Switching sides
This refers to the news report ‘Can legal counsels be allowed to jump fence?’ (Herald May 14, 2012). This is indeed a very interesting issue. It has exposed true colours of the former advocate general. This is dirty game that some advocates play, for money. This is the worst part of the profession, wherein the innocent are punished and the guilty are set free. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court should pass a judgment in this regard- whether the advocate who was fighting for the state can jump the fence and fight for the guilty.
Marcos Alemao, via email

Flyover at Mapusa
The Mapusa tar-Bastora junction connecting NH-17 has become an accident prone zone, as it is used for both light and heavy vehicular movement the whole day. The one or two inexperienced home guards sometimes posted on either side of the NH 17 have a tough time controlling traffic movement here. They leave the spot by 6 pm; then, there is nobody to control the traffic during peak hours, especially when Mumbai-bound buses, lorries and tourists leave the State.
 On Sundays and holidays, there is nobody to control traffic, and  thus accidents, sometimes fatal, are frequent at this sensitive zone, due to speeding Mumbai-bound buses and lorries. Neither the previous government nor the city fathers of Mapusa have given  serious thought to the safety of  people. The CM Parrikar, Dy CM and  Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza and Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo,  are residents of Mapusa. They should think seriously about this sensitive issue and make it a priority to build a flyover at  Mapusa in the interest of public safety.
Babluis Pereira, Pomburpa

Higher education
Higher Education is backbone of society and is largely responsible for better quality of living through economic sustainability. Today, where the nation is moving towards achieving maximum Gross Enrolment Ratio i.e. 20% by end of next five year plan, Goa has stagnated. The previous
Government failed to appoint a Director Of Higher Education. This has created huge lapses and hampered the growth and development of higher education sector in the state.
In all the other states the where higher education is administered by IAS officer, or the senior educationist with high amount of research caliber and exposure. Unfortunately Goa lacks that and the Directorate is functioning with a part time Higher education director handling charge of two more government colleges in south Goa. In such a situation, neither the colleges nor the Directorate office can perform to the maximum efficiency.
 A well qualified full time person should be immediately appointed as a Director of Higher Education. Such an appointment is also very important as the MHRD has already planned to enhance the higher education budgetary allocation to more than 20 % of the entire country budget.
Dr G Shrinivas, Porvorim

Cortalim by-elections
It is really heartening to know that Churchill  Alemao wants to contest from the  Cortalim constituency at its by-elections. By this act he would do a great service to some poor and needy people of Cortalim to enjoy a part of his ill-gotten wealth though they will surely vote for Mrs. Alina. Best of Luck Churchill Alemao.
Joe Vaz, Fatorda
Important issues!
As Cortalim constituency is scheduled to go to to the polls at the forthcoming  by-elections, some politicians from  Salcette – including Churchill Alemao who were defeated at the recently concluded Assembly elections, feels that it’s another opportunity available for them to get back to power. 
I cannot understand  how Mopa has been linked to the by-elections;  selfish politicians have already made it as a  by-election related issue. Churchill who toured the entire South Goa conducting meetings against the Mopa airport but when in power didn’t utter a word related to the issue, is now addressing the media with the UGDP against Mopa.
 If we as Goans are not in favour of the project, let’s stand as united against it, so that no one can force it on Goa. We proved our strength in the last assembly elections and can do the same regarding Mopa.
In 1989, there were  no ‘Konkani medium schools’. It was during the tenure of PDF government - a combination of MGP and  MLAs who deserted  the Congress who introduced the system of education on the mother tongue at the primary level.       
Our own people supported the system when it was introduced  but they have now taken an opposite stand.  Selfish people intend to make the maximum  by  playing with the lives of our innocent children. As parents we only ask for our rights to choose the  medium of instruction for our children at the  primary level.
Our   Chief minister  though highly qualified showing a complete lack of understanding  on the issue. In short, Konkani is my mother tongue. I’ve got nothing against  Marathi. I want my children  to be educated  in my choice of the medium of instruction. It seems that highly qualified decision makers cannot understand this   simple statement. This is Goa, where there are no values for the feelings of real Goans. VIVA GOA!
Joel Morais, Cuncolim