Extortionate labour rates
Pachu Menon, Margao
With ample money to throw around and the capacity to withstand an occasional ‘economic crisis’, locals have exposed themselves to a sort of ‘extortion’ that could only be perpetrated by the most-wanted class of people – labourers, both skilled and unskilled. It used to be a contractor who would arrange for all these workers, but now the hunt for manpower has become an enormous task. However labourers from ordinary labour to master craftsmen are available at the nakka for ‘rokada’ payment. These workers are to be paid their wages at the end of the day. Prevailing rates at the nakha are usually two to three times more than official minimum wage. One is left wondering if the government is indeed being fair to the working class when stipulating wages for them. In that case, the activities being carried out at the nakkas are definitely illegal and the authorities should ensure that gullible employers are not made the victims in this unlawful ‘extortion’.
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Do we need a Governor?
Julius Carvalho, Dubai-UAE
The decision of Vanxim Villagers to meet Goa Governor Dr S S Sidhu with regard to the sale of Church property by the Goa Archdiocese will be a useless trip, since the Governor is just a figurehead in our democratic system.
With the exception of duties during Constitutional crises, as well as swearing in of ministers and High Court Judges, the Governor has little other work, apart from signing notifications and legislation into law, and overseeing the University. What the institution of Governor can do is hold up bad legislation by sending it back to the assembly or referring it to the President. But very few are up to this challenge.
There has been an ongoing debate on in the country on whether the duties of Governor could be vested in the respective state’s Chief Secretary, and this post (including the considerable expenditure it entails) could be abolished.
Catholic V/s Pentecostal
Sebastian D’Souza, Margao
This is in response to the news item ‘Conduct more teachings on Mary’ (Herald, 5 Nov). The Bishop of Chennai Rev Lawrence Dorairaj said that people are leaving the Church and joining the Pentecostal Church. The reason for leaving is, Pentecostal Churches preach salvation and those who hear are saved from the guilt of sin and are set free from rituals, traditions and customs. The Catholic Church has failed to give them proper guidance whereas Pentecostal Churches give them opportunity to know the living God. What the Bishop said pertaining to the Bible is insulting to God when he says. “Catholic Church is richer than the Bible”. The Catholic Church may be richer in worldly riches but the Bible is priceless. It is the Word of God.
Importing disease from US
Averthanus L D’Souza, Dona Paula
India definitely does not want the import of undesirable US products which pollute the food and utilities sector, and also damage our cultural heritage. The proliferation of ‘fast food’ products in India, have already been proven to be health hazards for American youth. Multinational corporations such as Monsanto Chemicals are seeking to destroy traditional organic farming practices and replace them with unnecessary and questionable products like genetically modified cotton, brinjal and other vegetables and fruits. India does not need genetically modified products from America. We are quite happy with natural products which undergo genetic modification through Nature’s own processes. India should strongly resist pressures from the U.S. to impose on us products which have been proven to be harmful for the Americans themselves.
Obama and Goa
John A. Fernandes, Margao
The article, “Oh! What a shame.” (Herald, 7 Nov) by Christina Viegas, bemoans the fact that Obama didn’t visit Goa. Her emphasis was more on Obama experiencing Goa, rather than Goans communicating with the world’s most powerful man. Goans, of course, would have been delighted to have this great friend of India in our midst. In stark contrast to Christina’s warm invitation, there was an article by Averthanus L.D’Souza (Herald, 30 Oct) in which he states that Obama should be booted out of the country. I feel that articles with such discourteous language should not be published, or else they should be edited.
Anganwadi salaries
Santa Rita, Colva
Goa government announces scheme after scheme for the welfare of pregnant mothers, Canacona victims and many others, but it is all eyewash of the Congress votebank politics. They should explain how the staff of anganwadis are paid only a part of their salaries and the next bill for payment of salaries is not even approved. It is the Anganwadi workers that really serve the poor, the village community and their health care. And this is how they are treated. No dearness allowance, no increments, no medical facilities, no pension, no provident fund and no retirement benefits. Instead these Anganwadi workers deserve a pat on their back and a fat bonus for Diwali for their hard work to the community. Where are you, my dear Chief Minister for the poor? And the minister for Social Welfare? Kednam Ut’tolo?
JoeGoaUk samaritan lens
Mario Andrew Rodrigues, Calangute/Dubai
I am very pleased to see so many pictures coming to my inbox for months from news photographer Joe who calls himself JoeGoaUk. His pictures carry a very clear message for Goans and the authorities. He always sends a message of hope that action will be taken by respective persons. He takes a lot of trouble to click these photographs and sends it all over the world absolutely free of charge. Best Wishes to Joe and many thanks for covering so many places and issues.
I will sue the minister
Michael (concerned long term tourist)
Two days ago, on the beach in broad daylight, between Colva and Benaulim, I was attacked by a pack of eight dogs. It was only by swinging my bag that I managed to fend them off and was not bitten. There are at least three large packs of dogs roaming on the Colva beach, ranging in number from eight to thirteen. I have witnessed two more such attacks. What is your tourist minister doing about this? Does he not realise that it is part of his job to monitor these things and fix them? If I am bitten by any of these dogs, I will be suing the minister personally for all costs incurred, also for pain and suffering because of his failure to do his duty. Other tourists should do the same. I am willing to bear witness that this minister is aware of the situation and has done nothing.
Irresponsible Tourism
James Moraes, Cuncolim
The Tourism Director wants to ruin our beautiful state by bringing in Chinese tourists. Uplanned tourism has already degraded us. Russian tourists have converted Goa into a drug den and a destination for land poachers. Their females have captured our hospitality industry with vulgar dancing and other activities. We still have not learned from our mistakes. Why cannot we have quality tourism? The Chinese have captured towns all around the world. If Chinese tourists enter our markets even our local manufacturing industry will be at risk.
No-go-Goa
Christine & William Sandham, Cumbria
We have been visiting Goa for the past 10 years for 2 to 3 weeks. We have made many good friends there. However, last year we found the place, especially the beaches, covered with litter. No one seems to pick anything up. The place is knee-deep in garbage. Add to that is the eyesore River Princess that no one wants to deal with and it is a wonder that Goa still has any tourists. Another reason we won’t be back is the constant hassle from taxi/tuk tuk drivers whose main aim is to rip you off. Who issues so many licenses? It is impossible to walk 10 paces without being hassled. I know others who feel the same. It will be a long, long time before we are back, sitting on a beach in Goa and reading the daily Herald.
Thank you, Herald
Vishal D’Costa, Cuncolim
Highlighting the issue of metal scrap andCuncolim power department in Civic Forum on Monday was of great help. The power department swung into action immediately to replace the hanging electric fittings and clearing the hanging trees on the electric conductors. The footpaths near Rajendra Prasad stadium have been cleared of all metal scrap. But the scrap yard at Navelim near Kuchadcar hospital is still violating the rules. I would request other readers of Herald, to also highlight the issues in their villages, however small it may be.
