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My fiancé completely opposes yearly cash payments and debt relief. I absolutely agree with him. This money would serve Kuwait more by investing it in Kuwait’s future. Kuwait offers its citizens a free education, free medical care which is just a part of their cradle to the grave care. Those that are in debt need to abide by the terms of their contract and pay off their loans that they agreed to. It’s not the government’s job to bail out irresponsible citizens that are in debt over their heads. Bail them out and the majority will only end up right back in debt. I hope for the sake of this country’s future generations that Kuwait will use this money responsibly for all.
Mr. Labeed Abdal wrote an interesting article today in the Kuwait Times that I would like to re-post. [Link: Invest to Serve All ]
The proposal to grant KD 5,000 to every Kuwaiti after a number of Kuwaiti MPs co-authored a bill calling upon the government to grant that amount to all citizens in addition to KD 300 per month to every unemployed Kuwaiti woman has run into a controversy with many people opposing it.
We certainly need a responsible and active Parliament that can exercise its legislative powers, which was its original role, and not comprise its efficacy in issuing new productive legislation and monitoring the performance of the government.
There are other vital issues facing the Kuwaiti society which are more important than pleasing the voters with such shenanigans and making them even more dependent on the state.
Truly, there are pending issues like the development plan’s stages that are worth of billions of dollars. Nationals and expats who are well wishers of Kuwait are waiting to see a more modern country, ready to compete with others and achieve things on the ground. Kuwait is blessed with patriotic Kuwaitis and well-meaning expats who deserve to experience such a transformation.
They do not want the shrill voices of some of the MPs who are merely looking for some short term benefits to score some brownie points and cater to vote bank politics.
I would love to see them becoming alarmed as wake up calls jolt them into seeing what is good for the people, like granting shares of public investment companies or selling shares in development projects to the people.
All efforts must be directed to serve the interest of the people, which means any funds that are planned to be spent must be spent to serve the interests of Kuwait as a whole, not some isolated groups of voters.
To read more on the proposed bailout:
Totally agree , it is not the government job to pay that & not all of us have loans ? I am coming from a middle class family , both my parents used to work in the education sector , but they keep telling us never ever think about taking a loan from the bank , you have to be responsible
ReplyDeleteYou and JJ are very wise and also totally adorable as a couple. xxx
DeleteA Kuwaiti collegue at work once said to me, "A Kuwaiti will go into debt to go on vacation". So, I am going to throw it out there that a huge part of every Kuwaitis debt is on foreign travel, hence, the economy goes abroad and this initiative is not in the best interest of the national economy. Even for this year's National Day/Liberation Day, and correct me if I am wrong, will be around a week long holiday. Why? Because the government understands that their national's need to travel and this appeasement policy will make the streets swoon with joy, because they are SO bored in their country and prefer to spend their time and money abroad. This is unpatriotic especially from a nation that was lost by brutal invaders not too long ago, so I guess they will hang the flag on the house and skip to Dubai! This is a dangerous mindset for any country's economy, but in a welfare-based society like Kuwait, the leaders are viewed as mentors of their society, sort of like 'father figures' and if the government behaves like this, then the people will also. Ask any Kuwaiti how he will spend the upcoming holiday and they will more than likely tell you that they are travelling overseas - The Address Hotel is booked and you can't overlook the perplexed looks on the Emiratis faces, who joyously celebrate their national day at home in their country, but you say, "But the government is so much better, they have built such a beautiful society for their people and they have glorious firework displays?" Well, it could be like that here also, if anyone wanted to bring this tiny oil-rich nation up-to-par with the UAE. After that said, should the Kuwaitis get this money, the answer is no, it will only be spent overseas.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting way to look at it. This year H and I are staying in Kuwait over the holiday.
DeleteI absolutely agree. While living in the UAE I witnessed what 'debt relief' really means -- 'buy a bunch of stuff, have the government pay it off, then buy even more stuff'. It doesn't teach responsibility and it encourages lack of discipline.
ReplyDeleteThose who complain Kuwait doesn't offer 'debt relief' or more financial support to its citizens are obviously those with a welfare mentality. I was raised being taught if you want more, work harder. Handouts were not an option.
Finally, as you said, the government should invest in the country as a whole, not irresponsible individuals who got in over their heads.
Agreed! A welfare mentality will sink a nation. If we look at Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE just ten years ago and then compare the progress they've made till 2013 it's very sad for those of us that love this country.
DeleteGulf nationals are spoiled by their governments.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with being spoiled a little if it doesn't hurt the country as a whole. They need to find a balance for the sake of future generations.
DeleteInstead of this widespread debt relief the locals would benefit more by the simple implementation of the development plan which would increase job opportunities, upgrade the economy, and increase national pride. The key projects would entail immediate construction of the new airport, overhaul of the national carrier, Kuwait Airways, and a metro system. But this would mean that the government would have to perform for the nation and it is much easier for them to dish out monetary debt relief then do their job. Are they incompetent or just lazy? Leadership is key to move this country forward and decisions that effect all nationals will involve more than a quick hand-out. Just think of all the jobs that would be created if the government would to formulate an environmental ministry - this tiny nation sure is overwhelmed with environmental issues that will haunt it in the future. Just think about all the career opportunities that could be developed for it's nationals? The thinking is wrong in this nation and quite frankly to solve the array of problems that Kuwait faces today is very simple, one wonders why simple directives can't be implemented on a broad scale by this government?
ReplyDeleteI work in safety and believe me it's an environmental 'hot mess'! The dust is blowing hazardous waste.
DeleteThe government should stop pampering its citizens with their debts, and by the same token, control the levels of loan interest issued by the local banks.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! It's time to put the good of Kuwait as a whole first.
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