Raymond A Fernando's ;Letter to The Straits Times: Make an effort to cut food wastage

My letter to The Straits Times on the above matter is published today, Thursday 21^st January 2016.

I support the call by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli for us to take concrete steps to prevent food wastage (“Waste not, want not”; Jan 18).

Here in Singapore, most people are fortunate to be able to enjoy a meal every day, but this is not the case with many less fortunate people elsewhere.

The reality is that the amount of food waste produced worldwide is more than enough to feed nearly one billion hungry people.

I have observed that at hotels and restaurants here, there is a large portion of food that is wasted at buffets and other events. Perhaps this food could be given to the needy, as well as migrant workers.

We need to educate our children on the importance of preventing food wastage.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-on-the-web/make-an-effort-to-cut-food-wastage

 

My views, my concerns: Implement eldercare leave for workers to support elderly relatives in homes/hospitals

I am encouraged that at the opening of the 13^th Parliament, President Tony Tan assured Singaporeans that the elected government will develop and deliver on sound policies, strengthen the country and bring people together, as was done 50 years ago where sound policies helped improve the lives of our citizens.

 And one group of citizens that must always be remembered and cherished are our senior citizens who are trying to cope with chronic illnesses – be it in nursing homes are in hospitals.

Most certainly, helping to provide a good structural support scheme for caregivers whose aged relatives are residing in nursing homes can help to improve the lives of our pioneers who have contributed to the growth of our economy.

In his effort to encourage the younger generation to marry and procreate, the government has implemented parental leave for the married fathers.  This would help ease the load off young working mothers who often take on more of child care support.

There are hundreds of seniors who reside in nursing homes as they have severe mobility issues and sicknesses which their children find difficult to strike a balance between working life and caregiving.

Workers these days have to work long and draining hours and it is a reality that not many can visit their aged parents at the nursing homes or if they are hospitalised for a long period.

To this end, I propose that the government implements a few days leave for workers to visit their parents in the homes or hospitals so that time off can be taken to promote filial piety.  To ensure that the system is not abused, the staff caring for the aged can provide an attendance chit that can be submitted to the employer.

 

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

 

 

Letter to Voices at Today Newspaper: Enlightened bosses can help recovery of mentally ill

My letter to MediaCorp’s TODAY newspaper on the above matter is published today, Friday 15 January 2016.

Last week, a senior doctor at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) was given 12 months’ probation for holding a knife to her father’s neck to threaten him (“Doctor who threatened elderly father with knife gets 12 months’ probation”; Jan 7).

It is clear that any of us, no matter how academically qualified, can succumb to mental illness.

Experts have documented that heavy workloads, long and draining work hours, a lack of support and isolation are key factors contributing to mental illness.

It is therefore no surprise that a large portion of our workers are falling into depression.

All employers should heed the wisdom of what Community Court Judge Mathew Joseph observed on high workload and personal stress when he passed the sentence.

The well-being of workers, empathy and support are important factors in the recovery of people with mental health issues, and I applaud the judge in showing compassion to Dr Tham Kwang Wei by putting her on probation.

Having a steady job with an income allows a person to be valued and gives him or her a sense of worthiness.

This is where SGH has proved to be an enlightened employer by allowing Dr Tham to resume work as a director at SGH Life Centre’s Obesity and Metabolic Unit.

In the interests of her stability, it is best that the management ensures that Dr Tham’s work hours do not stretch longer than necessary.

RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO

http://www.todayonline.com/voices/enlightened-bosses-can-help-recovery-mentally-ill

 

 

 

 

Life ! The Straits Times: On upcoming Madonna’s concert: Yes, censor Madonna

My letter on the above subject is published today in The Straits Times’ Life! Section, Saturday, January 9, 2016.

 

I refer to Holy Water Dropped, Other Adjustments Made to Madonna’s R18 show (The Straits Times, Jan7).

I applaud the Media Development Authority for taking a firm stand in disallowing the diva to perform sensitive songs during her concert here.

Madonna is a talented and popular singer who has millions of fans all over the world, but some of her songs demean the Catholic faith by using holy water and crosses which are very sacred to Catholics. 

 

Even though Singapore is loosening its stance on censorship, censorship is necessary when undesirable elements are weaved into performances as it can easily influence the audience in the wrong way.

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

My views , my concerns; Vital for individual lonely seniors to receive spiritual care and support

On Thursday 31^st December 2015, The Straits Times ran a report, with photographs on how the residents in some nursing home is able to get spiritual care from volunteers , many of whom are students who were took on a course to better understand the needs of seniors

As rightly pointed out by Mr Raja Chowdhury, deputy director of business development and marketing at the Social Service Institute, there is a need to carry out a stock check of what is going on within the person (“Schooled in spiritual care”; Thursday 31^st December 2015) .

There is an abundance of support and care for residents in nursing homes and those on public assistance, but this vital support is clearly lacking for seniors who lived all alone within the four walls of their homes, which has demoralised isolated seniors, leaving them vulnerable to falling into depression and in some cases, suicide. The marginalised in this group are crying out for help, so let us learn to feel for them.

For Christians, the church has a moral obligation to help to support our lonely elderly in many ways so that they can look forward to a better tomorrow with renewed hope.  Most certainly, there is nothing like the power of the handshake or a hug from the clergy and his volunteers to show love, care and concern.

Here are some suggestions that can help our lonely and isolated seniors have a better quality of life, with reduction in the high cost of living that is troubling for many Singaporeans– especially for those who no longer are employed.

(a) The Archdiocese in Singapore can encourage its parishes to start and maintain a Senior Clubs where seniors can get together on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis to play scrabble, cards and socialise over breakfast or lunch.  If there is a Social Development Unit (SDU) for our young graduates, I do not see why, a Seniors Club mirrored on the same objectives cannot be implemented.

Then the church can organise outings for these seniors so that they are not cut off from the outside world and made to feel worthless.  Through these informal gatherings, there is a healthy chance for our lonely elderly to forge ties with new friends and even have pen-pal relationships which can, with the right chemistry, develop into loving relationships.

 

(b) Seniors who live all alone need to stay connected with the limited number of friends they have.  Thus, they depend heavily on their home telephones and mobiles to keep in touch with the outside world. To this end, it will be useful if SingTel could offer better rebates for all seniors from the age of 60 onwards. Just as Singapore Power offers rebates on electricity tariffs periodically, so too should this Telco company which has been making profits year in and year out.  This can be a corporate responsibility for companies to give back to society when they have benefitted from consumers.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

Raymond's letter to The Straits Times: 'Silent Night' for lonely seniors

 

My letter to The Straits Times on the above subject is published today, Thursday 24^th December 2015.

 

Being a widowed senior citizen who has lost key social support, I share the sentiments expressed by Mr Jeffrey Law Lee Beng (“Vital to help seniors feel connected with society; Dec 19).

Seniors who have experienced unconditional love from their late spouses and lack community support are bound to fall into depression as they feel a huge vacuum in their lives.

Within the four walls of our homes, many of us are suffering in silence, as there are too many painful memories of the loved that we once were fortunate to experience.

This sense of being uncared for intensifies for Christians when Christmas comes around as lonely seniors see families and friends in joyous celebration.

This is when our vulnerable citizens have to literally experience a “Silent Night”.

During a home visit last month, my Member of Parliament, Dr Koh Poh Koon, felt my loss, gave me some FairPrice vouchers for Christmas and directed his grassroots leader to place me on the list of vulnerable citizens.

I was deeply touched by Dr Koh’s generosity and this must surely be the behaviour all MPs can emulate.

Churches, too, has an important role to play in supporting their Christian seniors. Their volunteers can visit our lonely elderly and spread the joys of Christmas through carolling and simple gifts.

With the loss of income, the Government can help by offering a fixed sum to our lonely elderly through the proposed Silver Support Scheme, while the Ministry of Health could lower the qualifying age for subsidies for seniors, as medical costs are a concern for many retired Singaporeans. Raymond Anthony Fernando

http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-on-the-web/silent-night-for-lonely-seniors

 

It isn't enough that I have loved/cared for my wife to her last dying breath, practised the marriage vows for 40 years to the letter, based on my Catholic teachings, but when my wife dies, everything  has  died with her.  Almost all churches are now turning me away and my only means of earning a decent living & to keep my sanity  has come to a grinding halt.

 

 The Shepherd must know how to lead his/her flock and bring light to those who are trapped in darkness. And our clergy should know that.

 

Besides, MP Dr Koh, there are a few others who understand my struggles in my quest to rebuild my life,  both as a writer and as a widower ,and they include Senior Minister of State in PMO, Mr Heng Chee How who purchased 25 copies of my book , A/Prof Chua Hong Choon who bought 20 copies of my novel and Dr Pauline Tan , the CEO of the Yishun Community Hospital who purchased 20 copies of my books.  These are exceptional human beings. For when a door closes, God will open windows.

 

In closing, I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to a few friends who have taken the trouble to take me out for a meal.

 

Have a Blessed Christmas!

Sincerely,

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando

 

 

 

 

More should be done to aid disaster-prone Philippines.

My letter to MediaCorp’s TODAY Newspaper on the above issue gets published today, Monday 21st December 2015.

As the world celebrates Christmas, millions in the Philippines will literally be having a silent night from the effects of yet another typhoon (“Typhoon kills four, cuts power in Philippines”; Dec 16).

Every year, its citizens must live in fear as the country experiences 20 typhoons, on average, many of which cause destruction to homes.

The Philippines’ provinces have beautiful beaches and colourful festivals — rooted in Christianity and dating back to the Spanish colonial period — that delight its people, attract tourists and help boost the economy.

However, left unchecked, the effects of the numerous natural disasters will, in time, cripple the Philippine economy and cause suffering.

Besides power being cut off, communications may break down, leaving many in anxiety. Prolonged anxiety is a lead-up to mental disorders.

As a community, well-off nations, philanthropists and charitable organisations should do their part in raising funds and providing expertise, such as in engineering and housing, to improve lives in the Philippines.

For example, emergency generators with solid concrete walls could be built in strategic areas.
Churches in Singapore could set aside weekly collections from parishioners to help fund infrastructural improvements, while the Tzu Chi Foundation can continue with the cash-for-work
programme that helps Filipinos reconstruct their homes and surrounding areas.


RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
http://www.todayonline.com/voices/more-should-be-done-aid-disaster-prone-Philippines