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twinkly
United Kingdom
190 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Feb 2006 : 12:07:49
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Gambiabev, I will open up a new topic for that, good question.
Please help to answer questions like these honestly, it's the only way we can educate and learn from each other.
And I have to say racists talk very different;-) |
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Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2006 : 13:15:17
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Gambiabev, you say you are a humanist.
Maybe that is only on the surface and youīd like to Think you are one. But from your postings it sounds more like you are a true bureaucrat, a red-tapist!
For real.
The way I see it bureaucracy and humanism donīt go together. |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2006 : 13:38:34
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| Once again accusations........ |
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Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2006 : 13:47:05
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| Sorry, just my point of view of someone who seem to enjoy causing a commotion every day here on the bantaba. If you donīt like it kid, take it personal. |
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toast99
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2006 : 14:00:40
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| yes....gambiabev seems to think that this post is for her benefit...it is not, it is for a Gambian woman....I have seen no posts from her that suggest anything helpful, just one illogical bleat after another...I hope that she finds another post to pollute and leaves this one to people GENUINELY concerned |
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admin
130 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2006 : 18:48:35
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By Formby Posted - 19 Feb 2006 : 18:24:11
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I certainly did not say, or mean to imply, that the FGM issue be ignored, merely that the disability she has RIGHT NOW should be the mainstay of the case. Yes, FGM is an appalling practise on many many levels (not only does it physically and mentally abuse the individual, it does the same to society) and yes, quite rightly it is seen internationally as a form of torture, but if any of you wants to have a look at the Home Office's track record of sending people back to torture situations, you won't find it heartening. I don't like it any more than the next person, but it's sad fact. The Home Office is a harsh place and the British Government's obsessed with appeasing the right wing press here, all of which make asylum a big negative issue.
I hope you read this in the vein it's intended and not assume it's latent racism. Knowing how the system works and agreeing with it are two different things. I offer my view with the intention of maximising the woman's chance of staying. And based on 15 years working in 'the system'. |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2006 : 18:51:07
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Formby I understand where you are coming from, I too have assisted people to get their stays in the UK and I think that both issues of My Gambian sister's Disability and FGM should be mentioned in the appeal because they are both interelated as she has a genuine fear of being forced to undergo the procedure against her will because she is disabled. At this stage omission of FGM could be deterimental in securing her stay. It is better for her to use all the cards she has. Especially when you consider that genuine disabled people in Britain don't always qualify for Disability Living Allowance and fraudulent claims cream off the system by faking disability. Therefore the disability card alone in this case is not enough taking into consideration she's overstayed for 5 and half years. There have been amnesties given to overstayers from 7 and 11 years up until 3-5 years ago.
Anyway I'm sure Toast99 will inform us about the outcome of case in due course.
Peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 20 Feb 2006 : 14:05:18
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toast99, it is scandalous that this judge will probably send your friend back to Gambia.
Do you think sending a fax to the judge would be a good idea? I 'd like to do that, and I hope any good willed Bantaba member would do the same. Many judges fear the public and prefer to make their decisions behind closed doors. Sometimes they have good reasons for that, as certain prejudging press campaigns show, but your friend's case surely needs publicity.
The problem is that your friend's name should not be revealed. But maybe it is enough to describe the case if you give the judges name and fax nr.? Oh, and Wednesday is the 22nd. Was it the 23rd or the 22nd? |
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Formby
United Kingdom
246 Posts |
Posted - 20 Feb 2006 : 22:48:33
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Ok I'm going to be blunt here. Please don't hate me, but the Home Office and Immigration judges hear all the time of cases where people will face appalling lifestyles back home and they just don't care. They've heard everything there is to hear. Unless you get a very sympathetic one (which you can't guarantee) please get as much medical backup as possible for the very severe case of RA you described, Toast. I'm sorry if I sound unnecessarily alarmist, or negative in any way. Oh yes and letters/faxes to the judge will help because as serenata says, these decisions CAN be swayed by public opinion.
By the way, if they do decide on deportation, get the lawyer to launch an appeal at once (I'm sure you know that).
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toast99
United Kingdom
34 Posts |
Posted - 21 Feb 2006 : 08:29:16
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serenata....my mistake, Wed 22nd
formby....you are not being alarmist but realistic....she has a lot of medical evidence from both her GP and from social services who want to help her (apologies to taxpayers like gambiabev but to my mind compassion to another human is more important than your bloody tax coding) but it really seems to hang on FGM....and those here who have stated that it is NOT an issue are WRONG...she overstayed because her uncle misled her and this was only discovered when she was offered the help that she needs, help that she never asked for...(an occupational therapist that I know through my work told me yesterday that she cannot imagine how she has managed without help for so long)...and the fear of her return to The Gambia is tangible...somebody, gambiabev I think, stated that the warmth would help her, and that we could provide her the medicine she needs....I spoke to my GP yesterday while talking about an unrelated matter and he assured me that obtaining the prescription drugs that somebody with her condition needed on her behalf was both impossible, unethical without her being under consultation, and illegal...his words...it is all well and done spouting platitudes in the manner of help, but that advice needs quantifying, not taken from the Daily Mail!
tomorrow my friend will know what the outcome is, but she knows that the majority here have been concerned and sent best wishes, along with many more worldwide via my blogging....if the situation is negative, at least she will know that some people do care
and for that I thank you |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 21 Feb 2006 : 09:52:45
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The NHS was set up on the basis of national insurance. That is you pay in to draw out at times of need. Before that many working class people in Uk were unable to afford a dr.If increasing numbers of people are expecting to draw on the system without having contributed eventually that system will collapse...indeed it is already struggling to cope in many inner city areas.
This is NOT a colour or race issue, it is a NUMBERS issue.I am a practical and realistic person................in your eyes that makes me racist........?
I only offered the idea of medication from uk as a possible solution. Obviously if the doctor isnt prepared to do the private prescription it is a non starter. It was just an idea......I try to be positive and offer solutions......
If it is not possible for her to get the medical care she needs in Gambia then of course of compassionate grounds she should stay here.
I hope she gets a fair hearing and that ALL the things SHE wants to discuss can be discussed. At least then she will feel that she has been heard.
FGM is a massive long term issue for the Gambia to tackle. I still think the British government will be reluctant to get involved on this basis. LONG TERM women need more education and the government and religious leaders need to speak out about it. Changing culture and the minds of people is not easy and will take a long time. I think midwives can have a big role in this talking to women about their babies and NOT letting it happen to them.......
If you think I am not concerned about FGM you couldnt be further from the truth. I am a feminist and a memember of an organistaion that campaigns on womens issues.(S.I.)
I am a member of the labout party and a humanist...so rest assured I dont agree with the Daily Mail!
I will be thinking about the women involved tomorrow and hope the trial goes well for her. |
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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 21 Feb 2006 : 14:52:22
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| 'gambia'bev, it seems to be unbearable for you, but our main interest here is the Gambian woman, not you. |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 21 Feb 2006 : 15:21:28
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| OF COURSE! But when criticised on such a personal level I think I have the right of reply. |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 21 Feb 2006 : 18:26:43
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Gambiabev if you followed Gambian affairs more closely then all those things you've suggested are happening however public opinion especially amongst traditionalist take longer to change, and My Gambian sister just doesn't have that time to wait for the message to filter through to her village.
Peace Sister Omega. |
Peace
Sister Omega |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 21 Feb 2006 : 18:58:03
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I wish I had a magic wand to wave and make FGM just go away!!!
Patience is a virtue I was told as a child......well Gambian women have had to be very very patient...they must be saints. The rate of change frustrates me on their behalf. |
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