Open Letter To Dr. Isatou Touray, Minister Of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment. (Part.)

Please be reminded that your ministry being responsible for establishing the appropriate setting for private sector development, improving economic growth, trade promotion, and a reduction in poverty. This responsibility are implemented by the creation and application of trade policy and programmes for the growth of trade and execution of policies that will promote commercial production to expand export trade, and the preparation of employment policies, programmes and strategies for the private sector in Gambia.

Furthermore, the recent Budget and Fiscal Policy of the government put before the parliament by your colleague, the Honorable Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, indeed outlined some strategies to create the enabling environment for business people and the private sector in particular to have confidence in the economy and invest in it with the ultimate aim of job creation specifically the youth.

Be informed that the legal framework, strategies and policy directions around which your prestigious Ministry is going to achieve its goals of ensuring job creation and employment opportunities to deal with the state of joblessness in the new Gambia. You are very aware that The Gambia has a big youthful population, majority of whom are poor, uneducated and are unemployed. Most of these youth have resorted to drug abuse causing high prevalence rate of mental illnesses. The female youth resort to prostitution as a quick way of earning money for a leaving.

Madam Minister, you will agree with me that aside the very good policies of legal and fiscal nature aimed at attracting investments in The Gambia, one of the most challenging issues confronting investors in this country is the issue of land acquisition. The land tenure system in The Gambia is not investment friendly. Previously we have seen needless litigations over landownership which have frustrated prospective investors into this country.

The last time I checked some of the causes of the collapse of cottage industries in The Gambia is the Sole Proprietorship mentality of our entrepreneurs, many of such businesses perish with their owners. To ensure the sustainability and continued operations of indigenous businesses, your Ministry should encourage local business people to pull resources and run their businesses rather than going solo and dying with them in many instances.

In order to make The Gambia the business hub of Africa an educational drive as well as tangible and intangible incentives should be given to potential investors to encourage partnerships in the establishment of small and medium scale businesses. This will not only increase their capital base, but also ensure the growth and expansion of businesses and also the perpetuity of those businesses which will be accessible to The Gambians. It will also be better if people to be engaged with and listened to one another during the entire decision-making process and for negotiations to be based on a genuinely progressive mandate and conducted in a democratically transparent way rather than favoritism.

Be cognizant that when prices rise for energy, food, commodities, and other goods and services, the entire economy is affected. Inflation, impact the cost of living, the cost of doing business, borrowing money, loans, corporate and government bond earnings, and every other aspect of the economy.

Research have made it clear that recession is another virus that affects an economy as when businesses cease to expand, the GDP diminishes for two consecutive quarters, the rate of unemployment rises and housing prices decline. Notably there are others factors too that contribute to an economy's fall into a recession, but the major cause is inflation which is really affecting our economy.

In another note a rise in the rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) would also be a cause of increased domestic inflation in the short term because it increases a firm's production costs. Inflation can also come from external sources, for example a sustained rise in the price of oil or other imported commodities, foodstuffs and beverages. Which need to be managed properly to minimize defect in order to make goods and services affordable to The Gambians.

Moreover if incomes do not increase along with the prices of goods and services, everyone's purchasing power will be effectively reduced, which can in turn lead to a slowing or stagnant, sinking economy. Besides when inflation is too high of course, it is not good for the economy or individuals. Inflation will always reduce the value of money, unless interest rates are higher than inflation. And the higher inflation gets, the less chance there is that savers will see any real return on their money upon investment.

November 27, 2016. You made analysis on the price fluctuation that in (1994 Sugar was D140, 2016 Sugar is D2000). (1994 Rice was D130, 2016 Rice is D1500). (1994 Cement was D40, 2016 Cement is 245). (1994 Flour was D170, 2016 Flour is D3000). (1994 Diesel was liter was D4, 2016 Diesel liter is D45). (1994 Charcoal bag was D20, 2016 Charcoal bag is D240) (Dr. Isatou Touray, 2016).

In conclusion Madam Minister, based on your 2016 price fluctuation analysis I regret to inform you that MOTIRIE under your leadership is the worst The Gambia has ever produced. Probably this have to do with your low understanding and familiarization on how to lead the said Ministry for good.

To be continued………

Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Blogger/Political Activist
prof.jarjou@gmail.com

Let The State Drop Charges On The GDC Members And Go For The Armed Robbers, Thieves And Rapist.

I learnt with dismay that members of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) have being arrested upon the recent concluded Councillorship election. Based on the reasons yet to be validated.  GDC being a major political party in the new Gambia should be treated with care and professionalism in a way that will maintain peace and order. It is in that note I write to strongly condemn the arrest and subsequent charging of GDC members, particularly the newly elected Councillor, Mr. Ebrima Manneh of Julangel Ward, the National Assembly Member for Jimara constituency Hon. Alhagie Sowe and co.

The last time I checked the State have pressings issues and work to execute such as the rapid increasing rate of theft, robbery and rape which are on top of mountain Kilimanjaro. The rate at which this crimes are increasing is quite alarming. Theft, murder and rape seem to have become the order of the day. There appears to be no interval. What is more shocking is the fact that these crimes are being committed in broad daylights, particularly robbery as the Brikam Jah Oil incident is a clear testimony.

Crimes against women and children have increased various during the recent past. This alarming rate of increase in crimes is a cause of concern for all right thinking citizens in the country. How do you do the above requirement when lawlessness, murdering and especially armed robbery, are on the amplification?

If one is not safe inside and outside of their home due to the fear of being rape, murdered and robbed, how will they have confidence in the President and his administration for doing a brilliant job? Is it not a popular saying among some Gambians that if you are hungry, starving but feel safe and are peaceful, you are much happier?

Furthermore education is widely regarded as essential to economic growth, national development and overall prosperity. In The Gambia, education is valued very highly and theoretically given a high priority. Strangely enough, however, the teachers responsible for educating Gambia’s youth are not valued that extremely as expected compared to other jobs. Considering the rapid increase of goods and services, you would think that teachers would be among the highest paid professionals. Yet teachers are compensated unreasonably to their advanced education levels and are disrespected by many people.

The Gambia has a big youthful population, majority of whom are poor, uneducated and are unemployed. Most of these youth have resorted to drug abuse causing high prevalence rate of mental illnesses. The female youth resort to prostitution as a quick way of earning money for a leaving.

The Gambia health sector is in the verge of sinking like the Titanic as a result of inadequate medical facilities and human resources. Of recent I well-read that the Doctors were on a sit-down strike as per the allegation of theft made by the minister of health.

It is one year now the Barrow led administration is yet to demonstrate any leadership or clear direction.  This is believed to be an oversight by the presiding President and his advisers, due to a lack of familiarity and understanding of the existing 1997 constitution.  To my knowledge the ministerial position for defense also remains unfilled and has therefore been attached to the office of the President?  Is it to be assumed therefore that Barrow occupies the roles of President; Commander in Chief and defense minister at the same time? To date there is lack of clarity over this situation.

Corruption in this country is experienced in many sectors. In politics, corruption is heavily floating like a canoe from Banjul to Barra. In fact, the less connected citizens of The Gambia are the one that suffers as wealth which is to be evenly distributed are being utilized by the top politicians alone. Transparency International have not failed in giving updates on the nations that have stained their hands by indulging in massive corrupt practices. According to the organization, corruption still remains rampant in public sector. Currently, we can concretely say that corruption in The Gambia is not just a mere perception but inherently pervasive in the country as evidenced by the recent scandal exposed by the IMF and the World Bank.

Both the University of The Gambia and The Gambia College does not have learning materials, most of those books in the main libraries are outdated decades ago. However, if we want to have better educational system where students learn to develop themselves and strive hard to learn the values of life, we must focus our energy and resources on where it all begins.

The citizen’s right have being violated as per the inadequate electricity and water supply which are very keen in this 21^st Century of globalization. This as a result have led to the closure of many cottage industries in The Gambia.

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Political Activist

prof.jarjou@gmail.com

Open Letter To Councillor Elect Bubacarr Kanteh, Kartong Ward. (Part.1)

I would like to take this opportunity to extend congratulations on your impressive victory in the recent concluded councillorship election to the House of the Council. I am delighted that you will continue to work for the good of the people of your ward and of all Gambians as you perform the duties of councillorship. I sincerely congratulate you and send my best wishes for your every success and wisdom in discharging the important and responsible duties of your new position during the five years term.

I am confident that the trust placed in you by the people of Kartong ward will inspire you to continue significant efforts in promoting the unity of our country, leading it on the path of prosperity, further well-being and security for our people.

The wide-ranging security, political and economic challenges that our country faces can be overcome only if we stand united in the search for solutions. We are very pleased that with our effort we will protect the interests of our citizens and seek long-term goals working together in the council, pursuing bilateral dialogue and expanding people-to-people contacts.

I strongly hope that in the coming months the people of Kartong ward will explore and develop many new exciting initiatives in culture, education, science, and innovation. It will not only strengthen the bonds of friendship between APRC, GPDP, UDP, PDIOS, NRP, GDC, GMC and PPP but will also enhance unity, mutual understanding and prosperity across the smiling coast of Africa.

Please be informed that our brotherhood and friendship will be over on the day you will assume office as from that day you will be under the watch of my microscopic. Therefore you don’t have enough time to rest neither to sleep. As I will not give you a single chance or a chance to led the people of Kartong astray.

You are elected to the council to represent the people of Kartong ward. Becoming a councillor is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be in a position to make a difference to the quality of other people's daily lives and prospects as per your terms of reference. Take some time to get to know your fellow members both in your own group and across the council. After all you are going to be spending a lot of time with them over the next five years.

Politics is over let’s heal the wounds and work together for a better Gambia that we want to see. The Gambia belongs to us The Gambians both those home and abroad. I am sure that you would do what you have said during your campaign and the people of Kartong Ward has lot of hopes that you would provide them the best facilities they have ever had. Your selection itself shows how much the people trust you.

The real trick to good governance is to place the needs of the masses above everything else; to lead not just with words but with action. Actions define priorities. It’s the only way you can successfully bring the long sought dividend of democracy to the people of Kartong and the dwellers.

Before I get to know you, I wanted to be honest about some of the assumptions I have based on what I witnessed through our in-person interactions and the communications you chose to share publicly. I hope that by openly sharing my perspective, you can correct me in the coming days, weeks, months, and years of your term through your public service.

I wish you a successful tenure and hope that your hard work bring you higher responsibilities and position in your political career.

Please accept, Your Honorable Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration and full support in making The Gambia the last place of hope on earth!

A Luta continua………

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Political Activist

Open Letter To Mr. Ebrima Mballow, The Minister Of Interior (Part.1)

Please be informed that you are democratically and constitutionally conferred with the powers to protect the citizens of The Gambia. You as the crown of the said ministry is to guarantee the safety and protection of the President in particular, Gambians and their properties in general as far beyond all human pleasure.

I submit to you that the citizens are not safe anymore as the rapid increasing rate of theft, robbery and rape. The rate at which crime is increasing is quite alarming. Theft, murder and rape seem to have become the order of the day. It is quite baffling that in spite of the security measures taken up by the government. There appears to be no respite. What is more shocking is the fact that these crimes are being committed in broad daylights, particularly robbery.

Crimes against women and children have increased various during the recent past. This alarming rate of increase in crimes is a cause of concern for all right thinking citizens in the country. How do you do the above requirement when lawlessness, murdering and especially armed robbery, are on the intensification? You are very much aware of the fact that prevalence of peace and tranquility and safety of the citizenry goes a long way to tell or measure how successful one’s leadership or administration has been.

The last time I checked your institution have lost touch with the people of The Gambia and have lost ability to maintain order, command and respect for the rule of law.  This is leading people to take the law into their own hands. With weakened governance, strategies, education and leadership some Gambians have misinterpreted the notion of democracy as having the freedom and right to act as they please without due regard for others or their environment.

If one is not safe inside and outside their home due to the fear of being rape and robbed, how will they have confidence in the President and his administration for doing a brilliant job? Is it not a popular saying among some Gambians that if you are hungry, starving but feel safe and are peaceful, you are much happier?

This immorality situation must be tackled as soon as a possible before it is too late. A multipronged strategy should be developed to check crime in society. The public at large and the students in particular should be educated to respect the sanctity of life and individual liberty. The police force also need to be educated to handle the situation intelligently and sympathetically. Likewise the media should be forced to play a responsible positive role too.

Furthermore to combat these indigenous conflicts, I will recommend you work with the stakeholders especially the civic societies to introduce village peace committees, as a grassroots peacemaking program, that will invite Imam’s and Pastors to join the program with the objective of  discussing love, forgiveness and reconciliation. Eventually, after the end of the program the pastors and Imams will go back to preach peace and love at their various congregations. In which people will be ready to forgive each other despite of their grievances and everything will start to come together.  In addition to this training, the Pastors and Imams in the program will preach at one another's congregations. As such will enable the pastors and imams to be like, light which will be shining in the communities.

In conclusion, your ministry should be frequently talking to the nation, visiting places and respond to people concern. You cannot run a ministry as your personal property; rules and regulation of the 21^st century leadership style should be followed and implemented to minimize defects.

To be continued…

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Political Activist

prof.jarjou@gmail.com

Re: Gambia Accuses Ex-President's Supporters Of Sheltering Rebels

Reference is invited from the deceitful article published by the guardian newspaper on Sunday 1^st April, 2018. “Residents of Foni, the Gambian region where Jammeh had a vast farm and allegedly “bunkers and treasure”, have been hosting members of a rebel group that for three decades have been fighting for the secession of their region from Senegal”.( The guardian, 2018)

The aforesaid immorality article by the guardian newspaper co-authored by Saikou Jammeh a Gambian nationality was a hateful fabrication of intolerable huge lies, extreme dislike and deep-rooted, mathematically calculated wrongly with the intended to portray Foni in bad light and to maliciously destroy the dignity and impeccable honor, which the region is known for.

Saikou Jammeh, though he have the “right of freedom of speech and expression” and “right of academic freedom”, which are expressly guaranteed by section 25 (1) (A) and section 25(1) (B) respectively, of The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution. But that doesn’t mean that one have to fabricate unfounded and baseless stories.

The last time I checked Foni bigot the unusual as a bitter confrontation between the peaceful protesters and Senegalese soldiers at the entrance of the village letting to bloodshed. Residents of the rural settlement and the Foni environs demanded the immediate evacuation of both the Gambian and Senegalese soldiers in Kanilai. The protesters were shot on their route to Kanfenda leading to some civilians sustaining injuries and death of one civilian by name Mr. Haruna Jatta who was later laid to rest on the 6th June, 2017.

It was narrated that the ECOMIG soldiers from Senegal were informed to shoot the protesters as they are rebels from Cassamance? If that is true then it is complete ridiculousness to allow any nation, regardless of the external generosity to fight their enemy within your land, and knowing very well and with supreme belief that the aftermath can be life threatening.

Many will asked this question. Why the heavy deployment of soldiers in one part of the country concisely Foni stuck in the minds of most Gambians? To protest again external forces is not a crime as it happened in Congo, Haiti and many more. In Senegal the last time I checked the number of protest occurred is uncountable but none of the protesters were shot to death with a life bullet. But why on the Fonika’s? Also if protesters were armed with weapons as claimed by the then minister of Interior Mai Fatty. How come only civilians were injured and killed?

“The Gambia’s new government has accused supporters of the former president, Yahya Jammeh, of welcoming foreign rebels into their homes in an attempt to destabilise the country”.                           (The guardian, 2018)

Presumption of innocence is under Section 24 (3) of the 1997 Constitution. Besides Foni is not the problem but people who prevailed on former President to subvert the will of the Gambian people are the problem. One cannot use Foni to prevail the hearts of the new leadership with the excuse of cajoling for peace. Foni should not and cannot be a prolific ground for anyone to rejuvenate his or her political ambitions. We the Fonika’s will take the lead and government must recognize that. Strangers cannot be talking to our people as if we the Foninka’s do not have what it takes to resolve whatever misconceptions or perceptions that exist.

In 2006, there exists a bilateral agreement between the President of Senegal, then Abdoulie Wade and the rebel group with the object of laying down arms and join together to form one great Senegal. But then, some of the rebels thought it wasn’t a great idea to abide by the proposal brought forward by the Senegalese government which led to division among the rebel groups as they have different aims and objectives in the struggle. Those various divided groups were led by Sirlif Sarjo, Kamugai Jatta, and Paul Sambou etc. But among all groups, the one led by Sirlif Sarjo became the strongest group with the strongest motive of leading Cassamance to independence at all cost resulting to war for decades. Sirlif became the headache of the Senegalese since he stands firm and mastermind the revolution that is still fighting for the liberation of Cassamance with his rebel group, Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC)

Sirlif is a reasonable man who drew my attention the day he released about eleven arrested Senegalese soldiers during the brutal invasion. The event was then witnessed by the Gambian government under the leadership of former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh and Amnesty International. He spoke at length about the purpose of their existence claiming that the Senegalese government only sent the natives of Cassamance residing in the Senegalese forces to invade Cassamance resulting to brothers picking up arms and fighting against each other. Sirlif further stated that since the rebellion was formed, known of the international Medias went to Cassamance to ask about what conspired between them and the Senegalese people but rather depends on the information provided by the Senegalese which he strongly advocated that would not end the war in Cassamance. He also opened rooms for dialogue to end the long existing chaos that Cassamance is subjected to for decades.

The real trick to good governance is to place the needs of the masses above everything else; to lead not just with words but with action. Actions define priorities. It’s the only way politicians can successfully bring us the long sought dividend of democracy. It is time for all Africans to come up with tangible solutions in order to safe Cassamance. What this tomorrow looks like depends on our action today. And by using our voices on paper, exercising our power and demanding action through nonviolence can help restore peace in Cassamance. NOW!!

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Political Activist

prof.jarjou@gmail.com

Open Letter To President Adama Barrow, The Chief Servant Of The Gambians!

Please be informed that the President of the Republic of The Gambia has a very demanding job. The 1997 Constitution outlines many roles and responsibilities that a President need to execute in making The Gambia the last place of hope on earth. This role requires a president to be an inspiring example for the Gambian people and stands for the highest values and ideals of the country.

Presidency is the action of leading people in a country towards achieving goals and objectives. The President of the state do this by influencing his citizenry behaviors in several ways through setting up a clear vision for the country. According to the idea of transformational leadership, an effective leader is a person who does the following; creates an inspiring vision of the future, motivates and inspires people to engage with that vision.

The last time I checked your administration have lost touch with the people of The Gambia and have lost ability to maintain order, command and respect for the rule of law.  This is leading people to take the law into their own hands. With weak governance, and lack of education and leadership some Gambian people have misinterpreted the notion of democracy as having the freedom and right to act as they please without due regard for others.

It is one year now your administration is yet to demonstrate any leadership or clear direction.  This is believed to be an oversight due to your lack of familiarity and understanding of the existing constitution.  To my information the ministerial position for Defense also remains unfilled and has therefore been attached to the office of the President?  Is it to be assumed therefore that Barrow occupies the roles of President; Commander in Chief and Defense Minister at the same time? To date there is lack of clarity over this issue.

I submit to you that education is widely regarded as essential to economic growth, national development and overall prosperity. In The Gambia, education is valued very highly and theoretically given a high priority. Strangely enough, however, the teachers responsible for educating Gambia’s youngsters are not valued that extremely as expected compared to other jobs. Considering the rapid increase of goods and services, you would think that teachers would be among the highest paid professionals. Yet teachers are compensated unreasonably to their advanced education levels and are disrespected by many people.

If the salary for teachers were higher, then more people would want to join the profession. With more competition for teaching, the best people would be the ones who are ultimately to be hired. With better teachers at schools, more students would hopefully connect with what they are learning and want to go on to a higher education. With more education, graduates from the University of The Gambia would be better prepared to go out as far beyond Fatoto.

However, if we want to have a better educational system where students learn to develop themselves and strive hard to learn the values of life, we must focus our energy and resources on transforming the University of The Gambia and The Gambia College for good where it all began.

The Gambia has a big youthful population, majority of whom are poor, uneducated and are unemployed. Most of these youth have resorted to drug abuse causing high prevalence rate of mental illnesses. The female youth resort to prostitution as a quick way of earning money for a leaving.

To realize the dividend, your administration must invest in the empowerment, education and employment of her young people. There are thousands of young people in The Gambia today, representing a staggering amount of human potential. Yet too many of them are trapped in poverty, with few opportunities to learn or to earn a decent standard living.

Furthermore, your administration should consider steps to effectively integrate youth in political processes by taking advantage of new technologies. It is clear that we need to find another way forward. Politicians, decision-making institutions and influencers must engage in more open and transparent dialogue with young people that both elevates their voices and builds the trustworthiness of the institutions they engage with

The Gambia Youth are well energetic in performing their tasks and would be key to the growth and development of the nation. They are also well aware of the technological advancement such as various app which makes work easier. The youth should be given the opportunity to prove themselves by making politics accessible to them.

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Blogger/Political Activist

prof.jarjou@gmail.com