Mr Dear Mr. Daddy Nying,

I must first of all say that I used to know one Daddy Nying whom we used to sing
a song for that goes:
"Daddy le we pick am, en was am,we eat am......". If you happen to be that Daddy
Nying, then consider
this piece as not sent. If not, will you please bear with me for the points you
have made. First and
foremost, The Gambia-L is not a forum of anti-Gambian Progress. The true
anti-Gambians I met do
not even want to talk about Gambia. They usually go about telling people that
they are Ebrima Ceesay's
20th message did not, in any way, dispute the points you mentioned, that was not
even the gist of his
discourse.
Remember, Ebrima's source is a Civil Servant like you. He toured the country and
came with the
experience of his encountered with the peolple. Judging from your narration, he
must have passed
many of the PROJECTS your mentioned, but he was out to tell about the suffering
he saw when
he met the people. It is the very custom of people of your caliber to highlight
the lofty Project that
the Gambia Government is engaged in forget the plight of the people in the
gutter. In your piece you
did not mention anything about the ordinary man. All you talk about are some
lofty project, which
have nothing to do with the the average Gambian.
Shall we please examine some of the points you ennumerated:

1. GOVERNANCE:
I do not see how a two-hour talk programme over Radio One FM has anything to do
with good governance, for there are Authoritarian regimes in the world where a
minute of talking against the government is not tolerated and yet they have what
could be called good governance. The use of the Sunday afternoon Radio One FM
programme is now  being made an evidence of the goverment's good
intentions towards the media. When few months ago this very radio station was a
target of a dastardly arson attack, which many people placed at the doorstep of
Yaya Jammeh and his hooligans. The mention of Jawara in this segment goes also
to allege that most of us who oppose the Jammeh's demonic regime are all
pro-Jawara.
Why do intelligent people like you always bring up Jawara when we discuss the
shortcomings of the Jammeh regime? As far as I am personally concerned, Sir
Dawda Kairaba
Jawara is a "past participle" in Gambian affairs. We can never take away the
fact that he led us
to Independence and became the first President. The first 5 years of Jawara's
rule,
were the best period since the Gambia became Independent. Also bear in mind that
90% of
Jawara's last cabinet were not originally members of the PPP. If then, in your
opinion Jawara was bad,
then I will tell you that Yahya Jammeh is "BADDER".
By the way, GOOD GOVERNANCE is not a situation, it is the manner in which a
Government functions.

2. EDUCATION
You said: "A couple of weeks back over 150 people graduated with bachelors
degrees from the university of The Gambia." Are we to commend the government for
it or the hard working parents who sacrificed everything to give their children
a good education and the student themselves for working hard to attain their
degrees.
You also said: "Last year the government built 237 schools throughout the
country under IDA sponsoreship, through the medium of Gamworks agency." Was it
not few weeks ago that we read in the national newspapers that teachers were
going for months without being paid? I am neither a mathematician nor an
Economist, but simple arithmetic I do know. 237 schools at 6 classes a school
calls for 6 times 237 teachers and if the present teachers are struggling for
their November/December 2000 salary. From where in God's name are we going to
pay these new teachers? Thanks for the notification of the tender of  "Lot 1: 20
servers, 480 desktop computers, 20 hubs, 20 server UPS, 160 PC
UPS, 40 Printers and various software and accessories. Lot 2 20 split unit
airconditioners." This may be good news to some unscrupulous dealers who
do not care about the realities in the country, but in real sense what do all
these
apparatuses mean without the stable function of NAWEC? I am yet to learn of a
UPS that can hold electricity for more that 45 minutes. A UPS is merely a
contingency apparatus. If ever computer is to be provided with UPS, that says a
lot the regular Electricity Supplier. With effective Nawec, no Institution in
the Gambia needs 20 UPS's for 20 Servers. You did not mention aught about the
functionality of NAWEC.

3. HEALTH.
You wrote "The number of private clinics capable of x-Rays surgery etc number
over 10. A  National blood transfussion and maintenance policy and updating
healt policy, medicines act and health act is to be formualted this year." Are
we to go on our
knees and thank Yahya Jammeh for the achievement of the private medical sector.
In fact it is a darned shame that the private medical sector is more prosperous
than the
government in a country like. If things are going so good medically in the
Gambia,
why didn't Zainab Jammeh delivered her baby in the Gambia? But the poor Gambian
taxpayer had to "foot the bill" for her travel and delivery in some five-star
clinic in the States.
If you can boost of the private clinics in the country, why did Jammeh allow her
to travel to
the States to deliver her child instead of one these clinics you are talking
about.
There is always a "medicines and health act" in the Gambia, popularly known as
"Bordofelt" which worked perfectly. Why should one be formulated 37 years
after Independence?

4. THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY.
In this section you talked about "You will recall that last year government
distributed 36 tractors throughout the country allowing farmers to hire
them at next to nothing". What I, and many, honestly recall was that the
tractors were a personally gift from Yahya Jammeh.
Finally, you gave us a lot of figure involved in the building of trunk roads in
the country. That is fine, as far as I am concerned, but remember that last
July, Yahya Jammeh told the nation that by this July 98% of the country will be
electrified.
I am waiting to see his word come true.
Daddy, in your balance sheet of Jammeh's achievements, you failed to address
issues that are worrying people, namely:
1.) Why was Pap Cheyassin  Secka appointed 20 days before the student massacre
      and fired 10 days after nullifying the reports? Not that I feel for him.
2.) Why were innocent children gunned-down for expressing their grievances?
3.) Who gave the orders to shoot at the children? Somebody must have.
4.) Why was Radio One FM attacked by wayward arsonists
4.) The death of Koro Ceesay is still in our minds. Can you please supply some
     answers to the circumstances surrounding his death?
5.) Why do farmers not receive their payment on time?
6.) In the absence of  "SONYAROCRACY", what made Yahya Jammeh one
     of the richest men in the region?
7.) What is Dumo Saho and the rest of the innocent people doing in jail?
8.) Why is the NIA picking on anybody who disagrees with Yahya's policies?

If only you could give me some answers to the above questions.

Prince
__________________________________________________________________________
"If you want to read or hear good things about Yaya, go read the Observer or
listen to GRTS".
KB Dampha

----- Original Message -----
From: Daddy Nying <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 17:15
Subject: Re: Let us respect expression of views


Thanks a bunch Latir,

You've really hit the nail on the head. If every one dealt with all issues
as you suggest, we will all be wiser for it. Many a times certain issues of
common interest are posted on the L which sometimes require a more balance
approach but unfortunately some people will never accept the that not every
living and working for the government is an APRC or government crony.
Having said that I would like to share with all some possitive things I have
noticed living in The Gambia to counter Ebrima Ceessay's 20th message about
the deplorable state of things in The Gambia in general and in the provinces
in particular.
In that post Ebrima quoted his source lamenting the deplorable and sorry
state of affairs throught the country in General and in the provinces in
particular. I live and work in The Gambia and a civil servant for that
matter. However that does not in any way mean I have to accept as normal
everything that is happening. All those who visited our country recenlt will
surely appreciat developments now taking place in the country. I will
catalogue a few of these in this post.

1. GOVERNANCE:
The governance situation has improved significantly. The regime is much more
tolerant of critisms than ever before. Radio one FM has a 2hour program on
sundays were all sorts of topics are discussed freely by panelists
comprising of members of opposition parties, civil servants and the general
public. People are encouraged to call and express their views freely without
any inteferance what so ever. Topics that dominated these discussions
recently were the rejection of the commision of enquiry and coroner's report
by government, the sacking of Pap Cheyasin and the failure of president
Jammeh to disclose the source of his wealth. And in all honesty, no one in
his right mind would would have dared express such views over the airwaves,
lets say last year or any other preceeding year including during Expresident
Jawara's era. Newspapers are flourishing and only a few weeks ago another
private radio station, City Limits started broadcasting.

2. EDUCATION
A couple of weeks back over 150 people graduated with bachelors degrees from
the university of The Gambia. Last year the government built 237 schools
throughout the country under IDA sponsoreship, through the medium of
Gamworks agency. The EU project and OPEC fund have financed has financed the
construction of 2 new middle schools in Western division and a Girl's
Scholarship Trust Fund has been established to encourage girl's education.
This year government gave full scholarships to over 150 people to undertake
undergraduate studies. Currently under the Gambia Third Education Sector
Project tenders are out for the supply of:-
Lot 1: 20 servers, 480 desktop computers, 20 hubs, 20 server UPS, 160 PC
UPS, 40 Printers and various software and accessories.
Lot 2 20 split unit airconditioners.


3. HEALTH.
The AFPRC hospital in Farafeni is fully operational and the Bwiam hospital
is at a very advanced stage. construction on the sere Kunda Hospital to be
built in buffer zone next to the Kaninfing  layout is soon to begin. The
number of private clinics capable of x-Rays surgery etc number over 10. A
National blood transfussion and maintenance policy and updating healt
policy, medicines act and health act is to be formualted this year.

4. THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY.
Specific increases were registered this year in sorghum, millet, Rice and
groundnuts. Infact groundnut production is estimated to be around 129,100
metric tonnes this year, the highest since 1984. You will recall that last
year government distributed 36 tractors throughout the country allowing
farmers to hire them at next to nothing.
Milling amchines of various types are being distributed throughout the
country.
The National Seeds development programme to be funded jointly by the Islamin
Development Bank (IDA) and government to the tune of US $4 million and the
Irrigated Rice Development Project joint funded by the Kuwaity fund and
government to the tune of US $3.7 million are to start this year and last
for 5 years.
Later next month government will inaugurate the project for the
improvementof fish preservation facilities for inland distribution.
Construction works are in progress are in progress at Banjul beach for
modern fish smoking houses for use by women fish smokers.
The Artisanal Fisheries Development project, the biggest in the history of
The Gambia to be jointly financed by the African Development Bank (ADB), the
Arab Bank for the Economic development of Africa (BADEA) and government at a
cost of US $13.47 million will be implemented over a 5 year period starting
this year. The Fish processing plant at Tanje is nearing completion.
30 wells are to be sunk in Southern URD this year of which 6 will be used as
watering points for livestock. The RUral Water and Sanitation Project
(RWDDP) and the Saudi Sahel Project (SSP3) are to continue rehabilitating
existing wells, fitting hand pumps and Solar Powered Reticulation systems.

6. WORKS, COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
Work on the Essau/Kerewan Road and bridge has progressed significantly and
the Kombo Coastal roads from Senegambia to Kartong, from Bijilo direct to
the airport and Kartong to Brikama are almost complete. The 160.5 million
Dalasi Westfield to Mandinaba road is in progress. This comprises the
extension the Banjul highway dual carriage way to beyond the airport and
continueing as a single carriage way to Mandinaba.The EU projects for the
rehabilitation of the Basse/Yorobawol, Fatoto/Koina roads and Guju Guju are
nearing completion. Studies for the rehabilitation of the Barra/Amdalai,
Basse/Sabi, Transgambia, Mandinaba/Selety and Soma/Basse roads are to be
launched end of March.
A bill estblishinh the Gambia Roads Authority responsible of the
construction and maintenance of all primary and secondary roads is to be set
some time this year.
February 7 saw the launch of the first direct air service between The Gambia
and the USA.
Thanks to Gamtel cyber caffes are abound every were and Gamtel is to
commission a GSM mobile system in March.

Subsequent posts will give an update of other areas.

Bye 4 Now.



>From: "Latir G. Downes-Thomas" <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Let us respect expression of views
>Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 16:15:50 -0500
>
>Greetings fellow members,
>
>I believe generally speaking, this forum has taken a huge anti-Jammeh slant
>in the last two years.  I think this probably has more to do with events
>back home than a cyber-conspiracy or anyhing of this nature.  As a result,
>it seems as though members have felt the freedom to express their
>anti-government views and news without fear where perhaps such a comfort
>level may not have existed in past.
>
>Filling the void in freedom of expression is good and while the change in
>atmosphere has not dampened my enthusiasm for the group, I have noticed
>that recently, anyone with a pro-government view almost always finds
>themselves practically driven off.  Of course many of these personalities
>have added insult to their views and have deserved the backlash.
>
>In an effort to increase the depth of discussion however, I would suggest
>we all find a way to welcome views that may differ from our own.
>Personally, I would prefer to watch onfold, and perhaps participate in, a
>debate about the the state of the Dalasi with views repectfully stated by
>both sides than reading message after message of anti-Jammeh rhetoric,
>which even in agreement I find monotonous and unappealing.
>
>Being able to respond to views on specifics of the message and not the
>actual messenger is a quality that has been missing on this forum and the
>lack of it is what, in my opinion, holds it back.  If we treated everyone
>with a little more respect we would probably find more views expressed that
>differ from the majority.  This can only force us to delve deeper into the
>issues, our opinions and as a result provide more fruitfull discussion.
>
>If the likes of Tombong Saidy volunteer to share their views, we should
>welcome and respect them.  Personally, I am more interested in the views of
>Tombong, an educated, exposed gambian citizen and self-professed supporter
>of the present regime, than of the Director of the Gambia Radio and
>Television Service.  The latter could not possibly offer more than the
>defense of his personal administration of a public institution, much like a
>spokesman.  The former can add a perspective in discussion we have not had
>much of a chance to contemplate recently.
>
>My message goes out to the Alieu S. Keita's as well.  It is not who you are
>that really matters, it is what you have to say.  If you believe the views
>expressed here are not representative of the state of affairs back home,
>share your knowledge in a respectful manner.  There is practically nothing
>you can say about Ebrima Ceesay that will change the favourable opinion
>most here have of him.  Offer a different perspective to what he and his
>sources have presented and believe me you, others will join you and the
>balance you desire will take place.  We would all benefit from this
>regardless of our opinions.
>
>Perhaps my take on all this is completely wrong and the real agenda of this
>forum is to foster opposition to the present government and eventualy have
>it changed.  If this is the case then I stand corrected and ask that I may
>be excused.  I do know it was not started for this purpose.
>
>Peace,
>
>Latir
>
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