SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Together, we will
It is with deep pain and sadness that we read daily about the loss of precious lives in this second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic that has hit hard our nation and our tiny state of Goa. The unprecedented surge in Covid cases and an equally baffling number of deaths is a matter of great concern and needs to be addressed with all urgency and adeptness, so as to put a stop to the mortality rate that, at the moment sadly stands highest in the country. While the call to Covid appropriate behaviour needs to be strictly adhered to by all and sundry, it is imperative and exigent on the part of those responsible to safeguard the lives of ordinary citizens, to take whatever steps necessary so as to ensure that precious lives are not lost to the ravaging pandemic.
Through the columns of your esteemed daily I wish to salute all those in the frontline of the battle against the highly contagious and deadly virus, who are bravely risking their lives in order to offer life and hope to those fallen victims to the contagion. Hats off to all those Good Samaritans who, through their gestures of kindness, solidarity and fraternal charity, bring solace, comfort and hope to the afflicted and their distressed families.
As one united family sailing together, we need to fight the decisive battle against our common enemy, for alone we can do nothing, but together we can win, and so we will.
Tomas Lobo, Aldona
Open letter to Prime Minister
Dear Prime Minister,
We are 138 crore Indians. Roughly only 3 to 4 crore Indians only pay income tax. Please allow other international vaccines to be sold in India I am sure the tax payers will buy them on their own and reduce the financial burden on the Government. Do not allow a monopoly of just two companies to be available as with their present production it will take more than 3 years to even complete the first phase of vaccinations.
Many countries have vaccinated 90 percent or more of their population and have moved ahead in their economy. Don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg that is the Indian Tax payer, who is the main contributor to your economy.
Vasant Kamat, by email
The pandemic politician
Some of us have lost our family members, close relatives and friends at a young age due to the shortfall of supplies in the pandemic of Covid-19.
The US, European Commission, Germany, Australia along other countries invested huge amounts on a potential vaccine from March 2020 onwards.
Pfizer came to India and applied for approval to produce a vaccine but we asked them for a big homework to be done, it may be justified but we did not realise that this vaccine was widely used on human beings in Europe.
Thanks to Serum Institute a private entity that signed a deal only to produce vaccines, Poonawala from a trusted community had the courtesy and foresight to include a clause of 10% production for Indians.
We were only bagging plates, becoming more Swadeshi, blaming top pharma companies as capitalist a reason could be our belief in science is being limited.
Our leaders were busy with large political meetings, religious functions and lauded Prime Minister's leadership as an "example to the world in international co-operation". it is almost after sixteen years we have been accepting international aid due to the failure of our leaders.
Today in India only one person claims to be Mr Right, all others who speak against the government are terrorist, sedition cases are filled for speaking publicly, to the extent this Mr right claims International media is false.
India should realise when people are gasping for oxygen, relying on international aid, our government failed to provide free vaccines to our people, but our richness is to build a palace to meet luxuries a selfish leader.
In Goa most of us has either seen a causality in our family/friends/ neighbourhoods it's a very sad reality but all politicians seem to be safe with probably the best of treatment. It's high time our public realises the reality that the politicians at centre & state are the biggest pandemic today.
James Moraes, Cuncolim
A call to unity
There is no need for resignation of the CM or the health minister. They are both doing a good job. If anyone needs to resign it is at the Directorate of Health. 'WHosay' so? I say so. If action had been taken as far back as four years ago the outbreak of Covid was avoidable. Further since January till April there was four months quell period during which vaccination should have been stepped up. Instead, there was vacillation.
Constant pressure is put on the CM from all quarters. He has answered wisely. Where were people when the Mandovi Bridge collapsed? The opposition is seeking to capitalize on the situation. During a crisis or a calamity unity among factions is paramount. Doctors who have worked in epidemic areas in Africa need to steer the course of action. Candidates with a Master's in Public Health can also be considered.
Recruits of erstwhile Defacto governments are proving both ineffective and unproductive.
Goa has its own healthcare institute, The GIM or Marian Institute of healthcare management. Graduates of it can be allocated voluntary positions to oversee administrative hurdles and report to the government suggestive measures.
Vinay Rodrigues, Margao
President’s rule in Goa
As per the news item on Herald dated May 13, MLA Sudin Dhavalikar has suggested President Rule in Goa. The present circumstances prevailing in Goa as regards mishandling of Covid-19 crisis and lack of unanimity between the Cabinet Ministers, has in fact has resulted in mishandling the present crisis. To add to this the politicians and the Ministers are out to take political advantage for the coming Assembly elections. To put everything in order the need of the hour is only the President Rule for a period of 6 months.
Such action was taken some years back when there was political discord among parties. It was sometime in 1980s and then elections were held. During President Rule, officers of proven abilities were allotted different task,which were ably carried out. With the result the public was satisfied an when everything normalised, it lead to fresh elections.
Here the main priority is to normalise the situation of Covind-19 and save precious life. Will the Central Government rise to the occasion and save not only the lives of Goans, but also the name of Goa a tourist hub, well known throughout world.
Antonio F. Fernandes, Arossim
The importance of families
Families are a blessing and not everyone is fortunate enough to have one. However, those who do, sometimes do not value this blessing.
Families are an integral part of one’s life. It does not matter if you have a small family or a big one. A family serves as the first school to the child where one learns about various things.
World Family Day, which is celebrated on May 15, is a day to remember. The day is also observed as the ‘International Day of Families’. This day is held annually and is a global observance. This day was founded by the United Nations General Assembly in the year, 1993.
A family that prays together, stays together. My family has always been a blessing to me in times of crisis.
Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai
