Telecoms grow, but numbers still don't add up

Readers respond to The National's coverage and issues of the day.

I refer to the business article, du rings up bumper profit (March 4), and congratulate the company for achieving such profits in a short period of time.

However, when is du going to give cheaper data packages to its customers? We are living in an era where smart phones and cloud computing are taking over our lives. Instead of affordable rates, du is giving many different packages that offer between 500 and 700 free text messages, yet no extra amount of data.

Why on the earth does someone need 700 free text messages? The UAE has one of the highest concentrations of mobile phones in the world, but because of high data costs, customers pay for phones that cannot be used to their full potential.

Shabir Zainudeen, Dubai

More attention for stranded labourers

Thank you for bringing light to the situation of these people, Workers stranded without pay (March 6). This is not the first labour camp I have read such stories about.

I sympathise with these workers and I request more details about how normal UAE citizens like myself can help.

I also want to add an important note on this issue. It is obvious that these labourers are stranded in the country in an illegal situation and are desperate for money. What many do not realise is that such situations lead to crime if their situation is not improved.

Hadi Esper, Dubai

A Keralan set rises in the desert

Your article, A movie adventure in the desert (March 7), was interesting to read. The first Malayalam-language picture that will be shot entirely on location in Abu Dhabi is an occasion worthy of applause.

The Keralan director Priyadarshan has many laurels to his credit; this venture will only add to his prestige. The UAE's scenic locales have already been captured by other Bollywood and Tamil films.

But in this case the combination of the actor Mohanlal, the cinematographer Allagappan and Priyadarshan will certainly be a winning combination. The selection of the UAE for filming will only add to the success.

K Ragavan, Chennai, India

A fan's farewell to a columnist

I want to thank The National for bringing Philippa Kennedy and her thought-provoking articles into my home on a regular basis. I for one thoroughly enjoyed making time to sip my cup of coffee with your paper spread out on the kitchen table and reading all she had to say.

In particular, her last piece, A fond farewell (February 24) hit more than one note of truth. We are all so lucky to be here and really should make the very best out of the experience. Any chance that she might come back?

Clare Iredale, Abu Dhabi

Shark hunting has only one future

It is estimated that 100 million sharks a year are killed for their fins Asian demand drives shark trade (March 5).

When will the people that consume this dwindling resource realise that they are killing life in the ocean? Will they realise it when it is too late? And then what will they do then? What will they destroy after shark fins to appease their appetites?

Cultural tradition or not , sharks are a dwindling species. Wake up and find a new menu item.

Ashley Stander, US

Teachers need more support

"Some teachers are there just to collect a paycheque. They bring a book, a bottle of water and read while students walk in and out of the room, joke around, and get into fights." Those words in the article Boys will be boys, but they still need caring teachers (January 16) reveal a lot.

Tragically, most teachers who find themselves in government schools are grossly unsupported by the system. The principals have no practice of discipline in place, and so students fear no consequences. Furthermore, many of the boys in government schools suffer from improper diets (junk food packed for lunch), lack of sleep, and other issues that prevent them from maintaining good behaviour in the classrooms.

It's time that administrators and parents get serious, or teachers could spend the next 100 years bringing books and a bottle of water into the classroom and letting the children run riot.

DR, Abu Dhabi