(JollofNews) – The Government of the Gambia has reacted angrily to a comment made by its coalition partner, Halifa Sallah, Secretary General and Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS).
Mr Sallah recently told his London audience that the Gambia is yet to have a system change after Gambians decided against giving ex-president Yahya Jammeh a fifth term and voted enthusiastically to Adama Barrow’s coalition.
President Barrow, who was heading a coalition of eight opposition parties ended Jammeh’s 22 years of authoritarian rule by winning 45.5 percent of the vote on Dec. 1.2016.
Below is the Press statement issued by Press Secretary, Amie Bojang-Sissoho.
Rejoinder to the caption: “The next change must be a system change” – Halifa’s stirring London speech
The richness of leadership is the ability to accommodate, listen and provide advice and guidance to the people who entrust you with the leadership. While Sulayman Bah UK would like to present Honourable Halifa Sallah’s speech to his audience in UK as incredible, it is important to move beyond political canvassing and polemics to provide facts on the realities of the country we all love.
Kindly allow me to shed light on the issues Sulayman Bah UK attributed to Honourable Sallah regarding the situation since December 2016.
It is no secret that in December 2016, over 200,000 Gambians, took practical steps to vote in Adama Barrow as leader of the Coalition. Hundreds of thousands more invested their energy, time and financial resources to ensure we give The Gambia a new beginning. These are people committed to uplift the lives of Gambians with dignity and respect. While the levels of sacrifices differ from one person or group to the other, all the sacrifices must be commended and respected. As a reminder, in case some forgot, the Coalition government until the time of this publication is made of the following:
- United Democratic Party
- National Reconciliation Party
- People Democratic Party for Independent and Socialism
- The People Progressive party
- Gambia Moral Congress
- Gambia People Democratic Party
- National Convention Party
- Dr. Isatou Touray -Independent Presidential Aspirant
Therefore all those who were committed to the change, should continue to guard, guide and nurture it.
Government requires teamwork where no one person alone can make a difference but a combination of efforts to change a system. The fact that it was reported in FOROYAA that Honourable Halifa stated that “…Despite defeating Jammeh after 22 years of self-perpetuation …from the Coalition government, nothing seems to have improved the living standard of ordinary Gambians…” needs reflection.
This remark by Hon. Halifa Sallah insinuating that nothing has changed to improve the lives of the people and comparing this government to the former dictatorial regime is a distortion of facts. This is unfair given the efforts that are already in place by this government with the support of Gambians to move away from the difficult era of the former regime.
It is therefore important to take a good lens to capture those efforts and what has changed since “The Gambia is in the hands of its citizens” to see how the Coalition government is not “reminiscent of the APRC government days”.
The first expression of change that is not “reminiscent of the APRC government days” is that citizens found their voice. They are now free to express their opinion without fear or favour and can go home and not fear that at 3:00 a.m, someone in the name of the government would drag them out of their house and deny their family the right to even know why they are being taken away.
Since the Coalition Government took over, the vehicular traffic at the Gambia Ports Authority bringing basic commodities among others has exceeded the current capacity of the Ports to handle. This increase in economic activity is a result of the conducive business environment created by this government leading to the stability of prices of basic commodities which are in fact generally going down. It is also important to know that government has already taken the decision for the port to operate 24 hours creating more employment and improving timely service delivery.
Furthermore, Barrow government has reduced the price of fuel three times in less than a year with its positive rippling effects on commodity prices and availability across the country.
The Gambia has moved from regional and global isolation to a state of recognition and respect; and a new dawn of hope for its citizens. Traditional partners have regained confidence to engage the Barrow government in mutual respect and support to garner the desires and hopes of the citizens. This is not symptomatic of “poor policies and poor leadership.”
We now live in a connected and interdependent world where governments/countries collaborate and work in partnership to support each other in the interest of mutual sustainable development. As part of international cooperation, countries acquire grants, loans and other forms of support including foreign direct investment to help grow their economies. No country relies solely on taxation to move its development agenda and to put it bluntly no nation is self-sufficient. The Gambia is no exception and does not accrue enough tax to be able to execute all its development aspirations.
Presenting its policies to partners both within and outside for support as well as fiscal discipline have improved the foreign exchange reserve from its precarious state of less than one month import cover with a debt burden of 120% beyond the recommended 70% debt of any country to 4 months. It is unfortunate that this is interpreted as a nation relying on “charity” for its development.
The performances of some State Owned Enterprises –such as NAWEC, GNPC and GAMTEL/GAMCEL, were low and government had to step in to settle their external obligations, thus putting undue pressure on the Gambian Dalasi and the reserve level.
It is clear that there needs to be a structural change to the budget and prioritization of growth enhancing expenditure such as development projects. Without these measures increasing salaries will be extremely unwise at this time.
In order to improve the economic environment, the Coalition government is engaged in initiating difficult measures to deal with the numerous challenges resulting from poor economic governance of the former regime. These include but are not limited to Public sector restructuring and rationalization plan, implementation of a government vehicle policy and business travel policies.
The change of government has boosted youth confidence and self-esteem. The new administration’s policy on youth is to enlighten them on their rights and empower youths to take responsibility to initiate, innovate and contribute to nation building and most are not relying on government to build their lives. The first project signed by the new Government is centred around youth empowerment through funding from the European Union (EU).
The 11million Euro Project focuses on youth employment creation in the areas of agribusiness, ICT and Tourism aiming to provide high quality skills training for potential youth entrepreneurs and start-ups. This project includes a mini grant and loan scheme for youth Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). To effectively respond to the needs of young people not just as a cross cutting issue in our development frameworks as it used to exist in the Gambia, a whole component on youth empowerment and development has been incorporated in the National Development Plan (NDP). Similarly, a specific pillar on youth has also been incorporated in the ongoing development of The Gambia National Agriculture Investment Plan (GNAIP) 2 to comprehensively address the issues of youth in The Gambia.
There has also been an increased space for youth political participation in the new dispensation. The Gambia can today be proud of the democratic space that guarantees freedom of expression. During the last National Assembly Election young people of The Gambia worked with all stakeholders to improve awareness on youth engagement and to increase their number in the political space through the #NotTooYoungToRun campaign. The Gambia is today hailed as having one of the youngest elected members in the National Assembly in the sub region.
This cannot be “reminiscent of APRC government days” when every youth’s desire was to leave the country. Gambians in exile are returning home to contribute to nation building and to nurture the change.
On agriculture, the Coalition government encourages and empowers farmers to work on their own farms to “reap what they sow” and ordinary citizens are not forced to spend valuable time on the President’s farm. It has provided farmers $25 million worth of fertilizer and seeds. This definitely is not “reminiscent of APRC government days”.
On waste management, the new government encourages people to use their conscience and commitment to environment sanitation to clean the environment and manage the domestic waste it produces and not force people and businesses to stop all activities to clean their environment and at the end of the day does not have the mechanism to collect and dispose the waste. The Coalition government has improved daily management of waste at the dump site at Bakoteh and has further committed to waste management through a Public Private Partnership which seeks to provide a comprehensive solution to waste management in The Gambia.
The Coalition government inherited bad institutional policies and practices. To change such a system will require having knowledge of the depth of destruction in our institutions, policies to institutionalize best practices and committed citizens to execute the plan to implement the policies. It requires re-orientation of the workforce and commitment to the nation and not an individual. It is misplaced to state a comparison and conclude that the new regime is “reminiscent of APRC government days”.
The APRC Government had the opportunity to amend the Constitution removing the barriers to enable eligible Gambians in the Diaspora to vote or be voted for. Did they do it? Of course no. It is not the new government that deprived the Diaspora from voting and contesting to be President, National Assembly Member or Councillor. In fact the new government is in the process of drafting a new Constitution that will accommodate all Gambians to take part in the political, economic and social life of the country. The new government recorded the highest number of contestants in the National Assembly election, a demonstration of a vibrant democracy where people feel that they own the nation. This cannot be “reminiscent of APRC government days”, when if it was known that citizens aspired for political positions, their lives were in danger and could result to torture, maiming and even death of citizens.
The judiciary has been “Gambianised” by encouraging our legal luminaries to serve the country with dedication to justice with the appointment of a Gambian as Chief Justice. Gender representation was also given consideration with the appointment of numerous female Judges at the superior courts.
The Coalition government is working to ensure that citizens recognize the damage that has been done to the nation and its organs of management and governance. No sincere person will expect the new government to increase government pay. Instead the government has to further cut on its expenditure. For instance the office of the President had cut expenditure by 75% since the new administration came to power.
The Coalition government under the leadership of President Adama Barrow empowers all citizens to work together to build a country we can all be proud of. That is why Halifa Sallah was offered the opportunity to bring in his “policies” that will not subject the government to rely on others to develop the country. He rejected to take a position that would give him the responsibility to get the nation out of the situation in which it relies on others to give it charity. It is easier for Hon. Sallah to criticize than take responsibility where he can be accountable to the people.
Wine in old bottle is not system change. Exaggerating and distorting these wine is it self not system change. Halifa is echoing what Gambia are seeing and feeling same Jammehism bottle forced on them again in a yellow bottle. You obstruction Diaspora you patronizing now to not participate in government and see Mr Barrow while yooling on the very people who nearly took your life will never know what system change is all about.
Halifa Sallah is a double-faced politician. Gambian must be mindful of his double standards. He will NOT take positions and deliver to soci-economic developments but rather, can go around, criticizing other people, who dare take up the responsibilities and working hard for the betterment of the country. To say, there has been no system change since Barrow`s government took over business is an insult to Gambians! Freedom is paramount in anything and we got that. Not everything can be done simultaneously…Halifa should know that better!
The most worst politicians in this planet is halifa sallah he is an enemy of peace how can you you compare a criminal regime of jammeh and the regime of Adama Barrow. Halifa you’re looking for a leadership but say the truth. How can people’s forceful loves you since 80s PDOIS still nothing irresponsible person you are failed Halifa.
Kemo Touray,
There is no need to argue with you, because your political understanding of democracy could only be measured between your eyes and nose.
Love For Gambia,
This is from MAMA KANDEH not HALIFA SALLAH. They all agree without coming together that the government at Fajara is DYSFUNCTIONAL , CLUELESS and USELESS:
OUR GAMBIAN TIME FOR PROGRESS IS BEING WASTED. TIME DOES NOT WAIT NOR STOP! AN UNQUALIFIED BUNCH OF ADMINISTRATORS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM POSITION. THAT’S ALL!
PLEASE READ THE TEXT!
KANDEH TELLS BARROW TO RESIGN
Webmaster Webmaster October 20, 2017 0 Comments barrow, kandeh, resign, tells
By Momodou Jawo
Mamma Kandeh, leader of opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has called on President Adama Barrow to resign and accused the current administration of “woefully failing the Gambian people”.
“Nothing is working in The Gambia.
This is a government without a sense of direction. The country is struggling with electricity outages and water shortage among others,” Kandeh said while addressing thousands of his party supporters who turned out at Talinding Buffer Zone to welcome him upon his return from a European tour Wednesday.
He challenged the Barrow government to explain to Gambians how they spent the US$25 million given by the Islamic Development Bank to support farmers with groundnut seeds and fertilisers for the just-ended 2017 planting season.
“We at the GDC have no problem in helping Barrow to rule this country. We will be more than glad to help steer the affairs of this country if availed the opportunity. I do not think that this is the promised government for The Gambia,” he posited.
The GDC leader also called on the police to rise above the fray and resist the pressure to become partisan in politics. “Let the police know that all Gambians are equal. Let them know that there was a government here and it is gone, and this government will also go. The Gambia belongs to all of us,” he noted.
Euro-success
Kandeh said his tour of Europe was “a big success”. He called on the National Assembly to move a motion at the parliament to strengthen The Gambia’s ties with the Scandinavian and Nordic countries. He urged The Gambia to open an embassy in Stockholm and appoint a full-fledged ambassador to Sweden.
He said there are a surfeit of Gambian born intellectuals abroad who are eager to contribute to rebuilding the nation but “are not given the opportunities”.
He said a future GDC government, “will not be a compensation government”, but a meritocracy that will appoint people to office based on merit.
Kandeh threatened to sue the government in court if it hands out “a pittance” D3,000 to Gambians returned from Europe, in particular Germany. “I am still investigating the matter, because they are supposed to be paid 1,900 euro each. If any returnee can come forward and tell me the amount of money they were given, I will sue the government in court,” Kandeh puffed.
@Babu, is very sad that Gambia can have a political party leader without substance like Mama Kandeh in this 21st century. This guy is all talks and non serious with any future developments in the Gambia. Everyone knew, GDC is a sister party to APRC and Kandeh is clearly manifesting that in the new Gambia. President Barrow`s government will certainly not need your advise from this guy. What was he doing/saying when Yaya was torturing,killing and locking up innocent Gambians? Absolutely NOTHING! If this guy is taking Gambians as fools, he is in for a shock ride. Gambians are no fools and cheap political talks will certainly not win him votes!
What Strange reaction from the coalition. Akin to a screaming cat hung over a well.
Removing Jammeh was not a coalition sensation. It was the break up of the APRC as represented by Mama Kandeh’s 17% of the vote. In fact Jammeh was poorly advised to challenge the result. He should have formed a coalition with Mama Kandeh. The coalition have failed to convince the Opposition members that they are a fully inclusive party and Mr Jatta’s recent view that his Party have gained momentum, can only be because of marginalisation by the coalition of the Jola and APRC party.It is good that Gambias cover has risen to 4 months. But very disappoint to here the ports working 24 hours to alleviate the massive increase in imports. The balance of trade deficit must now be astronomical. To confirm that Gambias debt remains the same at 120% of GDP is either a guess or they simply don’t know. To admit that Gambia does not have enough tax revenue to service its responsibilities speaks volumes for incompetence in not creating Jobs or new business start ups and increased opportunities for the youth and with it tax revenue. Instead this coalition is too preoccupied with witch hunting Gambias most successful business people and Gambias largest tax payers.Its a mess and I commend Mama Kandeh and Halifa Sallah for pointing out the obvious. That is the oppositions prerogative. << and by the way, I don't do party politics. I trade in facts. The coalition are trading in fish on the table tomorrow but we can't eat today. School report. Tries hard but must understand basic economics.
Why is the press release not properly addressed and Signed? Questions about the origin and authority of this press release must be asked until it becomes abundantly clear that it actually came from the authority and office to which it is being attributed (Press Sec /OP). I have my doubts about the true origin of this press release.
And, in any case, Hon Sallah is only raising pertinent questions that many want to ask, whilst initiating the type of discussions and debates that can only be good for our country. This should be welcome by all who are genuinely interested to see the end of self perpetuating rule and crony politics in our country, and only those who wish to continue that same old practice, will feel threatened by genuine criticism.
Some of the examples that have been cited as indicative of system change; the type of system change that Hon Sallah always talks about, shows how he was misunderstood by those who put this release together. Either that or he/she/they is/are guilty of distortion and misrepresentation.
Yes Bax; I do agree that this reaction and attack is unbecoming of any government and must be verified as being authentic. Otherwise ? I don’t think we are misunderstanding Hon.Halifa’s genuine and authoritative concerns. But some will.
Gambia needs system change and not an endorsement of failed APRC policies.
Perhaps the “Think Tank” are so overwhelmed by the Impossible dream..they remain in a deep sleep ?
Rip Van Winkle…all is forgiven.
This is politics that all sides are playing which is healthy in progressive nation building; Halifa is a politician & he’s got right to critise the government like anyone else both in his own & party’s right in selling their alternative to governance…
Likewise the government too, political parties & anyone else have the same entitlement to respond in counter to his…
Sooner or later the political parties will be vying each other for the general election…
The political differences were & have been & will always be there as has been evident all along even through the shaky coalition…
The good about it is the successful collective banishment of the murderous kanilai killer devil & the mercenaries which were the collective efforts of the selfless Gambians & friends in the region & international community as global village…
Let’s debate on ideas to guide our rulers, current & future to be able to govern & accommodate innovative improvements progressively…
Forward Gambia…
The changes in the Gambia are very clear for fair-minded and honest people to see. It is change from dictatorship characterised by arbitrary arrest, detention and murder or disappearance to freedom, liberty, economic advancement where genuine people are busy contributing to national development.
We, the sincere and patriotic Gambian, know the detractors and enemies of the Gambia. These are Mama Kandeh (a womanizer and traitor), Halifa Sallah (who thinks he knows something by making big political statement but yet runs away from taking responsibility) and Fabakary Jatta (holding the fort of APRC for the dictator, murderer and monster Yahya Jammeh who has lost glory and is trying to regain it. May GOD expose your bad intentions and betrayals you planned for our motherland. May you reduce to nothing. Amen
To these people, let me tell them that “GAMBIA HAS DECIDED”. You and your supporters are enemies of the COUNTRY and by the grace of GOD, you shall fail because you are dishonest and very insincere to the Gambia and its population.
LONG LIVE THE GAMBIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF HE PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW
You sound like Yaya Jammeh: seeing political opponents as “enemies”, rather than partners vying for the mandate of voters.
No disrespect, but you don’t seem to understand the difference between “System change” and “Regime change”. There are no murders, kidnaps and disappearances because the regime has changed, but the system that permitted it is still very much in place.
The President can still order Service Chiefs to do his bidding and if they refuse, he can sack and replace them, until he gets what he wants. The fact that it is not happening is only because President Barrow is a completely different character to Yaya Jammeh, but he has the same tools at his disposal.
Public and Local Government officials can still be removed by the president, without any explanation to anyone, thus reducing all to potential zombies, at the beck and call of the executive. These are some of the reasons why we got to where we got to with Yaya Jammeh, and until these are changed, the criticism that the system is the same is absolutely genuine and the truth.
You don’t need 9 months to change these, and when the executive is relying on these same laws to remove and appoint officials, without scrutiny from any oversight institution, then scepticism will creep into people’s minds. And criticisms in this area should not be perceived as a desire to see the government fail or evidence of enmity or whatever negative thoughts we may have.
Bravo Bax…No one could say it better……Democracy Now !
Hahaha… “It is easier to criticize than to take responsibility.” The quote of the month. When the Government get hurried and change the constitution you will be the same critics saying is too early,it dosen’t need get rose and can be done step by step.
Halifa & PDOIS refused to take cabinet positions because he want to be in the driving seat too as a politician…
Halifa & any other citizens, politicians or supporters have inalienable rights to such political statements to canvas for votes in the next oncoming elections…
Anyone else too, just as in government response have right to respond & counter the utterances in exchanges & debates in clash of ideas to forward Gambia for the better…
All remember the coalition is of different political parties who temporarily unified to banish the evil murderous kanilai devil purposely to avoid war & destruction we were headed towards…
There’s politics being played by all sides since then & currently to garner support both as individual parties & in some closer collaborations between others…
These exchanges & debates are necessary in exchange of ideas to better Gambia…
Enemity in politics belongs to the kanilai fiefdom dark age era; political rivalries are healthy for progressive societal advancement…
We all expected these rants and many from Halifa. This is why he profoundly refused to take any government responsibilities and be accountable to the striving Gambian’s needs but only for him to go around all corners criticising the infant government. He should be ashamed of himself and start to be honest by showing to his nation that he is a patriotic servant of Gambians. Thus; he should reflect on his words and learn from numbers he received in audience in his London meeting. PDOIS dafney douy laykge since when? PDOIS ideologies are disastrous to our developing Gambia. We don’t need pokers, but nation builders.
Cboss….Halifa’s speeches at his meetings, which are often at short notice, are anything but RANTS ( If we know what a “rant” is), and for your information, “Government”, is defined as “the group of people responsible for governing a country.”
Furthermore, it (government) is said to consist of THREE main arms, namely:
The Executive (President & Ministers); The Legislature (NAMs) ; The Judiciary (Courts & Judges) and sometimes, a FOURTH arm is added: The Media.
So Halifa did not “refuse government responsibilities”, as you claimed. He just chose not to serve in the Executive Arm of government. The only problem is that many, supposedly educated fellows, don’t seem to know this simple fact, and that’s one of the positives of social media: it exposes our ignorance.
PDOIS wants to establish a Cooperative Bank, using social wealth like the monies spent to maintain President Barrow in a hotel for this long, and help farmers with seeds, fertiliser, farming implements and facilitate/ provide markets for their products. Disastrous to our developing Gambia, isn’t it?
PDOIS also, rather than just issue fishing licences to foreign vessels and depend on only such fees (and fines for licence violations) as revenue from the fishing sector, want to make it a requirement for fish caught in our waters by foreign vessels, to be landed on our shores, processed to add value, and exported as products from The Gambia.
Not withstanding the jobs this would create, the forex it would earn the country and the increase in GDP, due to increased economic productivity, this according to you, would be disastrous to developing Gambia, isn’t it? Very revealing.
Rants…. unnecessarily criticising and blaming the infant government and not giving the due respect to government’s underlying efforts. Give the government approval and we will embrace your doctrines.
Sorry big mouthed polices with empty stomach. Thanks
Is the government looking for approval? From who? The only approval it needs is from the electorate and it’s got that in 2016? It doesn’t need anybody’s approval now; only partners and collaborators.
How is Halifa’s criticism unnecessary? He talks, for example, about the need for a comprehensive audit exercise of government departments and institutions, to know what has been inherited, as a priority. Do you consider this “unnecessary” criticism?
He also talks about opening up the National media, particularly GRTS, to divergent views. Do you consider this “unnecessary” criticism?
@Cboss…well said!
The sad truth is that the government has failed woefully.It appears there primary concern was to remove Jammeh from power and start behaving like Jammeh himself.The only achievement they can boast of is taking an entire cabinet to Mecca, and blocking the traffic every friday as the sleeping president wants to pray in all the mosques of the country so it seems.
Let them come out with concrete programmes that alleviate the suffering of the people,what is freedom in the absence of Electricity and water?
Is you and your dishonest and two faced Halifa who failed Gambia. The peace we are enjoying today is a clear manifestation of restoring our broken ties.
I give a narrative: You built solid compound and you happen to travel abroad. The compound is in the hands of a caretaker, say a relative who adversely happens to mismanaged it’s income for 22years. How would you cope with that and to restore the lost income and family fraternity.
Remember building solid compound will take you aleast 2-5years for completion much more to rebuild a broken 22years of sufferings in all sectors.
If you and Halifa have those Mecca surrogates flight tickets the first thing you will think of are your families and it’s ties, PDOIS and it’s uncaring old fashioned so-called technocrats.
So let’s be honest to ourselves. Setting up commission of inquiry is the first step in right direction the government is doing to recover our missing billions. The mismanagement of those funds led to NAWEC’s blackouts because fraudulent investors were running NAWEC coupled with funds from kneeling SSHC, and am sorry people like you were the enablers.
CBoss, I am fascinated at how you connect every response to Halifa and PDOIS. Why did you bring Halifa and PDOIS into your response to solo? Is solo a PDOIS Member known to you personally?
And yet again, I find your approach very, very disturbing. Rather than address the issues that solo has raised relating to the Hajj packages and water & electricity problems, you chose to attack Halifa and PDOIS instead.
And funnily, you seem to acknowledge solo’s allegations that Hajj tickets were indeed distributed to surrogates and family, whilst trying to justify the actions with a claim that Halifa and PDOIS would have done the same thing. I’m sorry, but you cannot do that in an honest debate, and in any case, your claim that PDOIS would do the same can be dismissed as absolutely FALSE and malicious. PDOIS has been in existence long enough for people to know that they won’t engage in such practices.
It is so sad that the press secretary and advicers of the president cannot delineate individual opinion on what is systems change and regime change. If those entrusted with power are clueless of what governance and development parameters are;we are already doomed. Those castigating Halifa,s discosure during a convergence are showing there emptiness on what constitue goverance and development parmeters. They are emotional and partisan and expressing thier inner hatred for a political icon of international repute. Ask any of the ECOWAS,UN or AU delegates who met with the coalition membets during the political impasse
When an Ass brays, the owner is exicted but those who heard the bray can tell if the Ass is Adult or young. From the Government press release and the some members of the social media condeming Halifa. It is clear that they are amateurs . Very sad that the shepherd and his flock are all blind. The journey end is all the animals and their shepherd will never return to the cattle herds.
The sadness is on PDOIS and yourself who cannot notice an element of change in terms of regime and system. You must be myopic, hypocrite and sick in your minds. Surely and gradually the commission of inquiry is the stepping stone to excavate all the deep rooted matters relating to that 22years cronic system and
the country relies on those public servants for information. So it will be a while to gather necessary informative for any dismissals or retentions. I can tell you this government is set on right directions.
We are not interested in Halifa’s meetings of all the noble presidents, Kings, Queens, UN, EU or Ecowas personnel’s he is just Halifa who is leading a party of different taste to our beloved country. Why can’t he brays in Ministry of Health or Education in formulating policies towards rooted system which you are talking about. I hope you are keenly following his Europe
tours. He just brays about
3years mandate which the Gambians are not interested at this point in time. I can tell you the government is rightly on nation building which is paramount to us and Concerns of many Gambians. All the government officials were manned enough to take governmental responsibilities whilst you and PDOIS are bracing as asses in expensive empty halls in Europe.
It is rather unfortunate and very sad for you and PDOIS that you’ve no sheeps nor a shepherds because you are outfashioned in our modern politics. Gambians wants actions that will positively impact their lives nor big mouthed asses brays.
Let’s be civil and avoid personal attacks please. Let’s agree to disagree but let’s do so respectfully.
CBoss, you are definitely no fan of Halifa and PDOIS, and that’s perfectly normal and within your rights, but unless Halifa or any known PDOIS Members personally insult you, you have no right and no justification to insult Halifa and the PDOIS Party members.
I do not think that Buba Camara’s use of the “braying donkey” and its owner’s analogy is an insult against anyone, but even if you think it is, why do think it is right to insult Halifa and PDOIS in your response to him. Shouldn’t you limit your response to Buba alone?
Do you know Buba Camara personally and have no doubt that he is a PDOIS Member?
I am also curious to know why you have taken criticism of our government so personally, that you can react in the way you did? Do you see yourself as having more bona-fide claim on The Gambia Government, than the rest of us, otherwise, your reaction makes no sense.
As Gambians, the government is very much ours, as it is yours and whilst you have every right to defend its every action, so too have we got the same rights to differ with you. We will have to learn to live with this reality of divergent opinions, in this new Gambia. So, welcome aboard.
Sorry where did I insult Halifa or PDOIS? I think we are all trying to put our points across the masses. I personally don’t hate Halifa or PDOIS but their ideologies are wrong for our country and the way they’re undermining the efforts of the government thus; why can’t they give due respect where it deserves. Even one good deed deserves a praise. So why don’t he and his party give praises when they sees progress on good things happening in the country. Instead they’ll
bragged themselves to take all praises when Assembly seets, when in Europe or Americas. Is that what you want?
If you didn’t mean to insult Halifa and PDOIS by branding them “braying asses”, I will accept that, but calling someone a braying ass, is an insult. Next time, be sure you know what an expression means before you us it. No disrespect, meant.
Again, you are repeating that their “ideology” is wrong for our country, but you have not yet mustered the courage to give just one example of why this is so. Let’s see what you mean, please.
Look, Halifa has never asked anyone to praise him, and he is not in the business of praising public officials, but if people want to praise him for his efforts, why do you begrudge him for that? Are you jealous that those you support aren’t getting that many praises from well informed individuals; not the unthinking, blind loyalists who often say that even if their chosen leader gives them a dog, they will vote for it.
And since you asked, I will tell you that I don’t buy into this idea of praise singing. If I have my way, the most public officials will get is a “thank you” for a job well done. Period. No adulation, nor hero worship.
Empty barrels make the most sound.Reading through the comments and taking note of the pros and contras of the new administration at Fajara,which as usual is brought to the limelight by both positive and negative analyses and comments.
It does not matter how many academic doctorates or qualifications you bagged,the aim and ambition is to control or at least try to put into practice those masteries that you have acquired.
Some intellectuals and key position holders are just wolves in sheep clothings judging from what they are advocating now, the positions or their stance towards the former administration during its haydays and their actions trying to prejudge the transprent moves of the New Gambian administration.
They will go about it with all the powers their distorted intellect dictates them without logically reasoning what is at hand. Some will kill and steal lie and blachmail others just to be materially rich. Do not envy such a wealth accumulated in dishonest treacherous and self betraying deals, they are equal to your hard earned penny. Truth shall always prevail at the end.
“Halifa should have taken position” a shallow and toddler thinking. Appointed as Minister or Director of Press and elected as Member of Parliment which is one is more dedicated to service the people? Looters of coffers in the name of ghost international conferences, country wide treks, procurement kickbacks and those ratifying laws and loans for the poor and vulnerable to meet social and economic needs .take one and tell which is better for us?
if khalifa is still a candidate to the presidency better staying in the opposition because because two or three candidates or presidenciables in the same government is just not gonna work x
The task facing this coalition would test even the greatest economic and democratic minds/ But I feel Gambia has fielded a school football team against Real Madrid.
I mean we are all property developers once we take paint from can. We can all ameliorate funds into a Political party’s bank account But controlling a national treasury requires a Phd in economics and 20 years experience and an army of statistics. We can all protest the illegality of the Jammeh administration, but building a cohesive all inclusive nation requires patience and good will toal without favour. Not knee jerk reactions claiming the killers were facing civilians carrying guns.
I am not saying Halifa is the solution to all Gambian problems, only that his proven maturity and consistency, with a well defined plan, appears to me be several levels higher in potential success value than the combined disorganised and contentious APRC polices that the UDP are trawling. A plan with a compass, will stop us
walking round in circles a dieing from lack of food and water. Because this coalition are heading for the Mother of all financial drop downs.
So far there has been no statement from President Barrow distancing himself and the Coalition from this vitriolic and unprovoked attack on Mr Sallah and PDOIS. A fully empowered member and leader of an opposition party.
The parallel with Jammeh can not be overlooked.
Why the unfair criticism of a regime that inherited a rotten, corrupt and dysfunctional government with no system in place. Old generators and ferries were bought in place of new machines/ferries and he pocketed the difference in prices. We saw old generators being brought to Kotu and Brikama Power stantions claiming that they were new machines. They are old and need servicing before a complete breakdown of the power system and hence the power shortages. The present government took over empty state coffers, which was looted by the Jammeh regime. It is very unfortunate that some unpatriotic Gambians are blind to these realities. Where are the ferries Jammeh brough claiming to be new. Very old models and outdated ferries that never offered even one service to the Gambia people. It is a disgrace and insult to the Gambian people for such a dis-service to the population by Jammeh. All in an effort to loot the state coffers
We should be honest to ourselves and give respect where it is due. The regime change is barely one year and you expect miracles from empty state coffers and dysfunctional one-man government. This is not possible. The regime has changed and the systems are changing. Some changes are already in place and we have to be honest to accept the truth unless the mind continues to be biased against the new regime.
In the regime of Yahya Jammeh, which is a one-man decision making government, even for a local primary school, all decisions have to be taken by the tyrant, dictator and murderer Jammeh. The entire system was broken down. Only one person can take decision, otherwise, you may loose your life. Can’t the critics of President Jammeh see the difference now. Open your minds to the reality and be honest to yourselves.
If you want to be blind to realities and the truth, NOBODY can make you see even with your eyes wide open. TRUTH IS BITTER
Bax don’t argue with CBoss,my mentor says never argue with a fool,you will always be the loser.Let those hungry big for nothing people try to fix the economy and let the ordinary Gambians feel that the change they wanted has come.How do you reduce transport fares only to increase the cost of fuel a month later? don’t they know that all these has an adverse impact on the citizenry.Let the government and its surrogates address issues and stop the personal attacks,if they can’t stand the heat let them park and leave the kitchen period.Halifa is right a million times, we have a regime change and not a system change.
Solo; The coalition spokes person claims the coalition have reduced fuel costs three times this year. Is this right ? Or are you right ?
They also claim they {the coalition} have reduced basic food prices substantially…is this right ?
Read Ms Sissoho’s press release on behalf of The Office of The President.
Bax
Cboss is not least matured and learned. I wil not follow his personal insults on me, or Hon Halifa bcos it will so we are equal in immaturity.
My contributions did not touch any personal issues but governance and development issues.If my learned colleague is claiming knowlegeable and free from all forms of hatred(personal and partisa) against Halifa,PDOIS ,or other Gambians debating genuinely on the current affairs of the Gambia,then let him stick to the debate as a way expressing opinions.
We are all Gambians and none can claim to want progress the than the other if only we are really true to type.
Cboss kindly define in the context of the current gambia,what is systems Change and list the system changes that have taken place in the last 9 months?
Bax let the debate continue and cboss and his angry,emotional and but assumebly learned debaters answers the Big question in thr gambian context. Waiting to see.
Bax, am glad you admitted Halifa’s betrayal of our beloved country and you also pointed out the knock out blows he suffers from his own party colleague recently. TRUTH SHALL ALWAYS PREVAIL.
I apologise if you think i insulted you or any, and showing you immaturity as you proclaimed.
Coming back to your question about system change. There are a number of seemingly intractable or wicked problems facing the world in general: severe and multiple disadvantages, climate change, poverty, gender inequality, and so on but narrowing to our political situation in our beloved country, The Gambia. In a narrative context a System Change is about the ways of addressing the root causes of our social problems. These causes are often intractable and embedded in networks of cause and effect.
I think this infant government has intentionally set up processes designed to fundamentally alter those components and structures (for examples, bad governance, bad resources management, bad human rights records, personalisation and ownership institutions, tribalism etc) that cause the system to behave in a certain way to which our talk is central about.
Citizens unless we attempt to deal with the root causes of social problems, we will only be mitigating the consequences of malfunctioning systems, or even providing inadvertent cover for their failure, where we will not create the change we want to see.
I can tell you system change would not be the only way of addressing our social problems, but it will provides a helpful way of understanding them and evaluating them, and sets out principles for achieving change, and in my view and views of many this government is doing their utmost, day in, day out to bring that change and slowly and surely we will recover from the past system inflicted on us by the former regime(s). For example a there is clear manifestation of this government excellent approaches in setting up truth and reconciliation, commission of inquiry, enjoyment of free speech and expression, the all inclusive government, the respect for human rights, women empowerment, attention to our environment, reductions on food commodity and fuel prices, fully functional legislative are all policies and structures which the government placed paramount importance and will now have positive impacts on our societies, institutions and politics in general.
I hope this provides you a useful information.
Give thumbs up for the government.
“Thumps up” for the changes you alluded to, but apart from the commission of enquiry (which is an attempt to find out who abused the system and the loses the state incurred, rather than a system change), the rest are operational changes; not system change.
That we enjoy free speech or freedom from rampant arrests or greater attention to the environment, etc. is not down to the fact that the structures, processes and legislation (which is the system) that permitted the curtailment of those enjoyments have changed, but rather, it is down to the fact that the operation methods have changed:
Whereas the former regime relied on the same structures, but disregarded the processes and legislation, the current government is adhering to the processes and legislation, and that’s only because Barrow is different from Jammeh, but you shouldn’t need anyone to convince you that Barrow can become another Jammeh, if he chooses to, because he has the same system at his disposal.
Take Executive Orders, for example, a tool within the system. Isn’t these the ones abused to withdraw monies from the Central Bank? I can’t remember how the recent fare reductions was done, but I think it was through an Executive Order, wasn’t it? In any case, Executive Orders are there within the system and President Barrow can exercise them to withdraw monies or instruct the opening and paying of state funds into commercial accounts, and the order will be carried out.
We are not safe from abuse emanating from that tool yet, until we reign in those powers of the president, and that would be an aspect of system change.
The more I listen to Hon Sallah’s statements on system change, the more convinced I am that it wasn’t a criticism against the Barrow Administration, per se, though it has been used, at least in one instance, to explain to the audience, how system change in agriculture can improve the situation of farmers and women gardeners. In my view, that example would constitute genuine criticism, even if it was viewed, as such.
I think the criticism goes beyond the current administration, right back to our emergence as a partially independent country in 1965, and how we have not been able to change the system we inherited, that was structured to perform a certain role.
In fact, Halifa always reminds his audience that the Coalition government is a transitional one, which can only do so much, and that they (PDOIS) felt that they could be more useful in the NA, where they can guide the process, exercising oversight role, rather than in Cabinet, where they won’t be able to guide anyone or exercise oversight role over anyone.
I have still not watched all the available videos, but I don’t think there would be anything to change my perception, as the message is a fairly consistent one, so far, in every meeting he held. I am therefore baffled as to how the Barrow Administration saw the statements as a criticism against it, warranting a response, though I fully respect their decision to so.
The problem I see, being the reason for all this confusion, is that many people don’t listen to understand. They listen, just to pounce on anything an opponent says, that they think they can use to enforce their narrative on the public or portray him/her in a certain way. That was why my first reaction to the press statement was that it gave the official seal of endorsement to the anti-Halifa bashing by UDP social media activists, hence my scepticism about its origin.
Otherwise, a call for system change by Mr Sallah, will not be misconstrued the way it has been done, because a system is a broad term that has got constituent components to it, some of which, like National Institutions, have got their own systems: so we are talking about systems within a system, and how could anyone understand Halifa’s statements, as meaning that all of these should be changed in one parliamentary season.
One other thing we should know about a system, is that it can be shaped and influenced by a sitting administration, in a number of ways, two of which can be by (1) creating new institutions with new systems (or reducing existing ones/changing their system) and (2) embedding its operational practices into the system, through legislation, and whereas these practices should naturally end with the end of the regime, they would still remain even if the regime has gone. Let me just give two examples:
1. National Intelligence Services (NSS: under Jawara- changed to NIA:under Jammeh). This institution, though created by Jawara, went significant alterations, not only in name, but also in structure and operational practices. Whilst under Jawara they didn’t have the power to arrest and detain, that changed under Jammeh, through legislation. Jammeh is gone, but what is the status now? Even if the practice has ended, has the system changed?
2. President’s business activities: under Jawara, a sitting president cannot engage in business because the system (legislation) bars it, but that was changed and embedded into the system, through additional legislation to reflect the practices of the previous holder of the position, and though the practice may have ended, it is still possible.
Scales, the economic and finance minister is an accountant by profession and led the accountant general team prior to jammeh’s illegal takeover. So people in command have a variety of knowledge to manage the economy.
On to Hon. Sallah. His troubles if any, are self inflicted. You either take ownership of a coalition or you consequently part company with it. And parting company means giving up all advisory roles one is holding. For it cannot be that a Presidential adviser and a member of a coalition perpetually criticise the very cabinet it suppose to be advising as well as a gov’t his party is signatory to.
Even if I hold the personal view that Hon. Sallah’s comments didn’t qualify a retort from the president, i am sympathetic to the idea that the relationship between the president and Sallah be cleared up once and for all. Let them go further and clarify the status of pdois within the coalition.
Clarify the status of PDOIS within the coalition? What’s not clear to you? PDOIS is a member party of the Coalition Government, serving in the Legislative Arm. I don’t know what needs clarification here.
Kinteh (Kemo), I don’t know how current you are with issues, but Halifa has never been an adviser to cabinet, and the advisory role between him and President Barrow is voluntary now, and only given when the president seeks it.
Then evidently people who are so not so educated as you, wouldn’t be able to distinguish between the double mandate i.e. being a coalition partner but feign cabinet responsibility and accord oneself the right to hold the govt accountable by way of public critism. Evidently both roles cannot function amicably. Hence, it is probably not surprising that the president responded in the kind we saw lately. Now it is probably clear to the populace what is boiling up behind the scenes. That the working relationship between the president and Mr. Sallah is of mistrust and pdois is an opposition party to the current govt. I dont see it that way but that does not give me right to digenerate those who have this impression.
Please, quit the sarcasm. I don’t expect that from you. People may want to enforce their own narratives on the us, but everyone knows that PDOIS and Halifa are members of the Coalition Government. That’s the point I was making, and where the statement from the OP makes that clear, what other clarification would anyone require? Does that degenerate anyone?
It is absolutely normal in politics, for members of parliament of a ruling party, to differ with the executive, vote against and defeat bills it brings to the legislature, criticise members of cabinet publicly and even openly call for their resignation or removal.
If we can’t entertain genuine criticism, what kind of change are we actually talking about? Are we supposed to be content with the operational changes that makes rampant arrests, detentions, disappearances and killings, a thing of the past and aspire for nothing else?
Kemo; I respect your comments and advice for dialogue in place of public conflict that serves no one least,,,, of all Gambians.
Having observed Gambia for 17 years, I find the discord between the former opposition and now the government and Mr Sallah a frequent occurrence, and nothing much to bother about. But it does bring out the impasse of “my leader is better than your leader. My policy is better than your policy. My record is better than your record”. But it is much better than, being Jailed, Tortured or disappeared.
We are testing democracy and so far Gambians are slowly finding their voice. It’s just the personal attacks are too far. But this is a Gambian thing and nothing to worry about.
Very true. We are finding our voices but the experience is proving to be daunting. Many don’t even understand the basics: freedom of choice, divergence of opinions and agreement to disagree. Instead, differences in opinions is seen as enmity, warranting personal attacks. Very, very sad.
Bax; That’s why you’re here… You are the great educator..I don’t know about the rest..but you inspire me.
Your education, Brilliance of mind,,,, and focus on what really matters is trustworthy and worthy of great respect.
To be honest that’s why I’m here too.
God Bless you Bax.
Bax
Can we see the response from CBOSS et al on my question which is left unanswered in the last 12 hrs. Gambians are eager to get their response
I hope he (Cboss) stays on the forum and exchange ideas, like Babu Soli, though he and his “good friends” do tangle unpleasantly most times.
Love For Gambia,
Your assertions about Mama Kande, GDC is your personal opinion which I cannot refute. But remember that in less than a few years he obtained over 19% of votes in the Presidential race last year and has some NAMs in the National Assembly. He made a successful visit to his symphatizers in Europe and is gradually building his party to the Gambian people’s favour. Though I’m an APRC and not a GDC, I like this man and his party more than the UDP, and Mai Fatty’s GMC, Hamat Bah’s NRP.
I also like and respect PDOIS and all her leadership.
The PPP should just fade away and leave space for the emerging constructive parties like the up-coming AGNP, to be led by former Minister Hydara.
Welcome to all the parties that will unseat the CORRUPT, INEPT, INCOMPETENT, INCAPABLE, TRIBALIST UDP and its ILLITERATE man in presidential clothing.
You are day dreaming. Probably not yet over the lost of paradise and the eradication of the mandinka as promised by your idol Babili Mansa. But I also welcome a formidable opposition to govt, which I think should strengthen UDP instead of weakening it. UDP will not be weakened by gdc or alliances between gdc, aprc and pdois. The danger for UDP would, if anything, come from within. I would think that they are best adviced to pursue a broadly fair and diverse membership pool.
I also think the competition also has a long way to go to appeal to a large section of the gambian society. Babu soli, aprc and gdc are unfortunately nonstarters for they have already ruled out the mandinka populations from their calculus and I assume the affected group have also ruled out Babu, aprc and gdc to represent them. Now do the maths!
Kinteh (Kemo), that’s a very interesting observation: danger of UDP coming from within!! Would I bother you if I ask HOW?
“Halifa Sallah is wrong” he should have taken position and” avoid the blame game”. We saw a spurr of comments first from the Goverment and later from colleagues putting negative unwarranted comments against him .
My question to all those reading and commenting negatively is
What is systems change?
In the context of the Gambia, list the system changes that have taken place in the last 9 months?
CBOSS et al, the debate is on and let see the definitions and the evidences !
objectivity, professionalism and truth are cardinal behavioural adaptations that distingushes men
Brother bax, let me get the gist from CBOSS et al
I think Cboss has done the disappearing act. It’s a shame though, because he/she would have enriched this forum. Divergence is our strength and relevance here. Come Cboss!! Let’s hear from you.
I think there is absolutely no doubt that we have achieved regime change, because “regime” is the body of people running the system. With this body of people gone, so too is the regime. The tricky and much talked about question, is whether there has been system change as well or whether we even have the political will to embark on it.
Like you said Buba, I will leave the other camp to put forth their arguments, if they so wish, but I am with Hon Sallah.
I honestly think that Halifa’s absence from Cabinet is already contributing to the citizens’ education and activism in a way that his presence wouldn’t do, and I want to present the current ongoing debates about “system change” versus “regime change”, as an example of this benefit.
The insults apart, which obviously has no place in our discussions, the divergence of views on this matter, amongst which are some quality information, would not have been shared if Halifa didn’t make that statement about the subject (system/regime change), and I think he would not have made that statement, if he was in cabinet.
The interest it generated, a lot of which is against Halifa’s position (of course erroneously, as they don’t really address the issue with understanding, in my view), nonetheless, is a positive indication that the youthful population of Gambians are changing and becoming, not only more involved in the politics of the country, but in the “right” way too.
That is something to admire from Halifa’s ability to provoke national debate on important issues, and that, I think and hope, should compensate for any “loss” we might have incurred from his decision not to go into cabinet. Agreed or not Kinteh (Kemo)????
Bro bax well said. I invite the debaters to send in their definition and context in the last 9 months. CBOSS ET AL we are waiting
CBOSS
a major ponit of correction. all yur statements and examples are operations elements of a sytem.Again this shows that indeed you and many like you are clusess and yet create the most controveries in the social media either to defend partisan or personal vengence against people yu percieve as enemies of the present govt or an enabler of the former.
One starting point to advice you is that this government is no holy saint and are therefore bound to err and comprise of cabinet member who may have gone to school but lack the basic understanding of practical public adminstration.
they therefore would be as equal to those illiterates in the villages. Yet you celebrate their ignorance to the point that yu get stuck in the mud
To the ponit; No systems change but rather regime change.
one of the starting and ending point is the Gambia Constitution which still remains the same but with bias hand picking of one section amended to favour one person!!!
A review and amendment of the constitution would have been the major stride in system change . In the constitutional review (functions of the judiciary,legislature&Cabinet) would have been reworked to eleminate the 22 years regimes “holy book” seen my most gambian as having been doctored
This reviewed could have been achieved within 100 days in the offfice of the present govt.Has this happened? What is holding it? I will pause and come later