Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 135/2007, 16 - 18 November 2007
Editorial
DOES THE PRESIDENT KNOW THE CONTENT OF THE CONSTITUTION HE HAS SWORN TO
DEFEND?
Section 61 subsection (2) of the Constitution states:
“The President shall uphold and defend this Constitution as the supreme law
of The Gambia.”
As D-day gets closer Foroyaa wishes to alert the president of the Republic
and the Gambian people at large that the implication for not responding to the
dictates of the ECOWAS Court especially after the shameful revelations,
which followed the arrest of the Amnesty personnel, needs careful consideration.
The Gambia is the home of two major continental organisations, that is, The
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and The African Centre for
Democracy and Human Rights Studies. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’
Rights makes it a requirement for every state to present a report every two
years on the state of implementation of the provisions of the Charter. The
Gambia had defaulted in doing this to a point that the matter was raised at an
official level.
There is no justification for any violation of human rights in the country.
The constitution of the Gambia states categorically under section 17
subsection (1) that, “The fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in this Chapter
shall be respected and upheld by all organs of the Executive and its agencies,
the Legislature and, where applicable, by all natural and legal persons in
The Gambia, and shall be enforceable by the Courts in accordance with this
Constitution.”
The courts are therefore the guarantors of human rights.
Section 37 subsection (1) confirms this by asserting: “If any person alleges
that any of the provisions of section 18 to 33 or section 36(5) of this
Chapter has been, is being or is likely to be contravened in relation to himself
or herself by any person he or she may apply to the High Court for redress.”
Subsection (2) of this section adds: “An application may be made under this
section in the case of a person who is detained by some other person acting
on the detained person’s behalf.”
Subsection (4) of the same section even goes as far as to charge subordinate
courts with the responsibility of monitoring the violations of human rights
so that they will not be committed with impunity. It reads: “If in any
proceedings in any court subordinate to the High Court any question arises to the
contravention of any of the provisions of the said sections 18 to 33 or
section 36(5), the court may, and shall if any party so requests, refer the
question to the High Court, unless in the opinion of the subordinate court, the
raising of the question is merely frivolous or vexatious.”
Even though section 69 of the constitution guarantees immunity of
prosecution to the president it gives such a supreme importance to human rights that it
permits for the president to be taken to court for the purpose of enforcing
section 5 of the constitution. section 69 subsection (2) reads: “Nothing in
subsection (1) applies to an action for a declaration under section 5
(enforcement of the Constitution),
and any proceedings under that section against the President or a person
performing the functions of that office shall be brought against him or her by
his or her official title or style and he or she shall appear, and be
represented by, the Attorney General.”
Needless to say if the president fails to obey the order of a court section
5 subsection (3) a( reads):
“The failure to obey or carry out any order made or direction given under
subsection (2) shall constitute the offence of violating the constitution and –
(a) in the case of the President or Vice-President, constitute a ground for
his or her removal from office in accordance with section 67; and (b) any
other person who is convicted of that offence shall be liable to the penalty
prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.”
The law is clear but the country’s institutions are weak. This is why the
constitutional provisions appear to be mere words on paper. The Gambian people
should therefore take interest in gauging whether the constitution will be
respected and defended by the executive and the other institutions of the
country, if not they should consider the election of a government, which will
build the required institutions so that the liberty and dignity of the people
will be respected and defended.
Alleged Insurgents Accuse Police of Torture
By Bubacarr K. Sowe Fabakary B. Ceesay
Two of the nine alleged MFDC insurgents who are currently standing trial at
the Banjul Magistrates Court have on Wednesday, 14 November accused the
security agents of torturing them before they made their cautionary and
voluntarily statements.
Testifying before principal Magistrate B.Y Camara, an independent witness
Tijan Bah said he was called by a friend to the NIA to serve as an independent
witness when the statements of Sidat Jarju and Ebrima Colley were being
obtained. Mr. Bah said Sidat was brought to make his statements on four occasions
and Ebrima on three occasions. Mr. Bah said he was introduced to the accused
persons as an independent witness. He said that a police officer asked the
duo whether they are willing to make their statements and that both agreed;
that after they gave their statements voluntarily they signed and he too signed
as a witness. He said that the statements were read out to the duo in the
Wollof language, which they understood. Mr. Bah pointed out that he never
noticed or saw any bloodstains on the accused persons on all the occasions he met
them. He said he never witnessed any beatings, harassment or threat when the
duo were making their statements. “I even asked them whether they are ok to
make statements and they answered in the positive,” said Mr. Bah. Mr. Bah
indicated that none of them complained to him that they were tortured or
threatened to make this statements.
Mr. Bah later recognized the statements in court through his signatures on
them.
During cross-examinations by both Sidat Jarju and Ebrima Colley the duo put
it to Mr. Bah that they have set their eyes on him only during his appearance
in court as a witness. Mr. Bah maintained that he had met them before in
court.
In his testimony, Sidat Jarju claimed that when he was taken to the NIA he
was severely beaten by one Idrisa Jobe and was dictated to make his statement
while he was stripped naked. He said he would be able to recognise Jobe in
person. “Idrisa Jobe told me to say things as he wanted it and that if I fail
to do so he will fuck my mother,” said Jarju. Sidat Jarju indicated that there
was no independent witness present when he was making his statement; that it
was only him and officer Salifu Nyang. He noted that he made only one
statement with Salifu Nyang but that the remaining statements were obtained in the
presence of Idrisa Jobe who was dictating while Salifu was writing. “All my
statements were obtained under duress, therefore I object to the tendering of
it,” said Sidat.
Ebrima Colley in his testimony said on the first occasion when he was
brought to the NIA. He was only questioned but not beaten. Ebrima said on his
second occasion, he met Sidat Jarju stripped naked with bloodstains on his back.
He explained that one Musa Kinteh threatened that if he failed to do as they
wanted, then he would encounter what Sidat Jarju had gone through.
“I was stripped naked and one Kajaga brought two sharp stones and ordered me
to kneel on them with my hands cuffed at my back,” said Colley. He lamented
that he was beaten by Musa Kinteh when he refused to say what they wanted him
to say. He said he was severely beaten by Kinteh until he collapsed and
became semi conscious; that Kinteh later poured water on him. He said he
sustained injuries on his knees and all over his back with bloodstains. He pointed
out that on the third occasion he was again stripped naked and hand cuffed and
was asked to crawl on the floor. He said he was warned by Idrisa Jobe that
the last time they had an encounter he refused to talk, but that this time
round, he must speak. Ebrima Colley indicated that he was being beaten by Idrisa
Jobe who was using a metal from a motorbike to beat him up. He removed his
shirt to show the court the injuries he sustained from the alleged beatings. He
said his blood stained shirt was confiscated from him from Mile Two Prison
so that he would not come to court with it. He said he was never given any
medical attention for his injuries. He noted that Musa Kinteh ordered him to
accept what they were narrating to him and that he consented to it. He alleged
that Idrisa Jobe attempted to hit him with a cigarette lighter by throwing it
him which nearly landed on his face. He said he was brought again to be
questioned in the presence of Nuha Jammeh and Lamin Teww, both co-accused persons,
who were brought from mile two prison.
He added that the three of them were put in a cell for 60 days. He said that
throughout their incarceration, they were denied water to take bath.
DPP E. O. Fagbenle, told the court that they have closed their case in the
trial within a trial of the first and second accused persons, Sidat Jarju and
Ebrima Colley.
Missing Journalist’s Father In A State of Despair
Bubacarr K. Sowe
Sarjo Manneh, the father of the missing Daily Observer reporter Chief Ebrima
Manneh, has expressed his frustration after his efforts to locate the
whereabouts of his loved one failed to bear fruits
Chief Manneh disappeared on July 7 2006, after leaving home for his work
place, the Daily Observer, and never returned home. But his family believed that
state security agents picked him up at his office. The state however has
denied having the journalist in their custody.
The journalist’s father told Foroyaa that he has been to several police
stations across the country to see if his son is held in any of them, but to no
avail.
The old man said the then Daily Observer Managing Director, Dr. Saja Taal,
has not been cooperative in helping him(Sarjo) in his search for his son..
He said he had been to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Headquarters,
but the then Director General, Harry Sambou, asked him not to bother him.
The old man is appealing to any person holding his son to show mercy on him
and the members of his family, noting that his disappearance has disrupted
the education of two of his siblings who are left without a sponsor.
Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice will deliver judgment on
the disappearance of Chief Manneh on November 20 in Abuja, Nigeria. The Media
Foundation for West Africa sued the Gambia government for the disappearance of
the journalist. The government was served a hearing notice on two occasions,
but its officials had failed to appear in court.
DOSE Laments On Over Crowding In Classrooms
By Modou Jonga
An official and a special representative of the Secretary of State for Basic
and Secondary Education, Mr. Madi Jatta has recently disclosed that over
crowding in classrooms has posed a major problem in ensuring a conducive
learning environment in schools.
Mr. Jatta was speaking at the inauguration of a building project at
Jambanjelly Basic Cycle School funded by Roelof Van Echten College in the
Netherlands. While deputizing for the SoS for Education Hon. Fatou Lamin Faye, the DOSE
representative lamented that the Western Region is affected by over crowding
in classrooms due to the fact that the region embodies the fastest growing
area in the country.
While noting that the construction of the three-classroom block is timely,
Mr. Jatta expressed hope that over crowding in classrooms could be reversed by
giving every pupil in Jambanjelly basic cycle school equal opportunity to
learn. The DOSE official further urged students at the said school to make good
use of the opportunity put at their disposal.
Speaking further, Mr. Madi Jatta, expressed his department’s effort to
continue giving the education sector, the due prominence and priority it deserves
as enshrined in the education policy and strategic plan. Mr. Jatta noted that
the quality and affordability of education is a prerequisite for progress
and development and therefore its accessibility to every Gambian will not be
relented by DOSE.
“The department of state for basic and secondary education will not relent
in ensuring that every Gambian has access to quality and affordable education
that cuts across the entire education system ,” the DOSE representative
vowed.
Fisheries Director Advises Fishermen
By Amie Sanneh
The Director of Fisheries Adiatou E. Njai has advised fishermen to report
any incident of within their vicinity to the police.
The Director said this in an exclusive interview with this reporter .This
interview with the fisheries director came in the wake of an interview this
reporter had with the fishernen at Brufut who claimed that some people sometimes
steal their nets at sea.
Mr. Njai described such incidents as a police case. He said when a fisherman
recognizes his stolen net with another fisherman, that person should report
the matter to the police, noting that it is a criminal case.
The Fisheries Director however pointed out that the National Navy will
assist fishermen during their regular patrol at sea. He said they (fishermen)
should always ensure that they are with mobile phones whenever they are out at
sea in order to be able to contact the navy or fisheries department in case of
any problems.
Mr. Njai pointed out that the most important thing in this issue is the
action of the community. He said the community of Brufut should organize
themselves to initiate their own patrol group to patrol at night.
He remarked that the fisheries department has facilitated the forming of
associations in all the community fishing villages. He added that together with
fisheries staff in these villages, the fishermen could organize logistics for
effective surveillance to prevent such incidents and other mishaps that
occur at sea.
On the fishermen’s request for the establishment of a bank or an institution
where they could save their moneys and also apply for loans, Mr. Njai said
the fisheries department has an Artisanal Fisheries Development Project Credit
Programme administered by the Social Development Fund (SDF). He said they
(fishermen) easily access loans from these funds from the SDF through a
Micro-Finance Institution (MFI). He further suggested that they (fishermen) could
also ask Reliance Financial Service to open a kiosk there as they have done in
Tanji. He pointed out that it is the Tanji community who told Reliance to
open a bank there and they (Brufut) can equally do the same.
The Director however urged the fishing community in Brufut to organize their
association for it to be more conducive and effective in addressing some of
the problems at the landing sites.
Mr. Njai revealed that the fisheries department was very instrumental in
getting the association off the ground.He said now that they have their own
management structure in place,of which the Alkalo is their Chairman, they should
unite and raise funds by paying their subscriptions and establish savings.
Mr. Njai however said his department is ready to assist any fishing
community in solving problems.
Interview with Halifa Sallah –
Part 10
Would you clarify why Gambian intellectuals are not promoting PDOIS?
This is a matter of opinion. Many were also in readiness to sacrifice. First
and foremost it is important to tell you the type of people we started with.
In the first Parliamentary election in 1987 we put up five Candidates Sidia
Jatta, Sam Sarr, Dr. Baboucarr Gaye, Abas Manneh and Halifa Sallah.
The decision of these five people to stand as candidates with little notice
confirms the determination of progressive intellectuals to work with PDOIS to
change the destiny of the country. After five years the determination did
not subside. One of the most remarkable manifestations of the high level of
sacrifice was the determination by four persons who were doctors to stand in
1992. Three of them could not proceed because of their discovery that they
would have to resign their post before standing which also meant total loss of
services. Since they had opportunity to retire at 45 they postponed their plan
for the 1997 election. The person who made the biggest sacrifice which is
motivating me to never ever think of abandoning the mission for change is Dr
Omar Touray who had an international appointment at the ITC and decided to
stand against his own brother of the same mother and father who was a minister at
the time. The odds were so much against him that his action could only be
taken as the highest form of demonstration of the totality of commitment to
principles. Where could one find any iota of nepotism, tribalism, sectionalism
or opportunism in this person? Who would not trust this person as care taker
of the destiny of the Gambia . There is no doubt that over the years many
highly educated and highly placed persons including unquantifiable numbers of
head teachers had volunteered to be candidates. The problem of PDOIS had been
resources and the commitment to the politics of genuine liberation of the
masses rather than relying on the politics of patronage.
Would you say that your supporters decided to give up because of the lack of
popular support?
Standing for election is a service and not a career. Some people would have
held the fort while others move on with capacity building. If the issue was
merely about holding public office some of us would have joined the previous
or the present regime or go to do other things. I believe we have prepared
more people for public life than any political institution in the Gambia. Many
people are just waiting for the right moment to render their services to the
nation
When will that be, many people feel that the results of the elections are
not in your favour?
The important thing is to look at the reality of the political parties in
the Gambia. Once that is done one is bound to be convinced that PDOIS has a
future and is simply pushed some steps behind by the coup. First and foremost,
how long did the united party , the Democratic party, the Muslim Congress,
the PPA, the NLP exist as opposition parties.? what is the situation of the
political parties which were opposition parties in the first republic such as
the PDP, the GPP and the NCP? The members of the former ruling party would also
admit that nothing is more difficult than to change a government which
centralizes power and resources in its hand and is determined to carry out the
politics of patronage
What is the situation of the NRP? Politics of patronage can never be
combated by adopting the same methods, Look at the UDP,. How many seats does it have
in the parliament? Can it survive as long as PDOIS without patrons to
finance its campaign. Only PDOIS has survived as a Political party which does not
rely on political patrons to survive .This is why it has established
institutions that no political party has established outside of the state structures.
These institutions are getting stronger and more viable in shaping the
thinking of the people. Who would dispute that since the first republic it is PDOIS
which enabled the people to know their constitutional rights. The greatest
joy is the fact that our very critics are people whose critical minds we have
shaped and while we are tolerant in debating with them they always want to
silence those who wish to defend PDOIS principles by accusing them of
promoting the personality cult..
Can you explain the problem of opposition politics in the Gambia which is
resulting in the demise of so many parties and how you hope to overcome this
problem? Many people still wonder how new parties like the UDP took over the
scene while PDOIS is older?
It is obvious that the NCP was the major opposition party and the PPP the
Majority Party during the first Republic. People should ask how the UDP
outstripped the NCP and PPP and how the APRC outsripped all? It should then become
clear that there is more to politics in the Gambia than mere credibility in
the eyes of the electorate .Those are the obstacles we have been struggling
against with double difficulty as some out of ignorance and others out of sheer
disinformation campaign try to distort what we stand for.
To be continued
FOCUS ON POLITICS
1988 CORRUPTION SCANDALS
INFIGHTING WITHIN PPP LANDS SANNA MANNEH IN COURT?
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column, which motivates us to
follow the narration of political events from pre-colonial to post-independence
era.
We are now narrating the happenings of events as they culminate in late
1988. We have stopped where we said “the nation called on the accused ministers
to prove their innocence and asked them to stop behaving as untouchables and
also called on the police to stop threatening the editor.
Let us continue from where we have stopped.
Close observers of the political scene at the time analyzed that the
situation in the Gambia was a battle that was raging between two groups-pro Dr.
Lamin Saho, Minister of Information and Tourism and Mr. Sheriff Sisay, Minister
of Finance and Trade,on the one hand and sympathizers of the Managing
Directors of GCDB, GPMB, GUC on the other.
According to reports, both sides could be found within the government, which
made the infighting a serious pre-occupation.
With the backing of the “Mafia” the stingy rich within the system, which
the nation opined was determined to spend the last butut, the Nation thought
the president was expected to be confused to its advantage.
And so by 15th November 1988, the Editor of the Torch Newspaper, Mr. Sanna
A. Manneh appeared in the Banjul court to answer charges against him by the
police.
Many believe that the old political and position seeking infighting within
the PPP government was what was responsible for the exposure in the Torch
editorial of 6th October 1988.
But all the same, on Tuesday 15th November 1988, the Editor of The TORCH
Newspaper, Mr. Sanna A. Manneh, appeared in the Banjul court to answer charges
against him by the police.
He was charged for Criminal Libel contrary to section 178 of the Criminal
Code (Cap 37) which, the Police say is an intent to defame Saihou Sabally, M.P.
and Cabinet Minister of Agriculture by unlawfully publishing a defamatory
matter in the form of an article captioned: “CABINET RESHUFFLE INEVITABLE” in
the TORCH newspaper in the words, “Saihou Sabally, his dubious rice dealings
with the General Manager of Co-ops Union, Mr. M.M. Dibba and the other ugly
Connections they are in, is ample evidence of his corrupt attitude. He too,
must be sent out of Office, as the Agriculture Minister is guilty of acts of
dishonesty incompatible with the status as a Cabinet Minister.
The Editor is also charged for publishing: “L.J. who is one of Chief Brungai’
s grandsons is our ‘ndoke’ for which reason we will restrain ourselves to
say much about him. He too, however, has to be sacked from his post, equally
like his other corrupt friends (meaning... the said Landing Jallow Sonko, like
his corrupt Cabinet Colleagues mentioned is guilty of acts of dishonesty
incompatible with his Office as Cabinet Minister).
The Editor pleaded NOT GUILTY on both counts. It was then adjourned to 29
November 1988.Mr. Antoman Gaye was to be the defending Counsel for the Editor.
When the Court resumed its Sitting on 29th November 1988, Mr. Gyeke Dacko
assisted by Mrs. Bensouda, put in an application for the amendment of the
Statement of Offence by substituting an additional count which refers to charge of
Libel against Dr. Lamin Saho, Minister of Information and Tourism,
The Editor, Mr. Sanneh Manneh, the Accused, while explaining the reason for
the absence of a lawyer in defence of him said he had been trying but
encountered difficulty in securing the service of a legal practitioner, but was not
successful because the exorbitant fee of ten thousand or eight thousand
Dalasis demanded was very high which he could not afford.
Although he had told the Court that he was to be defended by Mr. Antuman
Gaye whose absence may be due to some reason including his inability to pay the
fee but said, he would be seeing Mr. Gaye, the lawyer after leaving the Court
on that day.
The Editor having pleaded NOT GUILTY to the charges was refused further
adjournment, had to take over the defence of himself by first cross examining the
witness, a German economist from Germany to appear in Court on the
allegations against Dr. Lamin Saho.
Earlier the State Prosecutor had told the Court that the Accused had not
been called upon to defend his case.
Referring to Section 20 of the Republican Constitution of the Gambia, the
Editor expressed suspicion and said he was objecting to the Magistrate presided
over his case and informed the court that there was an ulterior motive in
selecting Mr. Grante, the presiding Magistrate who was the then master of the
supreme court, to deal with his case. He also questioned why his case should
be given special treatment by not taking it before the Principal Magistrate as
in the case of R.S. Allen the Editor of “Gambia Onwards” Vs High Court
Judge, and Dixon Colley.
The Prosecuting Counsel, Mr. Dacko in reply told the Court that under the
Court’s amendment Act of No.9, 1986 and Criminal procedure Amendment Act, the
Master should act Judge, therefore the court is not a special Criminal Court.
He said the special court was repealed in 1979 and that the charge against,
S, Allen and Dixon Colley had nothing to do with the case and referred to
Criminal Code Section 64 and said that the Editor’s objection was misconceived.
The Ruling of a Judge, the prosecution explained, is a question of law. The
Attorney General has power under Section 48 to institute proceedings. The
Attorney General does not dictate to the court. If wrong in law the decision does
not prevent the Editor from taking up this case, the prosecution said.
The Editor told the court that although it is stipulated as the POLICE Vs
SANNA MANNEH, he was telling the Court that the Police had no right to
prosecute him because he was not an aggrieved person.
Mr. Grante appeared as the trial magistrate. Me. Gyeke Darko and Mrs. F.
Bensonda appeared for the prosecution. Mr. Sanna Manneh appeared in person.
This additional count was as follows; “On or about the 6th day of October,
1988 in the city of Banjul and diverse places in the Republic of the Gambia by
print and with intent to defame Dr. Lamin Saho, Member of parliament and
Cabinet Minister responsible for Information and Tourism in the Government of
the Republic of The Gambia unlawfully published a defamatory matter in the form
of an article captioned “Cabinet Reshuffle inevitable” in No.1/88 issue of “
The Torch” Newspaper of 6th October, 1988 which contained the following
defamatory matters concerning the said Dr. Lamin Saho: “Dr. Saho, who is dubbed ‘
Nafa’ and to whom we now give the name ‘fang-sung nafa’has covertly gone to
the extreme by negatively converting for his own personal benefit, some
buses which the Germans had donated to the school going children of this country
and established the Trans Gambia Transport Service Company, of which his
wife, Ndella is the manageress at Grant Street in Banjul. Saho has also stuck his
bad neck into a drug deal in which he had twisted the arms of the former
Medical and Health Director, and forced him to purchase on behalf of the
hospital, a package of drugs which the Germans had donated to The Gambia, during the
campaign against meningitis episode and pocketed the money derived from the
sale”.
“So it is clear that saho has no place in the Cabinet and cannot be allowed
to remain there as Minister of Information and Tourism, “meaning thereby that
the said Dr. Lamin Saho is guilty of acts of dishonesty incompatible with
his status as a Cabinet Minister of the Republic of The Gambia”. “Mr. Sanna
Manneh pleaded not guilty to the Charge.”
THE TRIAL:
According to Foroyaa, section 225 of C.P.C. orders the court to try the
case. As the court proceed the dramatic factors of the trial foroyaa said outdid
each other.
Sanna Manneh was charged with section 178 of the criminal code, which reads
as follows;
Any person who by print, writing, painting, effigy or by any means other
wise than solely by gesture, spoken words or other sound, unlawfully publishes
any defamatory matter concerning another person, with intention to defame the
other person, is guilty of a misdemeanor termed “Libel”.
According to Foroyaa, section 181 of the criminal code states that a
publication of a defamatory matter is not considered unlawful if the matter is true
and it was for the public benefit that it should be published and if it is
privileged.
Foroyaa also quoted section 182 and commented that where the publication is
absolutely privileged, the publisher cannot be found to be guilty of Libel.
Foroyaa maintained that what was clear was that it was the duty of Sanna the
accused in a libel case to prove that what he published was true and was
published in good faith. The accused person Foroyaa said may not be liable to
punishment if he could prove that he believed the defamatory matter to be true;
that he took reasonable care to ascertain it to be true or false, that he
did not act with the intent to injure the person defamed, but to safeguard the
interest of the public. It is the role of the prosecution to prove that the
defamatory matter was untrue; that the publisher did not believe it to be
true; that he did not take reasonable care to ascertain whether it was true or
false; that he acted with-intent to injure the person defamed in a degree that
is greater than was necessary to prevent the interest of the public or a
section of the public or another interested party.
See next edition of Focus for more on this most interesting of historical
lessons in 1988.
HEALTH AND NUTRITION BANTABA
By Yaya Bajo
In this publication of Health and Nutrition Bantaba, this columnist
approached Mr. Amadou Sowe, Programme Manager Health Education Unit, who dilated on a
wide range of issues relating to food poisoning. Read on to find out.
What is food poisoning?
When one eats food that contains agents not meant for consumption, the
result is food poisoning. It ranges from mild illness, which ceases on its own, to
severe and life threatening illness, depending upon the cause. One can get
food poisoning from eating foods that are poisonous if improperly prepared,
food that is prepared by someone with a highly contagious virus, or food
contaminated with numerous types of bacteria. Some people may even contract food
poisoning from eating foods that contain a high amount of pesticides, or
parasites. In many cases, food poisoning can be prevented by appropriate hand
washing and safe preparation of food.
Can you tell me what kind of virus causes food poisoning?
Certain viruses can cause food poisoning if the cook does not wash his hands
properly, particularly after using the bathroom. Novo=virus is a common one,
and has been the cause of many cases of mass food poisoning on cruise ships.
Rotavirus and Hepatitis A can also be contacted in this manner. In most
cases the person preparing the food gets their own fecal matter into the food by
not washing his/her hands properly. Most of these illnesses cause a few days
to weeks of upset stomach, nausea, diarrrhoea and fever. However, young
children can become significantly ill with Hepatitis A and with Rotaviruses and
may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids.
Bacteria causing food poisoning is quite common. In many cases, such
bacteria make a person sick for 24-48 hours with nausea and vomiting. Salmonella and
campylobacter are common bacteria responsible for food poisoning. Salmonella
tends to result from food that is improperly stored or undercooked foods
like eggs and poultry. Raw chicken, or raw milk may also cause campylobacter.
Though most people get over food poisoning from these bacteria in a few days,
young children and people with immune deficiencies may have much more severe
reactions a few weeks after ingesting the bacteria.
How can we avoid or minimize food poisoning?
You minimise food poisoning risks by avoiding foods that are known to be
poisonous, washing hands and kitchen surfaces thoroughly while preparing food,
keeping food refrigerated appropriately, and cooking food properly. Drink
bottled water when you are traveling or hiking. If you are ill and work in the
food industry, it is best to avoid working when you have a stomach virus.
Can you shed light on food safety and foodborne illness?
Food safety is an increasingly important public health issue. Governments
all over the world are intensifying their efforts to improve food safety. These
efforts are in response to an increasing number of food safety problems and
rising consumer concerns.
Food borne illness are diseases, usually either infectious or toxic in
nature, are caused by agents that enter the body through the ingestion of food.
Every person is at risk of foodborne illness.
How can salmonella infections be prevented?
Pay attention to cleanliness, make sure that all food is thoroughly cooked.
What are the basic rules for preparing food hygienically?
Always wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before
preparing food. Dry them on a dry towel. Wash your hands when you switch from
preparing one type of food to another, e.g vegetables to meat. This helps prevent
the exchange of bacteria between different ingredients. Kitchen utensils must
be properly washed with soap and water before use with another type of food.
Again, this stops bacteria being exchanged. Use different cutting boards and
knives for preparing different foods. Store food in the refrigerator. Meat,
poultry and fish must not be left out of the fridge for long periods.
Finally, how should food be cooked to avoid salmonella poisoning?
The only effective way to kill salmonella bacteria is with heat. For this
reason it is essential to cook food thoroughly. Poultry must always be
thoroughly cooked or boiled. Minced meat must always be thoroughly cooked or boiled.
Never crack a raw egg on a bowl containing other foods- use a knife to crack
the shell, and in most eggs, the salmonella bacteria exist only on the shell.
Eggs should be scalded in boiling water for five seconds before use.
Students’ Page
THE PASSIONATE
SHEPHERD TO HIS LOVE
Come live with me and be my love,
And we will all be the pleasures prove
That valleys, groves, hills and field,
Woods, or steepy mountain yields.
And we will sit upon the rocks,
Seeing the shepherds feed their flocks
By shallow rivers to whose falls
Melodic bird sings madrigals.
And I will make the bed of roses
And a thousand fragrant poises,
A cap of flowers, and a kirtle
Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle;
A gown made of the finest wool
Which from our pretty lambs we pull,
Fair lined slippers for the cold
With buckles of the purest gold,
A bell of straw and ivy buds,
With coral clasps and amber sheds;
And if these pleasures may thee move,
Come live with me, and be my love.
The shepherd swains shall
dance and sing.
For thy delight each may morning,
If these delights thy mind may move,
Then live with me and be my love.
By Modou C. Nyang
Nusrat Press Club
MOTHER’S VOICE
In these few years
Since her death I hear
Mother’s voice says
Under my own, I won’t
Want any more of that
My cheekbones resonate
with her emphasis. Nothing
or not wanting only
But the distance there from
Common fact of others
Fightens me. I look out
at all this demanding world
and try to put it quietly back,
from me, say, thank you.
I’ve already had some
Though I haven’t
And would you like to
But I’ve said no. She has
It’s not my non-voice anymore
It’s higher as hers was
And accommodates too simply
Its frustrations when
I at least think I want more
And must have it.
By Abdou Kabirr Daffeh
Nusrat Press Club
PARADISE LOST
Of man’s first disobedience, and the fruit of that forbidden tree whose
mortal taste brought death into the world, and all woe,
With loss of eden, till one greater man restore us, and regain the blissful
seat,
Sing, he av’nly muse, that, on the secret top.
Of orbi or Sinai, didn’t inspire that shepherd who first caught the chosen
seed. In the beginning how the heavens and earth rose out of chaos: or, if
zion hill delight thee more, and siloa’s brook that flowed fast by the cracle of
God, I thence invoke thy aid to my adventurous song.
That with no middle flight intends to soar above the ‘Aonian mount’, while
if pursues things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme. And chiefly thou, O
spirit, that dost prefer before all temples the upright heart and pure.
WHY BETRAYING OUR PRIDE AND DISOWNING OUR RIGHT
A good education in hand can be good insurance against joblessness and
poverty. Let’s make advance preparation for ourselves.
Don’t be foolish and destitute and wisdom and pride. Why betraying our pride
and disowning our rights? We have to emancipate ourselves. Yes! We can make
it by ourselves. Be committed to a life and principle and when you see you
have failed yourself remember there is nobody on earth whoever succeeded
without failing several times and facing difficulties. So why behaving like slaves.
They came with big ships took our people as slaves and now we are using
canoes to meet them there. I believe if we are well educated on the principle of
our responsibilities as good citizens, there will be to prides betrayal and
disowning rights.
What is so said is paying thousand of dollars to death. If you stay in your
country can’t you achieve nothing with it, rather than buying death.
Remember, the charcoal seller doesn’t start with thousands of dollars. Those
places are like that because the citizens of those countries work for it.
Please don’t use your money to buy death wait for time, opportunity comes in its
right time.
Therefore, let’s strive our best to be an object of inspiration, admiration,
trust, respect and dutifulness. Don’t give up, quitters never win.
By Mariama A Jallow
Nusrat Press Club
12 Arts Noon
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
THE WIFE BATTERER - Part 6
By Amie Sillah
Visits Their House
Gibril went to his house with Abdou. It was under surveillance. Gibril
sensed it. He played some tricks on the agents and escaped unhurt. Abdou was
captured.
Comes Back To Rama
Gibril came back to Rama and they packed out. “The fascists are after us. I
escaped them unhurt. Let’s move out from here. They have caught Abdou. He
will be tortured to bring them here.” They packed out and left in a jiffy.
Scouting For The Fugitives
Abdou is escorted in Dawda’s jeep. They went to the motel to search for the
fugitives. Gibril hired a taxi and left town. Dave spotted them and followed
in pursuit. They made a short cut and got down. They hid themselves in some
tall grasses. Dave saw the speeding taxi and followed it. Dave was fooled.
Gibril took another transport and went to a new motel. He deposited Rama there.
He gave her situational report. “Someone, your ex-husband want to harm you.
Your husband hit you all the time. As a result, you lose your memory. Do you
remember me?” Gibril asked her. “No!” She replied. Still, she has not regain
her memory. “You have to remember something to defend me or yourself. Five
more days and my money is finished! Can you remember your rich husband. Your
house, a two duplets storey building, well furnished. You have a string of
porsh cars. I am your driver Gibril. Your gateman, Abdou. You have an activist
friend, Kate, Katty. Dave hates her with a passion. He accuses her of making
you go astray.” Rama held Gibril tight. She gave a shrill yell and fell
unconsciousness. Gibril applied some tepid sponging on Rama and rushed out for help.
Gibril Visit Katty
Gibril visited Katty and announced himself. “I am Rama’s driver. She is in
trouble at the motel.” They rushed to get her in Katty’s car. She was
admitted at the hospital.
Under Control
Rama gained consciousness. She remembered everything. She embraced Kate and
both shed emotional tears. They praised God that Rama regained her memory.
Kate counseled her.
Mediation Centre
Kate stood for Rama and Becki stood for Dawda. Rama stated her points. “I
want my freedom. I don’t want to go back into an abusive relationship. I am a
journalist. I want to practice my profession.” Kate spoke. “My client was
violated, oppressed, suppressed, exploited and brutalized. She want to be free
to be her whole again. She is asking for half of the marriage property hence
no issue is involved.” Becki agreed. “There is no problem. My client has
agreed.” Dave rose up and protested. “I did not agree.” He whispered in Becki’s
ears but she ignored him. Dave became angry and left the centre.
It’s Over
Rama and Kate left triumphant. “It’s over! No more abusive relationship! I
am free! Free to be myself again!” Rama jumped with excitement.
Clensed Fist
Dave came out with a clensed fist. “Over my dead body! How can I give this
scoundrel half of what I have laboured for throughout my life? I’ll not do it!
I’ll go after her!” he threatened.
“Don’t do it! You’ll go to jail if you touch her. This is a deal. It could
have been worst. You assaulted her over and over again. The doctors reports
would have landed you in jail. Take your time Dave. Don’t get into a marriage
relationship again until you transform. You are not fit to get a wife until
you take a qualitative leap. As of now you have no patience for women. This is
my candid advise as your counsel,” Becki advised.
Rama And Kate Visit Gibril
The duo visited Gibril in his home. He was surprised to see them. He
welcomed them with open arms.” Madam! I feel honoured. Are you okay now? I wish you
the best of luck.” Rama thanked Gibril for everything. “I owe my life to
you. You were god sent. I would have been deep in my grave by now.” She took out
a cheque of D2,000,000 (two million dalasi) and gave it to Gibril. He could
not believe his eyes. “All this for me?” “Yes! Why not? You deserve more. I
owe my life to you. You have spent all your savings on my hospital bill. You
sold your valuables to get me treated. This is a small token. Start something
and change your life. I wish you the best of luck. Relocate, open a new
business. It will grow, one good turn deserves another.” Gibril shed emotional
tears. He was overwhelmed.
Rama Remarries
Do you remember the supermarket admirer? Alfred met her again. This time
that the bank. He greeted her and realized that Rama is livelier and freer to
interact. He was overjoyed to hear Rama’s newly acquired freedom. “I love you
Ramatoulie, would you marry me?” “I cannot marry you now. I want a cool off
period. Let us court. I want to know more about you. Now, I have learnt my
lesson. I am a human being, I have feelings. I am a journalist. I have to
practice my profession. Are you comfortable with that?” “Yes! I am. Will you have
dinner with me tonight?” “Yes! I’ll.”
The Date
It was a wonderful date. They discussed at length their likes and dislikes.
They courted for sometime. When they became satisfied they set a date for
their legal wedding. They conducted a simple ceremony. Their marriage proved
very successful. Ronald and Kate were also wedded. It was a dual wedding.
The End
‘TRADE UNIONS, PHILOSOPHY AND LEADERSHIP’
BY PA MOMODOU .K.B.FAAL
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY- GENERAL
GAMBIA WORKERS’ CONFEDERATION
The Responsibility of Trade Union Leadership is one main Topic Carved out of
our courses for Trade Union Leaders. It is divided into three parts, namely:
a) Trade Union Leadership which deals with Working Class World Outlook.
b) The Working Class Conception of the World:
Matter and idea, the Primacy of Matter, the interpretation of the World:
Workers’ Optimistic Realism and the Proletarian Internationalism.
PHILOSOPHY is derived from two Greek Words
Philos = Wisdom, Love of Wisdom and
Logos = the Word, the Study, Science of Wisdom.
Philosophy, therefore, is the science of the General Laws of being, of
existence, that is, the Universe, Nature. Society and Thought or Knowledge and
their Relationships to one another.
Let us treat now our own subject in our present Generation:
TRADE UNION LEADERSHIP.
We start with the Term TRADE UNION and we define what a Trade Union is.
Who will volunteer to tell us what a Trade Union is from all we have learnt
in the past three decades?
We said that a Trade Union is a Legal Association of Workers Registered for
the purpose of protecting the Interests, Rights and Privileges of the
Workers. It fights for Social Justice, Freedom and Peace and uses the means of
workers’ Education, industrial Harmony, through processes of Collective Bargaining
and Trade Disputes. As a last Resort it employs the Method of Strikes;
Economic, industrial and Political Strikes to seek Redress, Social Justice and
Freedom for the workers.
WORLD OUTLOOK- How do you see the world?
Trade Unions are organised by the Workers’ Leaders, the Trade Union Leaders,
to make the Struggle of the Workers meaningful, to achieve its stated Goals.
The Workers, the Trade Union Leaders and their Trade Union Organisations
perceive the world in a different way. The way the people see the World is
called World Outlook. ‘A World Outlook is the system of views, Concepts and
Notions about the surrounding World. In a broad sense, World Outlook comprises the
sum total of all views of MAN and WOMAN on the surrounding Wor1d
Philosophical, Socio-political, Ethical (Rules of Conduct and Behaviour) Aesthetical
(belonging to beauty), Scientific. etc.
TWO TYPES OF PHILOSOPHY AND WORLD OUTLOOK
There are two main types of Philosophies and World Outlooks.
The Materialist Philosophy which comes from the word MATTER’ and Idealist
Philosophy which is from the word ‘IDEA’.
Matter, according to the Dictionary of Philosophy quoted means:
A philosophical category, denoting the objective reality, which Exists
independent of our mind or Consciousness or Awareness and this Objective reality
is reflected in our minds, Consciousness. Matter is the endless number of
things, of all that Exist as phenomena, objects, systems, different properties
(like chemical property) Relations, Interactions and forms of Motions.
Matter exists only in concrete forms, in infinite endless) variety of forms
of Structures and Organisations.
IDEA is a form of knowledge of Matter which is an attribute or quality or
property of the developed Human brain.
Which is primary, Matter or Idea?
THE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION OF PHILOSOPHY
The Fundamental question of Philosophy is the question of the Relationship
of Idea to Matter, the question of the Relationship of Consciousness to Being,
thinking to Matter and Nature.
This question has two sides:
a) What is Primary or Secondary?
b) How the knowledge of the Wor1d-Idea-Related to the World itself or its
Consciousness to being and can Consciousness reflect the World adequately?
1. Which is Primary- Matter or
2. Can we know the World?
Are we capable of knowing the world?
The Answer:
1. MATERIALISTS
The Philosophers who say that Matter, Being, Existence or the World is
Primary and who say that Idea, Consciousness or Awareness is Secondary are called
Materialists.
They say that Idea is a Reflection of Matter, the work of the Brain, so it
is Secondary.
2. IDEALISTS
The Philosophers who say that Idea or Consciousness is Primary and that Idea
is the true reality which projects this World and that this World is
Secondary, are Idealists.
3. KNOWLEDGE
a) The Materialists of Philosophers who say that our World is Primary also
say that Human Beings, with our knowledge are capable of knowing the Secrets
of the World.
b) The Idealists who say that the world is a projection of the Idea,
maintain also that MAN and WOMAN cannot know the Secrets of the World.
THE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES
The struggle of the Philosophers is closely associated with the interest of
the Classes in the society-
a) The Interest of the Haves, the Rich who become Richer and Richer; and
b) The Interest of the Have-Nots, the Poor who become Poorer and Poorer.
THE HAVES, THE RICH
The Haves or the Rich own the means of Production, the Land (they are the
Land-Lords and Estate Owners) the Capital, the Machines, the Factories, the
Workshops, the Chairmen and Directors of Businesses, Owners of the Commercial
Banks and the Insurances.
They are Big Traders and are either directly the Rulers or support the
Rulers who do their WILL.
At any rate, they govern the Country and as the ‘Bigmen’ they are the
Employers and the Rulers. They have the Capital. The Employers and Class of the
Haves make the Laws to suit themselves i.e. to keep Law and Order and the Peace
of the Country, as it suits them.
They have their own World Outlook and their own Ideology in the Political
Parties where they lead. They do not lead the Trade Unions. They cannot
reconcile themselves with the Trade Unions ‘the Workers’ Organisations’. They only
tolerate them for USE and SERVICE to their Economic, Political, Ideological
and Social Interests. Even the Bourgeois Education is to keep the Workers and
their children under check and as Perpetual Class of the under-dogs and the
wretched of the earth. And this is from Generation to Generation of the
Workers from their children to posterity.
The Capitalists, the Bourgeoisie, Compradore Bourgeoisie and the Foreign
Multinational Masters, all have a Common Philosophy and share a Common World
Outlook. They all Exploit, Oppress and invariably CORRUPT.
THE HAVE-NOTS, THE POOR
The HAVE-NOTS or the POOR have nothing except their LABOUR. They become
Poorer and Poorer. They have no means of Production. They Own Nothing to Use to
Exploit. They are the Exploited, the Oppressed, the Deprived and not the
Enslaved.
They Fight to be Freed from Oppression, Exploitation and Deprivation.
The Working Woman suffers from the double Yoke. The Working Mass Youth
launguishes in
Hopelessness and Frustration. The Working People of the World have one Common
Hope, One Common World Outlook and Ideology. They all, be they Black or
White,
have nothing to LOSE except their CHAINS. They have no ‘HEAVEN’ on Earth.
They have ‘HELL’ on Earth. Their Common Hope is Socialism or Socialisation
Mechanisms in their Lifetime.
WORLD OUTLOOK
Comrades or Readers look outside! How do you see the World ?
What is your World Outlook? But then, what is a World Outlook?
A world outlook as I have stated earlier on, is your view, our view of the
world. A world outlook is the System of Views, Concepts and Notions about the
surrounding (World).
In General and Broad Sense, World Outlook comprises the sum total of all
views of MAN and WOMAN on the surrounding world.
There are also Two Basic World Outlooks:
a. Materialist World Outlook which stems from Materialism.
b. Idealist World Outlook which also arises from Idealism.
The World Outlook of primitive Society was very Primitive and that of Feudal
Society was very Limited.
The Study of World Outlook is very Important for a Trade Union Leader,
particularly in our Country because, of the Mixture in Stages of Development of
The Gambian
Society.
CLASS CHARACTER
A World Outlook bears a Class Character- Feudal, Bourgeois, Proletarian. In
a Class Society, the World Outlook of the Ruling Class is dominant. It relies
on its Ideology to propagate its World Outlook, the source of its Ideology.
World Outlook is very important, because it determines Human attitude
towards the surrounding reality and serves as a Guide to Action-Bourgeois or
workers Action.
A World Outlook can be Reactionary -Backward or Progressive and
Forward-Looking
PROGRESSIVE WORLD OUTLOOK
1. Reveals the Objective Laws of the
Universe, of Nature, Society, Thought
and their Relationship and Interaction.
2. Express the Interests of the Progressive Forces.
3. Defends the Proletariat.
4. Promotes Working Class Consciousness.
5. Promotes General Progress.
6. Wars against or Fights and Exposes
Reactionary Views and Classes.
7. Sees the World in a Continuous Process of Progress.
8. Encourages and Promotes Equality of Man and Woman and Equal Opportunity
for all.
9. Operates with Realistic Optimism.
10. Preaches Peace for all Mankind.
REACTIONARY WORLD OUTLOOK
1. Serves the Decaying Classes.
2. Defends the Interests of the Laws of the Exploiting Class.
3. Diverts the Workers from the Fight for their Emancipation.
4. Promotes the World of the Rich.
5.Promotes Bourgeois Consciousness.
(the fingers are not equal)
6. Arrests Social Development.
7. Sees the World as being Static.
8. Opposed to Equal Opportunity and
Equality for All.
9. Preaches Paradise on Earth for the Rich and Hell on Earth for the Poor.
10. Operates with the Phenomenon ‘Fear’ the Threat of the End of the World.
Some of the World Outlook of the Bourgeoisie are Predestination, Denial to
Change and Progress to the POOR.
IDEOLOGY
This is a system of views and ideas-political Legal, ethical, Aesthetical,
religious, philosophical which, as part of the political superstructure
reflects the economic relations. In the class society, the ideological struggle is
part of the class struggle, complementary to the economic and political
struggle.
The world outlook and ideology work hand-in-hand. Bourgeois ideology, for
example, fights the working class ideology by distortion and confusion,
confusing the proletariat, the working class and the Democratic forces of the WOMEN,
YOUTH and the STUDENTS by giving false hopes and promises.
TRADE UNION LEADERSHIP
Trade union leadership depends on the forms of Capitalism, the stage of
Capitalism and the condition under which a Trade Union Leadership cooperates in a
civil war, in a Global war, under civilian or Military or under a
Neo-Fascist Police State, for example, the then Apartheid South Africa and its the
prevailing, Draconian Laws etc. It depends also on the type of Industry the level
of workers’ education, the Management such as in Korea, Lebanon, India and
how enlightened and experienced the management is. It also depends on the type
of workers, whether enlightened, predominantly women in the textile
industry, or predominantly youth, or in the mines or are seafarers.
In all, the nature of Labour Leadership is collective, comradely. It must be
collegial, not bossy, not Bureaucratic, and not pompous. It involves going
to the grass-roots, leading and not giving false promises.
A labour or Trade Union leader must be honest should not be tribalistic,
cannot afford to be corrupt, take bribe or offer bribe, . If the workers fight
injustice them he must be just. If we fight discrimination then we too cannot
discriminate –not even against a Female worker.
If the Trade Union leader should aspire to lead, the workers to freedom from
exploitation then he cannot make his ambition to be that of a Capitalist.
Comrades, I have approached our topic from this height and angle for you
leaders and workers to be aware of the wide horizon of workers Education and to
show you as workers your Responsibility.
ALUTA CONTINUA - THE STRUCGGLE CONTINUES
Magistrate Sentences Alleged Homosexual To 3 Years
By Saikou Ceesay
Ousman Conteh ,a 24 year young man a resident of Kanifing South, is said to
have forcefully had carnal knowledge of a male child under the age of 16, on
7 November 2007.
Delivering her judgment Magistrate Sainabou Wadda Ceesay of the Kanifing
Magistrates Court ruled that the accused unlawfully had carnal knowledge with a
nine-year-old male student (name (withheld) without his consent. The accused
was given a jail term of three years without any option of a fine. The trial
magistrate sentenced him after the accused pleaded guilty and asked for mercy.
Magistrate Wadda Ceesay further warned that such activities should not be
condoned in The Gambia and that the accused being an elderly person should
instead protect the child from such activities.
Comium Launches MMS
By Madiba Singhateh
Comium The Gambia Limited in its quest to be the pace-setter in the
telecommunications sector in the Gambia on Wednesday 14 November launched CLICPIC at
its headquarters.
This is the first time that a GSM company has introduced this facility in
the Gambia. The facility allows subscribers to exchange pictures, audio clips
as well as video Clips.
Fatim Badjie, the communications officer welcomed the guests present at the
launching ceremony.
The Managing Director Amer Atwi noted that Comium has barely been in the
market for six months and had made quite a difference in the telecom sector.
Managing Director Atwi said he is proud to announce that they have reached a
subscriber base of 100,000. Mr. Atwi said during these past months, they have
witnessed the lowering of international tariffs for their subscribers, and they
have introduced affordable and reliable cross network calls, along with
superior voice quality and most importantly, they are operating to provide the
most extensive country-wide coverage.
Mr. Atwi noted that this is the first time ever in the history of the Gambia
that Comium subscribers will be able to exchange voice, video, clips and
other multimedia files. Mr Atwi said they provide their customers with the most
advanced technology available in telecommunications industry,-hence clip pic.
Mr. Atwi said competition in the mobile market is heating up and Comium does
not plan on slowing down.He said they will continue to work hard to ensure
that they keep the Gambia at the forefront of communication in Africa.
Mr. Ismaila Cham, the Marketing Officer also noted that this service being
launched will make the customers live easier as one can send pictures. He said
this service will help businessmen, securities and journalist as it will
process their information.
The SoS for Communication and Information Technology Mrs. Nenneh Macdaull
Gaye said they will continue to cooperate and work together. SoS Gaye said to
promote telecommunications in The Gambia; companies need interconnection from
each other.
3 More Bodies Recovered
One Yet To Be Identified
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
After the initial recovery of seven corpses of victims who lost their lives
at sea while attempting to sail to the Canary Islands of Spain on Sunday 11
November; three more bodies were found by The Gambia Navy on Wednesday 14
November in the waters at the Mangrove Swamps at the place called“Ndangan”. The
bodies were said to have been spotted by Fishermen who then contacted the
Navy Personnel.
According to Navy Officer, WO2 Daffeh, they have a tip that there were dead
bodies floating in that part of the river. He said that the men left with his
men to conduct a search within the area and that they discovered the three
bodies; that the bodies were on the verge of decomposing and that they were
beyond recognition. WO2 Daffeh told reporters that the bodies were later
escorted to the RVTH mortuary for identification by their family members.
On Thursday 15 November, relatives of the missing victims converged at the
mortuary to look for their loved ones. Among the three bodies only two were
identified as Musa Fatty, from Badibou Salikenni and Sambou Darboe, from Sandu
Kuraw. According to a staff at the mortuary, the remaining one is yet to be
identified. Family members noted that their loved ones were beyond recognition
but could only be recognised by the clothes they were putting on. Family
members expressed shock and sorrow in the way the young boys lost their lives at
sea.
NARI Director Harps On Food Security
By Amie Sanneh
The Director of the national Research Institute (NARI) Lamin Jobe has said
more than 204 million people in Africa are still suffering from hunger and
malnutrition.
He said Africa lacks the necessary food resources to lead healthy and
productive life.
The Director of NARI made these remarks while addressing stakeholders in the
Agricultural sector at a validation workshop.
Mr. Jobe noted that the Importance of Agriculture in the sub-region
particularly in The Gambia cannot be over emphasised. He said in the last two to
three decades, Agricultural production in Africa has witnessed a downward trend,
making food security situation more precarious hence requiring urgent action
and the combined efforts of all.
Nari’s Director said the decline in productivity and production is due to
multiple number of constraints such as:
- Poor soil fertility
- Inefficient natural resource utilization
- Restricted and inefficient marketing outlet and many others.
Describing seed as the foundation for any meaningful growth, he said lack of
good quality seed of improved varieties and coherent seed policies is also a
constraint.
West, East and Brikama Open with Win
By Bakary S. Dampha, Sulayman Bah and Lamin Komma
Serre kunda West, East and Brikama each collected maximum points of 3 in
their first matches in the ongoing Super Nawettan championship.
On Wednesday at the Serrekunda West grounds, Serrekunda East managed a 1-0
win over Sukuta. The 2006 Super Nawettan champions defended their slim lead
after scoring in the 3rd minute of the first half. Ousainou Sarr capitalised to
slot home from a scramble in the Sukuta area to snatch the goal that proved
the winner for the Easterners. And the rest of the match was a lacklustre
affair as Serrekunda East defended their lead to the end.
At the Serrekunda East field on the same day, Banjul and Bakau blanked each
other out in a well-contested match. Banjul had the upper hand in the first
period missing several opportunities. Bakau however, managed to put the City
Boys at bay with their one-two-one passes.
The second half produced another tough challenge and Banjul having some
substitutes pushed harder for a gaol but the stubborn Bakau side remained
resilient in their defence.
In Thursday’s matches Brikama scored three times to hand Gunjur the heaviest
defeat they received in all the first matches of the competition. Lamin
Findi Jammeh scored early in the 4th minute for Brikama first before he put the
game beyond Gunjur’s reach in the 14th minute beating the offside trap.
Brikama made it three goals before the half hour mark when Sheriff Samba
scored from the penalty spot. Gunjur could have pulled one when they were
awarded a penalty following a foul on Yusupha Barrow. But Barrow himself fired out
wide from the spot kick.
Serrekunda West also grabbed all three points by defeating Lamin 2-0 at the
Serrekunda East grounds on Thursday. Two-second half goals by Ebrima Drammeh
helped West to overcome a resilient Lamin side. The first period of the match
was a dull affair and it was until when West scored in the second half that
the game proved entertaining. Drammeh first came when he struck twice from the
close range to break the deadlock 9 minutes into the period. Drammeh became
the hero of the West 13 minutes later when he collected to fire home from a
defensive error by Lamin’s Lamin Colley.
The matches continue tomorrow with Banjul taking on Sukuta at Serrekunda
East and Bakau to play Serrekunda East at the West grounds. Serrekunda West will
face Gunjur at the East grounds on Sunday whilst Lamin take on Brikama at
West on the same day.
Bakau: Late FM FC Wins Knockout Title
By Madiba Singhateh
Late Fatou Mbye FC wins the knockout title of the Bakau Nawettan in a
rescheduled match on Tuesday.
The first match last Sunday ended in a goalless draw forcing the match to be
rescheduled. But Tuesday match also failed to produce a winner after
regulation time taking the game into penalties after 1-1 draw. And Late FM FC
dethroned Scan tours as defending champions winning 3-2.
FM took the lead in the 55th minute of the second half through substitute
Ousainou Njie sending Scan tours into a frantic charge to equalise and their
efforts were rewarded in the 64th minute when Ebrima Marong scored the leveller
from a goal mouth scramble.
Late FM FC were awarded a cash prize of D10, 000 while Scan tours received
D7, 000.
Berewuleng Rule Brikama
By Modou Jonga
Berewuleng FC were on Sunday crowned League champions of the Brikama
Nawettan after defeating Daru-gift FC 2-1.
The hotly contested final was witnessed by a huge crowd of football
enthusiasts in and around Brikama, and Darus’Abdoulie Njie shocked Berewuleng by
scoring the opener in the 20th minute. The goal was however short- lived as
Berewuleng forced a leveller in the 30th minute through Lamin Findi Jammeh.
The second period both sides showed determination to take the lead and in
the 65th minute Buba Faye put Berewuleng through. Faye made his way through the
Daru defence without obstruction before firing into the net.
Berewuleng went home with a trophy and cash amount of D15, 000 while Daru
collected D10, 000 as runners-up. Findi Jammeh of Berewuleng emerged top goal
scorer of the tournament with four goals.
Maccasa Win SK East League Title
By Isatou Bittaye
Maccassa FC erased their knockout woes by clinching the SK East League title
winning 2-0 on Sunday against Milan FC.
Maccassa’s Ebrima Njie scored the defending champions’ opener on the
half-hour mark capitalising from a cross. Milan tried to respond through their star
player Habib Kunta who shot wide in the 42nd minute.
The match intensified in the second period as Milan pushed for the equaliser
and Maccassa tried to add to their lone goal advantage. Abdourahman Dampha
could have set Maccassa in full control of the match early on the half time
but the stubborn Milan defenders denied him. Milan missed several chances to
level the score but their frantic push for the all-important leveller allowed
Maccassa to kill the game two minutes inside injury time. Lamin Saho lobbed
the ball from a long distance when the Milan keeper ventured forward to
compliment his side’s search for the equaliser, and the ball dived direct into the
net.
Maccassa were rewarded with D25, 000 and Milan went away with D15, 000.
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