Goemkapronn desk
VASCO: The Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has given its support to the government’s decision to dismiss former Fisheries Director Shamila Monterio from her position. The organization, which is associated with the National FishWorkers Forum (NFF), is now pushing for further actions, including her suspension from all positions and a thorough investigation into her conduct.
GRE Vice President Camilo Souza stressed the importance of extending Monterio’s suspension to her role as Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Board (GSPCB). He has called for an inquiry led by a retired judge to look into Monterio’s alleged “gross misconduct, gross negligence, and corruption,” which he believes have had a severe impact on the fishing community in Goa and the livelihoods of fishers from neighboring states.
Another GRE member, Francisco Braganza, criticized Monterio for her alleged connections with operators using LED lights for fishing, a banned practice. He highlighted that Monterio had submitted an affidavit in the High Court in support of the use of generator sets with capacities ranging from 60 to 150 kVA, suggesting her ties to LED light operators. Braganza pointed out that Monterio had failed to enforce the ban on LED light fishing in Goa for eight years.
GRE General Secretary Olencio Simoes expressed concerns over the damage to Goa’s reputation at national and international levels due to the inaction of the fisheries department. He mentioned that Herman Kumara, Secretary General of the World Forum for Fishers People (WFFP) from Sri Lanka, and NFF Chairperson Leo Colaco from Maharashtra, had to appeal to the state government to ban LED light fishing. Simoes criticized the fisheries department for prioritizing actions that harm local and neighboring fishing communities while neglecting to implement strict regulations to protect marine resources. He also noted Monterio’s travels to Norway as a sign of neglect towards the basic needs of fishers.
In response to these allegations, GRE has reiterated its demand for a complete ban on LED light fishing, generators, high-speed engines, and bull trawling. The organization is also urging the government to appoint a new fisheries director who is “sincere and fishermen-centric”. GRE remains committed to advocating for the rights of Goa’s traditional fishing communities and ensuring sustainable practices are enforced in the region’s fisheries sector.
