Margao: Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) led by President Frank Viegas met Senior Deputy Traffic Manager Mormugao Port Trust Jerome Clement to discuss the MPT SOP issued on May and the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Addendum issued on May 8. They said that both are in contradiction.

Following the meeting, the panel said that Jerome mentioned the SOP was prepared together with the Goa Government and that he has nothing much to add nor justify it. The panel also presented a letter to MPT requesting for waiving off the port dues and anchorage dues for vessels intending to come for crew change at MPT.

Dixon Vaz also added that despite CM’s assurances, Dabolim Airport has not figured in the ‘Mission Vande Bharat’ list updated by the Ministry of External Affairs.

“There are 118 new flights scheduled by air to bring stranded Indians but no flights are landing in Goa at all, this is very sad that no Goans can come home directly to Goa” he added.

GSAI has also questioned the sincerity of the Goa government to get back the Indian seafarers given that many seafarers registered with their respective embassies two months ago but still no preference is being given to them.

Captain Venzy Viegas reiterated their opposition to the paid quarantine rule and questioned how the decision of charging Rs 2,500 was made in the first place.

Referring to the DGS addendum, GSAI appealed to all MLAs to bring it to the notice of the CM so that the decision is reversed, as it is placing a huge burden on shipping companies, which in turn can jeopardize the job prospects of Goan seafarers.