Israel’s brutality is unlawful
In William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, Shylock, the Venetian moneylender who had publicly been abused by Antonio for his Jewish identity, insisted on a pound of latter’s flesh after he defaulted on the loan. Though Shylock’s revenge seeking attitude could not be supported but one might have had sympathy for him judging the humiliation he had to face.
Given it was European Christians who killed 6 million Jews in the Holocaust, Israel’s brutality and oppression on 15 million Palestinians for decades in unlawful occupied Palestinian lands is not even a Shylock like case of a victim becoming oppressor.
Israel must vacate their occupation in accordance with the two-state solution of the 1993 Oslo Accords.
Sujit De, Kolkata
Burning garbage affects air quality
It is learnt that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will present a report on the quality of air on the eve of Diwali soon. It is learnt that the air quality of the state was being monitored as two vehicles have been stationed to monitor the pollution. One has been stationed at Panaji and another at Margao. Besides this, there are reportedly 16 manual air-monitoring stations the data of which are to be analysed.
In Goa, there is not much stubble burning which can lead to air pollution. Narkasur is observed by burning effigies of the demon king which could, to some extent, have affected the quality of air. However, burning of Narkasur is a one-day event while burning of garbage takes place on a regular basis which can affect the quality of air. It is learnt that the burning of waste in public spaces continues in Margao Municipal Council (MMC) jurisdiction despite citizen groups raising concern with regards to environmental and air pollution.
There could be many people in the state who regard burning of dry waste as the easiest way to get rid of it. At times fire breaks out at the garbage dumps which goes on for several days. Garbage burning could be the prime reason for deterioration of air quality in the state which needs to be stopped by the authorities.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Drunk drivers should be jailed for life
An innocent 57-year-old Goan lady was killed on the spot when a Pune native drove his car at top speed into the premises of the victim’s resort at Vagator, knocked her down and killed her instantly
Many domestic tourists come here to consume unlimited cheap alcohol, do drugs, attend late night rave parties, loiter around like roadside vagabonds and create nuisance on our roads in the name of enjoying their weekly holidays in Goa.
They have not fear of the law and get away with anything and everything.
They think that Goa is a lawless state due to which they can openly do and get away with almost anything after paying bribes to the cops.
The authorities concerned should put such irresponsible people behind bars for life to show that we Goans don’t tolerate such lawless behaviour.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Control stray dog population
Recently a Spanish tourist was attacked and mauled by a pack of dogs as she was taking a stroll at the Rajbagh beach in Canacona. In Bhatlem government quarters and surrounding areas, many strays chase two wheelers and often knock down the riders. With local governing bodies do nothing to curb the population of strays, dog lovers keep feeding them by the roadside.
The population is growing and packs of canines keep chasing and attacking humans. Time the authorities check the stray dog population from multiplying and also ask the owners to compulsorily register their pets.
The civic bodies should also ban people from feeding strays on public roads and footpaths.
The Supreme Court order of 2001 clearly states that it is the responsibility of the civic agencies to control the population of stray dogs by spaying them.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Clear menace of street dogs on Goan roads
The menace of stray dogs on the Goan roads has taken a severe toll on the daily lives of locals as well as tourists. The barking and obstruction by dogs has often caused terrible accidents and it’s expected to continue in future. Though they may be vaccinated, the trouble has not ceased. A moderate to high growth has been seen in the number of stray dogs causing problems to road users. A proper plan of action should be drawn up to deal with the annoyance by ways such as vaccinating, sterilization and transfer to animal care homes.
Another way out, can be to make stringent guidelines against feeding stray dogs. Taking proper initiatives and executing a plan of action will be a source of relief for the common people.
Doretta Mary De Souza, Curca
Antonio Costa is an upright politician!
Ex Portugal PM Senhor Antonio Costa shockingly tendered his resignation to President Marcelo Rebello de Souza last week. He was of Goan origin hailing from Margao where he has his ancestral house on the Abade Faria Street and his cousin Anna Costa and her family still resides there, which he had visited in 2017.
An upright politician who was the former mayor of Lisbon, then became Prime Minister winning elections 2009, 2013 & 2015, with stunning mandates in electoral majorities. He slashed his country’s high debt to unleash the greatest growth in decades, when the old industrial revenue sectors were in a dwindling phase.
He became the most admired Western leader for his political statesmanship and acumen and striking business deals with EU. His alleged resignation comes on the allegations of concessions given in Lithium mining contracts, green hydrogen fuel plants, data processing centres worth billions of EU investments, which are not, allegedly, proven yet.
He says his conscience is clear of any illicit or reprehensible acts and is not averse in living upto incriminating laws in the country, which he’s confident of coming out clean.
|Moreover he is the foremost EU socialist party candidate who will contest the EC President next November when the term of the current president expires. The essence of his political prowess in maneuvering through difficult situations when his cabinet colleagues were mired in controversies is commendable.
He was instrumental in pushing his country’s deals in the new energy sectors, like lithium, hydrogen, procuring huge investments and deals, procuring staggering finances for the cash strapped nation. Goans living abroad from Africa to Europe and Americas have made a mark and brought laurels, having risen the ranks and elevated the indelible precursor of remarkable Goan identity and entrepreneurial spirit worldwide with honesty and mercurial abilities.
Ashley Noronha, Fatorda
