*http://www.oheraldo.in/newscategory/Letters/13* *Talk with Churchill Arwin Mesquita, Abu Dhabi *This is to inform Goans that during PWD Minister Churchill Alemao’s Dubai visit on Saturday 26 June, I discussed with him critical issues facing Goa and Goans. I agreed to send a list of concerns that Goans feel about the preservation of Goa and the Goan identity. These concerns are based on a signature campaign by UAE Goans (and some from Kuwait). It was given earlier to Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on 17 November 2008, but not much action was taken on most critical points. We also discussed some innovative ideas on migrant control, real estate control, etc. Mr Alemao said he will look into the issues and raise it with his government at the earliest.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/opinion/letters-editor-93 *Concerns about Goa *DURING the PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao’s visit to Dubai recently, I had a long discussion with him regarding genuine/critical issues facing Goa and Goans. I agreed that I send him the list of requirements/concerns that many Goans think are needed, for the preservation of Goa and our prized identity; and for our posterity. These requirements/concerns are based on a UAE signature campaign signed by many UAE Goans. This signature campaign was earlier given to the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on November 17, 2008; to which I expressed my disappointment that there was not much action taken on most of the critical points indicated–mining menace, rampant hill-cutting, special status to protect Goa’s identity, mega-project menace, return of SEZ acquired land, un-controlled migrant influx and slums, lack of Konkani prominence, sewerage system, waste water recycling and to set up a high level task force to address employment at sustainable pay scales, for resident Goans and also to encourage the return of non-resident Goans. We also discussed some innovative ideas to address some critical issues like for example migrant control, real estate controls etc. Mr Churchill Alemao said he would look into the issues and raise it with his government at the earliest. Let’s hope the government takes some concrete steps for the good of Goa. ARWIN MESQUITA, Abu Dhabi -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ Please also see below: 1. Benaulim Village Action Committee: http://www.bvacbenaulim.blogspot.com/ 2. "Rape of Goa" : http://www.parrikar.com/blog/the-rape-of-goa/ 3. MAND - an adivasi-rights resource centre : http://mandgoa.blogspot.com/ 4. EVERY GOAN SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO: http://infochangeindia.org/Infochange-documentary.html 5. For the Love of Konkani: http://www.radiogoa.net/ 6. Goa's Identity Movement website: http://www.goamag.net/gim 7. Goa's Identity Movement group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//#/group.php?gid=193497031686 8. Official Government Site NRI Office (GOA): http://www.globalgoans.org.in/ -- Please post your comments on my Blog: http://goanidentity.blogspot.com/ Please also see below: 1. Benaulim Village Action Committee: http://www.bvacbenaulim.blogspot.com/ 2. "Rape of Goa" : http://www.parrikar.com/blog/the-rape-of-goa/ 3. MAND - an adivasi-rights resource centre : http://mandgoa.blogspot.com/ 4. EVERY GOAN SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO: http://infochangeindia.org/Infochange-documentary.html 5. For the Love of Konkani: http://www.radiogoa.net/ 6. Goa's Identity Movement website: http://www.goamag.net/gim 7. Goa's Identity Movement group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//#/group.php?gid=193497031686 8. Official Government Site NRI Office (GOA): http://www.globalgoans.org.in/
