Bridging the gap
My salutations to the great visionary - His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai ("Online contact: Mohammad to answer media queries", Gulf News, April 10). This is a great idea to bridge the gap between the common people and the authorities. It would ultimately help solve any issues the nation may face and boost people's confidence in their land and ruler. If democratic governments followed this kind of system, too, the common man's woes could be solved within a short period of time.
From Ms Agniyah Shaikh
Sharjah

Waiting for change
As an Indian who has travelled, worked and lived abroad, it pains me to see my homeland in such a state ("'Democracy in India has lost its morals'", Gulf News, April 16). On the one hand, we have successfully launched spacecraft and produced some of the world's most competent professionals, including scientists, doctors and business leaders. On the other hand, starvation and deaths still occur in the heart of our villages, where the light of democracy has failed to shine. We may be the world's largest democracy, but ironically, we have done precious little to alleviate poverty and push our economy from a "developing" one to a "developed" one. I sincerely hope that the elections make a difference.
From Ms Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai
Website comment

Looking back in time
If the world wants to know the truth it needs to look back in time ("Pirates continue hijacking spree," Gulf News, April 15). For the past five to 10 years there have been attacks by foreign ships resulting in the dumping of toxic, radioactive material in the oceans. Many babies born today are deformed because of such dumping. The world needs to find a solution - it's not by paying ransoms or sending troops. There is a need to find a strong Somalian government which controls pirates from the ground, instead of from the sea.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request

Admirable work
I was very impressed and touched to read about community reporter Dr Shashi Kala and her endeavours to provide food for labourers. In an age when no one has time to even throw a glance at the less privileged citizens of our society, her invaluable time and effort is worthy of praise. May God bless her and her team of volunteers.
From Mr Varughese Samuel
UAE

Pitching in
This is in response to the report written by Dr Shashi Kala, who talked about how she and some other volunteers are helping labourers in Sonapur labour accommodation. After reading her article, I, too, would like to volunteer.
From Mr Asad Eftikhar S.
UAE

Maintain focus
This is in response to the report on an 18-month-old baby being declared an illegal resident ("18-month-old baby declared illegal", Gulf News, April 14). As expatriates, we must know our true purpose - it is definitely not just to have children. We should be responsible for every action we take and have to realise that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Whatever action the authorities choose to take, it will be for the good of everyone involved. Nowadays, many parents are leaving their children with extended families as they relocate to earn a living for a brighter future. This is not an isolated case.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request


Double standards
I salute Gulf News for the balanced editorial on the current Sri Lankan conflict ("Sri Lanka's brutal war nears its end", Gulf News, April 11). As it correctly pointed out, the onus on "liberating" civilians now lies solely with Prabhakaran, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The moment he allows innocent civilians to take a decision according to their wish, this catastrophe would be over. Meanwhile, by allowing demonstrators to display flags and posters of a banned terrorist organisation in front of the UK Parliament, the London police have established a bad precedent.
From Ms Gamini Dayaratne
Dubai

Absurd comment
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's comment was absurd and unacceptable, when he scoffed at former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar's opinion against multiple captains for cricket teams. I think he should consider the emotions of senior team members such as Sourav Ganguly. Shah Rukh does not have any sense of cricket. What would happen to him if a producer cast him in a movie and hired four directors to make it?
From Mr Bharat Gupta
Abu Dhabi

Monitor, please
Accidents occur due to speeding and disobeying traffic rules by illegally changing lanes on the road. This behaviour should be monitored, as even experienced drivers are making the same mistakes.
From Mr Jaleel
Abu Dhabi
Website comment

No incentive
Fining for minor accidents is a very good step on the part of the authorities in Abu Dhabi ("Minor accidents now cost motorists Dh500", Gulf News, April 16). But I do not think this will help avoid accidents. The problem is in the attitude of the driver. Many individuals don't really care about paying extra, which is why they have no incentive to be careful.
From Mr Kenyo
Abu Dhabi
Website comment

Signage needed
Imposing heavy fines would not solve the problem, especially as the number of vehicles on the roads is increasing by the day. However, I think people would be more cautious when driving their cars. Additionally, the authorities should bring in more signboards which would help people understand directions. In many cases, the drivers are not fully aware or confident about where the roads are taking them. Those who drive occasionally, encounter lots of difficulties in understanding routes, and often end up causing serious accidents. Especially when roads are blocked or diverted, arrangements should be made so that motorists know where to go.
From Ms Sherry John
Abu Dhabi
Website comment

A new route please
I would request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to start a bus service from Al Quoz's industrial area to Sharjah. Most employees who work and reside in Al Quoz have to first travel to Deira or Bur Dubai to reach Sharjah and vice versa.
From Mr Surendran P.
UAE

Zero accidents
This is with regards to the recent road safety campaign that rewarded Sharjah motorists for safe driving. Why can't the authorities reward safe drivers every day, instead of only four days? If they did, it would increase awareness among motorists and encourage them to drive safely. This way the UAE might have zero accidents one day.
From Mr Dexter Dalisay
Abu Dhabi

Advice that lasted
Recently, while reading an article on the conservation of water, I was reminded of my grandmother's advice not to waste water. She would say that if one wasted water, God would test them with lesser water. We have to teach our children about water's appropriate use. It's a habit which will never change if taught at a young age. Some programmes about water consumption are highly effective.
From Ms Habeeba S.
Abu Dhabi

New excuses
For the past two months I've been travelling by bus number 21 from Al Ghubaiba to Shaikh Zayed Road. The timing of the bus as provided by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on the official website is 5.15am. However, people wait from 5am for the bus, which is always delayed by more than 45 minutes. Based on the time of this trip one cannot blame the delay in reporting to work on traffic.
From Mr Suresh K.
Dubai