Hi Godfrey So far there has been no will shown by the powers-that-be to make Goa a safe place for tourists or to vigorously pursue justice (Scarlet). It is true that a decline in tourism will affect livelihoods but on the other side locals will benefit. Fish and other foods will be less expensive for locals if tourism declines. Currently, a pomfret can be around Rs 150/- at the Siolim tar if available. How many locals can afford this?
It is a livelihood versus lives connection. Even if livelihoods related to tourism will be impacted, the benefit of saving domestic and foreign tourist lives by not coming to Goa is a benefit. Not to mention the adverse impact on the ecology/environment and rampant illegal construction created to support the influx of tourists, some of whom stay on and the migrant labor which supports the influx. I think tourism to Goa needs to discouraged for a number of reasons stated above, until a sustainable development plan can be implemented. Right now, it seems the worst of every aspect is allowed and the local Goan is made to suffer. Why should local Goans suffer because of tourism and the tourist be at risk of crime at the same time. George
