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With respect and appreciation.
Dear Mr.Editor,
May i express my appreciation to His Excellency President Jammeh, for the unconditional release,of the representatives of Amnesty International.Whilst there remains several other troubleing issues unresolved, for my part, i see this as a step in the right direction towards reconcilliation and peaceful cooperation of the outstanding humanitarian concerns.As a former advocate and supporter of his tenure in office, my constructive critisisms of his management are restricted to alleged human rights abuses, which flow in contradiction to the articles contained within the Gambian Constitution..of which he is the custodian.
May i respectfully take this oppertunity,to express a positive note on the present state of the Gambias economy, which sees inflation at a firm and respectable 5% with growth of the economy in excess of predictions of 6.6% to 7 .1%.These are very encouraging figures confirming the opinion of the IMF that these fiscal barometers confirm growing confidence of inward investment towards the Gambia, allied to growth of the all important farming sector.I am informed that further loans and aid are about to mature to reinforce this situation and a significant fall in comodity prices ,particularly rice should feed through the system, almost immediately.As i have stated here previously, i have a great respect for the finance minister Mr Bala Gaye and his gifted ability and experiance in dealing with the specific underlying market forces of the Gambias economy.The significant road building programe financed in part by the E.U. is a very important part of the refurbishment of the Gambias infrastucture.One notable improvement is the extensive house building programme to modern and award winning standards of design and location..which in due course should see growing interest from overseas investors, either in occupation or investment.The recent million dollar refurbishment hotel programme allied to the commissioning of the Gambias first Sheraton Hotel and improvements to Banjul International Airport,allied to the Free trade Gateway project are..indeed significant icons of which the Gambia can be justly proud of.
However,the human rights questions..remain to the outstanding liability of the Gambian Government.The most correctable missmanagement of the Presidents liabilities,remain directly towards public and International relations.The noticable and highly commendable improvement in the Banjul Observers on line news service...falls short in its delivery by its monotone and exclusive pro government reporting.My friend Mr.Amadou Samba whos baby this has become..would do well to observe the equivalent and inclusive African media francise's of Ghana and Nigeria..where freedom of speach and active political debate has seen monumental strides towards true democracy, without fear to there respective governments or there leaders.This omission, is what has caused the establishment of International offshore newspapers highly critical of the President and members of its Intelligence agencies .Whose efforts to extinguish these have failed miserably and are to the International detriment of the Gambia.I am well known to the people of the Gambia.My record is of a man who has given , not taken.If i say to all concerned..that my association with Freedom Newspaper does not cause me any concern...neither should it to those who know me well.The Gambia and the President should take note.These journalists are not bad people or wish to see a violent change inflicted. They want accountability of its democratically elected Government and the murders and harressment of all African citizens to be properly investigated and brought to justice.If the Gambia is to be congratulated for its improving economic performance under President Jammeh,it must also be willing to make every effort to normalise its relations with all its citizens and International partners wether intended or coincidental.Public and International opinion needs to be improved.Allow me to make some suggestions with the utmost respect to the autonomy of The Gambia.
1. The case of Fatou Jaw Manneh indicted for expressing her right to freedom of speach....should be finalised quickly and amicably.
2. The case of Chief Manneh is a festoring and appalling state of affairs.A statement on his welfare should be made without delay, for his families sake.
3.All prisoners detained in communicado without charge ,should be either set bail or released without further delay to there right to freedom.
4.The investigation of the death of Mr Deyda Hydara should be reestablished and given urgency and conviction.
5.The case of the alleged massacre of ecowas citizens on or arround July 22nd 2005 should recieve the dedicated efforts of the Gambias police service.In this respect..i have written advice from the British Government, that it would offer its assistance and the experiance of its ferensic analysis experts...if it were to be requested by the Gambian Government.
6. Representatives of the Gambias International on line news agencies , should be invited to talks with the Gambian Government, without fear of arrest , to discuss there grievences and to resolve all outstanding issues leading to peace and reconciliation.
7.The death penalty, should immediately be dropped from the capability of judicial sentenceing.If Rwanda can do it ..why should Gambia persist with this .This would require courage and humanity.His Excellancy...i believe will be better remembered, for such greatness and this would send the right signals to the World that the Gambia.is rightly..a compassionate and truly emergeing humane society.
The Democratic Republic of The Gambia ..is a soveriegn state.Whatever your view or conviction...or indeed grievance...it should be accepted ,that His Excellancy alhagi, Dr.A.J.J. Jammeh...Boldly and Bravely..took The People of The Gambia..through the door of Democracy. This further mandate to strive to unite the Gambia , for the inclusion of all ....is Most Highly Recommended and most humbly and respectfully presented for consideration.
I remain respectful Michael V.Scales. United Kingdom.