The National
Sushma Swaraj was a great ambassador for our country
Swaraj’s death is a huge loss to all of us. She was the best external affairs minister we could ever dream for.
She was also an approachable person. During her visit to address the Indian community in the UAE at an event held in the Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi, she let each and every attendee who wanted to take a photograph with her do so without so much as a murmur.
Her death has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Had stopped writing my opinion in The Letters section of newspaper for sometime. This was an instance, I couldn’t resist. Because @SushmaSwaraj was one twitter account that we all could tweet and be sure to get a response with solutions to any problems addressed. Once again, may her soul rest in peace.
(My note in The Letters to the Editor of The National newspaper of tomorrow – Back to letter writing days and columns!).
Suicidal acts for publicity should be discouraged
It is absolutely a suicidal act craving for personal publicity. Public display and wide dissemination of these type of acts through print and online media, in particular social media create an urge in young minds to try and do a similar or different type inviting possible chances of death or permanent injuries.
I suggest the videos should be removed from the web and those who do such things should be punished so that there is a sense of fear among others who may attempt such things in future and prevent them from doing so. Congratulations to Dubai Police for taking the first step to warn such people.
Letters to the editor, The National dated 20 February 2017 on the topic
Dubai police summon Russian model who dangled from Cayan Tower
Queuing system a must at bus and taxi stands
Abu Dhabi city is looking much more beautiful these days with more cycle tracks, walkways, places to sit and relax as well as children’s play areas. What we need now is a queuing system for bus and taxi passengers at every station. I routinely see passengers fighting among themselves to board the bus or taxi first.
There should be proper signs, instructions and marks that will compel people to honour the queuing system.
It’s not that these people are not educated. But they disregard the system in the absence of any guidelines or mechanism.
Abu Dhabi Mall Cooperative taxi stand is an example of an efficient system. This should happen across the city.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, visit, The National online. {Photo courtesy The National}
Don’t blame the fog for mishaps – Letters to the editor The National Dt 5 January 2017
An increase in accidents is common on foggy days (Accidents around UAE with visibility down to 10 metres, January 3). But then, I would say that more than the weather, it’s drivers’ carelessness and impatience that cause these accidents. It’s a matter of common sense that one will need to slow down and be extra careful in such weather.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read this in original, visit The National oline.
Taxi ranks would make life easier for commuters
It has become extremely difficult to find a taxi in Abu Dhabi in the mornings.
Many commuters have to wait for more than 30 minutes to find a taxi. Added to this problem is the absolute lack of discipline because there is no queuing system.
As people wait in the sun, you can hear their frustrations and sometimes see heated arguments.
I hope the authorities can increase the number of taxis on the road during peak hours. It would also be appreciated if they could implement dedicated taxi ranks with shelters throughout the city.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the editor: The National Dt 30 September 2016
Call for more visible policing on UAE roadways
The observation by Traffic Safety experts are true and actual. A certain share of drivers are relaxed on the traffic violation punishments measures enforced through electronic media such as radars and surveillance cameras. Obviously they form the majority in creating dangerous road situations. It was not the case previously. There used to be police patrol in car and motorbikes. They come from nowhere and drivers used to be alert about such presence and avoid neglecting the road safety rules. Fear of punishment is an important factor to deter dangerous driving.
I feel therefore that there should be intermittent presence by Police on all the major roads to show their physical presence and ensure safe driving practices are followed.
In addition, weather conditions will change soon to foggy mornings very soon. An occasional presence of patrol cars posted on the major highways will definitely deter dangerous driving during the foggy season ahead so that we do not have any traffic calamities.
Children should be taught from a young age to follow the rules. Co-passengers in public and private vehicles should remind and warn those drivers who ignore the safety of others. Let patience and safe driving sense prevail on our roads. Continuous campaign to remind the drivers of following the safety driving practices is the need for the hour.
Letters to the National on:
Experts call for more visible policing on UAE roadways
Shine a light on E10 roadworks
The continuing roadworks on the E10 from Shahama to Abu Dhabi are creating confusion, especially near the airport.
There is poor lighting in this area, where the road narrows yet many drivers continue to speed.
There is no signage to advise drivers to reduce their speed, adding to the dangerous driving situation.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the Editor: The National Dt 22 August 2016
Fast forward for Abu Dhabi Emergency Service vehicles
The move by Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport to introduce emergency vehicle priority system that allows civil defence, ambulance and rescue services to send signals to lights as they approach them is meant to improve efficiency of emergency rescue operations in Abu Dhabi.
Many times I have witnessed, the emergency service vehicles from Ambulance and Fire services stuck and waiting for way to move ahead at the tip of the traffic junctions.
This may be either due to an ongoing flow of vehicle, which they are unable to intercept or even some who initiate a move even after seeing these emergency vehicles blocking them. They are clueless as to what exactly they should do.
With this improvisation of technology, if the emergency services vehicles can control the signals and block the traffic to continue and make their passage easy, there will be minimal waste of time due to obstructions.
More awareness to be created for the knowledge of all road users how to react when one is on the road ahead of emergency vehicles in such situations. This will definitely prove to be a an efficient traffic safety step.
Mind Speaks on the news in The National:
Emergency crews may control traffic lights at Abu Dhabi intersections
Crisis handling by Emirates was commendable
Congratulations to the captain and crew of Emirates Flight EK521 for handling the crisis efficiently (Plane catches fire at Dubai airport; Emirates confirms ‘incident’, August 4).
The Dubai International Airport emergency response team also deserves applause for their efficiency in handling the situation. Emirates’ crisis management and communications team also set an example for others to follow.
Everyone will agree that crisis management is not an easy task these days, especially considering that rumour spreads like wildfire through social media.
The airline came up with timely statements and updates to avoid any rumour. Lastly, I salute the fireman, Jassim Al Baloushi, for his act of bravery. May his soul rest in peace.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the Editor/The National:
Firefighter dies responding to Emirates plane fire at Dubai airport
Changes to UAE Health Insurance Policy will reduce misuse
The facts provided by Dr Samih Tarabichi highlights the scenario that existed. With flexible insurance options medical users could be manipulated as detailed by him and unwarranted surgical and medical treatment conducted. However, this may not be the case in future, with the recent changes to health insurance policies for medical treatment, with some category patients may have to even pay up to 50 per cent of their insurance premiums. Whatever said and done, the facilities provided by authorities should not be misused.
Letters to Editor/The National:
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