In a message dated 99-09-19 13:05:20 EDT, you write:

<<
 I believe that if the Gambia is to enter into any form of
 union with Senegal the economic benefits should outweigh
 the cost. With hindsight one can ask what has the
 senegambia confederation from 1981-1989 contributed to the
 development of the Gambia. Has there been any economic
 benefits for the nation, apart from the privilege few who
 used to jet off to Senegal as confederal parliamentarians and
 ministers with their enhanced allowances. >>

Basil:
It is good to hear from you , once again raising the important issues on the
L. You have been missed. To your above point, it is interesting that you are
only asking whether the confederation contributed to the development of The
Gambia, and one would asked did it enhanced the economic development of
Senegal either. The 1981 confederation should never be seen as a reason not
to pursue economic union with Senegal. It is fair to say that there has never
been any serious attempt by neither countries  to look into the impact of
some sort of joint economic reunion. Also it is important to realize that the
question is not  what it will do for Gambia, but what it would do to the
economy of the Senegambian region. Lastly, our present situation has failed
the entire Senegambian region, and how much of a risk would it be to try
something new.

Musa Jeng

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