Social activist Serafino Cotta, who was the guest of honour, highlighted how ‘Goan’ is now a global brand, but in their homeland, Goans do not get the recognition they deserve.
Serafino added that Goans living overseas should now expand their thinking and called upon them to be selfish in the next Assembly election by putting one’s family first.
“Don’t think of short-term gains. Remember your vote is a billion dollar investment for the betterment of your family and vote for yourself,” said Serafino.
Dr Francisco Colaco, who was the chief guest for the function, lamented that the government had forgotten the sacrifices of the people working overseas. He added that since liberation, Goans have been fighting for their rights and the time has come again for Goans to continue to fight for their existence in view of the step-motherly treatment given to Goans overseas.
Jose Lourenco of Konkani Bhasha Mandal observed that Salcete makes up 50 percent of the total Goan overseas diaspora population and that there are around 3.4 lakh Goans working abroad and contributing around 5 percent to the State GDP. He rued that while the government talks about giving five tax holidays and offers to industrialists with regard to setting up industries, they have not shown willingness to give schemes for Goans working overseas.
