Daily Observer's Editorial Quality Declines Under McDowell’s Watch-Scales

Dear Mr. Editor,

            May I recognize the developing quality of The Banjul Daily Observers remits. It would be fair to state that under Dida Halake,there was a noticeable uplifting of the English language used and its correct punctuation and delivery by staffers. Under Ms.McDowell Gaye,their is a much more relaxed prevalence of previously contentious issues. The performance of Gamtel and its concerns to the entire community, features prominently along with Manufacturing concerns and Urbanization, particularly the problems of waste disposal. The Observer also plays the Self Reliance card of the nation to good effect. Myself I have highlighted the Growing uncertain Global financial situation and its possible effects on Africa. However, I am forever the optimist, and can see the potential "silver lining" in this ever darkening cloud.

 The recent interests from Dubai and India in Gambia's fortunes is in my view, a  sign that those who hold significant International investment portfolios could well be attracted to the Gambia's growing potential. As an example; If an oil rich state in the Gulf, has previously invested heavily in the Western property market. Their returns are presently under threat. Also the Arab investments in interest seeking deposits in American banks, is also presently giving cause for concern. If I were holding Billions of foreign currency, I would be looking to spread my coverage into potential short and long term mineral,food,oil and manufacturing opportunities, centered in Areas that have a mobile and low cost social infrastructure, willing to be trained and where the wage levels are conducive to competitive production costs.

Africa and in particularly Nigeria and Gambia, are ideal centers that may well benefit from this kind of shrewd investment, now and in the future.

The downside of this opinion, is towards the understanding of presentation and incentive to foreign investors from African government. Certainly, International media coverage of potentially damaging public concerns epitomized by The Carnegie affair should be seen and viewed intelligently by government. I am not prejudging the legal issues presently on going. Simply because it is right and proper, for a court of Law to decide the outcome. However, It is my limited understanding, that within that contract, their was a clause which favored arbitration to any dispute. In My advertised guidance towards "Doing Business

in The Gambia" which was highly commended by both the British and Gambian governments....I made the point in that mission statement that, "consideration should be given to settling legal disputes by common agreement and that recourse to legal proceedings should only be considered as a last resort"

My market research in The Gambia was conducted over several years. Probably the most extensive of any private organization during the last few years.  I still believe that the wisdom of those words based on experience,

Holds good today. Perhaps even more so.?

For those of us who want to see The Gambia and her people, prosper and achieve a substantial improvement from the grass roots upwards, I would urge government to strictly countenance this business philosophy.

I note with interest, the editorial from The Point newspaper, concerning the frustration of Finance Minister Musa Bala Gaye,towards the interpretation of the rules of the implementation of the African Development Bank ADP} Initiative.

Clearly, if such a gifted economist is baffled, their needs to be a slimming down and clearer interpretation of the merits of his view.

It should be advertised, that The Gambia, has an excellent record in allowing investors to take profits to the holding company, even to International destination. The free trade and re-export initiative contained within the "Gateway Project" has immense common sense and commercial viability especially towards the use of the "Free Trade Areas designated at the Banjul Ports and Banjul International Airport. I am certain that The President has focused much attention towards the Tariffs involved and has a keen eye to keep these at economically manageable levels.

I have always thought that the Ex Patria Quota Tax is a negative incumbent upon the attraction of foreign skilled and much needed migrant workers. The Gambia is right to encourage the implementation of Partnerships, between Gambians and Foreign investors. This allows the transfer of ideas and training for Gambians as well as creating employment.

I have experienced at family level, the benefit of Gambians who have spent years in the United Kingdom, learning business skills and innovation, then have returned Home to launch remarkable and successful enterprises. These have created employment and reinforced the commercial and social fabric of the nation.

May I therefore encourage The President towards a greater active role in developing the International Marketing Strategies, which he is presently showing an ever increasing interest and knowledge.