Dear Editor:

Karamba insisted that he is familiar with PDOIS’ platform and it is left to Gambians to evaluate what is applicable or otherwise in our policies, programmes, and practices. He however expressed his reservation that the totality of PDOIS does not represent the most effective way to build a prosperous forward looking Gambia but did not however state the most effective way of doing so.

I requested for him to post his party’s platform so that we can juxtapose it with my postings on the same issue. He declines the invitation and indicated that he speaks for himself when it comes to public discourse.

What is there then to debate? I hope the readers can see how democratic PDOIS is?

We stand for critical evaluation of principles, policies, programmes and practices.

Hence those who sincerely object to what PDOIS is saying should be bold enough to tear our policies to shreds and point out a concrete way forward.

If Karamba who claims to be aware of PDOIS’ policies, some of which he agrees with, then why didn’t he state that simple language and then isolate Tijan’s personal opinions for objective analysis? We would have been very grateful with that approach.

He should accept that my reply is not misguided, it is based on his attempt to give the impression that he can build a prosperous and forward looking Gambia by eliminating the productive public sector by replacing it with private enterprises which pay less taxes which would be utilized by a Government with reduced personnel to provide public services to the Gambian people.

I maintain that Karamba was only capable of perpetuating this myth because of his failure to quote facts and figures. That is precisely why I challenged him to post the policies of the party he supports so that they will be weighed against my postings to enable the readers to have a balanced view.

This is what Democracy requires. The people should know the principles, policies, programmes and practices of political parties to make informed choices. This is what the PDOIS member called the four Ps.

It is Karamba’s prerogative to reject my invitation and I respect his view. I appreciate the fact that this debate is close. We thank you, Editor for opening up the pages of your paper for the free expression of divergent views. This is how democracy works.

I hope Wariteh would be as honest as Karamba and state his real name, the party he supports and the policies the party has in moving The Gambia forward.