Goanet meets in Goa: December 27, 12 noon and January 7, 4 pm (meeting point: Kala Academy canteen). See you there! ------------------------------
Regarding Tony Correia-Alfonso's posting about the official NRI Cell in Goa. Let me first correct what Tony says: I DID NOT propose an NRI association to REPLACE the official NRI cell. In fact, I suggested an association of former Non-Resident Goans who have returned to settle in Goa. I specifically stated that the group I was suggesting would not be a replacement for the official NRI Facilitation Center. Instead it would inter-act with and complement the offical center. As a group we would be listened to, as a lone voice carries no weight. What I suggested was an association of NRI returnees as a self-help group to share experiences and to assist each other with the problems unique to those of us who have returned to Goa. The NRI Facilitation Center has its vision on a far higher plane, and appears to have a single mission - to get NRI investment in Goa whether financial or through personal expertise. Perhaps it stands for "Non Resident INVESTMENT Facilitation Center" Tony, having called out to Goans several years ago, to return to their mother land, should have more empathy for those who heeded the call. From personal experience I can relate my frustrating experiences in' dealing with the bureaucracy for mundane tasks such as purchasing a vehicle, getting a drivers license and other matters, all because I do not have a Ration card, and was derogatorily called a "bhailo". Issues unique to holders of foreign passport include dealing with the Customs service, Police Foreigners registration procedures, Tax issues etc. Is there anyone at the NRI Facilitation center who can guide us or help us with such matters ? My experience with bureaucracies anywhere in the world, and more particularly in Goa, has been dismal. That is why I have a deep-seated suspicion of anything in which the bureaucracy is involved. If one puts a value to the time put in by some top officials of the Government to organize the Samelan, that alone would be a heavy expenditure, that could be better utlized elsewhere for the betterment of Goa. We can agree to disagree, but I stand by my beliefs. ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
