Mr. Kah,
your requirements form the government is very profunded as you are equally concerned about the wellbeing of the country and her people. At this point of the economic crises at it's highest, idea brainstorming should be more than wellcome, on means and ways to remedy or atleast, bringing this witchhunter's capability of devaluating our currency, setting back our economic development to a standstill. However, there is not a single person in this world who will claim the ownership of ideas used for economic development or any other factors of development. Therefore one person's idea is not the altimate idea. Ideas were since and still are borrowed from person to person from country to country since the beginging of this world. As you have also point out that the unnecessary spendings should be reconsidered in this time around.
We are all aware of the fact that tariffs provides revenue and, perhaps more importantly, they protect the national industries and the agricultural sector. These are crucial for creating employment and ensuring that local citizens retain control of their economy. When we remove tariffs and deregulate our service sectors, we run the risk of being swamped by cheaper imports. on the other hand, if we can raise our economic performance to parity, a vast and virtually inexhaustible market opens up for us. This will not only mean more jobs, but quality added jobs. It also means a higher level of technical effeciency and greater productivity. All this translates in growing prosperity for the citizens and a much better standard of life all around. I do not, however, have to be an economist to noticing the simple facts. I am aware of the fact that they (the government) cannot do everything at one time, but they can at least throw some light on the situation of the economy for a change.
As other are pondering on the 10 billion Dalasis loan for the Gambia, was that all secured by the present government or was it the combination loan? How much does each republic owe to the outside world? Thanks in advance to any refurbishment on this issue.
Edi
