Folks, this is a shitty and callous statement!!!!!


culled from the point newspaper

Govt Spokesman Calls For Restraint

"A stitch in time saves nine," we are told. The civil strife engulfing our
neighbours and other parts of the globe must not reach our smiling coast.
Right now another disaster is unfolding in Southern Guinea Conakry, where
some 250,000 refugees from war-torn Liberia, Sierra Leone and elsewhere are
caught up in the cross-fire of rebel and Guinean security forces. It is our
patriotic duty to ensure that chaos and mass suffering are avoided. "Peace
now" is a must.

Tragic April 10/11, 2000 demo and the hoax The Commission of inquiry into
the April 10/11 demonstrations, which claimed a dozen lives and destroyed
property valued about D16million, found both student leaders and members of
the security forces liable. Government however decided that, in the spirit
of the national healing process, neither the student leadership nor security
personnel would be prosecuted. It is a difficult, but historic decision. It
means reconciliation between Government, the Students and all aggrieved
parents and sympathizers. And we sincerely hope that the publication of the
reports of the Coroner's Inquest and Commission of Inquiry will serve to
unite, not divide, the Nation. All progressive efforts should thus be geared
toward preventing a similar tragedy from ever occurring.

The demonstration of Monday, 22nd January, 2001 in the Greater Banjul Area
proved to be a hoax. It did not take place, but the rumour alone led to a
closure of some schools and businesses. Concerned parents and businessmen
reacted quickly to avoid trouble, and thus confirmed the negative power of
rumour-mongers as well as our love of peace.

Judgement of history As the BBC's internet country profile of The Gambia
puts it: "In contrast to many West African countries, Gambia has enjoyed
relative political stability since it gained its independence." We should
jealously guard this stability that our consensus-building African
traditions have earned us through emphasis on reconciliation over
confrontation. We cannot forget, but we can forgive. And generations to come
will judge how well we have handled the tragic April 2000 event and its
consequences.

To the Media Houses we have repeatedly appealed for restraint and balanced
judgement in reporting and will continue to do so as partners in
development. The setting up of a Government Spokespersons' Committee and
network of Desk Officers in all Departments of State, the holding of press
conferences and issuing of press releases, are all genuine efforts to keep
the public informed. Let us all rally around the healing process by seeking
the facts and fostering dialogue to improve upon the "terrible African
condition." Through mutual respect and hard work, we shall surely progress
toward "peace, stability and development" for our Nation, Africa and the
global community. Black African achievement through Egyptian and other
civilizations, despite all the unfounded denials, is proof that we can do
it. Please rest assured that a press conference to answer questions is being
arranged. Chairman, Government Spokespersons' Committee (1st February, 2001)







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