allAfrica.com: Gambia: Micheal Scales Tells His Side of the Story On the Carnegie/Gambia Government Debacle!! (Page 1 of 3)

Gambia: Micheal Scales Tells His Side of the Story On the Carnegie/Gambia Government Debacle!!

Freedom Newspaper: As someone, who worked with both countries, what is your position on the current situation between Carnegie and The Gambian Government?

Michael Scales; Firstly, let me reassure your readers, that I have no connection with Carnegie,in fact most surprisingly,even though they have been involved commercially in The Gambia since 1999, I have never heard of them before this accident reared its unfortunate circumstance.

Freedom Newspaper; Why do you call this an accident?

Michael Scales; Mr Mbai, I have only viewed the online reports. Some call it a missunderstanding,others have been more forceful. My feeling is that somewhere, whatever has happened bares a resemblance to an accident.I get the same feeling.......The collateral damage..involves several relationships which have been affected. These can be quantified as, International,as per the relationship of Governments.Personal, as per the relationship between citizens of the United Kingdom and the Gambia.Commercial, as per the trust between partners.Individual, as the worry and stress caused to Mr.Northfield,his wife family and 3 children.

Freedom Newspaper; But the Gambian Government says Carnegie was guilty of misinformation and deception. That the firm refuses to declare laboratory results to them regarding the said minerals discovered in The Gambia.

Michael Scales; the word guilty is a term used by a judge or jury in a court of Law.Before such a pronouncement of either guilty or not guilty...the evidence must be produced by both sides and reconciled.Their are so many voices pleading both sides, here there and everywhere.This is no longer a small dispute that could have been settled by arbitration.The British media now have it as frount page news.The collateral damage is evident.

My immediate concern is for the Gambian people and Mr.Northfield and his children.

Freedom Newspaper; Are you impressed in the way the Gambian Government has handled this matter.?

Michael Scales; I was thankful for the reassurances of Crispin Grey Johnson, that Mr Northfield was being cared for and his wife has had access to him.

I noticed in the Daily Observer that the prosecutor is not contesting the reduction in bail to $100,000.Though the case appears to have been ajourned until Monday.Carnegie have stated that Mr.Northfield is not an officer of "The Company" and only was involved for a few weeks.He further, only rejoined "The Company after assurances were made in February.Though I am unclear as to what his position is..some say an engineer, some General Manager, some Managing Director.In such matters... I would always listen carefully to what The British High Commissioner would say.Phil Sinkinson is definately very experienced and disciplined.

Freedom Newspaper; Concerns have been raised in some quarters about Gambia's reputation in this matter.That the Government move might scare potential investors. Your views please.?

Michael Scales; There are many troubling comments being made here in the U.K. and consequently..throughout the world.The British are the single largest source of trade with the Gambia,we have the biggest overseas Gambian communities here in the U.K. Our contribution to your tourist trade is by far the largest.Their are many British charitable foundations present.Also hundreds of British people contribute every penny they own to the Gambia including selling their houses.The heart of Gambia is the heart of Britain.Every blessed day of the week....many British are raising money or goods for the Gambia.The overall contribution is enormous.

Investors come in all shapes and sizes, from Mrs.Jones that runs a garden fete.To raise money....To Mrs Smith who collects white goods by the container load and ships them over.Your students come here to study everything from Law to Medicine.If you look at All Africa.com....you will see some British saying they are now scared to go to The Gambia.Others here online at home are saying..no more Live Aid for Africa..there all doomed and good ridence !!!

Others are comparing Mr.Northfield being held to ransome by terrorists.

The commercial confidence is bound to be affected.

Freedom Newspaper; What needs to be done to find a lasting solution to this matter.?

Michael Scales; You will recall when the representaives of Amnesty International were arrested.I made a plea to President Jammeh.I said,this could start a chain reaction he may live to regret.He reacted quickly.The damage was limited.Mr .Northfield is a family man of long standing good charecter.An innocent bystander....Someone who came to Gambia for a wage.To feed his children.Need I say more ?

Freedom Newspaper; In your view, how would the British Government view this latest developments.?

Michael Scales: As I have previously explained....the High Commission have a duty of care towards its citizens overseas.They will have access to Mr.Northfield and make certain all is being done within their capacity.

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