Tragic death of Tourism and Environment Minister, Hon. Jose Matanhy Saldanha Two days before my departure from Goa I was so privileged to attend and witness the sad final journey of late Mr Matanhy on 24 March with full honours of 21 guns salute and coffin draped in the national tri-colour of India. It was one of the biggest funeral rites in Goa’s history. Mr. Matanhy died of massive cardiac arrest at the age of 64 years. The tribute was so moving and thousands of inconsolable mourners from all walks of life gathered together whole day long to his residence and St. Thomas Church in Cansaulim to pay their last respects to their beloved leader of humanity, teacher, orator, activist, social worker, and visionary prophet of Goa . He fought for the rights of besieged fishermen, toddy-tappers, poor and marginalised people. I had never heard Mr. Matanhy’s name before this recent election, but when he was sworn in as the Minister of Tourism I read every article about him and thought he was the saviour of Goa. I even prayed for his good health. Alas, God only knows why he was snatched away so prematurely from his beloved family, friends and of course Goa lost a dedicated, honest fighter and a great son of the soil. I have been told that he was born in my village of Carmona ( I do not know how far it is true). I visited the house to say a prayer for his soul and met his elderly aunt. However, I understand that Mr. Matanhy devoted his entire life to save Goa from the clutches of evil dministration, destruction and degradation of forest and environment. He was the hope for these causes and vowed to save Goa’s forest, fragile environment and land for posterity. The funeral Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop of Goa, Filipe Neri Ferrao . The Archbishop spoke so highly about Matanhy and his relentless hard work to save Goa from destruction and he implored the people of Goa to continue walking along the path Matanhy had chosen and to live by his high moral principles and ideals. The first tribute of condolences came from Mr. Arun Jaitley, the Opposition Leader of Raj Sabha. He called him a crusader for people’s rights and said that Goa has lost one of the noblest and greatest sons of the soil. The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar gave the eulogy and mentioned that he was a simple man and always believed in working for the welfare of Goa and Goans. They shared a common bond for believing in similar principles. He assured the public that his government would ensure that Matanhy’s rich legacy will not be forgotten. Remo Fernandes dedicated a flute solo as a tribute to Matanhy. The moving speech of Mr. Matanhy’s niece, Malisa Simoes on behalf of the family touched the hearts of thousands who cried bitter tears after hearing the heart-rendering story of a man who was more concerned for the welfare of Goa and working for the downtrodden than winning the election. His courageous wife Alina showed great strength and admiration for the man she loved for twenty years of their married life and worked together to fulfil his dreams. She also mentioned that he always told her that everything he did will be remembered after his death. It was sad to hear her words that the light of her life was no more. May God grant her and his family strength, courage fortitude and serenity to bear this cruel blow and to keep alive his vision and dreams of a better Goa in union with his legacy. Fr. Eremito Rebello delivered a strong-worded homily praising Mr. Matanhy for his kindly deeds and said that his wife Alina is a strong, courageous woman and the people of Goa needs her now to take up the challenge by contesting the Cortalim Constituency by polls. There is no doubt, Mr. Matanhy died as a happy man for the love of his beloved Goa and Goans. Let us pray that in future Goans will elect good and honest politicians to keep his memory and legacy alive. May God grant him an eternal rest in heaven. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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