Write to the editor

What a wonderful tribute you gave to Dave Ryan in last week’s GulfWeekly, highlighting much of what he has given to Bahrain throughout his stay.
 
However, your article omitted the work Dave has done to develop cricket in Bahrain, particularly amongst the youth. 
As chairman he was able to develop a youth team, instigate training and was also supportive of the national youth teams. 
His contribution was not only restricted to youth, he was also willing to sponsor touring teams, particularly those visiting Dublin.  Indeed, David will continue to support the touring Bahrain Camels by making arrangements for their 2012 tour. 

In addition to his financial generosity, Dave will be remembered most for the spirit of cricket that he instilled in the Colt teams.  Two generations of young cricketers have been taught how to have fun playing cricket while respecting the opposition and officials alike. The Rugby Colts played many of their matches against the Awali Taverner’s.

In recognition of his contribution, the Dave Ryan Representative XI faced off against the Taverner’s at Awali on Saturday in an emotional farewell. 

In a closely contested match, Ryan’s team was ultimately victorious by 15 runs with winning Captain, James McCallum, being presented with the Ryan Lazarus Trophy.
 
McCallum led from the front with bat and ball. Batting first, Ryan’s representatives struggled to 131 after 19 overs only for a late blitz see them to a total of 187. 

Ryan’s squad put pressure on the Taverners from the start with the veteran Peter Hunt showing guile while youngster Matt Rees added consistency in line and length.
 
Despite reaching 129 from 19 overs, the Taverners were unable to repeat the late innings explosiveness, thanks to inspired bowling from Ryan’s son, Richie, who took control of the final overs.

David was presented a framed picture of the Awali Oval signed by the players in gratitude of his contribution and friendship over the years. Richie Ryan closed proceedings with a fitting final speech.

David’s contribution to cricket in Bahrain will be greatly missed, although he leaves a lasting legacy.

Keith Veryard,
Captain,
Awali Taverner’s.

I would like to comment on the article you published on Page 5 in last week’s GulfWeekly headlined ‘Ambassador upbeat on ties’.

Currently the local UK consulate in the kingdom cannot handle the passports of UK citizens for renewal and they now need to be forwarded to Germany.

Remember, the Brits declared war against Germany during 1939 and now they are giving their passports to the Germans.This is something like India putting their regional passport office in Pakistan!

Perhaps one should note that a ‘passport is a document, issued by a national government, which certifies, for the purpose of international travel, the identity and nationality of its holder’ (Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passport).

Now, I wonder how UK citizens can be ‘served better’ if the consulate cannot even handle its citizens’passports.

Geejo George, by email.

This Christmas and New Year, I decided to spend the holidays among family and friends in Great Britain.Today, I decided to walk through Hyde Park where I crossed near the Wonderland Theme Park. I was thrilled to observe the beautiful decorations and entertainment activities for everyone to enjoy.

At that moment, what truly grabbed my attention was the roller coaster. Why? I started to look at it from a theoretical point of view. I began to compare the roller coaster with the current situation in Bahrain, where the riders were the citizens and residents, and the controller was the government.

The unique thing about this comparison was the interconnection and linkage between them … bearing in mind that the control in this case would be the reforms (and, having said that, there would be a time frame for controlling the ride).
 
In July 2011, the Bahrain Independent Commission Inquiry (BICI) was appointed to investigate the unrest and to offer its recommendations.

The BICI submitted a 300-page report with its recommendations to His Majesty King Hamad and his government. The report is visible and transparent to the public. Further, the British government had offered its guidance and support to the Bahraini government to adhere with these reforms.

These initiatives showed the government’s commitment to restore peace, harmony and security. Hence, as a Bahraini citizen, I would like to express my gratitude for the good doings that the government has, and will continue to do, to provide for its people:

*Thank you for granting the freedom of expression, views, faiths, and practices of the various religions: Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam
*Thank you for granting citizenship for children whose mothers are native Bahrainis but the fathers are expats
*Thank you for granting free education, health and housing for citizens
*Thank you for building the infrastructure of the country
*Thank you for promoting youth empowerment
*Thank you for promoting female empowerment
*Thank you for attracting international investments
*Thank you for not taxing your people
*Thank you for granting government subsidies on food products, IT appliances, etc.

With this in mind, one wonders why the international media and the human rights agencies are still pondering on the negative news, not the positive. Well, it is obvious – these days bad and exaggerated news attracts the viewers and readers.

Isn’t it time to look at the present and the future of our nation? I believe that it is time for the opposition parties to meet half way with the government and to discuss how to move on and to help build the future of Bahrain.

In addition, I trust that Bahrain would prosper and progress with the support of its citizens, and without any external interference. Furthermore, this government will be capable of introducing these reforms under the leadership of the King, Prime Minister and the Crown Prince.

In conclusion, I would like to end with my favorite quote by former US president John F Kennedy, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.’ He inspired people to take action and to help build their community.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for us to do the same. Happy New Year and may God Bless Bahrain!

Dori Kari,
Bahraini citizen.

Calling all musicians and instrumentalists – The Manama Singers are currently planning their next concert to be held (provisionally) on March 23.

For this concert, which will be our first major event since June 2010, we require an orchestra of 30 to 40 people.

If you are interested in performing with us, we would like to hear from you! Please contact our musical director, Michael Natzke, via email on mnatzke@gmail.com with your name, contact details, the instrument(s) you play and any other relevant information ASAP.

Alternatively, contact our vice chairman Mike Keates on 39954040.

We look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes and a happy new year.

The Manama Singers,
Bahrain.