Goa determined to have Christmas revelries

by SHAIKH JAMALUDDIN
Posted on 2008-12-18
PANAJI- Undeterred by terror attacks in Mumbai and other parts of the country, Goans are determined to enjoy and rejoice the coming festive season of Christmas and New Year in the state amidst security blanket. Private securitymen of hotels and party organisers would man party venues alongside troopers of the CISF, the IRB and Goa policemen.
Party organisers are all in great spirit to hold parties like every year but with tight security cover in the light of terror carnage in Mumbai last month. Mumbai terror attacks and subsequent tight security in Goa have not dampened the spirit of Goan party revelers.
The superintendent of police, security, Mr Tony Fernandes said that there would be no compromise on security aspect on the part of police. Troopers of the CISF and the IRB and Goa police personnel would be on their toes throughout the season.
He scotched the rumours doing round that from December 20 onwards all shacks on beaches would wind up or hotels remain closed.
The hotels and party organisers would have security arrangement in place: close circuit TVs will be installed, private security personnel in plainclothes would keep a watch on dance floors. Besides, armed policemen would be deployed at strategic points.
The general manager of Hotel Mandovi and Quarter Deck, Mr Satish Prabhu revealed that they would post armed guards. Plainclothes securitymen would mingle with the people. The hotel would install metal detector frames at entrance and exit points.
Mr Prabhu said, "We have been taking all possible steps. We would cut down on the number of visitors from 900 to 600."
The organiser of Cristal Ball in Margao, Mr Edmund Gomes informed their regular programmes would be held amidst precautionary measures.
The Clube Nacional president, Mr Tony Dias said their traditional New Year Eve dance, popularly known as Street Dance, would be held at the same spot in Panaji like before but with additional policemen and their own securitymen. The Clube too would install metal detectors frames. He said the Clube has completed all the formalities for security measures.
The organisers of Blitz Kings dance on December 25 at Emerald Lawns, Mr Joseph Pinto and Mr Menino Fernandes said that they have taken all the precautionary measures to safeguard dancers. They would barricade the entire area and install metal detector doorframes. They said no handbags would be allowed for security reasons.
A city-based decorator, who rents his electric appliances, observed that Goa is yet to see festive ambience, this year, probably because people who come to Goa every year are on tenterhooks.