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Kuwait to see sandstorms this week: Meteorologist

Published Date: June 22, 2010

Headline News

MEW looks to '11 as Kuwait swelters

Published Date: June 17, 2010
By Nawara Fattahova and B Izzak

Abraj mineral water safe, says minister

Published Date: May 20, 2010

Assembly OKs new labour law

Published Date: December 24, 2009
By B Izzak, Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The National Assembly yesterday unanimously passed the new labour law in the private sector with much improved rights and benefits after years of deliberations and discussions and obstructions at some stages. All Cabinet members present voted for the law and Social Affairs and Labour Minister Mohammad Al-Afasi said it will be implemented after several months after preparing the necessary by-laws.

A number of MPs, led by MP Rola Dashti, however tried in vain to reduce benefits included in the law's first reading by tuning down those benefits through amendments during the second reading. Dashti warned that passing the law in its current form would overburden private sector companies with additional costs which will be reflected in increased costs of services and higher prices of commodities.

Others like MP Salwa Al-Jassar said mostly expatriates would benefit from the new rights since more than 96 percent of the workforce in the private sector are foreigners. Minister Afasi insisted that there must be no discrimination between labourers on the basis of nationality because this is a breach of international law and the International Labour Organization's principles. Kuwait is home to 2.3 million foreigners, more than two-thirds of them Asians, and 1.1 million citizens.

The new law is a major advance on the existing law which was issued in 1964 and undergone limited amendments since then. It has improved rights of workers over annual leave, indemnity rules, public holidays and sick leaves in addition to better conditions for dismissals or resignations. The law grants 30 days of annual leave to all employees from the start of their contract instead of just 15 days in each of the first five years that increases to 21 days a year after that in the old law. It has increased p
ublic holidays to 13 days from only eight, including three days for Eid Al-Fitr and four days for Eid Al-Adha, while also officially including the Liberation Day as a public holiday.

Rules for end of service indemnity have been improved in favour of workers although the amounts will remain unchanged. According to the law, workers get half of the indemnity if they resign in the first five years of service, two-thirds when they resign after completing five years of service and full indemnity after working for 10 years. The value of indemnity is half month's salary for every year of service until five years and one month for each year afterwards. The total indemnity however must not excee
d the pay of 18 months regardless of the years of service.

Under the new law, women cannot be asked to work between 8 pm and 7 am with the exception of certain professions to be determined by the minister of social affairs and labour. The law gives women 70 days of paid maternity leave and an additional four months of unpaid leave for breastfeeding. Employers are not allowed to terminate the service of women during this period.

The new law states that before dismissing workers, the employer must give a notice of three months instead of 15 days in the old law and the same applies to workers who resign. Employers can't sack their workers while they are on leave. According to the law, the payment of the monthly salary must be made before the 7th of the month. The law requires the minister to determine minimum wages for certain labour categories.

The law maintained the same working hours of 48 hours weekly provided they do not exceed eight hours daily. Workers are entitled to a weekly rest day but if working conditions require him to work on those days, he must get a 50 percent additional day's pay and must be compensated with another rest day. In case workers are asked to work on public holidays, they get double pay and should be compensated with another day.

Sick leaves have been increased to 15 days with full pay instead of six in the old day, 10 days with a three-quarters pay instead of six, 10 days with half pay instead of six and 10 days with a quarter pay instead of six. After that, they get 30 days of unpaid sick leave instead of 10 days. Workers are entitled to a 21-day hajj leave after spending one year of service, provided they have not performed hajj before. Muslim women whose husbands die get a mourning leave for four months and 10 days while non-Mu
slim women get 21 days.

The minister told reporters after passing the law that the ministry will continue with its quest to gradually abolish the sponsorship system. He said that at present, workers are free to move to other employers after completing three years of service, adding that the ministry is working to allow certain professionals to sponsor themselves in the near future. Nevertheless, the law requires the government to set up a public authority that takes on the responsibility of recruiting workers from abroad. But Afa
si added that the new law will not be retroactive in its effect. (Kuwait Times)

Parliament Cmte. approves three-month period for illegal workers - Tabtabaie
Politics    12/13/2009 7:16:00 PM
 
KUWAIT, Dec 13 (KUNA) -- Head of the parliamentary Human Rights Committee Dr. Walid Al-Tabtabaie said Sunday that the committee approved today a proposal submitted by the Interior Ministry calling for granting a three-month period for workers who have warrants of arrest issued against them till their residency status has been altered.
Al-Tabtabaie told reporters after concluding the conclusion of the committee meeting that the three-month-period would cover those workers who have been attested due to being under fake companies where they would be allowed to transfer their residence within the granted period.
The MP thanked Interior Minister and his ministry staff for their prompt cooperation and response concerning this issue. (end) mth.mb KUNA 131916 Dec 09NNNN  (kuna)

KISR steps to overcome agricultural problems

Published Date: December 03, 2009
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) said yesterday that it is keen on cooperating with the government and agricultural companies in presenting the best solutions to overcome agricultural problems.

A study issued by KISR showed that the institute played an important role in developing Kuwait's agricultural sector, which includes horticultural, animal and fish resources, through cooperation with specialist divisions.

The study revealed that KISR has implemented scientific technology and development to boost agricultural production, despite obstacles. It added that KISR introduced a specialist 'Food Resources' program in 2000-2005, including farming in the desert and widespread planting, in addition to fish agriculture and implementing biotechnology.

The study showed that several sectors are in need of development, including cattle husbandry and developing their nutrition program, in addition to developing poultry production through decreasing the cost of feed and reducing the levels of salmonella bacteria in poultry meat.

KISR added that specific types of plants were selected for planting in areas with heavy water salinity levels, like the Kuwaiti shoreline. Working closely with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS), KISR had done a large amount of research on wildlife in the Sulaibiya area.

The institute had also carried out several very successful studies in the area of aquaculture. In the biotechnology field, KISR developed a pesticide for plant pests and studied residual pesticide in foods and artificial coloring that has a negative effect on human health. - KUNA (Kuwait Times)

Need to make Kuwait 'best place' for expats

According to the second annual "Expat Experience Survey'" which was recently commissioned by HSBC Bank International, Canada, Australia and Thailand are the "best places" for expats! Britain, hit by the recent recession, was one of the worst locations to live in for expatriates, according to the news report by Reuters (Nov 26, 2009). Expats in Canada seem to enjoy an excellent quality of life and its society provides great opportunities for social integration for the newcomers. Likewise, Australia and Thailand, even though hit by the recent recession, yet continued to be immigrants-favorite locations. What is remarkable about this survey is that it provides excellent insights on what expatriates usually look for in different countries around the world: equal "trade-off" between income and the quality of life it provides; good employment prospects; easy social integration in the host country; finding a place to live in good quality accommodations; and good health services.

By Khaled Aljenfawi (Arab Times)

Ban on family to work visa
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 2: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor started Tuesday the implementation of a directive from the General Immigration Administration at the Ministry of Interior, which banned the transfer of family visa to work visa without obtaining approval from the administration, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting sources.
Sources explained the ministry took this step after a series of coordinative meetings with its interior counterpart to ensure smooth implementation of the decision. Sources said the actual reason behind this directive has yet to be revealed but it is aimed at organizing work procedures in the private sector.   (Arab Times)

Kuwait puts security measures in place for Dec 14-15 Gulf summit

KUWAIT, Dec 2, (KUNA): Kuwait is taking all security arrangements and preparations for the coming Gulf summit due in Kuwait on Dec 14-15, a high-ranking security officer said here Wednesday. The security information department has already worked out a program for airing daily security messages ahead of the gathering entitled "Kuwait Summit and Gulf Ambition", Col Mohammad Al-Saber, the department chief and spokesman for the Interior Ministry, told KUNA. "The security information unit will send security messages to citizens and residents through official mass media, in collaboration with the supreme information committee, operation command," he said. The unit will also escort media representatives who will cover the two-day summit bringing together the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries, the officer added. He urged everybody in the country to help Kuwaiti security organs ensure a successful gathering in Kuwait.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has issued a directive for all police officers to be on standby starting from Sunday, while those who are on vacation have been called back to duty in preparation for the upcoming GCC summit in Kuwait, reports Arrouiah daily quoting security sources. Sources revealed Undersec-retary Lieutenant General Abdullateef Al-Rujaib issued the directive in compliance with the instruction of Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid Al-Sabah.  Sources explained this step is aimed at maintaining law and order in the country during the summit, which will take place by the middle of this month.   (Arab Times)

Kuwait police intensify punitive action against law violators
Military and Security    12/2/2009 3:16:00 PM
 
(with photos) KUWAIT, Dec 2 (KUNA) -- Police patrols are carrying out a special campaign nowadays issuing tickets against drivers of dented cars or those carrying expired driving papers or failing to use the security belt.
The interior ministry said in a statement on Wednesday the campaign was aimed at limiting "the negative phenomena affecting the the flow of traffic on the streets," adding that the patrols issued up to 142 tickets today.
Senior officers were on the field today, organizing the campaign and preventing parking at prohibited locations or sections specialized for people of special needs.
Further campaigns will be launched to restrict violations and offenses by some motorists. (end) nnd.abd.rk KUNA 021516 Dec 09NNNN   (Arab Times)

Don't set up tents in unauthorized areas'

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 26: The General Department for Civil Defense, in cooperation with the security patrols, Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) and Medical Emergency Department, has warned the public against setting up tents in unauthorized areas as the spring camping season draws near.
Due to a remarkable increase in the number of violations during last year's camping season, the department has agreed to intensify measures to ensure strict compliance with camping regulations. Besides setting up camping sites in restricted areas, other violations recorded last year include the use of hunting guns, disturbing peace and order, lighting fireworks and playing with strange objects. The department also registered a number of fire and car accidents due to people's outright disregard of the law.
In a recent press statement, acting director-general of the department Brigadier Bader Al-Najjar unveiled plans to launch an extensive public awareness campaign to prevent any untoward incident during the camping season. He presented various strategies to protect the public in the camping areas, while stressing the importance of cooperation between the people and the security authorities to prevent the recurrence of the problems encountered in the camps last year.
Tradition
Al-Najjar explained the spring camping season is a Kuwaiti tradition observed by the citizens and residents since time immemorial, but things changed recently due to the emergence of different activities which have negatively affected the society and family. He lamented modern camp-goers have adopted some dangerous practices, such as setting up tents near oil installations, use of fireplaces and electric generators, and lighting fireworks. He warned about the dire consequences of violating camping rules and regulations as the authorities are keen on imposing the corresponding punishment on anyone proven to have violated the law, especially those who set up tents in restricted areas. He highlighted the unfortunate incidents last year like fire and other accidents that resulted in injuries or death to many people, in addition to the arrest of several others who fomented trouble and violated the law. He also advised the citizens and expatriates to present their identification cards every time the securitymen ask them to do so and cooperate with the camp service centers for their own safety.
Attend
Affirming the operation rooms in the services departments are ready to receive calls and reports from citizens, Al-Najjar stated the Ministry of Interior will attend to the complaints of citizens and residents through emergency hotline number 112 and Civil Defense Operations number 1804000.
Al-Najjar disclosed the Security Media Department will soon launch a special awareness program through various media forms like newspapers, radio and television. He said the department will distribute booklets which contain camping guidelines while the civil defense officers will visit camp sites to educate families about the camping rules and regulations. He added the department will organize joint television programs, in collaboration with the Environment and Child Protection Department, Kuwait Municipality, and Medical Emergency Department, to enlighten the public on the services offered by police patrols, civil defense, medical emergency and Municipality.
Comply
Urging the public to strictly comply with the law, Al-Najjar asked the camp-goers not to set up tents near military installations, oil facilities, high voltage power stations and highways. He also appealed to the campers not to allow children or those without driving licenses to drive, refrain from participating in car, motorbike or buggy races, maintain the cleanliness of camping areas, do not leave gas stoves or charcoal after using them, do not burn waste in camp sites, and do not allow wild animals in camping areas.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim
Arab Times Staff

Deportation eyed for law violators
KUWAIT CITY, Nov 26: The Assistant Undersecretary for Citizenship and Passports at the Ministry of Interior Maj Gen Abdul-Hamid Al-Awadhi revealed the Ministry plans to arrest and deport residency law violators, while officials will arrest their sponsors for breaching state security, reports Al-Rai daily.
In a press statement, Maj Gen Al-Awadhi disclosed the first step is to instruct the General Department of Immigration to coordinate with relevant departments like Traffic, Rescue, Public Safety and Criminal Investigations, to arrest and deport affected expatriate workers. He said the next step will be arrest, detention and legal action against visa traders for violating the Constitution.
Al-Awadhi denied the intention to give residency violators a grace period, saying such a directive can only be issued by the highest security and political authorities. "We have been carrying out arrest and deportation procedures of violators. Most of them are involved in crimes committed across the country", he informed.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr Mohammad Al-Afasi has instructed senior ministry officials to carry out an extensive inspection campaign during Eid Al-Adha to track down expatriates who have violated the residency and labor laws, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
Al-Afasi also asked the officials to arrest sponsors of these expatriates for violating the Constitution, closely monitor billiard halls, Internet cafés, beauty salons and coffee shops, and check the status of workers in these establishments. "The ministry will close the files of employers if they fail to legalize the status of their workers within the grace period," he warned.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Kandari has advised expatriates to check the validity of their residency permits for their own benefit and that of their sponsors, reports Al-Shahid daily.
Admitting the concerned departments have been facing difficulties due to the failure of some employers to abide by the rules and regulations concerning the issuance of work permits, Al-Kandari appealed to all employers to complete the documentation procedures, including those related to inspection and salaries.
In another development, Al-Kandari clarified the ministry will not allow the transfer or renewal of residency permits for expatriate workers in the private sector with files under codes 31 and 71. He said those under code 31 have been suspended for forging documents or manipulating data while those under code 71 have been suspended by the Work Inspection Department in Farwaniya.
"Employees under code 31 can resume their work but their sponsors must pay KD 250 bank guarantee for each of the workers for one year, until proving that they are committed to their jobs," Al-Kandari explained.

Panel discusses handicapped draft bill, eyes ?last' meeting

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 25: The Handicapped Affairs Committee in the Parliament discussed Wednesday the handicapped draft bill, which includes 71 articles, and agreed to hold its last meeting on Monday to prepare its report to pave the way for voting on the bill on Dec 3. Speaking to the reporters after the meeting, Committee Chairman MP Musallam Al-Barrak asserted the panel will submit a comprehensive report which includes the recommendations of the government and Parliament. Asked about the government's observations on the bill, Al-Barrak revealed the proposals include setting a deadline for the construction of special housing units for the handicapped in various governorates. He said the panel suggested completion of the project within five years but the government requested for more time to study this proposal.

Other recommendations include the establishment of a handicapped authority, which will be under the Handicapped Affairs Committee, but the government wants it under the supervision of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Al-Barrak affirmed the committee has approved provisions of the bill, especially those concerning the handicapped people and their parents or guardians. He stressed the need for an agreement between the two authorities to ensure approval of the bill.
On the beneficiaries of the bill, Al-Barrak confirmed many ideas have been presented in this regard but the government has suggested finalizing this issue under the handicapped authority. The committee, on the other hand, called for focusing on the humanitarian aspect of the bill to include the Kuwaiti handicapped and the children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis and Bedouns with physical disabilities, while the other categories will be under the authority.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim
Arab Times Staff

Panel OKs ?privileges' for children of Kuwaiti women

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 24: The Women Affairs Committee at the Parliament discussed Tuesday several draft bills on granting civil and social rights to women, including the proposed amendments to the social security law. Committee Rapporteur Dr Maasouma Al-Mubarak affirmed the proposed amendments are in the interest of Kuwaiti women, especially the provisions on housing care. She also unveiled the committee's plan to discuss the amendments with officials of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW). She said the panel will invite the housing affairs minister and officials from the Public Authority for Social Security (PASS) to a meeting after the Eid Al-Adha holidays to deliberate on the proposals as some amendments can be settled internally or within the ministerial level, while others require certain changes in the related laws.

Al-Mubarak explained the panel will discuss the housing care law in its next meeting to finalize issues related to the civil and social rights of Kuwaiti women. She confirmed the panel's plan to take into consideration the proposals presented during the previous legislative term but it needs more time to lay down a new strategy for protecting the rights of women because the new committee started working only four months ago. The committee has also approved a proposal to treat children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis as citizens of this country and grant them privileges like free education and health care. Al-Mubarak said the Parliament has decided to discuss the draft bill in March 2010, so there is enough time for the committee to polish it and ensure that it does not discriminate against women.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim
Arab Times Staff

Labor law edit bans firings on faith, gender, ethnicity

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 11: The parliamentary Labor and Health Affairs Committee approved Wednesday a number of proposed amendments to the private sector labor law. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, panel member MP Dr Salwa Al-Jassar disclosed the "amendments include granting working mothers a two-hour break to nurse their children and defining jobs deemed dangerous for women by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor." Al-Jassar mentioned other amendments, such as obliging employers to establish a nursery for children aged four years and below if there are 200 or more female workers in the institution. She said the committee also approved proposals not to allow the suspension of any employee because of their ethnicity, religion or gender and workers should not work more than eight hours a day. The committee will meet again on Thursday to further discuss the issue.

In another development, the Negative Phenomena Committee discussed ways to eliminate negative activities in cafés like smoking ?shisha' (water pipe). Committee Chairman Mohammad Hayef Al-Mutairi said smoking ?shisha' is prevalent in most Kuwaiti cafés, indicating this is common in the Middle East despite the fact that it is more dangerous than cigarettes. He warned smoking ?shisha' once is tantamount to smoking 20 cigarettes, so it poses a graver threat to people's health. "According to global reports, smoking cigarettes kill around five million people a year compared to about 250,000 people who die in car accidents. Since ?shisha' is 20 times more harmful than cigarettes, this habit claims more lives per year," Al-Mutairi added. Urging the Cabinet to stop cafés from offering ?shisha' to costumers especially since it also contributes to spreading diseases, Al-Mutairi argued the Cabinet is worried about Kuwaitis performing hajj this year due to fear of further spreading swine flu among the populace, but it has failed to take the necessary measures to stop the use of ?shisha' as it can easily transmit the disease from one person to another.

Meanwhile, Kuwaiti lawmakers reiterated threats to interrogate several ministers in the beleaguered Cabinet as the country celebrated the 47th anniversary of the issuance of its Constitution Tuesday. Popular Labor Bloc, whose members have also threatened to quiz Minister of Interior Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid for allegedly misleading the public, held a symposium to mark the occasion. During the symposium, veteran lawmaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun said the Kuwaiti Constitution has been the target of several attempts to "empty its contents" and deem it useless, but these attempts have failed due to the nation's strong belief in parliamentary practices. Outspoken opposition lawmaker Musallam Al-Barrak, on the other hand, accused the pro-government lawmakers of "instigating trouble. They claim we are the trouble-makers but they are actually the ones who contribute to major mishaps as they have abandoned their constitutional duties and blindly defended the Cabinet regardless of its mistakes and corrupt activities."

Al-Barrak contended he has right to "honestly defend the public funds and welfare of the Kuwaiti nation". He urged the Kuwaitis to support those who work in the interest of the nation and its people even if they are a minority in the Parliament. "We are proud to be trouble-makers if that means standing against corruption and defending people's welfare," Al-Barrak said, adding the government is incapable of achieving the development it has been claiming.

Meanwhile, another bloc member, MP Khaled Al-Tahous, reaffirmed his plan to interrogate HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohamed if the Cabinet does nothing to curb the rising pollution levels in Umm Al-Haiman. "We had previously given the government a grace period of 60 days which ends on Dec 21. If nothing is done until this day, we will grill Sheikh Nasser", he stressed. In another development, the Development and Reform Bloc has agreed to support the plan of one of its members, MP Dr Faisal Al-Muslim, to present a grilling request against HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Thursday or Sunday. In a press statement Wednesday, the bloc said several MPs have expressed their willingness to support its plan to prevent any attempt to refer the request to the Constitutional Court. Al-Muslim intends to include the alleged payment of bribes to some MPs, expenditures at the Prime Minister's Diwan, and government's suspension of the development process in his grilling request, the statement added.

By Dahlia Kholaif
Arab Times Staff

Western teachers spotlight challenges in Kuwait schools

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: As a teacher you need both qualifications and soft skills such as an amiable disposition, good personality and courtesy among others to be successful in your profession, says Michelle Natasha, art teacher at Fahaheel English School. She was talking on the topic "Challenges faced by western teachers working in Kuwait" at Advocates for Western-Arab Relations and Exchange (AWARE) Center Tuesday. Michelle said that one of the challenges Western teachers faced in classrooms in Kuwait was that some children have English as their third language, while some have it as their first language. "In my school, there is a good mix of students."

Michelle also tackled some emotional problems that teachers face by having to play roles of a mother or wife on top of being a teacher. "Then what about your needs and wants."
Teachers will need time to get adjusted to a new atmosphere and be focused on what they are here for. Michelle narrated her own experiences about how people back in her home country perceive her "as a teacher working in a tax-free country. They think we are very rich because we work in the Middle East."
Further she noted that when she goes to her home country, she finds there is a gap between her and her friends. "I feel like a fish out of water, your friends have moved and so have you. There is nothing to talk between us."
She underlined the importance of getting on with life instead of getting bogged down with the problems. "School is hard, but get up and move on. You are important to yourself."

"Get to know the people in school, the electrician, the cleaner and so on." She said these associations are important to get your way through at school. "Get to school early and it will be useful."
Later on moving on to questions and answers, Michelle agreed with a questioner that parents here have to tendency to demand high grades for their children irrespective of the fact whether the children deserve them or not.
The questioner, a teacher himself, noted that he was shocked to find maids turning up for parents-teachers meeting and arguing over grades of children. He said that it came as a big surprise to him that parents are not interested in knowing about their children's progress.
About the treatment of teachers at schools, Michelle shared her experience in Qatar, where she was received by the headmaster at the airport and dropped in her apartment, which was fully furnished and fridge stocked with food. "They gave me money to see me through the first couple of weeks. The apartment also had a telephone with which I could call my parents back home."

Booster
She was stressing on the importance of making teachers feel at home as a morale booster. A teacher, who was part of the discussion, observed that teachers move from one school to another not just on account of pay. "There are psychological needs such as freedom, attitude and so on and it should be met by significant people in the management."
Adding to the point, Michelle said that there are a lot of frustrations that can accumulate in Kuwait. She even named factors such as the lack of greenery in comparison to countries one originally comes from. "But you should just brush dust off your shoulders and go on."
One of the participants in the discussion said that one way to get around frustration is by focusing on what you have come for. In some cases it is making money, for some it is to make a change. He observed that when students after growing up "come to you and tell you about how your words changed their lives, you feel like your life's mission is fulfilled.

Michelle added: "One parent once came to me and said that her son, my student, loves me a lot. "You can make him do anything you want," the parent said." She said it made her very happy. "It's important to meet parents face to face."
Another lady, who handles children from lower grades, spoke about the difficulty of remembering names of children as there are many "Mohammeds and Ahmeds" in every class. Some teachers agreed to having similar problems and said that they keep a class photo with them while talking to parents so they can identify their children. "We know the children by their faces, but not by their names."
Michelle shared an interesting experience of teaching a pair of identical twins, each in a different classroom, and not realizing they were two separate individuals until she found them sitting together one day during non-study hours. Michelle was trying to explain how teachers have difficulty in identifying students because of unfamiliar names and other reasons.
A teacher from Uganda with long years of teaching experience in Kuwait said that while he was teaching Arabic in a public school, a group of parents took issue with the fact that a non-Arab was teaching their children Arabic. "This they feared would affect the children's accent."

Triumphant
He explained that a group of backtrackers in school were behind the move, and that he eventually came out triumphant when the ministry of education supervised his classes and acknowledged his teaching skills with a salary raise.
The same teacher also had the experience of taming a group of very unruly adolescents, following which difficult children from other the classes were transferred to his class. This overtaxed him, and without any commensurate increase in salary, he opted to quit the job.
The teachers then shared their experiences of culture shock in Kuwait. The high rate of homosexuality among students, said one teacher, was a big shock to him. However, a psychologist disagreed saying that homosexuality was not as rampant in Kuwait as in some of the other developed countries.

Speaking of pleasant culture shock, a teacher from the US, said that parents in Kuwait tended to treat her like an expert, seeking her advice in all matters related to their children. "I could tell them to get their children's eyes checked and so on, which in the US wouldn't have been taken very kindly by parents."
However, she also had a rather unpleasant shock, especially with her experience as a child-abuse reporter in her school in the US. "Child abuse is not illegal here." She remembered how a mother beat her child in an attempt to make him cooperate for an interview. It took place in the teacher's office and she asked the mother to leave."

By Valiya S. Sajjad
Arab Times Staff

Stage set for alternative energy conference

Published Date: November 03, 2009
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah patronizes the Alternative Energy Applications Conference which starts here today with the participation of more than 500 scientists, specialists, and experts. The three-day conference is organized by the Kuwait Engineers Society under the theme "Alternative Energy Applications ...Options or Necessity?" Society Chairman Talal Al Qihtani, stressed significance of the conference as launch pad for international conferences on energy.

He expressed belief that Kuwaiti engineers would make use of the conference and gain the necessary expertise in the energy field for the service of Kuwait in general. The conference is aimed at highlighting Kuwait's active role in support of science and scientists at the local and international level and to import expertise in the different fields of scientific applications, he said.

Representing 92 countries, the participants would examine 106 working papers and a number of energy experts would be hosted during the conference's sessions, said Qihtani. The conference calls for encouragement of latest developments and inventions in the alternative energy field and outlines the social, environmental, and political challenges, he noted.

It would also shed light on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, he said, stressing importance of the future of the solar and nuclear energy technology and its significance contribution in world economies. - KUNA  (Kuwait Times)

India's ?rich and diverse' cultural heritage in focus

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 2: The much-awaited ?Festival of India in Kuwait' which will be organized from Nov 8-14, 2009, under the auspices of the India-Kuwait Cultural Exchange Programme 2009-2011 has finally arrived. The festival which is being co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), State of Kuwait became a reality in April 2009 during the visit to Kuwait of the Vice-President of India, M. Hamid Ansari. Addressing the press at the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, the Ambassador of India to Kuwait Ajai Malhotra said, "The festival will provide glimpses of performing arts and visual arts from various parts of India and give a taste of India's rich and diverse cultural heritage never before seen in this part of the world. The Indian ambassador also stated, "Such a festival of India is being arranged for the very first time in Kuwait. About 130 artistes and artisans would be coming to Kuwait from different parts of India to participate in the festival. Many of them are the foremost exponents in the world of their particular art form. Moreover, several of the dance styles that would be on display have never before been seen in Kuwait."

Famous
"Several world famous Indian musicians and dancers would be participating in the festival, which will also include displays brought from India of contemporary art, folk art, textiles, photographs, calligraphy, dolls, as well as puppet shows, besides henna art application and the Kathakali greeters," he added. The festival, he revealed, will be held across multiple venues in Kuwait, such as the Kaifan Auditorium, the Grand Mosque, Al-Sadu House, Al-Fanoon Hall, Al-Adwani Hall, the Discovery Centre, and the Avenues Mall. He disclosed, the performing arts events include a flute recital by Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, santoor recitals by Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, flute recitals by Dr Rajendra Prasanna, tabla recitals by Rimpa Siva, Odissi dances by Ranjana Gauhar and her troupe, in addition to performances by exponents of a wide variety of other Indian classical and folk dance styles.

He also disclosed, seven self-contained dance troupes are coming to Kuwait and the dance styles on display will include, the Manipuri Raas and Phung Cholam from Manipur, Oppanna bridal dance from Kerala, festive warrior dances from Nagaland, Dandia Raas and Garba from Gujarat, Chhau from Bengal, Gidda and Bhangra from Punjab, as well as Odissi from Orissa. Visual arts on display will include an Exhibition of Arabic Calligraphy and an Exhibition of Indian Muslim Religious Posters and Calendar Art brought from the famous Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, an Exhibition of Indian Woven Textiles including Benaras and Kanjeevaram silk saris and traditional shawls from Kutch, an Exhibition of Traditional Indian Dolls, an Exhibition of Photographs of Mumbai through the Ages, and an Exhibition of Contemporary Indian Art. In addition, Traditional and Shadow Puppet shows would be held, besides demonstration of the weaving of Indian textiles, of Madhubani Folk Art, and of the Traditional Art of Henna Application. Kathakali greeters from Kerala would welcome visitors at many events.

Inaugural
He disclosed, "The inaugural function of the Festival would be held on the evening of Nov 8 at the Kaifan Auditorium, Kaifan, under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Oil and Minister of Information, State of Kuwait." Ambassador Malhotra also expressed his deep gratitude to Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Bader Sayed Abdulwahab Al-Rifai, Secretary-General NCCAL and his staff for "their full support and cooperation in the organization of the festival". The ambassador noted all exhibitions will be open to the public and have free entrance. Moreover, the folk dance troupes would also perform for the public at the Avenues Mall, where entrance is free. However, functions at the Kaifan Auditorium - the inaugural performance on Nov 8, its repeat on Nov 9, as well as the music and dance even ings on Nov 11 and 12 and a special event on Nov 14 - are by invitation. Malhotra added: "It is hoped that our Kuwaiti friends and others will enjoy the events that have been planned and that the festival would further enrich and boost the close partnership and the strong traditional bonds of friendship that so happily unite our two countries and peoples."

By Paul Francis X. Fernandes
Arab Times Staff

Confusion on closure of animal market, need seen to set minimum standards

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 2: Conflicting reports to the Arab Times caused confusion about the shut down of Al Rai animal market.  News reports said that the animals were kept as hostages within the stalls to "starve to death". Ayesha Al-Humaidhi, from Animal Friends League of Kuwait, assured that shopkeepers do have access to the shops and tend to their animals. "They do enter their shops and do conduct their business, but they can't run their business openly until they settle the rent dispute with the Municipality," she said. Al-Humaidhi explained that a number of her friends have gone to Al Rai area and had either purchased animals or animal related products. "It's logical that if proprietors can access their shops to serve customers, they can enter the same shops to feed their animals," she explained. She, however, pointed out that if animals kept in the stalls are lacking anything, it would be a proper flow of air.

"My friends told me that birds were the main sufferers, and that is only because of the way they are kept by the shopkeepers. "Up to 50 birds are put in one small cage which causes a relatively higher death rate amongst birds compared to other animals under normal conditions. Slower air flow had cast its toll on the poor birds," she added.
Al-Humaidhi affirmed that the conditions in which these animals are kept were "hellish to start with". "The shutting down of these stalls has made it worse. "However, there is a dire need to set minimal standards for shopkeepers to abide by when tending to their animals. "It's inevitable from the reckless way these shopkeepers tend to their animals that they would not even feed them if they had no market," she said.

Meanwhile Abu Sulaiman Al-Hadad, one of the shopkeepers, claimed that he, along with other proprietors, have not accessed their shops since these were shut down on Oct 15. "My animals have been imprisoned for more than two weeks and have all died from starvation," he complained. Asked if he had entered his shop at all during this period he said it's "impossible". "If any of us is caught entering a shop we'd be obliged to pay a fine of KD 500, along with other legal action," Al-Hadad said.

Al-Hadad said that shopkeepers have been selling some of their shop items which they managed to pick before the Municipality shut the shops. Asked about measures taken by him and or other proprietor to "rescue" their businesses and animals, Al-Hadad informed the Arab Times that a law suit has been filed to the Administrative Court. "No one knows how long it will take to be finalized. Our animals have long since choked to death," he said.

By Dahlia Kholaif
Arab Times Staff

Women laud Kuwait court ruling on passports

Published Date: October 21, 2009
By Rawan Khalid, Staff Writer

Speaking on the issue, Huda Mohammad, a Kuwaiti employer at a private firm said that it is obvious that recently there were women in our Parliament. This means that Kuwait is in a developing stage. "Kuwaiti female voters didn't vote for women to reach Parliament just to have fun, but to fight on their behalf for their freedom and to get their rights," she pointed out. She agreed on the fact that women should be able to obtain to passports without permission from their guardians.  (Kuwait Times)

Desalination projects

Published Date: October 21, 2009
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Water has announced that it plans to approve the tender to set up waters pipelines (1,200mm) that extend from the northern Shuaiba water desalination plant to the new Abdullah port water distribution network.

The announcement was made in a press statement, in which the Ministry has indicated that the tender, which is estimated at a value of KD 15.8 million, will be open for bidding to local contracting companies. the projects is aimed at enhancing and reinforcing water distribution networks to meet increasing demands, reported Al-Qabas.

On a separate note, preparations are being made at the ministry to host the second power convention which will be held under the patronage of HH the Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, during the period between the 15th and 17th November. (Kuwait Times)

Purchase of degrees common in Kuwait

Published Date: October 21, 2009
By Nisreen Zahreddine, Staff Writer

To control the phenomenon of purchased degrees, the government recently took steps to cut those numbers and encourage more students to study in Kuwaiti universities. These measures included depriving Kuwaiti students who studied abroad on their own rather than through government scholarships of the right to work in public sector positions.  (Kuwait Times)

Kuwait Diving Team gets World Environmental Achievement Award

Kuwait Diving Team was awarded Saturday the World Environmental Achievement Award of United Nations NAUI Organization (Diving Trainers International Association). The team received an official invitation to attend the award-giving ceremony in Orlando, Florida next November. In this regard, chief of marine operations in the team Walid Al-Shatti told KUNA that the award came to crown the team's efforts in saving marine environment and in recognition of its services. Al-Shatti gifted the award on behalf of the team to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who always supported the team's activities.

Many international teams of NAUI divers, whose numbers at that time are seven million divers were nominated and Kuwait Diving Team was selected as the first team in serving marine environment by means of voluntary and serious projects. This reward is a medal awarded to all team members for their exerted pioneering efforts in serving the marine environment. The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI Worldwide) has been teaching the world to dive safely since 1959. As the largest non-profit and most respected dive training and certifying organization in the world, NAUI offers a full range of training programs from Skin Diver through Instructor Course Director, with dozens of specialty courses. (KUNA) (Arab Times)

Expat population dips - First in 19 years

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 18, (AFP): The expatriate population of Kuwait dropped 0.6 percent in the first half of 2009, bringing to an end 19 years of sharp increases in the country, official figures revealed on Sunday.
The number of foreign residents dropped to 2.34 million from 2.355 million at the end of 2008, figures posted on the Public Authority for Civil Information showed.
Their number at the end of 2007 stood at 2.345 million.
As a result of the fall, Kuwait's population in the first half remained almost flat at 3.443 million.
The largest drop in population was recorded in 1990 when a majority of expatriates fled the country after Iraqi troops invaded under Saddam Hussein.
Foreigners, a majority of whom are Asians, still form 68 percent of Kuwait's population, the figures showed. At 1.102 million Kuwaiti citizens accounted for 32 percent.
The contraction in the expatriate population stands in sharp contrast with the big rises of recent years.
Between 2004 and 2008, when oil prices surged, the number of foreigners increased by 737,000, an average annual growth of 9.1 percent, or close to 150,000, mostly due to recruitment from outside and partly due to natural growth.
The number of expatriate workers fell 1.14 percent to 1.73 million in the first half of 2009, a slide of 20,000 workers, the figures showed.
Last year, the number of foreign workers dropped 0.85 percent to 1.75 million as Kuwaiti private companies cut their workforce due to the impact of the global financial crisis. (Arab Times)

Test results show red tide in sea not dangerous: EPA

KUWAIT, Oct 20, (KUNA): The Director General of Kuwait Public Authority for Environment Dr Salah Al-Medhi said on Tuesday that the amount of red tide detected in various areas in Kuwait Bay does not call for serious concern. Al-Medhi told KUNA that the type of red tide seen in the bay is not poisonous and is not dangerous to sea creatures, adding that the current condition of the bay is comforting and normal. "The Authority is adopting a policy of engagement and cooperation with various sectors in the country, including various government sectors and non-governmental organizations," Al-Medhi said.

Such policy is vital in terms of forming decisions necessary to preserve marine life and environment, in addition to taking into account the economic and social aspects of these decisions," the official added. For her part, Muna Hussain, a Kuwaiti expert on the red tide phenomena in Kuwait, said that test results which monitor the red tide showed only small amounts of it in the Kuwait Bay area. On a different note, the Director said that Kuwait was chosen by the organization that goes by the name of the Ministerial Council for the Protection of Marine Environment Life due to its leadership and expertise on the red tide phenomena, particularly after being hit by successive incidents of dying fish due to high amounts of the red tide in the sea in previous years. (arab times)

KISR devises new technology to generate power from air, water

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 20: Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR) has designed a novel technology to generate power using hot air and cold seawater, both of which are abundantly available in Kuwait, says Dr S. Neelamani, Senior Research Scientist in Coastal and Air Pollution Department at the institute.
The scientist was talking to the Arab Times Tuesday about the technology and a five-day course on the topic "Alternative Energy Using the Air-Sea Temperature Difference" conducted last week. The training course was given by noted Indian scientist Dr A. Mani from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
Before explaining the new technology, Dr Neelamani dwelled upon an existing power-generation technology, which has been developed by KISR to suit Kuwait's climatic and environmental conditions. He said, "The temperature difference available in nature is an attractive option for harnessing energy.

By Valiya S. Sajjad
Arab Times Staff

No guarantee for self-sponsorship
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 12:  The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor will not require expatriate workers, who wish to sponsor themselves, to deposit any amount in local banks as guarantee, reports Al-Shahid daily quoting Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Kandari.
In a press statement Saturday, Al-Kandari clarified the ministry has agreed to allow some expatriate workers in the private sector to sponsor themselves, provided they fulfill certain conditions but they are not required to present any financial guarantee.  He pointed out "most expatriate workers totally depend on their monthly salaries, "so how can we ask them to obtain bank warranties"
Al-Kandari revealed Article 19 visa in the private sector will be granted to owners of commercial companies as these companies have contracts and accounts in banks, foreign partners who own 49 percent of the companies, and those with rare fields of specialization who are not required to present contracts of establishing companies or bank statements.  He added there is some sort of insurance in the contract signed by a laborer and employer, yet it is not related to the residency itself.  "In case any of the parties break stipulations of the contract, the insurance companies will compensate the aggrieved party," he concluded.  (Arab Times)

Hike in meat prices tied to product scarcity

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 12: Several meat sellers in Shuwaikh have unanimously agreed that the current hike in meat prices is the result of the inadequate availability of the product in the Kuwaiti market, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
They argued that the high demand for meat during Ramadan is another reason for the scarcity of the product and led to the shop owners resorting to the direct import of meat to cover the deficit.
Jumah Al-Saleh, a meat seller, was of the opinion that inadequate quantities of available meat in the local market has resulted in the price hike. He lamented that merchants supplied only few rams to shop owners, thereby creating a clear scarcity of meat and rise in prices of the available ones.
He said the merchants would import about 20 ships of sheep into the country from Iran on a weekly basis during the previous years, but barely supplied a shipload of the consignment within a week this year. "This drastic fall in supply and increase in demand has led to the meat disaster this Ramadan", he said.
Another meat seller, Saber Mohammed agreed with his colleague while explaining that the principle of demand and supply has been affecting the meat market negatively this year. He added that the demands of consumers are high and often varied.
Mohammed went on to explain that some people ask for an entire sheep while many others buy pieces of meat. He said sellers are more interested in selling complete sheep rather than parts, as it costs over KD 50 to procure the sheep from the local market. "It is clear that we have to sell at prices that will earn us profits and we find it difficult to meet the demands of our customers", the man explained.
On his part, Ali Khalid, another meat seller troubled by the current meat crisis, pointed out that the sharp increase in the number of customers and the demand for meat during Ramadan led many merchants to import rams from Pakistan at around KD 28.
He affirmed the prices would not go down unless the government allows interested companies to import rams and sheep into the local market without hindrances. He contended that this method was the only way to balance the demand and supply. "Concerned companies have not been supplying enough rams and sheep into the market, and this is why we sometimes have to opt for the frozen meat that many customers do not prefer", Khaled opined. (Arab Times)

New regulations enforced for safety of wedding halls

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 11: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor plans to put in place new regulations to ensure the safety and security of wedding halls to avoid incidents such as the Jahra wedding tent blaze in which scores of people lost their lives and several others were injured, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily quoting reliable ministry sources. The sources announced to begin with the Ministry will launch an inspection campaign of all wedding halls in all areas of the country. The Ministry is expected to release a detailed report on every wedding hall in terms of the area of the hall, crowd handling capacity, number of entrances and exits in case of emergency, preventive and safety and security regulations.

The sources added a committee named ?Emergency Committee' comprising representatives from the Society Development Department, the Kuwait Municipality, the Kuwait Fire Services Directorate and the Ministry of Public Works is expected to begin work over the next few days.  The death toll as a result of a recent wedding tent fire in Kuwait has risen to 49, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior said Wednesday. The General Department of Criminal Evidence has revealed that two more injured victims of the deadly fire in the city of Jahra, west of Kuwait City, have passed away since the incident which occurred on Aug 15, according to Interior Ministry spokesperson Colonel Mohammed Al-Sabr. There were a total of 80 people injured in the fire, the victims of which were all women and children. (Arab Times)

Vaccination necessary before Hajj

Published Date: September 10, 2009
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education's (MoE) Deputy Assistant for Private Education has called on all Kuwait's private schools to commit to delaying their reopening until the same date agreed on by the country's public schools, especially in the case of kindergartens and schools for the disabled.

The move follows the announcement that five new swine flu cases were discovered during high school pupils' resits of the June exams which they failed previously. Those affected were four pupils and one teacher, and the Ministry of Health (MoH) was immediately informed of the matter, while the infected individuals were taken for treatment.

The ministers of health and education, Dr. Helal Al-Sayer and Dr. Moudhi Al-Humoud respectively, are to hold a joint press conference shortly, at which they will discuss the issue of delaying the start of the school year, as well as the health ministry's recent decision to raise state hospital nurses' allowances.

Dr. Al-Humoud said that the decision to delay the reopening of state schools was taken in order to give the schools time to make all the necessary preparations and to equip them fully against the threat of infection with the swine flu virus. MPs' reactions to the issue were mostly welcoming, although some called for extending the directive ordering the delay to private schools too and for extending the postponement period until after the vaccines arrive and have been administered to all teachers and pupils
.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's interior ministry has announced new criteria for those wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year, including the necessity for each would-be pilgrim to provide a medical certificate of vaccination against swine flu. The Saudi interior ministry also insisted that more stringent preventive programs should be adopted in the countries which pilgrims are traveling from, reported Al-Rai.

On the subject of the Mishref sewage plant, meanwhile, Roudhan Al-Roudhan, the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah had underlined the importance of the committee tasked with investigating the issue completing its mission within three weeks and submitting its report by October 1, stating that the report should include an explanation of the failings at the plant that led to the crisis, as well as naming those responsible. HH Sheikh N
asser Al-Mohammed has also emphasized the importance of punishing those found to be accountable and prosecuting them in accordance with Kuwaiti law. (Kuwait Times)

Pigeons attract families

Published Date: September 09, 2009
KUWAIT: Pigeon Square in Merqab in the center of Kuwait City has become a playground for children and their parents before Iftar. Children are taken there after some parents buy food for the pigeons from the small grocery shops located near the square.

Abdullah Al-Jassem, one of the square's regular visitors, said that he enjoyed visiting the square with his children to feed the pigeons during Ramadan afternoons.

He said that this beautiful place where hundreds of birds gather should be fixed to resemble European squares, such as London's Trafalgar Square. The fascinating scenery, however, comes with a price, he said, because it is costly to clean up streets from the dirt that pigeons leave behind. The pigeons are not new to Kuwait, and Kuwaitis have always taken to raising pigeons on their rooftops as a hobby, he said.

Pigeons gathering in Merqab Square have helped the business of some grocers located near there to thrive, said grocery owner Mohammad Arshad. He maintained that pigeons are used to being around people who constantly feed them at the square; however, he said that some children and youth attack pigeons and disturb their peace. Arshad said that in order to turn this area into a tourist-attraction zone, coffee shops and restaurants should be constructed along the square. - KUNA (Kuwait Times)

Drinking water clean, safe, vows minister

Published Date: September 08, 2009
KUWAIT: Dr. Bader Al-Shuraiaan, the Minister of Electricity and Water, insisted on Sunday that Kuwait's supply of desalinated drinking water is entirely free of pollutants and toxins.

In a statement issued to press after an inspection tour of the Shuhaiba electricity and water generating plant on Sunday evening, the minister said that Kuwait's "drinking water is pollutant-free," adding that tests to ensure the water's compliance with all the relevant specifications are carried out every 15 minutes.

The statement said that the minister had toured several departments of the plant in order to ensure that all the necessary safety measures are being implemented and that the water is rigorously tested to ensure that it is free from any pollutants or toxins. The minister drank some of the water produced by the plant in order to reassure the public of its safety.

Al-Shuraiaan also met with various staff at the plant and listened to detailed explanations of the plant's water desalination and testing processes. During his tour, the minister was accompanied by Dr. Saleh Al-Moudhi, the Director General of the Environment Public Authority (EPA) and Engineer Abdulkhaliq Murad the Ministry of Electricity and Water's (MEW) Undersecretary for Electricity and Water Plants' Operations and Maintenance. - KUNA

Ministry makes it easier to pay

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 7: The Ministry of Commu-nications announced the launch of an electronic service that provides information to users about the amount due for payment at the Ministry, reports Al-Jareeda daily. In a publicly issued statement, the Ministry said this facility will be accessible by dialing the Voice information Number (123). A user will have to personally visit the department in charge of this service to receive a password that will be required to access his data. The Ministry also lauded all subscribers who have been regular in their payments to the Ministry and called for all people to display the same level of responsibility. (Arab Times)

New service

Published Date: September 07, 2009
KUWAIT: Ministry of Communications announced yesterday the commencement of the query and print of the ministry's monthly telephone lists on its website in order to make it easier for clients to know the amount of phone bills they owe to the ministry. A ministry press release said the application of this new service comes as a support for the query audio service (123).

It invited all clients to visit their respective control center to receive the PIN number so that they can take advantage of this service. The ministry praised the cooperation of clients during the previous period, particularly those who initiated the payment of money owed by them to the Ministry, including annual subscriptions. --- KUNA

New lab to test swine flu cases

Published Date: September 07, 2009
KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr. Helal Al-Sayer said here yesterday that the Infectious Diseases Hospital's new laboratory would save time and effort in conducting tests on suspected swine flu cases.

After opening the new laboratory, Al-Sayer told reporters that it is equipped with the latest sophisticated medical equipment and will contribute to obtaining faster results with suspected swine flu infections. He also stressed the importance of intensifying the laboratories' work in the coming period.

He asserted that according to the contingency plan, critical cases and cases that are expected to be susceptible to complications from the swine flu are to be firstly admitted to hospital, while medicines are to be given to other cases, who will be treated at home.

The Ministry of Health is examining the H1N1 (swine flu) virus in the viruses laboratory and the School of Medicine's laboratory, in addition to using the Infectious Diseases Hospital's new lab. - KUNA

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Ministry taking preventive measures against swine flu

Published Date: August 27, 2009

KUWAIT: Jassem Al-Foudari, the Director Operations at the Ministry of Health's (MoH) Medical Emergencies Department has announced that the department is taking preventive measures against swine flu in line with the Ministry of Interior's (MoI) plan, based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Al-Foudari said that the department had held a number of workshops for medical emergency staff on the disease and how to deal with pandemic conditions before, during and after transportation of sufferers
.

The department has provided all ambulance centers with special protective clothing to prevent any contamination with the virus, while one ambulance in every health zone has been designated specifically for swine flu cases. Once individuals suffering from the disease have been transferred to hospital, technicians sterilize the vehicles inside and out, as well as the equipment used, as per the WHO's recommendations.

The Medical Emergencies Department has been working closely with border centers and Kuwait International Airport in case of any discovery of swine flu in people coming into the country, and has also been training teams in sterilization methods and how to deal with pandemic outbreaks.

Yacoub Al-Yacoub, the department's Public Relations and Coordination Director, later corrected the figure of ambulances designated for swine flu sufferers, saying that three were provided in each health zone, and adding that all ambulances are disinfected and sterilized after being used by any patient.
Al-Yacoub revealed that the total number of swine flu cases dealt with by the MoH between May 6, 2009 and Aug 25, 2009 is 147.

The senior PR official asked the public to cooperate with the ministry in order to confront this disease by going to the nearest health center as soon as they feel any flu-like symptoms, especially as mosques and shopping areas become more crowded during Ramadan (Kuwait Times)

Delay start of all schools to protect against swine flu: MPs

Published Date: August 27, 2009

KUWAIT: A decision that was recently made to delay the start of the new school year for the private sector has caused a number of MPs to call on the Cabinet to pass a decision that will delay the start of the new school year for all schools, both public and private. They maintained that this would be done as a precautionary measure to protect students and teachers against the swine flu virus.

During the meeting where the decision was made, Minister of Health Hilal Al-Sayer pointed out that there was a global shortage of the swine flu vaccine because many countries still did not receive the vaccines. He also upheld the importance of taking precautionary measures against the disease, calling on parents to send their children for testing prior to sending them to school. He also announced several measures that will be taken at schools as precautionary procedures.

Furthermore, sources from the Ministry of Education pointed out that the ministry was currently studying the possibility of revising school schedules in the case that a school delay gets put into place. The plan will be discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Education, Dr Moudhi Al-Homoud, and the Minister of Health, Dr Hilal Al-Sayer. The plan may include limiting weekends for students to only one day, Friday, instead of Friday and Saturday, to compensate for the days lost as a result of the d
elay.

Meanwhile, sources from the Development and Reform Parliamentary Bloc revealed that they were currently coordinating with other MPs and discussing the possibility of holding an emergency session to discuss the government's plans and capabilities in handling the swine flu threat after the third swine flu death was announced in Kuwait.

In addition, the sources pointed out that the bloc was still hoping for two issues pertaining to the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs to be solved by the Cabinet prior to the start of the upcoming parliamentary term.
Regarding these issues, the sources said that the bloc had asked the Ministry of Defense about their missions of treatment abroad as well as extended periods of retirement privileges for servicemen, stating that they will be waiting for their answers before they could go on with any direct questioning.

On the other hand, they also asked the Foreign Ministry regarding their purchase of real-estate in foreign countries at a cost of KD 70 million instead of renting them. They also asked about ministry contracts that filtered the phone calls of certain embassies, in addition to some administrative violations that the ministry committed.

In a separate issue, several MPs commented on the Cabinet's recent decision in regard to the laid-off citizens issue from private companies, describing it as "vague" and needing to be put for further study.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Parliament, Jassem Al-Khorafi, said that the broadcasting of comedy shows that address Cabinet and parliament members should not be banned as long as they commit to dialogue etiquette and avoid enticing sectarianism or breaking the law in any way. He issued his statements in response to the controversy that was created after a show that was aired on a local TV station impersonated Cabinet and parliament members in a satirical manner. He commented on the scene in which his characte
r was impersonated, describing the performance of the man who mimicked his character to be "good.

Furthermore, Al-Khorafi commended the Cabinet's decision regarding the laid-off
citizens issue, stating that it indicated the intention of the Cabinet to cooperate while more coordination and flexibility was needed in order for the decision to be promptly enforced.

On a separate note, Al-Khorafi assured that the fingerprint system will remain enforced for MPs' secretaries at parliament, Al-Rai reported. As for the swine flu issue, Al-Khorafi said that this issue should be discussed by the concerned directorates while pointing out that the health parliamentary committee could call them for a meeting to discuss the possibility of delaying the start of the school year. (Kuwait Times)

Wataniya welcomes Ramadan with a bundle of social programs

Published Date: August 27, 2009

98% of Muslim Arabs fast

Published Date: August 25, 2009

NBK to offer 100,000 Iftar meals during Ramadan