SUNDAY, MAY 05, 2024
Avoid major projects in Goa
In this lockdown period due to the spread of COVID-19 cases the government should avoid pushing major projects like Mopa airport, double rail tracking, Regional Plan and instead this money could be utilised for testing people for the virus and making Goa COVID-free.
Currently, the people can’t voice their grievance on the destruction of the environment, damage to their houses, due to restrictions imposed by the government to control the COVID-19 spread. The senior people who are well versed to raise objections are restricted to their houses due to the fright of getting infected. The money reserved for this major project could be utilised to make Goa free from the COVID virus. And later, with people’s views, these major projects could be implemented. In the present time, giving unemployment allowance to the youth and medical benefits and essential food items to the poor would bring great smiles on the face of the people in these difficult times.
Gerardo Fernandes, Cansaulim
COVID-related dog bites cases
It has been reported in Herald (July 6) that an action plan is required to tackle the increasing cases of dog bites in North Goa, particularly in the coastal belt of Bardez. There might also be unreported incidents of such cases in South Goa, especially in the coastal areas. The origin of the menace of stray dogs in coastal areas is evidently the prevalence of beach shacks. Canine loving tourists used to feed the stray dogs on the beaches. Therefore, it can be said that the prevailing COVID19 pandemic and the absence of tourists has also affected the stray canine population on various beaches of Goa.
These stray dogs have now started hunting around in packs in the interior of villages in search of food. Whenever they see chickens and piglets, they pounce upon them, tear them to pieces and hungrily devour them or simply run away with their hapless prey. In these extraordinary times, many wage earners have lost their means of livelihood due to loss of jobs, cut in salaries, etc. One can imagine the plight of the helpless owners of these domestic pet victims, who rear them in limited quantities either to eke out their livelihood or supplement their meagre income.
Recently, in Arossim, one household lost four piglets to these hungry canines, causing them considerable mental anguish. It is probable, if not impossible, that sooner or later these stray dogs may start biting human beings. An action plan to tackle this canine menace on a war footing is the need of the hour.
Rosario S. Fernandes, Arossim
Those living in containment zone need help
In a gesture evoking widespread appreciation, the Vasco Vegetable Market Vendors’ Association distributed free 6-kg vegetable packets to 820 houses in the Mangor Hill containment zone. It is understood that this containment zone is to continue for 15 more days. The association also plans to distribute similar packets to houses in other containment zones in the port town of Vasco which has three such zones in all. Several areas in the State have been declared as containment zones. People living in these areas could be undergoing a lot of problem for no fault of theirs. They may not be able to buy essential commodities from the market since they are not allowed to move out of the containment zone. The government could be supplying only rice and dal to these people which is grossly inadequate. They also need vegetables, milk and other essential foodstuff. Those living here are mostly daily-wage earners who are not able to go looking for work. Hence some of those in the containment zone at Zuarinagar were seen taking an alternative route to come out of the zone. It seems necessary for citizens, shop-keepers and vendors from the neighbouring locality to come to the aid of those living in the containment zone by arranging to supply them essential foodstuff free of cost just like gesture shown by the vegetable vendors from Vasco.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Comprehensive approach
The opening words of the DG of WHO at the July 1, media briefing stressed that the fastest way out of this pandemic is to follow science and do what we know works – the comprehensive approach.
Find, isolate, test and care for every case, trace and quarantine every contact, equip and train health workers and educate and empower communities to protect themselves and others. Not testing alone. Not physical distancing alone. Not contact tracing alone. Not masks alone. Do it all. He lamented that some countries have resorted to a fragmented approach.
He praised Italy and Spain for bringing their epidemics under control with a combination of leadership, humility, active participation by every member of society, and implementing a comprehensive approach. He further stated that no matter what the status of a country now, this approach can control the epidemic. Lifting of restrictions would result in flare-ups but the comprehensive approach would win. WHO is holding a second research and innovation forum by bringing together 1000 scientists. It takes a brave man to counter the WHO approach. Science requires testing before implementation. Can a person with a negative test still be negative after 48hours? Has this scientific validity? We can test the same.
R Fernandes, Margao
Spiritual lessons
Kudos to Dr Francisco Colaco on his article ‘God on trial and Fr Scalan’s Prophecy’. So realistic to the present scenario. There is no doubt that God wants all of us human beings, to regain our spiritual lives. Greed, money, and material possessions and power have dominated our lives. This pandemic has spared no country in the world. As Colaco rightly says, ‘God often uses painful and difficult circumstances to get our attention’. Let’s open our hearts and minds to His presence, reach out to the less fortunate and live in harmony with other human beings and nature.
Fatima Jaques, Candolim
“M S Dhoni, number 7...” new cricket anthem
Indian cricket buffs and millions of Dhoni fans around the world have begun singing the new cricket anthem , a beautiful foot tapping number - "M S Dhoni number seven ...." sung energetically by West Indies cricket all rounder Dwayne Bravo dedicating the song to one of the greatest Indian cricket captain ever, on his birthday. Bravo's song for Dhoni has already gone viral in social media. Bravo's lyrics beautifully depict the real life story of a small town boy, who braved all odds to become one of the greatest captains our nation has seen. The lyrics, the punch lines and the scenes with a foot tapping music well tuned are a treat to hear and watch. Dhoni, as the song depicts, is truly one of the greatest cricketer in modern times and the most successful Indian skipper, who has won every major ICC trophy in all formats and is the only captain to do so. The song as Bravo says is for a man, who really redefined modern cricket be it captaincy, wicket-keeping, batting and field arrangement. Besides, the influence and support that Dhoni gave for his playmates is also well-known. The song also shows how sports bonds humans together and especially during trying times like now with the pandemic depriving everyone of sports and entertainment. The song comes as an energiser and packed with hope, optimism, heroism, bravery and achievements.
M Pradyu, Kannur
