An open letter to CM, deputy CM
If and its a BIG IF at present, the international tourist season starts this year (or even early next year) are you going to consider a special dispensation package of reduced fees for the beleaguered beach shack owners?
As you know Goa would not be the same or have the same attraction to the international and national tourists if the availability of beach shacks were not in situation and thereby your tourism industry would suffer beyond redemption now and in the future
I know fully well the vast costs and expenses involved in erecting, licensing and staffing the beach shacks these days so if you want your tourism industry to survive you must consider the future of the shacks which are the lifeblood of Goa, yes the big hotels would welcome the extinction of shacks but in general the tourist does not want the sterile environment they offer
Please on the behalf of the many Goa repeat tourists, consider and protect the beach shacks, the beach shack owners, their respective families and staff
Margaret Churchill,
Liverpool UK
Dangerous rocky areas
In a daring rescue, Drishti lifeguards on Sunday rescued two couples from the rocky areas from a swiftly rising tide at Keri beach. It must be said that the rocky area which rises above the water level during the low tide can be a very dangerous place to be on. Some people may venture to stand on these rocks in order to get photographed or take selfies. There can be a sudden rise in the water-level due to the strong winds and the undercurrent in the sea, especially during the rough condition of the sea in the rainy season. This can pull the unwary persons standing on the rocks into the sea.
The change of the tide from the low tide to the high tide can also lead to a sudden rise in the level of water. Furthermore these rocks are very slippery due to the constant gushing of water over them. Those occupying space on the rocks can slip and fall into the water with disastrous consequences. People, especially the tourists may not be aware of the dangers they face while standing on these rocks.
It seems necessary to put up warning sign-boards along the beach at places where the rocky terrain remains exposed during the low tide.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Masks are Corona warriors too
In these times of Covid three things will protect us from getting infected till such time an effective vaccine comes along.
1.Physical distancing, 2.Frequent hand sanitisation, 3.Use of masks.
While the first two might not always be possible for everyone, the mask should voluntarily be a must wear. It is distressing to note that despite administrative orders on the compulsory usage of masks many people in the beach belt do not follow protocol. A good, well clamped mask will protect you from Covid and also others from you in the unfortunate circumstance that you are infected (especially dangerous if you are asymptomatic ).
A badly fitted mask will protect others more than protecting you but it is still desirable than wearing nothing at all since any measure which reduces transmission of the virus is welcome. A fairly good quality three layered cloth mask costs just Rs 40 but even if this sum seems unaffordable a clean handkerchief folded twice over will also suffice.
Also masks post usage (ideally a cloth mask should not be used more than 5-7 times) should be discarded responsibly in designated bins otherwise they become secondary sources of infection. A mask is a Corona warrior in the truest sense of the term and would help save thousands of lives if used properly.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Do we really need a new Raj Bhavan?
I read the article in Herald regarding a plan for a new Raj Bhavan with utter disbelief! What is wrong with the CM of this state? Does he want to continue to brazenly trample over us with his misplaced priorities and ignore what we really want and need for the state of Goa? The state is reeling from uncontrolled debt and scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to finances and this man has grandiose plans of building another Raj Bhavan! This is the height of blatant misuse of his position and is highly suspicious.
The Atal Setu bridge and approach roads have not even lasted one monsoon. We are amid the COVID pandemic which is getting worse by the day thanks to his leadership or lack of it. The Hospicio hospital is bursting at the seams. And has anyone ever seen the interior of the ESI / COVID hospital in Margao? Even if you will not die of the disease, the admission into that place will be enough to kill you!
This whole new Raj Bhavan idea doesn’t feel right and there is something fishy and must be stopped in its tracks. We have a perfectly beautiful and sturdy Raj Bhavan which can be renovated if required and continue to be used as the Governor’s Official Residence.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is still the official residence of the President as well as open to the public as a heritage building. This plan must be scrapped!
Grenville Dcosta, Margao
Lockdown effects on lifestyles
It feels tremendous merely to ponder over the irrevocable impact that this ongoing pandemic has caused globally. One cannot deny that the virus has achieved the unthinkable by disrupting our bustling world and reducing it to a grinding halt. Riddled with speculation, doubt, chaos and faithful hope, this period can best be viewed as an opportunity to retrospect, reorganise and adjust. While the demand for medical supplies has gone through the roof, the race for an effective, affordable vaccine continues to elude discovery for now.
As ideal citizens of the world, let us play our part by co-operating with guidelines, assisting the needy, and making the most of this phase for creative development and skilled growth. Let us ease the pressure on resource consumption by adopting minimalistic lifestyles.
May better sense prevail among our leaders, to enable wiser decision-making plans and current priorities. Instead of indulging in communal stigma and monetary greed, let us all unite to fight COVID-19. Together we can, we must, and we will!
Jude Fernandes, Vasco da Gama
Different maths papers a good idea
The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has decided to introduce two different Maths papers for SSC from the academic year 2020-21. There will be two levels with the higher level being for those who wish to continue with maths while the lower level for those who do not wish to continue with maths. The idea is good as many students do not have the aptitude for maths and may wish to opt for Arts. The govt says that there will be no need to appoint additional teachers as the syllabus will be the same, only the questions will be different viz easy and difficult.
The system was tried in Maharashtra but was discontinued two years ago. There were many reasons for the failure. It was found that students who had opted for the lower level, later on wanted to continue with the subject. Moreover, as classes were held together it was difficult for the teacher to strike a balance to cater to both levels at the same time.
Either one or the other level students suffered in the bargain. However I’m all in favour of two levels and hope the Board finds a solution to cater to both levels equally. After all, why should a student who has no aptitude for maths or to continue with it, be compelled to study it?,
Robert Castellino, Mumbai/Calangute
