Dr Jack Sequeira: Architect of Goa’s identity
There should be no doubt that Dr Jack de Sequeira, the doctor-turned-politician and then leader of the opposition from the United Goans Party, deserves to be known as the father of the Opinion Poll and the architect of Goa’s unique identity. With his charismatic leadership, he turned the tide against the pro-merger Maharashtra Gomantak, led by Dayanand Bandodkar and supported by the Government of Maharashtra. In the final tally, the majority of Goans, by a margin of 34,021 votes, decided in favour of Goa remaining a separate entity, leading to the formation of the State of Goa. Of the 30 constituencies, 19 voted in favor of the anti-merger forces, with Salcete constituencies playing a crucial role in overwhelmingly supporting Goa’s independence. It is a matter of great pride that two life-size statues of Dr Jack de Sequeira have been installed—one in Calangute and the other at the Dona Paula circle. A bust of Dr Sequeira has also been placed in Merces. Additionally, two roads—one from Miramar to Dona Paula and another in Merces—have been named after him. It would be fitting to also install his statue in Salcete, in recognition of his monumental contribution to Goa’s identity.
Stephen Dias, Dona Paula
Chicken suppliers strike
Chicken suppliers from Maharashtra reportedly observed a one-day strike alleging harassment by the All Goa Poultry Farmers and Traders Association which led to shortage of chicken in the Goan market. The association had alleged that vehicles coming from Maharashtra did not possess fitness certificates for the birds. It is learnt that the issue is for suppliers from Maharashtra and not with suppliers from Karnataka. It is claimed that some suppliers were attempting to supply chicken without proper checks and selling it at cheaper rates. It is pertinent to note that various tests and strategies are used to screen for avian influenza or confirm its presence in poultry species. Research indicates that the avian influenza virus can contaminate the surface of eggshells, emphasising the importance of thorough egg handling, hand hygiene and proper cooking to eliminate risks. One cannot contract the virus from eating poultry that has been cooked properly. Avian influenza harms poultry flocks especially if it’s highly pathogenic. One should not eat birds that appear sick or have died for some unknown reasons and may show signs of depression, have ruffled feathers, and be quieter than normal. Symptoms of bird flu infections in people have ranged from mild eye infection, upper respiratory symptoms to severe illness like pneumonia. This can happen when the virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. It is absolutely necessary to conduct all checks for chicken coming into the state so that Goa gets disease-free chicken. It is pertinent to note that just this month, the Union Animal Husbandry Ministry urged states to quarantine infected birds to prevent the spread of the disease. Authorities suspect that contaminated chicken meat can be the source of infection.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Chinese manja injuries
Last year’s Makar Sankranti turned fatal for thousands of birds and a few people due to “Chinese manja”. Now, on Tuesday, a crime branch police sub inspector, on his way to the SP’s office, had to receive 35 stitches after a nylon manja slashed his neck in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), and is on hospital observation. Chinese manja was banned in 2017 following the order of the National Greens Tribunal under Section 5 of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 due to dangerous chemicals contained in it that could affect the environment. Although 14 states have enforced the ban, some have yet to implement it.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Goan work culture
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has reportedly described Goans living in Goa as ‘susegad’, based on his personal assumptions. He specifically criticised local shopkeepers for their limited operating hours, from 9 am to 1.30 pm, a siesta from 1.30 pm to 4 pm, and reopening from 4 pm until 8 pm. He attributed this pattern to the influence of Goa’s former Portuguese colonial regime. What about Goans working in government departments across the state? Why do some arrive late for duty, after 10 or 11 am, sleep or doze off after openly consuming alcohol in the afternoon, and casually skip work—yet still receive their full monthly salaries? These employees often leave by 3 or 4 pm on a daily basis, forcing ordinary citizens, including senior citizens, to make frequent and unnecessary trips to government offices. I believe chief minister Sawant should first focus on disciplining government employees by enforcing strict adherence to their daily work schedule of 9.30 am to 6 pm.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
