Dear Fr. Anthony Fernandes (SFX) Your Message on the Subject [Goanet] Toil and tears on the salty seas... a tribute to the Goan seafarer sent on Sat, 27 Jun 2020 05:01:23 +0530 as part of Goanet Reader
ID: <cabcxcfgvqwbiwpq2jzlmchswvd8tzhsrrv2sxvko623giau...@mail.gmail.com> It had many aspects which very few Goans ponder to think I am a very fast reader and slowly it dawned to me that here there were realities that were worth reacting so here goes ::::First The lyrics, attributed to the courtesy MangaloreMuzik, Lyrics :DOL MOJEA BAI Dol moje bai, nind moje bai, pipit adtolo pai, # Rock /swing my baby, sleep mum baby, father will bring sweets (father works on the ship, who come back after about a year) Kavlo roddon, gharacher ghai, vinchari kitem zai, # A crow was crowing over the house asking what (the baby) wanted That little detail about the crow crowing>>>> ::: Two the Loneliness of the brides or wife they left behind:::: If she was pregnant that child in the womb know when the mother is happy or sad :::: I am also thinking of the number of seamen lost during the warious World Wars ::: :::: Three 'seafarers' is a collective term they could containers, bulk carriers, tankers, passenger ships, etc. Oh yes we forget that Seafarers are vital to international trade and economy as 90% of the goods that we use in our lives are transported by sea.. Some may be cooks, some with education and skills actually deputizing for the Captain. I visited a relative in Quepem who lost her husband in London last year. Oh yes he was getting a Pension and treatment in UK …he was high enough for him to take his wife on the long voyages :::: ::::FOUR We failed to be sensitive and understand the anguish of the seafarers and their families<<<<they were even treated as outcasts, pariahs, untouchables::: How Pathetic can some of us be. You state that India has more than 200,000 seafarers directly employed in this sector.Even if half this are Goans see their real contribution to the economy of of their Families and to Goa.:::: I have many points to add: At NUSI here in Goa, I had a meeting with the Doctors…my Brother was in the last stages of Cancer of the lungs…..asbestos related when he worked in the Govt. Chemist in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I did not get that arrogant reply from the Oncologist in charge….She told me point blank not to waste my money she wanted him to continue having the painful chemotheraphy that left him like a Zombie …..there was compassion. They were prepared to use the latest Johnsons Patch. He returned home a six weeks later, celebrated his wedding anniversary With family and friends, had visitors at home ….:::; ::::I do not know why….As I read your piece I thought of water, water everywhere and yet not a drop to drink ::: God Bless : Adolfo Mascarenhas In Quepem A great admirer of the Jesuits PS Don't be put off by Detractors ...the Crab Mentality is in the Genes of a few Two I also liked your Sub Headings ...Oh Yes they were Ambassadors also ....