
Finally, a lockdown
Finally saner sense prevailed and Goa would be locked down from April 29 till May 3. This was a long overdue step and requested by a large section of the population. Last year when the number of cases were insignificant, we witnessed stringent lockdown and people were stressed and harassed. In the last couple of months when the situation was going out of control (due to influx of tourists) the people implored for a lockdown while the government looked the other way.
Tourism economy is essential and because of this some powers in North Goa and a majority of the tourism-related people were against lockdown. On the contrary, looking at the recent alarming rise in cases the same powers asked for 10 days of lockdown to break the Covid chain along some stretches of coastal North Goa. Had those powers initially agreed to allow testing of people entering Goa the lockdown could perhaps have been avoided. They were more concerned about tourists paying for the tests, and asking for negative certificates would put off the tourists and such mundane reasons.
Any tourists desperate or keen to visit Goa would have spent money for tests and certificates. It is not the concern of the Goa Government if the tourists are able to afford the tests or not. By batting on behalf of the tourists the authorities not only put the locals to risk but also the citizens of other States from where the tourists had come and returned, may be by carrying the virus. When the neighbouring States are asking for certificates from Goans why could we not have done the same?
Had the Goa Government implemented this step perhaps matters would not have come to this pass, tourism industry could have been sustainable and safe and the number of cases could have been negligible.
Sridhar D. Iyer, Caranzalem
Utter failure in controlling virus
There has been a catastrophic failure in dealing with this pandemic. We have wasted all potential opportunities to control this disaster.
Even the most obvious steps like enforcing a thorough screening of incoming visitors and making Covid negative certificates mandatory have been discarded.
All tourists and visitors have been welcomed while our neighbouring States and the rest of the country have been impacted severely by Covid. Casinos, nightlife has gone on unhindered, all in the interest of the “economy“. The pandemic is now decimating the younger age group. These are avoidable deaths, brought on by our lack of foresight. Don’t the deaths even prick the conscience of the ruling class?
As rightly observed by the Madras High Court couldn’t the authorities responsible for this gross negligence be held accountable for murder?
Paul Pereira, Velim
Declare Covid-19 a health emergency
As Central and State governments scrambled to protect lives across the country, several high courts have criticised the respective State governments for failing to control the situation. The COVID-19 epidemic constitutes a public health disaster which, by its character and its severity, puts at risk the health of the population. COVID-19 is the name of the respiratory illness caused by the new Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The number of Covid-19 cases is increasing, and the situation may be out of control in some States. Article 356 provides for the imposition of emergency in a State in case of breakdown of the constitutional machinery. The Sarkaria Commission report notes that even a ‘physical break down’ can amount to a constitutional breakdown and mentions a natural calamity, disaster or epidemic, which paralyses the government machinery, and which the State government is unable or unwilling to exercise its power to relieve as an instance of such a breakdown.
The government should declare a health emergency and take necessary steps to acquire 50% of the beds in all the private hospitals, through a special task force.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Victory for Green Warriors
Goans owe a lot to Dr Claude Alvares and his activist wife Adv Norma Alvares, for saving the environment and heritage. It takes lots of courage and determination to fight against the Raj, the Government has huge resources out of the taxpayer’s money to fight its cases. It was a fight of David versus Goliath. The seemingly unstoppable Coal-Express got derailed at the Ghats and stopped in its tracks by the CEC, thanks to the integrity of its impartial committee members.
Great credit has to be given to the green crusaders who came forward like, Capt Viriato, Fr Bolmax, Abijeet, youth associations, Panchayats, communities, singers, etc, especially those green warriors who fearlessly sat and slept on the railway tracks in defiance. The ‘Goenkar’ is ‘sussegad’ and peaceful but stands up when his heritage and environment is at stake. Mission impossible made possible. ‘Viva Goenkar ’ unity.
Agnelo Furtado, Chinchinim
Thanks for Goa
My sincere thanks and appreciation, yes to CEC but also to The Goa Foundation, Goencho Ekvott, Youngsters of Save Mollem Group, specific politicians, so many who converged at various agitations including the well publicised one at Chandor, Groups and Individuals (Not of Goan origin), the various people who have written in the Media, Social Media activists, etc.
Surely I must have missed many other people but sincere people will understand, as they always will treat this as a selfless service to Goa, Goans, nature, wildlife, environment, eco systems and the future generations who will inherit our planet!
I personally know from some sincere activists that this was a very difficult campaign for people who were actively involved and I am inspired by their persistence. May your tribe increase and may God bless you all!
Arwin Mesquita,
Colva
Use the funds for good of humanity
Everyday there is news of Covid-19 cases rapidly increasing and precious human life is lost. All over the country there is news of shortage of oxygen for patients severely suffering due to corona virus. It will be best of our CM to use the Rs 300 crore which was meant for 60 years of liberation celebration, for the greater good of humanity at large and help the needy during this pandemic those suffering due to virus and those suffering due to unemployment in this pandemic times. As citizens we will follow all SOPs, but together with government we will win.
Franky Viegas, Sao Jose de Areal
Cancel IPL without delay
The IPL tournament is going on in India without the involvement of live spectators. The much-debated issue to cancel the tournament amidst the second wave of pandemic needs an urgent overview. While it is appreciable to play with the sportsmanship and spirit of the game despite the odds, the organisers otherwise should take a call to cancel the tournament now without much delay.
IPL tournament may be cancelled for the remaining matches while considering the health and safety of the players and the match officials involved in the game. The organisers should instead come forward to donate the funds to much-needed medical relief and oxygen requirements in India. The gesture will be welcomed by one and all as such there is no need for a cricket tournament to be held in this hour of a health crisis.
Varun Dambal, Bangalore