Haruna,
 
I believe we (Dr. Jaiteh, Haruna and myself) are all in agreement that philanthropy is good and unduely putting pressure upon companies to go the extra mile in exhibiting good corporate citizenship is bad. I still consider a philanthropic project such as the renovation of Wards 6 and 7 of RVTH, a publicly-funded hospital undertaken by Global Properties as both highly desirable and to be encouraged. To my mind, this kind of development interventions by operatives from the private business siector tantamounts to a direct commendable support to the Gambian public.
 
Mind you, Global Properties funded the renovation of a hospital and did not make a donation in cash or kind as you suggested.  OK, if you still consider it a donation, then it is the kind of donation that will directly benfit the Gambian population. There could be nothing wrong for private interests to donate in cash or kind to any deserving government institution as long as the necessary safeguards against corruption are in place.
 
Please note that the political leadership of a nations does not entirely make up the government. In the equation are ordinary people too , regardless of how marginalised or not they are. That's why I don't subscribe to sanctions such as the one imposed on the Iraqis under Saddam or currently on the Gaza Strip under Hamas. You get my rationale?
 
Bailo
 
 
 
 
--- On Sun, 16/11/08, Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Sunday, 16 November, 2008, 4:46 PM

Evian,
 
I don't agree with your disposition here vis: For-profit enterprises donating to delinquent governments. Here, the for-profit enterprise is Global properties and the delinquent government being that of Gambia. See if you agree/disagree with that so far.
 
Secondly, corporate citizenship DOES NOT mean donating to a government in cash or in kind. The latter is Bribery and fostering corruption especially to a government that is unaccountable to the "citizenship". In order to expound on this friggin philosophy, I share that the citizenship in "corporate citizenship" refers to the citizens of the corporate's endroit of operation.
 
I want you to also remmember that the disdain is not as to the friggin person of the proprietor of Global Properties. That would be a narrow interpretation. It doesn't matter if GLobal properties is a corporation or sole proprietorship and it doesn't matter who the proprietor is. It could be the angel Gabriel.
 
Evian, you shared that "On the other hand, there are some foreign investors in the Gambia whose sole motives are to maximise their profits through cheap Gambian labour and substantial tax-break incentives while hardly giving back a butut to our local communities." Do you now see your quandry? The emphasis ought not be on "Foreign" or "Local" when it comes to corporate citizenship. One of the reasons is that you may be found wanting in your determination of which corporate is Local or Foreign. All for-profit businesses are premised on maximizing profit. As far as philanthropy is concerned, there is a legal entity called NPO (Non-Profit Organisation). This entity gives back to the citizenry by taking advantage of tax-shelters and clauses afforded by governments so that private individuals and NGO's can be enabled to fill the void of government delinquency and shortcomings. For-profit businesses are under no obligation to donate to government in cash or kind. The taxes they pay are their contribution to governance. Now if you have some for-profit business feigning to "donate" to government, you set up the very unsustainable "coercion" of other for-profits to believe they must "donate" to government that Kukeh and any sane citizen is averse to. So in other words Evian, the idea behind for-profits NOT "DONATING" to government is a sound public policy that puts a check on further government delinquency. That means NOT aiding and abetting delinquency. Evian I know we Africans have a soft spot for donations and philanthropy, but it is wise to distinguish between donations and bribes.
 
All for-profit businesses in Gambia are good corporate citizens as long as they can operate without fear of government reprisals and as long as they pay their due taxes. They can channel their philanthropy through legal NPO's but not directly to government departments such as RVTH. These were my discernments. I understand your intent to encourage "giving back" to the community but your method here is counterproductive. And for someone who cherishes good governance, I think you should reconsider your position here. And just because they have a local or foreign name attacched to their principals is not the determinant of being foreign or local businesses. That is a legal discernment. I join you in commending GLobal properties for their assistance in Youth development and I hope they do that through a legitimate NPO without desiring publicity for it. The media secretary for Global properties is best advised to focus on marketing good products and services of Global properties. Not the "philanthropy" of Global Properties. Evian I hope you view this as a cautionary note and not antagonistic as you're wont to perceive or I will not be pleased with you. I also encourage you to share your disagreements on the ideas shared so that we can yield more value in further discernments.
 
Thanx for sharing your thoughts
Your brother,
Haruna.


Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:47:09 +0000
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?
To: [log in to unmask]


Dr. Jaiteh,
 
I believe the good Corporate citizenship being demonstrated by Global Properties should be emulated by other private companies in the Gambian market. The proprietor of Global Properties is a young dynamic Gambian who is also actively involved in sponsoring the advancement of youth development in his locality.
 
On the other hand, there are some foreign investors in the Gambia whose sole motives are to maximise their profits through cheap Gambian labour and substantial tax-break incentives while hardly giving back a butut to our local communities.
 
I agree with you that no business entity should be put under pressure to show good corporate citizenship (gcc). Perhaps, the best way for Government to attain gcc is to gently appeal to their conscience. 
 
Thanks for sharing the story.
 
Bailo


--- On Fri, 14/11/08, Malanding Jaiteh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Malanding Jaiteh <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Corporate citizenship or just part of doing business?
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Friday, 14 November, 2008, 5:06 PM

It is nothing new for private businesses to renovate hospital wards, fund
scholarships, sponsor hajj and even pay for grand gala nights for the selected
few. While many of these may be out of desire to be good corporate citizens, the
government cannot allow businesses to feel pressured into believing that its all
part of doing business in the Gambia.

Malanding Jaiteh


 RVTH wards renovated

africa <http://observer.gm/africa/news> » gambia
<http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/news>
<http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/2008/11/14/rvth-wards-renovated#>


Friday, November 14, 2008

*The renovation of Wards 6 and 7 (male surgical wards) at the Royal Victoria
Teaching Hospital (RVTH) by Global Properties was yesterday celebrated at a
ceremony held at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) premises in
Banjul.*

The project illustrates the real estate company’s intention to contribute to
the development of the health sector in The Gambia. The refurbishment work -
which took twelve months to complete - provides more facilities to the said
wards such as air conditioners and sanitary facilities for both patients and
staff.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Baboucarr Ngum, the public relations
officer, RVTH, who spoke on behalf of the hospital management board, said Global
Properties has taken a laudable step forward. He called on other companies and
NGOs to emulate the laudable initiative.

For his part, Malick Mboob, head of Media Relations of Global Properties,
disclosed that as a small but growing company, they have a responsibility
towards the community and the country as a whole.

"Global Properties is the leader in the real estate business in The
Gambia, a position we earned based on quality service delivery, professionalism
and trustworthiness," he said.

"I believe with the continued support of our customers and a favourable
business environment, Global Properties will be in a position to fund the
construction of more wards for RVTH in a few years time," he said.Modou
Jallow, departmental matron, delivered the vote of thanks.

Author: *by Mariatou Ngum-Saidy &Alieu Ceesay*

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