---------------------------------------------------------- ***** CHRISTMAS PARTIES 2002 *****
Dec 21 - GOA-LA, Los Angeles, +1 (714) 821-6168 Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] for a free party announcement Archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goa-net/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Goanet2003/ ---------------------------------------------------------- Dear Devika Sequeira, I'm writing from Portugal too, and just because someone holds a portuguese passport, he's not necessarily a blind and radical patriot. I'm a portuguese national of goan origin, but I agree with you about the portuguese diplomatic representation in Goa (and in general, in the rest of the world) is not working well at all, even if there is so much work to do and a huge potential to explore (not only the historical aspects like history, heritage and language, but economical relations, investment etc.). In this aspect the portuguese consulate in Goa has failed. The cases of corruption and other cases you referred to are the proof that the portuguese government has not yet realized how to perform well (and diplomatically) in its former colonies. Pseudo-attitudes of superiority are the best exemple for the narrow portuguese behavior in this aspect. As I'm studying International Relations here in Portugal I know well what would expect me in case I'd opt for a diplomatic carrier: most of portuguese diplomats are very unprepared and uncapable of handling complexe issues. Even if entry tests are very difficult, once you're in, you have a good life. Of course there are exceptions. But the argument that Portugal is a small country without any importance in the world is not acceptable: there are several potentials Portugal can explore (especially regarding its history and the vast areas of the globe where portuguese is spoken, a huge area of investmente and trade could be explored), and there are other examples of smaller countries who on their own way have affirmed themselves on the international arena (Norway in the peace processes in Nicaragua and Sri Lanka). But with a bith of diplomatic touch, an open attitude and a broader vision there could be so much done in Goa, in collaboration with local authorities, in benefit not only for Portugal, but especially for Goa and Goans. Two examples of the portuguese incapacity: the commemorations of the 500th anniversary of the portuguese "discovery" of the sea-route to India and the current medieval and corrupt process of obtaining portuguese passports in Goa. In this context, I think it's the responsability of Goans in Portugal to expose these and other irregularities and problems of the portuguese diplomacy in Goa, to the portuguese governmente and ministry of foreign affairs. Greetings, merry christmas! Constantino Hermanns Xavier Lisboa, Portugal www.supergoa.com --- In [EMAIL PROTECTED], "Vicki" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > ====================================================================== == > Ongoing: Exhibition of paintings, Art Chamber, Calangute www.goa- art.com > Dec 14 onwards: Shireen Mody's Goa 2002 exhibition, Arpora. Tel 2276759 > Dec 17, 18, 20: Indo-Portuguese furniture, lectures Fundacao Ph 2230728 > Jan 18-19: International kite carnival at Morgim beach, Pernem > ====================================================================== == > > Response to Jorge/Livia: > It has been my policy in general to never respond, because quibbling Goans > will carry on quibbling, no matter what. But I am making an exception once > again, because there are points that must be countered. > I'm sorry, Jorge, to shatter your illusions about the quality and > competence of your consul generals (I assume you are Portuguese from your > fierce and blinding patriotism). It might dishearten you to learn that one > of the former consuls was known to fudge expenses on travel and > entertainment so he/she could claim higher returns from your government. > Another had run up an enormous tab at a five star resort here entertaining > his jet-setting friends. The hotelier ( a repository of the most > entertaining and useful information to us journalists) had some very anxious > months till your government agreed to clear the backlog. The same career > diplomat was later banished to Bosnia at the height of the ethnic comflict > there. One can sympathise with the relieved staff in your consulate here > who've set such high hopes on the present consul-general, said to be the > best candidate so far. If your government has achieved anything by way of > cultural/economic exchange (one is not referring to Fundacao Oriente) with > India through the efforts of previous consuls here, we'd be glad to hear of > it. > One last and final point: why journalists don't, and should not, reveal > their sources. > It is an accepted norm in democratic countries that journalists protect > their sources in the larger interest of bringing to light the facts. Which > is why most democratic countries do not make it mandatory for the media to > make public their source of information even in the court. Take away this > practice and perhaps 80 per cent of the better stories would never see the > light of day. Let me remind you of the Nixon case. Would the corruption have > ever been exposed had it not been for Deep Throat? > "Where is the proof?" is an argument we often hear from politicians on > the defensive. It is not for journalists to prove the corruption in > governtments. It is > for governments to clean up their acts at the slightest hint of a stink.-- > Devika Sequeira. > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > ***** CHRISTMAS PARTIES 2002 ***** > > Dec 14 - Goan Association of New Jersey, Inc., Somerset +1 (732) 599-7644 > Dec 21 - GOA-LA, Los Angeles, +1 (714) 821-6168 > > Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] for a free party announcement > ---------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================================== Ongoing: Exhibition of paintings, Art Chamber, Calangute www.goa-art.com Dec 19-22: Gauri Divan's studio pottery, Rust, Aguada Rd Ph 2479340 Dec 23-Jan 7: Dayanita Singh's photo exhibition, Art House Tel 2276123 Jan 18-19: International kite carnival at Morgim beach, Pernem ========================================================================
