For the last three months, Herald has been reaching out on issues that are in the core of Goan hearts, through its front-page Insight. Each of these issues struck a chord and we were told it helped us to highlight and flag the fundamentals of what is wrong with Goa and the correction needed. Our Goa needs to be protected and saved from the injustices being done to the land and its people. Elections are a race. While everyone is saying they are in the race to win, who has said I’m in the race to save Goa.
On Valentine’s Day, you will get a chance to show your love for Goa, Goa will be your Valentine, your loved one and you will be there not just to vote. But to do right. But do keep in mind the broad range of issues that affect your homes, your village, your neighborhood, your taluka in your state. And you have raised these issues. Insight has gone deep into your concerns, your beliefs, your causes of anger and hurt.
On the eve of perhaps the most significant elections which is about retaining the soul of Goa, please keep these in mind
Siddhi Naik’s ‘killers’ still roam free
A murder case has been finally filed in the alleged murder case of 19-year-old Aldona girl Siddhi Naik who was brutally killed recently. Women’s safety and security needs to be in every official’s commitment, not mere words in a manifesto.
No law and no order
The law-and-order situation needs a huge improvement for a state of this size. Cops should be sent to the center and a fresh top brass sent in
Playground of the politician- mega-corporate nexus
Goa has become the playground of the politician- mega-corporate nexus using Goa as coal hub, which is burying the MPT, the Vasco port town and the beautiful villages which are along the railway tracks which will carry coal wagons spilling coal and making us very sick.
Our villages taken over by an outside Authority
The village and town authorities, panchayats, and other self-governing bodies are at the mercy of the Mormugao Ports Authority which will be the ultimate authority to decide on issues earlier with the jurisdiction with village and town bodies. Can we allow this? And that too without our consent.
No notified Regional Plan, based on what the villages want
Documents that will define land use and can affect their futures SHOULD be made according to people’s consent. The same goes for Coastal Zone Management plans.
Shame: Outside taxis getting business in Goa while our own brother taxi drivers have to struggle.
Imagine the plight of Goan taxi drivers when they see taxis of neighbouring states operating during peak tourist and political season.
When politicians canvassed for votes did they stop to condole those who lost family and loved ones to COVID?
In the middle of last year, almost every other home was attending to the last rites of their dearest. Many died to criminal mismanagement of Covid handling.
Oxygen crisis also due to callous and apparently corrupt practices
One regular supplier of oxygen was discontinued and given to another at skyrocketing cost. This supplier failed to deliver during peak crisis. Doctors in GMC confirmed to the media of receiving half-filled or empty cylinders. When will the Health Minister Vishwajit Rane explain to the people of Goa why this was allowed to happen?
Panjim SMART city. Really? Just a SMART loot
The Panjim SMART city project is all about loot and corruption as Panjimites face bad roads and infrastructure.
Traders and Restaurateurs suffered a big blow due to COVID. They were not compensated and yet taxed heavily.
Subtle attempt at polarization by CM by saying temples destroyed during the Portuguese era to be rebuilt
The temple building project restarted during that rule itself and several Hindus have appreciated this
LED makes out fishermens lives dark
Our fisherfolk have no fish in the sea as they are pulled by mechanized trawlers with LED lights which sting the fish
Environment, ecology and sustainability – Who is talking about this with belief and Knowledge
Apart from land use planning, environment and ecology has to be given priority. Our slopes cannot be cut, our landslides must stop, our fields cannot be filed with construction debris, destroying crops.
Local MLAs have turned a blind eye to distruction of fields
In St Andre, the local MLA has literally turned a blind eye to mounds of construction debris going into the fields of farmers. This is like losing your life’s savings and also the land which gave you the returns
Goa’s identity, ecology, environment are different worlds. How many of these have been embraced by our political parties.
When you stand in front of the polling booth, you hold a lot of power in your hands. The power to give Goa its best ever governance. Politicians know this. Exercise that power. For a Goa which will live beyond you.
It’s a vote for love. Of a land that is truly your beloved.
