MARGAO
On the occasion of World Maritime Day, the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) has urged the Goa government and the rest of the world to recognise seafarers as key workers.
At a tree planation drive organised by GSAI in coordination with HDFC Bank, GSAI president Frank Viegas reminded that it’s the seafarers who kept 90 per cent of the world trade moving during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The world owes a great debt to seafarers for maintaining supply chain throughout the pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the professionalism and sacrifices of seafarers,” said Viegas.
The World Maritime Day mainly focuses on shipping safety, maritime security and environmental protection. It also emphasises certain aspects of International Maritime Organisation works.
World Maritime Day is celebrated in many countries including United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, every year on this day.
GSAI vice-president Gabriel Pinto said World Maritime Day 2020 has a very unique and encouraging theme, not only for maritime industry but for people throughout the world. “And the theme is ‘Sustainable Shipping for Sustainable Planet’. It’s a well thought, intelligently drafted and already being implemented by the shipping industry. This theme will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the United Nations, sustainable development goals and showcase the work of IMO and its member-states undertaking to achieve these goals,” Gabriel added.
HDFC Manager Vishesh Timble assured of his help and support from the banking side to the seafarers and thanked everyone for their participation.
