LETTERS FEBRUARY, 20, 2008

Choose responsibility, not cash

I cannot believe parents are being bribed into performing their basic duties ("New approach to child poverty and behaviour", Gulf News, February 17). One would hope our society does not reach such a slump, but apparently, it has. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's new policy to tackle child poverty has proven successful in previous trials. However, even though losing money if one fails to control their child's behaviour or eat healthy is a smart move, a contract between the government and families should not be necessary. Parents should be educating their children because it is their responsibility, not because they are being paid for it!
From Ms Caitlin Duff
Dubai

Create an environment

A lot of talk is going on about the integration of children with special needs ("43 special needs children to miss school year", Gulf News, February 17). But the reality is that no school might step up and accept such children, knowing that they have a learning disability. Most of these children started their education in mainstream schools but had to leave halfway since they could not keep pace with their peers. The need of the hour is a determined effort by the authorities concerned to help these children, not so much in words but in action, by creating an environment where they can study at their pace but in the company of regular school-goers.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Taking a stand

I am very pleased that the UAE government has taken a stand against human trafficking ("UAE backs global efforts to fight human trafficking", Gulf News, February 17). I am completely against any form of involuntary labour and consider it a very hideous crime.

The steps that the government has taken to solve this issue are big. I think the world should see this as a bigger issue. If we all recognise this problem, human trafficking can be a thing of the past.
From Ms Karishma Prasanna
Dubai

Image building

It is high time each individual imbibes driving etiquettes while driving in lanes, adhering to the legal speed limit and not queuing up in extra lanes that go beyond the hard shoulder. These are the main reasons for traffic jams.

This will enable commuters to maintain a rhythm, reach destinations faster, avoid stress and not waste precious time by being stuck in traffic. Confiscating vehicles of drivers who break rules is not enough. Stricter guidelines may bring in a sense of respect for the traffic rules and encourage people to be responsible residents. With our roads and technology reaching new levels, drivers should help build a good image of the UAE.
From Ms Sonia Kumar
Dubai

Efficient

I have been a Dubai resident for the past 18 years and can finally see good measures being taken to speed up functioning by the Indian Consulate. I recently visited the Consulate for an affidavit and it took me lesser time compared to what it would a few years ago. Earlier, I would have to wait in long queues and search for personnel to help with the procedures. However, this time I received proper guidance from the help desk that is quite informative and helpful. Even though there is a great influx of people, the situation is being handled efficiently. I appreciate it.
From Mr Elias Eappen
Dubai

Take a break

The article makes me more afraid for the future of politics and people in Pakistan ("Bombing raises fears of more poll violence", Gulf News, February 17). The situation is horrible at the current moment and might only get worse. I think people should take a break and allow tensions between their leaders to fizzle out. I'm looking forward to a new parliament for Pakistan.
From Mr Malek Itani
Dubai

Potential danger

I would like to draw attention to the potentially dangerous problem created by minibuses and taxis. This is in the area immediately after the Al Maqta Bridge in Abu Dhabi and just before the exit to Dubai.

The area has become a hot spot for people trying to flag taxis and minibuses picking passengers up. A suitable taxi stop should be created as part of the changes taking place in the area.
From Dr Jaime Samour
Abu Dhabi

Costly affair

This is in reference to the letter by Mr Mahesh Idnani to Gulf News ("I don't know why?", Gulf News, February 18). My wife, despite appearing for five driving tests, was unsuccessful. Acquiring a driving licence has become a costly affair, something that is no longer affordable by a middle-income salaried individual. The amount spent in procuring a licence sometimes equals the value of a new car.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Pleasant surprise

Recently, my family and I, while visiting the Global Village, got stuck in the venue's parking lot as the car door did not open. A Dubai Police officer helped us by calling recovery, which then solved the issue within a matter of minutes. I was pleasantly surprised by the quick and timely assistance extended by the police.
From Mr Manalil Kader
Abu Dhabi

Good news

That is great news and will hopefully stop residents from wasting water whilst washing their cars and pavements ("Dubai introduces new rates to curb use of electricity and water", Gulf News, February 17).
From Mr K. Boon
UAE

Disagree

I completely disagree with the fact that describes dairy products as the epitome of a yogic diet ("Yoga on a platter", Unwind, February 16). Milk products and yoga might have been okay thousands of years ago, but not anymore. Intensive farming, antibiotics, increase of allergies and horrendous animal welfare issues lead us to take up yoga and a vegetarian diet.
From Ms Alwynne Cartmell
United Kingdom

A matter of safety

I think the problem arises from the fact that the annual safety inspection of elevators is not mandatory ("Lift crushes man to death", Gulf News, February 14). Certain maintenance companies do not pay much attention to such requirements. In many cases, technicians who have little or no knowledge about elevators are sent in. Building owners should hire a professional who can decide whether an elevator is in working condition or not. The only way an elevator would not open is if there is a malfunction in the system. Professionals should periodically check all these factors, especially when it concerns safety in elevators, in order to keep them safe and running for public use.
From Mr Mohammad Odeh
Dubai