Opinions | Letters
October 29, 2008
Letters to the Editor: October 29, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:31 October 28, 2008
Rest in peace
A friend of mine passed away after being involved in a car accident, recently. She was as old as me - only 16 years. Though I was not her best friend, her death saddened me nevertheless. Everyone who knew her would agree that she was a fantastic person who changed many lives. A social networking website has groups dedicated just for her, with some personal messages that read - 'rest in peace'. I found a picture of her while going through some photos recently. All of a sudden, I was crying and realised how fragile life is. I wish I could see her again, or even talk to her, but I cannot change the past. If I could, she would probably be with me today. The reason I share this is so you know how dangerous reckless driving can be. Value life, when it lasts.
From Mr Andrew MacKinnon
Abu Dhabi
Race to space
India's Chandrayaan-1 mission is a laudable venture ("India launches unmanned moon mission", Gulf News, October 22). This shows that India is not lagging behind. However, one should not take this as India competing with China, since the latter attained international acclaim with their first space walk, recently. Instead of focusing on the race to space, India should use its expertise in a more innovative manner.
From Ms Shemina K.
Dubai
Wonderful escort
I would like to thank a stranger who helped me at an airport, recently. At the check-in counter, there was another passenger with several large un-caged birds. A paralysing fear of birds rendered me unable to move from check-in to customs. Noticing my distress a woman, bidding goodbye to her family, approached and escorted me past the birds. To this lovely woman who chose to help me - Thank you! You are truly a wonderful individual. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
From Mr K. Price
Queensland, Australia
Simpler lives
The national identity card is an excellent initiative and will put the UAE on par with other nations ("Identity cards needed by end of the year", Gulf News, October 22). It is a best practice and will help make citizens' lives simpler. The downside is that the Emirates Identity Authority's (EIDA) current resources allow the processing of just 4,000 applications per day. Assuming a 25-day working month, that translates to 200,000 applications in the next two months. However, a larger population needs to be covered. I am optimistic that the concerned authorities realise the enormity of the task.
From Mr Ajit Kini
Abu Dhabi
Responsible owners
This is in reference to the campaign against stray cats ("Feline Friends worried about stray cats campaign", Gulf News, October 22). Instead of starting this campaign, we should coordinate with Feline Friends and create awareness about stray cats. Cats with a tag have been neutered and do not need to be taken away. It would be helpful if volunteers brought cats, that are not sterilised, to a vet. There would be no stray cats if pet owners were responsible.
From Mr M. Mendoza
Dubai
Blocked roads
The Sharjah police has done a commendable job by installing barriers at all exit points on the Sharjah Ring Road. It has definitely helped in reducing traffic congestion. Additionally, I would like to request the concerned authorities to check for a stream of cars driving in the wrong direction and blocking the one-lane bridge from the Al Nahda area to the Sharjah Ring Road. When the police patrol is present, it is just a 15 -minute drive as compared to an hour's ordeal in their absence. All the motorists driving illegally should be fined and their vehicle impounded.
From Mr Shahid Khan
Dubai
Time wasted
I failed my driving test five times and decided to register a complaint with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). I got a reference number for my complaint and then did not hear from them for a month. I followed up, but received no positive response. A month later, I received a text message informing me that my complaint has been closed. When I called the hotline, I was asked to call the training institute, as they were the right people to contact. I suggest that the complainant should be informed of the right procedure the first time he or she contacts the hotline. Another option would be to forward the complaint to the concerned authorities and for them to contact the complainant to discuss the issue.
From Mr P. Mandaliya
Dubai
The management of the RTA replies: The current procedure for students who have failed more than fives times is to get an appointment with the supervisor. This appointment could be obtained from the committee. A student should not lodge a complaint, as this is not the right procedure.
Shameful
The concerned authorities must take the responsibility for shameful incidents ("Nun accuses police of complicity in attack", Gulf News, October 25). The culprits must be punished severely. India is a secular country with some people reaching the moon. Despite all the advancements, it is disheartening to see that some women continue to be attacked and insulted publicly. It is quite shameful.
From Mr Agniyah P.
Sharjah
Wastage
This is in reference to India's moon mission ("India launches unmanned moon mission", Gulf News, October 22). In my opinion, the resources could have been used for alleviating poverty within the country. Reaching into space, thousands of miles away, could only massage uncontrolled egos of those who took this decision. As a cosmopolitan citizen, I am very disappointed with the wastage of scarce resources.
From Mr Pervaiz Gani
Dubai
Loyal reader
I love Dubai - my home for almost 36 years. I had to migrate to another country, though I had mixed feelings about leaving Dubai. I still miss it. However, when it comes to the traffic congestion and house rents, I am relieved of those two burdens ever since my arrival in Houston, US. Additionally, it is a privilege to read Gulf News, my favourite newspaper, which has been my source of knowledge and information on world affairs for many years. I read the online version of the newspaper every day.
From Mr Mohammad A. Rahman
Texas, USA
More buses
As a regular commuter on the public bus from International City to Al Nahda, I would like to alert the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) about the hardships I have faced recently. On weekdays, buses used to arrive at the bus stop at regular intervals of about 10 to 20 minutes. However, of late, the frequency has reduced drastically. Once, I had to wait for almost an hour to catch a bus. Additionally, two or three buses arrive at the same time after a long duration.
From Mr Deepu Sankar
Dubai
The management of the RTA replies: The reason for the delay is due to congestion, caused by new projects that are aimed at solving ongoing traffic issues. As for the buses, please note that we will be increasing the number of buses and routes in order to serve the needs of passengers in a better manner.
Prioritise wisely
I extend my condolences to the family of Rickie Mathew, who passed away in a road accident recently (“Inattentive driver crushes a young life in Sharjah'', September 16). However, I believe many parents tend to behave in an irresponsible manner when they send their children to private tutors. The current syllabus of primary schools does not really require private tutoring, as the subjects are not difficult. Moreover, if pupils require additional help, they should receive it from the parents themselves. Why do parents insist on private tuitions for their children? In this tender age, valuable lessons could be imparted from home. I think it is an easy way out for working parents, who place the responsibility of education on others. They would then be able to manage their duties at home and work. However, I believe parents should be more considerate when juggling responsibilities. Children must be their first priority — at least until they grow up.
From Ms Shemeem K.
Dubai
A second chance
The existing fines for violators who eat during the fasting period in Ramadan is justified (“Ramadan violators penalised Dh1,000'', Gulf News, September 17). However, a warning should be issued before fining them. I am not a Muslim or an Arab, but I respect Islamic traditions and educated a group of tourists during Ramadan. The incident happened two years ago when they decided to have a snack outside a supermarket in Jumeirah. Apparently, they were unaware of the country's religious customs. I then informed them that they were not allowed to consume food in public, between sunrise and sunset.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
No alternatives
Those who want to consume eatables in Ramadan must be provided with a private area, so that they do not have to wait till sunset or be forced to eat in public (“Ramadan violators penalised Dh1,000'', Gulf News, September 17). Designated areas could be placed in various shopping malls, businesses and public places for people who wish to eat during the fasting period. In this manner, people who are not fasting could have their food without affecting others. There are also people who need to take their medicine and women who are pardoned for not fasting on certain days. I would appreciate if such people were taken into consideration during the month. The country has embraced people from all parts of the world and has reached such a high standard because it shows complete understanding and tolerance toward all cultures.
From Ms N. Raghad Hamza
UAE
Unnoticed hike
There was a great concern about prices in Ramadan and the authorities assured the public that prices would be kept in check (“Suppliers pressure UAE retailers to increase prices of basic goods'', Gulf News, September 4). However, prices have continued to skyrocket and nothing has been done to stop it. Almost all grocery stores and restaurants have hiked up their rates, with some increasing the price of commodities to as much as 100 per cent. This might be good for businesses, but what about people who are trying to manage on a fixed salary? I hope Gulf News pursues this issue.
From Mr Kanwar Hayat
Al Ain
Pass on the blame
Whenever a blast occurs in India, I feel that the Indian Mujahideen are the first to be held responsible (“Mother maintains son not guilty of terror attacks'', Gulf News, September 18). Whether it is true or not, I do not think one must arrive at such conclusions without adequate investigation. Additionally, I am confused by Gujarat chief minister Narendra Singh Modi's statement, wherein he said he had warned the authorities of the blast before it happened. If he honestly had all the relevant information, what contributions did he make to stop the horrible incident from occurring? Such statements are baseless and are put forth in order to make oneself appear informed and knowledgeable in front of the media and the public.
From Mr Lodhi A.
Dubai
Be prepared
Whether residents experienced tremors or not, I think everyone should be educated about safety precautions in case another earthquake occurs (“UAE residents feel Iran quake aftershocks'', Gulf News, September 26). Additionally, landlords and security guards should be prepared so that they can act swiftly and help tenants when disaster strikes. I hope the concerned authorities will take the necessary measures to train the masses.
From Mr S. Janardhanan
Dubai
Possible triggers
American investment firms have increasingly turned to mortgage derivatives as investment vehicles (“In search of the real trigger of crisis'', Gulf News, September 23). These devices generate capital expenditure far beyond the value of the mortgages that they are backed by. They can only profit investors if real estate maintains skyrocketing values. In the US, this was unsupportable. Speculation eliminated first-time homebuyers and left property owners so leveraged that rents were far out of proportion to wages. The authorities need to recognise that mortgage derivatives are built upon an unsupportable foundation and ban them.
From Ms Silvia Aldredge
Dubai
Proud citizen
As an Indian, I am extremely proud of my country's successful venture in yet another field (“India launches unmanned moon mission'', Gulf News, October 22). The moon mission has added another triumph to its list of victories. Someday, I hope India will lead the world, in terms of progress and ambition.
From Ms Fasiha Khaiser
Dubai
Rising prices
The cost of all commodities, especially consumer goods, was increased due to rising oil prices recently. However, even though the price of oil has decreased, food prices have either continued to rise or remained at the same value. Why does it take so long to return prices to normal, when the time is right?
From Mr Alfred J. Rebello
Sharjah
Negligent drivers
Heavy vehicles should not be allowed to run in residential areas (“Inattentive driver crushes a young life in Sharjah'', Gulf News, September 16). Many buildings do not have a designated play area or a park for children to visit. Instead, they are forced to play in parking lots, building corridors or empty sand lots. However, due to constant construction, it is becoming unsafe for children to play in such areas, too. The traffic flow needs to be supervised, especially in residential areas, to avoid mishaps due to the negligence of motorists.
From Ms Renu
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
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