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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