MARGAO
A couple of seafarers made it to the panchayat bodies in the heartland in Salcete taluka.
If the founder president of Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) Dixon Vaz warded off a stiff challenge from ex-sarpanch Denis Dias and two-time panch James Barretto to make it to the Cavelossim Panchayat, GSAI incumbent President Frank Viegas got elected to the Chinchinim panchayat.
Another seafarer, Gerson Gomes, an Aam Aadmi Party leader from Velim constituency, has also made it to the Chinchinim village panchayat.
While the trio are all first time panch members, they plan to play an active role in their respective panchayat bodies. Given the fact that the heavyweights had stayed away from the polls by not fielding panels, Dixon is believed to have shown his interest and has taken the lead in forming the new panchayat body.
Gerson and Fray said they had contested as independents and are first time panch members of Chinchinim village, they will contribute for the development of the village.
