GOA NEWS: GENERAL
Kundaim voter can now heave a sigh of relief BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 2 The lone voter in Kundaim polling booth, Hemant Fadte should be a relieved man now. For, the Election Commission has ruled that his vote should be taken up for counting only if the margin between the first and second candidate after completion of counting of votes in all other polling stations, is one. This means that Fadtes vote would be taken up for counting only if the margin between the two main candidates - Francisco Sardinha and Dr Wilfred Mesquita - is one vote after completion of counting of votes in all other polling stations. Given that the possibility of a one vote margin between Sardinha and Mesquita appears remote, Fadte should hopefully be a relaxed man. For, if the election authorities had to count his vote along with other votes, his preference for the candidate would have been known, thus violating the voting secrecy. The Election Commission dispatched its communiqué to the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa after the Returning Officer of Mormugao Lok Sabha Constituency, Mihir Vardhan today. Vardhan had sought guidance from the Election Commission to the unusual situation in view of the clear-cut provision in the Representation of Peoples Act, dealing with secrecy of voting. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3767&cid=26 Quepem quack granted anticipatory bail PANJIM, NOV 2 (HR) The Bombay High Court at Goa on Friday allowed the anticipatory bail application of a homeopathic doctor from Quepem against whom local doctors has filed complaint alleging that he is a quack. The Justice N A Britto granted the application of Dr Peter Fernandes practicing in Quepem. His counsel Adv Arun Bras de Sa submitted that doctors from petitioners area namely Dr Arun Sankow, Dr Milagres Fernandes, Dr Umesh Netravalkar, Dr Deepak Dangui and Dr Deepak Lotlikar, mischievously and malafidely in order to settle professional score and professional rivalry had filed a false complaint against him with the Disciplinary Committee of Goa Medical Council (GMC) stating that he was a quack and had no professional degree to practice medicine. Petitioner however claimed to have First Class Final Year Bachelors degree in Homeopathy, Medicines and Surgery (BHMS) and he has also registered himself with the Goa Board of Indian system of medicines and homeopath and also with Karnataka Board of Homeopathy System of Medicines and the Maharashtra Council of Homeopathy. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3768&cid=26 Sanguem petrol pump closure causing hardship to motorists HERALD CORRESPONDENT SANGUEM, NOV 2 The sudden closure of the lone petrol pump at Sanguem town due to lack of stocks has caused severe hardship to motorists in the area. Residents from in and around Sanguem are puzzled over the non-availability of petrol in Sanguem, especially since petrol pumps all over the State get regular stocks of petrol. The closure of the lone petrol pump in Sanguem constituency has forced motorists to travel to Curchorem to fill fuel. Disputing the no-stocks claim, some locals alleged that the petrol pump was allegedly sealed by authorities, after the pump owner failed to comply with certain formalities. When some residents confronted the owner over the abrupt closure of the pump, the pump owner accused the residents of threatening him and warned them not visit the petrol pump again. A resident, Dilesh Sambhari, however, lodged a police complaint with the Sanguem Police Station, accusing the petrol pump owner of threatening him with dire consequences. Another resident, Antonio Carvalho, urged authorities to permanently close down the petrol pump and to issue fresh permission to another individual to open a petrol pump in Sanguem. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3766&cid=26 NUSI Wockhardt Hospital commissioned at Cuncolim BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 2 - A new 180-bedded super speciality hospital, NUSI Wockhardt Hospital, was commissioned at Panzorcone-Cuncolim on Friday, marking a new chapter in health care in the State. NUSI Wockhardt Hospital, Goa would offer comprehensive solutions in the super specialities of brain & spine, bone & joints, and critical care including, Minimal Access surgery & general surgery, Urology & Nephrology, medical & surgical Oncology, Gynaecology, Pediatrics & Pediatric surgery, critical care & emergency care, interventional Radiology, besides preventive health care, backed by a team of eminent physicians, consultants and surgeons with an appropriate back up of professional nursing and paramedic talent. The hospital was commissioned at the hands of the General Secretary of Norwegian Seafarers Union, Jacqueline Smith, in the presence of the General Secretary of National Union of Seafarers of India, Abdulgani Y Sarang. On the occasion, Sarang announced that a new wage agreement has been recently reached with the ship owners, which would increase the wages of the seafarers. The new super speciality hospital includes a high proportion of full-equipped patient centric ICU/SICU, four fully equipped operation theatres of comparable international standards and has all the required facilities such as Cardiac Cath lab, comprehensive diagnostic facility, trauma care and dedicated cardiac ambulance. Jacqueline Smith, Capt Guha, NUSI President Dr Shanti Patel also spoke. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3765&cid=26 Bicholim Shiv Sena to survey illegal gambling sites BICHOLIM, NOV 2 (HC) Authorities have failed to do it and now, the Bicholim Block Shiv Sena has decided to survey all illegal gambling sites in the taluka and force authorities to stop them.Bicholim Block Shiv Sena President Anand Narvekar recently convened a meeting to discuss the adverse effects of gambling activities in the taluka. It was later decided to prepare a list of all the gambling sites and submit the details to the authorities, so that action could be initiated to stop those sites. The Bicholim Block Shiv Sena, however, warned that authorities would be forced to face the consequences, if they failed to curb the menace. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3764&cid=26 CCP does U-turn, allows wholesale fish vendors to continue business BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 2 - Contradicting its own decision taken just a day before the Corporation of the City of Panaji on Friday allowed the wholesale fish vendors to continue their business activities at the Panjim market even after 9 am. The CCP yesterday, in a joint meeting between the wholesale and retail fish vendors, had decided to bar wholesalers from the market after 9 am but that did not seem to have happened as this reporter, who made three visits up to 12 noon, saw them continuing with the business. Worst still the business was carried out right under the nose of CCP officials who turned a blind eye to the same. As decided the retail fish vendors did not buy stocks from the wholesalers, however, there was no shortage of fish as the retailers bought the same from Nerul and Margao wholesalers while a few got their stock directly from the trawlers. While a few got their stocks from Margao wholesalers a few is learnt to have bought directly from the trawler owners. When contacted the Corporation of the City o Panaji on Friday clarified that the wholesale fish vendors were doing business as per their directives beyond stipulated time. Speaking tot Herald, CCP Market Committee Chairman Uday Madkaikar said that the CCP allowed the wholesalers because the retailers boycotted them this morning. The retailers bought the fish from Margao or the Nerul wholesalers while the Dona Paula wholesalers were left stranded and hence we allowed them to continue business until their stocks lasted, Madkaikar said. The wholesalers, who are alleged to have the backing of Taleigao MLA, said they had no other alternative but to finish the stocks. The retailers did not buy our fish and so we sold the stocks to cyclists and whatever remained we waited here and sold ourselves to the customers, said one wholesaler. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3762&cid=26 No sale of liquor in State today HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 2 The Government has directed that all licensed premises for the sale of liquor in Goa, shall be closed on November 3, in view of counting of votes for the bye-election to Lok Sabha for 2-Mormugao Parliamentary constituency. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3761&cid=26 Daily wage workers were given break on disciplinary grounds BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 2 The Corporation of the City of Panaji Commissioner Elvis Gomes on Friday said that the daily wage workers were given a break in service on disciplinary grounds and not with any ulterior motives. The 20 workers who were given a break were delinquent and not diligent, Gomes said adding many of them were also noticed to be just signing and leaving the duties and others were found to be showing laxity at work. The CCP employs about 410 daily wage workers out of which 245 workers are with CCP for last 10 years while the second batch has 125 workers, who are there for five years while the remaining 40 have completed six months. On regularization of these workers, the CCP commissioner replied whenever the vacancies exists the daily wage workers are given first preference. Asked about the CCP plans of giving break in service to a few daily wage workers, Gomes said it will depend on the exigencies of work. Employment of daily wage workers are as per the exigencies and the load of work and if we feel we dont have enough work we will give them a break, he said pointing out he has no plans to discontinue service of workers who have completed 5 years or more. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3760&cid=26 Narrow escape for passengers as ferry hits barge in River Mandovi BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 2 Large number of passengers traveling in a ferryboat - plying from Panjim to Betim - had a narrow escape after it hit a barge in River Mandovi during peak hours in the evening. The mishap occurred at around 7 pm, when the ferry proceeding towards Betim failed to notice the barge coming from the right side. The ore-laden barge was proceeding to the port. The barge was also at its full speed and at one point it looked like it would hit the ferry head on, P N Pandey, an eyewitness said. The passengers had a harrowing time with some even planning to jump from the ferry. Fortunately for them, after the passengers shouted, the coxswain put the reverse gear and the barge just hit the ferry and passed, he added. Passengers also complained that the visibility is poor after sunset between ferry jetties. At the time of the accident, besides nearly 100 passengers, 15 two-wheelers were on board most of which fell off their stands with the impact of the barge on the ferry, the eyewitness said. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3759&cid=26 HC grants temporary relief to industrialist Timblo BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 2 The Bombay High Court on Friday granted temporary relief to industrialist Sarvesh Timblo in connection with the case of attempt to murder of former Xelvona panch Mariano Mascarenhas. Justice N A Britto granted Timblos anticipatory bail observing that his arrest would depend on further interrogation sought by the police. The police in their reply submitted that there is prima facie material, which shows that accused was involved in an offence punishable with imprisonment for life and his presence is required in police custody to interrogate him in detail with respect to his role in the crime. However, the High Court observed that in the present circumstances, the application is anfractuous and dismissed it. The Court has asked police to give 48 hours notice to the accused to approach the High Court for anticipatory bail in the event they wish to arrest him. As per police version, Mariano in his statement before Executive Magistrate, Quepem on April 21, 2006 had expressed his suspicion that Timblo and Rajesh Dessai are responsible for the attack on his life. The motive behind the attack was the dust pollution caused due to transportation of iron ore for which Timblo had given contract to Rajesh, he had said. Mariano has further alleged that he had been threatened after Curchorem police arrested some employees of a mining firm on January 26, 2006, for loading iron ore at night. Police in their application before the Court submitted that they are yet to get call details of Mariano from the service provider. Adv Nitin Sardessai appeared on behalf of the accused. BAIL GRANTED: The Bombay High Court today granted anticipatory bail pleas of husband and wife duo charged for assault and abuse. The Court allowed the anticipatory bail pleas of Ivy Fernandes and husband, Joao Fernandes of Calangute. One Joseph Esteves had filed a police complaint against the accused alleging he and his sister had been abused and assaulted by the accused. They had also been threatened with dire consequence, he complained. Adv Arun Bras de Sa appeared on behalf of the accused. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3756&cid=26 CM for amicable solution between news channels, cable operators BY HERALF REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 2 Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Friday called for an amicable solution between the news channels operating in Goa and the cable operators. The Chief Minister has formed a committee consisting of Special Secretary Information and the Director of Information to look into the matter. After giving a patient hearing to both the groups the Chief Minister told media persons that he had called both the parties for a meeting at his official residence today to find a solution. For about a month now the cable operators have blacked out some of the local news channels with half-an-hour slots demanding hike in the monthly retainership. At the meeting, the news channel owners informed the CM that their total earnings per month were Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh while the cable operators were demanding Rs 3 to Rs 4 lakh from them. From where are we going to give them such huge amount, said one news channel owner. The cable operators on the other hand contested that their demand was justified considering the hike the broadcasters were asking from them every year. However, the CM maintained that at no cost the news channels can be blocked by the cable operators and appointed the committee to look into the matter. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3771&cid=26 Raia panel seeks CMs intervention to stop road alignment work BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 2 - The Raia Villagers Action Committee has sought the intervention of Chief Minister to explore the possibility of a road bye-pass between Margao-Borim and immediately stop the ongoing road alignment work. The Committee has also requested PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, Power Minister and Loutolim MLA Aleixo Sequeira and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco to take up the issue of the bye-pass on a priority basis and support the villagers of Raia and Camurlim in getting the road diversion. The Chief Minister was asked to issue necessary instructions to conduct a fresh survey and immediately stop the ongoing road alignment work. The Committee pointed out that road bye-passes have been built in the various villages and towns across Goa in order to avoid destruction of houses and other property and wondered why the government did not consider a bye-pass in the case of Raia and Camurlim located between Margao and Borim. The Committee took exception to the highhanded action of the authorities in razing down the houses and other structures along the Margao-Borim road for road widening purpose. More structures coming within the government acquired area are likely to be demolished after the election process is over. The committee felt that proper instructions should have been issued before carrying out the demolition work so that the villagers were given time to shift and save their belongings. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3769&cid=26 Milk prices likely to be hiked NT Staff Reporter Panaji, Nov 2 The milk prices in the state are expected to be hiked by Rs 1.50 to Rs 2, later this month, following the rise in the prices of milk in Maharashtra. The chairman of Goa Dairy, Mr Madhav Sahakari told The Navhind Times, today that Goa receives a major portion of its milk requirement from Maharashtra, and therefore it is natural that the milk prices in the state depend on those in Maharashtra. However, we are not going to hike the milk prices in the state without undertaking an impact assessment, he added. Mr Sahakari also denied that the general body meeting of the Goa Milk Producers Association scheduled to be held on November 14, would discuss the possible milk price hike. The subject comes under the purview of the board of directors of the Goa Dairy and the BoD would discuss it at its meeting, he added. The Goa Dairy collects 45,000 litres of milk from the local milk producers, while it imports another 1.20 lakh litres of milk from the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The state has a daily requirement of 2 lakh litres of milk, which substantially rises during the tourist season. Goa takes benefit of the locally produced milk under the brands Goa Dairy, Nandini, Arogya and Bounce, while imports brands like Mahananda, Warna, Gomata, Krishna, Mayur and Ambai. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=110312 Two held for illegal blasting in Canacona NT News Service Canacona, Nov 2 The Canacona police arrested two persons today evening and seized blasting materials along with ammonia powder at Muthal-Sadolexem, Canacona. Acting on a complaint by the residents of Muthal-Sadolexem, the police arrested the duo namely Devyanandan Anthony, a resident of Dharwad and Parshuram Lamani, a resident of Chennai along with their vehicles and blasting materials. According to locals, the illegal blasting was going on for the last two months posing danger to their houses and many houses had developed cracks due to it. Reportedly getting fed-up of non-action by the authorities concerned in-spite of repeated complaints, initially around thirty people of the village marched to the site today evening, caught hold of the some persons carrying out blasts red-handed and later handed them to the police. The police further said that they have seized ammonia powder of around ten kilogram, gelatin sticks, blasting wires and two loaded trucks belonging to a local panch. It may be recalled that after receiving complaints from the Poinginium deputy sarpanch and from the locals, the illegal blasting and cutting of stones at different places in the Poinginium constituency was stopped some months back but it restarted later. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11038 Flood-affected people from Bicholim, Sanquelim yet to get compensation NT News Service Bicholim, Nov 2 The compensation cases of the flood-affected people from Bicholim and Sanquelim area, which are pending with the government till date have caused much agony in those areas.According to the sources, the government so far sanctioned Rs 59 lakh to 678 flood affected people from Bicholim and Sanquelim areas including Latambersem, Shirigaon, Surla, Van-Mavalingem, Karapur-Sarvan and Piligaon village panchayats. The cheques were disbursed to 678 persons in the month of October. It is learnt that 329 more cases which were processed by Bicholim mamlatdar and forwarded to the government for further action are still pending for approval. The people who suffered agriculture losses have not received any compensation so far and their compensation cases are pending for approval. In the meantime the shop-owners and other residents of flood affected areas from Bicholim and Sanquelim have demanded that the government should take steps on priority basis for precautionary measures against the occurrence of flood every year. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11036 Sanny de Quepem <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com