Opinions | Letters

April 01, 2008

Letters To The Editor - April 01, 2008

  • Gulf News
  • Published: 00:41 April 1, 2008
  • Gulf News

Justice prevails
A month and a half ago, I had written to Gulf News about a work-related problem, wherein I was forced to work under a contract that I had never signed or agreed upon.

A contract that I had found a copy of, signed by someone else and which was used to blackmail me with. No one could imagine the pain or depression I went through.

The ordeal would have continued if not for the staff at the Ministry of Labour office in Fujairah who helped me get my rights back.

My sincerest thanks to all involved for their efforts to ensure that justice prevailed. I would also like to thank Gulf News for giving me the right advice.

Please continue to give more coverage on such legal matters since it really helps victims like me.
From Ms Fesseha Bahiru
Fujairah

Even-handed
Writer Linda Heard's comment calls for an even-handed approach with regard to freedom of expression practised in some countries ("Hypocrisy over free speech issues," Gulf News, March 25).

Although we can't expect things to change overnight, the 'law of averages' could in the long run bring the sort of equity in human relations that is aspired for by people such as Ms Heard.

I hope to see more of such articles.
From Mr Aboobakr A. Rahman
Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Cherished addition
Linda Heard has said it all - an excellent piece of writing. I have added this to my 'excellent articles' file.

I was very relieved to know that at least someone; in this case a non-Muslim understood our feelings and has an unbiased viewpoint. Keep it up Ms Heard.
From Mr Aleem Al Deen
Abu Dhabi

Heard through
I salute Gulf News for its courage to educate those who blindly follow and support wrongdoers.

The newspaper takes a fair take on freedom of speech and is selective in which group to favour.
From Mr Mustafa Jourdini
UAE

Clueless
I thank Linda Heard for her great comment on America and Britain.

I agree completely, but the people that are educating themselves on the happenings of real politics, at least for me, are having a hard time figuring out what to do.
From Mr Steven Dulas
UAE

Scared to cross the road
Like many pedestrians in Abu Dhabi, I am always scared to use a pedestrian crossing. Most motorists have no concern for people.

In fact, some speed up on seeing an individual trying to cross a road. The yellow warning lights at traffic signals are useless for certain motorists.

I suggest that either these lights are removed or are placed to face pedestrians. This would help him/her be cautious while crossing roads.

Additionally, cameras should be set up at crossings to catch violating drivers. An awareness week should be held regarding this issue.
From Mr Naeem Anjum
Abu Dhabi

Hidden charges
Dubai First bank not only displays poor professionalism but also, in some cases, lies to its customers with promises of a free credit card that requires no annual membership fee.

A representative at the bank got me signed up for such a credit card stating that the limit would be more than what I had from the existing credit card.

However, I was not informed that there would be a fee charged for the same. Soon, I received a credit card along with a statement and an annual membership fee.

I was shocked because the representative had told me that the card was free and wondered why I had received a statement.

I called the call centre wherein an agent informed me that they had no such card that is "free" and I would have to pay a fee but could cancel the card if I wished.

I was informed that regardless, my fees would not be returned. Is this not cheating?
From Mr Manoj Kumar Aswani
Abu Dhabi

The management of Dubai First bank replies:
As a company, we have never offered free cards to customers from the time of our launch except in certain specific cases. Our sales staff conveys, without fail, the annual credit card fee to all customers.

The amount charged as annual fee is further printed on the application form just above the space where a customer is supposed to sign. In Mr Aswani's case, the customer was well informed of the charges on his card.

Mr Aswani signed on the application form for a credit card and upon receiving the same insisted that his annual fee be waived off as most other banks in the region followed the practice. We conveyed to the customer that our cards were not free of charge and hence the fee could not be reversed.

However, since he insisted, our sales staff said that they would try but did not guarantee a waiver. After speaking to our staff, Mr Aswani was informed that the fee would not be waived and he confirmed to withdraw the complaint.

We are surprised that the customer has decided to pursue the same. We confirm that there has been no mis-commitment on part of the Dubai First staff or the company in this case.

However, we are willing to help Mr Aswani in case of any further assistance or clarification.

Made a difference
My son had some learning problems. However, six months after joining his present school, I can see huge changes in him.

I owe it all to the support extended by the staff and pupils. He is very lucky to have great teachers. I wish I could do something for the school for the wonderful services.
From Ms Reema Bhatti
Dubai

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Speak Your Mind: Cyberbullying
Opinions

Speak Your Mind: Cyberbullying

How can we protect our children from being Cyber bullied?

Opinion Editor's choice