The National

Lessons from the last pile-up – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 13.04.2011

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Lessons from the last pile-up – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 13.04.2011

In reference to Fog blamed for Abu Dhabi pile-up (April 3), the horrific accident that happened on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway reminded me of the pile-up that happened in October 2008.

At various times between these two periods, the press and authorities have warned road users of the dangers that prevail in this sector during bad weather days. It is a very dangerous situation on this particular stretch from Abu Dhabi to Dubai when visibility is less due to fog or sand storms.

Drivers forget the basics and continue speeding even as they are well aware of the dangers.

On March 26, on my way to Mafraq hospital at 6.00 am, I witnessed three near misses from speeding cars exiting the eastern ring road from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. This scene convinced me that police and transport authorities are helpless even if they introduce progressive measures like LED signage and modern speed cameras.

Congratulations to the Abu Dhabi authorities for constantly monitoring the situation and making changes as necessary to avert road accidents. Those traffic violators who speed ignoring the safety of fellow road users should be given compulsory community service at emergency and trauma units of major hospitals.

Safety is not a one-time activity. It is a 24×7 activity for all to make sure no pileups happen again on our roads.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, HSE, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, The National.

Shorthand skills are a dying art – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 16.03.2011 –

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My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 16.03.2011 – Shorthand skills are a dying art

To read the original article about Shorthand reffered in this letter , please visit The National online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, The National.

Product Standards Unit needed – My Letters – THE NATIONAL Dt. 14.01.2011

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Product standards unit needed

I refer to the front page news article Food reserve to combat rising prices (January 12). The recent surge in consumer prices, in line with related increases in the world market, especially in Asia, calls for the implementation of a consumer standards unit.

This is essential when we look at the shelf price of various products and discounts offered. Over a period of time, prices of items like tea bags, rice and wheat have increased silently. Some companies’ market items like tea bags with discounts compared to similar products distributed by other companies. These products are of inferior quality and thus the need for the grading of consumer products comes in.

A general assumption is that these products repacked here are not higher quality when outsourced from the world market for short-term profit making. Thus these marketing techniques may lead to identifying UAE products as cheaper quality when compared to others imported and marketed directly. A solution would be a UAE standards unit for consumer products sold within the country

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, HSE, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, The National.

Indian president arrives on first state visit to UAE – My Comments – THE NATIONAL – Dt 22 Nov 2010

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My Comments – THE NATIONAL – Dt 22 Nov 2010 – Indian president arrives on first state visit to UAE

Dear Sirs,

Yesterday night, I saw a beautiful dream while sleeping. The excitement brought out by the elaborate arrangement being carried out by all to welcome the President of India after 7 years was there in my mind before going to sleep. I was thinking of the various landmark improvements that could come along with this visit that is taking place immediately after India being branded “as a nation that has arrived” amongst the pioneers by the US President. Yes, after a period of recession, India is coming out high in terms of progressive measures as a nation of importance and UAE, confidently emerging with it’s economic and administrative capabilities as a regional leader of significance. The visit is thus significant and I was in a high and my dream evolved. Yes, I was seeing numerous scenarios, as in a movie. First and foremost was the journey from our port of exits to UAE. Air India flying on time and that too on a regular basis at an economical and competitive rate and service standards competing with other airlines of the region. At the lounge I could see numerous politician and government dignitaries on official mission using the services of Air India rather than opting for other airlines. I was surprised first, but then came to know the new reformist and progressive measure by the government (in my dream!). The airline is running on loss anyway and thus instructions to all government representatives to opt for the airline to serve their travel needs have done magic as the airline now fly on time and with quality value. At the exit lounge I could see a computerized desk manned by personnel of the Human Resources Development Ministry taking a simple exit survey of the passengers traveling on work and leisure. They were gathering relevant information, which then were being relayed to the respective Embassy offices to update their residents on board data register in each gulf country. Interestingly, this desk was maintained with utmost efficiency that it was proving more than a help desk to numerous working class people who were exiting the country for jobs they knew or not. They were identifying those who were being taken wrongly and guiding them the right of course of action according to the problem they identified. Well, so far so good, I turned to the other side thinking of what next. And my screen moved to a sprawling university complex, where I could see the IITs and All India Institute of Medical Sciences extending it’s branches to the UAE. I could see both local and resident Indian students competing with each other to imbibe and share the educational expertise of our pioneer institutions at an affordable price, without leaving UAE after school years. On stretching, I could also see schools and universities in India teaching Arabic, Islamic Studies and Arts to know more about them and understand and educate the historic importance they carry to the modern day youth. Trrrnnggg, my alarm bell rang, well my dream interrrupted, and there were many more items to be seen and wished for. Not bad, as an ordinary Indian, without any political or business interest, my movie has been an interesting one, covering some of the basics requirements like economically viable and punctual transportation to and from my home country to my home away from home, increased educational facilities for my children, and safe and secure working environment for me and my fellow Indians and overall welfare of our families back home. I am thankful that I work in the UAE where all my interests are well protected and I look forward to the add-on’s that could materialize from this historic visit by the 12th and first lady president of the Republic of India Her Excellency Prathibha Devisingh Patil to the UAE.
Regards,
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2010, The National.

A historic visit could lead to improvements – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 24.11.2010

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My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 24.11.2010 – A historic visit could lead to improvements

A historic visit could lead to improvements
Last Updated: Nov 24, 2010

Regarding US and India a defining partnership this century (November 8): I was thinking of the various landmark improvements that could come along with this visit after India was branded “a nation that has arrived” by the US president Barack Obama.

Yes, after a period of recession, India is coming out as a nation of importance. The UAE is also confidently emerging with economic and administrative capabilities as a regional leader of significance.

There are a few concrete steps India could take to improve its services. Air India could become more efficient and upgrade its quality in order to compete with other airlines. Exit surveys of passengers could be taken to update traveller information and improve the quality of service.

Universities such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences could also extend its branches to the UAE. Indian residents and international students could thus compete with each other without having to leave the Emirates. There could also be schools and universities in India teaching Arabic, Islamic studies and Islamic arts.

Such basics requirements – economically viable and punctual transportation, increased educational facilities, and a safe and secure working environment – are but some improvements that would capture the spirit of Mr Obama’s remarks.

I am thankful that I work in the UAE, where all my interests are well protected. I look forward to the add-ons that could further materialise from this historic visit.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2010, The National.

Historic US visit can benefit region – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 10.11.2010

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My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 10.11.2010 – Historic US visit can benefit region



Historic US visit can benefit region

The visit of the US president Barack Obama to India is of utmost significance to the region (Obama backs a UN seat for India, November 9).

The deals signed for $10 billion in trade with India is expected by some to help to pay for 50,000 US jobs. This will definitely create an interactive flow of personnel and material movements in both countries. The beneficiary of this improved relationship will be the entire region, especially the Middle East. The UAE can gain tremendously in terms of obtaining a larger share of global commerce.

The visit also boosted optimism and hope among the Indian youth and reiterated the need for better education. Mr Obama’s call to “keep dreaming big, huge, gigantic dreams” will definitely motivate the youth in the country.

Improved interaction and agreements in advanced technology and sharing, along with Mr Obama’s announcement that the US would support India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, calls for applause.

Working together, both countries can create regional peace and prosperity, and work on common goals such as an increasing trade, creating green jobs, procuring affordable energy resources with low-carbon growth, strengthening agriculture and health care, as well as strengthening democratic governance and human rights.

May “together we can” be the renewed mantra of this progressive movement. This truly inspiring visit will definitely be advantageous for the entire region in the years ahead.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2010, The National.

School buses are cheaper, not safer – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 02.11.2010

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My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 02.11.2010 – School buses are cheaper, not safer

School buses are cheaper, not safer

Looking at the number of private 15- and 30-seater mini buses operating within the city during the day, I am alarmed that so few of them conform to any safety regulations. A closer look shows children sitting in the front and playing un-strapped, drivers speeding through the small by-lanes without any caution and often whiletalking on the phone. Parents, and authorities, should call for strict measures.
Although the school authorities have no control in their operations, they should issue circulars to parents highlighting the danger of using such transport options. Appropriate labelling should be enforced on these vehicles with signage stating “Private – Student Transport vehicle” with the mobile telephone number (in big letters) of the contact person responsible and available to report any dangerous driving situations.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

This entry was posted in HSE, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2010, The National.

Indian sports glory reaches heights – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 17.10.2010

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My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 17.10.2010 – Indian sports glory reaches heights

This entry was posted in Letters to the editor, Opinion 2010, The National.

Rise of wealth brings more indebtedness – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 13.10.2010

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My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 13.10.2010 – Rise of wealth brings more indebtedness

Rise of wealth brings more indebtedness
Last Updated: Oct 13, 2010

A reader questions the long-term viability of many airlines in the Gulf region.

Karim Sahib / AFP

next photoprevious photo

I refer to the front page news article Wealth of the UAE has tripled in the past decade (October 10). While I am happy to read that the wealth of UAE residents has tripled, I was touched in the same article that the residents have also quadrupled their indebtedness. These statistics are indications of a giant killer, already in action, and waiting for more action in the coming months. As the demand for credit cards and loans grew a couple of years ago, consumers and banks equally cashed in on the booming market. There was a plentiful availability of credit facilities provided by the banks without any real credit checks.

Without any insights about what would be the impact on the overall customer base, many banks rearranged their credit policies including the interest rate on lending, card usage and payment periods. Mounting interest for delayed payments have severely affected customers. This explains the increased overall debt figures currently prevailing. Any realistic analysis will show the result of these changes initiated to rescue bank funds which were depleted due to wrong financial investments in local and international markets.

Customer confidence in banks and their lending policies has taken a deep dive and it will take a lot of restructuring of the prevailing credit policies for confidence to return. It is time for banks to have competent financial advisers placed within their lending and collection departments before they offer credit to customers and before collection agents proceed with actions against hapless customers.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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This entry was posted in Letters to the editor, Opinion 2010, The National.

Good drivers stay on the defensive – My Letters – THE NATIONAL Dt. 05.10.2010

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My Letters – THE NATIONAL Dt. 05.10.2010 – Good drivers stay on the defensive

In reference to Car flips over in Dubai crash (September 21), these drivers will never learn. I think the only solution here is to have all the cars fitted with speed controllers which restricts a driver to speeds below 120 kph.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL Online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, HSE, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2010, The National.