Guinea-Bissau - They Say, We Say...

Other countries say...

"Unexploded military ordnance and landmines remain scattered throughout the country. Unexploded ordnance may be found even in the capital city Bissau. The national de-mining center (CAAMI) in Bissau is responsible for de-mining operations and maintains lists of known minefields. There are two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) active in successfully removing mines." US State Department

"Water is often unsafe; you are advised to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes. There are occasional outbreaks of cholera. Since June one particularly serious outbreak of cholera affected over 10,000 people and over 200 have died as a result but this is now considered to be under control. If you take sensible hygiene precautions you are unlikely to be affected. We advise that you take particular care and recommend that you drink only boiled/bottled water. Anyone suffering from diarrhoea during a visit to Guinea-Bissau should consult a doctor promptly." UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Guinea says...

"Now with my horse-drawn plough and cart I can plough up to 10 hectares in a day. With my bare hands, this used to take me 20 or 30 days. Through my horse cart, I can fully pay my children's school fees. After this rainy season, I will be able to afford corrugated iron sheets to roof my house. As you can see most people in the village here have thatched roofs on their houses... but very soon all that will come to pass." A Guinea-Bissau Farmer, in December 2005! Imagine if this were an American Farmer!