A SAD DAY FOR STGDP
The Save the Gambia Democracy Project is an organization whose goals are to create an environment in the Gambia within which democracy and all its instruments can be nurtured and enhanced for a better Gambia. STGDP, as its acronym, is committed to furthering the aforementioned goals through all legal means. STGDP shall accommodate all Gambians and friends of the Gambia regardless of their religious, economic, regional, social, political or ethnic background.
ORGANISATION BY-LAWS:
A. All members of the organization have a right to support a political party of their choosing B. STGDP shall not have any party affiliation, and is only driven by issues that are anchored within the principles of safeguarding democracy and rule of law.
C. No officer shall use the organization to further an agenda that directly
benefits a political party. D. the STGDP constitution is supreme to any other party platform or constitution. E. All members of the management committee have to be conscious of their position as representatives of STGDP and to avoid taking positions that can be seen as a conflict of interest.
F. STGDP shall only engage in political activities that are non-violent and
conform to internationally accepted laws.G. STGDP shall not support or be part of efforts that would lead to usurpation of power from a democratically elected government. H. STGDP shall not pursue activities that are personality driven, or launch political vendettas against personalities.
From the above excerpts from our constitution it is obvious, Mr. Kebba Foon, Ex-Chairman of STGDP has violated the spirit of our by-laws; specifically item E & H. STGDP, regrets and wants to categorically dissociate itself from the remarks that Mr. Foon stated in this mailing three days ago. As we stated earlier, Mr. Foon resigned from his Chairmanship position several months ago. Although, the fact that he once held one of the highest positions in the organization undermines the credibility of this organization.
As a result of this unfortunate incident, STGDP realizes that it is important to develop a code of conduct for all its members. We have therefore initiated steps to create an implement code of conduct that all our members will have to abide by.
While we recognize and respect the importance of free speech, it is important for STGDP members to abide by the spirit of our constitution in order to avoid such blatant irresponsible incidents that can taint the credibility of the organization. We, at STGDP, apologize to Gambians, and all persons who believe in equality for the unfortunate remarks of Mr. Foon. STGDP has been closely working with Mr.Darboe, and the UDP as well as all the opposition parties over the last two years.
Mr. Darboe has been at the fore front of the fight for democracy, and demonstrated his commitment to the coalition effort. STGDP still maintains and believes it is only through the coalition formula as a strategy, which can bring an end to tyranny and usher in a new democratic Gambia.
It is important to inform all of you that STGDP is a volunteer organization, open to all Gambians and non-Gambians. The reality of this organization is that people’s active involvement on a day to day basis determines the management group, and subsequently the direction of the organization.
It is not a club driven by friends, ethnicity, partisanship or any other affiliation of any sort. If you are very political, concerned about the direction of The Gambia and want to find a collective solution to a country effort you are welcome to STGDP. In fact, we would like to take this opportunity to again reach out to all of you to come and help us continue the collective effort of bringing an end to tyranny in The Gambia. STGDP has local chapters in Seattle, Minnesota and all over the US, and we believe together we can make a difference in the future of our country.
Again, we deeply regret everything that has transpired and offer our deepest apology to each and every one of you.
God bless the Gambia
STGDP EXECUTIVE