To err is human
As I returned from Mumbai to Goa after celebrating the birthday of my close friend and colleague who was a teacher at Anne’s Fort, Colaba Bombay, I was shocked to know that an arrest warrant had been issued against Rev Fr Bolmax, a teacher who teaches his students not just bookish knowledge, but by example and through practical activities.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
I was informed that Rev Fr Bolmax, in one of his sermons referred to Shivaji Maharaj as a great warrior and ruler besides being a good human being who cared for his people, especially the downtrodden. However, he also said that Shivaji Maharaj is not God. This statement has hurt the sentiments of our Hindu brethren.
However, immediately on realizing his mistake, Rev Fr Bolmax apologised for the same, as who we believe in and worship is absolutely and totally a personal matter.
I would like to tell the people of Goa that Rev Fr Bolmax is a priest who is always with the people, be it Hindus, Muslims or Christians. Always ready to fight for the downtrodden without any differences as he firmly believes we are all children of God.
I can firmly say that it was never Rev Fr Bolmax’s intention to cause a divide among the Goans. However, we are all human and can sometimes unintentionally err. Let us continue to live as brothers and sisters for which the Goan community is known worldwide and given a special place in the heart of every tourist that visits Goa.
Alina Saldanha, Cansaulim
Let’s not drink and drive
Drinking and driving is a serious offence which is a matter of major concern to safeguard innocent road users, especially two wheeler riders. The recent tragic accident on Banastarim bridge is infact an eye opener for the concerned authorities to put rumblers on the road, to reduce speed and consider several other safety measures. Sadly, at times, preventive measures are implemented only after a severe accident takes place.
Probably, it could be impossible task to check drunken driving frequently, as it could be considered as a harassment and also create traffic congestion on the roads, especially during the peak hours. We, as responsible citizens need to understand that it’s always advisable to follow the traffic rules rather than putting anyone’s life in jeopardy. Evidently, the death cases on Goan roads are increasing in leaps and bounds and it’s not a good sign though. However, as in the case of Banastarim accident, it’s only the family of the departed, who feel the loss of their loved ones and this pain will linger throughout their life.
Furthermore, strict action should be taken against rash and negligent driving/stunts done by teenagers, on priority basis. Ultimately, let’s be careful on the roads and save lives.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Candolim
How to stop deaths on the road
Three innocent lives were snuffed out in a horrific accident at Banastarim after a speeding Mercedes car (of course, as usual driven by a fully drunk driver coming from an influential well-to-do local family from Goa) mowed down two two-wheelers and collided against three cars proceeding towards Ponda on Sunday evening.
Well, today the whole world knows that the root cause for most road accidents in the state is due to free availability of alcohol every few metres throughout the state of Goa.
I think that the government of the day instead of simply talking of implementing some strict laws & casually advising people to follow traffic rules (like it is doing today), to still support the liquor industry to somehow woo all the drunk domestic tourists in the state should henceforth put some strict restrictions over the sale of liquor, cut down the number of bars/wholesale liquor outlets drastically, give harsh punishment to those indulging in drunken driving and bring down the number of road accidents & save precious lives in Goa in future. Hope better sense prevail….
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Road-signs need to be discernible
It must be said that road signs play a vital role in assisting vehicular drivers to follow the traffic rules and thereby prevent accidents. The first requirement while applying for a ‘learner license’ for driving is to be familiar with the road-signs. However it is observed that in Goa many of the road signs are not properly visible. It must be said that the vehicular drivers get a split second to notice a road sign.
However the road-sign could be blocked by thick foliage or the paint may have faded due to the vagaries of nature, thereby necessitating a fresh coat of paint or a road-sign could be missing since a fallen one is not replaced. What is also vital is to have sufficient lighting near road-signs so that they are visible during night time. It is mandatory to have a street lamp within 50 meters of a road sign. A very important road-sign that needs to be visible at all times is the ‘No Entry’ sign board. A vehicle entering a ‘one way’ road from the wrong end can prove disastrous. A survey of all road-signs in the state by the authorities concerned seems necessary.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
High Court stops demolition drive
It is shocking that the Punjab and Haryana High Court had to take suo motu cognizance to stop the demolition drive in Nuh stating that without any orders or notice, the law and order problem is being used as a ruse to bring down buildings without due process established by law. Also it raises the question whether it is ethnic cleansing! Families, women and children who may have had nothing to do with the miscreants or acts of someone in their community are affected! A three storied building is demolished because their terrace was used by stone pelters, and long standing illegal shanties housing of labor working safely for years in the high rise buildings of the rich folks as seen from the TV anchors interviews at the site of sudden demolition reportedly going on for the last three days. What is worse is that some citizens watch sitting on the fence and even photograph these incidents on their mobile instead of being of some help! This is criminal and inhuman, a blatant misuse of power. Will there be an impartial investigation and accountability?
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
