Letters to the Editor

A noble deed
It is not a lavish presentation that impresses people, but rather acts of kindness done solely to help those in need ("We salute Saif's generosity", Gulf News, November 24). May the Almighty bless Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, who reached out and helped provide a carer for a paralysed woman. I urge people to strive to help each other, rather than always look out for their own interests. Shaikh Saif's generosity has truly made him a role model - one we could all look up to. Such noble acts go a long way in making a difference.
From Mr Joel G. Fernandes
Dubai

Joy and pain
I was immensely pleased to read Gulf News's report about the paralysed mother, who can now afford a carer thanks to Shaikh Saif's contribution. I understand the agony a parent goes through, when he or she is able to see their children but cannot touch or give them the love they deserve. The report brought tears of pain and joy to my eyes and I hope Dr Reem is able to emerge from her coma to embrace her loved ones.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Travelling issues
I commend Gulf News for raising the important issue of children spending a great deal of time on the roads ("A gruelling start to the school day", Gulf News, November 22). However, this does not just relate to seven-year-olds. Some schools require children as young as three years to catch a bus at around 4.45am. Additionally, teachers and bus conductors have often advised my children to travel on an empty stomach. They claim that long drives could lead to motion sickness. They also have to suppress nature's call as they travel for at least two hours.
From Ms Manpreet Gurbani
Sharjah

Daily grind
It has become a daily torture for children, to travel to school. Tired on the early morning journey to school, most children spend an exhausting day in classes and then have to take a long drive home. Moreover, most have to study and complete their homework, upon returning. What kind of life is this for children? The traffic problem is much more serious than we think.
From Ms Jeny Michaels
Sharjah

Win, lose or draw?
Recently, I thought I won a National Bonds certificate when I received an original certificate for Dh5,000. However, my happiness was short-lived when I tried to withdraw the amount. The bank teller told me that the system showed I had already redeemed it. I recalled withdrawing the same amount a while ago, but how was I supposed to know it was the same account number? I do not keep copies of old certificates. National Bonds should make sure that they do not issue bonds with the same account number.
From Mr M.A.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

The management of National Bonds replies: We contacted the complainant and confirmed that the certificate worth Dh5,000 had been redeemed on November 3, 2008. He signed on the redemption acknowledgement and original certificate.

The reader replies in a follow-up: Please note that I received the original certificate with the same account number after November 3, 2008 and tried to redeem it later when this issue started. I also have the original certificate with me. The question is why did National Bonds issue the same certificate, which was already redeemed?

The management of National Bonds replies: Our records clearly show that the bond has been redeemed. The one he has is a duplicate and unfortunately we cannot do anything more.

Unsafe to cross
Recently, the focus was on jaywalkers as one of the reasons for an increase in pedestrian deaths ("Pedestrian death toll is too high", Gulf News, November 23). However, most people prefer to jaywalk only because they consider it safer than to cross at zebra crossings. Most drivers neither indicate nor slow down, when approaching junctions where pedestrians are waiting to cross. Additionally, there are no lights on most streets and often, pedestrians cannot even be seen at night. I think people require more information and must be made aware of the laws regarding pedestrian crossings.
From Mr Phil Cozens
Abu Dhabi

Alarming numbers
The pedestrian death toll in Abu Dhabi was quite alarming and considering the chaotic traffic situation in Dubai, I am sure it would be devastating in the city, too. The authorities should do something about jaywalkers immediately. Penalties should not only be imposed on motorists, but on pedestrians who cross at dangerous points, too. An increase in the number of pedestrian crossings and awareness campaigns would definitely lessen the frequency of such accidents.
From Ms Val
UAE
Full name withheld by request

Badly needed
The initiative to establish a library in every Emirati home would certainly help boost reading habits ("Campaign to make Emiratis in Sharjah read", Gulf News, November 25). The best part is that all members of a family would be able to have access to books. Such programmes are badly needed, as reading is not on the priority list anymore.
From Mr Haris Mundock
Sharjah

Irreplaceable
It is a shame that computers have substituted books for most people. However, the fact remains that books can never be replaced.
From Ms Elena Santos
Abu Dhabi

Eyes and ears
Getting expatriates to help the authorities is a very good idea ("Expatriates to help maintain security", Gulf News, November 26). Prior to moving to Dubai, I held the position of a constable with Grampian Police in Aberdeen, UK. We were trained in all aspects of community policing, wherein we would work in an area, familiarise ourselves with the residents and build relationships. People in the community were our eyes and ears and would provide us with information on what was happening and who was responsible. Therefore, I believe involving the community could help in creating a secure environment. I support the initiative 100 per cent.
From Mr Danny Murray
Dubai

Not gender-related
I would say that men are worse drivers because of their impatience ("Men are ‘the worst traffic offenders in the capital'", Gulf News, November 19). However, I do not think we should generalise and say that one group is better at driving that the other, as it is not a gender-related issue.
From Ms Fasiha Khaiser
Dubai

Accurate accusations
I was surprised to read Gulf News's report citing men as the worst traffic offenders in Abu Dhabi (“Men are' the worst traffic offenders in the capital''', Gulf News, November 19). As a statistician, I am aware of the fact that with statistics, virtually anything could be proved. Before concluding that men are worse drivers than women — because men caused 90 per cent of traffic accidents — the percentage of males to females in the Capital should be taken in consideration.
From Mr Aref
UAE
Full name withheld by request

Misleading headlines
In a certain report, I thought the headline was very misleading, because the information provided did not justify the caption ("Men are' the worst traffic offenders in the capital'", Gulf News, November 19). Instead of simply concluding on the absolute values that the male drivers cause more accidents than female motorists, a comparison should have been made. It could be done by comparing values between the genders, such as the actual percentage of male traffic offenders out of a total number of male drivers. This could be opposed to the percentage of female traffic offenders out of a total number of female drivers. I have faced many erratic female drivers who are to blame for improper lane changing, applying make-up while driving, being oblivious to road rules and speeding precariously. However, I have come across many wonderful female motorists, too. They are more patient and scrupulously observant of road etiquette.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai

No glory in piracy
Piracy has always been a hot topic; in fact, we often hear, read about it and watch it happening in movies (“Piracy fight mired in complexities'', Gulf News, November 22). Today, it has become a reality and a threat to society. It seems as if a century-old practice, that was thought to have vanished, is emerging again. Since many cases of piracy have been reported in a short time, world leaders must pay attention and realise that it is an issue that should be dealt with as any other high-priority issue, such as war and the environment. Unemployed youth are finding piracy to be a quick moneymaking scheme, with minimum risks. If such were provided with better alternatives, they would not prefer to take up illegal trade as a career path. Moreover, many countries that depend on marine transport and send their ships on the major trade routes, would be severely affected. It is appalling that piracy would indirectly affect consumers, as there is already a scarcity of traded materials around the world in today's economic recession. Additionally, I am surprised to see that the treat of piracy is yet to be contained.
From Ms Shemeem Shafik
Dubai

Weighing ratios
As a female motorist, I think it is great news for women that they are less reckless than their male counterparts, when it comes to driving ("Men are' the worst traffic offenders in the capital'", Gulf News, November 19). Still, we should keep in mind that there is a big difference in the ratio of male and female drivers on the road.
From Ms Sana Habib
UAE

Women to blame
How could women cause accidents when most of them drive at a speed of 60 kilometres per hour ("Men are' the worst traffic offenders in the capital'", Gulf News, November 19)? Moreover, men usually have to put their guard on and focus more on driving if a woman is driving the vehicle ahead of them. Additionally, it takes most women about 10 minutes to park a car. Some females take their time at traffic signals and U-turns, too. While men seem to be the cause of accidents, it seems women tend to obstruct traffic.
From Mr Abdul Qayum
Dubai

Cheated
This is in response to Gulf News's report on a Western couple that was cheated when buying samosas (“Samosas too hot for couple'', Gulf News, 18 November). It is extremely sad that the foreign couple were taken for a ride in India. One definitely feels disconsolate when such incidents happen. Still, does this not happen in other countries too? Is there any place in this world, which is absolutely safe and where one does not get cheated at all? A report such as this may make India look bad to someone who does not have much knowledge about the country. I think the country is changing and Indians are doing exceptionally well at home and worldwide. It would help if newspapers focused their attention on more worthwhile matters.
From Ms Radha Hari
Dubai

Colour factor
Once again, newspapers are filled with news about the US presidential elections (“Obama's global approach welcome'', Gulf News, November 6). I feel that the support Barack Obama received was a kind of reverse-racism. Most people supported him because of the colour of his skin and not his policies or ideas. When will we see people voting and electing leaders on the basis of their qualifications and experience and not because of their background or ethnicity?
From Mr Anil Prakash
Sharjah

Weighty issues
Heavy vehicles must not be allowed on the National Paints flyover, at least during peak rush hours (“National Paints roundabout reopened'', Gulf News, November 4). They should be diverted through Dubai Bypass Road instead.
From Mr Bobby
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request

Creating congestion
I was delighted to hear that the National Paints roundabout was reopened (“National Paints roundabout reopened'', Gulf News, November 4). Three-lane roundabouts would always create congestion. Moreover, I do not think installing traffic lights would improve the traffic flow. In fact, it would achieve the opposite, with a decrease in the flow of traffic and greater congestion.
From Mr Jozef Goj
Abu Dhabi