Is Goa losing
its charm?
In ancestral Goa, life was beautiful, susegad (easy going), undisturbed, peaceful and people lived in the serenity of nature. Goenkars were hailed as loving, affectionate and praised for their hospitality. Our villages depicted a unique life with people living in Portuguese era houses, neighbors reaching out to one another in times of need. Our beaches were wide open and accessible to the local crowds visiting for holidays, hangouts or family picnics. Beat Groups in summer were the attractions for youngsters and a few shacks here and there and mostly foreigners seen sunbathing added to Goa's attraction. But not now anymore with only lingering memories to reflect back on the past.
Today Goa has become a mess, particularly, as one points out, with over unplanned developments. Add to that the present day scenarios with politicians seeking media publicity over any issue to credit themselves in the doings and some ill-minded groups seeking to disrupt the communal harmony Goans have upheld since ancestral times. With life now becoming a pain in the neck, most Goans in their senior years wonder and say: where's my Goa, 'mhojem Goyem khuim asa' that the next coming generation may see and remember us.
Ayres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo
Rising issue of rental
car accidents in Goa
The recent surge in accidents involving rental cars in and around Goa is deeply concerning. On Sunday at around 10:20 am, a second accident occurred near the Mahalaxmi Temple in Siolim and i immediately contacted the Anjuna Police Station to request assistance, but despite repeated calls from multiple onlookers, no officers arrived. It took almost 45 minutes for a police vehicle to reach the site from Anjuna, and even then, it arrived without an alcohol breathalyzer. It is disheartening to see that the authorities often appear only to facilitate compromises, rather than properly recording the scene of the accident and investigating the potential causes. These investigations could then be presented to the State Road Safety Committee or the RTO, offering valuable suggestions for improving safety for everyone.
The current approach sends a troubling message to tourists: "Enjoy, drink, and drive recklessly. As long as you bribe the right people, you can avoid the consequences." This laissez-faire attitude must change. I strongly urge the authorities to ensure that all accidents, whether minor or major, are properly documented, as this data is essential for identifying trends and causes. Drunk driving, unlicensed driving, failure to obey traffic rules, missing signage, and poor road engineering should all be thoroughly recorded. This is the only way to foster genuine road safety in Goa and across India.
As our local MLA has mentioned, tourists come to Goa for enjoyment, which often includes drinking. However, if we continue to allow rental cars to be easily accessed by young tourists, many of whom prioritise partying over safety, we are only putting the lives of innocent locals at risk. I propose that rental cars be restricted to individuals aged 45 and above, as we often see groups of young people, between 18 and 35, hiring vehicles for reckless roadshows. Instead, tourists should be encouraged to hire taxis or use app-based services for their own safety, as well as the safety of others.
I urge the government and the transport department to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders and take decisive action. Enough is enough. Let us work towards making Goa a safer place for all road users.
Gregory E D'Souza, Siolim
Goa govt's
'extension raj'
Recent reports reveal that 45 government officers have been granted extended tenures from January 2022 to the present. This practice not only makes them subservient but also denies deserving senior officers the opportunity to reach the top positions. The government should consider alternative solutions, such as raising the retirement age from 60 to 65, to address this issue.
Officers who have reached the pinnacle of their careers, hoping to be considered for senior positions, are now left disillusioned. The situation also sends a negative message to younger officers. Extending the tenures of certain individuals deprives competent officers, who are eligible to serve, of valuable opportunities. This approach does not inspire confidence in the system or
convey the right message to the wider administration.
One can imagine the frustration of senior officers, who are qualified to serve in top positions but are instead forced to wait for superannuation. The unchecked powers of the executive only serve to demoralise the officers. These extensions are being perceived as violations of service rules and have a demotivating effect. Offering annual contract-like extensions further perpetuates the impression that the government believes no one else is qualified, casting doubt on the competence of the entire department.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Will the govt stand
with Uday Bhembre?
The late night intimidation and disturbance by the controversial Bajrang Dal to Goa Opinion Poll Icon Uday Bhembre was condemned by many Goans and many Goans including (non ruling party) politicians visited him to extend support!
However, the disappointment is that none of the ruling Minsters/MLA’s have come to his defence or for that matter visited him to show solidarity! If the latter does not happen, it only proves the suspicion that the Bajrang Dal has the open support of the Goa government!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva