MARGAO
The Goa Forward Party seemed to have netted a prized catch on Thursday with a traditional fishermen from Benaulim, Pele Fernandes embracing the regional party.
Pele has been a close aide of Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai over the years, but was not part of the regional party or any other political party.
On Thursday, he was inducted into the regional party by Goa Forward vice-president Durgadas Kamat as part of the party’s agenda to expand its base in Salcete and beyond.
After joining the regional Party, Pele said he has embraced the Goa Forward Party as he is convinced the party chief Vijai Sardesai will do justice to the fishermen community. He has vowed to fight for the cause of the fishermen community in the state under the leadership of GFP Chief Vijai Sardesai.
Pele’s sudden decision to join the Goa Forward Party may come as a surprise, but it has come against the backdrop of fishing by Malpe vessels close to the Benaulim coast on Thursday and the failure of the government to crack down on outside fishing boats.
“When I drew attention of the Goa Forward chief to the Malpe fishing vessels close to the Benaulim shore, he called me to his office. After we discussed the matter, I decided to join the Goa Forward party as Sardesai has promised to help the fishermen community and stop bull trawling and other fishing methods that will destroy the marine resources”, he added.
The traditional fisherman from Benaulim, who had earned kudos for his role in rescuing sea turtles and help in protecting the endangered species, said the traditional fishermen need government protection. “What are the traditional fishermen supposed to do when around 50-60 fishing vessels from Malpe fish very close to the Benaulim shore through banned methods such as bull trawling”, he said, while exuding confidence that the Goa Forward Party will protect the interests of the fishing community.
