Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 121/2007, Tuesday 16 October 2007
Editorial
CIVIL SOCIETY GAINS LIFE AS THE PRESIDENT MEETS THE ELDERS
The President of the Supreme Islamic Council Imam Banding Drammeh fulfils
his Mission
On Saturday 13th October, President Yahya Jammeh met the Muslim elders
after the Eid prayers as has been the custom since the colonial days. The people
had great expectations that as the country faces the threat of international
exposure for nothing but the prevalence of the preventable practice
associated with impunity , the elders will, for the first time, tell the president
what he may not like to hear to fulfill their mission as defenders of truth;
justice, peace, decency, conscience and general welfare of the people: The
president did emphasise his theme that the West aims to hide behind democracy and
human rights to undermine Islam: Foroyaa will come back to his questionable
opinions. What is however inspiring is the posture taken by Alhaji Banding
Drammeh during the encounter with the president. He called for the release of
all prisoners who do not pose any security threat and requested for a private
discussion with the President.
Today the detention centres will miss the presence of Rambo and School
Master Tamba Fofana. If he had listened to and acted on the dictates of wise
counsel then one could say that the constitutional functions of civil society are
being recognised for the first time, if our memories serve us right. Alhaji
Banding has joined the ranks of Bishop Cleary who never set eyes on injustice
without exposing and calling for redress. His legacy shall never be
forgotten by all those who see religion as the depository of the moral values of
humankind and not a theatre for the promotion of confrontation and clash of
civilisations or beliefs.
The constitution envisages that leaders can err. Hence it states very
clearly under section 25 that “Every person shall have the right to freedom to
petition the Executive for redress of grievances and to resort to the courts for
the protection of his rights.” It also empowers the population to form
associations comprising civil society for the mutual protection and promotion of
the interest of all its members. This is why the teachers Union should also be
commended for calling for the release of School Master Tamba Fofana. We hope
that it becomes a practice to engage the authorities in a diligent and
expeditious manner to protect their members from injustice.
The media houses should also do the same, regardless whether it involves
journalists working for the state or non state media; the Umpire media as well
as the ones attached to special interests. For example the president
threatened to take the Director General of GRTS to prison if the person allows any
broadcast claiming that Islam incorporates democracy: This threat disregards
the role of courts and the right to freedom of expression. Journalists should
not just ignore the threats and claim that the persons involved are allies of
the president. It is principles that are worth defending. No act of impunity
should be left unexposed, no matter whom it affects.
The constitution even went as far as to empower the people to exercise the ‘’
freedom to assemble and demonstrate peaceably and without arms. ‘’ However,
with the retention of the colonial Public Order Act, these rights may become
actionable without hindrance when a government comes into being which truly
recognises the sovereignty of the people.
In short the Gambia is a sovereign republic with a constitution which
guarantees fundamental rights to the citizenry which the executive takes oath or
makes affirmation to defend. Should any leader honour their oath with
disregard, the people have the right to reject them in any election and select such
leaders who will defend their rights as the sovereign owners of the country.
To conclude Foroyaa wishes its readers to note that Africa does not need two
types of leaders. It does not need leaders who are always in the defensive
against the west.It does not need leaders who are subservient to the west.
Africa is in need of leaders who will enhance the liberty, dignity and
prosperity of their people and serve as an example for the West to follow: In our
view, a country with a population of more than 1.5 million and 95 per cent of
whom claim to be Muslims cannot be disadvantaged to practice their religion by
empowering them to chose their manner of government and exercise their rights
to freedom of expression, rights to be free from detention without trial and
freedom to associate to promote their beliefs without interfering with the
beliefs of others and the exercise of others’ rights . Democracy is the corner
stone of all sovereign Republics which have done away with monarchies which
promote hereditary rule. Democracy is also inconceivable without human
rights. Those who truly believe that a sovereign republic is owned by her citizens
must advocate for democracy and human rights. The pages of Foroyaa are open
to any Gambian who holds that The Gambian people are not the owners of The
Gambia and should not freely decide who should manage their affairs. We shall
also conduct consultation with a cross section of the population to get them to
air their views on the subject for publication.
Rambo And Tamba Fofana Released
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Councillor Ousman Jatta (alias Rambo) has finally breath the air of freedom
after spending over a year incommunicado. He was released on Friday 12
October at around 17:00 hrs from his detention cell at Sare Ngai Police Station. He
has spent 387 days in detention.
Speaking to this reporter from Farafenni on his way home from Sare Ngai on
Saturday 13 October, Jatta said he was informed by the station officer in
charge of the said station that he is a free man. Rambo noted that the OC told
him that he (OC) had a call from the Inspector General of Police informing him
about his unconditional release which should be effected immediately.
Councillor Jatta asserted that he could not get a transport from Sare Ngai to Basse
at that time of the day; that he decided to spend the night with a friend
there. He said he called his family members to inform them about his release. He
noted that his family members came for him the following day at around
7:00am. Councillor Jatta indicated that throughout his one year in detention, he
has spent nine months in Sare Ngai Police cells. He said he was using the
clothes that he was arrested with for over five months. He said he was using
tattered clothes with his shoes burst up. Mr. Jatta pointed out that he was not
subjected to physical torture but he was mentally tortured. He noted that some
police officers have harassed him at certain instances in the cell by
blocking all ventilation systems to his cell. He said he fell sick on many
occasions, but was not given medical attention. Councillor Ousman Jatta, alias “Rambo”
, is the Councillor for old Bakau and Cape Point ward. He is a member of the
opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). He was arrested at his office at
Cape Point on 23 September 2006 and detained at an unknown location. His
lawyer had sought his release through the courts but to no avail.
The authorities have also released the headmaster of Kudang Lower Basic
School, Tamba Fofana. He was released on Friday around 5 pm. He was arrested over
a year ago and detained at various police stations. He was arrested at
Bansang and was later detained at Yundum Police Station. From there he was
transferred to Mile Two Prison where he spent one night. He was later transferred to
Kotu Police Station and then to Gunjur Police Station. From there, he was
transferred to Sare Ngai and was finally taken to Fatoto Police Station in
December, 2006. Tamba said he had never been told what he has done nor was he
charged. He said he was never asked a single question and was denied visitors
while he was at Fatoto Police Station. Tamba appears weak.
President Jammeh Meets Muslim Elders
The president started his statement by noting the high percentage of Muslims
that die due to conflicts.
He said that in this 21st Century Muslims are faced with powerful enemies
and instead of uniting to fight the enemies they end up fighting each other.
He pointed out that “there is what is called the war on terror.” But he
noted that while acknowledging the need to fight terror; that those who are
fighting terror are actually fighting Islam. He claimed that one must be a Muslim
to be a terrorist, noting that the neo-Nazis and others are not called
terrorists.
He argued that one who calls himself a Muslim and believes in the supremacy
of Allah but thinks that Sharia is bad, will go to hell.
He continued: “We all know what Christianity had done during the time of the
Inquisition. They will burn you.” But when one is beheaded under Sharia that
is criticised, he noted. He added that some are hanged and electrocuted both
of which are not Islamic.
He proceeded to make a clarion call: “We the Muslims must be steadfast in
our belief or we will go to hell.” He emphasised that a Muslim cannot worship
God and the West at the same time, noting that one will never be forgiven for
that.
He went on to say that when the West wanted to rule the world they brought
Christianity. He indicated that they propagated the idea that being black was
evil and that such a person would not go to heaven; that a black person is
made to believe that he would go to heaven only if he converts and adopts a
western name.
He noted that we have been colonized for 400 years which has resulted to
deprivation and loss of culture.
He added that the west has changed their tactic from using Christianity to
using democracy. He added that now they are coming to recolonise us through
democracy. He further said that he believes in only one system of democracy,
that is, one which the people can understand, which is based on our culture
and religion. He stressed that this is the only thing acceptable to him so long
as he remains in power.
He said that the West claim that they want to take democracy to the Middle
East. Contrary to this, he said, they provoke Islam everyday. He said they use
the wealth of the Arabs to subjugate Islam and the people, for example,
Iraq. He argued that that Iraqis would prefer Saddam Hussein to the situation in
Iraq today. He pointed out that while non-Iraqis hanged Saddam Hussein for
killing 148 people, millions of Iraqis have lost their homes and lives as a
result of the invasion. “The coalition of Satans have invited mercenaries to
kill Iraqis,” he noted. He gave Black Water as an example. He said these people
are Christians, who cannot be taken to court in Iraq.
He then made the following clarion call: “Muslims must look at ourselves
again and believe in Allah.” He reiterated: “Any terrorist arrested is a Muslim.
” He said while supremacist groups burn black churches they are not declared
terrorists, yet Hamas and Hesbollah are declared as terrorist organisations.
He emphasised that he, Yahya Jammeh, believes in Allah and will continue to
do so. He claimed that for the past 13 years he has not been given a dyne yet
he has been able to develop the nation, adding that he has been receiving
from Allah.
He stressed: “The West cannot be your friend. They don’t respect your
religion. He noted that Sunnis and Shiites are all Muslims who must not fight each
other.
He noted that everyday they confront democracy and human rights advocates
who encourage homosexuality, which he linked to making our children do what
dogs will not do. He said that homosexuality is ungodly and unacceptable.
Finally he said, making reference to a GRTS programme that democracy has
penetrated Islam. He blamed the GRTS management for allowing statements to be
aired over GRTS by a religious leader and threatened to jail the Director
General of GRTS if such is repeated. He instructed the Director General not to
broadcast any religious pronouncement again unless it is certified by the
Christian Council or the Supreme Islamic Council.
Imam Of Banjul
Alhaji Cherno Kah
Thanked the President for the treatment of ill people and for gifts given
out to people either during or outside the month of Ramadan, including sugar
and rice.
He said no one can uproot Yahya Jammeh from his firm foundation, noting that
if you fail to support him you will face the consequences. “Allah supports
those who follow him. May Allah guide him to where he is taking this nation.”
Imam Mohamed Sillah
(Mandinka)
He praised him for the “breakthrough” of his treatment. That’s your reward.
He claims to speak on behalf of the Mandinka community from Kartong to
Koina. He praised him for making the Ramadan easy for them. All mosques in Banjul
had sugar and rice.
Alhahji Cherno Dawda Jallow
Imam of Banjul Police Barracks mosque
(Fula)
(Claims to be speaking on behalf of the Fula community)
What you have achieved in the past 13 years has never been seen before. This
is the truth. You have eased our communication in the country by providing
all the Imams in the country with vehicles. God is always helping you because
you stand by the truth.
Even if the entire nation opposes you I will support you if you stand by the
truth.
He praised the President and prayed for him.
Jola Community
Ousman Sanneh
Ousman Sanneh, who was introduced as representing the Jola community, said
that he did not have much to say but only to thank them for supporting Jammeh.
He said that they the “Jolas” own President Jammeh who is one of their
kind; that they are happy with Jammeh who is theirs.
Ahmed Ould Sidi
(Mauritanian Community)
Praised him for the development of the country and facilitating their stay
in the country.
Ahmadiyya Mission
Amir Baba Trawally
He said that four years ago the dalasi was plummeting in relation to other
currencies; that this led to price rises; that now the dalasis has appreciated
against the other foreign currencies, but prices are still rising. He asked
what is responsible for this? He said that Islam promotes empathy and mutual
help and that importers should have consideration for the poor and the
interest of the country. He appealed to those in position of authority should
empathize with the underprivileged.
Alhaji Banding Drammeh
President Supreme Islamic Council
He said immediately before the last Presidential election the Supreme
Islamic Council was asked to tour the entire length and breath of the country to
urge religious leaders to pray for peace to prevail during the event; that they
are told by 90% that there is going to be peace and President Jammeh is
going to win the elections. He talked about the delay in the inauguration of the
new complex of the council.
He made two appeals to the President. The first appeal, he said comes from
70,000 Muslims in the country who go to mosque daily. After noting that God
does pardon, he pleaded to the President to release detainees that are not a
threat to security. He reiterated that this is an appeal of Muslims in the
country, noting that their job is to appeal while it is left to the President to
consider their appeal.
The second appeal is a request for a tete-a-tete discussion between the
Supreme Islamic Council and the President out of the view of the camera.
SoS Yankuba Touray
Fisheries
He started by saying that the act of seeking for forgiveness by Muslims at
the start of the Ramadan should continue on a daily basis. He said that those
who benefited most in the Ramadan are the carpenters and tailors and the
overwhelming majority of whom are non-Gambians; that the Gambian tailors do not
number more than 20; that the same is with the fisheries. Touray lamented that
the young people are not taking advantage of the skills that they acquire
from the NYSS by establishing a trade but are rather encouraged by their
fathers risk the seas to get to Spain. He said that the Spanish are not denying
entry to young people but are saying that they pass through the correct channels
and gave the analogy that you cannot enter State House without passing
through the gate.
Touray decried the ‘alien culture’ that young people acquire when they go
to Europe, that this is why a young man had taken his father to court for
having stolen all the money he sent which he toiled for in Europe.
He said there is no doubt that the country has made progress since 1994 to
date. He said there is democracy in the country, noting that democracy is not
about election but good leadership and service. This, he said, has made peace
to prevail in the country.
He called on religious leaders to give the President a hand by dealing with
current issues, particularly relating to the youth.
He urged parents and community leaders to talk to the youth to take
advantage of employment opportunities; that by being employed the youth will be able
to help their parents. He added that they are not against the youth
travelling but that they should do this legally.
On the issue of rising prices in the face of a rising dalasi he called on
wholesalers and retailers to respond appropriately as the President said
before. He called on foreign exchange dealers to stop doing so in the streets.
Yankuba Touray also urged the people to be informants like the old women in
Europe who report on immigrants they suspected of breaking the law.
SoS Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs
Ismaila Sambou
He said that he did not have much to say; that the Imam Ratib of Banjul has
said it all; that the other Imams should amplify what he said in his sermons
to their respective congregations; that thanks and praises are due to
President Jammeh for all that he has done for the Muslims; that he deserves the
praises from all and sundry.
Vice President
Aja Isatou Njie Saidy
She also echoed what all the others were saying in thanking President Jammeh.
The Vice President also thanked the religious leaders for their support.
The other speakers included Alhaji. A.A. Faal, Chairman of the Banjul Mosque
Committee, and the representative of the Lebanese community in The Gambia.
PURA Director Speaks on Spectrum Management
By Annia Gaye
Alagi B. Gaye, Director of the Gambia Public Utility Regulatory Authority
(PURA), has stated that spectrum management involves the planning, assigning,
allocation, monitoring and controlling the usage of electromagnetic radio
frequency in an official manner so as to avoid harmful radiation and
interference.
“The radio spectrum is a scarce national resource due to its growing range
of valuable uses. Due to spectrum use being an important element of the
communications infrastructure, effective management of these resources promotes
ongoing economic and social development,” Mr. Gaye said.
Mr. Gaye made these remarks at a five -day workshop organized by PURA in
collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) on spectrum
management.
He noted that the critical economic aspects of spectrum management is
relevant to ensure sustainability and include the involvement or the reduction of
rules controlling access to the spectrum.
“Because radio waves go beyond national borders, and with the increase in
the number of global services, spectrum allocation and assignment are critical
components of the process involving coordination of spectrum. This is why the
radio communication conferences of the ITU are the principal mechanisms for
international spectrum allocation,” he emphasized.
Mr. Gaye further went on to say that spectrum regulation must be updated in
a coordinated manner across West Africa, as further fragmentation must be
avoided. He noted that the essential value of harmonization is to support the
move towards the ideal of ECOWAS by creating a single sub-regional integration.
“The work done by the West African Telecommunications Regulatory
Harmonization Guidelines including spectrum management among others are highly
commendable, he said.
He observed that supplementary Acts on spectrum management, numbering,
licensing, etc, have already been enacted by the ECOWAS parliament and assented to
by ECOWAS heads of states.
Thomas Sankara Remembered
By Ousman Sillah
Yesterday, 15 October, 2007, marked exactly 20 years since Thomas Sankara,
the young valiant and visionary President of Burkina Faso, was assassinated in
a counter-revolutionary military coup by renegade soldiers headed by the
then Captain Blaise Compaore. Sankara and twelve of his aides were murdered by
this cowardly bunch who hastily dumped him and his fallen comrades in arms in
a shallow mass grave in the outskirts of Ouagadougou in an attempt to
obliterate their memory and honour. However, in the unfolding events following the
news of the assassination of Sankara and the ignoble move to make him obscure,
the youths went out in their droves in the streets of Ouagadougou and the
other major cities of Burkina Faso thus demanding for a more fitting and
honourable burial for Thomas Sankara and his comrades. The cowardly traitors,
headed by Blaise Compaore, Henry Zongo and Jean Baptiste Lingani, who were
terribly frightened as to how this ignominious project would end and waiting on the
fringes to take flight should the coup d’etat fail, were left with no option
in the face of this mass challenge and defiance but to accede to the popular
demand and gave Sankara and his gallant aides a more fitting burial with
separate graves.
Thomas Sankara was born on the 21 December 1949 in Yako in the then Republic
of Upper Volta (now changed to Burkina Faso by Sankara). He entered military
preparatory school Ouagadougou in 1966 and graduated in 1969. In 1970 he
went for further training at a military academy in Antsirabe, Madagascar. He
attended another training session at a parachute school in 1972 in Pau, France.
It was while in France that Sankara became exposed to critical political
views that helped to shape his progressive outlook.
Following his return to Upper Volta, Sankara became well known and widely
respected. In 1976, he was made to head the new National Training School for
Commandos in the Southern city of Po near the border with Ghana. He again
attended a military training course for parachuters in Rabat, Morocco, where he
met with Blaise Compaore for the first time.
The military staged a second coup in which General Sansoule Lamizana was
ousted by Colonel Joseph Ki Saye Zerbo. In a letter sent to Zerbo, Sankara
refused to join the military government and protested for the announcement made
appointing him as Secretary to the President in charge of information. He
subsequently accepts the post but on a temporal basis.
In April, 1982, Sankara resigned from the military government and was
arrested and sent to the remote town of Dedougou to await court martial. Another
coup in November headed by Col. Gabriel Some Yoryan ousted Zerbo and in which
a military doctor, Commandant Jean Baptiste Ouedraogo, became President.
Sankara and colleagues did not participate in the coup.
Sankara was made prime minister in January 1983. In May a coup was effected
by Some Yoryan and Ouedraogo in which Sankara was arrested and imprisoned in
Ouahigouya.
It was in August 1983 that Compaore and the supporters of Sankara, in a
sustained resistance, freed Sankara from house arrest. Sankara became President
and head of the National Council for the Revolution (CNR) and calls for the
formation of mass Committees for the Defense of the Revolution.
In the ensuing four years that followed, Sankara, through both theory and
practice, had demonstrated to the whole world his capacity and qualities as a
visionary, principled, honest, modest, committed, enlightened, genuine,
courageous, dignified leader, who selflessly dedicated his life to the service of
not only the people of Burkina Faso but the marginalized, oppressed and the
dispossessed people all over the world, ‘the wretched of the earth’.
Sankara is known for making numerous apt statements that reveal the
thoughts, true character and personality of this genuine servant of the people. He is
being remembered for having said that “a soldier without political education
is a virtual criminal,” “power must be conquered by a conscious people,”
etc. He was in genuine solidarity with the women, workers, peasants, the youths
and the elderly. Sankara was a true Pan Africanist whose stand and
unflinching support for African unity is unambiguous.
Today there has evolved a strong international movement, which is
perpetuating the legacy of Thomas Sankara. This civil society movement or coalition has
mobilized activists from Mexico, Europe and Africa on a trail that passed
through many countries and later converged in Ouagadougou, Burkina
Faso.Yesterday, this coalition in commemorating the 20 anniversary of cowardly murder of
Sankara had held street marches, concerts and later a mass rally in honour of
this heroic son of Africa.The activities where attended by Mariam Sankara,
the widow of Thomas, who returned from exile to grace the event.The Brazilian
President is also visiting Burkina Faso, a trip which reporters said could
not have been more timely to honour Sankara.
The democracy loving and progressive looking Gambians, in particular, and
Pan Africanists and just humanity, in general, are partaking of this
commemoration to Remember THOMAS SANKARA who will always be positively remembered
together with the likes of Che, Lumumba, Nkrumah, Mandela and a pantheon of true
champions of the cause of the people who lived and died for them defending
the rights and interest of the poor, disenfranchised and oppressed .
Food Prices
Serrekunda Market
By Isatou Bittaye
Below are the prices of food items as at 12 October 2007 compared
to February 2007. In most instances, prices have gone up.
ITEM February 2007
Current Price
Rice per bag D420.00
D550
Rice per cup D2.25
D3.00
Tomato paste per spoon D1.00 D1.50
Tomato per 400g tin D15.00
D20.00
Tomato per 830g tin D30.00
D40.00
Fresh tomatoes per measure D2.00
D5.00
Onion per bag D260.00
D300.00
Onion per measure D2.00
D5.00
Cooking oil (10 litres) D275.00
D325.00
Cooking oil (5 litres) D150.00
D170.00
Cooking oil per cup D5.00
D5.50
Palm oil per cup D10.00
D12.00
Pepper per measure D2.00
D2.00
Bonga D5.00
D10.00
Joto D10.00
N/A
Cat Fish D10.00
D10.00
Chicken per carton D400.00
D400.00
Chicken per leg D15.00
D10.00
Sugar per bag D450.00
D525.00
Sugar per cup D2.50
D3.50
Meat beef and bone D65.00
D80.00
Meat beef steak D90.00
D100.00
Flour per kilo D15.00
D18.00
Flour per bag D500.00
D650.00
Amnesty International Delegates Leave Banjul
Amnesty International has announced the unconditional release of its two
delegates who had been detained in The Gambia, along with the local journalist
detained with them. The organization said that no charges had been brought
against any of the three. “The fact that these people were detained solely for
their human rights work is deplorable,” said Erwin van der Borght, Director of
Amnesty International’s Africa Programme. “While we welcome the releases,
all restrictions on the work of human rights activists in The Gambia must be
lifted immediately.” Tania Bernath and Ayodele Ameen boarded a flight in
Banjul at 16.00 GMT and were expected to arrive in London on Saturday morning.
Amnesty International remains concerned for the security of Yaya Dampha, the
local journalist detained with the two Amnesty International delegates, who
remains in The Gambia. The organization called on the government to ensure that
Dampha will not be targeted due to his association with Amnesty International.
The two Amnesty International delegates had been in The Gambia since
2October, when they arrived to conduct research into human rights violations in the
country, including arbitrary and unlawful detentions, attacks on freedom of
the press, and torture in custody. They also held a workshop for local human
rights defenders and journalists in Banjul. The authorities had been informed
about the Amnesty International mission.
Mam Sait Ceesay Dismissed,
Malick Jones Interdicted
Mam Sait Ceesay, the Press Officer at the Office of the President who is
accused of passing secret information that is a threat to national security to a
foreign journalist, has been dismissed from the civil service by the Public
Management Office (PMO) with effect from the 19th of September.
The authorities have not advanced any reason for his dismissal. Ceesay, who
was appointed by the government in 2000, was arrested at his home in Banjul
on 8th of September and taken to the Police Headquarters in Banjul where he
was detained till the 12th of September. He was charged under the secret code
and arraigned in court on the 12th of September. He was remanded at the Mile
Two Central Prison on the 12th of September and was released on bail on the
18th of September.
Ceesay joined the information service in 1979. He became a senior reporter
and later rose to the position of sub-editor. He left the information service
in 1982 and traveled to Sierra Leone. Whilst in Freetown, he worked as a
freelance writer for the Oracle Newspaper, For Di People and the Shaft
Newspapers. He returned to the Gambia in 1988, and joined the Gambia Weekly Newspaper
as a reporter. He worked for the Weekly Newspaper up to 1992 when he left for
Dakar. While he was in Dakar between 1992 and 1994, he worked as a freelance
correspondent for the Point Newspaper and became a stringer for Radio France
International and La Soleil (a Senegalese Daily). He worked as a freelance
writer for the Daily Observer between 1994 and 1996.He also worked as an
assistant editor for the Upfront Newspaper (organ of the AFPRC regime) edited by
Saptieu Jobe. He was also an editor for the Patriot between the period 1996 and
1998. Ceesay worked as the editor in chief for the Patriot between the
period 1998 and 1999. He was appointed press officer at the office of the
President in 2000, a position he occupied until 19th of September when he was
dismissed from the civil service. He was appointed editor in chief for the Daily
Observer Newspaper in October 2005, a position he occupied up to February 2007.
Malick Jones, the head of current affairs at GRTS Radio, has been
interdicted by the management of the aforesaid institution with effect from the 24th of
September 2007. The management has urged Jones to desist from carrying out
any duty on behalf of GRTS or entering the latter’s premises without the
permission of its Director General. He has been urged to hand over any material
owned by GRTS.
Jones who joined Radio Gambia as an announcer in 1980, was arrested at the
Jaama Hall on the night of the Face of AFRICELL competition. He was later
taken to Banjul, and from there he was transferred to Kairaba Police Station
where he spent two days. He was later transferred to Gunjur Police Station.
He was arraigned in court on the 12th of September, and later remanded at
the Mile Two Central Prison. He spent over a week at Mile Two before he was
released on bail.
Are There Alternatives To Begging?
By Isatou Bittaye & Ebrima Dibbasey
Following a story carried in the Daily Express Newspaper, there are reports
that the police have started arresting beggars on the streets again. These
reporters went round and interviewed some of the beggars in a bid to seek their
opinion regarding the reported arrests.
One Mam Jarra Secka, a visually impaired woman, when interviewed, said she
is not aware of any news that the police have again started arresting beggars
following the first wave of arrests in January. Mam Jarra explained that she
was among those who were first arrested and was detained until her husband
bailed her. Mam Jarra added that she was asked by the police to leave the
highway and roadside where she normally sits to beg, because according to them it
is not safe for her. She said that at that time she used to sit at the
Brikama garage in Serrekunda. Mam Jarra indicated that she was not born blind but
that she no longer has any other job except to engage in begging. She noted
that she depends on begging for her survival and called on the concerned
authorities to give them chance to beg because that is the only thing they can do
to make ends meet.
One Rabbiatou Jarju, a physically disabled woman, said she was not aware of
any arrests again but was quick to complain that sometimes the police asked
them not to sit on the streets to beg, especially around the Serrekunda
market. She added that they were asked to stay home because they (the police) did
not want to see them begging on the streets. She indicated that when they
asked the police what they (beggars) have done to deserve this mistreatment, she
said that the police only replied that they were just sent to drive beggars
off the streets. Rabbiatou appealed to the government to leave them in peace
because they depend on begging for their survival. She noted that she is a
Gambian citizen and if she were sent out of The Gambia she would not have
anywhere to go.
Mr. Momodou Jallow, a disabled who sits at International Bank for Commerce
(IBC) Serrekunda branch to beg, said he was not aware of any arrest and was
not part of those who were at first arrested. He said that he had people saying
that the police have started arresting beggars on the streets but he did not
see them. Momodou told these reporters that he is a Senegalese national and
he has been sitting at the Bank to beg since 1999 but was never driven away or
arrested.
Another disabled woman, Njie, said she was aware of the first wave of
arrests and was even among the victims who were taken to Bundung Police Station.
She said that they were arrested first by one Fallou Choi, Lamin Suso and
Inspector Colley, all police officers, but that she was not aware of another wave
of arrests again. She said that they are begging because they are poor and
have no means of survival and it is through begging that they get food, clothes
and pay their children’s school fees. She said the police always disturb
them. She said they therefore call on the president to act before it is too late.
Ousman Gomez said that he heard an announcement over the radio that all
beggars are banned from the traffic lights; that if any beggar is found begging
around the traffic lights, the government would not have any mercy or sympathy
on them. He said that they depend on begging and if they are banned from
begging the government should provide them with means for their survival if not
they cannot stop them from begging.
When contacted to express his views on the issue of arresting beggars in the
name of clearing them off the streets, Mr. Muhammed Kora, President of The
Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), said that he was not aware of any
arrests yet, and that whenever such things happen he was always given the
information. Mr. Kora said that since the last time they were arrested in January
he did not hear of any arrest but was aware that the police were advising
beggars to leave the traffic lights; that no force was used but it was just
sensitization over the radio because the traffic lights area is not safe. Mr. Kora
indicated that The Gambia Organisation for the Visually Impaired (GOVI) is
implementing a programme to help the visually impaired where they would be
given vocational training to acquire life skills in the forms of business,
farming, soap making and tie-dye and some small scale loan would be provided after
the training for the people to start a business in the areas they were
trained. He noted that if they were given chance for the next five years, most of
the people would give up begging. Mr. Kora said that this programme was
implemented in the North Bank Region and the people there have now given up
begging. He said that the programme is now being extended to cover the Greater
Banjul Area. The GOVI President noted that the programme is specifically focused
on the visually impaired and is funded by Sight Savers International. Mr. Kora
added that the blind children are provided with education and in future they
would not go for begging. He urged the government to increase the annual
subvention they are giving to the organisations of the disabled that would
enable them to empower their members. Mr. Kora also appealed to the business
community to support the GOVI in its celebration of World White Cane Day in
October because the day is very important to the visually impaired community. He
also appealed for support to the federation of disable organisations to
celebrate World Disability Day, which is an important event for the disabled.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Discrimination In The Family
By Amie Sillah
Part 3
Zainabou Is Disappointed
Zainabou is embarrassed and disappointed. Mum has turned into a monster. She
embarrassed and humiliated her children. Zainab cried for help.
Bani Comes Into Her Room
Bani heard the sobs and came into her room. She cuddled her into her arms
and enquired. “What’s the matter Nabou? Why are you crying so bitterly?” “It
is Mum. She is on my life. She embarrassed and humiliated Saul. What is her
problem? Am I not twenty years old? I can take care of myself. If she
continues with this horrendous behaviour, I’ll quit. I can live on my own. After all,
I am an adult, I can take care of myself.” “No! No! Never contemplate doing
that. This is Africa, The Gambia. People kin talk. What will they say? That
you are unmarried and living on your own. You’ll be labeled as rotten and
wayward.” “Who cares? How many girls are already living on their own or with
boyfriends? That was a taboo before but no more. I am fed up and tired with Mum’
s taunts and bickering. She has turned into a monster. I can no longer
tolerate her.” Zainab insisted. But Bani is not tired. She gave her solidarity and
convinced her out of her intention. “This is your home. Exercise patience.
That’s Mum’s nature now. How many times did she do it to me. Blow! Take it
easy girl!” Bani cooled off her temper. She made fun to make her laugh.
Saul Is Angry
Saul is angry. He was belittled and humiliated. He wanted to give up the
relationship. Zainab visited him and found him in a sad mood. She apologized for
Mum’s action. Saul insisted on calling off the relationship. “But why? I am
not Mum. I am not part of her problem. I am old enough. I can take care of
myself. Don’t leave me now. If you do I’ll die of shame.” Zai pleaded. “Your
Mum had embarrassed and humiliated me. How can I continue with a babe whose
Mum loath my very presence. I am in a dilemma. I love you with all my heart
but your Mum’s attitude towards me pissed me off.” Zainab cried over his lap.
Saul’s heart got softened. He also cried and cuddled Zainab.
Aunty Isha Asks For A Loan
Aunty Isha is Mum’s sibling, her younger sister. She is a seamstress,
blessed with twelve children. Her husband Ousman works as a postman with a meager
salary. They cannot make ends meet. Aunty Isha’s tailoring business
supplements the family feeding budget. Before Mum’s transformation into a monster, she
used to help her a lot but not now. She taunts and calls her names. She
timidly entered the sitting room and found Mum drinking ‘attaya’ being brewed by
her orderly. She became impatient with her blood sister. “What can I do for
you? You see I am busy now relaxing after a busy office schedule.” Aunty Isha
spoke her mind. “Can I see you in private?” She requested. Then sense
entered Mum’s head. She asked the orderly to leave for some minutes. She left.
Aunty Isha continued. “I want you to loan me D10,000 to buy some materials to sew
some African designs. My friend Amina is going to the US. She will take them
along. There is a good market. When she returns with my money, I’ll pay you
instantly. I don’t want to lose this golden opportunity.” She hissed, frown
at her sister and started her bickering. “I have no rest, no privacy. Won’t
you people leave me alone? Oumu this! Haja that! Am I the only rich relative?
Go to others now! Stop invading my privacy and pestering me. I am fed up!”
Then she thought hard. “Come to my office tomorrow at midday. I’ll give you
D5,000. That is what I can afford.” Aunty Isha jumped up from her seat. “
Thank you my dear sissy. May Allah overflow your wealth fountain. May God bless
you.” “God had already blessed me. Parasites! You kept on praying may God
bless you just to suck my blood. I am tired of all these begging! You refused to
plan your life. Look at you at 40, you have a football team with a reserve.
It is not how many children you have but how well you meet their basic needs.
A person can have one blessed child and live happily for life, while another
have a trunk load full of lumpens, vagabonds, thieves and prostitutes.”
Aunty Isha was insulted and humiliated but she had no choice. Let her just have
the money and continue with her business.
Saul In His House
Hassan entered the house and found Saul in a thoughtful mood. “Sulayman Bun!
What is eating you up? Can we share the burden? I am a friend. I can help.”
Saul opened up to Hassan. “I want to give up on Zainab.” “Why? Do you want to
kill her? No! Don’t ever say that again. Nabou is a faithful, decent girl.
She loves you with all her heart. Don’t ever think of leaving her.” Hassan
advised. “But what about her Mum? She pesters my life. She hates me with a
passion. She threatens to harm me if I don’t leave her daughter. I fear for my
life oh! I am an only child of poor peasant parents.” Hassan couraged him. “Don
’t mind Haja. She is bluffing. Think about Zainab. She is not like her Mum.
She loves and cherishes you, Defend and protect your love. You’ll succeed in
the end. Love conquers all.” Hassan patted Saul’s back. “Haja is mean and
diabolical. She can go to any extent.” “Leave everything to Allah. God will
protect you Inshallah!” Assu gave him courage. He is a good friend. He gives
Saul good advice. He listens to his wise counselling.
Dinner Time
At the dinning table Haja gave two cheques to her girls. Each was to receive
ten thousand dalasis to shop for clothes, shoes and bags to match. “The cock
tail dinner is going to be classic. I want you girls to dress like a
peacock. I’ll open my trinket box. You can choose any jewelry, diamond, gold,
silver, emerald, ivory, you name it, I have it. I want you glow on that day. It is
a fishing expedition. The high and mighty of society will attend. Who knows
you might meet your future husbands.” Zainab frowned and protested. “Mummy!
You will be disappointed because I’ve already found a husband in Saul.” “
Nonsense! Stupid, senseless girl! Never mention that name in my house again!” “I
am not interested in your cocktail dinner party. Take your money. I don’t
need it.” Zainab handed the cheque back to her Mum. She got up and left. “We
shall see who rules this house, you or me? You’ll regret your action! I’ll d
eal with you!” Haja threatened. Bani was displeased with her sister’s blunt
action. She sensed conflict. Both adversaries were determined to stay their
ground. She decided to talk to her sister.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
POST- 1987 GENERAL ELECTIONS;
PPP ELECTION MACHINE EXPOSED
We have been focusing on politics in this column. We have analyzed the
political history of The Gambia from pre-colonial to Post-Independence era. The
narration of events is meant to help our young people to know the past so as
to understand the present in order to enable them to shape the future.
In the last issue, we had dealt with the petitions filed by the two
opposition parties, i.e. NCP and GPP. We have stopped where we said the official news
was no more credible because at the time, radio Gambia always engaged in
announcing the so-called cross-carpeters from the opposition, who according to
the Nation may have been their own members just to create psychological
confusion instead of informing the people about the true state of affairs of the
country.
Let us continue from where we stopped.
Issues that emanated from the 1987 General Elections refused to die down as
they continue exposing the PPP election machine. The commissioners are the
direct representatives of the president in the provinces. As a result they
wield a lot of influence and were much feared by the people. The word
commissioner sends chills of fear down the spine of the ordinary peasant. It was
synonymous to the cry or groans of an angry lion in those days. The PPP used the
commissioners to remind the peasants of their harrowing colonial experience. In
certain instances, to simply utter the word “commissioner “to the people
smacked looming trouble. They were used as a tool, more or less, for mis-
education and as a measure to control or deter the thinking of the masses.
The Pakau Njogu Incident
During the election campaign of 1987, there was this story of a rift between
the village head (Alkalo), Ismaila Bah of Pakau in the Upper Niumi and the
commissioner of the North Bank Division, Mr. Demba Comma, which ended in the
suspension, and dismissal of the Alkalo.
According to the Nation’s story, Mr. Bah said he never speak at political
meetings. He said one Modou .I. Bah, a native of his village expressed his
interest in standing as a candidate for the Gambia People’s Party in the 1987
elections, but as he said it seemed that some people did not agree with him. He
said he too tried to dissuade him not to stand as a candidate. Mr. Bah
appeared to be very conscious of his role as a community leader. He said,” we
Alkalos have no right to interfere in such political matters, He said he was
overwhelmed by the high profile visit comprising a cabinet minister, the chief of
the Area, the PPP candidate and a member of the chief’s court to say that
they intend to hold a political meeting at his village.
According to the Pakau Alkalo, some days later after the meeting, the
commissioner of the Kerewan Administrative area, Mr. Demba Comma, accompanied by
some people, also called to see him about a report the commissioner said he
received concerning the village well, which he the Alkalo was alleged to have
deprived some villagers from using. He however said it was fortunate for him
because the master of their school was present who intervened to explain
everything; that the allegations were false. The Pakau Alkalo narrated that it was
at that juncture that the commissioner told him that he wanted to see him
(Alkalo) alone. He said with the two of them, Comma asked about the progress of
the politics in the area. He said he told him that the politics was on but
since he is an Alkalo, he had noting to do with it. “I am here as an Alkalo”
he said. “I am here in support of Government directives and under Jawara,” he
added.
The Alkalo said the Commissioner then urged him to do all he could to see
that the PPP wins at the general elections. He said he told Comma that as an
Aklalo, he was not supposed to be openly involved in politics, but as he said,
Comma even gave him a poster of Jawara, which was hung in his house. The
Alkalo said to his utter amazement, the commissioner called a meeting in his
absence and announced his replacement by one of his relatives on the pretext that
he was not performing his duties properly. He said Comma made a verbal
election and asked people to raise their hands for his successor but as he said
only 4 people in the whole village did so. He said the rest of the community
raised their hands for him but the powerful commissioner still ignored their
decision and replaced him. The Pakau Alkalo explained that to his surprise the
commissioner sent message for him to go and meet him at his office. He said
he decided to go with his son. He said to his utter surprise, the commissioner
urged him to resign from the position of Alkaloship because as he said his
service to his village was unsatisfactory, and that he should not continue to
be in the village; that his presence would cause controversy and differences
among the people; that the villagers would lose benefits from the Government
which they are entitled to since he could not get on well with the government.
He said he was however confused as to how he was in conflict with the
government, neither could he understand the actions of the commissioner who
replaced or dismissed him before all the villagers only to later asked him to resign.
The Alkalo said he then told him that he would not resign, “because I did
not put myself there in this position as Alkalo. It was with the approval of
the villagers”. He said he protested and told the commissioner that “It was my
people who support me but the decision to replace me was yours, not the
people.” According to the Nation, the fights that broke out were all based on
elections. The Aklalo said nobody was beaten in Pakau itself, but one man in
Kerr Demba Holleh village in Upper Niumi by the name, Alieu Saine, was severely
beaten up by those who accompanied the PPP candidate (a cabinet minister) to
the extent that he had to run and hide. The Alkalo revealed that the PPP
thugs beat Saine because he was a supporter of the opposition candidate in the
constituency.
The dismissed Pakau Alkalo said the incident was reported to the police. He
said another person, a woman, became a victim when she went to visit her
relative at Kerr Afa; that when she returned home, she coincidentally met the PPP
having a meeting at the village and she was asked to reveal the name of the
writer who wrote on the wall to which she said she did not know; that she too
was beaten up. The Alkalo explained that the woman was so traumatized and
helpless that she had no option but to report the matter to a village soothsayer
(marabout) who advised her to be calm and be patient. He said the marabout
later told the woman that he too was powerless to do anything but gave her
some money. He said he learnt that the lady was pregnant; that all the said
beatings happened in the presence of the PPP officials.
It was at this period that, the PDOIS intensified their campaign to
enlighten the people in both rallies and in their writings. They accused the PPP of
being an election machine; that this was why it buys votes, engage in corrupt
registration practices, pits the people against each other, used arm twisting
tactics, fabricates allegations against opponents just to win votes; that
their victory never reflected popular support.
The PDOIS maintained that what is true was that the old brand of politicians
still managed to pit poor farmers living in huts or workers living in
congested houses sleeping on beds full of bed bugs against each other. It is true
the PDOIS said that such innocent people do insult each other and fight only
to witness the people they fight for living in comfort in storey buildings,
enjoying privileges and driving very expensive vehicles at their expense.
By December 1987, Banjul was faced with city council elections. According to
the book “Story of the PPP”, the NCP and the GPP this time have chosen to
contest in an alliance. The PDOIS refused to participate based on the fact
that the councils were under the grip of the ruling party. The PDIOS also
boycotted the country- wide Area council elections because according to their
manifesto, the country-side is still robbed of democratic institutions; that what
obtained at the time were sham elections of district chiefs and village heads
where the president and minister of Local Government determine who was to
stand and how long he/she was to be in office.
The PDOIS said the Area Councils collect money from the people without
rendering services proportionate to the sums collected. They said they would not
take part because the same old colonial arrangement prevailed.
In the BCC elections, the NCP and GPP decided to contest in an alliance.
According to the “Story of the PPP” booklet, the PPP won eight out of nine
wards and losing one Banjul Central ward to the NCP/UP. It further states that
for the provincial elections, the NCP, having taken enough hiding, chose not
to contest, leaving only the GPP alone to contest and sponsored independent
candidates in about a dozen wards and encouraged them elsewhere.
See next edition as we penetrate into the year 1988.
NIA Diamond Case Delayed
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The three-year long dragging criminal case between the state and six
ex-officers of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), could not proceed on Tuesday
9 October, at the Kanifing Magistrates Court presided by principal magistrate
Moses Richards.
When the case was called, Lawyer Lamin Jobarteh announced his representation
and also held brief for lawyer Kombeh Gaye for all the accused persons. The
state counsel A.S. Umar was not in court. Jobarteh informed the court that he
was called by Umar that he is sick and could not make it to court. Jobarteh
added that Mr. Umar also told him that he would be traveling out of the
jurisdiction by Friday 12 October and that he would not be available till 14 of
next month. Mr. Jobarteh further said the state counsel had also given him a go
ahead to address the court for his defence. Jobarteh noted that he would have
finished his case had it been they had continued.
Magistrate Richards raised a concern about the state counsel’s failure to
assign the case to another state counsel to hold brief for him. He said that in
the whole state department there must be someone who can be assigned with
the case until Mr. Umar comes back. He later adjourned the case to 23rd October
2007.
The six ex-NIA men are Mr. Lamin Drammeh, Basiru Jabang, Lamin Sanneh,
Fabakary Barrow, Kajali Jawara and Salimina Drammeh. They are accused of robbing
two Germans of their money and properties.
Dudu Kassa Jaata And Co Trial
Handwriting Expert to Be Involved
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Senior Magistrate Abdoulie Mbacke of the Kanifing Magistrates Court has on
Thursday 11 October ruled that the alleged voluntary and cautionary statements
and Dudu Kassa Jaata himself should subjected for examinatrion by the
handwriting expert to determine the differences or otherwise of the two signatures
on the documents.
When the ruling was made, defense counsel Lamin S. Camara argued that the
documents should be first tendered as evidence before the Court before they can
be sent to the handwriting expert.
Camara added that the documents are not in evidence before the court, that
it cannot be sent to the handwriting expert to examine them. In the previous
sitting, the defence intended to tender the document before the court but was
objected to by state prosecutor Sergeant 870 Amat Touray. Touray argued that
the documents should be sent to the handwriting expert for examination.
Counsel Camara further submitted that the court had to admit the documents before
the genuiness of the two signatures could be determined. Mbacke adjourned the
case till Thursday 11 October for a ruling on whether to admit the document
or not and for the defense to continue with their case. On Thursday he ruled
that the documents should be sent to the handwriting expert to check the
genuiness of the signatures on them. Dudu Kassa Jaata and seven others from Bakau
Jatta Kunda are standing trial since last year for allegedly arming
themselves and using abusive language in public and obstructing police from executing
their duties.
Basse Area Council Staff Without
Salaries For 3 Months
By Lamin Fatty
A group of angry staff said to be working for the Basse Area Council
expressed their frustration and disappointment over the decision by the Council
Authorities not to pay their salaries after almost 3 months. According to
sources, this is the third month that the staff of the said Institution is without
salaries.
When contacted the Chairman of the Basse Area Council, Alagie Kanimang
Sanneh, denied the claim that a civil servant withhold the money or the salaries,
and said the staff will not be paid in his absent. According to him, this is
a very critical period affecting most of the councils including Basse Area
Council. He said this is a period that they called “limp period” when council
run into bankruptcy. According to him, “you cannot ask a cattle owner to pay
his tax when he/she is faced with problems of how to feed his/her family.” He
said it is not true that for almost 3 months, council staff are without
salaries; that the staff receive their salaries. He said the council is doing
everything possible to make sure that the staff receives their salaries by the
end of the month. He pointed out that the conditions of the council staff is
one of the most important priorities of the council’s Authorities.
Escaped Prisoner Arraigned In Court
By Modou Jonga
One Mustapha Kah, who is alleged to have escaped form lawful custody at the
Yundum Police Station in the Kombo North, was on Friday 5 October, 2007
charged and arraigned in court. The accused, who pleaded guilty, before Magistrate
Johnny Njie, is alleged to have escaped while under lawful custody on 29
September, 2007 at the said police station. His action is said to have
contravened Section 108 of the Criminal Code. The accused told the court that, he was
arrested after forged currency notes were found in his possession and that he
was given the fake money by a client. He said while in custody, he was
beaten and handcuffed.
On his part, prosecutor, Corporal 413 Sanyang said the matter is under
investigation with the fraud squad at the police headquarters and the file of the
case will be referred to the Central Bank before the accused could be charged
on the said offence.
The accused was subsequently fined two thousand five hundred dalasis and in
default will serve three months in prison. The presiding magistrate ruled
that the accused be kept in custody pending the completion of investigation on
the alleged fake currency notes.
Toubabo End Drought with Fantastic Double
By Modou Nyang
Scorpions’ young midfield maestro Mustapha Jarjue scored twice to help club,
Lierse SK, pick their first three points on Sunday.
The Gambia international scored in the 27th minute setting Lierse to a
famous victory at home to R. FC. Tournai and then added to that by rounding-up the
day with another in the 62nd to up the score to 3-0. Bueno Ernandes, scored
lierse’ second goal in the 45th minute just before the end of the first half.
Jarjue was setup for his first by Charlie Miller and he ensured he make no
mistake by beating Tournai goalkeeper Delwarte. But the young Gambian had some
unfinished business with Delwarte and this time he waited late in the game.
Delwarte was in for more shaming when the Wellingara boy ran face to face
with him after being freed with a perfect through pass. Toubabo sent the rushing
keeper into the wrong direction before slotting home his second and Lierse’
third.
Playing upfront as a supporting striker Jarjue was always at the pains to
explain about his goal drought when he was confronted by the clubs’ faithful.
This situation was the result of his exploits in his first season with the
club. Toubabo scored 9 goals last season topping the clubs’ goal scoring table
after joining them midway during the January transfer window.
Jarjue’s team and country mate Assan Jatta was an unused substitute during
the match. The duo joined the Belgian outfit in January 2006 from Bakau based
club Steve Biko. However, despite Jarjue’s 9 goal tally Lierse could not
avoid dropping from the Belgian top division. And when clubs came knocking for
the services of the young Gambian talent, Lierse refused to let go their
cheaply acquired asset who has a contract until 2009.
Ous Sharpening for More Kill
By Modou Nyang
Ousman Jallow is ready for the kill when the UAE Ettesalat League resumes
this weekend. The Scorpions whiz kid scored two goals for Alain in a test match
against Alsalaam Omani.
The UAE league was on break during the middle of the Ramadan and Alain will
play their second league match on Sunday against Al Shabab. The Gambian boy
wonder scored in the 7th and 33rd minutes to put Alain on top before half
time. And Alain new signing Moroccan, Sufian Alaloudy made it three in the 76th
minute from a Ousman Jallow assist.
Ous was substituted in the second half. Alain’s coach Brazilian Titi, played
a mixture of first and reserve team players to test the fringe players.
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