Dear Editor,
I refer to the letter from Mr Joe Persaud titled, ‘Why only Dutch engineers?’ (SN, July 23). The following comments are shared. I seek to reassure Mr Persaud that no disparagement whatever was intended to persons like himself; or for that matter Messrs Sohan, Ceres, Malcolm Alli and others of similar ilk.
Further, there is no reason to take issue with any of the three points/positions specifically identified in the letter from Mr Persaud.
Nonetheless, it is my belief that the Dutch might just be the very best at resolving the crisis faced here. Mr Persaud did use the word “prejudicial” in his writing, and I must confess to such. My thinking is that the Dutch, through their history of centuries battling floodwaters from below sea level, have acquired invaluable and incomparable expertise in this regard through hands-on experience, failure, and success. Since approximately one third of their land is constantly threatened, and they coexist with that accompanying fear and reality, they have become quite adept and innovative at protecting their habitat. They simply had to, as a matter of survival. To repeat: it is survival and not business.
It is why I lean heavily (and still do) in favour of the Dutch, all other comers notwithstanding.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall