December 9, 2008

Think about others
I am experiencing sleepless nights after having read innumerable reports about children abandoned by their families due to acute poverty. I would like to thank the many non-profit organisations that help the homeless. Recently, I had a heated argument with my wife because she bought a dress worth Dh100 for my two-year-old daughter, for Eid. One has to be stonehearted to spend so lavishly when innocent children across the world are being separated from their parents due to a lack of money. All those who spend their lives creating strategies for the destruction of mankind should start thinking about elimination of suffering.
From Mr Amjad A. Awan
Dubai

Protect belongings
I was puzzled and shocked to read Gulf News report on passengers complaining about losing luggage at Sharjah International Airport. The baggage apparently went in to the scanner, but did not come out from the other side! This is an extremely spooky occurrence. Additionally, I do not trust the airport official's statement that if another passenger collects the baggage by mistake, there is no way of tracing it. The authority is obligated to check every piece of luggage at the airport's exit and match its tag number with the number provided to the passenger at check-in. This would ensure that baggage is not mixed up. Authorities need to fix the issue in order to re-instill confidence among passengers.
From Mr Subhasis M.
Dubai

Good system
I'm thrilled with the newly installed radar system. Recently, I was driving on Shaikh Zayed Road from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, to attend a concert. Driving between these two emirates and on most major roads in the UAE usually leaves me white-knuckled and nervous. I frantically check the rear-view mirror for drivers who zigzag through traffic at high speed. To my delight, after the installation of the new radars, people seem to be a lot more careful. The system has definitely gotten the message across - I reached my destination safely and without any near misses.
From Ms Jessica Heid
Dubai

Dead news
I was surprised when I did not see any mention of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, in the November 27 edition of Gulf News - the immediate day after the 26/11 attacks. Several other newspapers reported the incident in detail. However, I was very satisfied with the full-page coverage on November 28 and the detailed reports that have been continued in the past few days. I still do not know why Gulf News failed to publish such breaking news at the right time. Remember late news is dead news, especially in this modern visual age.
From Mr Saleeth Menavil
Abu Dhabi

Editor's note: News about the Mumbai terror attacks was published on the front page of Gulf News in its November 27 edition. The news was carried in the late edition. It did not make the early edition because of printing deadlines, which is in place to ensure that all our readers across the UAE receive the newspaper at the earliest possible. However, the news was updated almost immediately on our website www.gulfnews.com to ensure everybody gets instant access to news.

Not a priority
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the only organisation that is not affected by the worldwide recession. India is mourning over the Mumbai terror attacks and yet the BCCI is making efforts to bring the England cricket team back for a series against the Indian team. The BCCI may succeed in conducting these matches amidst high security, but is it really the priority of the hour? It would be better to donate money in order to provide security equipment to the Mumbai police and support the cause. Cricket can take a backseat for the time being.
From Mr Nandkumar
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Closed account
I am the owner of a trading company and have banked with HSBC for about 28 years. Throughout these years I have maintained my accounts very well, keeping balances well above minimum with no history of bounced cheques. However, I was extremely shocked to receive a letter from the bank notifying me that my account will be closed within 14 days. There was no previous consultation or any phone call made to me with regards to this matter. I fail to understand how a bank can be so arrogant, especially in times when they are scrambling for cash.
From Mr Wilhelm Niederhauser
Sharjah

The management of HSBC replied: Please note that we are not in a position to provide any information on individual customer accounts due to confidentiality agreements. However, in this situation we have operated as per the bank's policy, rules and regulations.

Not new
The rain and hailstorms were very natural events. It was nothing special.
From Mr Hesham
Dubai
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New experience
As an Indian expatriate, I am from a hill station town called Coorg ("Rain, thunderstorm and hail storm hit parts of Dubai", Gulf News, December 6). In my lifetime, I have experienced a number of hailstorms. However, never in my life did I ever come across a storm like the one that occurred in Dubai, recently.
From Ms Kiran Arjun
Dubai
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Stop staring
This is in reference to the letter by Mr Mohai Al Deen wherein he suggests a dress code for the Abu Dhabi beach ("Dress code", Gulf News, December 4). I suppose he expects people to go to the beach for a swim, wearing a business suit. I suggest that he and other like-minded people who find it uncomfortable to visit the beach go to a park, cinema or shopping mall instead. Beaches are for swim wear which he claims are skimpy. Additionally, he can stop staring at the people who are wearing 'skimpy' clothes.
From Mr Joel G. Fernandes
Dubai

United by music
Music events such as the one held in Dubai Festival City seem to unite all UAE residents hailing from the Philippines ("Thousands throng DFC for Filipino rock music event Rakrakan, Gulf News, December 6).
From Ms Anna Peralta
Dubai
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Two explanations
I believe people who make calls based on trivial issues to the Centre for Ambulance Services do so for selfish reasons ("Call ambulance only when it's a genuine emergency", Gulf News, December 6). Maybe they are not mature enough or have never faced a 'real' crisis in their lives.
From Ms Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai
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Surprising results
I was surprised to read about the variety of trivial calls received by emergency services. It is such a shame. I hope people would be more aware of this issue, as it is a very serious matter.
From Ms Beena
Sharjah
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