Churchill Alemao & Goa

In June 2010, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao publicized in a Dubai newspaper, for me to bring Goa’s issues to him. I spoke to him at length on issues threatening Goa/Goans. For the benefit of his ‘privileged’ supporters, these are not any personal favors or incentives for me but issues threatening all Goans; including his ‘privileged’ supporters. To ask for Goa is paramount over anything else and is not only the responsibility of some; why can’t his ‘privileged’ supporters ask the same? My discussions with Churchill were based on a 2008 UAE Goan Signature Campaign which included: (1) Special Status to protect Land & Identity (2) Measures to address reducing Goan Demographics (3) Indiscriminate/Illegal mining destroying the Environment (4) Mega-Projects (Including Raheja’s at Carmona) (5) High Taxes/restrictions on non-goan real estate purchases (5) Environment destruction via Hill Cutting & other activities (6) Sewerage (7) Employment opportunities/transparencies for Overseas Goans wishing to return, (8) MOPA and (9) Konkani , which has no rightful status even after 20 years of being declared Official Language (So who actually gained politically from the Konkani Agitation; nothing concrete has happened for Konkani and innocent people lost their lives in vain) The signature campaign/issues were also sent to Mr. Alemao‘s official Varca address in July 2010. So far He has not responded/acted on any of the issues; nothing rose in the recent Assembly session. Now as his Daughter Valanka plans to contest elections from Benaulim, I request her plans/views on these critical issues? If the Alemaos don’t respond/act then surely they have no interest in Goa, Goans & our Identity. I hoped in the 1980’s on Churchill delivering Great things for Goa/Goans but now feel betrayed and feel that Goa/Goans have been taken for a long false ride. There are Goans who ignore the latter for selfish reasons or personal benefits, suffocate their conscience and by doing so, contribute towards the destruction of Goa & our Identity. Arwin Mesquita, UAE.
On 2 July 2010 14:38, Arwin Mesquita <arwinmesquita@gmail.com> wrote:

http://www.oheraldo.in/newscategory/Letters/13
Talk with ChurchillArwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi
This is to inform Goans that during PWD Minister Churchill Alemao’s Dubai visit on Saturday 26 June, I discussed with him critical issues facing Goa and Goans. I agreed to send a list of concerns that Goans feel about the preservation of Goa and the Goan identity. These concerns are based on a signature campaign by UAE Goans (and some from Kuwait). It was given earlier to Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on 17 November 2008, but not much action was taken on most critical points. We also discussed some innovative ideas on migrant control, real estate control, etc. Mr Alemao said he will look into the issues and raise it with his government at the earliest.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/opinion/letters-editor-93
Concerns about Goa
DURING the PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao’s visit to Dubai recently, I had a long discussion with him regarding genuine/critical issues facing Goa and Goans. I agreed that I send him the list of requirements/concerns that many Goans think are needed, for the preservation of Goa and our prized identity; and for our posterity.These requirements/concerns are based on a UAE signature campaign signed by many UAE Goans. This signature campaign was earlier given to the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on November 17, 2008; to which I expressed my disappointment that there was not much action taken on most of the critical points indicated–mining menace, rampant hill-cutting, special status to protect Goa’s identity, mega-project menace, return of SEZ acquired land, un-controlled migrant influx and slums, lack of Konkani prominence, sewerage system, waste water recycling and to set up a high level task force to address employment at sustainable pay scales, for resident Goans and also to encourage the return of non-resident Goans. We also discussed some innovative ideas to address some critical issues like for example migrant control, real estate controls etc. Mr Churchill Alemao said he would look into the issues and raise it with his government at the earliest. Let’s hope the government takes some concrete steps for the good of Goa.ARWIN MESQUITA, Abu Dhabi