MARGAO: Herald’s story on the accident orphan of Curtorim evoked emotional responses of readers all over the world with offers of help pouring in. The grandparents and other family members of the 10-year-old Angel, whose parents Kennedy D’Costa and Noella D’Costa on a scooter were knocked down by Nathaniel Menezes of Curtorim, are overwhelmed with the support.
Herald had reported in its Wednesday edition that nearly five months after the tragic death of Kennedy D’Costa and Noella D’Costa, their orphaned ten-year-old daughter is still wiping her tears as she misses the warm embrace that only her parents could give her.
Her grandmother Mathilda is also crying; she longs to be with her son and daughter-in-law and is somehow mustering up the strength to be strong for Angel. The same is the case with the relatives of Kennedy and Noella who are helping the D’Costa family take care of Angel.
On Wednesday, when Herald highlighted Angel’s plight, within hours, there was an overwhelming response not just from people of Goa but Goans living abroad too with offers to help Angel too.
Herald’s page one report was based on the interviews the family and their lawyer, Adv Seoula Vas had given to Herald TV, which was aired on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday evening, these two interviews had received nearly 30,000 views on Herald’s YouTube Channel while the digital version of the news report was read by tens and thousands too.
Herald has communicated the requests that have come in from hundreds of persons offering to provide financial assistance to the family and will soon help in deciding how to respond to them in consultation with the family and their lawyer.
However, from a larger picture, the story of this small child is what struck a chord of empathy with the public who feel for this family.
There have been many who have suffered losses in their own family and can fathom the pain the D’Costa family must be going through. Not only is Angel an orphaned child but she is the only child and has been deprived of the comfort and company of her immediate family members.
It is to be noted that the matter will be now taken up in the court wherein the State has filed a charge sheet against the accused Nathaniel Menezes, the driver of the four-wheeler that rammed into the two-wheeler the late couple was on.
In January this year, the incident took place on Gandhi Road in Maina – Curtorim when the couple was on their way home and was hit by the car driven by Menezes late at night, which had also collided with a parked bus.
Here are some of the many responses Herald received on Wednesday to its reportage on the issue.
“It’s a very heart-wrenching story. Herald can start an appeal for some funds to help this little girl. I am sure many Goans will try and help out,” read the comment left by Marwin Menezes on the Herald YouTube channel.
“Very sad indeed. May the little one’s parents’ soul rest in peace. Herald should begin some type of fundraising campaign for this girl. The culprit should be brought to justice by law. Apart from this, I hope the law makes this man compensate the child monetarily,” Alarico Antao added.
“It’s very sad for the child who is missing her parents very much. May Heavenly Father give the courage to the little kids to bear the loss of their parents. Amen!” read another such comment.
“So sad! No one can replace a parent’s love. Where is the justice?” said Regina Gracias.
“May God bless and protect the little girl. And may her family get justice for their unfortunate loss,” said Lena Godinho.
“Unfortunately, the accused have no fear since one has to fight in the court of law for years to get justice,” said A B Fernandes.
“Please help the party. It is a very sad incident that happened. Justice should be given to the child. The lawyers accompanying the accused show scant respect to the victim’s family. God bless you (Adv Seoula) for your concern and efforts,” said Felicia Fernandes.
“Heart-wrenching news. Sometimes life can be so cruel. Someone who knows them should initiate fund collection for the welfare of the child. Netizens should contribute. Please do.,” read another comment
“God bless you Adv Seoula. Whatever has happened is extremely tragic for the surviving child. The family of the accused should financially compensate the affected family, considering that a young girl is orphaned,” said Cedric Dias.
While the list goes on, these people also vowed to keep track of the case in the hope that justice is finally served.
