Tragedy could be avoided
The tragic fire incident that took place in Fujairah gave me goosebumps (“Fujairah fire: Shaikh Saif, Shaikh Hamdan visit mourning family”, Gulf News, January 23). I cannot imagine the plight of that mother who lost her children in seconds. There have been many stories and cases of fire accidents which should highlight the fact that there is a deeper problem. While buildings are equipped with fire safety measures, can people use them? Do children know the right procedures when faced with a fire? Teaching fire safety needs to be made mandatory in schools. Sometimes, despite the situation being averse, knowing certain survival skills might help. My heart goes out to the whole family. I appreciate the fact that the rulers came to pay their respects to them. It was a real tragic story and I hope that it never happens again. Fire safety, awareness and equipment is a must.
From Ms Sadie Summers
Dubai
Safety first and mandatory
Forget about school or any other educational institution. It is important that children are taught some kind of basic things like teaching them how to face fires and other stressful situations. I hope the souls of the children rest in peace.
From Mr Hashim Faiz
UAE
No place to play
I think there is no such place where children can play, as sometimes there is a fine if they play in parks too. The municipality should give them some place to play (“Dh500 fine for playing cricket in undesignated area”, Gulf News, January 23). Children now have forgotten what football; cricket and baseball are, as they only play on their mobile phones. It is such a shame. Thy make more concrete jungles instead of building a place where children can play.
From Mr Afsar Khan
UAE
Fines are fine
They should be fined. Last year, a cricket ball just missed my car. If I didn’t hit the brakes and stop, I would have got hit. Who would have paid for repairing the car? Let’s hope that they do their job right and get on the streets to stop these people from playing cricket in undesignated areas.
From Mr Paul Kinnock
UAE
Careless drivers
Driving to work in the morning, I saw someone almost have a huge accident, after he lost control of his car and started drifting on the highway road. I drove next to him and saw that he was smoking a cigar.
From Mr Salam H.
Abu Dhabi
Reduce, reuse and recycle
It is great that the UAE has organised a way for collecting municipal waste. It is the responsibility of inhabitants to separate domestic waste into organic waste, paper and plastic (“Flood of waste stirs uproar in Lebanon”, Gulf News, January 24). Organic waste includes food waste, vegetable peels and more. Plastic waste includes bottles, carry bags, polythene covers, packs and other plastic things. Paper waste, which is a lot more in comparison, includes tissue papers, books and newspapers. Organic waste can be converted into biogas which saves money spent on LPG. Paper can be converted into recycled products. Plastic waste should be recycled to protect our Earth. If there is a local agency to take up waste separately, it would be great. Money as rewards should be given to those who cooperate with this. Awareness shall be given to every building. Small actions make for a huge effort to protect our planet.
From Ms Sabina Shine
UAE
Bitcoin prices tumble
Crypto currencies are sheer speculation (“Bitcoin futures cop says it will remain on beat during shutdown”, Gulf News, January 22). There is nothing surprising about the yo-yo effect that is taking place. Men in the shadows manipulate the forex markets, hence the common man will always be at the mercy of such “forces”. It’s an open secret.
From Mr Ajit Lamba
UAE
VAT ain’t a problem
Once again without hesitation, the UAE took action to prevent any flaws in the country which is what I believe is one of the best things about this country. Since the implementation of VAT, which began on January 1 many of us have been puzzled with misinformation and incorrect policy application from many stores, as some would impose additional fees without proper justification. This issue is now resolved by issuing over 20 fines to stores applying VAT wrongly and it’s just been two weeks into the year. I express my gratitude as usual to the government that never fail to impress and satisfy its people to create a better future for everyone.
From Mr Badr Osman
UAE
To lie or not to lie
I read the newspaper mostly when I go home after school (“Focus: intelligent liars?”, Gulf News, January 19). I enjoy the articles that I can understand on my own. I have read articles written by adults on this subject, however, I too would like to share my views as a young boy. I like my family, school and most of the people I meet. Some of the boys I meet are easy to make friends with. But most are different and making good friends is not easy. I find it comfortable and to cherish the friends who speak the truth. For me, the friend who speaks the truth is the one I can rely on. I have not been punished when I say the truth even when it’s bitter. So in my life, I try not to lie and it has always been rewarding. People lie to gain better things or avoid bad consequences. A victory can be small or big, but it has to be real.
From Mr Sanith Santhasa Piyadigamage
Dubai
Loneliness is killing
It’s interesting to know that Britain has nominated Tracey Crouch as the Minister of Loneliness, to address the problem of isolation, which is on the rise in Britain (“Britain names minister for loneliness to tackle isolation”, Gulf News January 18). Reports say that a majority of people above the age of 75, lead a lonely life, and for months are unable to make conversation with people. Loneliness is a serious issue in modern life and it would definitely lead to depression. Britain has more than 200,000 older people above the age of 75 and now; the British government is seriously addressing this issue. Let’s hope the new minister can help address the issues of such people.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Depressed and lonely
I remember watching a video where this man was taking part in a social experiment in which he was not allowed to leave his home, speak to anyone, use social media or turn on the television for three days. On the first day he found the task easy but as the hours went by, he started getting bored, agitated and depressed. This is how a lot of old people spend their lives in Britain. They can go for days without talking to someone. This shows that the problem needs to be addressed. Old people are often left by their families and have no one to look after them and be there for them. Appointing a minister for this is a great move because I think it will help make the situation better. The government can think of ways in which old people can be entertained, or construct clubs where they can interact with others and make friends. I really hope this works. No one should be lonely and everyone deserves to be taken care of.
From Ms Millie Hopper
Indiana, US
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