VANXIM FORMS ASSOCIATION TO FIGHT TOURISM RELATED PROJECTS

OLD GOA: In continuation with their opposition against the upcoming tourism-related project at Ilhas de Capao Island, residents of Capao-Vaxim on Sunday formed Ilhas de Vaxim Association, which will be headed by Margaret Silveira.

The Association has been formed to continue with their fight against parties who have proposed to set up tourism-related projects at Illhas de Capao Island by taking over the land of Vaxim Island.

The newly formed Association at the meeting on Sunday decided to move the High Court to fight against the parties, who are trying to take over the land. For that purpose, the Association has decided to raise funds appealing to the locals and others.

“If villagers want to start cultivating their fields once again, then I ask them to come out in large numbers on October 2 to cultivate some type of crop in their fields, which will send a signal that Vaxim villagers do not want their fields to go to those who are up in arms to grab it,” stated Margaret Silveira.

She further said there was no response from the Governor, as villagers had recently submitted a memorandum to him, raising objections over forced illegal displacement of villagers of Ilhas De Vanxim. “The newly formed Association will try to meet the Governor over the issue once again,” she added.

Goencho Xetkaracho Ekvott member Fr Bismark Fernandes said: “If the Church had sold this property, then it’s a mistake on the part of the church, as this land was given for the service of the church.”

“If this land had to be sold, then it should have not been sold for business purpose, but for setting up a hospital or a school,” said Fr Fernandes.

“If hotel project comes, then it will not only spoil Vaxim Island, but also Diwar, Chorao and other islands too,” he added.

The newly formed Association consists of Cosme Alphosnso (coordinator), Jose D’Mello (sports secretary), Jerry Fernandes (cultural secretary), Natalian D’Souza (vice president), Savoi Vaz (joint secretary), Joe Marshall (joint treasurer) and John Fernandes (treasurer).

Executive members elected are Bertha Marshal, Verodian Silveira, Zuzay D’Mello, Jelton Fernandes, Maryan D’Mello, Devidas along with members Mohan, Nityanand, Tecla, Simon, Reginaldo, Nelima, Devanand and Edgar.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the owners, a representative through a press note stated that the facts are quite contrary to the claims being made by some, as it a fact that much before the Church assigned its ownership rights, most of the residents of Capao had already assigned their rights to cultivate fields to a builder from Mapusa in 1995-96.

“It is apparent that the Church had clearly divided and segregated all the properties, where residential houses are located to enable the residents to continue occupying them and all such properties continue to be owned by the Church,” states the press note.

“It is observed that there has been a continuous migration from this land due to lack of facilities or any avenues of employment locally. The current owners have been exploring various options to start some tourism-related recreational facilities by consulting the local residents and it has been our endeavour to see that the local people are made stakeholders in any such proposal,” adds the press note.

“The primary concern is to allow the land to retain its unique natural character while creating opportunities for employment or self-employment,” stated the press note.

“This clearly indicates that there is no intention to displace the residents of their houses and any attempts by few people to create fear in the minds of the local people is clearly a distortion of the truth,” says the press note. (HD)