“Global Goans Convention” in London – Day 2 Following yesterday’s call to “assert Goan solidarity”, Global Goans united to condemn the illegal mining that is devastating the Indian state Goa in London today. The 'Save Goa Campaign UK' (http://savegoacampaign.org.uk/) has been started by Carmen Miranda, a former director of the Panos Institute, who revealed stark findings on the issue of illegal mining at the Global Goans Convention in London. In a short presentation, Miranda showed delegates a detailed breakdown of how most of the mines in Goa were being leased illegally and were damaging villages across the state and potentially poisoning thousands of citizens. She criticised the inherent corruption that was fuelling the industry based on promises of more jobs but less revenues for the Government, and called on ministers to take urgent action on the issue. According to Miranda, “Goa has been granted 359 of the 769 mining leases for iron ore that have been issued in the country - the highest number of iron ore mining leases in India. Over 25,877,40 hectares are under mining leases and causes irreversible damage to the environment. Goa is being dug out of existence.” Responding, Honourable Commissioner for N.R.I. Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro, said he would take Miranda’s presentation to the ‘Government of Goa’ and ‘Government of India’ with a bid to producing an action plan. He would not give a timescale as to how quickly this would happen. Meanwhile, the group will be petitioning and selling merchandise at the Annual Goan Festival. Elsewhere, Goans from around the world were united on stage with representatives from Belgium, Portugal, Malawi and Australia also addressed delegates in a bid to promote better dialogue between Global Goans and Government of Goa. Responding to criticism, Mr Faleiro promised to publish the minutes from all annual Global Goans Conventions since 2005 and detail actions that have been taken as a result of overseas Goans pursuing agendas during the annual gathering. Mr Faleiro also revealed that Non-Resident Goans holding foreign passports can apply for long-term visas, including the “Person of Indian Origin” or “Overseas Citizen of India” card. He called “Goan Association (UK)” to nominate a representative to handle the grievances of Goan expatriates to his office, as part of a wide-ranging session on NRI affairs. “Our office will then forward these complaints to the concerned department and we expect redressal within a month. When this is not possible, status reports will be issued to the concerned individual every month indicating the progress in the settlement of his grievances until the matter is finally settled,” he announced. The event was closed by C B Patel, the publisher and editor of sponsors Asian Voice, who revealed a study into the demographics of British Goans will be published by the title next week. The event, which was widely dubbed a “microcosm of Goa - the closest you can get to Goa without leaving the UK”, concludes tomorrow with the Goan Festival in London. by Joe Fernandes London
