As the start of the tourists season rolls in, the mood of the stakeholders appear to be cheerful. It, however, might be too early for an all-night celebration. No wet blanket am I, so let's begin with the the good news.
BRICS has apparently taught our government a few tricks: roads are being repaired at record speed and speed breakers here and there have disappeared as BRICS men and women have to speed to locales where they will make momentous decisions which will have a big impact on the development of Goa and uplift our economy from a deep sleep. The great leap forward? Our beaches now are also clean, cleaner than they have been in years and garbage has been reduced considerably. No need to organize a Garbage Festival, after all. If Goa or at least south Goa is going through an upbeat season, without and within, it is thanks to BRICS. And, i future, when people refer to Goa will they mean south Goa? Let's wait and see. The policemen who are everywhere are indeed a most welcome sight and an assurance to Goans who live here as well as people who visit the state on holiday. They appear to be friendly, especially in Salcete. I have not seen a single policeman who had a nasty look on his face. Most appear to be young which is fortunate and might explain why they look happy. Has Goa turned the corner? But, then, all is not hunky-dory as only a few days ago I saw a jeep full of people stop their vehicle by the side of a road, and getting ready to picnic in paradise. They really know how to manage a budget, these people. Maybe they could teach the Goa government a trick or two. All kinds of goodies were unpacked in no time at all for all to see. However, I also saw a few unhappy eyes of people who own restaurants and other establishments not too far away. Picnic in paradise? No charge. Free. We Goans are a selfish people otherwise the situation would not have gotten to this level. People need to work in communities to keep their neighborhoods and the environment clean. Picnickers and others who use public and private space to party in Goa on a shoe-string budget need to be shown the backside of the shoe. They need to be told in no uncertain terms to go away if they overstep their rights. Village and other communities need to send them a clear message. Remember there is strength in numbers. People power is the need of the hour. No need for violence, only the message that our culture does not approve of this kind of behavior. Goan culture is slowly being replaced by *bhelpurization*. Enough is more than enough. The government is also disgusted as drinking in public places will soon be banned if it is not already. If tourists decide to party in paradise, the first lesson they need to learn is the time and place, the when and where. Raise you glasses high, by all means, to a toast. But, remember, there is a price to pay: even in paradise.
