Humanitarian police official
The humanitarian gesture of the Superintendent (Crime Branch) Bossuet Silva to stop his vehicle whilst on his way to office and alight from it on Zuari bridge to attend to a self accident victim of a two wheeler to save his life whilst also clearing the traffic congestion as reported in Herald dated 09/11/2021 is to be highly appreciated as commendable approach of a high ranking police official showing utmost concern towards humanity.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
With such a good samaritan act done by the head of a Crime Branch of Goa Police, displays that there still remains a certain degree of care and concern towards a fellow human being whilst discharging their duty to unearth crime. At present it brings forth that there exists some light in the dark clouds of police brutality and custodial deaths the people in our country that are subjected to whilst opposing farm laws and also anti-environment projects at the hands of politically motivated brutal police force .
Goa is in need of such broad thinking police o like Silva in order to reform criminals and set them on the right path to improve the law and order situation which seems to be deteriorating due to rise in crimes of pick pocketing/chain snatching committed by habitual offenders.
Rui Ferreira, Panjim
Innovative ways to protest road condition
The Goa government had set a deadline of November 1 to repair all potholed roads which appeared an almost impossible task. It seems necessary to set realistic deadlines which can be met with. Not keeping up the promises only gives fodder to the opposition parties and brings a sense of dismay among the public.
Several potholed roads still exist in the State and it will be some time before all the potholes are filled. Citizens have come up with innovative ideas to protest against roads with craters. In the past some dancers made videos of dance sequences in the potholes and posted it on Social Media. Plants and saplings are planted in the potholes in order to draw attention of the authorities concerned. A few days back members of a political party protested against the potholed roads by lying down on them.
The protesters were quickly rounded up by the police. On Monday members of the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress highlighted the government’s failure to replenish the dilapidated roads by lighting candles in potholes at Taleigao and Siolim.
At least now the concerned authorities should take note of the protests and complete the road repair work at the earliest.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Choose wisely, talk responsibly
This is apropos to Ajit John’s “Everyone is Talking now….” (Herald 09-11-2021). It is heartening to note that households, offices, traffic junctions, restaurants and WhatsApp groups across Goa are discussing politics. Goa is gearing up to go to the polls. Goans are consciously aware that Goa assembly elections are round the corner. And, that Goans are expected to show the might of his/her votes and take a decision that is cast in stone for next five years.
I hope that better sense prevails during these impromptu discussions on politics and upcoming elections. I pray that the voter of Goa chooses his/her elected representatives wisely and participates in the biggest festival of democracy to place her future and future of Goa in the hands of responsible, smart and honest candidates who will work for the betterment of Goa.
Gafaar Shaqoor, Margao
Team India suffering from burnout
The IPL has produced good players. But not playing in the IPL has produced a great team! I am referring to India and Pskistan. The IPL threw up many new bowlers and batsmen for India. Yet Team India did not make it to the semi finals.
On the other hand Pakistan team which has not featured in the IPL, looks very formidable. Perhaps, too much of IPL has taken its toll of Team India, resulting in a burnout. Also our players may have peaked early in the IPL and fatigue may have set in subsequently during the World Cup.
Whatever be the reason, the BCCI will have to introspect. The addition of 2 more teams to the league will result in more games and workload. While this will be good for the coffers of BCCI will it be good for Team India?
Robert Castellino, Calangute
Galaxy of politicians in Goa
In the last few days (and in coming days) Goa has been blessed with the visit of a galaxy of politicians, starting from the Prime Minister (virtual visit), and physically by the Home Minister, Vice-President, Chief Ministers, Opposition leaders and several minions. Just wondering what would happen if politicians from different parties crash into each other. Would there be bonhomie amongst them or a cold shoulder?
We do not know what is cooking between the various parties but let us hope that our goose is not getting stewed! The politicians believe that Goa was or could be lucky for them, let them keep their fingers and toes crossed till the election results roll in. But they are lucky for Goa since tens of people have got business in repairing roads, making banners and flags, installing arches and cut-outs (thankfully no pouring of milk as in South India), sticking and tearing of notices, etc.
There is an increase in opportunities for daily wagers, contractors, material suppliers, etc, due to these activities. Perhaps the same people may be employed for these tasks and cutting across party affiliations! After all money is a universal language!
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Protect our fishermen from Pakistan
The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) firing at an Indian fishing vessel, killing one innocent fisherman, shows their nefarious designs. We believe six other crew on the boat were abducted. The vessel was sailing from Okha in Gujarat, and the PMSA accused the crew of transgressing into Pakistan waters. Pakistan has a history of targeting Indian fishermen, and we believe 345 fishermen from Gujarat are in Pakistani jails.
The Indian government must safeguard the lives of innocent fishermen and take up the incident with Pakistan.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
Fire deaths
The recent fire tragedy in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Ahmednagar civil hospital, which killed more than ten Covid-19 patients, is another in a list of similar ones in Maharashtra. Two Mumbai suburban Covid-19 hospitals witnessed similar fire accidents approximately six months apart last year. It is obvious that regardless of strict regulations in place to make Covid-19 hospitals fire compliant, loopholes continue to exist, and beg to be plugged. ‘Short circuit’ is a convenient cause for the authorities to fall back upon when fire destroys lives and properties.
It is quite clear that safety norms on fire are disregarded by many hospitals. Most hospitals in India lack fire fighting mechanism. Safety measures even in the best of hospitals —- and government hospitals take the cake —- are nothing more than a work in progress. The casual approach to standardising protective aspects in hospitals is numbing. But for the serious negligence, it is apparent that many lives could have been saved in every hospital fire.
During the excruciating times of the Covid pandemic, the hospitals managing the patients are required to follow the guidelines issued by the authorities if any. Supreme Court directions on safety standards are there to be scrupulously followed. The State government should do more than suspension and compensation.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
