November 1, 2008

Give them a chance
I wonder if the recent economic turmoil will become worse from what it is already ("Stocks plunge on recession fears", Gulf News, October 28). Fear and panic has spread rapidly - like a domino effect. Even though world leaders might not be perfect, they have come together to resolve innumerable crisis situations. Wise men have always achieved victory by staying positive. It is time we embraced their teachings. We should give the leaders a chance to do their jobs without fettering them with negativity. People need to have faith in the abilities of those that lead. This crisis does not indicate the end of the world.
From Mr Rick J. Advano
Dubai

Great discovery
When I moved to the UAE, my husband worked long hours and children attended school, whilst I stayed alone at home. I was beginning to get tired of the monotony until I discovered www.gulfnews.com. It not only updated me about the UAE and its laws but also helped locate interesting places to visit, in addition to the best schools for my children. I also discovered other information vital for my survival. Recently, I learnt about the new national identity card from the newspaper. I would like to thank everyone responsible for Gulf News.
From Ms Latha Ganesh
Abu Dhabi

Cutting down
This is with reference to the report on the obliteration of the public park on Oud Metha Road for the construction of road tunnels ("Give these parks a fighting chance", Gulf News, October 28). I agree with the content of the report and think that public parks are a wonderful form of recreation. Parks provide a sense of joy and act as a source of outdoor activities for children and senior citizens.
From Mr Amitabh Ranjan
Dubai

Let there be light
Diwali, the Indian festival of lights brings joy to everyone. We are caught in the tentacles of economic crisis, strained relationships and global warming. However, on this occasion let us forget our sorrows and take a vow of togetherness.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai

No parking
In the Al Nahda area, in Sharjah, there are narrow two-way lanes that school buses struggle to drive through every morning. Even though new buildings continue to be constructed, there is inadequate parking. This causes people to block one of the lanes by parking on the main road. The concerned authorities need to address the issue and take immediate action.
From Mr Kuruvilla Z.
Dubai

A horrible sight
This is in reference to Ms M. Sorensen's letter in which she states that Sharjah resembles a huge junkyard ("Make it your business", Gulf News, October 26). I agree and would like to add that the issue is not limited to Sharjah alone. In several other areas garbage is improperly disposed. For example, in the Satwa area of Dubai, some hotels do not take the right precautions while discarding waste. Garbage bags are sometimes left on the roads with trash spilling out. It is a horrible sight.
From Mr A. Fernandes
UAE

Taxi for hire?
I would like someone from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to help me with an issue. Many taxi drivers have said that they cannot drop me to my destination since their shift ends at a specific time. Such incidents have occurred at different times during the day. I have been told the same by a driver at 3pm and another at 5pm. Would it be possible for the RTA to inform passengers of the shift timings?
From Mr Habib Ahmad
Dubai

The management of RTA replies: There are different schedules followed by various taxi companies. As such, different shifts are allocated to various batches. If the passenger can provide us with the taxi's reference number, we will be able to confirm the shift timings.

Mr Ahmad replies: I will try to note down the driver's reference number in the future and inform the authorities.

Not seasoned
This is in reference to the report on India's dilemma over choosing between Anil Kumble and Amit Mishra for the next test match against Australia ("Australians look to seniors for inspiration", Gulf News, October 28). I do not understand why the confusion exists. Kumble is the captain of the Indian team and deserves to play as long as he is fit. Mishra can wait since one good performance does not qualify him as a seasoned player. Why should the Indians be any different from the Australians? How often have they added anyone to their team based on one performance? Even a great player like Mike Hussey made his debut at 35.
From Mr Anup R. Hegde
Dubai

Promoting safety
Distributors leave promotional flyers in the corridors of various buildings. Most residents might hesitate to pick these up, since they are stepped upon. Scattered pamphlets can be dangerous too as people can slip and fall down the stairs. Additionally, some advertisements are stuck to the apartment windows and doors. Leaflets should be slipped under the doors or hung on knobs, without disturbing residents. People who stick flyers on the walls or throw them in the corridors need to be penalised.
From Mr P. P. Johnson
Dubai

Analysing markets
The failure of financial institutions in the US has had a strong impact on the world's economy. The fear factor crushed several markets and affected business houses and consumer confidence. I think the situation might get worse before recovering. The prices of various commodities need to be sensibly analysed. Additionally, the house rents need to be reduced in order to encourage people to invest.
From Mr Mustak A.
Dubai