It's sad to see that granting Portuguese citizenship to Goans may finally cease as per the recent directives and reports on The Goan dated March 3. I am confused as to what led the Portuguese embassy to recommend to their counterparts in Portugal cessation of bestowing of citizenship for Goans born before December 19, 1961 and their descendants. Goans have proved beyond a doubt that their hospitality skills are world class, services much needed in the hospitality industry worldwide. Could be local authorities have played a decisive role on the embassy officials to take this unfruitful resolution. It will benefit both countries to maintain a cordial and close relationship with a former colony. Jobs have always been a perennial problem here, so seeking greener pastures are the only alternatives. Some locals with alien citizenship status have been making forays into local politics, to the detriment of higher ups. The local government has to impress upon the officials to tackle this negative decision on stalling Portuguese citizenships and make a concerted effort to put this serious issue back on track, otherwise great harm will be done to Goa and its citizens.
