Friday, July 31, 2015

Foreign workers who shine: Read Raymond Anthony Fernando's letter to the press


My letter to The Straits times on the above matter is published today, Friday 31st July 2015.

Over the past month, I had pleasant encounters with two foreign workers here. One is a doctor from Hong Kong and the other a Malaysian in customer care.


Dr Jason Lau, a medical officer attached to the Ear, Nose and Throat unit of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, had on two occasions, inserted a camera scope through my nose to reach my throat to check if a suspected fish or chicken bone was stuck in it. Dr Lau’s guidance and reassurance, coupled with his patience and care, made the intimidating procedure much easier to handle. His competence and knowledge revealed that two small tonsils in my throat were causing me pain. He prescribed medication that took care of them.


The other foreign worker who made an impression is Mr Nisook Ramalingam from the Singtel Mobile department, who goes out of his way to advise me on the best, cost-prudent options for my handphone usage at home and abroad. He returns calls promptly and because of his knowledge, I am assured of getting the “extra mile” service.


Their professionalism in ensuring that Singaporeans are well-looked after will slowly but surely help contribute to whittling down the resistance some have towards foreign workers here.

Raymond Anthony Fernando


 

Monday, July 27, 2015

Elderly abuse: Raymond A Fernando's 2 press letters


(1) Letter to The New Paper:   ELDERY ABUSE

Tougher laws, regular visits to the elderly

My letter to The New Paper on the above matter is published today – Monday 27th July 2015

Elderly abuse appears to be on the rise here. 

I am outraged to read of the abuse suffered by 58-year-old Kamisah Burel and how her daughter and a neighbour were allegedly involved.  

There must be more effective preventive strategies, stronger laws and policies to tackle elder abuse.

But policy makers must also recognise that caregiving is a daunting task.

Family caregivers who have little or no support can suffer burnout when they can no longer cope, and become abusive themselves.

Grassroots leaders, Members of Parliament and mayors should make the effort to visit the elderly periodically.  A database with their names should be maintained and updated regularly by the authorities. 

And the laws must still come down hard on those who abuse the defenceless. 

A clear message must be sent that the Government will not tolerate any neglect or abuse of the elderly. .

 

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO 

(2) Letter to The Straits Times: Appoint block leaders to help abused seniors

My letter to The Straits Times on the above subject is published today, Monday 27th July 2015.

Elder abuse appears to be on the rise. The recent case of a man who allegedly told his neighbour to feed her 58-year-old mother faeces and urine highlights the need for better protection for our seniors, some of whom may be suffering abuse in silence (“Neighbour charged with abetting abuse”; last Saturday).

Taking care of the elderly is no easy task because some seniors – who could be grappling with serious medical conditions, including psychological issues – can test one’s patience. And financial problems can add to the already heavy strain on the caregivers.


To help stamp out elder abuse, community spirit and good neighbourliness must prevail. To this end, I propose that block leaders be appointed in all housing estates. These block leaders, working with the areas’ MPs and the grassroots leaders, can be the point persons to be consulted if there are suspected cases of abuse.  They can keep a watchful eye on any form of abuse, look into suspected cases, and provide the necessary support.

Raymond Anthony Fernando


 

 

Friday, July 24, 2015

Impressed by care, service of two foreigners: Raymond Anthony Fernando’s letter to MediaCorp’s TODAY Newspaper


Recently, I encountered two foreigners working here — a doctor from Hong Kong and a Malaysian in customer care — who showed that they have Singaporeans’ interests at heart and displayed excellent care and service.

Dr Jason Lau, a medical officer attached to the ear, nose and throat unit of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, had to insert, on two occasions, a camera scope in my nose to reach my throat to check if a suspected fish bone or chicken bone had got stuck.

Though the procedure was intimidating, his guidance and reassurance, coupled with his patience and care for me, made it easier. With his competence, he discovered that two small tonsils were causing me pain and prescribed medication for this.

Mr Nisook Ramalingam, from Singtel’s mobile department, also impressed me by going out of his way to advise me on the best options for my phone usage, locally and overseas, so that I can be financially prudent.

He returned calls promptly and because of his knowledge, I was assured of that much-needed extra mile of service.

Professionals like them can gradually change perceptions of those who are resistant to foreigners working here.

 
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO