------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ US mariners have a ball in Goa ------------------------------------------ by Gerard Fernandes
For the next three days, libraries on board the USS Boxer will not have much takers. For that matter, games, karaoke and other recreational facilities on board USS Boxer will also be lying idle for a change.
The mariners have been making the best of their stay in Goa, with visits to famed beaches, clubs, resorts, restaurants and other most wanted sites in the State.
But these recreational visits have been closely monitored by a special FBI agent, according to highly reliable sources. "A special FBI agent based in New Delhi was also spotted a couple of days back in our hotel getting pictures," informed a hotel staffer based in Dona Paula.
According to a police officer, the FBI agent is in the State to oversee the security aspect for the visiting mariners. It is gathered that the FBI agent arrived a couple of days prior to the arrival of the USS Boxer and visited several places including renowned disco clubs along the Baga belt and got himself acquainted with the owners and the staff.
Most of the crew is reported to be staying in some of the starred resorts along the South Goa coastal belt, with mariners making the best of the hotel recreation centres. Personnel from the Indian Navy were also seen on board the vessel on Wednesday trying to get knowledge of the vessel.
The noted Anjuna flea market was also included in the itinerary and many of the mariners flocked to the famed Wednesday spot. "This has been the main destination today," said one of the bus drivers, who has been transporting the USS mariners from Mormugao Harbour to various destinations.
Basically, most of the marines are trying to get to the most wanted tourist destinations, which included churches and temples and the beaches. Some of them visited the Colva beach and decided to indulge in para sailing.
"They (US mariners) find the food very spicy, but also find the food very cheap," informed a restaurant owner in Betalbatim.
The FBI agent was on Wednesday morning seen escorting DIG Muktesh Chander, SP CID Krishnya, SP Headquarters D P Verma and the top brass of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on board the USS Boxer.
On Tuesday night, the Commanding Officer of USS Boxer hosted a gala dinner for around 150 dignities which included the US Ambassador to India David Mulford, Ramakant Khalap, former chief minister Pratapsing Rane, industrialist Dattaraj Salgaocar, the Honorary Consul Generals of foreign countries in Goa, Consulate General of Portugal and senior Indian Navy officers.
"The visiting US Ambassador who forwarded his credentials to the President of the India just a couple of weeks back attended his first formal function and that too, in Goa," informed sources who claimed that the US Ambassador was quite happy with the hospitality extended to him here in Goa.The USS Boxer is scheduled to leave Goa on March 13, 2004 morning. ---------------------------------- HERALD 12/3/04 page 7 ----------------------------------
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