I find it interesting, but not surprised, that the otherwise active / vocal Goanetters from UK are silent about the current Scarlet episode. Gabe posted a few posts, but they were downloads of what appeared in the British press rather than his opinions. I am sure the Goans and Indians in UK are 'caught in the middle'. Allison Pearson's article in the Daily Mail presented the other side; and it received overwhelming endorsement as judged from the comments on its web. Three USA based Goanetters have been the most vocal defenders of Goa along with native resident Miguel. The British press, including the BBC news, Western blogs and the 'White folks' are talking about the "rotten underbelly" of Goa tourism and the bureaucratic and corrupt systems in India. Yet, this press should highlight the "rotten underbelly" of White society - breakdown of families and their drug use. As the unfortunate tragedy of Scarlet highlights, this rotten situation / behavior is no longer confined to their own geography. For a long time, some of their addicts and rejects of society have been exported; and contaminated the rest of the world. I would join the victim's mother to involve the CID. They could look into foreigners overstaying their visa time, violating the restrictions and conditions of their tourist visa, their drug use and their role in Goa's crime scene both as junkies (consumers) and mules (drug pushers). The victim's mother was not naive (as she claimed on a video blog) in leaving her 15-year old 'mentally challenged' daughter with a 25-year old male stranger in a foreign land. The mother's behavior and decision were stupid and irresponsible. She knew well her own daughter's mental state, alcohol and drug use. It was the 25-year old supurlo Goenkar who was naive to think he could influence the behavior of a drug-user with some empathy, love and caring attitude. Addicts just use and manipulate others to get their daily supply (fix) of drugs, cigarette or alcohol. I am not claiming that the people who the victim chose to surround herself (and those who surrounded her) in the days before her death were innocent and saintly.
Very likely the young victim died from multiple contributing factors including dangerous combination of drugs, alcohol, malnutrition, drowning, physical trauma, her young age. This tragedy has a lesson for all - individuals, families and institutions - British, Indian and Goan. With the issue raised in India's parliament, the Goa government is in a hot seat. This would be a good reason for them to clean-up Anjuna Beach and similar drug infested spots across Goa. Goans should welcome that! If no effective action is seen within next month, the people should go over the local government, to the Center (just as the victim's mother has done) and to the national and international press. Regards, GL
