MARGAO
One may come across candidates with varied backgrounds in the fray for the August 10 panchayat polls. A couple of seamen too are in the fray in Salcete, considered the heartland of the seafarers, as they make a bid to enter the grass-root democratic institutions in the ensuing polls.
A couple of candidates who returned from the UK and Gulf are also reported to have thrown their hats in the panchayat election ring in the taluka.
Amongst the villages, Chinchichim perhaps tops the list with around six seamen vying for top honours in their respective wards. A couple of these seamen have ventured into business, while others have retired after years of service.
Leading the pack of seamen in the fray is the founder president of Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) Dixon Vaz and incumbent chief Frank Viegas.
Another seaman who is in the cynosure of all eyes is Gerson Gomes, the Aam Aadmi Party leader, who had coordinated the party’s campaign in the Velim constituency during the Assembly elections held earlier this year.
Another former GSAI president Franklin D’Costa is contesting the panchayat polls from his home village Cansaulim.
GSAI founder president Dixon Vaz is locked in a triangular contest in Ward 3 of Cavelossim panchayat against former sarpanch Dionisio Dias and former Panch James Barretto. Having forayed into the hospitality business after giving up the job on a cruise liner, Dixon’s campaign is centred around 'vote for change and vote for hope'. In his manifesto, Dixon makes no mention of any promise for the seafarers, but the vision document speaks of empowering women and the youth, besides better sanitation facilities and making Cavelossim, the hub of starred tourism, a modern and self-reliant village.
Across the river Sal, several seamen are in the fray for the Chinchinim panchayat. Take note, Chinchinim village has been the heartland of seafarers and it is no surprise that a couple of seamen are locked in the battle for the ballot.
GSAI president Frank Viegas is locked in a four-cornered contest in ward 7 of the Chinchinim panchayat. His other rivals in the fray are Anthony Cardozo, Jenecia Cardozo, and Melcy Barretto. Frank has come out with a manifesto promising clean-green Chinchinim, Happy Chinchonkars and has unveiled his mission to preserve the unique identity of Chinchinim. Being a seafarer, Frank has promised to work to support Non-Resident Goans and seafarers.
In the neighbouring Ward 8, as many as three seamen are in the fray in a four-cornered contest, including Cyril Leitao, Newton Leitao and Remy Leitao. Wilfred Rodrigues is the fourth contestant in the fray.
Cyril, who has been associated with the Chinchinim Citizens Committee (CCC) had in the past unsuccessfully contested the Assembly polls.
In Ward 6 of Chinchinim village, another seafarer Gerson Gomes is locked in a four-cornered contest. Having forayed into the tourism business after quitting his seamen job, Gerson had embraced the Aam Admi Party and was one of the key leaders, coordinating AAP’s campaign to script a historic win in Velim. He is pitted against Doura Fernandes, Nevia Cardozo and Wilson Fernandes.
Besides, a couple of UK and Gulf-returnees are vying for honours in several wards in the coming polls.
Former Dramapur-Sirlim sarpanch Domnick Norohna, who was all geared up to play yet another inning at the panchayat body, however, had to stay out after his ward was reserved this time round.
Seafarers hail Luizinho's move to highlight their plight in Parl
MARGAO:
Seafarers welcomed TMC leader Luizinho Faleiro’s move to highlight the plight of seafarers in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, even as they called upon the Centre to work out a retirement plan for the seafarers from across the country.
President of Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) Frank Viegas said the issue raised by Faleiro affects not only the seafarers from Goa but across the country, who have been looking forward to the government to bail them out with a pension scheme.
Saying that the retired seafarers and the widows were receiving Rs 200 as ex-gratia relief from the society over the years, Frank reminded that the seafarers have moved High Court when there was a move to wind up the ex-gratia relief by paying a lump sum to the seafarers.
GSAI founder president Dixon Vaz said the issue of pension benefits for seafarers is an old issue which has not been given due importance by successive governments.
“The shipping industry plays an important role in the world economy. Ships had never stopped carrying cargo, medicines and Covid supplies during the pandemic. Today, we have to make sure not only in Goa but across the country that the seafarers are given a better deal in terms of pension after retirement,” he said.
He added: What the Goan seafarers are presently getting from the Goa government needs to be increased”.
Saying the Shipping Ministry, Director of Shipping need to work hard and come up with a better plan to secure the lives of the retired seafarer, Dixon urged the government to look into the issue as top priority.
