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Karl
136 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 19:58:39
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| Frankly there has been lots of interesting issues debated on this topic worthy of remark. However, i don't feel in any way morally inclined to compare, contrast or even defend either of the two Js (former president Jawara and present Jammeh). Undoubtedly, I see through the exchanges of views expressed here on either side sincere patriots who are trying to make sense out of the dreadful state of our beloved country and the direction it was/is taking. There is considerable evidence already dealt with by key contributors from their points of view against a peaceful non -visionary former leader Jawara and a brutal self centred dictator Jammeh. I strongly believed, with reference to all the views expressed on this particular topic were out of authentic convictions for the love of The Gambia, however slim the prospect of success convincing each other. |
"People who shut their eyes to reality simply invite their own destruction, and anyone who insists on remaining in a state of innocence long after that innocence is dead turns himself into a monster" J Baldwin |
Edited by - Karl on 31 Jul 2007 22:14:03 |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 21:48:00
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PERSONALLY,i see jawara as irralevant in the current political discourse .he is not important now. we don't need to create mutual hatred because of a fail leader.
yahya has done some good ,but what is the bigger issue is the problem of undemocratic norms.
jawara and his failures should be banish to history class room and we need to learn from them .jammeh need to grow up and stop using jawara's failures in his asault on his percive enemies. he is for real hurtung some gambians and as soon we realise that the better. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 21:57:03
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I dont think Jawara is irrelevant. He is still shaping political discourse in the Gambia. His mere presence in the country is affecting our political lives. My believe is history will be harsh with him in some areas he has failed to improve.
However, he is not history yet. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2007 : 22:18:17
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Santanfara,
Perhaps you better have it as Jawara being a spent force. Even if Jawara was a killer, does that warrant that Jammeh too kills? Jawara, as a used asset or liability is not part of the current stock. It is a case of serious bias to justify Jammeh's current spread of maltreating Gambians just because Jawara failed to do right. Not even the most cunning Jammeh supporter is able to inject sense in that. We are dealing with current events and can only make passing reference to the past, but not seeking to place Jawara and Jammeh on the scale at this point in time. This is year 2007, 13 years since Jammeh robbed the nation by coup. He was not invited to do so and now over-staying his illegal occupation of the national high chair. |
Karamba |
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ylowe
USA
217 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 01:50:03
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Culled from the freedomnewspaper by Kebba Sanneh. Kebba did a good comparison between the two and now the big question is what kind of leader do we want for the Gambia?
JAWARA"Versus" JAMMEH THE CHOSEN "Versus" THE IMPOSED-Feature Story
By:Kebba Sanneh, Sweden
JAWARA"Versus" JAMMEH THE CHOSEN "Versus" THE IMPOSED
It is close to 16 years now, when I left my dear little Gambia for the world wider and more complex than my own little Gambia. Little did I know that it was a farewell that would last for a long time, sixteen good years and counting! I left the Gambia on reasons similar to many others from our dear sweet home, with a dream to return home one day, to serve and be part of the mechanisms that drive our country forward. I belong to the hustling generation simply because we could not dream of earning government scholarships to go further our educations somewhere in the wider world. There were no universities and no qualifications for a scholarship but who you know and where do you come from. Though I was one of the best in my class, if not the best, I was confronted with my origin of being belonging to the poor people of our society, the forgotten peasants in the country side.
My father like many others was a farmer and he would often emphasize the importance of education to me and the reasons as to why I must in fact take school serious. Being a Sanneh, he would jokingly tell me that, the only way Jawara could lead the country was because he was educated, other wise there was no chance for him. For my case he said, "As soon as you could read the scales the cooperatives clerks weighs our groundnuts, you would be considered educated enough and then withdrawn be from the school system". The fact is I went further than that. What I understood from Dad's statement was that, they needed someone, perhaps one of their own to help them read the scale for them, so that they get what they believe they should have, for they lost trust in the clerks and almost everyone who is western educated.
This was Jawara's Gambia, where everyone was eating from everyone else. There was the culture of corruption and bribery. These were publicly accepted and culturally encouraged. It was at least evident in my then Gambia High School, where one sees a clear line between the rich and the poor children. Those close to power were living in another Gambia far from the reality in my little village. Coming to Gambia high from a village in Sami district, meeting Jawara's children and other ministers' children sitting side by side with poor peoples children was not just exciting but a testimony myself as an equal to all, regardless of one's family background and above all, to beat them in the exams was another reason to convince me further that, many talented country boys and girls are denied of this level play ground of intellectual challenge self development.
I left the Gambia because I had to. I could not stay under a system that left me and many more sons and daughters of innocent country people, who pay tax and realise nothing in return, stranded and hungry, bullied and marginalized. I saw my own classmates being force away from schools because they could not afford the fees when these children were spending more money than the teachers could ever dream of. The Jawara regime embarked on parties that were a mockery to the citizens who placed them in the helm of power. In short they forgot the people and distanced themselves from the call of the masses. What happened was, they dug their own graves but maintain the basic rights of the people, the wheel of Democracy moving and national economy stable and strong. Jawara was the choice of the people and therefore the people could go to bed, even though at times hungry, peaceful and assured of a new dawn with a new hope of making it tomorrow. It is therefore my view that the choice of the people is replaced by the self imposed, and thirteen years on, the reasons that forced me out of the country are becoming the same reasons that is keeping me and many others away from it though the current regime copied the old one in almost all forms of squander and recklessness, they also added another element to it. This element of torture, disappearances, killings, and senseless murder of journalist Deyda Hydara made me wonder if Gambia under Jammeh could ever become a place for academics and men of principle. Jammeh parties like Jawara except that Jawara did not need planes to attend some nude dancing in Morocco but could join a chattered flight to the Caribbean's for a two week golf tournament. Jawara would brand his opponents as communist whilst Jammeh would bury them six feet deep. Jawara calls it Tesisto and the dictator calls it Slave labour. Jawara would call for a political dialogue; Jammeh is forcing his opponents into exile. I would like to know if the development of our country can go on without our Educated and highly professional men and women serving other countries whilst Jammeh is calling it Vision 2020. Can some visions be as visionless as Jammeh's. We must be honest to ourselves and say it as it is; Jammeh failed the Gambia just like Jawara failed us. Jammeh should resign and hand over power to the people. Let the people choose their own leaders. Jammeh could not have been chosen by the people when only a minority of the voters went out to cast their votes in the last general elections.
Dictators like Jammeh needs to be told by our academics that his vision is a failure, that his ways are not working, that he cannot cure Aids/HIV, that is he not the choice of the people, that he should and must produce the disappeared, dead or alive for proper judiciary process or for dignified burial in accordance to their religions and traditions. Even in military combat situations, enemy dead are given proper burial in order to be identified later and the corpses returned to the families. Even the Hezbollah and the Israel army's fallen combatants are exchanged at some point. Those people were not foreigners but citizens of the republic of the Gambia. Jammeh needs to know that Gambia cannot forget or forgive him for the vast number of unsolved crimes committed in the name of national security, the lynching and the torture taking place in the Gambia today. Dreams and hopes are shattered; families are broken and separated by long term detention of perceived enemies of the state without trial. The Gambia is a small country of one family. We cannot underestimate the anger, the disappointment, the frustration and the betrayal felt by people who lost one or more member to Jammeh's 13 years of brutal and inconsiderate military styled dictatorship. We owe it to ourselves and we owe it to our children, to build the Gambia without disregarding our artists, academics, the peasants and all other productive sectors of our country. It is doctors to tackle the HIV/AIDS epidemic not Jammeh, the lawyers and the judges for the law and order, the Imams to interpret and lead us into prayers not Jammeh. Jammeh must stop making mockery of Islam and the squander of public fun for his endless parties and festivities taking place in his jungle hideout. Life must be cherished and not be cut short for the sake of vanity and self grandiose adventures. It is Responsibility and Maturity, not arrogance and reckless behaviors that take nations forward and prosperous. We hope to see the end to all these muteness and silence that is keeping our people to their knees for the dictator of our dear home land to force them into slave labour in his gardens and on in their own backyards. Respect for the people especially the old, the weak, women and children is a fundamental principle in our culture. Gambians are tired of the insults and the harassments at national level but equally embarrassed by Jammeh's reckless international policies and his ridiculous claim of "mandated to cure AIDS/HIV". Absurd and irrational from a high school boy, soon he would claim to be the prophet of the Gambia if not stopped and condemn.
By:Kebba Sanneh
Nyanchor22@hotmail.com
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 03:53:40
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Brother Karl, I concur with your summary that there are some of us who try to make sense out of what is being discussed.
Kobo, am sorry but am not out to impress anyone. My role in this debate is to lay out the arguements and connect the dots from Jawara to Jammeh and to the future....
Kon, please understand that I am not comparing Jammeh to Jawara. To me they are the worst that ever happened to the Gambia. My arguement has been that ONE is the PRODUCT of another and Gambia as a whole derserves better than what these people offered us. I however, want to compare to the U.S and any other nation that is able to provide for their people what they deserve. If they can do it why couldn't we? Or are we accepting inferiority to their ability over us?
My points of arguement is that Gambia doen't derserve someone like Jammeh and his government. In connecting the history that led us to Jammeh, Jawara became the center of the arguement. Indeed it was because of his recklessness that led us to Jammeh and our present situation in the Gambia.
I would like us to conclude on this topic and move on to something probably more productive. I would suggest each of us state our positions in summary about the following:
1. To your understanding, at this point in the history of our nation, 42 years after independence, who, Jawara or Jammeh had or has a greater opportunity to turn Gambia into, a political, social, and economic decent nation? Who is better politically and intellectually positioned to have a greater impact on the welbeing of the Gambian people?
I asked these unconclusive questions, because at this point we need to agree to diagree and at the same time we make our positions clear not for our interest for the best interest of the Gambia and its people. What say you? |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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Karl
136 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 09:17:34
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Ylowe
Thanks for sharing Kebba's article, his statement right from the begining has moved me alot as a poor provincial boy attending High School in Banjul. The penerating feelings expressed echoed very well,and gives an insight on dbaldeh's undeniable position that Jammeh is a product of Jawara syatem of rule. The Gambia deserve better. |
"People who shut their eyes to reality simply invite their own destruction, and anyone who insists on remaining in a state of innocence long after that innocence is dead turns himself into a monster" J Baldwin |
Edited by - Karl on 01 Aug 2007 09:57:29 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 12:36:55
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quote:
Originally posted by mansasulu
Since when has the truth and someone's opinion become irresponsible. More has been said about Jammeh and other people on this board and they were not irrepsonsible. It is rather ironic that we seem to apply double standards to ideas we cant stomach. This is the beauty of Bantaba that we are seeming the motives and true colors of people. All of us will not toe the line because there is no line to toe. Lets have an open debate instead of condemning other peoples opinions. If we cant all read the ideas of each other without attempting to make a storm out of a tea cup we will be better off. What happen to let free speech reign? It is free speech if it comes from you but "irresponsible and condemned" if it comes from someone else.
Thanks for your opinions. I maintain my position to support CONDEMING these reckless statements FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS, MENDING COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND IN OUR RESOLVE TO ARRESTS ACTS OF BARBARISM AND ASTROCITIES FOR OUR MOTHERLAND! "FOR THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND!"Courtesy of Dalton 1 "Evil cannot fight evil! Darkness cannot fight darkness!....." and evil as root causes of Rwanda, Darfur, Irag and November 11 massacres etc etc. Its was alarming to see these declarations as we try to build a better NATION; FOR THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND! Therefore, it is worth condemning these quotes below; three times:
[quote 1 ]Originally posted by MADIBA
I am democratic, but if i had joined the ARmy , came 22 July 1994, i would have joined the coup makers. I would have suggested the Rawlings execution style for these vampires. Beleive me i would have ensured they were all taken to Maccarthy square and shot like traitors. These beasts milked the Gambians worse than the Bristish colonialists.
[/quote]
[quote 2]Originally posted by MADIBA
Karamba i would re-iterate it again, i would have slaughtered all those beasts who wrecked havoc on the Gambians masses for ages. I would not have a blinked for once. Have they not killed? They have killed a people's hope and livelihood. Most of the masses are dead men walking.
Anyway i rest my case. Good nite to you all
[/quote]
[quote 3]Originally posted by MADIBA
Dalton1 i have calculated it very well. Its not right for me to call those people beasts and threaten to have them shot, but its ok for people to insult Jammeh and others in the most appalling way. It is also ok for people to insult others and even go beyond them to their parents? Look my brother i know exactly wat am saying. I have no guns, no weapon to carry that out now and in future. Wat i said was, if I was a Soldier before 1994, came the coup i would have done that.
Well until you are seconded on your motion for people to condemn, i still maintain my stance. No worries, no regrets.
[/quote]
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 13:26:43
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| kobo ,you are maintaining the balance in here . |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 13:58:20
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Ylowe thanks for sharing with us another masterpiece of the various styles from FREEDOM NEWSPAPER ON-LINE under this link JAWARA"Versus" JAMMEH THE CHOSEN "Versus" THE IMPOSED-Feature Story
By:Kebba Sanneh, Sweden under
http://www.freedomnewspaper.com/Homepage/tabid/36/mid/367/newsid367/2148/JAWARAVersus-JAMMEH-THE-CHOSEN-Versus-THE-IMPOSED-Feature-Story/Default.aspx
That sums it all for us MAINLY PROGRESSIVE GAMBIAN PATRIOTS! If intellectual dis-honest is not compromised and THE STATE AND THE CONSTITUTION reigns above politics and its citizens are all sujected to PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY AND PROBITY.
However I want to improve the following paragragh, forwarded ealier for those who overseas, those out of touch with their motherland, the kids and those kidding IN TERMS OF GAMBIA'S NATIONAL ASSETS, INFRASTRUCTURES, DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND BEFORE THE TRANSITION (UP TO THE TIME OF THE COUP JuLY 22ND 1994) AND GAMBIA'S TRANSFORMATION;  for proper PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY & PROBITY and JUSTICE AND FAIR POLITICS
What has Jammeh and A.(F.)P.R.C. INHERITED, from Old Pa Jawara and P.P.P Government?
I have this to share with Jawara's critics. Jawara's LEGACY included a lots of SOUND POLICIES AND GOOD TECHNOCRATS. In addition to GAMTEL, there were other viable Public Corporations and Institutions, i.e SOCIAL SECURITY & HOUSING FINANCE, GAMBIA PORTS AUTHORITY, A BOUYANT FINANCIAL BANKING SECTOR, GOOD RESRVES AT THE CENTRAL BANK AND A STABLE ECONOMY.On Education there was The GAMBIA TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE (G.T.T.I) AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (M.D.I), other skill centers etc.
They did the HOMEWORK FOR GAMBIA'S DEVELOPMENT IN TERMS OF MOST THE INFRASTRUCTURES that off-shot now including The National TV, The University, Rural Water Supply, Roads and Schools to name few PROJECTS. Some of the architechs and key players were: Courtesy of Karamba; " Tribute To Dr Jabez Ayodele Langley"; B.B.Darboe on the EDUCATION POLICY, CULTURAL POLICY; O.J.Jallow on SPORTS POLICY, YOUTH POLICY (included The N.Y.S.S and was for 10years orextended beyond 1994). The AGRICULTURAL POLICY including NARI; amongst others. Dr. Angelio; U.N.D.P Resident Representative commissioned a VERY COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT UNDER POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAM. That included the Rural Water Supply Projects and other Projects demanded by the community. ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, (INCLUDING MINISTRIES & DEPARTMENTS), All MUNICIPALITIES AND AREA COUNCILS had workshops and seminars to collect and a DOSSIER or DATABANK OF PROJECT PROSALS; including The National T.V and University was compiled for FINANCING through U.N.D.P FUNDING AND OTHER SOUCCES; i.e. WORLD BANK, EUROPEAN (E.E.C), COMMONWEALTH AND JAPANESE (on fisheries development), etc. When Jawara was toppled and there were sanctions but the International Community fought for those FUNDS that were already APPROVED AND TO BE REALESED OR DISBURSED just around the COUP, not to be denied to GAMBIANS. Those FUNDS were made available and Jammeh capitalised on the ADVANCED FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND NATIONAL T.V PROJECT to set up the G.R.T.S. as top priority for POLITICAL GAINS. The Vice President Isatou Njie Saidy served U.N.D.P and under Dr. Angelio, is well seasoned on Project Implementation and Management earn her credit for that appointment by Jammeh for expert advise. Slow implentation and red-tape policies cost Jawara and P.P.P to be ROBBED OF MILLIONS OF DALASIS (coming to GAMBIA through their efforts just few months before that fateful July 22nd 1994!) BY SOLDIERS FROM AN ARMY THEY NORTURED
However we must acknowledge Jammeh's hat trick projects for e.g ARCH 22 AND KEREWAN RIVER BRIDGE AMONGST OTHERS.
NB: 1)For some vital information and make further research to authenticate my opinions; courtesy of Karamba lets review Tribute To Dr Jabez Ayodele Langley under this link http://www.thepoint.gm/For%20the%20records89.htm
2) FACT FINDING EXERCISE can be conducted from GAMBIAN ARCHIVES about the various PROJECTS each government department or government agency developed prior to July 1994. Further interviews can also be forwarded from former politicians and policy makers at the helm of Jawara's government.
3)Project Management is a process and cycle of events including feasibility studies and expert implementation etc. Of course SOURCES OF FUNDS AND FINANCING are crucial areas.
4) Some selected important historical and political landmarks, sagas and phases of Gambian democracy since the 60s icluded the following; Edward Francis Small, First Jallow Jallow Union strike, Independence, Republic, G,U,C strike (Tobaski day 1978), , Danso's assassination of Mahoney at the Field Force, 1981 Kukoi Samba Sanyang's coup & victims, 1980s Sahel Drought & Drought Relief Fund, late sheikh Hatab Bojang of kombo Gunjur, collapse, corruption, embezzlents and bankcrupcy of certain Public Corporations Institutions and Project failures; i.e. Commercial and Development Bank, Agriculture Development Bank, G.P.M.B, G.U.C, Gambia Cooperatives Union, Rural Development Projects (R.D.P), Treasury and The Accountant General's, Mansakonko declaration of stepping down, Appointment of Saihou Sabally as Vice President and last cabinet of Jawara and finally July 22nd 1994.
5)Aftermath of the coup, there were commissions of enquiries and assets were forfeited by the state. Is there any need for REVIVING ASSETS COMMISIONS FOR ALL PUBLIC SERVANTS again?
6) Public scrutinity,Accountability and Probity is still vibrant and alive for general consensus but POLITICALLY CONSTRAINT WITH LACK OF TRANSPARENCY!
Dedicating The Super Eagles Band's sound of soul to all PROGRESSIVE GAMBIAN PATRIOTS; "Gambi Sunu rew! Sopa neng laa ndah fi leng judo!. Hope Momodou and admin would chip in that disc under this topic here for me please!
No further qualms to FORWARD THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND
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Edited by - kobo on 01 Aug 2007 15:24:31 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 16:13:34
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Kobo,
There is no better way to put things in perspective than you have just painstakingly done. The truth is, Jammeh and all those behind him choose to rush Gambians as if Jammeh is a DISCOVERER of a Gambia that never was. How did he get schooled at all? Was there not an educational infrastructure that accomodated poor and rich alike? The junky propaganda and deceptive twist of facts is below the scope of seasoned Gambians. We are paying lot of attention on what goes on in Gambia to let us get baffled by a bunch of their own make. You don't just take any heed of the seemingly distractive vibes echoed by the trumpeting July 22 revolutionaries!!! The instruments of documentation are better enhanced in this millenium than any other generation. Where on earth can any fool deceive a pool of competent and complex citizens ?? Do not allow to play low. Leave that to them. This is massive progress and your contribution is great. Thank you. |
Karamba |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 17:37:03
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| kobo and karamba ,keep the fire burning. . |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 18:53:04
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quote:
Originally posted by dbaldeh
Kon, please understand that I am not comparing Jammeh to Jawara. To me they are the worst that ever happened to the Gambia. My arguement has been that ONE is the PRODUCT of another and Gambia as a whole derserves better than what these people offered us. I however, want to compare to the U.S and any other nation that is able to provide for their people what they deserve. If they can do it why couldn't we? Or are we accepting inferiority to their ability over us?
My points of arguement is that Gambia doen't derserve someone like Jammeh and his government. In connecting the history that led us to Jammeh, Jawara became the center of the arguement. Indeed it was because of his recklessness that led us to Jammeh and our present situation in the Gambia.
I would like us to conclude on this topic and move on to something probably more productive. I would suggest each of us state our positions in summary about the following:
1. To your understanding, at this point in the history of our nation, 42 years after independence, who, Jawara or Jammeh had or has a greater opportunity to turn Gambia into, a political, social, and economic decent nation? Who is better politically and intellectually positioned to have a greater impact on the welbeing of the Gambian people?
I dont think Gambia deserves anyone better than Jammeh. Gambia deserves jammeh because gambians elected him to do what he is doing. If we never wished it, we would have voted him out. Its that simple. Jammeh was voted in office twice so the Gambian people have spoken
and must be respected. As to whether individual wishes should take precedence over majority wishes, is something subject to a debate.
As to who is better positioned to develop gambia better, i think Jammeh is. He came in at a time where we have far greater number of educated Gambians than anytime in hour history. By 1965, we could hardly boast of 15 university Graduates and a few hundred high school graduates in our economy.
Our foreign ministry in 1965 could boast of only two employees because there were no qualified Gambians even to fill the position of a Records Clerk.
That is why over half of the 3000 employees in the Ministry of Agriculture have no formal education whatsover. These are people who could not differentiate the alphabeths.
Roads, communication infrastructure in 1965 was like prehistoric times and perhaps The Gambia River Transport's (GRT) steam boat plying the river from Banjul to Basse offered the only means of facilitating travel. Infact with the Sinking of Lady Chilel, trading towns like Dandeeh Mayo, Chaaku Bantang, Bansang, KTR, Basse etc saw hughe decline in the economic importance of these settlement.
By 1965, we copuld not even pay salaries of Civil Servants. We had subventions from the British Government. Thats why Senegal gave us fish as our Independence Gift reaffirming our difficulties to feed ourselves and be a viable nation. Gambia was a write off in 1965 not only by Senegal's standard but even by the United Nations standard.
We still hold the record as the only independent nation to have been questioned by our ability to survive as a nation. A UN Mission had to be dispatched by the Security Council to see if we can survive as the UN did not want to admit a starving Memeber. We were to be "given" to Senegal so that we could stand a chance. In the end, we convinced the United Nations not beacuse we could survive, but by the will Gambians showed to be free and Independent. I am not sure if you were old enough to attend the demonstrations in Banjul.
This horrible state of Gambia is clearly indicated in the letters of United States President Roosevelt to Winston Churchill describing us as a "...a hell-hole on earth" on his way to Casablanca during the 2nd World War.
Forget about Cape Point Fajara, Pipeline etc. By 1965, very few people would ever venture plying between Westfield junction to Bakau. It was all bushy and remanants of thaose bushes are reflected the large concentration of mango trees in Pipeline. They grew there through seed dispersals.
Serrekunda stretched only up to Bambo. Beyond that, was a wild forest. Bakoteh and Sukuta were basically hamlets accessible mainly by Donkey Carts. Going to Gunjur was like travelling in the times of the Caveman. By the end of the second world war, Gambia High School grounds was a potato field farmed by a family member, who in 1937, came to Banjul.
You see, you cannot manufacture diplomas. It takes time. Besides, many gambians never embraced western education. And rightly so, the TUSEH-MANO you made mockery of PPP, may perhaps influenced you getting education you have today. It was motivating to provide lunches at school and as a former teacher, i have seen children enrolling themselves because their friends talked about food being provided at school.
Up to 1977, western education was not embraced by Gambians and many schools closed due to low enrolments. Like Kebba Sanneh indicated on Freedom Newspaper, parents wanted their chldren educated enough to read the scales of the Co-operative Society so that they could get value for their peanuts.
Today, the amount of foreign currency sent to gambia by Gambians, is far greater than anytime in our history. gambians have more wealth in this century than anytime. So silicon valley is not far from our sight if we can do a few things right. But in 1965, our main objective was to reach the village. There were very few settlements that qualify to be called towns. The rest were all hamlets.
Up to the 1980s, a transistor Radio was a priced possession in town and i have seen young men in the villages travelling to Libya with the hope making enough money to buy a big transistor and come home to their village.
Infact its safe to say that more than half of the dead in the 1981 coup died trying to own a radio or stand fan which were looted from CFAO, Maurel and Prom stores.
Dont get me wrong here. I am not defending the PPP. I am answering your question as to who is well placed to develop Gambia. I believe jammeh is. Its easy to hear people saying Jammeh is developing to roads etc. Yes thats true but its because he found a foundaton to stand on. In 1965, there was no such foundation.
We came a long way from 1965 to 1994 and your generaton saw the fastest technological developements that the forty years of Jawara providing opportunities never before available. This has made it possible for you to explore life not only on land and sea, but beneath the waves and above the clouds.
This is why, those old enough to witness independence in 1965, have forever remained grateful to Jawara. I am not sure if you were born by 1965 and it will hard for you to relate to it. HE WHO FEELS IT KNOWS IT ALL(BOB MARLEY)
You sound emotional when it to comes to Jawara and you have said it is difficult for you to accept him. That is your right. By 1965, you could guess with 90% accurcay that the sound of a vehicle passing by your village or miles away was the vehicle of the Travelling Magistrate or the Commissioner.
Even in the late 1980s, farmers would stop work on their farms to sound of an engine, a rare sound or sight in their life. The Colonial administration only started experimenting with education in 1957. From 1815 to 1957, the British Colonialist took little steps to educate Gambians.
Educatio was provided to the children of opinion leaders. Descendants of slaves also embrace western education. Thats why the Civil service constituted of a core of few families up until in the 1990s. Almost all senior public officials were related one way or another.
Had it not been for the Missioanries, perhaps most Gambians would still be without education. Catholic, Methodist schools were the only schools during the colonial period. After the second world war, only one High school was built called Gambia Hig School in 1957 which infact is a consequence of the joining of Boys Hgh School and Girls High School. One can argue they did not build a new school. They just transferred location.
If we stand tall, its because we stand on the backs of those who came before us. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 19:31:47
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| Jammeh is the most ungrateful being Gambians come to know. It is now time to name and shame him. He betrayed history, betrayed the army, Gambian people, and the economy. He insults Gambian elders after establishing himself on the wealth created by rich and poor tax payers. Now he wants to be seen as hero discoverer. We must not allow him escape. He has to account for everything. This is not just right, that a single individual can choose to baffle a whole nation at one go. It is unfair for Gambians to sit and watch this go pass. |
Karamba |
Edited by - Karamba on 01 Aug 2007 19:38:23 |
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ylowe
USA
217 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2007 : 21:09:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Karl
Ylowe
Thanks for sharing Kebba's article, his statement right from the begining has moved me alot as a poor provincial boy attending High School in Banjul. The penerating feelings expressed echoed very well,and gives an insight on dbaldeh's undeniable position that Jammeh is a product of Jawara syatem of rule. The Gambia deserve better.
Karl,
The reason why i decided to post his article here is because i was very close to Kebba. We use to spent lots of time together back in those days in Banjul and always wanted to know what he was doing. He mentioned that he was among the best students in his class and that is the fact, if not the best in Gambia High. i went to a different school but kebba was always able to help me academically. Kebba should have been to one of world's top institutions and become a scientist or something. Like i mentioned in one of my posting that i have a dream that one day the african child will be able to manifest his talents to its fullest. May God please do this for us and provide us with leaders that are going to provide our younger ones with economic opportunities. |
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