THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday assured a delegation of seafarers that the Goa
government is in constant touch with the Prime Minister's Office and the Union Home and
External Affairs Ministry to get the stranded seamen back home.
The seafarers, however, impressed upon the Chief Minister to implement and execute the action
plan on priority, before the situation on the cruise ships turns critical for want of action.
After a meeting with the CM and Commissioner NRI Affairs Adv Narendra Sawaikar, the
seafarers said Sawant explained how the government has been in touch with the PMO’s office,
Ministry of Home Affairs and External Affairs Ministry to find a solution to the issue.
President of Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) Frank Viegas said the CM will unveil
the government’s action plan on Tuesday, right from the time the stranded seafarers are brought
from the foreign countries till they are quarantine back home.
“The Chief Minister has been positive on the early return of the seafarers. The CM said that
Union Minister Sripad Naik is doing the follow-up with the Centre," he said.
On the quarantine facility, Viegas said the CM told the delegation not to worry, promising to
requisition hotels and other places to set up facilities for the stranded seafarers. “We have also
asked the CM to take over the NUSI hospital and set up a quarantine centre," he added.
The seafarers also took up the issue of seafarers’ pension, drawing the attention of the Chief
Minister to the six-month wait by the retired seafarers and widows to receive the same.
GSAI founder president Dixon Vaz said though the CM has given assurances and promises, the
time has now come to act. “Just five minutes ago, I received a call from the wife of a seafarer on
board a cruise liner informing that her husband has been taken to a hospital because of
respiratory problems. We had warned that such a situation will arise on certain ships. The
government should accord priority to such ships and get the stranded seafarers back
immediately,” he said.
Capt Venzy Viegas said the government should act fast without wasting time to ensure that the
situation on board the vessels does not enter the red zone. “If the lockdown gets over on April
14, the government should arrange flights from April 12 itself from the respective countries,”
Capt Venzy added.
CM's ASSURANCE
On the quarantine facility, the CM told the delegation not to worry, promising to requisition
hotels and other places to set up facilities for the stranded seafarers
QUOTE ROOM
The Chief Minister has been positive on the early return of the seafarers. The CM said that Union
Minister Sripad Naik is doing the follow-up with the Centre
--Frank Viegas, President GSAI
Just five minutes ago, I received a call from the wife of a seafarer on board a cruise liner
informing that her husband has been taken to a hospital because of respiratory problems. We had
warned that such a situation will arise on certain ships. The government should accord priority to
such ships and get the stranded seafarers back immediately
--Dixon Vaz, Founder President GSAI
