Gambia-L First we thank you all for your patience. We promised that we will issue a statement regarding the controversy that followed Mr Yusupha Jow's decision to signoff. Mr Jow signed-off after our decision to set his account and that of Ms Fatou Jahumpa Ceesay's to NOPOST, meaning they can receive mail but cannot post to the List. Several members were quick to express their displeasure about what they term as the "managers being heavy-handed". Some demanded Yusupha's immediate re- instatement as he has been one of the List's most valuable members. This has prompted one of the managers to re-subscribe Yusupha pending management consultation. Yusupha's re-instatement has led to a number of people asking that other de-listed members be re-subscribed. Perhaps we should clarify that while many of us enjoy reading the contributions of Yusupha and many others and do not want to see them go, we believe that the future of Gambia-l as a forum is dependent on our ability to debate with respect and dignity. We also believe that our failure to moderate debate will seriously undermine our privileged relationship with St Johns University, who are hosting the List. After careful consideration the majority of the list management came to the conclusion that we should not be seen to be buckling under because of the barrage of emails in support of one or an other de-listed member. The decision to accept new subscription after October 20th, 2001 is still in place and all new subscribers would be asked to prove that they are who they say they are. We conclude our message by reminding everyone that Gambia-L is a forum of a diverse population of Gambians and friends of Gambian; where one is free to express his/her opinion. The privilege extended to you however, come with a condition of decency, respect, and tolerance for one another. Thanking you, Gambia-L Management <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>> To view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>