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

Accidents waiting to happen: LTA needs to take immediate and concrete steps to prevents accidents at the escalators

28th March 2022 The Management MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY 1 Hampshire Road Singapore 219428 Accidents waiting to happen: LTA needs to take immediate and concrete steps to prevents accidents at the escalators “Lifelong learning has to be matched with Lifelong Improvements.” -Raymond Anthony Fernando- I refer to the above matter and urge all at the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to review the current system for the escalators which are moving way too fast and placing the elderly at high risks of falling down and meeting with serious accidents. I am told by the MRT staff that the management of the escalators is managed by the (LTA) and though they empathize with me and our elderly seniors who have mobility issues, this matter, I am advised, has to be raised to the governing authority. On several occasions, had it not been for the timely intervention by SMRT staff, I would have fallen and met with a serious accident. The MRT staff are well trained and act promptly to prevent seniors from meeting with serious accidents. I commend them and hope that the LTA can do likewise. While we have a pretty good transport system in place, we must take it to the next level and make it elderly friendly as well – bearing in mind that Singapore is seeing one of the fastest ageing populations in the world. The government has been doing its part to provide good measures of support for seniors and thus it is only proper for the other agencies to work closely with one another so that our seniors who helped build our nation to what it is today are well taken care of. Males contributed to NS while their spouses played a supporting role. Between myself and my 4 other brothers, we contributed more than 20 years of NS. Although there are lifts at MRT stations and bus interchanges, there are places within these places where you have no choice but to take the escalators. LTA needs to do a thorough review of the systems island-wide. We are told by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and MOH officials to avoid visiting the A & E and hospitals unless it is urgent. To this end, the LTA has to also do its part to rally around MOH as they are facing high stress levels. While systems are in place, there is a dire need to review it periodically or when feedback is given as these speedy escalators are accidents waiting to happen. As one SMRT staff member in his 50s rightly pointed out to me, “These days everybody is in a big hurry.” Despite mobility issues, our seniors need to be appreciated and valued. And most certainly, they, like the younger generation, must have a better quality of life. They need to go out for meals, have social gatherings by meeting up with friends/relatives, attending religious events, attend to medical appointments and even travel. More so now when the MTF has come up with more opportunities for social gatherings. Even the timers at traffic crossings are not elderly friendly and the elderly have to practically rush before the green man turns to red. I would like a reply to my proposal; and if it takes a while to review/remedy the situation, an interim response will be appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando

Reaching out to vulnerable groups with better programmes By: Raymond Anthony Fernando

From the desk of Raymond Anthony Fernando 24th January 2022 Ms SIM Ann Senior Minister of State c/o Ministry of National Development 5 Maxwell Road #22-00 Tower Block MND Complex Singapore 069110 Dear Ms Sim Ann, Reaching out to vulnerable groups with better programmes By: Raymond Anthony Fernando The death of the two 11-year-old brothers pieced at my heart, as did with many others who felt the pain of this tragedy. What more with two lives gone! Families caring for those with special needs could certainly do with more support. They must never be made to feel all alone. Mental health is a global concern, yet the level of support found in each country varies widely with cultural factors sometimes coming into play. Concerns and that much-needed support are even more vital now with the pandemic causing havoc and disrupting lives. In order to build a more inclusive and caring society here in Singapore – and elsewhere in the world in which we all look out for one another, there needs to be better support services. Given the rise in the number of people, including caregivers requiring essential services, there is a dire and urgent need to come up with a suitable programme in which citizens can seek assistance for their needs. The programme could be one in which citizens can register their names and when they need help for some services that includes caregiving. The agency appointed will then send down volunteers to assist the person who needs assistance, clock in the number of hours provided, and then later, when he/she is out of the woods, the person can provide support to another person who needs help at a later period. An exchange volunteer programme which can be termed, “Volunteer Trading Services”, and the good thing about this scheme is that there is no payment whatsoever involved. Poorer countries such as in the Philippines, India, Pakistan and Indonesia where poverty is at an all-time high, can benefit from such a scheme. Singapore can consider implementing such a scheme, perhaps on a pilot project, where caregivers for instance, can benefit from such a useful programme. Behind closed doors 80 percent of Singaporeans live in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. Most, with the help of government subsidies, are able to buy their own homes. With more than 1 million flats spread across 23 towns and 3 estates, the Singapore brand of public housing is uniquely different. The flats are homes for over 80% of Singapore's resident population, of which about 90% own homes. Some of our needy citizens can only afford to rent a flat or in the case of foreigners who work here, rent a room from the owners who charge the tenants anything between $500 to $900 per month, depending on the size of the room and the location. Looking from outside of the HDB flats as you walk along the corridors, you will observe that everything looks the same, the doors are fire proof and of the same colour, the window panes and the gates are almost of the same design. But while on the outside of these homes, everything is the same, what is happening behind closed doors, is a completely different story. Families could be struggling with chronic illnesses, some going through depression, teenagers could be lured into taking drugs and engaging in sex, some in deep financial crisis and others without jobs and trying so hard to put food on the table. This is why it is so important to be a good neighbour where the virtues of kindness and compassion must shine so that no one will ever feel that they are all alone. A caring society is needed to care for the needy Accidents and chronic illnesses can happen when you least expect it. When this takes place, the quality of life takes a nose-dive. We need to hear the cry of help for those in pain as well as for their caregivers. As a gracious society, we must help those struggling to cope with sickness or injuries when at times it is through no fault of theirs. More so when we are all God’s children. For myself, if I am fated to take care of sick loved ones, so be it. I have carried a heavy cross taking care of my late wife, and I will once again carry another heavy cross if that is my fate. During moments of darkness, support or a kind word helps to pull up anyone who needs a helping hand. We should never adopt this attitude of, “If it’s not my business, I need not know or I need not care.” I know for a fact that God does not give suffering, but He allows suffering so that we can move closer to Him. I can lose money, I can lose friends, but I will not lose my faith in God. For on many occasions, Jesus has carried me on His shoulders when I was really down, even when I was struggling to cope with my late wife’s battle with schizophrenia. Doris may have had a disability, but all who read and know her, are well aware that my wife had – abilities. Appoint block leaders in housing estates Another effective way to combat or prevent tragedies is to appoint BLOCK LEADERS in every housing estate, including those in private estates. Those who have some experience in mental health, including healthcare workers in mental health can take on this role where they can be approached for assistance to rally around those with special needs. IMH can provide the training. These trained block leaders can also pay weekly or monthly visits to homes where support is needed. Give an allowance to the block leaders for their time and energy. Let us all manage mental illness BEFORE it manages us. In closing, Ms. Sim Ann, I invite to view the video produced creatively by the Royal Singapore Living with a schizophrenic for 40 years - YouTube I appreciate the response to my proposal. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando

16th September 2021 Ms. Grace Fu Minister - Minister at Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment The Ministerial Task Force Dr Vivian Balakrishnan MP Tin Pei Ling Poor training and lack of compassion on the part of SDA doing a great disservice to our elderly I refer to the above matter, and feel compelled to raise this issue up so that our seniors, especially those with mobility issues will be treated with some compassion, empathy and kindness. I have circulated my report to Dr Vivian Balakrishnan as well as MP Tin Pei Ling as both these politicians fully understand what our elderly seniors are trying to grapple with – in their twilight years. At 12noon today, Thursday 16th September 2021, when I went to take my lunch at the Sembawang Hills Food Center, after finishing my meals, a female Safe Distancing Ambassador (SDA) directed me to carry my crockery with the tray to the Tray return area. She and the other SDAs saw me limping with a stick, yet insisted I carry out her directive with total lack of compassion that I have severe mobility issues. She should learn a thing or two from the Wanton Mee lady who out of kindness brought my meal over to a nearby table. This middle-aged SDA officer should also learn a thing or two from the staff at HANS, Thompson Plaza whose staff will bring my meal to any table where I sit. Go and learn from these people about customer service, please! There will be less complaints about SDAs if they fully understand the medical conditions of our seniors. I am also seeing a Knee Specialist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. I have to carry in my trousers the Vaccination certificates, carry the Trace Together Token, so now must I carry the letter from the Polyclinic Dr to confirm that I have Osteoarthritis? Give me a break, will you? I had to explain to her that I am suffering from osteoarthritis where my hands and body trembles and I am weak. She appeared unsure what to do, then approached a senior SDA staff member who also wanted me to clear my table. Finally, after explaining myself, they reluctantly agreed to ask the cleaner to take away my tray. Do I have to keep explaining myself all the time when it was clearly mentioned that the elderly and those with mobility issues will not be required to clear the crockery and trays. Is not the advisory message being carried out, with some common sense? It’s a pity that sense is not always common! Singaporeans and foreigners alike have gone through 18 months of inconveniences and we could do well with some compassion. We must be able to understand that Singapore is the BEST home to live in. Unfortunately, I can’t buy that anymore. I avoid going out too much –given the spread of the virus, but I have to eat to keep myself healthy, and more so as I am a widower. I expect a proper reply and an assurance that such heavy-handed methods will no longer recur. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando

Lifelong learning brings much benefits

21st Nov 2020 Lifelong learning brings much benefits Dear DPM Heng & SM Tharman, I am one of the authors selected to have my works published in this book. God is good, HE watches over me, and so does my late wife. I have an article titled “The most wonderful time of the year” plus 2 creative poems in the book. This is why I embrace lifelong learning. I began my writing career at the age of 50 after leaving my job in 2001 to provide full time care for my wife and then at the age of 70 (now) I get international recognition). As in taking care of a loved one with mental illness, I advocate practising the 3PS – Patience, Perseverance & Prayer as with writing. Make A Joyful Noise is now LIVE on Amazon, and it is now International. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736129902/ref=sr_1_3?crid=IXA2CXCWEGWM&dchild=1&keywords=make+a+joyful+noise&qid=1605815209&s=books&sprefix=Make+A+Joyful%2Caps%2C753&sr=1-3 Author copies will get to me on December 1st and I will mail your copy out immediately! We did good guys. A light in the Dark! We Rock! The link above will take you to the book on Amazon Cheers Raymond Anthony Fernando

My love matters magazine goes online

Dear all, The above will be launched soon, it’s an online magazine which focuses mainly on the power of love with inspirational stories. I will be helping the team to manage this portal, going through it everyday to see how I can address the queries etc. Do subscribe and be inspired. No payment required to subscribe. Spread the word to your colleagues, friends & associates. Help make this magazine a success. https://www.facebook.com/myLovematters.Singapore/ Cheers Raymond Anthony Fernando

Appoint Volunteer Fire Safety Officers (VFSOs) in Housing Estates – public and private housing

The elderly 81-year-old Madam Lim Ee Chin who helped her neighbour during a fire deserves full praise, and I am glad that the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) promptly recognised her civic mindedness by presenting her with the Community First Responder Award (“Neighbourly help during fire transcends language barrier” – The Sunday Times, Sunday 20th September 2020).

 

A friend showed me a video clip on Sunday 20^th September 2020 that revealed two vehicles, one a taxi, that caught fire at the car park near Block 201 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 last night. Under such circumstances, if the fire is not put out quickly, there is a real danger that it can spread to the flats just above the carpark as the incident took place at the void deck of a HDB block.

By 2030, there will be 1.8 million people in Singapore who are aged 65 years or older - making up about 28 per cent of the total population.

With a large number of these seniors living in private and public housing, some of whom may have mobility issues, there is need to provide them with a safe environment.  There is also the need to take care of those who are handicapped.

Fires can break when you least expect it.

As a preventive measure, I propose that the government appoints a Voluntary Fire Safety Officer (VFSO) in each block of the HDB estates, and in private housing, the management committee can appoint a couple of them to look after a few blocks.

These VFSOs can be sent for training using the skills credit at SCDF centres. So, for example, if the volunteer is living in Ang Mo Kio, he/she gets the training from the Bishan Fire Station; if they stay in Aljunied or Paya Lebar vicinity, the training can be conducted at the Geylang Fire Station.

The SkillsFuture Credit aims to encourage individual ownership of skills development and lifelong learning. Introduced in 2015, all Singaporeans aged 25 and above will receive an opening credit of S$500.

Pay these VFSOs an allowance to encourage participation.

We must all look out for one another, adopting the Japanese “Can-do’ Attitude that says – “If one can do, I can do. If no one can do, I must do.”

These proposed VFSOs can work closely with the respective Member of Parliament (MP) and his/her grassroots leaders to enable the idea to succeed.  All seniors and those who are handicapped can be identified through a floor plan and handed in confidence to the appointed VFSO who can also carry out monthly checks to ensure the elderly or the handicapped  are not at any risk. This floor plan should be maintained in a database by the MP’s office.

Should a fire break out, the VFSO can guide the firefighters straightaway to the identified elderly or handicapped households who need to be rescued first as they are not so abled-bodied. 

Another advantage is that social connection between the management at constituency level that includes support from the MP and the residents can be developed over time, and that will surely well for the government of the day. 

Let’s take the cue from what Chinese Philosopher Lao Tzu once said: "Go to the people. Live with them. Learn from them. Love them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. But with the best leaders, when the work is done, the task accomplished, the people will say, "We have done this ourselves."

With COVID-19 causing people to lose their jobs and to keep our citizens actively engaged, it would be an ideal time to consider this scheme.

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando