Thanks a bunch Latir,

You've really hit the nail on the head. If every one dealt with all issues
as you suggest, we will all be wiser for it. Many a times certain issues of
common interest are posted on the L which sometimes require a more balance
approach but unfortunately some people will never accept the that not every
living and working for the government is an APRC or government crony.
Having said that I would like to share with all some possitive things I have
noticed living in The Gambia to counter Ebrima Ceessay's 20th message about
the deplorable state of things in The Gambia in general and in the provinces
in particular.
In that post Ebrima quoted his source lamenting the deplorable and sorry
state of affairs throught the country in General and in the provinces in
particular. I live and work in The Gambia and a civil servant for that
matter. However that does not in any way mean I have to accept as normal
everything that is happening. All those who visited our country recenlt will
surely appreciat developments now taking place in the country. I will
catalogue a few of these in this post.

1. GOVERNANCE:
The governance situation has improved significantly. The regime is much more
tolerant of critisms than ever before. Radio one FM has a 2hour program on
sundays were all sorts of topics are discussed freely by panelists
comprising of members of opposition parties, civil servants and the general
public. People are encouraged to call and express their views freely without
any inteferance what so ever. Topics that dominated these discussions
recently were the rejection of the commision of enquiry and coroner's report
by government, the sacking of Pap Cheyasin and the failure of president
Jammeh to disclose the source of his wealth. And in all honesty, no one in
his right mind would would have dared express such views over the airwaves,
lets say last year or any other preceeding year including during Expresident
Jawara's era. Newspapers are flourishing and only a few weeks ago another
private radio station, City Limits started broadcasting.

2. EDUCATION
A couple of weeks back over 150 people graduated with bachelors degrees from
the university of The Gambia. Last year the government built 237 schools
throughout the country under IDA sponsoreship, through the medium of
Gamworks agency. The EU project and OPEC fund have financed has financed the
construction of 2 new middle schools in Western division and a Girl's
Scholarship Trust Fund has been established to encourage girl's education.
This year government gave full scholarships to over 150 people to undertake
undergraduate studies. Currently under the Gambia Third Education Sector
Project tenders are out for the supply of:-
Lot 1: 20 servers, 480 desktop computers, 20 hubs, 20 server UPS, 160 PC
UPS, 40 Printers and various software and accessories.
Lot 2 20 split unit airconditioners.


3. HEALTH.
The AFPRC hospital in Farafeni is fully operational and the Bwiam hospital
is at a very advanced stage. construction on the sere Kunda Hospital to be
built in buffer zone next to the Kaninfing  layout is soon to begin. The
number of private clinics capable of x-Rays surgery etc number over 10. A
National blood transfussion and maintenance policy and updating healt
policy, medicines act and health act is to be formualted this year.

4. THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY.
Specific increases were registered this year in sorghum, millet, Rice and
groundnuts. Infact groundnut production is estimated to be around 129,100
metric tonnes this year, the highest since 1984. You will recall that last
year government distributed 36 tractors throughout the country allowing
farmers to hire them at next to nothing.
Milling amchines of various types are being distributed throughout the
country.
The National Seeds development programme to be funded jointly by the Islamin
Development Bank (IDA) and government to the tune of US $4 million and the
Irrigated Rice Development Project joint funded by the Kuwaity fund and
government to the tune of US $3.7 million are to start this year and last
for 5 years.
Later next month government will inaugurate the project for the
improvementof fish preservation facilities for inland distribution.
Construction works are in progress are in progress at Banjul beach for
modern fish smoking houses for use by women fish smokers.
The Artisanal Fisheries Development project, the biggest in the history of
The Gambia to be jointly financed by the African Development Bank (ADB), the
Arab Bank for the Economic development of Africa (BADEA) and government at a
cost of US $13.47 million will be implemented over a 5 year period starting
this year. The Fish processing plant at Tanje is nearing completion.
30 wells are to be sunk in Southern URD this year of which 6 will be used as
watering points for livestock. The RUral Water and Sanitation Project
(RWDDP) and the Saudi Sahel Project (SSP3) are to continue rehabilitating
existing wells, fitting hand pumps and Solar Powered Reticulation systems.

6. WORKS, COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
Work on the Essau/Kerewan Road and bridge has progressed significantly and
the Kombo Coastal roads from Senegambia to Kartong, from Bijilo direct to
the airport and Kartong to Brikama are almost complete. The 160.5 million
Dalasi Westfield to Mandinaba road is in progress. This comprises the
extension the Banjul highway dual carriage way to beyond the airport and
continueing as a single carriage way to Mandinaba.The EU projects for the
rehabilitation of the Basse/Yorobawol, Fatoto/Koina roads and Guju Guju are
nearing completion. Studies for the rehabilitation of the Barra/Amdalai,
Basse/Sabi, Transgambia, Mandinaba/Selety and Soma/Basse roads are to be
launched end of March.
A bill estblishinh the Gambia Roads Authority responsible of the
construction and maintenance of all primary and secondary roads is to be set
some time this year.
February 7 saw the launch of the first direct air service between The Gambia
and the USA.
Thanks to Gamtel cyber caffes are abound every were and Gamtel is to
commission a GSM mobile system in March.

Subsequent posts will give an update of other areas.

Bye 4 Now.



>From: "Latir G. Downes-Thomas" <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Let us respect expression of views
>Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 16:15:50 -0500
>
>Greetings fellow members,
>
>I believe generally speaking, this forum has taken a huge anti-Jammeh slant
>in the last two years.  I think this probably has more to do with events
>back home than a cyber-conspiracy or anyhing of this nature.  As a result,
>it seems as though members have felt the freedom to express their
>anti-government views and news without fear where perhaps such a comfort
>level may not have existed in past.
>
>Filling the void in freedom of expression is good and while the change in
>atmosphere has not dampened my enthusiasm for the group, I have noticed
>that recently, anyone with a pro-government view almost always finds
>themselves practically driven off.  Of course many of these personalities
>have added insult to their views and have deserved the backlash.
>
>In an effort to increase the depth of discussion however, I would suggest
>we all find a way to welcome views that may differ from our own.
>Personally, I would prefer to watch onfold, and perhaps participate in, a
>debate about the the state of the Dalasi with views repectfully stated by
>both sides than reading message after message of anti-Jammeh rhetoric,
>which even in agreement I find monotonous and unappealing.
>
>Being able to respond to views on specifics of the message and not the
>actual messenger is a quality that has been missing on this forum and the
>lack of it is what, in my opinion, holds it back.  If we treated everyone
>with a little more respect we would probably find more views expressed that
>differ from the majority.  This can only force us to delve deeper into the
>issues, our opinions and as a result provide more fruitfull discussion.
>
>If the likes of Tombong Saidy volunteer to share their views, we should
>welcome and respect them.  Personally, I am more interested in the views of
>Tombong, an educated, exposed gambian citizen and self-professed supporter
>of the present regime, than of the Director of the Gambia Radio and
>Television Service.  The latter could not possibly offer more than the
>defense of his personal administration of a public institution, much like a
>spokesman.  The former can add a perspective in discussion we have not had
>much of a chance to contemplate recently.
>
>My message goes out to the Alieu S. Keita's as well.  It is not who you are
>that really matters, it is what you have to say.  If you believe the views
>expressed here are not representative of the state of affairs back home,
>share your knowledge in a respectful manner.  There is practically nothing
>you can say about Ebrima Ceesay that will change the favourable opinion
>most here have of him.  Offer a different perspective to what he and his
>sources have presented and believe me you, others will join you and the
>balance you desire will take place.  We would all benefit from this
>regardless of our opinions.
>
>Perhaps my take on all this is completely wrong and the real agenda of this
>forum is to foster opposition to the present government and eventualy have
>it changed.  If this is the case then I stand corrected and ask that I may
>be excused.  I do know it was not started for this purpose.
>
>Peace,
>
>Latir
>
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