ELECTION YEAR 2016: THE GAMBIAN DIASPORA AND THE JAMMEH REGIME

I'd written this back in 2014 and with a little tweak to reflect our current situation in the election year, I thought I'd reproduce.

I was sitting at home minding my business and thought I would grab my routine dose of Gambian News, so I went on reading the local Newspapers. I started with the Daily Observer and I saw a story about our ‘magnanimous’ president ‘negotiating’ the release from immigration detention and repatriation of Gambian Deportees from Angola. $10,000 USD forked out. As important as that story is, it was not as interesting to me as the next.

A January 16, 2014 Daily Observer headline “Ahead of March polls -Bissau authorities begin registration of 35,000 nationals. As I read on, I got to ‘The process that began earlier this week came against the backdrop of a series of sensitisation programmes by the Bissau-Guinean authorities in Banjul’ and I was already filled with sadness and anger, out of jealousy. ‘Really? Guinea Bissau!?’ I thought. This is not to be disrespectful to Bissau. I am cognizant of the fact that President Jammeh is not remotely close to anything democratic but in all fairness, we have a fairly stronger democratic establishments and/or ‘potential’ considering how the poor West African nation barely have any breathing space in-between their military coup d’états. Plus as ‘young’ as we consider our State to be, we attained independence almost a decade before Bissau. So that was the premise of my comparison. But let me get off that!

The 2007 Constitution of the Gambia: Chapter V (1)(1) clearly states that

“Every citizen of The Gambia being eighteen years or older and of sound mind shall have the right to vote for the purpose of elections of a President and members of the National Assembly, and shall be entitled to be registered as a voter in a National Assembly constituency for that purpose.”

I do not know what the constitutional stipulation on voter registration was in the first republic to be able to compare with what we have today; therefore, I am not able to have a take on that. What is a known fact though is that, Gambians in the Diaspora have been constitutionally enfranchised but deliberately marginalized on almost everything, by this regime since its inception. I have not seen any serious attempts by the Jammeh Administration to ever engage Gambians outside the country in any meaningful decision making or undertaking – especially politically. Proportionately (in the continent), the Gambia has one of largest per capita of academicians and professionals who studied and/or practiced their expertise outside its borders. And this is in all spheres or disciplines. Then how comes our Government is not keen on tapping in to the abundant resource pool to enrich our workforce or even entice some to come invest in their country of birth? Instead, we often see the leadership launching blanket attacks and threats, branding this particular constituency ‘failures and enemies’ of the Country.

To put the undisputed significance of the Diaspora Gambians in to perspective, I am going to try highlighting one thing here. From economic perspective, the financial prowess of Gambians abroad over the years has been too impacting that it’s felt in all aspects of the Gambian economy. Since many Gambian families depend on relatives outside the country for sustenance and sponsored projects, Gambians remit significant sums that make a substantive mark on the home economy.

In a West Coast radio interview with Director of Research at The Central bank of The Gambia (October 2013), it was revealed that ‘in the Gambia, remittance as a percentage of GDP, have grown significantly over the last decade from a mere 2.5% of GDP in the early 1990s to nearly 10% GDP around 2011’. That was some 3 years ago. In that interview, Gambians were told that the data compiled by the Central Bank had average remittances from Gambians abroad (through exchange bureaus) between 2008 and 2010 at about 54 million dollars. This number had increased to a whooping $85 million dollars in 2012, and a near 20% of our national GDP in 2014.

As significant as this block of Gambians is, the regime in Banjul has calculatedly disenfranchised diaspora Gambians and REFUSED to make any attempts to allow them have a say in any electoral process. The opposition Group of Six (G6) in their list of demands to the IEC, copied to the President, Attorney General and Speaker of the National Assembly, did include the registration of Gambians outside her borders to participate in the 2016 elections. These demands thus far have fallen on deaf ears. IEC would argue that they could not afford the finances and other logistics to conduct a voter registration of Gambians abroad but we are all aware of the allegations of voter fraud which IEC are an accomplice. Charges of voters transported in to the Gambia from Southern Senegal and have them planted in places recognized as opposition strongholds on election days. I bet the IEC would get funding, if they are keen on registering eligible Gambians in the Diaspora. Senegal, Bissau and many African countries have shown time and time again, the level of political maturity and all inclusiveness in working together as a people and nation in this area. WHY CAN’T GAMBIA? And it's regrettable and frustrating that the Diaspora hadn't really picked up this to vigorously incorporate in our local and international advocacy.

President Jammeh has no motivation or the slightest inclination to commit himself to favoring or strengthening democratic ideals that would diminish his status as a tyrant and weaken is powers as a brutish almighty. He’s been very comfortable taking advantage of the level of political and civic education of our illiterate majority and would never willingly allow Gambians who live outside and tasted any semblance of democracy that has been foreign to us for 22 years, be part of any mechanism that could boot him out. Remember the Information and Communication (Amendment) Act 2012 aka the Internet Laws? Considering the amount of opposition outside the country from Senegal to UK, France to America, any hopes of negotiation to have Gambians abroad participate in the 2016 Presidential Elections is next to nothing. If Bissau-Guinea are able to do this, Gambians must demand their right to vote and choose who represents them. We are a significant constituency and must use our leverage to compel the Jammeh administration recognize and respect us as such. Our pockets are our bargaining chips, so why can’t we use them? This is one of the many reasons that the Diaspora need to put their house in order and graduate from cyber activism and radio fights to claim our rightful position in our politics. We are equal stakeholders and all hands must be on deck

Salaam!

Pata PJ

CORPORATIONS vs PEOPLE LOYALTY

The concept of 'Corporate Personhood' sees Corporations/Businesses as People/Persons with 'Lives' but without a Soul. They demand 'Loyalty' from 'Natural Persons' in their pursuit to amass wealth and have their books beyond balance at the end of every financial year.

Man, in proving this loyalty, gets flirted with and lustfully lured into a relationship that often consumes him. He sometimes sacrifices ALL including family and personal time. Costly opportunity costs that are hardly sufficiently compensated nor rewarded.

Because Corporations are selfish entities, only loyal to a degree that they set themselves, never see man as indispensable. At the slightest suspicion of infidelity, they abruptly, viciously cut you off with little remorse or consideration for what you made for them or where you got them.

Though much of the terms of this relationship are dictated by Corporations, Natural Man must be smart in how he displays Loyalty while he pursues career and riches. The balance, especially between Work and Family or personal health must not be the ultimate sacrifices because these soulless 'people' aka Corporations are always ready to cut you off and move on! Their loyalty is to their Shareholders! The relationship is hardly in good faith from both sides.

Work honestly to earn decent living but watch that loyalty card while at it.

AND THAT'S ONLY A REMINDER!

Pata PJ

DWELL IN HEAVEN, MOM!

IF this period were to be the measure of my emotional or even physical strength, I'd failed so miserably. I'd looked at myself in the mirror so very many times to see my fleshed up frame carrying an evidently empty soul. I came to the realization that I was never as strong as I credited myself. Most times it takes a loss and some times a win, to gauge ones emotional tenacity.

2015, a year that I'd forever remember for its basketful of bad omen. A lot had happened. From my mom battling the many mild strokes, my only aunty passing, to my mother losing the fight. I'd been emotionally drained

Many a times I'd quieten down my public activities or wore a bold, unbothered public persona, but broke down and cried my pupils out alone from the stress and pressure of imagining what my moms was going through but more so, the possibility of losing her. Fact is, you're NEVER prepared for a loss of a parent. I savored every minute she was alive and at her best, but appreciated what I might have taken for granted more when that changed.

Anyone who knows me would know how I'd not hold a minute conservation without finding a way to thrust her name in it. That is my lady. That is my best friend. Truth is, I'd lost loved ones including my dad several years ago. They were tough losses but nothing slightly compares to moms. I'm my mommas boy!

The day doctors told us that she had a near-zero chance of making it, I'd already overdrafted on the permissible limit to which one should emotionally break down in a certain period. Deep inside, I wanted to accept what science and medicine said but deliberately laid in bed assuring myself that God and miracle are realer. I built this vault of hope that my mother would pull through this. I would wake up from sleep, grab phone to see if there was a missed call or message from Gambia about what I'd been dreading. I was calling my sister several times a day to ask if she'd moved any part of her body, said a word or opened her eyes. By this time I'd been struggling with the last images of the frail, helpless woman who was more than 40 years my senior, laid in bed. I was praying that  she walks out of that hospital even if aided by a machine, or AT LEAST SAY A WORD TO ME. Just say my name or know that I was on the phone.

My brother flying in to the Gambia to be with moms lessened the guilt and frustration that she might passed in our absence but not my hope that miracle was still possible. Ten days later, she'd pass away couple of hours after I'd spoken to them and was told her breathing had improved, though with the aid of an oxygen machine. I called back to tell my brother that they make sure she wasn't in a coma mistaken for dead. I was in denial. I was crushed by the hurt in his voice. He must have been exhausted from sobbing and disappointment that she succumbed to the fight. I wish we could have done anything more but we'd given ol' girl every fighting chance to cling on.

If God were to grant me just one favor, I'd ask that HE forgives my mother's earthly shortcomings, transgressions and wheel her through the pearly gates of Heaven, to dwell in peacefully. That assurance, I'd take over anything. That would ease the disturbed thoughts of all the unpleasant fears of the unknown in the grave.

Different people deal with emotional turbulence and grief differently. I withdraw in to my shell because I have the propensity to break down when my soft spot is poked. So to all those who called and/or sent messages, I do apologize for not responding early. That's my weakness. However, YOU ALL eased this period for me. During the moment that I withdrew, I thought I was doing well sedating myself with anything that would help me sleep the pain away only to wake up and pick from where I'd left it. What I realized was that your calls and messages were more comforting, consoling and helpful. They soothed me. I garnered strength from the condolences and prayers, AND I Thank YOU!

To my girl, my mommy, I hope you're in a better place. I do sometimes find myself picking the phone wanting to call you in the mornings, then catch myself. With time, the wound will heal but the mark shall be eternal. And I'm OK with that. I'll be fine, and very sure will continue to have those days and moments for the rest of my life. And that too, I'm OK with. If I had known I wasn't seeing you again, I'd have hugged and squeezed to break a bone, but we settled for a hug! In the next Life I'd still choose you for a mother. I'm my mother's child.

FOREVER YOUR BABY, JO!

Pata J. Saidykhan

YAYA'S MISSION IS TO DESTROY. AND DESTROY, HE WILL

Yaya Jammeh has for the longest time graduated from intimidating and/or 'teaching' your people lessons. He's been on the very mission he's had since birth, translated to possibility on the day the gang of bandits with arms accidentally chose him to lead what'd become a murderous enterprise.

Yaya's primary goal is to wreck YOU and your countrymen, bring them down to what he had always been - NOTHINGNESS. The hateful, vindictive nature of this man is his motivation in everything he does in life: 'As long as I'm in this position, NO Gambian shall shine or realize their potential.'

Yaya Jammeh will continue to stunt and eventually destroy your country's creme de la creme (the youth) and shorten the lives of your parents and country's gem. Because he's never known, had, love from the womb to the cradle to adulthood, he's taking is misery on your countrymen. To him, your potential, ability, success is a threat to his soul. It burns him.

Inarguably, there's barely on a hands count, very few 'deserved' people languishing in jail. Majority of them are innocent, thrown in detention to rot (physically, psychologically) in hell, as he giggles and amuses himself at their peril. The one thing to help save what's left of our good people is to refuse to partake, any shape or form, in his quest to destroy your own people. Those with better, richer conscience, would do what these two ladies and those before them did, by refusing to give false testimonies against an innocent man. Refuse without uttering 'No', by not showing up at their treacherous dealings. I'd be killed first before I be an accomplice in sending another person to hell for Yaya Jammeh. It's sad.

We have to translate our disgust, frustration and contempt for the awful leadership and regime by turning our backs on them. Otherwise, YOU and I remain the next meal on the menu - Victims.

Peace To The Planet.

Pata PJ

YAYA JAMMEH ISN'T OUR REFLECTION.

People, Nations, change over time, even if temporarily, mostly dependent on situations they're dealt. Depending on the experience, our positions, reactions and thought processes would swing. Biases, prejudices are built. Alliances are formed, new adversaries are made. This is all over the world. Gambia after the 1994 regime change, the United States after September 11, Manchester United after Ferguson retired. It's human nature.

In spite of all that, I do believe that Humans are generally good. That's not to say bad, evil souls aren't found in humans as are in jinns. What I found disappointing is to see folks allow a singularly distasteful experience shape the rest of their existence, and REFUSE TO SEE GOOD in others. That we have become cynics and natural critics that nothing from others could be out of good faith. That we've become so untrusting of others that  Our immediate endeavors or wishes would be for them to trip and fail, so their weaknesses, shortcomings get illuminated. Highlighted.

One reason why I never subscribe to the belief that Yaya Jammeh is a reflection of Gambians is because Yaya wasn't anybody before 1994. Prior to '94, things we're hearing, seeing in Gambia today were an anomaly, and the Gambia is a significantly older nation. It was not born in 1965. If we are able to live together, work together in such a cordial, near-excellent condition, how do we allow Jammeh's 22 year reign of misrule punctuated by repression and fear define us as a people or nation?

It'd help if we acknowledge and respect our situation, condition, that we're not unique. Any nation that tasted the pills of oppression or dictatorship suffer a great deal of division, disunity and trust deficiency because THAT'S how those kinds of regimes thrive. It's often always the circumstances that pushed everybody on a survival mode and the crabs in a barrel scenario ensues. I'm NOT saying that's OK. I'm only giving a reason for our temporary state that's going to change once this cancer is out.

Therefore, could we be a little optimistic and faithful instead of the over zealous cynicism and stop cultivating the 'Gambia Du Dem' mentality. I see that saying as an excuse. Could we be fair and honest that though Ibrahim once erred, even if it was in judgment, intentionally or not, he could still have the capacity to bounce back and get back on track. We cannot expect to make headway when each time David or Kaddijatou says or does something our instant reaction would be 'Don't trust them. They're not up to any good'? Why do we seek to poke hole in each other's motivations when we know that our individual efforts tho important, could not yield us much dividend as when we coalesce and work together?

We have to get to a point where hard decisions gotta be made, about leaving behind perennial cynics and naysayers, and forge on with those willing to ditch petty differences or still bruised over hurt feelings. The 21 years of dictatorship sure could impact our being but must not define us as a people and nation. Yaya Jammeh isn't a reflection of me or my people. Gambians are generally a good people. We're NOT seeking perfection but greatness. Perfection only a Godly attribute - says those of faith.

Kambia bitaa leh. Dina Dem.

Peace To The Planet!

Pata PJ

GAMBIA: LET AMADOU, MAMUT & EBOU GO!

In the past couple of years, a few things about the Gambia and are her affairs had me devastated and broken down to a point of withdrawal. I'd doubted if I was indeed emotionally and psychologically prepared for this fight to rid Gambia of the repressive jaws of the 21-year old tyrant with all the emotional rollercoaster.

When the video clip of a visibly tortured Amadou Sanneh paraded on GRTS surfaced, I was crushed. I was sad and wept for the old man who was physically manhandled to coerce and force a confession of wrongdoing out of him before he had his day in court. The humiliation had me livid.

On December 30, 2014, when an attempt to effectively terminate the worst regime subsaharan Africa has seen including during colonialism. It was bad enough that Yaya Jammeh was not caged or riddled with bullets, the lost of lives that we suffered of decent patriots who risk it all for country and her people still feels like a nightmare that wish I could undo. We've still not recovered from that.

The reason I reserved a lot of respect for sister Juka Ceesay is beside her unflinching commitment to getting work done, this young lady embodies what 'true family' is. She is relentless and courageous in refusing to budge as she fights on with hope and faith that her brother Alhagie Mamut Ceesay would come home. Same can be said of a devout, bravehearted wife Mai Badgie. When I saw her at the demonstration in DC with her son under the scorching sun, I stared and applauded. But things were unbearable when the whole family including the mother of Mamut Ceesay, broke down on radio, pleading for their family loved ones to be let go. That faithful Friday afternoon was tough.

All these are caused and brought to us by one person - Yaya Jammeh. The President of the Gambia, elected and sworn in to serve and protect Gambian lives and properties, has chosen to not only abuse but maim and disappear innocent nationals who pose no threat to him or his regime. This man, who had from childhood been a beneficiary of the people and families he derives pleasure from hurting, has been nothing but a vindictive, mean-spirited renegade. He's become synonymous to Gambian State and his paranoia has morphed the State into a heartless Dracula.

When news of 'Amnesty' and Prisoner 'Pardon' broke, I held my breathe with anticipation that many innocent people languishing in state custody, but must especially Amadou Sanneh, Alhagie Mamut Ceesay and Ebou Jobe, would be let go to reunite with their families. Until very recently, when I wake up the first thing I do is to check 'breaking news' headlines to a point that I'd recently dreamt about them granting an interview on radio. That is how emotionally invested I am in this. I've struggled to comment about them because the many questions about why they're detained in the first place and obvious uncertainty of their condition is tough to imagine. Why they're still kept when murderers, rapists and large-scale drug dealers walked is beyond me. Well not really. The explanation could be found in the hateful, unreasonable, erratic nature of an unfair, unjust president in Jammeh.

I've been deflated for over a week and thought I'd tune out to take a break but it's impossible. Despite our disappointments we must never relent or despair. The resolve and faith of the families who are going through this are an inspiration. We must redouble our efforts to demand the release of these gentlemen by hitting all pressure points. Yaya Jammeh, the State are solely responsible for the wellbeing of these people, and we'll continue to hold him personally accountable.

FREE AMADOU
FREE EBOU
FREE MAMUT

Pata PJ

August 6, 2015

THE GAMBIA DEMOCRACY FUND MUST NOT DIE!

YOU ARE GDF. I AM GDF. WE ARE GDF.

This is YOUR project. OUR project. The people who have had enough of the mal-administration in the country by an executive ran by one selfish individual, who has no regard for you and your existence, are reminding you us that we cannot endure this burden any longer. The people have seen 21 years of tyranny which is evident of the existential threat that the Gambia and her people face. The people have cried under the yoke of oppression that has taken away what's yours to replace it with a replenished crop of unconscionable draculas whose everyday occupation has been to keep you a downtrodden nation and a people.

We're left with no choice but to pick ourselves up, raise our voices, hands and #pockets to put an end to this. We have the capacity, with the human resources at our disposal. You may say a lot about the thinly stretched land that we call home, but since her coming to being, the Gambia was never short of better, greater, able sons and daughters to keep her alive since the 'improbable nation' tag was thrown at it. The tag didn't stick because WE refused. This period isn't any different. The long, hard but temporal undemocratic space that we are in is about to crumble. Crumbling not by itself but because you and I refused to entertain it any longer. All what is required is actionable action to walk out of this abusive relationship.

GDF is here to be a #vehicle for a needed change. There are 'Drivers' at GDF but YOU the Gambian, the only donor, are it's #engine. Let's oil the engine and be our own GPS and/or map. Let's support in anyway, any capacity we can but most importantly with our pockets to uproot the current system and replace it with a big, better system of our choosing. Let's chip in what we could, and NO amount is too small.

YOU ARE GDF. I AM GDF. WE ARE GDF. Don't accept anything to the contrary.

Pata PJ
August 17, 2015