Letters to the Editor

Unforgettable days in African lands Dear editor When it is said that Cubans in The Gambia are always recognised the hundreds of thousands of men and women of the largest of the Antilles who travelled and work until today through African lands offering their best in favour of the true independence of the peoples, and distributing solidarity in the most recondite places of the so-called forgotten continent. Stand out, of course, the heroic guerrilla Ernesto Che Guevara, and the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, both of whom converted into genuine symbols of sovereignty, brotherhood and dignity, and deserving of an admiration without limits. They, along with Raúl Castro and many anonymous heroes of the Caribbean nation, were the ones who sowed with their example, and even with their own blood, large seeds in Africa that continue to germinate in all corners, despite the adverse and convulsive times who lives the world today. Without a doubt, Che and Fidel are reincarnated today in thousands of Cuban aid workers, especially health professionals, who heal and save lives, a fundamental human right, without charging a single penny to their patients. Children, young people, adults and the elderly of any social stratum, ethnic group or religion strive to thank the Cuban doctors, as they are called in The Gambia with marked respect and reverence, and they acclaim them to the point of demanding their permanent presence in this humble but very hospitable country of the African West, with around two million inhabitants. These days, more than hundred doctors and health technicians from the archipelago dean celebrated, together with Gambian friends, the 60th anniversary of the Caribbean Revolution, and the advent of 2019 in the Island’s Diplomatic Mission in Banjul. Countless were the signs of affection and brotherhood exchanged between the representatives of one and another town, while repeating phrases such as: “Africa will have to be eternally grateful to Fidel and his children,” as I heard several of those attending the event. For its part, Gambian media have echoed the festivities for the birthday of the Cuban Revolution, while denouncing the cruel and unjust blockade that the United States has imposed on the Caribbean nation for six decades. In the national press have also highlighted several interventions by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, in which he praised the work of the well-baptised Pacific Army of Batas de Cuba, and called his compatriots to unity to continue to reap victories in the face of the sieges of the empire. Proud to be Cubans we feel all those who now receive the warmth of grateful peoples and governments, who always accompany us in our struggle. Thanks Africa. Rubén Abelenda Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Republic of The Gambia         Re: PDOIS renews vow to sacrifice for a better Gambia Dear editor, Thanks PDOIS. I will be officially joining this party based on your principles and politics. I followed all the congresses that took place, and admired the style and conduct of the PDOIS Congress. It was down-to-earth, to the grassroot Gambian where I saw equality, opportunity to be heard, and sincerity to the Gambian people. Your resolutions are geared towards the Gambian dream, and I pray for them to be realised. The PDOIS congress was focused on national issues; the state, citizenery, national economy and the constitution. unlike other parties, who were all bent on self-prestige, personification and grandiousness with no national development agenda. I have since left the party I was supporting for PDOIS. Name and address not provided         Is First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow above the law? Dear editor, Readers could recall that an egg was once broken by the Fatu Network, alleging that First Lady Madam Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow’s Foundation was involved in a corruption scandal as per the famous D35 million which was said to be transferred by an unknown person/entity. The news triggered an uprising by activists and campaigners. As a result, one of the leading activists Awa Ceesay initiated a campaign “Fatoumatta Kodoo Lay” and gathered the attention of so many patriots across the length and breadth of our dear motherland The Gambia. In solidarity, a lot of nationalists expressed their total disappointment and dissatisfaction with FaBB’s alleged corruption scandal. On a similar note, the managing director of Social Security Housing Finance Corporation, Mr Muhammed Manjang, was accused by the staff of the corporation of corruption, abuse of office, and nepotism. This followed a petition they filed earlier last year to the Public Accounts Commitee of the National Assembly among other relevant stakeholders. Manjang was asked to go on leave as the standoff between him and some staff of the corporation fell under presidential investigation. Surprisingly, no commission of inquiry has been instituted regarding the famous, mysterious and untold D35 million found in FaBB’s account. Section 200 (1) of the 1997 Constitution empowers the president to constitute a commission of inquiry and appoint one or more commissioners to make inquiry for the public good. The National Assembly may also request the president to establish a commission of inquiry if need be. Meanwhile, according to the 2017 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International. The Gambia is the 130 least corrupt nations out of 175 countries. Corruption rank in The Gambia averaged 115.80 from 2003 until 2017, reaching an all-time high of 158 in 2008 and a record low of 77 in 2011. Corruption is a major disease that is affecting the progress of the new Gambia. All stakeholders should put their hands on deck to help eradicate corruption and banish it to beyond Pluto. Furthermore, The Gambia belongs to Gambians both at home and abroad and by speaking out, we can make our motherland great. Leadership is undoubtedly the ability to influence and lead by example. Besides, a rule for one should be a rule for all in the strive for rebuilding the new Gambia we want. That would one day be the last place of hope on earth. Saidina Alieu Jarjou Blogger [email protected]]]>