Gambia-L:

This e-mail, reproduced below, is from one of my sources in the Gambia.

Ebrima Ceesay

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Hello Ebrima,

How are you? Okay, I hope. By the way, I am still in my office and decided
to send you this e-mail on the BIVAC controversy. I have got some urgent
work to finish for this foolish Cabinet, but I do not trust the security
atmosphere around the Quadrangle anymore.

I guess you know what I mean; so, I'll just send you this e-mail and drive
home safely. I would rather complete the Cabinet assignment at home, and not
in my office.

Anyway, Ebrima, how can any one take the government of Yahya Jammeh
seriously? Two weeks ago, the Department of State for Finance had announced
that with effect from the 2nd May, the BIVAC pre-shipment inspection fee
will be paid in Dalasi, as if they were doing Gambians a favour. But, of
course, the Dalasi is the legal tender in this country, in case the Finance
Minister needs to be reminded.

Anyway, while the Govt had lied to Gambians, two weeks ago, that the BIVAC
preshipment inspection fee was going to be paid in dalasis, the BIVAC
director, however, said the complete opposite yesterday.

And, by the way, the IMF has told the Government in clear language that this
aspect of the BIVAC "scheme", and that's what it is - a "scheme",
contravenes the financial status of this country.

The business community is vehemently against the scheme, likewise the
government advisers. It appears that the only persons in favour of it, for
reasons well known to all, including the Government of France, are Secretary
of State Nfamara Jatta and Yahya Jammeh.

These two individuals are hell bent on destroying what is left of a once
well-managed economy and an envy of the sub-region. Raja Khan of the
Standard Chartered Bank confirmed, in her recent report, that the Gambia's
competitive edge and comparative advantage has been lost since the
introduction of the BIVAC scheme and urged government to revisit the
pre-shipment scheme.

However, despite all the useful advice, given to them, Nfamara Jatta and
Yahya Jammeh are insisting on seeing the scheme through. Again, we know why.
There is ample evidence to that effect. The reality is that if BIVAC loses
out, they (Jatta and Jammeh) will themselves spill the beans.

Regardless of how the controversy plays out, BIVAC's dossier is being
prepared detailing their activities in the Gambia for Transparency
International and the French authorities so that action is taken.

They cannot preach the Corruption Gospel, while allowing their nationals to
encourage, entice and actively participate in corrupt practises with
impunity. This government has been caught lying for the
umpteenth time.

Arde Sarge is right, you can see today's Daily Observer. The Finance
Department has been caught with its pants down. So what is new? I ask. THE
EMPEROR WAS NAKED THEN, HE IS NAKED NOW AND WILL FOREVER REMAIN NAKED.

Thank you



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