Foot in the mouth exercises

Dear Micky Pacheco,

This is a Catch 22 situation. I don’t know if I should be angry or laugh hysterically, or do both to save me time and energy. I know I’ve used a whole lot of colourful adjectives to describe our bunch of democratically elected, white clad, gold strapping buffoons sitting at the Secretariat. But I am convinced now that they are completely brain dead too. It beats me how they are even going through the motions of the Monsoon Assembly, because nobody, except for a few, seem to know what’s truly going on. Or the purpose of its very exercise.

I want to draw your attention to issues that constitute part of your portfolio. But first, I want to talk about the government-sponsored massacre that will soon claim some of our fragile tracts of greenery.

I understand you want to outdo your predecessor. Fair enough. With will power comes action. I would like that this will power be directed into constructive action, to benefit not only the masses, but also the very environment of Goa. I’ve kicked ball before, literally and figuratively. Gasp as it may make some people, I figured the only way to get to the point, was to get to the point. No shortcuts. No sugar coating. Same way why I think building a sports complex in a fragile area of land just outside the capital, is foolhardy. It stinks of an acute lack of common sense and research. But tell me, how many of your political colleagues can boast of applying intelligence to prudence, given the economics of running a State inhabited by power inebriated politicians? Time and again, we’ve all got caught in these stupid power games, sacrificing the interest of this paradise to make a quick buck on the side.

I understand Goa is also into sports, as its people are into feni (I add fanaticism as our newly acquired despondency of the future). Football is fine. Cricket scams, though not acceptable, is swallowed down. Do we have a choice? But we can exercise a choice here, because it’s not too late.

Everybody knows that the scenic area and acres around Four Pillars is fragile land and waterlogged for a good part of the year. Nature deemed that it performs a fragile function, sustaining the mangrove and the species that live in/on it. During the monsoons, it balances the flow of water by making sure the city remains safe from (further) flooding. It is beautiful in its open spaces, giving the concrete monster that Panjim is fast becoming, a respite from pollution and peace. Not to forget the historical sentiment attached to the area, when out-of-city dwellers often rested their palanquins (or changed their costumes into city attire) before continuing their onward journey. Sure, we have to develop sectors to promote sports, but surely we can locate a better area? Not that the already existing sport stadiums are in tip-top condition. But when money itches the palm, who cares about research, right?

I’m also told (sorry buddy, but you seem to hold two controversial portfolios that always get into trouble) that plans are also on the anvil to build an amusement park next to yet another fragile piece of history – the Aguada Fort, Sinquerim. Now I know all the State’s `necking brigade’ is going to be mighty upset if this comes through. Very uncool. And no heart, and all that. Great location, but wrong address. You don’t want to share a joyride with an escaped inmate trying to blend in with the crowd as your co-seat passenger. Or worse, if something goes wrong, say an electrical burnout (considering the State is perpetually limping on a low-voltage) and being thrown off from the seat and into the sea down below. Who comes up with these goofy ideas?

Ah..but I’m not finished with this personal salvo. I’m also reminding you that saving whatever little is left of our heritage, is also included in your portfolio. Don’t turn them in circus monuments. Just give them the respect they deserve. What works in Disney, may not work in Goa. Let’s accept that, think, plan, and consciously work towards inviting quality visitors to see why we are still called the `Rome of the East’ (the Kashi is for all those one-track minds who see nothing beyond themselves). And while we are being good politicians, let us also strive to upgrade and update tourism facilities for visitors, including properties run by people who seriously want to contribute to the growth of Goa. I learn that many `favoured’ bahus in the tourism department let their egos (I translate it as greed) come in the way of genuine development. Tourism demands specialisation. Including hiring specialised people employed to make sure that tourism works for the people and the State. The few who continue to run the few tourist owned properties leased by the government, are doing do on their own steam and under great stress. If `quality’ translates into the dollar, time to get your act together, pardner. And giddyup cowboy!

Ethel Da Costa
October  2, 2002

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