Dear Mr. Editor,

I was deeply "touched" by your praise for contributing to democracy and freedom through this honourable medium. As a 50 year old Englishman, visiting your glorious country in April 2000, I could be considered as just an ordinary citizen, with no political affiliation, who loved his job and spent his time playing golf. While I could be considered as a very successful businessman of good standing locally. I certainly had no " axe to grind  "in my own country let alone The Gambia. I am as surprised that I am here today on these pages as anyone else. It would be true to say. that their are some Gambians who feel I am working secretly for The Gambian Government. I have been accused of being a double agent for President Jammeh.Their are others who feel I am in the pay of The British Government to further their agenda.

Of course the truth is....That The British Government trust me less than the The Gambian Government, and that The Gambian Government do not trust me at all.  {Laugh !!!}

I am a servant to the children of The Gambia and to peace....sadly this is all that I am pursuing on these pages along with friendship. If through my ignorance or lack of intelligence..whilst writing here I have offended anyone...I am truly sorry. That is not my intention.

I am only one of a small but effective army of British citizens who support the children of The Gambia. I am known upon these pages. but my compatriots work silently and without praise.

If you praise me...you are praising the good work and intentions of British people not only in The Gambia. but across the length and breadth of Africa.

I have met many leading Gambians in Government and in business. I have never ever criticized any of them. I believe that their is no difference in Pa Nderry Mbai, of Matthew K.Jallow or Pap Saine or P.K.Jarjue and the rest.....than their is in Neneh Mc,Dowell Gaye or Samba Faal or Tamsir Jallow or Amadou Samba and so on.All are Gambians..all are patriots and all want The Gambia to succeed. What is preventing their repatriation and reconciliation is not what is in their heart. but is what is restricting their inevitable Unity.

I will continue to work for this without preference and without favour.I love all Gambians.

Africa's history was unhindered before the whitemen came to deliver darkness across your continent. I believe we have changed and owe too much that we can never repay what we have taken. I will always speak the truth and I will always base this truth on fact and the evidence that I have collected through my passage to Africa. I am an honest witness and can be counted.

May I add my congratulations to the Editors and faithful staff of The Freedom Newspaper.

We shall continue to stand or fall as comrades for " Change "  together.

  Michael and Her Royal Highness the Princess of Afa.