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Michael Scales Writes Open Letter to Observer MD Neneh Mcdowal Gaye!!
To Ms.Neneh Mcdowal Gaye,Managing Director,Banjul Daily Observer.
From Michael Scales....United Kingdom.
C.C. The Freedom Newspaper;...........22nd June 2008
Concerning Mr Momodou Lamin Sanneh {Gambian Citizen}
Dear Neneh,
I was highlighted to the plight of Mr Momodou Lamin Sanneh,by your Honourable Newspaper,some months back.
Mr Sanneh contracted Lymphodeema {elephantiasis} at the age of thirteen.He is now 34 years of age.Your editorial, explained that Momodou had been denied a medical visa to travel for possible treatment to St.Georges Hospital in the U.K. by The entrants clearance section of The British High Commission in Banjul since 2004.After interrogating the circumstances of this unfortunate situation,I regret to say, that the decision made by our High Commission could not be faulted.Under Immigration rules, this particular visa {6 months} carries a reasonable requirement for the recipient to show that he could pay , privately for his treatment and that he should be able to meet the cost of his accommodation and living expenses { no recourse to public funds } and travel.
Despite, many approaches to British and International agencies begging assistance for Mr.Sanneh,I regret to inform you that all efforts have been unsuccessful.
I am informed that Mr.Sanneh has been encouraged from The Office of The President, that a budget for such emergencies is active though very limited.
I am aware that Mr.Sanneh has tried several times to attract The Presidents personal attention to this pressing and urgent situation which remains unresolved.I am also aware of The Presidents busy schedule and his commitment to the health and welfare of the nation.
I am pleased to inform you,that The Gambian High Commission in London has been willing to forward my communications on Mr.Sanneh's behalf to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Gambia.
I am very pleased to inform you that, The British High Commission in Banjul has taken further advice and that the Entrants Clearance Officer has now been prepared to issue a medical visa for Mr.Sanneh.However, they advised that several issues need to be resolved in order for Mr.Sanneh to satisfy Immigration control at the port of entry into the U.K.
These would be ; A letter from his doctor stating the nature of Mr.Sannehs condition and prognosis.
A letter from his treating Consultant at St Georges Hospital offering an appointment.
A letter from The Office of The President committing to payment for their treatment by invoice.
A valid passport.
A valid entry visa.
Sufficient funds for Mr Sanneh's food and accommodation.
A valid U.K. address for his residency during his stay.
Personal assistance with Mr.Sanneh's travel needs.
I am therefore delighted to inform you, that all of the above criteria have been satisfied except the commitment from The Office of The President to pay for Mr.Sanneh's treatment.
Mr Sanneh has the valued assistance from a UK/Gambian citizen who would transport him and accomodate him in The U.K. I remain in direct contact with his Consultant Professor Mortimer at St Georges Hospital who is willing to offer an appointment and possible life saving treatment.
The British High Commission in Banjul have furnished the correct and valid medical visa.
I have recent photographs of Mr Sanneh's leg.However these are too distressing to publicise.Mr Sanneh remains in incredible pain and discomfort with a strength that is only to be admired,but I am noticing his increasing anguish and a daily diminishing optimism.
My own ability to assist him financially is thwarted by my heavy commitment to several on going projects in The Gambia.Though I have offered help towards his flight and travel.
May I therefore beseech you madam, as a respected and high standing principled citizen of The Gambia to personally intervene in any reasonable way possible to assist your contemporary citizen in his hour of need.For which I personally would be eternally grateful.
I remain..Yours Faithfully,
Michael Scales....United Kingdom. |
Posted on Sunday, June 22, 2008 (Archive on Monday, June 30, 2008)
Posted by PNMBAI Contributed by PNMBAI
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