Dear Mr.Editor,
May I allow myself the small luxury of speaking plainly, for a change.I have been sitting at my preverbial computer , watching endless debates about tribalism and corruption and ..he said this and then he said that.
At times the online media on both sides of the fence , seem to indulge in back stabbing and in fighting that serves no one except the 15 minutes of notariety of the public interest..... the published "dog fight" attracts. it is reminiscent of a school playground fight, between the big bully and the little quiet boy who kicks the living daylights of the much bigger boy.Eventually the end result of the dog fight is to turn to good old President Jammeh.....as the route cause of all the endless and regurgitated problems.Shame on all the by standers and protagonists that pour petrol on the flameing debate that serves nothing and no one.
The debate of supremecy of the Jola's or the Mandikas..or the Fullas or the Wollofs.....is a none starter and a well and truly " Flogged dead horse".Give us white guys an even break ?The Gambia has No tribal problems other than those who would seek to imagine for what ever reason that such differences exist.If you want to see tribalness in its effervesent expression...go to Nigeria.
They have 294 tribes mostly living in there own structure co-operating as best they can.The Gambia has no tribal problems. Shame ! Shame.!... Shame !!!
What works best in The Gambia..for Gambians, are those who get up every morning and work.The businesses that are quiet and remote from Government, who pay there taxes and create employment and profit, nomatter how small.
The limited personal ambitions that serve families and communities.
I for one as a British citizen, have no problem whatsoever over African's living and working in the U.K. Provided they respect my country its people and its Laws. If the Gambian thinks they can come here to exploit us through marriage/divorce visa applications that tie our lonely hearts into years of legal wrangles of property ownership,then that is not acceptable. Neither is it acceptable that you should gatecrash our borders to commit crimes against our vulnerable citizens or our children..to sell drugs.
What is acceptable, is that you enter Britain legally to further your studies,or to learn new skills, with which to return to Africa to advance your own communities.You should be able to read and write English.You should be able to speak English.Well enough to gain employment and find your way around.
You should have some money..to tide you over until you find employment.
If you come here to visit, let us know you intend to return.Unlike many who come on a 6 months visa only to disappear into the undergrowth.That is not legal. It is also very expensive in time and resourses and money to find you ,
detain you and deport you.
The average Gambian is law abideing, hard working and of good social standing.They work quietly and send money home to feed there reletives.They are an asset to the British economy.These people are most welcome.It is the criminal from your communities that gives you a bad name..and causes untold problems of accountability for the honest traveller.
The immigrant should be prepared for a massive culture shock.
Stand by the M25 motorway at 7am to see a million cars going one way and a million cars going the other way. Understand that the pace of life is fast and frantic.
Understand that accomodation is very expensive.Understand that food is rising daily in price.If you are unskilled with no formal training ..you are to earn little more than £250 per week...hardly enough to house you let alone feed and cloath you.
When your visa application is not filled in correctly or it lacks substance or evidence..do not be surprised if it gets rejected.The entrants clearance officer will not dupe you, or take your money fraudulently.He is probably doing you a favour.....if you cant cross this first hurdle...how can you cross the many other hurdles that await you in the U.K.?
In Britain almost everything is subject to a code of conduct reinforced by the law.You will have many rights and priviledges.You have the right to respect. To dignity. To equality.To Freedom. But this comes at a price..which is circled by your own personal responsibility towards the community and observance of our Laws.
I have visited your country 19 times. Bring me one person who knows me well..and there are many....to say I did not respect your laws,or your dignity, or your culture.I am one of the very few businessmen who frequented your country to donate over £150,000 to good causes and industry..to take not one penny back.All you gave me in return was respect.I thank you greatfully for that.I wanted nothing more.