"Jarga A.k Gigo" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:      Suggestions as Election Approaches.
   
  By Jigster, An African Philosopher
  

  Recently a “MOU” was signed by major political parties of the Gambia. Hailed by some, few questioned the unnecessary dramas that led to it, while worries about its prepotency linger.
  

  Among the ways to test the sincerity of the signatory parties is through a collaboration in a project that affects national interest. A multi million dollar library is an excellent start. There is no question about how badly we need such high quality libraries. A collaboration on such a project could solidify the spirit of the “MOU” before election promises and battles commence.
  

  The parties should come together and urge their supporters in the Gambia & abroad to generously donate in such an important project. Imagine if a mere 10,000 Gambians in the U.S were to contribute at least $50 each – that is over half a million dollars, plus Canada, Europe, and others. If well pitched with assuring transparency and strong backing of influential personalities, people will help realize such a library. Such library should also include an electronically linked mobile library to service the provinces. Which party will initiate such an invitation and most important, which parties will sacrifice the greater percentage of their time, money, influence+ on such an important project? If you drag your feet, an association or individual may take it up and then history may rightfully question why would you brush off such an idea or feasible proposal.
  

  The need is imminent and the more inclusive the brighter the results. So preferably together, not separately; build and realize dreams, don't destroy them; sacrifice wants and help fulfill a need, don't fight a good cause. 
  

  If Mr. Sheriff Bojang, Former Daily Observer's MD and a celebrated Gambian writer could gain from and appreciate 3 years access to a then small, small Timbooktu as “gift of life...”; then we simply cannot estimate possible gains from quality libraries hundred times the size of Timbooktu, with better books and for life (not 3 years). I am fairly certain that our children will grow to appreciate every effort to the establishment of such projects.
  

  Reforming Gambian+ associations Abroad: Certainly, parties will promise reaching out to governments and organizations to help the Gambia. Which parties will try to reform Gambian associations abroad to include helping the Gambia among their objectives? Associations should be more than annual celebrations (parties) and minor rescues within ourselves in the diaspora. How can we share ideas to write better constitutions with budget allocations on percentage wise. How can we improve membership in such associations? My very self, I am not a member of the Gambian-Montreal association for the simple fact that the association's constitution is not ready to guarantee even a mere 10% of our contributions to help the Gambia or any African country. Recently, a Gambian died here. Members, but mostly non-members contributed to have him buried. As the leadership of the association were eager to cite him as an example or reason to join the association, I was wondering if his spirit should fully
 appreciate the association's backing. Him, myself, and hundreds of thousands in the Gambia are not worth helping in the association's constitution(hearts & Minds) until we are in the west, capable of returning favor or be in extreme misery. Late rescue and hokum free-smile are adored means of 'helping' in the Gambia and beyond – which parties will propagate for more open-chance helps? The much acclaimed “Gambian generosity” is questionably insincere and ineffective. Let us not only follow but create and/or improve our “culture”.
  

  We need to rigorously investigate why most Gambians or even Africans dissociate from our associations. Some people may have personal problems but the associations have their share of the blame. Celebrations and minor rescues are not universal priorities where choice ought to be respected. Associations should transparently respect choice before arguing membership tolerance. For example, tabling ideas and documenting membership survey forms can justly help us to include different priorities in our constitutions and accordingly in our budgets.
  

  “Corruption” or even “dictatorship” is not a good excuse to have unofficial sanctions against your own country. Helping our children access a high quality library cannot be pro-dictatorship; instead it is among the most secure means to help rid out corruption, dictatorship, and other vices. Party leaders have enough for their biological children, some of us in the west may be helping our kins, but hundreds of thousands may not be so privilege. The unpleasant conditions that led to our immigration or migration should be collectively confronted beyond kinship, political affiliations & aspirations. On some projects we can interlace with NGOs but there is no excuse for the indifferent standing among most of our associations abroad.
  

  I will gladly join (tolerate) any association that allocates 10 -50% of contributions+ favoring any African country. Trying to label me arrogant... or an outright disapproval of my choice in priority without any solid reason like membership survey results is what is actually arrogant, disdainful, dictatorial, alienating, and should seem unjust to every reasonable mind.
  

  In regards to the election, In 2001 Gambia's election, I wrote an article titled “pre and post election suggestions”. The general thoughts in that article are still valuable and I authorize any Gambian media house interested to republish it.
  

  Let us mature-up in Love and Justice, assess the candidates (parties) based on principles, standards, and programs. Let us minimize the low level politics of comparing persons, stop the hatred, character assassination, and all unnecessary fights. Only the cruel and weak cowards resort to personal fights when ideas are being discussed. May God bless Showlove Trinity: let's learn, let's work, let's have fun.
  

  By Jigster
  An African Philosopher
  

  



		
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