Thank You Letter To My Senior School Teacher, Malick AKF. Kanatuh.

Dear Mr. Kanatuh,

Please be reminded that I came to Nusrat Senior Secondary School as a village boy from a village where you hardly see a student attending Nusrat then, due the educational level in the village.

During those days I came to knew one of the stubbornness student Ousainou as I was stubborn too. We formulate our own rules to an extent we don’t consider school rules as rules. We go to school and go home at any time we feel like. At that time we used to go to school with two uniforms both that of the afternoon shift and that of the morning shift too. Which made it difficult for Pa Manka the caretaker to trace our identity may his soul RIP. I don’t remember how many times I paid the school bus.

At that time also Ahmad Gitteh was our head boy who find it difficult to execute his duties and responsibilities as a head boy. As we don’t took orders from him especially if we came to school with shoes that  are not allowed by the school administration. I remember when he told me “Ndokeah nene mang iteah moh sifa jeah jang”.

I recall in my grade 10 when I failed my exam wore fully. A good Teacher you were you called me and advised me on the importance of education that I need to change my behavior to meet the Nusrat standard in order to remain in the school. You told me “Alieu I know that you are intelligent but you are stubborn and I’m sure if you change you will excel higher high”.

You did everything possible to have my Dad’s number whom you will called always to know if I read at home.

I remember when Modou lamin Sanneh also, came to me and said Alieu don’t follow charreh as his parent provided him with a study teacher. Therefore you have to know what is beneficial to you. You are very intelligent and I’m sure you can make it up if you change.

Little did I knew that despite of Ousainou stubbornness he had a study teacher at home as a result he always passed all his exams with flying colors. Of recent Ousainou is now in Taiwan persuing his MBA, I am proud of him though.

It is in that regard I write to you to show the whole world how you transformed my life from being a radical to the person I’m today.

Please be informed that I am lucky to have the best teacher in this world. Wherever I may go in my life, I will always remember that I had an excellent guide in the form of a teacher, you.

Thank you for your guidance, friendship, and even for your discipline. I learned that I am strongest when I recognize what yet is weak and how I might best develop those parts of my character. Thank you for taking the time to be my friend and my mentor.

Every day you came to school with a smile on your face and a kind word for all of your students. That means a lot. Your love of learning ignited our own curiosity and made learning much more fun! You taught us all to appreciate clarity of mind through proper writing form and how to pay attention to the bigger picture. You will never know how much your guidance has helped me, but I wanted you to know that you have made a big difference in my life.

Thank you for creating an environment of enthusiasm for learning, appreciation for growing, and room for making mistakes along the way. I am grateful to have you as a guide, leading by example.

I still challenge you to motivate other stubborn student in your current school as you did to me. May Allah SWT continue to guide and protect you. Amen!

Best regards,

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

NAWEC Need Total Deliverance from Pastor T. B. Joshua!

Dear Sir,

As stated on your mission statement “To ensure the safe, effective and efficient provision of affordable nationwide electricity, water and sewerage services to satisfy consumer requirements, generate reasonable rates of return on investments and contribute to the socio-economic development of The Gambia”.

It is in that regards I write to your high office to register my total dissatisfaction beyond the red sea as per the recent inadequate supply of water and electricity to the citizens. Please be informed that you and your staff are violating our right to happiness. As citizens, it is our constitutional right to have uninterrupted water and electricity supply.

I also want to use this opportunity to draw to your kind attention to the frequent breakdowns of electricity in our locality and the great inconvenience it causes to the residents. It appears, however, your institution is not doing anything to help remedy the situation, and there are failures of electricity several times in a day. Sometimes, the current is switched off for several hours in a stretch.

The low voltage and frequent tripping of electricity in some areas has become almost a daily routine. During the three hour daily cut, no one expects the supply of electricity. But the unannounced frequent breakdown of electricity is simply nightmarish. At night, one is left half through the meals at the dining table. During the day, there is no rest, no comfort, and no protection from the hot weather.

Besides this, low voltage of electricity has damaged electric lamps, tubes and other electric appliances. Fans do not give proper air owing to low voltage. Many times complaints have been lodged with your office but no permanent solution to this menace has been found. It is a pity that even when there is supply of electricity in other localities, our locality remains dark.

Whether it is day or night, I have experienced inconvenienced due to the blackouts. From my casual observations, these blackouts occur even during good weather conditions. Whether it is sunny or rainy, blackouts do happen; much to our shocking dismay.

The patients who are getting their treatment in different hospitals also face many difficulties. Their operations are not happening on time. This increases their diseases. The fans of the hospital are not moving. So patients feel great pain in their body.

The events of theft are increasing in The Gambia. The thieves get chances of stealing in the darkness of night created because of the breakdown of electricity by your company. So there is a kind of fear among people in The Gambia.

Many businesses are compelled stop their working for want of electric power and, therefore suffer a great loss of business. Students suffer heavily and cannot study. But, this irregularity in electric supply is causing obstacles in their preparation. Sir, you also know, this year is extremely hot so the old people facing it very difficult to tackle the problem.  The problems of current supply also lead to some other illegal activities too.

I request you, therefore, to see that the power plant at the place is thoroughly checked so that there is no chance of the failure of power supply in future.

To overcome the disruptions, I would like to suggest periodical and regular maintenance works. These works should be carried by a team of trained certified and experienced electricians.

Second, should any maintenance or repair works be carried out, please carry them after notices have been given. You are doing everyone a favour if you carry out proper maintenance works to ensure constant electricity supply.

Thirdly, since the Gambia is hot it will be better to change from the use of generators that are polluting our environment to solar energy. Let’s make best use of nature since it is cheap to cut the unnecessary cost.

Finally, I hope you would look into the matter at the earliest and restore our grievance so that the electricity and water supply would be constant.

Sincerely,

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Blogger/Activist/Watchdog. 

Open Letter to Lamin Njie, Communication and Media officer Ministry of Interior.

Dear Mr. Spokesperson,

Reference is invited from your response letter to the article published on the freedom newspaper titled "Why Is Ding-Ding Manso Not Part Of Barrow’s Delegation At The UN"?

Though a spokesperson is responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for an institution. They communicate with the public and advise their institution in matters of public relations.

In another note I never knew that the Ministry of Interior have a Spokesperson. If you were one I would had expect you to comment on the Kanilai demonstration, Farato riot, and the highly increasing rate of murder and rape in The Gambia as you just did on your recent letter titled “The Hon. Minister Was Supposed To Be On The Plane With The President But Could Not Because He Had To Stay Back And Handle Some Very Urgent Security Policy-Related Tasks-Aide”.

I stand on top of mountain Everest to tell you that I am not convince as per your recent clarification letter on why the Minister of Interior is not part of the delegation at the UN in America.

The question one might be quick to ask will be. Mai Fatty who used to travel with President Barrow always, why is he not part of the delegation this time around to America?

I submit to you that part of the agenda of the summit will be on security issues, and who will be there for the ministry?

Please be reminded that Mai spent many days in Mecca for hajj at a time when the country need him most as the only Interior Minister in charge for security.

According to your letter you said “something cropped up in between before Barrow left town, and as such he couldn’t join the delegation”.

You also mentioned that “Honorable Minister was among top-shelf government officials who were at the airport to see off the President and delegation.”

According to Oxford dictionary “top-self” mean something of a high quality; excellent.

I also submit to you that I graduated from the University of The Gambia with a B.Sc. Degree in management class of 2013. In which university and which program did Mai Fatty read to earn him the prestigious title of “top-self”?

Since you are the Spokesperson I challenged you to clear the doubt as per that untold “something” and “top-shelf” to minimize defects as it is part and parcel of your duties and responsibilities to do so.

Communication is the blood vein of any institution which encompass sending information from one party to another in which both parties receives the same understanding as intended by the sender.

Having someone speak on behalf of an institution is a huge responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. Statements in reference to an investigation can affect credibility and image. Statements that are rash and sometimes false can be damaging. And, a lack of a statement can be detrimental and can create a negative perception to the general public.

In final note please be informed that comments and claims are thrown about constantly and spread like wildfire across social media. When you get a request to comment, take your time to respond (within reason). Listen to the question. If it’s a simple matter, handle it expeditiously. If it is more complex, tell the reporter you’ll need to get back to them and ask about the deadline. Responding in these ways will allow for a more thoughtful answer and will help build or maintain credibility with the media. Avoiding the call or responding with no comment will have the opposite effect.

I stand with the America 35^th President John F. Kennedy where he said “Never fear to negotiate and never negotiate out of fear”.

It is also my “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.

Note: I will never write as an anonymous.

Sincerely

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Blogger/ Activist/ Watchdog.  

Open Letter To Hon. Hamat Bah,The Minister of Tourism and Culture!

Dear Minister Bah,

I was very happy to have you as our Minister of Tourism and Culture, especially when your portfolio became a committed one. However, I sense that our tourism sector is sinking and plummeting like the great Titanic, and your ministry are seeing the development of a catastrophe in our tourism industry, but that nothing is being done about it as if there is no ministry in charge of such an important sector.  

In another note I learnt with dismay, disappointment that upon the completion of your pilgrimage from the holy land of Mecca you proceeded to China for reasons best known to you.

The question one may asked will be is China the major market for The Gambia tourism industry?

Hon. Your actions shows a clear testimony as far beyond Pluto that you lack the knowledge, skills and the know how to lead this auspicious ministry not only with words but with actions. Since we are in the tourism season, it will be better for you and your administration to formulate strategies, plans that will increase and boost the number of tourist’s rate annually. The last time I checked your expertise on tourism you were an entertainment manager in one of the local hotels.

In 2016 tourism contributed immensely 21.9 % in to our GDP. Therefore as a Minister you should tasked and asked yourself how to double the 21.9% at the end of 2017 tourism season.

Please be reminded that The Gambia's tourism industry receives over 100,000 visitors a year and is the second highest earner of foreign revenue. Tourists mainly come from Europe with package tour operators from UK making up over 50% of visitors. The remaining number of visitors arriving from Germany, Norway, Sweden & other countries. It is estimated that around 44 per cent of high season (winter) tourists are repeat visitors to the Gambia and Banjul. 

The Gambia tourism industry is ranked 168 in the world in terms of absolute size according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, 122 in long-term growth measured over 10 years and 38 in its relative contribution to other nation's economies. 

I remember a song Jeremy Taylor once sang about the Ministers that ‘minis’ – I feel that you and your ministry are ‘minis-ing’, not playing open book with us, and that you are deserting us in our time of need.   Here is why: All we hear from you is that you are travelling or travelled like a vulture without a home.

From your own words “I can assure you that other members of the coalition are all action-oriented; and you the people gave us the power to serve you and you have the right to know and to find out what is happening in every ministry, and in every department of government.” (Hamat Bah, the point February 08, 2017).

Hon. As per your above quote I submit to you that The Gambia tourism sector is the least performing ministry and the tourism contribution to the GDP is expected to fall drastically by the end of 2017.

Hon. When shall your unnecessary travels at the burden of the poor tax payer’s end? The amount of money spent on your travels and Per Diem could have been utilized well to boost the tourism industry to meet the international market.

This is not the new Gambia we dream neither The Gambia we want to see where minister’s main duties and responsibilities are needless traveling’s at the expense of the poor.

Enough is enough we The Gambian youth will not give a deaf ear to any Minister to ruing our future. Your failure is ours as it can have a great impact in our lives in the feature. If you cannot run the ministry as expected I will advised you to kindly submit your resignation letter as soon as possible to minimize defect.

As the most senior official driving tourism in our country, we would have expected that you would guide and lead us, that you would tell us what drastic steps your ministry and stakeholders are taking to help us to get international tourists to our country, and local ones to our cities and provinces.

I am not sure how enough local and international marketing is being done, especially in the newly opened markets. Also we are receiving no guidance from your Ministry, and our local tourism authorities about how we keep our businesses afloat, and how we prevent a bloodbath of restaurant, hotel and guest house closures in the next few months, which has already started.  

Please open the doors, and create dialogue between the different sectors that feed and sustain the tourism industry. As Minister of Tourism and Culture, you should support festivals and events that will build a strong economy and vibrant communities, attract tourists and contribute to job creation especially to the youth. And continue to measure the contributions of these events and festivals and ensure that all decisions relating to them are supported by sound economic analysis.

I ask that you continue to work with stakeholders to build on the Entertainment and Creative Cluster strategy and develop an Arts Policy Framework. The Framework should help maximize the economic benefits of arts and culture to individuals and communities. In addition, I ask that you work with The Gambia Tourism Board (GTB), educators and communities to develop a Gambia Culture Strategy Plan, so that we are better able to tell our stories and help a new generation tap their artistic potential. Continuing to work with the tourism industry and regional tourism organizations to support the sector’s economic growth and encourage collaboration among tourism industry partners.

I look forward to working together with you in building opportunity today, and securing the future for all Gambians.

Sincerely

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Blogger/Activist/Watchdog 

I Stand With Director General, Ebrima Sillah of GRTS!

                                        

Dear Mr. Sillah,

It gives me a great pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your recent action against the kerr fatou show program on GRTS.

The anchors of the Kerr Fatu Show are very irresponsible, unprofessional, unethical and unscrupulous as most of the theme of their programs are to inculcate hate among us the Gambians. I was very flag basted, disappointed, depressed beyond all human survival upon listening to their episode 3  tribalism in The Gambia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWf_s0pL3VA). During the show they lambast, attacked the noble Jola tribe beyond all human race as far beyond Pluto. As if the Jola’s are the only tribe in The Gambia.

The aforesaid immorality episode was a hateful fabrication of intolerable huge lies, extreme dislike, deep-rooted academic and intellectual suicide, mathematically calculated wrongly and intended to portray the noble Jola tribe in bad light, and to maliciously destroy the dignity and impeccable integrity, which the Jola tribe is known for centuries ago.

Hate speech and tribalism will not solve a problem. It is only through dialogue; reasoning and critical thinking can help remedy the situation

It is arguable that the negative effects of tribalism permeate all African countries. Millions have been killed, maimed or displaced in civil wars in sub-Sahara Africa over the past 50 years, mostly because of tribal agitation. Most of us are living witnesses to the carnage that occurred in Rwanda and is still going on in Somalia. These countries have fallen into the abyss mainly because of tribalism.

Sir as a leader you should be able to take firm decision that might bring peace. Don’t waste any iota of time to erase any program from the list that would serve as a threat to our peace and the newly born democracy.

Sir, as a CEO you have done a remarkable work and have submitted outstanding piece of works. Your contribution to the GRTS has been always glorified. Your appointment as MD deserves a proud recognition and hence a liable responsibility for this position. Under your guidance, GRTS have witnessed a rising curve in terms of worldwide coverage. 

Your unending ability to motivate fellow mates will continue to make your schemes and tasks more effective. Your love for journalism has certainly paid you off with employment. Certainly your willingness to volunteer your time and effort, as well as express your opinions, has contributed to your being selected for the post too.

I feel proud to have you as a MD of our venture. Wishing you continued success.

Regards,

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Blogger/ Activist 

Welcoming letter to the Minister of Interior, Alhaji Hon. Mai Fatty!

Dear Hon. Fatty,

It indeed a greatest pleasure and honor to write to you once more again. I would also like to take this golden opportunity to climb on top of mountain Everest to pray to Allah S.W.T to accept your hajj, and give you the strength to execute your duties and responsibilities as per your TOR.

I have been following your activities in the Interior Ministry with keen interest of late and I think I must be honest to tell you this.

Despite the numerous media-driven decisions and actions you have been displaying, you have done something worthy of commendation.

My only appeal is that you change your ways in order to stay in the hot seat for long, in a way that you would not be consumed by the law.

I am not a praise singer neither an opportunist for someone to assume that I am only raining praises on you for a courtesy.

Even if I am, the Prophet of Islam Mohammed (SAW) said, "Man laa yashkurannasa laa yashkurallah" (He who fails to appreciate the efforts of man, fails to appreciate the kindness of Allah). So even if I do that, I might not be wrong on the face of Islam.

But I will be the first to point it out to you if you do what I think is not right, unconstitutional, unethical and undemocratic.

Many have labelled me as an anti-government, anti-success and harmony but that will not stop me from what I think is right or wrong. Whichever way it goes, I will say it as far beyond mountain Kilimanjaro, if need be to cross the red sea I will do so without wasting any iota of time.

I'm not an enemy to the state, all I want is to see a better Gambia that would one day be the last place of hope on earth!

Now on the substantive issue.

After your appointment as the Minister of Interior, I wrote an article on both the print and online media, addressing my own criticisms and total dissatisfaction with highlighting on the way and manner you swiftly took to the media, issuing threats and warnings here and there.

The article was titled ‘Foni is not the problem’. In the said article, I narrated the comments you had made in the media and how detrimental I felt they could be to you in your pursuit of excellence at the noble Interior Ministry.

I also reminded you of your comments ‘you either obey the law or be consumed by the law’ as to how careful you should be with the portfolio to avoid failure, disappointment and sinking like the great Titanic.

Whether you took them with an open mind or otherwise, I think I had to draw your attention in order not to fall in the pit your predecessors fell in.

Alhagie, I have not fallen in love with you but I like something you have done and for the fact that you seem to be interested in national development, and that is what is gradually attracting my love for you.

However, the major reason for my sudden admiration for you is your word of apology you did to all Gambians before embarking on hajj to the Islamic Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mecca.

I remember you once said on GRTS that you will work harder to ensure that there are no crime, rape and armed robbery recorded in the smiling coast of Africa, Gambia.

I am also aware of the numerous meetings you have been holding with the leadership of the various communities to ensure the stability of peace in The Gambia.

But the raw truth is that, despite all the efforts you are putting in to lift the ministry, if you continue with the administrative hiccups, glitches, and malfunctions they will take away the shine from what you are doing.

I know as human as you are, you will make some mistakes in your execution of duty. But your ability to minimize those mistakes indicates the kind of leader you are.

My Suggestion

Alhaji, I will, hence suggest that you adopt the following to help your day to day running of the prestigious Interior Ministry.

1. Limit your media talks.
2. Appoint a communications officer in the Ministry through the PMO to do the talking.
3. Keep Goals Clear, Focused and incentivize employees
4. Strengthen your interactions with the stakeholders to avoid occurrence of what happened during the Kanilai incident.
5. Don't be afraid to delegate and always communicate effectively
6. Don’t ever assume, investigate before you act.
7. Cut out the excess and embrace telecommuting.

Gambia belongs to the Gambians both those home and abroad, through dialogue we can make The Gambia great!!

Yours sincerely,

Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Blogger/Activist

The Barrow Lead Administration is a Joke?

I think that the Barrow administration is focusing too much of its attention on bringing down the legacy of Jammeh and his associates.  This energy could be better focused on trying to develop the economy and repair other areas of governance. Such as the current administrative gap the executive is to appoint a vice president. Up until today, we are still waiting for transparency regarding the matter. The tendency of hiring based on compensation, political agenda, is an insult to the Gambians both those home and abroad.

Democracy means a government by the people and for the people. Governed by the parameters of the constitution. The people of Gambia respect the rule of law and we are aware of our constitutional rights. Mr. President, if you are found to have breached the constitution, we as the people through the parliament and judiciary will take the appropriate means to hold your administration accountable.  We the Gambian people ask that you rearrange and appoint a Vice President in a democratic and constitutional manner. It is hearth wrenching, to see the petite bourgeois politicians busy enriching themselves and enjoying luxury, while the peasants are getting poor and poorer.

Take the example of Thomas Sankara: As the former President of Burkina Faso, he has lowered his salary to only $450 a month and limited his possessions to a car, four bikes, three guitars, a fridge and a broken freezer. A motorcyclist himself, he formed an all-women motorcycle personal guard. He required public servants to wear a traditional tunic, woven from Burkinabe cotton and sewn by Burkinabe craftsmen. He was known for jogging unaccompanied through Ouagadougou in his track suit and posing in his tailored military fatigues, with his mother-of-pearl pistol. When asked why he didn’t want his portrait hung in public places, as was the norm for other African leaders, Sankara replied “There are seven million Thomas Sankaras.”

Sankara rejected the idea of foreign aid, stating that “he who feeds you, controls you.” Wheat production rose in just three years from 1700 kg per hectare to 3800 kg per hectare, making the country food self-sufficient. He spoke eloquently in forums like the Organization of African Unity against continued neo-colonialist penetration of Africa through Western trade and finance. He called for a united front of African nations to repudiate their foreign debt. He argued that the poor and exploited did not have an obligation to repay money to the rich and exploiting.

In Ouagadougou, Sankara converted the army’s provisioning store into a state-owned supermarket open to everyone (the first supermarket in the country). He forced civil servants to pay one month’s salary to public projects. He refused to use the air conditioning in his office on the grounds that such luxury was not available to anyone but a handful of Burkinabe’s.

He sold off the government fleet of Mercedes cars and made the Renault 5 (the cheapest car sold in Burkina Faso at that time) the official service car of the ministers. He reduced the salaries of all public servants, including his own, and forbade the use of government chauffeurs and 1st class airline tickets. He redistributed land from the feudal landlords and gave it directly to the peasants. (Pan-African Renaissance)

Why can’t Barrow follow a similar example? I have posed the question; we will wait for a response.

I must admit that Gambia at the moment isn't stable and the daily operations of government are gravely abnormal.  We the people, ask the Barrow administration to effectively work on their investigations instead of detaining suspects. For instance looking at the NIA9, it is imperative to note that at the start of the case there was no substantial evidence. Therefore, the government must take things gradually and cautiously before making any haste decisions, such actions may lead to dichotomy & chaos in the Gambia. Only when there is substantial evidence then one must act and hold those accountable.

In examining the Kanilai catastrophe, where there was an unusual bitter confrontation between the peaceful protesters and Senegalese soldiers at the entrance of the village leading to blood shell. Where residents of the rural settlement and the Foni environs demanded the immediate evacuation of both the Gambian and Senegalese soldiers in Kanilai.  Where innocent protesters were shot on their route to Kanfenda, namely Mr. Haruna Jatta, who was critically injured and was left in fatal situation as a result of a gunshot wound.

Unfortunately, Mr. Jatta did not survive the attack and was later laid to rest on the 06th June, 2017 in his native village of Kanilai. Which begs the question, Mr President, why has the commission of inquiry not been established on the Kanilai incident as promised? Every life matters and Mr. Jattas’s death must not go in vain. The government is always acting politically whenever their popularity is challenged. 

I argue that, even though there are several indictments against Jammeh and his crew. It is important to act when there is evidence. However, not to the mercy of the sinking economy, this needs to be addressed urgently.

In noting examples of such around Africa, In Kenya, the regime of Daniel Arap Moi took over power apparently to ensure the revenge of the Kalenjin ethnic group over the long predominance or alleged predominance of the Kikuyu. Logically, therefore, the security and safety of individuals in key positions of the regime rely on staying in power.

Looking at Tanzania, In 1964, the alleged “Arab dominance” in Zanzibar was revenged by a revolutionary seizure of Arab properties by the “Africans”. The rivalries between Igbo and non-Igbo groups in Port Harcourt, between Yoruba and Hausa in Ibadan (Nigeria) and other similar occurrences in the Congo Leopoldville, Rwanda, Burundi and others signify not ethnic conflicts per se but just sheer power struggles for the control of either major resources (wealth) or political power or both, by certain groups playing the ethnic card. (See H. Wolpe, Urban Politics in Nigeria).

In rebuilding a new Gambia we want. Policies should be re-written and all criminals and offenders despite of their political party, tribe, religion and position should be treated equally in front of the laws of the land. As per our national anthem “let justice guide our action towards the common goal”.

By: Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Blogger/Activist