Goa finds itself enveloped in deep crisis with the current pandemic spreading relentlessly, creating a sense of panic in one and all.
Despite all this, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant brazenly refused to heed the advice of experts that preventive measures needed to be taken to control and prevent further spread of the virus. No doubt, the economy needs to be protected but it can’t be at the cost of the lives and health of the citizens, the peril of which is all too evident today. Any government -- even the most stupid one anywhere -- would have acted far more responsibly in a crisis like the current one. But our Chief Minister, far from the virtues of humility, responsibility and ears to the ground, is behaving like the arrogant emperors Caligula or Nero playing fiddle while Rome was burning. To arrest the spread of the virus it was incumbent on the government to act firmly against the Casinos and night clubs which undisputedly have been super spreaders of COVID-19. In the midst of this deepening crisis, today we also have so many people agitating on various issues, including the students unfortunately forced to come out on the streets. All this needed to be avoided especially in this raging pandemic with the government heeding their grievances and being responsive to the wishes and aspirations of the people. Every issue can be resolved if the approach is right and pro-active. The people’s voices need to be heeded and problems promptly handled without it being allowed to escalate. A good government needs to feel the pulse of its people. We are dealing with a vicious unknown virus which requires bold, well thought yet prompt measures to deal with the situation which is by the day drifting to an alarming level. Those in Power and authority must rise to the occasion and solely focus on the welfare and well being of the citizens especially the poor and vulnerable who have been caught in a helpless and hapless situation. The buck stops at the door step of the Chief Minister who, thus far, has failed to act promptly. At least now he must act swiftly, honestly and decisively to contain this situation which seems to be going out of hand and may soon reach a point of no return. Let us keep in our thoughts and gratitude, the yeoman services being rendered by all the doctors, nurses and the support staff who have been toiling tirelessly to try and save precious lives. To every frontline worker we remain ever so indebted. They have put people’s well being before self in discharging their duties during this over a year long pandemic that has been haunting the entire world. Like elsewhere in Goa too the medical facilities have been over stretched and expectedly has reached a point of fatigue in this long-drawn-out catastrophe, the end of which no one knows. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com
