Welcome to Colombia
I'm a Colombian living in Dubai for almost three years ("Ola! Colombia", Gulf News, August 29). It's a great pleasure to see such reports about my country. I thank Gulf News for letting this part of the world understand and see the beauty, adventure and the joy our country has, especially by way of its folkloric food, magnificent nature and people. As the UAE has welcomed us, we would love to welcome Emiratis and expatriates from all other nationalities to Colombia, too.
From Ms Luis Felipe Fajardo
Dubai
In need of help
It was very sad and heart breaking to read the stories of the Naif fire survivors ("Blaze survivors seek belongings amid wreckage," Gulf News, August 30). Some lost their lives, while those who survived lost all that they had saved up. It is the time to act and help these homeless people. As the Indian Consulate is giving out food and clothing, I request all people to come forward and contribute, too. Those who are well off can afford to help at least one person with food and a few clothes. Let us help these needy people in their difficult time.
From Ms Maria Daisy Pinto
Ontario, Canada
Role change
This is the most heinous crime an individual can commit against an innocent child ("Mum convicted of microwaving baby to death," Gulf News, August 30). I cannot even start to imagine what the child must have gone through. It wasn't even her fault. Whatever happened to mothers being the most beautiful thing on Earth?
From Mr Alfred J. Rebello
Sharjah
Set up complete, survey on
This is in response to the letter by a reader from Dubai asking to increase the number of bus shelters and monitoring passenger traffic ("No hassles," Gulf News, August 26). The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has already installed two air-conditioned bus shelters in very congested areas of Dubai. Once the installation is completed, a survey will be conducted to find out other congested areas and the possibilities of installing additional shelters, in these places, to cover the demand. About the second part of the suggestion, it is not possible to have a screen showing the total number of passengers to the bus driver, as not all passengers would board the same bus. Many routes are linked to each bus stop and each passenger has a desired destination.
From Ms Mayada Ali Saeed
Senior Media Relations Officer
Roads and Transport Authority
Thanks for simple deeds
With reference to Dr A. S. Shehab Al Deen's comments that appreciation is not warranted for professionals, we have to remember that this would apply to a minority of adults who are willing to go unrecognised for performing basic duties ("Not a forum," Gulf News, August 28). Most others still need a pat on their back, especially when they are part of the service industry. This includes police officers, taxi drivers and salespersons. These are the people that face 'real life' and any plaudit will reinforce a positive attitude. Simple appreciations, in such cases, go a long way. The common mistake people make is failing to thank others for simple deeds. I thank Gulf News for highlighting such positive comments.
From Mr Murugesh Sambasadhasivam
Dubai
Bypass surgeries
Most commuters travelling from Sharjah to Dubai would agree when I say that commuting to and fro has become a nightmare, due to the closure of the Al Wahda Road. This is mainly due to traffic congestion caused by internal roads, which are similar to blocked arteries. If one needs the blood to flow smoothly, there is a need to conduct bypass surgeries, to unblock clogged arteries. Only then can traffic flow smoothly. While the long term plans are aimed at constructing roads, within the next two or three years, the authorities must also address the daily woes of people.
From Ms Bini Johnson
Sharjah
A plea
This is not a complaint, but rather a plea. The road diversions that one needs to take, owing to the Al Wahda Road closure, in Sharjah, are sandy and uneven. They can damage cars. If the aim of this project is for lesser traffic congestion after two years, at least level the temporary routes for everyone's safety, before anything bad happens.
From Ms Flora Maravilla
Sharjah
Amused
I was amused to read Mr Ramachandran Nair's letter calling for different organisations to take steps to end corruption ("Involving people," Gulf News, August 28). The authorities in the UAE are doing a commendable job on this issue. Perhaps Mr Nair was asking to import the policy in his home state Kerala, in India, where political organisations raise unfounded corruption charges against their opponents, only to be forgotten after.
From Mr Prasanth Pillai
Ruwi, Oman
Respect on the road
The regulation for new driving licence holders is not going to help at all. I think newcomers are being punished for the fault of motorists who already hold licences and behave badly on the roads. Such drivers are usually those who have not acquired a licence from a driving school, but rather from their home countries. They are not used to the rules of the country and often do not respect others on the road as they are supposed to. Motorists should respect one another and should have the maturity to act in a decent manner when driving.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
