October 15, 2008

Strong pressure
Keeping a whale shark in captivity is inappropriate and unjustifiable, irrespective of the size of the exhibition tank ("Readers fear about shark's future", Gulf News, October 12). Specialised methods of feeding could lead to the death of Sammy, an endangered fish. The Atlantis hotel must face stronger pressure from residents and environmentalists. They should be made to release Sammy as soon as possible, in order to demonstrate that there is still some hope for justice to prevail.
From Mr Alan Jones
Dubai

Voiceless animals
As an 11-year-old studying in grade six, I join the protest against keeping Sammy the Shark caged in an aquarium. As humans, if we were captured and placed in a tank or a cage, to act as an exhibit, how would we feel? I wonder if people out there ever considered this thought. Animals do not have a voice, but this does not mean we should take advantage of them. All we would end up doing is causing them more harm. I hope the Atlantis hotel realises this before it is too late.
From Ms Tanya Lalwani
Dubai

Reasonable uproar
A popular saying goes - 'A cage is still a cage, even if it is made of gold'. Whatever the care and precautions Atlantis hotel might be taking, with respect to Sammy the Shark, they are inhibiting her development. This would change if she were released into her natural habitat. No normal observation or study is possible when this gigantic creature is confined to a small and simulated tank. Therefore, the Atlantis hotel cannot turn a deaf ear to the reasonable hue and cry made by environmentalists and others concerned. I urge them to let Sammy free!
From Mr K. N. Vasudevan
Dubai

Positive feedback
It is astounding to see such support and response by way of Gulf News's campaign to release Sammy the Shark. Sammy is part of a dying breed and as she is a female, her captors are impeding her from breeding. I believe most whale sharks prefer the sea to an aquarium. The pain suffered by such sharks cannot be described in words. Atlantis hotel must provide a meaningful explanation for keeping Sammy in captivity. Additionally, I urge the authorities to take serious action and step in to release the poor creature.
From Mr Alwyn Christy Saju
Dubai

Not enough space
I am a 10-year-old pupil and truly feel that Sammy needs to be released into the ocean, as soon as possible. She must be facing a great deal of distress, swimming around in a small tank of water. There is simply not enough space for her in the aquarium and I am sure she does not like it in there, at all. Please free her, or she might die soon.
From Ms Mayanthi Hettiaratchi
UAE

Editor's note: To join the campaign, please log on to www.gulfnews.com

Disheartening
Recently, I visited a hypermarket to buy groceries for the week. Once there, I observed that my family and I were the only people carrying our own shopping bags. Additionally, the attendants at the checkout counters were freely distributing plastic bags. To make matters worse, we were asked to leave our bags outside, before entering the hypermarket. It is disheartening to see that while Gulf News has taken the initiative to reduce the use of plastic bags, major shopping malls and supermarkets have not changed their behaviour. From Ms Vidhya
Dubai
Full name withheld on request

Slow down, please
I have concluded that most motorists on UAE roads are heartless. As a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, I am often afraid to cross busy roads. Most drivers speed even when they see old people or children trying to cross the street. It would not take much time for motorists to slow down and give way to pedestrians.
From Ms Fenny F.
Ras Al Khaimah

Up to us
As a regular reader of Gulf News, I would like to give my two cents on the increasing number of pedestrian-related road accidents ("Big rise in runover accidents", Gulf News, October 10). Jaywalking is a big no-no in almost all countries. Unfortunately, in this region, it has become a way of life. Pedestrians assume approaching vehicles will slow down, while motorists take for granted that pedestrians will clear the road in time. I do not think it is possible for the police to monitor the roads 24 hours a day, so it is up to us to protect each other and ourselves.
From Dr Rocky Termanini
Connecticut, USA

Raised stature
By announcing his retirement from international cricket after the home series against Australia, Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has raised his stature among the fabulous four ("Ganguly's timing spot-on once again", Gulf News, October 10). Now, he will be able to play in a much more relaxed manner, without facing unnecessary pressure. Since it is very rare for an Indian cricketer to announce his retirement at the beginning of a season, Ganguly has set a new yardstick. This should provide much food for thought for other over-the-hill players.
From Mr M. S. Baig
Sharjah

Valid viewpoint
I thought Gulf News's editorial on how the international media has created a negative image of Dubai, was very appropriate ("UAE-bashing by British press is unfair", October 9). Dubai has been singled out for no fault of its own. The achievements of the country have been ignored by the international press. Moreover, the only consequence of not following the law is relevant punishment. This rule holds true all over the world.
From Mr Madhukar Tanna
Dubai

Too much noise
Recently, a rock band played at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, whose main task was to create a consistently loud noise for the crowd that had gathered. I am surprised no one objected to the loud music, as it disturbed many residents in the area. When I was younger, our workplaces were noisy while the time we spent at home was quiet. However, nowadays, the workplace is mostly quiet and we find a great deal of disturbance when at home. We have to endure loud noises for no necessary reason.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld on request

Publicity stunts
My heartiest appreciation to Mumbai’s Joint Police Commissioner for Law and Order, K. L. Prasad, for informing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, that Mumbai does not belong to him alone but to all citizens of India (“Thackeray, Bachchan make amends”, Gulf News, September 12). It is because of the immature behaviour of politicians such as Thackeray, that India still faces regionalism. Moreover, Thackeray is probably ignorant of the fact that Hindi is not only Uttar Pradesh’s official language, but India’s national language too. Thus, it is every Indian citizen’s right to speak the national language in any part of the country, including Maharashtra. I believe Thackeray is not leading his state in the right manner. In fact, with all his publicity stunts, he is tarnishing the cosmopolitan image of Mumbai.
From Mr Jogayak Chatterjee
Sharjah
 
Sad reality
I was depressed when I read about the latest round of deadly blasts that hit the Indian capital, Delhi (“Wave of terror blasts rock Indian capital”, Gulf News, September 14). Recently, several innocent lives have been lost due to suicide bomb attacks. Regretfully, investigations launched immediately after the terrible incidents did not help in identifying the culprits. I find this to be a major failure in the administrative system. It has become a common practice to launch probes whenever such incidents occur. However, the hue and cry of the general public and involved authorities usually comes to an end, with no proper headway in the investigation process. Additionally, it is appalling that militant groups choose to target innocent civilians to catch the attention of their target audience. Perhaps it is time for the authorities to alter their strategy. Serious action must be taken against terrorists and strict precautionary measures implemented. Moreover, there should be a mechanism to alert the general public of such happenings in the future, especially in major cities that are crowded.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman
 
Calm down
I think people panicked for no reason, in the wake of the aftershocks that occurred recently (“Panic ripples across UAE after quake”, Gulf News, September 11). Such residents most probably do not know what a real natural disaster is. Hence, they were overwhelmed by the situation. I believe many made a mountain out of a molehill.
From Mr Avi Seq
UAE

Hesitant investors
Many expatriates have invested in the region, but many might be reluctant to do so, due to the legalities and changing rules (“Expats must be encouraged to invest their earnings in the region”, Gulf News, September 14). For instance, some apartment owners are informed after purchase, that they cannot keep their pets. Additionally, the laws of inheritance regarding property and investment are very confusing. What would one do if anything should happen to the male head-of-household? Additionally, one may face difficulty when setting up as a sole trader, freelance consultant or a small business owner. By investing, residents are trying to make their lives more comfortable and secure.
From Ms C. Tapken
Dubai

Solid proof
Immediately after the bomb blasts in New Delhi, in India, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) prime ministerial candidate L. K. Advani said that Narendra Modi, the Gujarat chief minister, had alerted the government about the blasts (“I had informed PM of terrorists' plan: Modi”, Gulf News, September 14). This claim could have been made by anyone. If Modi had any evidence, he would have given it to the intelligence agency. Without doing so, the BJP is only trying to get political mileage from the blasts.
From Mr Mohammad Uvais
Dubai

Acknowledgment awaited
I strongly condemn the attacks in which hundreds of innocent people were wounded with many others killed (“Bush secretly approved US military raids inside Pakistan”, Gulf News, September 12). The US has refused to respect Pakistan’s borders, despite worldwide condemnation. When Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, chief of army staff, in Pakistan, made public statements against these attacks, all Pakistanis appreciated it. I agreed with him when he said Pakistan’s armed forces were capable of tackling antisocial elements on their own. On the other hand, many people are surprised that the government has not yet acknowledged these attacks, since it has been talking to US president George W. Bush.
From Mr Tanvir Usman
UAE

Social groups
This is in reference to Mr Prasanth Pillai’s letter on the corruption he claims exists in Indian states such as Kerala (“Amused”, Gulf News, September 4). Dishonesty and malpractice cannot be completely wiped out from society with the mere implementation of a law. However, social and welfare organisations can play a better role in combating this menace, by educating people. Additionally, a social group does not require a political label for its survival. The focus should be on assisting society in the best possible manner. With the support of effective organisations, countries could have a tremendous influence on public life.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman

Peaceful prayers
Nowadays, residents have very busy schedules and it is not possible for them to switch off their mobile phones for even a moment (“Ringtone menace upsets worshippers in UAE mosques”, Gulf News, September 7). I read Gulf News’s report on people using mobile phones during prayer, and often find that this situation occurs in churches too. I believe people should try to respect places of worship. I am sure there are many worshippers who want to pray peacefully and would appreciate if they were not disturbed. Some of us get a chance to visit the church only once a week for prayers and expect a quiet environment.
From Mr L. Mathew
Dubai

Proud nation
I do not believe in discrimination and think that when the minority in South Africa was in control, everybody had a job and food on their tables (“Why I still call Zimbabwe home”, Gulf News, October 3). However, people are now resorting to stealing and the authorities need to stop ignoring the situation. Everything the masses fought for is now being taken away from them.
From Ms Renea Kilian
UAE