Mr Lyonga just called a spade a spade. This type of language is very uncomfortable to our ears. I commend his boldness and add my voice to his in calling all Cameroonians who have ghost accounts to close them immediately. I am making the appeal because I am a Cameroonian nothing more. This takes me to the suggestion made by Mr Alain.
"While I join you all in condemning these practices, it is still the responsibility of the Government to have a system that checks for such abuses".
I commend him for him for condemning these practices, but offer to differ with his call for the government alone to put the house in order. Which comes first? Moral decadent or bad governance? Who is the government? Part of the answer is the government constitutes people and if these people are flawed then the government would be flawed. Therefore any meaningful change has to start with the people. If people with excellent morals are elected into public office they would work for the interest of the entire country. And not just for their stomachs as has been the case in our country. Most people are hand clappers, because they want an opportunity to fill their stomachs.
We do not have to hide behind the pretext that the government is corrupt so we too have to become corrupt. Two wrongs never make a right. Remember bad habits dies hard. We should not deceive our selves to believe that our moral decadent would disappear over night if there is a change of government. That is why we the people have to start changing. Let the Chop a Chop culture stop. It can stop with you. Most of you will say what can one person do? One person is part of the whole. So stop waiting and start changing.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Of Spineless Sex Poachers And Grade Traffickers!
Spyglass: Of Spineless Sex Poachers And Grade Traffickers!
Friday, October 23, 2009
By Azore Opio
I have been meaning to put my thoughts on this subject down for some time and the pictures of poached game in The Post No. 01094 of Monday, October 19 showing the senseless game killing that is going on really disturbed some people - especially animal lovers like us who relish 'bush meat'. In order to get my exact thoughts in order, therefore, I started off by looking up the meaning of the word "poach".
The dictionary defines "poaching" as "to intrude on another's preserves in order to pursue or kill game, or upon another's fishing to catch fish..." Figuratively, poaching refers to encroaching upon another's rights, profits, area of influence, etc... to seek an unfair advantage. There are also colloquial connotations of poaching: "to go after other women, while currently in a relationship"; that is hunting out of season; or to "try and seduce the partner of a friend or colleague in an awkward embarrassing sex pest style"; and the "immoral actions of an adult male who dates and buys things for teenage girls to seduce them into sex". This is where the trouble is.
But first, there seems to be two types of poaching mindsets; those who don't give a damn and those who think they are entitled to helping themselves to the plant, the game, the fish or the woman. The former, if for anything, should never exist if the person really cares about the target. Then, there are three types of poachers in this world; meat poachers, ivory poachers and sex poachers.
While meat poachers target animals they can sell the meat of, ivory poachers are well organised professionals who kill elephants and rhinos to sell ivory to foreign markets. Our sex poachers, sex pests if you like, lay their snares in classrooms and university corridors. And that is where the trouble is. They don't buy gewgaws to seduce teenage girls into sex, but they use marks and grades tinted with threats to coerce their students into sex. Now, this is really bad. The trick is simple enough for a kindergarten kid to master at first attempt.
Let me tell you how far sex pests and students go in their efforts to "adjust" marks through seduction, what is aptly referred to as sexually transmitted marks. While some lecturers accept money to give pass grades, others prefer to hook female students; this is really where the trouble is!
Here is how it works - a lecturer starts off by identifying a pretty student. If you are ugly, you are sure you won't walk into the trap. Often the pretty student is also brilliant. After a few words of encouragement, the lecher switches moods into a sinister mentor who will willingly fail the student if she tries to play hard ball. The big trouble is coercion, threats and intimidation are the tools of this lecherous trade.
A female student from the Department of Political Science in the "Place to Be", confided in Spyglass that she had to trade her sex for a "B+" grade. Previously, she had flunked when she refused to succumb to the advances of the amorous pedagogue. The grief-stricken student said she had to massage the lecturer's "head of state" because she wanted to graduate; that is just all. A secluded hotel room settled the matter. There are other hotels whose names I am sure you would not want me to name in the interest of public decency, where lecturers conveniently transmit marks sexually after wining and dining with their female quarries.
For a plate of food, a few drinks and a fling in a hotel attic, one can pick good grades without stress. While some students barter their sex with marks, others prefer to give cash. Sometimes, just being a class delegate and a favourite of a lecturer can earn one very high points at UB. This works for male students who have nothing better to offer like their female counter-parts. In this case, one might not even have to sit for tests.
Another student sadly recalls that she had to cough up FCFA 20,000 for the sake of her womanhood to manage a pass grade in French 102, but still failed at the end of the year. She swore never to buy high grades nor "sleep" for it. Then there is this Economics student.
She likes learning. Her problem is passing with good grades. And with a mere FCFA 25,000, she can rake in a B+. Here is how it goes - FCFA 25,000, full names, course title and matriculation number sealed in an envelope and passed through a courier male student who passes it on to the lecturer. She is not alone in the business of buying good grades. Sometimes there are two or three others. That means the lecturer picks a cool FCFA 100,000 or so, and the students walk away with equally cool B grades, no matter what they write on their scripts.
An Economics lecturer is politely quoted as having once said; "I am not against the idea of students giving money to obtain high grades. Those who do so are the eager ones who want to pass at all cost. Even the hard working ones spend time and energy before obtaining good grades but the main objective here is to succeed, no matter the means used." This is where the trouble is.
A lot others, who cannot rent out their genitalia pay cash. "It all depends on one's physical appearance, persuasive powers and the personal relationship with the supervisor," says a male student, "the girls pay less than the boys. All those who give something are promised a B+ because the supervisor fears the difficult task of defending an "A" grade if he happens to be called upon to explain.
While we can castigate lecherous teachers and knavish students, we cannot help but drag in crooked parents who are more than willing to encourage their children to buy grades or trade sex for good marks. One student said her mother once gave her FCFA 70.000 to pay for two of her re-sit courses. Hm!
Another student confided that his parents paid a huge sum of money so that his elder brother's Grade Point Average (GPA) could be increased. This transaction apparently took place at the Records Office. I am telling you all this so that you can see that behind some degrees are sleazy deals. It goes on and on.
Friday, October 23, 2009
By Azore Opio
I have been meaning to put my thoughts on this subject down for some time and the pictures of poached game in The Post No. 01094 of Monday, October 19 showing the senseless game killing that is going on really disturbed some people - especially animal lovers like us who relish 'bush meat'. In order to get my exact thoughts in order, therefore, I started off by looking up the meaning of the word "poach".
The dictionary defines "poaching" as "to intrude on another's preserves in order to pursue or kill game, or upon another's fishing to catch fish..." Figuratively, poaching refers to encroaching upon another's rights, profits, area of influence, etc... to seek an unfair advantage. There are also colloquial connotations of poaching: "to go after other women, while currently in a relationship"; that is hunting out of season; or to "try and seduce the partner of a friend or colleague in an awkward embarrassing sex pest style"; and the "immoral actions of an adult male who dates and buys things for teenage girls to seduce them into sex". This is where the trouble is.
But first, there seems to be two types of poaching mindsets; those who don't give a damn and those who think they are entitled to helping themselves to the plant, the game, the fish or the woman. The former, if for anything, should never exist if the person really cares about the target. Then, there are three types of poachers in this world; meat poachers, ivory poachers and sex poachers.
While meat poachers target animals they can sell the meat of, ivory poachers are well organised professionals who kill elephants and rhinos to sell ivory to foreign markets. Our sex poachers, sex pests if you like, lay their snares in classrooms and university corridors. And that is where the trouble is. They don't buy gewgaws to seduce teenage girls into sex, but they use marks and grades tinted with threats to coerce their students into sex. Now, this is really bad. The trick is simple enough for a kindergarten kid to master at first attempt.
Let me tell you how far sex pests and students go in their efforts to "adjust" marks through seduction, what is aptly referred to as sexually transmitted marks. While some lecturers accept money to give pass grades, others prefer to hook female students; this is really where the trouble is!
Here is how it works - a lecturer starts off by identifying a pretty student. If you are ugly, you are sure you won't walk into the trap. Often the pretty student is also brilliant. After a few words of encouragement, the lecher switches moods into a sinister mentor who will willingly fail the student if she tries to play hard ball. The big trouble is coercion, threats and intimidation are the tools of this lecherous trade.
A female student from the Department of Political Science in the "Place to Be", confided in Spyglass that she had to trade her sex for a "B+" grade. Previously, she had flunked when she refused to succumb to the advances of the amorous pedagogue. The grief-stricken student said she had to massage the lecturer's "head of state" because she wanted to graduate; that is just all. A secluded hotel room settled the matter. There are other hotels whose names I am sure you would not want me to name in the interest of public decency, where lecturers conveniently transmit marks sexually after wining and dining with their female quarries.
For a plate of food, a few drinks and a fling in a hotel attic, one can pick good grades without stress. While some students barter their sex with marks, others prefer to give cash. Sometimes, just being a class delegate and a favourite of a lecturer can earn one very high points at UB. This works for male students who have nothing better to offer like their female counter-parts. In this case, one might not even have to sit for tests.
Another student sadly recalls that she had to cough up FCFA 20,000 for the sake of her womanhood to manage a pass grade in French 102, but still failed at the end of the year. She swore never to buy high grades nor "sleep" for it. Then there is this Economics student.
She likes learning. Her problem is passing with good grades. And with a mere FCFA 25,000, she can rake in a B+. Here is how it goes - FCFA 25,000, full names, course title and matriculation number sealed in an envelope and passed through a courier male student who passes it on to the lecturer. She is not alone in the business of buying good grades. Sometimes there are two or three others. That means the lecturer picks a cool FCFA 100,000 or so, and the students walk away with equally cool B grades, no matter what they write on their scripts.
An Economics lecturer is politely quoted as having once said; "I am not against the idea of students giving money to obtain high grades. Those who do so are the eager ones who want to pass at all cost. Even the hard working ones spend time and energy before obtaining good grades but the main objective here is to succeed, no matter the means used." This is where the trouble is.
A lot others, who cannot rent out their genitalia pay cash. "It all depends on one's physical appearance, persuasive powers and the personal relationship with the supervisor," says a male student, "the girls pay less than the boys. All those who give something are promised a B+ because the supervisor fears the difficult task of defending an "A" grade if he happens to be called upon to explain.
While we can castigate lecherous teachers and knavish students, we cannot help but drag in crooked parents who are more than willing to encourage their children to buy grades or trade sex for good marks. One student said her mother once gave her FCFA 70.000 to pay for two of her re-sit courses. Hm!
Another student confided that his parents paid a huge sum of money so that his elder brother's Grade Point Average (GPA) could be increased. This transaction apparently took place at the Records Office. I am telling you all this so that you can see that behind some degrees are sleazy deals. It goes on and on.
Sexual Transmitted Marks (STM)
Disgusting, embarrassing and unfit to be educators. Any educator out there who forces students to have sex with them in order for these students to pass are violating the rights of the student. The issue here is not that of consensual sex between two adults. There is no place for Sexual Transmitted Marks (STM) period. I lack the right words to condemn this behavior. Shame on you Prof, Dr, Mr, Chief whatever you call your self who treat women as sex objects. You are too timid and lack the self confidence to court women as such have resorted to draconian measures. In some societies all of you will be behind bars and would be called sex offenders. When is this nonsense going to stop?
This does end at the level of the students. What about those who use sex to get jobs? Hey are you that desperate? Can't you say too hell with that job of promotion? Some will say, I do not know what I am talking about. Please give me a break. I know. Where has human dignity gone to? No wonder our politicians continue "raping" the country with impunity and no body holds them accountable. We are all waiting for our own turn to come so that we can grab our share. Keep on waiting by the time you get there nothing will be left for you.
Is the money option better? Woe on you who use money to buy grades and shame on you teachers who sell grades. What type of citizens are you training? No wonder bribery and corruption is rampant in Cameroon. I bribe to get the job. When I get the job it is pay back time. This vicious cycle keeps going on and on. It must be broken! It may start with you. Are you ready. Please let us stop giving all those unfounded excuses we give to justify our actions.
This does end at the level of the students. What about those who use sex to get jobs? Hey are you that desperate? Can't you say too hell with that job of promotion? Some will say, I do not know what I am talking about. Please give me a break. I know. Where has human dignity gone to? No wonder our politicians continue "raping" the country with impunity and no body holds them accountable. We are all waiting for our own turn to come so that we can grab our share. Keep on waiting by the time you get there nothing will be left for you.
Is the money option better? Woe on you who use money to buy grades and shame on you teachers who sell grades. What type of citizens are you training? No wonder bribery and corruption is rampant in Cameroon. I bribe to get the job. When I get the job it is pay back time. This vicious cycle keeps going on and on. It must be broken! It may start with you. Are you ready. Please let us stop giving all those unfounded excuses we give to justify our actions.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
"Chop a Chop" has ruined our country
"Chop a Chop" has ruined our country. We are in the survival mode because of extremely high unemployment and little or nothing for hard working Cameroonians to look up to. I do not want to list all our problems, for we are all aware of them.
How did we dig such a deep hole? Why have we not been able to come out of it? Who is to blame for our present predicament? Some say, La Republic. Others say our leaders. Some point to colonization. Few point to our "Chop a Chop culture" If there is personal benefit to me, the law can be broken to further my course. "Everybody" is doing and so it is OK. If I do not "chop" my own share of the National cake it is going to be taken by others. That is why during elections votes sell for as little as a bottle of beer, a few grains of rice and some palm oil.
Why do we always look for a quick fix to patch our problems? No wonder we are were we are.Who is circulating this letter and what do they intend to achieve? It is sad that most Cameroonians are ready to sell a piece of the fatherland to achieve their own selfish gain. Every Tom,and Dick, Jack and Jill, rush to the US, cook up all sorts of lies in the name of getting papers. They do not care about their actions on the rest of the country. Shame on all who point fingers at others, but are not better then those they are castigating.
It is common knowledge that most Cameroonians who declare political asylum do so because of economic reasons. Getting political asylum is a temporal fix. My concern is that most of the asylum seekers are influenced by the "Chop a Chop culture". As such we will continue to lament in our present predicament. There is need for a fundamental change in our attitude towards our laws. We should not use "short cuts" to solve our problems.
How did we dig such a deep hole? Why have we not been able to come out of it? Who is to blame for our present predicament? Some say, La Republic. Others say our leaders. Some point to colonization. Few point to our "Chop a Chop culture" If there is personal benefit to me, the law can be broken to further my course. "Everybody" is doing and so it is OK. If I do not "chop" my own share of the National cake it is going to be taken by others. That is why during elections votes sell for as little as a bottle of beer, a few grains of rice and some palm oil.
Why do we always look for a quick fix to patch our problems? No wonder we are were we are.Who is circulating this letter and what do they intend to achieve? It is sad that most Cameroonians are ready to sell a piece of the fatherland to achieve their own selfish gain. Every Tom,and Dick, Jack and Jill, rush to the US, cook up all sorts of lies in the name of getting papers. They do not care about their actions on the rest of the country. Shame on all who point fingers at others, but are not better then those they are castigating.
It is common knowledge that most Cameroonians who declare political asylum do so because of economic reasons. Getting political asylum is a temporal fix. My concern is that most of the asylum seekers are influenced by the "Chop a Chop culture". As such we will continue to lament in our present predicament. There is need for a fundamental change in our attitude towards our laws. We should not use "short cuts" to solve our problems.
Friday, October 2, 2009
We need proper representation
I hope the parliamentarians will start debating on bills that will touch and improve the lives of the people. After all the people voted them to represent them and make sure their own share of the "national cake" gets to them.
We may have to keep our hopes alive that our plight will finally wake our "big men" out of their present slumber. May be we have not cried loud enough, maybe we have to cry the more to beckon them to our suffering. What explanation can they give to the high unemployment in the country? I am not advocating for that the government create all the jobs. The government should get out of the way of the private sector. They should encourage private interments by providing far tax laws.
Why do we have to bother to preach to the choir? These are all well educated individuals, who have all been to Europe and seen how things work. What is keeping them from doing the right thing?
Keep the people poor so that you can manipulate and control them. During elections, buy their votes with a few grains of rice, a bottle of beer, and some cash, it is Cho a Chop time and "you scratch my back, I scratch your own." Politics of "beletics' will not create jobs, nor will it provide the necessary environment for industries and the private sector to thrive. Politics of "beletics" means you eat today and suffer for the rest of the days. Is there suffering in Cameroon? Did we not eat during the last elections? Did we not vote based on "tribal" affiliations? He or she is from our village and his going to represent us. How long do we have to continual living in denial? Do not be deceived they are not representing you. They are there for personal benefit. Do not cast stones on me yet. I know you will say when fire falls on you have to get rid of it before taking care of others. But they have been taking care of themselves since I was a kid. When will they take care of us?
Each time there new ministers are appointed, when lament that one of our own has not been appointed. Who is one of our own? What will one of own do? What has become of our roads and basic projects that have been financed to benefit the people? Let me stop, I am running out of ink.
Have a great weekend and pray for our leaders and our country. Elections are coming up, ask your leaders the right questions and do not vote because he or she is from your village.
We may have to keep our hopes alive that our plight will finally wake our "big men" out of their present slumber. May be we have not cried loud enough, maybe we have to cry the more to beckon them to our suffering. What explanation can they give to the high unemployment in the country? I am not advocating for that the government create all the jobs. The government should get out of the way of the private sector. They should encourage private interments by providing far tax laws.
Why do we have to bother to preach to the choir? These are all well educated individuals, who have all been to Europe and seen how things work. What is keeping them from doing the right thing?
Keep the people poor so that you can manipulate and control them. During elections, buy their votes with a few grains of rice, a bottle of beer, and some cash, it is Cho a Chop time and "you scratch my back, I scratch your own." Politics of "beletics' will not create jobs, nor will it provide the necessary environment for industries and the private sector to thrive. Politics of "beletics" means you eat today and suffer for the rest of the days. Is there suffering in Cameroon? Did we not eat during the last elections? Did we not vote based on "tribal" affiliations? He or she is from our village and his going to represent us. How long do we have to continual living in denial? Do not be deceived they are not representing you. They are there for personal benefit. Do not cast stones on me yet. I know you will say when fire falls on you have to get rid of it before taking care of others. But they have been taking care of themselves since I was a kid. When will they take care of us?
Each time there new ministers are appointed, when lament that one of our own has not been appointed. Who is one of our own? What will one of own do? What has become of our roads and basic projects that have been financed to benefit the people? Let me stop, I am running out of ink.
Have a great weekend and pray for our leaders and our country. Elections are coming up, ask your leaders the right questions and do not vote because he or she is from your village.
Friday, September 25, 2009
The name of the game is" beletics"
Mr Alain,
Keep on writing and do not change the tone. You rightly put it, selfishness is at the heart of our problem. We will only move forward when we stop focusing on the faults of others and reflect on our contribution to the problem.
As you said, it is impossible to advocate change when you are doing the same things you want others to drop. We must accept that we are all connected and that what goes wrong comes wrong. When this circle is broken no matter the justification somebody will get hurt. The general cry is get rid rid of our corrupt leaders and that will fix all our problems. At times I wonder if changing the leaders will make any difference. We once had an opposition which has slowly disintegrated and it is now "good for nothing" because they are not very different from those in power. The name of the game is" beletics" as one of the opposition leaders famously coined. It seems they too are more interested in taking care of their stomachs than representing the people.
Many people are waiting for a Messiah, a super hero to come and get us out of the present predicament. They will have an excruciating wait for there is no messiah out there. We are part of the problem and must also stand up and start being part of the solution. We must reclaim Moral rectitude and stop using shortcuts to solve our problems. What makes us think that we can break the law and not also reap its consequences. The good book says that we reap what we sow. Where laws are not obeyed there is chaos. The weak are oppressed by the strong. The poor get poorer and the rich get richer. When economic laws are broken, you will not get a return from your investments.
Keep on writing and do not change the tone. You rightly put it, selfishness is at the heart of our problem. We will only move forward when we stop focusing on the faults of others and reflect on our contribution to the problem.
As you said, it is impossible to advocate change when you are doing the same things you want others to drop. We must accept that we are all connected and that what goes wrong comes wrong. When this circle is broken no matter the justification somebody will get hurt. The general cry is get rid rid of our corrupt leaders and that will fix all our problems. At times I wonder if changing the leaders will make any difference. We once had an opposition which has slowly disintegrated and it is now "good for nothing" because they are not very different from those in power. The name of the game is" beletics" as one of the opposition leaders famously coined. It seems they too are more interested in taking care of their stomachs than representing the people.
Many people are waiting for a Messiah, a super hero to come and get us out of the present predicament. They will have an excruciating wait for there is no messiah out there. We are part of the problem and must also stand up and start being part of the solution. We must reclaim Moral rectitude and stop using shortcuts to solve our problems. What makes us think that we can break the law and not also reap its consequences. The good book says that we reap what we sow. Where laws are not obeyed there is chaos. The weak are oppressed by the strong. The poor get poorer and the rich get richer. When economic laws are broken, you will not get a return from your investments.
A concerned Cameroonian
The author indeed raised some salient issues that all in the Diaspora need to reflect on. However, the fact that many of us in the Diaspora still find it just very hard to organize our selves here into a leadership forum when in abundance of freedom and financial independence, to assist our selves and the communities around us and back home, leaves me very pessimistic!
The author brings to light some of the issues that I would expect many of our social science PhD holders and PhD aspirant to perform an informed research on. Though I am not a social scientist to offer an informed opinion on the subject matter, it however, very issue for me to revisit my limited high school knowledge in geography and reasons why people migrate to other places to come to the conclusion that we have a dead rat in the room! The author raised some issues that if quantified and measured using statistical inferences; will beefed well his argument. He further used Nigerian immigrants as a case study and presented valid points that support his original premise.
The overtone of the heading of heading of his article might be wrong, as it might be misconstrued to be very inclusive of all African countries suffering from what he has carefully framed; but still narrowed to specific issues that ail many of sub Sahara African countries. What I am most disturbed about isn’t just about what Africans back home have to deal with, but the question of who needs the most help? Africans in countries who have been financially deprived or Africans who have moved to the Diaspora and have decided to morally deprive them selves of their African identity? Please pardon me to quickly conclude that many of us in the Diaspora might even need more help than those in Cameroon who still have a sense of who they are, and their integrity intact. The main problem many Cameroonians back home face is centered mostly around the lack of financial independence. Did some one say before that “Africans might have been cursed”? Look not far but in our Lebialem community here in the USA as a case study, and you will understand why some of us might be quick to believe we have been cursed! Where is morality and integrity in most of those the younger generations should be looking up to? How does our community move forward when those who seek to lead look mostly at what will directly benefit them when they serve the community? How will Africa move forward when some spouses literally enslave them selves in order to sustain their families only for us to observe that their partners are out there having multiple concubines and even going after other married people? How can Africa move forward when those who are financially privileged return to Africa/Cameroon and use their financial advantage in the most negative way, one can possibly ever imagine? From running after high school girls to corrupting their ways through the system the turn around and criticize? How can this happen when our community doesn’t allow the brightest ideas to prevail but allows mediocrity because of our inherent pitiful mindset? How can a society that doesn’t encourage the young to grow, but looks for all ways to destroy, expect to sustain its self? Some countries in Africa might be temporary doomed, but Africans and especially Cameroonians in the Diaspora are already proven to be too doomed and confused that I am afraid many of us when we return to Cameroon will be more of the problem than part of the solution Africa or Cameroon needs!
We don’t expect a utopian community abroad, but we have enough of our problems here to deal with that unless we start reflecting on how to address them head on, then can we have the moral stance to talk of Africa’s or Cameroon’s problems and expect those back home to take us seriously. For Africans to return home and have any meaningful positive impact on Africa, Africans in the Diaspora MUST first of all show that they can collectively help themselves here in the Diaspora before attempting to go home and expect to have any influence over how to change Africans/Cameroonians back home. It starts with me, you our families and extends to our community. If we can’t positively used the skills/tools we have acquired here to improve on our selves, our family; how then can we expect to improve on our community here to say the least before thinking of positively impacting those in Africa? What is so disturbing is the fact that we can’t do all that is expected of a community despite we live in an environment where there is respect for the rule of law! How then can we expect to behave differently in an environment where there are lots of subjectivities in the interpretation and reinforcement of the rule of law? What we might expect for Africa/Cameroon may only happen ten generations after we are gone! Albert Einstein once said; if he is asked to solve the world’s biggest problem; he will spend 95% of the allocated time to understand the problem and only use 5% of the remaining time in solving the problem. It might be time for Africans/Cameroonians to understand how to accept great minds to dissect effectively our problems to the point where we can now implement solutions that will address them. We might as well start by admitting that there is a serious problem and appreciate the efforts of minds such as this in framing this problem and employ our collective minds in understanding the problem. Africans/Cameroonians natural instinct is to rush to a solution without carefully understanding the problem, with the excuse that who has the time to go through all the theories… it is time for us to start asking for time to understand our great minds if we need to save on the time to effectively address our mountains of challenges!
Alain A. Taku
A concerned Cameroonian
The author brings to light some of the issues that I would expect many of our social science PhD holders and PhD aspirant to perform an informed research on. Though I am not a social scientist to offer an informed opinion on the subject matter, it however, very issue for me to revisit my limited high school knowledge in geography and reasons why people migrate to other places to come to the conclusion that we have a dead rat in the room! The author raised some issues that if quantified and measured using statistical inferences; will beefed well his argument. He further used Nigerian immigrants as a case study and presented valid points that support his original premise.
The overtone of the heading of heading of his article might be wrong, as it might be misconstrued to be very inclusive of all African countries suffering from what he has carefully framed; but still narrowed to specific issues that ail many of sub Sahara African countries. What I am most disturbed about isn’t just about what Africans back home have to deal with, but the question of who needs the most help? Africans in countries who have been financially deprived or Africans who have moved to the Diaspora and have decided to morally deprive them selves of their African identity? Please pardon me to quickly conclude that many of us in the Diaspora might even need more help than those in Cameroon who still have a sense of who they are, and their integrity intact. The main problem many Cameroonians back home face is centered mostly around the lack of financial independence. Did some one say before that “Africans might have been cursed”? Look not far but in our Lebialem community here in the USA as a case study, and you will understand why some of us might be quick to believe we have been cursed! Where is morality and integrity in most of those the younger generations should be looking up to? How does our community move forward when those who seek to lead look mostly at what will directly benefit them when they serve the community? How will Africa move forward when some spouses literally enslave them selves in order to sustain their families only for us to observe that their partners are out there having multiple concubines and even going after other married people? How can Africa move forward when those who are financially privileged return to Africa/Cameroon and use their financial advantage in the most negative way, one can possibly ever imagine? From running after high school girls to corrupting their ways through the system the turn around and criticize? How can this happen when our community doesn’t allow the brightest ideas to prevail but allows mediocrity because of our inherent pitiful mindset? How can a society that doesn’t encourage the young to grow, but looks for all ways to destroy, expect to sustain its self? Some countries in Africa might be temporary doomed, but Africans and especially Cameroonians in the Diaspora are already proven to be too doomed and confused that I am afraid many of us when we return to Cameroon will be more of the problem than part of the solution Africa or Cameroon needs!
We don’t expect a utopian community abroad, but we have enough of our problems here to deal with that unless we start reflecting on how to address them head on, then can we have the moral stance to talk of Africa’s or Cameroon’s problems and expect those back home to take us seriously. For Africans to return home and have any meaningful positive impact on Africa, Africans in the Diaspora MUST first of all show that they can collectively help themselves here in the Diaspora before attempting to go home and expect to have any influence over how to change Africans/Cameroonians back home. It starts with me, you our families and extends to our community. If we can’t positively used the skills/tools we have acquired here to improve on our selves, our family; how then can we expect to improve on our community here to say the least before thinking of positively impacting those in Africa? What is so disturbing is the fact that we can’t do all that is expected of a community despite we live in an environment where there is respect for the rule of law! How then can we expect to behave differently in an environment where there are lots of subjectivities in the interpretation and reinforcement of the rule of law? What we might expect for Africa/Cameroon may only happen ten generations after we are gone! Albert Einstein once said; if he is asked to solve the world’s biggest problem; he will spend 95% of the allocated time to understand the problem and only use 5% of the remaining time in solving the problem. It might be time for Africans/Cameroonians to understand how to accept great minds to dissect effectively our problems to the point where we can now implement solutions that will address them. We might as well start by admitting that there is a serious problem and appreciate the efforts of minds such as this in framing this problem and employ our collective minds in understanding the problem. Africans/Cameroonians natural instinct is to rush to a solution without carefully understanding the problem, with the excuse that who has the time to go through all the theories… it is time for us to start asking for time to understand our great minds if we need to save on the time to effectively address our mountains of challenges!
Alain A. Taku
A concerned Cameroonian
The vast majority of Sub-Saharan Africans who live outside of the continent are in exile
FYI
http://www.anjnews. com/node/ 1259
By Sabella Ogbobode Abidde
The vast majority of Sub-Saharan Africans who live outside of the continent are in exile. For these Africans, their condition may either be self-imposed or forced by the prevailing conditions in the continent. And the general conditions in the continent are not healthy or enriching, or conducive to personal growth and happiness.
Although conditions differ from one country to another, by and large what we have is a continent where a sizeable number of the people - especially those between the ages of 18 and 45 - cannot wait to go into exile. They cannot wait to get out of their respective countries. Nigeria is an archetypal example of a country where, if embassies assured travel visas, 70 per cent or more of the college students will leave of their own volition.
The majority of those in exile either have nothing substantial to return home to, or their own governments do not want them back. We also see that in some cases, the political, economic, social and cultural space is not large or absorbent enough to accommodate exiles; in other cases, some exiles get blinded by the security, comfort and predictability of their host countries so much so that going back home becomes less attractive. Nigerians, for example, habitually point to the lack of basic infrastructure, poor personal and human security, and a sickening and corrupt political system. To be sure, there are other discouraging and encouraging factors, but mostly, the aforesaid accounts for why most exiles remain in North America and European countries.
Whether one knows it or not, acknowledges it or not, living in exile is horrible. It is one of the most painful of all human experiences. The pain and the anguish is less for most who vacated in their pre-teenage years. For them, acculturation and assimilation is much easier. With time, their memory of the old country fades; cultural chips become less powerful or insignificant; and ties to friends and family may become loose or non-existent. Essentially, therefore, they lose one country and gain another; lose one set of identity and gain another. They transfer their love and loyalty to their new country. For most of these early exiles, they will know one country and one country only. This is generally the case and the pattern unless of course a mother or a father or an influential relative kept the flame and the desire for the old country alive.
The United States, with which I am most familiar, is home to millions of African immigrants. Data may show that the US now houses more Africans than Western and Eastern Europe combined. For a while, Europe - especially Britain, France, Portugal, Belgium and Germany - was the preferred destination for Africans, particularly because of their colonial relationship. In other words, until recent years, colonial Europe was the port of call for Africans. Today, the whole world is present in the US: Every language and culture and nationality is present here. They are present here for different reasons. But above all else, people come here for the freedom, the opportunity and the option to live in manners that are guaranteed by US law and customs.
However, sooner or later, immigrants - African immigrants, who this essay is about - will come to realise that the longer one stays in this country, the deeper the pain and the agony. They may have big cars and big homes; they may have beautiful wives and successful children; and they may also have investment portfolios that are the envy of most. Yet, most will and do feel empty. Every so often, they travel to the motherland to see friends and family. Still they feel empty. Most act and feel like tourists in their own father's land (as most can only spend two to four weeks at a stretch before returning to the grind and their predictable lifestyle). There are those whose eyes swell (with tears) at the thought of returning to Oyinboland. It can be lonely here. And they know it.
If you were a 'nobody' before coming to the US, and if you are still a 'nobody' after all these years, the ache and the grief may not be much. What may matter to you is that you are now a success compared to your previous life. But if you were 'somebody' before your departure, and you are still a big deal here, you are more likely to feel the pain. Even if you were a 'nobody' in your previous life, but once you become 'somebody' here, you begin to, after a while, feel a gradual pain - the type of pain that get more discomforting and unbearable as time passes. First the pain and then the anguish, followed by a sense of uselessness and sadness. If left unchecked, acute sense of loss and actual depression may set in.
An accomplished Nigerian author and teacher once told me: "Most of the professors and successful African immigrants you see in this country are sad and depressed... especially the professors.. . most are angry, and are not respected by their non-Black peers.' From his vantage point, 'most of these Africans are better read and smarter than most of their counterparts, but they generally are saddled with supporting or subservient roles; they have to defer to their non-black colleagues.' To make matters worse, 'even their students complain about their accent and mannerism, and assume they must be less qualified than other professors, especially the whites.'
Faced with such a situation, 'they are angry at their home government, angry at their colleagues, angry at their students and subordinates, and are also angry at themselves.' But within their enclaves and between their own people, 'the African professors are the most pompous, most condescending and most irritating. Most cannot explain simple concepts or simple phenomenon without resorting to antiquated language... they have the need to impress.'
Indeed, the western world - and increasingly, South African universities - are filled with Nigerian and Ghanaian professors. I can't think of a colleges or university, anywhere in the United States, without at least two Nigerian and or Ghanaian teachers or administrators. I also doubt if there is a medical establishment, anywhere in the UK, Canada and the United States, without Nigerian and Ghanaian doctors and nurses.
In all these places and beyond, I doubt if the majority of these Africans truly enjoy being there. The financial compensation is good, but my thinking is that they would rather be home: Helping their own people and helping to advance their own countries. But here they are - needed primarily for their skills and services; needed just to help develop and advance a country that is truly not theirs. How terrible it must feel to be just a hired hand.
If you are a South African, your lot in life may be a lot better. The same goes for those from Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and a few other countries. In the West African sub-region, Ghana is the newest darling, home to quarter of a million or so Nigerians. If you are a Nigerian then you know you are violated. Twice over!
First, you are violated by a government that is utterly incompetent, utterly corrupt, and utterly wayward. You have a government, a succession of governments, which take pleasure in exploiting and brutalising their citizens. And then you have a citizenry that is too scared and falsely religious to fight back. And so they lie there and take it.
Second, it is not a good time to be a Nigerian anywhere in the world. It has not been a good time to be a Nigerian anytime in the last two decades or so. The world knows you have a well-endowed country that is badly run; the world knows about your soiled reputation (even though it is highly exaggerated and undeserved); and the world also knows you are scared to return home. For more than 30 years, to be a Nigerian was to be respected; in the last 20, it has become a hindrance. So, as an immigrant or as an exile, you feel it and you know it. How painful to know that people deal and interact with you from the other end of a long rope.
To be an African immigrant in the West or anywhere else is not easy. Within the international political and economic system, Africa is an afterthought; socially and culturally, Africa is also an afterthought. And even at the individual level, most non-blacks do not think much of the African. Sometimes one gets the feeling that non-blacks think of Africans as incapable of complex task; a people incapable of governing themselves without generous assistance from the Western world.
Such attitude and conviction, whether state or unstated, is condemnable. Even so, there are times when one surveys the continent and the various governments therein and wonder if, if, if - oh well, just take a look at Nigeria and its leaders (and leadership) for the last 30 or so years. If you are educated, enlightened, polished, decent, and with renaissance thinking and living in the West, is that the kind of country and condition you want to return to?
In the end though, if you have been living in the West for much of your productive life, and you are now clocking 55, 60 or 65 and with the urge to return home, you are likely to have a headache or develop insomnia for a few days or weeks. One might even have panic attacks. Long before this period, one may have planned it all out. One may have methodically planned it all out, in which case the transition - assuming home is where one wants to spend the fourth quarter of one's life - is as smooth as possible.
However, whether planned or not, several years of exile have a way of making one a stranger in one's village or community. How well and for how long you've planned the transition may determine your place and comfort in your new environment. Planned or not, smooth or not, you will, every now and then, get your bearings wrong, your traction will be shaky, your worldview out of sync, some of your mannerisms alien, and your thought pattern criss-crossed. This is the price you must pay for being in exile.
Sabella Abbide is a public intellectual who has written and commented extensively on African affairs. He is currently based in Washington D.C.
http://www.anjnews. com/node/ 1259
By Sabella Ogbobode Abidde
The vast majority of Sub-Saharan Africans who live outside of the continent are in exile. For these Africans, their condition may either be self-imposed or forced by the prevailing conditions in the continent. And the general conditions in the continent are not healthy or enriching, or conducive to personal growth and happiness.
Although conditions differ from one country to another, by and large what we have is a continent where a sizeable number of the people - especially those between the ages of 18 and 45 - cannot wait to go into exile. They cannot wait to get out of their respective countries. Nigeria is an archetypal example of a country where, if embassies assured travel visas, 70 per cent or more of the college students will leave of their own volition.
The majority of those in exile either have nothing substantial to return home to, or their own governments do not want them back. We also see that in some cases, the political, economic, social and cultural space is not large or absorbent enough to accommodate exiles; in other cases, some exiles get blinded by the security, comfort and predictability of their host countries so much so that going back home becomes less attractive. Nigerians, for example, habitually point to the lack of basic infrastructure, poor personal and human security, and a sickening and corrupt political system. To be sure, there are other discouraging and encouraging factors, but mostly, the aforesaid accounts for why most exiles remain in North America and European countries.
Whether one knows it or not, acknowledges it or not, living in exile is horrible. It is one of the most painful of all human experiences. The pain and the anguish is less for most who vacated in their pre-teenage years. For them, acculturation and assimilation is much easier. With time, their memory of the old country fades; cultural chips become less powerful or insignificant; and ties to friends and family may become loose or non-existent. Essentially, therefore, they lose one country and gain another; lose one set of identity and gain another. They transfer their love and loyalty to their new country. For most of these early exiles, they will know one country and one country only. This is generally the case and the pattern unless of course a mother or a father or an influential relative kept the flame and the desire for the old country alive.
The United States, with which I am most familiar, is home to millions of African immigrants. Data may show that the US now houses more Africans than Western and Eastern Europe combined. For a while, Europe - especially Britain, France, Portugal, Belgium and Germany - was the preferred destination for Africans, particularly because of their colonial relationship. In other words, until recent years, colonial Europe was the port of call for Africans. Today, the whole world is present in the US: Every language and culture and nationality is present here. They are present here for different reasons. But above all else, people come here for the freedom, the opportunity and the option to live in manners that are guaranteed by US law and customs.
However, sooner or later, immigrants - African immigrants, who this essay is about - will come to realise that the longer one stays in this country, the deeper the pain and the agony. They may have big cars and big homes; they may have beautiful wives and successful children; and they may also have investment portfolios that are the envy of most. Yet, most will and do feel empty. Every so often, they travel to the motherland to see friends and family. Still they feel empty. Most act and feel like tourists in their own father's land (as most can only spend two to four weeks at a stretch before returning to the grind and their predictable lifestyle). There are those whose eyes swell (with tears) at the thought of returning to Oyinboland. It can be lonely here. And they know it.
If you were a 'nobody' before coming to the US, and if you are still a 'nobody' after all these years, the ache and the grief may not be much. What may matter to you is that you are now a success compared to your previous life. But if you were 'somebody' before your departure, and you are still a big deal here, you are more likely to feel the pain. Even if you were a 'nobody' in your previous life, but once you become 'somebody' here, you begin to, after a while, feel a gradual pain - the type of pain that get more discomforting and unbearable as time passes. First the pain and then the anguish, followed by a sense of uselessness and sadness. If left unchecked, acute sense of loss and actual depression may set in.
An accomplished Nigerian author and teacher once told me: "Most of the professors and successful African immigrants you see in this country are sad and depressed... especially the professors.. . most are angry, and are not respected by their non-Black peers.' From his vantage point, 'most of these Africans are better read and smarter than most of their counterparts, but they generally are saddled with supporting or subservient roles; they have to defer to their non-black colleagues.' To make matters worse, 'even their students complain about their accent and mannerism, and assume they must be less qualified than other professors, especially the whites.'
Faced with such a situation, 'they are angry at their home government, angry at their colleagues, angry at their students and subordinates, and are also angry at themselves.' But within their enclaves and between their own people, 'the African professors are the most pompous, most condescending and most irritating. Most cannot explain simple concepts or simple phenomenon without resorting to antiquated language... they have the need to impress.'
Indeed, the western world - and increasingly, South African universities - are filled with Nigerian and Ghanaian professors. I can't think of a colleges or university, anywhere in the United States, without at least two Nigerian and or Ghanaian teachers or administrators. I also doubt if there is a medical establishment, anywhere in the UK, Canada and the United States, without Nigerian and Ghanaian doctors and nurses.
In all these places and beyond, I doubt if the majority of these Africans truly enjoy being there. The financial compensation is good, but my thinking is that they would rather be home: Helping their own people and helping to advance their own countries. But here they are - needed primarily for their skills and services; needed just to help develop and advance a country that is truly not theirs. How terrible it must feel to be just a hired hand.
If you are a South African, your lot in life may be a lot better. The same goes for those from Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and a few other countries. In the West African sub-region, Ghana is the newest darling, home to quarter of a million or so Nigerians. If you are a Nigerian then you know you are violated. Twice over!
First, you are violated by a government that is utterly incompetent, utterly corrupt, and utterly wayward. You have a government, a succession of governments, which take pleasure in exploiting and brutalising their citizens. And then you have a citizenry that is too scared and falsely religious to fight back. And so they lie there and take it.
Second, it is not a good time to be a Nigerian anywhere in the world. It has not been a good time to be a Nigerian anytime in the last two decades or so. The world knows you have a well-endowed country that is badly run; the world knows about your soiled reputation (even though it is highly exaggerated and undeserved); and the world also knows you are scared to return home. For more than 30 years, to be a Nigerian was to be respected; in the last 20, it has become a hindrance. So, as an immigrant or as an exile, you feel it and you know it. How painful to know that people deal and interact with you from the other end of a long rope.
To be an African immigrant in the West or anywhere else is not easy. Within the international political and economic system, Africa is an afterthought; socially and culturally, Africa is also an afterthought. And even at the individual level, most non-blacks do not think much of the African. Sometimes one gets the feeling that non-blacks think of Africans as incapable of complex task; a people incapable of governing themselves without generous assistance from the Western world.
Such attitude and conviction, whether state or unstated, is condemnable. Even so, there are times when one surveys the continent and the various governments therein and wonder if, if, if - oh well, just take a look at Nigeria and its leaders (and leadership) for the last 30 or so years. If you are educated, enlightened, polished, decent, and with renaissance thinking and living in the West, is that the kind of country and condition you want to return to?
In the end though, if you have been living in the West for much of your productive life, and you are now clocking 55, 60 or 65 and with the urge to return home, you are likely to have a headache or develop insomnia for a few days or weeks. One might even have panic attacks. Long before this period, one may have planned it all out. One may have methodically planned it all out, in which case the transition - assuming home is where one wants to spend the fourth quarter of one's life - is as smooth as possible.
However, whether planned or not, several years of exile have a way of making one a stranger in one's village or community. How well and for how long you've planned the transition may determine your place and comfort in your new environment. Planned or not, smooth or not, you will, every now and then, get your bearings wrong, your traction will be shaky, your worldview out of sync, some of your mannerisms alien, and your thought pattern criss-crossed. This is the price you must pay for being in exile.
Sabella Abbide is a public intellectual who has written and commented extensively on African affairs. He is currently based in Washington D.C.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Socio –Economic State of Cameroon and the Way Forward (By Nanche Billa Robert)
The Socio –Economic State of Cameroon and the Way Forward
By
Nanche Billa Robert
Cameroon has been held hostage by a group of persons who manipulate state power for their enrichment. It is time we told them that Cameroon is nobody’s farmland that it belongs to all its compatriots.
Cameroon’s economic activities are below expectation because consumption have overtaken production .No importance has been given to development, instead we have become dependent on the western states which set low prices for raw materials and high prices fro manufactured goods. This dependence is because our bourgeoisie is intellectually lazy; they do not produce, build nor labour. They have no economic power, ideas nor are dynamic. It will be difficult to industrialise Cameroon because of their incapability to accumulate wealth. They are more of businessmen than industrialists. They embrace conspicuous consumption in order to hide their stagnation; they build grandiose mansions, drive luxurious cars, and spend week-ends in sybarite night clubs
A society progresses when part of its products meant for consumption is invested in its economy. On the contrary, Cameroon’s elite does not invest in their stagnating economy. Their savings are sent abroad rather than being invested in productions and the rest are used to pay people who are not involved in production but render auxiliary services such as civil servants, merchants, soldiers, entertainers etc. They do not reinvest in agriculture nor industries. They squander the wealth produced by peasants and workers by purchasing cars, suits, whisky etc. Wealth does not come from taxes, it comes from nature: turning raw materials into finished goods for human consumption.
In 1968, when Cameroon became an entrepreneurial state, about forty industries were created. This was a very good step but these industries were not well managed: their surplus was not invested in them but sent to the state and there was no systemic innovation: similar industries were not created in other areas .In 1979, petrol brought a lot wealth to the country but this wealth was not put in the national budget which was regrettable. Our rulers said they were preserving it for rainy days. Where was the money when the economic crisis struck in 1986?
The above cases could have transformed Cameroon into a veritable industrial nation as the case is with Hong-Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea today.
It is ironical that it is the peasants who produce wealth; it is thanks to their food and cash crops that our sterile civil servants are champions of consumption. If this poor peasants stop production, will there not be famine and malnutrition? Cameroon rulers give more preference to political than economic power because they love dignified life. The situation would have been different if they had thought of economic power at independence. One notices that Cameroonians lack capitalistic spirit: hard work, austerity and knowledge. Cameroon has great natural resources but the poorest in terms of goods and services provided by and for its citizens.
Can you imagine that 16.8% of Cameroonians in the urban areas and 45.6% in the rural areas have no durable goods such as television, refrigerator, cookers; about 8.5% in the urban areas and 2% in the rural areas have a personal car, about 50% of Cameroonians have access to potable water, infant mortality is about 151 out of a 1000; 80% of Cameroonians are below poverty line. The percentage of 3-4 Cameroonians sharing a room is about 18.7%; the life expectancy is about 47 years as compared to about 74 in the western world. It is estimated that at least 15,786 students graduate from Cameroon’s six state universities annually and only about 2,951 of them finally gain employment in both public and private sectors. Is it not funny that people should lack jobs where everything has to be redone? Unemployment has led to high rate of prostitution banditry and feymanism. Nearly everyone wants to fall bush. How many Cameroonians can today say in good faith the words of the head of state “I am born a Cameroonian, I will live a Cameroonian and I will die a Cameroonian”?
As Lincoln is reputed to have said, “you can fool some people some time; you can fool all the people some of the time; but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” That is the reason why we must fight to put an end to such wanton plunder of our resources, the regression of our nation and the total neglect of Cameroonians. For us to breakthrough this mess, we need the energy of everyone. Let’s join hands to formulate a new order, to build a new Cameroon.
For this new Cameroon to be possible we need to:
-Adopt an aggressive industrialisation and export policies, strive to copy, to innovate, to invent and to buy designs abroad whenever we have difficulties.
-Develop economic nationalism; hard work and the desire to catch up with the industrial world. We must have a sense of saving for investment and the acceptance that enjoyment must be postponed; instead of using huge sum of money to buy conspicuous goods, we should use it to buy the technology used in manufacturing them. We should take great interest in the law of science which can be harnessed in the form of machinery to work and make profit on their behalf. An economy economy’s strength is measured using its productive capacity and not its capacity to import goods.
- We must sensitise the public on the disadvantages of sumptuous consumption and the advantages of investing in the agricultural and industrial domains of the economy.
- We must also have to encourage our elite to invest in the agricultural sector because the food production sector must flourish in order to feed its citizens and the surplus on it will generate industries.
The above are some of the policies we have to adopt if we want to march forward .Let’s work together as one person.
By
Nanche Billa Robert
Cameroon has been held hostage by a group of persons who manipulate state power for their enrichment. It is time we told them that Cameroon is nobody’s farmland that it belongs to all its compatriots.
Cameroon’s economic activities are below expectation because consumption have overtaken production .No importance has been given to development, instead we have become dependent on the western states which set low prices for raw materials and high prices fro manufactured goods. This dependence is because our bourgeoisie is intellectually lazy; they do not produce, build nor labour. They have no economic power, ideas nor are dynamic. It will be difficult to industrialise Cameroon because of their incapability to accumulate wealth. They are more of businessmen than industrialists. They embrace conspicuous consumption in order to hide their stagnation; they build grandiose mansions, drive luxurious cars, and spend week-ends in sybarite night clubs
A society progresses when part of its products meant for consumption is invested in its economy. On the contrary, Cameroon’s elite does not invest in their stagnating economy. Their savings are sent abroad rather than being invested in productions and the rest are used to pay people who are not involved in production but render auxiliary services such as civil servants, merchants, soldiers, entertainers etc. They do not reinvest in agriculture nor industries. They squander the wealth produced by peasants and workers by purchasing cars, suits, whisky etc. Wealth does not come from taxes, it comes from nature: turning raw materials into finished goods for human consumption.
In 1968, when Cameroon became an entrepreneurial state, about forty industries were created. This was a very good step but these industries were not well managed: their surplus was not invested in them but sent to the state and there was no systemic innovation: similar industries were not created in other areas .In 1979, petrol brought a lot wealth to the country but this wealth was not put in the national budget which was regrettable. Our rulers said they were preserving it for rainy days. Where was the money when the economic crisis struck in 1986?
The above cases could have transformed Cameroon into a veritable industrial nation as the case is with Hong-Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea today.
It is ironical that it is the peasants who produce wealth; it is thanks to their food and cash crops that our sterile civil servants are champions of consumption. If this poor peasants stop production, will there not be famine and malnutrition? Cameroon rulers give more preference to political than economic power because they love dignified life. The situation would have been different if they had thought of economic power at independence. One notices that Cameroonians lack capitalistic spirit: hard work, austerity and knowledge. Cameroon has great natural resources but the poorest in terms of goods and services provided by and for its citizens.
Can you imagine that 16.8% of Cameroonians in the urban areas and 45.6% in the rural areas have no durable goods such as television, refrigerator, cookers; about 8.5% in the urban areas and 2% in the rural areas have a personal car, about 50% of Cameroonians have access to potable water, infant mortality is about 151 out of a 1000; 80% of Cameroonians are below poverty line. The percentage of 3-4 Cameroonians sharing a room is about 18.7%; the life expectancy is about 47 years as compared to about 74 in the western world. It is estimated that at least 15,786 students graduate from Cameroon’s six state universities annually and only about 2,951 of them finally gain employment in both public and private sectors. Is it not funny that people should lack jobs where everything has to be redone? Unemployment has led to high rate of prostitution banditry and feymanism. Nearly everyone wants to fall bush. How many Cameroonians can today say in good faith the words of the head of state “I am born a Cameroonian, I will live a Cameroonian and I will die a Cameroonian”?
As Lincoln is reputed to have said, “you can fool some people some time; you can fool all the people some of the time; but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” That is the reason why we must fight to put an end to such wanton plunder of our resources, the regression of our nation and the total neglect of Cameroonians. For us to breakthrough this mess, we need the energy of everyone. Let’s join hands to formulate a new order, to build a new Cameroon.
For this new Cameroon to be possible we need to:
-Adopt an aggressive industrialisation and export policies, strive to copy, to innovate, to invent and to buy designs abroad whenever we have difficulties.
-Develop economic nationalism; hard work and the desire to catch up with the industrial world. We must have a sense of saving for investment and the acceptance that enjoyment must be postponed; instead of using huge sum of money to buy conspicuous goods, we should use it to buy the technology used in manufacturing them. We should take great interest in the law of science which can be harnessed in the form of machinery to work and make profit on their behalf. An economy economy’s strength is measured using its productive capacity and not its capacity to import goods.
- We must sensitise the public on the disadvantages of sumptuous consumption and the advantages of investing in the agricultural and industrial domains of the economy.
- We must also have to encourage our elite to invest in the agricultural sector because the food production sector must flourish in order to feed its citizens and the surplus on it will generate industries.
The above are some of the policies we have to adopt if we want to march forward .Let’s work together as one person.
Marriage in Cameroon (BY Nanche Billa Robert )
Marriage in Cameroon
BY
Nanche Billa Robert
Douala Cameroon
Today the search for glamour and high profile husbands has destroyed the institution of marriage in Cameroon. Girls always think of a dream world thereby detaching themselves from their own reality. In Cameroon, especially in Douala where about 80.5% of the population lives in poverty, only very few people get married
47.5%, 31.7%, 5%, 5.4% and 4% of the population of Douala are married, single, divorcees, engaged, cohabiting. Those who are married are those having prestigious and high salary jobs. Most single people work in the informal and private sectors are students and unemployed. The more prestigious ones job is, the higher the likelihood that one will be married and the reverse will mean that one is single and is cohabiting.
Those who are affected are those <30-40 years old because they are seriously crushed by poverty.48% and 50% of those between 30-40years earn about 24,000-75,000frs and 75,000frs -125,000frs respectively which is far beyond the poverty-line of 177,000frs.Only 8%of those below 30 earn above the poverty line.
This is an indication that marriage is more of interest than sacrifice. Very few people will find a wife that will accept them with little or no interest. Your wife accepted and supported you up to what you are today. I hope that will be a lesson to our self-centred sisters. It is difficult to find a lady who will like to marry someone without having an ulterior interest. whenever there is money, one will be the best husband on earth and they will often say: “what will I have been without you” If in the course of their cohabitation or marriage, suffering strikes, she will make life miserable to the man and it is very common to hear utterances such as “You dirty man. What have you ever done for me? It is better to live in my father’s compound than to suffer here. When I took the decision to marry you I thought life would be better but I didn’t know that I was a fool». She will say over and over again “This marriage you want to contract with me will not work because we are not compatible”. Must compatibility be determined by money? That is the major reason why people especially men want to have a good job before engaging in a legal marriage. Very few women are willing to work together with their spouse in order to build together. They want to marry men only when the storm is over. I know of a lady who asked her partner to pay her for all the domestic works she had done for the time they had been together. You know what she gave him a bill of two million and said her month was worth 60,000frs. Where in Cameroon does a housemaid earn that sum? The child they had had she changed her name to her father’s name forgetting all what had happened in the past.
How is it possible for one to get married when ones partner doesn’t identify herself with what one is doing? Whenever one does something positive she thinks it is for oneself and not for the family as a whole. When she welcomes and treats her family members better than she will treat her partners’. Even when they are legally married some women still fail to identify themselves with their husband’s home. One still hears other saying that they have delivered children for their husbands as if the children are not theirs as well. It is only when women identify themselves as part of their husband’s home that we can have a stable marriage. When they feel for each other, when they hear each other heartbeat, when they share the joyful and timorous events of their partner’s life then can we have real blissful marital home. But when they continue to say “your mother” “your father” “your sister” instead of our mother, father and sister” there will not be veritable peace in the household. The Bible says when two people get married they become one therefore people must stop using discriminative words. What belongs to Adam must also be Eve’s. They must be together for what God has united nobody should put asunder
Young girls will prefer to go out with people who are older than their parents not because they love them but because they are sure that their daily bread and other needs will be guaranteed. You certainly know of the cases of mboma at our state universities. Prof Chinje: a Sociologist said, in the western world, in the first year university students observe each other and in the second year they approach each other and may even end up getting married to each other. It is the reverse at our state university where girls will prefer older persons than their own classmates certainly because their classmates having got the wherewithal. Today our sisters want to get married to albinos (whites) at all cost: they send them pictures in which they are stake naked. This is because they think they will have a better life if they are married to them. When they fail in their attempt to get what they want, they then desperately look for someone to hang on. However, there are a few women who are selfless and are willing to support whatever situation to make their marriage work. This category of women, who are difficult to come by, must be encouraged.
For marriage to be successful in Cameroon, we need a change of mentality: money can provide everything we need for our comfort but marriage is much more than that. Love should be the core of marriages and not money because of the vicissitude of life It needs people who understand each other and are ready to work together to achieve a common goal. Since the youth of our country is entrenched in poverty, very few engaged themselves in marriage. Less than four out of every ten young people in their thirties are married.
BY
Nanche Billa Robert
Douala Cameroon
Today the search for glamour and high profile husbands has destroyed the institution of marriage in Cameroon. Girls always think of a dream world thereby detaching themselves from their own reality. In Cameroon, especially in Douala where about 80.5% of the population lives in poverty, only very few people get married
47.5%, 31.7%, 5%, 5.4% and 4% of the population of Douala are married, single, divorcees, engaged, cohabiting. Those who are married are those having prestigious and high salary jobs. Most single people work in the informal and private sectors are students and unemployed. The more prestigious ones job is, the higher the likelihood that one will be married and the reverse will mean that one is single and is cohabiting.
Those who are affected are those <30-40 years old because they are seriously crushed by poverty.48% and 50% of those between 30-40years earn about 24,000-75,000frs and 75,000frs -125,000frs respectively which is far beyond the poverty-line of 177,000frs.Only 8%of those below 30 earn above the poverty line.
This is an indication that marriage is more of interest than sacrifice. Very few people will find a wife that will accept them with little or no interest. Your wife accepted and supported you up to what you are today. I hope that will be a lesson to our self-centred sisters. It is difficult to find a lady who will like to marry someone without having an ulterior interest. whenever there is money, one will be the best husband on earth and they will often say: “what will I have been without you” If in the course of their cohabitation or marriage, suffering strikes, she will make life miserable to the man and it is very common to hear utterances such as “You dirty man. What have you ever done for me? It is better to live in my father’s compound than to suffer here. When I took the decision to marry you I thought life would be better but I didn’t know that I was a fool». She will say over and over again “This marriage you want to contract with me will not work because we are not compatible”. Must compatibility be determined by money? That is the major reason why people especially men want to have a good job before engaging in a legal marriage. Very few women are willing to work together with their spouse in order to build together. They want to marry men only when the storm is over. I know of a lady who asked her partner to pay her for all the domestic works she had done for the time they had been together. You know what she gave him a bill of two million and said her month was worth 60,000frs. Where in Cameroon does a housemaid earn that sum? The child they had had she changed her name to her father’s name forgetting all what had happened in the past.
How is it possible for one to get married when ones partner doesn’t identify herself with what one is doing? Whenever one does something positive she thinks it is for oneself and not for the family as a whole. When she welcomes and treats her family members better than she will treat her partners’. Even when they are legally married some women still fail to identify themselves with their husband’s home. One still hears other saying that they have delivered children for their husbands as if the children are not theirs as well. It is only when women identify themselves as part of their husband’s home that we can have a stable marriage. When they feel for each other, when they hear each other heartbeat, when they share the joyful and timorous events of their partner’s life then can we have real blissful marital home. But when they continue to say “your mother” “your father” “your sister” instead of our mother, father and sister” there will not be veritable peace in the household. The Bible says when two people get married they become one therefore people must stop using discriminative words. What belongs to Adam must also be Eve’s. They must be together for what God has united nobody should put asunder
Young girls will prefer to go out with people who are older than their parents not because they love them but because they are sure that their daily bread and other needs will be guaranteed. You certainly know of the cases of mboma at our state universities. Prof Chinje: a Sociologist said, in the western world, in the first year university students observe each other and in the second year they approach each other and may even end up getting married to each other. It is the reverse at our state university where girls will prefer older persons than their own classmates certainly because their classmates having got the wherewithal. Today our sisters want to get married to albinos (whites) at all cost: they send them pictures in which they are stake naked. This is because they think they will have a better life if they are married to them. When they fail in their attempt to get what they want, they then desperately look for someone to hang on. However, there are a few women who are selfless and are willing to support whatever situation to make their marriage work. This category of women, who are difficult to come by, must be encouraged.
For marriage to be successful in Cameroon, we need a change of mentality: money can provide everything we need for our comfort but marriage is much more than that. Love should be the core of marriages and not money because of the vicissitude of life It needs people who understand each other and are ready to work together to achieve a common goal. Since the youth of our country is entrenched in poverty, very few engaged themselves in marriage. Less than four out of every ten young people in their thirties are married.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Ethnic politics
I know constructive criticism is what we all strive for and freedom of speech is not an excuse for anybody to say whatever they want without considering the implication of whatever they say. That said, nobody should prevent the other from expressing their views, because they are unconformable with what is being said. If we are not allowed to express ourselves in our house, where else are we going to be free? If those we have elected as our leaders are not treating us well, what do we expect from those who do not know us?
The truth must be spoken in love at all times even though it will make people uncomfortable. I agree with both of you, that we prefer talking behind people’s backs and not confronting them when given the opportunity to do so. It is deeply entrenched in our culture and anybody that does not toe the line is considered abnormal. Our leaders and elders are always right and are above reproach. “Little children are to be seen and not to be heard”. If I was born before you, I am always right and you must listen to me and not speak up. No doubt we grew up hearing that the youths are leaders of tomorrow, but most of us still have to wait for another century for a chance to become leaders.
Mr. Agendia, I agree with you that we do not need a minister from Lebailem for the needs of our area to be met. We have lived with this lie for a very long time and I think the time has come for us to face it head long. We have seen how little ministers from other parts of the country have benefited the common man. At their best their immediate family and close friends are those that benefit.
Why is our country where it is? Part of the reason is the manipulation of the masses under the pretext of regional balance. This policy reinforces “tribalism” resulting in a false sense of ethnicity. As such people lose sight of the broader picture and are prevented from asking the right questions. Therefore elections are not centered around issues, but on ethnic affiliations. That is why it is not surprise to hear that an election as important as the plebiscite was reduced to “will you vote for Foncha a Bamenda man or for Endeley a Bakweri man?
We are all aware of what the out come of the plebiscite is. Although we are still being told all is well and that nobody should complain or speak up. After all the problem is from the “came no goes” we have to send back to where they belong. How long are we going to play this ethnic card? I hear there is a lot of jubilation on the streets of Bamenda, because a son of the soil has been appointed the prime minister. Give me a break. Is he the first or the last Bamenda prime minister? Many have come and gone and we know the North West still has a very long way to go. I drove by the house of one of their former prime minister, who tarred the road from the dusty main road to his house. What a shame.
We will only get what we desire and expect. Politics of ethnic balance has kept us where we are. The colonial masters played that card and our leaders have mastered it very well. It sounds well and has the appearance of being the best option, but it is a deadly smoke screen used by those in power to manipulate, control and dominate the masses. The good news is this deceit will not go on forever. The time has come and now is the time to speak against such a blatant lie that has enslaved our people. Do not vote for somebody because he or she is your “country man” vote for them because they have the interest of Cameroon at heart.
The truth must be spoken in love at all times even though it will make people uncomfortable. I agree with both of you, that we prefer talking behind people’s backs and not confronting them when given the opportunity to do so. It is deeply entrenched in our culture and anybody that does not toe the line is considered abnormal. Our leaders and elders are always right and are above reproach. “Little children are to be seen and not to be heard”. If I was born before you, I am always right and you must listen to me and not speak up. No doubt we grew up hearing that the youths are leaders of tomorrow, but most of us still have to wait for another century for a chance to become leaders.
Mr. Agendia, I agree with you that we do not need a minister from Lebailem for the needs of our area to be met. We have lived with this lie for a very long time and I think the time has come for us to face it head long. We have seen how little ministers from other parts of the country have benefited the common man. At their best their immediate family and close friends are those that benefit.
Why is our country where it is? Part of the reason is the manipulation of the masses under the pretext of regional balance. This policy reinforces “tribalism” resulting in a false sense of ethnicity. As such people lose sight of the broader picture and are prevented from asking the right questions. Therefore elections are not centered around issues, but on ethnic affiliations. That is why it is not surprise to hear that an election as important as the plebiscite was reduced to “will you vote for Foncha a Bamenda man or for Endeley a Bakweri man?
We are all aware of what the out come of the plebiscite is. Although we are still being told all is well and that nobody should complain or speak up. After all the problem is from the “came no goes” we have to send back to where they belong. How long are we going to play this ethnic card? I hear there is a lot of jubilation on the streets of Bamenda, because a son of the soil has been appointed the prime minister. Give me a break. Is he the first or the last Bamenda prime minister? Many have come and gone and we know the North West still has a very long way to go. I drove by the house of one of their former prime minister, who tarred the road from the dusty main road to his house. What a shame.
We will only get what we desire and expect. Politics of ethnic balance has kept us where we are. The colonial masters played that card and our leaders have mastered it very well. It sounds well and has the appearance of being the best option, but it is a deadly smoke screen used by those in power to manipulate, control and dominate the masses. The good news is this deceit will not go on forever. The time has come and now is the time to speak against such a blatant lie that has enslaved our people. Do not vote for somebody because he or she is your “country man” vote for them because they have the interest of Cameroon at heart.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Breaking news. Cameroon gets new PM
Fuatabong Achaleke "You scratch my back, I scratch your own/ Politics na njangi" ". The real meaning is people are appointed to ministerial positions not only because they are qualified, but to reward those that scratched the backs of the powers that Be. This is done at the detriment of the country and the common man suffers as a result of that. It means the old guard will not be replaced until death do us part. It means the playing field does not need to be level, as long as we blindly support the ruling party. It means recycling the same people over and over, since these individuals are those who are actually scratching the back of the “big man”. It means the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual is the norm of the day. Since power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual who can do and undo everybody must dance to the tune that individual plays. You are not appointed to serve the people, but to appease the people. Appeasing the people helps maintain the present statuesque. Since those who are appointed do not know what will happen next, most of the time is spent taking care of their own wants. “Bellytics” becomes the norm of the day.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is part of the problem and not the solution. Do those who claim are representing us actually do that? If they are representing us, why is it that they are not interested in leveling the playing field for all of us? I mean making sure that we have a good constitution that is respected by all. A constitution that sees beyond their time in office.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is a faulty way of thinking and those propagating it can not be trusted. That is why those waiting for any benefits from such a flawed system are in for a very long wait.
Instead of asking for our own son or daughter to be appointed, we should be demanding for better laws and a level playing field for all. The interest of the entire country and its people irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic affiliation should determine appointments to all office in the land. Those appointed or elected should be those who are qualified and are willing to serve the people and not those who are only interested in scratching the backs of those who appointed them.
Does it surprise us that little is being done to move our country forward? Things will change when we stop operating by the principle of "You scratch my back, I scratch your own". For this principle is pregnant with a lot of deceit and is an instrument of manipulation, domination and control. No good is going to come out of this. At its best "You scratch my back, I scratch your own" will benefit a few individuals and those closest to them.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is part of the problem and not the solution. Do those who claim are representing us actually do that? If they are representing us, why is it that they are not interested in leveling the playing field for all of us? I mean making sure that we have a good constitution that is respected by all. A constitution that sees beyond their time in office.
"You scratch my back, I scratch your own" is a faulty way of thinking and those propagating it can not be trusted. That is why those waiting for any benefits from such a flawed system are in for a very long wait.
Instead of asking for our own son or daughter to be appointed, we should be demanding for better laws and a level playing field for all. The interest of the entire country and its people irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic affiliation should determine appointments to all office in the land. Those appointed or elected should be those who are qualified and are willing to serve the people and not those who are only interested in scratching the backs of those who appointed them.
Does it surprise us that little is being done to move our country forward? Things will change when we stop operating by the principle of "You scratch my back, I scratch your own". For this principle is pregnant with a lot of deceit and is an instrument of manipulation, domination and control. No good is going to come out of this. At its best "You scratch my back, I scratch your own" will benefit a few individuals and those closest to them.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The end justifies the means
This picture speaks volumes about the state of our country and how most people approach live in Cameroon.
Let us not be quick to pass judgment on this "creative rider" who has successfully looked for a way to maximize his bike. For he is operating on the principle of everything goes that is very prevalent in Cameroon and amongst many Cameroonians. Yes everything goes and laws do not matter. If I want to get a job, I will do all in my power to get that job. I will bribe the "big man" and if it means I have to go out will him then let it be. If I find myself out of the country and have difficulties obtaining papers, I will lie about the state of the country and seek for political asylum. Money speaks and those who have money do not necessary have to obey the law. Elections are for those in power to win perpetually. The ruling party always wins. Once chairman, you are chairman for life. One man one vote is a strange concept. The end justifies the means.
Yes, the end justifies the means. In this case what matters is that the rider of the bike wants to move his six passengers from point A to point B. Put your self in the man's shoes. He is saving time, money and maximizing profit. What is wrong in it? Is he not riding his bike that he bought with his hard earned money? The children may be his children. If yes, is he not having the right to carry his own children in anyway he sees fit? Even if the children are not his, another adult must have instructed him to carry the children. What is wrong if two consenting adults decide and agree to do something?
Mr. Chris Ajua says. " I call this mode of transportation: "Unsafe At Any Speed!" So many traffic laws are being broken here and I feel something should be done about it".
I hear him say laws are being broken. Therefore the action of the rider has turned an otherwise safe mode of transportation into a hazardous mode of transportation. When societal laws are broken, the society becomes unsafe for everybody. As such all laws of society must be obeyed by everyone for us to be safe. We have to stop operating by the principle of “everything goes” for the truth is that everything does not go. We must stop rationalizing our disregard for the laws of the land, for two wrongs can not make a right. Therefore the end does not always justify the means. How do we expect to come out of the present quark mire the country is in, if we insist on operating by the faulty principles?
We are talking about the owner of this bike, because he is broking the law in the open. How many of us are different from him? You may be fast to say, your action did not endanger anybody. You did what you did because you had to survive. I have one question for you. Did your dire circumstances force you to break the law? I have not asked, is everyone else doing the same thing that you were “forced” to do? When you break the law, no matter how small it is, you are placing others in harms way. For your action is encouraging others to break other parts of the law. At the end of the day most parts of the law are broken and in some cases the whole law is broken and the resulting consequence is a broken system.
A system where nothing works. A system where without a “God Father” qualified graduates can not get jobs. Hard working students do not get the grades they deserve, but grades are giving to their mates who go out with their teachers. Basic medical facilities, roads, schools, etc are lacking because some contractor, had to oil the lips of numerous “big men”. A system were "man know man "is the norm.
What is the need waiting for your turn when the man at the counter is your friend etc. No doubt there is so much confusion and infighting in the country. No doubt we are overwhelmed by the hopeless surrounding us. The US ambassador recently echoed this in her speech. We have given up all hope. Are we waiting for a messiah to come bail us out? There is no messiah. We can not keep breaking the laws of our land and expect the country to prosper. How can there be stability when our constitution is changed whenever the powers that be deem it necessary to modify the constitution to benefit them? We must level the playing filed for every Cameroonian and make sure our laws are not seasonal.
Our only hope is the rule of law and not a new political ideology. We have to start obeying the law and encouraging others to do same. We must denounce those who break our laws, instead of sitting them on the high table, because they have built a big house and came to the occasion in the latest car. Are we not aware that it is questionable, when a civil servant of certain category amasses a certain amount of wealth?
Let the change begin with you.
Monday, June 22, 2009
U.S. Ambassador Janet E. Garvey: Cameroonians Should Take Ownership of their Country
Remarks by the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon H.E. Janet E. Garvey To the American Chamber of Commerce - Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Good afternoon, and thank you for inviting me to address you this afternoon.
I am always happy to come speak to the American Chamber of Commerce because you all always eat so much better than we do in Yaounde!
Truly, though, I am always excited to attend these meetings because it offers me the opportunity to meet with you, to hear about the successes of American business in Cameroon and, of course, to hear about the challenges you face.
And I do not need to tell you that these are challenging times. Sometimes the news is slow to travel from the center of activity here in Douala to Yaounde, but I can assure you that officials in Yaounde are now recognizing just how much the global economic crisis will affect Cameroon, Cameroonian households, Cameroonian companies, and the government’s ability to implement its ambitious agenda, known as Vision 2035.
You may recall that at one point some months ago, there were those in Cameroon who said that the crisis would not have an impact in Cameroon, that Cameroon was insulated from the financial crisis because Cameroonian institutions were not linked into the global financial system.
Some of these same voices are now complaining that Cameroon is suffering from an economic crisis it did not create. They say Cameroon’s economic woes are not Cameroon’s fault; they say Cameroon’s economic problems are someone else’s responsibility.
It is certainly true that Cameroon did not “create” the global economic crisis. And I think we all recognize that U.S. economic problems have had a broad-reaching impact. President Obama has spoken about the failure of responsibility in managing the U.S. economy, and he has called for a “new era of responsibility” in the United States.
In his inaugural address to the nation, Obama said:
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
President Obama has returned repeatedly to the theme of responsibility. He did so again last week, in his speech in Cairo. He has not sought to find excuses or scapegoats for the economic crisis and he has emphasized that we each bear responsibility for our own lives.
So how would we apply this call for responsibility to Cameroon?
First, we should be adamant that poor management decisions and irresponsibility in the U.S. do not excuse poor management decisions and irresponsibility in other countries, including in Cameroon.
A message of responsibility in Cameroon would emphasize that Cameroonians- -in government, in business, in civil society--are ultimately responsible for the destiny of their country.
On the economic front, Cameroonians have the ability to make their economy more diverse and less dependent on oil revenues. Cameroonians have the ability to orient the economy towards its neighbors, to protect it from the inevitable swings in the global economy and commodity prices. Cameroonians have the ability to demand that their budget be transparent and well-spent.
For the last several years, the Cameroonian Government has spent less than 75% of the money it has budgeted for investment. The money is there, the needs exist, so why are these funds not being spent and, more importantly, what are Cameroonians in and out of the government doing to change the situation?
The World Bank’s Doing Business report has shown that the business climate in Cameroon has gotten worse over each of the last few years, at the same time that Cameroon’s peers were making tremendous improvements. This trend cannot be blamed on the economic crisis!
All this is to say that, if the economic crisis is beyond Cameroonians’ control, no one but Cameroonians can take responsibility for Cameroon’s economy. In my view, there are steps that Cameroon can take, of its own accord, to strengthen the economy during these difficult times and to prepare it for the economic rebound when it does happen.
And the rebound will happen. That is something I think many people miss. The time to think about the economic crisis is not now. Now, it is too late. The time to think about this crisis, in Washington and in Yaounde, was five years ago, when prices were high. Now is the time we should be thinking about the rebound. In Cameroon, that means thinking about how to position Cameroon to benefit from the rebound when it occurs, because it most certainly will. The price for aluminum will likely rise again. The demand for timber will rise again. The demand for rubber will rise again. What are Cameroonians doing, now, to prepare to be sure Cameroon is well-positioned for the next five years?
Cameroonians can influence the policies their government enacts to shape the economy. Cameroonians can control their country’s preparedness to take advantage of global economic good times and to ride out global economic bad times.
Notice I say “Cameroonians” and not “the Government of Cameroon.” I am saying that on purpose, to emphasize the fact that Cameroonians are the master of their own destiny. We all know the imperfections of Cameroon’s democracy, which I will not dwell on today. Nevertheless, the Government is responsive, even if imperfectly, to the demands of Cameroonian stakeholders, whether they be university students, labor unions, taxi drivers, or the business community, which includes you, the American Chamber of Commerce.
Too often, people coming to the Embassy ask us what we are doing to fight corruption, to build roads, to improve infrastructure and education.
I will increasingly respond with a question of my own: What are you doing? What is the American Chamber of Commerce doing to make its views known to the Government regarding the pressing need for infrastructure improvements?
You will notice a common theme in the public statements that I and other U.S. officials will make in Cameroon over the coming year. We are going to focus on this theme, that Cameroon belongs to Cameroonians, that Cameroonians possess the power to shape the course of their own nation, that Cameroonians should stop talking about their country as though it is separate from them, their government as though it is not their own.
Often, when the Government of Cameroon takes a particular decision, we receive phone calls, emails, letters and personal entreaties asking us to pressure the Government of Cameroon to change its decision or to take a new decision.
Cameroonians call on the U.S. Embassy as though we are the appropriate way to influence their own government, as though we should be the ones to speak and act for them.
That is not to say that we do not take an interest in the challenges that confront the Cameroonian people. We are proud of the strong and growing friendship between Cameroon and the United States.
But the biggest obstacle to Cameroon’s development, the biggest obstacle that prevents Cameroon from achieving its full potential, is Cameroonians’ lack of ownership for their own nation, their own government, their own communities.
This is not a dilemma unique to Cameroon. Barack Obama reenergized the United States with his determined insistence that “Yes, We Can.” “Yes, We Can” is more than a partisan political slogan, and its significance is more lasting than a presidential campaign. It is an affirmation of hope, of responsibility, of ownership. When we say “yes, we can,” it means also, that yes, we should, and yes, we will.
I am troubled by the spirit of resignation, almost of despair, that seems to prevail among many of my Cameroonian friends these days. Like everyone else in Cameroon, I was disappointed that the Indomitable Lions did not notch a victory in Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium last Sunday. But I was amazed to see how many people were ready to give up, to say that it is all over, that Cameroon is finished. There are still four games remaining, and Cameroon’s prospects are still very much alive. I am looking forward to the next match, with a spirit of “Yes, We Can!”, and I believe Cameroon should still be aiming to be a part of the World Cup next year in South Africa. I hope that Cameroonians—the players on the pitch and the supporters cheering them on—will adopt the same attitude, not just for football, but for all of the challenges that confront Cameroon today.
I know the obstacles that exist in Cameroon as they do in every country around the world. After almost two years in Cameroon, I know about the problems, but the problems do not interest me any longer. I am more interested in learning what Cameroonians have in mind as solutions, how Cameroonians intend to take charge of their country’s destiny.
It was the great American businessman, Henry Ford, who said “Whether you think you can, or think you cannot, you will be right.”
This is a message I hope to deliver throughout Cameroon over the coming months, and I deliver to the American Chamber of Commerce today.
Your membership represents diverse nationalities and a broad range of sectors, but you have a shared stake in the future of Cameroon and a shared responsibility to do what you can to help Cameroon recognize its potential.
The global economic crisis has, in fact, presented you with an opportunity that I hope you will seize. With a renewed focus on how to jumpstart economic growth and create jobs, Cameroonian decision makers will be more open than ever to the recommendations of the business community. The AMCHAM, this room, is filled with leaders who possess invaluable knowledge, who can provide wise advice about what steps are needed to put Cameroon on better economic footing. What are you doing to be sure your wisdom is heard? What are you doing to be sure Cameroon is better positioned for the next global economic swing, whatever it may be?
I will admit: I am not coming to you with solutions. I am coming instead with a call to action. The AMCHAM has a responsibility to advance American business interests in Cameroon, but that entails a broader responsibility, to help Cameroon recognize its potential as a leader in the region. The AMCHAM can play a crucial role in shaping Cameroon’s future for the better. I hope you all will take on that responsibility. Thank you.
Originally published on the US Embassy website
Good afternoon, and thank you for inviting me to address you this afternoon.
I am always happy to come speak to the American Chamber of Commerce because you all always eat so much better than we do in Yaounde!
Truly, though, I am always excited to attend these meetings because it offers me the opportunity to meet with you, to hear about the successes of American business in Cameroon and, of course, to hear about the challenges you face.
And I do not need to tell you that these are challenging times. Sometimes the news is slow to travel from the center of activity here in Douala to Yaounde, but I can assure you that officials in Yaounde are now recognizing just how much the global economic crisis will affect Cameroon, Cameroonian households, Cameroonian companies, and the government’s ability to implement its ambitious agenda, known as Vision 2035.
You may recall that at one point some months ago, there were those in Cameroon who said that the crisis would not have an impact in Cameroon, that Cameroon was insulated from the financial crisis because Cameroonian institutions were not linked into the global financial system.
Some of these same voices are now complaining that Cameroon is suffering from an economic crisis it did not create. They say Cameroon’s economic woes are not Cameroon’s fault; they say Cameroon’s economic problems are someone else’s responsibility.
It is certainly true that Cameroon did not “create” the global economic crisis. And I think we all recognize that U.S. economic problems have had a broad-reaching impact. President Obama has spoken about the failure of responsibility in managing the U.S. economy, and he has called for a “new era of responsibility” in the United States.
In his inaugural address to the nation, Obama said:
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
President Obama has returned repeatedly to the theme of responsibility. He did so again last week, in his speech in Cairo. He has not sought to find excuses or scapegoats for the economic crisis and he has emphasized that we each bear responsibility for our own lives.
So how would we apply this call for responsibility to Cameroon?
First, we should be adamant that poor management decisions and irresponsibility in the U.S. do not excuse poor management decisions and irresponsibility in other countries, including in Cameroon.
A message of responsibility in Cameroon would emphasize that Cameroonians- -in government, in business, in civil society--are ultimately responsible for the destiny of their country.
On the economic front, Cameroonians have the ability to make their economy more diverse and less dependent on oil revenues. Cameroonians have the ability to orient the economy towards its neighbors, to protect it from the inevitable swings in the global economy and commodity prices. Cameroonians have the ability to demand that their budget be transparent and well-spent.
For the last several years, the Cameroonian Government has spent less than 75% of the money it has budgeted for investment. The money is there, the needs exist, so why are these funds not being spent and, more importantly, what are Cameroonians in and out of the government doing to change the situation?
The World Bank’s Doing Business report has shown that the business climate in Cameroon has gotten worse over each of the last few years, at the same time that Cameroon’s peers were making tremendous improvements. This trend cannot be blamed on the economic crisis!
All this is to say that, if the economic crisis is beyond Cameroonians’ control, no one but Cameroonians can take responsibility for Cameroon’s economy. In my view, there are steps that Cameroon can take, of its own accord, to strengthen the economy during these difficult times and to prepare it for the economic rebound when it does happen.
And the rebound will happen. That is something I think many people miss. The time to think about the economic crisis is not now. Now, it is too late. The time to think about this crisis, in Washington and in Yaounde, was five years ago, when prices were high. Now is the time we should be thinking about the rebound. In Cameroon, that means thinking about how to position Cameroon to benefit from the rebound when it occurs, because it most certainly will. The price for aluminum will likely rise again. The demand for timber will rise again. The demand for rubber will rise again. What are Cameroonians doing, now, to prepare to be sure Cameroon is well-positioned for the next five years?
Cameroonians can influence the policies their government enacts to shape the economy. Cameroonians can control their country’s preparedness to take advantage of global economic good times and to ride out global economic bad times.
Notice I say “Cameroonians” and not “the Government of Cameroon.” I am saying that on purpose, to emphasize the fact that Cameroonians are the master of their own destiny. We all know the imperfections of Cameroon’s democracy, which I will not dwell on today. Nevertheless, the Government is responsive, even if imperfectly, to the demands of Cameroonian stakeholders, whether they be university students, labor unions, taxi drivers, or the business community, which includes you, the American Chamber of Commerce.
Too often, people coming to the Embassy ask us what we are doing to fight corruption, to build roads, to improve infrastructure and education.
I will increasingly respond with a question of my own: What are you doing? What is the American Chamber of Commerce doing to make its views known to the Government regarding the pressing need for infrastructure improvements?
You will notice a common theme in the public statements that I and other U.S. officials will make in Cameroon over the coming year. We are going to focus on this theme, that Cameroon belongs to Cameroonians, that Cameroonians possess the power to shape the course of their own nation, that Cameroonians should stop talking about their country as though it is separate from them, their government as though it is not their own.
Often, when the Government of Cameroon takes a particular decision, we receive phone calls, emails, letters and personal entreaties asking us to pressure the Government of Cameroon to change its decision or to take a new decision.
Cameroonians call on the U.S. Embassy as though we are the appropriate way to influence their own government, as though we should be the ones to speak and act for them.
That is not to say that we do not take an interest in the challenges that confront the Cameroonian people. We are proud of the strong and growing friendship between Cameroon and the United States.
But the biggest obstacle to Cameroon’s development, the biggest obstacle that prevents Cameroon from achieving its full potential, is Cameroonians’ lack of ownership for their own nation, their own government, their own communities.
This is not a dilemma unique to Cameroon. Barack Obama reenergized the United States with his determined insistence that “Yes, We Can.” “Yes, We Can” is more than a partisan political slogan, and its significance is more lasting than a presidential campaign. It is an affirmation of hope, of responsibility, of ownership. When we say “yes, we can,” it means also, that yes, we should, and yes, we will.
I am troubled by the spirit of resignation, almost of despair, that seems to prevail among many of my Cameroonian friends these days. Like everyone else in Cameroon, I was disappointed that the Indomitable Lions did not notch a victory in Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium last Sunday. But I was amazed to see how many people were ready to give up, to say that it is all over, that Cameroon is finished. There are still four games remaining, and Cameroon’s prospects are still very much alive. I am looking forward to the next match, with a spirit of “Yes, We Can!”, and I believe Cameroon should still be aiming to be a part of the World Cup next year in South Africa. I hope that Cameroonians—the players on the pitch and the supporters cheering them on—will adopt the same attitude, not just for football, but for all of the challenges that confront Cameroon today.
I know the obstacles that exist in Cameroon as they do in every country around the world. After almost two years in Cameroon, I know about the problems, but the problems do not interest me any longer. I am more interested in learning what Cameroonians have in mind as solutions, how Cameroonians intend to take charge of their country’s destiny.
It was the great American businessman, Henry Ford, who said “Whether you think you can, or think you cannot, you will be right.”
This is a message I hope to deliver throughout Cameroon over the coming months, and I deliver to the American Chamber of Commerce today.
Your membership represents diverse nationalities and a broad range of sectors, but you have a shared stake in the future of Cameroon and a shared responsibility to do what you can to help Cameroon recognize its potential.
The global economic crisis has, in fact, presented you with an opportunity that I hope you will seize. With a renewed focus on how to jumpstart economic growth and create jobs, Cameroonian decision makers will be more open than ever to the recommendations of the business community. The AMCHAM, this room, is filled with leaders who possess invaluable knowledge, who can provide wise advice about what steps are needed to put Cameroon on better economic footing. What are you doing to be sure your wisdom is heard? What are you doing to be sure Cameroon is better positioned for the next global economic swing, whatever it may be?
I will admit: I am not coming to you with solutions. I am coming instead with a call to action. The AMCHAM has a responsibility to advance American business interests in Cameroon, but that entails a broader responsibility, to help Cameroon recognize its potential as a leader in the region. The AMCHAM can play a crucial role in shaping Cameroon’s future for the better. I hope you all will take on that responsibility. Thank you.
Originally published on the US Embassy website
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Douala Supreme court hits hard on embezzlement case: Siyam Siewe gets a life sentence
The Douala Supreme court hits hard on embezzlement case: Siyam Siewe gets a life sentence
12/06/2009 The former General Manager of the Doula Ports Authority and three others have been sentenced to life in prison.
The verdict came at about 8:30 PM yesterday 11th of June 2009 at the Douala Appeals Court. The court also confirmed the 15 year sentence given to the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port Authority, Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto while the former Deputy General Manager, Simon Pierre Ewondo Noah who was earlier sentenced to ten years in prison shall now serve fifteen years.
Siyam Siewe was appealing a 30 year prison sentence handed down by the Wouri Court of First Instance on 13th of December 2007.
Judgment was overturned for nine of the thirteen accused during the said trial; eight received very severe sentences but for Teguel Maurice, an army officer who was sentenced to one year in jail though absent from the court proceedings yesterday.
This second verdict concerning the State of Cameroon and Ports Authority against Alphonse Siyam Siewe former General Manager was read out in a tense atmosphere.
To ensure order in case of an eventuality, about 150 gendarmes and police officers were put on duty.
Some members of the Bar Council were outraged at the sentencing of Etienne Abessolo, a lawyer amongst the accused. This is the final verdict;
1. Alphonse Siyam Siewe; life in prison
2. Assana Mba’a Thomson; life in prison
3. Kandem Bathelemy; life in prison
4. Siewe Nintcheu; 25 years
5. Etienne Abessolo; 15 years
6. Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto; 15 years
7. Simon Pierre Ewodo Noah; 15 years
8. Babila Tita; 15 years
9. Martin Zibi; 15 years
10. Cheukam Marie epouse Tchatcho; 15 years
11. Faustin Dingana; 15 years
12. Wensitcheu Nincheu; 15 years
13. Teguel Maurice; 1 year
Apart from the time in jail, they have been ordered to pay 75 378 308 010 francs in damages.
Alphonse Siyam Siewe who is former General Manager of the Ports Authorities has also been Minister of Water and Energy.
Pamela Bidjocka, Editor
12/06/2009 The former General Manager of the Doula Ports Authority and three others have been sentenced to life in prison.
The verdict came at about 8:30 PM yesterday 11th of June 2009 at the Douala Appeals Court. The court also confirmed the 15 year sentence given to the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port Authority, Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto while the former Deputy General Manager, Simon Pierre Ewondo Noah who was earlier sentenced to ten years in prison shall now serve fifteen years.
Siyam Siewe was appealing a 30 year prison sentence handed down by the Wouri Court of First Instance on 13th of December 2007.
Judgment was overturned for nine of the thirteen accused during the said trial; eight received very severe sentences but for Teguel Maurice, an army officer who was sentenced to one year in jail though absent from the court proceedings yesterday.
This second verdict concerning the State of Cameroon and Ports Authority against Alphonse Siyam Siewe former General Manager was read out in a tense atmosphere.
To ensure order in case of an eventuality, about 150 gendarmes and police officers were put on duty.
Some members of the Bar Council were outraged at the sentencing of Etienne Abessolo, a lawyer amongst the accused. This is the final verdict;
1. Alphonse Siyam Siewe; life in prison
2. Assana Mba’a Thomson; life in prison
3. Kandem Bathelemy; life in prison
4. Siewe Nintcheu; 25 years
5. Etienne Abessolo; 15 years
6. Edouard Nathanael Etonde Ekotto; 15 years
7. Simon Pierre Ewodo Noah; 15 years
8. Babila Tita; 15 years
9. Martin Zibi; 15 years
10. Cheukam Marie epouse Tchatcho; 15 years
11. Faustin Dingana; 15 years
12. Wensitcheu Nincheu; 15 years
13. Teguel Maurice; 1 year
Apart from the time in jail, they have been ordered to pay 75 378 308 010 francs in damages.
Alphonse Siyam Siewe who is former General Manager of the Ports Authorities has also been Minister of Water and Energy.
Pamela Bidjocka, Editor
"Come we stay Marriages II"
Thank you for you compliments. Yes I have found favour and consider my self very blessed. My spouse is indeed a tremendous blessing from the Lord and we are more in love today than we were back than. I will not exchange her for another woman. I have found my better half and to God be the glory. All the things we gave up have come back a hundred fold. If are given a chance to do it again we will not change anything. We did not even make invitations. All those who showed up came through word of mouth .
In high school I prayed that the Lord will bless me with a spouse who will love me just as I am. The Lord answered my prayer when, I met my beloved wife at the end of year one at the University of Buea and she accepted to get marry to me. It was a step of faith on her path, because I was not economically viable and there was nothing in the horizon to look forward to. I actually told her that, I do not know how things were going to work out, but all I know is that Lord is taking care and it will be well. We decided not to borrow a dime for the wedding, when the time came for us to get marry. Things worked out for us and we started debt free and have strive to remain like that.
Marriage has been given a bad name because many people get marry and their businesses collapse. Some get into a lot of debt that even threatens the marriage. That is why there is a popular saying in Cameroon that “Marriage ties people down and slows them”. This statement reflects the reality of many couples, for they go through a lot to get marry. Instead of parents helping their children to get marry, many place a heavy burden on them, especially the sisters. Each child is the same and there is no reason to expect the female child to bring in money when they are ready to get marry. There are many justifications that are given to support this. Most people say that if you as a man can not afford to pay and organize a good wedding then you are not ready to get marry. There is some truth to this statement, but economic well being should not be the only determining factor.
I heard evangelist Ben singing that the spirit of late marriage should be broken. We have some action to apply to that prayer. Late marriage in some cases is attributed to couples waiting to make sure that they have enough money to get marry. They are also waiting for that furnish house, good job and all the other good stuff. Please we are a people of faith and have to walk by faith even in the area of marriage.
I am writing from having been married for 9 years. God is faithful and will always provide. We had our first son as students and two other children as students and they lord has always been there for us. I remember many people telling me not to bring my young wife and son to the US because I was a student and going through financial difficulties. I told them that God’s will is for married couples to live together. Therefore the economic situation can not over ride God’s will. I went ahead and brought them and the rest is history.
What can we do to address the issue of “come we stay” and late marriages etc? Education is the first step and each and every one of us should be an educator. We need to question the statuesque and make sure society does not place undue burdens on us and our love ones. The lord has blessed us with three girls and we have already told our families that we will not be asking for dowry when our girls will be getting marry. If there is anything we can do to honour our parents, aunts, cousins and uncles, we will do it now and not wait when our girls will be getting marry.
As I said, some of us have a lot of resources and nothing should prevent them from organizing big weddings. If you can afford the pomp and the show go for it. If you can not, do not borrow to please people and later suffer in your home. The quality of your marriage is not dependent on the size of your wedding. Every successful marriage takes time, commitment, dedication, trust, faith, hope, love effort, dying to self and a lot of hard work. The wedding ceremonies themselves are just a one time thing and it is very easy to put up a show. Reality sets in after a few days and as the years go bye if the qualities mentioned above are not present, the marriage will stink. At times I laugh at how easy it is to put up a show. How many of us who are married still put food into the mouths of our spouse as we did with the wedding cake?
For those who are single. May be you are still unmarried because your priorities are not right. The Bible says when we seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness all the other things will be added. Your first prayer for a mate should be that the lord should pair you with somebody that will be a partner for the advancement of God’s kingdom. There is nothing wrong to pray for a job, well furnished house etc. My only concern is that you should not allow the lack of these things to prevent you from taking a step of faith and getting married. Long courtships are hazardous and should be avoided at all cost. You are either married or you are not. No matter how long you stay with somebody, you will never truly know them until you make that commitment and dedication to love cherish them for the rest of your life.
In high school I prayed that the Lord will bless me with a spouse who will love me just as I am. The Lord answered my prayer when, I met my beloved wife at the end of year one at the University of Buea and she accepted to get marry to me. It was a step of faith on her path, because I was not economically viable and there was nothing in the horizon to look forward to. I actually told her that, I do not know how things were going to work out, but all I know is that Lord is taking care and it will be well. We decided not to borrow a dime for the wedding, when the time came for us to get marry. Things worked out for us and we started debt free and have strive to remain like that.
Marriage has been given a bad name because many people get marry and their businesses collapse. Some get into a lot of debt that even threatens the marriage. That is why there is a popular saying in Cameroon that “Marriage ties people down and slows them”. This statement reflects the reality of many couples, for they go through a lot to get marry. Instead of parents helping their children to get marry, many place a heavy burden on them, especially the sisters. Each child is the same and there is no reason to expect the female child to bring in money when they are ready to get marry. There are many justifications that are given to support this. Most people say that if you as a man can not afford to pay and organize a good wedding then you are not ready to get marry. There is some truth to this statement, but economic well being should not be the only determining factor.
I heard evangelist Ben singing that the spirit of late marriage should be broken. We have some action to apply to that prayer. Late marriage in some cases is attributed to couples waiting to make sure that they have enough money to get marry. They are also waiting for that furnish house, good job and all the other good stuff. Please we are a people of faith and have to walk by faith even in the area of marriage.
I am writing from having been married for 9 years. God is faithful and will always provide. We had our first son as students and two other children as students and they lord has always been there for us. I remember many people telling me not to bring my young wife and son to the US because I was a student and going through financial difficulties. I told them that God’s will is for married couples to live together. Therefore the economic situation can not over ride God’s will. I went ahead and brought them and the rest is history.
What can we do to address the issue of “come we stay” and late marriages etc? Education is the first step and each and every one of us should be an educator. We need to question the statuesque and make sure society does not place undue burdens on us and our love ones. The lord has blessed us with three girls and we have already told our families that we will not be asking for dowry when our girls will be getting marry. If there is anything we can do to honour our parents, aunts, cousins and uncles, we will do it now and not wait when our girls will be getting marry.
As I said, some of us have a lot of resources and nothing should prevent them from organizing big weddings. If you can afford the pomp and the show go for it. If you can not, do not borrow to please people and later suffer in your home. The quality of your marriage is not dependent on the size of your wedding. Every successful marriage takes time, commitment, dedication, trust, faith, hope, love effort, dying to self and a lot of hard work. The wedding ceremonies themselves are just a one time thing and it is very easy to put up a show. Reality sets in after a few days and as the years go bye if the qualities mentioned above are not present, the marriage will stink. At times I laugh at how easy it is to put up a show. How many of us who are married still put food into the mouths of our spouse as we did with the wedding cake?
For those who are single. May be you are still unmarried because your priorities are not right. The Bible says when we seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness all the other things will be added. Your first prayer for a mate should be that the lord should pair you with somebody that will be a partner for the advancement of God’s kingdom. There is nothing wrong to pray for a job, well furnished house etc. My only concern is that you should not allow the lack of these things to prevent you from taking a step of faith and getting married. Long courtships are hazardous and should be avoided at all cost. You are either married or you are not. No matter how long you stay with somebody, you will never truly know them until you make that commitment and dedication to love cherish them for the rest of your life.
"Come we stay Marriages "
"Come we stay" is here to stay until the necessary changes are made to the marriage institution. I will write about African marriages especially Cameroonian ones. As Mike said, many people are getting married for the wrong reasons. The wrong questions are asked by would be couples. Wrong emphasis are placed on material well being at the expense of whole heart commitment and dedication that is needed for a successful marriage.
Many couples resort to “come we stay” in most cases because of economic reasons. They feel they do not have what it takes to organize a grandiose wedding. Their reasoning being that marriage is a one in a lifetime something and deserves the best. Some even feel that the quality of the wedding will determine the success of the marriage. Some families put a lot of pressure on the couple to organize a marriage in a certain way, but are not willing to pay for what they strongly desire. The motivating factor behind all this pressure is comparison and the desire to measure up to past weddings of other family members, friends etc.
Many of our traditions are not helping the situation at all. What is the purpose of the dowry? Why do we still have to pay it? Why do we have to celebrate marriage three different times? Why do we keep on adding and not removing? It is not easy for many young Cameroonians when they think about marriage. First you have to pay a heavy dowry and organize a traditional wedding. Secondly, you organize and court wedding and lastly a church wedding. Yes the church wedding must be big and well attended. You must wear a western wedding gown, suits, drive that big car, braids maids etc. If you do not do this you are out of fashion and people will laugh at you. Who set all these rules and why must we follow them? No doubt when many people look at the long and difficult road ahead, they prefer the road of less resistant. Which in this case is "come we stay". I think those that are laying a lot of emphasis on material well being are missing a very important point. People will have affection for each other no matter their economic status. Instead of putting road blocks, we should remove them and encourage people who desire to live the rest of their lives together do it. For “come we stay” does not benefit both parties. It is very important for two people who love each other to get marry before living together as husband and wife. Emphasis should not be on the nature of the ceremony, but on the purpose.
For those in come with stay relationships, you do not need to have a lot of money to officiate your relationship. Forget about other people's expectations and cut your coat according to your material and not even according to your size.
I got married as a student in Cameroon and today I am glad we did not get into debt to get marry. We are a happy and successful couple despite the fact that our wedding was not up to the "standard". There is more to marriage then all the pomp of the wedding itself. For it is written, “he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. It does not say he who is having a lot of stuff, or he who can organize a big wedding feast etc. It says he who finds.
For those who can afford, big lavish weddings do it for you have the resources. For those who can not afford, do not borrow even a dime to organize a wedding. If you borrow to feed people you are not being wise.
If you have any questions address them to me.
Many couples resort to “come we stay” in most cases because of economic reasons. They feel they do not have what it takes to organize a grandiose wedding. Their reasoning being that marriage is a one in a lifetime something and deserves the best. Some even feel that the quality of the wedding will determine the success of the marriage. Some families put a lot of pressure on the couple to organize a marriage in a certain way, but are not willing to pay for what they strongly desire. The motivating factor behind all this pressure is comparison and the desire to measure up to past weddings of other family members, friends etc.
Many of our traditions are not helping the situation at all. What is the purpose of the dowry? Why do we still have to pay it? Why do we have to celebrate marriage three different times? Why do we keep on adding and not removing? It is not easy for many young Cameroonians when they think about marriage. First you have to pay a heavy dowry and organize a traditional wedding. Secondly, you organize and court wedding and lastly a church wedding. Yes the church wedding must be big and well attended. You must wear a western wedding gown, suits, drive that big car, braids maids etc. If you do not do this you are out of fashion and people will laugh at you. Who set all these rules and why must we follow them? No doubt when many people look at the long and difficult road ahead, they prefer the road of less resistant. Which in this case is "come we stay". I think those that are laying a lot of emphasis on material well being are missing a very important point. People will have affection for each other no matter their economic status. Instead of putting road blocks, we should remove them and encourage people who desire to live the rest of their lives together do it. For “come we stay” does not benefit both parties. It is very important for two people who love each other to get marry before living together as husband and wife. Emphasis should not be on the nature of the ceremony, but on the purpose.
For those in come with stay relationships, you do not need to have a lot of money to officiate your relationship. Forget about other people's expectations and cut your coat according to your material and not even according to your size.
I got married as a student in Cameroon and today I am glad we did not get into debt to get marry. We are a happy and successful couple despite the fact that our wedding was not up to the "standard". There is more to marriage then all the pomp of the wedding itself. For it is written, “he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. It does not say he who is having a lot of stuff, or he who can organize a big wedding feast etc. It says he who finds.
For those who can afford, big lavish weddings do it for you have the resources. For those who can not afford, do not borrow even a dime to organize a wedding. If you borrow to feed people you are not being wise.
If you have any questions address them to me.
Monday, June 8, 2009
African "Chiefs" or Presidents?
Gabon is doomed! Yes, their chief is gone. He was the only one capable of keeping the country together. He was the only one who could grantee peace and stability. Please don't you see what her neighbours like the Congos, Chad, and Central African Republic have been through and are still going through? What are they going to do now? The son of the chief is going to take over. Without a Bongo on the throne there will be no Gabon. Did I say throne. Yes throne. It is a new wave that is sweeping over Africa. The presidents are chiefs and their children are expected to take over the throne when they die.
It is advanced democracy. Democracy made in African and specially tailored to meet our need for peace, stability, economic growth and harmony. Qualities that the continent of Africa enjoys more than all other parts of the world. What a lie. A very "FAT LIE" Advanced democracy has failed miserably and the notion that a strong man is all we need to keep the peace does not work. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. How much have we given up in the name of peace and stability? Has this actually brought the peace and stability? I wonder. How can there be peace when most of the people live on less than a Dollar a day. When there is no portable water. When the roads are death traps. When hospitals and under staffed and stocked. When the strong man and his collaborators have to fly out of the country for treatment. Ironically these countries do not practice advance democracy, but are better places to die in
The need for a strong man has led many countries to amend their constitutions so that the "presidential term" can be extended indefinitely. Nobody is indispensable. The country will do without you when you are gone. Like it or not. Death comes to us all. God save us and God save Gabon
(CNN) -- Gabon's President Omar Bongo, Africa's longest-serving ruler, is not dead, the country's prime minister said Monday, contradicting reports from Gabonese and French media.Omar Bongo is Africa's longest-serving ruler.Omar Bongo is Africa's longest-serving ruler.Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong "deplored" French media reports that Bongo had died, saying he had met the president Monday morning.He vowed to lodge a protest with the French authorities about "repeated leaks in the French press."Bongo, 73, has been receiving treatment for intestinal cancer at the Quiron clinic in Barcelona, Spain, according to the Gabonews agency, which also reported Bongo's death earlier.Spain's Foreign Ministry confirmed to CNN that Bongo is alive.
He is in Quiron hospital in Barcelona, Spain for a "comprehensive health check," the prime minister said in a statement.
"This morning I visited the President, accompanied by the President of the National Assembly, the Foreign Minister, the head of the President's cabinet and senior members of the presidential family and after a meeting with the medical team we can confirm that the President is alive," the statement said.
Bongo took power in 1967, seven years after the West African country's independence from France.
He imposed one-party rule a year after succeeding the country's first president, who died in office. He allowed multiparty elections after a new constitution in 1991, but his party has retained control of the government since then.
http://edition. cnn.com/2009/ WORLD/africa/ 06/08/bongo. gabon/index. html
It is advanced democracy. Democracy made in African and specially tailored to meet our need for peace, stability, economic growth and harmony. Qualities that the continent of Africa enjoys more than all other parts of the world. What a lie. A very "FAT LIE" Advanced democracy has failed miserably and the notion that a strong man is all we need to keep the peace does not work. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. How much have we given up in the name of peace and stability? Has this actually brought the peace and stability? I wonder. How can there be peace when most of the people live on less than a Dollar a day. When there is no portable water. When the roads are death traps. When hospitals and under staffed and stocked. When the strong man and his collaborators have to fly out of the country for treatment. Ironically these countries do not practice advance democracy, but are better places to die in
The need for a strong man has led many countries to amend their constitutions so that the "presidential term" can be extended indefinitely. Nobody is indispensable. The country will do without you when you are gone. Like it or not. Death comes to us all. God save us and God save Gabon
(CNN) -- Gabon's President Omar Bongo, Africa's longest-serving ruler, is not dead, the country's prime minister said Monday, contradicting reports from Gabonese and French media.Omar Bongo is Africa's longest-serving ruler.Omar Bongo is Africa's longest-serving ruler.Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong "deplored" French media reports that Bongo had died, saying he had met the president Monday morning.He vowed to lodge a protest with the French authorities about "repeated leaks in the French press."Bongo, 73, has been receiving treatment for intestinal cancer at the Quiron clinic in Barcelona, Spain, according to the Gabonews agency, which also reported Bongo's death earlier.Spain's Foreign Ministry confirmed to CNN that Bongo is alive.
He is in Quiron hospital in Barcelona, Spain for a "comprehensive health check," the prime minister said in a statement.
"This morning I visited the President, accompanied by the President of the National Assembly, the Foreign Minister, the head of the President's cabinet and senior members of the presidential family and after a meeting with the medical team we can confirm that the President is alive," the statement said.
Bongo took power in 1967, seven years after the West African country's independence from France.
He imposed one-party rule a year after succeeding the country's first president, who died in office. He allowed multiparty elections after a new constitution in 1991, but his party has retained control of the government since then.
http://edition. cnn.com/2009/ WORLD/africa/ 06/08/bongo. gabon/index. html
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Cameroonian Chief Diplomat Caught In Fraud Web
Cameroonian Chief Diplomat Caught In Fraud Web
Friday, May 29, 2009
By Kini Nsom
The Examining Mfoundi High Court Magistrate has urged the Presidency of the
Republic to lift the immunity of the Cameroonian High Commissioner to the
Republic of South Africa, HE Adrien Kouambo, so that he can answer charges
on alleged embezzlement.
The Magistrate, Justice Pierre Mpondo Osée, reportedly made the call
recently as he began preliminary inquiries into an FCFA 50 million embezzlement
scandal at the Cameroon High Commission in South Africa.
He is said to have recently written to the Presidency through the Minister
of External Relations.
Meanwhile, one George Mbantio, a hitherto Cameroonian businessman in
Durban, South Africa, who is said to be at the centre of the alleged
embezzlement deal, was arrested and sentenced to pre-trial detention at the Kondengui
Central Prison since May 4.
While narrating his ordeal to The Post, Mbantio said, when Kouambo was
appointed the Cameroonian High Commissioner, he met him and promised to do
business with him.
He said he called him later and gave him a contract to renovate the
residence of the High Commissioner at Water Kloof in Pretoria.
Mbantio said the High Commissioner gave the contract to him and told him to
backdate the documents to December 20, 2008, even though it was in January
2009, so that the bills could be easily paid. The businessman said when he
did that, the High Commissioner told him to take the bill to the
accountant in the High Commissioner, Francis Famfan. He narrated that the accountant
told him, he could not pay the FCFA 50 million and ordered him to do
another quotation worth FCFA 45 million rather.
He said the accountant issued a cheque for him even though he had not yet
done the job. Going by him, Kouambo came to Durban shortly after he put the
money to his account and ordered him to issue cheques and withdraw the
money and give him. He continued that, "When I told him that I had deposited
the cheque in my account, he said, I will have to give him my company cheque
and that if I do not give him, I will know that I am playing with people
who are used to making people disappear".
Mbantio said he got so frightened that he went back to his house and issued
two cheques. One for January 21, 2009 and the other for January 28, 2009
and did not write Kouambo's name as bearer of the cheques as earlier
instructed. "I told Kouambo," the man narrated, "that he should only deposit the
cheque dated January 28, 2009 and not the one dated January 21, 2009. I knew
these cheques were not going to go through since I used a wrong signature
intentionally just to know why he was taking away the job from me."
He claimed that Kouambo flouted his advice and deposited the cheque he told
him not to use and could not get the money. This time around, he said the
High Commissioner issued more threats until he issued cheques paying an
amount of money into his account in the South African currency, the rand,
which was equal to FCFA 15 million.
Mbantio narrated that even after paying this amount into his account; the
High Commissioner multiplied the threats on him until he handed over all the
FCFA 45 million meant for the contract. After paying this amount of money,
he said, Kouambo insisted that he should pay the balance because the
contract was FCFA 50 million.
He said Kouambo increased pressure and death threats on him until he
escaped from South Africa with his family and came back to Cameroon. Upon
learning that he came back to Cameroon, the High Commissioner wrote a complaint
to the Judicial Police in Yaounde accusing Mbantio of theft by false
pretence. After receiving the complaint, the police authorities spread words all
over security services in the country that Mbantio was a wanted man.
The police made little efforts to have their prey as Mbantio later gave up
himself to them.
Hear him: "I have decided to present myself to the authorities because I
know I am innocent. And that I and my family are very- very safe in my
beloved country Cameroon," says Mbantio.
When the Judicial Police finally had Mbantio in their drag net, they
charged him with complicity to the embezzlement of public funds.
The Economic Department of the Judicial Police is asking why the High
Commissioner ordered that money be paid to a contract that has not been
executed. But the High Commissioner' The Economic Department of the Judicial Police
is asking why the High Commissioner ordered that money be paid to a
contract that has not been executed. But the High Commissioner's complaints
accuses Mbantio of thef
It was on this premise that the examining Magistrate wrote to the
Presidency through the Minister of External Relations, calling for the lifting of
the immunity of the High Commissioner for police to interrogate him on the
matter. As Mbantio continues to languish in a pre-trial detention at
Kondengui, legal observers hold that the truth of the embezzlement case can only
come out if the High Commissioner submits himself to the judiciary for
interrogation.
Friday, May 29, 2009
By Kini Nsom
The Examining Mfoundi High Court Magistrate has urged the Presidency of the
Republic to lift the immunity of the Cameroonian High Commissioner to the
Republic of South Africa, HE Adrien Kouambo, so that he can answer charges
on alleged embezzlement.
The Magistrate, Justice Pierre Mpondo Osée, reportedly made the call
recently as he began preliminary inquiries into an FCFA 50 million embezzlement
scandal at the Cameroon High Commission in South Africa.
He is said to have recently written to the Presidency through the Minister
of External Relations.
Meanwhile, one George Mbantio, a hitherto Cameroonian businessman in
Durban, South Africa, who is said to be at the centre of the alleged
embezzlement deal, was arrested and sentenced to pre-trial detention at the Kondengui
Central Prison since May 4.
While narrating his ordeal to The Post, Mbantio said, when Kouambo was
appointed the Cameroonian High Commissioner, he met him and promised to do
business with him.
He said he called him later and gave him a contract to renovate the
residence of the High Commissioner at Water Kloof in Pretoria.
Mbantio said the High Commissioner gave the contract to him and told him to
backdate the documents to December 20, 2008, even though it was in January
2009, so that the bills could be easily paid. The businessman said when he
did that, the High Commissioner told him to take the bill to the
accountant in the High Commissioner, Francis Famfan. He narrated that the accountant
told him, he could not pay the FCFA 50 million and ordered him to do
another quotation worth FCFA 45 million rather.
He said the accountant issued a cheque for him even though he had not yet
done the job. Going by him, Kouambo came to Durban shortly after he put the
money to his account and ordered him to issue cheques and withdraw the
money and give him. He continued that, "When I told him that I had deposited
the cheque in my account, he said, I will have to give him my company cheque
and that if I do not give him, I will know that I am playing with people
who are used to making people disappear".
Mbantio said he got so frightened that he went back to his house and issued
two cheques. One for January 21, 2009 and the other for January 28, 2009
and did not write Kouambo's name as bearer of the cheques as earlier
instructed. "I told Kouambo," the man narrated, "that he should only deposit the
cheque dated January 28, 2009 and not the one dated January 21, 2009. I knew
these cheques were not going to go through since I used a wrong signature
intentionally just to know why he was taking away the job from me."
He claimed that Kouambo flouted his advice and deposited the cheque he told
him not to use and could not get the money. This time around, he said the
High Commissioner issued more threats until he issued cheques paying an
amount of money into his account in the South African currency, the rand,
which was equal to FCFA 15 million.
Mbantio narrated that even after paying this amount into his account; the
High Commissioner multiplied the threats on him until he handed over all the
FCFA 45 million meant for the contract. After paying this amount of money,
he said, Kouambo insisted that he should pay the balance because the
contract was FCFA 50 million.
He said Kouambo increased pressure and death threats on him until he
escaped from South Africa with his family and came back to Cameroon. Upon
learning that he came back to Cameroon, the High Commissioner wrote a complaint
to the Judicial Police in Yaounde accusing Mbantio of theft by false
pretence. After receiving the complaint, the police authorities spread words all
over security services in the country that Mbantio was a wanted man.
The police made little efforts to have their prey as Mbantio later gave up
himself to them.
Hear him: "I have decided to present myself to the authorities because I
know I am innocent. And that I and my family are very- very safe in my
beloved country Cameroon," says Mbantio.
When the Judicial Police finally had Mbantio in their drag net, they
charged him with complicity to the embezzlement of public funds.
The Economic Department of the Judicial Police is asking why the High
Commissioner ordered that money be paid to a contract that has not been
executed. But the High Commissioner' The Economic Department of the Judicial Police
is asking why the High Commissioner ordered that money be paid to a
contract that has not been executed. But the High Commissioner'
accuses Mbantio of thef
It was on this premise that the examining Magistrate wrote to the
Presidency through the Minister of External Relations, calling for the lifting of
the immunity of the High Commissioner for police to interrogate him on the
matter. As Mbantio continues to languish in a pre-trial detention at
Kondengui, legal observers hold that the truth of the embezzlement case can only
come out if the High Commissioner submits himself to the judiciary for
interrogation.
How Otto Pfister Duped Cameroonians
Personal reaction to the post below.
That is why all has to be done to get rid of the Chop a Chop canker worm that has eaten deep into our society and may soon eat our souls. IS is surprising? The minister pays the coach 15 million plus and the coach pays the minister 7 million a year. It is not strange. The coach " chops and the Minister chops" That is the Cameroonian reality. I travel abroad and arrange with my boss for my salary to be paid to my relatives etc. I give my boss kola at the end of the month. My boss chop a chop.
My justification is. The amount of money is small after all the "Big Man" up there is embezzling greater sums of money. Also the little I am taking is being used to buy medicine for my poor parents in the village. I do not squander it on weekend trips abroad as the big man does. I am holier you know. I am a modern Robin hood taking from the bad regime and giving to the poor.
What short sightedness? Give me a break. Do you have to take the law into your hands? Don't you know that it will result in anarchy? Yes confusion and a failed state. Go to http://www.chopachoplive.com and let your voice be heard.
By Innocent Mbunwe
There are indications that the resigned Indomitable Lions head coach, Otto Pfiister, 72, may have swindled the Cameroonian taxpayer of colossal amounts of cash. A secret report from the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education which The Post stumbled on, notes that, on May 7, 2009, Otto Pfister was paid through his German account, a lump sum of FCFA 123 million ($ 246,000) as advance salaries for six months.
Armed with such a swollen wallet, the big German decided to bang the door against the team he was purportedly coaching three weeks after the dough was safely deposited in the private account in his native Germany. The septuagenarian, it should be recalled, had been paid a six months advance salary on November 7, 2007, the day he was signing his contract. Pfister's salary was fixed at FCFA 15 million by Augustin Edjoa, Sports and Physical Education Minister.
Edjoa, added, another FCFA 5 million as salary for a physical trainer whom the German was to recruit, but until Wednesday, May 27, the day of his resignation the nation is yet to see the Physical instructor. Pfister, with decades of experience in the politics of African football, has walked away with hard earned money of tax paying Cameroonians. The coach's resignation took the nation unawares. It will be difficult for the nation to report him to the world football governing body, FIFA.
He is, by the way, not even recognised by FIFA because he signed his contract but with the Cameroonian Sports Ministry instead of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, the only body with which FIFA does business in Cameroon. It should be noted that FECAFOOT refused to endorse his controversial appointment and was never a signatory to his contract. Pfister has been coach for 18 months, during which period he enjoyed quite some juicy financial remuneration.
Sampler: His monthly salary stood at FCFA 15 million ($ 30.000), plus a monthly communication allowance of FCFA 500.000, ($1000). He also enjoyed monthly FCFA 5 million ($ 10.000) being money for a physical trainer.Pfister was paid FCFA 25 million ($50.000), as his 2008 Nations cup participation fee. He was entitled to
imitless amounts of cash each time he felt like travelling abroad to monitor players' performance in foreign leagues.
He stayed in Hotel Mont Febe for 18 months at state expense. Fernand Tanninche, the soccer agent who negotiated Pfister's appointment is yet to receive the 20 percent commission the coach agreed he would be paid. The matter is still pending in court.Tanninche told this Reporter: "All these financial transactions between Minister Edjoa and Pfister, amounts to mafia.
"Why is the Minister paying Pfister in advance in a poor country like Cameroon? I have never seen that. Pfister asked for FCFA 13 million as salary but the Minister increased it to FCFA 15 million, and even added FCFA 5 million for a physical trainer. "All these additions belong to the Minister. The Minister earns FCFA 7 million monthly from Pfister", Tanninche noted.
That is why all has to be done to get rid of the Chop a Chop canker worm that has eaten deep into our society and may soon eat our souls. IS is surprising? The minister pays the coach 15 million plus and the coach pays the minister 7 million a year. It is not strange. The coach " chops and the Minister chops" That is the Cameroonian reality. I travel abroad and arrange with my boss for my salary to be paid to my relatives etc. I give my boss kola at the end of the month. My boss chop a chop.
My justification is. The amount of money is small after all the "Big Man" up there is embezzling greater sums of money. Also the little I am taking is being used to buy medicine for my poor parents in the village. I do not squander it on weekend trips abroad as the big man does. I am holier you know. I am a modern Robin hood taking from the bad regime and giving to the poor.
What short sightedness? Give me a break. Do you have to take the law into your hands? Don't you know that it will result in anarchy? Yes confusion and a failed state. Go to http://www.chopachoplive.com and let your voice be heard.
By Innocent Mbunwe
There are indications that the resigned Indomitable Lions head coach, Otto Pfiister, 72, may have swindled the Cameroonian taxpayer of colossal amounts of cash. A secret report from the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education which The Post stumbled on, notes that, on May 7, 2009, Otto Pfister was paid through his German account, a lump sum of FCFA 123 million ($ 246,000) as advance salaries for six months.
Armed with such a swollen wallet, the big German decided to bang the door against the team he was purportedly coaching three weeks after the dough was safely deposited in the private account in his native Germany. The septuagenarian, it should be recalled, had been paid a six months advance salary on November 7, 2007, the day he was signing his contract. Pfister's salary was fixed at FCFA 15 million by Augustin Edjoa, Sports and Physical Education Minister.
Edjoa, added, another FCFA 5 million as salary for a physical trainer whom the German was to recruit, but until Wednesday, May 27, the day of his resignation the nation is yet to see the Physical instructor. Pfister, with decades of experience in the politics of African football, has walked away with hard earned money of tax paying Cameroonians. The coach's resignation took the nation unawares. It will be difficult for the nation to report him to the world football governing body, FIFA.
He is, by the way, not even recognised by FIFA because he signed his contract but with the Cameroonian Sports Ministry instead of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, the only body with which FIFA does business in Cameroon. It should be noted that FECAFOOT refused to endorse his controversial appointment and was never a signatory to his contract. Pfister has been coach for 18 months, during which period he enjoyed quite some juicy financial remuneration.
Sampler: His monthly salary stood at FCFA 15 million ($ 30.000), plus a monthly communication allowance of FCFA 500.000, ($1000). He also enjoyed monthly FCFA 5 million ($ 10.000) being money for a physical trainer.Pfister was paid FCFA 25 million ($50.000), as his 2008 Nations cup participation fee. He was entitled to
imitless amounts of cash each time he felt like travelling abroad to monitor players' performance in foreign leagues.
He stayed in Hotel Mont Febe for 18 months at state expense. Fernand Tanninche, the soccer agent who negotiated Pfister's appointment is yet to receive the 20 percent commission the coach agreed he would be paid. The matter is still pending in court.Tanninche told this Reporter: "All these financial transactions between Minister Edjoa and Pfister, amounts to mafia.
"Why is the Minister paying Pfister in advance in a poor country like Cameroon? I have never seen that. Pfister asked for FCFA 13 million as salary but the Minister increased it to FCFA 15 million, and even added FCFA 5 million for a physical trainer. "All these additions belong to the Minister. The Minister earns FCFA 7 million monthly from Pfister", Tanninche noted.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Youths Leaders of tomorrow?
I could not help but laugh at the days that were meant to be, but have never been. The promise of youths are the leaders of tomorrow. A catch phrase that is almost worn out because it has been used countless times in speeches during some of the celebrations we attended. It seems the youths are meant to remain youths indefinitely. What a country were the young shall remain young forever. It seems we have discovered the secret fountain of youth. Unfortunately, the youths are getting old, but those that are suppose to step down and give the youths a chance have tighten their grip on power.
Yes we sang CNU has brought progress to Cameroon and over night we changed the song to CPDM has brought progress to Cameroon. When I was a kid, I thought the name of our president was always going to be a Ahidjo. My assumption was that the presidency was handed over from father to son, just as it is done in my village and that the family name of the ruling family is Ahidjo. As such I was confused when were told early one morning as we were getting ready to match into our classes that our new president is Paul Biya. I might have been wrong then, but it seems I was right. Mr Biya inherited the presidency and is still there after more than 25 years and I hear he is going to be there perpetually. Was the constitution not changed last year to ensure this? Yes we are proud of our country and our able president. It seems he is the only one out there that can move the country forward. Each time change is mentioned we are reminded that things could be worst. Why do they not compare to other places were things are better. I mean much more better. You can play on the fears of a people for only so long. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow even if the present leaders pay only lip service to it.
Yes we sang CNU has brought progress to Cameroon and over night we changed the song to CPDM has brought progress to Cameroon. When I was a kid, I thought the name of our president was always going to be a Ahidjo. My assumption was that the presidency was handed over from father to son, just as it is done in my village and that the family name of the ruling family is Ahidjo. As such I was confused when were told early one morning as we were getting ready to match into our classes that our new president is Paul Biya. I might have been wrong then, but it seems I was right. Mr Biya inherited the presidency and is still there after more than 25 years and I hear he is going to be there perpetually. Was the constitution not changed last year to ensure this? Yes we are proud of our country and our able president. It seems he is the only one out there that can move the country forward. Each time change is mentioned we are reminded that things could be worst. Why do they not compare to other places were things are better. I mean much more better. You can play on the fears of a people for only so long. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow even if the present leaders pay only lip service to it.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
What is the place of Cultural Development Assocaitions in the 21st Century?
We are dealing with a very difficult and complicated issue. I have pondered over it many times and have not yet arrived any conclusion.
This issue is tied to the lack of nationalism that exists in Cameroon at large. I will not speak for the entire African continent. We still very much identify with our Fondoms. The reason being that, our cultural identity is still tired to where we were born, the language we speak, rites of passage, dressing, food etc.
On this forum we had an extended debt on what development is and the role of our traditions and customs in the 21st century. These questions are at the heart of the matter. There is need for adequate answers to some of the questions that were raise. For example what aspects of our cultures should be preserved? How do we transition to the 21st century and start looking at each other, not just in terms of Nweh, Mundani, Mock, Bami, Moghamo, Bayang, Beti, Fulani, Haussa, Bali, Mendankwe, etc but as Cameroonians.
The colonial masters played this card of diversity using it as a tool of divide and rule. The present political elites have fine tuned it and are using it better than their predecessors to achieve their selfish ambitions at the detriment of the people.
It is easy for those of us in the Diaspora to insist on ignoring the boundaries and moving ahead. We can not just ignore, we have to address the boundaries and divisions, for our developmental efforts are not going to be done in a vacuum. These developmental projects are going to be implemented amongst those at the grass roots and their input is highly needed.
Why are we even talking of a Lebailem development Association? The simple answer is that those of us from Lebailem believe that we understand our division better than "outsiders" and are the most equipped to take care of its needs. The fondom associations also hold this same assertion and we can not just sweep them under the rug. This same reasoning cuts across the whole country. Every ethnic group in Cameroon believes they can take better care of their own. That is why they demand for their own son to be appointed a minster so that they can have their own share of the national cake.
Why is it that a minister must come from our area for our needs to be met? It seems we have to take a very close look not only at our division but the way we as a nation operate. I am I asking for to much? May be. Let those that truly love Lebialem and I know they also will like to see Cameroon as a whole move forward think hard and come out with ideas that are workable.
The lack of grass root support has been raised and I think those at the grass roots are more conscious of their roots than the entire division. For example most still disfavour inter ethnic marriages. Belonging to a division does not automatically mean that people share the same language and culture. That is why quick fixes are not going to solve the problem.
Some wild thoughts on the way forward! We are we stock with this whole idea of Cultural Development Associations? Why don't we form associations that do not have ethnic overtones? It seems membership in our associations is by virtue of where you were born. This factor has far reaching implications on membership drive, fund raising and what that association can accomplish. Is it possible to form organizations that transcend our ethnic groups and can still bring development? I mean organizations that their membership is open to all who will buy their philosophy. To be continued…..
This issue is tied to the lack of nationalism that exists in Cameroon at large. I will not speak for the entire African continent. We still very much identify with our Fondoms. The reason being that, our cultural identity is still tired to where we were born, the language we speak, rites of passage, dressing, food etc.
On this forum we had an extended debt on what development is and the role of our traditions and customs in the 21st century. These questions are at the heart of the matter. There is need for adequate answers to some of the questions that were raise. For example what aspects of our cultures should be preserved? How do we transition to the 21st century and start looking at each other, not just in terms of Nweh, Mundani, Mock, Bami, Moghamo, Bayang, Beti, Fulani, Haussa, Bali, Mendankwe, etc but as Cameroonians.
The colonial masters played this card of diversity using it as a tool of divide and rule. The present political elites have fine tuned it and are using it better than their predecessors to achieve their selfish ambitions at the detriment of the people.
It is easy for those of us in the Diaspora to insist on ignoring the boundaries and moving ahead. We can not just ignore, we have to address the boundaries and divisions, for our developmental efforts are not going to be done in a vacuum. These developmental projects are going to be implemented amongst those at the grass roots and their input is highly needed.
Why are we even talking of a Lebailem development Association? The simple answer is that those of us from Lebailem believe that we understand our division better than "outsiders" and are the most equipped to take care of its needs. The fondom associations also hold this same assertion and we can not just sweep them under the rug. This same reasoning cuts across the whole country. Every ethnic group in Cameroon believes they can take better care of their own. That is why they demand for their own son to be appointed a minster so that they can have their own share of the national cake.
Why is it that a minister must come from our area for our needs to be met? It seems we have to take a very close look not only at our division but the way we as a nation operate. I am I asking for to much? May be. Let those that truly love Lebialem and I know they also will like to see Cameroon as a whole move forward think hard and come out with ideas that are workable.
The lack of grass root support has been raised and I think those at the grass roots are more conscious of their roots than the entire division. For example most still disfavour inter ethnic marriages. Belonging to a division does not automatically mean that people share the same language and culture. That is why quick fixes are not going to solve the problem.
Some wild thoughts on the way forward! We are we stock with this whole idea of Cultural Development Associations? Why don't we form associations that do not have ethnic overtones? It seems membership in our associations is by virtue of where you were born. This factor has far reaching implications on membership drive, fund raising and what that association can accomplish. Is it possible to form organizations that transcend our ethnic groups and can still bring development? I mean organizations that their membership is open to all who will buy their philosophy. To be continued…..
Friday, May 29, 2009
The need for people of character
Mr. Elvis
I must applaud your contribution, you hit the nail squarely on the head. My hope is that more and more Cameroonians will start looking at our society as you have just done.
We are caught in a vicious circle as you eloquently put it. But are we doomed? Is there hope? Can this vicious circle be broken? Permit me to say, yes we can break it. Yes there is hope and we all can make a difference.
There are three things that last; hope, faith and love. The greatest of then is love. Therefore we have to start with deep love for country and fellow country men. For this an essential quality that is missing amongst us.
Action speaks louder than words. Must of all profess love for our country, but our actions reveal our true state. We must also maintain hope at all times, for hopelessness drives mankind to extreme behaviour.
I understand the desire and cry for divine intervention. God has already done the divine intervention. The root cause of selfishness and chop a chop mentality is sin. God loved us be sending His only son Jesus Christ to pay the ultimate price for sin. He did this by dying on the cross for us, thereby paying the penalty of our sin.
Therefore those that truly repent of their sin and follow the teachings of the Lord will be good citizens. They will be salt and light in the society as the Holy book teaches. Their light will shine in the darkness that is surrounding us and this will force the darkness to retreat.
Our problem is a human problem. I say this because we as humans have the free will to choose what to do and not to do. We have the freedom to choose who to yield our bodies to. God is willing to use anybody to deliver our country from the hands of the tyrants that have taken our country hostage. For that to happen these individuals have to make themselves available. For God does not force his will on anybody. These individuals will need God’s help to develop character.
Character is not acquired in a day. It takes time, effort, self denial, sacrifice, love for others and the willingness to suffer for what you believe to develop the character. When our country is saturated with individuals of character, they will then usher into Cameroon the much needed change.
Mandela is highly celebrated, quoted and looked up to by many people. Why is this so? This question forced me to read the long walk to freedom. Which is a biography about his life. I wanted to see how he developed the character that enabled him to stay in prison for so many years. I realized that he had Judo Christian influences in his early life. For he professed to be a Christian when he was growing up. He had strong love for country and fellow South Africans. He was willing to suffer and die for something he believed in. That is the freedom of his people from the hands of their oppressors.
This qualities were not acquired in a day, it took him time and effort. A particular incident stroke me profoundly. When Mandela was a student an election was held and it seemed the out come was not going to favour the student body they were representing. As such Mandela and six other student leaders resigned. The principal of the college threatened to expel them from school. Five of the other students yielded to the pressure and Mandela did not. Because of his action, he did not get his BA from that institution. Remember getting a BA in those days was the life dream of many people. That not withstanding Mandela was being sponsored by a guardian. He had every reason to yield to pressure and not jeopardize his future and squander the meager resources of those who were sponsoring him. Mandela won a small battle and when the big one came he won with flying colours. The apartheid regime gave him many good offers, while he was in prison, but he turned them down. He said the people have to be free, for him to have any freedom.
He did not choose personal survival despite the fact that his personal interest was at stack. Most of us justify our actions by saying we want to survive. When you focus too much on your personal needs you will be drained of the potential to be of help to others.
Life is about giving and taking care of others. We all have great potential to impact our community and country positively. Remember you competed with millions of other potential you and emerged first. Why then do we settle for less later in life? I think we start operation from faulty information feed into us by our society, personal experience. For example chop a chop, God helps those who help themselves, give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, a got eats where it is tied, if others are doing it then it is ok for me to do same etc.
Instead of waiting for a messiah we have to acknowledge our contribution to the problem and start making the necessary changes in our lives. Our slogan should be love for country and others first. Please join me on and let your voice be heard.
I must applaud your contribution, you hit the nail squarely on the head. My hope is that more and more Cameroonians will start looking at our society as you have just done.
We are caught in a vicious circle as you eloquently put it. But are we doomed? Is there hope? Can this vicious circle be broken? Permit me to say, yes we can break it. Yes there is hope and we all can make a difference.
There are three things that last; hope, faith and love. The greatest of then is love. Therefore we have to start with deep love for country and fellow country men. For this an essential quality that is missing amongst us.
Action speaks louder than words. Must of all profess love for our country, but our actions reveal our true state. We must also maintain hope at all times, for hopelessness drives mankind to extreme behaviour.
I understand the desire and cry for divine intervention. God has already done the divine intervention. The root cause of selfishness and chop a chop mentality is sin. God loved us be sending His only son Jesus Christ to pay the ultimate price for sin. He did this by dying on the cross for us, thereby paying the penalty of our sin.
Therefore those that truly repent of their sin and follow the teachings of the Lord will be good citizens. They will be salt and light in the society as the Holy book teaches. Their light will shine in the darkness that is surrounding us and this will force the darkness to retreat.
Our problem is a human problem. I say this because we as humans have the free will to choose what to do and not to do. We have the freedom to choose who to yield our bodies to. God is willing to use anybody to deliver our country from the hands of the tyrants that have taken our country hostage. For that to happen these individuals have to make themselves available. For God does not force his will on anybody. These individuals will need God’s help to develop character.
Character is not acquired in a day. It takes time, effort, self denial, sacrifice, love for others and the willingness to suffer for what you believe to develop the character. When our country is saturated with individuals of character, they will then usher into Cameroon the much needed change.
Mandela is highly celebrated, quoted and looked up to by many people. Why is this so? This question forced me to read the long walk to freedom. Which is a biography about his life. I wanted to see how he developed the character that enabled him to stay in prison for so many years. I realized that he had Judo Christian influences in his early life. For he professed to be a Christian when he was growing up. He had strong love for country and fellow South Africans. He was willing to suffer and die for something he believed in. That is the freedom of his people from the hands of their oppressors.
This qualities were not acquired in a day, it took him time and effort. A particular incident stroke me profoundly. When Mandela was a student an election was held and it seemed the out come was not going to favour the student body they were representing. As such Mandela and six other student leaders resigned. The principal of the college threatened to expel them from school. Five of the other students yielded to the pressure and Mandela did not. Because of his action, he did not get his BA from that institution. Remember getting a BA in those days was the life dream of many people. That not withstanding Mandela was being sponsored by a guardian. He had every reason to yield to pressure and not jeopardize his future and squander the meager resources of those who were sponsoring him. Mandela won a small battle and when the big one came he won with flying colours. The apartheid regime gave him many good offers, while he was in prison, but he turned them down. He said the people have to be free, for him to have any freedom.
He did not choose personal survival despite the fact that his personal interest was at stack. Most of us justify our actions by saying we want to survive. When you focus too much on your personal needs you will be drained of the potential to be of help to others.
Life is about giving and taking care of others. We all have great potential to impact our community and country positively. Remember you competed with millions of other potential you and emerged first. Why then do we settle for less later in life? I think we start operation from faulty information feed into us by our society, personal experience. For example chop a chop, God helps those who help themselves, give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, a got eats where it is tied, if others are doing it then it is ok for me to do same etc.
Instead of waiting for a messiah we have to acknowledge our contribution to the problem and start making the necessary changes in our lives. Our slogan should be love for country and others first. Please join me on and let your voice be heard.
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