Mr. Sanneh:
You have made me to comment on this land issue again.
But before I do, while you have a right to be
nonpartisan, you have never discussed problems in The
Gambia before this land issue. From the slaughter of
innocent Gambian kids to every atrocity committed by
the moron of kaninlai, you avoided these sacred issues,
but continued to engaged us with developments in other
African countries. I am really disturbed by your lack
of concern for your own country.
On the land issue, you really spoke the opposite of the
truth. Your statements indeed contradicted every
sentiment evoked by the rightful owners of the Brufut
land. I want to make it clear that you have a right to
invest, but your investment should not displace innocent
Gambian farmers, whose right to own land is being denied.
After talking to a cousin on this land issue, I was left
with the impression that most Gambians do not want to
talk about this controversial issue. Many have said that
it has tribal context in it.
Well brothers, and sisters, this is just another saying
that if you come from Kombo, you cannot claim rightful land ownership from a traditional sense. I have
no problem if the government in The Gambia will make this
law universal in all the administrative divisions in our
country. As long as this law is one-sided, we who come
from Kombo have a duty to lead in denouncing this unfair
law.
I hope as an economist, you will endeavor to invest in
more prudent ventures for the overall economic development
of Gambia. Real Estate development will have no bearing
in decreasing the disparity of income distribution in
The Gambia. I advocate that you seek vital economic
endeavors for the prosperity of The Gambia. Our vital
sector in agric devolopment cannot be displaced by
greedy investors who are about to make the poor farmer
suffer. Take for instance that these farmers walk almost
seven miles to the nearest plot to farm. What is our
responsibility in security our cultral traditional.
Western style economic selfishness at the expense of
traditional farmers is the issue here. Will you sit
around and let Gambia farmers suffer? I was raised on
the farm and will continue to be greatful to this noble
profession. Without farming I would not have accomplished
what I have today. We must be very careful in not standing
too tall because we think that we are above all.
Finally this kind of behavior will have negative effect
on all the farmers in The Gambia. We should be willing
to discuss issues whether or not they are controversial.
Naphiyo,
Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh
Greensboro, NC/Kombo East Constituency
Original Message:
-----------------
From: Jabou Joh [log in to unmask]
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 23:37:06 EDT
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: State Land?
Dear Sidi,
Thanks for the input on the land issue, and this provides information that i
was not aware of.
Please extend my sincere condolences to Mr Grey-Johnson, and may Mrs
Johnson's soul rest in peace.
Again, our prayers are with you on the transition.
Regards,
Jabou Joh
In a message dated 7/20/2001 1:52:15 PM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
> 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
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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