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.] Bailo.
Indeed Bailo, we and most of our fellow citizens are in agreement on this. Thank you for ferreting it out so succinctly.
"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." Evian.
This I believe is where we disagree. Renovation, underwritten by any person or entity, of wards at any hospital that is publicly-funded is philanthropic. The fundamental question is whether it is proper for a For-Profit entity like Global Properties to donate 'in cash or kind' to a publicly-funded hospital like RVTH? I believe that is both highly undesirable and ought not be encouraged. Here are some of my reasons:
1. The management and governing board of RVTH is not constituted according to the constitution. I am confident you understand what I mean by that.
2. Out of the taxes paid by for-profit businesses, including Global Properties, a budget is drawn for the running of RVTH. To further augment that budget, a discount is given to NPOs with the expectation that all other philanthropy, including that of NGOs and foreign governments, can assist RVTH in better serving the citizens of Gambia and guests of Gambia.
3. We have seen and are aware of untold harrassment of businesses and persons in Gambia for not donating "in cash or kind" to illegally constituted outfits to include the Jammeh Foundation, Kanilai farms, APRC, RVTH, TDA, YDE, etc. Why does GLobal Properties feel obliged to donate to government in kind? I think that if they desire to be good corporate citizens, Global Properties ought to channel their philanthropy through a Health NGO in Gambia or if there is no health NGO in Gambia, they ought to set up an NGO, through which they conduct their philanthropy, for propriety's sakes.
4. Because Global Properties cannot ascertain the good running of RVTH and they have no say in its day-to-day management, and because of the climate of fear in Gambia (I refer you to AI's recent report: Fear Rules in Gambia), Global Properties is justifying Yahya's contention that all businesses and persons in Gambia are obliged to donate to government in cash or kind.
[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.] Evian.
I understand your desire for "development interventions by operatives" Evian, but how does renovating wards 6&7 of RVTH tantamount to direct support to the Gambian Public, nevermind commendable? consider this:
Might it not be more direct and commendable if Global Properties were to build a wing at SOS children's villages, or purchase medications or hospital equipment or wheelchairs through WHO or another health NGO and designate it for RVTH? That philanthropy can be disseminated by all news outlets (not just the DO) and the marketing manager of Global Properties cann afford interviews to all newspaper outlets. They might even have their name on the SOS wing and since they are in the business of Property development and sales, what better advertisement than that Evian? I want you to consider the unintended consequences of this Fosse philanthropy by Global Properties Evian and I hope you will reconsider your position.
[Mind you, Global Properties funded the renovation of a hospital and did not make a donation in cash or kind as you suggested.] Evian.
Renovating a wing or two of RVTH by Global Properties tantamounts exactly to an in-kind bribe. Forget donation.
[OK, if you still consider it a donation, then it is the kind of donation that will directly benfit the Gambian population.] Evian.
How does that help the Gambian population? It certainly does not reduce the fees paid for NO SERVICE at RVTH. It will however continue the mirage of "treating" tortured and illegally detained prisoners of Mile II. WHen was the last time you went to RVTH Evian?
[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.] Evian.
Evian you're so funny you don't even know you're funny. Read your comment immediately above. Again. Again. Do the words "DESERVING", "GOVERNMENT INSTITUTION", "NECESSARY SAFEGUARDS AGAINST CORRUPTION", jump out and grab you by the ears? WHat I'm wondering is why you feel the need to qualify your earlier blanket endorsement of Global properties donating in cash or kind and directly to the government of Gambia. You are now getting closer to Kukeh and my position therefore. Our problem is that Yahya intimidates businesses into donating to his many outfits at the risk of near-bankruptcy or closure of the businesses. There are no necessary safeguards against corruption, and RVTH is not a government institution in reality. Therefore, the current Gambia government is not deserving aiding and abetting to lead to the inevitable demise of Global Properties' competition and other businesses. I think we are in sync now. Although I'm never sure about you
Evian.
[Please note that the political leadership of a nations does not entirely make up the government.] Evian.
NOOOOOOOO! I think the kindergatteners at Ndow's school know this Evian. What're you talking about?
[In the equation are ordinary people too , regardless of how marginalised or not they are.] Evian.
NOOOOOOOO! You can't be serious. I'm not so sure you're not neglecting the coefficients, equivalents, and variables of the equation Evian. Prove it men. The variables are the ordinary people, all unique. The coefficients are Global Properties' competitors in the real-estate market in Gambia and other FOr-Profit businesses, the Equivalents are "Deserving government institutions". Just pause for a minute, it'll dawn on you. I can't friggin help make fun of you if I tried Evian. Forgive me for that but I'm dead serious here.
[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?] Evian.
NO I DON'T GET IT EVIAN. I think Kukeh was talking about Private concerns being intimidated/coerced/brow-beat into donating in cash or kind to Yahya Jammeh and his various outfits. How Gaza, Kirkut, Saddam, and Hamas feature in that beats the Jahannama outta me. FYI, I don't believe the GAZA strip under Hamas or the Iraquis under Saddam deserve any sanctions. Let's focus Evian. You frustrate me sometimes but I love you to death.
Haruna.
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
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