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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR dated Sept 27, 2025
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR dated Sept 27, 2025

Uncategorized September 26, 2025 , by

IMPORTANCE OF FREE SPEECH THE recent return of Jimmy Kimmel Live in the USA has once again highlighted the vital role that free speech plays in any thriving democracy. Late-night shows like Kimmel’s are more than just entertainment; they are platforms where satire, criticism, and humor converge to question authority and reflect public sentiment. In the United States, this tradition underscores the democratic ideal that no public figure or institution should be beyond scrutiny.
From an Indian perspective, this is especially significant. Our own democracy, too, rests on the foundation of free expression guaranteed by our Constitution. Yet, we have often witnessed comedians, artists, and journalists being censured or silenced when their words displease the powerful. Kimmel’s return reminds us that in a healthy democracy, dissent and humor should not merely be tolerated but celebrated as expressions of collective thought.
India, with its vibrant democratic ethos, must continue to safeguard such freedoms. Voices of satire and criticism, whether on stage, screen, or social media, should not be stifled but encouraged as a sign of strength, not weakness. If democracy is to be meaningful, it must provide space for both applause and disagreement.
The revival of Jimmy Kimmel Live is thus not just an American event but a timely reminder for democracies everywhere – including ours – that free speech is the cornerstone of liberty.
— Vedant Prabhu, Govekar Vaddo, Kuttali, south Goa.

GOA’S UNREGULATED GAMBLING
GOA’S gambling lobby, deliberately or accidentally unregulated at the moment, is an invitation to transnational crime syndicates. I’ve cc’d Ghadi Waly (Executive director, UNODC), Catherine De Bolle (Executive Director, EUROPOL), Mark Shaw (director, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized crime) and Robert Muggah (co-founder, Igarape Institute) as the above were all speakers at a conclave titled “the evolving face of transnational organized crime.” I’m referencing an excerpt from the presser:
“…Crime levels are rising and a threatening global security, yet organized crime continues to be treated narrowly as a law enforcement issue. As a result, approaches to disrupting organized crime remain fragmented, reactive and under-resourced.”
Goa’s law and order is a cause for serious concern, the UNODC had warned that unregulated legal casinos, corruption and bad governance are telltale signs of transnational crime infestation in the region.
A dodgy Indian PEP was arrested a few weeks ago on money laundering charges. His casinos had smashed watered down gambling laws earlier. It must be noted here that Goa doesn’t have an official gambling commission as yet, despite institutionalized corruption and decades of state-sponsored narco-tourism. The link below is concordant with the $2.2 billion Singaporean money laundering ring.
(https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/veerendra-puppy-karnataka-ed-probe-payment-gateway-10244241/)
(https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/new-draft/rules-empower-gaming-commissioner-to-monitor-casinos-aarticleshow/123461291.cms)
(https://www.newindianexpress.com/citries/hyderabad/2025/june/08/telangana-narcotics-bureau-cracks-goa-drug-money-lauandering-network-seizes-rs-50-lakh-cash-hidden-in-washing-machine)
The local news has touched on the seemingly innocuous closure of a lottery. In reality, it is anything but. The firm in question has been linked to numerous criminal acts, agencies that monitor transnational crime will definitely see red flags here. The last article is an alarming account from Texas, USA. Goa’s gambling regulatory lapses seem tailor-made for such scams to bear fruit.
I’d like to ask the force majeure cc’d here to come together and do the needful. Goa’s future generations depend on speedy intervention from international law enforcement agencies. Goa is spiraling into the hellish Laos-Laukkaing orbit, while roping in a renowned consultant like Spectrum would anchor our little state to Singapore’s respectability.
I’m doing my best to pre-empt crimes that make it into international news. Goa felt for the families of murdered British teenager Scarlett Keeling and Irish globetrotter Danielle McLaughlin, they suffered terribly because our lawmakers dropped the ball back then.
— Chris Fernandes, Goa 403001

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