Opinions | Letters
November 25, 2008
Letters to the Editor: November 25, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:35 November 24, 2008
Give the planet its due
Even with the heightened awareness about the deteriorating state of the environment, I believe it is time for serious action. We must realise that we have to give back to the planet that has nurtured us all our lives. The beauty of nature is free but it is our moral duty to act responsibly when utilising the resources available to us. Such a sense of accountability alone can help the younger generation realise the true value of the environment. Educators have a big role to play here by fostering greater understanding and bringing a global perspective to the issue.
From Ms Sudha Kathuria
Dubai
Give them space to grow
During the past seven years, I have seen Hor Al Anz East grow from a small community into a bustling residential hub. The authorities must consider providing a park or other green spaces that would help youngsters in the locality enjoy their playtime. As of now children in the area have to make do with taking their cycles out on the pavements or into busy parking lots.
From Ms Anjana Ayiliath
Dubai
Much to do
I recently read an article in Gulf News about the education scene in the UAE and found it to be far too optimistic ("Facing turbulence with confidence," Gulf News, November 20). If the curriculum is so global in its perspective, why are graduates uninformed about many local, regional, global and environmental issues? Even if it were true that the curriculum is adequate, it is not nearly as important as the learning environment, the quality of learning facilitators and the educational leadership. The fact that the experts are saying that change is on the horizon is not necessarily cause for optimism. There is still much to do.
From Mr Howard E. Reed
Dubai
Give school buses priority
I was astounded to read Mr M.S. Johash's letter, in which he stated that children should be sent to boarding schools to help ease the traffic situation ("Boarding is better", Gulf News, November 20). Most parents bear the credit crunch, rising costs and heavy traffic, so that they can provide a better life for their children. One should consider sending away children to boarding school only if it means they would receive a better education. It is not something to be done keeping only journey time in mind. Moreover, I believe school buses should be given higher priority on roads.
From Ms Gurpreet Modi
Sharjah
Licence issues
Recently, I wanted to register with a well-known driving school in Dubai. However, I was informed that the school was facing delays due to a schedule issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Additionally, the school is promoting its VIP services, which cost Dh300 per class. Acquiring a licence is no laughing matter. People work hard to get it, because it makes life simpler for residents, especially in a country like the UAE, where traffic is a major issue.
From Mr Kasun Silva
Dubai
Editor's note: The complaint was forwarded to the management of RTA for comments. However, despite repeated reminders they failed to respond.
Pirate problems
The pirates, who hijacked the ship off the coast of Somalia, used sophisticated equipment for communication and speedboats ("Pirates beef up security around hijacked oil tanker", Gulf News, November 22). The big questions are: from where do they buy such hi-tech equipment and who supplies them? World leaders must take action against terrorism immediately. It started as a few isolated incidents around the world, but has now become a global crisis. The situation should not be taken lightly, because it could escalate and spread to other waters, unless something is done.
From Mr Robson Chiambiro
Abu Dhabi
Bring them to book
As a seaman, I find it most repugnant that the pirates who captured Sirius Star are trying to negotiate a ransom for their despicable act. I hope they are caught and tried for their offence. Justice should be served, because I believe piracy is just as bad as terrorism.
From Mr De Busscher Lode
Belgium
Keep it running
I hope City 7, the Dubai-based English television channel, does not shut down ("City 7 employees fear job losses as bosses evaluate company viability", Gulf News, November 21). The channel has a diverse and interesting variety of local programmes. The evening news especially is very good. I urge the owners to keep it running.
From Mr Rafael Liabrez
Dubai
Keep up the good work
The global economic crisis should not cause the termination of one of UAE's locally produced news and entertainment channels. Any news channel that begins at home is a matter of pride for the nation. This is true especially for television channels with content that keeps viewers constantly entertained and informed. I would urge the owners of the channel to keep up their good work. As the saying goes - no good deed ever goes unnoticed.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Big responsibility
I consider Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni to be a very successful captain ("Dhoni dismisses resignation rumours", Gulf News, November 23). However, with great success comes great jealousy. I have observed that many sports personalities and even the media have made an attempt to put down Dhoni and crush his spirit. It is high time to let the man do his job and let him have a say in selecting his cricketing army. Eventually, he will be the one leading the same men into the battlefield.
From Mr Sheraz
Pakistan
Cooked-up stories
Rumours about Mahendra Singh Dhoni's resignation are just that - rumours ("Dhoni dismisses resignation rumours", Gulf News, November 23). I think certain television news channels cooked up this story for malicious reasons, or just to create an unnecessary uproar. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should take swift legal action against such media operators.
From Mr Shan
Canada
The right person
I was delighted when I came across the article by Linda Heard on Sarah Palin in Gulf News, October 7. It is the best piece I have read on the recent Republican-Democrat debates and arguably the finest denouement of an ambitious politician who, it appears, has precious little to contribute to the Republican cause, and who after exhausting her arsenal of dirty tricks, felt she had to scrape the bottom of the barrel by exhuming and resuscitating a worn out and totally untrue cliché about Obama having links with terrorists. Raking muck against a political rival is a part of the electoral process in many countries. What is unfortunate is that in the present case it is being targeted against a person who is untried, and who comes across as a balanced, educated, responsible and fair minded individual — the sort of person the US desperately needs to steer the country out of the murky waters in which it found itself during the past five years. I particularly liked the reference to Sarah Palin making Condoleezza Rice look good. And of Rice coming across as a serious, educated person who has a firm grasp of world politics.
From Mr Anwer Mooraj
Dubai
In troubled waters
It is truly heartbreaking to see the pollution on the beaches in Jumeirah and Umm Suqueim. In the 20 years that we have lived here, there has never been a problem with water quality. It is very disturbing to think that the sea is now a danger to our health. The public beach in Umm Suqueim 1 has been cordoned off with traffic cones as a temporary measure. However, in the absence of proper signage about the pollution, people had climbed through the barrier on Friday and were swimming in the brown water laden with faeces! Something needs to be done quickly to resolve this situation, especially as tourists will soon start flocking to Dubai for sea and sun. Many ideas have been suggested to stop the tanker drivers discharging their waste into the storm water drains, from welding the drains shut to more effective monitoring of the tankers. Please, can we see some action on this before there is a major health emergency!
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Link to family
I refer to the report (“Surf the internet for free while you smell the roses in Abu Dhabi", Gulf News, November 10). The family is the most basic structure in any society. Strengthening the family would ultimately strengthen the society. Such projects would provide an opportunity for the working-career-oriented parents to spend quality time with their children.
From Mr Gonzalo Matias II
Dubai
Precious device
It would be a great pleasure to use internet in parks for free while spending time with family in parks. This facility is very precious to those who are all day busy in office work.
From Mr Mumtaz Ali
Abu Dhabi
Welcome move
I refer to the report ("Pedestrian network planned in Dubai", Gulf News, November 11). I applaud the gesture of the planners. Surely, this will lessen homesickness and boredom. This is also good for health — imagine what fresh air and sunlight can do to your body. One will also gain friends. I salute whoever initiated this plan. I hope it comes true.
From Mr R. L. Fernandez
Abu Dhabi
Then and now
The tornado that has been capsizing financial heavyweights from Wall Street to London has dipped oil 40 per cent in three weeks and now started eating into the assets integrity of 'emerging' markets, which were thought to be safe havens. Inflation has hit double figures all across. Business acumen is turning towards small and mid-cap energy companies. Yet life goes on. I heard "Life in the Emirates" early during my school years from Capitol Radio in Abu Dhabi when they were playing old hits. It appeared curious to me that the song had the names of all the Emirates in it. That's the only reason why I took notice when the DJ identified it as the perfect souvenir to take home for those who lived in the UAE for a short while though. The kind of environment you grew up in, in a way lives in you. After all these years now when I'm able to comprehend the mindset of the two Irishmen Patrick Brady and Michael Kiely when they recorded the song in 1979, perhaps it has gone a bit out of tune. It seems times have changed. People say that life in the UAE is not the same anymore. The media lure, the festivities, the credit card insurgency...all aim at convincing the consumer that increased spending is the 'in' thing. Housewives close their eyes and buy. Consumers in the UAE overspend 12 times more than those in other countries of the region as far to the level as entertainment, says a Department of Planning and Economy report. Such lavishness and squander prompted popular columnists advising consumers to treat themselves with prayer mats rather than super driving machines in Ramadan arguing divine thoughts would shield them from financial disasters. But why one more if you do not actually need another considering the Prophet (PBUH) has constantly been insistent on moderation? Imagine a hundred thousand faithfuls already in possession of prayer mats purchasing another when they are not in dire need of those. The consumer spending graph climbing a notch higher by a million and half dirhams (@ Dh15/P-M) will be the bottom line. This is just about living in exceptional times, you see!
From Dr N. Roshan
New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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