Deporting Sex Workers
THIS is with reference to Mr Mario Cabral E Sa's article (Panorama, Oct 12)
which is firstly, splitting hairs as to what the word 'deportation' means
in the judgment of the High Court and suggesting a tolerance to the sex
workers. The High Court is correct in advising that the sex workers be
returned from where they came from. An effort needs to be made so that Goa
can be cleansed of such eyesores as Baina. If senior writers like Mr Cabral
start quibbling about words then this will not be possible. The tolerance
recommended in the article that the 'oldest profession' should remain in
particular places though well-intentioned can be seen in another light.
Just to support the sexual needs of the floating population be it sailors,
migrant workers or tourists do we need to patronise the existence of places
like Baina? We need to put a stop to this completely like they have done in
Singapore, which is a much bigger port city and attracts much more tourists
than Goa. In fact the 'oldest profession' has been given a genteel image in
Singapore where the practitioners have gone upmarket but need a licence to
practice their trade and compulsorily have to display a red light at their
front door to identify themselves in a neighbourhood. Licences are to be
renewed regularly and come with medical check-up, awareness programmes on
AIDS and other facilities so that all parties are safe and fully aware of
the risks in the business. This is possibly the way to go and thus rid
ourselves of the pestilence like Baina on the fair name of Goa.
S KAMAT, Alto Porvorim
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