The tsunami disaster that hit our neighbouring Asian countries and coastal areas has surely had its own agenda.

One thing I was overwhelmed by was the feeling of concern that we shared. Saddened by what happened we strived to lend a helping hand, to share in the sorrow of the victims with renewed strength in faith and prayers. It tells us that we can still help one another in difficult times such as this.

The world has seen tremendous efforts and aid from all over. I gladly and wholeheartedly represent the caring community of Brunei in extending my support.

All my prayers go to the families in grief. Also I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to His Majesty for canceling all traditional celebrations and offering prayers for the victims instead.

Let us contribute to the Tsunami Disaster Fund. Our contributions can make a difference with our condolences and respect. Who knows one day, they may do the same for us. May Allah bless Negara Brunei Darussalam.

- Brunei Care

With Brunei's current average birth rate of 20/1000 population per year, for Brunei to have 500,000 people, we may have to wait until it is 2025 (http://www.indexmundi.com/brunei/).

If we consider birth/death rates, we may have to live through 100 years to see our population rise to one million.

DST will no doubt celebrate their 100year anniversary as the sole provider in Brunei!

When can they consider our country's population to become 'big'?

When do we start? In the year 2005, 2010, 2025, 2050 or 2100?

About the defence that their services are definitely good, I have gone to pay my bills a couple of times but I have never heard them even say 'Good morning/afternoon....'or offer at least a smile.

A few times when I sent SMSs to friends, and later asked why they hadn't responded, I find that my messages had not even reached them. Also under what grounds are you saying that their services are 'good' ?

Last but not least, how many easi users are there in Brunei? Lets say more or less twenty-five thousand (logical estimated number compared to the population not including Prima).

If 25,000 users buy $20 easi cards it would equal $500,000 just for two weeks.

If they buy one month's worth, it would sum-up to a "jaw-dropping" one million dollars!

- SeriaVision 2050

Since a new term has begun for schools in Brunei, I would like to highlight an issue that needs immediate action.

Last year, I have come across some secondary schools (both government & private) that do not use some books required by the Ministry of Education.

Some of the workbooks are empty and were never used. It was said the teachers had claimed it was unnecessary to use such books.

Does the MOE know about such happenings?

Isn't it important for students to have hands on experience (practical) and apply what they have learnt?

Isn't that what the workbooks are for? We parents have spent a lot of money to buy these books.

It is sad and frustrating to know that it was a waste of money.

I expect the relevant authorities to look into this matter as soon as possible.

- Concerned Parent

In response to the opinion of emeraldrops which was published in the Weekend issue January 1, 2005, we at Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam (PPNBD) would like to inform emeraldrops that PPNBD has set up a relief fund for the tsunami victims as stated in our press release in your Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata on December 29, 2004 .

Should emeraldrops, wish to donate clothing please send it to our relief fund centre located at the ground floor lobby of PPNBD Headquarters Building in Beribi. Cash may also be donated and a safe deposit box has been provided for this purpose at the Centre.

The Centre is opened daily (7 days a week) from 9.00am until 5.00pm.

Deputy Commissioner (Public Relation & Publicity)
Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam
4th Floor, Scout Headquarters Building
Scout Complex, Beribi

Like all residents in Brunei and the rest of Asia, I am deeply saddened by the disaster caused by the tsunami. This is the time for Bruneians of all races and religions to be united and to be generous in giving.

I have read an article that in Europe many mobile service providers are enabling their subscribers to donate their credit for the disaster fund. I am sure DST can set up this with the 8885555 number so that at least we too can ease the suffering of the people however little it might seem.

If every subscriber donated $10 and if there are roughly 100,000 subscribers we might come up with a million dollars.

- Star Flower

Perhaps large covered dumpsters could be used to hold trash while waiting to be picked up by garbage collector trucks.

This would also cut back on the rodent population being fed by garbage on and around the dump. The dumpster could be hidden from view by a wooden fence with a gate for access.

It could be used by more than one shop and the price of the large dumpster could be shared to lessen the cost.

The request could be made by the township elders to the shopping area and then passed to the shop owners via their lease to impose the responsibility upon those who do not regard waste management as essential to the community.

- NoRubbish

We have entered the new millennium and many companies have since increased their productivity as well as their standards.

With the fast changing environment and with small businesses based in our homeland, another way to attract foreign investors is to have a "Quality standard" that is created by the relevant authority; Brunei's Quality Class.

I believe the relevant authority was sent for some Quality Control training and so forth.

I think it is time to have this set of Quality Standard or call it Brunei's Quality Class, it will benefit the company in the followings: -

1) The overall operation could be functioned effectively with a set of rules and company-wide commitment.

2) Provide a sense of motivation for both the owner and staff

3) Increase Productivity/effectiveness & efficiency

4) Creative Innovation

5) Earn the quality class in Brunei

6) Foreign investors would be happy to invest in such company.

The Brunei Quality Class is only given to those who are eligible and could not be bought, otherwise it will not serve its purpose when it is so easy to obtain.

It is just like another ISO but within the Brunei Business Community, we compete with our own to promote the best in us.

- Little Toad, BSB

I'm really worried about the current situation at the Jerudong Theme Park.

It has been years since the fall of Amedeo and now JP has retained nothing of its wonderland feel.

It has been years since I went back to JP and when I went back to the playground, it was not the wonderland which we used to love and know.

Now the park is deserted with most of the rides "not functioning". I hope the Borneo Bulletin can help write a report about this. As a Bruneian, I am really sad to see the park as it is.

What would the tourists say when they see the park for themselves.

For example: Most tourists who come to Brunei would be told about JP and given the view that JP is one the best parks in Southeast Asia.

What would they think when they see the truth for themselves? Will they want to come to Brunei again?

That is the question that we should ask ourselves.

I really hope that the authorities would spend their time and money to help renovate JP with new and much better rides and mostly more roller coasters, since JP is part of Brunei Promotions for Tourism.

- Vision Brunei, BSB

With regards to an opinion posted recently in defence of e-speed2, the writer must be a very lucky person to get the kind of treatment you claim to have got from e-speed 2.

What about subscribers like me?

I have been complaining for the past one month and no one has even tried to resolve my problem.

And the speed really sucks!

Sometimes I cannot surf at all.

JTB claims to be doing some upgrading which is yet to be proven to us customers.

Also my other friends who are on e-speed2 have encountered the same problem and are tired of complaining.

We certainly do not wish to pay for this kind of services.

I am seriously considering switching to e-speed 1, which I have heard, gives better response and services.

JTB claims both e-speed1 & e-speed 2 are the same but it does not seem to be in this case.

I have tried e-speed1 and it is fantastic.

Please JTB try to get your act together and provide a better service for your valued customers because these problems seem never-ending.

- Depressed Bruneian, BSB

I would like the government to introduce through the municipal department especially a parking department, licencing,etc in the Tutong district.

These will bring great job opportunities and will create more opportunities to the locals.

- Unemployed, Tutong