At a time when the State is losing large chunks of land due to soil erosion on our beaches, it appears like a gift from God that a new island has been formed in the middle of River Mandovi admeasuring 28.64 hectares. The land mass has been formed between Chorao and Divar Islands near the old GMC hospital at Ribandar. This is obviously a virgin island and the Goa government needs to keep it that way. The government should preserve this island and ensure that no construction activity takes place here. It should be developed as a tourist destination and a place for relaxation admits nature by having a vast green cover complete with exotic plants and trees. The forest department and the tourism department should work in tandem towards this green island.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Unholy tiatrist-politician nexus
The government had decided to ask tiatrists to give an undertaking that they would not attack or criticize MLAs and ministers on stage.
Time and again the Konkani tiatr is used by political rivals to settle personal scores. It seems some tiatrists and singers are being paid by politicians to take pot shots at their rivals in tiatrs. Some politicians probably even sponsor singers to produce CDs containing songs to praise and criticize their opponents.
The Konkani stage should be used to promote art and not to settle any personal scores among politicians. TAG and tiatrists should also stop inviting MLAs and ministers to grace their occasions and tiatrs.
Willie Severes, Majorda
Freedom of expression
It is shocking to read the news that efforts are on to clamp down on the freedom of performance by tiatrists who are our main entertainers. They do not get involved in mischievous criticism, but espouse issues related to the public. This is going on for generations and even the Portuguese did not interfere with the tiatrists. But our chief minister wants the tiatrists from criticizing his ministers’ performance. He is reminded that ours is not autocratic and dictatorial State, but a democratic one which guarantees the right of free speech and expression. I would suggest that instead of clamping down on free speech and expression, the chief minister would do will in controlling and warning his ministers not to get involved in the issues not related to them and behave properly with the public. If they cannot face the public criticism when they are at fault, they should resign. Criticism is vital for democracies to grow and flourish. Tiatrists are supported by the public and if any action is taken against them would lead to disaster.
John M Vaz, Aldona
Dangerous Curti junction
The junction near Sai Service Station at Curti in Ponda happens to be a most critical location. In the absence of speed-breakers along the adjacent roads, motorists proceed at a very fast speed, thereby raising the possibility of a serious mishap at this busy location. Fellow travellers and in particular, pedestrians face great risk and danger.
Adequate traffic signboards are also missing. On various occasions, some minor mishaps have occurred here. Above all, roads here being narrow, precious lives are confronted with great hardships. At times, even heavy vehicles are being parked on the road.
This affects the visibility of vehicular traffic proceeding along this route. It is absolutely necessary that public at large is assured safety on a permanent basis. Unless necessary precautionary measures are undertaken on priority basis, it will be extremely difficult to avoid any serious mishap that might occur sooner or later.
It is time for the higher officials at the Road Transport Office and Traffic Cell Department in Ponda to carry out a site inspection at this location which tends to be a death-trap during peak hours.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
Subsidized fish only for common man
While appreciating the government’s recent plans to supply fish at subsidised rate, care should be taken that such fish is not routed to hotels and restaurants. The subsidized fish should be made available to the common people rather than businessmen.
The distribution of fish should not be monopolized. The importance should be given to those fish vendors who give door service as this helps in mass employment plus these vendors normally avoid using polythene bags as fish is directly delivered at door steps.
Fernandes George Joao, Navelim
