Goanet Digest, Vol 3, Issue 992 Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 13:09:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: [Goanet] The Momentous Goan Convention
We have been subjected to various posts on the Goan Convention in Toronto which are long on words and criticism and short on action! 1. The criticism of the convention - which many of them did not attend at all - after the fact is all well and good: what was needed was our active participation and support before the event. Why report that the attendance was low, when one didn’t do anything oneself to bring people to the convention, and omit the many other positive outcomes of this Convention? How about fewer words and more action? 2. The low attendance at the workshops was due to the fact that they were held mid-week and during the day when most Goans in the Toronto area had to go to work. Secondly, Goans are unable or unwilling to pay $250 registration fee. These 2 factors should be taken into account by future organizers. 3. Another repeated theme was: Why was it called “International Goan Convention?” Easy. Goans are international, we live on many continents and in many countries. Obviously, the organizers were appealing to the international Goan audience out there that participates in Goanet, not just to Goans in Goa. The other reason for calling it “international” was that the organizers chose an outstanding international theme: Networking and Identity. These are activities that we international Goans are interested in. Would these armchair critics be happier if the next Convention is called the “Non-International Goan Convention” or some such equally ridiculous name? 4. Then there’s the ridiculous stream of comments on why was the convention held in Toronto, not in Goa etc. Another easy answer. For the same reason that the Olympics are held in different cities around the world and not just in Greece where they were started. They are held wherever there are hosts willing to take the trouble to organize them in their country. There were hosts willing to organize this Convention in Toronto, hence it was held there. If there are hosts willing to host it in Sweden, go ahead, have it in Sweden. 5. For the naysayers who have been asking obviously skeptical questions about what were the outcomes for Goa, let me ask if these critics have suggestions of outcomes for Goa? We’d be happy to take action. Seems to me that we should be thankful that even a handful of Goans are willing to meet and talk about issues to do with Goa and assume that they have the goodwill to help in their own way. Let those who went to hear the issues and get suggestions from the likes of Dean D’Cruz, Alexyz, and Wendell go their own sincere way instead of making them feel that they were wasting their time! This line of criticism is not exactly encouragement for Goans who care and want to get involved in Goa’s issues. 6. Several comments are critical of the fact that this was partly sponsored by the office of the NRI Commissioner out of the Goan taxpayer’s pocket. From what I gather, this office has funds to liaison with the overseas Goan community. Many overseas Goans have property concerns in Goa. Over 200 Goans in Toronto had a chance to meet Mr. Faleiro and question him. In turn, he had a chance to tell them to invest in Goa and that the Goa government offers matching funds for a village project that we overseas Goans might like to sponsor. Seems to me that these critical and never-satisfied Goans are either complaining that the Goa government isn’t doing enough for Goans or, in this case, doing too much! Filomena Saraswati Giese
