Mr. Jaiteh, With all due respect, I wish to answer part of your questions regarding African unity. I will first quote "United we stand, divided we fall" a famous and practical saying we all know. Why do you think we have tribal and civil wars in Africa? It is evident that different tribal groups and languages in Africa is a major factor in the conflicts in our regions. Every tribe or group is trying to come to power to favor their own people. The United States is the most powerful nation in the world today, because they are able to pull resources together and build their economy. The Soviet Union was one of the most powerful before the cold war simply because they were together as one nation. Today they are as backward as any other nation in the world. Why didn't Europe remain individual countries without European union? It is also evident that Europe can be more powerful when they unite. Why does multibillion companies like AT&T and others come together as one big company. It is again evident that those companies despite all their wealth can do better if they come together. If all these unities in the world have made a difference, why would Africa be an exception? Are we not human beings like them? Can't we think and act like they did to develop our continent. Why do we Africans always believe we can't be like the rest of the world?. This is exactly why we always remain to be where we are. We fail to think hard, work hard because we are infected with the nortion that we cannot be anything other than being poor, dependent and isolated. I sincerely believe this mentallity in our brains has to be wiped out compeletely in other for us to change the condition of our people. We have to believe that we can make a difference from our ancestors. That we can be better than we think. It is a possibility, either we try it or not. Until we explore the possiblity of uniting us, we shall never be united. "He who fears failure shall never succeed." Therefore, we must face the challenges ahead of us. I do hope these answers and questions will help expand the debate. Sorry for any unacceptable language. God bless Demba. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------