October 6, 2009

Differing attitudes

It is very interesting to see how people transform themselves when they leave their home country. In my country, people do not hesitate to litter on roads and pavements. However, when they come to Dubai, they are extremely careful about littering. I would request everyone to stop littering in their home countries, too. After all, charity begins at home.
From Ms Smita Mohan
Dubai

Violating trust

I would like to voice my thoughts about the so-called honour killings that have become a regular feature in remote Indian villages. I strongly condemn such customs and think authorities should be very strict while dealing with those who perform such atrocious crimes. However, I believe there are two sides to the coin and I am sure young people can play a great role in preventing such barbaric practices. If in a particular culture, the general belief is that people belonging to the same caste, tribe, community or village are considered "siblings", young adults should learn to respect such customs and take that into consideration. First cousins are considered siblings in many cultures. Although I am a Muslim and do not follow any caste system, I have many Hindu friends who have married within their caste and would consider doing otherwise a shame. Children have some duty and responsibility towards their parents. When each child is born, his or her parents have great hopes and dreams. They take great care of you since the day you are born. They provide for your every need, nurse you through your illnesses, support you in your failures, cheer you in your success and teach you to walk, talk and become a good person. You cannot simply go away with someone in the name of love against their wishes. In all other circumstances it will be considered a breach of trust.
From Ms Sajida Kamal
Abu Dhabi

Brilliance at par

I am disappointed by the fact that Asian schools will have to face the Knowledge and Human Development Authority inspections ("Asian schools face the litmus test", Gulf News, September 30). Most Indian schools have rich heritage, experience and support systems. The Central Board of Secondary Education curriculum is at par with international systems, as recognised by universities world over. These schools consistently produce brilliant students and have adequate infrastructure, which is being used efficiently and optimally. It may not be as extravagant as international schools, which charge exorbitant fees. However, the majority of Indian schools in Dubai are comparable to their international counterparts.
From A Reader
Chennai, India

Comparisons

It is true that education begins at home ("Education must not be jeopardised, Gulf News, September 29). The very first lessons regarding self-discipline, punctuality, time management and perseverance are learnt at home. Hence it is important that parents themselves realise the importance of regularity and hard work in school. Not very long ago, in my home country, there were no reduced timings during Ramadan, no air-conditioned transport and parents had no say in school schedules. However, we managed all of it and turned out to be stronger and better individuals. Let us prepare our children to face the world.
From Ms S. Asim
Dubai

Importance of school

Why are people so surprised by the poor attendance at schools after the holidays? Quite a few parents here take their own sweet time to come back from their holiday. I find a lot of people here are very lax about schooling. School enforces discipline and values in children. The skills they learn here make them responsible and balanced human beings. It was also ridiculous that some schools had an extended summer holiday. In the interest of children I request everyone to be strict about their education.
From Ms Dimple Pawar
Dubai

During a recent visit to a nearby clinic located in Karama i was really shocked to see the way some staff were treating patients with out any sort of proper equipments. One of the hottest topic of discussion these days is all abt Swine flu and i am sure many of us know what it is but in spite of the fact that this has been spread in a few areas there are certain clinics that are not taking special care which might lead to severe problems. I wanted to meet an ENT Surgeon and was out in the mail waiting area. I was glad to see that there were a few patients wearing a mask to protect themselves but to my surprise when i had asked an in charge if i can get a mask the answer i got was sorry there are no masks here. When I asked why, the lady was giving me such stern looks. I feel that it is the sole responsibility of the clinics to supply patients with masks. I had to use a tissue to cover my mouth and nsoe. I also noticed some staff were not even wearing a mask nor gloves while giving an injection to some patients but when my turn came i had to specifically ask the nurse to please put on gloves. Does a patient need to educate a nurse? How ridicolous. Its abt time that the authorities do some surprise visits and take such clinics to task, especially if they can't follow certain rules and regulations for the benefit of the patients.
Litty Mathew
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:32

Why plastic bottles for mineral water? Now, why Oxo-biodegradable plastic bottles? Why not install water purifiers in every apartment/restaurant/office? When I came to the UAE I was surprised to see plastic water bottles being used in every house. Obviously as I had no alternative I too started using the same and found it quite convenient. But I always missed my UV water purifier back home where I could get purified water right in my house at all times. Investing in a water purifier would be beneficial in saving money in the long run, avoiding plastic dispenser and the plastic bottle. Why drink water out of a plastic bottle dispensed from a plastic dispenser? Though tap water in the UAE is pure enough to drink, the overhead tanks may not be clean. So people rely on mineral water available in plastic bottles. The concept of water purifiers could be introduced here in the UAE and tap water could be purified for drinking purpose. Even if 25% of the people install water purifiers in their homes/offices the use of plastic bottles could be reduced to a large extent thereby reducing plastic waste and saving the environment.
Naina Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:31

Mahatma Gandhi not only preached but practiced non-violence and unselfishness, too ("India marks Gandhi's birth anniversary," Gulf News, October 2). Gandhiji lived a simple life his golden words..."World has enough for the Need of the people not the greed of the people"Have you ever seen a child eating from the trash...if you really have a Heart...you will never waste food ever after or complain about the food you get and instead thank God. We can easily change the world only if each one of us thinks alike. Its as simple as that. Let's at least give it a try. Sincere efforts are always rewarded.
Amrut Maria Das
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:31

Drivers should be put through a psychological evaluation before being given a licence. Some of these drivers behave like madmen and have no regard for human life.
Markus James
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:31

How many more accidents are to happen before the mini bus drivers are reined in? They seem to have a total disregard for driving rules. To start with, their speed limit should be on par with heavy vehicles which is 80km/h. Strong action is required by the authorities to deal with this menace.
Harish Kumar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:30

It is very unfortunate that so many people lost lives due to carelessness of one individual. I have myself noticed on many occassions these minibuses (both small ones and large ones) are driven recklessly with little regard for road safety rules and people's lives. I have seen these buses swerving wildly on the road going from first lane to the slowest lane in one go without slowing down. Strict enforcement of rules, on-the-spot fines coupled with re-educating the drivers seems to be the only solution.
Mohammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:30

The minibus drivers, 30 seater bus drivers and the truck drivers need to be monitored closely by the police, because of these drivers are realy driving very dangerously (except good drivers), they think they are driving a sports car and do not follow any safety rules while on road.
A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:30

I am regular user of Highways. Minibus drivers are thinking that they are drivng a train. Since minibuses have a powerful engine they come behind the car and start flahing lights. Authorities must impose a speed limit on minibuses, as they disturb other road users. Sharjah
Mohammad Shaikh D.
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:28

Its about time the authorities came up with speed limit controllers for such such vehicles carrying passengers. Driving down Emirates Road everyday its like an accident waiting to happen with these MINI BUS going at great speeds.
Sunil Kumar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:28

There needs to be strict rules on this Bus drivers, i work in Jafza and everyday i face such Bus drivers.
Q. Ahmad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:27

Reckless bus driver have to be stopped, some of them drive very fast without any consideration to life of others.
Anis
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:23

The alarming rate of road accidents and deaths can be controlled by obeying all the traffic rules. In addition if we make certain innovations in providing new driving licence and renewal, we can reduce the accidents. First of all new licence must be given for a short period only. Its renewal must be done only after assessing the performance of the driver on the road. The fines, warnings and any accidents committed must be taken into consideration and a refresher course given to the drivers. The training of professional drivers must be different. He must learn traffic manners, speed limits, respecting fellow drivers. The refresher course must be made compulsory on a periodic basis. This can definetely help reduce road accidents.
J. George Avicot
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:22

We will continue to have a repeat of horrible accidents like the one on Al Ain road on Sunday ("Minibuses not safe to carry passengers," Gulf News, October 5). I have been writing letters in all newspapers that the authorities should restrict the speed limit all passenger carrying vehicles.
I. Maladwala
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:22

Mr Billy Milligan you have a good heart to help a Filipino even though you are not a Filipino ("Dubai family talks of narrowly escaping death," Gulf News, September 29). Your heart is kind and we Filipinos are proud of you. Thank you for helping us.
Arlene Mendoza
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:22

It was a great to read that the Abu Dhabi residents are getting a free parking spaces soon. It is very very sad to say that in Dubai and Sharjah the tenants as well as others trying their maximum effort to get a parking space. It is very hard to get a parking in the Abu Shagara area of Sharjah for the residents to get a parking as all spaces are occupied by second hand buying and selling car owners. There were so many reports came stating that the concerned authorities are trying to do the needful for this, but this has not materialised yet. Hope the authorities will take this matter seriously to make all necessary arrangements for moving this second hand business trade from the resident areas for ample parking spaces for the residents in the area.
Biju John
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:21

Lucky will be the people who have building parking; but what about the people who don't ("Abu Dhabi tenants to get free parking spaces soon," Gulf News, October 5)? Construct several parking bldgs and then start pay parking. Most people prefer to pay and park, but when you don't have enough parking slots then where to park? In Khalidiya, parking is an utter nightmare. One has to roam for an hour to get a parking. Roads are filled with double and triple lanes of parked cars. Authorities should realise once paid parking slots are filled; where do remaining cars go? I hope the authorities will come up with better solutions.
Marteen Monteiro
-,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:21

The Indian taxpayers must have heaved a sigh of relief, after the countryâ??s top crime investigating agency, the CBI, has decided to call off the investigation against the Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi. The scandal involving the businessman has been in the news for more than two decades. Congress party chief ministers and the party prime minister had done everything to scuttle the enquiry. The taxpayers have already wasted millions of their hard earned money for the CBI officersâ?? pleasure trip to foreign countries under the pretext of tracking down the accused though he was moving around in public. The moral that Indians should learn from the case is that never ever try to catch a corrupt business man, if he has the right political connections.
K. M. Divakaran
Buraimi,Oman
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:20

Helping other country is a great way to show concern and love to the humanity, especially if they are not expecting something in return. On the other hand this action will not be successful if the own country man of the do not cooperate to help people who are helping them. Please cooperate! If not, donâ??t try to seek help..too many people have given their lives for unnecessary wars for the humanity sake...so have mercy on their families at least.
From A Reader
-,New Zealand
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:16

It is illogical to compare swine flu with road accident deaths (â??Unnecessary coverage,â?? Gulf News, October 1). Road accident deaths reminders limited to the drivers only , they are well aware with the rigorous test and briefings. Conversely swine flu is a new disease, awareness is needed among all member of the society. Gulf News has demonstrated their commitment to the society by highlighting the dos and donâ??ts to prevent the spread of disease, it needs to be applauded than comparing with some illogical statistics and numbers. Prevention is better than cure.
Salim Panthodi
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:15

I would like to thank the authorities for warning people to not to respond to the Hoax SMS received from all around the world congratulating you on the winning of some thousand of hundred of pound in a lottery you didn't even participated. The message sent by the authorities reads "Confirm the id, address of the Sms and then respond to it... you can never win a lottery when you haven't participated." Thanks once again for its endless efforts.
Sultan Abdul Rehman
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:14

Rio de Janeiro was definitely the right choice to host the 2016 Olympic Games (â??Olympics will bolster economy â?? minister,â?? Gulf News, October 4). The spirit of the games is for people of all nations rich and/or poor to compete on a level playing field. Brazil is a country of many races and religions living in harmony a culture of which can be transmitted to the world via the games. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Lula) who has risen from a shoe shine boy in Sao Paulo to two times elected President is an example of the spirit of this country. Whilst the fact that the Games have never been held in South America was in their favor, Brazil is a sporting nation and Brazilians have for many years flown their flag in all kinds of sporting events worldwide. Rio de Janeiro and its environment provide excellent facilities for the games sporting events both for the athletes and those visiting the city as spectators.
Martin Oliver
-,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:13

It is indeed a great news for the Abu Dhabi Residents that Abu Dhabi Municipality is going to charge for Parking (â??Abu Dhabi tenants to get free parking spaces soon,â?? Gulf News, October 4). Of course it is a good thing that there will be a control of the Parking spaces once they introduce the Parking fee. At the moment the whole system of parking in Abu Dhabi has become a mess as residents do not have a proper space to park their cars. This is really a very good thing but the tenants will face a lot of problems. I read in the newspaper that the landlords are not supposed to charge the tenants for parking their cars and the municipality will charge for first car Dhs800 and second car dhs 1200.This is very good if it is approved. One question, where will the Tenants in Hamdan and Khalifa area Buildings will Park their car and whether ii is possible to pay a lumpsum amount (concession fee being tenants in these areas)as parking fee and get a Pass for parking their cars near the buildings which will avoid the unnecessary fines. One suggestion, instead of charging for Car parking why not increase the registration fee so that each and every owner of the vehicle pay a small increased fee which may be credited to account of Municipality Budget. This will compulsory and no one can avoid paying. Thank you for bringing the subject for comments.
M. K. Sain Al Abdeen
-,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:12

I am a hard core vegetable enthusiast (â??World Vegetarian Day comes and goes but most still prefer steak,â?? Gulf News, October 1). I try to buy different vegetables for each day of the week and find innovative ways to cook them. As a result I never had any problem with my children refusing to eat veggies and everyone in my family is an ardent fan of vegetables. We have tried almost all the different types of vegetables available in the local markets. As a rule I make two different fresh vegetable dishes and also a dried "vegetable" dish like green peas, chick peas, dried beans etc. in a day along with a salad using different combinations of vegetables that we can eat fresh. I have found that there is absolutely no need to add calorie filled dressings to make a salad tasty, rather adding pepper, lemon juice, honey, hung curd or various combinations of fresh herbs and even fruits like apple, dates, pineapple etc would make salads different, nutritious and very delicious. Remember to wash vegetables well and use a separate cutting board and knife for preparing salads. As much as possible, buy locally produced vegetables because they are more nutritious as they do not have to travel long to reach the markets. Besides they are more environmental friendly as well as good for the economy.
Sajida Kamal
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:10

Pakistan purposely lost the match with New Zealand just to make the losses they sustained during the last so many years (â??Did Younis drop Champions Trophy?,â?? Gulf News, October 4). When Sri Lanka left abruptly, Australia, England and New Zealand refused to play in Pakistan. Younus Khan struggled with the bat where he made just 53 runs, a series of stuttered innings holding back whatever start Pakistan's openers provided. More pertinently the injury led to Khan dropping a sitter at a crucial moment in the game. He should have opted out. Things would have been different.
M. A. Shibly
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:09

Back home in India, we used to buy textbooks from our seniors in schools and only the required number of notebooks were bought ("Stop wasting books", Gulf News, October 2). But nowadays, schools compel us to buy all the text/notebooks from them for a hefty sum. My son, now in grade 1, has 9 subjects!! After allotting a class work note and a test note per subject, many notebooks are left unused. At the end of the year, only few papers in most of the notebooks, especially test notebooks, are used, but those notebooks could never be re-used. I talked to the school management reg. this issue, but they expressed their inability to implement this. I tried to give it to children from a needy family, but the school couldn't help. Ironically, everybody has to buy from them. The same applies to textbooks too. The schools are to blame. The authorities should instruct schools to let students use "used textbooks" and reuse the unused pages of used notebooks and buy only required number of notebooks. This will help reduce wastage of money and paper.
Hussain
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: October 06, 2009, 14:09