There are aspirations and there are realities. In Goa, never the ‘twain shall meet.
Aires Rodrigues aspiration: to be Panjim’s MLA and clear the city of everything undesirable. Reality: if history is anything to go by, he will lose his deposit let alone lose. Pramod Sawant aspiration: Goa is a safe place. Reality: It is so overrun with crime of every kind, Putin must be envying the man’s security. Goa Govt aspiration: To make Goa a tourist destination for well heeled discerning tourists. Reality: With current dirt and filth in the towns, even low budget Out of State tourists attracted by low liquor prices are looking for other places. Tourist aspiration: Goa Miles will usher in decent taxi prices. Reality: Ripping off tourists is in the blood of Goan service providers of all kinds. Diaspora aspiration: I will settle in Goa in my sunset golden years to be back with my people. Reality: I’m going back. This is not what I expected. Note: Reality or not, I hope Aires wins. Roland. Toronto.
