On one hand, Herald report says that Faleiro used the words, "Go to hell." On the other, JoeGoaUK informs that he has been told my three NRGs that Faleiro didn't use those words but ordered the security to keep the mediapersons out. If the meeting was indeed private or held "in camera", then Faleiro is within his rights. What I fail to understand is why would an "open session" with NRGs be treated as "private". I have covered the 2005 Gomant Sammelan and also the Pravasi Divas. All accreditated journalists were allowed to cover all sessions, etc. I remember the 2005 NRI Goan Meet turning into a verbal duel between a Herald reporter and the then CM Parikkar. If officials don't want journalists to ask questions, the media kit must contain such guidelines. But the journalists must be given a chance later on to ask questions on all sessions or that particular session after it has ended. But this would take lot of time. I assume the Goa government wanted to prevent the media from delving on the Regional Plan at the meet and so took an evasive action. The media must have had some opportunities to question the government on the plan before the NRI meet as the issue kicked up much before the meet. The government may have just given a chance to the NRGs to voice their concern over the plan as a courtesy. With his experience with the media, Faleiro is aware of what the media seeks and demands. He has daughter who is a journalist, a recent prize-winner for exposing farmer suicides in Maharashtra where she is based. Herald reports says that NRGs didn't get the time to ask questions and what they heard were speeches from the ministers. This is unacceptable on the part of the organizing committee. It is incidental that the Regional Plan issue erupted just before the meet. One of the reasons I didn't come for both the Pravasi Divas meet and the Goa meet was because I know in my heart that not much is achieved at these shows. In 2005, it was announced that the Pravasi Divas would be held one year for Business issues only and the next for general issues. But it hasn't happened.
Eugene Correia __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
