October 16, 2008

Long journey
I would like to congratulate Gulf News for its efforts in helping curb environmental pollution, by distributing free jute bags. When I received my bag, I was reminded of my grandfather who would shop with his own jute bag. This practice would lead to endless discussions with my father and classmates about the hazardous effects of plastic bags. The result was that if earlier I threw away a bag after each shopping trip, now I think twice. I know now just how long it takes for one bag to decompose, even partly. My family and I have decided to carry jute bags to the supermarket in order to decrease the amount of trash we produce. This is the first step in our bid to combat environmental pollution.
From Mr Vedant Pradeep
Abu Dhabi

Colourful treat
I would like to thank Gulf News for providing its readers with lovely jute bags. I feel proud to be part of Go Green, which is a respectable campaign. I commend the newspaper for going out of the way to help the environment - for the benefit of the community. The colourful bags are a treat for the eyes.
From Ms Fasiha Khaiser
Dubai

Changing rules
Whether or not freehold property in the UAE is lucrative without the guarantee of a residence visa is secondary ("Ajman freezes freehold visas", Gulf News, October 10). What is of greater concern is the fact that most developers initially marketed these properties as freehold, with guaranteed residence visas. The primary issue is of credibility and trust. From Mr S. D'souza
Dubai

Organised theft
I once came across a bus passenger who had lost his wallet ("Much ado over lost wallet as passengers fret in bus", Gulf News, October 10). I think there are organised groups of people stealing wallets in overcrowded buses. Such people work as a team and try to push or shove other passengers, when entering the bus. Amidst all the confusion and jostling, one of them steals the wallet from a wary passenger. The only solution is for passengers to hold their valuables in their hands while boarding crowded buses. Once a passenger announces that his wallet is missing, it can be very difficult and humiliating for everyone on the bus to be checked.
From Mr Jayanth
Dubai
Full name withheld ony request

Great acceptance
This is with reference to the report on Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly's farewell speech ("Prince shocks Indian team by praising Chappell", Gulf News, October 9). It is indeed great of Ganguly to accept that former Indian coach Greg Chappell helped him become more compact in technique and a better batsman.
From Mr Saulin V. Pratap
Dubai

Construction noise
It's just been seven weeks sine I have started living in the Jumeirah area of Dubai ("Construction noises keep residents awake", October 8). I live on the 28th floor of a building and wake up every night due to loud noise caused by the ongoing construction work. Surely, we should not have to put up with this noise at midnight! I am pleased that Gulf News is highlighting this problem. All I want is a peaceful night's sleep.
From Ms Karen Mawson
Dubai

Where he belongs
As a former resident of the UAE, I am touched by the concern people have shown for Sammy the Shark ("Atlantis: Free Sammy the Shark", Gulf News, October 7). I too would like to add my voice in the protest against her captivity. We must make it a point to liberate Sammy so that she can live freely in the ocean, where she truly belongs.
From Mr M. K. Shanbhogue
India

Right to freedom
I have been reading comments from people saying that 'Sammy the Shark' does not need as much attention as other international crises. Perhaps they are right, perhaps they are wrong. In case of human beings there is always the opportunity for someone to say something about the atrocities but in Sammy's case, it is dumb, at least when it comes to human communication. So if we do not say anything about this magnificent creature's plight - who will? We cannot have this gentle giant die in its glamorous prison because we did not think its life or right to freedom is important enough.
From Ms Zoya Alwayo
Dubai

Thank you
I have been reading Gulf News online for almost three months now and find it very enlightening, especially sections such as 'Ask The Law'. Additionally, readers are free to browse from a diverse selection of subjects which are available on the website. Moreover, the availability of information, ranging from cars to jobs, is fantastic. I would like to thank Gulf News for being our preferred newspaper. From Mr Abdul Salam
Dubai

Give us answers
Every Indian understands and shares the pain of families who have lost their dear ones in the heinous bomb blasts in the country’s capital ("Delhi Police hope to crack case soon", Gulf News, September 15). However, there are some political units who are taking advantage from the blasts in their quest for power. Such politicians are perhaps no better than the terrorists themselves. There is no doubt that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has been found lacking in its attempts to curb the growing menace of terror. Indian intelligence agencies have also been caught napping on more than one occasion, when in fact they should be providing answers to Indians all over the country. The government should immediately take the necessary steps to put an end to terrorism completely.
From Mr Altaf Ladiwala
Sharjah

A common practice
The practice of making products out of palm tree leaves is quite common in southern parts of India ("Time to switch to palm leaves", Gulf News, September 14). People are served food and beverages in bowls and plates made from either palm tree leaves or betel leaves during functions and parties.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Wrong practice
The Australian cricket team practiced double standards by calling off the cricket series in Pakistan earlier this year (“Time ICC into the act”, Gulf News, September 17). Additionally, with excuses of security concerns, they refused to play in the Champions Trophy that was held in September. However, I found it strange that the Australian team did not just agree to go ahead with the cricket series in India, but also scheduled to play a test match in New Delhi — the city where the blasts occurred. The Pakistan Cricket Board should set an example and show the public that such actions are not acceptable. Additionally, I think it is an excellent idea for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to form a ‘global security team’ consisting of security experts from all over the world to check the various venues for playing test cricket.
From Dr Aamir A. Salaria
US

A risky game
Recent bomb blasts in New Delhi could affect the very game of cricket (“Delhi Police hope to crack case soon”, Gulf News, September 15). A great deal of rivalry already exists between the Indian cricket team and others. Moreover, with the disastrous Champions Trophy and the Australian team’s tour in India, I think the government and the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) should take the matter seriously. They must tighten security in the cities that are hosting the upcoming test series. Additionally, it is important for awareness to spread among common citizens, in order for them to be alert and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity in the vicinity.
From Mr Nicholas Gracias
Al Ain

Stressful signal
There are many traffic signals in Abu Dhabi. However, most motorists in the Capital are often stressed when they approach traffic signals, as they have to guess when the lights will change colour and act accordingly. Additionally, I often see many people accelerate when they see a functional green light, as they fear it would soon change to red. This can sometimes force them to be caught by radars.
From Ms Madelyn
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request

A true success
I fully agree with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) that Salik is a success. Unfortunately, it is successful in creating more traffic and forcing commuters to pay more with no real benefits.
From Mr K. Othman
Dubai

Be responsible
I do not think drivers are the only ones who should pay more attention, as pedestrians are equally responsible (“Inattentive driver crushes a young life in Sharjah”, Gulf News, September 16). When an accident occurs, I think the driver and pedestrian are both at fault. Additionally, I believe it would be helpful if there were more rules and restrictions for truck drivers. Moreover, there should also be a speed limit when reversing cars.
From Mr Hashim Salem
UAE

Caution
I cried buckets after reading Gulf News’s report on the accident involving a young child, Rickie Varghese (“Inattentive driver crushes a young life in Sharjah”, Gulf News, September 16). Little Rickie was yet another victim to reckless driving. However, I do not think there is a need to drag driving tutorials into this issue. Parents have to be extremely cautious when sending their children out, too. I convey my heartfelt condolences to Rickie’s family. May God bless his soul and give his family the courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss.
From Ms Jaya Prakash
Dubai

Innocent victims
This is in reference to Gulf News’s report on suicide bombers attacking the US embassy in Yemen (“Explosions, gunfire heard near US embassy in Yemen”, Gulf News, September 17). The report was very sad and painful to read. I remember that a couple of years ago, a similar incident had occurred in Yemen. All victims were innocent people. It appears suicide bombers do not understand the value of life. It is a sad state of affairs and such attacks are inhuman.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Ajman

Upset tenant
House rents in Abu Dhabi are rising on an everyday basis (“Capital’s housing crunch gets worse”, Gulf News, October 6). The real estate market seems to be controlled by all kinds of people who are not experts in their field. One room costs around Dh5,000 and the real estate officers charge a commission for it, too. Expatriates are affected the most by this change.
From Mr Biju Alex
UAE