Mr. Bah,

Add me to your side. I agree with you entirely!

Saul.

>From: Yunusa Bah <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Emulate Mr. Houma to ward off speculation
>Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 13:54:28 +0000
>
>Mr. Silla,
>
>I don't think there is much to emulate if only you know the tactic of most
>public
>officials in this country. The only time they willingly agree to speak to
>the
>press is when they know they have to to save their jobs. So they are not
>speaking
>much to clarify issues as much to try to cleanse themselves in the eyes of
>their
>bosses. And the norm is always the same. When they are contacted to clarify
>an
>issue they give excuses to avoid talking and only agree to talk after an
>incriminating article has been published.
>
>What i would want to see is cultivate a culture of speaking out when asked
>from
>day one. You don't wait until something is published and go summoning press
>conferences with every ammunition you have. You don't impress a lot. I
>think GPTC
>management mishandled the whole affair from the beginning when they had the
>opportunity to refute every allegation including the one on the strike. So
>i
>really see Mr Houma's press conference a face-saving one. This is my
>opinion.
>
>
>Regards
>
>
>Yunusa
>
>
>
>"Mr. O. B. Silla" wrote:
>
> > G-Lers,
> >
> > The Managing Director of The Gambia Public Transport Corporation Mr.
>Bakary
> > Houma's recent press conference to clear the air about certain unfounded
> > rumours levelled against his Corporation in some private media houses,
>of
> > certain irregularities in the distribution and disbursement of staff
> > incentives (bus passes and staff loans with documentary proof) is very
> > laudable.  In short, this atmosphere of dialogue between the authorities
>and
> > the press should be encouraged in order to set the records straight in
>the
> > wake of unsubstantive allegations/reports being bandied around with
>sometimes
> > questionable motives, I must admit.  Hence it goes without saying that,
> > investigative and enquiring minds should be a prerequisite for balanced
> > reporting.
> >
> > That said, if all the Public Servants also see it as their civic duty to
> > answer to or account for  allegations made against their institutions
>with
> > candour, the better off the country will be and less the amount of
> > unconfirmed reports to circulate around town.
> >
> > For the full report of the story read the week-end Observer at
>www.qanet.gm.
> >
> > Alotta a continua in the name of "transparency and accountability".  God
> > bless The Gambia.
> >
> > OB Silla
> >
> >
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> >
> >
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