Rebuttal to Jammeh and Samba—Micaheal Scales Writes

The Freedom Newspaper,

Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

Dear Mr. Editor,                  

I have been watching with great interest the recent developments, from President Jammeh and his close friend...Mr. Amadou Samba. Mr.Jammeh's unfortunate remarks about Britain..are a common feature these days...and I myself just ...laugh !!!  every time he comes to the microphone. This is The President of The Gambia. A leader of some 1.7 million people..and a Head of State, that is given a seat at most of the great counsel's of the world..including......

The United  Nations. 

 This is not a foul mouthed, barrack room lawyer....though some may argue he has all the manners and candor, of such an obstinate and thoroughly obnoxious character. Of course in The United Kingdom...if he were to threaten to kill anyone..he would be arrested and placed before a suitably responsible Magistrate..and charged and prosecuted. I can assure your readers that the colour of his skin would not make any difference to how he would be treated. The complaint being made..he would be loaded into a ford transit van, complete with cage....and on arrival at the local police station, he would be formerly given his rights and have the charges read out to him. He would be allowed a lawyer and would either be bailed or placed in a police cell until a proper interview is conducted and placed as evidence on tape. He would then know whether he would be prosecuted, and either appear at court that day...or would be required to be bailed to appear at court at the given time and date. In Britain, even a member of The Royal Family has had her day in court as is our complete right to equality, within the Law. No one is above the Law and all are grateful for its impartiality.

 The Gambian government....have accepted some 50 million dalasis from British tax payers to help reinforce The Gambia's judicial system through the Department for Overseas Development {DFID}

 They did not refuse this gift.... or the ongoing supporting mechanism.

 Moreover, Justice Minister Gomez...only last week praised The British....stating " The British government are full partners in The Gambia's development " {apparently we have just added some free computers and printers to this generous gift for the Justice Department}

 The Royal Gibraltar Regiment....assists The Gambian National Army..with training. President Jammeh accepted to pay one quarter of this cost. Britain pays the other 75%.

 British policemen..have taken an active role in the recent discovery of 1 Billion dollars worth of cocaine..in The Gambia..with particular interest in specialized forensic evidence capability. This assisted greatly the recent find and investigations continue locally and Internationally....to assist The Gambia.

The Daily Observer....published the personal letter to The President from Prime Minister David Cameron.....assuring of both governments close collaboration against drug trafficking.

The British also have been the main partners of The Gambia's tourism industry for more than 40 years.  I notice that Mr. Mathew K.Jallow now believes that the tourism sector accounts for a much larger contribution to The Gambia's Gross Domestic Product {GDP} than was previously admitted. Many Gambian's have benefited from direct help from British visitors..who build schools and donate sports equipment's and medicines and all manner of goods sent by the container load. { Free of Charge} The much vaunted boy scout movement...is another British supported long term project bringing good citizenship to the youth. Those Gambian's working in the U.K. send remittances home from their hard earned pay packet..to keep loved ones, in good condition back home.

Many British citizens...men and women have met and married Gambian partners. The majority live productive and fulfilled lives here in the United Kingdom. Many have children or extended families present. Gambian visitors returning  to The Gambia for holiday's, now account for some 30% of all visitors from The U.K. The traditional British visitor has sadly been in decline in recent years. Value for money...or the lack of it...is a familiar grievance..given to me. Safety...or its decline is another.

British Colleges and Universities..have an open door policy to visiting students from The Gambia and indeed across Africa. Many more partake in Open University courses covering Law to Economics.

I am aware of many Gambian's who lived, worked and trained in the U.K. for many years, before returning to The Gambia to commence their own profitable enterprises.

 It was Britain who took a leading role at "Gleneagles"..to ensure that poor countries such as The Gambia...benefitted from debt relief....to assist greatly their development and cash flow.

 How sad that after 50 years of independence.....Debt and stagnating economies, and abysmal leadership in Africa....show little sign of abating the plight of most African's. It is easy to blame ?...that is the name of this game. Honesty.....well that’s for us white folks? Colonialism...laugh !!! Jammeh wasn't even born then. Meanwhile, the African, waits for the next passing canoe to England....The African votes with his feet and risks his life daily....to vacate The smiling coast. How many smiles hide the pain of 16 years of tyranny and hopeless government and how many Mothers..mourn the loss of their children?

I recall my friend Mr. Dida Halake suggesting that Gambian's don't really say thankyou all that often?

I disagreed....I know one or two that know the word.....thank you.

Mr.Amadou Samba is a frequent visitor to England. I know he values many educational and business investment opportunities here in the U.K. Indeed I have fostered some of these interests in the U.K..

Many of The Gambia's foremost politicians or lawyers..were educated here and also their children.

This continues to be the case for more and more Gambian's.

I am aware that The British High Commission has an open door policy towards all political parties in The Gambia. In recent exchanges, the British High Commissioner, confirmed that Britain will continue to support.....Democracy, Accountability, A free press, Freedom of speech and expression and Freedom of assembly, Law,  good governance and Human Rights.

It surprises me, that my friend Mr.Amadou Samba, through the opportunity of The Banjul Daily Observer.....does not thank we British more often, for what we have done and continue to do for The Gambia.

For surely..friendship and opportunity....given and taken...deserves acknowledgement.

 President Jammeh has now stated publicly and Internationally that we British are no longer welcome or safe in The Gambia.

My own view is that we the British....should, treat his warning with all seriousness and consider the appropriate course of action to safeguard....our citizen's and our interests....and in future with whom we spend British tax payers money. As The President has suggested....their are better friends to Britain in Africa than The Gambia.....Point taken Mr Jammeh. I shall do all I can to assist your wish.

 Michael Scales...U.K.

 CC  Your Highest Excellency.. Mr P.Sinkinson OBE.

         Mr.Paul Welsh...Gambia Desk..FCO.. Whitehall.

         Mr.Tim Farron.M.P. Lib. Dem. British Government.

         Mr.David Cameron.....Prime Minister.