By Alf Soninke
Should one consult past newspaper numbers in the National Archives or at the Gambia National Library? (The Point newspaper also had a rich collection of bound Gambian newspapers maintained for research purposes) One would discover that I used to have a column – not regular – called Thinking Aloud.
It was carried in The Gambia News Bulletin, The Gambia Weekly, or The Gambia Daily, published by the Department of Information Services.
As I have been telling my good friend, brother, and colleague, Sainey Marenah of The Alkamba Times, I would always remind him whenever we talk that writing is not easy.
Now, I have been reflecting, as I do always – but most times procrastinating instead of getting on with writing – and it again occurred to me that I should revive writing under that title. So here we go, Im again Thinking Aloud!
I saw news reports on television about protests in Spain over being overwhelmed by 15 million tourists annually arriving in a locality with just 1 million residents, who complain that their guests occupy the beaches and city center, which they are unable to access and enjoy as they wish.
In Gambia, we do possess immense tourism potential, and this country could become a serious contender as a tourist attraction for those staggering millions.
We have an untapped potential to attract those millions compared to the between 250,000 and not yet 500,000 who come yearly – if only our tourism authorities and entrepreneurs continued to be strategic in their thinking, etc in developing, especially our natural products, and growing the Destination!
Concerning our natural gifts which are left dormant, and crying to be developed and promoted, I recall visiting a small island by boat just a stone’s throw from Denton Bridge.
The occasion was an event – an art exhibition or similar activity held on the island, and organized by a Gambian group. I think we boarded a pirogue – I was with other people – on this trip who, reading this, can help enrich this experience we narrate.
However, I’ve been there, and I do know there is an island there where, just after a short ride, we landed, explored, and had a good time, though it was a brief stay.
If only the Gambian tourism authorities and entrepreneurs would invest in developing this Denton Bridge spot – the unattractive nature of what commuters see every day when they drive past to and from Banjul – that is, the dirt road, the old rickety landing jetties there, etc.- considering the much-hyped importance of tourism and the services sector in growing the national economy!
Oh, how I wonder sometimes, and imagine what excitement and wonders await those who are lucky to go on a boat ride from Denton Bridge all the way to Lamin Lodge and beyond.
I remember how excited I was, and how wonderful it was – minus the sleeping rough on deck – when I once traveled with the Lady Chilel from Basse to Banjul. This was in 1980 or 1981.
I recall the sights and sounds, as we traveled through the meandering Gambia River, the lush mangroves, the green and thick bushes on both sides of the River, going past Baboon Island and the chimps sanctuary en route, the wharf towns where we docked and villages we went past; it was most refreshing and a fascinating discovery of my country; and I enjoyed it all!
Honestly, I cannot comprehend why we still do not have small ships like Lady Chilel and Lady Wright or passenger ferries plying the River Gambia, carrying tourists – both local and international – to see the wonders of The Smiling Coast!
Traveling with the Lady Chilel was an unforgettable opportunity for this Banjul-born young man. This person never traveled beyond Brikama before he completed high school and joined the Department of Information Services in January 1979.
Six months later, I was posted to Farafenni, and after another six months, to Basse, to work as the information officer in charge.
You can imagine my excitement after I discovered that Farafenni was then just like Banjul – with paved roads, street lights and people speaking Wollof. It showed in my physique, as I gained weight!
And, how about seeing Poste Keur Ayib, knowing this other famous place called Medina Sabah; and, traveling beyond to Nioro and Kaolack for the very first time.
I was taken there by Arthur Thomas (RIP), my host and senior, whom I came to replace. Arthur was with his friends – Martin Addo and others- who ensured I ate a lot of afra and had a wonderful time in Farafenni.
Now, about the natural attractions of Gambia, I further recall accompanying and covering Princess Anne’s visit to Gambia. We toured the Sine Saloum delta shared with Senegal, located in the north bank region, and canoed through the creeks there. Indeed, it was most exciting, and now another memorable moment!
I also recall reports of Susan Waffa Ogoo, then Tourism and Natural Resources Minister, being taken on a speedboat by the Gambia Navy to visit a Gambian island (Bijol Island?) located far offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.
Can we work on doing what it takes to bring tourists – local and international – to visit all these places?
Again, I reiterate that Gambia has many attractions for tourists.
We have our share of the ubiquitous sea, sun and beaches.
We must add to those old attractions the exploration by canoe of the waters of the Saloum delta, as well as the scenery one enjoys as one travels by boat along the River Gambia, starting from the Denton Bridge.
It’s high time we develop those products to attract some of the millions of visitors to Spain, and other parts of Mediterranean Europe, for example.
Who, according to news reports, are being regarded in the islands and towns there as a nuisance by the local authorities and residents.
