The Navelim MLA Luizinho Faleiro along with members of the Goa Entertainment Association submitted a memorandum to the CM requesting the government to provide musicians with financial assistance. He went on to say that a loan package with a deferred mode of payment or with an amnesty period of five years towards repayment of loans would go a long way in bailing them out of their current predicament.
All the bands are now sitting at home. Some are performing online using the services of booking platforms to conduct shows and generate some revenue. As someone said they were twiddling their thumbs practicing and watching as their savings reduced dramatically as many stayed unemployed for more than a year. Sharon Rodriguez of Syndicate speaking about the proposal felt it was a good move but it would be better if it was a lump sum instead of a loan. She said “We don’t know how normal things will be. Looking at the pandemic we don’t know when we will be back. Earlier even during the offseason there would be gigs and bands could go all over and perform and earn money. Now all that has come to a standstill. The CM Goa will not reopen until and unless everyone is vaccinated. Sadly there are many people who are against vaccinations”. She pointed out that venues like Cohiba, Favela were insisting on all staff being vaccinated. This would give musicians confidence to go and perform in outlets. She felt the idea of a lump sum and not a loan was a better idea. Sharon said deferring payment by five years was not something many musicians may have a problem because they were struggling now and would not be able to predict how the market would play out in five years. She felt it should be like a token payment and not a loan.
Jason Quadros said many musicians had other jobs which helped them survive but for others music was the only job they had. Now with that having stopped they were in a bind. Some musicians could buy their own instruments on their own steam while others needed loans. The question he said that needed to be answered was how the musicians would be identified. Would the loan be interest free and would they get a five year deferment in payment. Also would the situation be better five years later. Jason said these were questions that needed to be answered.
Chrystall Farrell a very popular singer in Goa felt it was a good initiative since for musicians all they had was their music and that was not happening now. She said “Applying for loans is a big hassle because we are not salaried employees. Any help is welcome.”
Sydney Soares of the Shine On Band said “Musicians are jobless for the past 1 and a half years since the outbreak of the pandemic. Though we survive on a minimalistic standard of living, the banks and financial institutions don’t spare us if our loan installments are not paid in time. We also invest in expensive equipment to give top notch quality to our clients. It takes years to even recover the cost of our equipment. We only do it for the love and passion for music. Many musicians and singers had to look for other avenues like home made products and foods. This whole idea of compensation or differing loans will at least help us temporarily to tide this difficult situation”. He said the rent of the studio, equipment loans; warehouse etc amounted to a decent amount. He felt around Rs 5,000 per musician would be of great help.
Leo Fernandes of Jus leo n zie said that since they paid their taxes and the Government deducts taxes on every bill, the Government body should be responsible to help them when they had no means at this point. He said “Some of us totally live on music as our main income. I have paid my taxes up to date and done my job as a citizen of the country”.
Colin D Cruz smiled and said perhaps the government ought to help musicians by giving them a payment instead of a loan considering all that they had given the state.
Perhaps it’s time the government step in and help the people that give the state that special vibe. A vibe that makes it so special and unique in the country.
