Residents of Sinquerim and Candolim have decided to oppose the shifting of casinos to Aguada Bay. While Sinquerim locals expressed concern about illegal activities in their village, the Candolim panchayat and locals backed them by adopting a resolution to oppose the shifting at the gram sabha.
Sinquerim locals fear that the government’s proposal to shift the casinos to four locations, including Aguada Bay, may lead to illegalities in residential areas and vices for the youth. They apprehended the destruction of nature and the peaceful environment prevailing in the locality for ages. Many people would be frequenting the historical sites close to the church and Aguada lighthouse, leading to illegal activities like prostitution, sale of drugs, and fights. Locals demanded that Aguada Jail be preserved as a heritage site and not be given for activities that would lead to vices and pollution.
“The government has come out with a proposal to shift the casinos to Aguada Bay. It will not be in the interest of residents of Sinquerim and Candolim. We have to oppose the shifting and demand preservation of Aguada Jail as a heritage site. We do not want vices in our residential areas,” said a Sinquerim resident.
Candolim panch member Blaise Fernandes stated, “If Sinquerim residents do not want the casinos at Aguada Bay, we will support them and oppose the shifting.”
“The shifting of casinos to Aguada Bay will affect fishermen, water-sports organisers and locals as illegalities like prostitution, drugs, etc. will flourish in residential areas. Ex-chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who admitted to the illegalities at Panjim due to casinos, wants to shift them to Sinquerim and all over Goa. It will be another u-turn by the Goa government,” said former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo stated, “The people of Calangute constituency will not allow the casino to come up at Aguada Bay. Secondly, the fishermen and water-sports promoters will also be affected due to the shifting as water-sports is being organised from Nerul Beach to Sinquerim Jetty. I had a joint meet with them and they decided to oppose the shifting of casinos to Sinquerim. Besides, the rough weather conditions will not permit the smooth operation of casinos. It will be difficult to ferry persons who want to play at the casino due to rough waves, etc, which could result in accidents and death of tourists. We need to create proper infrastructure for such casinos.”
He added, “Aguada Jail should be preserved as a historical monument as many of our freedom fighters were lodged there during the Indian freedom and Goa Liberation movements. The jail could be used to depict the freedom struggle for Goa and India or can be converted into a museum, but not for casinos.”
