‘Bermuda Triangle’
of world cricket?
South Africa yet again proved why they are called ‘chokers’ in the ICC tournaments. After starting the T20 World Cup 2022 tournament with a couple of wins, including against the strong Indian side, the Proteas lost the last two games on the trot to go tumbling out of the tournament. The humiliating loss to the minnows Netherlands in particular will haunt the South Africans forever. Succinctly put, the Men in Orange have truly delivered peels of afflictions on the Proteas.
Psychologically, as much South Africa wants to remove its unwanted tag of ‘chokers’, it will keep weighing more heavily in the players’ minds. Perhaps, no other sporting nation in the world than South Africa can explain how cruel sports can be at times. South Africa have always fielded world-beaters at their disposal, and the game’s pundits hailing them as favourites to win ICC world cup tournaments has been a pre-ritual. Yet, after seven world cup appearances, the Proteas failing to emerge victorious might well be called the Bermuda Triangle of world cricket.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Protectionism and abiding by WTO
Turbulent times await the world if protectionism continues to rule the roost and abiding by WTO norms are side-lined. Although all countries are facing tough times due to the current geo-political scenario, still it would be prudent for all countries to stop the practice of promoting its own industrial products and services at the expense of curbing competition by levying high import duties and subsidising goods which might be cheaper to import.
Fair competition should be the norm and relaxation of protectionism will definitely bring about a measure of comfort and thus less tension between countries as well as a more conducive atmosphere for business worldwide. If goods and services of equivalent quality is cheaper if imported, fair import duty should be imposed.
However, definite proof of better quality thus justifying a higher price should be considered as a reason good enough to stimulate the trade in merit based technologically higher grade of quality goods and services.
If the World Trade Organisation tenets are followed, the world could still weather these difficult times and emerge stronger from the bitter experiences of the pandemic and geo-political tensions. Any way in these times of high inflation, cheaper goods and services should be considered as a positive sign. Rules based trade should be followed by all countries without discrimination.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Recruitment through SSC welcome
The Chief Minister’s statement of conducting recruitment to government jobs henceforth through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is welcome. However, the SSC should not be a mere farce and recruitment must happen only through merit based competitive computer-based examination. An example here is of the Staff Selection Commission which conducts recruitment to Class “C” posts of the Central Government.
Sadanand Raikar, Colva
Naming the
Mopa Airport
I would like to bring to your attention that as per my suggestion, I strongly believe that the new international/greenfield airport at Mopa should be named after St Francis Xavier (also known as Goencho Saib).
The reason behind why this airport should be named is because he was a great Catholic missionary who travelled to India in 1543 with the Viceroy of Goa. His main responsibility was to share the Christian faith and the Good News of Jesus with the people of Goa, the Spice Islands, Japan, and other Asian nations.
On the feast day, hundreds of followers come to Goa to pray to St Francis from all around the State, the nation, and the world. Huge quantities of food and beverages are made available to the general public, and the park adjacent to the church is transformed into a picnic area where people can gather and participate in a variety of enjoyable activities.
I request the concerned authorities to take this matter of naming the Mopa Airport very seriously.
Leander Chris D’Souza, Candolim
Mopa should be
named by Goans
Amid the naming of Mopa airport, it is reported in the local newspapers that CM Dr Sawant has formally painted in row the names of like the first Chief Minister (late) DB Bandodkar and the (late) Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and final touches will be given by the Centre (Delhi).
Centre (Delhi) Mode Government has formed with a mandate of the people for 5 years, so also Goa, Dr Sawant Government is the representative of the people, for the people and by the people.
Mopa is in Goa, and naming it should be the priority of the Goa’s soil people’s blessing and wishes.
Babluis Pereira, Pomburpa
Ms Fadnavis shuns
traffic pilot
Hats off to Ms Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, for shunning traffic pilot that would have ensured hassle-free and smooth rides for her in Mumbai. The increase and decrease in security cover provided to several politicians is based on threat perception and is vetted by the State Intelligence Department.
When Ms Fadnavis was informed of the decision she tweeted that she wished to live like a common citizen of Mumbai and requested not to provide the pilot clearance. With her statement the lady has endeared herself to the public. Wish there are more people like her who will shun such services provided free by the government, even if they have no threats.
Why should politicians or their family fear if they have not done anything wrong since they claim themselves to be ‘social workers’ and are working in the interest of the citizens?
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Fire may turn Sonsoddo
into an inferno
In the past, several fire incidents have been reported at the Sonsoddo garbage dump. The personnel of the fire department were kept on their toes as they had to respond urgently to several distress calls due to fire breaking out at the site. Till now the fire-fighters have been able to control the fires. However, there is every possibility of a fire incident at the dump going out of control and turning the waste site into an inferno thereby causing widespread damage and a major air pollution issue.
The methane gas escaping from the dump makes the legacy waste highly combustible. It is learnt that residents as far as one kilometre away have complained of odour of methane gas in the air late in the evenings. With the South West monsoon having receded, the rise in the temperature is leading to loss of moisture in the dump and an increase of methane gas being released.
A small spark will be sufficient to start a major fire. One often sees smoke billowing from the waste at various points. The government needs to find a lasting solution to the Sonsoddo garbage dump issue. Temporary measures to stop fire incidents, by covering the waste with a few inches of mud so as to cut out any oxygen supply to the waste, will not suffice.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
