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MeMe
United Kingdom
541 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Jun 2012 : 12:35:19
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Hmmmm I had read on one of the Dutch/Gambia sites that Mr Sillah hadn't been too nice to a Dutch couple who went into partnership with him and who were taking over the original Chosaan (on the Strip) and were rebranding it as Duniyaa Bar/Restaurant. Seems they were mega ripped off (to say the least) .... they're finally getting their day in court it would seem but I doubt they'll see any of their savings again :(
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/d25m-bail-bond-for-ex-choosan-bar-proprietor
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It is better to die standing than to live on your knees - Ernesto Guevara de la Serna |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2012 : 12:52:52
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I feel very very sorry for this couple who in your words MeMe "were mega ripped off (to say the least) " this is only one of many examples of foreigners who have come to Gambia after being enchanted by the country and its climate and wanted to start a business and invest in the country only to have their dreams and lives totally shattered.
Whichever way the court case goes the couple will NEVER see any of their money returned.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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MeMe
United Kingdom
541 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2012 : 15:46:27
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Indeed, T1020! They still have a house there but I wouldn't fancy their chances if Mr Sillah actually does get sentenced ....
Here's their side of the story from last year, by the way ... yes, the courts take their own sweet time, eh?
http://gambia.startpagina.nl/prikbord/read.php?768,14688953,14688953#msg-14688953
Translation - please note I am just translating what has already been written and that I have no personal knowledge of what has happened!
"Two faced Gambian - Talk of the Town:
Everyone who has done the rounds on the Senegambia strip knows this ‘gentleman’ as a charming, charismatic, welcoming, very pleasant successful entrepreneur. People who know him better however are aware that he mistreats his staff in order to better his business – this is well known throughout the Gambia. Making it big in business by abusing staff is not unheard of in business (even in the Netherlands) but make no mistake, this ‘gentleman’ is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He seems more than capable of partaking in real criminal activities.
In January 2009, he opened a new bar and restaurant in Kololi with our money, driving around with a big grin from ear to ear in one of his four cars giving it big with a “our new spot is being renovated at the moment and should soon be open under the name …..?” Our ‘gentleman’ had his fingers in many pies and it soon became apparent that he feared we’d become a competitor. We decided to take over a bar/restaurant on the Strip in 2010. We’d spent lots of time over the years in this wonderful country and have had much pleasure in putting time and energy into several projects without putting ourselves in the forefront. We know the country, thought we knew the pitfalls and in spite of hearing many warnings from other business people, decided that we could do this. We were ready for this venture. Unfortunately, we’ve now realised that we have become a victim of a man who isn’t afraid to resort to criminal activities. We’ve had to learn to live with the realisation that our dream will never become real because someone knowingly mislead us.
All the (Gambian) employees who were loyal to us have now had to accept that we are no longer in the position to offer them a part of our dream. They have now been sitting at home without work since April 2011. Our reality is now something totally different. The following words fill our days in the Gambia – duplicity, fraud, swindle, threats, arson, lies, court case, lawyers, bankruptcy, telephone, sorrow, impotence, disappointment, how is this possible, boredom, frustration, stupidity, regrets and more regrets, hope, belief in the justice system (however difficult it may be, revenge and the steps we can still undertake – get our story into the papers, on the radio and TV?). One day, one day justice will be on your side. God is not sleeping, you know. Who laughs last, laughs best.
Questions we’ve been asking ourselves – how the hell did this all happen? Fellow ex-pats have been kept up to date by their Gambian friends and know more on what’s been happening to us. We know from both sides that there is a lot of gossip going on between Gambians and Dutch folk. We’ve also had several emails from people who are genuinely interested in supporting us and we totally appreciate this. We are also so very grateful to those people who have been supporting us from day one and who are still showing their support. We hope that everyone who had hoped to work for us will soon find other jobs. We feel so sorry but Duniyaa will not be there!
Thanks to everyone for their support and involvement and we wish everyone a wonderful holiday in the Gambia because one Gambian does not make the country."
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It is better to die standing than to live on your knees - Ernesto Guevara de la Serna |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jun 2012 : 16:42:06
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Me Me,I totally believe their side of the story,such happenings are common in Gambia,mostly on a smaller scale,but all to do with MONEY,even those who have money still have this thought in the back of their minds that there is a more easier way of making money other than hard work,there are many people in Gambia who look on toubabs (and foreigners ) as a very easy way to obtain money,by being absolutely charming,talking in terms of "I really love you you know",even some Gambians who have NOTHING will say I have a big land up country but I havn't the money to develop it, leaving "money on legs" (toubabs and foreigners) to think about this for some time,until quite out of the blue Mr Charming gets a reply, I will help how much do you think it will cost ? Great he thinks I have hooked this fish.
All that being said there are a great many Gambians who are genuine nice people I have been lucky enough to count these Gambians as friends most of them have no money and no power and just survive,because of the lack of jobs in The Gambia quite often one man only has work and supports many members of his extended family who cannot find work,Very sad. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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