Sign language welcomed at daily briefing

I AM deeply grateful to Jacinda Ardern for including interpreters for the Deaf Community, as she updates our country on the seriousness of Covid19. How distressed I was to read (ODT, 4.4.20), that some people had shared on line parody videos imitating the interpreters. How anyone could be so disrespectful at a time like this is utterly disgusting.

I also read some television viewers found the interpreters ‘‘distracting’’ and ‘‘unnecessary’’.

Time to get a life, eh?

Having worked with deaf people for many years, I know the struggle they endured to have New Zealand Sign Language accepted as an official language.

When that day came, it was one of rejoicing.

I thank our Prime Minister for the support and gratitude she has shown to the interpreters who have been alongside her during these difficult times.

Maureen O'Hanlon Dominican Sister

St Kilda

COMMUNITIES around the world have recognised and applauded the invaluable contribution being made by the scientific and medical workforces in our attempts to deal with the Covid19 pandemic.

The willingness and success of various countries to support the work and opinions of these professionals will have significant positive effects on how each country will be able to deal with this and future crises.

May we all work together to support the efforts of our scientists and health professionals. They need to maintain their rightful prominent place in the team responsible for planning and funding our countries current and future health status. This includes allocating our Otago Medical School a prominent voice in the planning of Dunedin’s new hospital.

Gil Barbezat Emeritus Professor of Medicine

Roslyn ..................................

BIBLE READING: Do to others what you would have them do to you. Matthew 7.12.