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Kumi
Ghana
57 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 07:05:00
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My name is Kumi Festus, a citizen of Ghana. I lived in The Gambia for almost two years and during this period, I witnessed a lot things of which I want to bring to the attention of readers.
This is a serious issue which needs serious attention. During my stay in Gambia I didn't like the way Gambian citizens referred to citizens of other nationals living in that country. I am referring to the nationals of other African countries living in Gambia. The name they call these people is "****ing Foreigners".Before I went to The Gambia I understood a foreigner to be a person living in a country other than his own country. That was a special name to me.In Gambia, I understood the real meaning of the word to be a useless person who doesn't get food to eat in his own country and runs away to another country for food. That is how most Gambians see nationals of other African countries in Gambia.
The most amazing part of the story is that, these same people call nationals of developed countries " TUBABS". They see them as angels.
I wouldn't like to recount all the contributions of African foreigners to the Gambian economy including the contributions by the countries where these people come from.
My lamentation is that, these things are happening at the time some good people are not sleeping until they see the unification of Africa. If we can't accept ourselves, who will accept us in Europe and America? These white people we adore very much are the very people who are praying hard that Africa does not prosper.For,they know that they are doomed if Africa should prosper.
My greatest shock came when oneday my own student told me a shocking story and I want to quote her. " I WANT TO ATTEND A UNIVERSITY IN GHANA BUT I'M TOLD GHANA IS A BUSH, SO I WILL NOT GO TO GHANA". This was said by Fatou xxxxxx, living at ESTATE, a former student of Gola Fortunate School at Estate.
I know Ghana is not a bush, but these are the mentalities some Gambians are holding.She has never been to Ghana before. It means that somebody told her this story.
I strongly believe that it is not all Gambians who are holding this mentality that is why I am bringing it out to the fore so that the good among the lot will do something about it.
Thank you.
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The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
www.bookerzmedia.com |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 08:05:17
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I have heard many racist and tribalist comments in Gambia. But in general Gambians seem very accepting people. But of course, I am white and we all know that for whatever reason many Gambians seem to prize the white skin above their own. I am slowly beginning to fully realise the full extent of this.
I think Gambian men are sometimes envious of other nationals coming to Gambia and being a success. The key to this success is not a mystery IT IS HARD WORK!!!  Senegalese, Ghanains and Mauritanians seem to be prepared to wor much harder to get ahead. I know this is a stereotype, but this is just how it seems as an outsider. |
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patrick
Gambia
22 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 08:51:01
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Kumi, I will begin by saying that i really doubt your claim to be a Gambian. This is clearly displayed in the way you persive Gambians. If at all you know the Gambia, you will agree with me that the Gambian is one of the most generous people that you can ever find in this world. It is only in the Gambia that a foreigner/stranger is accorded the welcome of a diplomat on first meeting, without even having a prime knowledge of the person. The Gambian is ready to share his/her little food with a stranger regardless where the person comes from without hasitation. I am born and brought up in the provinces and i can very well remember my mum dishing a bowl of food aside and keeping it for any stranger that may turn up later on in the day after the family have had their lunch. And i will tell you that this was not only a habbit of my Mum alone but almost every woman in the Village. They take pride in feeding a stranger. I have even had my house given to a stranger who happen to be a mad person from Mali, without investigating his state of mind. Kumi, i am disgusted that anyone will ever judge a whole nation the way you did just because of a bitter experience with a particular individual. When judging a whole populace, i would advice you to be objective and avoid being subjective.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 11:56:42
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Sorry Mr. Kumi that your personal experience and chating with a teenager is giving a bad impression here.
Gambia is found to be a wonderful country and one of the most friendly and peaceful nations because of NATURE OF GAMBIANS AS HIGHLY RELIGIOUS, WELL SOCIALLY SEASON through its CULTURE OF LOVE, RESPECT AND FAIR TREATMENT OF FOREIGNERS. Its the DIRTY POLITICS by our leaders and our represive governments that is destroying the nation. However at community level Gambian culture is to accomodate STRANGERS (FOREIGNERS) and give them top priority to share with them FOOD, SHELTER and COMFORT. Thats our tradition that only exist within SENEGAL AND GAMBIA.
We are a nation of WEST ARFICAN FEDERATION OF AFRICAN STATES in our mix of diversity, multiculture and demography. Gambia is one of the tiniest strips of AFRICA but this country has all mix of foreigners having FREEDOM AND PROSPERITY; including SENEGALESE, MAURITANIANS, GHANIANS, NIGERIANS, GUINEA BISSAU, GUINEA CONAKRY, MALIANS, etc, etc. Contractors, religion, petty trading, berbers, workshops, teachers and all businness are OPEN TO FOREIGNERS WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS AND ANY SOCIAL OR POLITICAL HINDRANCE
You are a case in point as you just stay for two years but served as a teacher. Hope its not the Mr Kumi I knew from I.C.E Upper Basic School. Many of your type (FOREIGNERS!) have exploited and are still exploiting GAMBIA as their gateway to overseas. Its possible that you succeeded to be where you are right now (a wbsite country CHINA!)through Gambia.
Don't meddle in politics to destroy other AFRIACNS if you are for AFRICA TO UNITE!
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 13:40:28
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| Kumi,I read your posting and I was amazed by what you had to say,then I read it again and I can see what you were trying to put over,FOREIGNERS that you refer to are those who have come from other countries in Africa to try to make a better life as there is no doubt at all that many other countries fail to look after their own people,some of those people come to Gambia and try to improve their lives,and as Gambiabev says work hard,sometimes thir work is not recognised by Gambians who have this jelousy over everyone who is a success and in some cases deliberatly cause the foreigners enterprise to fail,breaking other peoples things because you have not such a thing does give pleasure to some Gambians who for the most part are very poor and unable to buy things for themselves.Having said all that there is no doubt that Gambia has become a place where you can live a more fullfilling life than in may other African countries.Gambians in general are very nice people who make friends easily.I agree with most of KOBO's posting although I would not have made the personal comments that he did.As for Toubabs,well they do spend money and have money if you are a good friend to them they will help you.Gambia is a friendly place.THe comment about Ghana being bush,was what that person had been told by someone else,because education is limited it may well be that the person who made that comment had not recieved a good education school fees are expensive and many families cannot afford them,therefore it is not that persons fault.Patricks posting about his mum feeding a stranger is true I know of may times when a stranger has said he is hungry and been taken home and fed even though that family may have very little. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 13:49:56
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Mr. Kumi tell us the positives and a better impression about Gambains during your short stay whilst serving and hustling as a teacher. Somerhing is missing?
Gambia is leading in forefront of refugees and huminitarian crises that affects its neighbours namely; Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Liberia etc etc.
Personal exchanges can make tempers high and whilst chatting you can hear all kind of entertaining talk as Ghana is a bush. Many Gambians whent to Ghana Universities, Dakar (senegal), Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Don't try to capitalise on the brutalities and failings of our represive government that is destroying a long standing goodwill and diplomatic relations with our Ghanian friends.
Have a nice day and always welcome. |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 15:09:58
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
Have a nice day and always welcome.
That's a nice touch Kobo |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 15:25:41
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Land is also available for settlers, estate developers, agriculture(farming), fishing and fish processing plants, factories and industrialisation ventures for foreigners. More can be obtain from The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Department of Trade and Industries.
On the political front commendation to the present regime for the PEACE KEEPING EFFORTS and DIPLOMACY in all conflicts within the sub-region and serving the A.U Peace keeping mission in Darfur as a weel discipline force. Dr. Sedat Jobe, a former diplomat and foreign minister help brockered peace in Guinea Bissau rebellion, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Senegal for PEACE AND TRANQUILITY WITHIN THE SUB-REGION.
Gambia has a gateway policy for expansion and facilitation of trade....
GOD SHALL EVER BLESS GAMBIANS AND THE GAMBIA! |
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Kumi
Ghana
57 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 16:04:35
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I am very much surprised to read these comments about my posting.I really believe that some of you guys are trying to misunderstand me.I cannot deny the fact that a good number of Gambians are generous and they are ready to give the food in their mouth to strangers. I can remember many of them. But I am equally amazed at the fact that you guys are trying to tell me I am wrong about my assertion. I would rather urge you to call the spade a spade and tell everybody what is really on the ground.
Not everything is rosy as you guys are purporting. You should go and observe. No average Gambian will refute my claim as many of them are witnesses to what I am saying.
Let me also say that Gambia is my second home, and I wouldn't level any false allegation a gainst her. I am only trying to reveal to what is under the carpet. I hope it will be in the best interest of the good people of Gambia to accept it and do something about it before it is too late.Many foreigners are harbouring ill feeling about the Gambian people and I don't personally this will help in uniting Africans. |
The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
www.bookerzmedia.com |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 16:31:57
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Kumi
You are very angry, I can see that by the very large text size you have used,"not everything is rosy" I am sure that VERY many Gambians would accept that.
"Many foreigners are harbouring ill feeling about the Gambian People" if these foreigners are still in Gambia and they have found that they don't like Gambia,then they can always go somewhere else and see if that country suits them better.What exactly is "under the carpet" that you are trying to reveal?
Hmmmmm......you annoyed ADMIN using all that server space!! |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 07 Jul 2007 17:28:31 |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 18:32:12
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quote:
My greatest shock came when oneday my own student told me a shocking story and I want to quote her. " I WANT TO ATTEND A UNIVERSITY IN GHANA BUT I'M TOLD GHANA IS A BUSH, SO I WILL NOT GO TO GHANA". This was said by Fatou xxxxxx, living at ESTATE, a former student of Gola Fortunate School at Estate.
I know Ghana is not a bush, but these are the mentalities some Gambians are holding.She has never been to Ghana before. It means that somebody told her this story.
I believe Kobo is right - there is something missing!
Why does a teacher give the name, living area and former school of his student in what started off as an attack on fellow Africans, then the White's?
A shocking story? Is it really Kumi? I feel a shocking story is one where a person leaves his office to return home to his family and is murdered en-route....
In my opinion your story is a camouflage....I will await!
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The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 19:27:29
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Half of the story is not being told, Mr Kumi. A teenage female student calling her teacher's home bush has much to it. Kumi, what exactly did you tell this student? Communication is a critical process. When truth is not fully baked, it is hard to consume. Ghana is a home to many Gambians like Gambia is a home to many Ghanaians for generations. In West Africa, Gambians and Ghanaians fit together in better ways than they (Ghanaians and Gambians) do with others. In Gambia, there is a place called Ghana Town inhabitted by settlers from Ghana, by the beach front of Brufut. They are not considererd FOREIGNERS (your words). These are sea side settlers just like the seaside settlers around Elmina Castle in Ghana (guess you know this) Apart from Ghanaians, Gambia is home to Lebanese, Syrians, and Mauritanians for generations now (only to name a few.) There are English settlers too (not Colonial remants)To be precise, 1500. What can a tiny nation like Gambia do more than setting the ground to have a global community coexist? Gambiabev erupted with a rather fragile statement. "Gambians perceiving WHITE SKINS as Angels." This is quite SWEEPING Gambiabev. Deep under the skin of both WHITE and BROWN humans is meat and bone. When genuine WHITES and genuine Gambians seriously interact, they discover better facts of life beyond skin deep. IF you Gambiabev and our good Ghanaian teacher Mr Kumi start keeping open minds, you have the wider benefit of discovering true Gambia ever true. Please refer to our National Anthem (Courtesy of Kobo.) Read it and digest it. That is the Gambia our Homeland. |
Karamba |
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Kumi
Ghana
57 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 23:37:42
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I am very sorry to turn this into some sort of argument.I have seen so many instances where Gambian have supported Ghana in international competitions.I also appreciate the culture mix in the Gambia, on the other hand I will prevail on you to accept my finding.I went to Ghana Town several times. On one of such occations, I was an eye witness to how immigration officers harrassed some youths at Ghanatown over Resident Permits.Some of them had to sleep in the bush that night. I know that these people have lived in the Gambia for over hundred years and still they are treated as foreigners.
I know you are not happy to be made aware of this because nobody will "point to his hometown with the left hand" but the reality is that many foreigners from the neighbouring African countries are not happy about how they are called and perceived in The Gambia. I know this will not yield any results because you don't want to accept it but my dear friends in the Gambia, this is the issue. |
The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
www.bookerzmedia.com |
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Kumi
Ghana
57 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2007 : 23:49:48
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Well Karamba,
I didn't tell this young student any fishy story. If you care to know, it was our normal routine. Have you come to realize that Gambian children don't hide anything (maybe I like that)?.
I will not write anything about this again but I pray you to do something about it, if not the socialisation process will come to naught. |
The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
www.bookerzmedia.com |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2007 : 00:12:59
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Mr Festus,
If your observation is to stand the test of reality, that is an issue by itself. When an oppressed mass find no good answer to questions about their suffering, they turn to every direction for blaming. An oppressive regime like what Gambia now suffers, has all the raw materials of social discontent. Friends turn to foe, ease turns to tension. We are in a different Gambian today with iron grip of an insatiable dictator. Normally, Gambian spirit of social interplay had no room for agression. Now it has to the world's attention that Gambian president presides over killing of Gambians and non-Gambians at random. Can you appreciate how fear and depression combined can make an untold impact. If Gambia is now turning into the hell where nice hearts are being infested to evil, that is a matter of great concern. There is no gain defending a situation like that where it turns to be true. It does not stop recalling the good Gambia we all embraced and cherished. On a final note, if Gambia gets that tough for one like your good self, better play it low. The government on seat is ready to crush anyone with a keen observer eye and the guts to name and shame evil doings. Watch out. The impact of cruel rule can have great bearing on the social mood.
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Dembish
Gambia
284 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2007 : 02:07:07
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| Kumi I understand your stance when it comes to name "xxxxing foreigners" as used by some Gambians.But one thing I would like you to understand is, this is all about the problem of immigration,it is not only in the Gambia but the entire globe is facing it,in Uk eg with all the taxations the immigrants are subjected to yet still some believed immigirants are taking all their jobs,houses and a burden on their health service. immigrants everywhere including Ghana are bound to face certain discrimations,racism or even harasments.The name used ie "xxxxing foreiner" is not nice at all and condemned it in every way but some immigrants in the Gambia are really taking the piss as a results of what crimes they indulged in, crimes such as money laundring,theft and even of recent child kidnapping, child slavery are most of the time committed by non Gambian citizens,just be fair to yourself this are the fews urging other gambians to call them such names and in the process immigrants like you thinks well the term refers to us all which is not the case.immgrants have contributed a lot in the Gambia likewise Gambians have given a lot to immigrants. I'm sure the guy you menthioned of being harassed by immigration officers in Brufut Ghana town must have something illegal about his immigration statues,this is not compromise anywhere in the world and the Gambia is no exception,so why not legalise your stay by getting the allien card and be hassle free with police or immg. officers. But if you think Gambians are harsh on immigrants, try somewhere else, then you will personally see the difference. |
There is no egg without a chicken, and no chicken without egg. |
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