Goans appeal for direct flight to home state
Times News Service Saturday, November 07, 2009 MUSCAT - A two-day global Goan convention dedicated to the Gulf Goan concluded on a high note where a plethora of issues concerning global Goans was discussed and a pledge made to address them. The chief guest, Eduardo Faleiro, who is the commissioner for NRI Affairs, Goa state government assured to redress grievances, issues and complaints. The convention, organised at the Embassy of India, here, discussed issues such as the employment opportunities and conditions abroad, preserving and promoting Goan identity and culture, investment opportunities in Goa and relocating back to Goa. Goans at the convention made a request to airlines to consider starting a direct flight to Goa. The Goan Community of Oman organised the Global Goan Convention 2009 under the aegis of Eduardo Faleiro and Anil Wadhwa, Indian ambassador to the Sultanate. Wadhwa released the convention souvenir. About 250 Goans from all over the world, and more particularly those residing in the GCC countries, attended the convention on Thursday and Friday. The inaugural session started with a welcome song by children of Goan community. Flynn de Lima, president of Goan Community in Oman welcomed the guests and audience. Dr Mario de Souza, founder and general secretary of the Goan Community of Oman introduced the theme of the convention - The Gulf Goan. Dr Mario spoke on the contribution Goans have made to the Gulf and Goa. He highlighted some of the areas of concern to Gulf Goans - both in the Gulf and Goa. In his speech, Simon D'Silva, the president of the Qatar Goan Welfare Society observed the convention as a celebration of liberation and said, "we dare not to forget today that we are the heirs of that liberation". He highlighted Goans' strength of human resources and said that government should formulate a policy to tap the talent. Dr Satish Nambiar, president of Indian Social Club, Muscat appreciated the efforts made by Goan community in Oman for this convention. The Member of Legislative Assembly of Goa and the Chairman of Economic Development Corporation of Goa also addressed the inaugural session and promised to provide assistance to the Goan expatriates. Wadhwa expressed his satisfaction that the Goan community in Oman organised 4th Global Goan Convention and they had chosen the Indian embassy for this function. www.timesofoman.com Photos: courtesy www.daijiworld.com
