Call for missionary zeal to protect Goan heritage BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, MAY 28 - The seminar on 'Whether the government has the power to amend the law of the Communidades' on Sunday called for a "missionary zeal" among the 'Gaonkars' to save what it described as the "dying heritage of Goa".
The programme was an initiative of the Association of the Components of Communidades (ACC) and was organised in collaboration with Literati, in the city. Seven panelists explained why they opposed the government's move to bring about the proposed amendment to the Code of Communidades. Some even retold the richness of the age-old institution, which once played the role of local self-government. The government had introduced a bill in the last session of the Assembly in March to bring about the controversial amendment. Calling it a "political gimmick" Advocate Bernard D'Souza said the State had no right to interfere with the Code. "It's not too late, there's still time to save the ancestral lands from going into the hands of land sharks," D'Souza added. Floriano Lobo, who is a 'Gaonkar' of Moira Communidade, left no stone unturned in lashing out at the MGP, the BJP and the ruling Congress for the "Communidade mess". The Tenancy Act has wiped off everything, Lobo said, adding, "Bausaheb Bandodkar's heritage is run by Chief Minister Rane." All in all Narvekar is the architect of the amendment, he charged. Referring to the Communidades, he said, "This is the only thing we have. Elections are near, and now is the time to take to the streets and ask for a promise from the government for 'Communidade autonomy' or else vote it out of power." Earlier, Advocate Andre Pereira, Secretary of ACC, cleared the misconception that the centuries-old institutions were created by the Portuguese. Another misconception is that communidades belong to Catholics, but the fact is they equally belong to Hindu brothers as well, he added. Dr J C Almeida of Carambolim detailing history, said the Portuguese respected the laws of the communidades and never did any changes without consultation the authorities concerned. Percival Noronha in his short address said it was now time to fight for the land, which rightly belongs to the communidades. Hector Fernandes (former President of Aldona Communidade) cited the victory of the aborigines in Australia, who fought and got their land back from the White rulers. Policarpo D'Souza (President of ACC) also spoke. Advocate Divya Kapur moderated the seminar. Members of various communidades have now prepared a draft 'Representation of Goans' to be submitted to the Governor to take corrective action in preserving the unique heritage. http://oheraldo.in/node/14385 ~(^^)~ Avelino _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
