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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 02:37:17
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Monday, June 13, 2011
With almost five months to go before the next Presidential Election, the former colonial master Britain has said "expects free, fair and transparent elections" in The Gambia.
A senior British diplomat, Dean Barrett, acting Deputy British High Commissioner to The Gambia, who also doubles as Corporate Service Manager at the High Commission in Banjul, told The Point that Britain is looking forward to an open and fair presidential election, which is to be held in The Gambia on 24 November 2011.
The British diplomat was speaking to our reporter Friday at the handing over ceremony of a new printing press funded by the US embassy and British High Commission in Banjul.
The new press was handed over to the Gambia Press Union for use by all the print media houses in The Gambia.
According to Barret, Britain finds the presidential election to be very important, and that, by engaging in such projects, they hope to see free, open and democratic elections in the country, so that the Gambian people can get the results they want.
"This is part of Her Majesty's government's endeavour to promote openness through the media, especially in the democratic process, and this is a partnership with our American colleagues to help the media in The Gambia," he told this reporter.
"This is one of the major things we are very keen in, to promote the media in The Gambia and, in that respect, this is one of the measures," he said, adding that the High Commission is happy to promote free, open and democratic elections in the country.
Barret described the relationship between the Gambia and Britain as cordial, because of the historical and close ties, and for many reasons.
It is the priority of the coalition government in the UK to promote Commonwealth links between the UK and other countries, Barret continued.
"We aim to carry on the close collaboration with The Gambia in many aspects," he added.
Author: Sainey M.K. Marenah
Source:http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/britain-expects-free-and-fair-election-in-the-gambia
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 10:42:44
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Well he can 'expect it', but especially in the rural villages it won't happen.
The question is WHY?
1. Fear
2. Money for projects goes to villages that are pro president
3. Bribes and corruption
4.The belief that the President is 'King' ie chosen by God
5.Lack of education, so just following leaders rather than thinking for themselves
So the questions are:
1. How do we get rid of fear, bribes and corruption?
2. How do we educate people in villages to a high standard of intellectual thinking so they will make independent decisions
Just because of the surface people appear to go and vote without intimidation doesn't make it a free and fair election. There is still alot of work to be done. |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 12:05:25
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| Gambiabev,African politics "works" in a different way to western politics,Dean Barrett is a diplomat,what else could he say ? it has been discussed here on bantaba in cyberspace that maybe a western model of democracy would not work in Africa and are there any alternatives to our model ?.A satisfactory answer was never arrived at.Tribalism and nepotism is endemic in Gambia and the concept of the best man (or woman !) for the job is never considered as a choice. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 13:12:01
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I have an idea. Why don't they open more universities for Gambians to achieve high standard of intellectual ability? And for bribes and corruption, I have another idea. Why don't they pay 2000 to 5000 dollars for police and judges instead of paying 100 dollars to 300 dollars?
p.s. :) |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 13:32:31
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| turk,there you are, you have accepted my thoughts that its ALL about MONEY,seriously though this would go some way to solving the existing problems, but I think that to run in parallel with your idea anyone within the "scheme of good payment" who is found guilty by a panel of people (who they are and how they get to serve on the panel,I don't know) of corruption, accepting bribes for favours should face a mandatory prison sentence of 1 year,the panel should be empowered to only deal with these matters and nothing else and be independent.Such a person found guilty by the panel would be barred for life from the "scheme of good payment" There would be no appeal or "legal" representation at the hearings that should be totally open to the media.They would have the power to compel witnesses to attend,if they don't attend when told and give notice to the panel that they cannot attend on the due date Mile 2 should also apply. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 27 Jun 2011 14:31:15 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 14:30:14
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I agree Turk. More university places would be good. But how would you keep those people in Gambia once they are educated?
They would need better salaries.
In Egypt many of the people on the streets were very well educated.
Perhaps the President doesnt want his people to be educated?
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 15:08:38
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OK. Just clarification. I was being sarcastic. There is no money in Gambia to open universities. Higher education is more than building, you need academic people. There is no graduate studies in Gambia. There is no scientific research. They rely on foreign resources for academic staff and that is very expensive, and Gambia can't afford.
I would say in Gambia only 10 percent people have good education to be able to participate in political process. They are very good, however, the danger about them is that they want to take Gambia to an 'elitist' state which is form of a fascism.
Touby. Accepted your thoughts? Since day one, I have been preaching is that the lack of democratic process/good statehood is due to lack of GDP, money. What are you talking about? Seem like you are reading my posts but you don't really understand.
Gambiabev
You agree but considering gambia has only a few percentage of gdp per capita of UK, how do you expect more universities to open? And, yes, how can you pay higher salary when you have no money.
And stop blaming Jammeh. I mean this is getting ridiculous for scapegoating Jammeh for everything wrong in Gambia. Jammeh has no hidden agenda for its people. He may not have better skills or policies that is another story. Everyone's politic choices are debatable. Gambia is one of the 30 countries in the world. Their gdp per capita is 3 dollar per day. So here is my question how can a 'three dollar per day gdp per capita' will pay education, health, higher salaries. Get realistic.
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diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 27 Jun 2011 15:21:33 |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 15:37:13
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"democratic process/good statehood is due to lack of GDP, money. What are you talking about? Seem like you are reading my posts but you don't really understand."
I understand,if you move from the point that things can not be improved without money,then nothing can progress,Lack of MONEY is always the problem and improvements cannot take place without it I accept that you accept that, so what should happen ? AVAILABLE money should be spent in a different way,for instance less on parties and large cultural events, UNTIL the country can afford such luxuries,more spent on effective training,not necessarly on business enterprise courses or computer technology ,but block making, plumbing.electrical installation GOOD auto repair skills,painting,PRACTICAL things that the people can understand and make a good living from, if their work is GOOD then the word will spread if their work is NOT GOOD then they will not get any more work, PRIDE in your abilities instead of fiddling hoping people will come back day after day to you to fix your bad job,how about that for a course of progress. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 27 Jun 2011 15:41:31 |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 19:22:39
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"scapegoating Jammeh for everything wrong in Gambia." not correct at all YOU posted those words,YOU formulated ideas, I responded with an addition to your idea,this caused you a problem,what did you do ? turned the discussion on its head and stated that you were being sarcastic,not so ?
If Gambiabev wants to take issue with the response she received from you then she may post again,if not no problem, she is not obliged to post.I for one found your idea constructive.
GOD is the only one that is perfect,and not a single human being, consequently only GOD can do no wrong. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 20:05:48
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Bev is giving the opinion of a Clueless Visitor with no impression of the realities on the ground. What makes you think the Villagers are being forced to Vote for a ceratin Party or else, Thats a LIE, and until you understand the Way Gambians speak you're just gonna be like the fools running around in cyberspace, We all know what the President means when he states that areas that want and need development should vote for him if thats what they want.
These fools have a way of manipulating the truth to fit their agenda's and chastisise the President. When the Gay Tourist turned to prostituting young Gambian Men and the President got mad and stated he will behead gays caught in the act, we all see how his words were taken out of context. Tell me one time a gay was beheaded in Gambia anyone and don't tell me after his statements gays were arrested. Every bumpster you ask will acknowledges the fact that it is indeed true that Gambian young boys will take money to satisfy their Clients requests. When Thailand became a sex paradise the world made it possible for American citizens to be charged for sex crimes and extradited to their Countries for prosecution, The trend of pedophilia and Gay prostitution in the Gambia is a true testatment to the fact that the perverts have relocated and their chosen spots are African Villages and as usual the most vulnerable in society , Bumpsters and Villagers. Jammeh threaten to Behead them simply because everyone knows what they are doing to young Gambian men, he has the balls to put a stop to it and scare the perpetrators, so what the problem IS?.............................Peace |
I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 20:22:52
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touby. Sorry but your last post is very boring and I don't really want to respond.
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diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 21:36:45
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No problem turk you are not obliged to respond at all,all politics are boring anyway,
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jun 2011 : 22:59:05
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Free and fair elections is IMPOSSIBLE under Jammeh.
The reason (s) is/are...................numerous to list |
Karamba |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2011 : 11:08:49
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Turk, I missed your sarcasm!
In an ideal world it would be great if Gambia could fund more university places.
It would be great if it could keep it's educated middle class in the country, instead of them leaving for a better quality of life elsewhere. Individually I can understand why people would want to get a better quality of life in another country, but that is not good for the development of the country.
To develop the general education level a free primary education for ALL would be a good starting point. Personally I think if the President had the will to do this he could make it happen.
At secondary level it would be great if more girls stay on at school instead of dropping out to do chores at home. At Kwinella they have made great progress with this and the school is almost 50/50.
Educated people can make positive independent choices. They can contribute to their countries progress, economically and culturally.
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2011 : 11:18:08
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Moe, you seem to turn every discussion around to sex, bumsters and gay sex.
I think you are a bit obsessed!
I am not a 'clueless visitor'. When I visit Gambia I spend a lot of time talking to local people where ever I go and get an impression of what is happening.
I have already said I haven't visited Gambia for 3 years, so my information if not up to date and I do acknowledge that. But my impression from the reading I do online and emails I receive from Gambia, is that nothing much has changed on the freedom of speech and corruption issues.  |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jun 2011 : 11:28:14
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Gambiabev, the content of your post cannot be disputed by any right thinking person,personally I agree totally,BUT as bantaba in cyberspace has morphed into a political platform,both for opposition parties and for staunch supporters of the current administration there will doubtless be those who feel that they must comment with the opposite view,I also get the feeling that SOME members resent "outsiders interfering" in what they consider to be their own business and comments and ideas should ONLY come from Gambians,like all politicians they think they know best,and are scared stiff of losing power and control to "the people" they are supposed to represent.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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