November 20, 2008

A lasting habit
Nowadays, the habit of reading has declined considerably, especially among children ("Minister drums up support for million-book campaign", Gulf News, November 15). After the emergence of electronic devices and new means of entertainment, books have been sidelined. However, no matter how much technology has changed the way we do things, I believe it cannot be a substitute for books. The Million Book Challenge came at the right time. It is an effective way of making children realise the value of reading. However, it should not just be implemented as a competitive challenge, but as a habit that children can cultivate from a young age.
From Mr Shafeeque Babu K.
Dubai

Age doesn't matter
Congratulations to Gulf News for addressing pressing social issues ("Working women face middle-aged blues", Gulf News, November 15). It is unfortunate that employers' unfair prejudice is impeding middle-aged women from finding a job. Quality and experience matter more than youth. I have seen many young employees doing disservice to customers with their bad attitude, especially in banks, call centres and the service sector. Many young employees are neither trained nor able to cope with the demands of the job. Age should not be a constraint if someone can deliver. After all, US President-elect Barack Obama selected Joe Biden as his running mate - and he is 65 years young!
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai

Settling for less
Gulf News's report on working women facing employment troubles was very interesting. As a 42-year-old chartered accountant, with 20 years of work experience in India, I arrived in the UAE in May 2008. However, I have been unable to find a good job. Despite sending out 150 job applications, I received no response. My friends, who are professionals, advise me not to settle for a low-paying job, as they believe my curriculum vitae would easily grant me employment with a minimum salary of Dh15,000. I waited till September, but due to my financial problems, was forced to accept a job with low remuneration.
From Ms Ajitha Jayan
Ajman

Writing history
In his letter to Gulf News, Mr U.S. Bolan urged readers to stop addressing US President-elect Barack Obama by the colour of his skin ("Get rid of racism", Gulf News, November 15). I would like to inform him that God created different races to establish diversity. Identifying people by their ethnic background is natural and logical. I would not mind someone calling me "coloured" or Asian, because that is who I am. Nonetheless, I believe only a person's actions make him or her praiseworthy - not the race. With Obama, a great change has begun in the US. How could one write history without mentioning his race and background?
From Mr Khalid Malek
Dubai

Crossings needed
Accidents involving pedestrians do not just occur near Al Ansar Mall ("Man run over in front of Al Ansar Mall", Gulf News, November 15). There are many areas around the city that are in urgent need of pedestrian crossings. In fact, such facilities should have been implemented a long time ago. I urge the authorities to please take the necessary action.
From Mr S. Janardhanan
Dubai

Unclear rules
I purchased a parking card for our 34-seater bus from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). However, we were shocked when we saw a parking ticket issued by Dubai police, while the vehicle was parked in Bur Dubai. After visiting two different police stations, I was told that it was my fault and I had to pay the fine. If buses are not allowed to park, why does the RTA issue yearly passes? There are no signboards on roads saying that vehicles are not allowed to park. Moreover, even today I see buses and pick-up trucks parked in the area. I need an answer, as I am a tour guide.
From Ms Lynette Rose
Dubai

Killing machines
Nowadays, accidents involving buses, coasters and minivans are a common occurrence ("Multiple-bus accident leaves witnesses shocked", Gulf News, November 15). Driving on Emirates Road frightens me every day, especially because of heavy vehicles that are driven at a high speed. Such vehicles are killing machines, when driven in an erratic manner. Often, I try signalling bus drivers in order to urge them to drive within the speed limit and not overtake others. However, all I receive in response is a snub or a rude dismissal. Such motorists drive recklessly, without consideration for others. The authorities must take serious action against them, before it is too late.
From Mr Syed Mansour Ahmad
Dubai

Beware of snakes
Recently, when diving in Fujairah, we were surprised to find a sea snake ("Beachgoers asked to avoid sea snakes", Gulf News, November 17). The dive centre advised us to stay out of the water and avoid sea snakes, as their bite is known to be fatal. It was the first time I spotted a snake in the country and I have been diving for years. The one we encountered was fully grown. Such sea snakes are very hard to spot on the surface and can easily swim faster than humans, which is why swimmers should be alert.
From Mr Nizar
Dubai

Inform beachgoers
I hope sea snakes are not present in the new public beach in Abu Dhabi. As regular beachgoers, it may affect our visits. The authorities should set up warning boards to inform beachgoers of snakes.
From Mr Asim
Abu Dhabi

Avoiding snakes
While living in Dubai in 1989, I frequently found myself driving my fishing boat through schools of thousands of sea snakes. They were within eight kilometres of the shore. I was advised never to try to bring the snakes on board. My perception is that their venom is similar to coral snakes, commonly found in the US.
From Mr Allen Thyssen
Texas, USA

Long overdue
I commend Gulf News for highlighting the issue of jaywalkers, especially on Al Ittihad Road ("Al Ittihad Road to get pedestrian footbridge", Gulf News, November 18). Issuing penalties without providing alternatives is unfair. A pedestrian bridge is long overdue in the area.
From Ms Jeny Michaels
Sharjah

Saved lives
I think most residents have experienced the problem of jaywalkers trying to cross main roads. I am delighted to hear that a new pedestrian bridge is going to be built on Al Ittihad Road. Many lives would be saved due to this.
From Ms Sudha Radha
Dubai