Hi Evian, I did not mean to cause you undue anxiety. My frustration is that I see you to abhor general graft, grafignette (corruption, bribery, and intimidations) currently in Gambia. Then when it comes to citizens honing in on those malaises in order to stem the tide and reconfigure true north, you seem to find exceptions. In the main, you also appear to have relations with those exceptions. It makes it difficult for me and my fellow citizens to get our arms around solutions to some of our decrepitudes. I will not require you to reveal any conflicts of interest Bailo were you not to view them as significant. I will however share with you that if your "opinions" on public policy for Gambia have to be respected as having been formed honestly and objectively to the extent possible, then the onus is on you to share any potential conflicts that we must consider in assessing your positions. Think of it this way: If you share with us that a friend of yours' bird-watching station was torched by the TDA, even if the story itself is correct, your fellow citizens might want to know more detail as to whether your friend's property was in fact torched at all, or torched by the TDA, and out of malice or foreboding, or whether in fact your friend was the owner of such property to begin with, whether he had ignored services of estoppel from the actual owner, or whether he was squattering in the first place. Just because the friend uses revenue from such perch to feed his family is actually immaterial you see. That will only be considered in charity. That is where conflicts of interest may offer encumberances for you and your fellow citizens. When law courts consider adjudication on matters, judges and magistrates are advised to recuse themselves from offering opinion on a matter when they have or are only perceived to have an interest in the matter, positive or negative interest. The interest or the perception thereof is, in reverse psychological ambiance, what innures the fear or intimidation from Global Properties and DTT's competitors to feel compelled to gift to Yahya or directly to governments. Global Properties and DTT may not start out intending to perpetuate such fear and intimidation in their fellow citizens, or to onerously force the hands of their competitors in graft, but that is the result inured. Therefore, amid such a repressive climate, and Global Properties and DTT being of sound mind and body, you and I must assist them in discernments. Now then; In your current notes, you said a lot, but nothing new. In fact I think you confused a lot of fact and information. And you risked being incoherent. So I will not attach your notes proper to my commentary as I ordinarily do to accrue focus and precision. I think you are under the impression I do that to misrepresent your positions. So I will spare you that perception for now. 1. In the matter of DTT gifting food and non-food items to Campama Psychiatric Hospital (CPH), I am not interested really in the character of the items. I am interested in two things: a) DTT gifting food and non-food items to CPH (which value they shared in monetary terms also), and not requiring consideration for that gifting; DO YOU AGREE WITH ME AND MY FELLOW CITIZENS THAT THAT IS EXACTLY DONATING IN CASH OR IN KIND TO THE GOVERNMENT OF GAMBIA?b) DTT's GAMBIA OFFICE means two things at the same time: It means the DTT corporation (including DTT's agents WHO ARE AUTHORIZED TO ACT ON THE BEHALF OF DTT in her giving and public relations campaigns)and it also means the individual employees of DTT who are only encouraged to give back to their community either through DTT or on their own accord. The two entities are different. An employee may or may not be an authorized agent of DTT proper but he or she may be associated with DTT through employment. Or he or she may not even be an employee but an independent contractor in which case he/she is a client of DTT. So Bailo which of these two actually did the gifting. Remmember, they can both be present at the gifting ceremony to accrue DTT more visibility but I am confident as an astute observer of society, you do not take them to be one and the same.

 

c) I have since added this third query. We at least know that DTT Australia does her gifting through her foundation. Are all DTT offices in various countries Independent or do they all operate under the umbrella of DTT main? If the latter is the case, and given the comprehensive faculties of DTT, we can both admit that if the gifting in b) above was done by DTT, then it was done appropriately at least. Although if it were me, myself, and I, the gifting would have been completed through the Secretary of State for Health and can include the transport of the gifted items to the designated department. However, that may be too much to ask of DTT as long as their philanthropy was completed properly. 

 

The value of propriety here Bailo, is that you break the back of the cycle of Fear, coercion, intimidation, bribery, and other graft and grafignette. As it stands, everyone is hollering that Yahya intimidates private citizens and for-profit companies into gifting to "government" but no one seems to admit that that perception of fear and intimidation could itself be encouraged by members of the "intimidated" community. You will agree with me that even though Yahya is perceived to be the cause of the fear etcetera, in his defense, he is not terribly conversant with these areas of propriety and philanthropy. Therefore simple ignorance could really be to blame, in which those who should know better ought to share their wisdom with Yahya instead of corrosively encourage his unintended delinquency. It may strike you as funny that Global Properties and DTT could themselves be part of the solution and amelioration of circumstances, mightn't it? It would appear unfathomable that Yahya, by himself, could have such a chokehold on the entire Gambian society, without enablers you see. Anyway I reserve some other aspects of the conversation at the risk of appearing to hug the mic, until I hear from you again.  

2. In the matter of Global Properties, I think we both agree that that is a FOR-PROFIT venture. Now you cautioned me not to label Mr. Sulayman "your good friend". You added that the two of you only shared mutual friends. Now that is enough for you to consider difficulties in objectivity when forming your opinions about public policy affecting Global Properties. Especially if you are aware that you share mutual friends. Do you, or do you not agree? (That is a question). Remmember, it is not necessary to meet Mr. Sulayman in person to certify inured conflicts. Later I will share with you another example of a private For-Profit corporation "donating" directly to government and not through a legally constituted NPO/NGO. But first things first. And these are only ideas here that will lead us to the promised land of agreement Bailo. You did promise that if I provide you evidence of graft and grafignette, you will immediately come on the side of your fellow citizens. I must admit that that is a high threshold for you to require of me, your fellow citizen, and friend I hope, when you yourself will be hard-pressed to offer us EVIDENCE that your friends' gifting is in fact purely philanthropic. I'm not sure if you understand what am saying here. In other words if you are really trained on propriety and objective opining, it is onerous to require Haruna to give you evidence of INTENT. What we are doing here is that amid wanton fear, coercion, intimidation, bribery, and complicit decrepitude, we wish to discern how to ameliorate such. Especially as you know, Yahya has advised you that if you did not vote for him, your community will not see any projects, and if you do not donate to his party, farm, and foundation, that you are an opposition in the closet. Generally, such persons and fellow citizens who engage in private for-profit enterprise, are threatened with closure or physical harm to their persons. So in effect my Evian, we are not in search of EVIDENCE/PROOF OF INTENT. We are however in search of insiduous demarche that perpetuates fear (graft), intimidation (graft), bribery (graft), coercion (grafignette),  and fosse philanthropy (grafignette). I will offer you a snippet of information here for your encouragement and that I mean no harm. A friend shared with me last year that almost all of Anderson COnsulting's former employees and associates had found jobs where???? Wall Street. I suppose the exchanges travails could be brought in better perspective Bailo. And NO, it was not JUST the fault of former Anderson Employees. I just share the inspiration with you. Your friend and fellow citizen, Haruna. I look forward to your continued participation on this small matter.  





Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:10:38 +0000From: [log in to unmask]: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business? Bailo's positionTo: [log in to unmask]









Haruna wrote: 







“In the story you shared with us, would you kindly clarify whether the candy gifting 

to Campama Psychiatric Hospital by DTT was done through the DTT foundation or 

by staff and employees of DTT on their own accord.” 



  



I supposed the above was intended as a question and not a statement. If my supposition 

is correct, then I am bound to repeat my previous answer. The underlined is for emphasis: 







“As part of Deloitte’s commitment to give back to our communities, the Gambia office 

on June 2nd, 2008 donated food and non-food items worth a total of 

D 100, 000 (hundred thousand Gambian Dalasis) to two local institutions namely 

the Campama Psychiatric Hospital in Banjul and St John’s School for the Deaf in Kanifing.” 



  



The “Gambia office” refers to the Gambia Office of Deloitte & Touche. 







Please do not ask me further what the “food and non-food items” were. 



  



“You see that was not clear. I understand the gifting was witnessed by staff of DTT but that does not tell me much about who gifted and how.” (Haruna) 



  



Who? Deloitte gifted. How? Group delivered by Deloitte staff. 



 “The information will help us arrive at the proper conclusions and perhaps an understanding between you and I as to your contention that in Gambia and at this time, "donations" directly to the government, by private individuals or for-profit corporations is good and ought to be encouraged. I took the alternate view that such "donation" amounts to aiding and abetting graft and grafignette. And it is insiduous as to current Gambia.” (Haruna) 



  



I did not ever state during our discussions that "donations" directly to the government, by private individuals or for-profit corporations is good and ought to be encouraged” (Haruna). The above are your words which you are trying to ascribe to me in order to portray a wrong conclusion on my position. These were and remain my perspective on this topic: 



  



“I still consider a philanthropic project such as the renovation of Wards 6 and 7 of RVTH, a publicly-funded hospital undertaken by Global Properties as both highly desirable and to be encouraged. To my mind, this kind of development interventions by operatives from the private business sector tantamounts to a direct commendable support to the Gambian public” (Bailo, 17/11/08). 



  



“Mind you, Global Properties funded the renovation of a hospital and did not make a donation in cash or kind as you suggested.  OK, if you still consider it a donation, then it is the kind of donation that will directly benefit the Gambian population. There could be nothing wrong for private interests to donate in cash or kind to any deserving government institution as long as the necessary safeguards against corruption are in place” (Bailo, 17/11/08). 



  



“I believe that as one would encourage any government to fund development projects such as hospitals and schools, so should private companies not be discouraged from financing similar projects. We ought to remember that we the people are the greatest beneficiaries from such improvements” (Bailo, 18/11/08). 



  



“Hence Gambians and others should encourage anyone who could honestly make a positive difference to the quality of life of Gambians to do so regardless of the deplorable human rights violations of the APRC Government” (Bailo, 19/11/08). 



  



I strongly disagree with your viewpoint that such desirable interventions as renovating wards of a State-owned hospital in The Gambia necessarily “amounts to aiding and abetting graft and grafignette. And it is insiduous as to current Gambia.” (Haruna) 



  



You are unwisely tagging a hidden motive or agenda to a genuine philanthropic act. I am convinced that’s where you are wrong. Good deeds and behaviours are motivators to a lot of people. Unless and until you have clear proof to back up your position that Global Properties had been aiding and abetting “graft and grafignette” with their renovation project at the RVTH, then you should NOT insinuate, suggest or conclude so. Whenever you are able to produce such evidence, I will be immediately converted to your position of condemnation of Global Properties. Let’s as much as we could try to think wisely and act wisely; think honorably act honorably. 



  



  



“Is there a conflict of interest you have neglected to share with us as regards Global Properties and DTT??????” (Haruna) 



  



No there is absolutely none. As a matter of fact there is presently no relationship between the two entities for a conflict of interest to arise. 



  



“You have shared with us that Mr. Sulayman Frazier was your good friend.” (Haruna) 



  



No I never did claim that. You may check the records. Let me puzzle you further: I cannot  personally tell Sulayman Frazier from Haruna Darboe or Abdoulie Jallow. Even though am yet to meet Sulayman in person am aware of his dynamism, patriotism, selflessness, industriousness, and overall philanthropism. We (Frazier and Bailo) share mutual friends and a passion for supporting nawettan football. I just like defending good people and encouraging exemplary conduct. Do not have a shock as a result of the above disclosure. You like assuming too much. In essence, I will not describe Sulayman Frazier as my good friend, though I will consider myself as his friend, though unknown to him. 



  



“However, you have not shared with us your relation with DTT that might have accrued them fosse goodwill on your part” (Haruna). 



  



You know. However, you may tell the others should you wish to. Permission granted! 



  



That reminds me; I wanna know whether KPMG, Ernst & Young, Coopers Lybrand, or other international accounting firm ever donated to an NPO or NGO (not the government of Gambia) in Gambia? If they did, was it just because you were not aware of it or that you did not want to accrue them advertising goodwill? I am reminded your intent was to advertise such philanthropies so that you can encourage other for-profit business and private citizens to consider developmental subventions for philanthropy. 



You may enquire from the concerned parties: KPMG, Ernst & Young, Coopers Lybrand etc. etc. 



  



Later, 



  



Bailo 

--- On Mon, 24/11/08, Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

From: Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]>Subject: Re: Thanx Evian. Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?To: [log in to unmask]: Monday, 24 November, 2008, 9:15 PM





Ah my friend Evian, I want to thank you very much for assisting us with more detail about your international accounting firm. I am beginning to be pleased with you again. This is a step in the right direction on your part. Now then: 1. It appears from your notes that your International accounting firm is called Deloitte and Touche (DTT). 2. It also appears from the notes that DTT had given "in kind" to THE ST. John's SCHOOL for the DEAF. This school is a private parochial school which is itself an NGO. This is good. And must be encouraged. This is not our disagreement BAILO!!!! So I hope you will set this genuine philanthropy of DTT aside for the purposes of our current conversation. Because Kukeh, Evian, Laye, and Haruna, all appreciate such philanthropy by private corporations, individuals, and other NPO's.3. It also appears that DTT (as if to appear to be an equal opportunity grantor) gave some candy directly to the Campama Psychiatric Hospital. This is where we are not clear. You remmember I shared with you what DTT Australia did for propriety beginning in 2005? If you don't remmember please see one of my forwards from last week. DTT had argued that they had wished to give back to the Australian community and propriety dictated that they found an NPO within the for-Profit DTT and channel their enormous philanthropies through that Foundation. Our friend Laye could assist us with the wisdom in such. In addition, it was shared with us that DTT encourages her staff, employees, and clients to give back to their communities either separately or via the foundation. In the story you shared with us, would you kindly clarify whether the candy gifting to Campama Psychiatric Hospital by DTT was done through the DTT foundation or by staff and employees of DTT on their own accord. You see that was not clear. I understand the gifting was witnessed by staff of DTT but that does not tell me much about who gifted and how. I want to caution you that this exercise here and now, is only the informational stage. The information will help us arrive at the proper conclusions and perhaps an understanding between you and I as to your contention that in Gambia and at this time, "donations" directly to the government, by private individuals or for-profit corporations is good and ought to be encouraged. I took the alternate view that such "donation" amounts to aiding and abetting graft and grafignette. And it is insiduous as to current Gambia.  

[Haruna, Now that I have answered all your enquiries,] Evian. 

  

Don't be in a haste. You have not answered all my querries yet. See above. 

  

[will you in turn honestly answer my question: Why do you engage in slandering others you hardly know anything about?] Evian. 

  

I'm not sure I slandered anyone Bailo. It is not in my nature. You understand that if Global Properties and or DTT perceives Haruna slandering either of them, they are able and well within their corporate rights to bring suit against Haruna for slander don't you? I don't believe they need Bailo or Evian to certify such slander for them. Take it easy. Is there a conflict of interest you have neglected to share with us as regards Global Properties and DTT?????? You have shared with us that Mr. Sulayman Frazier was your good friend. So perhaps you can be forgiven for your enthusiasm to bring Haruna in guilty for slandering Global on Sulayman's behalf. But Sulayman is not crazy. However, you have not shared with us your relation with DTT that might have accrued them fosse goodwill on your part. 

  

That reminds me; I wanna know whether KPMG, Ernst & Young, Coopers Lybrand, or other international accounting firm ever donated to an NPO or NGO (not the government of Gambia) in Gambia? If they did, was it just because you were not aware of it or that you did not want to accrue them advertising goodwill? I am reminded your intent was to advertise such philanthropies so that you can encourage other for-profit business and private citizens to consider developmental subventions for philanthropy. 

  

[Please oblige me. Bailo Jallow] Evian. 

  

In time. In time my friend. I also promised to inform you why DTT is doing business in Gambia in the first place. Do you remmember Anderson Consulting (Accounting) going under some years back Evian????? I think wanton graft and grafignette was to blame. So just because something looks international does not a corporate citizen make. This is just a side note. NOT A CONCLUSION in our extant matter. 

  

I do love you Bailo and I recognize I must be very gentle with you in order to be able to conclude this business with your cooperation and participation. The solutions to most of the world's problems necessarily must come from those who contribute to creating the problems in the first place. (Haruna-The GDP-2008). Feel free to quote the prophet in your other communities.  I will speak with you soon as time permits you. Masoud. MQJGDT. Darbo. - Al Mu'Umin.



Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:30:44 +0000From: [log in to unmask]: Re: Thanx Evian. Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?To: [log in to unmask]









Haruna,

 

I will oblige you with answers. I hope that would bring a smile on your face and forestall you from bad-mouthing me. The following is extracted from Deloitte West & Central Africa newsletter, July edition 2008:

 

"As part of Deloitte’s commitment to give back to our communities, the Gambia office on June 2nd, 2008 donated food and non-food items worth a total of D 100, 000 (hundred thousand Gambian Dalasis) to two local institutions namely the Campama Psychiatric Hospital in Banjul and St John’s School for the Deaf in Kanifing. The gifts presentation ceremonies were witnessed by staff of Deloitte and the beneficiary institutions. The gestures of friendship extended by Deloitte were highly appreciated by both institutions.  A paragraph from the letter of appreciation sent by the Principal of St. John’s School read: In view of this special and kind consideration, I wish to seize this opportunity to register our sincere thanks and deep appreciation for your generosity and assistance to the needy." 



Haruna, Now that I have answered all your enquiries, will you in turn honestly answer my question: Why do you engage in slandering others you hardly know anything about? 



Please oblige me. 



Bailo Jallow 



  



--- On Mon, 24/11/08, Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

From: Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]>Subject: Re: Thanx Evian. Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?To: [log in to unmask]: Monday, 24 November, 2008, 7:35 PM





Evian, how are you? I suppose you want me to respond to your notes below. Here goes: [Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:14:09 +0000. From: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Thanx Evian. Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?. To: [log in to unmask]









Haruna claimed: "I don't wanna hear about W or Obama" 

You no longer wanna hear about your Texan friend? You don't also wanna hear about Obama?] Evian.

 

Evian, YES I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ABOUT W or OBAMA from Bailo AT THIS TIME while he hides behind these two individuals as an excuse to continue to be dishonest. What I wanna know about W or Obama, I do not wish to hear from EVIAN.

 

[Ehh? Did you not bad-mouth him as well? You remember this?   "Its time y'all wake up and smell the coffee  before its too late. If OBAMA becomes president at this time, blacks will live  to regret it for their entire life. If they think that life is sorry now, they  aint seen nuttin yet. The days of settin on your fanny and expecting a knight in shining armour to rid you of your misery is OVER." (Haruna).] Evian.

 

Evian, if you view the above as "badmouthing" Obama, it is no wonder you continue to condone graft and grafignette from your friends and pretend to abhor it from other. And they are all your fellow citizens.

  



["Do you really believe that Barack will bad for blacks including negroes?" (Bailo) 







"YES. At this time in the life of Amarika."(Haruna)] Re-presented by Evian. 



  



[It's exactly the same regrettable tactics/strategy you have adopted against Sulayman (Saul) Frazier, Proprietor of Global Properties.] Evian. 

  

1. What tactics/strategy? 

2. If you didn't share with us that the proprietor of Global Propwerties is a Sulayman Frazier, I probably would never have known. I suppose this goes to show you Haruna couldn't care less what name is attached to graft. That is more than can be said for Bailo. I REPEAT TO YOU: I COULD NOT CARE LESS WHO THE PROPRIETORS OF GLOBAL PROPERTIES OR YOUR INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING FIRM ARE. You see when you are trained on propriety and honesty, (It is not easy), identities and titles don't and should not mean much to you. Try it, you might like it. 

  

[You don't know anything absolutely about this dynamic and caring young man yet you open your big mouth MERELY to make him look bad.] Evian. 

  

No I don't know anything about Sulayman Frazier or whether he is dynamic or not. Sulayman's marketing agent and Bailo were the big mouths who tried to tell us about Sulayman Frazier. Sulayman Frazier's activities it turns out, are dishonest and counterproductive to the well-being of his fellow citizens, no matter the feigning. 

  

[That's DISGRACEFUL! "But who Jah bless, no one curse" (Robert Nesta Marley).] Evian. 

  

I agree with you Evian on the above from Bob Marley (PBUH). I hope you're not trying to hide behind the good works of Bob Marley? Bob Marley speaks to conditions like yours and your friends Sulayman and the international accounting firm. Read Marley a little bit more. You'll begin to get him.  



  



[Apologise and repent before it's too late!] Evian. 

  

Apologise my arse. You, Sulayman, and your accounting firm are the ones who need to apologise. Have you no shame? 

  



[I will only answer your questions when you tell me why you like slandering people you hardly know anything about.] Evian

 

I don't slander idiots Bailo. I screw 'em up so bad, they wish they hadn't dumped on their fellow citizen in the first place.

 

[You have got on my nerves enough with your witch-hunting agenda.] Evian.

 

Witch-hunting??????? We were sittin at Ellen minding our own business. Some idiot marketing manager from Global Properties decides to fuck up our peace to inform us that they are being charitable to us by painting our mortuary. Then our friend Bailo informs us that since an idiot international accounting firm also bribed the govment, then it is ok for his friends at Global Properties to shit on us. Now where's the witch Bailo????? Forget the hunter cos he's got a friggin shoulder-mounted RPG. You outta be worried about the witches, oughtn't yew??????? 

 

I once again refer you to my pioneer query below: And I'm not begging for a response. I ain't bribing your behind for one either. If you have any conscience, you will supply us with the answers for it was Bailo who shared with us the "philanthropy" of the international accounting firm. Is Bailo telling us the truth???? That is the question at this time. And I don't wanna hear anything about Obama, W, Yahya, or anyone else from Bailo. You Get it????? Probably not. 



  



" Once you answer these questions, I'll let you know whether your international accounting firm is aiding and abetting in graft, grafignette, bribery, and or coercion. If indeed they "donated" in cash or in kind to Campama Psychiatric Hospital (which is part of RVTH) in June of 08. As bonus, I'll share with you why the idiot accounting firm is in Gambia in the first place. I'll bet its not to provide accounting services to Boy Gaye's weld shop. June 2008. International Accounting firm, one of the big four in the world.1. Evian you mind sharing with us which accounting firm of global dimension with a presence in Gambia "donated" goodies to Campama? It may be either KPMG, Deloitte & Touche, Coopers Lybrand, or Ernst & Young. I can bet you a million farthings its not Ernst & Young. But I don't want to pre-empt your answer."

 

 

2. How did they complete this here "donation" to Campama?

 

3. What were the goodies? I hope you're not gonna tell us candy. 

 

Haruna. MQJGDT. Darbo. Al Mutawakkil.

 













Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:41:50 -0500From: [log in to unmask]: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?To: [log in to unmask]



Evian,I see you're groping for examples to avoid being an upstanding fellow citizen. What I wanna know is how come you don't share these nice stories with me? I got jealous when you shared it with Laye and not me. Or is that your way of changing the subject??? 





[I will now share with you a story: 



Sometime in June this year, an international Accounting, Auditing & Consulting firm, one of the big four in the world which has a presence in the Gambia donated some goodies to the Campama Psychiatric hospital a State-operated facility in the Gambia with no ulterior motive of seeking unfair advantage over their competitors and with no strings whatsoever attached. Unfortunately according to Haruna’s twisted reasoning, that donation equals to encouraging corruption and bribery of the Government. I consider that Senator McCain's reasoning.] Evian. 

 June 2008. International Accounting firm, one of the big four in the world.1. Evian you mind sharing with us which accounting firm of global dimension with a presence in Gambia "donated" goodies to Campama? It may be either KPMG, Deloitte & Touche, or other but I don't want to pre-empt your answer.

2. How did they complete this here "donation" to Campama? 



3. What were the goodies? I hope you're not gonna tell us candy. 



  



Al-haakumu, Ttakaathuru. 



Hattaa thur-tumul-makaabira. 



Kallaa sawfa Ta'Alamoona. 



Thumma Kallaa sawfa Ta'Alamoona. 



Kallaa Law Ta'Alamoona, Elmal-yakeeni. 



Latarawunna-L-Jaheema. 



Thumma Latarawunnahaa, Aina-L-yackeeni. 



Thumma Latus-Alunna, yawma-Ethinn, Ani-Nna-Eeemi. 



  



I vill be vaiting forrrrr yew. 



Haruna. 





Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:58:51 +0000From: [log in to unmask]: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?To: [log in to unmask]









Bailo, 



  



“If I may.” 



  



Certainly you may, your points of view will be enriching. 



  



 “The notion of "development partnership" between Government and private citizens (including for-profit organizations) has been in my opinion, grossly misinterpreted.” (Abdoulie) 



  



I agree. The potential for misinterpretation may arise in most circumstances. 



  



 “I see you're falling in the same trap of a flawed concept.” 



  



Can’t you see it’s Haruna who has already fallen into the “trap of a flawed concept”. I bet you will help me from falling into it too. 



  



 “When it comes to being a corporate citizen, there is no more partnership in development than being able to make a decent profit, expand your business and hire more employees; pay taxes and inprove the welfare of society at-large. This is the inherent partnership any for-profit organization has with the government and the people. It does not have to interpreted any other way.” (Abdoulie) 



  



I doubt if the right concept could be more succinctly stated as you did above. I completely agree. 



  







“When he wants sponsorship for his Galla Dinners, he calls for "development partnership" and specifically warn those who do not "donate." (Abdoulie) 



  



As far as I am concern, threats in order to acquire donations are not only unacceptable but also crude, uncivlised behavior and a sign of tyranny and to have come from the President makes it even more reprehensible. 



  



  



“ Businesses can always expouse philanthrophy but not by making it a necessity for survival.” (Abdoulie) 



  



That’s it. You have shattered the bone. 



  



I will now share with you a story: 



  



Sometime in June this year, an international Accounting, Auditing & Consulting firm, one of the big four in the world which has a presence in the Gambia donated some goodies to the Campama Psychiatric hospital a State-operated facility in the Gambia with no ulterior motive of seeking unfair advantage over their competitors and with no strings whatsoever attached. Unfortunately according to Haruna’s twisted reasoning, that donation equals to encouraging corruption and bribery of the Government. I consider that Senator McCain's reasoning. 



  



You mentioned about a trap, I will share with you my perspective about a trap which a minority of mostly well-intentioned Gambians have unwittingly been drawn into. The current political dispensation promotes the fallacy of Yahya Jammeh being synonymous with the Gambian Government. Now instead of the Government of the Gambia sponsoring projects A, B or C, it is Yahya Jammeh that is announced to have done so. Don’t we Gambians know that Yahya Jammeh is filthy rich only because of the Gambian Presidency? Yes. Wasn’t he a pauper before that? Yes. So therefore if Yahya Jammeh is said to have sponsored for instance our national football team, the Scorpions, does it therefore mean that Gambians who are diametrically and justifiably opposed to the regime should not support our national football team, the Scorpions?  Does it also mean that Africell GSM operator and other private businesses that are sponsoring our national football team are by implication guilty of corruption and in cahoots with the APRC government? No and a big NO. By all measures, the Gambian State is far bigger and richer than the Gambian Government and the President. The interests of the Gambian masses must come first. Hence Gambians and others should encourage anyone who could honestly make a positive difference to the quality of life of Gambians to do so regardless of the deplorable human rights violations of the APRC Government. 



  



The benefits of recognition and prestige that would inevitably come from genuine philanthropic acts cannot be denied to the selfless individuals or their organizations giving or sharing their endowments with others. 



  



Thanks for your perspective. 



  



Best wishes, 



  



Bailo 



  



   







On Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:11 AM, Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:



Not so fast Evian. It appears to me you like to disagree just because you can regardless of the merits of the idea. Even when there is important policy matter being discussed. Pretty soon you're gonna tell me we have to disagree without being disagreeable. Well I'm not gonna be disagreeable my Evian because I feel good generally. But I will try to find out why you support Global properties' attempts at coercion and bribery. [Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:22:07 +0000. From: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business? To: [log in to unmask]









Haruna, Thanks for further clarifying your stance on this matter. Your poion is thoroughly clear to me although I still maintain an alternative perspective on the matter.] Evian.

 

I understand you can hold an alternative perspective on matters, but if you're my friend and fellow citizen who Global Properties aimed to be charitable to, then you may not hold an alternative perspective just for the evian of it. Now then

 

[I believe that as one would encourage any government to fund development projects such as hospitals and schools,] Evian.

 

Which one encourages a government to fund development projects such as hospitals and schools? Let me share with you my position on governments: The purpose of government is to do the peoples' business in an orderly manner according to a common constitution. A hospital is constructed from the tax pool of the citizens and from generous assistance from NPO's and friendly people of other governments. A government that needs encouragement to fund a hospital, ESPECIALLY a teaching hospital, is verily delinquent and ought to be abandoned, and at least not encouraged in delinquency. What is the value of a hospital you may ask. Well injury and disease in a nation contributes to lethargy, malignancy, and contagion. Therefore because the citizens have agreed to pay into a pool of funds and assisted by NPO's and friendly people of other governments, the government of Gambia MUST (no begging, no coercion, no bribing) figure out a way to ameliorate citizen injury and dis-ease. You encourage good work and task completion. You do not encourage graft and graffignette Evian. I know you know this. The development aspect of RVTH is research into health and the training of healthcare providers. That is all part of the responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Health.

 

[so should private companies not be discouraged from financing similar projects.] Evian.

 

Private companies are not discouraged from assisting where they can in any public project. The question here Evian is, How does a private for-profit company assist the people of Gambia? I will bring your attention to a story you shared with us some weeks back: You had shared with us that a certain bird-watching station belonging to a friend of yours that had been torched in an arson effort by the TDA. The TDA is a government department. Should a private bird-watching company attempt to donate a bigger/shinier bird-watching station to the TDA at the location of your fellow citizen's torched station???????? In addition Evian, you, Kukeh, and Haruna, all share similar disdain for private citizens and companies to be intimidated into "donating" to government at the risk of life and property. Do you not therefore think Global properties by renovating wards 6&7 at RVTH is, if unawares, endorsing that same intimidation of their competition and other fellow citizens????? Enquiring minds want to know.

 

[We ought to remember that we the people are the greatest beneficiaries from such improvements.] Evian.

 

So if Evian robbed a fellow citizen of his/her motorbike and then gifts such motorbike to his friend Haruna, therefore, Haruna must encourage Evian's Robin Hood escapades. How does that rehabilitate Evian himself to become an upstanding fellow citizen of Haruna. Sooner or later, Evian is likely to steal from Haruna to gift to Kukeh. And the cycle of graft and graffignette by Evian continues unabated.

 

[Hence, it must be good.] Evian.

 

Evian's activities must be good because Haruna is a beneficiary of those activites.

 

[I think you will better appreciate my point of view on this issue when you focus more on the benefits of such development interventions to the people than their impact on the Government.] Evian.

 

I did. There were no benefits in this instance. As Baa-Rock is wont to quip, Lipstick on a pig is still a shinier pig. Besides you reminded me that the government is also part of the people. Or do you still believe that? If you have a wheelchair to donate Evian, please do not donate it to RVTH. Look for a fellow citizen who needs it and give it to him or her. Li-Llaahi warasool. No interviews, no parading on TV. No shiny stuff. And the wheel chair better not be made of straw.

 

[This kind of development partnership involving public and private sector operatives does not in any way absolve government from discharging its development responsibilities to the peoples.] Evian.

 

Thank you very much Evian. It should not also encourage government's graft and graffignette and turning the corner on their delinquencies. You are a beautiful man Bailo.

 

[I like you too! Best wishes, Bailo] Evian.

 

Well prove it ga-ddamit. Haruna. And another thing, if I go to RVTH to die, it wouldn't make any difference to me whether I expire in a refurbished or old corner. They are all disease-infested. Hell the smell of fresh paint might quicken my demise. Whaddaya think? Renovate my arse. What about disinfecting the wards by Global Enterprises? You guys are too funny. MQJGDT. Darbo. You will be here telling us about another friend of yours who lost his/her business because of absence at APRC Rallies. And I just remmembered; Do you remmember when you shared with us the plight of Mr. Bojang our friend? Well two days later, the TDA donated scrap to the Jammeh Foundation Hospital. I think it was linen and paper napkins. Any questions Evian???????????????????????????????/  





--- On Mon, 17/11/08, Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

From: Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]>Subject: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?To: [log in to unmask]: Monday, 17 November, 2008, 4:07 PM

Thanx Bailo for sharing more of your disposition. In order to focus the conversation better, I will use your notes to see if we can come to terms. [Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:11:30 +0000, From: [log in to unmask], Subject: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?, To: [log in to unmask] 









Haruna, I believe we (Dr. Jaiteh, Haruna and myself) are all in agreement that philanthropy is good and unduely putting pressure upon companies to go the extra mile in exhibiting good corporate citizenship is bad.] Bailo.

 

Indeed Bailo, we and most of our fellow citizens are in agreement on this. Thank you for ferreting it out so succinctly.

 

"I still consider a philanthropic project such as the renovation of Wards 6 and 7 of RVTH, a publicly-funded hospital undertaken by Global Properties as both highly desirable and to be encouraged." Evian.

 

This I believe is where we disagree. Renovation, underwritten by any person or entity, of wards at any hospital that is publicly-funded is philanthropic. The fundamental question is whether it is proper for a For-Profit entity like Global Properties to donate 'in cash or kind' to a publicly-funded hospital like RVTH? I believe that is both highly undesirable and ought not be encouraged. Here are some of my reasons:

 

1. The management and governing board of RVTH is not constituted according to the constitution. I am confident you understand what I mean by that.

 

2. Out of the taxes paid by for-profit businesses, including Global Properties, a budget is drawn for the running of RVTH. To further augment that budget, a discount is given to NPOs with the expectation that all other philanthropy, including that of NGOs and foreign governments, can assist RVTH in better serving the citizens of Gambia and guests of Gambia.

 

3. We have seen and are aware of untold harrassment of businesses and persons in Gambia for not donating "in cash or kind" to illegally constituted outfits to include the Jammeh Foundation, Kanilai farms, APRC, RVTH, TDA, YDE, etc. Why does GLobal Properties feel obliged to donate to government in kind? I think that if they desire to be good corporate citizens, Global Properties ought to channel their philanthropy through a Health NGO in Gambia or if there is no health NGO in Gambia, they ought to set up an NGO, through which they conduct their philanthropy, for propriety's sakes.

 

4. Because Global Properties cannot ascertain the good running of RVTH and they have no say in its day-to-day management, and because of the climate of fear in Gambia (I refer you to AI's recent report: Fear Rules in Gambia), Global Properties is justifying Yahya's contention that all businesses and persons in Gambia are obliged to donate to government in cash or kind.

 

[To my mind, this kind of development interventions by operatives from the private business siector tantamounts to a direct commendable support to the Gambian public.] Evian.

 

I understand your desire for "development interventions by operatives" Evian, but how does renovating wards 6&7 of RVTH tantamount to direct support to the Gambian Public, nevermind commendable? consider this:

Might it not be more direct and commendable if Global Properties were to build a wing at SOS children's villages, or purchase medications or hospital equipment or wheelchairs through WHO or another health NGO and designate it for RVTH? That philanthropy can be disseminated by all news outlets (not just the DO) and the marketing manager of Global Properties cann afford interviews to all newspaper outlets. They might even have their name on the SOS wing and since they are in the business of Property development and sales, what better advertisement than that Evian? I want you to consider the unintended consequences of this Fosse philanthropy by Global Properties Evian and I hope you will reconsider your position.

 

[Mind you, Global Properties funded the renovation of a hospital and did not make a donation in cash or kind as you suggested.] Evian.

 

Renovating a wing or two of RVTH by Global Properties tantamounts exactly to an in-kind bribe. Forget donation.

 

[OK, if you still consider it a donation, then it is the kind of donation that will directly benfit the Gambian population.] Evian.

 

How does that help the Gambian population? It certainly does not reduce the fees paid for NO SERVICE at RVTH. It will however continue the mirage of "treating" tortured and illegally detained prisoners of Mile II. WHen was the last time you went to RVTH Evian?

 

[There could be nothing wrong for private interests to donate in cash or kind to any deserving government institution as long as the necessary safeguards against corruption are in place.] Evian.

 

Evian you're so funny you don't even know you're funny. Read your comment immediately above. Again. Again. Do the words "DESERVING", "GOVERNMENT INSTITUTION", "NECESSARY SAFEGUARDS AGAINST CORRUPTION", jump out and grab you by the ears? WHat I'm wondering is why you feel the need to qualify your earlier blanket endorsement of Global properties donating in cash or kind and directly to the government of Gambia. You are now getting closer to Kukeh and my position therefore. Our problem is that Yahya intimidates businesses into donating to his many outfits at the risk of near-bankruptcy or closure of the businesses. There are no necessary safeguards against corruption, and RVTH is not a government institution in reality. Therefore, the current Gambia government is not deserving aiding and abetting to lead to the inevitable demise of Global Properties' competition and other businesses. I think we are in sync now. Although I'm never sure about you Evian. 

 

[Please note that the political leadership of a nations does not entirely make up the government.] Evian.

 

NOOOOOOOO! I think the kindergatteners at Ndow's school know this Evian. What're you talking about?

 

[In the equation are ordinary people too , regardless of how marginalised or not they are.] Evian.

 

NOOOOOOOO! You can't be serious. I'm not so sure you're not neglecting the coefficients, equivalents, and variables of the equation Evian. Prove it men. The variables are the ordinary people, all unique. The coefficients are Global Properties' competitors in the real-estate market in Gambia and other FOr-Profit businesses, the Equivalents are "Deserving government institutions". Just pause for a minute, it'll dawn on you. I can't friggin help make fun of you if I tried Evian. Forgive me for that but I'm dead serious here.

 

[That's why I don't subscribe to sanctions such as the one imposed on the Iraqis under Saddam or currently on the Gaza Strip under Hamas. You get my rationale?] Evian.

 

NO I DON'T GET IT EVIAN. I think Kukeh was talking about Private concerns being intimidated/coerced/brow-beat into donating in cash or kind to Yahya Jammeh and his various outfits. How Gaza, Kirkut, Saddam, and Hamas feature in that beats the Jahannama outta me. FYI, I don't believe the GAZA strip under Hamas or the Iraquis under Saddam deserve any sanctions. Let's focus Evian. You frustrate me sometimes but I love you to death.

 

Haruna.

 

--- On Sun, 16/11/08, Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

From: Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]>Subject: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?To: [log in to unmask]: Sunday, 16 November, 2008, 4:46 PM



Evian, I don't agree with your disposition here vis: For-profit enterprises donating to delinquent governments. Here, the for-profit enterprise is Global properties and the delinquent government being that of Gambia. See if you agree/disagree with that so far. Secondly, corporate citizenship DOES NOT mean donating to a government in cash or in kind. The latter is Bribery and fostering corruption especially to a government that is unaccountable to the "citizenship". In order to expound on this friggin philosophy, I share that the citizenship in "corporate citizenship" refers to the citizens of the corporate's endroit of operation. I want you to also remmember that the disdain is not as to the friggin person of the proprietor of Global Properties. That would be a narrow interpretation. It doesn't matter if GLobal properties is a corporation or sole proprietorship and it doesn't matter who the proprietor is. It could be the angel Gabriel. Evian, you shared that "On the other hand, there are some foreign investors in the Gambia whose sole motives are to maximise their profits through cheap Gambian labour and substantial tax-break incentives while hardly giving back a butut to our local communities." Do you now see your quandry? The emphasis ought not be on "Foreign" or "Local" when it comes to corporate citizenship. One of the reasons is that you may be found wanting in your determination of which corporate is Local or Foreign. All for-profit businesses are premised on maximizing profit. As far as philanthropy is concerned, there is a legal entity called NPO (Non-Profit Organisation). This entity gives back to the citizenry by taking advantage of tax-shelters and clauses afforded by governments so that private individuals and NGO's can be enabled to fill the void of government delinquency and shortcomings. For-profit businesses are under no obligation to donate to government in cash or kind. The taxes they pay are their contribution to governance. Now if you have some for-profit business feigning to "donate" to government, you set up the very unsustainable "coercion" of other for-profits to believe they must "donate" to government that Kukeh and any sane citizen is averse to. So in other words Evian, the idea behind for-profits NOT "DONATING" to government is a sound public policy that puts a check on further government delinquency. That means NOT aiding and abetting delinquency. Evian I know we Africans have a soft spot for donations and philanthropy, but it is wise to distinguish between donations and bribes.  All for-profit businesses in Gambia are good corporate citizens as long as they can operate without fear of government reprisals and as long as they pay their due taxes. They can channel their philanthropy through legal NPO's but not directly to government departments such as RVTH. These were my discernments. I understand your intent to encourage "giving back" to the community but your method here is counterproductive. And for someone who cherishes good governance, I think you should reconsider your position here. And just because they have a local or foreign name attacched to their principals is not the determinant of being foreign or local businesses. That is a legal discernment. I join you in commending GLobal properties for their assistance in Youth development and I hope they do that through a legitimate NPO without desiring publicity for it. The media secretary for Global properties is best advised to focus on marketing good products and services of Global properties. Not the "philanthropy" of Global Properties. Evian I hope you view this as a cautionary note and not antagonistic as you're wont to perceive or I will not be pleased with you. I also encourage you to share your disagreements on the ideas shared so that we can yield more value in further discernments. Thanx for sharing your thoughtsYour brother,Haruna.



Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:47:09 +0000From: [log in to unmask]: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?To: [log in to unmask]









Dr. Jaiteh,

 

I believe the good Corporate citizenship being demonstrated by Global Properties should be emulated by other private companies in the Gambian market. The proprietor of Global Properties is a young dynamic Gambian who is also actively involved in sponsoring the advancement of youth development in his locality. 

 

On the other hand, there are some foreign investors in the Gambia whose sole motives are to maximise their profits through cheap Gambian labour and substantial tax-break incentives while hardly giving back a butut to our local communities. 

 

I agree with you that no business entity should be put under pressure to show good corporate citizenship (gcc). Perhaps, the best way for Government to attain gcc is to gently appeal to their conscience. 

 

Thanks for sharing the story.

 

Bailo

--- On Fri, 14/11/08, Malanding Jaiteh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

From: Malanding Jaiteh <[log in to unmask]>Subject: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?To: [log in to unmask]: Friday, 14 November, 2008, 5:06 PMIt is nothing new for private businesses to renovate hospital wards, fund

scholarships, sponsor hajj and even pay for grand gala nights for the selected

few. While many of these may be out of desire to be good corporate citizens, the

government cannot allow businesses to feel pressured into believing that its all

part of doing business in the Gambia.



Malanding Jaiteh





 RVTH wards renovated



africa <http://observer.gm/africa/news> » gambia

<http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/news>

<http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/2008/11/14/rvth-wards-renovated#>





Friday, November 14, 2008



*The renovation of Wards 6 and 7 (male surgical wards) at the Royal Victoria

Teaching Hospital (RVTH) by Global Properties was yesterday celebrated at a

ceremony held at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) premises in

Banjul.*



The project illustrates the real estate company's intention to contribute to

the development of the health sector in The Gambia. The refurbishment work -

which took twelve months to complete - provides more facilities to the said

wards such as air conditioners and sanitary facilities for both patients and

staff.



Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Baboucarr Ngum, the public relations

officer, RVTH, who spoke on behalf of the hospital management board, said Global

Properties has taken a laudable step forward. He called on other companies and

NGOs to emulate the laudable initiative.



For his part, Malick Mboob, head of Media Relations of Global Properties,

disclosed that as a small but growing company, they have a responsibility

towards the community and the country as a whole.



"Global Properties is the leader in the real estate business in The

Gambia, a position we earned based on quality service delivery, professionalism

and trustworthiness," he said.



"I believe with the continued support of our customers and a favourable

business environment, Global Properties will be in a position to fund the

construction of more wards for RVTH in a few years time," he said.Modou

Jallow, departmental matron, delivered the vote of thanks.



Author: *by Mariatou Ngum-Saidy &Alieu Ceesay*







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