Soffie,

Thank you for your response and we are pleased Sigga has achieved the important and urgent task of moving the machine with the assistance of Albury and UGOA. Reasons for asking the questions we did is so that either furor or understanding can yield organisation and a hightened sense of awareness to match the urgency communicated. We are glad that has been achieved, the machine by now has been moved to storage, consultation with specialists has been coordinated and will continue and work toward recipient identification will begin in ernest.

This exchange will help other Gambians who endeavour to receive critical gifts in the future to think about logistics and viability and know that anything that is honorable and selfless can be achieved even without government sponsorship and help. We still remain committed to assist in such causes.

We will follow developments in this effort so that we can assist the recipient of the machine in facilitating training for the radiation technicians or screen operators. Indeed one of our branches is in Augusta, Georgia, an important area for medicine, but we have other branches that may respond to requests made in a timely manner. As a benevolent concern, SONS OF AFRIKA will coordinate with appropriate persons and organisations to meet our commitments, becuse we are not a medical nor a transfer company, but can secure those when needed to fulfil our tasks.

Again thank you and others who are making this possible by either active participation or donations in kind. We will seek to view the machine through Albury in Atlanta and see how best we can pay any arrears in storage fees including another month or two of storage as Sigga has determined will be needed while a recipient is identified.

We suggest that out of this goodwill, an adhoc non-profit organisation be formed of those who organised this effort in order to better coordinate such gifts from foundations and other concerns and to more effectively raise funds for logistics. This adhoc organisation can actually raise funds continuously so that critical equipment and materielle can be acquired and shipped to Gambia as needed whether gifts or purchases. It is from such singular activities that philanthropy is born.

No one should take offense at the questions we asked. As an organisation, careful analysis has to be conducted prior to committing organisational funds and energy and we have to account for promises made by either myself as the spokesperson or any other member whether those are promises of cash or kind. I am sure you'll understand and so future requests for donations or contributions toward good causes such as this one, will take into account the numerous concerns/companies/organisations who wish to assist Gambia and Gambians and need proper conduit and appropriate personnel for that assistance. You are all honorable citizens.

Haruna Darbo - SONS OF AFRIKA