Jabou, Dave Manneh & Others

My apologies for coming back on this issue later than usual for reasons
beyond my control.  I am in a state of transition with numerous issues
pending.  Internet connectivity is an added woe which I hope will be
resolved soon.

The past week has been particularly difficult for me because a colleague
and a big brother James Monty Grey-Johnson lost his dear wife of 29 years
Harriet Abioseh Grey-Johnson who was finally laid to rest in Abidjan on
Wednesday 18th July.  May her soul rest in perfect peace.  To Jassey-Conteh
and all those who lost dear ones recently, my sincere condolences.

Concerning the Brufut land controversy and if I am not mistaken, the land
in question was declared state land since 1990 or 1991 under the then
GTZ/IDA/Urban Management and Development Project.  Unless there has been
recent changes, the areas affected include most, if not all, of "Kombo
tubab banko"(north, central and eastern Kombo).  It is due to this new
classification that one is  required to show proof that the land was
acquired from alkalolus/local authorities prior to 1990/91 before it could
be leased.  Otherwise, it will revert to the State.  This is currently the
law.  One can debate the merits/de-merits of the reclassification exercise
but to question the legitimacy of the Brufut allocation ( and Yundum for
that matter) based on traditional tenure is weak in the face of the current
policy. Taf Construction was allocated the Brufut and Yundum lands under
existing law.  As far as I am aware Taf Construction continues to abide by
the regulations governing land allocation in Kombo"tubab banko."

On a final note, I reiterate my support to the private sector operators and
the numerous young Gambian men and women who are willing and ready to
invest, despite the odds, for a reasonable return on their investment.
Personally, I see nothing wrong with a socially responsible entrepreneur
wishing to participate in the process of development in an honest and
sincere manner and within the laws of the land.  To realise a reasonable
return on one's investment is nothing to be apologetic about or be ashamed
of.


Sidi Sanneh

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask]
if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------