LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Surprises Galore at FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2018 has thus far thrown some unexpected results. Four former World Cup winners namely Germany, Argentina, Portugal and Spain have made an early exit and have failed to reach even the quarter-final stage. Less fancied countries have made a mark in this World Cup by putting it across the more established footballing nations. At the beginning of the football extravaganza, five-time world footballer of the year Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Argentinian star Lionel Messi were expected to make a huge impression but unfortunately both, Portugal and Argentine have not made it beyond the group of 16. There appears to be a change of guard on the world football stage. New players on the block who have impressed so far include French teenager 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who overshadowed Lionel Messi as France beat Argentina 4-3. Incidentally, Mbappe becomes the first teenager to score twice in a World Cup match since a 17-year-old Pele did way back in 1958. The Frenchman could well be the future star of world football. Other players who have made a mark in this World Cup include England talisman Harry Kane and Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku.

ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco

Margao Fish Market: Crores  Down The Drain

A part of the fish market in Margao has been renovated and was inaugurated recently amid publicity at a cost of over Rs two crore as per reports. The amount is spent mainly on decorative and costly tiles fitted to the entire ceiling and on the stainless steel platform with compartments for each vendor. It is also stated that the market has been designed a la fish markets in Dubai, as the concerned minister was impressed during his visit there. It is sad to note that no proper thought was given to study the conditions and feasibility while adopting such ideas. Initially vendors used wooden planks with tarpaulin and sold fish in the old format. Now the wooden planks have been replaced with long stainless steel plates covering the compartment, thereby defeating the very purpose it was meant for. It would have been acceptable if non-compartment platform was provided. Crores spent to fix tiles on the ceiling is of no use, as the customers will have no patience and time to appreciate it when varieties of fish are displayed. The same amount could have been spent to provide sheds to local vendors, who are left high and dry and are selling produce at roadsides. It is impracticable to literally adopt such fanciful ideas spending crores of rupees of public funds. There was an instance in the past when the dress code for police was implemented as that in Singapore which made the personnel a laughing stock. It is hoped that better sense prevails and the ministers spend public money for fruitful and gainful purposes.

B V S PRIOLKAR, Margao