Goemkarponn desk
VASCO:
Goencho Avaaz Party urges the Goa government to immediately provide vaccines to healthy Goan seafarers in order to enable them resume work at the earliest.
The apathy and negligence of the state government in failing to provide them with both doses of the vaccine are causing Goan seafarers to lose their jobs to other Asian nationals, as per recent reports.
Therefore it is of paramount importance that the government expedites the vaccination programme for Goan seafarers on a priority basis, so that they can get back to their jobs.
Swapnesh Sherlekar, President of Goencho Avaaz Party said: ‘Shipping is important to keep the global supply chain open. Our Goan seafarers have been at home for over a year. As the government is well aware, seafarers have been significant contributors to the Goan economy. And now most of them are experiencing tremendous financial difficulties, amidst an already challenging and difficult time. Shipping companies are not accepting any crew that haven’t been vaccinated and therefore it is imperative that the government prioritizes the vaccination drive for the seafarers.’’
‘When the government has recognized seafarers as ‘key workers’ who provide essential services, it is only right and fair that they be provided with the vaccine they need to get back to their jobs. In other cities across India such as Mumbai, Kochi and Kolkata, vaccination facilities are being set up especially for seafarers. Why can’t Goa have the same? We urge the government of Goa to immediately arrange for the vaccination of Goan seafarers. This is in line with the World Health Organization’s recent directive urging governments to vaccinate shipping crew’’ concluded Swapnesh Sherlekar.
