Your Comments

Dr Salim Ahmed Salim

Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim: Dhana ya kuanzisha Taasisi kama hiyo ni nzuri. Tafadhali endelea kuniarifu maendeleo yake. Ni muhimu Taasisi hiyo ionekane kwa fikra, dhana na vitendo kuwa ni Taasisi huru (independent) na pia haijaegemea upande wowote miongoni mwa vyama vya siasa (non-partisan).

Mohammed Ghassani

Mohammed Ghassani: I do support the move and appreciate the initiative. I do extend my hand of support for everything that concerns Zanzibar’s progress. It is typically a new idea, but the most needed one in our times. The first suggestion sounds more or less as a preamble. Is there already some steps made before the proposal was sent to us? If yes, can we know them? If not, we have to start to formulate a ‘way forward’ right now. On funds, I hope that will be cleared after having drafted the whole project proposal.

Dr Mohamed Adam

Dr Mohamed Adam: I strongly believe that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are essential partners in identifying, defining and developing policies in terms of driving development in Zanzibar. I congratulate you and all those who initiated this idea of establishing The Zanzibar Institute for Research on Public Policy (ZIRPP) as a Non-Governmental Organization. I fully agree with the idea and would like to participate in ZIRPP. It is my understanding that, at the moment, the Central Government in Zanzibar dominates almost all the processes of setting the agendas, designing, formulating, and passing them through legal processes (if needed) or official approvals and eventually implementing those public policies in almost every sector. The Government of Zanzibar either uses private consultants (local or foreign) usually through the funding of the foreign-funded donor projects. The Government’s own employed professional staff usually works in collaboration with a foreign consultant. Read more

Abdillahi Ali Foum: Just a quick note to show my interest in the NGO proposal. I think this a wonderful and powerful proposal for change in our country. And it is very doable and finance-able. I must, once again, congratulate you for taking this initiative, as I know a number of us do talk about starting such activities but we have so far never managed to get them off the ground. So, let’s make sure that this one will fly. I remember the last time we met was in Dar; and we met to discuss Swedish support to Tanzania and Zanzibar. Well, I guess you can look at what Abdulhamid Mzee’s legacy at the Ministry of Education, you will see that a lot can be done if we have proper leadership. The management at the ministry have not as yet achieved all their goals but they are on their way. And we could do wonders with, not only education, but also the health sector should be targeted as soon as possible. It’s pay back time for all of us. I would be very grateful if you could send me the material/papers which you have produced so far regarding this Institute for me to be able to give my input or if we are standing from scratch please inform me so that we can start discussing our ideas accordingly. I think what you have sketched below is needed, but it is quite huge and if we are starting we might have to narrow our focus a bit ; but more of that when I receive what has been produced so far.

Talha Muhammad Yussuf

Talha Muhammad Yussuf: I think it is a brilliant idea. I am totally supporting it and I took the liberty of passing it along to others. I am reading the emails and responses pertaining to ZIRPP and I am blown away. Change is definitely what we need. We will discuss this further because I am very excited to join and contribute as much as I can. I was wondering though: If this is an independent organization/institution, why the need to involve government officials/affiliates? Wouldn’t that backfire?

Dr Harith Ghassany

Dr. Harith Ghassany: At the outset, it is necessary to try to avoid a kind of policy-evidence dualism in a proposal that looks at how a Zanzibari research-to-policy-making institute such as ZIRPP can use evidence to make policy and planning decisions in Zanzibar. The empirical approach assumes that there is evidence, which policy-makers can use to make policy decisions but does not ask if there are policies to guide policy-makers to demand research results. A government policy statement to support research and its implementation in public policy-making is therefore an important cornerstone in establishing and sustaining the Institute in Zanzibari settings. Read more

Dr. Amur Abdulla Amur: Jina liwe Zanzibar Institute for Research bila ya kuingiza Public Policy. Taasisi ishughulike zaidi katika suala la national awakening, job creation, history, education, health na marketing khasa kuhusu cloves na copra. Wengi wetu hatujui cloves zinauzwa wapi na kipi kinachopatikana; kwani katika mijadala kuhusu budget ya Zanzibar hilo halichambuliwi. Tunajua mapato yanayotokana na utalii lakini kuhusu cloves, copra na pili-pili hoho hakuna taarifa za kutosha. Pia Taasisi ishughulikie suala la fisheries. Katika makala zilizoandikwa na Associated Press mwaka 1969 mapato yaliyopatikana kutokana na kodi iliyotozwa kwa kampuni moja ya fisheries yaliweza kukidhi malipo ya mishahara ya civil servants wote. Huko nyuma hakujakuepo na kitu kijuulikanacho kama Public Policy katika ZNZ, bali ni leadership reactions; kwani chama tawala tangu 1964 hadi 1977 kilifanya mkutano mkuu mmoja tu mnamo mwaka 1972. Uhai wa chama ni mkutano mkuu. Kwa hivyo, kuna haja kwa Taasisi kujishughulisha na research ambazo zitaweza kufufua Agricultural Experimental Units, kama inavyotendeka kule Kizimbani; kufufua wigo wa kupata khabari kwa njia za electronic na print media. Taasisi pia ishughulike zaidi kwa madhumuni ya kuwafanya Wazanzibari wawe stakeholders wa nchi yao badala ya kuwa clients wa vyama vya siasa. Taasisi iweze kuwaunganisha Wazanzibari bila ya ubaguzi. Katika suala la historia, Taasisi ifanye utafiti utakaoweza kuonyesha hali halisi ya mapato yaliyopatikana tokea pale uamuzi wa kuikabidhi Mombasa kwa himaya ya Kenya ulipotolewa. Historical Lease ya East African Coast ya miaka 99 inakaribia kumalizika; kwa hivyo kutahitajika kufanyika kwa majadiliano mepya.

Narendra Gajjar

Narendra Gajjar: There is a great point by Kanti Kotecha with regard to external branches. More is expected to come in, and now is only a matter of time before we can come up with a good foundation for such an organization which the guys from Bongo might probably be shaken. The Zanzibari brain has always been there and it is only a matter of time now that such intellectuals get together and take Zanzibar far ahead. Zanzibaris have the history of living in harmony; be it on the islands or outside. Let us all support such a great effort which I am sure the Government will consider giving its full support. ZANZIBAR NEEDS KNOW-HOW. January 12 is just round the corner and to have a serious SMZ commitment, I suggest with your inside knowledge of protocol, lobby around to have the institution officially launched during the celebrations; and this will answer Dr. Hassan’s questions and remove all those doubts people might be having with regard to SMZ support. Indeed, having Government’s participation will pave away a lot of obstacles which might come across in the wake of its progress. Having a couple of senior government officials on board will assist in this important undertaking. On Website, I know that it is difficult to maintain it if funds will not be forthcoming; but if funds will be there, I am confident it will play a great role. This is because until such time when any type of publication is in place, such a Website will play that role. Access will be restricted, but something will be in place of publicizing the program externally. I am confident that with the right approach we will be successful.

Kanti Kotecha: I like the concept though several questions come to mind. Are there enough research facilities in Zanzibar? Is financing available? Will those living overseas be willing to go there for permanent residence? It may not be a bad idea to establish the Institute in Zanzibar with branches or subsidiaries in other countries. You might want to expand the mission of the Institute. Zanzibar will probably gain a lot more from the expertise of overseas Zanzibaris if they go there for short intervals like six months or a year. And not just for research work. They can be assigned (as unpaid or partially paid) consultants or advisors to various ministries or private institutions, providing for example, practical training in hospitals, law schools and courts of law, and public works projects, and high schools. In my own family, we have a lawyer, college professor, computer expert, doctor, accountant, mathematics teacher, English teacher, electrical engineer, pharmacist, and even a high ranking police officer with expertise in investigating drug related offences! Can you imagine what such a group can do with proper inducement, encouragement and support from those in power? I am sure the same is true with many other overseas Zanzibari families who still care about what happens on the islands.

Dr Hassan Omar Ali

Dr. Hassan Omar Ali: The ZIRPP idea is excellent and very timely. Congratulations for bringing it up to the fore. Zanzibar itajengwa na Wazanzibari wenyewe na wale wote wanaoipendelea mema! The spectrum of tasks that ZIRPP can tackle is huge! For that reason, a clear focus needs to be drawn right from the outset lest the organization becomes a jack of all trade and a master of none. I hope you and those you’ve already consulted have already defined a realistic scope of tasks for ZIRPP. Read more

Nassor Mugheiry

Nassor Mugheiry: Thank you and I am looking forward for it; and if you need a strategist, I am available to help. Why don’t we look for premises whereby some of us can volunteer to lecture and train upcoming Zanzibaris? We need qualified Zanzibaris to represent us in the two legislatures since it is not the case right now. That is why Zanzibaris are being treated as second class “citizens” in the Union because of this failure; and because of political resistance to academic change by a few for their own personal benefits.

Ms Maryam Hamdani

Mariam Mohamed Hamdani: I do support this project and I am ready to volunteer with whatever I can. I think it will help the people and the Government of Zanzibar. I was wondering if it may be possible to include “culture” in the sense of oral traditions, language(s), music, etc. The EACROTANAL was established for this particular purpose, but so far very little has been accomplished and for many years nothing has been done. This may sound funny but we do need thorough research on this angle. Tired of reading what foreigners think of our culture, we need to support efforts of such people like Haji Gora etc. Let us think globally but also locally. The Institute will be of great benefit to Zanzibar if it will also concentrate on other matters that touch the people’s imagination. I think it is better to include everything now to avoid changes later.

Dr. Yussuf Saleh Salim: Nashukuru na kuheshimika kwa kuorodheshwa katika orodha ya kuwaunganisha Wazanzibari ambao hatimae watainufaisha Zanzibar kwa njia moja au zaidi. Ni jambo la kufurahisha kuona kwamba wakati umefika kutafutana Wazanzibari kwa makusudi kwa madhumuni ya kuendeleza nchi yetu. Nami niko pamoja nanyi katika juhudi hii. Katika mwaka 2007 nilitayarisha ‘project write-up’ kuhusu uchunguzi wa magonjwa ya moyo kama sababu moja wapo ya vifo vya waja-wazito na kuchunguza sababu za kuongezeka vifo vya watoto wadogo kutokana na magonjwa ya moyo. Kwa bahati mbaya, uchunguzi huu haukupata kuungwa mkono itakikanavyo. Asaa, Institute hii huenda ikafanikisha kuanza kwake siku za mbele.

Mohamed Saleh Ahmed

Mohamed Saleh Ahmed: Heko kwa fikra hii. Juzi tu kwenye kongamano la muwaza lililofanyika London tarehe 13-14 Disemba 2008 nilizungumzia haja ya kuwa na kitu kama hichi. Niko nyuma yako. Isitoshe, mimi naona jina linafaa kubakia kama lilivyo maana ‘research’ na ‘public policy’ ndivyo vitakavyoweza kutowa dira ya huko tunakotaka kwenda, kwa maana ya kuwa yanajumuisha kila kitu.

Zeyana A. Hamid: Well, well at last. The islands will not sink. First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Zeyana Abdulla Hamid. I am a Zanzibari, still in school taking MSc in Health Informatics and MSc in Health Administration at the University of Missouri, Columbia. I am so determined to go back home after completing my study programme though blindly I do not even know where to start when I get there. Read more.

Shiraz Durrani: While I am no expert on Zanzibar, I think some of the suggestions I made to the then TASK FORCE ON TRUTH, JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION in Kenya may be relevant in Zanzibar also. I attach a copy. In addition, there is a UNESCO “Memories of the World Programme” which can also be connected to this initiative. An article on this – “Debating & Documenting Africa” – is carried out in a forthcoming issue (Vol.1 No. 2 – in January at http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/isj) and may also be of interest. Those behind the initiative may be interested in submitting an article on the proposed Institute to the journal “Information, Society & Justice”. I attach a call for papers for the June 2009 issue, together with an invitation to the next DASS Debate & Lecture Series – both on the theme of “TU and working class struggles” – which I think would be of interest to the proposed Institute. Wishing the Institute all the best.

Dr. Saida Yahya-Othman: I’d like to congratulate Moh’d and any others involved in the first steps on this initiative. It is very welcome. Unfortunately, I’m a sceptic by nature, and my first caution would be to go guard against establishing yet another organization which has such broad scope as to be unworkable. I would suggest a tighter focus on two or three areas, which you have established that has the biggest and best concentration of Zanzibari expertise. This may exclude some who may be interested, but better that than including an area on which you can call on only one person. Secondly, if this is consultancy NGO, it may be self-supporting finally. But the context of NGO funding is not very positive at the moment. I suggest, Moh’d, you talk with other NGOs in Zanzibar, such as ZIORI, ZLSC, Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Society, and get an idea from them about the funding difficulties they are facing, so you know how to position yourselves. Thirdly, I was wondering, since the focus is on public policy in all its aspects, shouldn’t the name be “…research IN public policy”, instead of AND? Sorry, it’s the linguist in me. Finally, if this is going to be an independent institute, why should you ask the government for accommodation? You will already be putting yourselves in a “beholden” position, which is NOT good for impartiality. And you could be thrown out anytime should the government not approve of your activities. I would caution against such a move. Otherwise, all the best in these efforts.

Dr. M. A. Khakoo: I am very interested in joining the Institute for Research and Public Policy. Please inform me of your current proceedings.

Prof. Abdulaziz Lodhi: Shukran jazilan kwa habari zote mlizoniletea. Kwanza nakuhongereni kwa kazi nzuri mliyoianzisha; tena, ni matumai yangu nitaweza kushiriki nanyi kwa namna yoyote kusaidia kuleta maendeleo nchini mwetu. Tutaendelea kuwasiliana.

Rosa Eckle: Generally I think this is a wonderful idea: pooling the capacities of many capable Zanzibaris to put them to good use for improving public policy in Zanzibar. My mother, Mariam Olban Ali forwarded this mail to me after I expressed my wish to do something related directly to Tanzania and working in a think-tank or NGO. Read more

Prof. Haroub Othman

Prof. Haroub Othman: Mohamed; Nashukuru kwa kuja ofisini kwangu Zanzibar na kuniarifu juu ya azma ya kuanzisha ZIRPP, na kwa kutumiwa mjadala unaondolea juu ya suali hili. Kwa hakika nalifikiri yote ni kwa taarifa yangu mpaka pale uliponizinduwa tulipokutana pale mazikoni wiki iliyopita na kunitaka nichangie. Endelea kusoma

Ramzanali Parvana: Congratulations on taking the initiative to look into the serious prospects of establishing a body of the kind that you have outlined in your email. This is long overdue because Zanzibar and its populace is in dire need of a navigable “road map” – first to catch up with the rest of the world and then to take off into the 22nd century! My heart bled when I visited this “Slice of Heaven” two years ago and saw the condition of the ordinary Zanzibari! Read more

Salim Himidi: Ndugu mpendwa M. Yusuf. Nakupa hongera kwa mapokezi ya muswada huu, kutoka sehemu zote duniani. Kama ujuavyo, mimi ni mmoja katika wanaothamini nyenzo zako na kipawa cha kufikiri na kupanga miradi ya kudumu. Maisha na maarifa yako ni yenye uwezo wa kutia tamaa kwa wote wanaotakia Nchi/Taifa/Dola ya Zanzibar kila la kheri pamoja na kuombea salama na amani kwa jumla ya jumuia zote zilizochanga temedeni, desturi na mila za Wazanzibari bila ya pembenuwo za dini wala “kabila”. Nakuomba unihisabu katika orodha ya wakereketwa na mapiga debe wa “initiative” hii. Wa Bi Lahi Tawufiq.

Nisar Sheraly: Hereunder is what I had mentioned to you about 2 years ago when I returned from my workshop on Folktales during ZIFF festival of the Dhow Countries, the year ZIORI was born, and then put on paper which I circulated to a few for their input. I am glad Yussuf and you and the others are aiming at the same thing. Read more

Muhammad Yussuf

Muhammad Yussuf: In my humble opinion, the Zanzibar Institute for Research on Public Policy – a non profit-making think-tank – shall be established with the objective of conducting research on major political, social and economic issues of Zanzibar as well as the economic and cooperative relationship between Zanzibar and the neighbouring states, particularly, the Mainland Tanzania. Read more

VERBAL RESPONSES ON ONE-ON-ONE BASIS

Dr Mohammed Gharib Bilal

Dr. Mohammed Gharib Bilal:

This is an excellent idea. However, it will need a lot of preparation and consultations with a wide range of interested and committed people. In my opinion, the Institute will help the government to see things from a different perspective and, therefore, enable both the policy-makers and decision-makers alike to make informed decisions. I, therefore, support its formation.

Ismail Jussa Ladhu: I very much support the idea of establishing the Institute. Zanzibar needs a think-tank like this one for the purpose of injecting new ideas in the minds of our decision-makers. I wish you well in this important endeavour.

J. V. Karim

J. V. Karim: I think the idea has come at a right time. But, of course, it will need the support of the Government in order for it to succeed. I am sure there are some few Ministers in the government who will, no doubt, support this idea. However, I still believe that the Institute should be non-partisan and independent in the real sense of the word. I support its formation.

Farouk Karim

Farouq Karim: It is an excellent idea. You have my support. I shall be ready to make any modest contributions.

Enzi Talib Aboud: This is a good thing. I support its establishment. I am sure President Karume will support this project provided he is informed, at the appropriate time, of the intention to establish this kind of a think-tank. I think he likes new ideas; and there is no doubt in my mind that this Institute will provide such ideas for the well-being of Zanzibari people. I am prepared to make some modest contributions and be part of this important initiative.

Hassan Nassor Moyo: I think the government needs fresh ideas. And the idea of pooling together Zanzibari brains and minds for the purpose of providing the needed expertise in various areas of political, economic and social development of the country cannot come at the right time. There is a huge human resource capability out there. It is time to make the maximum use of it. I support this idea and I am sure that President Karume will support it.

Mariam Olban Ali: This is a very good idea which I support. However, since it is a new idea for Zanzibar, there is the need to be extremely cautious. Traditionally, Zanzibaris are very sceptic people when it comes to things like this. One would have to work hard in trying to get all the support and cooperation needed to ensure the success of such an enterprise. We need to do it right, in terms of adhering to all the laws, rules and regulations governing such issues. For instance, there is no need of rushing to the President for this or that before exhausting all the different competent layers of Government bureaucracy.

Prof. Haroub Othman: It is a good idea. But there is a need to learn from the experience of other NGOs that have already been established in Zanzibar for the purpose of appraising yourselves in terms of what actually they are doing. In my opinion, this kind of approach will help to avoid the possibility of finding yourselves engaged in some kind of duplication of efforts and/or creating an organization with overlapping mandate.

Khalfan H. Khalfan: I do support this important initiative. It is a good thing to establish an NGO for this particular purpose. I believe that the Institute will fill in the gap in terms of covering those areas which the existing NGOs do not. I will be extremely happy to be of any assistance.

Mohammed Fakih Mohammed: This is an excellent idea that is long overdue. Zanzibar cannot afford to rely on the same people for the same ideas forever. An independent think-tank of this sort will provide new ideas, and is, therefore, a solution towards moving away from the chronically worse economic situation of the country. However, there is a need to be optimistically cautious, since there are a lot of influential people out there who wish to cling to the same old policies for their own political interests. I support this endeavour and I will be happy to participate in the discussions.

Shamsi Vuai Nahodha

Shamsi Vuai Nahodha: The idea to establish an Institute of this kind here in Zanzibar is not only excellent, but is also increasingly welcomed. As a matter of fact, I strongly believe that the Institute will contribute immensely in terms of educating the masses on a variety of public policy issues that are fundamental in bringing about development and economic prosperity for the people of Zanzibar. The Institute will also assist our policymakers and legislators in terms of enabling them to make informed decisions in their deliberations of important issues affecting the lives of the ordinary Zanzibaris. I fully support its establishment and I wish you every success in this important endeavour.

Nassor Khatib: This is a great initiative that I totally support. It may not be easy to get this thing done given the prevailing situation on the ground, but there is a need to be optimistic. Zanzibar needs an institution like this one. I think it is high time that we do whatever is necessary to assist in the efforts. I congratulate you for this initiative. You have our full support.

Salama Kombo: I fully support the initiative. We have a lot of qualified people in and outside Zanzibar who can be of tremendous help and assistance towards the success of this initiative. However, there is a need for concerted efforts and steadfast commitment from all of us in order to ensure effective realization of this important project. I am very optimistic that with good organization and proper preparation, we will be able to do just that. I wish you all the best of luck and success in this endeavour.

Hashim Ismail: Honestly, this is an excellent initiative. But, in the context of our situation in Zanzibar, it is not going to be easy to take this thing off the ground and fly. People are very suspicious of any new idea; be it good or bad. They have been disappointed so much and so many times, to the extent that they are sceptical of anyone who tries to come up with something new. In any case, it is doable provided, at the end of the day, we manage to convince the sceptics that this is the right thing to do for the benefit and well-being of Zanzibari people. I support the initiative and I will make some modest contributions to ensure its success.

Dr. Abdulhamid Yahya Mzee: This is a very good idea. Despite the fact that the NGOs that have already been established in Zanzibar are doing a good job in terms of policy formulation, but almost all of them are oriented towards specific areas of work; and, as a matter of fact, only one, ZIORI, is well geared towards research work. As a result, there is a wide gap that needs to be covered. The establishment of ZIRPP, which is mandated to conduct research on and/or studies in public policy issues will, therefore, contribute immensely in the efforts towards assisting the Government to see things from a different perspective as well as enabling both our policymakers and decision-makers to make informed decisions. I fully support the initiative and wish you every success in your deliberations.

Khamis Abdulla Ameir: Zanzibar has come a long way. We have seen a lot of ups-and-downs. Zanzibaris are yearning for change; real change that will give them hope and inspiration to succeed. The establishment of ZIRPP, as an independent think-tank, will help tremendously in terms of giving Zanzibaris, and more specifically, our policymakers, a multitude of choices in their deliberations of public policy issues.

Abdullah Ghassani

Abdulla Ghassani: It is a great initiative; you have my total support. I can’t wait to see its formal realization.

Prof. Ali Seif Mshimba: This is a great initiative and, as a matter of fact, is long over due. I fully support its establishment. Hopefully, once it has been established, the institute will help to identify the problems and challenges facing Zanzibar and especially so in the areas of education and institutions of higher learning. For instance, Zanzibar is experiencing an acute shortage of educators. In consequence, our role, here at SUZA, is to educate as many educators as possible for our schools. We need as much assistance as we can possibly get. There is, therefore, no doubt that the Institute will play an increasingly pivotal role in terms of identifying the challenges and provide concrete solutions.

Prof Abdul Sheriff

Prof. Abdul Sheriff: I fully support the establishment of this kind of an institute. I think it is a good initiative that has come at the right time. Zanzibar is facing a lot of problems in many areas of public policy that need to be properly and adequately identified. For example, our universities are facing an acute shortage of qualified students. Zanzibar produces less than 130 students each year who are academically qualified to join institutions of higher learning. A good number of these; i.e. the cream, will go to the universities and other institutions of higher learning in the Mainland. Less than half will join Zanzibar universities. How could you run a university with such a small number of students? It is not even economically viable. We have opened up the universities nonetheless. Now we have to do something to ensure that they are run in such an effective manner. In other words, the policy aimed at establishing our universities must succeed in the long run. The Institute can possibly assist in the efforts towards the achievement of this important objective.

Prof. Mustafa A.A. Roshash: This is a very good initiative. We, at the Zanzibar University, will do everything possible to assist in the realization of this meaningful and important endeavour. Zanzibar needs this kind of institution to enable both the policymakers and decision makers to look at various public policy issues from a different point of view. We hope that the institute will be truly independent in its orientation; because we believe that is the only way to ensure its effectiveness and impartiality.

Mr. Ramadhan M. Mwinyi: The Institute’s proposed establishment has come at the right time when the Government is greatly in need of the existence of such kind of an independent and non-partisan institution in order to assist in the efforts towards achieving increased efficiency in research and public policy issues. What is needed right now is to ensure its speedy registration so that the Institute can start its work as soon as possible. In other words, you have my total support on this remarkable initiative.

Benn Haider: I was fascinated reading ZIRPP – Zanzibar Institute for Research And Public Policy weblog. The aims and objectives are by all standard elegantly constructed. But at the same time,though,I found them rather vast and too ambitious to an embryonic Institute. If ZIRPP is bound to lead and succeed on the proclaimed aims and objectives,the Institute is also bound to cooperate and openly demostrate its political neutrality with the massive movement of both externally and internally politically excluded Zanzibaris ;who are determined that one day they will democratise Zanzibar through TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION PROCESS without which there will never be a real /tangable deep rooted healings amoungst Zanzibaris of various ethnic groups,until justice take its rightful path on every aspect of life e.g. on education ,employment and nationality issues. Any astuteness on the part of ZIRPP,to become an extended arm or instrument of post-tribal tribalistic policies of the present adamant rulling class will suffer a premature abortion. My humble advice to the Interim Leadership is therefore- “BE RIGHTERS OF THE WRONGED AND PROTECTORS OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ZANZIBAR. GOD BLESS ZANZIBAR!

Amin Ibrahim Ally

Amin Ibrahim Ally: Mimi ningelipenda sana kuchukua fursa hii kuwaelimisha Wazanzibari wenzangu waliopo huku Seattle, Washington State, juu ya umuhimu wa kujiunga na Jumuia hii kwani hapa wapo Wazanzibari wengi, lakini kwa bahati mbaya wengi wao bado wanaaamini kuwa katika kuchangia maendeleo ya nchi, serikali tu ndio yenye ufumbuzi wa maendeleo ya kijamii. Kwa mtazamo wangu, masuala kama haya yamebadilika sana katika Dunia ya leo; hivyo, lazima wananchi wajizatiti wao wenyewe katika kuchangia maendeleo ya nchi yao. Cha msingi, ni kuangalia kitu gani kinatakiwa kufanyika katika Jumuiya yetu; inahitajika A PLAN OF ACTION ambayo itaweza kutoa muangaza mzuri kwa maana ya wapi Jumuiya inaweza kutoa baraka zake na vipi “plan of action” hii itavyoweza kuchangia mabadiliko ya Zanzibar. Kwa sasa, ni muhimu kupata jengo kwa ajili ya ofisi na pia kupata usajili; hatua nyengine zinaweza kufuata huko mbele baada ya kupata wanachama wa kutosha ambao wataweza kuchangia maendeleo ya Jumuiya yenyewe kwa mafanikio ya Zanzibar na Wazanzibari wote. Mwisho, nakutakieni kila la kheri na baraka katika kazi zenu na nina imani kubwa sana kuwa tutaweza kupiga hatua kubwa zaidi katika jitihada za kusukuma gurudumu la kuiendeleza Zanzibar kwa kupitia taasisi hii ya ZIRPP.

Hakim Al Maameri: In order to begin improving the situation currently prevailing in Zanzibar a lot needs to be done. One has to grab the bull by it’s horns and get on with what needs to be done asap. Chiding each other will acheive no purpose at all. I’ll throw my hat in the ring to get some serious suggestions and ideas going.The establishment of the Basic Law, which will allow FDI to flow in and will protect the rights of citizens and foreign investors. Currently laws exist but do little to give comfort to serious investors; therefore a new legal system has to be established which will work for all. Identify which sectors Zanzibar needs to focus on to encourage FDI; prepare rules and regulations that will be enforced and adhered to and which will encourage FDI and create sustainable wealth. Agree on which plans to follow for Development; and all government institutions which are involved in these sectors need to be involved in the planning process along with the investors and planners. Agree on the 5 year targets and genuinely work together to acheive theirs/our aims. Corporate governance in all sectors is extremely essential. Correct planning and follow up reviews with regular discussions between all parties involved is important. Current education disiciplines need to be reviewed and plans established to eductate and to prepare the young for the future job markets. A Municipal Department with a Public Health sector needs to be established based upon modern principles and functions. Zanzibar needs to have it’s own Power and Water Utility facility..This is just a start.