Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 92/2007, 8 – 9 August 2007
Editorial
The Press and Party Politics
The press can enhance democratic discourse. It can also promote mediocrity
in political discourse. It depends on the topics they raise with political
figures. Political parties are required by law to perform certain National
duties if they are to be relevant. The leaders of such political parties should
perform such duties.
Section 103 A of the Election Decree states that political parties may be
established to
(a) participate in the shaping of /or political will of people
(b) disseminate information of political ideas and on political,
economic and social programmes of national character; and
(c) sponsor candidates for public elections
Hence a relevant political party and leader must make relevant
pronouncements that will help the people to shape their political will.
Such a party or leader should disseminate information of their political
ideas and the social and economic programmes they believe could foster the
liberty and prosperity of the people.
Serious political parties and leaders must prepare the ground to sponsor
candidates during public elections, either on their own or through alliances.
Section 207 Subsection (3) of the Constitution states that “The press and
other information media shall at all times be free to uphold the principles,
provisions and objectives of the Constitution and the responsibility and
accountability of the government to the people of the Gambia.”
It is the objective of the Constitution to have mature and responsible
political parties and leaders who will concentrate on explaining their political,
economic and social programmes and analyse those of their opponents in order
to help the people shape their political will.
Media houses who envisage their media practitioners to jump from one
political leader to another to raise trivial comments they make regarding each other
are promoters of political mediocrity. Such media practitioners must be seen
to be undermining the democratic process.
The Gambian people should begin to see such media practitioners to be
unprofessional in their conduct. Foroyaa wishes to advise all those who wish to be
political leaders of this country to recognize the importance of the office
of representation and adhere to a code of conduct in political discourse that
will not bring the role of political leadership into disrepute. One has to
read The Bite of The Point to know the intention of those who jump from one
figure in the opposition to another without contacting any member of the ruling
party to comment on matters that concerns them. This should be enough food
for thought for the wise.
Treason Trial Judgment Tomorrow
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The treason trial of Tamsir Jasseh, Alieu Jobe, Omar Faal (Keita) and Demba
Dem, who are accused of taking part in the March 2006 attempted coup d’etat is
set for judgment tomorrow, Thursday, August 9.
The day for the judgment was announced by Justice Avril Anin Yeboah at the
High Court on Monday, August 6, following the adoption of the addresses of
both the prosecution and the defence.
The four civilians are the remaining accused persons on trial following the
conviction of ten military officers for the same offence by a court martial
in April this year.
The fifth accused person, Tamsir Jasseh was former Director of Immigration
and ex-Deputy Inspector General of Police, the sixth accused person, Alieu
Jobe was Director of the Treasury, the seventh accused, Omar Faal (Keita) is a
marabout, while the eighth accused person, Demba Dem was a National Assembly
Member for Niani constituency.
Fatou Jaw Manneh’s Trial in Limbo
As Second Magistrate Rejects Case
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The trial of journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh has yet again suffered a serious
setback as another trial magistrate declines to preside over the case. This is
the second time at a different magistrate court, which a magistrate has
declined to preside over the case.
Magistrate Imelda Mboto, of the Banjul Magistrate Court on Monday 6 August
ruled that her court has no jurisdiction to try journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh,
who has been standing trial on sedition charges since April. When the case was
called, the two counsels, Lamin S. Jobarteh, for the defence and A.S Umar
for the state announced their representation for their respective sides.
Magistrate Mboto, first told the court that the reason for her absence on the last
sitting 2 August was due to the fact that she was suffering from “Pneumonia.”
The Magistrate was seen writing without uttering any more words up to about
five minutes. She later read out her ruling on the matter. Magistrate Mboto
ruled that she had done a careful study of the case file, that the reason
given for the case to be transferred before Banjul Magistrates’ Court is that
the instrument used in the case was a computer used to download the information
from the Internet in Banjul. She said, “the instrument in this case is not
just a computer; that the information was from an Internet which had a global
use and not only in Banjul”. Continuing, she indicated that the accused
person was arrested at the airport, which is not under her jurisdiction but
instead in the jurisdiction of Brikama. She cited a case to back her claims. She
said that she would transfer the case to Brikama Magistrates’ Court, because as
she said, the accused person was arrested under the jurisdiction of Brikama.
Both counsels did not utter a word. The State Counsel A.S. Umar, picked up
his file and left with his colleague while the defence counsel, Lamin
Jobarteh, was left inside the court with the stunned court attendants reflecting on
the move made by the Magistrate. There was much noise in the courtroom.
It could be recalled that Fatou Jaw Manneh, a Gambian Journalist based in
the United States of America (USA), was arrested on her arrival at the Banjul
International Airport on the 28 March and detained at the National Intelligence
Agency (NIA) for five days. She first appeared before Magistrate Pa Harry
Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrate court on the 3 April, she did not take her
plea in the absence of a counsel.
The following day she re-appeared before Magistrate Buba Jawo of the said
Magistrates’ Court. Her counsel challenged the entire jurisdiction of The
Gambian court to hear the case as the alleged offences were said to have been done
while the accused was in USA. Magistrate Jawo upheld that his court had the
jurisdiction to hear the case. As the trial was before Magistrate Jawo, on
Thursday 3 July, he ruled that his court has no jurisdiction to hear the case
all the investigations pertaining to the case were done in Banjul. He,
therefore, transferred the case to the Banjul Magistrates’ Court. The case was
re-assigned to Magistrate Imelda Mboto on the 17 July but the accused and the
defence counsel were not present in court and the matter was adjourned to 2
August, which could not also proceed due to the absence of the Magistrate.
On the third hearing date, 6 August, Magistrate Mboto also distanced herself
from the case by transferring it to Brikama for her courts’ lack of
jurisdiction to hear the case.
Journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh was standing trial for allegedly uttering
seditious words with seditious intentions to cause fear and alarm in The Gambia.
“National Planning and Budgeting Process Must be Opened Up,”
Acting Country Director AATG
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The national planning and budgeting process must be opened up and an
opportunity be given to the poor and marginalised people to fully and actively
engage with the process, said Omar Badjie, acting country Director of ActionAid
The Gambia.
Mr. Badjie was speaking at the 2008 annual budget interface forum, recently
organised by the Pro-Poor Advocacy Group (Pro-PAG) at the Paradise Suites
Hotel. Mr. Badjie who doubles as the Programme Development Manager said the
involvement of the poor is crucial and fundamental in the fight against ignorance
and poverty.
He said: “For effective participation to take place, the capacities of the
poor and vulnerable, especially women, children, youths and the physically
challenged people will have to be consistently assessed and built.” Mr. Badjie
said that it is only when the poor are empowered and capacitised that they can
take control of their development process, which he said should be the
ultimate objective of any well-meaning development programme.
He remarked that any genuine empowerment process, which after all is a
prerequisite to participation, should be seen to enhance transparency and
accountability at all levels.
“These values cannot be compromised; they must be upheld and promoted at all
costs, if the gains made in improving the lives and livelihoods of the
people were to be sustained for the next generations to benefit from,” Mr. Badjie
expressed.
He added that the very poor of any community are the most vulnerable, less
visible, voiceless, powerless and mostly marginalised with less opportunity to
take part in any decision that will affect their lives. He said: “They
hardly attend public gatherings including meetings and even where they attend,
they remain in the periphery and generally silent. Yet they are the people who
need our support most, they are the people whose views we need to search for
and get reflected in plans and budgets so that appropriate support mechanisms
are designed to get them out of poverty.”
KMC Fulfils Promise to Collect Refuse
By Yaya Dampha
Days after the last monthly cleaning exercise, commonly known as set-setal,
a lot of uncollected refuse, dumped indiscriminately along the highway and
behind the Tallinding market, was not collected.
This reporter took photographs of all these uncollected refuse dumps and
proceeded to the KMC cleaning services where he met one Mr. Kemo Conteh, a
senior supervisor at the Cleaning Service. When Mr. Conteh was shown the pictures
he explained that the lack of vehicles and fuel were responsible for the
delay in the waste collection exercise. He said the Cleansing Service is making
every effort to address the situation.
Soon after the Foroyaa publication of the story captioned “Uncollected
Refuse in KMC” the council proceeded to collect the refuse along the highway and
also the ones behind the Talinding Market.
Mr. Conteh called our reporter and informed him that the refuse was
collected. He further promised that they would make sure that such problems do not
occur again. He said the KMC is for the people and that they would make all
efforts to satisfy the people. Mr. Conteh called on the people not to dump their
refuse during the cleaning exercise near public places and business centres.
Training For Security Officers
By Madiba Singhateh
The Gambia Police Force organised a one-week training course for junior and
senior Inspectors at the Joint Officer’s Mess in Kotu on 6 August 2007.
Mr. Famara Jammeh, the police adviser, in his speech said that this training
is a manifestation of efforts in making sure that security personnel acquire
and perform the necessary training and skills inorder to better serve the
people of their beloved nation. He said that the training should be seen as a
cardinal component of the development, efficiency and productivity of The
Gambia police; that the objective of good policing can be realised through a
healthy police - community relationship that will enable them to build safe and
secure environment for the citizenry based on the principle of the rule of
law. He urged for the existence of cordial relations between the community and
the police.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Modou Gaye, in his opening
statement noted that it is no secret that the law enforcement agencies,
particularly the police, in recent past, have been and are constantly exercising
professionalism and technical know how; that they are required to perform their
duties from the station, motor highways (road traffic) and to the courts. Mr.
Gaye said policing is becoming more increasingly a challenge which require them
to acquire the requisite knowledge, skills and attitude as well as appearance
which they can adopt inorder to properly confront and combat crime. He said
the training is essential in improving the human resource base of any
institution. The DIGP, therefore, urged all of them to seize this opportunity to
learn new skills and approaches, as it would go a long way in improving their
performance.
Mr. Gaye added that they have a lot of challenges in delivering their duties
and appealed for the support of the public.
After the vote of thanks was given by Commissioner Burama Dibba, Mr. Gaye
declared the training open and concluded calling the officers to obey the rules
and the law and to have concern with human rights and preserve and protect
property.
Councillor Lamin L.S Manneh Clarifies
In issue No. 90/2007, headlined; “D100, 000 TO EACH KMC COUNCILLOR TO
REHABILITATE ROADS” Foroyaa has published a letter from a concerned resident of
Bundung Bantaba / Borehole Ward, who felt that what he has witnessed being done
on the roads where he lives is not satisfactory; that the pot holes on the
road which joins the Western end of Bundung Bantaba to Gambi-Bolong Street was
filled with refuse mixed with soil from the main dumpsite in the area. He also
said similar works were done in the Nboyo field. He claims that this makes
the roads stinky and almost impassable for people walking on foot etc.
The councillor of the area Mr. Lamin L.S Manneh, came to the Foroyaa to
clarify matters. Mr. Manneh denied dumping refuse from the dumpsite on any road.
He said he was given only D100,000 to rehabilitate the most seriously damaged
roads in his area. He said he rehabilitated Amilcar Cabral Street, between
Njie Kunda to Santa Yalla Street; that he has also rehabilitated the road
between Bundung Borehole Market, the road adjacent to Gambi Bolong road, and a
portion between Milton Margai Street and Bantaba Street.
Mr. Manneh, councillor for Bundung Bantaba / Borehole Ward indicated that he
was able to have only 30 trips of gravel which he used in these roads and it
was exhausted. He said that he will not in his capacity as a politician go
and bring refuse and dump it on people’s roads as this that would tarnish his
image in the community he is suppose to serve.
Mr. Manneh however came with an elderly person by the name Ebrima Saidy,
alias Erkil, who said he was an old driver and he was the one who dumped the six
trips on the road referred to by our correspondent.
Mr. Erkil Manneh said the area had stagnant water between Gambi-Bolong
Mosque and Milton Margai road and he went to the dumpsite and brought six trips
and put it on the road out of good faith. He said he did that voluntarily. He
also said he believed that is what is better than the stagnant water because,
as he claimed, vehicles and people could not move in the water. He said when
he dumped this soil, they made sure that it was pressed so that both vehicles
and humans can move easily on it. He claimed to be a patriotic citizen and
was helping the councillor in his good work.
Re-Arrangement at the High Court
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
There has been a reshuffle of judges at the High Court, stated a circular
signed by the Judicial Secretary, Nguie Mboob Janneh.
According to the circular, the commercial division will be presided over by
Justice A.M.A Dordzie and Justice E.A Ota, while Justice M.M Yamoa will sit
in the criminal division.
Meanwhile, the civil and land division will be presided over by Justice
Avril Anin Yeboah, the miscellaneous and family division will be heard by Justice
H.C Roche, while Justice Sanji M. Monageng will be at the Brikama and Basse
division.
The statement from the Judicial Secretary indicated that the changes will be
effective from October 1.
“Cases pending in each division are hereby transferred to the judges
assigned in the said divisions,” the statement reads.
Before this re-arrangement, Justice Dordzie was at the miscellaneous and
family division, Justice Ota was at the commercial division, Justice Yamoa was
at the civil and land division, Justice Yeboah was at the Brikama division,
Justice Roche was at the commercial division while Justice Monageng was at
criminal division and Basse division.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
IS MONEY LIFE?
With Amie Sillah
Part 2
Ellen Visits Chaneh
Ellen visited Chaneh in the city. She protested against how Chaneh treated
Lang. “Girl! You are wicked!” “How?” Chaneh challenged her. “You betrayed
and mocked at Lang. Chaneh! Lang gave you his life. Lang is a promising young
man, entrepreneuring! He could be anything tomorrow.
Nothing is static. Lang has his skills. What he needs only is capital. But
above all her loves and adores you. You know Lang since childhood. You were
consently betrothed to each other. Why the change now? You do not know Essa. He
is a total stranger. You married him for prestige and money. That does not
last but true love does.” Ellen told her friend. Chaneh laughed at her face. “
Girlfriend! Are you not happy for me? I have married the man of my dreams.
Essa has cash and prestige. That’s what I need now not Lang’s stupid poverty
love. Rejoice with me girlfriend don’t discourage me! Enough of your
sanctimonious attitude! Can I choose between Honda Bike and Limousine?” Chaneh mocked
at Ellen. “Lang came to ask me to quit affluence and marry to poverty. Let
him go and marry a village girl not Chaneh. Ellen told her about Lang’s
accident. “Oh he died! Am sorry! Allah be praised! I would have been a widow. “Who
told you Lang died? I said he was involved in an accident. He is badly
injured. When he left your place at night his transport was involved in an
accident. “Chaneh was disappointed. “Lang is stubborn. I asked him to spend the
night but he refused”. “Spend the night where? In your husband house!” Ellen
questioned. “No! Not in my husband’s house but with the gateman until in the
morning but he flatly refused.” “Whatever! But remember that you have betrayed
the love of a genuine friend and Allah is watching”. Helen cautioned.
Lang Is Discharged
Lang was discharged. He returned to his home. Being a bachelor he was doing
laundry with one hand. The other hand was in a sling. He was in great pains.
Ellen Pays A Visit
Ellen is a concerned friend and neighbour. She came to visit Lang and found
his condition. She protested. “This is undone. I am a friend and a neighbour.
You should ask me to help. What are neighbour’s for if not to help each
other in need”. “I don’t want to bother you that’s all”. Lang told her. “This
is no bothering. We should be our sister’s and brother’s keeper”. Ellen took
the laundry and did it for Lang. He was very grateful. “What do you want for
lunch? You can give me the fish money. I’ll cook for you”. “You can cook
your tasty pepper soup with ‘chereh’ (coos)”. “Fish or meat?” “Use fish ‘
Yaboye Moroc’. Lang told Ellen. Ellen went to the market and cooked Lang a
delicious fish pepper soup with ‘Chereh’ (coos).
Lang Asks About Chaneh
“I understand you visited Chaneh. What did she say?” Ellen was disappointed
with Lang. “You still ask about Chaneh? She has forgotten you. She is now
happily married. Forget about her. If not you can land yourself into trouble.
That’s my honest advise to you”. Lang prayed for Ellen. “You are a beautiful
woman with a kind heart. I prayed that Allah give you a good spirited husband
who will treat you like an egg”. “Amen!” Ellen laughed over it.
At The Health Centre
Lang accompanied by Ousman went to the Health Centre to dress his wounds.
They met nurse Fatima, a kind spirited nurse. She attended to them very nicely.
Ousman got interested in Fatima. They exchanged cell numbers and promised to
see each other again. Lang teased his friend. “How are you eying her like
that? Do you know her marital status?” “She is single and available”. “How
do you know?” Lang challenged. “I’ve already been informed by her very self”
. “You are swift and smart”. “Trust me. I go or what I want. I don’t bit
about the bush like some guys”. “Which guys?” Lang was defensive. “Those guys
know themselves. Who the cap fits!” Ousman teased Lang.
Lang Reflects
Lang reflected on Ellen. “I like Ellen. She nursed me like a baby. No
complaints, always cheerful. I am developing strong feelings for her”. Lang
confided in Ousman. “Did you let Ellen know?” “No! Not yet!” “Why?” “Because
Ellen would say I went to her because Chaneh jilted me. Can you help me tell her
I have fallen for her”. Lang begged Ousman. “Okay! I’ll tell her but you
should also tell nurse Fatima that I love her. “Sure! Tit for Tat!” Lang
teased. “There are no free meals”.
Ousman Tells Ellen
Ousman visited Ellen’s tailoring shop and told her about Lang’s feelings.
Ellen rejected outright. “Nonsense! I like Lang but I don’t love him.
Moreover Lang wants to use me as a second fiddle because Chaneh dropped him. What
about if Chaneh changes her mind; where does that leaves us? I don’t want
disappointment. Allah’s time is the best. Let leave sleeping dog lay. Chaneh is my
friend. I don’t want her to think that I have betrayed her. Lang was her
betrothed. I have spoken a lot to get them back again. If I befriend Lang,
Chaneh would say this was my plan. And all my efforts would be seen as hypocritical
”. Tell Lang I would be shy if I am near him. I don’t want to get married
now”. Ousman was still hopeful. “Okay! It is sudden! Think over it. Lang
loves you. If you reciprocate it will be superb. Chaneh is a past chapter and
should have nothing to do with your decision”. Ousman reassured Ellen.
Chaneh And Essa
The honey moon is over. Friction started. They are two strangers. They did
not court long enough to know each other. It started with petty quarrels,
excessive demands, suspicion and lack of trust. They started accusing each other
of one thing or another. Essa found his CEO’s complimentary card in Chaneh’s
bag. He confronted her. “What is my boss’s card doing in your bag?” Chaneh
lied. “Oh! He gave it to me at our reception party. Why? How did you get it?
Where you searching my bag?” Chaneh became furious. “I’ll not answer your
question. I am warning you. Keep away from my office colleagues. Infact
everyone from that office”. Chaneh was frustrated. “My ex-boy friend treated me
with love and respect. He trusted me. He is not a salaried worker but he is
struggling and is living with dignity”. “I don’t care. My word is final”. He
snatched Chaneh’s phone from her. He reminded Chaneh of her past. “I got from
the village gutters and cleaned your filth. You cannot bluff me. I know your
games. Watch your back”. Essa left in the rage. Chaneh sulked.
Playing Games
Chaneh is now into full time prostitution. Her marriage to Essa is a front,
cover up. She became very unfaithful to her husband. Alhajj Basir will pick
her up and go to hideout places with her. He lashed money over her. He enjoyed
the hide and seek game with Chaneh. Chaneh’s face was swollen. Alhajj showed
concerned. “What happened to my angel? Your face is swollen!” Chaneh
reported her husband. “Essa hit me”. “Hit you! Why?” “He suspected us”. “So
what! What do you want me to do?” I don’t know”. “I’ll terminate his services
with my company”. Alhajj threatened. Chaneh protested. “No! Don’t terminate
my husband’s services. Just threatened him not to hit me again”.
Lang Visits Ellen
“if Moses would not come to the mountain the mountain comes to him. I have
come for my answer. Look into my eyes and tell me you don’t love me and then I’
ll never bother you again”. Ellen hesitated. “What would people say? That I
exchange with my friend”. Why do you choose me?” “People would say
anything. It is their business. I did not leave Chaneh. She is the one how betrayed
my love. Should I stay single and mourn over it for the rest of my life? No
Ellen! No! my life have to go on! I was blinded y the shine of Chaneh’s skin
but now I am awoken! All that glitters is not gold”. “Well! Give me more time
Lang. I’ll think about it”. “But for how long? Am I going to wait for
eternity?” “Wait as long as necessary. I don’t want to rush into a matter I’ll
regret in a life time”. Ellen cautioned.
Ellen Responds
Ellen responded positively. She could not face Lang to tell him. She was
shy. She wrote her response in a letter. She came up to Lang’s gate, gave it to
a boy to give to him then ran away. Lang read the letter. He became elated
and ran after Ellen. He caught up with her. They embraced each other and thank
Allah for the reunion. Their love became sealed.
The Friends Visited Uncle Victor
Uncle Victor is Ellen’s maternal uncle. He is a retired diplomat. He has
accumulated wealth. He have assets in Europe, U.S and Some African capitals. He
is a widower and also a philanthropist. He develop a trust fund to sponsor
education, pay hospital bills, helps in micro-credit funds for women’s groups.
He is generous and pleasant. He is blessed with two daughters and two sons.
They are now married and are all graduates of different disciplines. He is
Ellen’s godfather. He sponsored her education and helped her set up her
tailoring shop and helped her with her initial capital. Ellen’s father died. Her
mother relocated to the neighbouring state and remarried there. She is blessed
with other children in the second marriage. Uncle Victor welcomed his niece
with open arms. Ellen introduced her fiancé. “This is Lang, my fiancé. I love
and want to marry him”. Uncle Victor greeted Lang with warmth. He asked him a
simple question. “Do you love Ellen as she loves you”. Lang stooped down to
show respect to his uncle in law. “Uncle! I love Ellen with all my heart”. “
Get up! That’s all I want to hear. Marriage should be based on consent. I
blessed your reunion”. He prayed for them.
Uncle Victor Gives A Present
Uncle Victor drew a cheques of D500, 000 dalasis and gave it to Lang. He
could not believe his eyes. He showed it to Helen. “What! Oh Uncle! Is it true?
D500, 000! That’s half a million dalasi for us! Unbelievable!” The friends
stooped down before Uncle Victor and paid homage to him. “Stand up! It is only
God you pay homage to. I have done what I should do. I have wealth. I should
use it to help humankind. My kith and kin are among the beneficiaries. This
is my wedding gift for you. Invest it wisely. If you do it will yield many
millions for you”. He turned to Lang and asked. “What do you do for a living?”
Lang answered. “Uncle I do many things. Petty trading, masonry, carpentry,
you name it. Any decent trade to work for money”. “Now! Go back home. Discuss
with your fiancée. Her tailoring shop is prospering. You can put some
investment there. Check about yourself. Map out what you want to do and where you
want to invest part of your money. I understand Honda business work in the
villages where most of the roads are unmotorable. Think wisely and invest well.
I don’t want my niece to cry or come complaining. I have trust in you just as
she also have in you. God bless you and your union”. “Thank you Uncle! Thank
you1 what else should we say other than thank you! This is what we need.
Those who have to help others who have not in these difficult trying times. We
will invest wisely as you have advised. God bless you”. “Amen!” They all
chorused. “You have a heart of gold”. Lang emphasized.
To be cont.
Tabara Samba’s Trial Adjourned
Prosecution Absent in Court
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The alleged murder trial involving Tabara Samba and the state could not
proceed at the Kanifing Magistrates Court before Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh on
Tuesday 7 August due to the absence of the state prosecutor.
The accused person and the defence counsel Mrs. Amie Joof Conteh were
present in court but the police prosecutor, commissioner Burama Dibba, was said to
be engaged in another business with the police. The matter was then adjourned
to Wednesday 8 August. Mrs. Tabara Samba, is standing trial for allegedly
killing her husband, Mr. Ebrima Nyan, by pouring hot oil on him while in bed.
The said incident happened sometime in March at Old Jeshwang.
African Decade of Persons with Disabilities Launched
By Yaya Bajo
The African Decade of persons with Disabilities SADPD was proclaimed by the
African Union for the period 1999-2009. The overall aims of the Decade were
stipulated in a plan of Action “Decade of persons with Disabilities”, in 2002.
In 2003 the African Regional Consultative Conference agreed to establish a
Secretariat to facilitate the implementation of the Decade and the Secretariat
was launched in Cape Town, South Africa.
According to Madam Aida Sarr, SADPD representative who is based in Dakar
Senegal, in a brief session with NUDY officials on Friday, the mission of the
Secretariat was to empower governments, DSCS, DPOs and development
Organisations to work in partnership to include disability and persons with disabilities
into decision making policies and programmes in all sectors of society in
Africa.
She added that this will be done through, amongst other things, capacity
building, advocacy and lobbying, coordination, monitoring and reporting. Madam
Sarr also expressed her office’s readiness to train disabled journalists in
Africa, including The Gambia, in order to equip them with knowledge and
expertise in covering issues related to disability.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Ebrima Dibbasey, President of the National
Union of Disabled Youths (NUDY), commended SADPD, through Madam Sarr, for the
laudable initiative. The NUDY President also used the occasion to commend
Foroyaa Newspaper for offering a special disability column where matters affecting
disabled persons are highlighted. He added that other Local Newspapers were
approached for a similar thing but they declined, citing sponsorship before
such contract could be done. He urged other media houses to emulate Foroyaa’s
worthwhile offer, describing it as very laudable. The briefing was attended by
various disabled journalists from other media outlets.
Foundation for the Disabled Seeks Empowerment and Promotion
By Ebrima Dibbasey and Jainaba Sonko
Mr. George Trawally, a Burkinabe National and Volunteer on handicraft work
has now spent one year and two months in The Gambia.
Foroyaa: Can you introduce yourself and your background?
Mr. George: My name is Mr. George Trawally, a Burkinabe national. I came to
The Gambia some fourteen months ago. I am a Herbalist (local traditional
Medicine) and a healer, but as I am a new person in this country, I decided to
shift to handicraft work so that I can sell them and make a living. When I met
with the founder of Foundation of the Disabled The Gambia and the executive
officer (CEO) a Nigerian national Mr. Gabriel Ospence who is doing his quota
in promoting and empowering the disabled, he asked me to volunteer and join
him in his Foundation so that I can be able to train my fellow disables in
handicraft skills.
Foroyaa: What kind of handicraft work do you perform?
Mr. George: I make baskets with different varieties of shapes, style and
quality. I sold them at one hundred and fifty dalasi Back at home, I do engage
in gardening, etc, in order to ensure that I live an independent life.
Foroyaa: How do you acquire this skills?
Mr. George: Back at home in Burkina-Faso, the government opened a big skill
centre where different categories of people with different disabilities are
trained in different works. Some people are trained in carpentry, welding and
so on. At the end of their training, the government provides them with some
amount of capital to start up their individual projects on self-help ventures.
In Burkina-Faso about seventeen percent of the people are independent with
their living skills. I think the government of The Gambia should also undertake
the same type of programme for their disabled people.
Foroyaa: Are you married?
Mr. George: Yes, am married with three children.
Foroyaa: What word of advice do you have for the disabled community in the
Gambia?
George: Disabled people should involve themselves in any activity in their
respective communities. They need to pressure their leaders to serve their
needs and they should develop their skills to the fullest, because in the near
future, they would get old and can’t keep up moving themselves all about
begging. Therefore, they need to rely on their own strength and abilities.
NHRJ Statement on Journalist Chief Manneh
The Network of Human Rights Journalists (NHRJ)- The Gambia is once again
renewing calls for the immediate release of journaiist Chief Ebrima B. Manneh,
reporter and columnist with the Daily Observer Newspaper who was missing since
July 7, 2006 after leaving his home for work and never returning home.
Mr. Manneh’s whereabouts have not been publicly known for one year one month
now despite vigorous search by his family members and his colleagues in
the media. Throughout the search for this missing reporter. no positive results
has emerged from his employers, the state security units or any other
concerned party responsible for his detention or for his release.
NHRJ - The Gambia is seriously concerned with the plight of our colleague,
Chief Ebrima B. Manneh and is, therefore, renewing calls for the Gambian
Police, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State for the
Interior to collaborate and thoroughly investigate the circumstances surroun
ding Chief Manneh’s disappearance.
The Gambia Government is duly bound by the country’s law to protect and
ensure the security of the people across the country. Therefore we expect the
Government to play such roles in the case of Mr. Manneh and ensure his immediate
release and deal with those responsible according to law.
NHRJ- The Gambia is furthermore calling on the general public to come up
with explanation or information on the whereabouts of journalist chief Manneh.
It could be recalled that on July 7, 2007, exactly one year since Chief
Ebrima B. Manneh was missing, NHRJ- The Gambia issued a press release calling for
the immediate release of Mr. Manneh. On July I 7, 2007 the same Network of
Human Rights Journalists organized a symposium to advocate for the release of
Mr. Manneh but up to now no positive reaction has been taken.
This is a serious concern and we call on all stakeholders to play an active
role to secure the release of Mr. Manneh. We wish to thank all those who in
one way or the other do or are doing efforts to secure the release of Chief
Ehrima B. Manneh
For the Executive Committee
& The Entire NHRJ Members
David Colley’s Criminal Trial
Prison Officers Cross Examined
By Abdou Jeli Keita
The criminal trial involving David Colley, the former Director of Prisons
and the state continued at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court. Chief Inspector Haruna
Jobe and couple Famara Sanneh third and fourth prosecution witnesses,
respectively, were on Tuesday 7 August cross-examined by defence counsel Antouman
Gaye.
Chief Inspector Haruna Jobe under cross-examination, said he was involved in
the collection of the generator. When asked by defence counsel Antouman Gaye
whether he was aware that the accused, David Colley, obtained the consent of
the then Deputy Director (Rose Klyn) before sending them to collect the
generator, the witness answered in the affirmative.
At this juncture, prosecutor Touray asked the witness the same question, but
defence counsel Gaye argued that he is pleased with the answer of the
witness adding that the answer is not ambiguous. He further said, the prosecutor
should stop impeaching his own witness, adding that, evidence law, forbids one
from impeaching one’s own witness.
Corporal Famara Sanneh, said, on 22 September 2004, he was instructed to go
to the juvenile wing and collect a generator that was in a box, from Jainaba
Touray and officer Sanneh, and took it to David Colley’s compound in Yundum.
When asked by prosecutor Touray whether he knows what type of generator it
is, he said he does not know because the generator was in a box and he didn’t
open it. Prosecutor Touray further asked him as to how he knew the content of
the box since he didn’t open it and he answered that he knew it because he
was sent to collect a generator. He said from the day he took the generator to
the accused person’s compound in Yundum up to now, he knows nothing
concerning the generator.
While under cross examination by defence counsel Antouman Gaye, Corporal
Famara Sanneh said he was sent to collect a generator and that this was why he
thought that the box contained a generator. Defence counsel Gaye, asked him “
if for instance Mr. Jobe and others were trying to facilitate the escape of a
prisoner in that box” he would not know, he said “yes,” he would not know
about it.
Prosecutor Touray at this juncture applied for an adjournment to enable him
to call five more witnesses.
The trial is adjourned to the 16 of August 2007 for continuation.
Omar Ndow’s Trial Again Receives a Setback
By Abdou Jeli Keita
The ongoing criminal trial of Omar Ndow, the then Managing Director of the
Gambia Telecommunication Company (GAMTEL), could not proceed on Tuesday 7
August before Magistrate B.Y Camara of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, due to the
fact that the defence counsel, Sheriff Tambedou, is out of the jurisdiction.
Magistrate B.Y Camara informed the court that he received a letter from
defence counsel Sheriff Tambedu asking the court for an adjournment to a later
date in September when he shall be back and be within the jurisdiction.
Magistrate B.Y Camara added that, since the case in question is a Criminal Case and
a Criminal Case cannot be adjourned for more than two weeks, he will
therefore continue with the matter on every fortnight until the return of defence
counsel Tambedou.
At this stage, the police prosecutor (ASP Bojang) argued that he should also
be served with the said letter because he is part and parcel of the case.
The accused Omar Ndow is standing trial for the alleged abuse of his official
duties in his capacity as the then Managing Director of Gamtel.
The trial is adjourned to the 21 August, 2007.
Pirang Land Dispute Trial Suffers Setback
By Modou Jonga
The two counts criminal trial involving fourteen residents of Pirang in the
Kombo East and the state, did not proceed at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on
Monday 6 August, 2007, due to the absence of the prosecutor ASP Camara.
All the accused persons were present when the case was called before
Magistrate M’bai. At this juncture, prosecutor Corporal 413 Sanyang who held brief
for the prosecutor, ASP Camara, told the court that the latter has gone to the
police headquarters in Banjul.
The accused persons who pleaded not guilty were dragged to court by the
state on 30 July on two count criminal charges preferred against them. The
accused persons are alleged to have unlawfully entered the farm of M.G Fielder,
which is situated at Pirang, and committed wilful damage to the property which
had animal feed planted on it by the complainant.
The accused persons were arrested on Saturday 28 July at Pirang by officials
of the criminal investigation unit of the Brikama Police Station and put on
board a police vehicle and whisked to the said station where they were held
for hours before being released on bail. The fourteen were later taken to
court when they reported at the said station.
Following the granting of the application for adjournment, the presiding
Magistrate noted that arraigning accused persons in court without continuing
with proceedings thereafter is typical of prosecutors who appear before his
court; that if this matter continues like that, he would discharge the accused
persons. He said the prosecutors could view such discharging of accused persons
as personal and could further react by re-arresting the discharged persons.
Magistrate M’bai said such acts manifest disrespect to the court and
disregard to the ethics of prosecution.
Magistrate M’bai further told the prosecution to be resolved to proceed on
the next adjourned date, August, 15 2007, otherwise, he could discharge the
accused persons.
Our reader could recall that the presiding Magistrate, while having granted
bail to the accused persons, has ruled that the accused persons and their
agents refrain themselves from interfering with the said land pending the final
determination of the case.
Dudu Kassa Jaata And Co. Trial
Gets a New Magistrate
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving the state and Dudu Kassa Jaata and others will be heard
by Magistrate Ayub Johnny Njie, at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on 13
August, 2007.
The accused persons who denied the allegation of assault causing the
complainant (Hawa Jatta) actual bodily harm, were charged shortly after the National
Assembly by - election in Kombo East.
The alleged assault is said to have been committed on 15 may last year at
Pirang, in the Kombo East district in Western Region.
The trial has been dragging for more than one year presided over by
Magistrate Tabally (now transferred) and Magistrate Martins (now sacked).
Readers may recall that the principal accused, Dudu Kassa Jaata was sometime
this year arraigned with seven others at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court
before Magistrate Abdoulie Mbackeh, on charges of arming themselves in public
and obstructing police officers while executing their duties.
SK East Nawettan: Zurich Register First Win
By Isatou Bittaye
Zurich FC defeated Bantaba FC by a lone goal to open their 2007 Nawettan
season with a win.
Abdoulie Sarr put his side through in the 73rd minute of the second half
following a defensive lapse in a match in which Bantaba FC missed a lot of
chances. The first of the game was even as both sides struggled to overcome the
other, squandering numerous chances in the process.
But when the sides returned from the break Zurich was the better and Sarr’s
effort was enough for the Tallinding out fit to go home with all three
points. And Bantaba was just unlucky not to have levelled terms as they put up a
strong fight to force an equalizer. Zurich responded with marshalling their
defence line with more men to protect their lead.
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