Though ad-hoc and informal in nature, there is already a functioning organisation in existence, ably managed by volunteers [albeit evidently with room for improvement].
Granted, I am NOT and have NEVER been privy to it's day-to-day running, or how it came into existence [this holds no significance for me, so I could care less, frankly]. All the same, I was and am still impressed with the way these volunteers rendered their services and provided resources voluntarily, for the common good.
Now there was/were a few dissenting views on how the organisation is being run, specifically how one individual allegedly pretends to speak for and on behalf of the organisation rather than in his own capacity as an independent citizen.
The charge, or perception may have had little or no bearing on reality, but nonetheless the formal vocalising of dissent is totally legitimate and no one should take it as an affront on their persons. Admittedly, the "personalised" nature and vitriolic tenor of the dissent was unfortunate, but I was more than satisfied that there were no sinister undertones or behind-the-scene machinations.
So the questions beggar....
Whatever happens to ironing out the problems [perceived or real] on how the organisation is being run; at a congress/convention/meeting of sorts.... an idea that had already been floated about and has since gained substantial traction?
Whatever happens to whoever purports to speak for and/or on behalf of the organisation owning up to this oversight, apologising, and then moving on?
Suffice to say, it is not too challenging to imagine a scenario where a schism develops in the new organisation after it took root, especially given the sentimental nature of [Sene]Gambians. So what then.... when, say, one or a number of Senegalese members objected to the way the organisation is run, or as was the case in this instance, when it is alleged [and rightly objected to] that an individual tended to purport to speak for and on behalf of the organisation.... is one then going to resign from the organisation, get together close mates and confidantes and form another organisation, in liaison with Guineans:-)?
One would have thought that these volunteers already appreciate the complexity of the issues of running an organisation with a membership consisting of people with diverse emotional and intellectual development levels, emotional dispositions and personality traits, and importantly that Gambians, especially Diaspora Gambians have more pressing issues than getting themselves sidetracked into some inconsequential and tangential nonsense.
So this reactionary and not fully thought-through development [of wanting to create a new/parallel organisation] is rather unfortunate and totally unnecessary. What is needed is concerted efforts, both individual and collective, to objectively analyse the issue that has caused friction among the membership, resolve it and put in place mechanisms to avoid future occurrence.
Kind Regards,
Manneh
PS: For what it is worth, I was never a formal member of this or any other organisation for that matter as I personally believe in organic, ad-hoc mass movements rather than strictly rigid and structured ones for obvious reasons that I am too and damn lazy.
On 5 July 2011 07:33, abdulai jobe
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
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This is to announce that after preliminary consultations,we hereby announce formation of a new organisation.We intend this to be a Human Rights Organisation with a substantial brief in liaison with our Senegalese counterparts in Human Rights work.
All Gambians and Senegalese citizens in Uk are invited to attend to discuss plans to set up the organisation.Topics include following:
Human Rights in Gambia and Senegal
The need for HR enthusiasts from both countries to work together
Outline constitution/Aims and objects
Membership issues
Venue for Meeting:Athlone Hall,Athlone street,Kentish Town London NW5 4LN
Nearest Stations:Kentish Town ,Camden and Chalk Farm Underground Stations.
DATE:Sunday July 10 2011.
Tel Contact details:07984524628
07768513929/0207 482 1057
Malik Kah
Abdulai Jobe
Ebrima Ismaila Chongan |