Gambia-L,

Here is something my conscience dictated me to address to all Gambians. I have sent it to the major newspapers in the Gambia.

Prince
 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Prince Obrien-Coker 
To: The Point ; The Independent ; The Daily Observer ; Foroyaa 
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 1:11 PM
Subject: An Open Letter To All Gambians


Fellow Gambians,

I write on behalf of all peace-loving Gambians, who are perturbed by the cycle of unjustifiable violence that is now becoming prevalent in our beloved country. The recent attack on the person and property of Mr. George Christensen and his colleagues is an unwelcome precedent in our society. This incident shall go down as one of the most callous act that a Gambian has ever attempted against his fellow Gambian. This incident also raises some fundamental questions about that patriotic understanding of  "Ntoll BAY Tamou" or "Nyor Kor Bucka" we used to have in The Gambia.

 
Gambians, at home and abroad, are still waiting for answers about the circumstances surrounding Koro Ceesay's untimely death. The people responsible for the needless slaughtering of unarmed and defenceless children on 10th and 11th April 2000 have still not been brought to justice. The ambush of a legal political party on a peaceful campaign tour and the countless horrendous stories of the fates of individual Gambians are incidents that one finds hard to associate with our once peace-loving country. The continuous intimidation and the spiralling of wanton violence are in direct conflict with the solemn words of our National Anthem:
For The Gambia, our homeland
We strive and work and pray,
That all may live in unity,
Freedom and peace each day.
Let justice guide our actions
Towards the common good,
And join our diverse peoples
To prove man's brotherhood.

We pledge our firm allegiance,
Our promise we renew;
Keep us, great God of nations,
To The Gambia ever true.

I thereby appeal to all Gambians, young and old, to desist from all irresponsible incitements of sending people "six feet deep" or "throwing them into the sea" only because they disagree with you. As I have said earlier, The Gambia belongs to ALL of us. The Gambia is not a personal property of one man or organisation. It is, therefore, the duty of every Gambian to be his or her "brother's keeper", and as such we can only prosper regardless of any intimidation and/or duress. 

For the best interest of The Gambia.

Sincerely

Prince Beola Coker (Sloans)

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