On Tue, 17 Feb 2004 15:09:00 -0000, Colaco-Dias, Paulo R wrote: However, the problem is that our Goenkars who have recently recouped their Portuguese citizenship do not really feel they are Portuguese and, therefore, may not know how to make full use of their citizenship rights. In many cases, there is huge lack of information as well.
RESPONSE: Paulo, in my opinion you are second to none when it comes to issues related to Portuguese nationality.....the passion you display for this subject alongwith the information and debate you provide on this issue has been great over the years. Do you think Goenkars really care about Portuguese citizenship ?? Or is it the **benefits** of Portuguese citizenship aka Portuguese passport that most are seeking ?? Most, definitely care about acquiring the Portuguese passport....just like Gabe Menezes said a while ago.....the Portuguese passport is their ticket to Swindon. Yes I understand you can't get the Portuguese passport unless you are a Portuguese citizen.....I don't think most Goenkars that acquired Portuguese citizenship/passports in the last decade or more did so for the love of Portugal or Portuguese citizenship. I don't think they acquired it because they hate India more than they love Portugal albeit there maybe a generation in Goa that is fading into the sunset declaring their un-dying love for everything Portugal. There's nothing wrong with that. And if some chastise India and it's people, policies, environment, etc.. while claiming their Portuguese citizenship....I'd take that with a pinch of salt !! The fact of the matter is that - Most Goenkars have always wanted to immigrate abroad - first to Bombay/Mumbai and then....the shippies, the east africans, the gulfies, East Asia, the North Americans, Down Under, etc....We've always looked for a way to get out of Goa....to make a better life for ourselves and our families. Now Goenkars have another opportunity - the Portuguese passport !!! If Goenkars are lining up in droves for the Portguese citizenship, it is because it facilitates easy travel out of Goa. Period !!! This is more a blessing to Goenkars than a right. If you look at some of the matrimonials advertised....they explicitly state they want to marry somebody overseas !! You've stated in the past - even though you are of Goan descent, you were born, raised and lived elsewhere - always a Portuguese !! Can you relate to this line of thinking - Goenkars want "out of Goa" !! And I've heard the same applies to Daman and Diu. And unlike you, most Goenkars (that hold Portuguese passports) don't feel like they are Portuguese....but probably the following generations may identify themselves closely with the Portuguese just like similar examples of Goenkars in North America, East Africa, Down Under, etc.... Best wishes - Bosco ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################