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faderabraham
203 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Oct 2008 : 19:02:50
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so you think its cheap holiday in gambia assuming you an independant traveller, staying in compounds and lodges etc,
count your money how much you spent on yourselfe and how much you gave away, wonder what reactions to this one will be ?.
i figured my getting hooked on the gambia we spent more on gambians, dont misunderstand what am saying cos i feel fine giving to the needy,
but they comes a point when one cannot keep giving money phones etc, especially when one is there a long time and many times. i reckon they must be many gambians who now are 20 years old named after me,and thats just naming ceremonies, not counting the other charities schools etc i gave to over the years,
would appreciate your feedback on this one cos now my hand is welded to my wallet and i sewed all my pockets up so am living on fish and rice foe six months,in gambia. AM NOT COMPLAINING.
cos i LOVE GAMBIA...
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BrufutJo
16 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2008 : 23:42:06
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| Yeah. I quite agree. However much you want to help it is never enough and there will always be a request for more. It is impossible to sustain. The charities and NGO's also have responsibilities here because communities see very little point in helping themselves when 'rich' toubabs come and take over everything and pay for everything. |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 17 Oct 2008 : 15:54:00
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i agree, i can pay under £400 for my holiday, but when i get there it is like a bottomless well, it is one of the reasons i have stopped paying school fees next trip i will pay for what i want to support and not what is epxected of me.
i learnt many a lesson, even travelling was expensive, you try travelling up bush using local transport it does equate, you are on there time. I want to be on my time, each trip to albreda is £20 per car, money to each family I can easily payout £100.00 on that day. a trip to banjul, forget bush taxi its a joke a car is 300 dls,
trips to brufut is the same. you do the maths. If al tyhe families who had been given a hleping hand by visiting tubabs could help themsevles it would be a different picture.
FADS i am glad your wallet is welded to you hand, NICE TO HAVE A WALLETT   , but we are all going back.
VIMTOS    |
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Bodwick
United Kingdom
60 Posts |
Posted - 17 Oct 2008 : 18:04:13
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Needful things: Duel chip mobile. The latest craze. “Everyone can call for free” “They only cost xyz and then it’s free”….
I don’t give out phones except to staff as it was impossible to keep up with the silly requests for phones years ago. Now they are cheaper a max of one phone per trip is acceptable and if you want duel chip buy it yourself as I’m just not interested.
WantWantWant: “I want, this that or the other. A car? Land? Well then just give me money because I need it.”
Might I suggest you get a job and save. There have been far too many free hand-outs that are affecting peoples understanding of the value of money.
Shoes, socks and school fees: “I’ve phoned at least ten toubabs and now I’m calling you! Money is needed” I don’t get these calls anymore. My first supported family turned into a bunch of thieving criminals. You can see a kid right through school and beyond and it’s makes not a jot of difference to the criminality that can and is practised against Toubabs.
Tobaski: “I cant afford a goat but hey it’s only £70 this year as I’ve left it so late to buy. If you pay I can hand out all the excess unwanted food to people in the streets. My street cred will go up through the roof and god will bless everyone and a wonderful Tobaski will be had by all…. “
I budget ‘One’ ‘Goat’ per year… If you can’t afford a turkey at xmas you don’t get the local rich boy to buy you one! Can you imagine the look you’d get… I’m just glad we don’t all cook a goat for crimbo over here. We’d be eating it for months in curry and sandwiches… A waste of money for many people. Don’t get me started about the number of holidays this and Ramadan et al generate…
Scammers: Break through the first level of bumsters. Get beyond the taxi driver scammers and criminals. Reach beyond the conmen to the people of Gambia that don’t try and rob every Toubab at every opportunity and your in with a chance. Still a slim one but a chance none the less.
Gambia is or has become a Country full of petty criminals. Jammeh has gained control of some aspects of his people but I can see the difficulty he faces with a great many of the general population. The losses incurred year after year make Gambia a pain in the neck and not as it should be. The hassle is just a joke and as it moves into a more aggressive stage in recent years Toubabs must learn to respond with like for like aggression.
On a positive note I’ve had a couple of good results of through school and onwards. One great employee, and a couple of close trustworthy friends are about the total of trustworthy people I’ve met in over twelve years! About ten people in total. Probably not a bad number but the cost in stress and strain not to mention money has been substantial.
I’m not sure I’d do it again if given the chance. I’d also not recommend anyone to struggle through the hassle factor and criminality that infest Gambia… I imagine most Toubabs get into Gambia without any plan to ‘Make money’ rather to help a few people lift themselves out the gutter. Well good luck! As, when and if you suffer burnout compassion fatigue feel free to tell everyone that asks to just go **** bla bla…
I’m hoping Jammeh gets control of all the scum and throws them in jail whenever they are caught. I’ve only got good things to say about the Police in Gambia and the NIA. If they can clear the streets and lock up the scum Gambia may well have a bright future. If not then there will at some point in the not too distant future find that nobody Is interested in spending time in an aggressive country that has nothing to offer other than hassle and theft.
Bod... |
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.
Specialization is for insects.
-- Robert A. Heinlein The Notebooks of Lazarus Long |
Edited by - Bodwick on 17 Oct 2008 18:37:39 |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 02:14:14
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Hi Bodwick,
You seemed very disappointed with your Gambian experience. What would you have done differently if you knew twelve years ago what you know today about Gambia?
Peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
Edited by - Sister Omega on 18 Oct 2008 02:15:07 |
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Bodwick
United Kingdom
60 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 04:54:21
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Interesting question…
Maybe nothing, and maybe everything. Not a very useful answer I know. It’s a learning curve that maybe has to be gone through. It’s a long story but the latest rubbish + a great deal more is too much to explain in full.
It’s very disappointing to have outright thefts committed as if we ‘Toubabs’ are both stupid and deaf. That’s the main point. Too many people giving up on Gambia for loads of reasons mean a bleak future. I’m sure there will always be ‘new blood’ but there is no guarantee with new generations taking over constantly.
I’m not sure I could have spotted the thieves any sooner in my time. Although there are signs that Gambians are going off the rails such as catching out their outrageous excuses for failing to carry out the most simple task. (Paid for in advance usually with a loss of cash)
Advice, try and get beyond the Bumsters (All want money and a Euro ticket) and the the Taxi drivers, as an owner of two I know this scam backwards, There are a couple of green drivers who I use (4x4 stuff, but I pay as all Toubabs for this service) but 99% of these guys know the ropes and are in it for the money. I’m ashamed to have supported this con for so long and embarrassed for falling for the quasi religious *****/bigot that scammed me and let me down so badly after so much support for his family and business erm, my taxi business… I never expected or wanted a penny and still got robbed.. That was a couple of years ago, thanks Ebrima/Abrahim Darboe (Sheraton) car thief. This guy must have lost me £15,00 in ten years...What can I say, lost a £7,000 car + wasted money handed over for two taxis and the usual reasons for more. Maybe more money?...Mug, maybe... This was my main investment. Others who got less support have done so much better. He went backwards after 9/11 and thats all I'll say.
The Bumsters and Taxi drivers are the biggest risk to the future of Gambia. They are the front line of assaut on the average tourist. Best avoided and still you will meet the next level of Bumster the more subtle con. Infested is a word that comes to mind. It's all a bit 'pot luck'. Maybe a list of good people but hey, I wanna keep them to myself they are as rare as a bla bla bla ,you get the idea...
The latest scam is more against Dutch and other nationals by the fool I entrusted my wonderful 110 to for safe keeping (paid secure parking). The back is near empty of tools and two spare wheels are gone(£500 for two!) Abou Saidy (Multi lingual well spoken con-man). I bought it back after it was used as collateral for a loan. He cut the keys in a moment of stupidity by me. I was lucky from what I hear as I traced my car I followed a trail of scammed friends and business deals of forged documents etc left in Abou's wake. He’s in court now and I hope enjoying a spell in Banjul jail. In real money this guy has cost me at least £2,000 + time...That most important of western 'Needful Things' Time...
Scammed for excess luggage, 5kg each at a cool £100. Scammed for excess cigs on return in both Gambia by a scammers customs man who warned me I was going to be pulled if his palm was not greased and pulled anyway for failing to meet his request. My fault for pushing the limit but getting Mrs Bod freaked with a ****ty attitude is unforgivable. Lots of nice Gambians overshadowed by the “YOU PEOPLE” crowd that seems to grow each year shouting in your face as they demand money. Ho Hum, at least I got my car back…
Some of my business idea's fail some succeed, some Gambians fall by the wayside and others make a go of it and make money. Luck of the draw maybe, but I think it is deeper than that. A short term gain through theft and the long term scam run side by side. Only those who are honest have survived the 10 year test. They make money… The others I hope will starve, and with luck, one day I will see them sitting by the road looking for a few spare coins. A sight I will laugh at and people will wonder why such a heartless man laughs at poverty.….
It’s a great place if you can avoid the scammers and don’t expect much. I’ll push on with another project and forget the stress. Others will never go again and at the moment I can understand why.
Lucky for me I continue pressing on with new projects and amazing idea’s that amaze even myself in there weirdness.
Bod…
I might add that times are hard now. The Dakar Rally, my excuse for being in West Africa is now gone. I might guess never to return in my time, but we will see. The loss of money to Senegal and Mauritania is huge.
I will no longer take Canadians, Americans and a host of others to Mori or Dakar or indeed Gambia. I don't need the long haul staff of excellent quality to help me and will not be paying a penny to advance these men. And believe me when I say the Yanks and others paid my men well...
I've never made a penny in Gambia I'm just a keen Dakar Rallye follower and biker photographer that had some cash to spend on a hobby. Many Gambians enjoyed the fruits of my labour, made money, built houses and bought taxi's. Happy day's that seem to be gone.
My vehicles are decimated and so to a point am I.
All my energy (yes, and money) is now going to Janjanbureh...
I'll let you know how things go.  |
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.
Specialization is for insects.
-- Robert A. Heinlein The Notebooks of Lazarus Long |
Edited by - Bodwick on 18 Oct 2008 06:12:04 |
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Bodwick
United Kingdom
60 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 06:18:54
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Whats it all about?
Bod... |
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.
Specialization is for insects.
-- Robert A. Heinlein The Notebooks of Lazarus Long |
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Bodwick
United Kingdom
60 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 06:41:54
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As we stepped into the lift in Nouakchott we realised someone was not getting in. The door closed and back I came to collect our Gambian driver. I always drive with two vehicles in case of breakdown. I drive one and a Gambian drives support.
To Atar or Kiffa it’s a long long way. Going up in a lift is also a long way on your first journey.
The Mauritanians hate Africans. It’s as simple as that. I last left and was told “Never to bring him(Gambian) back with you” I won’t be rushing back. No reason to go other than the Dakar Rallye.
A thousand little stories…..
A Gambian in Atar...(That missing number plate cost me)
Sorry about the dust(Black spots) it's an example shot of how not to change a lens in a dust storm. |
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.
Specialization is for insects.
-- Robert A. Heinlein The Notebooks of Lazarus Long |
Edited by - Bodwick on 18 Oct 2008 06:44:29 |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 09:04:57
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bods, youmade me smile,
sister omega asked a good question what would i do differently, not travel as much and take so many trips, make the gambians responsible for their own life. i interferred too much, now I would be more business orientated,
O my last trip i learnt that two gambians that i had helped were i the UK, BUT DO I RECEIVE a phone call no way, BUT THAT IS LIFE they cannot call me for help.
When Gambia went through a mini"coup" i paid for rice, tel phone calls, transport, it was all a con, HAS ANYONE STARVED no  , TOBASKI, i respect a religious holiday, but the money that is spent is high, many phne asking for money for goat, clothes, rice etc. I did it once never again that money could pay for school fees, i realise that you can kill a chicken and it has the same meaning.
life is an experience and for me Gambia has been a learning cuve, i just learnt that some of the books i sent are sitting in a cupboard, WHAT NONSENSE IS THIS,
BUT I AM GOING BACK and heading for Nuime and albreda.
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 09:18:45
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If I think of the money I have given to various 'projects' over the last 5 or 6 years I could have gone on the most luxurious holidays with that money.
I gave it freely and willingly. The only thing I would say was worthwhile was focused help on one of two genuine families. It has been great to help them and see their children progress.
The adults I have tried to help have not made successes of the businesses and have usually sold the asset (car). I'm not sure if this is because they are 'con men'. Or if they were naive about how easy it was to make money and werent prepared to work hard enough to make a business. Only 1 of the 3 cars I bought is making a living and interestingly that is a bumpster who is making a living by working hard. In the end you can give people an opportunity and then it is down to their personality and drive as to whether they make it work.
Business is not easy anywhere in the world. In Gambia it is very difficult. There are alot of people competing for the same trade and alot of corruption.
In Gambia the local women tend to be fairly invisble to most tourists. They only get to meet the pushy men!
I would suggest anyone thinking of investing in small business to help people goes to a village and talks to the local womens groups and asks them what would help them and what would they like to do.
Women tend to be more realistic, have less high flying but more successful businesses. In Gambia being a tailor is traditionally a mans job, but it can be a very successful little business for a womens group. They can train each other and then work at home and sell their products. Small scale ideas can have a big impact on women and childrens lives. If the business belongs to the women the money will be spent on clothing, feeding and educating their children. Not on mobile phones. bling jewellery and things to impress their mates! |
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anna
Netherlands
730 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 12:21:53
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Bev, 'only 1 of the 3 cars i bought'??!!. Whatever made you buy 3 cars for Gambians? Would you buy 3 cars for needy people in the UK?
Could anyone of the above posters give me an answer to this question: what were your interior motives for all this financial helping that you did? I am really astonished at what you all have been doing (and could do apparently). Now it seems you are all disappointed. What did you expect?? |
When an old African dies, it is as if a whole library has burnt down.
Amadou Hampate Ba (Mali) |
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faderabraham
203 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 12:49:09
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very interesting sincere replies , bods you really been scammed and i thought i had with land car etc...over 20 years but these postings are good to hopefully prepare future visitors for what they MAY POSSIBLY find in the gambia, and you too bev 2 cars... anna thats a very good question.
i have given my reasons in earlier posts MEMORIES.
but am really interested to what others it have happened to keep the posting coming please.
becouse it will have a DECISIVE IMPACT ON WHAT I DO WITH MY COMPOUND...
ie....flaten it sell it give it to them...as my health and age are deteriorating FAST |
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anna
Netherlands
730 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 13:07:08
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........detoriating FAST
Abraham, that sounds very worrying. If your health doesn't permit you to stay for a longer period in the Gambia (i don't know if you have confidence in the healthcare over there) try to sell the place, go for a two weeks' holiday now and then in a comfortable hotel there and go sit and watch the sunset at Leybato's, cherishing your memories (i read them all), knowing you've done enough. I mean, more than enough! Forget about the silly smurfs and hug yourself every day |
When an old African dies, it is as if a whole library has burnt down.
Amadou Hampate Ba (Mali) |
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faderabraham
203 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 17:36:27
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| thankyou anna, i possibly exagerated deteriorating FAST...but should have said not getting any younger and not exactly superfit but do feel better with the gambian climate,and health care is an issue. |
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faderabraham
203 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 17:50:59
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quote:
Originally posted by Bodwick
Whats it all about?
Bod...
GREAT PICTURES LIKE THE BIKES TOO THE RALLY SITE IS GOOD I HAVE A SUZUKI 800CC MARAUDER IN UK...my pace of life now... |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2008 : 18:52:19
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I had some spare money once apon a time, when I sold a business in UK.
I supported 3 different people to buy a car and start a business. Only one has made a success of it.
One sold it behind my back and the other just hasnt put the effort into working hard enough at the business.
My motives?
1. To help a good bumster so he could help the other guys around him.(He has been pretty successful)
2. To help my guides family and to give my guide transport so he could visit the children I sponsor when I am not there. (He has done that in good faith)
3. To help my Gambian boyfriend at the time generate more income for his family. Instead of building the business he sold the car..instant gain!
I wouldnt do the same in UK.
People here have a benefits system to fall back on and also if they REALLY want a job there is work to be had.
What would I have done differently? The only car that has really worked has been the one at the coast for the bumster.
The money I spent on the car for my guide would have been better spent on his family directly and taxis when he needed to travel.
The money I gave to my gambian boyfriend I wish I had given to Kolior nursery school.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Now I will focus on young children and Kolior nursery.
The next time I have any large amounts of spare money Im going to take my own daughters on a wonderful holiday! |
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