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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Mar 2006 : 23:13:59
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We Beg to Differ
Friday 10th March 2006
For anyone to argue that exquisite limousines can serve as barometers for development or grandeur is to suffer some delusion as to the real meaning of our national development. Indeed, such argument would be feeble, unconvincing and needless to say amateurish.
On Wednesday a local paper came up with a story in which President Jammeh tried to justify the acquisition of some limousines and how far they would go in fetching respect for the poor, tiny West African State. Our aim here, however, is not to question how President Jammeh or his government acquired the limousines that have been engaged in elaborate road shows during the visit here of the Moroccan king last month. Rather, we would like to beg to differ with the president that Gambia can command the respect of the wider world now that the country has also got limousines. Such an assertion could at best be considered merely interesting.
Sure it is, because everyone is expected to know that it takes much more than flashy locomotives for a country to be able to earn the respect of the wider world.
If the APRC government is truly desperate to command the respect of those outside the country and even within, as some say, it can achieve more by committing itself to certain principles than can be achieved by limousines: the promotion of democracy, observation of good governance, upholding human rights, tolerance to divergent views and the improvement of the quality of life of one’s citizens, among many others, can earn a country more respect than any number of limousines could. Therefore, we can easily say and without fear of contradiction that there is much more a country needs to do for it to be respected than parading flashy and expensive limousines.
It is Inconveniencing
“This is very inconveniencing. How can one stop the free flow of traffic since in the morning up till now,” querried a driver’s mate yesterday afternoon in an apparent search for anyone who would stoke up the conversation at least with a response. “Surely, nobody can imagine the inconveniences this traffic quagmire usually generates,” retorted a passenger whom we later learnt was standing on the Westfield-Tabokoto Highway for almost three hours as traffic was brought to a near halt to allow the first lady a passage to Faji Kunda Health Centre.
Like Wednesday, any time the president, his wife or a high profile state visitor(s) was about to use the roads, traffic on certain routes were brought to a virtual standstill, thereby causing lots of inconveniences to not only drivers but commuters including civil servants, students and businessmen as well.
It is therefore prudent that a critical look is taken into this aspect of traffic disorder .It is surely inconveniencing.
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Culled from the Point Newspaper
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“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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