Hey Ebrima,
I was wondering if your sources in The Gambia are okay.
Cause' you haven't post anything from them for a while.Are they to
themselves?
To yourself, i just wanna say keep up the good work.Your postings and
comments will bear fruit shortly.
God bless Gambia.
Ous.


>From: Ebrima Ceesay <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: My Eleventh Message To All Gambians!
>Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2000 21:51:56 GMT
>
>My Fellow Gambians:
>
>In my last ten messages, I have endeavoured to expose the sort of person
>Yahya Jammeh is. I have discussed his ineptitude as a leader, his
>mismanagement of every facet of Gambian life, his corruption, his lies, his
>reputation as a thief of the grandest order, his disregard for Gambian
>decency and integrity. Indeed, there can be no doubt that under Jammeh, The
>Gambia is on a collision course with disaster.
>
>I have so far received no disagreement with my summing up of the situation
>at home. What is clear is that the vast majority of God-fearing Gambians
>are
>genuinely concerned about the dire state of the nation, and there is also
>consensus that the only way forward lies in a "Jammeh/APRC-free" future.
>
>I have put a lot of effort - these few days - into discussing my belief
>that
>Jammeh should be shown the door by The Gambian people through the ballot
>box: that the restoration of democracy and freedom in our country should be
>as a result of a peaceful, constitutional process.
>
>My fellow Gambians, it is now time to turn our thoughts to the future, and
>therefore, in this next series of postings, I shall be outlining some of
>the
>challenges that will face a new government in The Gambia after Jammeh is
>unseated from the Presidency. My humble contributions will hopefully add to
>the discussions about our common future, and will raise issues that need to
>be aired in the broad light of day.
>
>However, in no way do I claim to have all the answers, but it is vital that
>people start to think constructively and critically about the future. The
>problems besetting The Gambia are far bigger than Jammeh the man, the
>failed
>leader. His departure from office will not spell an immediate return to
>well
>being and prosperity for the nation, and the future is far from rosy or
>assured.
>
>In fact, there is a grave danger that whoever takes over from Jammeh may
>make the same awful errors of judgement, and go down his path to ruin.
>Surely, our country’s destruction would be continued if we voted in a
>"Jammeh Mark 2". But given the raised political consciousness of The
>Gambian
>people after six years of misrule, I am convinced however, that our next
>leader will be mindful of this, and will strive to avoid the pitfalls of
>power.
>
>My fellow Gambians, it is crucial that from now on, we all spend time to
>reflect on the post-Jammeh, post-APRC era, and the ways in which The Gambia
>will move forward. Indeed, this now needs to be the focus of our thinking
>and discussions. All of us need to be concerned about helping The Gambia to
>become a better country, where decency, liberty, prosperity and freedom
>from
>fear will be guaranteed for all.
>
>Given the huge amount of damage which Jammeh has perpetrated in our
>country,
>it is not going to be easy to repair it.  There will have to be a massive
>amount of effort, and no one is in any doubt that it will be an easy task.
>It is always far easier to take things apart, to dismantle them, than to
>put
>them back together in the correct order to make a working model again. The
>task ahead is tough, and the challenges are many.
>
>In my next postings, I shall be looking in some detail at the challenges
>that lie ahead of us all, and in particular ahead of the next leader of our
>nation.  For now, in this Eleventh message to all Gambians, I shall
>endeavour to give a brief overview of those areas which will require the
>immediate attention of the future government and the Head of State.
>
>Therefore, what follows is not meant to be an exhaustive list, nor a full
>debate of what has to be done: it is my humble opinion of where our
>thinking
>should now be taking us, and I shall welcome feedback and constructive
>debate.
>
>
>1  What to do with Jammeh himself
>
>
>When he is ousted from power, it is probable that Jammeh will flee the
>country and settle in Morocco, Libya or some other APRC-friendly country.
>However, it may be that he will stay in The Gambia to face the music. He
>has
>ensured that there are Indemnity Clauses written into the Constitution, and
>he could well try to hide behind these and avoid the consequences of his
>years of corrupt government.
>
>We need to be certain that Jammeh answers to The Gambian courts and to The
>Gambian people for his misdeeds, and the next government will have to set
>up
>a Committee of Investigation, comprising qualified and impartial Gambians
>who will undertake a thorough examination of his actions. Where there are
>charges to answer before the Courts, then Jammeh and any of his henchman
>should like any citizen, be required to answer them in public and without
>fear or favour.
>
>The rule of law will be mandatory: there will be no lynch mobs; no calls
>for
>retribution outside the law, no vendettas. The disregard that Jammeh and
>his
>people have shown for the rule of law, and the partiality of the Judiciary
>which he has fostered, will have no part in the revived Gambia. Jammeh is
>entitled to the justice that he himself has denied to so many, and we need
>to ensure that he receives it in full.
>
>The Indemnity clauses will need to be carefully scrutinised, and if
>necessary amended in order that this man does not escape the rule of law.
>
>From Day One, the new government will have to demonstrate its own integrity
>and impartiality, and it will work within the law of the land.
>
>
>
>2. Disempowerment of the repressive institutions created by Jammeh
>
>
>During the last six years, Jammeh has set up a series of repressive
>institutions which he has used to consolidate his power base, and which
>have
>created fear and confusion across the nation. Chief of these is of course,
>the National Intelligence Agency.
>
>In the name of democracy, respect for human rights and human decency, the
>NIA has to be first of all scrapped, and then there will need to be a
>careful scrutiny of its role (and that of its chief henchmen) since 1994.
>
>Again, I call for the setting up of an independent and impartial Committee
>of Investigators, peopled by qualified Gambians, who will undertake a
>thorough review of the work of the NIA. Those who are liable for
>prosecution
>must be brought to book, and answer in the courts for their actions.  There
>should be no escape for people who have time and again, broken the law of
>our land, but we have to use the rule of law to seek redress from them.
>
>
>
>3.  Disempowerment of the APRC
>
>
>The influence of the APRC in both the public and private spheres will need
>to be thoroughly examined, and curtailed where necessary.  In particular,
>the July 22nd Movement needs investigation and disbarment.
>
>The debate over whether the APRC should be banned as a political party will
>need thorough airing.  There are pros and cons to this, and it is an area
>where Gambians need to contribute their views.
>
>Given the present government’s banning of certain opposition parties, we
>shall need to be careful not to go down the same route.
>
>It is certain however, that the influences, rights and privileges currently
>enjoyed by the APRC will need to be curtailed. The Gambia is NOT going to
>become a one party state any longer again if you know what I mean.
>
>
>
>4. Restoration of an impartial and independent Judiciary
>
>
>One of the first priorities facing a new leader will be to ensure that The
>Gambia enjoys a legal system that is fair, transparent and effective. This
>is essential to the protection of her citizens against the arbitrary use of
>state authority and lawless acts of individuals as well as organisations.
>
>The role of the Judiciary is paramount: its independence and impartiality
>should never be jeopardised as it has been over the last six years under
>Jammeh.
>
>We need to ensure that the Judiciary is manned by dedicated, competent,
>well-trained and fair-minded people who will administer the rule of law
>without fear or favour. Our country’s judicial independence has to be
>restored, and maintained: there has to be an end to political interference
>and fear of reprisal.
>
>
>
>5. Restoration of an independent Media
>
>
>For six years, Jammeh has worked to gag the media and to ensure that it is
>the mouthpiece of government. The draconian Decrees 70 and 71 which hinder
>the flow of free information and independence of expression will need
>immediate repeal.
>
>The harassment of journalists and editors (in the press, on radio and on
>TV)
>will have to cease immediately, in order to ensure that freedom of
>expression is guaranteed.
>
>The media services will need to be led by well-trained, competent and
>honest
>people best fitted for the important jobs they will undertake.
>
>Above all, we shall have to ensure that the national media (in particular
>the GRTS) is no longer a mouthpiece of government, but belongs to the whole
>nation and represents every span of opinion and view.
>
>
>6. Review of the 1997 Constitution
>
>
>This should be an area of concern for all of us:  we need to ensure that
>proper amounts of time and levels of discussion are given to a thorough
>review of the Constitution by the next government.  In particular, we
>should
>be looking at those Indemnity clauses that protect our leaders from
>prosecution, and at the clauses governing length of tenure of the
>president.
>
>
>7. Restoration of Public Confidence in Government
>
>
>There is an urgent need to set about restoring the confidence of ordinary
>Gambians in every sphere of life, in accountable and democratic governance.
>Despite Jammeh’s claims to operate in a climate of transparency and
>accountability, this has patently NOT been the case over the last six
>years,
>and The Gambian people have lost all confidence in and respect for its
>leaders and the government. The restoration of public confidence in Central
>Government will be a long drawn-out task.
>
>I shall recommend the appointment of Ombudsmen, composed of individuals who
>are neutral and independent.
>
>The face of the Civil Service will need to be transformed so that it
>becomes
>an entity which offers efficient, non-discriminatory and reasonable
>services
>to its public.
>
>
>These seven tasks are those which will require immediate action on the part
>of our next leader and his/her government: they will set the scenario
>against which proper governance can take place. In addition to these hefty
>responsibilities, we shall also need to be undertaking thorough analysis
>and
>review of every aspect of Gambian life and society.
>
>
>1. The Economy
>
>
>Obviously, this is the key issue: it comprises the backbone of our country
>and it has to be taken seriously: it is what feeds the nation.  Despite the
>lack of natural resources, there is a huge amount of potential in The
>Gambia
>and with strategic vision and good development packages, we can tap into
>this potential to the benefit of all our people.
>
>Agricultural performance is paramount, and we are fortunate in having an
>exceptionally well-qualified body of people who can take us forward in this
>area: Gambian agriculturalists, agronomists, horticulturalists, soil
>scientists (like our own Gambia L Dr Katim Touray) have worldwide
>reputations and we need to draw on their knowledge and expertise.
>
>Levels of investment in agriculture will need an overhaul, and we shall
>need
>to continue the good work of the Taiwanese in increasing domestic rice
>production. Our farmers will need the full support of government (and
>increased investment in fertilisers, implements, machinery) in order to
>ensure that our country becomes fully self-sufficient in food production
>within the next few years.
>
>Livestock production needs careful review, and we should be looking for
>ways
>in which we can increase our use of the by-products on the domestic front.
>
>The government will also need to take control over fishing:  there is a
>real
>danger that our in-shore water stocks are depleting far too rapidly because
>of large-scale over-fishing. The sea and river are areas we can exploit to
>better effect, while at the same time, protecting their long-term efficacy
>and future.
>
>The Re-export trade needs revitalising, and we should be working with other
>countries in the sub-region to ensure this happens. Similarly, the whole of
>business life in The Gambia needs a fresh look, and policies for
>regeneration will have to be set up in order to boost the business
>potential
>in our country.  Entrepreneurs and business people will need the full
>support of government in order to restore confidence and boost levels of
>investment.
>
>Tourism has been sadly neglected over the last six years, and we need to
>take a fresh look at how we may best invigorate and diversify this sector
>of
>the economy. There are many Gambians heading up the tourist sector who with
>government backing, have the ideas and the skills to make our nation a
>world-leader.
>
>
>
>2. Infrastructure
>
>
>In order for The Gambian economy to grow, and in order to encourage
>investment in the country, the future government will need to put a lot of
>effort into ensuring that the infrastructure of our nation will support
>this. A chief priority will be a reliable, twenty-four hour electricity
>supply and we should be working together with ESKOM in South Africa to draw
>upon that organisation’s expertise and skill.
>
>Transport (including roads and ferries) needs a boost, as does our
>Telecommunications Service. Having been a leader in Africa in the
>Telecommunications area, in the past, we are now relegated to the bottom
>division.
>
>Education and Health Services will need a thorough review, and I shall be
>touching on these issues in later postings.
>
>
>3. Foreign Policy
>
>
>The Gambia has a crucial role to play in the sub region, throughout the
>African continent and on the world scene. The next government will need to
>undertake a critical examination of our foreign policy, and ensure that we
>take our place in the world family, committed to high ethical standards and
>dignity.
>
>We need to be reviewing the strategic location of our embassies, and
>ensuring that we have a voice in those important countries where thus far
>we
>have none (in South Africa, for instance) and that our Embassies and High
>Commissions are economically and effectively staffed by well-trained
>Gambians. We ought to make sure that our Embassies are strategically
>located
>and manned by competent diplomats.
>
>Our relations with our immediate neighbours, and in particular Senegal,
>will
>be a priority task, and we shall need to ensure that we build respect,
>trust
>and recognition of territorial integrity with them.  The Gambia and Senegal
>may be equated to "tongue and mouth": we have a mutual interdependence that
>needs fostering and consolidation.
>
>We are two discreet nations bound together by culture, language, geography,
>climate and family, and we should be looking for ways to be mutually
>supportive of each other whilst maintaining our independence of each other.
>
>Links with African nations such as Nigeria and South Africa need
>examination, and we should look for ways to extend these to mutual benefit.
>
>
>4. Security Forces
>
>
>There has been a lot of debate about the Security Forces in The Gambia
>recently, and in particular about the Gambia National Army. Viewpoints
>range
>from scrapping it completely, to enlarging it. My own view is that the GNA
>requires total restructuring, and some downsizing.
>
>There is already a nucleus of fine people who will form the backbone of a
>streamlined, well-trained and ethnically diverse force, which will serve
>all
>the needs of the nation. Its neutrality, particularly in the political
>sphere, will need to be assured, and we should be encouraging a
>diversification of role, as well as the more conventional services of an
>armed force. We should also be looking for ways in which to foster
>military/civil relations and ensure that the army plays a full role in
>serving the country in peacetime.
>
>
>
>My fellow Gambians, in this posting, I have not touched on Education,
>Health, Women’s Affairs, Culture, Sport, Employment issues (including Trade
>Unions and Employment Law), NGOs and the like. These are areas that need
>fuller discussion, and I shall return to them in future postings.
>
>I have spoken about SOME of the challenges which will face our new leader
>and his/her government, and to conclude this piece, I should like to
>challenge Gambians themselves.
>
>The problems which have beset our country are not all related to leadership
>issues. All of us need to be examining our own attitudes and ourselves, and
>thinking about how we can reshape ourselves to serve the country better in
>the future. We have to be less flattering of our leaders, less sycophantic,
>less of the "praise singers". Instead, we need to be more honest, direct,
>frank and candid with our leaders: they need our total and critical support
>and not our empty flattery.
>
>We cannot afford, as a Gambian people, a repetition of the last six years.
>We have to do all in our power to make sure that we do not replace Jammeh
>with a similar leader, and that we do not allow the same mentality of
>leadership to develop.
>
>We have an uphill struggle on our hands, but with dedication, hard-work and
>concentrated effort, we can transform our beloved nation into one of which
>we may all be justifiably proud.
>
>
>Ebrima Ceesay
>Birmingham, UK
>
>
>PS: Gambia-L, my Sources are alive and kicking. I have been busy with this
>series of postings, and my access to the Internet has until now been
>limited. I am glad to say that I am now online at home, and shall be giving
>my sources the green light to re-start their postings to me.
>
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