Ominous warning signs
Pradip Kamat, Atlanta, USA
I hope the old, corrupt, self-serving, and foolhardy politicians are closely watching the non-political revolution in Egypt. Egyptians are coming together due to common issues such as corruption, nepotism and dictatorial policies of the regime.
Indian people regardless of political affiliation are tired of rising prices, cataclysmic wealth accumulation by corrupt politicians, land grabbing, delaying of infrastructure development, pollution and appalling conditions of living.
Politicians and their self-serving policies undermine our fragile democracy, create vote banks, stall reform, fix prices, provide subsidies to their vote bank that leads to unfair market practices. Politicians beware. This will be a people’s movement not supported by any political party, but a common goal of freedom, and selfless government of the people, by the people and for the people.
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Goa’s death knell
Maurice Braganza, Parra
I was in for a rude shock when I read the Chief Minister’s announcement that the government had received over 600 applications for operating of mines in Goa.
Rampant mining will destroy the beauty and agriculture of Goa forever. Just imagine the green hillsides of Goa, pock marked with large gaping holes.
The government in power should not get blinded by the short term royalty gains and miss the larger picture of a healthy lifestyle of rural Goa and its agricultural practices, marred by mining. When we preserve and protect nature, we will get the same in return.
Promises going haywire
James Moraes, Cuncolim
We have the Regional Plan 2021 favouring the mining lobby, hoteliers and industrialists by way of eco-tourism and micro hubs, the police-drug nexus, a brutal beating that led to death of a Goan in police custody, land scams, ordinances, influx of migrants, pollution of virgin beaches, forced mega housing projects, MPT expansion plans, flaws in CRZ regulations and corruption spreading everywhere in government departments.
CM confirms that eco-tourism hubs are earmarked to create local employment, boost economy and stop migration. The present hotels, industries and even the electronic city employ maximum migrants as employees. But where are the locals?
With law makers and breakers ever present, even the Opposition parties cannot be relied upon. God save us.
Existence of Confrarias
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
The traditional institutions of confraternities are being slowly extinguished and are losing its charm and utility.
If those in authority feel that this vestige appendix of historical origin no longer serves useful purpose, or is irrelevant and redundant, then a collective decision will avoid the controversial decision being held hostage at the discretion and whims and fancies of a few. The confraternities seem to have outlived their purpose.
Disaster looms large
Marcos Alemao by email
It is too much for the common man under Congress rule at the centre. If the government at the Centre continues under Sonia Gandhi, PM Manmohan Singh and the Finance Minister (FM), the cost of petrol and diesel will reach Rs100 per litre. The aam admi has been hit below the belt. Those in power do not feel any pinch when the cost of living rises every now and then, because they get everything at government’s cost. If the cost of petrol/diesel is more than international levels, then why doesn’t FM Pranab Mukherjee cut the taxes imposed on petrol and diesel in the country?
Kudos108 emergency service
Clifford Z Fernandes, Dubai
I am, indeed, overwhelmed and thank the dial 108 Emergency services who were prompt and very efficient in their service. We had an emergency on 31 Jan ‘11 from Chimbel and their turn around time was just 15 minutes. This is unbelievable, yet true. Many thanks to the team Ragendra (Jettu) and Miss Evita. Keep up the good work 108.
Sulabh toilets
Justin Fernandes, Panjim
Well done Digubab, for inaugurating the first air-conditioned toilet in Margao. It’s a great achievement for the Congress government in Goa. However, they are not in a position to solve or tackle any burning issues facing the common people.
It will be a novel idea if our corrupt government constructs 40 airconditioned toilets in every constituency.
Idiotic driving sense
Des McLeish Calangute / London
I would implore you to refrain from referring to deaths and injuries on Goan roads as ‘mishaps’ in your otherwise excellent newspaper.
The definition of a mishap is an unlucky accident, whereas it must be clear to any observer that these deaths and injuries result mainly from the apparent obsession of all road users in Goa, to get from A to B at the fastest possible speed, with no regard for their safety and that of others.
A more appropriate phrase, perhaps like ‘idiotic and senseless waste of life’ would be suitable. The Herald which is reputed in campaigning for justice, should also campaign for road safety.
Road rage maniacs
Merlyn Fernandes, Sao Jose de Areal
In Goa, an initial driving test uses a computer generated program to assess the learner’s knowledge of various road signs. However, the driving test fails to assess the learner’s hazard perception skills and temperament, the two important things needed for safe driving. The accident rate in Goa is very high, thanks to the maniacs on the road who are neither assessed for their hazard perception skills nor temperament. A competent driver is skilful at basic manoeuvres, obeys traffic laws and has respect for life and property. All these elements are crucial for a complete driving training lesson/s to be made aware of the rules of the road.
Attire satire
Augustus Alphonso, Vasco/Kuwait
The letter by Duane P Coutinho (Herald, 31 Jan) entitled ‘I will protest’ is a good example of how people defend their own philosophy in life. She has said that people don’t foolishly ape anything. Does she know how vulnerable Goan youth are to western trends? Does she know of the various consequences arising due to drug addiction? I believe that practically only ‘one’ in ten parents will think in such a liberal way, as she does. The West has influenced some of my closest friends in Candolim. The letter ‘No respect’ by Maria – Calangute of even date, says it all on dress attire. I, however, respect Duane’s individuality but I did not fully blame the Europeans, only partly. It seems appropriate that tourists adhere to the saying ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ In doing so, at least some semblance can be made out of the attire confusion.
Road to justice
P L Fernandes, Old Goa
The headlines in your newspaper ‘Cipriano: Killed by khaki’ (Herald, 29 Jan) speaks of the efforts of your newspaper in bringing out the gory details and sequences leading up to his death, without fear. It also shows the integrity of two important reports (1) Of the Head of Forensics at the GMC Dr Dias Silvano Sapeco and (2) SDM Sabaji Shetye, who needs to be applauded as upright, fair, and unbiased, in my opinion. Hats off to all of you.
This will emphasise that the rule of law must be obeyed and no one should be above law. That nothing is hidden, that will not come to light. Everyone should realise that, sooner or later, the law and justice catches up with the offenders. In this case, it will be delivered and should be wound up soon.
Rape of Arpora hill
Dr Flora Miranda, Panjim
Arpora was a beautiful village in the 1980s. We grew fruit like papayas, chickoos, custard apples, guavas etc. After Nilaya was built on the summit, others also started building, mostly from Delhi.
Animals that lived on the hill are now displaced. Pythons devour fowls. Wild bees make nests and sting people.
Does the government have a solution to our woes?
Migrants seem to both acquire and destroy Goa, while our government is in deep slumber. People’s initiative is desired to save Goa for posterity.
