By Gibril Saine, London, UK.
Dear Mr Editor,
I 'm saddened and vexed about the recent developments in the Gambia especially the unprecedented level of privatisation of major public parastatals like the telecommunications (Gamtel) and (Nawec) among others.The general public safely rely on such public bodies owned by Gambians for the Gambians to provide efficient services and job opportunities which drives our economy forward enabling us to compete in the global market.
Mr Editor,i ain't against privatisation but based on experience in corporate capitalism,such lesser known companies come in with the sole aim of maximasing profits through mass redundancy,increase in surcharges and bills etc.Parliamentarians should be given the opportunity to debate any major takeover or privatisation so as to assertain whether such moves are in the interest of the public.What's the point of our MPs if they can't hold the government accountable and why hasn't the public being consulted on these issues?Gamtel's a model in the sub-region and should atleast be taken over by a reputable organisation in the telecoms industry with clauses which clearly govern that such a company will invest in the expansion of services countrywide plus reinvest 85% any future profits in the country thereby creating job opportunities.
I wonder but still baffled why the Jammeh government always resort to secrecy and privacy in her dealings with the general public.Again why such callous and cowardly moves (If there's nothing to hide) when all along we were made to believe this government have the interest of the people at heart?! ! !
The Gambian constitution provides for the election of Mayors and key local government portfolios but it came to my notice that the Jammeh administration has changed this clause,thus vesting such powers of hiring/firing in the hands of the secretary of state for Local govt.and lands thereby giving him (jammeh) the perfect opportunity of bringing in whoever he wishes and discard them as he pleases.The mindset of the average gambian has changed immencely over the years,no wonder corruption is rife from the top - down hence no ones' job is safe.This lead people to take as much as you can before your time's up,because they have seen how one can be hired and fired by the flip of a coin.The political hierachy must always inform,consult and educate the general public through the media on all issues especially of national significance.I urge the informers of the Jammeh government let him know these are values on which democracy is built on and must be adhered to ! ! His dictatorial tendencies and actions must be curbed/cease right now inorder he and his cabinet can be hold accountable for their decisions and actions.
African politicians must also remember the public who vote them in office in the first place knowing history won't be too kind on them for any malpraction and abuse of office.They say absolute power corrupts absolutely but we are witnessing a rotten power here and must be stopped come the next general election.
I call on fellow Africans/Gambian,searching for your ears at the top of my voice,as bad the situation may be in the homeland,never shall we encourage military with politics,coup de etats must be denounced and discouraged. Incase you forgot we are in the 21st century,spilling each other's blood in every street corner through many civil wars that the African continent is reknowned for are the thing of the past and must remain that way.As democrats or whatever political ideology you might be affiliated with should only lead a nation through popular support in free and fair elections.Our leaders must try a little bit differentiate between GOVERN and RULE.The former's popular thus welcomed,the latter - Prectised by the Kremlin and dictators alike ! ! !
Finally i'll renew my call,praying/hoping one day the Gambian intellect scattered all around the world,perhaps for fear of repression,oneday will safely return home and contribute towards the socio-advancement of their country.There has never been a better time for well educated Gambians in all spectrum of development.Some of us dying to teach our brothers and sisters share this vast valuable knowledge wanting to explode.