term gains for themselves, which will only end up in Huge Long Term losses to Goa and Goans at large??