Fellow Gambians & Friends of the Gambia, I have been closely following the debate on this forum about the issue of National ID. After reading the wonderful contributions from Gambia-L subscribers and articles from the Gambian Media, I could not help but to wonder about the reasons behind the ID brouhaha. Some of you asserted that ID's are vital to national security. National Security?!!? If the whole issue is about the protection of the Gambian ppl, the government thru the Immigration Dept should travel to every district to issue the Cards at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the Card should be valid for a period of atleast five years as evident in other countries. A closer examination of the issue reveals that the "ID Palava" is more of a financial matter than protection. In an attempt to finance their corrupt behaviors, the authorities are unconstitutionally imposing yearly renewals on the Gambian ppl. If the "mansakunda" (govt) needs revenues it perhaps prudent to revise spending. For example, cut back on the salaries of Dictator Jammeh and his gang of intimidators. THIS IS WHAT I THINK, WHAT IS YOUR OPINION? ________________________________________________________________ Get FREE voicemail, fax and email at http://voicemail.excite.com Talk online at http://voicechat.excite.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------