2008/8/3 Santosh Helekar <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > I too was disappointed by the critique referred to by George, and also by the > infighting that is going on between all the Goan fighters and organizations. > It is hard to understand why people rely so much on pure gossip, > misunderstanding and personal bias. > > Cheers, > > Santosh > > --- On Sat, 8/2/08, George Pinto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> >> Dear Eugene >> >> I am disappointed by your "Notes from the Goan >> Convention" posts. They are vinegar posts. So much hard >> work, goodwill, positive accomplishments all from very fine >> people in the Toronto Goan community and you have overlooked >> that, instead we are presented negatives. I know from >> personal experience how difficult and time-consuming these >> ventures are to undertake and pull-off. Goans must be >> encouraging and grateful. In the near future, I will post a >> write-up from one of the attendees.
RESPONSE: It is easy to take issue with what Eugene has written; we shall never learn lessons, if issues to be confronted, are not brought to the fore. The powers that be, whether in the Goa Govt. the various Goan organizations and what have you, would be more than happy that only praise is heaped. In fact, pronouncements have been made here in London as well....'we do not want controversy' Which means please overlook the bad stuff . I believe the organizers of the convention and perhaps Kevin himself has suffered where it hurts - the bottom line - with him picking up the hefty tab; could be others as well. To add insult to injury, we now have all and sundry reading about it, here on Goanet. There has been no closing of ranks as yet and/or denials; perhaps what Eugene writes is true or perhaps no one wants to dignify Eugene's posts on the subject matter. I have met all the players mentioned and have nothing but respect for their undertakings. I am sure lessons have been learnt and I am also sure that those involved will not venture into any further undertakings, where Goans are concerned. Once bitten twice shy... I have been asked on several occasions to take over our local Goan Organization; I have told them, I need it like a bullet in the head...although I have stated, that I will always give a helping hand. What I would like to know is how the process takes place: Who decides where the next convention will take place and who decides who is qualified to take on the task. In short who decided that London is the next venue and who decided on the election of persons for the next committee. I would not want to sully the next convention, with my presence. One of the persons elected, to the next Convention, was a defaulter of the Goan Association U.K. and really should have been an ex member. We were gracious enough to allow the person to pay all the back dues. This came to light because the person had co-signed as sponsor, a new member, while being 'out of membership' when we rejected the new applicants membership, on this basis, the guy was peeved. I must hasten to add that, I then co-signed the membership request form. This ordinary member has been one of the most disruptive persons, ever to adorn a seat on the Board of Directors of the G.O.A U.K. Ltd. I trust and hope that the G.O.A. U.K Ltd has neither given a blank cheque nor, will they retrospecively agree to fund this cause. I was one of 17 founder members of the Association, having signed a letter of intent in the mid 60's; I am also a Life Member of the Association. The Association is already nursing a substantial paper loss on property, which we are to take possesion of, in the fall. This could be conservatively in the region of a 20 percent hit to our bottom line. -- DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London.
