Editor,

Tourists visit Gambia because the weather is good, the people are friendly, the country is stable, there is less crime and also over the years there has been significant improvement in the infrastructure. I enjoy my long holidays in Gambia.

However many holidaymakers complain about the 'bumsters' who annoy them. My opinion is that it is some of the tourists in the past and now that can be blamed for this. They generously leave their clothes and other items to Gambians, when they leave.

Consequently, those Gambians who have no work go down to the tourist areas and ask for money, items of clothing etc, from holidaymakers. If tourists gave them nothing it would be a waste of time for the 'bumsters' to travel to the tourist areas.

If you read the comments on the Trip advisor page of the internet, you will find many comments about how delightful the holiday was apart from being hassled by 'bumsters.' I know that many tourists do not venture outside the hotel because of the harassment. Therefore, less money is being spent outside the hotel. It is time for holidaymakers to learn to say "no".

Rsmrycrisp@aol.com