FRANKLY FRANK: Time for Goa to rid itself of all scams

Goa, a place celebrated for its laid-back and peaceful lifestyle, finds itself under the menacing shadow of thieves, who are operating with unmatched precision, leaving no trace behind. These thieves have evolved to become part of the very system that's supposed to apprehend them.

Illegal mining, and land and job scams that are deeply entrenched in the Goan social and political fabric speak of an organised crime syndicate and how corruption has become part and parcel of life. The one who dares speak against it is silenced in one way or the other.  

As a State, Goa is at a crossroads, and the year 2024, known to be the hottest so far, brought out the murky truth of scams that will gradually erode the foundations of the State, which we so proudly acclaim as Parshuram bhoomi (land of Parshuram).   

We all know the idea of fair employment is a mere illusion. Let's admit, jobs are bought and sold, and merit means nothing, money is everything. The highest bidder walks away with the job.

The origins of this job scam will always be shrouded in mystery with no clear starting point to trace. We all know where it all starts and ends! Don't we?  

Please don't brush aside these scams as they speak of a systemic failure, not the one which starts at the top, but with us, we who never want to question the rot, because we have better things to do. “Amkam kiteak podlam” (“Why should we bother”) is the common refrain in Konkani.

Everything in Goa has become a business, be it a job, project tender, winning a contract or availing essential services, a profit-driven motive is at play. Paisa phek, tamasha dekh (Throw money and watch the show) is the transactional mantra that governs Goa now.

Don't believe it when someone tells you that the rot has come from outside. No, it was there within from the beginning; we have allowed it to fester. We have allowed the mafia to dictate the narrative of our lives as Goa gradually slips down the drain.    

Remember, the mafia thrived because we allowed it to. It flourished because those in positions of power and accountability betrayed us. Worse still, we are scared to question them. This fear and unwillingness to confront the individuals entrusted with upholding the law has allowed the rot to spread unchecked.  

Now that the consequences of our complacency and silence are before us, the next best thing we could do is ask ourselves: what now from here? Are you ready to allow the mafia to govern your life? If not, then it is time for you to be the change you seek.

But first, get rid of the fear within you. Though the rot is deep, it is not beyond repair. However the road from now on will not be easy, you will need immense courage to question those entrenched in power. If you keep moving ahead with conviction, the much-desired change will happen.   

The biblical story of David and Goliath teaches us that the most powerful forces can be overcome. David felled the giant Goliath with a just a stone fired from a slingshot, which he aimed at the latter with profound faith. Hold on to this story.

The power of the people when united is greater than the power of any corrupt system and Goliath. It is time for Goans to pick up their slingshots and unleash their collective will to rid Goa of all that's taking it down. Now is the time!