With reference to The National editorial Want to speed up post-pandemic economic recovery? Go local (May 25): this was meaningful and it rang true. In less than five months, the deadly coronavirus has forced drastic changes on the global level in many areas, especially the economy. As the editorial has rightly mentioned, it is time for everyone to look at local industries and businesses to recover costs and for economies to pick up. It was a good piece.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
Condolences on the passing of an Abu Dhabi school teacher
With reference to the report Abu Dhabi teacher dies after contracting coronavirus (May 24): my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Anil Kumar. May God grant him peace and strength to the family.
Priya Nair, Mumbai, India
Thank you for your services. May you rest in peace.
Annie Toribio, Abu Dhabi
Condolences to the family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. Will remember the grieving family in my prayers.
Titus K Cherian, Abu Dhabi
What it means to be a leader in these times
I write to you in reference to the op-ed by Yap Seng Chong and Swaine Chen Get ready, there will be another pandemic (May 25): True, we have to be ready for such emergencies in the future. However, managing a predicament like Covid-19 requires visionary leadership from all heads of states. Not all the global leaders have measured well during these turbulent times. Some in the West could have avoided generating a controversy a day. If the public is advised to wear masks, world leaders like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson should have set examples. Brazil now has the second highest number of Covid-19 cases after the US.
In some other countries national leaders have been content to stay safely ensconced in their homes and offices. In India, for example, they should have taken precautions, worn their masks but been on the streets to assess the many issues first-hand.
During a major crisis the top leaders should keep the people of the country fully appraised of the situation, tell them the truth and also keep the morale high by providing direction and hope.
Leaders have to inspire and push the medical and scientific fraternity to discover the vaccine to fight the disease. The root cause of the current calamity, which is the lack of a vaccine, has to be addressed expeditiously. Leaders should govern, not merely give speeches or indulge in symbolism.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai