Fishing community leader Olencio Simoes garlanding the bust of Late Matanhy Saldanha at Cansaulim on Saturday morning.
VASCO
The 78th birth anniversary of former minister late Matanhy Saldanha, a stalwart of Goa’s traditional fishing community, was commemorated at Cansaulim on Saturday with a garlanding ceremony organised by members of Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE).
Former minister Alina Saldanha, GRE office-bearers, fishermen’s leaders and well-wishers gathered to pay tribute to the late leader and recall his contribution to protecting the rights and livelihoods of traditional fishing communities.
GRE President Agnelo Rodrigues said Goa’s ramponkars would never forget Matanhy Saldanha and the sacrifices he made for the fishing community and the people of the country.
He said Saldanha had dedicated his life to fighting for the rights, dignity and welfare of traditional fishers, adding that GRE would continue his struggle and carry forward his legacy.
Speaking on the occasion, GRE general secretary Olencio Simoes urged the government to place traditional fishers at the centre of its fisheries policies instead of focusing disproportionately on aquaculture and fish farmers.
He said the livelihood, rights and interests of traditional fishing communities must receive priority, given their longstanding dependence on Goa’s rivers, coastline and seas.
He also demanded an increase in fuel subsidies for traditional fishers, pointing out that rising operational costs had placed an additional financial burden on fishing families. He called for concrete measures to provide meaningful support to the community and ensure the long-term survival of Goa’s traditional fishing sector.
Expressing concern over the future of Goa’s coastline and marine resources, Simoes called for a comprehensive policy to protect traditional fishing communities and safeguard their access to fishing grounds and coastal resources.
He cautioned that development initiatives under the Sagarmala programme, if pursued without adequate safeguards and consultation with affected communities, could threaten traditional fishing livelihoods and damage the ecological integrity of Goa’s coastal areas.
Simoes said the sea, rivers and coast were not merely economic resources but formed the foundation of the culture, identity and survival of generations of Goan fishers. He urged the government to ensure that development did not come at the cost of their traditional rights and livelihoods.
GRE reiterated its commitment to upholding Matanhy Saldanha’s ideals and continuing the struggle for the protection of traditional fishers, sustainable fisheries and Goa’s marine and coastal environment.
