17 Apr 2021 | 05:29am IST
Nightlife, life, livelihoods: The right choices Goans must make
The cases are increasing and a politician in the opposition has requested that nightlife in the state be stopped. This is an important part of the attraction of the state. Members of the hospitality industry expressed varying positions
Ajit John
The numbers
are rather
distressing. They
seem to be climbing higher everyday without fail in Goa. And still there seems
to be no steps put in place to ensure testing and vaccinations are conducted in
a more aggressive manner. Concerned by the state of affairs, the Congress MLA
Reginaldo Lourenco appealed to the government to stop all nightlife in the
state. He also asked as to what was the reason parties were being allowed in
the night without anyone paying heed to social distancing. A valid point
undoubtedly but what did the members of the hospitality industry have to say
about it.
In an industry where
everyone is more than willing to voice their opinion unabashedly it was a bit
surprising to have to entertain requests from people willing to speak but off
the record. The owner of a bar based in Calangute which is a hotspot on that
strip said it would be better if the authorities stopped people on the border
and tested them. He said “The authorities should set the systems in place at
the border, test the people and then take a call. Yes, the numbers are increasing
by the day but then are they visitors or locals. If it is visitors then a call
ought to be taken about how the situation can be handled. Now people under 45
are being affected by the new variant. Members of the political class can make
statements but it has to be based on fact. ”
The owner of a Bar
and restaurant in Candolim who has been operational since the 90’s said he had
shut operations because of the virus but was shocked to see pubs around still
open and packed. He said “None of them wear masks or maintain social distancing
and hence it is not surprising to learn of the dramatic increase in the number
of cases. The owners are aware that this could cause a problem but everyone is
busy counting the money they are earning. I have to remain off the record
because I know they will assault me if this quote is recorded against my name.”
The owner of a beach
cafe said he would abide by the government’s decision to avoid any hassles with
anyone. Efforts to contact owners of prominent pubs proved futile as phone
calls were not answered.
Shekhar Salkar, Consultant Oncologist at Manipal hospital said
it just did not make sense to blame the nightlife. He said “Is there nightlife
in Bicholim, how do you explain the 150 cases today in this place. It is
because of Shigmo and similar activities. You cannot stop nightlife and allow
these activities. People have to learn covid appropriate behavior. You either
stop all activities or you allow everything to continue and hope Goa people
behave appropriately. It does not make sense to blame nightlife.”
Like him there were other seasoned operators who did not feel
the need to go offline. Nilesh Shah President TTAG said it was difficult to
comment but it was important to remember that tourism was at an all time low
because of the restrictions. He said “Even though Maharashtra has imposed
restrictions the numbers of cases are increasing. The number of vaccinations
has increased but that does not seem to have any effect. The industry will
stand by the government decision because if we don’t, it will be the downfall
of the industry.
Savio Messias, former Head of TTAG and hotelier felt that
caution ought to be exercised by the clubs otherwise it made sense to stop
nightlife. He said “They have to ensure the sops are in place. The situation is
getting out of hand. I feel the people should exercise caution and announce a
lockdown and not go out at night. People have to show more responsibility.”
One can only hope the light at the end of the tunnel will be
seen at the earliest because the alternative situation could be very dire.
