Opinion | Letters
March 3, 2008
Letters to the Editor.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:47 March 3, 2008
Every child's welfare
The only way to reduce child abuse crimes worldwide is to have an active child welfare department in countries. It should be made compulsory for each child to have an annual medical examination either at his or her school or at a clinic. The check-up should also consider the levels of carbon monoxide traced in the blood, to rule out passive smoking by uncaring parents, as that too is abuse of a child's health. A child's welfare cannot be left to parents alone.
From Mr Jayaraj P.
Dubai
Shared
The write up by Gulf News photographer Megan Hirons was so sincere in its tone that I sent it to my best friend in India who is a smoker ("A farewell to smokes", Gulf News, February 28). My friend wrote back that she completely relates to the article and has decided to quit smoking. Thank you Megan for sharing your experience.
From Ms Latha Krishnan
Sharjah
Glimmer of hope
I am really impressed with the words of encouragement for Africa in Gulf News' recent columns. Coming from non-Africans such thoughtfulness provides a glimmer of hope for some of us striving to contribute to the betterment of our nations and thus our continent. It is time to think out of the box about the continent. The importance of Africa to the world will come to light very soon.
From Mr Liqu T. Gebre
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Educate
It is the duty of people to educate those less fortunate or less informed about the falsehood of their ways ("Sudan boycotts Danish products over cartoons", Gulf News, February 25). Issuing threats can only confirm their presuppositions about some followers of Islam.
From Mr T. Ross
United Kingdom
Dangerous
The consumption of so-called trans fats dates back to over a 100 years ("Medical campus to prohibit serving food with trans fats," Gulf News, February 28). It basically replaced butter as a food commodity and was much cheaper because it came from plants and not animals. There is now very strong evidence that its consumption is linked to cardiovascular disease and for this reason its use has been banned in some parts of the US since last September. The public should also be aware of the presence of the potent neurotoxins in fried food that has recently been implicated in increased risk of ovarian cancer as per a Dutch study.
From Dr Paul Towner
Sharjah
Appalling
One recent morning, I happened to drive by on Oud Metha Road and could see many boys smoking while waiting for their school bus. It was appalling. I urge the school authorities and parents to address this issue immediately.
From Mr Roji Jacob George
Dubai
Protect families
Serious traffic accidents are a frequent occurrence at the Green Community roundabout on the Emirates Road.
The positioning of traffic lights has made the congestion worse. Many unscrupulous drivers try to push in using the hard shoulder.
Entering the roundabout between heavy trucks is a deadly risk that we take everyday. Ongoing construction at the Dubai Investment Park (DIP), and newly released residential areas add to the problem. Roads around the DIP are not designed for the amount of traffic being experienced. The construction is taking place at a rapid pace, and the danger will increase. Please take immediate action to resolve this matter and protect our families!
From Mr Paul Robertson
Dubai
Money matters
A scheme ought to be provided by the authorities concerned whereby consumers can store electricity during the day, when it is much cheaper, and use it at night when there isn't such a rush on consumption ("Sharjah to introduce power saving system," Gulf News, February 27).
I understand that this calls for a major overhauling of the system but is essential if one intends to save money. Many people, including me, use this system in our countries. Additionally, why can't real estate firms introduce a system that can utilise solar power to generate electricity? The more power you consume, the more you pay.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Lost in transaction
Every morning, I buy myself a sandwich that usually costs Dh7.75 at any of the petrol stations on Jumeirah or Shaikh Zayed road. This is a routine that I religiously follow every day. Thereby it is interesting to note that there has not been a single day when the cashiers at the counter have provided me with the cash change. The reason given is always a lack of change, especially if it is 50 fils or less. This way, I must be losing Dh10 every month.
From Ms Razia Afsar
Dubai
Side costs
My family, friends and I had recently been to a fast food outlet. We ordered a party meal and paid Dh90. Though a Dh5 increase in the cost of the meal was no surprise, it was shocking to note that we had to pay 50 fils extra for each additional ketchup sachet. Has the cost of living gone up so high that we now have to pay extra for things like ketchup and sauce?
From Mr Mohammad H. A.
Sharjah
Healthier
I see complaints galore in the newspaper about the chaotic traffic conditions in Dubai but hardly anybody comes forward with any solutions. Having visited Holland recently, I realised that we could also have air-conditioned cycling tracks here. Dubai is not short on space to be unable to build cycling tracks. In fact it can be seriously thought of as a healthy alternative.
From Ms Anita Nanda
Dubai
Be aware
It is a good thing that hypermarkets have started charging for plastic bags. However, it is sad to note that most of their products are wrapped in plastic. Could it be a lack of awareness on their part?
From Mr Haroon
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Your turn
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By Rabia Alavi, Special to Gulf News
Expatriates must see its inclusion in school curriculum as an invitation to integrate into Emirati society and an opportunity to access markets presently reserved for Emiratis
