These are pretty overblown accusations. Plagiarism? "Criminal act"?  Is the
document in question not a public document?  Could the ARC not have adopted
this documents in whole or in part for its own purpose?  To whom should
"credit be given"? Could anyone of you not adopt the Gambian constitution or
any other public document as your own for whatever purpose? This issue has
been argued ad nauseam and the returns are rather de minimis.

If the document in question existed since the 1990s, have the ideas
contained within been acted upon?  The Gambia and the world is awash in good
ideas lying fallow.  Perhaps the ARC will finally get the chance to execute
some of them.

I am a bit concerned about the trajectory of some of the arguments
flourishing on this forum.  We always seem to regress to that position of
blame the people for OUR failures. If they vote for APRC or ARC they must be
for corruption etc. In effect that the people deserve what has been
happening and will happen to them if they vote for APRC or ARC.  If the
people vote in a free and fair election for Yaya, or Darboe or Sallah, fine,
whatever their reasons for such a vote.  The failure is on OUR part for not
reaching them. If Sallah cannot make traction with the voters in over 2
decades of presence in The Gambia, he should either change his message or
methods.  (I personally think he is a decent man but wrong for this
contest.)  Make no mistake about it the purpose here is to defeat APRC.
Anyone or anything BUT the APRC.  The ability of the so-called
intelligentsia in losing sight of the goal to the minutia of debate though
fascinating, is a folly we will all continue to pay for dearly.  

Morro


-----Original Message-----
From: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ginny Quick
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 7:39 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: My Approach / Re: THE ALLIANCE for REGIME CHANGE POLICY PROPOSALS:


     Well, I'm not completely satisfied that plagiarism has occurred, or
that the UDP/NRP document is devoid of ideas.  However, I'm definitely
interested.  But what I'm going to endeavor to do is look at both documents,
see how they are similar / different.  Then, I'm going to try to find out
what is the standard etiquette for a document such as this.  But I'd hardly
think that a political party with experienced leadership such as the
UDP/NRP/GPDP coalition would make such a blatant blunder as "plagiarism".


     The other questions I have, that I'd like clarification on is who
notified the Midwest Gambian conference of the possibility of plagiarism, as
regards the document?  What evidence did they present to this affect?  Why
can't that evidence be presented here online for all to see?


     Why come online, cry plagiarism, throw out little tidbits, yet not
really present any tangible evidence of plagiarism but leave it to the rest
of us to figure out?  Shouldn't the ball be in the person's court who is
making the charge?


     As far as the document being devoid of ideas, I don't remember anyone
making a big deal about this until the plagiarism charge surfaced.  Then it
was, "Oh, this shows that the UDP/NRP doesn't have any ideas", etc.


     As I said before, political proposals / documents are an area that I'm
not well-versed in.  I'mnot sure what constitutes proper citation, if
footnotes are used, or if just merely stating that a certain idea noted in
the document came from a particular source, i.e., just casually mentioning
it in the article.


     Let's just say that the document was plagiarised, and let's just say
that the UDP/NRP is deemed to be devoid of ideas.  Then this would be all
the more reason for those who support other parties to demonstrate how their
party should be the one which Gambians should support in the upcoming
elections.


     However, what affect is this actually going to have on Gambian voters?
Would they switch allegiances based on a plagiarized document?  Do many, or
most, Gambians read policy statements published by thier parties?  We can
sit here online and decry "plagiarism" and the lack of ideas of a given
party.  However, how will this translate to what happens on the ground?  How
much of what we discuss online even filters through to the so-called
"Gambians back home"?  And if it does filter back home, how does it affect
peoples thoughts, opinions, feelings, and actions?


     I feel that this should be dealt with, by the UDP/NRP, or their
appropriate representatives, if only to clarify things and put things to
rest, once and for all.  Where did this document come from?  Who wrote it?
If any ideas were utilized from other policy documents, where and when?
However, if the UDP/NRP/GPDP (Alliance for Regime Change), deems it
necessary to and is going to make the effort to clarify things, then on the
same token, I also feel that the people making these allegations should also
be up front with where they got their evidence and how they came across the
plagiarism.  I mean, this was the reason why this document wasn't presented
at the Midwest Gambian Conference, which kept the document from being
discussed by the attendees.  What was the time between the discovery of the
supposed plagiarism, and the time the decision was made not to discuss the
document?  Could the document have been discussed, and then, once solid
evidence was substantiated, an announcement could have been made regarding
that?


     And is it possible that even if the document is vindicated,
unequivocally, the damage has already been done?  The stain of "plagiarism"
has already tarnished the document.


     Anyway, once I get some time to sit down and go through the documents,
and if I can get the PDF document to open, then I'll try to make an informed
decision myself.


Ginny





On 9/6/06, Ginny Quick <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hello, all.  I tried opening up the PDF document that Pa Morro 
> submitted.  I'm having some difficulty as well, it's Adobe which is 
> not the most accessible of applications sometimes.  I'm not sure if 
> it's the computer I'm currently using, or the application itself.  If 
> it's not too much trouble, would it be difficult for anyone to convert 
> the document into an MS Word or ASCII text document and forward it to 
> me?  I may not be able to speak on doctored fonts, headings, etc., but 
> maybe I could take a look and see if the two documents seem similar or 
> not.
>
>
>      This reminds me of all of the artists that sue for other artists 
> stealing their songs, etc.  I'd guess that the "verdict" as it were, 
> would be in the eye of the beholder.
>
>
>      However, I also think that the people making these charges should 
> also present their evidence and not leave it to the rest of us to do 
> the dirty work.  Unless of course, they only want to make allegations 
> for the skae of making allegations.
>
>
>      Or better yet, why not present, or present again, if already done 
> so, *your party's* ideas for "regime change", etc.
>
>
>      Anyway, I'll try to handle the document issue later.
>
>
> Ginny
>
>
>
> On 9/6/06, Momodou S Sidibeh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> > Really?
> >
> > Are we not actually missing the point about what is embarrasing? 
> > What percentage of eligible Gambian voters cast their ballots for 
> > any political party on account of ideas expressed in its policy 
> > document????? To whom
> are
> > these documents relevant anyway?
> >
> > It is time, I would like to submit, that those of us wanting to 
> > bring
> about
> > lasting progressive change in Gambia rethink our methods of mass 
> > mobilisation.
> >
> > sidibeh
> >
> >
> > 2006/9/6, Alieu Sanyang <[log in to unmask]>:
> > >
> > > Oops! This is embarassing to say the least. This is the kind of 
> > > group
> who
> > > wants to come and lead our country?
> > > Who is Karamba/where is he? Is there anyone here from UDP/NRP who 
> > > can expalin what happened? We are all ears.
> > > Alieu.
> > >
> > > [log in to unmask] wrote:
> > >
> > > Well, if this document was plagiarized as alleged, then aside from 
> > > it being a clear indication of the UDP/NRP alliance's lack of a 
> > > solid agenda for the
> > > development of the country should they come into power, it is also a
> gross
> > > embarassment for our country.
> > >
> > > Jabou Joh
> > >
> > > In a message dated 9/5/2006 2:50:39 P.M. Central Daylight Time, 
> > > [log in to unmask] writes:
> > >
> > > Here is the correct link. He missed out on the .pdf extension. 
> > > It's an adobe
> > >
> > > doc...
> > >
> > > http://www.imf.org/external/np/prsp/2002/gmb/01/043002.pdf
> > >
> > >
> > > Regards
> > >
> > > Pa Morro
> > >
> > >
> > > >From: "Yusupha Jow"
> > > >Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
> > > >To: [log in to unmask]
> > > >Subject: Re: [>-<] FWD: THE ALLIANCE for REGIME CHANGE POLICY
> PROPOSALS:
> > > >Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2006 11:25:18 -0700
> > > >
> > > >Joe:
> > > >First, I'd like to point out that at the moment these are only
> > > allegations.
> > > >Once we get more information from Musa Sana (such as a working 
> > > >link to relevant IMF page), we should be in a better position to 
> > > >determine if
> > > this
> > > >is a case of plagiarism or not.
> > > >
> > > >I see no major problems with the UDP/NRP using the IMF/UN 
> > > >documents as
> > > the
> > > >basis for their development program IF they give proper credits 
> > > >to
> their
> > > >source(s). The practice of citing sources is common in academia.
> However,
> > > >the consequences are dire if one does not do this.
> > > >
> > > >I think the main issue with what they've been accused of was 
> > > >touched
> upon
> > > >by
> > > >Egu, which is it would show the UDP/NRP may lack a solid or 
> > > >complete agenda as it pertains to plans for the development of 
> > > >The Gambia -- a disturbing development.
> > > >
> > > >That being said, I'd take the UDP/NRP alliance any day over the 
> > > >APRC!
> > > >
> > > >Thanks!
> > > >Yusupha
> > > >
> > > >On 9/5/06, Joe Sambou wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >>[ This e-mail is posted to Gambia|Post e-Gathering by "Joe 
> > > >>Sambou" < [log in to unmask]> ]
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>Folks, we have attacked folks here for plagiarism, yet, we are 
> > > >>playing dead with this apparent deception. Why are Gambians mute 
> > > >>on this issue? Why would we even attempt to rationalize this 
> > > >>criminal act? The UDP/NRP
> had
> > > >>years to have a policy document and Gambians have been asking 
> > > >>them for
> > > one
> > > >>for years and just a few days ago, Chris Sukuna was the latest
> request.
> > > >>They shamelessly lifted a document from another and called it 
> > > >>their
> own
> > > >>and
> > > >>what do we see, folks trying to provide cover for this apparent
> > > cheating.
> > > >>Now, let's say the APRC had done that, we would be all over 
> > > >>them. If
> it
> > > >>were NADD, this place would be uncontrollable. Why is it 
> > > >>different for the UDP/NRP? Is this the kind of Gambia were are 
> > > >>trying to foster, where
> we
> > > >>dwell on hypocrisy?
> > > >>
> > > >>Karamba, that doctored this document, should be here to explain 
> > > >>his behavior to this body. I mentioned him because he forwarded 
> > > >>this same document
> to
> > > >>the MGAC as the UDP/NRP policy and he claimed he had spent hours 
> > > >>summarizing it, even, to shorten it for the moderator at the 
> > > >>conference to read it
> > > to
> > > >>the audience. We called him several times during the conference 
> > > >>to consult him on the pliagiarism charge regarding the document, 
> > > >>but we did not
> get
> > > a
> > > >>response. This is academic dishonesty and laziness folks and we 
> > > >>cannot cover it or excuse it. Hey, smooth talking will not 
> > > >>excuse this
> criminal
> > > >>act and none is not going to dumb us down. This is a low hanging 
> > > >>fruit and if we cannot be honest about this one, I wonder what 
> > > >>we would be
> honest
> > > >>about. If the UDP/NRP with all their claimed brain power have to 
> > > >>steal
> a
> > > >>document and called it their own, knowing that there is 
> > > >>technology
> that
> > > >>can
> > > >>expose them, I say desperation has set in. For one has to be 
> > > >>really desperate to risk this humiliation. They had years to 
> > > >>come up with a document, but alas. Now we understand why they 
> > > >>signed the NADD MOU and later on called it a mistake or what 
> > > >>ever. If they can cheat in this fashion, what else can they 
> > > >>cheat on? Folks, this is a travesty, especially for a party that 
> > > >>wish to lead us.
> > > >>
> > > >>Chi Jaama
> > > >>
> > > >>Joe
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> >From: "Kejau Touray"
> > > >> >Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
> > > >> >To: [log in to unmask]
> > > >> >Subject: RE: [>-<] FWD: THE ALLIANCE for REGIME CHANGE POLICY
> > > PROPOSALS:
> > > >> >Date: Tue, 05 Sep 2006 12:38:05 +0100
> > > >> >
> > > >> >[ This e-mail is posted to Gambia|Post e-Gathering by "Kejau 
> > > >> >Touray"  ]
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> >Hello Musa,
> > > >> >Nowadays everyone does some plagiarism, from Tony Blair ( on 
> > > >> >weapons
> > > of
> > > >> >mass destruction report), and unlike students, nobody can 
> > > >> >penalise
> > > them,
> > > >> >only if breach the laws of copyright can they be sued by the 
> > > >> >party
> who
> > > >> >suffered loss.
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> >Kejau
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> >>From: "musa sana"
> > > >> >>Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
> > > >> >>To: [log in to unmask]
> > > >> >>Subject: RE: [>-<] FWD: THE ALLIANCE for REGIME CHANGE POLICY
> > > >>PROPOSALS:
> > > >> >>Date: Tue, 05 Sep 2006 05:07:13 +0000
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>[ This e-mail is posted to Gambia|Post e-Gathering by "musa 
> > > >> >>sana" ]
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Folks,
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>This is just to wet your appetites. until i receive shipment 
> > > >> >>of my documents, pls.i refer you all to the below IMF site. 
> > > >> >>It should be
> > > >>noted
> > > >> >>that my mission is not to humiliate UDP/NRP. No, it is to 
> > > >> >>point at
> > > the
> > > >> >>stupidity of their actions. Also important to note is their
> > > >>craftmanship
> > > >> >>in doctoring sub-headings like HUNGER instead of NUTRITION as
> > > appeared
> > > >>on
> > > >> >>the document, CRD, LRD &URD instead of (provinces)or rural 
> > > >> >>areas.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>More to come as soon as i have time.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>htt://www.imf.org/external/NP/prsp/2002/gmb/01/043002
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Until then, pls.enjoy.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Musa Sanneh
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>From: "musa sana"
> > > >> >>Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
> > > >> >>To: [log in to unmask]
> > > >> >>Subject: RE: [>-<] FWD: THE ALLIANCE for REGIME CHANGE POLICY
> > > >>PROPOSALS:
> > > >> >>Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2006 23:09:06 +0000
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>[ This e-mail is posted to Gambia|Post e-Gathering by "musa 
> > > >> >>sana" ]
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Folks,
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>It appears that UDP/NRP does not know the repercussions for
> > > plagiarism.
> > > >> >>Folk, UDP/NRP policy statement is a carbon copy of the Gambia
> > > >>government's
> > > >> >>policy statement negotiated with our traditional donors at 
> > > >> >>the
> donor
> > > >>round
> > > >> >>table in Geneva. I have reviewed this document while 
> > > >> >>preparing a
> > > >>project
> > > >> >>in economic 301 way ago in 1999.Its unfortunate.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>I will come back with more on this issue.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Musa Sanneh
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>From:United Democratic Party NYC Reply-To:[log in to unmask]
> > > >> >>To:GAMBIA LIST , gambia post
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Subject:[>-<] FWD: THE ALLIANCE for REGIME CHANGE POLICY 
> > > >> >>PROPOSALS: Date:Fri, 1 Sep 2006 15:21:24 -0700 (PDT)
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Ladies and Gentlemen, below isthe policy proposals for the
> > > UDP/NRP/GPDP
> > > >> >>ALLIANCE FOR REGIME CHANGE (ARC).
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Thank you.
> > > >> >>UDP/NRP/GPDP ALLIANCE for Regime Change
> > > >> >>New York -USA
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>POLICY PROPOSALS OF THE U/NRP ALLIANCE - APRIL 2006
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>1) POLICY BACKGROUND - COUNTRY SITUATION
> > > >> >>2) POLICY FRAMEWORK OF THE ALLIANCE
> > > >> >>3) GENERAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY CHALLENGES
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>i) ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INFLATION
> > > >> >>ii) THE DEBT QUESTION
> > > >> >>iii) AGRICULTURE
> > > >> >>iv) TAXATION AND REDUCTION OF EXPENDITURES IN THE SOCIAL 
> > > >> >>SERVICE SECTORS
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>v) INFRASTRUCTURE
> > > >> >>vi) TOURISM
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>4) SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY CHALLENGES
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>i) THE CHALLENGES OF POVERTY AND HUNGER/INCOME AND HUNGER
> > > >> >>ii) THE CHALLENGES OF EDUCATION
> > > >> >>iii) THE CHALLENGES OF HEALTH CARE PROVISION AND HIV/AIDS
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>iv) THE CHALLENGES OF WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
> > > >> >>v) THE CHALLENGES OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
> > > >> >>vi) THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
> > > >> >>vii) (a) THE CHALLENGES OF GOVERNANCE
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>AND
> > > >> >> DEVELOPMENT
> > > >> >>(b) THE CHALLENGES OF CONSTITUTIONAL RULE
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>1) THE COUNTRY SITUATION - POLICY BACKGROUND
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>The overall policy aim of the UDP/NRP Alliance is to meet the
> > > >>development
> > > >> >>challenges confronting The Gambia which the current APRC 
> > > >> >>regime
> > > >>abysmally
> > > >> >>failed to handle. The main development challenge is poverty 
> > > >> >>which
> is
> > > >> >>increasing instead of declining daily. Eradicating extreme 
> > > >> >>poverty
> > > and
> > > >> >>hunger is the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and is 
> > > >> >>in
> many
> > > >>ways
> > > >> >>also the most daunting challenge for The Gambia. Poverty as a
> > > challenge
> > > >> >>cannot be explained and managed without meeting the 
> > > >> >>challenges of
> > > >>Economic
> > > >> >>and political governance. Under the APRC regime the 
> > > >> >>development
> > > >>situation
> > > >> >>of The Gambia plunged into the following crisis: increase 
> > > >> >>poverty
> and
> > > >> >>hunger,
> > > >> >>under-utilisation of the productive base of the economy, a 
> > > >> >>weak
> > > >>resource
> > > >> >>base, indebtedness, unemployment, slippage in economic and
> political
> > > >> >>governance, persistent gender inequality, inadequate 
> > > >> >>provision of
> > > >>health
> > > >> >>and education services (particularly for the poor and rural
> > > residents),
> > > >> >>and rising HIV/AIDS zero-prevalence rates. The high rate of 
> > > >> >>poverty
> > > >>also
> > > >> >>exacerbates environmental degradation and threatens 
> > > >> >>Government
> > > efforts
> > > >>to
> > > >> >>promote sustainable environmental management. This crisis 
> > > >> >>came
> about
> > > >> >>through the APRC's Economic and Political mal-governance, bad
> > > policies
> > > >>and
> > > >> >>lack of prudent economic management and financial discipline 
> > > >> >>in
> > > public
> > > >> >>expenditure programmes. They also manifest the absence of 
> > > >> >>Human Development focus and Human Rights Based Approach 
> > > >> >>(HRBA) as a
> > > >>Development
> > > >> >>Framework.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Since the illegal seizure of power in July 1994, the APRC 
> > > >> >>regime
> > > >>through
> > > >> >>the mismanagement of the economy and resources, lack of
> transparency
> > > >>and
> > > >> >>accountability and disrespect for the Rule of Law and
> > > constitutionality
> > > >>in
> > > >> >>the name of a "revolution" or "Soldiers with a difference" 
> > > >> >>created
> > > the
> > > >> >>current crisis. The regime's approach to development is
> characterized
> > > >>by
> > > >> >>misplaced priorities, inappropriate policy measures, 
> > > >> >>inadequate implementation mechanisms and lack of political 
> > > >> >>commitment. The
> > > regime
> > > >> >>says that it wants to encourage investment yet it introduces
> > > >>unreasonable
> > > >> >>tax charges that kill the Goose that lays the golden egg. The
> regime
> > > >> >>fails to create a conducive investment environment such as 
> > > >> >>constant supply of power to attract investors, making The
> > > >>Gambia
> > > >> >>an investors' paradise of the sub-region. Instead, the regime
> relies
> > > on
> > > >> >>an overburdening bureaucracy resulting in unnecessary delays 
> > > >> >>and
> time
> > > >> >>wasting of business transactions. This stifles investor's
> confidence.
> > > >> >>The regime says that it wants to improve the economic 
> > > >> >>conditions of
> > > the
> > > >> >>Gambian poor without improving their productive potential. 
> > > >> >>Instead,
> > > the
> > > >> >>regime relies on debts (foreign and domestic) the servicing 
> > > >> >>of
> which
> > > >> >>further impoverishes the Gambian masses. The regime claims to 
> > > >> >>usher
> > > in
> > > >>a
> > > >> >>meaningful development for The Gambia without adequately 
> > > >> >>addressing
> > > the
> > > >> >>agricultural sector, the provision of social services such as
> health
> > > >>and
> > > >> >>education. But it instead invest in white elephant projects - 
> > > >> >>the July 22nd Arch, the Kanilai Palace, the jet aircrafts, 
> > > >> >>the multi-million musical mixer set, the six multi-million 
> > > >> >>Dollar
> > > luxurious
> > > >> >>American Limousines without addressing the need to purchase 
> > > >> >>the
> > > farmers
> > > >> >>harvest of groundnuts, or providing transport facilities for 
> > > >> >>our
> > > school
> > > >> >>children or providing adequate drugs for our hospitals and 
> > > >> >>health
> > > >>centres
> > > >> >>or rebuilding our main south bank trunk road. The regime says 
> > > >> >>that
> it
> > > >> >>wants to provide employment for our youth population, but yet
> failed
> > > to
> > > >> >>build the productive base of the economy in the form of 
> > > >> >>factories
> and
> > > >> >>processing industries, which can absorb a significant 
> > > >> >>percentage of the labour force and boost our export 
> > > >> >>potential. The regime claims to be the protector of human and
> > > peoples'
> > > >> >>rights but yet the Gambian people are being subject to 
> > > >> >>constant
> fear
> > > >> >>through the harassment by the security forces especially the
> > > notorious
> > > >> >>National Intelligence Agency. The regime regards itself to be
> > > >>democratic
> > > >> >>but yet its political governance record is one of the poorest 
> > > >> >>in
> the
> > > >> >>sub-region. The constant tampering with the Constitution by
> doctoring
> > > >>it
> > > >> >>to the taste of the regime, the lack of political commitment 
> > > >> >>to its
> > > own
> > > >> >>decentralization programme, the dismissal of elected Mayors 
> > > >> >>and
> > > >>Chairmen
> > > >> >>of local authorities, the hiring and firing of elected and
> > > non-elected
> > > >> >>officials of the regime just because they appear to be on the 
> > > >> >>other
> > > >>side
> > > >> >>of the political divide, illustrate how undemocratic the 
> > > >> >>regime is.
> > > The
> > > >> >>question now is:
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- is this the kind of situation we want to continue with 
> > > >> >>after 2006?
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Is there an alternative to the present situation?
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- If so what is the alternative?
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>We certainly do not want the present situation to continue 
> > > >> >>beyond
> > > 2006.
> > > >> >>The alternative is the UDP/NRP alliance approach to meet the 
> > > >> >>aforementioned Development challenges.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>2) THE ALLIANCE DEVELOPMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Recognising the magnitude of the aforementioned development
> > > challenges,
> > > >> >>and considering the need to formulate tangible and 
> > > >> >>appropriate
> > > >>solutions
> > > >> >>the alliance considers it imperative to first formulate a 
> > > >> >>policy
> > > >>framework
> > > >> >>that will facilitate the speedy, efficient and sustainable
> > > >>implementation
> > > >> >>of our recommendation. If elected, the policy framework of 
> > > >> >>the
> > > Alliance
> > > >> >>is the promotion of Human Development based on Human rights 
> > > >> >>Based
> > > >>Approach
> > > >> >>(HRBA). This framework simply means putting people at the 
> > > >> >>centre
> > > stage
> > > >>of
> > > >> >>development. It calls for enlarging peoples' choice and 
> > > >> >>building
> > > their
> > > >> >>capabilities to live a long and healthy life, have access to
> > > knowledge,
> > > >> >>enjoy a
> > > >> >>decent standard of living, and participate in the life of 
> > > >> >>their
> > > >>community
> > > >> >>and the decisions that affect their lives. Since there are 
> > > >> >>many
> ways
> > > of
> > > >> >>expanding people's choice, the key dimensions of human 
> > > >> >>development
> > > can
> > > >> >>evolve over
> > > >> >>time. However the current central issues our alliance will 
> > > >> >>address include participation and freedom, sustainable human 
> > > >> >>development
> and
> > > >>human
> > > >> >>security against both chronic threats such as hunger and 
> > > >> >>abrupt
> > > threats
> > > >> >>such as job loss.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>This framework - Human Development and Human Rights Based 
> > > >> >>Approach
> -
> > > is
> > > >> >>holistic seeking to balance economic efficiency, equity and
> freedom.
> > > It
> > > >> >>is action oriented, recognizing that the link between 
> > > >> >>Economic
> growth
> > > >>and
> > > >> >>human progress requires deliberate policies. It must be
> acknowledged
> > > >> >>that growth for its own sake is not enough; its structure and
> quality
> > > >> >>matters as well. Human development further defines human 
> > > >> >>poverty as
> > > the
> > > >> >>denial of both material wellbeing, and the chance for a life 
> > > >> >>of
> > > >>dignity,
> > > >> >>self-respect and basic rights.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>The attractiveness of this policy framework of our alliance 
> > > >> >>lies in
> > > the
> > > >> >>fact that it has several indices to quantitatively measure 
> > > >> >>human development. These indices include the Human 
> > > >> >>Development Index
> (HDI),
> > > >> >>Human Poverty Index (HPI), the gender related development 
> > > >> >>index
> (GD1)
> > > >> >>which adjusts the human development for gender inequality, 
> > > >> >>the
> gender
> > > >> >>empowerment index (GEI) which assesses gender equality in 
> > > >> >>economic
> > > and
> > > >> >>political participation.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>The specific policy proposals emanating from this framework 
> > > >> >>and
> which
> > > >>are
> > > >> >>highlighted below will help shape our poverty reduction 
> > > >> >>strategy;
> > > they
> > > >> >>will help all stakeholders - NGOS, civil society and the 
> > > >> >>private
> > > sector
> > > >>-
> > > >> >>to monitor progress and hold our Government accountable, they 
> > > >> >>will
> > > help
> > > >> >>the media and international organizations to steer our 
> > > >> >>development
> > > >>effort
> > > >> >>programmes and policies in the right direction. The framework 
> > > >> >>can
> > > also
> > > >> >>serve as a basis for evaluating and ensuring the adaptation 
> > > >> >>of
> > > >>policies,
> > > >> >>plans and strategies geared towards the achievement of the
> Millennium
> > > >> >>Development Goals (MDG):
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>1) Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>2) Achievement of universal primary education
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>3) Promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>4) Reduction of child mortality
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>5) Improvement of maternal health
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>6) Combating HIV/Aids, malaria and other diseases
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>7) Ensuring environmental sustainability
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>8) Developing global partnership for development
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>The alliance policy framework if adopted will make the 
> > > >> >>following difference to the current situation:
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Our national policies will be revised to reflect the needs 
> > > >> >>of the poor
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Our budget priorities will be shifted
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Our laws passed and the Constitution will be amended to 
> > > >> >>reflect the needs of the citizenry
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- The generated data will be incorporated with the 
> > > >> >>statistical system
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- There will be increased donor funding targeting human 
> > > >> >>development priorities.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- There will be prominent media coverage on human development 
> > > >> >>issues
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- People centred strategies will be adopted and implemented
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Civil societies will become vibrant and become active 
> > > >> >>partners.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>3) GENERAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY CHALLENGES
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>Given the existing situation in The Gambia, the UDP/NRP 
> > > >> >>Alliance
> not
> > > >>only
> > > >> >>analyses the general development challenges facing the 
> > > >> >>country but
> > > also
> > > >> >>proposed policy proposals as alternatives to the bad policies 
> > > >> >>of
> the
> > > >>APRC
> > > >> >>regime. The general development policy challenges we face 
> > > >> >>emanate
> > > from
> > > >> >>critical analysis of issues including economic growth, 
> > > >> >>inflation,
> and
> > > >>the
> > > >> >>debt question, agriculture, taxation, infrastructure and 
> > > >> >>suggest alternative approaches to meet these general 
> > > >> >>development policy challenges. In the following Section (4) 
> > > >> >>specific development
> policy
> > > >> >>challenges including poverty and hunger, education, health 
> > > >> >>care,
> > > women
> > > >> >>empowerment, youth empowerment,
> > > >> >>sustainable environmental management and governance and 
> > > >> >>development
> > > are
> > > >> >>analysed and policy proposals suggested as alternative to the
> current
> > > >> >>situation.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>The current national Development strategy is based on the 
> > > >> >>second
> > > >>strategy
> > > >> >>for Poverty Alleviation or SPA II. This is The Gambia's first 
> > > >> >>PRSP
> > > and
> > > >> >>runs for a Three Year cycle (2003 - 2005) that is scheduled 
> > > >> >>to end
> in
> > > >> >>December 2009. SPA II consist of five pillars (i.e 
> > > >> >>Development
> > > >>objective)
> > > >> >>which are:-
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Improving the enabling policy environment to promote growth 
> > > >> >>and poverty reduction
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Enhancing the productive capacity and social protection of 
> > > >> >>the poor and vulnerable
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Improving the coverage of the unmet basic needs of the poor
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Building capacity for local, people centred development 
> > > >> >>through decentralization
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>- Mainstreaming gender equity, environmental issues, 
> > > >> >>nutrition, and governance and HIV/Aids awareness into all
> development
> > > >> >>programs.
> > > >> >>
> > > >> >>At a round table conference for The Gambia in September 2002, 
> > > >> >>funds
> > > to
> > > >>the
> > > >> >>tune of USA$118 was pledged. However full disbursement of the
> amount
> > > >>was
> > > >> >>conditional on the Government meeting a variety of specific 
> > > >> >>policy
> > > >>actions
> > > >> >>or "triggers". These triggers include action on budgeting
> processes,
> > > >> >>greater transparency and accountability in financial matters,
> > > >>development
> > > >> >>of strategies and indicators on rural development issues and
> measures
> > > >>to
> > > >> >>ensure a more supportive policy and institutional environment 
> > > >> >>to
> > >
> > > === message truncated ===
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------
> > > Do you Yahoo!?
> > > Get on board. You're invited to try the new Yahoo! Mail.
> > >
> > >                                                           
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> > >                                                           
> > >
> >
>
>
> --
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> http://quickgm28.blogs.com/ginnys_thoughts_and_thing/
>


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