Cristãos ad nauseam
Dr. Francisco Colaço, Margao
Recently the book Into the Diaspora Wilderness by Selma Carvalho saw its grand release in Goa. An excellent book, written by an unbiased author, with facts and stories about Goa’s predominantly Cristão migration, told with élan and grace. It was sad that the occasion was used by guest orators to create a further sense of Cristão class and community divide. Such occasions ought to have been otherwise used to provide a glimpse of the past in order that we move forward with hope springing eternal in the human breast. Regrettably, as is our wont, most seized the occasion to lay stress on our differences rather than commonalities.
The article by Frederick Noronha, ‘Of Cristãos, Cristãos and Cristãos’ (Herald 13 October) may be a classic. But all too often Frederick regrettably sounds like a prophet of doom. Not that he doesn’t put the finger on the sore and focuses on legitimate concerns to be addressed. But I find him a little negative in his approach. Nevertheless Frederick’s unease and disquiet about the plight of the Goan Cristão is genuine and well-motivated.
But, it is my contention that the Goan Christian community, already fractured by its own sins of commission and omission, as well as by powerful forces from within and without, also needs once in a while a pat on the back. I am told it is predicted that Cristão community which already gropes for survival in the present milieu, will be experiencing even more difficult times in the days ahead. Perhaps a reminder that their aspirations cannot be fulfilled by a satanic socio-political order but only in the measure that they uncover the hidden treasure that lies within themselves, i.e., Christ Himself. That’s what Cristãos are for.
+++++
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Wrong birth control info
Merlyn Fernandes, Clinical Psychologist
With reference to the article ‘Which Birth Control is Right for you? (Heartbeat, Herald, 14 Oct). The research studies and figures are exclusive to the U.S., not India. The drug Depo mentioned in ‘Hormonal’ birth control has been banned in India since January 2002 after Depo-Provera was found to cause health hazards and history of abuse. Newspapers have an obligation to educate the masses with relevant information, especially related to health. Herald as the People’s Paper and should vigorously guard this.
Reject dynastic slavery
Orlando S. A. Da Silva, Carmona
Reservations for women in elections is a hard fought battle aimed at bringing changes to peoples representation, but it has resulted in career politicians proposing their sisters, daughters or spouses as candidates to replace them in constituencies reserved for women. Now that we know of their five decades of misrule and corruption geared to destroy Goa, it is time for all voters to free themselves from slavery and elect new faces. These leaders amassed huge wealth in the name of social service destroying this State. Do their offspring deserve to be elected? Whether it is the Valpoi or Municipal or Assembly elections now is the opportunity to save what is left for our children.
Great Chilean Experiment
SND Poojary, Miramar
A developing country like Chile has inked a blueprint for rescue efforts in the future. Rescuing 33 miners trapped for 69 days in a mine at the depth of around 622 meters at San Jose, Chile, is a remarkable scientific feat. The whole operation had been meticulously planned and executed. Attention was paid not just to the miners’ safety while winching them to the surface, but Phoenix, the rescue capsule was carefully examined after each trip. Cameras installed to keep track of the operations.There was no panic. This rescue mission will be a part of history.
Casinos still here! Why?
S. Kamat, Alto-Betim
Karnataka’s tourism policy bans both on-shore and off-shore casinos. If the off-shore casinos are not making money and the whole business unviable, they should have left a long time ago. Unless they are engaged in laundering black money, connections with organized crime with a legitimate business activity as a front and encouraging social depravity like gambling and prostitution. The Goa Cabinet approved the continuance of the casinos on the river, in contrast to their earlier position to move it 3 km out to sea, or at least to Aguada Bay. This implies that they are hand in glove with the above activities.
Help Pilerne Forum
Joseph Rodrigues, Mapusa
Another organization I see fast coming into prominence is the Pilerne Citizens Forum which is fighting an informed and educated battle against official illegalities. PCF activists don’t crave publicity. I know this because I have watched them closely. Presently they are to go to court against the State Election Commission for not following Election Commission of India guidelines while enrolling voter names in electoral rolls. Going to court is expensive and the PCF is struggling to raise the money for an important cause. Would law-abiding Goans who want to see a better Goa help PCF in their endeavour? I have done my bit, would you too?
Goa policemen in distress
Moon Charles Afonso, Vasco
The Goan policeman has to take a loan to pay a hefty sum for his job or have a godfather. How can he repay the loan with a paltry salary? Police work demands attention and great presence of mind at all times. Long hours, odd shifts, insufficient rest can trigger stressors leading to ill health and domestic tension. No policeman is bad; it is the bad elements of society that makes his life miserable.
GBA must widen its net
Allwyn George, Carmona
There many other issues to save Goa from, not just the Regional Plan 2021. GBA must show the people of Goa the path of enlightenment and freedom from the present politicians and other serious issues plaguing Goa other than only RP 2021. GBA must look into rampant corruption, poor education, traffic chaos, police controlled by politicians, poor housing policies and a bad health system.
Public servants are kings
Socorro D’Souza, Fatorda
Only on paper, in the book called Constitution of India is every citizen treated as equal. In reality law is for all, but public servants practice double standards. They can cover up crimes but if a citizen obstructs a public servant from performing his public duties, he becomes a criminal and is booked for each count. Police records are not based on facts, but on convenience. Evidence could be fabricated. Monetary and political considerations largely determine the fate of investigations. Public servants behave as public masters. In their crimes and actions our public servants even outdo colonial rulers.
Dempo vs Vaz = floodlights
Lucas D’Souza, Qatar Offshore/Verna
With the GFA President elections just round the corner both Dempo and Vaz are non-political persons who will work towards the betterment of Goan football. One of their first priorities should be to install new floodlights at Nehru Statium, Fatorda. Goa has lost the chance to watch good football, since many an international fixture has been cancelled due to non availability of floodlights at the stadium.
Gift to Goans
James Moraes, Cuncolim
Konkan railway plans a slew of projects in Goa worth 75 crores. The Centre threatens to withdraw national highway widening project. An expressway is forced on Goa following MPT expansion. Goa Shipyard to increase its ship building capacity. Delhi babus all set to ‘develop’ Goa. All these projects need one thing in common. Goan land. It is high time Goans drove all these projects to save our land and our identity.
Bye-Bye Public money
Elvino Rodrigues, Navelim
Bye-elections should be made very expensive for the MLAs themselves who are deliberately resigning in order to stand for re-election on the ticket of another party. A 6-year ban should be slapped on a sitting MLA who deliberately vacates his seat. Otherwise he should be made to pay all the bye-election expenses caused to the public exchequer. But will these 40 MLAs pass such a law for the people of Goa? They swiftly pass Bills to increase their salaries and perks. What is the Governor doing?
