Catholic church services: Exercise sensitivity, accord respect and be mindful of safety

29th August 2020 The COVID-19 Ministerial Task Force CC: DPM Heng Swee Keat Dear Ministers, Reference: the above matter. During this pandemic, we all need God in our lives to lift the human spirit. For God is often our only hope during most challenging times. While it is a good move on the part of the task force to allow the resumption of mass at churches, I am uncomfortable and deeply concerned with the stringent CB measures imposed which lacks sensitivity. We are asked to sanitize our hands just before receiving Holy Communion. Let’s be sensitive and respectful to the Lord as the Eucharist is the Body of Christ. Sanitizing the hands before receiving the Body of Christ is being disrespectful to God as He is pure and clean. The Body of Christ is clean, not dirty. Secondly, is taking Eucharist from the hands that has just been sanitized, healthy? What is MOH’s take on this? Surely if all parishioners wash their hands with soap and water before the commencement of the mass at the chapel, it is good enough. Let’s not go overboard on CB measures. A reader wrote in to MediaCorp’s Today newspaper expressing deep concern that there is only one entrance to get in/out of malls – with all the other entrances and exits locked. He questioned what would happen if a fire breaks out. Sensible letter. It is the same arrangement at churches, with only one entrance/exit allowed. Again, what would happen if a fire breaks out in the church compound during mass? Additionally, the elderly who have mobility issues will most certainly find it taxing walking in and out of the church. If a fire breaks out, how will the elderly escape? Getting to and from the Catholic church where I worship – Church of the Holy Spirit, simply means I have to walk one big round (which is a long distance) as all the gates are shut – with the exception of only one entrance/exit. To make matters worse, with the construction of the MRT, there are barricades put up along the path to only one gate. With cars and buses moving all the time, often speeding, one has to be extremely careful while making their way to and from the church. With arthritis causing me nagging problems, some consideration has to be shown to the elderly. Let’s not cut corners on safety – just because it is difficult to secure volunteers and staff. I do not stand during mass as its painful for me to do so. Trying being a caregiver for 4 decades and you’ll know what I mean. You get worn out and some understanding must be shown to people like us who despite their disability, make every effort to pray at church. Also, let’s adopt a ‘talk to’ attitude, rather than a ‘talk down’ attitude when encouraging people to attend mass or pray. For its not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it that makes the big difference. I go to this church only once a month, and its also to pray to my 3 immediate relatives: My mother, my wife and my only sister at the columbarium where their ashes lie. The departed must be honored – to the full extent. I used to go there every day or at least every other day, but because of reasons mentioned above, and with short opening hours, I cut down on the visits. My twin brother is in the nursing home, and I used to call on him at least twice a month; and spend one hour or so with him to give him that much-needed emotional support. Social isolation can do a lot of damage. Now with only half an hour allowed once a month, I don’t visit him. There is just too much restrictions that makes it daunting to provide the elderly with that much-needed support, empathy and compassion. In closing, let’s not view issues raised as complaints, but rather as constructive feedback – to improve lives. I await your response, and if the matter needs some time to evaluate, kindly let me have an acknowledgment or an interim reply – so that I don’t have to send a second email. In short, keep the communication lines open. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando

Open public suggestion to Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung: Transit budget hotels at affordable rates can be a ‘home away from home’ I I applaud your efforts to exempt leisure travelers from having to serve a 14-day quarantine on arrival, and vice versa. It is sensible and is one way to bring back traffic to Changi airport (“Leisure travel green lanes can help Changi Airport regain some lost traffic amid Covid-19 outbreak, says Ong Ye Kung “, Aug 15, 2020, The Straits Times With airlines losing millions in revenue, it is timely to re-open the skies to save the aviation industry from going bankrupt and saving jobs. To ensure that COVID-19 does not make a second wave, there must still be some measures to suppress its spread. Rather that place travellers in isolation centres which will deter people from travelling, the Transport Ministry can work with the Tourism Board and the Ministry of Trade and Industry to request the transit hotels to offer affordable room rates to guests for a specific period. Some rooms can be hived-off for this purpose. The room used can ne thoroughly sanitised and spruced up after they have left. If the setting is conducive, these hotels can be like a ‘home, away from home’. COVID-19 tests can be carried out here and once cleared of any infection, the traveller can go on his/her holiday. Shopping at Jewel, other shops and dining at eateries can be allowed with temperature taking and safe distancing measures in place. Singapore, as with other countries cannot afford to be held ‘ransom’ by pandemics as the economy will take a beating and the people will suffer. Additionally, Mr Ong, we must create a conducive environment where free flow of ideas that are practical and workable be presented, and not toss it into the back-burner. For in doing so, Singaporeans who make the effort to help the government of the day, will be demotivated. With the media having the power to sway people’s thinking because of its outreach, it is vital that journalist do not overplay the COVID19 pandemic. I have read disturbing reports from the mainstream newspapers, in particular –The New Paper that often highlights the downside of the virus. Who will one to invest in Singapore or visit out country when such negativity prevails? Think about it! I trust you will give me a reply as I have taken pains to draw up this idea to you, Mr Ong. If it takes some time to give me a full answer, an interim reply should suffice. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response, shortly. Raymond Anthony Fernando

Public suggestion: Beneficial for Singapore when the government is open to alternative voices

 

The frank assessment by National Development Minister Lawrence Wong on the results of the General Elections sends a clear signal that many Singaporeans desire to have alternate voices/views in Parliament (PAP spells out reasons vote fell below expectations, July 18, 2020, The Straits Times).

With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s magnanimous gesture to provide the appropriate staff support and resources to Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh, the government can take further steps to embrace alternative views and suggestions, which in the long run will be beneficial to Singapore and her people.

Given that COVID -19 will take a long time to go away and with the worry that a second wave will occur anytime, it is prudent to strengthen the COVID-19 Ministerial taskforce by inviting Dr Paul Tambyah who is an expert in disease management to share his knowledge, wisdom, expertise and directions to tackle the virus which is causing havoc.  Dr Tambyah is the first Singaporean to head the International Society of Infectious Diseases and his knowledge needs to be valued and appreciated. Let’s not see him as a member of the opposition, but one who can make a healthy contribution to this pandemic.

If the government views other political parties as partners rather than adversaries, then Singapore will see far better days.

Finance Minister and DPM Heng Swee Keat

Despite the close contest at the General Elections in July 2020, I am encouraged and impressed by Mr Heng’s compassion and care for all Singaporean, especially the vulnerable in our society. This is the kind of leader Singapore needs to take our country forward – and we must all, in big and small ways record our love and support for Mr Heng. It is no easy task having to produce several budgets in a space of 3 months, more so when he has recovered from a life-threatening   stroke.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

Public Suggestion: Have money remittance companies operate on 2 shifts at the end of the month

 

It is the norm for the Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) to send money back home at the end of the month (Coronavirus: Safe distancing concerns over crowds at Lucky Plaza, 2 June,2020).

 

See the ST report here:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-safe-distancing-concerns-over-crowds-at-lucky-plaza  ).

 

I wrote to The Straits Times Forum page to provide some workable, practical suggestion, but as expected, my article was rejected-again.

 

We have to understand that these FDWs leave their families behind to earn better wages here in Singapore to provide for their families who are poor.  They only get their salaries at the end of the month and are only given rest days on Sundays.

 

I have seen the queues at Lucky Plaza and the safe-distancing measures put in place including temperature taking by the safe distancing ambassadors and they are indeed, orderly.  Bear in mind also that it is tiring for these personnel to stand long hours undertaking these tasks. Therefore, we should not be overly anxious.

However, to give greater peace of mind to all concerned, we can always improve on the measures by encouraging all the remittance companies to operate on two shifts at the end of the month.

This means one shift starts at 8am and ends at 5pm and the second shift begins at 5pm and ends at 9pm or 10pm.   This can be done from Fridays to Sundays at the end of each month when people traffic is high. This will allow the FDWs the opportunity to remit money much easier without much anxiety, and at the same time allows crowds to be spread more evenly. 

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 My website:  https://www.raybeacon.com/?fbclid=IwAR170HbgWR8ENxfN_YfgxfnB_DL_IUpDap0hw_c8n0QD1l7OiMU2FWdoy_k

 

 

Forum: Need to be empathetic to some of these rule breakers

My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter gets published today, Thursday 14^th May 2020

 

 

Two people who disobeyed the circuit breaker measures have been remanded at the Institute of Mental Health (Woman held for assaulting cop, refusing to wear mask properly, May 11).

 

Are there more to come?

 

Not everyone can cope with stress and isolation. Not everyone who is out of work or facing intense financial distress can manage their troubled minds.

 

The way that officers enforcing circuit breaker measures approach a person who does not wear a mask is critical.

 

It would be prudent to train them in how to deal with people with mental health issues.

 

They need to have the tools to respond to tense situations, so that they are able to de-escalate them in a safe, effective and caring manner.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

 

https://www.straitstimes.com/forum/forum-need-to-be-empathetic-to-some-of-these-rule-breakers

11^th May 2020

 Ms Josephine Teo

Manpower Minister (Singapore)

Dear Josephine,

Seeking approval for the government to help her citizens to withdraw some of their CPF savings during COVID-19

An elderly citizen, Mr. Dendroff Terance William wrote to the Straits Times Forum Page on 1^st May 2020 appealing to the government to allow CPF holders to withdraw $5,000 to help Singaporeans during the COVI-19 outbreak.

In his letter “Allow $5,000 withdrawal from CPF to tide us over crisis” Mr. William cited several valid concerns why he is making the appeal and also how our neighbour , Malaysia has allowed its citizens to withdraw their savings from the Employees Provident Fund.

I fully agree with the views of the writer.

The said letter Josephine can be retrieved from the ST archives, and I trust from Mr William’s salient points along with mine, you can adapt and exercise some flexibility. 

 Many people have told me that they are struggling to cope with hardships during the stringent Circuit Breaker (CB) measures. These include SMEs, market stall holders, hawkers and individuals.

Additionally, there are also sick people who need to pay for their medications and transport to go to hospitals and clinics. The government needs to show compassion, empathy and kindness to the needy.

The true test of leadership is when a crisis take place – and how the leaders respond in a calm, collective and supportive manner.

That said, Josephine, I urge you to rally around needy Singaporeans and give your approval to allow citizens in dire need of financial support to withdraw some of their CPF savings from anything of $4,000 to $5,000, perhaps on a case-by case basis.

Together, we can all pull through this crisis stronger than ever.

I appreciate a reply from you, Josephine, and if it takes some time for you to give your approval, an interim reply ought to be forthcoming.

 Thank you, stay safe, stay healthy.

 Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

Reply from Josephine Teo on the same day is encouraging

 Dear Raymond,

Thank you for reaching out.

My colleagues are looking into your suggestion, and will be in touch with you.

Stay safe and healthy too.

 JT

1.  
   Lovely Recovery:
   A get-well message specially dedicated to Mr. Low Thia Khiang
    
   Dear Mr. Low,
   Like many Singaporeans, I am saddened that you’ve fallen ill after you fell on your head
   We are all collectively praying for you
   For it’s clear that you’re as good as bread
   Both you and your loved ones are going through some difficult times
   The challenges you all face can be trying
   But through the power of collective prayer, you will soon be fine  
   Hang in there, for all Singaporeans are deeply concern for you
   For an outstanding politician like you, Mr. Low, come but few
   Life is full of ups and downs – often like a roller coaster ride
   Your work in and out Parliament you undertake Mr. Low is done with much pride
   I hope that you will soon be on the road to recovery
   And when you are up and about again, Mr. Low
   Hey! brother Wouldn’t that be just lovely!
   Sincerely,
    
   Raymond Anthony Fernando
   @copyrightraymondAfernando3May2020