WE ARE REPORTING THAT THIS TRAIN IS “DERAILED” RUNNING OF THE TRACKS LAID OUT FOR RECOVERING THE GAMBIA!
There you see the Engine – the power source represented as the voters that wished for change. Behind it are the various cars that convey the government and followed by the baggage car. Let us review what comprises this train that left the station in January 2017 on its promised destination of New Hope, Freedom, Harmony, Security and the stated Economic Development
Each of the cars are defined as the Ministries of The Gambia and the last car is the Baggage Car conveying the Finance and Debt.
As the train creeps to its destination we see first the Foreign Affairs car with the now daunting task of the Returnees and Missteps by certain Ministers in foreign relations. The handling of many of these events has definitely slowed the train.
Look, here comes the Interior Ministry car which lost some weight with a change of leadership but still cannot get a grip on the security issues, the functioning of agencies responsible for contracts that should have tenders – bids and proper vetting procedures.
It is closely followed by Finance that is pleading with the international donors for even more funds as the debt in the baggage car get even heavier with a so-far added $1,000,000,000 figuring in the Nawec Turkish Take or Pay – China Ports deal – etc, etc. Where will all this debt money be found when it comes due?
Trying to stay attached is Agriculture with good experience and intent the Minister is hard at it. Unfortunately, many of the working relationships are out of sync with the boss. It is now commonplace for many of the staff to be on a Trek and collecting per diem but admittedly the farmer do not see them as they seek a marketing scheme to earn a basic income in the rural areas. ‘Grow what you eat’ takes on a new meaning when you cannot sell the rest of the crop.
Now the train has slowed down as it enters the current timeframe and we see the Lands car faced with an ungodly number of land disputes while new projects are awaiting approval of allocations that appear to be blocked or at least Sidetracked until certain Favors are collected by the Conductor.
We skip some of the cars and check the last ones on this journey.
The Justice car is loaded with various legal issues. Litigation of Arbitration cases in Europe, which have expended some published amounts of $40,000,000 to try to settle claims against asset seizure and contract cancellations. Another $500,000 is in the works for the African Petroleum case.
That car is well positioned in front of the Executive cars with the VP and President riding with enough staff to require the lengthening of the train. So be it. The number 47 comes to mind regarding a US conference attended by the VP as the sought after per diem is deducted from the baggage car. The President has been dissuaded from waving from the back of the train by the private security in and around all areas of the car. He would like to explain it all but had no idea what they had got him into or how to get off the Gravy Train.
Will the train make it to the “3 Years” station without derailing?
Perhaps it would be better to shut it down for top to bottom maintenance.
Time to Drain the Mangrove!
Again, the Main Task now is to establish faith through Positive Actions. Where are the Wise Minds?
The Author
COG – CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT GROUP
There is much to do!
Volunteers Welcomed