Letter to The Straits Times: Send a ray of light to the Philippines

My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter is published today - Friday 18^th December 2015.

I was saddened to read the report of Typhoon Melor, which has wreaked havoc in the Philippines (“Typhoon leaves millions without power in Philippines”; Wednesday).

Even though Filipinos are resilient, and typhoons often batter their country, we should never turn a blind eye to their suffering.

The disasters cause power failures. Families live in darkness.

Water supply is poor, leaving many who have sickness to suffer even more. The humid tropical climate creates even more suffering.

I urge all nations and people who are financially secure to rally around the Filipinos and end their suffering by providing a range of support – from financial to expertise and materials.

For example, charitable organisations can supply battery-operated fans and portable lights for households to use during power failures.

The Red Cross, Mercy Relief and Tzu Chi Foundation can coordinate relief efforts to lift the human spirit and bring a ray of light to everyone living in the Philippines.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/send-a-ray-of-light-to-the-philippines

 

Heavy handed IMH Psychiatrist refusing to release patient who has recovered: An open letter to President Dr Tony Tan and the Singapore Government

My twin brother was admitted into the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) more than 3 months ago, and is now in ward 35B under the care of the nurses and the watchful eye of acting Assistant Director (Nursing) Gurbak Singh who has been directed by A/Professor Dr Chua Hong Choon, the Chief Executive Officer of IMH to care for him and look into his welfare, and through their care and compassion, my brother has now recovered.  

It is now 120 days since my brother has stayed in IMH and with him having to pay at least $40 per day for ward charges alone, the hospital bills is going to be huge and will eat up most of his Medisave.  Is this any way to treat a senior citizen (my brother is 65 years old)?

Moreover as Advent has arrived, it only proper that sensitivity be exercised as Christians need to spend Christmas with their families.  My brother was in tears when he phoned last week, pleading with me to secure his release and asked me to appeal for help from his Member of Parliament.

Despite being stabilised, my brother’s attending psychiatrist, one Dr Ganesh who is from India has been defiant and refuses to release my brother and even had the audacity to tell my brother that I take up the matter with the authorities as he is not afraid of anyone.   Clearly there is a total lack of compassion with absolutely no respect for the patient and his family members.  My 92 –year-old mother who resides in a nursing home is not aware that her son has been confined to IMH and it will break her heart if she finds out.  How long can she live? It is inhumane to do this to the family, taking into account also that I have lost my wife and will have to spend Christmas all alone.

It is highly improper for foreigners to ill treat Singaporeans when the Singapore Government welcomes foreign talent with open arms , and the worst part is that these bullies are allowed to get away with their heavy handedness.

The CEO of IMH is a very kind and understanding man, but some of his staff are tarnishing the good image that he wants to build and maintain.

Appeals to the Ministry of Health, the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers have fallen on deaf ears.  No one wants to reply.  What is all this talk of being an inclusive society when there is absolutely no compassion for our marginalized citizens who need support?

IMH is now in the news – for all the wrong reasons, as a Myanmar nurse has been charged with assaulting a mentally ill patient.  The healthcare professionals have to learn one thing – help patients in their recovery and get them home so that they can rebuild their lives and reintegrate back into society.  And if they are unable to do that, then why pray tell are they in the business of mental health care?

 

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

Latest update - Sunday 13 Dec 2015.: Due to the stress of what it taking place, my twin brother's 30 over years son who has a Bipolar condition, has suffered a stroke and is now warded in New Changi Hospital.
 

Public suggestion: SPH should consider investing in TV and movie productions to raise revenue

An open letter to the MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim

Dear Dr Yaccob,

Given that the internet makes it so very convenient for users to access news and other information at hardly any costs, it is timely that that the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) is making the right move to invest in other areas to source for additional revenue ( “SPH committed to find new revenue sources, say chairman”; 1st December 2015).

Even local writers and their book publishers are losing out to the internet and some have to end up winding their core business and look for other ways to bring in the dollars.

Given that SPH has been pretty successful in reaching out to listeners on the radio channel of Kiss92, with John Klass, Maddy, Arnold and Jason, I fervently believe that SPH could increase her revenue by investing in television and film productions.  As a pilot project, SPH could have joint projects with MediaCorp and established local film producers and even overseas producers.  I have every confidence that advertisers would not hesitate to air their products and services on these networks as SPH has a good reputation.

There are many moving real life stories of Singaporeans who have gone through huge adversities in life and have come out stronger than ever; and such real life challenges are bound to touch the audience – be in on the small screen or in the cinemas.

There is a win-win situation with this proposal as young talented graduates and even former broadcasters who can serve as mentors can help build up the industry.

In this day and age, if businesses are to survive, both the SPH and MediaCorp must not see each other as competitors, but rather as partners. 

I appreciate a reply from your ministry, please, Minister.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Letter to The Straits Times: Europe's refugee problem needs resolution

My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter was published on Saturday 21st November 2015.

Like many others, I was shocked by news of the terror attacks on France said to have been committed by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants.

The killing of innocent people has angered the French government into going on the offensive
to conduct air strikes on ISIS targets and hunt down and bring the perpetrators to justice (“French jets pound Syrian city” and “France on big manhunt for terror suspects”; both published on Tuesday).

However, is this the best solution? There is likely to be retaliation (“War not the solution, address root causes” by Ms Maria Loh Mun Foong; yesterday).

Europe is already grappling with a refugee crisis, with hundreds of thousands fleeing places like Syria and Iraq and seeking asylum in European countries.

If these problems escalate, we will be faced with a refugee crisis which is bound to cripple the economies of many nations which are already struggling to stay afloat.

The international community and political leaders need to provide humanitarian aid to the growing number of refugees. For a start, there is a dire need to provide them with shelter, food and clothing.
Dutchman Johan Huibers has built a life-size Noah’s Ark that is three storeys high (“Unlike Noah’s, this ark meets fire safety standards”; May 31, 2011). Brunei also has its famous Floating Village.

As a temporary solution, such arks could be built to provide shelter for these refugees.

Philanthropists, the community and world-famous performers can help raise funds for this humanitarian purpose.

Next, countries could consider accepting refugees who can be trained in skills so that they can become self- reliant.

The Buddhist charity Tzu Chi Foundation had an excellent “cash for work” scheme in the Philippines, where Filipinos affected by Typhoon Haiyan were given cash in return for helping to clean up the community and rebuild their homes. A similar scheme can be put in place for refugees.

If humanitarian support is given to those who need care and love, perhaps one day, we could see the end of terrorism.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Letter to The New Paper: DJ SPLITS WITH YOUNGER BEAU : Age no barrier to love

My letter to The New Paper on the above matter was published today, Monday 16^th November 2015.

It is never to cope with a divorce or failed relationship.  It may seem that the whole world has turned upside down for the affected couples.  That is why I full empathise radio DJ Rosalyn Lee, 36 and her boyfriend Justin Vanderstraaten, 24 who have broken up ( ‘Insecurity eventually crept in” (The New Paper, Nov 12).

Despite their age difference, the couple were able to carry on with their relationship for two years and it is a pity that they had to call it quits.

Though they may take time to heal, they can learn much from the experience and grow into wiser and stronger people.

To me, age is just a number and should not in any way be a barrier to anyone falling in love.  And it should not keep any loving couple apart, whatever society may think.

Relationships are often complicated and require us to work hard if they are to survive the trials and tribulations of modern life. 

Couples embarking on serious relationships, and eventually marriage, must be aware that the trip may not be smooth, that there may be pitfalls and bumps on the road.  

But it means sharing everything in your life – problems, decisions, joy, sorrow, and that makes it all worthwhile.  

 

 

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

 

Assault on elderly Catholic Priest- Fr Adrian Anthony: Letter to The Straits Times: Important to be patient on the road

My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter is published today, Thursday 12^th November 2015.

 

I have noticed time and again that some impatient drivers have the habit of blowing their horns at other vehicle users and pedestrians when they are in a hurry.

This is why driving instructors must educate their students – the future road users – on the virtue of patience, and that they must not engage in aggressive driving.

Our elderly citizens are often on the receiving end of abuse – physical and psychological – and I am glad that District Judge Janet Wang recently sentenced Dick Lim Poh Guan to seven weeks’ jail after he punched 72-year-old Father Adrian Anthony in a road rage incident (“7 weeks’ jail for punching priest”; Oct 30).

The district judge also called his behaviour and that of his wife deplorable. I hope that the authorities will counsel Lim as he serves his jail sentence.  It would also be useful if Lim’s wife is sent for mandatory counselling as well.

Parents need to inculcate good values in their children. Given that the couple have two children, it is important that the aggressive behaviour of Lim and his wife are not picked up by their children.

Road rage can lead to altercations, assaults and collisions, which result in injuries.

Road users who come across drivers who display signs of violent behaviour need to be cautious and not provoke them, as they can easily become victims of road rage bullies. It is far better to take down the vehicle number and report the incident to the police.

It would also be helpful if culprits of road rage are suspended from driving for an indefinite period until they improve their behaviour.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/important-to-be-patient-on-the-road

 

 

Letter to ST’s Life! Provide caregivers with mentors: Read Raymond Anthony Fernando’s letter to the press

My letter to The Straits Times Life Section on the above topic is published today, Saturday 17^th October 2015 (Page D9 of the Life Section).  

I refer to the story, Struggles Of ageing caregivers (Life, Oct 11).

Being a full-time caregiver to a loved suffering from a chronic illness is no easy feat for he requires care 24/7.

As a former caregiver for 40 years, I relate to the challenges faced by caregivers.

While the professionals can offer support, advice and training, our pool of caregivers can benefit immensely with a mentor who not only has a wealth of experience in caregiving, but is also able to motivate and give hope to them.

I propose that the Government implement a paid mentor caregiver scheme, either on a part-time or full-time basis that allows experienced caregivers to have job opportunities, and at the same time, be accorded the recognition that they deserve.

 

This scheme which can be part of a caregiver support programme will provide the mentees with an outlet to voice their concerns and a useful resource to gain caregiving insights.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando