Well said. The Gambian Government is so dangerously semi-literate that the fancy of perceived development coupled with financial gain for their partners in crime is all the motivation they need to plunder the country into further abyss. I hope therefore that we will concentrate on educating them on the fundamentals of the rule of law, human rights, and honesty. Let them think of their own schemes because when you give them ideas you cannot count on them due-diligently researching and planning its implementation for the interest of all Gambia. The half-baked ideas only become tools of more oppression and vainglory to the small mind.
There is tremendous opportunity for more productivity and comfort by being connected. . They wouldn't let those who can, show them without fear or favor. Let them figure out how. That is why they wished so badly to "lead" us that they had to steal power.
Les plus importants transformations sont les modifications "accidentelles".
From: "Yusupha C. Jow" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Internet use for rural development in The Gambia. Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2002 10:27:27 EDT
Hi Mr. Sidibeh:
The answer to your question of whether farmers need this is yes & no. First, as I pointed out to Gassama, who btw does not care whether farmers and folks in rural areas have IT, we must not put the proverbial cart before the horse. There are other aspects of basic development which must be put into place before trying to push this new idea. For example, it is a matter of common knowledge that the farmers have not been paid for their peanuts up to this point. Therefore, the powers that be should figure out a more efficient way of making sure their standard of living is improved in this respect. The same argument can be made for the provision of such informational services for school kids in the rural areas. In this case here, we also have had confirmed reports about the poor standard of educational facilities. So it is not unreasonable to assume that moves to correct this situation should be made again by the govt.. Furthermore, a more all encompassing attempt should be made to improve the standard of life in rural areas before we start moving in this direction (ie internet provision). We need to think about electricization and the provision of clean water to most of these areas.Thinking about the upside to such an advance makes me really excited. However, despite my optimism, it is worth noting that this govt. should try to get its priorities right before embarking on such a venture. I would also like to stress the amount of planning or thinking which such a venture will require. At this point, we have a "bunch of mental midgets running the "asylum," and as much as I commend you for putting forth sucha great topic of discussion, I must also stress that the folks in charge of the country are not capable.
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