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* ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤