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Subject: Independent - Article re Local Tourist Guide (Bumster) Issue
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<td COLSPAN="4" WIDTH="354" height="24">Friday, October 6, 2000</td>
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<b><font size="5">Supreme Islamic Council condemns Maria de
Los Angeles</font></b>
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<div align="left">
<p align="left"><font size="2">The Supreme Islamic Council through
it president Alhagie Banding Drammeh has condemned Maria de Los
Angeles the popular soap opera shown on national television. Mr.
Drammeh said the council is on the verge of issuing a press release,
explaining its stance on the matter.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> In an interview with The Independent
at his residence in Brikama, Mr. Drammeh described Maria de Los
Angeles as a notorious film capable of destroying the spirit of
Islam among Gambian youths. He said the SIC is opposed to the
film's broadcast because it is already exposing young members
of the population to 'dirty love' and bringing 'the secret of
sex to the open'.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> Islam Mr. Drammeh said represents
responsible moral behaviour, which the SIC official is under threat
as a result of the film. He said the developed world's idea of
globalisation is to spread corrupting influences, which conflict
with Islam. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2">He said that if the Supreme Islamic
Council were vested with enough power and authority, 'we will
stop the GRTS from screening this notorious film, which is an
affront to our religion'. 'Infact no religion would encourage
such a film' he stressed. He spoke of the Supreme Islamic Council's
disappointment with Muslim sponsors of the film and the GRTS for
introducing it to a population, which has got seriously interested
in its episodes.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> 'Muslims should not sponsor such
a film to gain money' he warned. 'This can even lead to many school
children developing a morally sparse outlook' he maintained. He
categorised those who encourage the film whether by sponsorship
or other means as the opponents of Islam. 'The only place for
such opponents of Islam is hell fire' he remarked. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2">Mr. Drammeh professed that his council
stand by the teachings of Islam and declared that its members
are prepared to be martyrs in the course of 'crusading' against
unislamic tendencies and maintaining Islamic standards for the
benefit of the Muslim community. He said the SIC will send an
unequivocal call to all Muslims to desist from watching Maria
de Los Angeles, which nonetheless has become popular over the
past couple of months. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2">Meanwhile in his reaction to the
Supreme Islamic Council's statements, Tombong Saidy GRTS managing
director said; 'I am not going to comment on the subject. Let
Banding Drammeh and his Supreme Islamic Council do what they want
to do'. </font></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><font size="5"><i><font size="4"><b>'</b></font></i></font><b><font size="4"><i>In
reaction to crude oil controversy </i></font></b><br>
<b><font size="5">UDP THREATENS TO SUE JAMMEH </font></b></p>
</div>
<p align="left"><font size="2"><br>
</font>
<center>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The United Democratic Party campaign
manager, Femi Peters has revealed his party's resolve to sue President
Jammeh's government over the controversial crude oil affair if
it fails to take necessary action on the matter. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">Mr. Peters told The Independent recently
that the UDP would not allow the issue to be 'down played or laid
to rest' by the government. He claimed that all those who were
involved in the affair 'cheated the Gambian people by obtaining
money the wrong way.' He said the UDP is 'seriously' keen to ensure
that justice is applied in the case and would cause the APRC government
to answer charges if it doesn't clarify the issue and take decisive
action.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">He said it would not be enough for
the government to make 'blank' statements intended to exempt those
allegedly involved from any blame. He said the government had
kept silent over the issue, expecting Gambians to forget or 'brush
the issue aside'. He said Gambians are as determined now to get
to the 'bottom of the truth' as before. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">He said that the UDP would 'tread
carefully' before coming out with more revelations on the affair,
'knowing well what the consequences are for The Gambia.' He added
that 'if Jammeh feels we are wrong or libelous to what we are
saying, let him institute necessary action immediately and take
us to court' he suggested. 'If President Jammeh will not take
us to court, we shall take him to court', he vowed. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The National Assembly had since debated
the issue with the APRC majority there dismissing the motion on
the grounds that it lacked merit. However, Mr. Peters sounding
defiant urged Gambians to be steadfast behind the national interest
and make a decision in the best interest of the country.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> Mr. Peters noted that Sam Sarr's
remarks in the past about the crude oil deal are contradictory
to earlier statements he made on the issue. He said there are
authentic documents and an affidavit filed in court, indicating
that Sam Sarr reported directly to President Jammeh during the
process of the deal. Mr. Peters claimed that Sam was instructed
not to involve anybody in the process leading to the conclusion
of the deal. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The UDP strongman asserted that Gambians
cannot understand why Sam Sarr should contradict his previous
statement. He also raised questions concerning Mr. Sarr's alleged
possession of a Gambian diplomatic passport despite being a Senegalese
national. He said if the crude oil were meant for an individual,
and not for the Republic of The Gambia, 'then Sam Sarr should
be in a position to inform Gambians who this individual was.'</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> He opined that Sam Sarr's alleged
attempts to exonerate President Jammeh of blame is misleadingly
and could only make matters worse for those 'with skeletons in
their cupboard'. He maintained that The Gambia Government was
taken to court over the issue, and that its officials also spent
money, paid legal fees and also received an advance payment from
crude oil transactions. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">He also indicated that the affidavit
of David Paul Ford of Glencore was convincing evidence, attesting
to the APRC government's alleged involvement. Mr. Peters also
stressed that Sam Sarr's reported statements had driven home the
urgency to set up a commission to look into the affair.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> He further claimed that Mr. Sarr
who reportedly said that account number J3650-7C was not President
Jammeh's 'was not only trying to cover-up but was also following
the President's footsteps.' Mr. Peters believed that firm and
serious action should be taken if the national interest is to
be safeguarded. </font>
<div align="left">
<p align="left"> </p>
<p align="left"><b><i><font face="Arial Black,Helvetica Black,LB Helvetica Black,Univers Black,Zurich Blk BT"><font color="#000000"><font size=+1>independent
view</font></font></font></i></b></p>
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<center>
<div align="left">
<p align="center"> <br>
<font size="5"><b> The vexed question</b></font></p>
</div>
</center>
<p> <font size="2">The Gambia of the 21st century has a big case in
her hands when it comes to creating a conducive climate to engage
her young population productively. So far this situation which has
exacerbated into a vexed and volatile question over the years has
not been answered - at least not adequately.</font>
<p><font size="2"> Youth priorities have been misplaced and under-funded
as bumsters roam the beaches and streets possessed with demonic
idleness. Generally this situation turns bleaker and bleaker every
year when more lip service and derisively little action in committed
towards improving the 'youthman's chances and hope. </font>
<p><font size="2">When school-leavers have little or no prospect for
employment, dreams of better living stay as just dreams. When young
men and women convinced that there is no way out of their situation
other than tourism, society is trapped in despairing efforts to
contain them. Gambian tourism is today excruciatingly caught in
the same scenario. </font>
<p><font size="2">Tourism has been an inviting option for many who
cannot find a place in other sectors of the economy but that sector
is embattled as the serious conflict of interest rages. The move
to discredit some and support others in the tourism trade could
have far-reaching implications for tourism and the national economy.
</font>
<p><font size="2">When the general landscape of restaurants and beach
bars is razed to the ground to 'discourage bumsters' from partaking
of the tourism cake, the truth speaks for itself. However, we believe
that the authorities have taken this tough action seemingly oblivious
of the fact that bumsters or beach boys are part of any sensible
solution to the industry's troubles as much as they may be part
of the problem. </font>
<p><font size="2">It is improper, even dangerous to exclude or alienate
them from any move to address the situation. Moreover, the selective
exclusion of certain beach bars from the demolition exercise is
also dangerous. When others are spared, disgruntled victims of the
demolition could react in destructive ways. </font>
<p><font size="2">One beach bar owner whose structure was demolished
said the problem has brought an 'all-or nothing' situation when
his likes would try to mollify their resentment by making sure that
sabotage becomes the order of the day in the tourism industry. That's
dangerous precedence if hotels or other tourism structures are destroyed
by the disgruntled in a desperate act of revenge. In the end everybody
loses. </font>
<p><font size="2">At this point tourism is poised between the devil
and the deep blue sea. Pleasing one sector by demolishing the businesses
of otherwise poor and tourism - dependent local entrepreneurs is
dangerous. Obversely, sympathising with the latter group and neglecting
the concern of the former can be equally as dangerous. </font>
<p><font size="2">Therefore, dialogue with a view to seeking a way
out is the only sensible option. Bumsters may be generally regarded
as nuisance and annoying, but they are very important as 'unofficial'
guides and guards for tourists. With their co-operation the industry
is securable, but without their contribution, it can be difficult
to envisage an industry free from the dangers of insecurity particularly
where tourists are concerned. </font>
<p><font size="2">Moreover, big time beach bars remain so because
bumsters draw their tourist friends, which means business for one
and leisure for the other. It will make more sense if the authorities
concerned could regard them as likeable and approachable for the
purpose of effective dialogue.</font>
<p><font size="2"> It is far better than demolishing beach bars and
incurring their wrath, which could harbour the prospect for much
destruction not just of the industry's facades but of what more
than half the country's population rely on as a source of livelihood.
</font><font size="2"><br>
</font><br>
<p align="center">
<p align="center"><font size="5"><b>Senegal did not downplay Gambia's
peace effort Senegalese official insists</b></font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> A Senegalese High Commission official
has denied that President Abdoulaye Wade's declaration of a moratorium
on the Casamance peace initiative was meant to downplay The Gambia's
effort of bringing peace to the trouble region. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The official who wished to remain anonymous
was reacting to the statement by the Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs Dr. M.L Sedat Jobe that The Gambia was withdrawing from
the peace process because it was not given the mandate by President
Wade to proceed with the peace initiative.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> 'President Wade had demanded during
the first few months of his administration that all those involved
in the Casamance peace process should stop until his administration
has studied the situation,' said the official. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">He however argued that President Wade
only wanted to open a 'fresh page' of negotiation and that the Senegalese
had expected The Gambia to play a more proactive role in the process.
</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The official said far from discouraging
Gambian involvement in the peace process, the new Senegalese administration
only wanted to start a new course, which would be 'radically more
effective than that pursued by the former regime.' In his statement,
Dr. Jobe said The Gambia was withdrawing from the peace talks because
President Wade had not given them the 'moral authority' to proceed
with the process they started during Abdou Diouf's presidency.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> He said while President Wade had requested
The Gambia to continue playing the same role it had been playing
in the matter, he was also talking to the rebels unbeknown to The
Gambia. Therefore he said the new Senegalese administration has
no regard for Father Diamacoune Senghore because the MFDC continued
telling Gambian officials that they had no contacts with the Senegalese
authorities. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">He said President Wade also neither
created a new commission nor confirmed the old one to carry on the
peace process. Mr. Jobe said there was no clear-cut authoritisation
from President Wade for convening a meeting in Banjul to restart
the peace negotiation. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">As a result he said President Jammeh
could no longer take responsibility for the peace talks when The
Gambia was not given the mandate. Meanwhile President Wade was reported
to have urged all those who were 'getting excited' on the Casamance
peace process to stop.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> 'I am urging all those getting excited
on the issue of Casamance to keep quite,' President Wade was quoted
telling PANA in July. He said he did not recognise those bodies
created to carry on with negotiations. 'I prefer to have a direct
dialogue with the heads of state of the sub-region and I will engage
in a dialogue, if possible with the leaders of the MFDC and even
those in the bush,' he was quoted as saying. Attempts to talk to
the Senegalese High Commissioner in Banjul failed as he was said
to be out of the country. </font><br>
<font size="5"><b><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif"> </font></b></font>
<p align="center"><font size="5"><b>Beach Bar owner threatens to sue
government if …. </b></font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">Following the current demolition exercise
of beach bars and restaurants by the Department of State for Tourism,
the proprietor of Calypso Restaurant at Cape Point, Foday Trawally
who described the action by the authorities as wrong and unjustifiable,
has threatened to sue government to court if his restaurant is demolished.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> 'Before taking such a decision, the
authorities should first set an independent committee to verify
the allegations made against beach bars and restaurants,' he said.
He also said that in 1996 there were four bars surrounding him and
because of the sea erosion all the bars were destroyed. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">He said all the five bars including
Calpyso were waiting for government to help in stopping the erosion
but all the other four ended up being consumed by the sea just because
the government never came to their help. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">Therefore he said after spending more
than half a million dalasis to stop the erosion, they have not done
anything but to decide on destroying all that work. 'What have I
not done to promote tourism,?' he asked. According to Mr. Trawally
no beach bar owner will ever welcome prostitutes as those people
cannot afford the cost of items in their bars. He also said that
allowing drugs in beach bars would make them unpopular.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> He explained that his bar employed
16 people , paying them a good salary and their social security
benefits. 'We pay tax and generate income for the country as good
citizens of the Gambia,' he remarked. Some of the employees also
condemned the decision as unjust because they said the beach bar
is the only place that they depend on to pay school fees for their
children and feed their families. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">One of them quoted 'President Jammeh
calling on Gambians to be job creators and not job seekers.' Therefore
he said if this has been the case he asked why the government should
be doing such injustice to Gambians creating jobs for other Gambians.
Many tourists found being served in the restaurant also confirmed
that it is better for them to enjoy their leisure time there than
in the hotels because they prefer the natural setting it offers.
</font>
<p align="center">
<p align="center"><font size="5"><b><i><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Simplified
entry procedures for UK visa holders</font></i></b></font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">From 2 October 2000 the British Government
will be introducing a new type of visa designed to help visitors
enter the UK more easily. This reflects the Government's commitment
to a 'fairer, faster, firmer' entry clearance process. Until now,
a visa has been issued at a British mission abroad but the decision
to give a visitor permission to enter the UK has been taken by an
immigration officer at the port of entry. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">That is now changing. From 2 October,
the entry clearance officer at the port of entry will simply verify
that the visa is valid and in a genuine passport. This change has
another benefit for travellers. The new standard visa will cost
the same as the current single entry visa. Visitors can travel e.g.
to continental Europe and back regularly without having to reapply
for a visa. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The new visa will usually be valid
for 6 months from the date of issue. But we want to encourage early
applications to avoid delays at peak periods. An applicant may therefore
ask for the visa to come into effect up to three months after its
date of issue. Frequent travellers and business visitors can still
apply for multiple entry visas, valid for one year, two years or
five years. Each visit during that period can last a maximum of
six months.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> Airlines and other passenger carriers
have welcomed this effort to speed the arrival process for visitors
to the UK. Barbara Roche, Home Office Minister responsible for immigration
matters said, 'These new arrangements ensure that bona fide passengers
will benefit from a more streamlined approach to our immigration
controls whilst providing the opportunity for resources to be better
directed towards areas of greater concern.' Keith Vaz, Foreign Office
Minister responsible for entry clearance work overseas says, 'This
is a great improvement in services for travellers to the United
Kingdom. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">We are working hard to ensure that
the visa issuing process is as straightforward as possible, and
this new visa and the resulting more streamlined entry to the UK
is part of the process.' </font>
<p align="center">
<p align="center"><font size="5"><b>Senior health official cautions
against expired food</b></font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The officer in charge of the Food Hygiene
and Security Unit under the Environmental Health Division of the
Department of State for Health has cautioned the public to beware
of the proliferation of expired foods, which could adversely affect
the health of local consumers.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> The health officer told The Independent
that health inspectors recently discovered over 118 cartons of biscuits
and other 'bogus' food items in the Greater Banjul Area and beyond
and called for people to be vigilant for their own benefit. According
to him all kinds of expired foodstuffs have 'invaded' the country
and should be exposed to prevent them from doing further harm to
unsuspecting people. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The health officer warned people not
to entertain any illusions about the dangers of food poisoning,
which he said could be life threatening in some cases. He said that
his unit has sent warnings to their workers scattered across the
country with instructions to investigate products sold in 'lumos'
and ferry crossings. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The health officer observed that their
work as health workers could be very difficult without the cooperation
of the community. He said food sellers could be 'instrumental tools'
in the exercise to cleanse the country of 'bogus' food items. The
health worker recommended that the public should not only be 'fussy'
about the expiry dates of canned food, but also about the way other
foods are prepared and handled before they are consumed. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">Eerily he emphasised on the damaging
health implications if members of the public should take canned
food for granted and fail to be careful about their consumption.
He said that they as health workers would not be blamed for any
negligence on their part to sensitise people about the situation
since 'we are doing our job'.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> 'We have sounded the alarm and are
active to ensure that pre-consumption precautions are heeded. But
our work will not be of much use if people are not themselves vigilant,'
he said. Batch Conteh the Principal Nursing Officer expressed satisfaction
with his team's work and commended his staff for being vigilant
enough to discover the 'bogus food invasion' of The Gambia. 'We
will continue our investigations,' he promised. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">One Momodou Conteh was said to be the
first businessman they discovered selling expired biscuits. They
said that because he is illiterate the businessman was unable to
know that he was dealing in expired biscuits. </font>
<p align="left">
<p align="center"><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b><font size="5">Desperately
sick woman needs help</font></b></font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">34-year-old Jainaba Nyang who developed
a large symptomatic Keloid on her interior chest wall (10cm) is
urgently seeking financial assistance for a plastic surgery abroad.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> Jainaba who appeared gravely sick
and desperately needing expert medical help told The Independent
Monday that she developed the disease at 18 and since then has been
undergoing medical treatment but to no avail. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">She explained that she has suffered
a great deal and needs immediate help for a plastic surgery operation.
According to a medical report from the health department referenced
C12/vol/111, the medical board report had recommended that Jainaba
Nyang a resident of Wellingara should benefit from intermittent
steroid injection therapy or plastic surgery, which is not available
here. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">Proceedings of a Medical Board assembled
at the Royal Victoria Hospital on February 23 last year, indicated
that Jainaba had developed a large symptomatic Keloid on the interior
chest wall (10cm) which is tender and carries symptoms of tightness.
'She is alert, afebule, the report stated.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> It recommended that the patient might
benefit from intermittent steroid injection therapy or plastic surgery,
which is not available in the country. Meanwhile Jainaba's family
have identified the Garden Hospital in London UK with facilities
to treat her. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">Any individual, private institution,
company or public corporation wishing to help Jainaba can contact
The Independent on 374665, or fax 374667. E- mail [log in to unmask]
</font>
<p align="center">
<p align="center"><i><font face="Times New Roman, Times, serif"><b><font size="5">In
the wake of Shyngle Nyassi being refused passport, Darboe says it
is ridiculous </font></b></font></i>
<p align="left"><font size="2">The UDP leader, Ousainou Darboe has
deplored the refusal by the immigration Department to issue a passport
to the UDP youth leader, Shyngle Nyassi. 'It is ridiculous for them
to ask him (Shyngle) to appeal to President Jammeh for a passport.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> After all, section 25 of the constitution
in sub-section two and three guarantees every person freedom of
movement throughout The Gambia and to leave The Gambia. Therefore,
Shyngle Nyassi must be entitled to a passport for him to be able
to do such,' he remarked.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> On the alleged death threats being
made against the UDP leadership, Darboe confirmed that it is true
and that he has reported it to the police 'but I don't know whether
they have done anything about it which may be unknown to me. However,
I have my personal body-guards to check my movements, and monitor
what time I get home and not expose myself to any undue risk.' </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">Darboe also revealed that they (the
people making the threats) are targeting himself, Juwara and Shyngle
Nyassi only 'but they forgot that we have Yahya Jallow, Sam Sillah,
Femi Peters and a host of well-committed people in the party'. He
also noted that 'they are desperate. </font>
<p align="left"><font size="2">They see their political fortunes declining
by the day and they think this is the best way to stop the UDP'.
Darboe also said these threats will not stop him from going to any
part of the country and to propagate the ideas and ideals for which
the UDP stands for. Those threats, Darboe emphasised, will encourage
his supporters to sharpen their efforts in getting rid of the regime.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> 'When I accepted the leadership of
the party, I prepared myself and my family for the worse in the
political situation in which we are operating,' he stressed. He
also said that The Gambia is experiencing 'pseudo democracy'.</font>
<p align="left"><font size="2"> He said that the government only paid
lip service to the constitution and that the rule of law was being
observed only in speech and not in action. </font>
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