[Gulf Goans] Assagaokars needs not assuaged, yet.

Sun, 06 Nov 2005 21:51:04 -0800

    
Assagaokars needs not assuaged, yet.
- Miguel Braganza  


Assagao, a sleepy village between Mhapsa (Mapusa) and Anjuna Beach, suddenly 
woke up to the glare of the Papparazi, tourism throes and social upheaval...all 
for the sake of a Saturday Night's dream! The Saturday Night Bazzar [SNB] 
has become the buzz. Sweet dreams to some, a nightmare to others. There is 
a constant shift between dreams and nightmares, too.

The Ingo's SNB was for long held in Arpora. I have been there quite a 
few times and even interacted with its promoter, Ingo Grill. I was editing 
a travel tabloid the whole of last tourist season. Depending on one's
perspective one can enjoy the SNB like a fable. A fable has a 
superficial, simple story that one can enjoy even as a child and a deeper meaning 
that only age and experience can help one to understand and appreciate. I 
have no sermon to preach to the world.

The story so far:
1. Ingo successfully runs a SNB at Arpora for many years. Problems 
increase with popularity. Traffic jams, increasing demands. Ingo's plan to start
"Paintball" in 2004 at Arpora stalled for various logistical reasons.
2. Freddy Fernandes applies to the Communidade of Assagao for 
permission ot conduct SNB on 10,000 sq.m of Communidade land in survey No99 and 110 
for 6 months for Rs.6.0 lakhs as rent. Land listed as private forest but 
hired vide Communidade letter dated 19 June, 2005, subject to Freddy getting 
the necessary permissions and complying with the rules. The communidade 
stands to gain Rs.6.0 lakhs even if the land is not used for SNB. It is within 
the agreement.
3.Application made to Panchayat of Assagao . Gram Sabha [ Village 
Council of voters] held on 09 and 30 mOctober, 2005 end in stalemate. Fresh Gram 
Sabha meeting on 06 November, 2005.
*When specifically questioned " What is your stand on SNB as sarpanch?" 
the Sarpanch Mr. Victor D'Souza replies," In my personal opinion, I would 
say NO". When similarly questioned, Panchayat member Thomas D'Souza says, " I 
am with the sarpanch in this opinion. I am also against the SNB in 
Assagao."
Thereafter the Sarpanch adds, "However, as Sarpanch I am with the view 
of the majority in the village." Panchayat Member Mr.Jalinder Gaokar is 
more forthright, "I am in favour of the SNB as it will provide employment to 
the local youth and tourist taxi owners."
* Villager and former Deputy Director of Accounts [Fazenda], Rodney 
D'Souza said that the Village Panchayat was responsible for the division 
amongst the people of Assagao. It should resolve the issue as needed.
*Another villager, Eknath, questioned why there was an issue of 
foreigners now and not when houses in Assagao were being rented or even sold to
foreigners in the past.
*Ex-Panchayat member [and husband of the current Panchayat member], Pradip Naik asked the people to provide jobs for the local youth as an 
alternative to SNB.

The meeting was ably conducted by the Sarpanch in a dignified manner 
with proper decorum. One may accuse him of being manipulative but must grant 
it that it was conducted with decorum.

Some of the persons who spearheaded the opposition were conspicuous by 
their silence, though present in the Gram Sabha.Others heckled the speakers, 
often needlessly.

For some unknown reason, some of the leaders wanted the villagers to
boycott the ballot after the Sarpanch agreed to voting by secret ballot
instead of show of hands. The electoral roll was the reference for
eligibility of a voter in this village referundum. Prominent among the
persons who gave the boycott call was,quite surprisingly, Adv.Shanti
Fonseca. She is both, a child and women's rights activist in her own 
right, and the wife of AITUC leader Christopher Fonseca, residing in Assagao. 
Those who listened to her and others who left the venue without casting their 
vote will rue their decision. The day was carried by the supporters of SNB 
173 votes  to 132 votes with 20 votes declared invalid among the 325 votes 
cast.

The representative of the Block Development Officer-Bardez was present 
but kept a low profile. However, there will be some explaining to do as to 
how 325 votes were cast when there were less persons present for the Gram
Sabha...and some of them had walked away without casting their votes. 
There seems to be some inflow of persons for the voting AFTER the register 
was signed and the discussions were ended. The statistics, however, need to 
be verified. I could be wrong. Something could be terribly wrong. It needs 
a good look again. In fact, the whole issue needs to be looked at with a 
cool mind...afresh!

Viva Goa.

Miguel Braganza
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
 
Link article:
Ingo’s mega fun project for Assagao
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/7018
Save Assagao
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/6293


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