Is The Gambia Sliding Into A Blood Bath Nation?

Scales Critically Examines Jammeh’s Threats!!!

Dear Mr. Editor,

A strange feeling of despair has descended upon The Gambia. From this distance the world awaits the decision of The High Court on the fate of The Gambia's finest and most respected Journalists. I recall a letter I once sent to a Gambian Government Minister, echoing my thoughts that within my deep desire and consciousness to become a Gambian, must be accompanied by my desire and capability to suffer like a Gambian. Right now that feeling is upon me in earnest.

For I feel for Sam Sarr and company and share their pain and discomfort. Yet from this computer seat of comfort and luxury, is a distant mile from the reality of a Gambian prison. Let us share a prayer across the arms of our true religion to embrace all those who today languish in such appalling conditions.  Those suffering in silence within those towered barbed wire infernos. Let us also pray for their salvation.

To the Western man, the thought of someone being denied liberty, for caring about their much lamented friend and colleague, Mr.Hydara is unthinkable. I find myself asking what is the difference between a Western man and A Gambian man. Where can I find the answer to why we here should respect those who have given their lives so that we may live in peace and freedom. Today, that price is still being paid without prejudice by members of our armed forces in Afghanistan. Young men and women hardly old enough to understand why their sacrifice is required.

Yet the sacrifice of so many of The Gambia's good men of conscience is slowly being recognized by those here that wish you only peace and freedom to pursue your dreams and ambitions.

No matter what the decision of Mr. Justice Nigerian.

 Let us say that this was The Gambia's finest hour.

For I have been impressed by the courage, the wisdom and the arguments given to the court by Pap Saine and Sam Sarr. The debate was a tribute to Gambian logic and innocence. Their grasp of The Law of The Gambia was commendable. Their debate and their simplicity of thought was truly given to clarify that there was no malice of forethought towards The President of The Gambia or The government. These are good men of good charecter.The true Gambian that I have written a thousand times about that so impress me.

Their desire is to serve, not to destroy.

Compare this to the words of President Jammeh. The mention of  shedding of Gambian blood and threats to those in the armed forces who do not give loyalty to him or his abode. His right to abuse and mock the dead is an epitaph that does not grace any individual, let alone a Nation. To my mind I have found that some Gambians give over to death threat all to easily when frustrated. It seems the next step in any dispute. In The West this is foreign to us. We do not threaten, for to do so is punishable in Law. Far better to arbitrate and reach an amicable and fair settlement, without the need to trouble the courts.

In The Gambia today we see case after case which consumes the daily media. Some cases take years. Some for little more than the right to protest.

I recall the recent case of the Gambian who stood outside The American Embassy to protest about the conflict in Palestine. He was arrested and imprisoned for 48 days, only to be eventually fined 200 dalasis. Where is the development here towards honorable justice.

Where is the development of the code of conduct and the wisdom of common sense.

I was given to much despair to hear the testimony of PW3 who confirmed that Sam Sarr was his former teacher. Knowing Gambians I could feel the embarrassment from this witness facing his teacher as an accuser. Where is the merit in this I ask ...

Mr.Sarr was a teacher for 37 years. So many owe their knowledge to this man. Is Sam Sarr the kind of person that at his age and experience, would present an obstacle to the Office of The President. I think not.

Given the words and their clarity from Pap Saine, I was in one of his magnificence and his clear dispatch of his knowledge of protocol, in news reporting. Here is a Gambian man that serves without prejudice or favor, but also exudes respect and kindness.

To survive so long in this difficult industry requires discipline. Pap Saine is a Gambian role model in this in every respect. Yet he is constantly harassed even though his health is not what it used to be. Such public servants would be held high here in England.

So where do we see this development of placing pupils against teachers. Or Nigerian Judges against Gambian citizens. Where can we find comfort in an expression of the desire to shed Gambian blood to maintain a dubious status quo. Where is the Justice to be found in conveyor belt driven Law, which places citizens all too easily behind prison walls.

Is this worth development or is it just too damn expensive. For I find no" rat pieces "here Just ordinary hard working public servants, fighting for the right to inform and inspire debate and the world. I say this is definitely..The Gambia's finest hour. I have been paid back a thousand fold for never losing faith in Gambians. Win or lose is no ones the victory here. Victory comes from the right to be heard. The world is listening and waiting and remains inspired.

                                                                                                        I remain Michael..U.K.