The joke’s on us
Voter, what are you? Whatever you do, please don't do the right thing. Is this one of the sacred principles of the zero corruption BJP government? Maybe. Since the changing of the guard - former Environment and Forest Minister Alina Saldanha - an ordinance has been passed to take one more step in the wrong direction by the government in its total commitment to destroying the environment.
What is nice about the present BJP government is they are not at all worried if they appear as liars. They will say one thing and do the opposite. If this isn't corruption at its worst, in addition to damaging our democratic institutions and showing disrespect for democratic procedure, what is? We have the power, the government is in effect telling the people, so let us see what you can do. The recent ordinance allowing for development until recently not allowed in a no-development zone although limiting it to 5 percent is for whom?
Fermino Baretto, Margao
Cash burden
In 2004 then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar did the people of Goa in particular the biggest disservice by consenting to host the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). For the last 12 years it has been a 10 day annual nightmare faced by Goans which has in no way benefited the state but only been a big window of opportunity for the politicians in power to rake in huge moolah. Even the small contracts of the event have not been entrusted to the locals. With its crumbling infrastructure Panaji is already a very congested city and the traffic chaos on account of IFFI is something the city could do without. With the fun and frolic at taxpayers expense, IFFI has only further burdened an already cash strapped state, besides the extra pile up of garbage. The common man also suffers as the day to day government administration takes a 10 day holiday with officials all pre-occupied with the IFFI fiesta.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Goan Parishes show solidarity for Fr Bismarque
Fr. Bismarque is no more with us but his love for nature and Goa in particular will remain forever. His short but fruitful life on this planet created such awareness among people about safeguarding nature and protecting the poor in our villages that today young and old are willing to walk that extra mile to get Justice for Fr. Bismarque. Though no more with us, he continues to inspires us to move on in life by standing and fighting for truth and justice. It is heartening to know that various parishes in Goa rightly manifested their solidarity for him. The young and old came out in large numbers demanding justice for Fr. Bismarque. Some parishes had candlelight vigil, candlelight procession, silent march, praying rosary and some parishes even had musical programme. People holding posters, banners, and placards sent across a clear message that justice be done to Fr Bismarque. No matter how the investigation goes on the truth will prevail one day.
Rui Pereira, Navelim
