Bouncers should avoid being violent
It is learnt that two bouncers employed with a nightclub in Siolim were arrested for beating up two tourists and extorting money from them. The two bouncers reportedly first snatched the car keys and then brutally assaulted the tourists with slaps, kicks and a wooden stick.
By law, a bouncer can physically engage or restrain a person as long as it’s in self-defense or in service of the protection of other patrons or staff. Many bouncers lack adequate training and might rely on physical and fighting techniques that are extremely dangerous or even life-threatening for others. Bouncers should not have a free hand and hit people on flimsy grounds. Their sheer presence should be sufficient to avoid any untoward incident.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Unfair to charge two-wheelers on ferryboats
The Goa government’s consideration on levying charges for carrying two-wheelers on ferry boats across 18 routes in the State is unfair. It is a surprise that government moved to levy charges for two-wheelers and hike in charges for four-wheelers. The ferry boat service is an essential lifeline for the islanders, connecting them to the mainland, and the government should focus on bridge construction before hike in ferry charges for two wheelers.
Moreover the consideration of ferry charges will be exorbitant and it looks that the government is fooling people in another way. The ferry service is an important mode of travel for thousands of commuters to their destination and imposing fee will cause hardship to a common man and a huge financial burden. Meanwhile, the ferry ramps need to be improved.
K G Vilop, Chorao
SIT probes are an eyewash
The investigation into the illegal mining cases has come to a standstill after the SIT constituted for the same ceased work. The five member team presently has just one member. Also it has not been provided any staff or infrastructure to facilitate the probe. This state of affairs has been prevailing for the past one year. The scam had raised much heat with the Shah Commission pegging the loss to the exchequer at Rs 35,000 crore. The SIT was constituted in August 2013 and included four inspectors and a sub inspector who were supervised by the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Of the numerous cases of illegal mining only one is left to be investigated with the rest either chargesheeted or closed, it is interesting to note that no criminal liability has been fixed and there has not been even a single conviction till date. Documents relating to the main mining lease case had been submitted to the law enforcement authorities long ago but the police contended that the papers were voluminous and required time and a dedicated team to study them to reach some semblance of conclusion. The High Court had directed the state government to register an FIR with respect to offences committed by persons responsible for illegal mining but a battery of high powered lawyers engaged by the mining barons got the Supreme Court to set aside the order. Crores of taxpayer’s money was wasted thus by the State with nary a scratch on the accused. It appears that the SIT itself was a smokescreen, simply constituted to deflect rising public anger against the rapacious mining conglomerates, who knew beforehand that nothing will come of the purported enquiry. Setting up special investigation teams is perhaps the cleverest con job perpetrated by the party in power.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Catechetical Day celebrated at Deussua
Deussua-Chinchinim Catechetical Association celebrated Catechetical day on November 5 on the theme of ‘Kuttumba tujem daiz samball’. Many activities were conducted for Catechism students, youth, elders and senior citizens. In addition to it, stage performance by four wards – groups were presented.
Everything was well presented by the Catechetical Association. The programme was compered by Ivy Ferraro, catechist and panch, under the direction and guidance of their spiritual advisor and chaplain of St Anthony’s chapel, Deussua.
Rosario Domingos Rebelo, Chinchinim
Staying fit and healthy as you age
This has reference to the report ‘Staying Fit: This octogenarian neurosurgeon proves age is just a number ……..’ (O Heraldo, November 6, 2023). That was indeed a great piece of news, of an 84-year old neurosurgeon, Dr Premanand Ramani from Ponda successfully completing the 21 km Goa Marathon. Age is just a number, it is said and Dr Ramani just proved it.
Dr Ramani’s advice to youngsters to keep running, exercise regularly and stay healthy in both mind & body is appropriate and fitting and must be taken seriously. It is also important to avoid unhealthy, fast food, which is undoubtedly having adverse effects on the health of the youngsters, which they will not realise at this stage. Easier said than done, one would say, yes that’s true. But we need to make attempts to avoid unhealthy food as far as possible.
It’s very important, to lead a healthy life, we need to start the day with prayer, thanking the Lord for his goodness.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Start grievance cell for time bound compliances
In a world of time bound compliances of every possible work which the common man in particular and other corporates and institutions need to adhere, is fraught with inordinate delays and litigations. There are no easy escape routes or getaways for the common man in getting help or from refraining paying exorbitant fines which are levied for non-compliances and paying of penalties imposed by the relevant authorities. Everything from delays of non-payment of fines not paid, renewal of driving licences, to taxes, GST, electricity and water bills, road taxes, construction licences, hospital delayed payments of fees, academic fees, all these delayed compliances come at a cost causing untold suffering, hardships, miseries inflicted upon the common man.
Many times people forget and cannot but play into the hands of these scrutinizing authorities who will spare no mercy but to nail these defaulting people by imposing hefty fines. I suggest to install a grievances cell or websites in a nearby popular common place so that it can be readily accessible wherein all such maladies are settled, from information of time bound renewals of documents to approvals, which many times people either forget or ignore.
Ashley Noronha, Fatorda
TN Guv’s against PhD for freedom fighter
After calling the Tamil Nadu government anti- freedom fighters, Governor R N Ravi has refused to give his consent to the proposal of the Madurai Kamaraj University to award an honorary doctorate to freedom fighter and veteran Communist leader N Sankaraiah who has led an impeccable life worthy of emulation by all, particularly the politicians. T N Higher Education Minister K Ponmudi, Pro-Chancellor of the University boycotted the University Convocation on this count and accused the Governor Ravi of acting as an agent of the BJP and the RSS which never respected any freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi. Governor Ravi’s refusal to honour a freedom fighter like Sankaraiah vindicates his stand.
In the circumstances, the veteran leader himself would have felt it below his dignity to receive such a coveted recognition from someone who has no respect for freedom fighters and hence, it is good that Governor Ravi refused to sign his Doctorate certificate.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
