January 19, 2008

A great man has gone
Being a student of the eighth grade, one would not expect me to connect too much with the news of Sir Edmund Hillary's death ("Nepal's Sherpas mourn Hillary", Gulf News, January 15). When we first heard of his conquest of the Mount Everest, we were wonderstruck. From then on, reading about his adventures put a great respect in our hearts for him. His biographies took me to a world of my own. He was a great man who conquered Everest and was the first to travel to the North Pole in a truck. He was my hero. He has now moved on to greater heights, and his death is a great loss to the entire humankind.
From Ms Fatima Siyab Al Deen
Abu Dhabi

Travelling with children
The only way to let people care about their kids while travelling is to make it a law! My children and I, had a terrible accident a few years ago, and if they weren't in their car seat at that time, they would be dead today! This is no joke! We are totally responsible for their lives.
From Ms Al Zaabi
UAE
Full name withheld by request

A fair bargain
If the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is really serious about exempting violators of Salik from paying their fines, I believe it is much more reasonable that the patrons of Salik be rewarded as well. The amount they have paid for registration and recharging in 2007 should be credited by the RTA's system into their Salik tags for 2008 at 200 per cent. If for instance, a commuter paid Dh500, then Dh1,000 should be credited to his Salik account. That is how the reward system must work, or RTA will be encouraging violators.
From Ms Josefina Pineda
Dubai

Keeping hope alive
I recently received a notice to vacate my apartment before June. I have been trying to avail the advantages of the Khalifa Committee in Abu Dhabi for the past year, but with no result. After I first tried for a flat, my friends registered themselves with Khalifa Committee and got it. I would like to thank the committee for giving us hope. We see many people acquiring flats because of it, and I am also determined to try. I request the Khalifa Committee to give flats to those families whose homes are going to be demolished or to those who seriously need the apartment.
From Mr Sanjay Mukhi
Abu Dhabi

Winning a home
I have lived in the UAE for the past four years and struggled hard to live in a decent house. When I learnt about the Khalifa Committee in Abu Dhabi, I got myself registered there and sent a text message to them every day of the week for five months. When I finally received a message congratulating me on winning a flat in the draw, it was one of the best days of my life.

One cannot imagine what that message meant to me. The entire process, right up to signing the contract and taking possession of the wonderful flat is excellent.
From Ms Maria D'Silva
Abu Dhabi

Love all
All living creatures have a right to this world. Unfortunately, animals are being imported into the country and are either sold or kept in miserable conditions. I have also seen several people treat their pets in a barbaric manner. Dogs are at a greater risk than cats because even if they have a loving home, they have no adequate space to go for a walk and release their pent up energy. Many pet owners have also misunderstood the ban on certain breeds of animals. I appeal to the authorities to help mistreated animals and to create laws that enable us to care for them better.
From Ms Prity Bhattacharya
Dubai

Good medical care
Our baby boy was born at the same hospital ("Fatal hospital bug kills two newborn babies", Gulf News, January 11). He was diagnosed with breathing problems just five hours after delivery and was moved immediately to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The hospital team was really efficient and took good care of our baby.
From Mr Sunith
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Buses for children
I think bus services should be made compulsory for children from the age of 10 years and above. To do that, the quality of school buses should be improved. In this way, one school bus can accommodate 20 pupils, if not more, and there would be only one vehicle on the road. The situation now, however, has 20 parents driving 20 different vehicles on the road, to and from school.
From Mr Cengiz Sani
Dubai

Bigger than Bush
I appreciate US president George W. Bush's trip here ("Bush arrives in Abu Dhabi", Gulf News, January 14). About stability in the Middle East, it is not up to one person to control or affect this. Bush could do something good in a way, but he is not a supreme power. The most important thing for people in the Middle East is to stand united and to try their best to develop its economy and attract many worthwhile investments from all over the world. Dubai is a very good example.
From Ms Tammy
Fujairah
Website comment

Impossible task
Finding a flat to rent in Abu Dhabi is impossible now. Is it a demand/supply issue, an artificial hike or some property agents taking undue advantage? The ultimate result is tremendous pressure and stress on the common man.

I have been looking for a one bedroom flat for five months now but with no luck. The rents go up every fortnight.

Is there any authority monitoring the rent increase
From Mr Neeraj L.
Abu Dhabi