Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 123/2007, 19 – 21 October 2007
Editorial
The Plight of The Gambian Farmer
Agriculture is reported to be providing a means of income to 80 per cent of
Gambia’s labour force and contributes 29 per cent of GDP. It is a major
foreign exchange earner for the country. 29 per cent of GDP is equivalent to 952
million dalasi. However, 70 per cent of the people living in the rural areas
are said to be earning less than 1 dollar a day. These statistics are not
invented by Foroyaa. They are manufactured from the raw materials constituting
facts provided by the APRC administration.
The cause of the poverty of the groundnut producer is attributable to
government policy and management of the groundnut subsector. What is the evidence?
In the 2003/2004 cropping season, the farmers are reported to have produced
92, 937 metric tonnes of groundnuts. In the 2004/2005 cropping season, the
quantity of groundnuts produced increased to 135,698 metric tonnes. In the
2005/2006 season, the figure rose to 140, 660 metric tonnes. The farmers have
been doing their best to produce despite the high prices of fertilizer and other
farm inputs. The major problem has been the marketing and financing of the
crop.
In 2004 the government had a Secretary of State who was associated with the
groundnut sector for years in the first republic. The farmers were promised
the heavens and the earth but to no avail. The Nation was informed before the
2004/2005 cropping season that a new company, that is, The Gambia
Agricultural Marketing Company GAMCO had been set up to make credit buying in the
groundnut trade history. The government went into a face building exercise by
claiming that GAMCO had the requisite funds to buy the whole crop and that a
regulatory framework had been created which would not allow any operator in the
Market whose business does not satisfy the criteria established for their
operation. The small traders were banned from buying groundnuts and all cross
border sales were suppressed with unimaginable intolerance.
Did GAMCO salvage the farmers? NO. It threw them into the abyss of
uncertainty. The trade season which followed the birth of GAMCO was a disaster. The
Parliamentarians who were hoodwinked by GAMCO into believing that the problem
of credit buying was over received a rude shock when the farmers in their
constituencies told them that things could not be worse. The rude shock turned
into astonishment when it was gathered that GAMCO received loans amounting to
120 million dalasis from local banks relying on social security, a public
enterprise, as guarantor. After the 2005/2006 season it became clear that GAMCO
was a white elephant which could not rescue the farmers. In fact when the
President addressed Parliament in 2006, he claimed that out of 135,698 tonnes of
groundnuts produced only 30,000 metric tonnes constituted the commercial
crop. When he addressed Parliament in March 2006, when any trade season on
groundnuts should have come to an end, he could only mention that 10,000 metric
tonnes of groundnuts had been bought. The president said recently that he has
been able to develop the country without the help of the traditional donors.
Unfortunately, the groundnut sub sector has not benefited from the heavenly
banks.
As the trade season drew near, Foroyaa interviewed the SOS for Trade hoping
that the government will give assurance to the farmers that concrete
financiers and mechanisms are in place to purchase the crops for the 2007/ 2008
cropping season. Now the farmers can keep their fingers crossed and rely on hope
to give them confidence that after a rainy season of hunger and deprivation
they will receive the products of their sweat without unnecessary delay.
Foroyaa, however, can assure the Gambian farmer that in this coming trade season
nobody will exploit them with impunity without being exposed. It is best for
the Departments of State for Agriculture and Trade to open up complaints units
as Foroyaa will dispatch journalists to all divisions to publish the names
of all the operators in the industry and any complaint of wrong doing by them
which are authenticated. We shall publish a special column called Farmers
Forum to accommodate all the complaints of the farmers and their organizations
as well as the world market and regional market prices for farm produce. We
will interview representatives of farmers to start the column. There can be no
eradication of poverty without the uplifting of the lives of our Agricultural
producers.
Dr. Taal Reinstated
According to reports reaching Foroyaa, Dr. Saja Taal who was sacked from the
position of Managing Director of the Observer Company on Tuesday has been
reinstated on Thursday 18 October 2007. Dr. Taal had served in the position
since 2005 after taking over from Mr. Momodou Sanyang.
Woman Buries Her Baby
By Amie Sanneh
Calamity besieged Wellingara on Friday when a woman (name withheld) gave
birth to a baby boy and buried him alive. The lady who is said to be a resident
of Abuko, works as a housemaid at Wellingara,.
The report added that after the suspect buried the baby, she put empty
plastic bags on top of the grave so that people will not discover what happened;
that this situation continued until on Sunday when the landlady discovered
that a swarm of flies were flying over the scene of the crime. The landlady is
said to have asked people to find out why the flies are in the area. According
to a source, the people later discovered a decomposing body at the site
where the baby was buried. The report indicated that it was then that the lady
suspected her maid and reported the matter to the station.
The source indicated that the police at Wellingara Police Station later came
and took pictures of the corpse. The suspect was then taken to the clinic
and later to the Wellingara Police Station. The dead body was however taken to
the mortuary.
When the police spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka was contacted, he
confirmed the story. He said the young lady gave birth to a baby boy on Thursday
and buried it early Thursday morning. Inspector Secka added that the police
received the information on Sunday. He said the body is at the mortuary and
the lady is currently in custody at the police Headquarters in Banjul
The PRO revealed that the police are still investigating the matter and the
lady will eventually be taken to court. He said she would be charged for
committing infanticide. The police spokesperson however warned the general
public, especially young girls, to desist from such a practice.
West African Human Rights Journalists To Be Trained By ACHPR
The African Commission on Human and People Right (ACHPR), an organ of the
African Union that is mandated to promote and protect human and peoples
rights in Africa, in collaboration with the Open Society Initiative for West
Africa (OSIWA), is organizing a human rights training workshop for journalist from
countries in the West Africa sub-Region.
The workshop which is scheduled to take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from
19-20 October 2007 is aimed at training West African Human Right Journalists
who will organise similar training in their respective countries.
This development was revealed to Journalists on Wednesday 10 October 2007 at
a press briefing at the Commission’s Headquarters along Kairaba Avenue.Dr.
Feyi Ogunade, Senior Legal officer in charge of promotional Affairs at the
African Commission said said “Twelve (12) countries, namely Benin, Burkina Faso,
Gambia, Ghana, Guinea., Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and
Togo are expected to benefit from the training. One journalist will be drawn
from each of these countries, except The Gambia, where 6 human rights journalist
will be part of the training.” Commenting on the ideals behind the training,
Dr. Ogunade said, “Article 30 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples
Rights provides for the establishment of the African commission on Human and
People rights within the OAU, now AU, with the mandate to promote human and
people’s rights and ensure their protection in Africa”. He added that Article
45 outlines interpretation of the charter and performing any other duty
assigned by the Assembly of Head of State and Governments of the African Union.
He explained “as part of its promotional functions, the Africa Commission
with support from OSIWA, is training human rights journalist in West Africa on
the African charter and the work of the commission. Dr. Ogunade further said
that the training will opportune trainees to acquire and explore knowledge
and skills on monitoring, reporting and ensuring the implementation of the
charter.
Rambo Asked To Appear In Court
By Bakary B. Ceesay
Councillor Ousman Jatta, alias Rambo, who had just breathed the air of
freedom after being held for over one year incommunicado, has told this reporter
that he was called by the Police at Bakau Police Station and told that the
crime management coordinator (CMC) of police had instructed that he should
appear at Kanifing Magistrates Court today to answer to pending charges.
In June last year, he was arraigned at Kanifing Magistrates Court before the
then Principal Magistrate, Mr. Kebba Sanyang. He was charged with using
abusive language in public, which can be a threat to state security. He was
subsequently remanded for almost two weeks before being granted bail. As the trial
proceeded, he was re-arrested by the police and held incommunicado. The
Magistrate had promised to strike out the case if the prosecution continued to
fail to produce the accused (Rambo) in court.
He said, “I will strike out the case as I did to other cases, this case is
not exceptional.” However before the subsequent proceedings, the magistrate
was appointed SoS for Justice.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Discrimination In The Family
Part 5
Zai Meets Saul’s Lawyer
Zainabou met Saul’s lawyer. She explained what Sulayman told her. “That’s a
frame up! Which station is he held?” “The Kairaba!” Zai explained. “But
you are very late. I waited for you for a while. I am very busy. I have no
time. Where are you going now?” Lawyer Coker asked. “I am going to the University
”. “That’s my direction. Hop in!” Zai hopped in and thanked Aminatta for
the lift. “Its my pleasure,” she responded.
Bani Begs her Mum
Bani begged mum to release Saul. “He had learnt his lesson. Now let him go”
. Bani went on her knees. Haja bluffed and said. “I warned him! Have you ever
seen a lamb dancing in the midst of lions and lionesses?” “No!” Bani
replied. “Saul dares me! I am just flexing my muscles to show him who I am in
Gambian Society. I am a woman of substance. My voice counts. Who are Saul’s aunts
and uncles? Leave him there for a while. I want him to run when he hears ‘Ha’
before adding Ja to it much more Ou to Mu!” She is mean, evil and arrogant.
Bani was almost in tears. “Mom! He does nothing to you! He is just in love.
Please get him released. He is a nice guy”. “No! He has not suffered enough.
Leave him there for another week!” “Another week in that horrible
condition? You want him to die? No mum! I’ll do something about it!” Bani stressed.
Haja gave a cruel laughter. “Do something about it! I want to rest. Give me a
break!” She said.
The Police Officers
The Head of the investigating Team have conscience. He went to his superior
and tried to reason with him. “Sir!” He saluted and was asked to take a
seat. “We have investigated Saul’s case. But he is exonerated. His work mates
spoke well of him. Some of his close friends suspected foul play. Let us tread
with care well. We should not allow ourselves to be used. The soup can turn
sour”. The superior is god-fearing. He listened attentively and concluded the
same way as his junior. “If his lawyer comes, let us bail him. Has the woman
who brought the complaint appeared?” “No! She has not since she gave the
complaint”. The junior answered. “Okay! Do as we have agreed”. “Yes Sir!” The
junior saluted and left.
Barrister Aminatta Coker
Barrister Coker is a no-nonsense woman. She is a Human Right Lawyer, highly
respected among her peers not only in The Gambia and Africa but Worldwide.
She is sharp, deligent and witty. She bailed Saul and drove him to his home.
Zai accompanied her to the station. They all returned to Saul’s home. Aminatta
spoke. “You are now released on bail. Be very careful. But it still baffled
me. How can your future mother-in-law framed you up? Be very careful my
friend! Be very careful! She will strike again. But be rest assured! I am ready
for her. Nothing good comes easy. Your prize is worth it”. She smiled at Zai. “
She is intelligent, witty, sincere and above all loyal, stick to your love.
Victory is surely yours”. Aminatta counseled him. “Thank you Barrister. You
are right. Nothing good comes easy. I love Zai. Nothing! Nothing! Not even
prison can make me leave her. She is my soul mate. We will survive”. The duo
kissed each other. “That is the spirit. Stick together to shame the enemy”.
She begged to leave. They bade her good bye and she left.
Mom And Her Bad Tricks
Haja came into her sitting room and found Bani entertaining her course
mates. She dashed into them and asked them unceremoniously to leave her house. “
You!” She pointed to the two guys, one after the other. “Leave my house at
once before I release my dogs at you!” The two guys got up and started to leave.
“But mom!” Bani started to protest. “They are my course mates”. The guys
bade Bani good bye and ran for their lives. “Why did you embarrass my friends
like that?” Bani protested. She sulked. “Where is your sister? Is she back?”
she tried to trivialize her action. Bani sulked and replied. “She is not back
”. Haja entered her room.
Haja Comes To Saul’s House
Haja Oumu visited Saul’s house with her orderly. She asked after Zai in Saul’
s house. “An uninvited guest! What evil brought you to my house again? You
mean evil! Your presence is evil!” She ignored him and barraged. “Where is my
daughter?” Saul became surprised “Evil woman! What are you saying? You
harbour my Zai and came her forming the fool! If anything! I say if anything
should happen to my dear Saul mater, you’ll be held responsible. You are evil and
you know it!” Haja ignored Saul and asked Gas, her Orderly to search Saul’s
house inside out, upside down. She saw nothing. Gas came out and announced
to her boss that Zainab was not in Saul’s house. She bit her lower lip and
hissed. “I’ll be back!” “I’m waiting for you! If anything happens to Zainab you
’ll pay with your blood evil woman!” Saul barked at her. He now disrespected
and loathed her evil presence. Haja left with Gas.
Haja Is Worried
At home Haja went into her bedroom. She contemplated. “Where is Zainabou?
Where could she be? She is strong headed and stubborn. She is not with Saul. He
is innocent. He threatened me. I hope my daughter is fine Oh! I hope she
does nothing stupid!” Haja prayed. Then her mobile rang. She grabbed it with all
the energy she can muster. Zai! Where are you? You scare me to death! Come
back home. I mean no harm. You are the only two I get. I work and live for
you. Please come back home”. She begged. Haja changed her tone. She wanted her
daughter back. “I am not coming now. Later maybe! I have to complete my
transactions before I come back”. “Where are you? I can come and collect you. Don’
t do this to me my daughter! I need you now. I need you more than ever”. Haja
pleaded. Zainab put down the phone.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE FIRST NATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
NOT A TALKING SHOP
We have been focusing on politics in this column. We have traced 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 shape the future. In the last
issue we have dealt with the role of commissioners in the political campaign
of the ruling party. We have stopped where we said the NCP and GPP decided to
contest the BCC elections in an alliance.
Let us continue from where we have stopped.
Two issues of national and political significance occurred by the end of
1987, which are worth noting. This is the period when the 1st National Education
Conference took place from the 21 to 26 September 1987. Interestingly
enough, all political parties had been invited to this auspicious occasion, but
only PDOIS participated actively. Sidia Jatta and Halifa Sallah represented the
PDOIS. The Economists from the Ministry of Economic Planning analyzed the
economy and asserted that the major cause of our economic problems was drought
and population increase.
The PDOIS delegates contributed immensely. They gave analysis of the
economic situation and linked it to the problems and solutions of Education. This
became a big shock to the Government because it culminated into a huge debate
as to whether it was wise for the government to invite the PDOIS to the First
National Conference on Education. There were others who felt that it was the
noblest thing that the government had done to invite the PDOIS to such a
National Conference because of its divergent views. The PDOIS however felt that
their presence was indispensable. They emphasized that their presence was so
important a factor that it made the National Conference on Education a
Conference worth remembering. They argued that because of their participation, it
pushed the conference beyond the level of what conferences usually were, i.e.
talking shops, where delegates go to eat, drink and be merry and sing praises
to government policy no matter how wrong they were.
What Issues Embarrassed Government?
The issues raised by the PDOIS delegates were described as a ‘Bombshell’
precisely because they raised issues and clarified them in such a bold manner
that baffled almost everyone including the foreign delegates from UNESCO etc.
The PDOIS delegates contradicted the conclusion made by the economist from
the Ministry of Economic Planning that the major cause of our economic
problems was drought and population increase. The population of the Gambia at the
time was approximately 850, 000 inhabitants.
The PDOIS delegates insisted that the primary reason why The Gambian economy
was in that state of crisis was the fact that the PPP regime had been taking
loans after loans without investing all these millions in the productive
sectors of the economy. They argued that it had instead concentrated the wealth
in few hands, which consequently stagnated the economy while the national
debt was on the increase. The PDOIS delegates asserted that government was now
taking millions from The Gambian people to pay interest on loans that had not
benefited them in any significant way.
They drew the attention of the conference to the fact that government had
currently spent over D137 million Dalasi to finance interest on loans, which
was equivalent to almost half the national budget. They argued that this could
have enabled government to build the necessary schools and equip them
satisfactorily. The two delegates emphasized that whilst the conference may proceed
to formulate an education policy that was worthy of the name for the year
2000, they should also simultaneously task themselves with what was inevitable
and even more imperative, the building of a viable National economic base.
This they argued would essentially be the source of strength, the fundamental
pillars on which the education system must rest.
The PDOIS warned that unless the causes of our present economic crisis were
given sufficient attention, the conference would end up making the people pay
for the mismanagement of the economy by the present regime. The PDOIS
delegates also warned against introducing a cost recovery scheme in education in
the name of making it more accessible to the people, that was likely to lead to
the scraping of the skinless backs of our already terribly impoverished
people only to achieve the opposite of what was schemed.
According to Foroyaa, the representative from the Ministry of Economic
Planning could not refute the contentious issues raised by the PDOIS delegates and
at the end of the sessions the atmosphere became so tense that a European
delegate remarked: “That was good. It was a bombshell”.
Foroyaa observed that at that stage, the organizers of the conference began
to hand down what it called the “Thou Shalls” and ‘’Thou Shall nots”
without inviting the participants to take part in plotting the way sessions were to
be conducted. It was at this stage, observed the Foroyaa that the infamous
ruling was made that presentations of papers would not be allowed to exceed
twenty minutes even though those who had prepared papers were not given any
time limitations while they were being invited to make presentations. They also
limit contributions on the floor to only two minutes.
Foroyaa asked how on earth could the education system be subjected to the
critical evaluation necessary in so short a time and how could planners “take
into account the legitimate concerns and intimate convictions of the members
of the general public” at the behest of the vice president when everything had
to be rushed?
Foroyaa then concluded that it was very clear from the very beginning that
the new sense of direction and purpose, which was to be given to education by
taking into account the legitimate concerns and ultimate convictions of the
public were going to be short-lived.
Other panelists stated that the purpose of Gambian education should be to “
create a good society and a good life for all its members” Foroyaa however
argued by asking “isn’t the material conditions; the way the society is
organised responsible for the present attitudes and values of its citizens; that
would it help a person much to be educated on how to be clean when one has to
swim through muddy water daily? The paper asserted that education at the time
only prepared a person to either be up or down; that it promotes elites on the
one hand and what it described as “squeeze outs” on the other.
The PDOIS delegates expressed their ardent conviction that it was beyond the
capacity and outside of the plans of the PPP regime to build in their words “
an egalitarian society” whatever that meant; that alluding to such
egalitarian society would continue to remain an empty phrase. Interestingly enough, to
the dismay of the conference participants, the chairperson at this stage
ordered the microphone to be switched off. Was it that the truth was becoming
too bitter to swallow? Asked the foroyaa.
Sidia Jatta, one of the PDOIS leaders, could not deliver his paper on
National languages. The organizers of the conference reduced the time frame for
presentation of papers. Sidia was supposed to present a paper on adult literacy
and national languages. While he got up to appeal for more time the
organizers argued that there was no time; that all that they could allocate for him
was five minutes, which they argued had in fact elapsed during the push and
pull.
The outcome of the conference, not withstanding its relevance, can be summed
up as follows; middle schools were introduced for the first time in the
school system which had caused anxiety among the parents.
According to President Jawara, in his address to Parliament,he stressed
that they must make every effort and seek to allay parental concerns about the
nature and evolution of the middle schools. The rationale behind the
arrangement of locating middle schools in high schools was said to be a temporary
measure designed to maximize the use of available space in order to prevent any
reduction in the transition rate, which stood at 43.8% in the year 1990. The
next thing was to expand the existing facilities and the building of more
middle schools. Where would the money come from? The EDF provided D7.7 million
dalasis and the European Union provided D4.5 million dalasis for rehabilitation
work, which was supposed to be completed by December 1993. According to
President Jawara, textbooks rental scheme had been established to ensure
availability at a fee that was deemed affordable.
The second most important thing that occurred during the period was that the
Workers Union paid a courtesy call on the president thanking him for helping
to re-register the union. Foroyaa quoted Section 23 of the constitution
which gave Gambians the right to form unions and asked, why must any person be
thanked for the registration of a union?
According to Foroyaa the union assured the president of their support for
the ERP, which had led to the retrenchment of thousands of workers, even though
the same government has accepted to pay 72 million Dalasis being loan given
to private Gambians, which could have provided jobs for the workers.
Foroyaa opined that Trade unions came into being to defend the interest of
workers. With trade unions that support the ERP, the Gambia Workers should now
turn to political parties like PDOIS, which is working for viable political
change for salvation. It added that Unions now seem to benefit only union
leaders.
This was the time Mr. Araba Bah replaced the late Mr. M.E Jallow as leader
of the Gambia Workers Union and was subsequently appointed by the president as
a nominated member to the House of Parliament. Would he genuinely represent
workers or would he represent the president’s interest, even where it
conflicts with the workers interest? This became the question of the day.
See next edition of Focus as we wrap up the narration of events for the
historic year ,1987.
2 Men Arrested In Badidou For Armed Robbery
By Ousman M.M.Jallow
Information reaching Foroyaa has it that two men, a Gambian and a
Senegalese, were arrested in the Badibous for their alleged involvement in armed
robbery cases which occured in two Central Badibou Villages (Kerr Pateh and Kerr
Katim Wollof), some time in December, last year.
According to sources, one Mr. Keita, a Gambian and native of Samba Nudou
village in Upper Badibou, and one Basiru Touray believed to be a Senegalese
national from Sinhu Alagie, a border village in Senegal, were both arrested by
the Police Intervention Unit (PUI) stationed at Kerewan, in the North Bank
Region. They are said to have been detained at Kerewan before being moved to
Police Headquarters in Banjul.
According to Basiru Touray’s, the relatives he was called by his business
counterpart, one Amet Faal, a Mauritanian businessman at Kerr Pateh village, to
go and collect his goods from him; that Faal supplies goods to Mr. Touray.
They explained that upon arrival at Kerr Pateh with his horse cart, Touray was
arrested by the members of PIU. Mr. Keita;s relatives also confirmed his
arrest at his village by the PUI from Kerewan.
When contacted the police spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka confirmed
the arrest and detention of the duo. Secka said they are charged for armed
robbery and would be taken to court. It could be recalled that in December 2006,
Foroyaa reported an armed robbery incident in Central Badibou, where a
Mauritania businessman was left with almost chopped arm and his shop doors riddled
with shots.
SOS Tourism Embarks On A Familiarisation Tour
By Saikou Ceesay
As part of her efforts to bolster the tourism sector, SoS Colley with
delegates turnout to address issues in close collaboration with the stakeholders
and workers to overcome obstacles that lie ahead.
In presenting her paper at Bailey’s Beach Bar, SoS Colley buttressed on
marketing, adding that it’s of paramount interest to upgrade and promote the
marketing in all sphere of live. Addressing the Beach Bar owners among
stakeholders SoS Coley called for quality services to be rendered. She gave advice on
proper approaches on guests, visitors and even security personnel. SoS Colley
said the Beach Bar owners should not use their places to harbor criminals and
bumsters suggesting to them to provide uniforms for their employees for easy
identification. SoS Colley expressed the need for employees to be trained in
a bid to enable them execute their duties.
SoS Colley further dwelt on the urgency for craftmarket owners, Beach Bar
owners and boat owners to beautify and modify their business environment.
Mr. Kaliba Senghore, the Director General of The Gambia Tourism Authority
urged the boat owners to develop their premises and join together to establish
an association that would address their needs and particularly issues
affecting their lives. Mr. Senghore dwelt on the need to speak with one voice, under
one umbrella. He further dwelt on the issue of concession and said GTA has
not given out any beach bar but they are strengthening and supporting beach
bars. Mr. Senghore pointed out that beach bar owners will be treated on their
merits. On the issue of marketing Mr. Senghore said beach bars in The Gambia
should be modelled like the ones in Madrid Spain. He said each year they
receive six percent increase on the figures.
Other speakers include Mrs. Binta Jobe, Ida Jeng among others. They all
appealed for the need to work in vision to approach GTA on issues affecting their
businesses. For his part, Justice Kabero Camara mentioned one problem they
are faced with adding that normally security personnel would come to arrest
someone infront of tourists; that would give bad reputation about the Beach
Bar and loss of trust in the eyes of tourists. At the Banjul Craftmarket the
delegation was welcomed by sonnch epoching an artist beating his drums singing
and praising The Gambia tourism sector and GTA.
Measles Campaign Slated For November 27
By Yaya Bajo
The Programme Manager of Health Education Unit at the Department of State
for Health, Mr.
Amadou Sowe, has told Foroyaa that the forthcoming measles campaign will
start from 27
November to 3 December, 2007. Mr. Sowe commented that although measles
immunization coverage in The Gambia is high; the disease is still endemic,
occasionally causing epidemics.
He added that children who did not receive measles immunization are not
protected and can catch the disease. In light of this, he continued, the
Department of State for Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the
partners, deems it necessary to conduct the campaign. “All children from nine (9)
months to five (5) years will be immunized country-wider,” he said. On how the
campaign will be conducted, Mr. Sowe explained that vaccination teams will be
stationed at one central location in the village where mothers and caretakers
are expected to bring their children for vaccination.
“In big villages and towns, the teams will move from one designated area to
another. eg Barnabas, market centres and schools, etc, and some health
facilities will have a team that will be stationed there throughout the campaign,”
he disclosed.
Mr. Sowe finally called on the general public to come out en-masse to ensure
the success of the campaign.
In Sheriff Minteh’s Murder Trial
First Witness Cross-Examined
By Musa Barrow
The murder case of the late Sheriff Minteh, a youth who died in mysterious
circumstances early this year, on Tuesday 16 October 2007 resumed before
Magistrate Buba Jawo at Bundung Magistrate Court.
The proceeding on Tuesday was attended by defence counsel, Sheriff Tambedou
who requested for the cross examination of the first prosecution witness to
be done in chambers.
According to the defence lawyer, this is because the witness is a minor. The
court granted the request and the cross examination was done in chambers. In
his cross examination of the prosecution’s first witness Ebrahima Minteh who
is a brother to Sheriff Minteh, Lawyer Tambedou asked the former to tell the
court where Sheriff Minteh was when the police vehicle arrived in their
compound that particular night. The witness responded that the deceased was
sitting in a shop that belongs to one Ebrahima Njie, which is located near their
compound.
Lawyer Tambedou further asked the young lad whether there were streetlights
in London Conner when the incident took place and also how visible was it.
The witness said there were no streetlights in London Conner when the incident
was taking place and he could only see some few meters away.
Lawyer Tembedou also asked Ebrahima Minteh whether he could identify the
colour of the handle of the knife allegedly used to stab his brother. He
answered by saying “I think the colour of the handle is black”. When the defence
Lawyer Tambedou told Ebrahima Minteh, “Don’t you think your brother while
running might have stumbled and crashed against an outer root of a big tree?”
Ebrahima Minteh responded in the negative. After the cross-examination, the
trial was adjourned till Tuesday 23 October 2007.
Market Vendors Evicted
By Modou Jonga
Reliable reports had it that the Brikama Area Council recently evicted more
than one hundred fruit and vegetable vendors at the Triangular Space at the
Brikama Market opposite the Guaranty Trust Bank Branch. Reports indicate that
the Triangular area was sometime this year, sold by the Council to a Dutch
woman and her Gambian partner for the construction of a Bar and Restaurant. It
is also reported that the vendors were evicted by the Council without a
notice and that no proper arrangements were made by the Council for the relocation
of the evicted vendors.
Speaking to this reporter, Aminata Kuyateh, Ndey Jarju and Siya Camara, all
evicted vendors, lamented that they were evicted from the triangular area by
the council without notice. They noted that they were asked by staff of the
council to move out of the area following the commencement of the fencing of
the area by those contracted to build a Bar and Restaurant at the site.
According to them, the council did not make efforts to facilitate their
relocation and that they are currently stationed at the other end of the
triangular area. They told this reporter that the space they now occupy is less
spacious and is not conducive for business .The three evicted vendors urged the
management of the council to make arrangements for their relocation. They
lamented that the eviction exercise has affected them economically. They further
appealed to the council to relocate them to an accessible, spacious and
business friendly area in the shortest possible time. “We pay dues daily to the
council, therefore our predicament should be urgently addressed by the council,”
said one of the women.
Nato Gitteh and Kaddy Ceesay all evicted vendors also expressed similar
concerns. They lamented that the said area is where they obtained their survival
and that the council should relocate them to a proper site. An evicted
vegetable vendor, Fatou Sonko, revealed that prior to the said eviction, she and
her evicted colleagues were asked to relocate by the council. Ebrima Sanneh,
Gambian partner to the Dutch Woman, refuted claims that the said Area is sold to
them by the council. He said the council leased it to them for five years.
Mr. Sanneh declined to comment. Further. The Brikama market manager, Mr. Bunja
Jadama, explained that the evicted vendors were notified; that the notices
were signed by him. Mr. Jadama noted that a two-week eviction notice was given
to the evicted vendors prior to the said eviction.
On his part, the Public Relations Officer of the Brikama Area Council, Mr.
Seringe Joof reiterated that the triangular area is not sold but leased by the
Council to the said Gambian and his foreign partner. Mr. Joof said the
contract is for a duration of seven years and that sixty thousand dalasi has to
be paid to the council yearly. The BAC PRO noted that at the end of leasing
period, the Council would decide to either extend the leasing contract or to
terminate it. “Council does not sell anything,” PRO Joof said
Man Accused of Killing His Brother
By Fabakary B. Ceesay and Modou Jonga
The Jallow family of Dimbaya village, in Kombo Central, was on Monday 8
October struck by the news that one of its sons allegedly beheaded his elder
brother.
According to reports, the victim of the alleged fratricide, Mr. Modou Bailo
Jallow, and the suspect (name withheld) left home on Monday to look for
charcoal in Cassamance where this unfortunate incident took place. Sources
explained that the younger brother chopped off his elder brother’s head and put it
in a sack and placed it on the victim’s chest. Sources added that the dead
body was abandoned in the bush; that the villagers who subsequently alerted
the police at Brikama Police Station discovered it.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Sulayman Secka, confirmed the
story and disclosed that the suspect is currently held at Brikama Police
Station and is helping the police in their investigations. Inspector Secka said
they understood that the victim and the suspect were involved in a brawl, but
their family members intervened and resolved the matter amicably at the
family level before the duo left for the bush. He said that the incident happened
in Southern Cassamance but the accused and the victim are from The Gambia.
Inspector Secka noted that the accused would be charged with murder when the
investigations are over. However, PRO Secka could not confirm whether or not
the victim was beheaded.
TOSTAN Train Facilitators on Community Empowerment Programme
By Lamin Fatty
TOSTAN – Unicef in collaboration with the Gambia Government through the
National Women’s Bureau began a month training of its facilitators on Kobi one
and two of the community empowerment programme (CEP) of the regional Education
Office in Basse at Joseph Furu Gomez Hotel respectively. Mr. Bakary Tamba,
the National Coordinator of TOSTAN Gambia said based on the successful
implementation of Kobi (1) by the various communities, TOSTAN and Unicef expand their
intervention to another forty communities within the four zones of the
TOSTAN intervention. According to Mr. Tamba, human rights is very important in the
lives of human beings, that without respecting that there cannot be
democracy and without democracy there is no peace, he said. He adviced the
participants to take the training seriously despite the fact that we are in the fasting
month; that their purpose of attending the training was to acquire knowledge
and contribute to the empowerment of their respective communities upon their
return. Mr. Njaga Khan the CDO said it is a very difficult task, stating
that adults cannot be forced to learn but can learn best when they are ready to
learn. He commended TOSTAN for complementing the efforts of the Gambia
Government’s development activities.
For her part the representative of Unicef in Basse, Mrs. Satou Barrow
pointed out that Unicef-Gambia Government country programme of cooperation is
highly concentrating on KMC and the Upper River region. He reiterated that TOSTAN
is part and parcel of the activities that are to be implemented since
according to her, most of the activities will come through their way. She urged them
to keep up the momentum in their empowerment process.
In his opening remarks, the Governor of URR Alagie Omar Khan commended the
respective communities for registering remarkable success during the first
phase of the implementation stating that it is the reason for the expansion of
the program to the other communities. He said it is a challenge for every body
in the region particularly the supervisors and facilitators to make the
programme successful. He thanked the Unicef, TOSTAN and the Gambia Government for
coming up with such a good programme and adviced the facilitators who are to
work with these communities to work hard like the way they are doing with
other communities. The training was chaired by Mr. Edrissa Keita of the
National Women’s Bureau.
Sainey and Mansally Return to Toronto
By Modou Nyang
The Gambian US based duo and New England Revolution players Sainey Nyassi
and Abdoulie Mansally, tomorrow, return to the Toronto National Stadium their
place of reckoning to Play Toronto FC in the Revs last fixture in the MLS
regular season.
Sainey and Mansally saw their professional football ambitions turn to
fruition in Canadian soil following some eye catching performances during the Fifa
U – 20 world Cup this summer. Sainey’s pacy and forward approach in taking
on defenders and Mansally’s power and goal scoring touch, caught the eye of
Revolution officials who acted quickly to snap them up. Mansally scored a
swerving freekick to earn the Gambia a famous victory against Portugal in Montréal
in a 2-1 win, and the rising Gambian youngster is already on it for the revs
having already scored twice for the reserve team. Last week he scored to
level for the Revs reserves with a repeat of his trademark freekick against the
Portuguese back on 8th July in Montréal. The two has so far made a couple of
appearances as substitutes for the first team and have been keeping match fit
playing for the reserve team. Sainey Nyassi already has two goals to his
credit in the reserves division.
New England Revolution tomorrow crosses the border for the first time in the
club’s history to face Toronto FC for their last match in the MLS regular
season. Toronto FC plays in the USA Major League Soccer MLS, Eastern Conference
league and they cross the border south into the US to play away matches.
This is Toronto’s first season in the MLS, the first non US team in the 11 year
history of the league.
Tomorrow’s game will be the third meeting between New England and Toronto FC
this season, their first two took place at the Revs home ground, Gillette
Stadium. New England won both matches.
SK East: Milan Through to Finals
By Isatou Bittaye
Serrekunda East Nawettan campaigners AC Milan, has made it to the final
after defeating TK Snookers on Tuesday. They now await the winner of the match
between Maccassa and Zurich for the grand showpiece.
Milan won 2-1 following a pulsating affair at the Serrekunda East playing
grounds. Salifu Badjie put Milan ahead just three minutes after kickoff and as
if to make things worse for Snookers, they were reduced to 10 in the field
when Saihou Ceesay was sent-off.But they fought back to level the score in the
second half through Ebrima Jawara in the 60th minute.
But when Snookers were hoping to pull a surprise with a man down Milan
struck back nine minutes later to seal victory. Ousainou Sarr was the hero for
Milan when he scored to winner in the 69th minute. Milan then missed a series of
chances to extend their lead.
The second semi final match on Thursday between Maccassa FC and Zurich FC
was tied after normal regulation time to a goalless draw. And either side
failed to overcome the other during penalty shootouts after seven kicks apiece.
They were tied to 6-6. The match has been postponed until another date. This may
also result to the postponement of the final which was due on Sunday.
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