Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 58/2006, 28-30 July, 2006
Editorial
IS THE PRESIDENT A PROTECTOR OF WORKING WOMEN?
CIVIL SERVANTS AND THE THREAT TO DO STREET CLEANING OR?
Sometimes people who are very conscious of how human society has developed
to be what it is today would wonder whether Gambia is not indeed walking
towards the 18th Century when the vast majority of people of the would live only
to work to death rather than work so as to live in liberty and prosperity.
This is why the 8 hour working day and the 40 hour working week have been
accepted as standard working periods for working people. In the past, keeping
workers at the jobs places for sixteen hours a day and seven days a week drove
many women away from the work places to stay at home to take care of children
and the household. Even though most women are still responsible for their
households shorter working hours and a shortened working days in the week had
enabled many women to leave the weekend open to go to markets to purchase their
weekly needs and to take care of their family needs. In the Gambia poor
electricity supply has increased the burden of women who work in the public
service. With electricity supply they can purchase the fish they need for a period
of one or two weeks so as to save time in going to the market. End of month is
when such women get money to do their shopping. Saturday is when all shops
are open in the morning for people to do their shopping. The last Saturday in
the month is when the president has chosen to do what is referred to as a
national cleaning exercise. No study has been done to know the impact. The
voluntary sprit is being wiped out completely and the threats to public servants
that if they do not comply the NIA will be set on their trail is leaning
towards forced labour, which constitute a violation of human rights. It is
universally accepted that each human being has a right to leisure. Women especially
need their weekend. It is unfair for a person in position of authority to make
statements that can make them live in a state of fear. We call on the
president to clarify his comments. Some are interpreting his comments on the Civil
servants and the cleaning exercise as a threat. In actual fact it is the
responsibility of the councils to clean the streets. The state should find out
why the councils are failing in their responsibility and address the problem.
The public can cooperate by making sure that waste is deposited in receptacles
placed in their neighbourhoods for waste disposal. They can make sure that
the tradition of cleaning their compounds and gates are maintained. Street
vendors and shopkeepers can make sure that they keep the vicinity where they do
business clean. If this is done why is their need to violate the freedom of
movement of people for hours in the name of promoting environmental
sanitation. Keeping our environment clean is an everyday thing.
FACS RECEIVES D5.6 MILLION FROM GGC
By Surakata Danso
Reliable sources have it that the Federation of Cooperative Marketing
Societies has received the final payment of 5.6 million dalasi from the Gambia
Groundnut Corporation (GGC). This sum constitutes the final part of monies owed
by GGC to FACS for groundnuts purchased on credit basis during the trade
season that has just ended. According to the same sources GAMCO still owes FACS
just over 13 million dalasis.
TREASON TRIAL
(Part 4)
By Surakata Danso
On Tuesday 25th July 2006, Justice Agim, who is presiding over the treason
trial of Captain Bunja Darboe and others, ruled that the master of the high
court provide the unrepresented accused persons in the trial, with defence
counsels. This followed the withdrawal of all but one of the defence counsels in
this trial.
The trial judge stated in his ruling that on 18th July 2006, two notices of
withdrawal, of defence counsels were given with the consent of their clients.
He added that this was followed by the withdrawal of counsel Lamin Jobarteh
who represented the fourth accused.
The trial judge noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mr.
Fagbenle who relied on section 240 of C.P.C. submitted, at this stage, for the
case to proceed even though some accused persons were not represented. He
further noted that in response to this submission, defence counsel Bory Touray
submitted that the kind of situation envisaged under the law cited by the DPP,
does not include capital offences (involving death sentence).He also noted Mr
Touray’s further submission that section 24 of the constitution has provided
for persons charged with capital offences under such situations to be
provided with legal aid at the expense of the state.
The trial judge held that the accused have a right to decide whether to be
represented by counsel of their choice or counsel at the expense of state. He
therefore ordered the master of the high court, in the interest of justice,
to provide all unrepresented accused persons, with legal aid before the 31st
of July 2006.
500 NEW TRACTORS FOR FARMERS
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
The Secretary of State for Agriculture, Yankuba Touray, has stated that
Government would bring 500 new tractors in September for Gambian farmers but that
they would be given on loan basis. SoS Touray made these revelations at the
Old Yundum meeting organised by the Takuligaye Women’s Association of Kombo
North, on the 16th July, 2006.
Mr Touray said that anybody who intends to procure any of these tractors
should have a guarantor, whether one is a single farmer or not. SoS Touray
stated that he cannot substantiate the term limit of the payment but said that
groups or individual farmers, who want to benefit from the loan, must fulfil the
terms and conditions of acquiring these machines.
Mr Touray also disclosed that Banjulunding women will acquire a new storage
plant for their horticultural garden products. He pointed out that they want
women to benefit from the project. “We don’t want their produce to get
spoilt, and the storage facility can store products for almost one year,” he said.
He went on to explain that the problem of water would be a thing of the past
for horticulturalists because government would dig more bore-holes for them
by the following year so that they could have bumper harvests.
SoS Touray said that all these projects are under the National Agricultural
Development Fund which President Jammeh has designed for the empowerment and
support of Gambian farmers. Responding to further questioning by this
reporter, SoS Touray said that the tractors are to enhance the programmes of the
Government in order to alleviate poverty in the country.
He stated that the Government is shifting from subsistence farming to
commercial Agriculture. He told Foroyaa that these tractors are not for small
farmers who cannot acquire enough land and have no financial base.
He said the tractors are for high and middle income farmers who can sustain
the maintenance cost of the equipment. He said the new Agricultural
improvement programme will also have tractors which people with low income can hire
for their farming. He noted that anybody who wants to take these tractors on
loan should be willing to provide animal traction equipment in case of any
break down.
MAN 26, PLEADS GUILTY FOR ASSAULTING
IMMIGRATION OFFICER
By Modou Jonga
A 26 year Senegalese national, name withheld, has on Tuesday 25th July 2006,
pleaded guilty for assaulting an Immigration officer stationed at the Gunjur
Police Station, at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court, presided over by
magistrate S.B Tabally.
According to the charge sheet on the 21st June 2006, the accused while
resisting compliance to produce his alien card, assaulted an Immigration officer
in order to escape but was caught, by a colleague of the assaulted officer
and then taken to the Gunjur Police Station where a statement was obtained from
him.
In delivering his ruling on the case, Magistrate Tabally fined the accused
with an amount of D1000.00 (one thousand) to the court, in default he will
serve three months in prison and a fine of D1500.00 (one thousand, five hundred
dalasis) as compensation to the victim or serve another two months in prison.
Representing the IGP of Police in this assault case was corporal 493 Badjie
of the Gunjur Police Station.
ECOWAS MINISTERS HOLD CONFERENCE
ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Trafficking is a matter of concern throughout the African continent.
It is against this background that a joint ECOWAS/ECCAS conference of
ministers to combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children was held
in Abuja Nigeria from the 6-7 July 2006 at the ECOWAS Secretariat, Asokoro
district Abuja.
Addressing the conference, the UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central
Africa, Mrs. Esther Guluma told delegates that trafficking is a dynamic
process and that the routes used can change quickly due to the political,
economic and legal context. She said today no country in west and Central Africa can
claim not to face the problem of trafficking in persons, particularly that
of women and children. “If we want to successfully fight trafficking in
persons, particularly women and children, we have to work all together, under the
guidance and coordination of the governments in both regions”. Mrs. Guluma
said. The Director said UNICEF, has reach the conclusion that only a holistic
approach that includes all partners can successfully address the exploitation
of children.
In welcoming the delegates, the Nigerian Attorney General and minister of
justice Hon. Chief Bayo Ojo San said it is unfortunate that eight decades after
the formal abolition of slavery and its similar practices by the league of
nations, developing countries are still involved in this shameful and
dastardly act. He said the crime respects no national borders which is the reason why
nations must come together to jointly tackle the scourge. The Nigerian
Justice minister said it is for these reasons among others that article 9(4) (5)
of the United Nations’ trafficking protocol supplementing the transnational
organized crime convention encourages state parties to adopt measures such as
legislative, bilateral and multilateral agreements to combat trafficking in
person in all its manifestation and ramification.
The minister said the challenges posed by human traffickers is what is taken
seriously. He said Nigeria is not only the first country to sign and ratify
the transnational Organised crime Convention (TOC) and its supplementary
protocols in 2000 when it was open for signatures, but the first to domesticate
the law, criminalize the conducts set forth in article 3 of the trafficking
protocol, and set up a specific multi- dimensional juristic agency to enforce
the law.
The conference looked at various other presentations by representatives of
ECOWAS,ECCAS, UNODC and ILO. Both Executive Secretaries of ECOWAS and that of
ECCAS made statements.
OUSMAN JATTA IN COURT
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Magistrate Kebba Sanyang of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has warned
sympathisers of the councillor of Old Bakau Ward, Ousman Jatta, alias “Rambo” to
stay at home.
When the case was called before a crowded courtroom, the prosecutor,
Inspector Bojang, stood up and announced his appearance for the state, while Neneh
Cham-Chongan announced her appearance for the defendant. The defence counsel
appealed to the court to adjourn the case, because the accused had been in
remand since the last adjourned date. She also appealed for her client to be
granted bail. However, the prosecutor did not object to any of the applications
made by Neneh Cham. The defendant was granted bail in the sum of thirty
thousand dalasis (D30, 000) and a Gambian surety. Meanwhile, Magistrate Sanyang
warned the defendant to advise his supporters not to come to court in a crowded
way. He emphasised to the defendant that he has the power to put him in
remand if his supporters fail to pay heed to his order. “Tell your people to stay
in Bakau, this is not a political court,” Magistrate Sanyang warned.
African Leaders urged to defend Press Freedom
The Coordinating Group of the Network of African Freedom of Expression
Organizations (NAFEO) has described The Gambia as one of the hot spots of extreme
violation of press freedom. The group met in Lagos recently to deliberate on:
A. media freedom and freedom of expression in Africa
B. ways of strengthening organizations working for media freedom and freedom
of expression;
C. strategies and programmes for defending and promoting press freedom and
freedom of expression in Africa; and
D. plans for strengthening the NAFEO, and developing action plans for
interventions to promote the network objectives in the next one year.
At the meeting in Lagos the Coordinating Group of NAFEO observed that the
conditions of press freedom and freedom of expression are deteriorating rapidly
or systematically in all regions of Africa. There is a marked increase in
the arrests, detention, repression and general harassment of journalists, media
and other communications workers.
The meeting also observed that many governments have either introduced new
legislation, or have intensified the application of laws that criminalize
journalistic work and free expression.
The NAFEO states that it would like to state that the increasing
deterioration of free expression goes on in most countries in Africa today. However, the
following countries constitute the hot spots of extreme violations of press
freedom and freedom of expression:
The Gambia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, and Swaziland.
The group has called on African leaders to take urgent steps;
l. End the attacks on press freedom and freedom of expression;
2. Free all journalists and other citizens arrested, detained or imprisoned
for exercising their rights to free expression;
3. End all pending criminal prosecution of all journalists and other
citizens charged for exercising their right to free expression by any medium;
4. Repeal all laws that criminalize free speech, including anti-terrorism
legislation;
5. End censorship of any medium of communication, including the Internet;
and
6. Respect their citizens’ rights to publish, broadcast, and use the
Internet without hindrance.
Members of the network are of the view that democracy will be empty in
Africa if the citizens of the continent cannot enjoy one of the basic human rights
and fundamental pillars of democracy — freedom of expression.
About NAFEO
Following a meeting held in Accra, Ghana, from October 28 to 30, 2005, media
freedom and freedom of expression organisations in Africa came together to
form the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations for the
purpose of strengthening coordination and collaboration among themselves in the
promotion and defence of media freedom and freedom of expression across all the
regions of Africa, including the North, Southern, East, the Horn, Central,
and West Africa, as well as in all the Islands.
IS POLITICAL EDUCATION A CIVIL RIGHT?
Before the advent of Independence, there was a series of consortiums for our
constitutional development despite the fact that other English Speaking West
African countries were ahead of our country in moving forward to
constitutional change, to meet the needs and aspirations of their peoples.
The first political parties had endeavoured to move the country forward. In
1961-62 the political leaders consorted to improve the democratisation
process by trying to promote multi party democracy, strengthening the rule of law,
elections and then independence. The colonial government had to accept the
demands of our leaders.
Politics is an issue of every day life. Every citizen should be a party to
developmental issues ranging from political, Social to Economic advancement of
the people from Colonial days to first and now the second republics, the
election of a leader is not a new phenomenon to the people.
As we look forward to improve our democratic, values we must desist from
violence during campaign periods. Every citizen has a right to be associated to
any party. The constitution has stipulated that people should elect a leader
every five years. The term of office of the President ceases at the end of
every five years and the National Assembly Members, who constitute the highest
law making body of the country, have their terms expired after the same five
years. We need to confront ourselves and ask what do they do after their term
comes to an end?
Obviously, the electorates are the ones to re-elect them into office. Our
importance should never be under estimated or sacrificed. No one can claim
leadership in a democratic dispensation without the people acknowledging his/her
leadership by voting for you.
We must not squabble or bring enmity between each other. Our level of
maturity depends on how much each of our parties educate their militants to know
the importance of elections and why we should make it peaceful and fair. Equal
rights are endowned to us through the principle of “one man/woman one vote.”
Immediately we cast our votes, we should try to abide by the law of the
state.
Some people are in the habit of moving about to show their loyalty to a
party even when they have voted. They stay around polling stations just to create
noise. I think it is incumbent upon all of us to embrace democracy and the
values, which bind us together as a nation.
The law enforcement agents need to sensitise the people about the
implication of violence like wise the Independent Electoral Commission. Election is an
important historical event and its security is essential. Young people under
18 years should not be used to provoke or castigate others in this way they
grow up to be indecent and never learn to be tolerant, discipline and liberal.
We still have time to reflect back on the questions: “Where are the first
political parties and their leaders?” Leaders come and go but the country
remains.
Let us see our situation as voters as important. We decide the way we want
to be governed. In multi party democracy we are all expected to exercise our
rights to vote for the candidate of one choice. The ballot box is the answer
and not physical fighting this is expected of all peace loving people who have
the nation’s interest at heart.
Pa L. Manneh
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ANNEX INAUGURATED
By Isatou Bittaye
The new National Assembly Annex was inaugurated on 26th July 2006.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the speaker of the National Assembly,
Mrs. Belinda Bidwell, said the legislature is a very important component of
government and as representatives of the people, they need a conducive
environment. Madam Bidwell said she met Mrs. Daphne, a senior staff of the United
States Embassy in Banjul, and they discussed ways and means that the US embassy
could help in the democratisation process, and the support the American
Embassy could give the legislature in capacity building and institutional support.
The speaker added that the US Government sponsored the National Assembly
building which cost US$300,000 . She said the package included refurbishment, air
conditioning and installation of the public address system in the National
Assembly, provision of heavy duty auto switch generator and fuel for one year,
rehabilitation of one National Assembly Pajero vehicle, provision of office
stationeries and equipment. She said the project made provision for the
construction of the new building to ease the accommodation of the offices of the
Deputy Speaker, the Minority Leader, the Deputy Clerk, the library and the
Hansard Unit.
The Honourable Speaker thanked the US Embassy in Banjul and the Government
of the United States of America for the support given to them. The Ambassador
of the United States, Mr Joseph D. Stafford said the Embassy’s project with
the National Assembly underscores the commitment of the United States
Government to work towards the strengthening of democratic institutions around the
world. He went on to say that the US Embassy value the National Assembly as a
partner in their efforts to promote democracy. He said in any democratic
society, the legislative branch plays a vital role in ensuring accountability in
the executive branch of the government and it seeks to balance executive
power.
He lamented that countries must devise their own strategy for developing
democratic institutions, noting it is useful for countries to share their
experiences in developing these institutions. He assured the gathering that the
Embassy will continue to look for opportunities to enhance cooperation with the
National Assembly. The Minority Leader and National Assembly member for
Serrekunda Central, Honourable Halifa Sallah said the US embassy supported the
National Assembly with US$300,000 which needs social auditing.
He added that the authority to govern must be the right of the people and
they (the National Assembly) are not there for partisan interest but for the
interest of the people. He lamented that the National Assembly is an
institution, and the key part of an institution is infrastructure. He said they need
support to build an institution that is relevant to democracy.
DUTA KAMASO SPOTTED AT WESTFIELD CLINIC
Surakata Danso
Duta Kamaso, the former National Assembly Member for Wuli East is stricken
by illness.
Kamaso was on Tuesday afternoon seen at the Westfield Clinic. An eye
witness alleged that Kamaso was escorted to Westfield Clinic by State Security
agents. Kamaso who is in detention was arrested by State Security agents Several
Weeks ago.
CATTLE RUSTLERS ON THE RAMPAGE
By Musa Barrow
Cattle rustlers made their presence felt in Upper Baddibu on Monday, 24th
July 2006, as they slipped away with a total of eleven cattle, belonging to
four different individuals.
The raid which was believed to have occurred at night in the villages of
Buranya and Njie Kunda, robbed the victims of their draught animals, their main
source of labour and income during the farming season. It is reported that,
Lang Marona, Hamad Sambou and Alhagie Jaiteh all of Njie Kunda village, lost
3, 4, 2 cattle respectively, while Wandifeng Dampha of Bureanya lost two of
his draught animals.
FUEL SHORTAGE HITS THE HEALTH SECTOR
By yahya Dampha
Since the winding up of the World Bank PHPN project in June last year,
Divisional Health Teams across the Country have been experiencing fuel shortages
for the running and maintenance of health care services. The situation has
worsened in the last quarter of last year to date. The areas affected are as
follows;
a. Ambulances are packed for weeks either at their stations or at the DHTS,
thereby causing evacuation of patient’s especially obstetric emergences
impossible.
b. The lack of fuel has resulted to the cancellation of reproductive
and child health clinics of vaccines,
c. The generators that maintain the cold chain do not operate most
of the time due to lack of fuel and therefore nurses/ doctors keep on
transferring the vaccines from one place to another to maintain the cold chain,
d. Monthly supervision of health facilities by the DHTS has also been
affected,
e. The pregnant and post- partum mothers are not monitored to
diagnose early conditions that jeopardizes pregnancy and child birth because there
is no appropriate intervention,
f. Clients do not have access to contraceptive due to cancellation
of treks,
g. Active case finding and response of epidemic prone diseases has
also been affected,
h. The monthly in-service meeting for VHS/CFNS and PHOS which brings
these cadres DHTs together to discuss issues and come up with
recommendations, has not been held in the CRD LRD and North bank for the whole of this
year. Many of the trekking centers are closed and community Health workers, who
used to be supplied with sixty liters of fuel every month, are no more
receiving their supplies. The ambulances at health posts are supplied with only
forty liters of fuel for the whole month, causing patients to be buying fuel for
evacuation to the RVTH and other major health centers across the country.
Efforts to speak to the Director of Health Services for his comments proved
futile; as our reporter was told that she was on a meeting. However, Foroyaa
will make efforts to speak to the Director of Health Services.
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