Team Herald
MARGAO: The seafarers community of Goa, through the Goa Seamen Association Of India, has accused the AAP spokesman of creating panic through his public statements.
GSAI founder member Dixon Vaz said that the Capt Venzy Viegas, of AAP Seafarers cell, has created panic among seafarers by claiming that the shipping industry is on the verge of collapse.
“AAP has given statement without any facts and reports from the shipping ministry and the DG shipping. The DG shipping circular this month says very clearly that there is no complete ban on sign offs but due to the precautions or ban on travelling taken by all countries due to coronavirus, the shipping companies cannot complete the sign on or sign offs routine. However, in case of emergency there in no problem to sign off any crew such as a medical emergency,” Dixon informed.
“I am in touch with so many companies especially the cruise liners, as some crew prefer to stay onboard. It is very safe as there are no guests and crew avoid travelling till the situation is under control; and the RCCL company is taking excellent care of us,” said Rosevelt Rodrigues, a head waiter from RCCL which is anchored in Sydney Australia.
Another crew Eldridge Rodrigues who works on Celebrity as a head cellar master says that they are without guests and no coronavirus cases on board and would prefer to stay as the company is taking good care of the crew, so far.
“This in a time we all need to work together with the government and authorities to control the pandemic and not to make fake news for political gains. This is not the time for politics. I condemn such statements and urge the seamen to act like a responsible citizens as the whole world is under pressure and every single industry is suffering, but it’s too early to say such irresponsible public statements from Aam Aadmi party member,” Dixon said.
