President Adama Barrow of the Gambia has used a meeting with his supporters to boast about his popularity with the electorate.
Mr Barrow said he is the right person to lead the country and he will continue to work hard to develop the country to a level never seen before.
While failing to reveal whether he will step down from office next year as part of a coalition agreement in 2016 or whether he will form his own political party, the president said he encouraged by the unprecedented multitude of people who stormed his office regularly to pledge their support and loyalty to his leadership.
“When I was selected to lead the Coalition [of opposition parties in 2016] a friend of mine came to my house to warn me about the risk I was about to take, but I told him I have climbed the tree already and nothing can bring me back because the Gambian people have hope in me and I was not prepared to disappoint,” the president told a visiting delegation from Niumi and Jokadu at State House.
“Many Gambians were pessimistic about my ability to lead the country but now it is clear that I am the right person for the country.”
The president who defeated former President Yahya Jammeh in December 2016 said he is the first Gambian opposition leader to unseat a sitting president through elections and Gambians should expect more from him.
He added: “There used to be opposition leaders in this country, Sheriff Dibba and others were here with former President Jawara, but none of them was able to win elections in this country. I am the first opposition who won an election in this country. It has never happened. So people should expect the unexpected under my presidency.”
Alright! It’s becoming clear that this whole popularity thing is getting into Barrow’s head.
However, we shall live to see the outcome in the next elections as I believe that Gambians now clearly understand where and how to cast their votes!
The fellow clearly has got his head in the clouds and here lies the danger of having buffoons in positions of leadership!!
In Manding the adage goes, NYO LONG KUNDA, MANG KONTONG NYININKAA KANING.
I think Sir, the more important and pressing problems facing our nation are:
1. Economy
2. Healthcare
3. Education and
4. Infrastructure
One can safely say that most citizens who are unable to provide for themselves and their family are looking for results of work product such as:
1.How many jobs have been created.
2.How have we improved our healthcare system.
3.How many household earn above minimum wage.
4. How many children have access to free education, to name a few.
Gambians don’t care about who is popular or not. They care about who delivers results.
It is now clear that the only achievement post Jammeh is ……. I can’t name one.
An F grade does not make a President popular. So far that is your grade Sir.
God I thought we have gone beyond this point by now. This is sickening.
Are you ok?
Big job on the way
Not unexpected from a man who only measures his success by projects built through expensive loans, and no one should be surprised if he goes on to become another 2 decades President.
The architects of the game are already hard at work and Gambians aren’t showing that they’ve learnt any lessons.
Bax, i would say it’s should be sinful to say someone will ever be president in the Gambia for more than ten years again, in the future. That very ten-years- two-term-limit still ought to be reduced eight years. Oh, was there already a two term limit amendment or that’s all something to go through a CRC first? You know.., when it comes to these drafts bills and amendments, some of us don’t have a clue but, i tend to believe when it comes to voting now, a good lot of citizens have that good sense of reasoning to be able to rationalize on who to vote for. If barrow has any intentions to stay in power longer than a transition period or for whatever, I think this should be the right time to detox Barrow of the dose of power he is getting intoxicated with before it is too late.
The MOU however, seems to be a victim of being trampled upon by perhaps a considerable number of it architects almost all of whom have queried of the lack of constitutionality of then constitution … (1997?), that has very much enabled the status quo in Banjul from 1994 – 1996. Some conscience is telling me that – considering the MOU unconstitutional is indeed itself an unconstitutional reflection and also an insult to the integrity of those men and women who sat around it to agree on it. The Gahave constitution in my view, is a guide and check to the rule of law and democracy but rather not to be a formula for the latter. Perhaps everything “constitutional” may not necessarily all have to be read accordingly in words and punctuations in a chapter or a section etc., thence me, arriving to the believe by instinct that, the Gambia constitution, in one of it’s chapters, sections, verses or lines, have a provision that, in its interpretations, will legalize every initiative or effort, that is borne by rightful human conscience, especially having to agree on a MOU that was meant to flush down a reign of unconstitutionality, murder and embezzlement, hoarding of public funds and grabbing and vandalization of private property also.
Did we actually see what the MOU has done for the country? But then, the majestic “gentleman’s agreement” cannot be stuck to because, it is illegal to rely on it to see us through a transition as the constitution had spelled out “five years”. Come on please …, geniuses in the laws of the Gambia, take the MOU back into you legal labs and put it under proper reexamination. We came out of it peacefully in 2016 when the beast have had the intention to deploy the country’s arsenal and drugged assassins on poor civilians so therefore, if any lessons need to be learnt, is to not hope that coming out of another despicable status quo if created again, will be as easy as Dec. 2016!
Yo, Andrew. i nimmbaara baakae / Jere Jeff. Nyo long kunda kagn.., Kontong nyininka ti jae dae, bari koobotoo kontong, Kambia nkoolu nyanta wo long nah lae dae. / Saako horrom nkala santa?
Hey Bourne. Saaku Horom Angi Santa Def Chi Chinn.
So Bii Domorr Foday, Dinanu Ko Toga Bemu Saff Sap Beh Nopi Deff Ko SARRAHHI Kambi Bolongo!!
Kinda like KAUR SADAA! Hehe!
And then we’ll vote him away singing,
FODAY NYING KILLING TABAA TABAA SUMBU LAA…
Andrew Pjalo, the former is too tough for me to undo that I could have borrowed a ‘Mangsaalingo’s Cube’ from you if you got one. But don’t worry, I’ll be fine.
Andrew, will you vote in the coming elections?
If Yes, why would you vote for anyone of them?
And, do you think you would make a good president yourself?
Or, do you think an honest(honest) harding working and well educated woman would be a right candidate? I hope you’ll will kindly give your honest answers to my questions and not snub them like some would do.
Well PDOIS …, I don’t think so because even if they may have all the qualities like in the latter, I may not be willing to walk with them in their foreseeable long an unnecessary venture ahead in the name of ….
*Oh not forgetting Foday … I thought the Foday Tabaa Tabaa is a righteous Foday because his Tabaa Tabaa Sumbu rings that of the life of a poor toiler who carries around heavy, ugly and profitless tools. Foday Tabaa Sumbu is one of my clients so I would like to make it clear to you that my client is almost a saint who drench in sweat first anytime he has to eat a meal.
Please specify, whether you are still referring to the Domorr.
Eh Andrei Gromyko and Dr Derr Torr are still here.
Bourne, I dare not skip your questions albeit that I think you may be trying to pull my leg here.
1. Yes I will vote in the upcoming elections as it is every Gambian’s inalienable right to do so.
2. The candidate that I’ll vote for hasn’t arrived on the scene yet!
3. Diversity is not a critical element in my opinion at this moment in time. May the best candidate win.
4. The candidate doesn’t have to be from academia or a half baked Suu Korma PhD. Overall, they tend to be overrated, self serving, weak in spirit, ambivalent and haven’t served Africa well. Just take a good look at the Gambian President’s advisers.
5. YES Bourne, I believe that I’d make a great president as I can serve out both the carrot and the stick.
I’m a good judge of character and can put together a great and well motivated team to lead. Not afraid to deal with sackings either where the public trust was breached.
About PDOIS, uhmm uhmm, I like both Halifa and Sidia on account of character that’s worth emulating. However, I believe that PDOIS isn’t quite ready to lead The Gambia and that the party has had insurmountable problems with messaging and growing the leadership cadres. I will be quick to add that I’m perturbed by Halifa’s wish to not seek another term in the legislature as the body will certainly be watered down on account of his departure. Where my choice of a candidate doesn’t arrive in good time Bourne, I will vote for PDOIS out of pragmatism. So Bax, here’s your work cut out for you to win me over. Smile.
Eh Darboe Kundanko! Nsanaw.
E Ning Baara. E Wuli Ta?
Benna Kinolu Ning Tiya Duurangolu Ko Nyadi Angalterre?
It’s great to hear from you.
Yes Andrei Chipsenko is still alive and kicking. I did go by Kombo Duuma and Bombadaa in December and had lunch at SANDELE Lodge in Kartong.
Andrew, great to know that PDOIS is an “open” option for you. I hope Bourne also has PDOIS as an “open” option in 2021. I do not agree that PDOIS is not ready to lead. I think it is more than ready to lead and today, it wouldn’t be controversial to claim that is the only credible alternative to take The Gambia into the Third Republic.
I would also like to vote in the next elections, but my worry is the escalating internal war of words between the Darboe and Barrow camps within the UDP. I am fearful, given the ferocity, vociferous and toxicity of the competition between these camps, that physical violence could erupt between them, if Barrow decides to break away, form his own party or alliance of parties, and contest in 2021. The signs are all there and we must not ignore them.
@Andrew Pjalo, I think you have sincerely answered my questions and I heartily appreciate your silence too where you are not willing to specify, and @Bax, may not even need calling for order. Cheers!
On PDOIS again, I’m afraid I can’t guarantee voting for them in person yet or even to try to convince family and friends (In discussions related to Gambian), to vote for them unless am assured they are not as bizarre with their ideologies and policies as frequently expressed in the views and opinions of some of their diehards here… Imagine appointing the wrong person as the education boss and the entire ministry goes from bad to collapse because college graduates now would attain degrees in – ‘four legs good, two legs bad’, – a curriculum that may not be compatible with development partners in Africa and beyond. I think it’s much more a pragmatic stance when one is focused on how urgently the people’s living standards need to be improved. I would suggest to a pragmatic administration in the future to start ‘lawfully’ giving building contracts to construction companies with a view to make proper housing a right for each and every ‘family’ as soon as that offshore oil profits starts to bank!!! Have they? The best way to utilize profits from polluting combustibles like crude oil is; making metal, glass, cement and timber as abundant and as cheap as possible for constructors and and also heavy investment in agriculture.
Build twenty bungalows for instance with standard kitchens, bathrooms and flower lawns on the backyards of villages across the country and simply let the villagers move in the new bungalows. Now the farmer can come from his farmer to watch adult literacy programs in his/her living room. State social workers would be able to help the newly modernized farmer familiarize him/herself with modern bathrooms, kitchens and flower garden maintenance and how to keep a modern house clean. The suggestion above is the best way to develop human resources of a crude oil rich country and not by sending them to school to start all over again with new languages and alphabets. Any country that is not able to do the above with crude oil proceeds should simply leave crude oil to lie down deep at home where it belong. Why are we not following any NA debates regarding the crude oil .. or it is me simply missing the particular debates? Or, no body needs to worry while the administration there enjoy Chu Diutirr Ngunja, watching the crude oil being sucked up oil tankers that disappear in the horizons. It is disappointing that PDOIS is silent on such an important issue like crude oil prospects in the country despite claiming to be pragmatic. The PDOIS needs to set their idea of pragmatism straight and easy.
Bax however doesn’t even seem to agree there is a third republic yet probably because of the MOU.
Man, i can’t hide my frustration and confusion caused by leadership problems of the country and going PDOIS for help, hasn’t still become an option to me. I’m wary of some of their diehard’s apparently sinister worldviews for I have no intention or will to live again in a country that would end up heading far far far North. No guys, I don’t know who to vote for yet. Even if should get decided, I obviously won’t vote for Aprc, GDC, UDP or for whatever Adama is cooking up backstage. Well, I mention Aprc out of respect for democracy!
Bourne, we should all heed Andrew’s advice: not voting is not an option. It’s a civic duty that has to be fulfilled. We may not see the perfect leader or party for us, but our duty is to choose the best from amongst those before us, as the task of hiring officials to manage our affairs and resources CANNOT be postponed. And if you are little Gambia, then the need for partaking in that process becomes even more urgent, given our dire situation, our huge potentials and our experience of poor leadership.
For individuals like me, the choice is very clear because there is no contest between PDOIS and the rest. Whether that’s in type of leadership, strategies for SUSTAINABLE development, poverty alleviation and eventual eradication, and entrenching of genuine democracy, through citizen education and empowerment at all levels, PDOIS is head and shoulders above them all.
In terms of natural resources and resource mobilisation, PDOIS is the only party, as far as I know, that has a manifesto commitment to identify all economically viable resources in the country within a specific time frame of coming into office and to extract these as sovereign wealth. PDOIS has never stopped informing the nation of the mining activities taking place in Sanyang and Batokunku and querying where the funds generated are going. This is a clear indication that PDOIS will inform the nation of such activities if in government.
It is almost THREE YEARS of Barrow/Darboe Administration and to date, no one knows what the situation is with the same mining activities. They are as opaque as Yaya Jammeh.
And don’t forget our oil potentials. Where FARS, the company to exploit the oil, has expressed optimism for our prospects in the blocks they have secured, this government does not seem to be very open about it. Some are even hinting at the possibility of a very bad deal secured for us by this government. Only time will reveal the truth of this whole oil business that is shrouded in so much mystery. You just wonder why so much secrecy?
You have expressed the wish of seeing farmers live in modern homes and watch adult literacy programmes in their living rooms, and I want to put my neck on the line here and claim that the only party capable of achieving this wish is PDOIS.
It is the only party that is committed to pursuing an agricultural policy that yields increased crop production, adds value to products, facilitates marketing of farmers’ products and puts money in farmers pockets/bank accounts.
And it is very clear on how it can achieve this through cooperative ventures, using internally mobilised funds (sovereign wealth), rather than depending on foreign investment or commercial banks. And by cutting WASTE, EXTRAVAGANCE and UNWARRANTED and UNJUSTIFIED PRIVILEGES associated with high office.
The fanfare loving Barrow/Darboe clique has nothing fundamentally different from the Jawara/Jammeh clique. It’s the same old failed clueless, bankrupt and rudderless system that rides and thrives on the political ignorance and naivety of the voters. The current spate of mass gatherings, whether at state house or project inauguration sites, as well as utterances at these events and elsewhere, is a clear testimony to the ignorance and naivety of Gambian voters. I can go on and on to say why I think you should have PDOIS as a viable option for 2021.
By the way, I thought we are in a TRANSITION period to usher us into the THIRD REPUBLIC.
Bourne, I found that you placed “and also heavy investment in agriculture“ at the bottom of the list. I’m parsing out your piece here like I always do. And it’ll be Mbahali Tamaateh or NAA DAA this time around. Cheers.
If I’ll reiterate my stand on agriculture and hopefully echo Dr Sarr’s sentiments on feeding our hungry nation, I’d say that A Hungry Nation will never make headway until the population is well fed. Consider our “big wayward brother” that is Nigeria as an example! Don’t they keep digging themselves into a hole at every turn?
My message to you and others that are sitting on the fence when it comes to voting is to not let terror tactics employed by buffoons in The Gambia deter us from showing up to vote in the upcoming elections or allow Haadama Barrow and Wisainou to stay for five (5) years.
You can’t count on cheap popularity or your predecessors’ flaws when looking to provide vibrant and objective leadership that’s worthy of emulation.
Haadama and Wisainou have been there for more than two years but haven’t delivered anything but HYPE, HOPE AND SYMPATHY! It also appears that the current leadership in The Gambia is incapable of articulating key facets of their own National Development Plan or selling the same to the population. All they know to offer are shiny objects that unwary Gambians, busy as they ostensibly are, at the Masjids and Majilisses are quick to grasp and latch on to. Then to add insult to injury, the president (no caps) hires odd buffoons together with aspiring PhD candidates and run of the mill “intellectuals” to fill advisory roles on the poor taxpayers dime.
Here’s exactly a rerun of the old PPP and APRC schemes.
However, we must agree to give the devil his due for Yaya Jammeh did go for big and bold programs at the outset albeit being labeled white elephants.
The Banjul International Airport that’s emblematic of his regime is certainly expandable and is miles ahead of the chicken coop of an airport terminal that the PPP was glad to live with while carting away The Gambia’s fortunes to overseas accounts.
The Farafeni Hospital is still usable and could be transformed into a full fledged regional hospital. Schools were also built but the fact remains that Gambians are just so poor at the upkeep of new or existing facilities that everything keeps crumbling. Then we go borrowing to fix our own mess! Quite a contrast from the shiny Khaftans and suits that we see with local “bosses”.
They will carry every resource home. Even the laundry soap, hospital blankets and Lysol sanitizer. The repair budget doesn’t see the light of the day either.
I have said and will say it again that the worst enemies and obstacles to progress in The Gambia are public servants in central government and public corporations.
Yes, we hear you from the diaspora that you haven’t been beyond the shores of The Gambia but you’ve made it! Certainly through theft, plunder and The Gambia’s self inflicted Dirimocracy.
Now, here’s what Wisainou and Haadama are sprucing up for MO’s. What have they got to show for accomplishments thus far? ZILCH, I’d say!
Agricultural production is at the lowest ebb.
No medicine at the main hospitals.
Nosocomial infections galore at local hospitals.
Expectant mothers have to take their own bedsheets, towels and laundry soap to the maternity clinics for childbirth.
The majority of home based doctors are quacks!
The foregoing are nothing to be proud of.
One still has to BEG for good customer service at local banks and offices albeit that you’ve got your own hard earned money in the same banks on top of your taxes paying for public officers’ salaries. First I get a strange stare and a frown (scare tactic) because the clerk thinks that I’m a NYAKK. Then I speak a local language fluently and then surprise surprise, the clerk says, Haye, Dama Forgon Neh NYAKK Nga Di.
Where do you come from?
In disgust I retort that I come from BAJONKO TO. Then I walk away with all my cash including the ragged looking Ten Dalasi bills.
So Bourne, not voting isn’t an option. Where we couldn’t cast a ballot, our hands, mouths, eyes and other resources must be employed to make a difference.
This is exactly what HAADAMISAINOU is gonna give us! Alas, Yaya Jammeh’s BIG MAN syndrome is making a comeback while the poor get poorer.
So let’s all go to sleep with one eye open. Otherwise we may live to see FAR Ltd do exactly as Bourne predicts. And that’ll be siphoning off our oil galore with no checks in place save for a Kiangko and a Mayor, that’s a FAR blue eyed boy. Exactly how oil companies sink far reaching pipes into the very fabric of African society and governments.
And folks, I’m neither angry nor feel like I’m missing out on the fruits of the office. Just sickened that my dear GAMBIA is again being ripped off!
Folks if we have to buy air time or slots on Senegalese and international media to counter the lies and misinformation, let’s do just that!! It’ll happen this time around.
And we shall sing, HAADAMISAINOU BONDO TEH BAYI LAA!!
Couldn’t help miself again Bourne. I can be self-deprecating too. All for a good cause. Smile.
ACHTUNG Babu Soli!!
@Andrew: “In disgust I retort that I come from BAJONKO TO.”
Wait a minute, Andy! Which Bajonkoto are you referring to? Is it the one by Tabokoto?
The BAJONGKOTO that I share with my great SII NYOLU Maudo BAX, Bra Bourne, Afang Bajaw Demba Duu and Baa Ko Mwalimu. All under the shining TILLY BO sunlight! All while my Darboe Kunda Taadibo took a hike.
Smile.
I meant my Darboe Kunda Taalibo. My bad!
All those sitting on the fence and wondering whether PDOIS could be an alternative to the decadent status quo, I can assure you that the leadership is always ready to engage in dialogue with citizens and even change their positions if a superior idea emerges.
That’s an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and responsive party that recognizes that times change, and so we need to adapt to the challenges and the realities that present themselves.
And one more thing: Ba Koo Mwalimu will from now on take it upon himself to collect all serious questions from this Bantaba and personally get answers to those question or queries from the leadership of PDOIS or any designated person for that matter.
Resignation should not be an alternative. We need to keep hope alive and fresh. Especially in this critical times.
Bravo Mwalimu.
I must admit that I treasure the extent of commitment, resolve, fervor and sense of purpose that permeates the PDOIS structure. Tells me that the membership (BARRA MAALU/PILLARS) are well vetted and groomed in the true belief of the French term, “Immersion”. I note the congruence in viewpoints and speech that’s absolutely commendable.
See, there are quite a number of traits that I appreciate about PDOIS but I still do not believe that their tent was designed to be large enough at the outset to accommodate all world views.
Thus Mwalimu comes out with the qualifier that follows:
“That’s an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and responsive party that recognizes that times change, and so we need to adapt to the challenges and the realities that present themselves”.
Leads me to believe that BAX presents a richer and more pragmatic leadership role when compared to the noble Karanta To Karamo.
No need for a rebuttal as I believe that my thoughts reflect my embrace of pragmatism to “adapt to the challenges and the realities that present themselves” in these changing times that are inherently richly bestowed with opportunities for inclusion and compromise.
Teyrry Maa Andy is waiting for clues that truly reflect that PDOIS’ is the “responsive party that recognizes that times (indeed) change”.
Andrew Pjalo, but how do you like Mbahili Tamaateh and Naa Daa?? Your parsing out here seems a well posed riddle around. No …., I don’t know what you mean in those two.
Oh @Babu Soli! Yes, I sensed him well near. @Mwalimu @Grim reaper, @Suun Gaan Ghi, @Kamalu, you know ..,just to name a few, all could be lurking quite close around this one.
Nonetheless, I would like to urge you to have a much better perspective of Jammeh’s 22 years of thuggery and refrain from giving impressions his reign of terror have ever had a meaningful development in the Gambia. Why should I see a grit of glory in a rebellious soldier’s ownership of the country’s army an armory, used against the people whose lives and properties they swore to protect. I think the 1994 coup d’etat should be regarded a terrible treason and mishap that should be very much condemned, though we all must take responsibility for the fact that it has taken place in the first place, to last for 22 years. Any political party or ‘organization’ that relies on weapons and terror of its own citizens to glue to power or gain influence, are criminal entities in my view.
Going back to the issue, I’m not saying I will not vote but I need time to check out where and why. To try to win a whole country going one’s way, makes him/her the lot’s shepherd and shepherds, in my 21st. century democratic view point, resonate our same old experiences of autocracy. I hope when one says he/she has ‘principles’, does not mean how obstinately determined one is to see to it that everyone is indoctrinated with his/her ideology. Even Jammeh thought he has an ideology that every Gambian should be indoctrinated with, though he scarcely got a brain for good ideas.
Bax, you may come from Bajonko, Tabokoto, but all the same. My good uncle Dembo, comes from Banjokoto way up around the end of the river. He is a wonderful uncle but my problem with him is that, he always think I’m a capitalist so i always thought he
could be an austere communist too, though i never let him know what I think of him.
You don’t sound like one from upper river Bajonkoto Bax, do you?
All in all, it is a wonderful country whose river alone could have given it a life. It shouldn’t be such a poor dull country ..
Bajonkoto is in KMC, neighbouring Tabokoto (my community), Faji Kunda and Abuko. Originally, it was predominantly a Jola settlement with the great wrestler, Angalaise, being one of their most prominent residents. It is also the home of the great Fa-Ansumana Badjie, the traditional fracture specialist, who also doubled as the chief male circumciser until he passed away.
But it’s a vibrant, multi-ethnic community now. It used to host very entertaining Kumpo dance nights in the past. I love the Kumbo to bits and I still scavenge videos on YouTube.
Bourne, here’s my take on this word: “indoctrination.” I think it is one of those terms used to caricature and disparage ideas that offer alternatives to the Western way of doing things. Thus, if you profess adherence to Communism or Socialism, then you are supposed to be indoctrinated, but if it is Capitalism that you adhere to, then you are supposed to be liberated.
I certainly don’t see indoctrination in The Gambia. What I see, instead, is personate defence of whatever people believe in. After all, why would anyone profess support for a thing that one doesn’t believe in.
@Bax, I think when you said “… if you profess adherence to communism or socialism, then you are supposed to be indoctrinated, but if it is capitalism that you adhere to, then you are suppose to be liberated”, may be true as a mere political philosophical wheedle that tends to be relative of where one thinks he/she fits or belong thus, *People’s Democracy Of Independence and Socialism. When you are in Moscow or Beijing, capitalism stinks and when you in Vegas or London, communism too stinks. Shareholders amongst all camps of political sets of beliefs however, have blazing desires for multimillion dollar yachts, 30 bedroom mansons, goldplated meals in Dubai, private jets and exclusive designers dress and jewellery. I don’t have an idea about politics actually. When i hear Communism, Capitalism, Socialism, I say, “damn, all these isms that pound with ssssms like coming down from the holy skies all could have easily brought with them jobs, food, proper shelter, good an affordable healthcare, quality education, booming agriculture, trade and industries, security, rule of law, accountability, transparency, appropriate cultural diversity and the greatest happiness of the greatest number. Populism, liberalism … I can’t sort them out … Marxism… We may pretend to hold or adhere to a certain political belief which is our rights but, on the contrary in my layman view, I believe no political ideology, theory, philosophy or belief can materialize into physical substance to the benefit and welfare of a people, if the shareholders in the political spectrums of nations lack the required human integrities to deliver to the masses irrespective of they are super A class citizens, the very natives, residents, refugees or migrants. My political ideology cannot be conceptualized by isms. My political ideology deems a food self sufficient people, an 80% employment rate, a good and affordable healthcare, quality education, proper public infrastructure and housing etc. Those are top of the list of some of things I would like to achieve as a politician regardless of what ideological affiliation. But where did all these political sciences come from? Where did we went wrong about them? Maybe I need comrade Mwalimu’s help too .. – – Were all these isms, in fact Afrikkan political science knowledge that was stolen and corrupted to be taught back deficiently to Afrikkans?
Bax, could you please send Shaka Zulu a smile ….?
Bourne, I cannot agree more with you on the observation that how we view these concepts (-isms, if you like) all depends on perception.
You are also absolutely right to observe that the potential of success of either ideology/concept is dependent mainly on the people that adopt it, especially the leadership. The concepts themselves are just vehicles through which societies aim to organise themselves for the provision of their needs.
That is why I don’t fall for the various categorizations we find in politics today: left, right, centre, extreme right, left/right of centre,etc..
These are just attempts to lump groups that may differ into one grouping, thus making it easier to either demonize or praise them, depending on interest pursued/served or to advance a given narrative.
For example, a party with socialist policies can be grouped with ALL that claim to be socialist, thus making it easy to demonize them, regardless of what their policies are. Their membership could also be demonize, thus in The Gambia, you find only those that associate with PDOIS are alleged to have been “indoctrinated” and labelled as “Talubehs”. Hardly any other group is labelled as such. Not UDP, GDP or NRP sympathisers.
Another example is US President Trump’s (and main stream media) attempts to portray the economic hardship of Venezuela as a failure of Socialism, completely ignoring the role of years of unjustified and unlawful crippling sanctions that the US imposed on that country, and of course, corruption of the Maduro Government. No one attributes the failure of the entire African economies to capitalism. Instead, it is corruption that is to blame. This is the kind of twisted world we live in, and the powerful Western media, political, educational, economic and financial institutions make sure that their narrative holds sway over much of the world.
The concerns about “Fake News” today and the huge hype around it, is nothing but an attempt to re-establish the dominance of main stream media, which is being lost to the alternative media.
“Fake News” has always existed and Western main stream media is the biggest culprit of spreading fake news. Remember the viagara story that Gadaffi was distributing to soldiers to rape women. It all turned out to be false, but was crucial at the time to garner public support for military action in Libya. So too, was the WMD of Sadam Hussein.
As for Shaka Zulu, I first encountered his story in high school, where it was used as a resource book in literature in form one. I am a great admirer of his courage and innovation, but I always try to put it all into its proper context. Indeed, he stood up against European incursions into Southern Africa, but he also reigned havoc, not only on his neighbouring communities, but also on the Zulu community he ruled over. All of that though, should be put into context, in my view. So big smiles to the great king and warrior (Shaka Zulu).
Each and every Gambian has the inalienable right to belong to any political shade, ideology or belief system and is also free or at least should be, to propagate such in conformity to the laws of the country.
You can do some further reading of the alternatives offered by DOI here: http://pdois.com
If still that does not answer the issues important to you as a citizen and a voter, there is always a way to find it.
The above is also no effort at rebuttal.
Bourne, Mbahalu Tamaateh, Mbahalu Netteh Tuu Akk Kobo Bu Lakk, Sombi, Laahh, Tiya Kerreh Sato, Bukolo, Naa Daa and the popular Fana Fana coat of arms, Cherreh Mbuum Akk Dimba, all symbolize the basic tenets of Senegambian culinary experience. Also points to the humility and simplicity that has been long associated with traditional cuisine. Am I making your mouth water? There’s no frying associated with any of the fares but just a simple boil. And they all come out tasting great though!
OK I’ll stop here before Bajaw calls me out for the other Domorr Laa Baa or Bisaalo! Smile.
Bourne you must learn to take cues from simple Mansaalingolu, Taamangserolu and what the Wolof call CHAHH. What’s Chahh you may ask?
That’ll be a research undertaking for you my friend. You may also seek help from a guy called Samba.
No bro, it’s OK. I don’t need @Samba’s help here anymore. You know …, this one is a bad bad bad bad one.
No more questions for now and in no mood for frowns!