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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
 Posted - 06 Sep 2007 : 23:12:08
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http://www.gainako.com/
Nice article to digest on, and we welcome comments at gainako.
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 02:06:19
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Toubab,
the electric sweaping broom at work
the direction of the ship of the state is confusing.
but God knows best what is good for His creatures.
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 07 Sep 2007 : 16:55:44
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Dalton1,
I have said in previous postings that we hadn't heard the last of the Gamtel affair,  It would make a great film full of intregue and skullduggery!  |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 07 Sep 2007 16:57:41 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 18:53:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalton1
http://www.gainako.com/
Nice article to digest on, and we welcome comments at gainako.
Where is that NICE ARTICLE I read on Gamtel? Its no longer there and I have searched desperately to comment on it.
Please help paste again below?
Thanks |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 13:32:45
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalton1
http://www.gainako.com/
Nice article to digest on, and we welcome comments at gainako.
Dalton, where is that nice GAMTEL article by Burama Jammehplease Congrats on your anniversary on-line Just read the interesting letters of felicitations. |
Edited by - kobo on 14 Sep 2007 13:53:21 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2007 : 12:53:15
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| It is most likly that when a big fish swallows a little fish that job losses will happen after all there is duplication of functions at the managerial levels and in the administration structure,I predict that there will be job losses at Gamtel/Gamcel,in the not too distant future. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2007 : 12:53:39
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Kobo,
I am a Jallow, and locally we are guilty of being silenced by the stranger at hand, so i missed your post. the eyes all blind, but here is Jammeh's wonderful piece. it is a beautiful craft. the little things count.
& thanks for your enlightenment. & happy fast!!!!
Here it is, and don't hesitate to send him an e-mail. He is very generous/open and working strictly with true principles.
http://www.gainako.com/fejango/Issue~119-2007/
GAMTEL & GAMCEL SOLD
.......................Focuses of National Debates?
.........................By Burama Jammeh...................September 6th, 2007
Half worth of Gamtel and Gamcel Companies are reported sold to a private
business interest by the government of The Gambia. Gambians of all works
of life have since being venting out their views/opinions on the action of a
government that has claimed to be democratically elected by the people of
The Gambia. This implied a government of the people, by the people, for the
people that derived its authority from the same people. These characteristics
of a democratic government imposed requirements such an institution must
meet at all times. A democratic government structured into three divisions
(the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary) to enable it to function for,
by and of the people.
In my earlier postings, I argued that answers to national issues are to make references to the
Constitution and Laws of The Gambia. Any other answer(s) cannot be valid for our nation. This true
because we have a binding Constitution and as well elected (if you buy into the validity of our
elections) a National Assembly (NA) to formulate other laws as appropriate on our behalf. An
attempt to use tribe, religion, sex, race, moral standards, etc. will only be frivolous and non binding in
a nation with an estimated 1.5 million people divided among 9-12 tribes with different spiritual
believes.
When the news/rumors of the deal to transfer half of the ownership of the two public enterprises to a
private business interest (Spectrum) came to public, the government reportedly came out swinging that
Gamtel and Gamcel are no longer profitable. Besides the non-profitability of these companies I have
not heard of any other reason for such a move. Fine! Assuming Gamtel and Gamcel are not profitable;
what should government do? How should that be done? Logic dictate that either government set up an
assessment group within her establishment and/or assigned an independent to look at what went
wrong and how can it or not be fix. The result of such findings will/should dictate the next step.
Management lapses can be dealt with the existing (if there is any – it used to be all General Orders -
GO) personnel management policies procedures. Equipment deterioration can be dealt with controls
and financing options to me the increasing costs. External threats/opportunities can be dealt
with proper strategic planning/management options. In fact Gamtel and Gamcel are almost a
monopoly with little or no threats within The Gambia and the constant changing technological
environment could be either and opportunity and/or threat depending on how the company positions
itself.
On the other hand, if government establishes that selling (divestiture/liquidation) is the way to go; what
should they do? Who can make that call to sell Gamtel/Gamcel? What is done?
This is what the constitution has to say:
Part 3: Public Enterprises - section 175
(1) In this Constitution, Public enterprises means any body corporate or other body or institutions,
wholly owned or controlled by the Government
This definition included Gamtel/Gamcel and therefore both institutions are the properties of the people
of The Gambia. Owner(s) can sell a property (ies) just with a simple desire of doing away with.
However, it is a constitutional requirement on the government to take rational decisions for our
common good within the limits of the laws. Public ownership required public law to dictate operational
processes. We will get to how divestiture/liquidation will be qualified by law. It will not require every
Gambian to sit at the table instead that is the fundamental role of elected representatives. May be this
will serve as good lesson for Gambians to know the importance of a good legislature and hopefully
that be reflected at the next elections.
Gamtel was incorporated in 1984 as a Private Limited Liability. The shareholders were the
Government of The Gambia with 3.7 million shares (98.4%) and The Gambia National Insurance
Company (GNIC), a Company with 60,000 shares (1.6%). According to the source document
(Gambia Divestiture Agency), the company has an authorized share capital of D60 million (6 million
shares valued at D10 per share), issued and fully paid up, with The Gambia Government owning 99%
and GNIC 1%. This is yet another proof that Gamtel is owned by tax payers of The Gambia.
Gamcel is an offshoot of Gamtel to provide GSM cellular services; established in 2001 with Gamtel
funds, hence a public asset. I could not find information of capital structure and volume. Two years
later (2003) it is reported that this company has 79,524 customers and earnings before tax (EBIT) of
D81.8 million.
(2) The members of the Board of Directors or other governing body of a Public enterprise shall be
appointed by the President after consultation with the Public Service Commission and shall be
selected from amongst persons of integrity, competence, and maturity of judgment. A member of the
National Assembly, the holder of a political office or an office of a political party shall not be qualified
to be appointed to the Board of Directors or the governing body of a Public Enterprise.
Who are the Board of Directors of Gamtel/Gamcel? How are they selected and confirm? Are they
persons of integrity, competence and maturity of judgment? I do not have answer to these questions
but your Directors are (source: Gamtel website): Edrissa Mass Jobe (Chairman) – Managing Director
Elton Oil Gambia Limited, Mr. Katim Touray – Managing Director (Gamtel), Abdoulie Bass – Staff
Representative, Mr. Sarjo Ceesay – Secretary. The selection and consultation process prescribed by
the Constitution is meaningless because the president has absolute control over those s/he consult. It is
a procedural white-washing than ensuring meaning.
The size of this board and the roles indicates that this is a mediocre group. I don’t think this body
dictates the broad policy direction of the company. Your take! What about their professional
competences on matters such a board will be looking at? I guess it is more of rubber stamping the
dictations/directives from State House than what a meaningful board of shareholders wanting to
increase the value of their investment does.
(3) The Chief Executive of a Public Enterprise shall be appointed by the President after consultation
with the Board of Directors or other governing body of the Public Enterprise and the Public Service
Commission. All other appointments to the staff of a public enterprise shall be made by the Board of
Directors or governing body, or by some member of the staff of the public Enterprise appointed by
Board or governing body.
The appointment processes has no element of accountability because the President appointed such
members of the Public Service whom s/he need to consult in this process. Therefore, it is fitting to
conclude that this is a systematic cover-up for justification without meaning for good governance and
democracy. In fact the Chief Executive is a member of the board that is being consulted for his/her
appointed and/or an out going Chief Executive will be consulted about his/her replacement. In the
later, except s/he is promoted, I don’t see how it can work and even in that case s/he may
recommend a “boy-boy” or “girly-girly” for continuity of the current status quo. Either way our interest
is not served.
(4) Within six months of the coming into force of this Constitution, an Act of the National Assembly
shall establish a committee to monitor the operations of Public Enterprises shall be accountable to the
National Assembly and shall conduct their affairs in order to promote efficiency, transparency and
probity in all their undertakings.
To the extent of the Provisions of Constitution of The Gambia, I think this is the relevant subsection
that has the answer for the issues over the sale of Gamtel/Gamcel shares. It is an Act of the assembly
that will monitor the operations of Gamtel/Gamcel. What then did the National Assembly advised the
Executive on Gamtel/Gamcel? I don’t know the answer. I’m not even sure if such Act is in place and
functioning. The aforementioned committee armed with an Act should work with Gamtel/Gamcel on
all operational matters, which the executive will be advised for action. On a decision to divesture, a
Bill should be drafted by the executive and submit to the National Assembly for approval. It is only
upon such vote of approval can the government (the executive) place Gamtel and Gamcel at the
market for sell, again as prescribed by such Act and/or the General Order, if there is one, be it public
tender, auction, head-hunting, etc. For such a major deal, genuine democratic governments
may engage the public directly either surveys, Radio or Televised discussions to sample public
opinion. It appears all of this was not done; therefore they acted unconstitutionally and is a crime
against the people of The Gambia.
The National Assembly, if they are true representatives of the people of The Gambia, should set up a
Commission of Enquiries to get to the bottom of this act of mortgaging the nation. Based on the
outcome(s) all wrong doers should be punished according to the law, block and/or undo the transfer if
it has already taken place. On the other hand if there is a good reason(s) to divesture/liquidate
Gamtel/Gamcel, the process should start all over change using the appropriate processes and
procedures as per constitution and laws of The Gambia.
From procedural matters to the reason (justification) of the sell. Until the recent firefighting
report/news/rumors that Gamtel/Gamcel are not doing well, we where told by government that
Gamtel/Gamcel are growing. This is what Hon. Musa G Bala-Gaye – Secretary of State for Finance
& Economic Affairs told the nation less than a year ago. (Source: budget speech 2007)
Gambia Telecommunication Company Ltd (GAMTEL)
122. “Turnover for year ended December, 2005 was D881.9 million, which, when compared to end
2004, shows an increase of D17.7 million, representing a growth of 2.04%. Total operating profit,
before tax, as at end 2005 was D257.4 million, which, compared to Gamtel’s total gross investment
as at end 2005 stand at D1.9 billion, while the net investment for the same period stands at D897.9
million.”
123. “Revenue for 2006 is forecasted at D1.4 billion, which exceeds the estimated 2005 revenue of
D1.2 billion by D200 million, representing an increase of 14%. The 2006 expenditure is forecasted at
D1.1 billion, whilst the 2005 expenditure is estimated at D954 million, showing an increase of D146
million, or 13% increase. The increase in the expenditure forecast is to cater for rising trend in global
fuel and telecommunications related prices. The forecasted after tax profit for 2006 is D300 million,
which is 18% higher than the estimated after tax profit for 2005 of D246 million.”
Gambia Telecommunication Cellular Company Ltd (GAMCEL)
124. “Turnover for year ended December, 2005 was D477.9 million, which, when compared to end
2004, shows an increase of D164.9 million, representing a growth of 52.7%. Total operating profit,
before tax, as at end 2005 was D240.3 million, which, compared to the corresponding period as at
end 2004, shows an increase of D70.5 million, representing an increase of 41.49%. Gamcel’s total
gross investment as at end 2005 stands at D601.5 million, while the net investment for 2004 stands at
D291.5 million.”
This is what was reported to Gambians through our representatives at the National Assembly. The
Public Enterprise’s National Assembly Committee should have access to financial reports (Income
State, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement) and if need be, other management account reports to
study the company’s performance before that presentation so that our interest can be represented with
verification. What they know and do about those reports other than listen to Mr. Bala-Gaye is
anybody’s guess. Besides, what Mr. Gaye told the nation is that the two telecommunication
companies are profitable. In fact Gamcel is reported to have increased both turnover and EBIT over
50% and 40% respectively. Gamtel’s figures are much lower but still positively increasing. When was
it determined that Gamtel/Gamcel are no longer profitable? Who commissioned that study? Who
performed the study? What role did the National Assembly play?
It is clear that the reason advanced by government is frivolous. Profitability of the companies in
question is not an issue. Either, they were lying then or now or both to the nation.
In addition look at the figures reported by The Gambia Divestiture Agency on Public Enterprises.
There is evidence of positive growth at both companies. There is also a serious possibility for these
figures to be made-up. I have no proof of that but I know what we are capable of over the last 40
years. Corruptions and lootings of public resources are covered with make-up figures. A comparison
of budgets from previous years indicates more of changing figures than anything else.
Gambia Telecommunication Company (GAMTEL)
• Total number of employees is 1,249
.......Financial Highlights ................2001 .....................2002................... 2003
.......Turnover ...............................D417.8 million .......D544.7 million .....D760.0 million
.......Expenditure ...........................D292.6 million .......D444.9 million .....D641.9 million
.......Profit before Tax ...................D100.9 million .......D301.9 million .....D114.2 million
The profits are on the upward swing, although a serious reduction between the 2002 and 2003
figures, however it is equally dramatic the difference between 2001 and 2002. In fact such jump can
only be associated to a one time event such as disposal of assets or something of that nature. That is
no increase due to normal growth from normal business operations.
The Gambia Telecommunications Cellular Company Limited (GAMCEL)
• Number of employees is 135 (a questionable figure)
.........Financial Highlights ..............2001 ......................2002 ...................2003
........ Turnover .............................D45.9 million .........D213.2 million .....D273.4 million
.........Expenditure ........................D35.9 million ..........D111.8 million .....D185.1 million
.........Profit Before Tax ................D9.9 million ........... D102.1 million .....D81.8 million
A profitable company, at least according to the above figures. The up and down profit swing has to be
something affecting both Gamtel and Gamcel. The year 2002 has something unique, look at the jump
from about D10 – D102 million and then drop to D82 million.
Similar profitability figures exist for all the Public Enterprises except National Water and Electricity
Company (NAWEC) and Gambia Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) registering losses and
Gambia International Airlines (GIA) registering reduced profits. Now, ask yourself if losses or
reducing profits are reason to divesture Gamtel and Gamcel, what should be done with NAWEC,
GPTC and GIA? What is done and how does it affect the quality of life of our nation?
Compatriots, this is no party politics, let us see the problem and safe our nation for the common good.
The state of affairs is not an option for our prosperity whether you are APRC and/or opposition
sympathizer and the solution is not replacing people in the office. Jawara was replaced with Yahya
and other offices have since changed hands, but everything else is the same and/or even worst. It is
time we assume our constitutional sovereignty to dictate how our affairs are managed. It is only this
way we can ensure every office conduct public affairs within the provisions of the laws of the lands.
This will ensure Limited Government and those who deliberately faltered be hunted by all Gambians.
(5) A Public Enterprise shall, within three months of the end of its financial year submit an annual
report to the National assembly on its business and operations during the preceding year;
It is now the ninth month of 2007, therefore if any public enterprise did not submit your report until
now is in violation of the constitution. If such reports have been submitted in time but took the
National Assembly 6 months to study and draw conclusions, then they are inefficient and should be
removed from office well before today.
I have tried to locate the three (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement) financial
reports of these companies without success. They should be made public and if you know the source,
kindly let me know. My e-mail is provided below. I would like to do a 21-point financial analysis from
2001-2006 and compare it with what we are told. Such analysis, based on the reported figures will
give an ideas on profitability, liquidity, leverage and activity turnovers.
(6) On the coming into force of this Constitution, the Public Service Commission shall provide existing
Public Enterprises with guidelines on personnel matters and shall provide such guidelines to any Public
Enterprise established thereafter.
This is the last constitutional provision on Public Enterprises, at least, in this section. Personnel matters
can seriously affect profitability, and one reason for privatization is to move away from public service
bureaucracy, hence, not letting them draw their own personnel policies and procedures can be
detrimental to the overall purpose. This problem is telling in the behavior of people at these
enterprises. For instance one official at Gamtel has 5 vehicles allocated to run his personal errands.
S/he is paid as per contract and received other employee benefits and yet kept D1.25 million worth of
assets (D1/4 million/car). These estimates do not include the maintenance and fuel to run those
vehicles. Imagine, GPTC has no buses for the public and yet still that company has officials riding
SUVs around town. How???????????????? What is the explanation??????????????? No company
can turn in positive bottom line with such indiscipline in resource management. Even if they could
, why not lunch expansion projects and/or considers reducing the cost of service on the consumer.
Yet again you can add quality and convenience to existing services. That is more appealing to our
common good than one person holding 5 vehicles to his/her errands at our expense.
The debate has just stated and is getting interesting by the day. However, comparing the past and
present may or may not have historical relevancy but not helpful in this case. Yesterday’s wrong is no
justification of our actions today. Instead it should help us organize today and the future with better
standards and procedures. Arguments based on morals, religions, tribes, etc. will be insufficient
valuation because we have so many differences in those variables as the number of tribes, religions,
etc. Arguing that the people should be consulted is democratic but the people have already said (if we
go by the constitution), how and who should do what. Mr. Omar Amadou Jallow (OJ) has reminded
the nation the role of the National Assembly (then Parliament) in establishing these enterprises and
how they should be run. My expectation was, Mr. Ousainou Darbo, Esq, would take the nation
through the constitutional/legal procedures of divestiture and/or liquidation of public enterpris
es for he is the main opposition figure and a legal guru. It is not enough to ask them to consult the
people next time and put it on public bid. Or, is it that the newspaper has published a portion of his
statement living the others out? If so, why? If not, Mr. Darbo falls below expectation. What we need
for the nation is complete adherence to the laws of the land. Anything otherwise is totally unacceptable
and it not a matter of next time.
The people of The Gambia has to unite on constitutionality and laws for The Gambia. Until then, the
partisan divide is threatening our sovereignty, democracy and prosperity. I hope and pray the light in
the tunnel is sighted by many as early as possible before we get to the rock bottom of …………
Forever Gambia!
Contact author: bjammeh@emich.edu, bjammeh@comcast.net, or bjammeh@member.betagammasigma.org and/or
onskype.com for a live chat on Sunday’s from 7 pm – 8 pm Eastern Time.
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Edited by - Dalton1 on 20 Sep 2007 12:55:00 |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 20 Sep 2007 : 12:58:38
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SIC:
he have a lot of interesting figures to offer; hopefully by next week, an article on some real figures on Gamtel will come out from him. |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2007 : 05:45:50
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| Thanks Dalton for your reaction on my request for the update! Its a wonderful write-up and need wide PUBLICITY FOR GAMBIANS TO CONSIDER! |
Edited by - kobo on 26 Sep 2007 05:47:38 |
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Alhassan
Sweden
813 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2007 : 13:16:30
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Dalton1,
Do you realy belive in rumors? I am suprised that you do not go to Gambia and find out facts. Some of your sources might be very wrong about Gamtel/gamcel. I do not take Burama jammeh's posting seriously because I red on the newspapers what is going on and my sources in Gambia says something different than Burama.
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Edited by - Alhassan on 26 Sep 2007 14:22:54 |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2007 : 18:03:22
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Al-hassan,
happy fasting,
but don't misconstrue the truth. In my forwarding above , i didn't make any opinion on it, so you cannot tell where i stand on opinion for the article. i only forwarded a request by a contributor.
as to whether i believe in rumor- i ask of what relevance is that to this particular forwarding. you too, feel free to rejoin on the article, also e-mail the guy.
Yero.
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 26 Sep 2007 : 18:08:08
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
Thanks Dalton for your reaction on my request for the update! Its a wonderful write-up and need wide PUBLICITY FOR GAMBIANS TO CONSIDER!
anytime.certainly welcome, Kobo. Credit is for Burama , while there is any in the eyes of true sight of the supportive genuine.
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 03 Oct 2007 : 17:37:56
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quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
It is most likly that when a big fish swallows a little fish that job losses will happen after all there is duplication of functions at the managerial levels and in the administration structure,I predict that there will be job losses at Gamtel/Gamcel,in the not too distant future.
Well it would appear to have started,I don't want to say I told you so, check this link,
Thanks to the Point
http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2361.htm |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 03 Oct 2007 22:21:22 |
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