Folks, this is a shitty and callous statement!!!!! culled from the point newspaper Govt Spokesman Calls For Restraint "A stitch in time saves nine," we are told. The civil strife engulfing our neighbours and other parts of the globe must not reach our smiling coast. Right now another disaster is unfolding in Southern Guinea Conakry, where some 250,000 refugees from war-torn Liberia, Sierra Leone and elsewhere are caught up in the cross-fire of rebel and Guinean security forces. It is our patriotic duty to ensure that chaos and mass suffering are avoided. "Peace now" is a must. Tragic April 10/11, 2000 demo and the hoax The Commission of inquiry into the April 10/11 demonstrations, which claimed a dozen lives and destroyed property valued about D16million, found both student leaders and members of the security forces liable. Government however decided that, in the spirit of the national healing process, neither the student leadership nor security personnel would be prosecuted. It is a difficult, but historic decision. It means reconciliation between Government, the Students and all aggrieved parents and sympathizers. And we sincerely hope that the publication of the reports of the Coroner's Inquest and Commission of Inquiry will serve to unite, not divide, the Nation. All progressive efforts should thus be geared toward preventing a similar tragedy from ever occurring. The demonstration of Monday, 22nd January, 2001 in the Greater Banjul Area proved to be a hoax. It did not take place, but the rumour alone led to a closure of some schools and businesses. Concerned parents and businessmen reacted quickly to avoid trouble, and thus confirmed the negative power of rumour-mongers as well as our love of peace. Judgement of history As the BBC's internet country profile of The Gambia puts it: "In contrast to many West African countries, Gambia has enjoyed relative political stability since it gained its independence." We should jealously guard this stability that our consensus-building African traditions have earned us through emphasis on reconciliation over confrontation. We cannot forget, but we can forgive. And generations to come will judge how well we have handled the tragic April 2000 event and its consequences. To the Media Houses we have repeatedly appealed for restraint and balanced judgement in reporting and will continue to do so as partners in development. The setting up of a Government Spokespersons' Committee and network of Desk Officers in all Departments of State, the holding of press conferences and issuing of press releases, are all genuine efforts to keep the public informed. Let us all rally around the healing process by seeking the facts and fostering dialogue to improve upon the "terrible African condition." Through mutual respect and hard work, we shall surely progress toward "peace, stability and development" for our Nation, Africa and the global community. Black African achievement through Egyptian and other civilizations, despite all the unfounded denials, is proof that we can do it. Please rest assured that a press conference to answer questions is being arranged. Chairman, Government Spokespersons' Committee (1st February, 2001) _________________________________________________________________________ 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 You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------