Dr. Saine,
Thank you for the narative, i look forward to the rest of your report upon your return. Have a wonderful visit.
Coach
----- Original Message -----
From: Abdoulaye Saine
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2002 2:35 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject:
G-L Community:
I have been in The Gambia for about six weeks. The last time I visited was
six years ago, following the presidential and national assembly elections.
Six years later, the atmosphere following the 2001 elections and the
violence have all but abated. 2001 appears calmer, less tense than the
post-elections period of 1996. Today, Gambians appear less tense or
agitated as they go along their daily chores to earn a dalasi. They appear,
(especially the supporters) less encumbered by excesses of the state, not
that non exist. Jammeh appears to be very popular. Much of this support
can be found among the poor and less educated, in both the urban and rural
areas, among the young and old, men and especially women. His support also
seems to transcend ethnicity, even though many of his own Jola ethnic kin
support him generally. Part of the support can also be found among
relatively well educated and highly placed Gambians. Some supporters in the
latter group appear real, others support him to keep their perks or are too
scared to say anything against him. They want to keep their jobs, that I
can understand. Life can be tough without one as the economic challenges
reveal the raw instinct of human survival.
!Jammeh is working, Jammeh is trying! is the response I get from
taxi-drivers, generally, even though some have also been critical of his
rule, like those who may be opposed to his rule. A sense of optimism for
the future seems to dominate the mood even for the elderly, including my old
mom, aunts and other relatives. I get the sense that it is more
generalized. To be sure, many are also opposed him as the 2001 presidential
election results show. Not withstanding my critical views about the regime
and the fact that I support, like most of you, my extended family,
financially, they are unrepentantly supportive of Jammeh.
Over 30 years of PPP neglect has left the physical infrastructure in very
bad shape. It would take just a little effort for the population to be
impressed about the developments going on. Many are pleased about the new
roads, schools, hospitals, some are less impressed. !We can not eat the
roads, I overheard a passer-by. For the bulk of Gambians, especially the
poor, development is measured in terms of buildings, roads, access to
hospital, school for kids etc. This is where the bulk of APRC support lie.
Much needs to be done about the environment, however. The Greater Banjul
area is infested with European rejected cars that spew volumes of black
smoke. The main road to Brikama from Westfeild is a dust-bowl and the
garbage dump at Barkoteh is a major eye-sore, simply filthy.
Yet, the Kerr Sereinge, Brusibi, Kotu, Kololi, the hotel area is undergoing
a major construction boon, undertaken mostly by Gambians abroad, who are
buying up land like crazy. They are building houses that range from half a
million to millions of dalasis. The Coastal road network has made this area
easily accessable. The old-bourgeoisie at Fajara and Pipeline, it seems,
are being taken over by this new and growing petty-bourgeoisie. The bulk of
the population, however, still lives poorly, in high density areas, poor
roads etc. Gambians, despite government are working hard to improve
themselves.
As I return to my mom's compound, located in this major urban sprawl, where
I have lived life with frequent power, water outages, poor roads, dust and
throngs all around, I am constantly reminded about the brutish nature of
Gambian poverty. Despite it all though, the kids are doing relatively well,
sheltered with love and protected by an intricate web of family ties.
As I jog back from the beach about 8:30 am, I am gratified by the sights of
young Gambians, boys and girls in clean-clad uniforms marching cheerfully to
their respective schools, giggling and speaking many different languages.
They are full of hope, not daunted by the challenges and boldly play their
part. Many are very poor. In fact, many did not have breakfast, I reckon,
and may have but a few bututs for lunch. These kids give me much hope for
The Gambia and its future, for these kids are our future. The hard lesson I
learn from these kids, is to be hopeful despite what the physical
environment and problems. We can all learn a thing or two from these kids.
Bye for now. My bill is getting high.
So long from an Internet Cafe in sprawling Serrekunda.
Keep hope alive!
Abdoulaye
>From: "Yusupha C. Jow" <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: High Tech Voting
>Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 15:45:28 EST
>
>In a message dated 3/21/02 3:44:49 PM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask]
>writes:
>
>
> > I also hope those responsible for election issues back home find better
>and
> > more error prone ways for us to vote.
>
>Oops! I meant less error prone ways.
>
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