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snuggels
960 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 09:45:59
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My Gambia Experience
On my first visit to Gambia from England. I was in Banjul and was approached by 2 plain clothes police officers who said they were Interpol officers and ask me to produce my passport. On inspection they commented on the number of countries I had visited and was duly taken to Banjul police station and accused of being an international pornographer and that an investigation to my background would have to be made which could take 6 weeks , during which time I would be held in prison. However the problem could be resolved if out the kindness if my heart I would make some financial payment. This was done and I was released.
On leaving the country as my bags were being put through the x-ray machine at the airport I was taken to a side room and it was pointed out that in my toiletry bag in my carry on hand luggage was a very small pair of nail scissors and was told I had committed a very serious offence and I could miss my flight while I was interviewed. However the problem could be resolved if out the kindness of my heart I would make some financial payment. This was done and I caught my flight.
Reluctant to return to The Gambia. The second time I went was to meet up with various friends I had made while on other holidays I had in Guinea and Senegal. It was great to see them all again. But this was all marred for the following reasons.
The Married ladies decided to have a girl’s night out at Senegambia. That night they were all arrested by the military and the following day taken to Fajara military base.
I went in to the Military office in Senegambia to find out why they had been arrested if all there paper work and passports were in order.
I was told the military were not interested in their papers or passports. And that any black unaccompanied ladies can/would be arrested and could be held for a considerable length of time.
A visit was duly made to the Fajara military base to find out how we could secure an early release and was told the problem could be resolved if out the kindness of my heart I would make some financial payment. This was done and they were released. This happened again while they were walking along the road near the Amsterdam Dolfin restaurant in Kololi cumulating with the same scenario.
Needless to say they all left the country as soon as possible. The loss of revenue to the country and local community I’m sure succeeded the bribes that had to be paid.
As I was on extended holiday I had to renew my visa at the Immigration office attached to the police station at Kuto. I was told I could only renew it for 2 weeks but if I wanted it for a further 28days the problem could be resolved if out the kindness of my heart I would make some financial payment. This was done and the passport was stamped
While walking along the beach with one of the above friends we were approached by 2 military officers who enquired were my friend lived she said she was a tourist from Guinea she was told if she was from Guinea she was not a tourist. The reason they stopped us was because she was improperly dressed and she had to cover herself up although she was wearing a three quarter type bathing suit not like many white people on the beach who were wearing skimpy bikinis.
During a state visit by a foreign dignitary and roads being closed to traffic. I was walking back to Kololi from Senegambis late evening there were various military personnel stationed along the road. As I walked along there was a young girl and a military officer having a heated exchange of words as I got closer the officer grabbed the girl by the hair and started to repeatedly punch her in the face and body.
I tried to get in-between them but the officer pulled out his 3 foot baton and beat her about the head and body she collapsed to the floor under the rein of blows he still did not stop. Other officers arrived at the scene and as I had witnessed this savage beating I made a quick exit as the military can’t be trusted.
When potential tourists to the Gambia hear off or see such things they are not going to go or indeed go back
The Bunpsters have been blamed for the drop in tourists to the Gambia the numbers of which have been dropping for a considerable time. Yes they can be a problem but with a firm no thank you they go away.
You don’t have to pay bribes or they attack you.
Finally until such times that the tourist trade is opened up to other operators in the Gambia thus making it more competitive The Gambia Experience have virtual monopoly and charge what they like, so tourists are going to find better value for money in other countries. It has to be more competitive to bring prices down if the tourists are to go or come back
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 11:26:50
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| Thats the lack of education, unprofessionalism, ignorance or compromising their integrity by public servants especially the Police, Army, Intellegence and some Judges officials in the dispensation of their duties. Some foolish peaople are not fit to be there and always tarnish the image of this country and many average Gambians don't bother about these degradation and other signs of under-development still persistent in the society against the leadership and present Government. On face value the good things that makes Gambia a wonderful country are still there especially some of our cultural values and being lovely people to foreigners. You are always welcome and forgive us with your sad experiences on this occassion. |
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babygirl
United Kingdom
89 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 14:10:33
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I am british and i have lived and worked in The Gambia. I now visit there regularly as a tourist. Some of your post i can relate to. Such as the bribes. Altho i have found if asked and told i dont have anything they accept it very easily.
But i dont understand y out of the thousands of tourists you would get singled out and accused of being a pornographer... Esp in the middle of Banjul for no explained reason...or why the "married women" would get singled out and arrested..again for no good reason...Sorry if im being skepical.
Gambia Experience dont have the monopoly on Gambia. you can travel with alot of different tour companies such as Cosmos,First Choice, Thomspon, Thomas cook and more....The Difference is Gambia Experience deal with only Gambia,where as Gambia is only one of many many destinations for the other companies. Other companies arent going to get more involved in Gambia unless they think the market is there and unless they believe the country to be totally stable.
There is a big world out there and its gettin cheaper and easier to explore. If anything id say the price of malaria tablets is more off putting than the bumsters. As for people getting put off cos of these stories .... yes maybe ....but then again has countless rapes and assaults in places like Spain put off tourists from goin there?.... Crime is everywhere ......but there is alot less of it in Gambia than most places to put things in perspective.
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babygirl
United Kingdom
89 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 14:20:57
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| GamEx do have the monopoly in the summer months, but as i sed in my previous post other tour companies wont spend unless they believe the demand is there...Also i believe next winter season sees My travel using 4 airports from the uk to gambia instead of 2. |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 18:45:27
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hi babygirl, it is easy to sceptical but things happen, glad to hear that my travel will be using 4 airports instead of two, but has that been announced. you are right gambia is part of the world destinations for some companies, but for gamex it is the only country.
My experience with gam ex is one of monopoly. if you are staying in the senegambia are, as you get on the bus from the airport to the hotel the advice from the rep is "please do not leave the hotel until you have had your welcome meeting, it is not safe"
What a welcome to the country.
I have seen some arguments in Gambia and there are two sides to every story did they report it to the British Embassy, I was integrated at the airport once becuase I have mobiles phones for gifts. i asked for a receipt if they were going to confisticate them. they are all bullies, if you say no what would they do throw you in prison i think not. but unfortuately no-one reports them or stands up to them so that escape punishment.
As in any country dress wrongly and you attract attention. You should see me when I travel everying is long, baggy and totally unfashionable, i look anything but rich.
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 20:05:24
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I feel safer travelling around Gambia than any where else I have been. Gambian men try their luck, but it are very respectful and accept a NO with good grace. Alot of the flirting and banter that goes on is just a game. Harmless if irritating at times.
This visit I was stopped at the airport because I had 3 mobiles in my luggage. They had been given to me to give to people in Kwinella and Kolior. Even though I explained it was for charity the security guy pocketed one.
On my trip to Tendaba we were pulled over at the side of the road by the police. Kept there for 3/4 of an hour in the heat...then released to go for 100dls bribe....
Finally stopped by the army who took a packet of pencils from my aid for the nursery.
On my first visit I was very indignant about all this....... now I am resigned to it. It smoothes the way..I just give in and give the little bribe....... you can bribe your way to a driving license, a marriage certificate, a passport...pretty much anything you want.
In a country where people are poor you cant blame them for trying their luck. Perhaps if their government wage was better they wouldnt need to do it?! |
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twinkly
United Kingdom
190 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 20:49:44
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Hi Gambiabev, nice to have you back again
Is it really so, that we just have to take it?
I believe that most people there don't know they (probably) could fight against it.
I had many experiences but I never gave in.Whether it is a packet of cigarettes, money or whatever.They know exactly they are not allowed to do this, but the people "just give in", maybe because they are scared or they don't know.
There was a checkpoint after Brufut(don't know if it is there again), my hubby was in the car with 3 of his mates/brothers and got stopped because my hubby had dreadlocks(assuming he had weed and could get a bribe).The police wanted to make a big fuss, in the end they beat up the police and the checkpoint was gone for a long while.
Another incident happened outside the serekunda market.I parked the car while the others went out to get something.A policeman turned up on my window, needed to see my licence and insurance and told me to come to the station right next door.I asked why, he wouldn't tell me.I said I'm not coming I haven't done anything.My hubby returned and we eventually followed to the station.We were told that it was no parking there, but we could not see a sign.We were asked to pay but I refused stating that there was no signs and I know the traffic laws.After realising that there was no way we were going to pay, he came with a court order.We appeared outside of the court when asked, my hubby went in and the whole story was forgotten, becauese they realised we did nothing wrong.I made pics from that place and there were no signs saying no parking.
I would never be rude, I know these people take the law into their own hands and are unpredictable, but they know that they have to be carefull with foreigners |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2006 : 22:46:35
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snuggles,
We are very very sory,
Things happen anyway and I will not dispute your story but the Gambia is the best place for any tourist travelling to Africa and I can assure you IT IS THE SMILING COAST OF AFRICA.
Any where in Africa and even some governmental departments in Europe there is corruption.You just have to know your rights.How ever as babygirl rightly put it to you,I wounder why you were single out?and why all those times you were paying morney?Would you do that in Europe?If no,why did you accept to pay morney when you've coommited no crime?Answer these questions then I can know how to advise you.If you can't defend your self when accused, then why did you travel or maybe they may have a point.
Think of many Europeans like you who go to the Gambia with no problem what so ever.
Lok at our dear Gambiabev she is European like you and baby girl and you heard their story.I have to ofcause thank them for I may be seen to be siding with my people but no I am not and I have to tell you I never condone corruption in any form and thats why I appologised in the begening .I just have my doubts and needs crearance from you.Why do you always give in and give them morney any time this statement(below) is said to you?
"the problem could be resolved if out the kindness if my heart I would make some financial payment. This was done and I was released".
Are you a pornographer?If you are,well there is no place for pornography in the Gambia for our cultural values take it to be evil and taboo.So don't be surprised to be held again if you are.I only belief that if they have a case against you,they should take you to court rather than accept bribes.But I don't know why you also doing nothing kept paying when the statement(up) was mentioned
We are a peaceful people and welcome everybody except crooks and criminal as all civilised societies(includding you country) don't welcome crooks and criminals.
Peace
Mankajang Janyanfara |
Edited by - Janyanfara on 02 Apr 2006 22:53:55 |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 02:38:59
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I am sad to read of your experience in the Gambia. Gambia is one of the warmest places one can ever travel to. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of tourist like you. Please be rest assured that on balance people enjoy their holidays in the Gambia.
As far as your experience, it is not something the average Gambian condones. However, you have to put into perspective that people will do anything to survive. If people are hopeless they can resort to anything.
I can narrate similar stories I experience and contineous to experience in the United States. The stories are off course different. In the United States police stop you in the street simply because you are different. People treat you differently at work because you are different.
My experience is that what you called bribery in the Gambia or third world countries they call it lobbying here or in the West. There is constant stereotyping going on in your face daily. They just happen to find a better way to do it.
As for Pornography and child sex seekers, Gambia is not going to be a safe heaven for you. We very well know that there are people who travel to these countries seeking for something they can't get from their homes. Some of our sisters have been lured into dating tourist only to find themselves enslaved in the West.
The problem is created by Africa's failure to create a society where its citizens can be proud of. Our leaders have constantly failed us, and in effect millions of Africans have left their lands in search of greener pastures. If those of you visiting Africa can relate to the situation in your own homes, then you will understand why some people behave the way they do. It is a sad story, but every human being deserves a better living.
The African experience in the West is as cruel as the Western experience in Gambia. No justification whatsoever for this actions, but don't paint a picture as if it never happens in your door steps.
Peace.
Baldeh |
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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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 11:53:49
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snuggels, I agree with babygirl. I doubt your honesty, and I think you doctored your report. Anyway, this does not touch the problem that in Gambia you get away with a lot of things if you bribe the police.
For the visa: I had my visa extended in January, and everything was done absolutely correct.
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Formby
United Kingdom
246 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 12:03:06
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| I have seen this post at many Gambian chat pages. His name is usually Roger. It's been going on for years. Am not sure why this guy wants to put such a downer on the Gambia. |
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kijeras
11 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 16:33:21
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. However the problem could be [b]resolved if out the kindness of my heart I would make some financial payment.
MR. SNUGGELS, ON-BEHALF OF THE GAMBIA ( THE CRYING COAST UNDER JAMUS AND FELLOW MILITARY RULE ) I ASK FOR YOUR FORGIVENESS, AND PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS CRIME IN EVERY STATE IN THIS WORLD,EVEN THOUGH IN OUR DEAR MOTHER GAMBIA, IT`S MOSTLY COMMITTED IN A DIFFERENT STYLE. THERE WAS, BEFORE JULY 1994- BUT AFTER THAT FATEFUL 22nd, THE STYLE OF HARASHMENT,BRUTALITY,CORRUPTION,PUBLIC RIGHT VIOLATION CHANGED INTO THE HANDS OF THE SO-CALL ALMIGHTY CIVIL SERVANTS MAINLY THE MILITARY, SENSELESS SO-CALL N I A ,AND BASICALLY MOST WHO DEAL WITH PUBLIC OFFICE. THE GAMBIA`S GOVERNMENT IS A CHAMBER FOR TORTURE AND CORRUPTION.FOR THEM MOSTLY IN PUBLIC OFFICES BELIEF THEMSELVES AS GODS OVER THE REST ( NOT ONLY TO YOU AS TOURIST BUT AS WELL TO US AS INNOCIENT GAMBIANS ),BUT HEAY TIME, UNTILL THEIR ALMIGHT JAMUS JUNKUNG KICK ANY OF THEM OUT--THAT`S WHEN THEY REALIZE THAT THEY ARE BACK TO HUMANITY BECAUSE THE SUPER GODLY UNIFORM IS OFF.
MY FRIEND, I TRUST YOU, ALL THAT YOU SAID EVEN IF FABRICATED, IS HAPPENING IN THE GAMBIA. I CAN RELATE TO ALL THAT YOU`VE SAID ACCORDING TO YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE GAMBIA.
1- THE SO-CALLED PLAIN CLOTH TAKING YOU FOR A PORNOGRAPHER. SOME ONE
COMMENTED ON THAT SAYING HOW COME YOU, OUT OF ALL THE REMAINING
TOURISTS BECAUSE HE HIM SELF IS AN OFTEN TOURIST TO THE GAMBIA.
THE ODDS ARE ALWAYS ONE TO A 100,HE MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN A VICTIM BUT MANY WERE/ARE. THE SO-CALL N I A OR THE POLICE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR POTENTIALS ESPECIALLY WHEN IT`S BELIEVED THAT THE MAJORITY OF WESTERN TOURIST TO THE THIRD WORLD ESPECIALLY THE GAMBIA ARE THERE TO RESOLVE THEIR SEXUAL HUNGER TOWARDS ALL AGES FROM MINOR TO MAJOR. NOW THE POLICE DRESSED IN PLAIN MAY PLAY THEIR GAMES TO SEDUCE POTENTIALS LIKE YOUR SELF NOT VERILY TO LOCK YOU UP IN JAIL BUT MAINLY TO LURE YOU INTO GIVEN MONEY SO THAT THEY CAN ALSO SATISFY THEIR UNGODLY HUNGER FOR A FEW DOLLARS ( MONEY ) IN EXCHANGE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE MANY.TOURISM IS PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN THE GAMBIA BUT FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE AS SAID, MAY DISCOURAGE MANY FROM COMING TO MY HOME IN FEAR OF WHAT YOU MENTIONED---YES BUT THE TRUTH MUST BE TOLD SO THAT WHO EVEN HEARS CAN BE MINDFUL. THIS IS NOT ALWAYS AS BLAMED UPON POVERTY,IT`S GREED AND I REJECT IT. EVERY ONE IN HERE DEEP DOWN THEM KNOWS THAT YOU`VE HIT THE NAIL BY THE HEAD BUT AGAIN , HOME SWEET HOME.SOME TOURIST ARE ENGAGED IN PORNOGRAPHY ACTIVITIES IN THE GAMBIA BUT THEY CAN`T BE TOUCHED BECAUSE THEY ARE FULLY BACKED BY TOURIST GUARDS- AGAIN BECAUSE OF GREED.
2-- THE ARMY`S BRUTALITY AGAINST THE INNOCIENT GAMBIANS, THIS IS AN EVERY DAYS ACT AND FOR THEM, JUNKUNG IS PART ARMY PART HUMAN, THE GOD OF THE SMALL SAITANS.YOU SEE, IBLIS CAN DO EVERY EVIL WITHIN HIS VERY LONG LIFE SPAN SO DOES HIS SAITANS. AND MOST OF THE TIMES, IBLIS DOES NOT EVEN HAVE TO MOVE FROM HIS PLACE, HE LET WHAT WE CALL SAITANS TO DO WHAT EVER THEY WANT SO WHEN HIS BIG MISSIONS COMES THEY OPERATE FOR HIM WITHOUT FEAR OF GOD ( ALLAH ).
3-- THE GAMBIA`S IMMIGRATION IS THE WORST, BRIBERY IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY.I HAD A FRIEND WHO WAS COMING TO THE U S , BUT HE HAS TO PULL OUT 700 DALASIS TO THE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS (TO MEET THEIR DEMAND) IN DUTY JUST TO AVOID BEING DELAYED.HOW MANY PEOPLE TODAY ARE CITIZENS OF THE GAMBIA THROUGH BRIBERY TO THE SYSTEM. THE ONES AT ARROUND THE BORDERS, THEY LIVE IN HARASHING THE INCOMERS FOR SMALL TOKEN OF MONEY IN EXCHANGE TO ENTER THE GAMBIA, IF NOT THAT`S WHEN ALL KINDS OF ALLEGATIONS COME IN. EVEN MOST GAMBIANS BEFORE THEY CAN HAVE THEIR PASSPORTS ON A TIMELY MANNER , THEY HAVE TO BE WISE TO PENETRATE THE SYSTEM, IF NOT WHO DO YOU CRY TO.I HAVE MET A GUY WHO WAS BORN IN THE GAMBIA BUT BECAUSE HIS MOM AND DAD WERE BORN IN SENEGAL, WAS REFUSED A PASSPORT WITH A CLAIM CALLING ONTO SOME FABRICATED 1970 CONSTITUTION THAT YOU, MOM AND DAD MUST HAVE TO BE BORN IN THE GAMBIA BEFORE YOU CAN BE A GAMBIAN.IT ALL STARTED BECAUSE HE REFUSED TO BRIBE. WHERE ON EARTH IS THAT KIND OF LAW.IF YOU ARE NOT A CITIZEN OF WHERE YOU WERE BORN- WHICH COUNTRY IS YOUR CITZENSHIP.MAMA AND DADY HAS TO BE BORN AT THE SAME PLACE AS YOU WERE. BUT WHY EVEN BOTHER ISSUE A BIRTH CERTIFICATE AT TIME OF BIRTH.YOU DID THE RIGHT THING, IF YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN THEM THE BRIBES THAT YOU DID, YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN TORTURED, DELAYED YOUR WHOLE TIME --BECAUSE THEY WOULD COME OUT WITH ALL KINDS OF STORIES JUST TO IMPLICATE YOU ( THIS IS THE TRUTH). JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENNIED ESPECIALLY IN AFRICA .ATLAEST YOU`VE SAID IT HERE, AND MAY BE IT CAN BE A LESSON TO FEW AMONG US GAMBIANS.NO NEED TO REPORT TO THE UPPER AUTHORITIES, THEY ARE ALL IN THE SAME LINE.THE BEST ATLEAST AMONG THEM ARE THE LOCAL , I MEAN ORDINARY POLICE BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO USE THERE( THEY ARE THE SCARED ONES).THE ARMY HAVE TAKEN THEIR DUTIES OF ARRESTS.FOR THEM, SINCE THE JAWARA TIME THEIR TARGETS WERE THE TAXI DRIVERS.SO FOR THEM FIVE DALASIS SATISFIES
4-- EVERY THING THAT YOU`VE SAID MAKE SENSE AND IT`S GOOD THAT YOU`VE SHARED YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US THE GAMBIANS .NOW SOME ARE HERE WHO THINK THAT THEY KNOW EVERY THING WITH THEIR SO-CALL EDUCATION ( BLINDED) EVEN WHEN IN THEIR HEARTS , THEY DO NOT DOUBT THE TRUTH--MY FRIENDS, IT WILL SET US FREE. YOUR LADY FRIENDS EXPERIENCE AS WELL IS JUST AS COMMON IN THE GAMBIA. THE SO-CALL AUTHORITIES THAT SHOULD HAVE PROTECTED US TO MOVE FREELY IN OUR OWN COUNTRY ARE THE ONES WHO BRUTALIZE US WHEN WE MOVE ABOUT IN WHERE WE CALL HOME HOPING THAT WE ARE FREE AND SAFE.IT`S A HABBIT THAT WHEN THE PARA-MILITARY SEES LADIES GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS WITHOUT AMONG THEM A MAN OR MEN MOSTLY ARROUND PLAESURE AREAS, THEY SEEM TO ARREST THEM, VIOLATING THEIR RIGHTS AND NAME THEM PROSTITUTES EVEN WITHOUT THE ACT.I`LL BE SUPRISE TO EVEN SEE A LAW THAT STATES THAT PROSTITUTION IS ILLIGAL IN THE GAMBIA. EVEN IF THERE STATES ONE ALL MY LIFE I`VE SEEN PLACES LIKE HACHU-MBEDA, SUPER BAR ,....NAME IT IS THERE, YAI- NJIE,.........AND SO ON WHICH WERE / ARE
MOTEL LIKES FOR OPEN PROSTITUTION.NOW IF THEY WILL HARASH THE GAMBIAN GIRLS FOR WHAT SEEM FREELY WALKING BY THEM SELVES, WHAT MAKE YOU THINK THAT YOUR FRIENDS ARE EXCEPTIONS? THIS IS WHAT I CALL JAMUSCRACY, IT WILL NOT STOP UNTILL JUNKUNG STEPS DOWN AND THE ARMY`S IN STATE ROLE BE GIVEN BACK TO THE POLICE WITH VERY STRICK RULES TO THE PUBLIC OFFICE HOLDERS AND A REMINDER TO THEM THAT THEY ARE TO SERVE AND PROTECT THE GAMBIANS AND ANY BODY THAT COMES TO THE GAMBIA.
LAST I KNOW WITHOUT DOUBT THAT THERE ARE SOME STONE HEADED PEOPLE IN HERE WHO WILL SAY NOTHING BUT WHAT EVER THEIR IDOL BRAIN TELLS THEM, THEY WILL NOT AGREE TO THE TRUTH AND TRY TO SEE WAYS AND MEANS TO CORRECT IT BUT INSTEAD FIND WAYS TO STOP WHAT`S SENSE ---DON`T MIND THEM LET THEM TALK. WA-SALAAM, AND I PRAY THAT ALLAH GUIDE US TO TAKE WHAT`S RIGHT AND THROW ALL THAT WHICH ARE WRONGS.MAY HE CHANGE OUR BAD AND EVIL ATTITUDES TO HELP OUR GAMBIA PASS THROUGH.MAY HE FORCE HIS LAWS INTO THE HEARTS OF OUR LEADERS FROM JUNKUNG TO THE LEAST PAID PUBLIC SERVANTS FOR THE COMMON GOOD OF THE GAMBIA OUR HOME LAND.PLEASE ALLAH CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA AND AS YOU DO, PLEASE BLESS THE GAMBIA AND THE PEOPLE OF THE GAMBIA.HELP US TO UNDERSTAND OUR EVIL DEEDS AND HELP US TO CORRECT THEM.TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF THE GAMBIA, I SAY PEACE. |
abdou |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 19:36:29
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hi there, snuggels this kind of treatment can happen to other people in other countries in Africa, try Kenya, Uganda, south africa. The reason I like Gambia is I will not be shot, that is the plain truth. As for paying a bribe, when I was stopped at the airport, three hours later I left minus one phone this was acceptable but I got a receipt, his name and two witnesses.
We should not pay bribes but if you must then accept it. I do not, but I have been charged an extra "tax", second visit but they will no do it again.
The last time they tried that it was at the seaport, I refused to pay, I said in a polite voice "If my goods are not released today they can open the box and take what is inside", ten men stopped in their tracks and said to the porters and tax officials that this was not acceptable and that I should not be charged anything. I got my goods back to where I was staying but had to lie down, just stand up for yourself.
In the senegambia area they smell fresh blood, and close in. Be firm stand up.
Whta am I planning to do next go back of course, my project is to important to let ignorant, greedy people stop me.
I agree with an earlier posting don't give me, give pens, pencils, batteries, books and cigarettes all acceptable currency. ask any backpacker
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snuggels
960 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 20:39:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Formby
I have seen this post at many Gambian chat pages. His name is usually Roger. It's been going on for years. Am not sure why this guy wants to put such a downer on the Gambia.
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snuggels
960 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 20:43:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Formby
I have seen this post at many Gambian chat pages. His name is usually Roger. It's been going on for years. Am not sure why this guy wants to put such a downer on the Gambia.
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snuggels
960 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2006 : 21:12:58
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DEAR FORMBY-BABY GIRL-SERENARTA
Firstly my name is not Roger and I have not posted this in any Gambia Chat rooms. It must be someone else who had simular experiences.
I have no reason to lie as to my experiences in the Gambia and indeed what does happen in the Gambia is born out by other threads that have been posted
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