The Government of the Gambia Monday made a public apology to Thailand after the country’s Tourism minister made derogatory comments about the Asian country.
Minister Hamat Bah was recently reported to have said that the Gambia would not tolerate child-sex tourism and that child fiddlers should go to Thailand instead.
The comments were said to infuriated the Thai authorities who have expressed their concerns and disappointment at the minister’s comments.
Responding to the concerns of the Thai government, the government of President Adama Barrow expresses regrets at the minister’s comments which it described as unfortunate.
It a statement issued to the media, the government expressed its “heartfelt apologies” to the Thai Kingdom and said “measures will be put in place to prevent the occurrence of such an unfortunate incidence.”
The government said Minister Bah’s comments “are not to be construed as a
reflection of its view on the Tourism Sector ofThailand.”
To avoid further similar embrassment in the very near future, MoFA should write an other letter of appology to Senegal and advise President Barrow to write a letter terminating the services of this moron.
I think Government needs to hold induction training for new Cabinet Ministers before they assume office or soon after. What’s happening is embarrassing. The Health Minister is also under fire for derogatory remarks she reportedly made against (her) hospital staff during her meeting with visiting representatives of surgeons from the region, leading to calls for her resignation or threats of strike action.
“Kumo fônya, kummayaata baakeh (/jawkeh)” – Manding adage (careful choice of one’s utterances)…
Both diplomatic gaffes attributed to Minister Bah contained messages (that are) legitimate for addressing; the paedophilia saga (for example) link to tourism is an issue for pronouncement in efforts to tackle…
The intermittent armed robbery raids (too), lately, around the border communities with Senegal, on Gambian soil, are worrisome; not to mention some reports of lose of innocent lives in some instances while enroute in some Cassamace regions to & fro Gambia…
The health minister too, might meant to have implied to some of the common corruptible practices of the medical staff as amongst the crux to tackle the general failure of the health ministry in measuring up to targets (goals) set for macro societal wellbeing indicators; & betterment in innovative improvements upon; for greater societal growth in progression…
How, their messages should’ve been uttered in ways/manners (&/places) should be handled maturely (diplomatically)…
There’s need for capacity building amongst the rookie executives for the current transition government (as to circumstances of coalition formation & ministerial allocations); there isn’t much room for mistakes in politics; the politicians should know, the public expect, as always, the better (if not best) from political representation; for politicians’ utterances, (direct & / indirectly) do have implicative, conclusions &/ consequential repercussions which impacts (positive/negative) upon, societal communities (they serve/represent) in this global village….
Bajaw, Kumo Fonyaa Bi Jay Leh, Maslaha Bi Jay Leh, Fuuring Yaa Bi Jay, Tonyaa Fo Fanang Bi Jay Leh.
Hamat Bah’s is mostly Fuuring Yaa.
He can take that to the Kongolu in Kiang. Ning Kuma Taa Daa, he must as always said in Kombo, Ase’A Daa Sorong! No I’m not starting any Chonchong Yaa here Bajaw.
Mr Bah’s choice of words was unfortunate on an international Ministerial level. But I think his meaning is not/ A welcome warning to the sex exploiters of poverty to stay away.
I do hope this will not lead to the redeployment of another founding coalition member and party leader.
Yes, Andrew, Bah seems still to be (acting deliberately) that “free (a) style”; (even though/) when he now is a state `minister` & (supposed to know/ be/behave a) “diplomat”; you are right in condemning Bah’s tending “sarcastic homourous approach” on issues at national & international dimensions without perusals; say (nyorrady? – Wollof /Kanyelengo? – Mandinka); it looks like the rookie executive in the transitional coalition government, require some capacitisation, in training on presentations & diplomacy when on pronouncements out & about, on the media; &/ also when (they are) to “don the (individualist/) partisan political caps on”…
This is the learning curve evolving from the Coalition of political parties currently, for the transition process; gradually translating unto fully fledged democracy subsequently as we progress….
I would think minister Bah would’ve learned his lessons by now; politicians as responsible public servants ‘abides by codes of conduct’ with diplomacy…
The choice of words sometimes compromises the very fact or matter the writer or speaker wanted to address. He should apologise if someone felt offended but surely he is pointing out something and not pointing fingers at anyone. This is a problem in all Tourism development sectors around the globe. And poor communities are the most vulnerable. Because it will not last, its also to remind arrogant investors that the people deserve some respect. Footing the bills should not exempt no one from the rule of law for co-existence.