Serious gating issues unresolved, show concern and compassion to seniors

Dear PM Lee & Ministers and CEO TTSH Serious gating issues unresolved, show concern and compassion to seniors I refer to the above matter and appreciate your concern for lonely seniors like myself. In Parliament on Monday, PM Lee presented a grim picture of what the world is today and called on all Singaporeans to support DPM Lawrence Wong. I agree that we should support DPM Wong because he is a kind politician who welcomes feedback. But at the end of the day, the Cabinet has to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that they can help seniors like myself with improvements to our healthcare system and to be sensitive to the needs of all Singaporeans– many of whom are struggling with the high cost of living here. For months now I am facing endless problems with the gating issues which until today have gone on unresolved, and placing me at high risks of falling down. What is just as troubling is that there is poor coordination and competence in the 2 doctors I am seeing at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI)I, TTSH. Today 20th April 2023, after waiting for an hour, I managed to see Neurosurgeon Dr Nicole Keong and she asked if I would want surgery on my brain by inserting a stent from the brain to the spine. The risks include infection and that there is no guarantee that the gating issue will be resolved. I requested some medicine to help resolve the gating issue, but she told me I should ask Dr Fifi from NNI to prescribe medicines. The last time I asked Dr Fifi for medicines she said it is not necessary and that I ought to consider brain surgery given that there are high levels of protein in my brain and spine. Neurosurgeon Dr Nicole Keong told me this afternoon that the brain is stable now. I am perplexed as to why both doctors cannot come together on a given appointment to help resolve this gating issue where I have to hold the walls in my flat to move about. Seriously! I will have to wait about 2 weeks until I see Dr Fifi on 8th May 2023 and in the meantime, what is going to happen to me if I fall down because that is the reality of gating issues. I suggest that a directive be issued so that my gating issue is resolved- once and for all. I can’t be a prisoner in my own home and having to spend taxi money when I go out for breakfast and lunch when the CC staff are not available to buy my meals. Be sensitive when giving out GST cash In a new report, it was mentioned that effective 1st June 2023, diners who fail to clear their trays and cutlery will be fined $300 at least without any warning given this time around. Nobody feels comfortable when they are having their meals and are watched by the NEA staff and her volunteers – some of whom are downright arrogant. Then at the same period, the GST cash will be given out. This can give the impression that while giving out goodies on the right hand, the left hand takes it back. This is poor PR and will not augur well for the government. In conclusion, I trust that with the government's support, kindness and compassion, my gaiting problem will be a thing of the past and I can go on to lead a normal life. Kindly give me a reply and if that takes time, I appreciate an interim response. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando

The upcoming public rental housing scheme for senior singles

18th March 2023 DPM Lawrence Wong Care -off the Ministry of Finance Dear DPM Lawrence Wong, The upcoming public rental housing scheme for senior singles I refer to the above matter and would like to offer some suggestions to improve on the scheme. I hope as DPM you could discuss my proposal to the MND Minister and his MOS at the same ministry. I had much earlier proposed a scheme for homeless people (See- “Ray of Light: A roof over the head, a meal on the table: A public suggestion to the Singapore Government on the homeless in Singapore (rayhope8.blogspot.com).” With 24 people cooking in one kitchen, there is bound to be arguments and conflicts. It is not easy to manage seniors as many of them are grumpy, get agitated easily and are inpatient. Then there are toilets to be shared and this too poses another set of problems. When I use the handicapped toilet at the Ang Mo Kio MRT station, the elderly user takes longer than necessary, and this causes annoyance on the part of other seniors. MND could look into the feasibility of employing a chef to cook some healthy food with inputs from the residents. Or it could cater meals for the residents at affordable prices and the residents pay for the meals. The other alternative is to hire a Boarding House Master to supervise the scheme so that some sort of discipline is adhered to. Imagine 24 seniors cooking at the common kitchen which has knives, choppers, boiling water and hot oiled frying pans. It is a chaos-waiting to happen. It is the same with the shared toilets. Patience is not a virtue with many seniors. So, it is best to have a small toilet in each room. I know that there is limited space, but it is better to consider the options otherwise the new rooms for residents can well become a PR disaster. Sincerely, RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

Trust in the 4 Hs'

Words of wisdom from Rev. Fr Jerry Orbos of the Philippines: "For a peaceful life, don't forget these four H's: • Honesty. Yes, honesty is still the best policy. An honest person is a person at peace. • Humility. A person finds peace and contentment when he has no airs about himself, when he knows and accepts himself and does not pretend to be something or someone else. • Hard Work. There is no substitute for hard work. You know how empty it feels to be all form and no substance. Are you hard working or hardly working? • Holiness. Follow God's ways and you will have peace. Turn away from God and you will never find peace. And one more H - Humor! Don't take yourself too seriously. Smile, laugh, and with childlike confidence, trust in our loving Father, who has a terrific sense of humor." -Raymond Anthony Fernando-

Break the silence on inequality

28th December 202 The Cabinet of Singapore Dear PM Lee & Ministers, The Singapore Forward conversation: Break the silence on inequality Compliments of the season! In helping to build a better Singapore, I would like to present my candid views on the delicate subject of inequality here in Singapore. At the centre of challenges in life’s journey is the power of love that can unite people of all races and religions. We must therefore never be cynical about love. Despite broken dreams, empty promises, inequality, love is still a splendid virtue, so let’s embrace it and transform lives, shall we? The government needs to be open to constructive feedback and allow a free flow of ideas – without suppressing it or allowing the media to block useful suggestions. Look at today’s Forum Page in The Straits Times and you will read complaints and complaints. ST is becoming a complaints bureau. I do not take too kindly of a doctor – Dr Lim Ee Koon who suggested that abusers be castrated. His letter got published in The ST yesterday. Forum: Consider castration as an alternative to raising caning age limit | The Straits Times. As far as I am concerned, such a punishment is barbaric. Sex education, rehabilitation, and intensive counselling can help. Let’s not go back to the stone- age era. There must be equality at all levels – including gender equality. Why is it that some employers of maid have committed hideous crimes against maids and they are not caned because they are females? While it is helpful that some constituencies have rolled out programmes where needy residents are gifted with Chinese New Year cookies and ‘ang pows’, why is it that other needy folks in other constituencies do not get these. There must be better teamwork within each ministry and across the civil service where no one is left behind, in many cases through no fault of their own. One way is for the better well-off constituencies to team up with the well-off constituencies so that all estates can enjoy the fruits of labour. For example, in my SMC constituency, MP Yip can team up with the Teck Ghee constituencies for this purpose. After all, Teck Ghee is a GRC. If this can materialize, you also secure teamwork. Needy Singaporeans come from all parts of Singapore. And they include those with diabetes. Which is why I proposed to Health Minister Ong to have the meter reading devices made available at all polyclinics and private clinics at discounted prices if such equipment can be given free of charge. If we are concerned about taking control of this deadly disease. Here we have cases of inequality staring right at our faces, and it is not good in building a cohesive society where some will benefit and some will not. Let’s not deepen inequality, but take steps to narrow the social divide. Let us be gracious enough to welcome change and accept ideas, even radical ones if it can build a more cohesive society. I fondly recall former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s words of wisdom when he was asked by the media if Singapore will ever be a gracious society. Lee’s simple reply hit the nail on the head: “Not in my time”, unquote. Think about it. I appreciate a reply to my proposal, and if it takes time to respond, an interim reply will be gracious. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando LIVE LIKE A LEGEND

Strength in unity: In celebration of Singapore’s 57th birthday

Strength in unity: In celebration of Singapore’s 57th birthday It’s time to jump for joy and bring good cheer For Singapore turns 57 this delightful year In the heartlands and many other places The Singapore flag unfurls – majestically You’re on track so, welcome to our beautiful Lion City Let’s adopt the motto of the 3 musketeers By being, “All for one, and one for all” From strength to strength, there is unity To parents, we embrace filial piety Lending a helping hand to the needy in the community The parade will be awesome, the fireworks mesmerizing With the colours in the sky absolutely dazzling The camaraderie cements us as one people, one nation As the government with all cities build healthy relations National service has transformed boys to men And collectively, they make a united stand To defend Singapore to the very end For with patriotism in all its glory, we stand to gain My late wife and I appreciate the colours of white and red We are fortunate, in this nation, to be born and bred There will be challenges now and, in the years, ahead Together, we can overcome adversities and concerns But this positive and uplifting message – I want to spread Stay healthy – in body and mind– as one resilient Singapore As we open the skies and welcome tourists to our shores “Many happy returns of the day, Singapore” Yeah! You are loved – now and forever more Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando © copyrightraymondfernando 20 July2022

Learn and Earn By: Raymond Anthony Fernando

Many of us would have heard of the adage, “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop.” From what I read from it, I believe that when we have nothing to do, we are likely to make unwise decisions and get into hot soup. The good news is that now people are living longer. The bad news is that with biological ageing, older people will experience a range of chronic conditions that includes depression and dementia. When this scenario develops, it will badly affect the quality of life, where people either end up in nursing homes or losing the will to live when depression rears its ugly face. Those are the realties! In addition, those who neglect the power of education could end up losing their jobs, and face financial hardships. This is more so in a highly competitive world where only the best will survive. We must not place a timeline on learning. I enjoy expressing myself through writing so that my mind is kept busy most of the time. Indeed, an active mind is a healthy mind. Additionally, reading – be it on the internet or in print literature. is also important to keep us updated with what is going on in the world. But we must be able to distinguish between “fake news” and "authentic news" or we will be trapped by making wrong choices. I have always subscribed to sharing my experiences and ideas, because I fervently believe that if one has skills, share it. I have attended courses at the Lifelong Institute, one of which was on making improvements at the workplace. I was able to put across how ideas and suggestions had made improvements in the media company where I worked for 3 decades which participants could apply in their own lives. This is the reason why I embrace lifelong learning. There are two reasons why I fully support this useful programme. Firstly workers, including those who have retired can learn new skills and contribute to the economy by having better chances of job retention and providing sustainable income to support themselves and their families. Secondly, acquiring knowledge makes them feel valued and appreciated. Thus, lifelong learning will make us productive and give us a positive outlook in life where there is satisfaction and motivation both at the workplace, in the community and even in our homes. With scammers worldwide wanting to make easy money in a digital world, we all need to learn the latest in technology, lest we get conned by con men where we make wrong decisions due to lack of wisdom and clarity through one of the important organs in our body– the mind. When it comes to global competitiveness, Switzerland has the most skilled workers because from early school days, they participate in vocational training. In fact, 70 percent of secondary school students there are actively involved in this form of education. We need to emulate the attitude of the Swiss to ‘reach for the stars.’

Fast moving escalators now has reduction in speed/ Exceptional service from SMRT staff

31st March 2022 Fast moving escalators now has reduction in speed/ Exceptional service from SMRT staff This morning when I went to top up my MRT card, I was pleasantly surprised to observe that the speed of the escalators has been slowed down, making it somewhat easier for people with mobility issues to make use of the devices. The MRT staff told me that yesterday the LTA staff came down to adjust the speed of the escalators to make it more elderly friendly. I shared with the staff and his manager that I had in fact highlighted this troubling issue with the MOT Minister & the LTA management. I am deeply encouraged that the government is receptive to feedback and takes remedial steps to provide a safe environment for our seniors and those with disabilities. Another pleasant encounter today was when SM Yusof and his subordinates – ASM Zaki, ASM Diki and SASM Joftari displayed much compassion and empathy seeing me struggling to walk about. They immediately got me a wheelchair and helped move me to the bus stop some 100 metres away and waited till I got safely into the bus before heading back to the control station. SM Yusof reminded me to seek the assistance of the MRT staff every time I was at the gates of the Ang Mo Kio MRT station heading downtown. With COVID-19 making life challenging for all of us, we need to embrace ideas and suggestions that can troubleshoot any problems coming on-stream. And both the government and the local mainstream media must be receptive and open to ideas that can make life far better for all living here – citizens as well as foreigners who work here. To throw out ideas due to biases is not in keeping with a gracious and enlightened society. The recent collaborative Omega and Swatch watches at Ion Orchard and Marina Bay Sands last Saturday where crowds swelled (Omega x Swatch collection draws snaking queues at Ion Orchard, MBS, March 26) is a sad reflection of what kind of society we are seeing. Home Affairs Minister Shanmugam was deeply concerned as one person even challenged the policeman to shoot him. Even though there is for retailers/shops/restaurants to revive poor businesses, a better solution is to get potential buyers to submit their request via email or an apps and then go for a lucky draw and explain that due to limited stock and to prevent the spread of COVID, there is a dire need to undertake such promotions in a calibrated way. Once the winners are chosen, have the collection dates on a few dates to avoid bunching. The same procedure should apply to other promotions including this at McDonalds or Hello Kitty soft toys. In many of the proposals I put up at government level, even though systems are weak, I will also provide possible and pragmatic solutions. MOT Minister Iswaran: Kindly convey my deepest appreciation to the SMRT officers as they need to be valued and appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando