MINING IS A RESIDENT EVIL IN GOA.

From Sattari to Canacona along the eastern border mining thrives, no doubt it is a source of the badly needed income to the Goan coffers. Mining in Goa has been going on for ages. Along with the income to the Goan coffers, the miners too have made a fortune for themselves and with this acquired wealth they have managed to take control of the police, the bureaucrats, as well as the politicians. Money is a powerful commodity that can turn wrong into right in no time, and our miners are having a ball, with the politicians, bureaucrats and the police in their pockets.

Even with all the hue and cry over the dangers of mining to nature, environment and to the human species as well, the government and the police are unwilling to take any action against this highly polluting industry, both legal as well as illegal. The CM who is also the Minister for mines, has promised action against the erring miners umpteen number of times but unfortunately nothing ever materialises. Instead there are only the implicit knee-jerk reactions whenever there have been accidents, with more promises as usual but no action follows, at this point in time, a mature and a tactful handling is required rather than the high-decibel theatrics of our CM.

A lot of people have lost their precious lives, both young and old, to the mining traffic, and after the latest causality, a ban on mining traffic was enforced but again the money power of miners has played a pivotal role in not only lifting the ban, but a free travel time is also being allotted to them from 6 AM to 6 PM, with namesake restrictions on load, speed and number of trips, which are hardly of any consequence, as none of the restrictions are being heeded by the mining traffic and are back to their usual business of F1 racetrack driving, the police when notified of the non compliances, have failed to take any action, thus putting the lives of the public to further risks. Even after the assurances that erring drivers and transporters would be taken to task, by the Advocate General, just yesterday a scooterist had a lucky escape when he missed to get run over by a mining truck which had lost control. What action has been taken against this driver or the transporter ? Why is our Government not showing any concern for the lives of the public ?

The affected people have so far shown tremendous restrain in the face of intimidation and abuse of money and muscle power by the miners, the government has to adhere to the genuine needs of the public and thread this path carefully, because sooner or later the public is bound to loose patience and resort to violence, and before that happens an amicable solution should be sought in earnest, that will reduce the risk to the lives of the public and bring down the pollution to required levels to maintain a healthy environment.

My heart goes out to the people living in these mining areas, who breathe in the dust, day in and day out, their water too in mostly contaminated, their houses full of mining dust, making life, a living hell. It is indeed a good sign that the people of Quepem are on to the streets in unity with peaceful protests putting pressure on the Government and hope the CM sees reason before things get complicated and out of hand.

Freddy Agnelo Fernandes,
Dubai - UAE.

Eldon Carlos in praise of Goa then and later.

Very informative article... about old era..... planning & execution of the development work in goa. Renovating heritage structures in Old Goa about Bom Jesus Basilica .. great news..
our current politicans & top goverement heads should take note of this

Eldon Carlos,
Q8.

CONDOLENCE FROM UG - kUWAIT.

UNITED GOANS CENTER, KUWAIT, deeply mourn the sudden and untimely death of the
former member of their soccer team Peter Colaco on 13th of this month.

UGC pray to God to give eternal peace to the soul of Peter Colaco and comfort to his family to bear this great loss.

Tony Gonsalves,
United Goans Center,
Kuwait.

Condolences from UFC.

CONDOLENCES.

The President and Members of United Friends Club (UFC) - Kuwait , deeply mourn the sudden death of PAUL COLACO, the founder member of Naveleim Youth Centre-Kuwait, expired on 13th April 2010.

May the Almighty GOD give strength and courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace.

Cajetan de Sanvordem,
President United Friends Club,
Kuwait

OBITUARY & REQUIEM MASS ANNOUNCEMENT

PETER COLACO
Died: 13/04/2010
 
NAVELIM Youth Centre deeply mourn the sad demise of Peter Colaco, founder member of Navelim Youth Centre – Kuwait.

Beloved husband of Brigitte Colaco and father of Stacy Colaco (Kuwait).

Brother of Inacio, Augustine, Tito, Lawrence, Mario, Claudio, Domacian and Maria (Goa); Brother-in-law of Nevie Fernandes, Eliza Rodrigues, Maria/Tony-Anasia-Savio D'Costa (Goa).

Noel Rodrigues and Alice Rodrigues (Kuwait).
Uncle of Avelino Dias/Priscilla-Craig-Gordon and Simon Dias/Olinda Dias (Kuwait).

A Requiem Mass will be offered for the departed soul at St. Therese of the Child Church Hall (Courtyard), Salmiya on 15 April 2010 at 8:00 pm. Relatives and friends kindly accept this as the only intimation.

The mortal remains will be kept open for public viewing at Sabah Hospital morgue on Thursday 15 April 2010 from 9:15am to 10:15am before being flown to Goa for the final rites. Funeral will be held at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Navelim on Saturday 17 April 2010.

Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord.
And let Your Perpetual Light shine upon him.
May his soul rest in Peace.

---

The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. Get started.