LONDON
Issues concerning dual citizenship and protection of properties in Goa were topmost in the minds of Goans in the UK when they interacted with Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao and Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa at meetings in Hounslow, Wembley and Swindon.
When contacted, Alemao told The Goan that both D’Costa and he were happy to participate in interactive sessions with Goans in the UK.
“Common issues raised during our interactions in Hounslow, Wembley and Swindon were the subject of dual citizenship, protection of their properties in Goa, the rise in crime rates and the law and order situation.”
“Goans in the UK were concerned amid claims that owners absent from Goa for over 15 years could stand to lose their property. Many felt that merely being away from Goa should not be a reason for the takeover over their land. Both Altone and I assured to address their issues and concerns.”
The opposition leader said Goans interacting with him and D’Costa had shown great interest in issues in Goa, despite living thousands of miles away from home.
“Their desire to maintain Goa’s culture, identity and to protect Goa is very strong, and they expressed their desire to get united and do their best for Goa,” he said.
Besides interacting with Goans at the Goa Day Festival in Hounslow on July 19, the two Congress leaders also had a meeting in Hounslow co-hosted by Peter Miranda on July 17.
The two legislators also visited Goan business enterprises and restaurants in West London and Swindon.
“We found the Goans very enterprising, and some Goan councillors also raised topics on trade, especially export of marine products to the UK,” said Alemao.
WEMBLEY
At a ‘Meet and Greet’ event in Wembley on July 18, Alemao and D’Costa engaged with the Goan community on many issues, including employment opportunities, land conversions, governance, public protests, elections and development.
Alemao and D’Costa responded to questions and sharing their perspectives on the issues raised at the event, co-hosted by Councillor Floyd Dias do Rosario and Ciana D’Costa, the Portuguese Advisory Councillor and representative of the Portuguese-Goan diaspora in the UK.
Among those in attendance were Councillor Allister De Sa, Kingsley Mendes, and Keith Harwood (Wembley Crime Prevention Officer).
Councillor Floyd Dias do Rosario said the interaction underscored the importance of continued engagement between Goans overseas and the leadership in Goa, encouraging stronger collaboration for the Goa's future.
SWINDON
At a community meet-and-greet event on July 20, Goans in Swindon engaged with the visiting legislators on various matters affecting the Goans diaspora.
Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao and Quepem MLA Altone D'Costa, along with members of the Goan community and Goan councillors of the Swindon Council.
Discussions focused on strengthening Goan unity, preserving the community’s cultural identity, and enhancing engagement between Goa and its overseas community.
A key topic was the issue of dual nationality for Goans holding Portuguese citizenship. The discussion centred on the importance of pursuing an appropriate legal and constitutional route to address this issue, while ensuring that the interests and rights of the Goan diaspora are represented.
The meeting was attended by Councillor Princia Fernandes, Councillor Ana Fernandes, Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, Councillor Jocelina D’Souza, union activist Paulo Fernandes and Benjamin Fernandes.
Those present welcomed the opportunity to exchange views with the visiting MLAs and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue between elected representatives in Goa and the global Goan community. The event concluded with a shared commitment to promoting greater unity among Goans worldwide.
