IS THE GBA CRACKING? [Gomantak Times, May 30, 2008]
By A Staff Reporter [EMAIL PROTECTED] PANJIM: The very organization of substance, which has been going hammer and tongs to save Goa from cracking, now itself seems to be feeling the cracks within. Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) is best remembered for spearheading a public agitation forcing the erstwhile government to scrap the controversial Regional Plan 2011 last year. The bone of contention between some sections of the GBA is the interim report of the Task Force for Regional Plan 2021, which the organisation a few days ago had claimed it objects and rejects. However, the GBA's convenor and its most public face -- Dr Oscar Rebello -- yesterday clearly stated that he stands by the Task Force's report. "I am one of the members of the Task Force for Regional Plan 2021 and I have signed the interim report. I clearly stand by it," Dr Oscar said. Dr Oscar who returned from his Europe tour on Wednesday appeared shocked on knowing that the GBA co-convenor Sabina Martins had written to the Task Force rejecting the interim report. He said, the interim report was not a "complete" document. It's a progress report and not the draft Regional Plan, he said, adding that the Task Force is asking for suggestions, views and objections from the people. "I support the interim report and I have signed it. Besides me, GBA members Patricia Pinto and Ritu Prasad had put in lot of efforts to give invaluable inputs," Dr Oscar said. Asked whether he would quit the GBA for being let down by its members, Dr Oscar shot back: "Why should I resign? Why should I run away? If they feel that I am not doing my job or I am a fraud or if they don't want me then they should remove me as the convenor." But at the same time, Dr Oscar sought to play down the issue that there indeed exists a huge difference of opinion within the GBA over the interim report. "GBA is a democratic organisation. There may be conflicting opinions. But the GBA members are passionate about, and committed to, the cause of Goa." Reacting to the GBA meeting chaired by co-convenor Sabina Martins on Tuesday, Dr Oscar said it was a meeting that was "scheduled". The meeting was held in Dr Oscar's absence even as he was to return to Goa from a holiday the next day. He said, some GBA members might have had problems with the government, but the Task Force cannot be held responsible for it. Let the Task Force for the Regional Plan do its job, he said. The GBA convenor demanded that the people should force their representatives including legislators to back this interim report in toto. Meanwhile, the GBA is in the process of convening an urgent meeting within a day or two in an attempt to resolve the crisis even as they feel that the issue has been blown out of proportion. "We will find out how the suggestions made by the GBA to the Task Force were leaked to the press," said one of the GBA members, refusing to come on record. ENDS
