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 THE NEGATIVITY OF SOME GAMBIANS IN THE DISPORA
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Pappa



USA
76 Posts

Posted - 14 Mar 2006 :  06:15:55  Show Profile Send Pappa a Private Message
Fellow Gambians and interested parties as well, I have an issue that had been juggling me eversince I came to abroad - The negativity of (some) Gambians in the dispora. I cannot imagine how some would have the nerve to sabotage and distant themselves from the one and only place they were borned and raised from. What I mean by this is that, I've heard from quite a number of Gambians especially in the United States, tarnishing the image of that lovely country. Some are planning on going back and some have decided not to ever go back home, I totally understand that, just like there're some non-Gambians right now in The Gambia, or some other country who would properly never go back to their country of origin, it's your own personal decision to make, but, for whatever reason, please refrain from sabotaging the country. There're does who go to the extend of saying very bad things about the country - there is nothing in that country, poor conditions of living, dust, the hot weather, etc, in some intances the Government would even be blamed for being wholly responsible for the lack of developments in the nation. Although, the gov't may be partly responsible, trust me fellows we as citizens of that nation are partly responsible as well. For one, the Gov't would not be able to solely develop that nation, there is no country like that, even the most developed nation (USA) didn't get to where it is today like that, and then two, we'll sit for million years if we waiting for another individual/nation to come to our rescue. And please, do not assume I'm supporting the Gambia Gov't, I am not a fan of Yaya Jammeh, just like there're some things I applaud him for doing a good job on there're equally or even more wrongs on the other hand. I personal feel the Gov't could have done better in managing the affairs of that country, but, that's a whole other issue I may bring up if it happens that, I decide to oppose him in national elections (a thought) in the very near future. Personally, I don't just think about the Gov't when it comes to developing that nation; I visit The Gambia quite often and in addendum, I feel am partly contributing to the development of that nation in different ways.

Ladies and gents, I partially rest my case for now. Your honest oppinions on this matter are highly welcomed. I'm open to positive and negative feedbacks, and hopefully, no one holds a grudge on this .........peace.

When opportunity and prepareness meet, it leads to success!

Great Phonecard rates and a lot more, at affordable prices, check it out at http://www.pjoof.com

Edited by - Pappa on 14 Mar 2006 06:32:44

toast99

United Kingdom
34 Posts

Posted - 14 Mar 2006 :  08:52:43  Show Profile  Visit toast99's Homepage Send toast99 a Private Message
an astute post....I'm afraid though that many people, regardless of where they are situated will simply sit on their backsides and complain because that is an option that requires little input. I see it occasionally here on this fine forum, and more often on the blogs that I browse daily worldwide. I cannot understand how someone can smugly write a whining tirade about what is wrong with their birth country and then sit back in self-satisfaction surely aware that those words have contributed nothing to the perceived problem apart from seeing their name in print.....best regards
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serenata



Germany
1400 Posts

Posted - 14 Mar 2006 :  14:26:52  Show Profile Send serenata a Private Message
I agree with you both. I don't know too much about Gambian politics, but when I read all these naive hopes for another, and of course much, much better government, I fear many people will be very disappointed once they got what they want.

In Germany, we had a really filthy campaign against the Schröder administration - Big Business wanted to see its traditional partner, the highly corrupt Christian Democratic Union (CDU), back on the throne, and was partly successful in 2005. This campaign started only a few days after the 1998 elections, where the Social Democrats and the Greens had won, and it dazed almost all activities of the people. Everybody expected nothing but the worst. As everything is bound to go down, why should you take any action? Now, with CDU-Angela Merkel as chancellor, things are even worse for the average German, but in many newspapers you find only the purest of optimism...

Maybe you cannot compare this example with Gambia, but it shows how easily people can be manipulated, how tempting it is to shift responsibilities from oneself to another (person, institution, etc.), and that giving up responsibility is always dangerous.
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Ousman

USA
103 Posts

Posted - 14 Mar 2006 :  17:58:22  Show Profile  Visit Ousman's Homepage Send Ousman a Private Message
Pointing out the inept behavior of our leaders is not negativity. Most Gambians that espouse their views on line have the interest of that nation at heart. Speaking truth to power is not comparable to tarnishing or "sabotaging" the Gambia. If the online Gambian community that voice out their disgust at the way things are going on in the Gambia are "saboteurs" by mentioning the obvious then lord help us.

Most online critics of the situation in the Gambia are as invested as the next guy in that country. Apart from the obvious fact that their families live there, they are sending remittances to keep that place humming.

The saddest thing about Pappa's rant is this statement:
" I personal feel the Gov't could have done better in managing the affairs of that country, but, that's a whole other issue I may bring up if it happens that, I decide to oppose him in national elections (a thought) in the very near future."

He is going to wait until he decides to run against the government in an election before he airs out the fact that the Gambia is been run into the ground by an inept and an incompetent leader. That the living conditions of most of people are really bad. The infrastructure is pathetic. What good job is Jammeh doing? Buying limousines? Come one now people. Online critics like myself have the greatest interest of the Gambia at heart, but we ain't gonna be part of this illusory notion that by bringing out the obvious, we are tarnishing the image of our country. Or we are saboteurs. We are as patriotic as anybody else.

http://Gambian.blogspot.com
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Pappa



USA
76 Posts

Posted - 17 Mar 2006 :  08:01:19  Show Profile Send Pappa a Private Message
Hi toast99, Serenata & Ousman, thanks for the prompt replies/feedbacks. I'm glad that my comment is being read and analyze by different people. As I said earlier on, I welcome both negative and positive feedbacks. Atimes I may counter argue on some to make my point much more clear and the discussions more interesting. After all we are here to exchange ideas, of which most of us could definitely gain a lot from. That being the case, my reply today is purposely to clearify to Ousman that, my argument/point is not wholly based on people's voicing out their views on Government's poor management of the nation's state of affairs i.e the gov't case was stated just as a part of the examples of the excuses people use to downgrade the image of the country. I don't think it would make any difference for me to sit at my PC and criticise Jammeh all day long, because he probably would not even read that thing, or even if he does, he probably be saying that we wasting our time. You cannot sit thousands of miles away, voice out your oppinion and expect people would listen to you. People have been doing that and forever will but, guess what, it doesn't move the President an inch, so what difference does it make. There are much more better methods to use than that, such as VOTE on election day, Actively campaign for your candidate of choice or personally run for elections, educate/enlighten the citizens, INVEST in the Gambia (not personal development alone but, businesswise as well; that would create jobs, access to facilities, better infrastructure, good conditions of living, etc). These are just a few of things that could make a great impact on the development of that nation. I would use USA as an example, not a day would go by without some Americans critisizing the Bush gov't, but yet still, their criticisms are followed with actions - Protests, trigger Congress/House/Political figures to intervene on issues, most importantly they stick to their country and are enormously developing it. With regards to waiting to establish my views on Jammeh on national election runoffs (which is just a thought at this moment), I mean't major actions/sacrifices I would take to rescue the nation from it's downfall, besides if you noticed, I had briefly mentioned on some other ways I'm may be contributing in developments as well. Enough of that for now, my point is the negative attitude of some Gambian people towards their nation of birth as a whole. I'm talking about people being embrassed of were they are from, distanting themselves from their place of origin, people just talking not taking actions, the lazyness of some people, I can go on and on and on.....

When opportunity and prepareness meet, it leads to success!

Great Phonecard rates and a lot more, at affordable prices, check it out at http://www.pjoof.com
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Babylon



Sweden
691 Posts

Posted - 17 Mar 2006 :  15:42:40  Show Profile Send Babylon a Private Message
I normally donīt like to interfear in african politics since Iīm not african but I donīt think people are lazy I think maybe people simply are scared of powerhungry dictators like Jammeh. Perhaps that is why itīs easier to be anonymous and critize him behind a computer screen instead of being out there on the streets of Banjul and perhaps risc your life or freedom

I donīt think you can put the responsability on the people of a nation which is ruled by a dictator who do not want or intend to step down and lose his power (not over his dead body).
I do not trust that guy one bit.

I also think that the west should put more pressure on these african leaders and demand that they act in the best interest for their country.
The west is also responsible for creating fair trade with Africa. African products should be made in Africa and exported as a complete product, not to send raw material like cocoa for example(for a cheap price)to be produced in a western country which only gains and creates jobs here in the west.

Also, african presidents should not be allowed to open bankaccounts in Switzerland where they place their countries money for their own personal needs.
With leaders like that, how can a country develope? What company is able and willing to invest in a country without a budget?


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bamba

Sweden
401 Posts

Posted - 17 Mar 2006 :  20:53:33  Show Profile Send bamba a Private Message
Babylon, life is a stage where everyone plays his /her part and finally varnishes in oblivion. Those that are chosen to sacrifice their lives do so; those that are not play their roles as destined. Not all whites sacrificed their lives for the prevalent white supremacy.

Bamba
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Janyanfara



Tanzania
1350 Posts

Posted - 17 Mar 2006 :  22:16:49  Show Profile Send Janyanfara a Private Message
Papa(Dad)
You are right and wrong(sounds confusing to you right?as no one can be both right and wrong at the same time.Dad(papa)
Though some Gambian only see themselves as Gambians by colour tribal language only.They have their European papers and think they are settled finally but you are right they cannot ever become crocodiles in the seas of Europe or Babylon.Some Gambian are even for better than some Gambians here in Babylon.Some can't even help themselves muchmore help others at home or contribute to anything meaningful.

But I think you are wrong in the sence that many beautiful buildings in the Gambia today and so many families have a basic life are due to the contributions of ther kins abroad.

Our Governments havea responsibility towards the people.Howmany minister can build a story building out of your salary in the Gambia today?
I choose ministers 4 it is the hihest in the civil service.Don't even think of a nurse in the hospital.If all the drug bought or donated to the government are stolen by our own trusted staff
.If you go to the biggest Hospital(RVTH) any important drug,or even scan,you will be directed to a drug store to pay more morney or die.
Think of the poor people's bank(Continent Bank) brought to the ground by bigmen who borrowed all her morney and refused to pay which led to so many people who have worked hard 4 years to stand on their feet back to zero,
How can one help a government that would allow the police to charge and fine taxi drivers who had traffic serious offences and when those drivers give them 50dalasis instead of 150 dalasis which is to go into the coffers would be deprived to government by HER own agents.The poor farmer would go to mile two or Janjanbury for failure to pay his/her LEMPOO/NAMOO while senior civil servants will refuse to pay even their electricity bills just by bribing the NAWEC officisals with few hundreds for months or years.
Do you know whoI am?I will soon show you who I am.Just do what I ask you to do or you loose your Job.

WHAT DO YOU WANT US TO DO APPART FROM CONTRIBUTING POSSITIVELY?
Building our families mordern houses and filling our banks with foreign currencies to ennable good exchange rate(Even that some big civil servants always abuse by setting up their own morney exchange houses where they take these mornies to earn more)help the nation to have good commodities is all we can do to help our governments.
Collectively we can help organistaions here to sponsor poor people's sons/daughters to also have good educations like the greedy or fortunate ones.But to help the governments directly...not me.
Any government that comes to power I can only ask western parastetals to help the Gambian people directly...This can be my contribution.
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Pappa



USA
76 Posts

Posted - 19 Mar 2006 :  09:18:32  Show Profile Send Pappa a Private Message
Janyanfara, I guess you may be right looking at it in that context as well.

When opportunity and prepareness meet, it leads to success!

Great Phonecard rates and a lot more, at affordable prices, check it out at http://www.pjoof.com
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trouble1317



United Kingdom
12 Posts

Posted - 19 Mar 2006 :  18:02:04  Show Profile Send trouble1317 a Private Message
Gambia needs a president that takes real action American president...
Franklin D Roosevelt is a fantastic example, his new deal turned america around..
Why are there no trade unions in Gambia, people need to unite.
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kassma



334 Posts

Posted - 21 Mar 2006 :  22:24:21  Show Profile Send kassma a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by Babylon

I normally donīt like to interfear in african politics since Iīm not african but I donīt think people are lazy I think maybe people simply are scared of powerhungry dictators like Jammeh. Perhaps that is why itīs easier to be anonymous and critize him behind a computer screen instead of being out there on the streets of Banjul and perhaps risc your life or freedom

I donīt think you can put the responsability on the people of a nation which is ruled by a dictator who do not want or intend to step down and lose his power (not over his dead body).
I do not trust that guy one bit.

I also think that the west should put more pressure on these african leaders and demand that they act in the best interest for their country.
The west is also responsible for creating fair trade with Africa. African products should be made in Africa and exported as a complete product, not to send raw material like cocoa for example(for a cheap price)to be produced in a western country which only gains and creates jobs here in the west.

Also, african presidents should not be allowed to open bankaccounts in Switzerland where they place their countries money for their own personal needs.
With leaders like that, how can a country develope? What company is able and willing to invest in a country without a budget?






oh my gosh, i agree with you. however, i think the west benefits from africa's condition too much to try and change the main cause of this condition.
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kassma



334 Posts

Posted - 21 Mar 2006 :  22:29:11  Show Profile Send kassma a Private Message
quote:
Originally posted by trouble1317

Gambia needs a president that takes real action American president...
Franklin D Roosevelt is a fantastic example, his new deal turned america around..
Why are there no trade unions in Gambia, people need to unite.



Trouble, i agree with you about people needing to unite. it seems to me, too many people are willing to accept Jammeh's nonsense. i know its scary, but people should at least march or something. i don't know if its lack of involvement or something else, but something should be done.
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kajaw

70 Posts

Posted - 26 Mar 2006 :  22:32:43  Show Profile Send kajaw a Private Message
I am sure some of you who are not new to the forum remember me. I told you in january that i was going to the gambia. I went there for a month. I totally disagree with the article. I have been in the US for a long time and most gambians here are working hard and sending money to their loved ones home building houses etc and contributing in very tangable ways to the development of the country. It is funfare therefor to lebel them as lazy complainers. I was in gambia for a month and i had not been there in the past four years. What I fould from kombo to badibu to basse was indeed sad. I found a country gripped with poverty desease and a cronic fear of the authorities. I could not talk about anything with anyone because they fear that they would loose their jobs or worst. Nothing can be done to uplift the country whiles there remains bad leadership. I rescently saw on the observer page the president bragging about buying two Hummer Limos just to entertain the king of Morroco whiles most gambians live on less than a dollar a day. Wouldn't those lemos cost upwards of 500,000. So the reason why you are not hearing the people complaining as loudly as they are on the diaspora is because they are afraid. People in the diaspora are not the problem many are working two jobs to support a family home. I suspect that most people in the forum are either going to school or working hard to support their families and loved ones. So dont caricature them turn your face towards the clowns who are holding our country hostage. I thought the article was serious up to the point when you talked of elections. How can elections unseat a president when he has absolute monopoly on the media. Where every independant source of information is harrashed to extinction where journalists are under constant treat of being arrested or worst still being killed. Why would anyone want to vote when they know their vote matters little? In my openion, it is a sad fact but a sad fact nontheless. The only way of removing this tyranical regeme from power would be by force. I dont condone coups. However, i do think all these so called coups are being staged and innocent people have died as a result and many more have gone to prison. My preference would have been for the nation to rise up and march(peacefully) through the streets to force jammeh and his goon out of power. It has worked against more hedious killers like milosovich and it should be applied to ouste jammeh. I thought when members of the oposition were arrested and were denied a permit to demonstrate was in fact the perfect opportunity. They should have organized anyway and attempt to force this regeme out. Even if i am in this country and something like that is planned and i deem it to be serious, i will go home and perticipate in it. What we need is serious leadership to lead us to rescue our country.
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