Opinions | Letters
October 21, 2008
Letters to the Editor: October 21, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:55 October 21, 2008
Fine, on the spot
My six-year-old daughter studies in the Al Qusais area, which houses several schools. We live in the Al Khan area of Sharjah, which is relatively close by. Ironically, my daughter has to wake up at 4.45am, have her breakfast in a rush and board her school bus at 5.30am in order to reach school at 7.30am. Why should children this young be made to suffer? One thing the concerned authorities could do is to depute police at traffic signals from the Al Khan bridge area and onwards. They must issue fines to any driver that breaks the law and causes traffic congestion.
From Mr J. Mendonsa
Sharjah
Avoiding traps
I do not understand how residents can continue to spend more than they earn, despite living in debt. I have no personal loans. I have a car loan that I am repaying monthly and a credit card that I solely use for confirming hotels or rental cars when travelling. When in Dubai, the credit card stays safely locked in a drawer at home. We therefore don't run into the trap that so many banks lure their customers into.
From Ms Jessica H.
Dubai
Early morning fight
It is becoming extremely difficult to find a taxi in Abu Dhabi these days, especially between 6am and 7am. The newly-launched free bus service should be made available in more areas to help ease the problem. Otherwise, the authorities should implement a queue system for taxis. Our entire day gets ruined when we fight for a taxi, first thing in the morning.
From Mr Sundaresan M. G.
Abu Dhabi
No crossing
We request the concerned authorities to provide a pedestrian crossing in the Al Qusais area, on the road between Sunrise City supermarket and Dubai Grand Hotel. Currently, there is no safe crossing in the area. This is a matter of great concern as a huge number of pedestrians use the highway. This could prove to be disastrous if not looked into immediately.
From Mr Ramesh K. S.
Dubai
Live life, not money
A comment in Gulf News that blames American citizens for the global market crisis has concerned me ('Bitten by the global credit crunch', Gulf News, October 11). The writer explains how Chuck, an average American man, applies for a loan, which is more than what he can afford. I do agree that incompetent banks that provide loans are to be blamed, as they create the credit crisis. However, if a large sum of money were handed out to you, when in dire need, would you not accept it? Why lay blame on American citizens? This is a global crisis. The credit crunch is a sign to put things in the right perspective. When on your deathbed what would you be thinking of - stocks or something more important? Live life, not money.
From Ms Jillian Stevens
Dubai
Editor's note: The comment is not targeting Americans but using an example to convey an idea. It focuses on the need for individuals to learn to live within their means and lendershaving to be careful when issuing credit.
Not getting better
Every morning, I take the bus from Shaikh Rashid Colony in Al Qusais. Until a while before Eid, when I took bus number 26 at 7.45am, I used to reach my destination at 8.10am. Nowadays and even though I take the same bus at the same time, I don't reach my destination before 8.45am. If the situation does not improve, people might stop using public transportation and opt for car-pooling instead. Is anyone listening?
From Ms Michelle Rodrigues
Dubai
Separate lanes
The traffic problem is not something new to Dubai. To add fuel to fire, there are heavy vehicles and huge buses that occupy the fast lane in the early morning hours, specifically from 5am onwards. This only causes more trouble for residents who leave home early in order make it to work on time. I think the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should have a lane specially designated for heavy vehicles.
From Mr Shakeel Shaikh
Dubai
Lack of attention
This might be a personal observation but I feel a lot of parents and teachers do not give enough importance to English as a language. In this case, why blame a student if he or she lacks proficiency or is a poor speaker? Sadly, many teachers of other subjects use English periods to complete their portions of the syllabus. Parents consider it a waste of time for a child to read a novel and instead ask them to focus on science and mathematics. I write this from experience when I was a student.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Message to subscribe
I was receiving a free news service from etisalat, which sent news from Pakistan via text messages. I then received a text message stating that the free offer would end soon and I would be charged for it. To unsubscribe, I was asked to send a text message on the number provided. Why was the free service not halted automatically? etisalat should ask users to send text messages to subscribe, not the other way around.
From Mr Sameer Shafi M.
Abu Dhabi
The management of etisalat replies: etisalat provides promotional offers and free service trials to its customers on a periodic basis. These free trials/offers on new/existing products and services, however, are limited for a certain period of time, in an aim to be discovered and adapted by the subscribers at their own convenience. However, before the end of any free trial, customers are notified by an SMS either to continue availing the service (mentioning the charges) or cancel the service before the end date by sending an SMS in order to avoid any billing disputes. The customer has the freedom to unsubscribe by sending an SMS or by calling 101.
Let her be
I do not understand why there is a general attitude of sympathy toward Sammy the Shark. A lot of people have supported Sammy's freedom, but does anyone know how she really feels? Sammy may be extremely comfortable where she is right now. Additionally, we all need to realise that she was rescued and not captured.
From Mr Manamohan K.
Abu Dhabi
Freedom
Whale sharks eat small creatures, such as krill. I do not know how Atlantis hotel will arrange enough krill for Sammy. I request the management to set Sammy free, as she needs to be in the wild. I have a strong aversion towards her imprisonment.
From Mr Syed Muddasir
Sharjah
Protect wildlife
I think a law should be implemented regarding the environment and wildlife. Hotels should not be exempted from such laws, too. Sammy the Shark should be released immediately to the ocean, as it is where she truly belongs.
From Ms Sosan
UAE
Full name withheld by request
Shocked
I find it shocking that the management of the Atlantis resort still have Sammy the Shark in an aquarium. The whale shark is obviously suffering. I hope there are others like me who determinedly support Sammy's release. By not releasing the whale shark into its natural habitat, the hotel is receiving negative publicity. They should turn the situation around and free the shark.
From Mr James
UAE
Full name withheld by request
Set her free
I commend Gulf News for being fearless in its stand to protect ecology. The Free Sammy the Shark campaign has invited global concern. Another reader's comment — “freedom is a noble right'' — says it all. I think it is about time people stopped trying to bring wild animals under their control. No whale shark has been successfully bred, yet. The Atlantis hotel should set Sammy free.
From Mr Romeo Marbella Jr.
Abu Dhabi
Ideal environment
As a fifth grade student, I came across Gulf News's reports on Sammy the Shark. Although Atlantis hotel rescued Sammy, I wonder why they are refusing to let her go. I request the management of the resort to free her. She needs to be released into the ocean, as whale sharks are gradually becoming an endangered species. Even though Atlantis hotel might attempt to keep Sammy safe and comfortable, I am sure she would feel imprisoned in the aquarium. I think it would be best for her to live where she belongs — in the ocean.
From Ms Sandhya
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Important issues
After reading so many letters and reports on Sammy the Shark, I find it amazing that people continue to discuss the freedom of a fish. I agree that Sammy is confined, but she is alive, eating and not mistreated. There are other problems in the world, such as hunger, diseases, violation of human rights, kidnapping, abuses — the list is endless. Why are we only worried about freeing Sammy? I am absolutely sure that Sammy has more food than some children that are dying of hunger. Let's gain perspective.
From Ms Silvana Rozas
Dubai
Change focus
I believe that enough has been said about Sammy the Shark at the Atlantis resort. Why can't people just focus on their own worries? There are more important issues that need to be dealt with. I am quite sure Sammy is happy in the large aquarium, as she has not shown any signs of discomfort yet. Additionally, she will prove to be a great attraction for everyone, especially children.
From Mr Mazhar Mohad
Dubai
Eye opener
It is appalling to see an outstanding hotel like Atlantis entangled in controversies. The luxurious hotel is beautiful and provides a unique experience for visitors. However, I believe Sammy the Shark has been kept in the aquarium to captivate and entertain guests. The management's justification for keeping the whale shark in their premises is unacceptable. As social beings, we have an obligation to rescue and treat our counterparts with respect. This means we must not obstruct the freedom of animals and their right to live in a natural habitat. The speechless creatures are simply the victims and Gulf News is doing a great job with its coverage regarding Sammy. We can expect the campaign to help open the eyes of those who indulge in cruelty towards animals.
From Ms Shemina Kanayamkandy
Dubai
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