Message-ID: <19980711045032.16390.rocketmail@send1a.yahoomail.com> Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 21:50:32 -0700 From: sam mwoko <mailto:samie_1001@YAHOO.COM> Subject: Re: BAD EXPERIENCES etc.. To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
I did not wish to gfo further into it but Mr. Vdimtroff has asked some specific questions.
mailto:---vdimitroff@MAIL.PTL.COM.MT wrote: >
> I appealed for constructive dialogue, sharing positive experiences and
> ideas, but must clarify a few issues touched by SAM MWOKO in his
> somewhat emotional response:
>
> > Yes, it is very specific to call the locals
> > incompetent and lacking knowledge etc.
>
> I can't remember anyone on this list calling the locals incompetent or
> lacking knowledge. Neither did I (I am a 'local'). Can you be more
> specific and name this arrogant poster to the list?
This is what you said in your earlier e-mail. "local experts, no matter how talented, cannot detach themselves from biased and single-sided views of the picture. External experts (are supposed to) have seen more than one country in a similar situation, have exposure to historical experience and would know what works, even if it sounds suicidal to local people."
To me it sounds like the locals,"lacking objectivity, international experience and historical perspective," are inferior.
>
> > there is a law of one price which we apply
> > everywhere. Capital must earn the same
> > expected rate accross borders.
>
> First time I hear of this 'one price' law. Is it a law in an academic
> discipline, or in international legislation? Capital does not (and
> SHOULD NOT) earn the same rate, even within the borders of one
country. > Otherwise it would not move, the entire system would make no sense.
Sorry this is an economics term. Capital always has one price. It is called the rate of interest.
>
> > Why are donor consultants and those too carrying
> > a specific passport better than the locals or those
> > of color. To me that is no-market and racist.
>
> THIS IS WHERE YOU'RE RIGHT! I stated the same in my (now I realize,
> controversial) posting. However, YOU are UNDERpaid, and not the others
> over-paid. I personally suffer this type of discrimination based on
> nationality and passport, but I would never fight for my OECD
> colleagues' rates to be lowered; this would be poor justice.
This is exactly what I said. That talent no matter where it originates from should be paid the same.
Mine have > to match theirs. Ironically, my compatriots who obtained Canadian
and US > passports, even with weaker academic credentials and work experience
are > getting 'the right' rates that I generally cannot. Sadly enough,
this is > not pushed by the developed countries, but almost entirely originates
> within 'local' culture. Reasons are many and complex; rather than
drill > into them, I'd like to hear suggestions for change.
Suggestions are very simple, why should the highest paid people in Ghana be the World Bank, UNDP, IMF and otehr donor agency expatriate staff. There are areas with beuatiful houses designated for them. Their local minions are paid less than half. Why can we not open out the competition for a given wage.
>
> Representatives of donor agencies and of recipient governments are on
> this list, as far as I have noticed. What would they comment on their
> consultant recruitment policies (the former) as choice preferences
(the > latter)? Can 'equal opportunity' policies be substantiated with some
> numbers? Can those who agree that the phenomenon exists propose any
> culture-changing moves?
>
> Respondents who accept this shifted topic as a new discussion might
> chose to rename it with a 'was: bad exp.' extension to keep track.
>
> V. Dimitroff
>
> P.S. In line with my own call for being specific, I can substantiate
my > own statements above with ample detail from first-hand experience; it
> may be less relevant or interesting for the majority of list members,
> therefore anyone demanding details please e-mail me personally.
>
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