MARGAO: The Goa Seamen Association of India (GSAI) on Tuesday urged the State government not to charge the Goan seafarers for quarantine facility.
During a meeting with NRI Director and Ports Secretary Anthony Da Costa, GSAI President Frank Viegas, Secretary Michael Benny Da Costa, Dixon Vaz and Captain Venzy Viegas questioned over the paid quarantine facility provided for the seafarers and warned the official on pushing the cost onto the shipping companies which they said will result in employment loss for the Goan seafarers.
Frank requested the government to make the quarantine facility free.
He said, “Goa is the only State to have paid quarantine for its seafarers. In addition to a big strain on the finances of the seafarers, if the cost is pushed on to the shipping companies there will be job cuts of several Goan seafarers,” he informed. “Use the welfare fund of the seafarers if there is a need for funds,” he added.
Michael said that the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) says that there is no need to quarantine in other facilities.
“Maharashtra seafarers have gone home with a stamp of home quarantine, why different yardsticks for the seafarers of two different States,” he added.
Dixon said, “The government must come clear on the queries raised by us. If the cost is pushed on the shipping companies they will be against hiring the seafarers back.
He also said that several temples and churches have volunteered to let their premises out as quarantine facilities.
“The Government of Goa has gone ahead with paid quarantine and not thought of these options,” he added.
“We will be requesting the Ports Minister and have demanded for arrival of Goan seafarers at the port in Goa and not some other port in the country,” he added.
Captain Venzy informed that the SOP for the additional 14 days quarantine for Goa is a great idea, but who pays the cost. There are lot of Goans across the globe and if all of them are brought back how much money will be required.
“If the government asks the companies to pay, there will be double standards towards the Goans and will also raise questions over the other Goans on ships and land too.”
After a patient hearing, NRI Director assured that he will brief the Chief Minister on the issue.
