Letters

What an utterly fantastic article from Kristian Harrison in last week’s GulfWeekly regarding the Manchester attack. How refreshing it is to read such eloquent, emotive journalism from the heart, as opposed to a general news report or something pushing an agenda.

I imagine it was a very difficult time for him being among the community during the attack, particularly having known some of the victims by extension. It moved me reading his report and how he conveyed not only his personal viewpoint, but that of the surrounding area.

Thank you to the entire GulfWeekly team for continuing to be an excellent, high quality source of news with extremely talented writers. I hope to read more personal pieces like Kristian’s in the near future, although hopefully in better, less tragic circumstances.

Sarah Pearson,

Saar.

I feel there comes a point in life when you stop being afraid of the dark, not because you are braver, stronger or better, but just because there are larger challenges and battles ahead. Sometimes events and things are so terrifying, that many search for refuge in the darkness.

Here, my fear is embodied in the UK’s deadliest attack since 2005 − the Manchester concert bombing on May 22, as highlighted in reporter Kristian Harrison’s poignant article last week. This was a moment in my life where contrary to my character, I wanted to turn deaf and blind to such a horrific event and be blissful and carry on.

However, for me that was not only difficult but also impossible. I am a privileged, aware young lady and ready to be handed the baton of responsibility, as I, in my own way, understand the political milieu behind these events.

Amid such circumstances, as we continue to keep our eyes shut, we are constantly reminded that it is time to speak up. The world needs a change, and we have to be it. My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones and their feeling of safety and to those who will suffer nightmares for a lifetime.

There is a quiet revolution in the minds of youngsters like me who, I very much hope, can write the ‘to-be-written’ chapters in history books as a time of peace, love and brotherhood.

Saamia Zia, by email.

Editor’s note: GulfWeekly has invited Saamia to join the team as our latest Youth Talk correspondent. See her introductory column: Page 8.

Having been staying in Arad town for a year, yesterday I moved to a new place in Budaiya, in a property shared with people from everywhere.

What shocked me was how the communal room sounded, smelt and looked. The kitchen was the dirtiest I have ever seen and the people appeared to be the unhappiest.

When they had all left for work I cleaned the whole place with my own materials and the kitchen looked like a new room. On their return I received greetings and thanks in so many different languages.

Cleanliness equals smiles.

Omar, an African guard living here in Bahrain.