MARGAO
Government-appointed President of the Margao Comunidade, Patricio Octavian Coutinho, on Sunday alleged that certain individuals were opposed to his appointment because they feared he would expose the functioning of the community body.
Dismissing as “false and fabricated” the allegations levelled against him by shareholder Franky Monteiro during a media briefing on Saturday, Coutinho maintained that he had been duly appointed by the government.
Addressing the media, Coutinho refuted Monteiro’s claim that the government had ignored the recommendation of the Managing Committee while filling the vacant post of president.“I have a letter in my possession which clearly shows that the Managing Committee did not recommend any name for the post. What was sent was a letter by Celestin Noronha asking whether a chance could be given to Mauvin Cruz to head the Comunidade. That cannot be treated as a formal proposal or recommendation from the comunidade,” Coutinho said.
He further pointed out that the communication was not accompanied by a letter of willingness from Mauvin Cruz addressed to the Administrator. “Without a willingness letter, how would the Administrator or the government know whether Mauvin Cruz was even interested in heading the comunidade?” he asked.
Coutinho reiterated that his appointment was made by the government in accordance with the procedure and asserted that the allegations against him were baseless and intended to mislead the public.
Calling for unity and cooperation from all shareholders to safeguard the interest of the Margao Comunidade, Coutinho said he is ready to work with the Managing Committee as well as with the shareholders, adding that he will never act against the interest of the comunidade during his tenure.
Coutinho said he has received phone calls to inquire into tenanted fields. “I have received phone calls to inquire into the status of tenanted fields opposite the South Collector. Just because I am determined to probe into all these allegations, certain people do not want me on the chair,” he added.
