Team Herald
MARGAO: Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has expressed its approval of the government’s decision to relieve former Fisheries Director Shamila Monterio of her duties. The organization, affiliated with the National FishWorkers Forum (NFF), is now calling for further action, including her suspension from all positions and a comprehensive investigation into her conduct.
GRE Vice President Camilo Souza emphasized that Monterio's suspension should also apply to her role as Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Board (GSPCB). He has requested an inquiry led by a retired judge to investigate Monterio’s alleged “gross misconduct, gross negligence, and corruption,” which he claims have severely impacted the fishing community in Goa and affected the livelihoods of fishers from neighboring states.
Another GRE member, Francisco Braganza, criticized Monterio for her purported connections with operators using LED lights for fishing, a practice that is banned. He highlighted that Monterio had filed an affidavit in the High Court supporting the use of generator sets with capacities ranging from 60 to 150 kVA, which he argues reveals her alleged ties to LED light operators. Braganza noted that for eight years, Monterio failed to enforce the ban on LED light fishing in Goa.
GRE General Secretary Olencio Simoes expressed concern that Goa's reputation has suffered at both national and international levels due to the inaction of the fisheries department. He pointed out that Herman Kumara, Secretary General of the World Forum for Fishers People (WFFP) from Sri Lanka, and NFF Chairperson Leo Colaco from Maharashtra, had to appeal to the state government to impose a ban on LED light fishing. Simoes criticized the fisheries department for focusing on actions detrimental to local and neighboring fishing communities while neglecting to implement strict regulations to protect marine resources. He also noted Monterio’s travels to Norway as a sign of neglect towards the basic needs of fishers.
In light of these allegations, GRE has reiterated its demand for a complete ban on LED light fishing, generators, high-speed engines, and bull trawling. The organization is also urging the government to appoint a new fisheries director who is “sincere and fishermen-centric”. GRE remains committed to advocating for the rights of Goa's traditional fishing communities and ensuring sustainable practices are enforced in the region's fisheries sector.