Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues

Issue No. 35/2005, 5-8 May 2005



Editorial

WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

“THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REPEAL BAD MEDIA LAWS”

The Gambia Press Union and the media community held a symposium on the freedom of _expression and personal security, to highlight the personal dangers posed to the exercise of one’s freedom of _expression in countries where member governments are yet to acknowledge that they are servants of the people and not their masters.

It is very common to hear members of government accusing others of being selfish, unpatriotic, dishonest, illegitimate sons of the land, kaffirs, and so on and so forth. The media freely carry their views. However, they quickly accuse the media of professional irresponsibility once anything is said that they are sensitive to.

It is time for the whole nation to know that freedom of _expression includes freedom of the media. This means that the person has a right to have his or her views disseminated in the media. The media is therefore an amplifier of the opinions or views of all members of society. The media practitioner however is more than a mere manager of the amplifier. He goes beyond gathering opinions from the public to investigate matters of pubic interest in order to inform the public. In performing such a duty, the media practitioner is bound by the dictates of truth, fair-play and the public interest. A government should therefore be very much interested in the views expressed through the media to know the minds of the people. A government which closes its mind to the views expressed through the media closes its ears to the voices of the people. Such a government must be in the dark.

On the other hand, a government which uses intimidation to suppress the _expression of opinion, equally makes it impossible to hear the true voices of the people. Bad laws are instruments of coercion, thought and the free _expression of views.

It is therefore necessary for the Gambia Government to repeal the draconian laws which aims to suppress the free _expression of views.

The government officials should know that the media is as much for them as it is for everyone else. They should be ready to respond to clarify issues once they feel that their views or actions have been misrepresented. It is such debate that helps to refine and consolidate the truth.



RSF INDICTS PRESIDENT JAMMEH



By Emil Touray and Amie Sanneh

The Paris based media organisation “Reporters without Borders” (RSF) has exhorted President Jammeh to invite overseas experts to pry into the gruesome murder of the former Editor of The Point Newspaper which still remains unsolved. President Jammeh’s name features prominently on the organisation’s list of heads of state, governments and institutions who have utter contempt for freedom of _expression.

Speaking at a press conference at the GPU Headquarters on Tuesday 3rd May 2005, the RSF’s African Desk Head, Leonard Vincent, described 2004 as the year with the worst episode ever seen. “We have seen unfortunate developments in December in The Gambia when the National Assembly passed very harsh laws against the media which is something that we have never seen before in any government in 20 years” he remarked, calling it a great set back for press freedom.

Mr Vincent added that journalists are subjected to all forms of harassment, intimidation and torture thus making it very difficult for one to become a journalist in the Gambia.

On those listed among as enemies of the press, Mr. Vincent revealed that President Jammeh himself as an individual is counted as one of the three new entries in the list of those seen as predators of press freedom. He clarified that it is President Jammeh who has a problem with the independent press and freedom of _expression; that the media has no problem with some government officials. “President Jammeh has lots of harsh words against media practitioners and we have watched and are amazed and worried about the attacks on journalists. What I can see is that, in the Gambia, you can attack a journalist and get away,” adding that such crimes “do not make the president angry.”

He said that these acts should be something “intolerable”, but that President Jammeh has never condemned the threats and attacks on the lives and properties of the media practitioners in the Gambia.

This press briefing was organised as part of activities marking International Press Freedom Day. Commenting on its significance, Mr. Vincent said that this day is specifically dedicated to the Late Deyda Hydara. He described Deyda as someone who was reliable, faithful, strong and served as their correspondent. “The whole world was stunned by the cowardly murder of Deyda Hydara’, he remarked.

Mr. Vincent further revealed that in the year 2004, 3 different cases of journalist deaths in Africa were discovered in which the Gambia is among.

The RSF representative, however, urged President Jammeh to stop keeping silent and rather accept the proposals imposed on him by investigating all the assaults made against journalists and other matters affecting them. He added that “all those matters are turning to do a lot of harm not only to the Gambian journalists but also the government and nation.”

Mr. Vincent indicated that his organisation will not rest until the murder of Deyda Hydara is resolved; that they do not only condemn but also engage in effective intervention to resolve problems; that they have many tools at their disposal including persuasive diplomatic pressure, publicity etc, which they can use to ensure that erring governments conform to principles and practices that respect the rights of journalists.

Mr. Vincent gave an example of a Newspaper that was closely linked with the ruling clique n Cote D’Ivoire and whose publications were, in journalistic standard, considered as trash. He explained that this paper  was very hostile not only to other journalists who were seen not to be supporting President Gbagbo against the other political forces but also French and Western media organisations, including the RSF, but that when the tabloid and editor fell foul of the regime they had to intervene. He said that they were defending the rights of freedom of _expression and the press which was sacrosanct and must be cherished. Mr. Vincent pledged his organisation’s readiness to give support, moral, financial, etc, to media practitioners in the promotion and defence of freedom of _expression noting that their aim is to encourage press freedom and integrity. “We are not promoting any Western, French, VS or ideological values but the universal value of freedom of _expression,” remarked Mr.
 Vincent.

He indicated that his media organisation will be serving as a watchdog in the forthcoming 2006 Presidential Elections in The Gambia.



DEYDA HYDARA FOUNDATION UNVEILED



By Bubacarr K. Sowe

The Deyda Hydara Foundation for Press Freedom (DHFPF) was last Tuesday launched  at the Alliance Franco Gambienne at a symposium marking International Press Freedom Day, (3rd May).

The DHFPF is a non-governmental, non-sectarian, and a non-political organisation, which recognises that a country cannot be genuinely democratic nor can it prosper without the prevalence of freedom of _expression.

The DHFPF aims at encouraging impartiality and the affording of fair opportunities and facilities for the presentation of divergent views, to recognise and promote responsible journalism to ensure the protection of media practitioners, irrespective of their views from harassment, vendetta and arbitrary arrests.

The foundation also vows to engage in capacity building programmes for media practitioners and media houses, to promote research and scholarships in the areas of freedom of _expression and human rights and to collaborate with local and international organisations with similar objectives.

The foundation also wishes to strive for the enactment of laws that enhance freedom of _expression and the revocation of laws that unreasonably restrict freedom of _expression in a democratic society.

A large number of pledges amounting to D93,900 was received at the launching by institutions and individuals, and the amount is expected to exceed this figure as several people made pledges without disclosing the amount. There was a symposium to mark the event with the theme; “Freedom of _Expression and the Security of the Individual in the Gambian Context”. It was attended by a large number of personnel both from the media and civil society. The symposium however, was over shadow by a rather solemn mood in the memory of their fallen colleague Deyda.



The launching was done by Yadicone Njie and Emmanuel Joof on behalf of Adelaide Sosseh.



WORKERS CALL FOR SALARY  INCREMENT



By Bubacarr K. Sowe

The Gambia National Trade Union Congress (GNTUC) has issued a resolution to the president, Yahya Jammeh, through the SoS for Trade, Industry and Employment demanding a 200% to all categories of workers excluding Secretaries of Sates.  This request was made during the commemoration of this year’s May Day held at the Arch 22nd in Banjul.

Speaking at the occasion, the Secretary General of the GNTUC, Ebrima Garba Cham, called on the government to recommend a general salary increment of 200% across the board to all categories of workers excluding SoSs, to realize that prices on commodities have enabled very few to meet the basic necessities of life as salaries have not increased at the same rate. He said that it has also been realized that employers in commercial sectors are going in for cheap labour.

He pointed out that lack to have workers’ representation at that National Assembly and Councils is not promoting and strengthening social dialogue, and participation in national policy making and also, in protecting and promoting the dignity of the workers as voters, tax-payers and actors in development.

He also called on the SoS for Trade, Industry and Employment, SoS for Finance and Economic Affairs and the Labour Commissioner to facilitate the attendance of the country to every conference of the ILO, since the Gambia has never attended it, making the Gambia to lose lots of benefits from the ILO.



Speaking at the rally the SoS for Trade, Industry and Employment expressed that though societies all over the world have come a long way in addressing labour issues, “we remain forever vigilant to improve on our gains and seek a more   holistic pattern of development that attaches priority to workers’ welfare and dignity.” “In this regard, the tripartite social partners; workers, employers and government all have a role to lay in the realisation of these objectives,” she remarked. She said that while paying tribute to their contribution towards creating the nation’s wealth, government is resolved to rally behind workers in the noble tasks. She assured them that government was committed to encouraging every Gambian to strive to excel in their areas of competence and to use their skills and talents for the ultimate benefit of the nation and that they would respond to emerging disputes within the work industry in the interest of industrial justice and peace, with a view to ensuring that
 grievances rising therein were addressed amicably through dialogue rather than confrontation.



RULING DEFERRED IN EXPIRED FOOD TRIAL



By Sarjo M. Camara

The ruling involving the trial of the proprietor of Harry’s, Sony’s and Shell Kairaba Supermarkets, Mr. Sheresh Kumaur Watwoni, alias SK, has been deferred to 11th May 2005. The trial is taking place before Magistrate Mboto at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.

At the proceeding of 26th April, while the first prosecution witness, Mr. Sheriff Badjie, the assistant head of food and safety unity, DOSH, was testifying, the prosecutor applied to tender a crucial document, but the defence objected.



Mr. Sheriff Badjie, told the court that on the 15th February 2005 some National Intelligence Agents together with himself conducted a joint inspection in supermarkets of the accused person; that they first went to Harry’s Supermarket where they found some expired food items; that they proceeded to Shell Kairaba but found no unfit food stuff or expired items; that they then proceeded to the Sony’s Supermarket where they found expired food items.

Mr. Badjie was asked by the state counsel, Marenah what they did after the inspection. Mr. Badjie replied that due to the deteriorating nature of some of the discovered food items, they decided to dispose off them there and then. Mr. Badjie said that a certificate of destruction was prepared to that effect and endorsed by the NIA and the accused person. The certificate was produced by the state counsel who tendered it. However, the defence counsel objected to the tendering of the document, saying that the said document is a photocopy and was not from proper custody. In response the state counsel, Marenah said the document is admissible under section 101 subsection (1) of the Evidence Act because it is the producer of the document that has custody of it.

The Magistrate should have ruled on this matter yesterday but it has been deferred till 11th May 2005.



AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

DoSE UNDER THE MICROSCOPE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Part 8

We have been publishing the report of the National Assembly Select Committee on Education and Training submitted to the National Assembly for approval. We will continue from where we stopped in the last issue.



On Julangel Skills Centre

The report states that all members of senior management team are acting and that of a staff of 11, only 1 is female, 5 are untrained.  It states that there are enough teaching and learning materials as well as classrooms and furniture; that since the largest class has 27 students as such overcrowding does not occur.  It indicates that the school has a library, automotive and carpentry workshops. The report indicates that teachers do not prepare well enough to teach, not even the senior staff and consequently students’ performance in external examination is below average.  The report says that it is noteworthy to show that the community has a horticultural garden for the school.



Summary Of Findings In Regions 5 and 6

The report went on the reveal the following findings:

1. Failure of teachers to report to their schools of postings in the regions. Of the 70 qualified teachers posted to Region 6 at the beginning of the academic year, only 44 had reported (at the time of the survey) resulting in a general teacher shortage particularly in Region 6

2. Inadequate female teachers in Region 5

3. More unqualified teachers found in the regions in comparison to other regions

4. High rate of teachers on acting positions for long periods without confirmation, a lot of holders of senior positions in the schools in Regions 5 and 6 are acting

5. High rate of non-Gambian teachers in the senior secondary schools

6. Acute shortage of core textbooks in schools in the regions due to the short lifespan of books caused by poor building. Pupil / textbook ratio in some schools is 3:1 or 4:1

7. High cost of books in the senior secondary schools

8. Late arrival of schools’ registers and textbooks in schools

9. Lack of adequate teaching / learning materials

10. Long serving ancillary staff, particularly caretakers not appointed

11. No caretaker for Fass Lower Basic School where pupils and teachers do the cleaning

12. Contribution to the social security provident fund for ancillary staff by schools not regularized

13. Inadequate classrooms in some schools; Structures in Kanapeh, Sotuma Sireh, Misireh Sireh in Region 6 are sub-standard

14. Inadequate toilet facilities in some schools in these regions and some of which are not separated as required

15. Inadequate toilet facilities for Armitage Senior Secondary School and the improper use of these toilets by pupils

16. Overcrowding of female students in their dormitories at Armitage Senior Secondary School

17. Poor quality of food for students in Armitage School

18. Inadequate subventions for Armitage School

19. No effective library services in schools

20. All libraries found full of old and outdated books, irrelevant to the school curriculum

21. No resource centres in all the schools visited in Region 5 and only 1 in Region 6.

22. Few Science laboratories which are inadequately equipped

23. Upper basic, basic cycle, and senior secondary schools in the two regions have few technical and skills facilities. Schools with these facilities have limited or no resources and qualified trained personnel. Indeed some technical subjects are not taught due to lack of facilities or personnel

24. Teachers and children are not assessed regularly in some of the schools. There is little evidence of teachers’ preparation due to ineffective monitoring and supervision

25.   Poor communications between the schools and parents in some communities resulting in limited involvement of parents in their children’s work or school activities

26. Little evidence of meetings of Senior Management Teams (SMTs) on school administration issues.

27. Irregular visit of SQAD and education officers to schools due to inadequate fuel allocations to the Regional Directorate

28. No effective monitoring mechanism in place at the Regional Directorate

29. Lack of accommodation for teachers in schools and the communities; unqualified teachers in Banni Lower Basic School, for instance, complained of house rent allowance. They receive D60 (Sixty Dalasis) as house rent while they pay D75 (Seventy five Dalasis) in the village

30. Lack of communication linkages for schools in remote areas

31. Poor and low rate of contractual works in schools e.g. the roof of a Vice Principal’s quarters has been blown off more than two years and has still not been mended

32. Complaints of low incentives for teachers on double shift indicate that the 50 % additional pay is not attractive anymore.

33. Inadequate or no water supply and electricity in many schools, Solar systems in schools not functional

34. Communities with Madrassas or Daras affect school enrollment and dropout rates, e.g. low enrollment in some schools like Kataba Omar Ndow, Sare Gubu and Koli Bantang

35. Teachers’ requesting for transfer are denied by the authorities even after serving in a school for 3 years, in some cases

36. Food supplies dropped at inconvenient locations and schools are required to make arrangements for collection. For example, the Regional Office in Region 6 drops supplies for Sare Gubu at Diabugu

37.  Lack of proper kitchens

38. Fass villagers refuse to enroll their children in the school and enrollments are got from other satellite villages. In the same vein, teachers are refused accommodation. Consequently, some of the teachers have to use old classrooms in the school

39. Lack of ECD centres in some areas and therefore Grade 1 pupils find it difficult to write

40. Access to senior secondary schools in Region 5, parents finds it difficult to have guardians for their children. Hence some students trek long distances to go to school

41.   School funds and fees are not paid regularly due to poverty

42.   Poor communication and mobility facilities

43.  Due to the remoteness of some schools, teachers find it difficult to go back home at the end of the term or send money to their families

44.   Late payment of salaries and the centralized nature of payment within the regions that requires some teachers to travel. This is both expensive on cost and at times of teachers

45. No Board at Nyakoi Senior Secondary School but a school committee, the school is not recognised by WAEC as an examination centre. As a result, there is high demand for transfers among the students

46. Lack of proper handing over of schools from one head teacher to another, consequently, new heads do not have records to refer to when necessary.



On Good Practices And Initiatives

The report reveals that the following are the good practices and initiatives in regions 5 and 6:

a) Salaries paid on time in subvented schools despite the location of the schools and almost all members of their SMT are substantive holders of their respective positions

b) A standby generator at St. George’s Upper Basic to ensure uninterrupted electric supply

c) Regular social security contribution for ancillary staff in the above school

d) Soft loans made available to teachers in some schools

e) Nasir Ahmadiya Senior Secondary School Board approval of a 10 % salary increment was motivating to teachers

f) PTA actively involved in school activities

g) Responsibility allowances paid to SMT

h) Each of the satellite villages of Jimbala Basic Cycle School has a garden for the school. The produce is brought to the school for sale to supplement the needs of the kitchen. In addition, parents help in the school orchard

i) Some schools have well kept records and key information is sometimes put on the wall of the Principal’s office for visitors to see

j) A village horticultural garden for Julangel Skills Centre

k) The cashew farm in Koli Kunda Lower Basic School where the community was found fencing the school

l) Nyakoi Senior Secondary School is clean, well kept, beautiful and fenced

See next issue for the revelations of the report on GTTI and Gambia College.



MC CHAM’S CRIMINAL CASE

The legal battle involving the state and Alhaji MC Cham continued at the Banjul Magistrate Court on Thursday with two of the prosecution witnesses testifying before Magistrate Amina Saho.

Alhaji MC Cham, a former minister in President Jawara’s administration is charged with stealing and felony. One Essa Sissoho, the first prosecution witness who was a tenant in the accused’s compound, is claiming that the accused broke into his house and took some of his belonging while he was in Mali.

At Thursday’s hearing, the accused was represented by lawyers Ousainou N. M. Darboe and Rachel Mendy. The second prosecution witness, Lamin Ceesay, testified that he is a police officer who is currently attached to the Banjul Police Station. Throwing light on the matter, Mr. Ceesay said Essa Sissoho found him at the Banjul Police Station on the 28th day of March 2005, and lodged a complaint against the accused. He noted that Inspector Joof instructed him and one Corporal Joof to go to the accused’s compound. Going further, the witness pointed out that on arrival at the accused’s compound, they did inform him that they were ordered by their Station Officer to come to him and list down the items claimed by the complainant, Essa Sissoho. In his evidence, the witness indicated that they were led into the store where the complainant’s items were kept. He testified that all the items were listed. He said the inventory of the items was signed by him, the accused and the complainant. He said
 it was at that juncture that Essa Sissoho informed him that his money amounting to nine thousand seven hundred dalasis, four hundred grams of gold, nine pieces of tie and dye cloths and a bag of colouring powder were missing. Continuing his testimony, the witness testified that Sissoho had informed him that the items were in his cupboard and that the cupboard was broken. At this juncture, the prosecutor asked the witness whether he had seen the cupboard, the witness responded in the positive. The prosecutor further asked him whether any part of the cupboard was broken, the witness responded that one of the doors of the cupboard was broken. He further testified that both the accused and the complainant signed the inventory of the items that were recovered from the accused. According to the witness, the items recovered from the accused were handed over to the complainant. Ceesay informed the court that he had informed the complainant to report the matter to the police station.

Ousainou N. M. Darboe, the defence counsel took over from where the prosecutor stopped and began cross-examining the witness. Mr. Darboe asked the witness to shed light on the whereabouts of the inventory signed by the accused and the complainant. In his reply, the witness stated that the inventory is with the accused and the complainant. Mr. Darboe asked the witness whether he did sign the inventory. The witness responded in the positive. However, the witness was quick to point out that he did not make a statement to the police. Mr. Ceesay said his movement to the accused’s house was recorded in the station diary. Ceesay testified that he did not record the things he found on the scene in the station diary. Asked whether he recorded in the station diary that he saw a broken cupboard, the witness responded in the negative. Asked by Mr. Darboe whether he will be surprised to know that Mr. Sissoho did make a statement to the police in February, Ceesay responded that he is not aware of
 it. Mr. Darboe put t to the witness that break-in is a serious crime and so wondered why the police at Banjul Police Station did not urge Sissoho to report the matter at the Serious Crime Unit. In his response, the witness posited that such matters are reported to the Banjul Police where they are minuted to the Serious Crime Unit. The witness denied Mr. Darboe’s charge that he, together with Corporal Joof and Inspector Joof, confined the matter to themselves and that is why it was not reported to the Serious Crime Unit of the police. Asked by Mr. Darboe whether he will be surprised to learn that he made a statement to the police as at 28th February about items that were missing, Ceesay said he is not aware of anything like that. The witness testified that the left door of the cupboard was broken. He noted that the cupboard was handed over to the complainant at the scene by the police. He said it was not his concern which is why he never bothered to bring the cupboard to the police
 station. Darboe asked Ceesay whether he did mention in court that he together with the accused and the complainant signed Exhibit A. The witness responded in the affirmative. At this juncture Darboe gave the witness Exhibit A and asked him whether his signature is on it and Ceesay gave a positive response. Darboe further asked him to show the court the signature of the accused on Exhibit A.  Mr. Ceesay replied that the accused signature is not on Exhibit A.  Mr. Ceesay said the inventory was prepared by his colleague Corporal Joof who was also at the scene.

The witness testified that he did not know that MC Cham is charged with break-in. He told the court that items 19 and 20 on the inventory are a small stove, mortar and a pestle. He told the court that he cannot tell whether Mr. Cham will break into a house and steal a small stove, mortar and a pestle. On the four hundred grams of gold claimed by the complainant, Ceesay said he did not ask the complainant the carat of the gold and in what form the gold was. He noted that item forty-four of the inventory is a cupboard, but there is nothing in the inventory talking about a broken cupboard.

Dilating on the things that transpired on the 4th day of January 2005, the next prosecution witness, Alhagie Sillah testified that his friend, Essa Sissoho left his key with him when he (Sissoho) was travelling to Mali, adding that Sissoho also gave him five hundred dalasis for him to pay his (Sissoho’s) house rent to Alhagie M.C. Cham at the end of the month. However, the witness could not tell the court the month he was given the money by Sissoho. The witness told the court that at the end of the month following his friend’s trip to Mali, he went to MC Cham’s house and informed him that he wanted to pay his friend’s house rent. According to the witness, the accused informed him that it was not a matter of money, but that he had broken into Sissoho’s house and had taken the latter’s belongings to his (Cham’s) house. Mr. Sillah noted that the accused did tell him that he was going to take the complainant to court if he returned from his trip. He noted that when the complainant
 returned from Mali, he (Sissoho) called him and he went to the house that was previously occupied by the complainant. On arrival at the complainant’s place, the witness noted that he found out that the door of the complainant’s house was broken and people were inside the said house.

The witness said he later gave Mr. Sissoho the key that was entrusted to him.

The witness said he once paid rent to the accused on behalf of the complainant. At this point, Ousainou N.M Darboe put it to the witness that the accused refused to take the complainant’s money because Sissoho was no longer his tenant. In his response, the witness said the accused had told him that Sissoho was no longer his tenant.

The magistrate butted in and told the prosecution “Don’t interfere with your witnesses. You easily get irritated when the answer does not go your way.  I have noticed that in you,” she remarked.

The witness testified that the complainant had informed him that he was going to attend a funeral in Mali. On Darboe’s claim that he is a businessman and not a marabout, the witness said what he can tell people is that, he is a marabout. Darboe told the witness that he is a tie and dye seller, but he dislikes telling people that he is a tie and dye seller. In his response, the witness said he does sell tie and dye when it is given to him, but that that does not mean that is his profession. Darboe further put it to the witness that he had decided to tell the court that his name is Alagie Sillah, when his name is Coulay Sillah. The witness noted that people called him Alagie Sillah.

The case is adjourned for the prosecution to call their last witness.



DR. MAM BIRAM JOOF

The erudite, efficient, effective, eloquent and dynamic Dr. Mam Biram Joof passed away on Sunday the 20th March 2004 at the age of 66 years. His death was untimely in the sense that he had many plans, ideas and visions which were just starting to bear fruition. He had retired from the UN system in 1999 and had come home with a zeal and energy that was difficult to match. He wanted to transform Gambian Civil Society so that it would play its rightful role in development and sought realization of this objective through the establishment of a number of associations and organisations.

One of these was Fenyal Society an organisation that was set up to bring to light the achievement of Gambians who had contributed in significant ways in various domains to Gambia’s development. To Dr. Joof’s thinking this was one area that had hitherto not been the focus of serious research and comprehensive studies. He felt there was a need to

inter alia profile and to reflect on their work and their lives to serve as a source of information and enlightenment “to present and future generations of Gambians about men and women who built this nation with a view to emulating them so that they in turn will become torchbearers for extending the frontiers of positive change and development and also in so doing building on the positive legacies they left behind.” He believed that this was imperative in a world that was so desperately in need of persons to serve as

“positive role models to emulate, the promotion of selfless service, unwavering commitment to worthy causes, discipline in every facet of life, mental and psychological sanity, as well as sincerity of purpose and reorientation”.

These were characteristics that that he himself demonstrated. His zeal, energy and ebullience were difficult to match. He served selflessly and with a passion. He brought together people of different ages, backgrounds, talents and skills to form the membership of Fenyal and together with the members identified outstanding personalities to serve as Patrons to this budding society which is to benefit all Gambians but particularly the youth. His vision was that young people who knew their past and learnt from it would endeavour to benefit from the different options and opportunities available to those who are committed to the various causes that are of relevance to the country’s development. He served as Secretary General to Fenyal until his demise. The last conversation I had with him on the Tuesday before his short illness which culminated in his passing away was on Fenyal. He had concerns about the slow response to a proposal made by Alhaji

Cham Joof and wanted us to address it expeditiously. I promised to make myself available for a meeting on the Thursday so that we could map the way forward. That meeting never took place because he had succumbed to the illness that took him away from all of us.

In recognition of Dr. Mam Biram Joof’s outstanding contributions and achievements in education the Education for All Campaign Network identified him to be the leader of the Technical Team of the UNESCO supported Capacity Building Project for NGOs/CSOs involved in Education in Sub-Saharan Africa. With his usual penchant for detail and precision Dr. Joof led the team of five persons to launch the programme in The Gambia, develop training manuals in Policy Formulation, Curriculum Development and Essentials of a Trainer, HIV / AIDS and conduct training of trainers. The manuals were recognized by UNESCO Dakar to be an invaluable contribution to the programme and would be used as prototypes for the development of other materials in the sub-region. The paper he gave at the launching ceremony at The Gambia College on Programme Design, Management and Evaluation at the launching of the programme from the 16-18 September 2003 was equally appreciated.

His colleagues on the team - Baboucarr Bouy, Jawara Gaye, Yvette Philotte, Isatou Jallow Ndure, Dr. Amy Jallow and later Nuha Jatta respected him and admired him greatly. They had endless planning and review meetings some of which the Network Executive were invited to. ‘During training programmes all the trainees acknowledged the high quality of the training and appreciated his presence through out the process. He did not take time off but was diligent, and solicitous in his desire for the trainees to understand and interact effectively with the materials as he wanted to be sure that during the step down training the trainees would transmit the information accurately with minimum or no supervision. The EFA Campaign Network has lost a resource person that is irreplaceable in terms of his commitment, dedication, in depth knowledge of educational issues at the national and international levels, willingness to share information and impart knowledge and skills and his outstanding
 leadership skills.

His leadership qualities are undisputed and bear the hallmarks of a good leader and responds to the definition of a leader as defined by Daniel Goodman in his article “What Makes a Leader?” In the Harvard Business Review On Point 2000, pushed by the Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation. The article states that “IQ and technical skills are important, but emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership”. Emotional intelligence is characterized by self awareness, self regulation, motivation, empathy and social skill. Dr. Mam Biram Joof demonstrated this in no small measure. These in chronological order, are: self confidence, realistic self assessment and self-deprecating sense of humour; trustworthiness and integrity, comfort with ambiguity and openness to change; strong drive to achieve, optimism even in the face of failure, and organizational commitment; expertise in building and retaining talent, cross cultural sensitivity, service to clients and customers and
 finally effectiveness in leading change, persuasiveness and expertise in leading teams.

All those who knew Dr. Joof will confirm that these descriptions fit him aptly. While one cannot go through all the profiles that made him fit the bill one can use some of them to illustrate that he was indeed a great man his small stature not withstanding he was head and shoulders above his colleagues and peers. His confidence and self assurance achieved over years of teaching and holding leadership positions enabled him to stand before audiences no matter what their educational level and status in society. His well researched paper on The Role of the West African Examinations Council Within The Context of the Realities and Challenges of Our Times delivered at the Eight Annual Endowment Fund Lecture at the 51st Annual West African Council Meeting, Banjul The Gambia on the 10th March 2003 received a standing ovation. We Gambians presented on that occasion beamed with pride that a true son of the soil had so ably and so eloquently captured all the issues that held the audience riveted
 for an hour with the desire to hear more. This they could only get by reading the speech which was later published. I still use mine for reference purposes.

He had a strong desire to achieve. This is evident in the number of credentials that he possessed. Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, University of Toronto (OISE) Canada 1977, double Masters Degree in Education Planning from the University of Toronto (OISE) Canada, 1974 (M.Ed. Planning) and M.ED Hons. in Education and Psychology from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1971. He acquired his first degree B.A. (Batchelor of Arts) Division 11 Upper in English History and Philosophy from the University of Durham when he studied in Fouray Bay College in Sierra Leone in 1965 which had accreditation to Durham. He followed this with the PGCE (Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Hull in 1967 and a Dip. Ed. (Post Graduate Diploma in Education) from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland 1970. He went on to do further studies in the same university (Aberdeen) leading to a Certificate of Merit in Education (First Class) in 1971 and a Certificate of Merit in Psychology
 (Second Class) in 1971. This meant that Dr. Joof spent the greater part of the seventies in academia away from home trying to update his qualifications in order to be able to excel in the career path that he had chosen.

It paid dividends of course. On his return to his homeland in 1977 he was appointed Regional Education Officer, Western Division from March to April 1978 after which he was appointed Director Designate (counterpart to Mr. Sentengo, the UNESCO Project Director) and Deputy Director of the Curriculum Development Centre from April to July

1978. This was short lived as he now moved on to his area of specialization as Education Planner and Head of the Planning Unit of the Ministry of Education, Youth Sports and Culture in July 1978 to November 1979. He was not to serve in this capacity for long however as he was soon after appointed to the position of Principal Officer (Administration) & Head, Division of Administration, ECOW AS (the Economic Community of West African States), the Executive Secretariat in Lagos, Nigeria from November 1979 to May 1983.

In May of 1983 he moved to Dakar Senegal as Programme Specialist in Educational Administration and Management at UNESCO Regional Office for Education in Africa

(BREDA) a position he occupied until March 1991. While in Dakar he made good use of his time by adding more credentials to his already long list of qualifications. He studied French at the Alliance Francaise in Dakar and acquired Certificates for French Language Course, 1 Degree and 11 Degree in 1985 and 1986 respectively. Becoming bilingual he was poised for even bigger things and moved from that position to that of Senior UNESCO Education Advisor for Namibia and South Africa, Windhoek, Namibia (April, 1991-to August 1993). He became UNESCO Representative and Senior Education Advisor accredited to Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles and the United Republic of Tanzania (mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar) as well as Director of the UNESCO Office in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania (mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar) from August 1993 to December 1999 when he retired. I crave indulgence for the detail and precision because Dr. paid much attention to detail and would not forgive me
 easily if I do not get the dates, periods and titles accurately.

He empathized with others in their hours of need and difficulty. A friend once told me of an incident when Dr. Joof bailed them out of a difficult situation in Nigeria in 1979. A

Gambian delegation had gone to attend a Tourism Conference in Nigeria. When they got there all the hotels were full and they had no where to spend the night. Dr. Mam Biram Joof met them at the reception of the prestigious Ikoyi hotel, learnt about their predicament and solved the problem. Apparently ECOWAS had some rooms that were reserved for visiting delegations from other countries. The rooms were vacant at that point in time and he graciously allowed his compatriots to use them during the period of their stay. I also remember the countless number of times that he drove me to and from my cousin’s home when I attended meetings in Dakar and the number of times that he invited me to lunch at his home. Recently when I attended a meeting in Tanzania some of his former colleagues who remembered him with fondness knowing I was from The Gambia asked me to remember them to him. This I did as soon as I returned.

Dr. Mam Biram believed in change through social mobilization. He was an advocate for change and had all the repertoire that could effect behaviour change. He wrote well and backed all his arguments with written documents. When we served together on the Review Committee of the New Education Policy 2004-2015 he put all his observations in writing. Nothing was too small not to put in print. He would pick his words and his arguments carefully to analyze a problem that he thought needed to be considered or included. He had excellent persuasive and negotiation skills and never rushed through the process. He did not limit the scope of his relationships but brought people together to do tasks that he could have done himself.

One good example is when he was given a consultancy to do some work “Technical Comments Training Module on Promoting Women’s participation in Conflict Resolution to Build a Culture of Peace” commissioned by UNESCO Paris and prepared by the Forum for Women Educationalists (FAWE), Sierra Leone Chapter, in August 2000 soon after he returned home after his retirement. He called me to explain that he had this assignment but that he wanted to tap on the enormous potential and expertise of women in The Gambia. He invited a group of women leaders and youth to the Girl Guides Head Quarters and over a two day workshop period developed the document which he submitted to UNESCO attributing it to the women of The Gambia. He did not gain financially from this as everything that he was paid went into the workshop and production costs but he had enormous satisfaction from a work which was well done and had a lot of quality information.

It will not be possible to highlight all of Doctor’s achievements and contributions in this obituary. He gave so much to his country and had many more that he wanted to do to take The Gambia forward. He was not insular in what he did. He invited others to join in. He involved me in most of the things that he did but I shied away from some simply because I did not have the stamina, resilience and endless reserves of knowledge that he had. I ran on that Thursday when he did not turn up for our meeting of the 17th March, 2005. When I got home I told my children that Dr. Joof is never late for a meeting and for the first time in his life he has not turned up on time. I have capitalized on this so that when he calls later I would say to him, “But Dr. you are never late for a meeting so I assumed that you were unavoidably held up”. This was indeed the case for Dr. Mam Biram Joof was in the throes of an illness from which he never recovered. Dr. Sigga Fatima Jagne called later that same
 evening to say that Dr’s wife said to tell me that he was unwell but that he would reschedule the meeting. It was not to be.

He died with so much unfinished business. He was a:

Member of the Educational Research Network for West and Central Africa (ERNWECA), The Gambia Chapter 2001 to his demise

The Gambia Economic and Social Development Research Institute (GESDRI) 2001 until his demise

The Fenyal Society, (founder member and Secretary General) 2001

The Rotary Club of Fajara, The Gambia 2002

Alliance for Democracy in Africa (ADA), 2003

Foundation for Partnership, Reflection and Dialogue for Development (FORPRADD) (Founding member and chairman) 2002 to his demise

Steering Committee of the EC Supported Gambia Cinema Programme (G-FACT) 2003

Association of Senegambian People for the Integration of African People (ASUPA), 2001

Leader, Technical Team, UNESCO supported programme for NGOs/CSOs involved in Education in The Gambia, 2003

Member of the Distance Education Association of Tanzania, 1998

President, the Centre for Health, Education and Community Development and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, 2003

All these are maintained until his demise.

There are so many other organisations that he belonged to prior to and in addition to those listed. However, I think that this should be a Project for Fenyal. I have not touched on his teaching days at Armitage (1965-1968) where he rose to the rank of Vice-Principal (1971-73), or to his period of lecturership at Yundum Teacher Training College (19681969). Neither have I spoken about his numerous publications, research and studies.

This will require a whole book. He wanted so much to highlight the achievements of

Gambians and he should be the first person to feature in the realization of this dream to be published in the first edition of Fenyal. As the Assistant Secretary General I have a difficult task to do. I do not know whether I can have the time and the energy to be as meticulous as he was to follow-up, write the minutes in detail, and care for each and every member, especially Alhaji Cham Joof whom he was particularly fond of. His care for the membership is demonstrated in the following paragraph informing people of a meeting:

“The first few months have been a period when some members have been away from the country on holidays or on official assignments. To those who were on vacation we do hope that you have come back refreshed. To those who have been on official assignments, we do hope that they are all successfully accomplished. We welcome you back to The Gambia. We are also aware that many members were also bereaved during the period in question. To all of them we offer, on behalf of the Society, our sincere condolences.” The letter is dated 12th September and is signed by him. This was the man who was Dr. Joof-inspired and inspirational, motivated and motivational.

He had a lot of time for me maybe because I am a cousin to his children Maggie and Paps Emmanuel and the love that he had for them he extended to me as well. He was a father who loved and cared for his children and educated them to the highest levels. To his wife Sainabou and the children- Maggie, Emmanuel, Marie, Aji, Biran, Ndey Aicha, Mam Berengue and Melbourie I extend my heartfelt sympathy. You have lost a caring and responsible husband and father but take courage as great men never die their good deeds live on after them. Foot prints in the sands of time that we learn from, emulate and take cue from. MAY HE REST IN PERFECT PEACE.

Adelaide Sosseh.





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