First, let me say thanks without mentioning names to
all those who have contributed to this agenda and
shared their views.  Also happy to see contributions
from the homeland depicting the true reality of what's
going on.  In all, I have received 36 contributions
all around the planet.  I've attempted to pin 167
issues into 5 broad topics.  If I've left anything
out, please alert me.  Here's the list:

1.  LACK OF POLITICAL STABILITY:  Corruption, poor
    leadership, democracy, human rights violation,
    freedom  of press.

2.  LACK OF EDUCATION: Lack of good educational
 programs, workshops, low morale, social awareness,
 scholarships, job incentives.

3.  LACK OF PROPER PLANNING & AUDITING BODIES:
        accountability, development projects etc.

4.  AGRICULTURE: Subsidizing and Awareness programs,
              farming incentives.

5.  LACK OF BASIC NECESSITIES: Health, Electricity,
 water, roads, promote the arts and sports
facilities.


The question to address next would be: "WHY DO YOU
THINK THESE INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS STILL EXIST IN THE
GAMBIA".  For example, I would attack point 4 as
follows:

The Gambia has no natural resources of significant
value (maybe kaolin) and therefore almost 70% of the
country's revenue comes from agriculture.  However,
farming technigues in The Gambia are primitive for the
most part.  Production is low and not much effort is
made by both present and past governments to help
icrease output.  Most farmers' dreams were filled with
promises of better farming tools which never turned to
any reality.  As a result, little hope and motivation
is left from the land.  Farmers are growing crops at
the subsistence level since there are no ways and
means of transporting their crops to the ports for
sale. Lack of good roads also contributed to this
dilemma.  Some farmers actually cross over to
neighboring Senegal for better price offers.
Agricultural unions have failed in most parts of the
country due to poor accountability, fraud and lack of
responsibility.

I am sure some of you have a better insight to this
topic, and so please share it with all.  Choose any
topic(s) of interest and address it with "WHY YOU
THINK SUCH A PROBLEM STILL PERSIST TODAY."

Again a second compilation will be done.  Hope to see
more that a 100 postings for these topics this round.
You may attach any literature to your postings to
support your views if necessary.

As usual, feel free to post your comments on the L or
send a personal email to [log in to unmask] (where
your confidentiality is guaranteed).

CURE THE GAMBIA!

Essa

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