Gambia Tourism- Time For A Serious Rethink

William Jefferson Clinton affectionately called Bill Clinton once said in a campaign stop that " If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Well I will retort that if it is broke fix it. At least that's what commonsense dictates. Gambian tourism has suffered significantly over the years and these setbacks are as a result of self inflicted factors such as over taxation and poor regulation of a sector borne out of ignorance.

Tourism is neither the SeneGambia strip nor the sandy beaches of our coastline. Tourism is all about the people,  their foods, their cultures,  their music and artifacts. This must be our product offering and value proposition. Over the years, the Gambian market has been attracting winter birds with little or no additional disposable income to spur growth of the sector spending in tourist related activities (craft markets, restaurants etc.). Yet still we are focusing our energies on this cluster of tourists whose incremental value to the overall economy is limited. To add insult to injury we have allowed dominant market players to vertically integrate in the market by owning interest in hotels and ground operations to add to their existing tour operation business. This phenomenon pushes them to provide their hotels with guests before other hotels can have access to the tourist. Case in point Gambia Experience and Novotel.

Tour must benefit Gsmbians and the Gambian economy but to date most of the inputs of the hotel industry are imported including juices, milk, meat and common vegetables. There is no synergy or cross sectoral linkages between Agriculture and Tourism. Let us stop fooling ourselves because the benefits of tourism haven't filtered down to make a difference for the masses.

Having stated the above, the Gambia now needs a critical rethink per the  direction our tourism must take. For starters, the Gambian diaspora are significantly contributing to the sector for they spend hefty sums in the months of December and January as they  return home on their annual pilgrimage. Products must be designed to cater for these people. Air access to the Gambia must be promoted to reduce our dependency on charter arrangements tour operators. Our culture must be at the epicenter of our tourism drive hence the need for festivals to rival the likes of #WOODSTOCK etc.

Finally, the Government of the Gambia need to recruit tourism professionals with a business outlook to manage and regulate the sector. This sector is not a social experiment to allow novices to learn on the job at the expense of investors. God bless Gambia and her diverse peoples but the time has come for a Frank and honest discourse on the issue of Tourism.

THE COMING OF AGE OF THE NEW GAMBIAN ECONOMY

The Gambian economy has gone through significant transformation over the years.  In the early 1970s, the Gambia was an agrarian economy with groundnut and cotton being the major crops.  In the late 70s and 80s, tourism got a boost.  Hotels were major tax payers and employers.

The late 90s and early 2000 witnessed an unprecedented growth of the financial sector (banking and related services) and petroleum marketing.  They were the foremost payers of taxes to the State.

The “Digital Revolution” of the early 2000s gave rise to new business models that relied heavily on technology for its delivery. Telecommunication was no stronger to this emerging trend.  In the initial rush, GAMTEL, a state-owned enterprise became a dominant corporate in The Gambia both in terms of its net worth and tax obligations to the State.  By 2007, the economic landscape of The Gambia went through significant transformation as it relates to total taxes collected and the shift in dominance by the telecommunication sector was cast in stone.  The establishment of GAMCEL, AFRICELL, COMIUM and QCELL changed the market dynamics and by default the economic landscape of the Gambia.  Telcos as we refer to companies in the telecommunication sector changed the behavioural pattern of Gambians and consequently the fortunes of the Gambia Revenue Authority and by extension the Social Security and Housing Corporation.  The Telco phenomenon comes with a lot of controversies mostly centering around size and supremacy.

AFRICELL claimed to be the biggest operator in The Gambia both in terms of subscriber base revenue. Equally, the latest entrant in the market QCELL boast of its market dominance and size. Well the proof of the pudding is in the eating and the two most reliable barometers of their claims can be verified through their dues paid to the public regulator (PURA) or their tax obligations to Gambia Revenue Authority.

Based on 2018 tax receipts, AFRICELL is by far the biggest corporate in The Gambia and the number one amongst the out of the 50 biggest tax payers in the nation.  AFRICELL ranked first, QCELL ranked second, Comium ranked forth, GAMCEL ranked seventh and GAMTEL ranked nineteenth.  The ranking are a cumulative aggregate of their value added taxes, corporate income taxes, employee taxes, withholding and other taxes.  Zeroing into the Telco sector, it is clearly evident that AFRICELL is way bigger than all the other telecommunication companies combined.

QCELL, Comium, GAMCEL and GAMTEL paid a total of 473,509,065 million Dalasis whilst AFRICELL paid 703,788,281 million Dalasis in 2018.  This explicitly imply that AFRICELL by all standards is bigger than any Telco in The Gambia and the receipts of all other Telcos combined is still less than their total payables.


Company Total in Million Dalasis
AFRICELL 703,788,281
QCELL 229,009,211
COMIUM 116,528,040
GAMCEL 95,901,620
GAMTEL 32,070,194



The Gambian economy has shown clear signs of a shift to a more service driven economy led by the telecommunication companies.  The issue of the biggest Telco must now be put to rest as the verdict has been issued by the tax authority.  The rest is for the regulator to bring to order the deceptive marketing campaign that is prevalent in our news outlets and outdoor advertising materials on our highways. Telecommunications will undoubtedly continue to be be the pace setter of economic growth as the next frontier will be fought in the FINTECH area.

The Inspector General Versus Killa Ace & Co. A Clear Abuse Of Judicial Process

Abuse of process refers to the improper use of a civil or criminal legal procedure for an unintended, malicious, or perverse reason. It is the malicious and deliberate misuse of regularly issued civil or criminal court process that is not justified by the underlying legal action.

The above definition is fitting for what happened today at the Kanifing Magistrate Court in the case IGP versus Ali Baba Ace Cham & Co. The IGP knew too well that the charges proffered on the defendants were over and beyond what the magistrate can legally handle based on legal jurisdiction.

The mere fact of presenting the defendants before a magistrate only to be ping ponge to the high court demonstrates a clear misuse of process by the Office of the Inspector General. This deliberate ploy goes against the grain of fair play and Justice. Equally, the magistrate had the discretion to grant bail or remand the accused. She deliberately recuses herself from the process. Justice must be seen to blind and impartial but the actions of the IGP in my view symbolizes #Over_Zealous_Prosecution. This tactic was pervasive during the Jsmmeh era and must not be condoned. Those that call for security reforms and system change are not speaking in vacuum. Issues such as this case is a classic example.

The case moving from the Police to the Office of the Attorney General may take another few weeks for the prosecutor to prepare his summation and brief whilst the defendants languish in the judicial system. This is not acceptable and we must collectively say NO to such ABUSE OF PROCESS. Atleast not in my name as a Gambian. The right to free trial must be accorded to all within a reasonable time frame.

Prison is for convicted felons and remand is temporal holding pending bail and or conviction. Cutting the dreadlocks of Ali Cham is a clear violation of his rights. Our penal system must respect the rights of the accused. Killa Ace is not STATE PROPERTY for the warders to do as they choose. We voted in a government to get rid of bad behavior and we the citizens will not condone bad behavior any longer. The government either fix the problem or  we fix it like we did December 1st 2016. God bless the Gambia and all her diverse peoples. Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere

JAMMEH A TRUE DEFINITION OF A POLITICAL DISRUPTOR

Political Disruptor in lay man's sense is the change of the political narrative with a deliberate intent to change social order and harmony. To many Jammeh was an ordinary soldier with humble intellectual acumen. What Jammeh lacked in academic accomplishments he over compensated it with guts and craftsmanship albeit destructive.

The death of an instrumental pillar in the formation of our nation state in the person of David Kwesi Jawara later known as Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara has raised thought provoking questions about the comparison of our two post independence leaders ( Jawara/Jammeh). It will be a disservice to compare the two for their points of departure are varied hence the dichotomy between Jawara and the enigmatic Jammeh whose poor social orientation led to his disruptive political ideology/message.

Sir Dawda attempted to unify the nation by deliberately changing the Protectorate Peoples Party to Peoples Progressive Party. This was a deliberate attempt by  the young statesman Dawda Jawara to bring social cohesion and harmony at a time the country needed such. On the contrary, the disruptive Jammeh came up with a sociopolitical narrative that was symbolic of (us versus them). This political philosophy energized a good portion of the Gambian polity whose economic and social fortunes where dismal to say the least. To reinforce the disruptive agenda, he killed the civic education that will make the citizenry galvanize towards man's brotherhood as ascribed by our national anthem.

The University of the Gambia being a supposed center of academic excellence must design a class to deconstruct the mythical and samaritan nature associated with the bandit Jammeh. Jammeh deliberately cultivated a Gambian particularly among the youth folk who believed in cultism and hero worship. Nothing can be wrong with his actions and deliberate deceptive practices in their eyes. Many amongst the Jammehyites will say he is the father of modern Gambia with regards to education, infrastructure and economic development at large. Well I respectfully disagree with such a proposition because the inefficient cost associated with such a development both financially and human toll is not worth the outcomes his disciples preach. He left us with a divisive nation that lacks social cohesion and sense of nationhood. The disruptive nature of his political ideology is wreaking havoc in our attempt to go through a transitional program because the country lacks a national #BUY_IN both at the political level and the governed.

The leadership of the country must understand that that the word #Transition is a temporal arrangement that must usher in normalcy after the execution of the set deliverables (New Constitution, strengthening public institutions, reparations etc.). Therefore, the issue of incumbency is not only a #Faux_Pas but a non starter in transitional governments. Having stated the above, the sitting President must reconsider his stance of a second successive term if the transition means something to him. He can return to active politics post 2021 and that will be the most honorable contribution he would have contributed towards the normalization of our budding democracy and nation state we want to rebuild. President Madabio of Sierra Leone did that in the interest of his nation. Equally, the population in the interest of unity of purpose and the creation of National ideals that will cement our #GAMBIANNESS must look beyond the (us and them) syndrome that has been reinforced by Jammeh. Yes Gambia president Jawara had a poor social contract that needs fixing but not at the expense of our national unity.

To deconstruct the political legacy/ideology introduced by Jammeh, the government must have a deliberate policy to fix the political miseducation of the Gambian. We are a nation of diverse peoples with a unity of purpose to foster peace and man's brotherhood.  Sait Matty Jaw and the political wizardry at our halls of academia must assist government to socially deconstruct Jammehism if we want a socially cohesive Gambia going forward. Such a discourse must be devoid of emotional sentiments and socioethnic narratives. Jammeh was never good for Gambia and that must first and foremost be accepted by all. Equally it's never too late for him to seek forgiveness to the citizenry because to err is human and his tirades and social disobedience and disregard to our national interests was due to a poor social contract that embodied his upbringing. No love lost for the young soldier who politically disrupted a nation by skewing our trajectory to prosperity and national cohesion. God bless the Gambia and all her diverse peoples. One Gambia, One People, one destiny. Out of many, we are one under God for the Gambia is our homeland and her resurrection must be our utmost priority

#NYANG_NJIE

City of Banjul A Missed Opportunity For Economic Rejuvenation

The city of Banjul is probably the worst managed capital city in West Africa. City that has ran aground with derelict and dilapidated public infrastructure. Banjul found itself in this dire situation due to deliberate neglect of the previous government and sheer ineptitude of some office holders in the city's administration. Therefore, Banjul is in need of a new lease on life and this can only come in the form of a stimulus package. Unfortunately, the city is not financially endowed to give out what it doesn't have by way of cash and must find ways to induce would be economic operators to stay and do business within the city limits.

The recent revenue measures taken by the city will further move the city into obscurity and irrelevance because they are neither competitive nor attractive for would be investors to call Banjul home. Attached for the ease of reference and perusal are some tax schedules passed and ready for enforcement by the city. I am of the view that the city is ill advised because they are frustrating the business community from calling Banjul home. No country or municipality can tax their way to prosperity especially a distressed economic zone like Banjul. Then again, commonsense is not so common in public policy formulation circles in the Gambia. We all agree that Banjul is in need of a viable economic impetus to kick start the revival of the city but this initiative must be driven by revenue measures that are non tax oriented. These include parking fees, congestion charge, penalties and other user fee charges. Having to charge professionals and corporates and arm and a leg to do business in a run down city like Banjul shows the lack of foresight and aptitude by the city managers.

I have reiterated in the strongest terms that Banjul needs a comprehensive plan both in terms of public infrastructure blueprint and economic policy for its rebirth. The haphazard and stop go measures will further relegate the city to the boondock of underdevelopment and poverty. I therefore call on the Mayor to have a rethink.

Rehabilitation Or Rebuilding Of Banjul? A Prudent Question That Needs An Honest Answer

I am very pleased with the initiative taken to fix the city of Banjul. I will give the initiators an A grade for their intent. However thsts were I personally deviate with them because I believe that a comprehensive study should have been commissioned by the client (Banjul/Government) as prescribed by an EPC contract and also the supervision of works by a reputable consulting firm. I am cautiously optimistic about the quality of work based on the photos presented. I have vehemently stated that Banjul needs an overhaul starting with a new blueprint but our development strides are always short sighted. God save us and for us who choose to speak up, we are seen as saboteurs and jealous people  I will gladly be called that if I feel like due process and global best practices are not adhered to.

We all agree that Banjul has been neglected for reasons  best known to Jammeh not withstanding, we still have to do the right thing and the best for our beloved city. I have negotiated contracts and sourced funding for public infrastructure works in the past and all am saying without fear, favor or 'll will is that there are international best practice for contract supervision that must be strictly adhered to inorder for the beneficiary (Banjul) to make the most out of this venture. Generally an EPC contract requires a thorough study by a reputable firm, a technical design vetted by the consultant and strict supervision during the execution phase. All these must be in place before one bag of cement is poured on the ground. We are not fools and no one must insult our intelligence. The days of cronyism must be a thing of the past considering where we came from. Am never shy to call a spade a spade irrespective of who feels offended. There are no short cuts to good procedural processes and we either want the best or we are tacitly complicit in short changing Banjul. My grandfather of blessed memory Nyang Njie was fond of saying that " lou bon dou yagaa bem daahgan". We ought to know better cos no where in the world will rules be flouted the way we did in Banjul. I rest my case and time will vindicate me cos we know what's right but mostly opt for what's convenient. I have executed such projects using FIDIC rules of contract. Dodou Jagne #Bammy is a living witness and  can attest to that. Let's be serious about rebuilding Banjul  for once. My utterances and postulations are based on logic and prior experiences so I find it as an escapist route to term the nay sayers as know it all. We all know that the Banjul sewage system has failed and in need of an overhaul not repairs therefore fixing the roads before sorting the sewage may be a double expense in the medium term as we will get to fix the sewage sooner or later and the roads will be excavated to do so. Our differences in opinion must not be misconstrued for hatred or jealousy. We are citizens and vested parties of Banjul and we are just weighing in per the dictates of the market place of ideas so let no one take offence.. Banjul has been perennially flooding  for crying out loud and these incessant floods are due not only to clogged drainage but change in levels due to the new roads constructed over the years. A drain must have a capacity (volume of water in cubic meters to flush within a specified time) and this is calculated by depth and gradient of the drains. How can a contractor execute such without a thorough study. So let's be sincere with our actions and not short change the tax payers who will eventually foot the bill.

Three or Five years. The Gambian Dilemma

Religion is a contract between man and God. Conscience is a contract between man and himself. Politics is a contract between the governed and their proxies (politicians). The terms and conditions of our political contracts are guided by political manifestos (statement of intent). These statements  of intent must always be in conformity with our national document (constitution).

The brouhaha about 3 and 5 years is slowly becoming an insult to the Gambian polity. When the parties and non political interlucutor met to map out a strategy to boot the brutal brute and Butcher of Kanilai they were disingenuous about their tactical and strategic positions. They in a nut shell sold us an agenda that was not politically feasible nor constitutionally congruent with our electoral cycle. Yes a promise is a comfort to a fool and these political operatives took Gambians for a ride by proffering solutions that was neither tenable nor logical.

I have since the inception of this coalition stated without reservation that what brought these politicians together was smaller than what can keep them together for the duration of the coalition period. Jammeh was the only common denominator they shared. The tag alongs or shall I say the free riders (political operatives without equity/capital) gained significantly at the expense of those that invested with blood and sweat. The diversity of the political agendas and motives exhibited the cracks on this alliance I affectionately dubbed the "Unholy Alluance". Hence the reason it withered and fizzled.

On the issue of 3 and 5 years, we Gambians must be realistic for two good reasons;
1. Our constitution supersedes any arrangement entered by the political class and the sanctity of our constitution must not only be protected but preserved.

2. The Gambia hasn't conducted a voter registration drive in years. This implies that if the 3 year period were to be respected, we can't have an election in the shortest possible time and if we are to conduct a voter registration drive it will take 9 to 16 months and that will be be close to the 5 years we are bickering about.

Gambians must be vigilant going forward and be mindful that in life no one gets what they deserve but what they negotiate. God bless the Gambia and all her diverse peoples.