Yes,
We can never go forward if we stand still! Political maturity and awareness
is essential at this juncture, and that is for Gambians to evalute and value
these two eras(The Jawara and Jammeh eras) of social,political and economic
catastrophe. We had really not moved forward, so why should we stand still.
The humble brother's idea of political reconcialiation and healing is a very
sound idea,even though it may involve a long process of consultations and
education.
Lets take the chance!
>From: Omar Drammeh <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: SV: Re: [It is Time to Heal Self and Nation]
>Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 11:11:18 +0100
>
>Mr Saine,
>
>This is a timely contribution and I want to believe that any sensible
>person will subscribe to the idea. However, reconciliation and healing will
>take a gradual process, and time must take its own accord. It`s been too
>many years of hardship! For now I`m sure many Gambians can forgive, but
>might not forget.
>
>And how about our intellectuals starting to consider returning home for the
>sake of nation building? Should we add that to the suggestions?
>
>Again thank you for bringing this up.
>
>Regards,
>Omar.
>-----Opprinnelig melding-----
>Fra: saiks samateh <[log in to unmask]>
>Til: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
>Dato: 12. november 1999 04:25
>Emne: Re: [It is Time to Heal Self and Nation]
>
>
>My Dear good Dr,
>
>I do agree with you that sometimes our political differences are reduced
>to
>very low level of personal differences,this is without doubt very
>unfortunate.Such debating tactics are off course as a result of the fact
>that
>one is not in the position of stating clearly what one is against or
>for,this
>is very unhealthy.
>But there are some issues that you raised in your article which sounds very
>compromising,I think politically it will be wrong to compromise the future
>and
>or lay grounds for a political compromise with a political force that is
>bend
>on political tactics much more disturbing than ever experience in the
>political history of our dear nation.
>But first ,on the past years of the Jawara regime,30 years of neo-colonial
>rule,did reduced our dear nation to that of a begging
>status,corruption,tribal
>confusion,the decaying poverty etc could not only be placed in a
>museum,without bringing those responsible to account.This will be in
>contradiction with any effort geared towards national compromise,it will
>not
>be a sign of respect for all those who have have suffered under such
>conditions.Not even to talk of parents who spent all day,from sun up to
>sun
>set,on the land,producing not only for themselves but for the development
>of
>our dear nation,they do pay tax,but never had access to clean drinking
>water,no medicines at hospitals,their children died before reaching the
>hospital whiles those responsible could travel to London for a holiday,or
>to
>play golf at the expense of the nation.To say that these people should be
>given the opportunity to participate again in the political life of our
>nation,in my opinion is no call to democracy.But turning the clock of
>national
>development backward,this will be unfortunate for our dear nation.
>Yes then comes the APRC government.I dont agree with Ebrima Ceesay that
>things
>are different in the country,because we moved from military rule to
>Civilian
>rule.I have it very difficult to see the differences.It was not under
>military
>rule that Syngle Nyasse,among others, was unlawfully arrested,detained and
>tortured,it was not under military rule that Demba Jawo was arrested and
>detained,it was not under military rule that the press bill was prepared,it
>was not under military rule that our hospitals were rob of X-ray machines
>and
>incubators,etc,etc.Who were those denied traveling out of the country under
>military rule ?What Ebrima failed to see and understand is that we have
>opposition parties and elements who never allow themselves to be silent
>with
>unlawful arrest,detention and torture.They continued to show resistance and
>demand democratic changes,if our country have become more democratic it is
>not
>as a result of goodwill political gesture but as a result of the consistent
>struggle of ordinary Gambians.We must continue to speak out against
>injustice.
>We have in these days been reading interesting revelation from Ebou
>Jallow,when a president handle national property,transferring loans from
>one
>personal account to another and in millions,like personal property,the
>sincerity of such a political leadership to national development is without
>doubt very questionable.And now the national debt stands at more than 4
>billion dallasis,(yet there are no funds to print birth certificate)who is
>going to pay for all these monies ?is it not the ordinary Gambian people
>?We
>know that despite this huge debt problem,which will have to increase,a
>month
>hardly pass without hearing that the president is on tour,security at the
>state house is costing our nation millions,how much is the security of the
>president at Kaninlia costing our nation ?Should one go in to political
>compromise with such a political force.It is not reforms we need but total
>political change.
>In that regard I demand that;
>
>1)The AFPR government be dissolved immediately
>2)To set up a commission that will look into all loans that have been
>taking
>in the name of the Gambian people
>3)To set up a transitional national unity government that will have as an
>assignment
> a)The review of the constitution
> B)Prepare a national election
> C)Set up a committee that will have as an assignment to recover all
>national property and bring all those who have misuse their office and
>other
>state apparatus for personal and collective interest
>
>
>4)Set up a committee to find out the truth behind the death of Ousman Koro
>Ceesay and Sadibu Hydara
>5)Release all political prisoners.
>
>For Freedom
>
>Saiks
>
>
>
>
>G-L Community:
>
>I have been greatly enriched by my association with the Bantaba and over
>the year that I have been a member, I have been impressed by the
>diversity of views expressed. Yet, I am also saddened by the pain that
>seem to be at the core of our constant criticisms against Jammeh and
>Jawara. Clearly, the coup in 1994 and its aftermath have had and
>continue to have a traumatizing effect on all Gambians. The criticisms
>leveled against Jammeh and his Government and for that matter Jawara's
>by well meaning people, reflect the hurt and trauma I spoke of earlier.
>Both Jawara and Jammeh have made mistakes. It has been pointed out by
>many that Sir Dawda made many mistakes during his thirty year rule. And
>needless to say Jammeh has also had his share of mistakes. It is time to
>move the debate beyond blame and recrimination and propose concrete
>remedies to both the political impasse/stalemate on Gambia-L and in the
>country of our birth, Gambia. The reality is Jammeh is President and
>Jawara is not. Both Jammeh and Jawara are not perfect.
>
>And it appears that the overwhelming sentiment on the L and Gambia,
>though expressed differently, lead ultimately toward improving the lives
>of Gambians. This ought to be the theme that unifies us as a people.
>This unity of purpose does not mean necessarily that we would all agree
>on an issue, but it should guide us as we pursue a common vision for
>Gambia with other Gambians.
>
>What can we do as a community of Gambians and people interested in
>Gambia to influence and shape in a decisive and positive way political
>events unfolding in Gambia? How can we begin to engage President Jammeh
>and his Government and influence him in the direction we desire and
>toward that vision? What compromises is Jammeh willing to make? What
>concessions must we make?
>
>It seems that the L and the political situation at home are populated by
>some individuals who speak at and alienate each other. We need to get
>to the next level, I suggest, by proposing solutions to Gambia's current
>political crisis. The criticism leveled against Jawara and Jammeh during
>their recent visits to the U.S., have had an effect, admitted by them or
>not.
>
>Let us turn to a new page!
>
>From the discussion over the last year certain key concerns we appear to
>share are summarized below. These include:
>
>a)A Gambia where individuals can pursue a livelihood in dignity while
>enjoying basic freedoms and to vote in a government of their choice
>unrestrained by the state or its authorities;
>
>b)A political atmosphere were fear of retribution is not a constraint to
>the expression of one's beliefs, either in print or verbally; and
>
>c)Political participation as a right that all Gambians are entitled.
>
>If my reading of the Bantaba and the crisis at home are accurate, we
>must begin to work with President Jammeh, his Government and the Gambian
>People to resolve these issues. And as the Presidential and National
>Assembly elections are fast approaching, it is imperative that the
>political system be opened up.
>
>I propose that at minimum, all political parties and politicians that
>were banned shortly before the 1996 elections, be unbanned and let the
>Gambian people decide who rules them.
>
>The latter it appears to me and many more on the Bantaba, is a way to
>realizing this vision for Gambia and Gambians. To me, this is beyond
>partisan politics. It is life of a people and of future generations.
>This could be our challenge to President Jammeh and his government.
>WHAT DO YOU THINK?
>
>Abdoulaye Saine
>
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