February 18, 2008

Different prices
Every supermarket is selling goods based on an individually defined price list ("Drastic rise in food prices raises concern", Gulf News, February 14). I personally experienced the pinch when shopping recently for a tray of eggs. Earlier, what was Dh12 for 30 eggs now cost me Dh21. Same product - same place. The prices of other products have gone up as well, including frozen food. The main reason could be a hike in fuel price, raw materials and an increase in the delivery cost charged by companies. If the fuel prices are further increased, the prices of all consumer goods will increase as well. I sincerely hope that the authorities intervene and take steps to standardise the prices.
From Mr Majid Mahmoud
UAE

Ransom
If the rise in prices of commodities is due to a weak dollar, then why not import goods from the United States? Additionally, although the Indian rupee has appreciated by 15 per cent to the dirham, it still does not justify the price rise of commodities to almost 50 to 80 per cent.
From Dr. H. Dastoor
Abu Dhabi

Curb prices
What is being done to curb the rise in price of everyday food items? It would be better to appoint a body that would be in charge of controlling the price of basic commodities. This should also include the price of cooking gas. If not, and if such inflation continues, no one might be able to bear the burden.
From Ms Niru David
Dubai

Honest
Bahrain's reimbursement move has proved to be a very honest gesture ("Bahrain's Batelco to reimburse its customers for internet disruption", Gulf News, February 15). I wonder if a similar action will be followed by etisalat for the internet service disruption that had prolonged for two continuous weeks?
From Mr Rizwan Kazi
Sharjah

No limitations
Qatar must be congratulated for its decision, especially since freedom has no bounds or limitations ("Qatar refuses to sign satellite TV penalty pact", Gulf News, February 15). In this day and age it is futile to try and set limitations on the right to information. Advanced technology and internet accessibility translate into the fact that bodies cannot monopolise such rights.
From Mr Jasser Salem
Abu Dhabi

Looking forward
I had not been receiving Funday with my copy of Gulf News for the past two weeks and had called Gulf News' toll free number to mention the problem. The newspaper agent delivered a copy the next day. My daughter was extremely happy as she looks forward to getting it, if possible every day!
From Ms Bindu Nair
UAE

Connecting people
Dubai has a vast network of public transport buses connecting almost all parts of the city. It would be great if a similar network were introduced in Sharjah. This will not only decrease the traffic snarls but also help poor expatriates move freely by paying a low fare.
From Mr Mustaq Ahmad M.
Dubai

I don't know why?
Six months ago, I had enrolled with a leading driving institute to acquire a licence. Since then, I have appeared in three tests, all of which I was failed in by the inspectors. I do not understand why, as I have driven in more than five countries for the past 15 years.
From Mr Mahesh Idnani
Dubai

Just the beginning
This is with reference to the letter to Gulf News by Mr Mohammad Ali, asking people to stop whining about traffic issues ("Why whine?", Gulf News, February 16). For Mr Ali, issues such as traffic may be silly and unimportant. However, for most people, everyday traffic woes is a problem that is just the beginning of what could be major issues related to health, work and well being. Writing to the media helps vent frustration, in hope that someday everything would be much better.
From Ms Raji N. K.
Sharjah

Common voice
Mr Mohammad Ali is just another Gulf News reader and does not represent the entire readership. He felt bored reading complaints from people waiting for five hours to catch a bus ride. An individual's right to expression should not be questioned and if need be for innovation, there are alternatives - this way he would not be bored. Gulf News is just a voice for the common people and is promoting journalism that is right.
From Mr Mohammad Shamsheer
Dubai

Respect all educators
The Emirates English Speaking School (EESS) has been recently in the news for the most unfortunate reasons. I feel the need to better this situation for the school that I graduated from. EESS has been empirical in my growth as a human being, such that even after eight years I, along with a few alumni students, have come back to help the school in many more positive activities. Teaching is not an easy job, and it definitely is one of the most thankless duties. Thereby, I'm grateful to all teachers and educators. The negative publicity is not worth it. We need to respect our educators and also understand that all education follows the one we receive at home.
From Mr Asit Deshpande
Dubai

Stop and consider
These are the darkest moments in Kenya with countless people dead, displaced and left homeless without food, shelter or clothing ("Kibaki compared to corrupt predecessor", Gulf News, February 14). These people need our help. I do not know where to start and thereby with all respect appeal to charity organisations to guide us.

Kenyan leaders for a moment must stop and consider what a peaceful nation Kenya was before the conflict. Their selfishness and hunger for power have ruined Kenya. What they lack is an understanding nature - a very simple but remarkable word. Keep self-interests aside.
From Mr Peter Kiruri Kariuki
UAE

Taking it easy?
Our current carbon emissions level on a global scale is certainly putrid, but are we to blame for all these freakish new weather patterns? ("UAE urges developed countries to carry out climate commitments", Gulf News, February 16). The UAE is officially endorsing the United Nation's global warming protocols.

However, only recently have weather patterns been recorded on worldwide scale, so could nature not just be having a year-long mood swing that comes around every century? I still believe in conserving resources and drastically reducing pollution rates, I just feel we should calm down on the apocalypse theories.
From Ms Caitlin Duff
Dubai

Too small
The new glass-and-metal bus stands are really useless and a waste of good money. They are too small for comfortably accommodating a good number of people. Well ventilated, canopied and spacious stands would have been a more practical option, as it would help give shade to many more people in summer. I know the government is trying its best to help common people, but a measure in this capacity would really help.
From Dr. Rema Manohar
Dubai

Unsafe crossings
I feel that the authorities jumped the gun when they decided to fine jaywalkers (“3,074 jaywalkers fined over a week in Abu Dhabi'', Gulf News, January 27). What should have been done is to first ensure whether it is safe for pedestrians to use zebra crossings. Most motorists do not respect pedestrians. Instead of slowing down at the crossings, such motorists actually speed up, flash their lights, and honk their cars to get pedestrians out of the way. It appears therefore, to be safer to cross anywhere other than the designated crossings. It would be interesting to have statistics on the number of people that were involved in accidents at zebra crossings.
From Mr Ivan Pais
Dubai

Repeated use
It is not advisable to enforce an environment fee on consumers who are already wilting under the heat of price rises (“Government should place an environment fee on plastic bags'', Speak Your Mind, Gulf News, February 15). The best solution for reducing the consumption of plastic bags is to permit and promote their repeated use.
From Mr Syam Prabhu
Sharjah
Gulf News Readers Club member

Careless
I was reduced to tears and really touched on reading the report about the Indian prisoner of war (“Indian being held in Pakistan jail since 1973'', Gulf News, February 12). This should not be the treatment rendered upon prisoners of war. If he was convicted of some crime, he should have been sentenced to death as mentioned. If not, he should have been set free and allowed to reunite with his family. I feel this is a careless attitude on part of the Indian government, who ought to have taken up such cases more seriously and made sure all prisoners were freed years ago.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request