As the Holy Month of Ramadan enters a crucial stage, Gambian philanthropist Momodou Turo Darboe on Saturday has made great largesses to the Kololi-based Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations (GCVHRV).
The center received from his foundation 100 bags of rice and 225 bags of sugar that were handed over to the targeted people.
The victims’ centre Chairperson, Sheriff Kijera, lauded the initiative taken by Vision Development Foundation (VDF) for coming to the aid of the victims, adding that the donation comes at a right time.
He further expressed hope that Momodou Turo Darboe’s gesture will be emulated by Gambian business sector, and urged gouvernement to create the enabling environment for indigenous business people to operate.
In a similar vein, Baba Hydara, son of slain journalist Deyda Hydara, said since the inception of the center, donations were mainly made by Western organisations. “This is a significant donation coming from a Gambian national,” he said.
He commended the benefactor for coming up with such a wonderful gesture that goes straight to the heart of victims.
That’s good gesture from mr turo darboe, helping hand can be even widened from individuals to cooperation, and government as well, well done mr turo darboe.
Only Allah needs to know what we gift.
Not “only Allah” Dr. WE need to know what our Elite do to help their fellow Gambians. This story says “help has come mostly foreigners”.
I just think it’s a form of exploitation when people give a few bags of rice, some cooking oil and sugar in the glare of cameras for cheap publicity. I have no problem with gifting, we all need to do more. My issue is selfish intent.
Dr Sarr, whenever folks use gifting for cheap publicity that’ll win them favors in the eyes of Gambians, then we have every right to ask where the apparent wealth that’s being dished around in the name of charity came from in the first place.
Certainly, you can’t look a gift horse in the mouth but any decent people shouldn’t be taking Ali Baba’s gold.
We had one in the name of Babanding Foutanka Sissokho. And yes Lamin and Bajaw, that mythical Foutanko that lurked (as I’m wont to do Lamin) around Kombo ostensibly waiting to plunder Kombonka goods and livestock. (Y’all can laugh your heads off now).
Yes that Foutanko/Peuhl Fouta Yembereng that wouldn’t get any respect!
This time around it’s a Darboe fellow donning a huge turban that’s got mythical powers.
So whenever a Samba from Kankary Kunda/Diuw Saangam comes around with a turban akin to Ali Baba’s, Andy with all warning antennae raised says, ACHTUNG (German),
VERBOTEN (Nederlands)
Danger!
Andy, what about Robin Hood? And UK Prime Minister Mrs. Thatcher INfamously said: “The Good Samaritan must first acquire”. Europe robbed Africa, and still robs Africa blind … but when they give us back 0.01% of what they robbed us of we come out in the street to celebrate. So let us not have double standards! Let us celebrate Momodou Turo Darboe.
There are many that don’t celebrate Europe’s largesse to Africa. So, no double standards for those my in law.
Questions of source (s) of wealth of philanthropists is legitimate, especially when they have relatives in high Public Office.
Perhaps, it should be a requirement for individuals to disclose sources of funds, if they wish to become philanthropists or undertake certain developmental activities.
Mr Momodou (Turo) Darboe certainly seem to have a lot of spare funds to dish out and I am not convinced that his legitimate businesses can support such generosity.
Luntango, the West May continue to rob us blind but look at who’s enabling the plunder. It’s no longer the Robin Hood of old but the modern day “boys in the hood” and our very own kith and kin.
Ok, I know when I am beaten. It was Karl Marx who wrote, in a library down the road, that “wealth is theft”. All I am saying, to paraphrase Orwell who lived on the street I am living on now, is that “some thieves are better than others” – so I welcome Truro Darboe’s generosity.
PS: I got a sarcastic “ha ha ha” when I told my daughter didaction is what educated people do.
Someone does goods, you either accepted it and keep quiet or rejected it and criticize. But your reason must justify.
Andy Pjalo,
VERBOTEN. I love that.
I’m just quiet on the issue least I touch the sensibilities of the beneficiaries or Mr Turo Darbo. One gets misled, but asks.
Is it the Colombian Pablo Escobar, Paul Getty, Bill Gates we are seeing in Turo? Who is he? Well I don’t know. Let’s pray he continues to do it WELL.
With so many heavy visionary hitters on this forum, why don’t we establish a charity registered Foundation,
Where 3 elected members are chosen for governance?
The initial purposes of the foundation
1 Education
Key subjects
Maths
Black history
Economics
Health
2 building Enterprises.
Processing plants.
Farming (has to be minimum 3 hectors)
Also the foundation has to be religion free, to keep things as simple as possible.
All voting can be cast, anonymously.
What are your thoughts?
You’re a visionary too Mr Crop Reaper. I’m excited about your concepts. So count me in. Possibly Babu too?
However, would you consider modifying your pen name to reflect the more humane side of The Gambia as stated above. No demeaning meant here.
You may be well aware that Gambians on average are dead scared of corpses and death. So why not adopt a name that’s more apt for a visionary than the Grim Reaper. Smile.
Ok, shoot me a few African names, with their meaning and I will choose one.