Now to ask for what is right is to have vested intrest !!

Press Release
Ida Coutinho

Convenor

9226297054

On the 30th of October 2008 Fr. Santiago Fernandes of the Society of Pilar issued a press note indicating that certain 'vested interest' were allegedly misguiding the villagers of Orlim and the people of Goa regarding a property sold by the Society of Pilar. While we have not been identified as the 'vested interests' in this press note, the Orlim Ganv Rakhon Manch (OGRM)would nevertheless like to clarify some of the issues raised by Fr. Fernandes, and place the Manch's position on the matter.


OGRM would like to clarify that it has not indicated to the people of Orlim that a mega-project is coming up on the properties sold by the Society of Pilar. The fact of the matter is that we, as residents of the village, have not been given any details regarding the projects slated for this property, and in the absence of any information and transparency fear the worst. Any information on this matter, either from the alleged new owners of the property, or the Society of Pilar will be welcomed by OGRM. OGRM would like to point out that transparency in dealings with resolve all conflicts and allow for quick resolution of the dispute.


Fr. Fernandes has further represented that these 'vested interests' are indicating that the disputed property is the only recreational space in the village. OGRM admits that this is not the only recreational space in the village. However, it would like to draw to the attention of both Fr. Fernandes and the general public that the disputed property is very close to the Orlim Church and while it has been a private property has been used by the village youth for sports. OGRM as a representative of the village's interests is keen that such open spaces, especially those close to village institutions such as the Church, be left open for public use. This would serve to maintain the character of the village, as well protect the ecology of the village.


OGRM also seeks clarification from the Society of Pilar, if the disputed property has been inherited by it, or has been willed to it as a charitable gift. In the case of the latter, OGRM questions if the sale of such land is morally justifiable, or indeed even legally permissible. OGRM appreciates that the Society may have been forced to sell the property to raise funds for its social vocation. Keeping these exigencies in mind, OGRM would like to make it clear that in order to retain the traditional character of the disputed property, it is even willing to arrange for a purchase of the same property, at fair market price and constitute the property into a common open space for the entire village. Nevertheless the moral question remains, especially in light of the fact that Catholicism is expected to be animated by a 'Culture of Life'. Can a property gifted to the Society be sold for profit in the face of social and ecological detriment that this particular sale has and will cause?




OGRM like other village based interest groups would like to assert that they stand for a holistic development of our villages . This wanton construction filling of fields open spaces and ponds it points out will result in the destruction of our environment and peaceful ways of life and destroy the society that we are all so proud of. .OGRM recognizes that the owners of properties may sometimes face financial crunches, and points out that rather than sell , we need to work to find a more sustainable solution. Toward this end, OGRM remains ever willing to dialogue to achive the common cause of the village.