Below is an article written by Ali Uki published by Daily News:

President Amani Karume says they have started preparing Zanzibaris to compete as equals in the proposed East African federation.

"We have started to prepare ourselves by creating an environment that will enable us to compete and dominate in the proposed East Africa federation," said Zanzibar president.

President Karume said this yesterday, when opening a one-day seminar to prepare the people before the arrival of a committee, collecting views on the fast-tracking of the federation.

He also said that all the citizens of the East Africa member countries must be given a fair chance to air their opinions towards the establishment of the federation.

Mr Karume also said leaders have a role to play in guiding their people on the federation instead of dictating the terms.

"I believe if the people would be given a chance to speak out their minds on this matter, they would be ready to work with their respective governments to establish a sustainable federation," he said.

The team, traveling around the country to gather opinions on the fast-tracking of the federation, decided to postpone its planned tour of the Isles, so as to give more time to the local authorities to prepare their people.

Members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives have often expressed their opposition to the fast-tracking idea, saying at least 40 years is needed before the countries integrate.