-----Original Message----- From: Edwin/Diana Pinto
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 7:54 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Goanet Digest, Vol 8, Issue 406 BTW, I am not trying to preach Goans in Goa on how they should go about their business. I see myself as one of them, even if it means I work outside of Goa. So let's get down to some serious talk followed by concrete actions. Jim Fernandes. New York. Jim, For us of the tribe of Goans in the motherland, its always gratifying and encouraging to know that our people abroad cannot forget their roots here in Goa and are on the same level as the rest of their brethren here. I really, really hope that your vision is fulfilled. A regional party is something we desperately need to look after our local interests - a political party who is not under the thumb of some distant High Command. But my point is that you have to actually live in Goa and deal with it all to understand the ground realities. For us the main priority is to give the people a sense of empowerment because we have seen first hand that no matter who comes to power and however good he may be at the beginning, if the people do not exert their pressure against that of the powerful lobbies operating, then the people lose. So I actually feel that we cannot depend upon politicians and political parties but need to cultivate and nurture the strength within ourselves as a collective 'people's lobby'. When they are approached with community problems, they turn their noses up and tell us that they have been elected by the people so presumably that automatically gives them right of way..! This is even more so in the present liberalised economy, where massive projects are sought to be imposed wherever the opportunity arises without any consideration for the lives of the people of the place. Goa is small with very limited land holdings. There is hardly any developable land left here. But till we educate and empower the people, MONEY TALKS AND PEOPLE'S RIGHTS WALK Diana
