Tourists really are not interested in the in-fighting or political climate of Goa, not all of them, or even a small percentage of international tourists will know or want to understand the SEZ issue of Goa. Many would probably agree, since this is the normal way for business to thrive in "western" countries. To ask them to stay away will deplete the Goan coffers, not only of the local goverment in valuable exchange rates but also the local businesses will suffer. So who cares about the businesses, the hotels and guest houses in Goa? Well, why not ask the people who work in them, not only the proprietors who will not now be able to pay their employees the extra money they would have earned, but the casual staff they have to turn away, because there is no work. The ripple goes right through many factions, from the washing of the sheets & table cloths to ironing them is one thing but if they are clean, they do not need washing, nor ironing. In fact they wont need to phone a taxi or hire a car since the tourist will not be there. No food will be required to be cooked for them, nor will the supplies be needed from the shops, factories and other institutions that supply liquid hair shampoo or shower gel, the drinks will not be needed, nor the fresh fruit or champagne, the local market will not need to put up the prices or bargain with the tourist, he / she & their family will be in Thailand, getting a better deal. They will feel wanted there, not in Goa where they are not wanted. But politics has a way of surviving for another day, tell that to the employees of the hotels, the cleaners, the cooks and general assistants who have to manage on low pay anyway, but now will have to survive on air, as though being laid off work will help these poor souls. What about even the less fortunate who rely on the tourist for their daily meal? I KNOW the rotteness of SEZ & this is not in dispute here, I have kept an avid (or even rabid) eye open on all information that has come through Goanet, but cant help feeling that if those who make these decisions to involve tourists being left to feel Goa is not the place to be this year, will they ever return next year? How do we explain to the poor & desolate that they will not eat this year, but to wait until next year, perhaps to buy medicines & food for their children is not possible right now, but perhaps after the next rainy season, when the weather is better, the western tourists WILL come and all will be well then. But for now.............. starve a little, die a little, for the sake of the future of Goa, a place where you will not live, since you will die, your child or spouse will die, either of lack of medicine or food, or be homeless cause you cant afford the rent........ dont be surprised by my attitude here, I do not like the idea of the SEZ in Goa (indeed in Goa it does not suit, some other countries perhaps it would, but not in Goa, they are not required for the welfare of the man / woman in the street), but to what cost to the "average Joe" ?? Yes, a vicious cycle indeed. Was there no other way, than to tell the tourists to boycott Goa, so as to save it........... but how do you explain this to the beggar or the unemployed, or the person who just lost his / her job because the money he / she makes from the tourists is just sufficient income to keep going for a few months more, or contributes towards the family's income to live a full year. I would like to know if there are any posters on this forum who can come up with some alternate ideas in how to protest against the SEZ (that has not already been tried and tested on here) which would involve other non-Indian, non-government institutions to help in finding ways to disrupt or perhaps find a solution, possibly compromise (??) rather than have full-blown SEZ take over Goa, instead of pushing Goans to the brink of disaster, possibly give up his / her house, his / her family & possibly his / her life, for a cause they dont understand, or care about much, since living hand to mouth, day to day, or even week to week is all they can understand/afford to understand. Tourists are the life-blood of some communities, the money stretches further than just that vendor's pocket or his/her family, it also pays taxes to the local goverment & income tax to maintain certain standards (debateable for another day). Yes, do not cement over the green pastures of Goa, do not destroy its history & pave the way for the big shot businesses to take over what is left in rich pickings for profit only. Goa needs strong politicians with strong words (& deeds!!!!!), but not at all costs. The average Goan will not understand why his son or daughter no longer has a job, the hotels will not thank you for their empty rooms, they too have overheads to keep the place going during this busy season. Some less educated or should I say, 'misinformed' people (not necessarily Goans) who did not quite understand the statements made ........"Tourists OUT of Goa......" may well think perhaps they ought to do something to teach them a lesson as they are the cause of the misery they are suffering (no scenario required here), perhaps mug them on the beaches? fight them on the streets? rob them of their wallets? or just punch them in the face if they come to Goa? Because our local representative says tourists ought to stay out of Goa.................. Any means to justify the end? Just a thought............ or two.......... John Monteiro 26.12.07.....20.08hrs (UK) ---------------------------------------------- "Rajan P. Parrikar" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Just got back from an impromptu press conference held in Panjim this evening (Wed. Dec 26). Matanhy Saldanha (GMAS) and Manohar Parrikar (BJP) addressed the (mostly) broadcast news media. Some highlights: Matanhy and Manohar both made it clear that no threat of violence was made against tourists, that the target of GMAS was and remains the SEZ policy of this corrupt govt, that the agitation will be intensified. Warm regards, r ------------------------------------
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