Jabou, Dave Manneh & Others My apologies for coming back on this issue later than usual for reasons beyond my control. I am in a state of transition with numerous issues pending. Internet connectivity is an added woe which I hope will be resolved soon. The past week has been particularly difficult for me because a colleague and a big brother James Monty Grey-Johnson lost his dear wife of 29 years Harriet Abioseh Grey-Johnson who was finally laid to rest in Abidjan on Wednesday 18th July. May her soul rest in perfect peace. To Jassey-Conteh and all those who lost dear ones recently, my sincere condolences. Concerning the Brufut land controversy and if I am not mistaken, the land in question was declared state land since 1990 or 1991 under the then GTZ/IDA/Urban Management and Development Project. Unless there has been recent changes, the areas affected include most, if not all, of "Kombo tubab banko"(north, central and eastern Kombo). It is due to this new classification that one is required to show proof that the land was acquired from alkalolus/local authorities prior to 1990/91 before it could be leased. Otherwise, it will revert to the State. This is currently the law. One can debate the merits/de-merits of the reclassification exercise but to question the legitimacy of the Brufut allocation ( and Yundum for that matter) based on traditional tenure is weak in the face of the current policy. Taf Construction was allocated the Brufut and Yundum lands under existing law. As far as I am aware Taf Construction continues to abide by the regulations governing land allocation in Kombo"tubab banko." On a final note, I reiterate my support to the private sector operators and the numerous young Gambian men and women who are willing and ready to invest, despite the odds, for a reasonable return on their investment. Personally, I see nothing wrong with a socially responsible entrepreneur wishing to participate in the process of development in an honest and sincere manner and within the laws of the land. To realise a reasonable return on one's investment is nothing to be apologetic about or be ashamed of. Sidi Sanneh ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------