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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 12:30:39
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Is it time to make Bumsterism illegal and replace it with official tourist guide companies? Who would employ male and female to escort visitors around for a regulated fee. If Bumster practices were made illegal. This would ultimately deter a lot of youth from pursuing bumsterism as a profession. Especially when their families have to bail them out of the police station.
As part of this Bumster Law illegal human trafficking could also come under it. By making a criminal offence to smuggle people on boats to the West. They should be given harsh penalities such as high fines or a 5 year jail sentence.
The government needs to use a carrot and stick approach by providing a climate of incentives for the Youth, and imposing certain boundaries that cannot be crossed for the sake of the social and economic infrastructure of Gambia.
These Bumsters will have to find alternatives rather than agressively hassling tourists. The government also has to provide a framework for a Youth Strategy maybe adopting National Service in the Gambia up to the age of 25. Whereby Youth can be trained in alot of different skills i'e construction, Public Works programmes, Recycling, farming, business start-up etc.
The Government needs to consult with all stakeholders including bumsters to create a programme to curtail the practice and provide greater opportunities for the youth to allow them to have a stake in Gambia.
I think time is now running out on Bumsters, if Ethical Tourism is going to succeed both hotels and Bumsters need to put under greater regulation. The GTA should start to look at other tourist destinations who have overcome similar challenges.
The government also needs to revamp the Gambian Tourist Product to find out why there has been a drop in tourist numbers to Gambia. By looking at all the Stakeholders involved and getting visitor's feedback.
Peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
Edited by - Sister Omega on 12 Oct 2006 12:49:26 |
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Kololiboy
Gambia
15 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 17:51:04
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Hi Sister
Under the law of the land. Bumsterism is already illegal, and has been for three years
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 18:08:50
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Sister Omega, i'm sure most of the people who work in the industry are quite aware of all you're say.
but i think i cannot agree with Kololiboy, i am not aware of any law through Parliament that has made ''Bumsterism'' illegal.i dont think its true!
how would you define the practice? illegally talking to a tourist?, loitering around hotels, being a young person at the beach or near it?
if there is a Law making recognising ''bumsterism'' let alone making it illegal it would really surprise me!!!!
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 18:47:59
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It is defined as any yong person at Kotu past the Petrol station without work ie a pass or permit for a hotel or stall.
So IF it is or becomes a law then Gambian people will be outlawed from walking on the beach. 
If these young men are prevented from earning a small living from tourists, how do you think they will make a living? There are very few jobs available, so I think it is inevitable that a percentage will turn to crime.
The theory is that if they are outlawed they will go back to their villages and be good boys, dutiful muslims obeying their fathers and sitting around all day in the compound with no work?!
Many of the bumsters are Rastas (not ALL, but many). They have chosen a way of life different from their families, for whatever reasons. Once they have experienced life at the coast it is difficult for them to settle back to village life.
There will always be migration towards tourist/employment areas from the poorer rural areas. This is part of the pattern of industrialisation. Housing and employment needs to be provided to suit the needs of these single men, either at the coast, or in the villages to encourage them to stay put in the first place.
Itis a very complex issue which needs careful planning and alot of thought. Just banning them could make the situation worse for the bumsters and more dangerous for tourists if they decide to turn to crime. |
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sankahjang
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 19:48:55
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I think there is a great sense in what any of you said. Bumsterism is of course a problem in the Gambia,that needs to be addressed. I think there should be a thorough look in to the matter as to its pros and cons.some might argue that bumster do more harm to the nation than good, but that depends on who you talking to. Like bev said, these people are gambian, and hence any law that will bar them from getting access to the beach site might be felt badly, and therefore some might try some other means that might as well be unacceptable.
it is obvious that a lot of the bumsters will stay away from the business should they have something else from which they can earn thier living. of course just because some people are earnig their living from bumsterism will not make it justifiable activity if it is causing a lot of trouble in some other area. But still a lot of thought has to be put into the issue as far as the future of the bumsters and the tourism industry is concern. |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 20:27:08
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quote:
Originally posted by gambiabev
It is defined as any yong person at Kotu past the Petrol station without work ie a pass or permit for a hotel or stall.
There will always be migration towards tourist/employment areas from the poorer rural areas. This is part of the pattern of industrialisation. Housing and employment needs to be provided to suit the needs of these single men, either at the coast, or in the villages to encourage them to stay put in the first place.
 if i may respectfully say the first part of your text is not true. what about Bakau, Cape Point, Banjul/Atlantic, Fajara, etc
the second part is not a problem just for gambia but for every developing country from Brazil to India or China.but i appreciate your concerns and i'm sure the authorities at GTA do as well.
the fact is when surveys are done most tourist complain about the 'Bumster' as the number one problem. and recently with influx of foreigners one could say it is getting out of hand its needs a response.
i grew up with many friends engaged in this activity, many of whom have ended in Europe, or started businesses locally like safaris or fishing trips initially financed by tourist they've met. i also know many who had their school fees paid for as well.others have found love. some european through locals have bought land and settled there to enjoy their pensions. it is a win-win thing for everyone. there are several millionaires today who got a head start this way.thats a FACT.i can list three major hotels owned by gambians who started this way.
Tourism did not start in yesterday, it is more than 40yrs in the gambia. and infact a UNIQUE FACT about gambian tourism is that a high percentage of tourist are REPEATERS. it was a common site to go to beach and see tourist playing football with local gambian boys(bumsters if you wish to call them that)!!
i think pushing for stupid laws will not help anyone. and thankfully there is no such law yet!!!
The Gambia does not have the great plains of East Africa, nor the fantastic wildlife but what we do have is the culture and the warmth of the people. this i think should be part of every visitor's experience.
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 20:27:43
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Njucks you are correct there is no law making Busterism illegal at present that is why Gambia is in the dilemma its in. I'm advocating that a law making Bumster Illegal must be well thought out to curtail the excess of Bumster practice, so that all people visiting the beach can do so in peace from harrassment, and also introduce a code of conduct for visitors making them aware of Bumster strategies so they can make informative choices about how they interact with Bumsters.
I think the youth need to widen their horizons more and develop the services into bonifide businesses,which will also restore their self-worth.
Gambiabev Rastafarism doesn't equal being a Bumster and if that's the Gambian definition of Rasta then the youth need to be more educated about Rastafari. If they looked at the teachings of His Majesty they wouldn't be following the devil's philosophy.
Peace Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 20:42:54
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Njucks what worked yesterday won't necessarily work today. Of course many people have benefitted by being Bumsters that's why it is a option for so many youth. However the agression which coincides with it is stopping Tourists from visiting Gambia even repeat visitors. So there is no room for complacency where this issue is concerned. I think the positive aspects of Bumster Services can be put into transparent business practices, and with these elements such as guiding tourists around, translation etc can be charged openly to tourist who will decide to buy into it or not. In other words taking out the begging element of it and encouraging them to proactively sell their service. Therefore taking exploitation element out of the equation. After all the majority of Bumsters don't aspire to be Bumsters they are just doing it to make quick money.
Peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 21:01:06
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The problem of bumpsters is directly dependent on the rate of job creation. No one wants to walk the beaches hoping to scrape a living through harassing or begging. It takes a distressed and hopeless person to swallow one's pride and beg.
All Bumpsters want to have descent jobs, be able to take responsibility. However, if society is too focused on free market where only those with the economic might, dictate what we can and cannot do, small fries like Bumpsters have to find way to provide for themselves. It indicates to policy planners that there is the need to fix the economy to create jobs.
Gambians are very proud people and i am sure desperation must have driven many to be walking on the beaches looking for handouts. However, along the way, those who have benefited from the free enterprise and want to enjoy the beach are also branded as Bumspters and stopped by tourist police. Like Bob Marley said, “..when the rain falls, it does not fall on one man's house..”. Like in Mandingo: KULU KANG SUMUNA.
When i walk the beach, i cannot help looking over my shoulder for the guilt of being branded a bumpster. NO WONDER THE HOTELS GRIND TO A HALT AFTER THE TOURIST SEASON BECAUSE POLICIES ARE NOT GEARED TOWARDS GAMBIANS ALSO ENJOYING THE FACILITIES.
Most Gambians who have dined in hotels were there mainly as a result of government or some company functions in which they were participants. Private individuals do go there but it is very much limited to such people in their private times. The demography is almost the same people either in official capacity or private indulgence. Hardly many come to the hotels outside this group. It largely explains why poverty workshops are always held at five star hotels in air-conditioned room far detached from the poor. Such an environment does not stimulate thinking towards the poor. However, having such workshops in Yoro Bawol, under the mango trees, and drinking warm WONJO (local juice) and having NYELENG (local dish for lunch), will at least make policy planners understand and appreciate what the poor go through. “He who feels it knows it all”
There is an unwritten principle that a Gambian around the hotels must be a waiter or room service employee only there to serve the tourist or another bumpster to be stopped. I never liked the all-inclusive package introduced where tourist eat sleep and drink only in their hotel tagged with bands like in a hospital. That was the worst we could ever think of. It leads to low job creation in the Gambia but creates jobs in the countries Tourist come from. For example, tourists from Holland come with their own food to the Gambia because most of Gambian dairy and poultry foods are from Holland and as such, by coming to Gambia, they are in fact creating more jobs in their country, increasing their country’s export whilst giving us a negative balance of trade. The all-inclusive package also confines tourist to the hotel and drove local businesses out of the TDA, because the hotels were licensing stalls within at exorbitant prices.
This need to reduce costs and have access to the locals by the tourist is what has led to a second tier of self-employed people called BUMSPETRS. It is a known and accepted fact even by Government that Gambia does not attract high spending tourist and therefore must find ways to make the most of what they came with. Gambia does not have the kind of landscape or wildlife you will find in the MASAI MARA or SERENGETI, OR KRUEGER PARKS. The East African Rift Valley is endowed with wildlife and as such hing spening tourist who can afford cost go there. I also understand that in every generalisation, ther must be exception but generalisation is based majority attributes. It’s a long policy failure that responded too late after damage has been done.
If we believe in free market principles of demand and supply, then suppliers only supply when there is a demand. There is a demand for BUMPSTER service and unfortunately, there are far more willing suppliers than the demand thanks to low job creation in the economy. Ordinarily, suppliers would cut production to reduce loses but there are economic variables and reasons why suppliers would still supply at low prices. Some of these is the hope that demand might go up, some still want to maintain their good will, whilst others might continue because they have no option. Bumpsters fall in the last category.
Economics teaches us that in such a situation, prices fall. The fall in prices here is manifested as a menace that has become the trademark of Bumpsters who compete among themselves by doing services for almost free and the fierce competition to "sell" their services means having to invade the private space of tourist. Its a cut throat competition and even in regulated and institutionalised businesses, this takes place in the form of mergers, buy-outs etc. Bumpster are also responding to the economic principles of free market thanks to low job creation as many would have left the beaches and settle down. The problem will never go away until we stop being importers to being exporters in value added industries that add value to exports and also create jobs.
Perhaps the controls on Bumpsters are working but it has led to another avenue to provide hope. The boat people to Spain has become lucrative. Through out human history, man has always wanted to take control of his destiny and comfort. If organize institutions like government do not provide the enabling environment for survival and hope, society provides for itself whether legally or illegally. Our instincts to survive will always kick in, and to live we must to continue and perpetuate the continued survival of the human specie.
The most successful people are not those who look for opportunities but those who create the opportunities. |
Edited by - kondorong on 12 Oct 2006 21:06:11 |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 21:29:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Sister Omega
However the agression which coincides with it is stopping Tourists from visiting Gambia even repeat visitors. So there is no room for complacency where this issue is concerned.
i think you have said it all. perhaps you will agree with me that this new theme '' AGRESSION'' has to be isolated and stopped before we end up with something that might make the headlines and spoil it for everyone. why was there no Agression in the 1970s people were still ''bumstering'' or ''bumsing''.
there needs to be good law and order.
apparently the government is making an effort to train the guides properly.
you are wrong to think people are bumsing to get quick money. rather the whole point is to develop a friendship that can lead to opportunities to leave the country. thats the primary goal. no one wants to be a bummster at 60!!
listen to ALL the stakeholders speak. from the BBC even though they got the time wrong!!(maybe they have developed a time machine)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5383210.stm |
Edited by - njucks on 12 Oct 2006 21:41:38 |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 21:53:04
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Some of the confusion within the Tourist Industry has come about due to confusion caused by the authorities implementation on a ban of all inclusive tours without sufficient regulations. I think the Tourist Industry is being choked by Tour operators and chartered airlines who flaunt these laws and use fear tactics to keep Tourists in hotels which accerelate agressive Bumster practices. This deprives legitimate traders who pay licience with a smalller slice of the Tourist cake.
Kondogrong I agree with a lot of what you have send especially about individuals who create their own opportunities. New export markets within manufacturing of Gambian products would help Gambia to balance its Balance of of Trade receipts. The carrot and stick approach in making Busterism illegal is suppose to stimulate diversification and growth to stop stagnantion within the Gambian Tourism industry. If there isn't any radical shift from the tourism model Gambia is presently pursuing the industry will go into major decline. Last year the trade faced a drastic decline compared to 2004. As we know tourism is a fickle industry, the Winter Sun destination faces increased competition from other resorts. For example locations such as the Caribbean have come down in price and cater for both rich and working class tourists.
I think that Gambian Tourist Authoritiy doesn't appreciate the power of there position in regulating Tour Operators and the Operators have taken full advantage of there position. Ironically Gambian experience has expanded its operations to Senegal and the Canary Islands of late in anticipation of further decline.
The government can put into place legislation to stimulate its Gross Domestic Products by getting hotels to buy at least 50% of food and flowers from locally grown producers. This can also fall under Environmental Laws curtailing Climate Change. they can do this by raising the levy on food imports to these establishments on perishable goods which can easily be supplied from Gambia. This in return increase revenue within the agriculture sector and stimulate crop diversification thus supporting secure livelihoods.
Other areas for growth is Self -catering accommodation the services of Official Guides can be targetted at individual travellers who are a vulnerable group. After all not all individuals travelling on their own to Gambia are looking for sex, and can easily feel targetted by unscruplous people. If Tourist Guides are regulated and are reasonably priced then tourist will use their services.
I think if the unofficial ambassadors of Gambia ( Bumsters) are made into legitimate stake holders within the industry paying taxes into the system the quality of the services they offer would improve. As we are aware that word of mouth can make or break businesses and tourism is a business. If the Gambian Tourism doesn't get a face- lift soon, it will soon become marginalised by other Winter Sun destinations who are agressively competiting for customers.
Peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 22:04:00
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Njuck I'm fully aware that the point of being a Bumster is to get to the west. But this tactic is outdated now. Westerners have caught up, immigration controls have tightened up, boasts leaving from Gambia are beibg intercepted. The whole Europe dream is just becoming that a dream. So solutions need to be implemented for reorientation to create employment in Gambia. The AU needs to harmonize economic migration and open up internal markets than just depending on Neo-colonialist trade routes. Africa needs to change its focus from looking for solution soley from outside of its continently borders but by finding solutions inside its borders. We seem to be the only owns not fully explioting our Continents physical resources for the benefit of our people.
Thanxs for sending in the above thread. It will be interested in reading some of the feedback of these comments, and to see whether or not it has any impact on this years tourist arrivals.
Peace
Sister Omega |
Edited by - Sister Omega on 12 Oct 2006 22:06:16 |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 22:46:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Sister Omega
Some of the confusion within the Tourist Industry has come about due to confusion caused by the authorities implementation on a ban of all inclusive tours without sufficient regulations. I think the Tourist Industry is being choked by Tour operators and chartered airlines who flaunt these laws and use fear tactics to keep Tourists in hotels which accerelate agressive Bumster practices. This deprives legitimate traders who pay licience with a smalller slice of the Tourist cake.
Kondogrong I agree with a lot of what you have send especially about individuals who create their own opportunities. New export markets within manufacturing of Gambian products would help Gambia to balance its Balance of of Trade receipts. The carrot and stick approach in making Busterism illegal is suppose to stimulate diversification and growth to stop stagnantion within the Gambian Tourism industry. If there isn't any radical shift from the tourism model Gambia is presently pursuing the industry will go into major decline. Last year the trade faced a drastic decline compared to 2004. As we know tourism is a fickle industry, the Winter Sun destination faces increased competition from other resorts. For example locations such as the Caribbean have come down in price and cater for both rich and working class tourists.
I think that Gambian Tourist Authoritiy doesn't appreciate the power of there position in regulating Tour Operators and the Operators have taken full advantage of there position. Ironically Gambian experience has expanded its operations to Senegal and the Canary Islands of late in anticipation of further decline.
The government can put into place legislation to stimulate its Gross Domestic Products by getting hotels to buy at least 50% of food and flowers from locally grown producers. This can also fall under Environmental Laws curtailing Climate Change. they can do this by raising the levy on food imports to these establishments on perishable goods which can easily be supplied from Gambia. This in return increase revenue within the agriculture sector and stimulate crop diversification thus supporting secure livelihoods.
Other areas for growth is Self -catering accommodation the services of Official Guides can be targetted at individual travellers who are a vulnerable group. After all not all individuals travelling on their own to Gambia are looking for sex, and can easily feel targetted by unscruplous people. If Tourist Guides are regulated and are reasonably priced then tourist will use their services.
I think if the unofficial ambassadors of Gambia ( Bumsters) are made into legitimate stake holders within the industry paying taxes into the system the quality of the services they offer would improve. As we are aware that word of mouth can make or break businesses and tourism is a business. If the Gambian Tourism doesn't get a face- lift soon, it will soon become marginalised by other Winter Sun destinations who are agressively competiting for customers.
Peace
Sister Omega
I support the idea of making bumpster stakeholders. Giving them license and paying taxes. Unfortunately, they are being treated as criminals who are not wanted when in actual fact, a number of tourist demand their services. Its big buiness trying to squeeze the ordinary man.
Benefits should trickle down to every one especially when most shareholders of hotels repatriate hard earned currency out of the country leading to scarce foreign exchange which affects prices of imports including food basket.
Infact, there are many studies out there that are questioning the real impacts of tourism on Gambians. It creates jobs in overseas markets and only low paying ones in country who are all seasonal employees, even chefs are imported and hotels should by now have gambian faces in the kitchens or close the hotel school. It leads to capital flight, poor balance of trade etc. Its becoming an interesting international debate and rightly so. The national airline should be developed to have a share in flying in tourists rather leave that to outside operators and only collect airport tax.
Our problem with policy planners is the lack of approaching issues as holistic rather than individual crises to be handled individually. No problem happens in a vacuum. There are always trigger points sometimes very remote. |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 22:53:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Sister Omega
......they can do this by raising the levy on food imports..
i dream of this day!!
you have raised many good points which only leave me to think you know the industry more than i do. you understand the game very well and how tour operators manipulate the market. i think Kondorong mentioned the all illegal inclusive package, which was almost imposed.
personally for me, my biggest regret has been to see the industry move from almost full gambian ownership to almost foreign ownership. today you can buy a ticket in the UK, get on a british flight, stay in a british hotel, go round the country in a british bus, eat in a british restaurant. everything all paid for before you even put a toe on Gambian soil.
one gambian has kept his hotel closed for more than 10yrs just out of contempt for the all inclusive package!
but of all your statements, it is the more general issue of imports (quoted above) that says it all. you wonder why people are giving up farming?
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2006 : 23:26:08
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I dream of a day when gambia can produce something Gambian. For now there is nothing Gambian. I have never seen a people who have written their own warrants and subject themselves at the will of others to carve their destiny.
Dont tell me about the air we breathe because we have nothing to do with that. |
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