Let Us Prosper but Not Forget:

Thoughts about Development in the Motherland (Part One)

Whenever I think of Goree Island the only visions I see are of my ancestors being loaded onto ships. Now I hear that there are plans to develop a resort there.

I don't know...it seems sacrilegious somehow…


A FORMER PLAN
Back in the 1960s, Mr. Club Med also had plans to build a resort there but they were going to have the audacity to exclude Africans from membership. Ms. Katherine Dunham just happened to be working in Senegal at that time and when she got wind of it she took the issue to her personal friend, Leopold Senghor (president of Senegal). Furthermore, she helped to gather religious leaders to fight the project. In the end, they were successful in blocking Mr. CM’s outrageous scheme. Because of their efforts, Goree Island has been preserved as a historic site and many African Americans travel there to view the last images of Africa seen by their ancestors.


LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
We live in a new era, so I suppose the time for such a venture may be just right. Why not bring tourist money to Senegal. Why not invite international (and local) tourists to enjoy the beach and the cuisine.

At the same time this is an opportunity to educate people about our history, as it has played itself out on both sides of the Atlantic. A resort at this location can encourage people worldwide to see the Slave House with its famous "Door of No Return". If there is one thing people need more of, its education. People need to know and understand more about the true history of the world. This resort could encourage more descendants of slaves to visit as well, perhaps healing wounds and developing new bonds with Africans.

In addition to the social, emotional and spiritual benefits, the developers of this project should work with the local government and private industry to make certain that THE SENEGALESE PEOPLE reap the financial benefits of this endeavor. All in all, this project must ensure that respect is maintained for the Senegalese people and the environment.


CAN I GO? CAN I GO?
I’m remembering the vacant Teacher post at British Council in Dakar that I heard about recently. As I read the posting I thought mmmmmmmm I can smell the thiébou dieune and the yassa.....I can hear the kora music..... I could practice my French, but alas I must serve out my sentence (oops, i mean contract) here in KL. In any case, it looks like they'll be needing to refresh their Arabic and English language communication skills in Dakar to accomodate the new influx of tourists, God willing.


WHERE THERE’S PAIN, THERE’S A SONG
The theme of Steel Pulse’s last album is the impact of the slave trade. It’s entitled 'African Holocaust' and it features a single called Door of No Return. In conjunction with the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery in Britain and Black History Month. the video for this single opened at The Times BFI 51st London Film Festival. I’m not to keen on the song itself, but the video does keep important memories alive (try to watch it till the end).




WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What was originally meant to be a quick email to a few friends has become this blogpost. It’s a rush job but I hope you enjoyed it. I look forward to your comments.