The ‘valuable prize’ attraction
Dear Sir,
Let me start from the point where the other writers had left off in their letters on “questionable offers” published in this column over the last few days. I also had visited the so-called “club” premises referred to in the letters to receive my “prizes” after a telephone call made to me. My family was with me during the visit and I was warmly welcomed by the “club” officials on arrival at their office.
We were then escorted to a table in a well-lit hall. Calming music played in the background. A gentleman then started introducing us to their various projects, mostly holiday packages. Later I realised that while the presentation was going on, I was encouraged to provide a lot of details about our personal lives.
During the discussions, the official mentioned that the prize distribution ceremony would be held after some time. After about half an hour more, we left the hall, telling him that we would visit them the next day. By then I had understood the real purpose of their tactics: Being sweet-talked into buying one of their tour packages.
When someone from the company called me the next day, I asked him not to call me again.
Later I came to know from one of my friends who visited the “club” that he had won “valuable prizes” consisting of a water jug and four glasses, worth about QR10 or QR15. He had to sit through a four-hour-long presentation to get these “prizes”.

Muhammed Ashraf Madiyari
(e-mail address supplied)
 
A commendable job by food inspectors
Dear Sir,
I would like to congratulate Qatar’s food inspectors for the commendable job they are doing to safeguard the public health.
Qatar is very strict with the standard of food available in outlets and eateries. Shops and restaurants violating various rules are dealt with strictly. Qatar’s food inspection is a model for other countries.

Keep up the great work!
Sachin S N