------------------------------------------------------------------
Domnic Fernandes continues (Part II) his reminiscence of
Mapusa of the 1950s
http://www.goanet.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=426
------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for having an open mind. I hope native Goans will do the same. After
all, MOPA is for them and their children's benefit.
I am uncertain about the new batkars who may benefit from owning land near the
airport. Yet, do we deny the vast majority of Goans especially the North Goans
of jobs and economic growth, now and future generations, just because of a few
elements will make a quick buck?
Remember the three stewards in the bible. It is never too late for all Goans to
be like the smart and industrious steward. Delhi could not give Goa a better
gift. There are many ways to economic progress and prosperity, and all Goans
can benefit from MOPA.
Please feel free to forward the posts on this subject. The power of information
and the power of the net can influence people. IMHO Goa's prosperity in the
next century is on the line. I am surprised that Goanetters were exercised
about garbage collection (an important issue) but are laissez-faire about an
economic milestone for the state. Are the current well-to-do natives just
going to leave this issue to the politicians?
Kind Regards, GL
---- Jerry Fernandes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Thanks. After a long time a fair portrayal of what MOPA is all about. It is
impossible to think otherwise what benefits one gets unless portrayed in a
fair way. During Portuguese time, many batkars came about, and now it will
be the second coming of batkars who have purchased plots near and about in
Pernem Taluka, but the benefits as you have shown are vast. Only hope Goans
will be the beneficiaries if Mopa Comes about.
Gilbert Lawrence:
I would think the cyber-Goans would follow the MOPA story with more factual
information than emotion or vested interest.
I agree that Goa needs a lot of local projects.
Local projects are paid for by local revenues (taxes).
Because of different funding sources, local projects (roads, electricity,
hospitals and schools built by local taxes) should not / will not be denied
or delayed because of MOPA.
The MOPA Airport is being PAID FOR BY the Central Government.
When Delhi spends an estimated 100-600 crore rupees, that is money disbursed
in Goan economy GENERATING LOCAL TAXES.
That money sooner or later will be available to build many local projects,
that we all want.
MOPA is also jobs for Goans (building and maintenance) who will then be less
dependent on foreigners or on migration.
How long will Goans be able to move to the Mid-East in search of jobs?
Goans going beyond the Middle East now is nearly ended except perhaps to
Portugal.
Finally many Goans complain that MOPA / North Goa will be a "mere transit"
and to benefit South Maharastra. That's the precise benefit.
After all Goa flourished in the 15th to the 17th century because it was a
transit point for trade (and pilgrims to Mecca) between India and the rest
of the world. This bonanza ended with Dutch and British blockade. After
that Portugal as a trading power declined. Let's learn from Goan history,
including its two "golden periods".
Kind Regards, GL
_____________________________________________
Do not post admin requests to the list.
Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
