This question has come to the fore as boat owner Gaspar Fernandes continues to face hurdles not only to dock his vessel Jesus Christ at the jetty but to auction his fish catch.
When Herald called up Dr Monteiro to find out what steps her office is taking to restore rule of law and end discrimination at the Cutbona fishing jetty, she initially said the matter is being looked into by her office. She was silent when her attention was drawn to the cold shoulder response her correspondence has received from the boat owners operating from Cutbona.
“I intend to call a meeting of the boat owners to work out a solution”, Dr Monteiro said, while conceding that there ought not to be any discrimination against any boat owner from berthing at the Cutbona fishing jetty.
The Fisheries Director admitted that the fishing jetties across the state are the properties of the government and that no one can impose any restrictions against a particular operator. In the instant case, Gaspar Fernandes has claimed that he is not being allowed to dock at Cutbona jetty on grounds that he hails from Fatorda.
