Roland I am addressing this directly to you.
You have expressed your unhappiness a number of times (here on Goanet) re
the fact that 8 people were able to organize the 2008 International Goan
Convention. These 8 people delivered what WE agreed to do notwithstanding
the perpetual naysayers that are always found in our community.
These 8 people are :
Francis & Clara Rodrigues
Kevin & Lisette Saldanha
Ben Antao
Walter Tavares
Mervyn Lobo
Bosco D'Mello
There were many people invited to meetings; many were afforded an
opportunity to share their ideas; some wanted to be copied on correspondence
but did not want to do any work. Most disappeared into the darkness. The
truth of the matter is - the above 8 individuals stuck it out through thick
and thin to deliver. Some community members were scampering a week before
the convention to get on the program after dismissing it for months. We did
our best to accomodate everybody albeit I'm certain there were lapses too,
I'm sure. It is just not possible to get everything right at such complex
events. I must also add, we were fortunate to have a few volunteers who
supported specific activities/events.
There are some who have aired their views (here on Goanet and privately) one
way or the other after the Convention and behaved very strangely......each
one is responsible for (her)himself and will face the consequences. Life is
an Equalizer!!
The objectives and activities of the Convention are open to debate. The
success or failure of each Convention event is open to debate. Bouquets and
Brickbats are always welcome as far as the Convention events are concerned.
Those interested in the Convention came. Those not interested did not. And
those unhappy that the Convention was even held notwithstanding their
absence of support to the above 8 individuals are bitter. Such is Life!!
What is unacceptable is your choice to use Goanet to settle scores. By your
support of Goanet do you really believe this to be the purpose of Goanet - a
platform to administer retribution?
By all means criticise aspects of the Convention albeit in your case,
Roland, you have forfeited that right as you did not attend. All you are
doing is relying on hearsay and gossip to generate even more bitterness.
Stop Roland!!! Stop!!! Find other avenues to settle your scores. You have
already hurt your credibility.
While your acts of generosity towards Goan causes is not lost, your recent
emails to Goanet are very distressing.
The cause of Goa and celebrating Goanness is bigger than the perceived hurts
you and I feel, Roland. I get abuse in my mailbox regularly albeit it has
subsided lately. 99.99% of those messages get no response from me!!
In closing I would like to say, it matters nought if you refuse to believe
that the 2008 International Goan Convention in Toronto was a success or not.
The event was planned, organized and staged by EIGHT individuals......not
any longtime Goan association or professional group......EIGHT
people......what it should tell everybody is if a few Goans want to get
together and do something tangible in the interests of Goa, it can be done!!
And those motivated by what you are doing will support you!!!
The myriad causes of Goa beckon you, Roland......abet them, do not denounce
them!!! Goa needs the positive energies of all her sons and daughters!!!
- Bosco
Toronto, CA
