Gambia-L: The e-mail below, as usual, came from one of my sources in the Gambia. It is a tribute to Borris Devanney, the expelled Canadian who started the University Extension Programme in the Gambia. Ebrima Ceesay __________________________________________________________________ Hello Ebrima, I just returned from Bakau and saw Saul Khan's moving response to the part mentioning Borris Devanney in your most recent article entitled "My Third Message to All Gambians"; and of course having read Saul's piece, I too felt obliged to say a few words about Borris Devanney, a Canadian educator with a big heart. Ebrima, Dr. Devanney's association with the Gambia dates back to the early 80's. I have also met the guy and I must tell you that he was always full of enthusiasm, vigour and determination to succeed in contributing his quota to the development of our dear country, especially the education sector. Dr. Devanney even helped and encouraged me personally so that I can enhance my professionalism. Ebrima, the University Extension Programme was his baby which he nurtured until it was able to produce its first batch of Gambian graduates. The University Extension Programme, as many of you know, was certainly his brain-child. But even before starting the University Extension Programme, Dr. Devanney had already contributed immensely to the development of Technical Education in the Gambia, especially at the GTTI. Of course, you cannot mention GTTI without mentioning its dedicated director who guided the Institution from its infancy. Dr. Devanney and the current GTTI director collaborated effectively in the development of the University Extension Programme and the GTTI which culminated in the link with The University of The Gambia. AND THAT IS WHERE THE PROBLEM STARTED. EBRIMA, WHY DID THE REGIME EXPEL A GOOD PERSON LIKE DEVANNEY? Well, the answer is very simple: Dr. Devanney and some Gambian educators were of the view that the University Extension Programme should be considered as the main catalyst which will eventually lead to a fully-fledged Gambian University. He had said that there was no need to rush and set up a new seperate University of the Gambia, especially if one considered both the financial and human resources needed. He then advised that the foundation built by the University Extension Programme, which was already in place, could be upgraded gradually to a fully-fledged Gambian-managed University. In short, Devanney was in favour of "gradualism", while Yahya Jammeh wanted a University NOW. Typical Yahya Jammeh, Not so? And being the boaster he is, Jammeh wanted a Gambian-government-owned University so that he can take the credit. You see, Ebrima, the problem with Yahya Jammeh is that he is an uneducated coward even though he portrays himself as an educator, a scientist, an architect, an economist. This man just runs the country as his personal property. So, because he was of his dishonest opinion that Borris Devanney was "sabotaging" his (Jammeh's) pet project, he had to get rid of him in this uncivilised, ungrateful and dehumanising manner after Dr. Devanney spent nearly two decades of his life in selfless pursuit of excellence in Gambian education. He then expelled Devanney from the Gambia; a Devanney who has even spent his own personal money in helping to provide the needs of GTTI, The University Extension Programme, The Gambia College and a host of other educational institutions. To Dr Borris Devanney, we Gambians say "sorry" for the way and manner in which you were treated by Yahya Jammeh and Therese Ndong-Jatta. This is not the wish of the Gambian people and I am sure you do know that. You are no stranger amongst our midst. The decision to expel you from the Gambia was not a decision of the people of the Gambia, but a decision that came from these morons who have no mandate from the people to act in the manner they have acted in your case and in so many other cases. We therefore apologise on behalf of ALL Gambians, especially Gambian students who have benefitted and continued to benefit from your selfless assistance to the Gambian people. The Government of the day is peopled with snakes - to borrow Saul's classification - and thus are excluded from this apology.You will be invited back to the Gambia under a new leadership; and it won't be long by the Grace of God. Dr. Devanney, THANK YOU VERY MUCH ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------