I have been reading these posts about these "innocents" and how, on the other hand, East African Goans were able to buy houses etc in the UK.
There is no doubt that many of these individuals have positively developed the - about to collapse - houses. Many immigrants have done the same in the UK and USA. They have invested and rejuvenated properties. I suggest, however, that - IF the land i.e. property title has NOT been cleanly (legally) transferred, No Govt can assist in making the new occupants the real owners. This cannot happen in the UK nor in most parts of the world. Some of us may remember the phrase "I have a bridge to sell". There is NO excuse for ignorance of the law. Furthermore, the law of transfer of title (Need for Clear title) is the same, I believe in the UK as it is in Goa. If the problem is some technicality e.g. lack of Panchayat approval (read bakshish) was not obtained, the Government should definitely step in and assist. In fact, I believe that responsible Goans should petition the Government on this. After all, if it is helping to preserve Goan houses and architecture, ALL Goans should help. If the problem ONLY is that these UK individuals have been duped by unscrupulous 'agents', that is not a Governmental problem. That is a private matter. The avenue open (and it might take a lifetime to sort out) is to Sue these "agents". jc == 2009/6/25 Vivian A. DSouza <[email protected]> Those British families who have chosen to retire in Goa, either build new homes or buy old homes for renovation, and generally improve the neighborhood. I have seen many formerly dilapidated homes being taken over, renovated, and beautiful gardens planted and flower boxes or pots placed. The problem in my opinion,is that they have been very gullible, and have in many case been taken advantage of, by un-scrupulous professionals (real estate agents, builders and lawyers) who have cut corners and pulled the wool over their eyes to complete deals which do not meet the test of law. Being unfamiliar with local laws they have implicitly trusted these professionals and are now finding themselves in a stew. I hope the Government gets to the bottom of this problem and place the blame where it truly lies. But will they or will the "foreigners" be the scapegoats ?
