Opinions | Letters
June 07, 2008
Letters to the Editor.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 June 7, 2008
Smile, please
It is a fact that although we are well settled and generally content with our state of affairs, we often forget to smile ("Abu Dhabi urban changes 'drive away old habits'", Gulf News, May 31). I truly believe smiles are the jewels of our faces. By smiling, we are not just expressing our happiness but also connecting to people. No one teaches us to smile; it is a natural gift that we give to others and to ourselves. Stress and hatred disappears when we smile at each other, and it is easier for friendships to blossom.
From Mr Vanchinathan Mohan
Dubai
Plight of children
Incidents of neglect on the part of school authorities are increasing every day ("Bus driver leaves pupils by Sharjah roadside", Gulf News, June 2). I have also witnessed children crammed into school buses for want of space. Often, five children are forced to sit on a seat that can barely accommodate three. One can only imagine their plight, as they are compelled to sit this way for hours due to traffic congestions - sometimes without a functioning air conditioner. It is high time the authorities take serious action and force schools to comply with directives set out by the Ministry of Education.
From Mr Ahmad
Sharjah
Website comment
Not acceptable
I believe strict action should be taken against the school management, as they are responsible for ensuring that a supervisor is present in the school bus at all times. Additionally, it is in no way acceptable for the bus driver to leave children unattended in such a barren plot of land.
From Ms Khuzeima
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
Learn the hard way
The children were left alone for just half an hour. I do not see any problem with that. Let the young learn the hard way. Let them know how children their age are suffering in Palestine, Iraq and many other parts of the world. It can be seen as part of their education.
From Mr Nasser
Dubai
Website comment
Editor's note: What are your views on this report? Let us know at www.gulfnews.com
Without shelter
At present there is not even a single bus shelter at the stops in the Jebel Ali Free Zone area and passengers have no option but to face the scorching sun for almost two hours. Additionally, the bus service in the area is pitiable as buses are either full or pass by without any passengers, often sporting an 'out of service' sign. I think the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should increase the frequency of buses to Jebel Ali, especially during peak hours. I also urge them to consider installing bus shelters for bus users.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Bad start
The first day of this month was the worst day of my life ("Motorists suffer yet another morning of extended misery from Sharjah to Dubai", Gulf News, June 2). As usual, I boarded the public bus at 6.15am. But we spent about four or five hours travelling because the bus driver took a roundabout route. It was very difficult for me to remain seated for such a long time. By the time I reached my workplace in Deira, I was completely exhausted. I request Sharjah Police to help traffic move smoothly
From Ms Rema
Sharjah
Website comment
Nightmare
Driving from Sharjah to Dubai was a horrible experience. I have never been stuck in one place for such a long time. It seemed like I was living out a nightmare. The worst part was when a motorist fell asleep while driving and accidentally stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake. He collided at full speed into the nearby school wall because of his exhaustion.
From Mr Syed Ali
Sharjah
Lost opportunity
I do not understand the sudden and substantial hike in visit visa fees ("Higher visa fee decision not yet implemented", Gulf News, June 2). I have an aged mother who I usually bring back to the UAE twice a year, in order to look after her and do my part in caring for her as my other siblings do back home. Now with the increase in visit visa fees, I see myself losing the opportunity of caring for my mother in her old age. It is most unfortunate.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Ban is a blessing
Banning the sale of cigarettes and the practice of smoking from public places is the best decision any city can make in the interest of the public ("Dubai bans cigarette sales to under-20s as world marks No Tobacco Day", Gulf News, June 1). This is not only going to be good news for smokers but will also come as a blessing for innocent passive smokers, especially children. Congratulations to Sharjah and Dubai for introducing and enforcing the ban.
From Mr Jayanth
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Plug loopholes
Gulf News's report on proprietors who are trying to find loopholes in rent laws confirms our suspicions that tenants can have no faith in their landlords ("UAE landlords find ways to beat the rent cap", Gulf News, June 1). The rules are often disregarded when it comes to rent. It will be not long before people will be forced to leave because of the practices of devious landlords.
From Mr John Adams
Abu Dhabi
Worst habit
Smoking is one of the worst habits and has the power to gradually lead man into decadence. The habit also inconveniences those who want to breathe fresh air. I hope Gulf News will be at the forefront of informing people about the harmful effects of smoking.
From Mr Mohammad Saif Al Deen
Dubai
Good work
I was deeply moved by the efforts put forward by Khadim Al Daheri to keep his word and secure the freedom of his fellow inmates ("Former inmate keeps his promise to save two friends from death row", Gulf News, May 30). Such compassion is rare in today's world, where selfish pursuits often take priority. Credit goes to Al Daheri for his generosity.
From Mr Shakir Nasse
Australia
Matter of fact
Gulf News wrongly reported/published the following:
- The day as "Tuesday" instead of "January 15" in the fact box with the Page 37 report, "Kuwait plans big Citi, Merrill buys", Business section, June 5. It was in reference to Citigroup and Merrill Lynch & Co.
We apologise for these errors and any inconvenience they may have caused you.
Gulf News is committed to being fair.
If there is an error in the newspaper, we will correct it promptly and fully.
If you come across any factual errors, mistakes or inaccuracies, please let us know at readers@gulfnews.com
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