-----Original Message----- From: soter Joao Barros-Pereira has rightly observed that old Goan houses have been maintained by foreigners... It is sad that several Goans support the hounding of foreigners by the Goa government over land purchases... ================================== Response:
Bravo Joao Barros-Pereira and Soter for speaking out! It is also perplexing that there are some overseas Goans, like the normally rational George Pinto who are xenophobic regarding this issue and believe that all foreigners must have their property confiscated even if bought legally! In my experience not only have many foreigners restored dilapidated property using local craftsmen, but also started and/or supported local charities. It is true that many foreigners have fallen foul of the law after seeking legal representation and obtaining their sale deeds. What is abhorrent is that builders and lawyers who were responsible for the scam, are to go unpunished but the victims are liable not only to lose their life savings but be fined as well. The very first property under threat by the Enforcement Directorate is Basilisk Lodge (http://basilisklodge.com/english/index.html) in Anjuna which was bought for Rs 4 lakhs in 2003. I visited the house earlier this year to check out the restoration work for myself. Now the property has been attached - see http://www.flickr.com/photos/90182...@n00/4389603598/ Shame!!!
