MAPUSA
Stating that the concerns of lifeguards and taxi owners are burning issues, Ports Minister Michael Lobo on Wednesday said the government would find a way out so that justice is done to all Goans.
Lobo also said the cancellation of flights from the UK would have no impact on the tourism industry as tourists could not enter the State due to the ongoing pandemic.
“We sympathise with the lifeguards. I will meet and also write to the chief minister and offer a solution to the problem facing the lifeguards. The CM will definitely find a way out and resolve the issue. I will help our Goans, may it be the lifeguards or the taxi owners,” Lobo said.
More than 60 lifeguards are on fast unto death for over a week near the Gandhi Chowk in Mapusa. The lifeguards refused to work under the Drishti Marine, an agency hired by the government to man the coastline, but instead wanted the government to absorb them.
Continuing, the Ports Minister informed that he had taken up several issues concerning people of Goa when he was an MLA and also resolved them.
“There are some MLAs who speak about problems faced by the people but conveniently forget them when they become ministers. I have not only spoken but also put it into action and resolved issues affecting the people,” he said.
Lobo said those who work as lifeguards or own taxis and run shacks on the beach are all Goans and their problems should be resolved.
“The government is duty-bound to help them to do business in the right manner. Besides getting self-employed, the government also earns through GST accumulated through their business,” he said.
The minister also said the decision to ban flights from the United Kingdom would have no impact on the tourism industry in the State.
“Tourists cannot come to Goa due to the pandemic. Normally, during this time overseas Goans come to Goa for vacation,” he said.
