-

ON A number of levels it is extremely disappointing to have witnessed and lived through the recent troubles experienced in Bahrain.

What has been done, sadly, cannot be undone. Bahrain needs to quickly come together, agree on what it has and its people must work together for the future.

The international arena cannot be ignored. For Bahrain to have a bright future it must recognise that it has to rely not only on its neighbours, but the wider world at large for its survival.

This comes from trade ...and trade relies on goodwill.

Bahrain, for centuries, has been a trading hub. In comparison to Libya and Egypt it has no natural resources to speak of. In recent times it has been positioning itself as a destination for business, industry and tourists alike.

It has been an open, friendly and welcoming destination for all.

But all of this relies on its image - not of itself, but in the eyes of others. Temporarily, that has been destroyed.

Bahrain needs to move quickly to rectify the situation. Clearly change is required. However, change needs to be gradual, transitional and consistent. Too much, too soon may not allow it to build on its well-established international platform, which is an essential element to its long-term well being.

All parties need to look towards the long-term welfare of the kingdom and set aside short-term gains that may benefit certain individuals but damage the nation as a whole.

Education of international affairs, relationships and the setting of common goals are fundamental. Without this, I fear for the future of my home.

Name and address supplied, by email.

I RECENTLY read the GulfWeekly article 'Wait and Watch Policy' regarding the business sector in Bahrain after last week's political and social unrest.

It is a shame that those most affected are the businesses that helped position Bahrain prominently on the global financial map. In fact, they have been hit more now than during the 2009 economic crisis in which they proved to be the least affected among GCC countries.

The article emphasised the instable and unclear future but, what is clear is that in order to boost employment rates there needs to be transparency in what is at the disposal of both Bahraini citizens and residents. This might be the underlying problem.

The reason for my email is to inform you about H3Sixty, a 'Business Incubating Centre' located right in the heart of downtown Manama. I would also like to explain what H3Sixty is, who it is for, what it encompasses and more importantly what it offers in terms of services provided to the community.

Located in the Bahrain Financial Harbour Tower, it is the best-suited location for inspiration to both new and established business-minded individuals. Views across the sea and downtown Manama are only the beginning of what it offers. Zeid Zu'bi, along with his interior design company, Kristal, has created a range of luxurious office plans and spaces to suit all desires and needs filled with the most modern and simplistic take on design and architecture.

Zeid Zu'bi, the founder of H3sixty, aims at providing the healthiest approach to business with state-of-the- art furnished offices and complimentary amenities that many wish for yet few take advantage of. As some offices are still empty, we hope to be able to provide them to local and international individuals and, more importantly, to spread awareness that luxurious offices exist in Bahrain too.

With all the political unrest threatening and preoccupying everyone, reading and seeing something encouraging can be just what people need. Not only that, but it provides hope that life will carry on and businesses are still on the rise.

Natalia Skaloud,

By email.

Editor's note: We're delighted to accept your invitation and will be featuring your centre in a coming edition. As Bahrain's leading community newspaper we will continue to push, promote and support the kingdom's entrepreneurs. Tell us YOUR positive stories - email editor@gulfweekly.com

WITH reference to the Business Weekly story headlined 'Pupils polish trading skills' in GulfWeekly's issue 7. Thank you so much publishing the article. You cannot imagine how much you have motivated the team. They are now busy researching for further 'safe' stocks, to add to their portfolio in the context of the current conflict.

Deepa Chandrasekhar, Bahrain.

I WOULD like to share with GulfWeekly readers' information regarding an excellent insurance scheme.

The New India Assurance Company Limited offers motor insurance at a competitive price - I saved more than BD17 when I chose to insure with them and also, to my delight, automatically contributed to an insurance scheme run for Indian labourers in Bahrain.

Five per cent of the premium is set aside by the company to the Indian Community Relief Fund, which, for a mere 500fils insures low paid workers against death. Upon death caused by any circumstance other than suicide or drug abuse, the family of the deceased receives BD1,000.

By insuring my car with New India I got an excellent deal and have also helped Indian families.

Kesavan Nambudiri,

Hoora.