Brother Basil Jones,

Thanks for the clarification. By the way, Gambia L, I must tell you that I
have always enjoyed reading Basil Jones' insightful articles on business and
economics issues, since he was writing for us (The Daily Observer) a few
years ago.

Well, Mr Jones, you said that it was not fair for me to compare the Gambia
and the developing countries, but I can tell you that according to the
indicators I have seen, The Gambia is still lacking far behind in a number
of sectors, even if you compare it with the rest of Africa. Nonetheless, I
have taken note of your advice.

Anyway, I have decided - if I am less busy one of these days - to do another
piece on the Gambian economy. In this piece, I'll cite the major
constraints, risk and challenges facing the Gambian economy in the 21st
century; but be rest assured that I'll incorporate your concerns, or the
valuable points you raised, next time I am doing a piece on the economy.

Meanwhile, below is a reaction to my piece, sent to me in private, by a
concerned Gambian. I have decided to delete the name of the person because,
as I said earlier, the reaction was sent in private.

Ebrima Ceesay,
Birmingham, UK.

>To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: Jammeh's first 5 years in Office(Part 1 )
>Date: Mon, 06 Dec 1999 06:37:30 -0800
>
>Dear Ebrima,
>I have read your Part1 contribution on the G-L and I have the following
>comments/observations:-
>The Economy- I appreciate the fact that you have highlighted the
>significant
>progress made on this front as depicted by the economic indicators.
>Although the target of 4.0 per cent was exceeded by 0.5 per cent, the
>overall deficit seems to be under control and should register further
>decline in fiscal '99.  Maintenance of fiscal discipline is a must if
>further progress is to be registered.  Increase debt burden is of concern
>and prudence must be exercised in contracting future loans.  The policy to
>limit Gambia to grants and concessional loans ( excluding private sector
>and
>commercially-oriented public sector projects) has been in place since the
>ERP in 1985/86.  Your piece seems to imply that the policy is a recent
>development. On the size of the debt, although there has been a significant
>increased registered during the past 5 years, the figures are comparatively
>better than most on the continent giving rise to Gambia's ineligibility for
>debt relief under the HIPC Initiative.  May I quickly add that I am not
>advocating for fiscal indiscipline.  Govt. must continue to select
>appropriate projects; defined as those that will successfully address the
>issues of poverty, employment, gender etc.
>POVERTY- The figures you have quoted are current and I have no queries.
>However, as I indicated before, unless the annual rate of growth of our
>population is brought below the GDP growth rate, the poverty indicators
>will
>continue to worsen.
>HEALTH- Primary Health Care should continue to be the strategy for the
>sector as opposed to building Referral Hospitals.
>ENVIRONMENT-  The cause or causes of coastal erosion are not yet
>scientifically known.  It is suspected that sand mining is a contributing
>factor but the jury is not yet out on this very complex matter.  The entire
>West Coast of Africa is currently plagued with the problem.  This is just a
>matter of precision.
>TELECOM.,ENERGY & TRANSPORT- Energy cost is one of the highest in the WORLD
>not just the sub-region.  The problem? Outdated transmission and
>distribution system.  How can you loose 35-40 per cent of the power
>generated before it reaches the households and expect to break-even without
>passing on the cost to consumers.  The T&D must be addressed simultaneously
>with any increase in the generating capacity at NAWEC.
>Please excuse my typing and sorry for the rush in reacting to your
>contribution.  I can afford the rush since this a private message to you.
>Thanks and I look forward to the reaction to your piece from the G-L
>membership.
>
>

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