Our heritage is being looted and we have no shame

SUJAY GUPTA

We talk of protecting our identity, heritage and culture. From today, we have no right to do so. Goa’s most priceless heritage artifacts and treasures, donated by various chapels, churches and private individuals so that they could be preserved in a museum we are proud of, were left at the mercy of a 55-year-old migrant security guard. The guard had the keys to the Museum of Christian Art, which contained rare and exclusive Indo-Portuguese art.

This robbery took place in the house of God in the heart of Old Goa which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

What we know is that a diamond studded cross, rosaries, bracelet, chain and waist belt have been stolen . What we do not know is that our sense of pride in our heritage has been raped. And it’s time we knew.

It’s time we knew that a committee of so-called eminent people entrusted to protect the museum painstakingly conceived, created and made financially stable by two of Goa’s finest sons, Mario Miranda and Bal Mundkur, have not only failed us. They have insulted the memory of Bal and Mario both of whom passed away in quick succession recently. They, along with Victor Hugo Gomes, the first curator of the museum at Rachol before it moved to Old Goa, raised funds for creation and upkeep of the museum.

It’s time we knew that every year the Archives Department releases Rs 3 lakhs for security of the museum, sanctioned by Manohar Parrikar when he was chief minister. And it’s time we asked, how is that money used? If funds were available why weren’t CCTV cameras which could record footage installed?

It’s time we knew that there was just one guard per shift to protect such priceless treasures when over 30 policemen are assigned to protect politicians like former Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane and his health minister son.

It’s time we knew that the committee in-charge has not gone into these issues and three days after the break in, has not been able to even produce an inventory of items and give details of what was stolen.

It’s time we knew that when your newspaper asked questions to the chairman of the managing committee, Fr Avinash Rebello, he said “There is very little I know. I haven’t been keeping track of what has happened”. Isn’t he supposed to know, since the treasures of the museum do not belong to him but to the people of Goa, he has to know or shouldn’t be in this position if he doesn’t?

The callousness is appalling. The Herald has compiled a series of serious questions that everyone in charge needs to answer. The questions itself reveals the pain that every lover of Goa is going through today.

Answer these questions and give our heritage back in 24 hours

1.Why has the museum management or the committee not taken any responsibility?

2.  Where is the museum inventory and layout? Why is the list of heritage artifacts stolen not declared, disclosed or published by the committee to the public?

3 Were the artifacts insured and by which agency?

4.  Who was responsible for the museum keys? Who locked and secured the keys of the museum and the display cabinets?

5) What is the name of the security agency used for the museum? Did the management check their credentials?

6)  Does the museum have security sensors or CCTV systems? If yes, where is the footage?

7) Taking this irresponsible attitude of the government, is the silver casket of St Francis Xavier and other priceless heritage artifacts in Goa also at stake?

We are angry and we ask

Victor Hugo Gomes

At a very personal level, I feel extremely anguished about this hideous crime since I was the founding curator, administrator and fund raiser of The Christian Art Museum way back in 1992. Security and protection of such priceless treasures goes beyond posting security guards. Why were strangers allowed to take photographs of the museum exhibits and for what reason Since when were private functions allowed in the hallowed precincts of sacred museums?

Vivek Menezes, Writer, researcher, historian

It is a shocking wake up call. Our churches have been stripped and repeatedly robbed since 1961. Church works being advertised on the Internet, I’m completely appalled and want a full complete investigation to know how it happened.

They guard our treasures but do nothing when its robbed

Fr Avinash Rebello, chairman of the managing committee of MoCA
“There is very little I know. I haven’t been keeping track of what has happened.”

José Lourenço member, managing committee

“We are in the process of putting things in place in terms of inventory.”
Natasha Fernandes: Curator of Museum

“Whatever information you want you can get from the police.”