MARGAO
Social and environmental activist Fr Eremito Rebello said Fr Bolmax Pereira not only raised his voice against the destruction of the environment, but also showed people the way to fight to save Goa’s fragile environment.
“Fr Bolmax was my student when I was a professor at the Rachol seminary. He was in love with nature since his young days, planting saplings in plastic bags. This love for nature only grew as he specialised in biology and did a doctorate on mangroves,” he said.
Fr Eremito added, “Many may feel his voice has ended after his demise. But I am confident that many voices will rise as Mother Nature is crying for justice. The youngsters groomed by Fr Bolmax, I am confident, will carry forward his legacy.”
Chairman of the Loutolim Tenants Farmers Association, Albert Pinheiro, said it’s very sad that Goa has lost a precious son who breathed his last while trying to save Goa, its environment and agriculture.
“The void can never be filled. I have lost a friend and my pillar. I have been associated with Fr Bolmax for more than 20 years,” Pinheiro said.
He added: “Fr Bolmax invited me to give a career guidance talk for Class 12 students from Loutolim. Exactly a month ago, on April 26, Fr Bolmax was in Loutolim to attend our Korgut Utsav and spent more than three hours with us. No words, it’s just grief. A dark day for Goa.”
Former bureaucrat Elvis Gomes said that Goa has lost a son of the soil who tirelessly fought for the environment, the people and Goenkarponn. “His voice and dedication towards protecting Goa’s identity and heritage will always be remembered,” he added.
