By Michael Scales, UK
My Dear and eternal friend ,the son of a villager,traveler in time and mens hearts and minds, ever true to the African,and there history to come.....we must stop writing like this or the people will start to talk..?{ I titter }
For many years i have entrusted my meagre life into the hands of Gambians.Why they always protect me so, i can only dream.Wether it was surrounding me at Westfield, in the stampede to gain my fair from the yellow taxi drivers,in the dark and unfriendly night,or standing by my side to face the long distant death threats at Banjul Airport.Or sitting outside my hotel room all night to guard me from,God knows who ?Gambians have never failed me.In 2003, close to death in Hospital, my kidneys and lungs ,kept moving only by mans machines,the last rites administered to me 3 times in 48 hours...it was not my wealth that made me fight,to remain with you,or my thriving buisness,or my posh clothes and car waiting for there owner.It was the constant,faxes,from my people in The Gambia,who were saying constant prayers to there Gods,for my resurection and deliverence.Do you think i would walk away ...from there constant calls for my steadfastness?Last week, when news came of the threatened kidnapping of my children and death threats to my family...i paused, but only for a second...I immediately, distanced myself from the British Government, so as no one could doubt that the words i speak...are my own.Do those who would threaten my family think,that i care that much for the life given back to me by my Gambian brothers ?The message to me was loud and clear...you have been close to the Gambian Government, you know how they work,you can inflict much damage on them...they are scared of you...? Stop ! associating with the Freedom Newspaper...I think you have read my responses....this common englishman, is not for turning ! I say this to the would be assasins....take me, take me now !...for the result would surely be your end.There is nothing i wouldnt do for The Gambia....There is nothing i wouldnt suffer....There is no price that i wouldnt pay....I have come too far.
My dear friend Ambassador Sey....This time last year,as weak as i have become,i made a pilgrimage,through the gleaming spires of Dubai,to the busseling City of Manilla in the Phillipines...to visit the shrine of there national Hero..Jose Rizlas.In an open horse drawn carriage,i made my way through the Spanish Gardens...to the place of execution of this great man...known as the untouchable.? Across a moat of water..I walked through the stone walled entrance,into the courtyard.To my left i saw a room where the Japanese had tortured and executed,500 civilians,to my right i entered a Great Hall, where upon the writing of Jose,were on the walls and the ceilings and the floors.I signed the visitors book of condolence.Where i wrote.. I would gladly give 10 years of my life to spend just one hour in your company.....Michael.
I walked the stairs leading to his cell....A candle burned,on a table,besides which sat the figure, of the great man.twinkling in the darkness...from his cell..etched in the ground were bronze, footprints, leading to the courtyard where he was finished.It is recorded, that the Spanish jailers would not allow his family to attend him before the execution....However.on his way to his death...his faithful sister..broke through the armed guards lining his route..to touch his hand.The Americans took the fortress in the Second World War, and made there command centre for the liberation of the bloody Islands{The sands of Iwo Jima} leading to Japan.
After all these years..nomatter who you spoke to in Manilla, from whatever background..they all stopped what they were doing to speak so affectionately about this great man.I have spoken about my passage to Africa and the candles that lit my way.....I am not a strong man..neither am i of the hero type...Yet i am certain that had my country called me to serve in its many wars of centuries past.. I would have fought bravely,and with honour.
I am truly honoured that you are to thinking that i offer the cause of Freedom some hope?Where it will end,i do not know...But just rest assured that i will always endevour to do my duty....
You should find a photo of the African/American singer Paul Robeson...if you placed a ring in your ear,you would be stunned by your resmblance to him....He is one of my lifes heros.How Strange ?
Best wishes...and much care.....Michael.