7TH April,2008 PRESS RELEASE A memorandum signed by over one thousand people was handed over to the Chief Minister, Shri Digambar Kamat opposing the setting up of casinos in the state by a delegation of representatives from various organizations under the banner of Aaam Aurat Admi Against Gambling (AAAAG). The Chief Minister stated that he had inherited the casinos from the previous governments and one casino operator had gone to Court. He stated that he will make efforts to ensure that the casinos are away in the sea. AAAAG had launched a signature campaign, throughout Goa, demanding that the amendment to the Goa Gambling Act permitting casino gambling be repealed, all permissions given to casinos be revoked and strict action be taken against all forms of gambling. The memorandum stated that no state economy should depend on vices to generate revenue. Gambling leads to loss of family income, destitution, and drives people to commit crimes. Casinos also promote other vices like prostitution, alcoholism which results in increase violence against women and children. It causes career loss in youth. The memorandum pointed out that casinos attract undesirable people like mafias, drug peddlers, pedophiles, black marketers which negatively influence society and also cause law and order problems. The delegation comprised of Ms Sabina Martins from Bailancho Saad, Ms Bharati Prabhudessai from All India Women’s Conference, Ms Nelly Rodrigues , Pesident of Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan, Brig Ian Dcosta from Catholic Association of Goa, Mr Anand Madgavkar from People’s Movement for Civic Action, Ms Bernie Dsouza from Janugahi, Ms Clotilda Braganza , Ms Suvarna Naroji ,Vrunda Prabhu ,Pushpa Pilernkar, Celina Alberto, Patricia Colacoand Victor Mendes. The other members of AAAAG includes Bailancho Ekvott, Bailancho Manch, ARZ, Positive people, Nitoll Jinn Trust, Jagrut Goem, Peacefull Society,Goa people’s forum, Community Resource Foundations besides several self help groups and mahila mandals. Representatives of AAAAG will hold a token dharna on 11th April, 2008 near Captain of Ports Jetty ,Panaji at 4pm ,to oppose the setting up of casinos in the state. AAAAG calls upon the people to participate in the token dharna.
Sabina Martins For AAAAG
