Our sincere thanks to the Dr. Devanney. We wish him the best.
Lamin
Ebrima Ceesay wrote:
> Gambia-L:
>
> The e-mail below, as usual, came from one of my sources in the Gambia. It is
> a tribute to Borris Devanney, the expelled Canadian who started the
> University Extension Programme in the Gambia.
>
> Ebrima Ceesay
>
> __________________________________________________________________
>
> Hello Ebrima,
>
> I just returned from Bakau and saw Saul Khan's moving response to the part
> mentioning Borris Devanney in your most recent article entitled "My Third
> Message to All Gambians"; and of course having read Saul's piece, I too felt
> obliged to say a few words about Borris Devanney, a Canadian educator with a
> big heart. Ebrima, Dr. Devanney's association with the Gambia dates back to
> the early 80's. I have also met the guy and I must tell you that he was
> always full of enthusiasm, vigour and determination to succeed in
> contributing his quota to the development of our dear country, especially
> the education sector. Dr. Devanney even helped and encouraged me personally
> so that I can enhance my professionalism. Ebrima, the University Extension
> Programme was his baby which he nurtured until it was able to produce its
> first batch of Gambian graduates. The University Extension Programme, as
> many of you know, was certainly his brain-child. But even before starting
> the University Extension Programme, Dr. Devanney had already contributed
> immensely to the development of Technical Education in the Gambia,
> especially at the GTTI. Of course, you cannot mention GTTI without
> mentioning its dedicated director who guided the Institution from its
> infancy. Dr. Devanney and the current GTTI director collaborated effectively
> in the development of the University Extension Programme and the GTTI which
> culminated in the link with The University of The Gambia. AND THAT IS WHERE
> THE PROBLEM STARTED. EBRIMA, WHY DID THE REGIME EXPEL A GOOD PERSON LIKE
> DEVANNEY? Well, the answer is very simple: Dr. Devanney and some Gambian
> educators were of the view that the University Extension Programme should be
> considered as the main catalyst which will eventually lead to a
> fully-fledged Gambian University. He had said that there was no need to rush
> and set up a new seperate University of the Gambia, especially if one
> considered both the financial and human resources needed. He then advised
> that the foundation built by the University Extension Programme, which was
> already in place, could be upgraded gradually to a fully-fledged
> Gambian-managed University. In short, Devanney was in favour of
> "gradualism", while Yahya Jammeh wanted a University NOW. Typical Yahya
> Jammeh, Not so? And being the boaster he is, Jammeh wanted a
> Gambian-government-owned University so that he can take the credit. You see,
> Ebrima, the problem with Yahya Jammeh is that he is an uneducated coward
> even though he portrays himself as an educator, a scientist, an architect,
> an economist. This man just runs the country as his personal property. So,
> because he was of his dishonest opinion that Borris Devanney was
> "sabotaging" his (Jammeh's) pet project, he had to get rid of him in this
> uncivilised, ungrateful and dehumanising manner after Dr. Devanney spent
> nearly two decades of his life in selfless pursuit of excellence in Gambian
> education. He then expelled Devanney from the Gambia; a Devanney who has
> even spent his own personal money in helping to provide the needs of GTTI,
> The University Extension Programme, The Gambia College and a host of other
> educational institutions. To Dr Borris Devanney, we Gambians say "sorry" for
> the way and manner in which you were treated by Yahya Jammeh and Therese
> Ndong-Jatta. This is not the wish of the Gambian people and I am sure you do
> know that. You are no stranger amongst our midst. The decision to expel you
> from the Gambia was not a decision of the people of the Gambia, but a
> decision that came from these morons who have no mandate from the people to
> act in the manner they have acted in your case and in so many other cases.
> We therefore apologise on behalf of ALL Gambians, especially Gambian
> students who have benefitted and continued to benefit from your selfless
> assistance to the Gambian people. The Government of the day is peopled with
> snakes - to borrow Saul's classification - and thus are excluded from this
> apology.You will be invited back to the Gambia under a new leadership; and
> it won't be long by the Grace of God. Dr. Devanney, THANK YOU VERY MUCH
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
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>
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