Opinions | Letters
June 30, 2009
Letters to the editor from readers of Gulf News for June 30, 2009.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:16 June 29, 2009
Knowing what to do
I hope regular safety drills are conducted for commuters choosing to travel by the Dubai Metro. I write this because during the mild earthquake which occurred here in January, nobody in my residential building realised that lifts should be avoided in such emergencies.
My shouting out to them to use the staircase was met with blank stares. Obviously they were unaware. With the multitude of residential high-rises being built and based on my own personal experience, I think building owners should be asked to conduct regular evacuation and fire hazard drills to keep everyone informed.
From Ms Aruna Venkata R.
Sharjah
World failure
The news last week that the global crisis is pushing 100 million people into hunger shows that the results of gross overpopulation around the world are here to stay. Each year will see the problems increase as the global population spirals out of control and people's needs and consumption increase. Humans have failed to act.
From Mr David Stones
Abu Dhabi
No one's business
The world watched and took the longest time to arrive at a decision while innocent children got bombed in Palestine. International bodies did absolutely nothing.
And today Iran has become the hottest topic of discussion and every breath taken by them turns into a headline somewhere. Can the world not see how biased the media is? And to think it's nobody's business except Iran's - a self-sufficient country that does not need the West.
From Dr Iram Ali M.
Tanzania
The last laugh
I would like to apologise to Mr Aslam Quadri on behalf of Mr Litty whose name confirms that he is from the same part of India as I am ("Simple strategies," Gulf News, June 25).
Being ignorant about something and clinging hard to it is akin to saying "the rabbit I caught had three ears". Some people just don't give up. Just keep quiet Mr Quadri as everyone knows who's having the last laugh.
From Dr Mathew K. M.
Ras Al Khaimah
Lost cause
I think Mr Mathew Litty is fighting for a lost cause. Lanes do have assigned speed limits. Freedom to drive in any lane does not mean one has the freedom to drive at whatever speed one wishes to. It would be better if individuals like Mr Litty abided by the rules instead of asking others to keep switching lanes. It defeats the purpose.
From Mr Avinash Jayaprakash
Dubai
Back to square one
This is in response to the letter by Mr Mathew Litty wherein he states that overtaking from the right is not illegal. He proceeds to ask who gave Mr Quadri a licence. What indicator are you talking about Mr Litty? Do you mean to say that it's okay for you to switch on the car's indicator and overtake from wherever you wish?
Mr Litty, it's you who needs the advice. I am beginning to wonder where you got your licence from. I have a feeling that just as you are ignorant and stubborn on the road, you chose not to listen to your instructor's advice either, and hence speak based on whatever comes to your mind.
And oh yes, you do realise that people have different driving skills don't you? Does that mean that you or the likes of you can drive around the city in any manner you wish? If you really want to avoid fines why don't you travel by bus and stop using your car and being a nuisance to everyone on the roads?
From Mr Anup R. Hegde
Dubai
Do away with terror
This is in response to the letter by Ms S. Punwani ("Let Kashmir be," Gulf News, June 30). It is up to the Kashmiris to decide whether 'Kashmir is, was and always will be an integral part of India'. Furthermore the issue of Kashmir should not be equated to what happened in Mumbai in November 2008.
Human rights violations and terrorism are both highly condemnable wherever they occur. I salute Gulf News for their excellent news coverage.
From Mr Arslan Arshad
Abu Dhabi
Disappointed
I am truly disappointed with Mr Farhan Bokhari's response to Ms S. Punwani's letter. Even as he condones the attack in Mumbai by stating the same in his argument, he is somehow branching towards the cause and effect relationship.
As long as even one terrorist attack takes place, we will never find a solution to our problems. India has extended its hand of friendship many times. The least Pakistan must do is to take action against the Mumbai attackers.
From Mr Vasudev Rao
Dubai
Feel free to move out
As a European I consider Mr Nicolas Sarkozy's views as being a little different and can feel that it's a big storm brewing ("French president's burqa views leave readers fuming", Gulf News, June 24).
His remarks are a little opinionated and probably aimed at seeking attention. However, everyone who moves to a new country has to adjust to local customs, traditions and rules, irrespective of their nationality or religious beliefs.
If a woman wants to wear a burqa or anything like it specifically for religious reasons, she should choose a country where this is common and not a country where it is unusual. Additionally, it is important to accept and respect the traditions and way of life of the country one chooses to live in.
The same applies to Muslim women and those who move to a Muslim country - they, too, are expected to dress appropriately. If you don't agree, feel free to move and relocate to a place where the lifestyle suits your beliefs.
From Mr Anders Nilsson
Dubai
Readers' issues resolved
To Egypt and back
I bought a BlackBerry Storm device on behalf of a friend for his wife's birthday and sent it to Egypt. However, my friend soon discovered that the phone recognised only UAE sim cards. I called the store that I had purchased the phone from and was informed that my friend could go to any dealer in Egypt to get it unlocked. This did not work.
My friend decided to send the phone back in order for me to get it unlocked, since it was purchased in Abu Dhabi. I had to pay customs duty as required by the courier service to have it delivered. I contacted etisalat's customer service and was asked to visit an etisalat branch during working hours to get the phone unlocked.
The next day, I visited etisalat only to be transferred from one counter to another. Finally, an employee informed me that etisalat could not unlock phones and asked me to visit a specific store in Abu Dhabi. I was surprised at his tone of voice and tried explaining that I had been told to bring the phone in. However, he refused to listen and continued with his work.
Eventually, I had to leave without receiving any customer support - something that etisalat claims to offer! I had to take time off from work to go to the etisalat office and got nothing in return. Now, my friend and I do not know what to do with the new phone. In the future, if and when I want to go to etisalat, I must remember to be smart enough to choose a day or time when the employees are in a mood to help.
From Ms Liliane S. L. Boo
Abu Dhabi
The management of etisalat responds: etisalat has contacted the customer and resolved the issue to her satisfaction by facilitating the unlocking of her BlackBerry device.
Ms Boo responds: I finally heard from etisalat. I was informed that a technician would be contacting me to help solve the problem. Indeed, I received a total of 14 calls over the next two days.
Four different etisalat employees have spoken to me and they were very helpful and understanding a world of difference compared to the person I met in the etisalat office.
Unfortunately, I did not get all of their names. One representative talked to me several times and helped unlock the BlackBerry device. He was extremely professional and patient. I wish all etisalat employees were like him.
I would like to thank etisalat for solving the problem. Their interest in customers and the courtesy and cooperation extended is sincerely appreciated. I can now send the phone to my friend in Egypt.
Missing in action
This is with regard to HSBC's ineptitude. I had funds transferred electronically on April 3, 2009. However, when these did not appear in the receiving account, I lodged a complaint and made a recall request as HSBC had no idea where the money had disappeared.
Eventually, after no less than eight phone calls and a visit to the branch, the missing funds showed up in my account - 30 days later! But wait, while the transfer was for the amount of Dh20,000 I got re-credited with only Dh18,433.59. The excuse being that the rest had been exchange rate charges!
From Mr John Postle
Dubai
Mr Ahmad Othman, Manager Corporate Communications, HSBC, responds: The funds Mr Postle transferred were not credited to his requested account in a timely manner as the bank did not receive the required branch code.
Once the bank retraced the funds, his account was credited. Mr Postle has been informed and has confirmed that the matter is resolved. Due to our confidentiality policy, we are not in a position to share any further details on customer accounts.
However please be assured that at HSBC we pride ourselves in providing our customers with the best service. Additionally, our entire frontline staff is well trained and constantly monitored to ensure that our valued clients get all the courtesy and respect they deserve. It is unfortunate that despite all our efforts to instill a strong service culture, there are incidents such as this one.
Mr Postle responds: Thanks Gulf News, with much kicking and screaming it was finally resolved and they refunded my money minus some minor transfer charges.
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