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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Sep 2007 : 18:21:14
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Updated
May 26, 2003
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Published Weekly since 1917 - - - - - - - 17th-23rd february 2003
Socialists raise the tempo
The socialists are making their mark in a big way in the Gambian National Assembly even though they are a tiny minority as their party leader tells Desmond Davies
The People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) has only two members in the Gambian National Assembly. In fact, it doubled its parliamentary representation - from one to two - during the last election in 2001. Halifa Sallah, whose victory was responsible for increasing the PDOIS's number of seats in the National Assembly, is now the Minority Leader in the 50-seat House. which is overwhelmingly dominated by the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), the party of President Yahya Jammeh.
. Hallifa Sallah, "No quick fix solutions"
However, it is the other way round when it comes to debates in the house. "Even though we arc in the minority, very few people speak on the other side," Sallah told West Africa. "Clearly, when it comes to the debate in the National Assembly we are constantly contributing. Our contribution is disproportionate to our size. We, therefore, have a lot of influence. The only problem is that there is a lack of public media coverage of National Assembly debates. So Gambians do not get to know what we are doing."
Sallah says that his party has been instrumental in establishing a number of select committees, including that on the environment, of which he is the chairman. This, though, is presenting problems for such a small party because its two members have to serve on all the committees. "This means we have to work a lot harder," Sallah told West Africa. "But out belief is that nothing comes ready made. We have been trying to master the rules and regulations of the National Assembly and after intense struggle, we are beginning to get to grips with them."
In an era in which socialism does not appear to he fashionable, Sallah, who studied sociology in the US, is upbeat about his party's prospects of changing Gambian society along socialist ideals. But he was quick to point out that the PDOIS was not an unreconstructed socialist party. Not for the PDOIS what Sallah termed 'economic adventurism' - that is. wholesale nationalisation. "Essentially, we are talking about co-operative governance. In essence. we see governance throughout the world heading towards this process."
Warming to his theme, Sallah told West Africa. "There have been two types of dogmas which the world has had to deal with. First we had socialism by faith whereby you take the whole productive base of society and concentrate it in the hands of the state, believing that the state will provide everything for the people.
"The second dogma is to believe that the state has no role in the productive base; that countries can he built from thin air. The issue, therefore. is one of the economic, social and political empowerment of the people. The whole concept of development hinges on this: how do you build the capacity of people to contribute efficiently to society?"
Sallah believes that The Gambia is not properly suited yet for the sort of socialism his party envisages. "In our view, it is very clear from the facts that The Gambia has been depending entirely on taxation and loans. The small private sector is incapable of paying the type of corporate taxes necessary to provide services to the people. The local private sector, therefore, needs protection in order to build a competitive edge."
He went on: "The present regime talks about private sector-led growth hut how this should he done has proved elusive. We don't have a private sector providing employment. If that is the ease, there should be initiatives from the public sector to lead this growth. In this regard, the public sector has to be made efficient and dynamic. Financial discipline must be of the utmost importance.
"Our analysis has shown that there is no social linkage between financial institutions and individual or corporate bodies that are investing in the Gambia's productive base. So there is no basis for private sector development of the economy."
Sallah, however, admits that espousing socialism in this day and age has been an uphill task for his party. "We have had to struggle to put our opinions across. But the task really has two dimensions. The first. is how to ensure government for the people, with their consent and in their interest. The second is how to get people involved directly in the administrative life of society. As far as we arc concerned, the two processes should he linked. We have to get people to take ownership of their countries through institutionalisation of the process."
Continuing his argument for change. Sallah said the global economic system was in crisis and that The Gambia was caught tip in this web, noting that the country is one of the Highly-Indebted Poor Countries, "connoting that we can't pay our debts and our debts are unsustainable."
"We are becoming poorer and poorer and cannot afford to consume what is being produced by the developed world. The developed world is producing goods we cannot buy. In that sense, their economies will also be affected so the West will have to realise that the problem of indebtedness and poverty has to be tackled globally.
"In that sense, there are no quick fix solutions. Privatisation is not the answer. We need a realistic appraisal of our economy in particular and the global economy in general and to start implementing economic regeneration programmes. Sallah said.
He added: "The most important aspect of this is the empowerment of the people. True liberation of the people will come through their active participation in the political life of their country, to truly understand what is happening and to find out whether policies are actually serving their interests."
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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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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 10 Sep 2007 : 18:24:47
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we should try to know who our leadership contenders are .do we know this people and what they really stand for ? bring in any information you know about this people ,from halifa,darboe hamat,peirre,sedia.all of them. for yahya we know who is now but we don't where he came from .i mean his background.
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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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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2007 : 14:14:23
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Who is Halifa Sallah?
Santanfara, thanks for asking this question. My answer is simply this: he is an erratic and arrogant idealist who spends every day of his life fantasising ideas, ideas that no one is ever ready to buy because they never stand the test of objective scrutuny owing to their massive defects. I hope this helps
Thanks |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 13 Sep 2007 14:17:46 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2007 : 17:37:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
Who is Halifa Sallah?
Santanfara, thanks for asking this question. My answer is simply this: he is an erratic and arrogant idealist who spends every day of his life fantasising ideas, ideas that no one is ever ready to buy because they never stand the test of objective scrutuny owing to their massive defects. I hope this helps
Thanks
You don't like him then! |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2007 : 17:46:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
Who is Halifa Sallah?
Santanfara, thanks for asking this question. My answer is simply this: he is an erratic and arrogant idealist who spends every day of his life fantasising ideas, ideas that no one is ever ready to buy because they never stand the test of objective scrutuny owing to their massive defects. I hope this helps
Thanks
Nyaring! Its your oipinion, a SWEEPING STATEMENT & INDEED NICE ONE! 
What is your take on Halifa's contributions through Foroyaa editorials & articles; which you exploited and try to impress with this write-up on Gambian politics topic: The Unsafe Convictions under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4214
Your statements appear to be contradictory with your acknowledgment to your sole reliable sources of information and pirated(i.e Foroyaa Editorials!).
No intellectual dis-honesty and personal vendetta please However, it appears you knew the calibre of your political leaders very well. What about any opinions and statements that you want to share with us about our political leaders profiles on "WHO IS WHO!". Give credit where due and lets not be overwhelm with sarcasticism and smearing campaign please; No man is perfect! FOR THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND! |
Edited by - kobo on 13 Sep 2007 18:28:39 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2007 : 21:14:49
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Kobo,
Chill out man, you appear angry,just like your Avatar looks,this is a place for discussion ,EVERYONE is entitled to hold whatever views they wish, (as long as others arn't hurt!) |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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jammin
Jamaica
149 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 02:51:48
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quote:
"The second dogma is to believe that the state has no role in the productive base; that countries can he built from thin air. The issue, therefore. is one of the economic, social and political empowerment of the people. The whole concept of development hinges on this: how do you build the capacity of people to contribute efficiently to society?"
Being "erratic and arrogant" is not a crime, an examination of the statement for paucity of content and rhetoric is more important.
quote:
If that is the ease, there should be initiatives from the public sector to lead this growth. In this regard, the public sector has to be made efficient and dynamic. Financial discipline must be of the utmost importance.
I cant see anything wrong with this statement.most countries follow this formula.
quote:
Sallah, however, admits that espousing socialism in this day and age has been an uphill task for his party. "We have had to struggle to put our opinions across. But the task really has two dimensions. The first. is how to ensure government for the people, with their consent and in their interest. The second is how to get people involved directly in the administrative life of society. As far as we arc concerned, the two processes should he linked. We have to get people to take ownership of their countries through institutionalisation of the process."
Socialism is dying, even France has come to that realization
OVER TO YOU NYARIKANGBANNA |
Like a colossus He doth bestride the Narrow World |
Edited by - jammin on 14 Sep 2007 02:56:12 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 09:26:39
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| Socialism is dying ? What has happened to capitalism then ? A former U.N. secretary General , U Thant once asked , "what is capitalism and what is socilaism afterall...?". Socialism is a late reformer in some prominent countries like China and Cuba for example. In the U.S. while capitalistic ideals are often espoused by the Republican party , the democratic party often projects socialist ideals similar to Britain's Labor I believe. But overall most developed countries have a mixed economy , with a steady balance between capitalist and socialist agenda. |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 19:58:36
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quote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
You don't like him then!
Well, there is nothing to like or hate about him. He is just not worth either of them.
Thanks
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I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 14 Sep 2007 20:01:31 |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 20:21:14
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
Nyaring! Its your oipinion, a SWEEPING STATEMENT & INDEED NICE ONE!
What is your take on Halifa's contributions through Foroyaa editorials & articles; which you exploited and try to impress with this write-up on Gambian politics topic: The Unsafe Convictions under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4214
Your statements appear to be contradictory with your acknowledgment to your sole reliable sources of information and pirated(i.e Foroyaa Editorials!).
No intellectual dis-honesty and personal vendetta please However, it appears you knew the calibre of your political leaders very well. What about any opinions and statements that you want to share with us about our political leaders profiles on "WHO IS WHO!". Give credit where due and lets not be overwhelm with sarcasticism and smearing campaign please; No man is perfect! FOR THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND!
Well, when I was doing my research to write-up that article, I came across useful information relating to facts/accounts given by witnesses but all of them were written by Fabakary B. Ceesay and my reference to these articles were fully acknowledged in line with academic standards.
Thanks |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
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jammin
Jamaica
149 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2007 : 23:15:13
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quote:
Originally posted by kayjatta
Socialism is dying ? What has happened to capitalism then ? A former U.N. secretary General , U Thant once asked , "what is capitalism and what is socilaism afterall...?". Socialism is a late reformer in some prominent countries like China and Cuba for example. In the U.S. while capitalistic ideals are often espoused by the Republican party , the democratic party often projects socialist ideals similar to Britain's Labor I believe. But overall most developed countries have a mixed economy , with a steady balance between capitalist and socialist agenda.
With all due respect Kayjatta, your question does not deserve an answer.
suffice it to say, during the "cold war" capitalist countries were aligned on one side of the fence and communist/socialist countries on the other.
Today, with the exception of China, Cuba and N. Korea, the Communist Socialist side of the fence is desolate of inhabitants.
As it relates to the Democrats, they are essentially no different from the Republicans, they are all capitalist at heart. |
Like a colossus He doth bestride the Narrow World |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 15 Sep 2007 : 03:58:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
Well, there is nothing to like or hate about him. He is just not worth either of them.
Thanks
That statement cannot tarnish the image of this high profile politician/socialist/democrat/intellectual/ gentleman and man of INTERGRITY! I haven't seen any constructive critisms. Its just manifestation of your own attitude and signs of dis-respect, personal hatred and axe to grind (for personal or political reasons). Instead of focusing on ISSUES you don't even want to hear his name mentioned and always show us that you care less about it. You have castigated him with different forms of names or titles under this forum and you don't bother about the substances of topical discussions and articles of which he is involved. Don't you think that you have personal problems hereWith due respect to a man of calibre like you I would advise to please demonstrate some sense of MATURITY as A ROLE MODEL, DYNAMIC POTENTIAL POLITICIAN & LEADER, stop engaging in PETTINESS and depicting POOR GAMBIAN MORALE/ATTITUDE OF DESTROYING EACH OTHER! Compatriot Sheikh Lewis at one time cautioned as a challenge to us as Gambians (ONE LARGE FAMILY!) in a very tiny nation that; "We should stop digging holes for each other to fall!" or "Lets stop pushing each other to fall in the well!"
Wollof:-"Bung deh gass sa lanteh PAH!" or "Neng baiyi di push santeh si TENN!"
However in my opinions; this humble gentleman is a true patriot who loves his country, well known in some circles and within the diaspora as a very intelligent person, who has gone through great hurdles of his political life, well seasoned, tireless mentor, educates & promoter of civic education, made selfless sacrifices for empowerment of the masses, a vibrant participant in Constitutional matters, policy isssues, very vocal on checks & balances within government structures, the media (through Foroyaa), any political developments on Gambian democracy, good governance, a very important proxy under AU and Commonwealth political organs. Am lost for words how to describe him or to pay tribute to this living legend and with due respect to his calibre amongst other human resources of our GREAT NATION FOR THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND.
Finally I don't consider this humble gentleman to be someone who is POWER HUNGRY and your critisms does not have any effect against his good character, reputation and dynamic political career!
Thanks for sharing with us your opinions |
Edited by - kobo on 15 Sep 2007 07:16:37 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 15 Sep 2007 : 04:44:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
Well, when I was doing my research to write-up that article, I came across useful information relating to facts/accounts given by witnesses but all of them were written by Fabakary B. Ceesay and my reference to these articles were fully acknowledged in line with academic standards.
Thanks
Please refer that to Foroyaa editorial board
Enquire further about:-
1) what is Halifa's role as an editor or within the editorial board
2) What role Halifa has played on those articles |
Edited by - kobo on 15 Sep 2007 05:00:18 |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 17 Sep 2007 : 06:45:16
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| Jammin : you can pick up any modern economics text book , you will learn that many of the so-called capitalist countries such as U.S. , U.K. , Germany , etc are not purely capitalist. They are in fact mixed economies with some elements of both capitalism and socialism. This fact is what I was trying to tell you. Thanks. |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 17 Sep 2007 : 16:55:09
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
Please refer that to Foroyaa editorial board
Enquire further about:-
1) what is Halifa's role as an editor or within the editorial board
2) What role Halifa has played on those articles
Ok with hindsight, I should not have replied as it is pointless arguing with a fanatic and inept desciple. Even grade 9 students can make records of what somebody said in a court room.I don't know what is special about that. In fact the property I relied on to get the witnesses accounts was that of Momodou Camara because he paid for it, and they contain no analysis of any sort, be it legal or otherwise.
I rest my case in perpetual peace |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 17 Sep 2007 17:21:34 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11681 Posts |
Posted - 17 Sep 2007 : 17:06:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Nyarikangbanna
....was that of Momodou Camara because he paid for it...
Are you sure about that? Well, not to my knowledge so I wonder.. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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