Happy belated birthday to Ambassador Haley and his wife.

Dampha Kebba, You could not have said it better. You said it all.
The ambassador should understand that Gambia is at this moment a colonised
state, not by  the Europeans this time but our own Brethren!
I quote from the Ambassador "The Gambia has rightfully prided itself on
being an area of peace and quiet in an otherwise tumultuous neighbourhood.
The gambia must not mistake its good fortune as immunity from what has
affected many of it's neighbours. The present avoidance of trouble does not
mean permanent insulation from it.Political unrest does not care about
person or nationality. It will try every door".

The Ambassador should have been in the Gambia before the Jammeh rule! Then
he would understand how peaceful Gambia was.The peace was hijacked by this
Jammeh Government. Gambia itself is now  a tumultuous and troubled
neighbourhood.How did  the Ambassador felt when he heard the head of state
boasting of burying his citizens six feet deep.The beating of opposition
members,the attack on radio one Fm, the countless dissappearance of innocent
citizens not to mention the babaric shooting of our school children. In as
much as i condemn the carelessness of the Jawara regime,honestly i am
embarassed to admit it was indeed a peaceful time. Infact Jammeh has made
Jawara a hero.Jammeh has no place in a civil society. He is raw,
intolerant,arrogant and of a very poor intellect.The guy is all thorns.

The ambassador should not be baffled by all this Kunta KInteh and Jufurey
celebrations! the guy is a big hypocrite and should be distanced. He is a
predator and will stop at nothing to destroy the peaceful Gambia.

May God bless us all.
Fatou Jaw Manneh.


>From: Dampha Kebba <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Ambassador Haley's Birthday message
>Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 12:51:25 EDT
>
>We send the ambassador and his wife belated birthday greetings. We hope
>they
>'live long and prosper'. The words of Ambassador Haley are indeed great
>words coming from a great man with tremendous experience. The ambassador
>clearly has the interest of the country at heart. I have no doubt in my
>mind
>that if we had a man of his caliber as our president, we would not be
>facing
>the problems we currently have in The Gambia. The ambassador, being the
>seasoned diplomat he is, sought everyone's help in trying to rid our
>country
>of tyranny. The way I see it, our only problem in The Gambia is Yaya and
>his
>supporters that are helping him perpetuate himself in power. The only
>criticism I could discern that was aimed at opposition parties, is the way
>they (opposition leaders) communicate with their constituents. The
>ambassador urged opposition leaders to refrain from using abusive language
>and spreading unsubstantiated rumors. We believe this is a fair criticism.
>But we are afraid that calls like this could be misinterpreted by Yaya and
>his gang. It is not long ago that Sankung (IGP) used similar justification
>to deny UDP permits to conduct rallies. We believe that opposition parties'
>freedom of speech should be respected. It is true that with this freedom
>also comes the responsibility to avoid slandering people and inciting the
>commission of crimes. There are laws in the country that govern freedom of
>speech. These freedoms should not be curtailed by the arbitrary refusal of
>permits to conduct political rallies. These freedoms should not also be
>curtailed by the government sending out thugs to attack people conducting a
>lawful rally. The government should not also unleash thugs to burn down
>radio stations or media houses that merely broadcast or print a message
>that
>is unpopular with the government.
>The unfortunate thing about this great message from the ambassador, is that
>this message will not penetrate Yaya's thick skull. The message is loud and
>clear. Yaya and his supporters that want to frustrate the will of the
>people
>in the coming elections, are leading the country to turmoil. In Basse, UDP
>was conducting a lawful rally (with a permit) and they were attacked by
>July
>22nd Movement members. These thugs had no place at a UDP rally and the
>police should have kept them away. This is the absolute truth. We cannot
>solve the problem posed by the Basse ambush by telling UDP not to say
>things
>unfavorable to Yaya. I can bet that what opposition leaders say at their
>rallies is child's play compared to what Yaya said on national TV when he
>threatened to kill his opponents and incited his supporters to do same.
>Yaya
>is the menace in our society and he must not be tolerated. He will not heed
>the wise counsel given by the ambassador. Ambassador Haley did something
>that even Gambians do not do for themselves. He advised us to do what is
>right and bring back peace and prosperity to our dear nation.
>Unfortunately,
>his audience was dominated by the very opportunists he alluded to in his
>speech. Yaya and his supporters do not have the interest of The Gambia at
>heart. They are all opportunists after their own self interests. I hate to
>disappoint the ambassador, but I frankly think that he has too much faith
>in
>Yaya and his gang. These people do not have the wherewithal to move the
>country forward. They are a bunch of uneducated, inexperienced and selfish
>morons. I am sorry to say that our salvation only lies in the removal of
>Yaya from office and his replacement by a better educated and more
>experienced Gambian. Yaya does not have anything to offer us. Any moron
>with
>more than $50 million can embark on some token development projects in The
>Gambia. We have better Gambians who could have used the money that came to
>the country in a better fashion to benefit all Gambians. We have better
>Gambians that will not hijack the country and terrorize the citizens. What
>kind of leader will sanction the murder of school children and deny the
>families of the victims justice? I can assure the ambassador that there are
>numerous Gambians back home and abroad that can do a far better job than
>Yaya and his gang. With $50 million some people can implement projects in
>Gambia that Yaya's little brain cannot even imagine. The time to discuss
>development projects for The Gambia will come after Yaya is removed from
>office and our people given the freedom they deserve.
>We thank the ambassador for not staying aloof and insensitive to the plight
>of the Gambians. We will heed his wise counsel. We hope that calling
>murderers what they are and calling uneducated and inexperienced fools, the
>morons they are, does not fall within the category of name-calling the
>ambassador does not like.  Most importantly, we hope Yaya and his gang will
>realize that they are the PROBLEM. They have nothing to offer us but
>misery.
>Yes, Gambia has not yet deteriorated to the level of Sierra-Leone or
>Liberia. But as the ambassador rightly pointed out, we do not need the
>callousness Yaya has visited on us and continue to visit on us. The April
>10
>and 11 massacres were orchestrated by the government alone. This is not
>unsubstantiated rumor. These are deductions from someone with a functioning
>brain. The conduct of the government since the massacre is reprehensible.
>This kind of brutality has never happened in our country. With all due
>respect to the ambassador, I just cannot see how I can 'work' with Yaya to
>move our country forward. Yaya has forfeited his right to lead the country.
>We are not even talking about the other extra-judicial killings and
>abductions. A government that kills defenseless children should be thrown
>out of office. I am amazed that Gambians are letting Yaya get away with
>murder. It was on his watch that we experienced the worst atrocities in the
>country. When was the last time we heard a single opposition leader calling
>for justice for the victims of the massacre? By ignoring that issue, we are
>sending Yaya and his gang a terrible message. We are telling them that it
>is
>all right to murder our children in broad daylight.
>Because of his position, we do not expect the ambassador to castigate Yaya
>for every ill in our society. Other diplomats would have opted not to say
>anything at all and they would be within their rights. We appreciate
>Ambassador Haley's decision to speak out. As the ambassador said, the real
>challenge rests on us Gambians. Do we want a government that will bring us
>peace and prosperity or do we want a government that terrorizes the Gambian
>people, trample on the democratic rights of the Gambians and boast of
>leaders that steal government moneys and lie to the ordinary Gambian? Do we
>want leaders that are uneducated, inexperienced and uncouth or do we want
>people with great ideas that can move the country forward? The task of the
>ordinary Gambian is to ensure that Yaya does not frustrate our will to
>exercise our inalienable right to chose our leader.
>KB
>
>
>
>>From: "Malanding S. Jaiteh" <[log in to unmask]>
>>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
>><[log in to unmask]>
>>To: [log in to unmask]
>>Subject: Ambassador Haley's Birthday message
>>Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2000 21:37:47 -0400
>>
>>Folks,
>>
>>This is from The Daily Observer August 30. Ambassador Haley should be
>>commended for putting it this way. I hope among his audience were "Those
>>who have ears"  and ready to hear what has been said.
>>
>>Malanding
>>
>>75th Birthday Celebration Speech By US Ambassador W Haley
>>
>>I thank everyone for taking the time to help celebrate my birthday. Many
>>years -- three score and fifteen years to be exact -- have passed since I
>>was born. A lot of living and experience has been squeezed into those 75
>>years.
>>
>>An important lesson learned during those years is not to forget your
>>wife's
>>birthday. I can say to you that in 46 years of marriage I have never
>>forgotten my wife's birthday. I must confess, however, my task has been a
>>bit easier than most husbands. You see, my wife Doris' birthday is also
>>today. So as you wish me a happy birthday, please join me in wishing her
>>the same.
>>
>>Being honoured by such an impressive and important assemblage as the one
>>seated before me is a special gift. One that I will cherish and hold dear
>>long after this evening is over. Thus, I would be remiss not to
>>reciprocate
>>this special gift. Consequently, I beg your indulgence for a few minutes.
>>
>>While there is no way that I can equal what you have given me, I ask your
>>permission to offer you some observations based on my many years of
>>living.
>>Just as what you have given will live with me, I hope some of what I say
>>will reside in your hearts and minds after this special night is through.
>>I
>>have seen many changes in my lifetime.
>>
>>When I was born, the world, although taking a break between two
>>catastrophic wars, was inching close to a great economic depression.
>>Almost
>>all of Africa was colonised and most African Americans were subjected to
>>racial discrimination. Now, with the demise of the Cold War... global
>>conflict seems unimaginable... Africa is home to sovereign independent
>>states, and African Americans represent the United States as Ambassadors.
>>When I was born, automobiles were uncommon, radio was in its infancy and
>>computers were the stuff of science fiction.
>>
>>Now there are too many cars, radio and television are ubiquitous and
>>computers are the pistons driving the new post-industrial age. Truly,
>>science and technology have changed the face of the world. While he has
>>progressively mastered the natural world, man still struggles to master
>>himself. While technology has recast how the world looks, the epic
>>struggle
>>of how man relates to his fellow man continues much the same as it has
>>since the day long ago in history when two humans first realised they both
>>wanted to own the same object at the same time.
>>
>>Much of the drama of human history can be reduced to how we have dealt
>>with
>>instances where people outnumbered the resources required to meet their
>>needs. In every such situation, be it between two people, two families,
>>two
>>political parties or two nations, there is a decision to make. Either the
>>two sides compromise or the two clash. One path leads to amity, the other
>>to animus. The world has seen too many examples of the latter path.
>>Africa,
>>unfortunately, has had its share. Angola, The Congo, Somalia - and closer
>>to home - Sierra Leone, a once stable and peaceful land is now plagued by
>>convulsions of violence.
>>
>>Even proud Cote d'Ivoire, once the gem of French West Africa, is in danger
>>of falling into a ditch because it has forgotten the way of compromise
>>while becoming too comfortable with the etiquette of conflict. West Africa
>>is staggering through a period of unrest and turmoil. Excessive
>>competition
>>in politics has led to chaos and failure in many places. The vestiges of
>>colonialism, ethnic rivalries, economic stagnation, and the generational
>>changing of the guard in national leadership have converged to form the
>>storm hovering over the sub-region.
>>
>>As nations struggle to define themselves and their own brand of
>>independence, they sometimes neglect the good and precious attributes they
>>already possessed. The Gambia has rightfully prided itself on being an
>>area
>>of peace and quiet in an otherwise tumultuous neighbourhood. But, The
>>Gambia must not mistake its good fortune as immunity from what has
>>affected
>>many of its neighbours. The present avoidance of trouble does not mean
>>permanent insulation from it. Political unrest does not care about person
>>or nationality. It will try every door.
>>
>>The question is not whether trouble or unrest will come but what will you
>>do when you see them approach. Avoidance of political turmoil is the
>>product of diligent, pragmatic statesmanship. Peace comes not because you
>>wish for it but because you worked for it. It comes not because you speak
>>its name, but because you seek its form. Peace can only reside in a
>>culture
>>of civility and dialogue, and this is difficult to achieve. Ironically,
>>while such a culture is strenuously forged against the imperfect anvil of
>>human endeavour, it remains such a fragile thing.
>>
>>Like most precious things, peace and social tranquillity are hard to
>>attain
>>but easy to lose. Let me tell you a brief story. While walking home one
>>evening, two brothers noticed a rare bird. The small fowl was readying a
>>nest to lay eggs. The brothers raced to catch the bird. The taller,
>>stronger brother succeeded, holding the bird firmly in hand. As the third
>>squirmed, he squeezed tightly. Making matters worse, the other boy did all
>>he could to make his brother drop the bird so that he could get it. The
>>more the little brother pressed, the more the older tightened his grip. By
>>the time the two brothers reached home they were quarrelling. Finally, the
>>older had enough. He put the bird down and began to fight his brother.
>>They
>>stopped wrestling long enough to notice the bird had moved neither foot
>>nor
>>wing. The boys had been so careless as to kill the object of their
>>desires.
>>You see, the bird was dead. If they had compromised, the bird would have
>>lived and produced eggs that could be shared.
>>
>>Instead, they ended up fighting over a dead and now worthless thing...
>>What
>>would you say if someone told you the bird represents political power, its
>>eggs represent what government should provide its citizens, and the two
>>brothers represent political parties? Those who have ears, may they hear
>>what has been said. I believe The Gambia stands on the threshold of a
>>historic moment. What happens in the months to come will determine the
>>shape The Gambia takes for years to come. Will it continue as a hand of
>>calm or will tragedies like Basse become commonplace? Will The Gambia be
>>safe harbour for democratic expression or does the attack on Radio One
>>presage things to come? Will those in power and in the opposition have the
>>political courage to work together or will they engage in unrestrained
>>competition that squeezes life from the body politic? This gathering
>>represents the best of the nation. You have important positions and roles.
>>
>>With your positions come many privileges but also certain sober
>>responsibilities. Be as keen to fulfil those responsibilities as you are
>>to
>>benefit from the privileges. If the Country falters, history will not
>>blame
>>the man in the street, history's verdict will rest at your feet. While The
>>Gambia remains basically peaceful, there is more tension in the air than
>>need be. We all can see the disturbing signs of violence and rough
>>behaviour creeping into the political discourse. Things that were once
>>unthinkable under the Gambian code of conduct are beginning to happen with
>>uncomfortable regularity. The fabric of civility has begun to fray at the
>>edges. Those of you with power and influence should stem this dangerous
>>tide so that it never engulfs your fine nation or its people. In the past
>>several months, politics has degenerated into an incessant chorus of
>>invectives and personal attacks that should never be given audience by
>>people truly concerned about the national well-being.
>>
>>You who are the leaders of political parties must realise that your job is
>>not only to arouse your partisans' emotions but to educate as well. True,
>>a
>>leader must meet his people where they are and take them as they are. But
>>genuine leadership also seeks to elevate followers to a higher level.
>>Courageous leaders peer beyond the momentary euphoria of igniting partisan
>>fears, prejudices and ignorances. You must ultimately appeal to your
>>peoples better selves not their baser parts. The Gambia is a good place,
>>one with people who are generous in spirit and intellect. Yet, as with any
>>collection of people, there will be some who only have their self-interest
>>at heart. There are and will always be opportunists.
>>
>>Each political grouping has its people who enjoy conflict and confusion
>>because they lack the creative imagination to build and construct. It is
>>time that the well-meaning people give the opportunists an ultimatum to
>>cease and desist their brinkmanship. I am not saying that legitimate
>>political criticism should cease. Legitimate criticism is healthy and
>>breathes fresh air into a democratic system. You see, democratic
>>leadership
>>requires both an open mind and a tough hide. Yet, instead of over zealous
>>rivalry, political leaders should be focusing on the many objective
>>challenges that face The Gambia. Health care, education, employment,
>>democratisation and economic development should be the themes that
>>dominate
>>public discussion. Instead of informing the populace about programs and
>>plans, too many public figures engage in personal attacks and the
>>publication of rumours just for sensational effect.
>>
>>Too many public figures would rather utter something that grabs attention
>>than something that is true. I raise these issues not to criticise but to
>>give friendly counsel. I raise these issues because of my affinity for The
>>Gambia. On this soil, I have found my past. And on this past, we build the
>>future. The future I see for The Gambia is one that shines far and bright.
>>It is future where people value those aspects of the national culture that
>>foster dialogue and consensus. It is a future where every person believes
>>theirs is a nation that safeguards human rights. A nation that stands on
>>the trinity of justice, peace and opportunity. A nation that belongs as
>>much to the humble as the powerful in society.
>>
>>You must work toward these goals because the other alternative is too
>>grievous to bear. A nation that sows intolerance, reaps injustice. A
>>nation
>>that sows injustice, reaps hatred. A nation that sows hatred, reaps
>>violence. And a nation that continually sows violence, invites a grave
>>danger into its midst. Thus, at the risk of seeming greed, I ask that you
>>give me another birthday present, I ask that you: -- Commit yourselves to
>>bipartisan dialogue. Begin to talk more about what you will do for the
>>nation and much less about what you will do to each other; -- Restrain the
>>young party militants.
>>
>>Teach them the way of discourse and dialogue - don't encourage them to
>>become political thugs; -- Respect opposing views. Do not condemn or
>>demonise someone for believing differently. Seek to understand not to
>>upset; -- Last, join together to build this nation and its youth. Develop
>>creative ideas that promote education, development and employment. If you
>>commit yourselves to these things, you will make The Gambia prosperous and
>>well for years to come. You would have also made this day a most important
>>and memorable birthday for me. I could not ask for more and I hope for no
>>less.
>>Thank you.
>>
>>
>>
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