13 October, 2007
That the common man deserve to profit from the Dalasi's success is a logic that unites all Gambians far or near. The Gambias Finance Minister attested to that common sense in a latest Foroyaa interview. What he fell short of doing in his responsible position is to thoroughly inform us why the Dalasi is appreciating and why prices of basic commodoties remain high which dishonourably contradicts the Dalasi's gains.
If Adam Smith is applicable in Gambia, then in simple words: The dalasi is high in demand. People with foreign curencies require more dalasi than people who want other currencies. Demand outstrips supply. The resultant profit from the reselling of foreign money support the Dalasi's stability.
Therefore remittances from our brothers and sisters is the major support to our economy because it enable our families back home with food, rent, school fees etc. And secondly make the demand for the Dalasi high which help our currency to appreciate foreign currencies. The central bank resell those currencies at appropiate condition for greater profit. These are foreign reserves.
Tourism also increase the demand for Dalasi as tourist would change money to buy food and local artefacts etc. However as the Foroyaa in above mentioned interview the tourist factor is playing a minimal factor as it has not actually started. The third factor is the exports which enable us to sell our products in world markets and thus foreign exchange. But we all know that the groundnut and any other exports from Gambia are at a dismal low or non- existent.
Is there another factor that is supporting the Dalasi totally beyond conventional forces? Do we have gold reserves like England which keep the Pound High? Who could be profiting or sacrificing from the Dalasi Drama? Is there a motive behind a strong dalasi at all cost?
If a person holding the Dalasi has a buying power so high as at now, the value of the Dalasi should enable him or her afford commodities at cheap prices. He or she deserve this because he/she contribute one way or the other to the Dalasi's increase. Businesses with a strong dalasi should be abled to buy cheaper than before in world markets. So that back at home they can afford to reduce their reselling prices. A friend cautioned that businesses can also only do these when taxes on them are reduced. My answer was: a strong Dalasi should enable the gov’t to reduce custom duties on goods. If the economic principle is creditable. That is also why a countries or world economy is interrelated. A strong dalasi can enable the Gov't to cut import duties, businesses can then reduce price morally or forced by competition, the common man can afford living with h/her money. There will be more disposable money circulating, more services, more jobs, Gov't revenues increases etc In short economic prosperity.
Not very accustomed to economic mechanisms, the gov't could be under the illusion that the Dalasi's success is their own making and thus ignore other contributing factors. The gov't makes a lot of money these days from taxes which they will find difficult to let go. Instead putting the blame on businesses easier, thus making them the scapegoats. Since we have an indirect and sometimes intransparent duty systems, the general public could not see the struggle of businesses behind the scenes. That also brings us to question our formal tax system and the many clandestine Businesses. Some businesses are owned or partly owned by people sitting at the helm of our state. Why shouldn’t they enrich themselves through excessive pricing due to their complet monopolies in many economic sectors?
In conclusion i would reluctantly underline that the Gambia economy and currency may be withholding some dangerous secrets, due to so many contradictions in our economic sentimentalities at the moment. We should be aware that there are down sides to a strong currency which every one supporting the administration don't want highlighted. Whatever, justice for the common man at last. Definitely.
Recent breakthroughs in direct air travel between Banjul and New York will ensure a steady stream of American visitors into the Gambia and further consolidate the ROOTS Homecoming Festival; a cultural initiative attracting Diaspora Africans to explore the continent's rich cultural heritage.
Another perk is the VISA connectivity of the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) of Gambia's leading bank, Standard Chartered Bank, giving credit-card-holding tourists 24 hours access to cash.
The diversification move includes an emphasis on ethno and eco-tourism. Investors are welcome to take advantage of the potentials in deep-sea-fishing, cultural tourism, nature reserves and parks development, bird watching, luxury river cruises and up-country tourism development.
Sporting clubs, conference facilities and golf courses are other investment opportunities that could earn special privileges and attractive profit margins.
The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), an umbrella organisation for about 14 trade associations in the tourism industryis working with its Gambian counterpart to partner and share experiences in tourism development.
The two associations under the agreement would hold joint programmes to promote tourism products in the two countries while recommending their clients to visit key places in both countries.
Mrs Stella Appenteng, President of the Ghana Tourism Federation, said both countries stood to benefit by engaging in joint marketing programmes with the possibility of participating in international trade fairs.
She was speaking at a stakeholders' meeting with a 15-member Gambian delegation who are in the country for a familiarisation tour 'We will have the opportunity to do joint literature about various tourism sites in both
countries like brochures, flyers and billboards.'
1 October, 2007
As count down to the 2007/2008 tourist season is getting nearer day by day people working in the tourist industry are expecting a promising season.
Tourism is considered to be the main source of foreign exchange earning for The Gambia. The sector absorbed the country's largest unemployed youth force. The tourism sector provided huge opportunities for both Gambians and non- Gambians alike, such as scholarship for students, among others.
Speaking to the Arts and Culture recently, stakeholders in the promotion and development of tourism in The Gambia, expressed deeper sense of gratitude and optimism about the 2007/2008 tourist season.
According to Nari Chow, Wood carver, sculpture and dealer in traditional clothes at Shop No. 37, in the Senegambia Craft Market, a good tourist season is expected this year, but was quick to say that, it has never been easy during the off season.
According to Mr Chow, he started to work in the industry since 1981 at the Fajara Craft Market, then there was no Craft Market in Senegambia area. "The only Craft Markets in The Gambia were Fajara, BB craft market and the one in Banjul" he said.
Mr Chow, affirmed that its through his work that he pays his children school fees and solve his personal problems from the business. "Tourist season is subjected to many forces, so there is no 100 percent guarantee that the season will be a resounding success. All we can do is to pray to God for a successful season. As the season approaches, one has to have faith in God. Sometime you make a fortune, and at times is the otherwise," he said.
He took the opportunity to urge for attitudinal change, on the part of both bumsters and other unscruplus elements in the interest of a healthy promotion and development of tourism in The Gambia.
Ebrima Sanneh, dealer in Wood Carve materials also expressed deeper sense of expectation for the 2007-2008 tourist season.
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Flight No FCA 346 from the United Kingdom, landed last Thursday night, at the Banjul International Airport with 233 tourists on board, courtesy of the First Choice Tour Operator in the UK. This is the first flight of the year.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the arrival of the tourists, Ms Angella Colley, Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, said the arrival of the first tourist flight is a sign of hope for booming tourist season. She added: "It is a sign of improvement in The Gambia's tourism sector. Gambian people are the best products that the country have. The peaceful nature of The Gambia, made the whole difference in exhibiting the country as an excellent tourist destination in Africa and the world, in particular." She further declared that her slogan is 'come once to The Gambia and always feel to come back again', noting that the tourists themselves want to start the season by now which, according to her, is a good sign of the country's prospects in the sector.
She also expressed delight, as the first arrival clearly indicates that there will be a positive turn-out in the winter season of 2007 / 2008. For his part, Kaliba Senghore, Director- General of the Gambia Tourism Authority revealed that "out of the total number of 233 tourist arrivals, 188 will be lodged in hotels and the rest are going either to their old friends or lodge in motels".
He added that at least one flight is expected every Thursday throughout the month of October. According to him, this arrival of tourists will be followed by 4 to 5 flights, especially during the Christmas season.
The Gambia is part of the African Boom and plans are to revitalize and diversify the Gambian tourism industry through adequate promotion, innovation, quality improvement and broadening the product range.
The revitalization exercise is in the top gear. An unprecedented 1 million dalasis promotion campaign is billed to aggressively sell the destination, "we are printing 20,000 brochures to project the image of Gambian tourism, we are also making promotional videos for presentation at international tourism conferences," comments Yankuba Touray, Secretary of State in-charge. Hitherto, poor marketing has resulted in significant drops in number of visitors.
Diversifying Gambia Tourism involves a shift of focus from the traditional package-tour business and a foray into the up-market. "We need to make tourism contribute more to the economy, we need to diversify the industry, explore the upscale market and realize the full potential of tourism in this country", posits Touray, explaining the government's drive to encourage five-star facilities and luxury projects catering for the high-spending traveller.
www.pearlproperty.net/property/pp017-brufut-sunsets/
3 September, 2007
Gambia's economy is expected to grow around 7 percent in 2007, boosted by a rise in agricultural production and an expanding services sector, the West African country's central bank said on Monday.
Banking, tourism and telecoms as well as a booming construction industry were expected to underpin growth this year, acting central bank governor Bamba Saho said in a statement.
"The robust economic expansion is expected to be sustained in the near term supported by improving financial conditions," the statement said.
"Inflation is forecast to decelerate to less than 5.0 percent by end December 2007," it said.
Gambia's economy grew an estimated 7.1 percent in 2006, compared with 6.9 percent in 2005, according to central bank figures.
Gambia, a tiny finger of land largely surrounded by neighbouring Senegal and popular with European package tourists, has no significant mineral resources, poorly-developed infrastructure and high levels of illiteracy.
More than 70 percent of its 1.5 million people rely on agriculture to make a living, while around 10 percent are estimated to be dependent on tourism. The vast majority survive on less than $2 a day, according to U.N. figures.
www.pearlproperty.net/property/pp017-brufut-sunsets/
London, England, 6 September, 2007, PRNewswire
Property agents in towns and cities across Scandinavia are being recruited by a London company set up to sell villas and apartments in an exclusive new enclave dubbed 'the New Caribbean.'
Brufut Sunsets, a luxury eco-friendly off-plan development in the Brufut Heights region of the Gambia, will take 15 months to complete. As construction work gets underway, agents are being sought by the sales organisation, Brufut Sunsets Ltd, to introduce purchasers for the the pre-launch offering a 5% off-plan discount.
Set among landscaped gardens and extensive parkland, they will range from 3 bedroom villas and beach apartments on the 4.5 kilometres of white sandy beaches next to the new £25 Million Sheraton hotel.
These high specification beach-front properties in Brufut Heights offer some of the finest residential ocean views in the Gambia. Your new residence is a stones throw to the beach and a short walk to shops and the Gambia's finest 5 star Sheraton Hotel offering restaurants, spas and other luxury amenities. Brufut Heights is destined to be the site of some of Gambia's most exclusive homes.
Beach access is literally a stones throw away, where miles of golden sands stretch to the north and south offering tranquil walks, bathing or a peaceful place to sit at one of the rustic beach bars with a cold drink. The Sheraton Hotel is next to Brufut Heights where all the amenities of a 5 star hotel can be found.
"With pre-launch property prices as low as £89,000 for an apartment, this is the last great investment opportunity in the Newv Caribbean," says Rob Hygate, managing director of Brufut Sunsets Ltd.
Brufut Sunsets Ltd are keen to hear from property agents across the country who can support the drive to promote the scheme and the gexcellentrental returns it offers to investors in Scandinavia. We can be contacted on telephone +44-(0)207-993-6149 or by email at ivor@pearlproperty.net
www.pearlproperty.net/property/pp017-brufut-sunsets/
30 October, 2007
The numbers of Brits owning property aboard is set to jump to 4.4 Million according to figures released by Barclay's Bank. Brits in increasing numbers are looking to deploy their pounds further afield in emerging markets to ensure higher capital growth.
Tim and his 2 partners from Reading have just purchased a 30 x 50 beach front plot for £90,000 in the exclusive Brufut Heights next to the new Sheraton. "We are going to build a couple of 2/3 bedroom villas in the front and high end flats in the back with an infinity pool" Plots been sold for £25,000 a couple of years ago are now being marketed for up to £120,000."
The New Caribbean is only slightly further than popular resorts in Spain and the Canary Islands, flight time is only six hours and it's on the same time zone as the U.K. so there is no jet-lag. A little larger than Jamaica but with half the population density it's easy access, affordability, hospitality and sunshine is making it a up and coming holiday and retirement destination.
Deb and Kev from Shropshire were publicans that had always dreamed of living a quality lifestyle in the Caribbean. Deb explains "We had already visited Jamaica several times over the last 9 months, we had found a beautiful split level wooden house in Negril for £180,000, we were ready to invest already collecting prices from the moving company's for our furniture"
Kev, Deb's husband while researching on the internet stumbled upon The Gambia, they did some more digging and found that not only was the lifestyle comparable to the Caribbean but it also ticked all the boxes for investment potential and returns. After returning from an inspection trip they fell in love with a 3 bedroom bungalow with a double plot and swimming pool in Brufut Gardens. In April 2004 they took the keys to their £57,000 property, today similar properties sell for £150,000 plus.
Investor confidence in The New Caribbean has grown dramatically over the last few years. Property prices have risen 30% a year over the last two years pushing GDP growth to 8.8% and 8.6% for 03 and 04, visitor figures are also up 19.6% from the previous year. With it's vibrant ex-pat community The Gambia's reputation as a tranquil, secure destination with property conveyancing and laws based on the British system, an efficient infrastructure base, low inflation, fiscal stability and one of the lowest crime rates in the world the New Caribbean is attracting growing numbers of converts.
Tim says it reminds him of The Cayman Islands twenty-five years ago, "Beach front property is in high demand and the prices are being dictated by the demand which currently far outstrips supply"
Deb and Kev purchased their 3 bedroom property from TAF Holdings Ltd which has a 16 year track record in award winning homes. Brufut Gardens is located next door to the new £18 Million Sheraton Resort, nestled in landscaped gardens and tarmacked avenues all of the 500 homes have direct access to the beach. Looking more like Florida or the Caribbean the residences are built to European specifications ffeaturing A/C, all white appliances, facilities include restaurants, bars, banks, spas, tennis courts, reception and swimming pools.
The same developer founded by self-made businessman Taf was commissioned to build 52 presidential villas for the AU summit last June which was finished within 5 months of the contract. The three times businessman of the year winner is positive about the future growth potential in the country. Taf says "There are a lot of opportunities and it's up to the investor to go ahead and identify the areas of interest to them and start making money, it's that simple. In my experience the property sector is a high priority for the Government who has shown strong support by allocating attractive incentives for property development.
The up coming years will be very interesting and will reveal if The Gambia is destined to become the New Caribbean. Meanwhile a growing minority of buyers are already convinced they have discovered the New Caribbean.
3 September, 2007 - c.bank
Gambia's economy is expected to grow around 7 percent in 2007, boosted by a rise in agricultural production and an expanding services sector, the West African country's central bank said on Monday. Banking, tourism and telecoms as well as a booming construction industry were expected to underpin growth this year, acting central bank governor Bamba Saho said in a statement.
"The robust economic expansion is expected to be sustained in the near term supported by improving financial conditions," the statement said.
"Inflation is forecast to decelerate to less than 5.0 percent by end December 2007," it said.
Gambia's economy grew an estimated 7.1 percent in 2006, compared with 6.9 percent in 2005, according to central bank figures.
Gambia, a tiny finger of land largely surrounded by neighbouring Senegal and popular with European package tourists, has no significant mineral resources, poorly-developed infrastructure and high levels of illiteracy.
16 September, 2007
Gambia, mainland Africa's smallest country, is expected to clinch a big debt relief package by the end of 2007 the International Monetary Fund said.
The former British colony, jutting into Senegal from the Atlantic seaboard along the Gambia river, is one of the world's poorest countries and many of its 1.7 million people depend on fishing, tourism, or growing peanuts. But an IMF review published this week painted a picture of a stable and expanding economy expected to grow at seven percent in 2007, up from an average 6.2 percent over the previous three years, with inflation contained at around five percent this year.
Gambia's dalasi currency has appreciated around 20 percent against the dollar in just over three months, which an IMF official said reflected investor confidence.
The Central Bank of The Gambia raised it's benchmark rediscount rate by one percentage point to 15 percent in late June to cool down rising inflation, but the IMF said "a favourable outlook for inflation suggests that there may be no need for further tightening in the second half of the year".
19 January, 2007 - Daily Telegraph - James Powell
If you fancy something a little different, then the Mandina Lodges could be the option for you. This project has been set up by two Englishmen in the heart of the Makasutu Forest.
The solar-powered lodges themselves are luxurious and offer real privacy in a tranquil setting on a tributary of the River Gambia. If you are interested in nature, you can explore the acres of forest and enjoy the incredible variety of birdlife. There's a very good chance of seeing some monkeys and baboons within the grounds.
There are, of course, plenty of other opportunities to explore The Gambia's wildlife, culture and rich history.
The Gambia is very much associated with its past as a slave-trading outpost during colonial times and a lot of interest in the country stems from Alex Haley's Roots saga and the subsequent television serialisation.
Roots documents the story of Kunta Kinte, who originally came from the village of Juffure, before being captured by slavers and taken to America.
This has made Kunta something of a local hero and tourists are very welcome in his village, where people still claim to be his descendants.
Other guided tours are also available and the one we took fitted in an incredible amount during the course of a day.
Our guide showed an extensive knowledge of the wildlife as we rumbled through the countryside. It was also a great chance to see the real Gambia, with its bustling markets and fishing villages. At one village, we had the exciting opportunity to see the day's catch coming in, with people wading out to the boats to collect the spoils.
Education is developing in The Gambia and we also had the opportunity to visit a local school and meet the impeccably behaved children. Small gifts of stationery and pencils are welcomed by the teachers if you choose to pay a visit.
So with the perfect combination of weather, wildlife, scenery and culture are there any downsides?
Well, one thing to remember is that The Gambia is a developing country and tourists are all relatively rich. That makes us a target for so-called "bumsters" who are opportunists who will try to con tourists out of money. They generally make a beeline for people who look a little lost.
The Government has acknowledged that these people can be off-putting for tourists and is attempting to clamp down, but in the meantime, they shouldn't put you off.
Overall, The Gambia offers real value for money and, with such a short flight from our local airport, you shouldn't miss out.
Getting there: The Gambia Experience offers twice-weekly flights from East Midlands Airport.
www.pearlproperty.net/property/pp017-brufut-sunsets/
30 October, 2007
Overseas property investors searching for an emerging market to maximise their investments need to look at a destination that has been a winter holiday favourite for the British for years this destination is The Gambia. Investor confidence in Gambia has grown dramatically over the last few years. In some regions Gambian property prices have risen by 30% a year over the last two years this combined with visitor figures showing increase of 19.6% from the previous year mean Gambia could be the next big thing.
Gambia now has its own vibrant ex-pat community and has built a reputation as a tranquil, secure destination. Unlike other emerging markets buying property is quite straightforward with property conveyancing and laws based on the British Legal system. The Gambia benefits from an efficient infrastructure base, low inflation, fiscal stability and one of the lowest crime rates in the world this emerging market has now attracting growing numbers of converts.
Overseas property portal Homesgofast.com CEO Nicholas Marr "When you look at the facts and figures for the region along with the fact that the government is encouraging direct inward investment Gambia appears to have all the hallmarks of an exciting emerging market for overseas property investors. We intend to take on real estate agents to spread the word about Gambian property."
The numbers of Brits owning property aboard is set to jump to 4.4 Million according to figures released by Barclays Bank. Brits in increasing numbers are looking to deploy their pounds further a field in emerging markets to ensure higher capital growth. More on Investing in Gambian property here www.peralproperty.net
Ivor Bartels of Pearl Property a London based international real estate consultancy specialises in emerging markets and has recently returned from The Gambia "We have seen a huge surge in interest from couples 5 or 10 years away from retirement. Private pensions have plunged during the last decade and someone retiring today is getting just a quarter of the retirement income they would have received if they had retired 10 years earlier. Securing a property at Brufut Gardens for example at today's prices gives them the choice to retire at anytime for just pounds a day and provides a safe haven for their equity in a growing and vibrant property market."
"Mr Bartels gives an account concerning a British Investor Tim and his 2 business partners from Reading UK who have just purchased a 30 x 50 beachfront plot for £90,000 in the exclusive Brufut Heights next to the new Sheraton Hotel. "We are going to build a couple of 2/3 bedroom villas in the front and high end flats in the back with an infinity pool" Plots been sold for £25,000 a couple of years ago are now being marketed for up to £120,000. "Other investors who have recently invested in the region found that The Gambia gave the lifestyle comparable to the Caribbean and also ticked all the boxes for investment potential and returns. One couple bought a 3 bedroom bungalow with a double plot and swimming pool in Brufut Gardens in April 2004 costing £57,000 today similar properties sell for £150,000 plus. However the market is still in it's infancy and prices are still exceptionally low.
30 October, 2007
Bankers gathered in Shanghai in May of this year for the annual meeting of the African Development Bank, confidence is high that the past four years of above trend economic growth has triggered a strong interest from London based equity and fund managers. Convinced that the continents dominant economies are turning a corner funds listed on AIM, mutual funds, private equity and hedge funds are pouring in to the Africa.
To put things into perspective, the U.K. and America is falling behind the competition when it comes to investing in the continent. China, India, Russia and much of the Islamic world are already there. In July 2006, for example, Beijing used $US5 billion from its reserves to form the Africa Development Fund to develop the continent's oil and mineral resources.
Looking at the turmoil in the markets last week, one wonders if China isn't on to something when it comes to weighing up the relative risk of politically unstable Africa versus intangible, complex financial securities and derivatives. Chinese, Indian and Russian demand for natural resources has helped fuel a boom in commodities which Africa has in large supply and the promise of a massive programme of investment in infrastructure. Africa's fringe position in the global economy is contributeing to it's appeal. The correlation between African equity markets and other regions is low, offering opportunities to reduce portfolio risks at a time of global volatility profits generated by commodities are causeing sustainable growth in Africa.
Private equity is attracting international investors to Africa like never before, with fund after fund being launched in London to look beyond South Africa. "We don't have to invest in Africa, and we wouldn't have invested in certain African local-currency markets without an improvement in policies over the past few years," said William Ledward, who manages a $3 billion emerging-market fixed-income fund for Franklin Templeton Investments.
Nkosana Moyo, who is partner for Africa at Actis, a British private equity firm that invests in emerging markets, said he plans to raise a new $500 million fund for Africa in the next year. Moyo said Actis, as an investor with a 10-year horizon, was excited by Africa's opportunities because the continent's new generation of leaders was more at ease with open global markets; the continent, moreover, was home to 20 percent of the world's proven reserves of oil and gas.
Arnold Ekpe, chief executive of the Ecobank Group, said the wall of money coming into Africa reflected both genuine reforms and a global hunt for higher yields.
"Frankly, some of the numbers we're looking at, I haven't seen that in 30 years of banking in Africa," Ekpe said.
Alex Garrard, a UBS managing director responsible for the bank's proprietary and customer trading in exotic fixed-income securities, said he had witnessed a sea change in the last 6 to 9 months in the willingness to invest for the long term in Africa.
Stuart Culverhouse, chief economist at Exotix, said foreign direct investment accounted for virtually all the $12 billion in private capital flows into sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, in 2005.
Investments in Africa afford low entry levels allowing average investors to take advantage of great returns in a relatively short period of time. Africa, as a whole, is the last undervalued marketplace. With its obvious wealth in natural resources and farmlands, an Africa without bloodshed and disease could be a superior source of commodities for the foreseeable future. These markets, with the exception of South Africa, now sell at bargain basement prices.
* Sourse IMF
Pearl Property was built on a commitment to superior service, honesty, integrity and the value of investing in Gambian property and land.
We only work with reputable, proven and qualified solicitors and developers, we are a friendly yet professional team. All you need to do is choose your perfect plot or property and we will then automatically have a Gambian lawyer check title documents for any misrepresentation or anomalies. Once ownership, location, size and usage are determined a 10% deposit is paid into a fully refundable escrow account in the U.K. The contract is prepared searches are done with the land registry and then the balance is paid. In our experience, this is the only way that we can protect your investment and guarantee that your ownership is secure.
We give no false promises, all properties have been vetted, all sales are done via a lawyer, funds are sent via a bank in the U.K., all client funds are held in an escrow account which gives you a secure and stress free buying experience, that's our commitment to you. Once you become our client our relationship is just beginning, we can help with finding surveyors, builders, craftsman, residency issues, immigration, starting a business and other related issues.