Team Herald
MARGAO: The Goa Seamen Association of India (GSAI) representatives met Union Minister for Ayush and demanded to make an arrangement of charter flights to bring back the Goan seafarers stranded abroad.
Vijai Sardesai has meanwhile criticised the government for being utterly impotent and spineless.
The GSAI representatives urged Shripad Naik to consider the issue as a top priority and give preference to charter flights for arrangement of repatriation of stranded seafarers.
The delegation was led by Association President Frank Viegas included Dixon Vaz, Benny Da’Costa and Captain Venzy Viegas.
They brought to attention the problems and agony of the seafarers and also their families here in Goa.
“Since the delay continues and Goan seafarers still struggling to be repatriated it is a concern of mental stress and wellbeing of the families here,” said Viegas.
“The cruise companies have already started planning for their future assignments for cruising and the Goan seafarers will lag behind in which the jobs will be filled by the Philippines, Indonesians, Chinese etc. It’s a matter of great concern to protect employment and job security and to start the evacuation process at the earliest,” added Viegas.
Meanwhile, Vijai in a tweet while flaying the State government said, “Trains for migrants in two days. 64 flights to evacuated Indians stuck abroad from 10 States. Despite umpteen SOS messages from the seafarers and NRGs, no flight for Goa. No permission to land seafarer charter flights at Dabolim. Need more proof of utter impotence and spineless leadership of State government?” asked Vijai.
