_____ From: Averthan D'Souza [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 12:02 PM Subject: Distressing developments in GBA Dear Editor, It is truly distressing and unfortunate for Goa that the personal ambitions and uninformed dogmatism of some individuals has led to the present dissension within the Goa Bachao Abhiyan, and the resignation of its Convenor Dr. Oscar Rebello. This bodes ill for the future of Goa, which was beginning to assert the right of the common citizen to be consulted by the Government before any major project was approved. The spirit of the GBA was consistent with the requirements of the 73rd. and 74th. amendments to the Constitution of India. The GBA was unique in consolidating the common aspirations of the people in respect of the utilization of the State's physical, economic and social resources. Not withstanding the opposition of some individuals to the GBA being a part of the Chief Minister's Task Force for preparing the process for the Regional Plan for Goa 2021, it was a great advantage that the GBA was represented in the Task Force. The GBA should have taken advantage of this opportunity to influence the thinking of the Task Force. With the resignation of Dr. Oscar Rebello and his two substitutes on the Task Force, the GBA has lost this opportunity. On the one hand, we have been demanding the right to be consulted in the planning process; but on the other hand, the egoistic attitude of a few individuals has discredited the GBA both in the eyes of the Government as well as in the eyes of the common citizens. They will have to bear a heavy burden of responsibility for their selfishness and short-sightedness. Dr. Oscar Rebello is quite right that the GBA should offer clear and indisputable alternatives to the Government in the thinking of the Task Force. If individuals cannot provide such alternatives (in writing), they should at least refrain from dragging the GBA into a state of incoherence. For all his limitations, Dr. Oscar Rebello represented the wider consensus of the citizens. By the vicious attacks against him on the internet (as reported in the Press) and by making his position as Convenor uncomfortable, these individuals have compromised the future of Goa. To state publicly that individuals come and go, but that the GBA should carry on, is both crass and intolerable. People who make such statements reveal the dark side of their twisted personalities. Dr. Oscar Rebello has quite obviously been made a scapegoat by these selfish elements. His departure will be a great loss to the movement. The real issue before us is not the personal contribution of Dr. Rebello, but the devious and insidious manipulations by a few individuals who think that they can do better. It is truly a very regrettable development in the 'people's movement' of Goa. Yours truly, Averthanus L. D'Souza, D-13, La Marvel Colony, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004. Tel: 2453628.
