Opinions | Letters
October 25, 2008
Letters to the Editor: October 25, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:08 October 25, 2008
Testing a driver matters
There are several causes for the deadly mishaps that continue to occur on main highways around the country - an unsound mind, lack of concentration, road rage, uncompromising attitude and arrogance to name a few. For this reason, it is important to test a driver's personality skills. Such examinations would map a driver's instincts, such as temper, firmness and resilience. Additionally, it would shape an ideal driving psyche and allow motorists to take lessons when they are not up to the mark. I believe driving has more to do with attitude than skill. Expert motorists who are arrogant are much more dangerous than safe drivers who have limited driving skills.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
Ugly reality
Gulf News's report on the mistreatment of animals in animal markets truly distressed me. The illegal import and inhumane treatment of animals by some traders has created an ugly reality that must be dealt with urgently. Animals often suffer and fall ill when they are confined to small cages. I think the concerned authorities need to impose heavier fines on those responsible for trading and transporting animals. Additionally, the public needs to realise that caring for an animal is often a long term, expensive commitment. I urge Gulf News to continue providing extensive coverage on such important issues.
From Ms Maria McMahon
Abu Dhabi
Some facts
Since whale sharks are now close to extinction, they are being cared for considerably, in places such as the Philippines ("Free Sammy now, Peta tells Atlantis", Gulf News, October 20). I hope there is an abundant supply of plankton, fish and small crustaceans at the Atlantis hotel, as they comprise the regular diet of whale sharks. Without them, the probability of Sammy's survival is bleak. I request the concerned authorities to protect these creatures for the next generation.
From Ms Erma Layco
Dubai
Ideal home
I think all the media coverage around Sammy the Shark is not required. The whale shark is well taken care of and is enjoying her life in a safe and clean environment. The hotel management is feeding her appropriately and giving her all the necessary medical attention. Additionally, Sammy has become a source of knowledge for young children and adults, too.
From Mr Mahmoud Mian
Sharjah
Positive actions
I would like to thank Gulf News for making the plight of Sammy the Shark a prominent feature. This amazing wild animal should be released into the ocean, as soon as possible. Letting Sammy free would ensure positive publicity for Atlantis hotel. Additionally, it would reassure residents that animals are not exploited for their commercial value.
From Ms S. Edwards
UAE
Adding to the issue
When my children come home from school, they usually complain about missing out on the first hour of classes, due to traffic congestion. I know this to be true, as it takes more than an hour to exit Al Nahda, in Sharjah, during rush hours. Additionally, there are many multi-storeyed buildings being constructed every month. Each building has at least 100 apartments, which adds to the number of cars in the area. The rents continue to rise, too. It seems that the only thing we can do is share our grievances with other residents.
From Ms Kavitha Ravindra
Sharjah
Care for others
I am a strong supporter of Gulf News's campaign for the release of Sammy the Shark. This beautiful animal should not be confined to an aquarium, but rather left to swim in its natural habitat. Everyone needs to start caring about the environment and show consideration for the animals we share it with.
From Ms N. Connolly Hintz
UAE
Unsolved
I think the Dubai Metro, which is presently under construction, should run all the way to Sharjah ("RTA awards tram system contract", Gulf News, October 19). The main traffic congestion occurs because of motorists commuting to Dubai from the northern emirates. As there is no current plan to extend the Metro to Sharjah, this huge amount of traffic will continue to pound Shaikh Zayed Road. It would be ideal to create a train link between the two emirates.
From Mr Bob Cartman
UAE
Price regulation
It is good to know that the focus on inflation has finally shifted to the global financial crisis ("Investors rely on patience as they wait for tide to turn", Gulf News, October 20). A few months ago, traders justified the price hike by claiming that the value of the dollar is weak. Today, despite the dollar being stronger than several other currencies, we are still awaiting a reduction in the prices of commodities. I think the concerned authorities must implement stricter policies in order to regulate the prices.
From Mr Wilson Philip
UAE
No change
Food prices have continued to rise unchecked. I have noticed that even after the strengthening of the US dollar over the past few months, the prices of commodities in retail stores have not decreased. This clearly points to the profiteering motive of several grocery store owners. I urge the concerned authorities to investigate why the prices are not being reduced, despite the rise in the value of the US dollar.
From Mr Navin Jain
UAE
Rent dilemma
I would be grateful if Gulf News increased its focus on the issue of accommodation (“Residents sharing houses panic over deadline'', Gulf News, September 25). Many people face difficulties due to the lack of affordable homes. A short while ago, I moved to Abu Dhabi and discovered that finding an affordable place to live has never been as hard as it is today. Shared accommodation is usually the only option left for people. Ever since it has become illegal, many are left in a lurch. I urge the newspaper to highlight this issue and request the authorities to find a suitable solution for the problem.
From Mr Syed Rehan
Abu Dhabi
Moving forward
I was disheartened when I read the report on the demise of nine-year-old Rickie Mathew Varghese (“Inattentive driver crushes a young life in Sharjah'', Gulf News, September 17). The impact of the irreparable loss was definitely enormous for the bereaved family. It is a matter of serious concern when one looks at the shocking statistics showing the increase in the death toll of school children. The reason for these fatal mishaps is usually due to careless and reckless driving on part of the motorists. I think Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) are making an effort to implement traffic regulations and ensure road safety. Such measures undoubtedly minimise traffic offences and accidents. We have come across radars that monitor speeding trucks and other vehicles on the roads. Some devices regulate other offences committed by erring motorists. Moreover, licenses are issued only to deserving and capable drivers. The authorities have repeatedly warned motorists and traffic violators to strictly abide by traffic rules and regulations. However, I think this vigilance should be maintained and violators of traffic rules heavily punished. Additionally, the presence of heavy vehicles in residential areas is very dangerous and could hamper the free movement of pedestrians, especially children and the elderly. Furthermore, parents have a moral responsibility towards their children and parental care is equally important when children are on the roads. I urge the introduction of frequent workshops and awareness programmes, as they would help educate people about all the aspects of road safety. Additionally, careful driving, following speed limits and obeying traffic rules would definitely make a big difference and go a long way in reducing road accidents.
From Ms Chandra Sudhir
Dubai
Safety measures
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to little Rickie Mathew's parents and his extended family (“Inattentive driver crushes a young life in Sharjah'', Gulf News, September 17). I feel their sorrow in losing their dear one in a horrific accident. Drivers of such heavy vehicles should be strictly supervised and regulated in residential areas. Additionally, many drivers are ignorant of rules and regulations and must be educated. Parents are partly to blame, too. A nine-year-old child is too young to understand the danger of roads and should have been guided by parents, instead of his sister. Living in this country for 27 years, I have seen a lot of mishaps and it is sad to know that parents just do not have the time to monitor their children. Therefore, the responsibility for such mishaps should be pinned on parents because a child's welfare is primarily their responsibility.
From Ms Sally
UAE
Full name withheld by request
No solution
Most expatriates are finding it difficult to acquire a decent accommodation, considering the fact that the cost of apartments is usually beyond the expected budget (“Residents sharing houses panic over deadline'', Gulf News, September 25). Additionally, several landlords and real estate brokers are introducing exorbitant rent fees and making it difficult for families to afford a home. What would the cost of living be for a person who receives a salary of no more than Dh800 a month? Landlords are becoming increasingly greedy by the day. This has to stop.
From Ms Grace Concepcion
UAE
Difficult times
The severe shortage of affordable accommodation has residents worried (“Rising rents force people to live illegally in capital'', Gulf News, September 18). I urge the concerned authorities to build affordable housing for low-income workers. Today, the rent is incredibly high, as compared to what it was four years ago. It has become impossible to find a house that costs less than Dh100,000 a month. Moreover, it is difficult to lease an affordable home. Landlords are not considering the rent cap and the rent increases by almost 15 per cent every year. Unfortunately, the complaints of tenants usually go unheard.
From Mr Pravin Kumar
UAE
Respecting culture
Before visiting a country, every individual must do enough research about the place (“Ramadan violators penalised Dh1,000'', Gulf News, September 17). I moved to the UAE about 10 years ago and before doing so spent months researching on the culture, dominant religion, demographics and geography. I am originally from the US and find that it is truly disappointing to see how disrespectful some expatriates can be. I think expatriates should be careful irrespective of whether it's Ramadan or not. They need to be aware of the culture and respect it at all times. For instance, I tend to dress casually, but make sure my clothing is conservative and non- offensive. I think the behaviour of expatriates in public places should be monitored and controlled.
From Ms Penny Barr
UAE
A little respect
I strongly condemn the careless behaviour of expatriates who do not respect cultural values of the countries they visit (“Ramadan violators penalised Dh1,000'', Gulf News, September 17). There is a fine line between freedom of belief and respecting the beliefs practiced by others. Visitors who come to any Islamic country should respect its law. Not only that, but they should also be sensitive and considerate toward the beliefs of their host country.
From Mr Philip Norman
Dubai
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