ISL in Goa
It is understood that all matches of the seventh edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) will be held in three venues in Goa, likely in November amid strict health and safety measures to deal with the COVID-19 threat. Under ordinary circumstances this would have been very exciting news for the football crazy fans in Goa. Unfortunately these are not normal times as we are in the midst of a pandemic. There has been a stiff rise in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the state and the number of deaths due to the deadly virus has crossed 100. Though the ISL is still a few months away, one never knows how things will turn up as far as the pandemic is concerned.
For hosting the league, Goa will have to improve the infrastructure including roads, ground conditions, accommodation for the players, staff and officials, etc. The league will extend for some months and Goa will also play host to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in November. At present the priority before the administration is to improve health care facilities to those affected by the COVID-19 and stop it from spreading. Obviously the ISL matches will be played to empty stadiums. Hence Goans will not be able to enjoy the matches live. Then the question that also arises is whether only three grounds are sufficient to hold all the ISL matches.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Exams finally conclude!
After much delay and doubt, the Semester End Examinations (SEE) of Final Year Undergraduate and Postgraduate students are coming to an end.
As a Third Year student of BA in English Honours, I was eager to cherish our last remaining college days before the farewell ceremony. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis disrupted all expectations, as our classes were cancelled from March 16. Ever since, there was anxious speculation about the April SEE schedule.
After four postponements to five different months, our exams were finally conducted online, beginning on August 3. Thankfully, this went well, although Goa’s fluctuating network strength definitely requires improvement. We anticipate our results as the unforgettable batch of 2020!
Jude Fernandes, Vasco da Gama
Cops unable prevent rave parties
Despite the scuffle at a party held in Arpora earlier this month, where reportedly only the caretaker of the private villa was booked, presumably due to the influence of the participants, another rave party was held with 3 women foreign nationals, 23 including a former Bollywood actor participants and drugs worth 9 lakhs were ceased at Vagator!
Such illegal activity is common knowledge to almost all residents and police in the Calangute belt since long back. The present DGP M K Meena says police are monitoring, took immediate action as soon as they received information etc. The question is why has not these drug related parties been stamped out to date? Why is there no deterrent action with intelligence, police informers etc to prevent this, especially during Covid rules in force?
Politicians keep blaming each other and influential people, the law and the police are unable to stop this menace in public interest. Says a lot for present state of affairs!
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Justice Nutan retires
Goa’s distinguished Justice Nutan Sardessai retires today as a Judge of the Bombay High Court. Besides her superior knowledge of law and good administrative skills, we can confidently vouch that Judge Sardessai ensured that the wheels of justice moved in accordance with the law, while she played a crucial role in taking the currently embattled Judiciary to enhanced heights.
Judge Sardessai who was a distinguished Judge for two and a half decades before her elevation to the High Court in March 2016, worked as a District Judge in both districts of Goa. Her extensive knowledge of law and the outstanding precision with the English language has been exceptional. With her Shakespearean fluency, it has been impossible to spot even a single grammatical error in her orders and judgments. A perfectionist to the core. This is what is expected from every Judge at all levels.
The iron lady that she has always been, Nutan Sardessai has been known to be a no nonsense Judge with the spine to take on the powers to be by the horns. She has always been a Judge who was very blunt and clear, never mincing words in what she had to communicate. Yet when required, she has been a fair and compassionate Judge delivering justice with a very considerate heart and a brilliant mind.
Let us all wish our very dear Justice Nutan Sardessai all the very best on her retirement after having discharged her duties in playing a very important role in the judiciary of the Bombay High Court. She was always very professional, truthful, full of integrity and fairness.
Congratulations on your retirement Justice Nutan Sardessai. You have had a brilliant career and now it is time for a fantastic retirement! We’ll miss you around the Court. It’s hard to believe the time has come to say goodbye. You are one of a kind and it is going to be impossible to replace you.
Madam, you’ve accomplished so much in your career and we’re going to miss your dedication, enthusiasm, guidance and positive attitude. Thank you for all that you have contributed to the Judiciary over the years. Wish you a long happy retirement! Enjoy this new chapter of your life and wish you all the very best for the future.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Resume Goa mining
From last two and half year thousands of families are suffering due to the ban on the mining industry. The impact of mining ban is huge. People living in the mining belt area are in a state of panic. The ban on iron ore industry is a festering wound with dependent areas such as truckers, barges, worker, stakeholders, operators and so on.
The shutdown of mining left thousands jobless and caused a huge decline in the national economy. Mining belt students worry about the future on the education front as the mining ban makes it extremely difficult for their parents to meet their financial needs. Facilities in various villages have been restricted due to mining ban.
The erstwhile mining industries provide various support to communities by focusing on the core areas of education, agriculture developments etc.
The government should support for amendments to the existing mining laws that can help revive the industry and bring new life to the Goa mines and resume mining activity in the state.
Avita Gomes, Sanguem
ISL in Goa, is it a safe choice?
Choice of Goa to host ISL is understandable. Being a small State it’s easy to handle and manipulate Goa’s administration and other authorities. This would not have been possible if they had selected Kerala or Bengal specially at the time of pandemics. I am a football enthusiast but I frankly and strongly feel that it’s not at all safe for the residents of Fatorda, Margao as well as areas near other two venues where the matches will be held starting from this November. This applies also to areas where practice sessions will take place. Goans are not known to take social distancing seriously except when they are compelled. Besides people wear masks due to fear of being fined by police.
Let’s not blindly accept this unprecedented decision without applying our minds seriously. Before giving “go ahead” signal, Goa government must consult all Goan stakeholders and specially the public. Lives lost due to Covid-19 continue to spike and number of infected cases is likely to continue for some more months. Therefore sporting extravaganza alone should not be the only criterion to compel the authorities to go soft on taking firm decision. Safety of Goans should be of paramount importance.
Antonio Diniz, Fatorda
