Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues Issue No. 146, 07/2007, 12 – 13 December
2007
EDITORIAL
Give The Ombudsman Teeth To Bite
A new Ombudsman, along with his deputies, has been appointed. The position
which had long been vacant after the demise of the former Ombudsman has thus
been filled.
What remains to be seen is how they perform.
The functions and duties of the Ombudsman are given by the Constitution as
follows:
(a) in the investigation of any action taken by a government department or
other authority, or public body, to which the Act applies, being action taken
in the exercise of the administrative functions of that department or
authority, on a complaint by a member of the public who claims he or she has
suffered injustice in consequence of maladministration or mismanagement, or
discrimination on any ground set out in Chapter IV, in connection with such action;
(b) in the investigation, on his or her own initiative, of allegations of
maladministration, mismanagement or discriminatory practices in any government
department, authority, or other public body, to which the Act applies; and
(c) in the investigation of complaints of any failure to observe the code
prescribed in Chapter (XXI) for the conduct of public officers.
The independence of Ombudsman is guaranteed by Section 165:
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, in the exercise of his or her
functions, the Ombudsman and a deputy Ombudsman shall not be subject to the
direction or control of any other person or authority but subject only to the
Constitution and the law.
(2) All departments, authorities and other public bodies which are subject
to investigation by the Ombudsman shall accord such assistance as he or she
may require for the protection of the independence, dignity and effectiveness
of the Ombudsman in the performance of his or her functions.
However, the Ombudsman cannot impose its decisions on public authorities. It
has to forward its recommendation to the president for review and action.
The president may leave the report to collect dust on the shelf.
The functions of the Ombudsman are quite important in the maintenance of a
disciplined and effective public service. As an independent body it should be
given teeth to bite. Its decisions should be binding.
The Outcry Of Women Gardeners
By Amie Sanneh
Women gardeners at the Bakau Women’s Horticultural Garden have lamented
their lack of water fertilizer, inputs and other problems they face in the
production and sale of their produce. When Foroyaa interviewed them on Monday at
their garden at Mile 7 opposite GRTS Radio, where women work daily, they called
on their partners for assistance.
In an interview with them, Mama Sanyang, who grows sorrel, lettuce and
garden eggs and sells them as Serrekunda Market described her work as hectic. She
said they were faced with lots of problems and difficulties on the garden but
have to cope with them.
Mama said seeds are expensive and they normally purchase them with cash
which she said is always difficult.
She noted that a small packet of lettuce costs D350. She added that lettuce
is the most expensive seed and most difficult to have.
On fertilizer Mama remarked that a bag costs D870, which not all of them can
afford. She said those who cannot buy the bag normally buy smaller measures
which are even costlier. She revealed that they cannot go without fertilizer;
noting that it helps to enrich their produce. Still commenting on their
difficulties, Mama said water is the main problem in the garden. She said they do
not have taps, so they managed to dig their own wells. She said whenever the
day advances, the well dries up, which always affects their work. She
pointed out that without water, they will not be able to have good produce
especially for the lettuce which, of all vegetables needs the highest quantity of
water.
She called on donor partners and the government to consider the efforts they
are doing for the livelihood of the community by offering assistance in the
supply of water, seeds and fertilizers.
Also speaking to Foroyaa, Hawa Darboe expressed similar sentiments. She said
she had been working in the garden for 20 years. She recalled that when the
association of gardeners started they were only thirty-nine in number but now
the number has expanded beyond their imagination. She called on the public
to come to their aid and support them, noting that they have not been
receiving any assistance.
Other women like Manneh Njie also expressed similar sentiments.
Horticultural produce is an important aspect in the lives of all as they are
used as food on a daily basis. Women, most especially, contribute
significantly in this sector.
Cattle Tax Collected in 2007
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Mr. Ismaila Sambou, the Secretary of State for Local Government, Lands and
Religious Affairs, presented to the National Assembly the cattle tax levy for
the fiscal year 2007 in five local government areas. SoS Sambou was
responding to a question from the Minority Leader and Member for Kiang West on the
total revenue from cattle tax in the five respective area councils. Mr. Sambou
said D11, 358 was collected from Brikama Area Council D69, 848 (up to October
10) was collected from Mansakonko Area Council, D67, 386 (up to September)
was collected by the Janjangbureh Area Council, D102, 319 (up to 20 October)
was gathered by the Basse Area Council and D167, 386 (up to 10 October) was
received by the Kerewan Area Council. The figure for Kuntaur Area Council was
not given because it was not asked for.
Asked by the Member for Jarra Central, Hon. Pa Jallow, whether councils have
been audited prior to their recent dissolution, SoS Sambou said there has
not been any audit exercise carried out in the various councils prior to the
dissolution of councils.
Mr. Sambou said, “The Auditor General has commenced the normal auditing
exercise of councils, now, which will hopefully, in due course, cover all
councils.”
Questioned by the Member for Sami, Hon. Lamin Ceesay on the audit report for
Kuntaur Area Council from 2006 to date, the SoS said there had not been any
audit report for that period.
Again, the SoS said Kuntaur Area Council would be covered in the audit
exercise that the Auditor General had just commenced.
Women Farmers Not Optimistic Of Groundnut Buying Season
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
The women farmers this reporter spoke to have expressed lack of confidence
in the trade season even before it started. “We are selling our groundnuts in
bits because we have no hope in this year’s groundnut season,” say women
farmers.
This reporter caught up with some women farmers at Brikamaba “Lumo” who
said they come from Bioram, in the Lower Fulladu West District in Central River
Region. These women brought their groundnuts and were selling them at D6.00
per cup. They said the reason for doing that was that the muslim feast of
Tobaski was just round the corner and they had no money. So they said the only
option for them was to decorticate them and sell them at give away prices for
them to be able to buy clothes for their children and to meet their other
needs. They stated that a farmer can only depend on his/her produce if at all
there is benefit to it.
These women believe that if the farmers cannot get money on time it means
that the season would be considered a failure.
They further stated that last year was a lesson for them, so this year they
will not wait for any credit buying, they will simply go a head and sell
their nuts to have some cash.
These disappointed farmers have lost hope in farming as they cannot have
their expectations met at the end of each season.
FORMER PRISON DIRECTOR FINED
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Banjul Magistrates Court on Tuesday, December 11 fined the then Director
General of The Gambia Prison Department, David Colley the sum of 3,000
dalasis and to restitute the generator he stole from his department.
Magistrate Babucarr Y. Camara said Mr. Colley should pay the fine before
December 31, in default he would serve two months in jail. The former prison
director general was found guilty of stealing a 5.5kVA generator, but was
acquitted and discharged from the charge of stealing D27,000 dalasis from his
department. In his judgment, the magistrate said there is no document or receipt
to prove that Mr. Colley had received the D27,000 dalasis.
He added that Mr. Coley borrowed the generator from his deputy but failed to
return it for years, even after repeated calls and efforts from two
Secretaries of States for the Interior. Mr. Camara said though Mr. Colley in his
defence claimed that the generator was disintegrated and he took it to a
repairer, when the repair testified in court he said he knew the accused for the past
two years, thereby contradicting the time Colley said the generator
disintegrated-about four years ago. He also noted that Mr Colley admitted that he
borrowed the generator from Rose because he had a wedding ceremony which he
wanted to use to cool his drink.
Antouman Gaye, the defence lawyer in his plea of mitigation told the court
that Mr. Colley had served the Prison Department since September 1, 1976 up to
his indictment this year. Mr. Gaye added that since 2003 when the accused
person assumed the position of Director General of Prison to June this year,
only three inmates escaped from the prisons, but six months after Colley’s
departure, at least eight inmates had escaped.
The defence lawyer further said Colley was able to prevent prisoners from
escaping during the 1981 rebellion when he was guarding the main gate of the
state Central Prison, and he was beaten by the inmates and hospitalised for a
month.
Mr. Gaye said Members of the Field Force and others were decorated for their
stand against the rebellion but Colley was only left with the scar on his
head. He said Mr. Colley “would not survive” if he is jailed at a place he
once headed, adding that it would also affect the lives of his wife and four
children, three of whom are very young. The crowd of sympathizers left the
courtroom in a joyful mood in what observers believed to be a ‘victory’ for Mr.
Colley after six months of battle.
Africell MD Fined D35,250 For Traffic Offences
By Saikou Ceesay
In what looked like a very swift and uncompressing trial, Mr. Almakkami
Muhiedine, the Managing Director of Africell, a major mobile phone service
provider in the country, was on Monday 10 December convicted and fined a sum total
of D35,250 by the Kanifing Magistrates Court. The traffic offences are
related to the movement of the entourage of the president a day before the trial,
that is, Sunday, 9 December, 2007. Mr. Muhiedine pleaded guilty and was
subsequently convicted and fined on the following counts:
1. Failing to stop his vehicle when directed to do so by a police officer
for which he was fined D15, 000 in default to serve a term of one year in
prison.
2. Neglect to traffic direction for which he was fined D250 in default to
serve 3 months in prison.
3. Dangerous driving for which he was fined D5000 in default to serve one
year six months in prison.
4. Reckless and negligent act for which he was fined D15,000 in default to
serve a term of one year in prison.
Upon application by the prosecutor who is also Crime Management Coordinator,
Ebrima Dibba, the court impounded the driving licence of the accused for
twelve months.
According to the facts presented to the court by the prosecutor the offence
took place on Sunday along Kairaba Avenue at the Traffic Lights junction when
the president was coming from the airport and passing through the traffic
lights. He further told the court that the accused was coming from the Fajara
end, driving “Africell 1” when he was asked to stop by Inspector Joof but he
refused to do so. The prosecutor added that the accused was asked to take
another direction but he refused. He went to say that the accused then drove in
a manner likely to cause public harm. He then told the court that the police
chased him, arrested him and took him to the police station for
interrogation.
GOV’T Promises Storing Seednuts
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Mr. Kanja Sanneh, the Secretary of State for Agriculture, told the National
Assembly on Tuesday, December 4, that his Department will embark on a
country-wide trek to better assess the groundnut situation and identify potential
seed centres that would serve as seed banks.
“DOSA would arrange to purchase produce from some successful sites/centres
and stores for the 2008 cropping season,” Mr. Sanneh said.
The Secretary of State was responding to a question from Babanding Daffeh,
Member for Kiang Central, who asked what plans were in place to help the
farming communities, considering the crop and grain failures this year.
Mr. Sanneh said: “Efforts are underway with regards to strategies and
measures that would adequately address the associated problems. For example, the
sensitization of communities on the importance of farmers keeping their seeds
in village stores, support and upgrading of cereal banks in strategic
locations country-wide.”
The Secretary of State said a substantial number of village seed-stores are
being assessed and rehabilited to enhance the safe keeping of seed nuts.
“The NGOs and other organisations, to complement government efforts, are
also involved in the promotion and support of cereals growing in the country,”
Mr. Sanneh said.
Farmers often lament the lack of seeds for farming which leads to lower
output.
Harnessing Economic Potential Of River Gambia, A Challenge
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Department of State for Works, Construction and Infrastructural
Development has “plans to encourage and promote the development of a commercial river
industry as well as encourage private sector participation in this process.”
The Secretary of State of the department said this in answer to a question
asked by the Kiang Central MP Babanding Daffeh on what plans the government
has for the introduction of river transport from Banjul to Basse.
Mr Bojang admitted that the reality is that the Gambia River remained under
utilized for a prolonged period as a result of the lack of direct traffic. He
said that his department is working closely with stakeholders, both public
and private to attract potential investors to the sector.
Omar Ndow Freed On One Count
Another Lingers On
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The former Managing Director of Gamtel, Omar Ndow has been acquitted and
discharged from one of two charges against him at the Banjul Magistrates Court.
The trial Magistrate, Mr. B.Y Camara, discharged Mr. Omar Ndow from
disobedience to statutory duty contrary to section 115 of the Criminal Code.
This ruling by the principal Magistrate on Monday has left Mr. Ndow with one
charge, on which to build his defence when the trial resumes on December 19,
i.e. abuse of office. This development came as a result of a “no case to
answer” motion filed by the accused person’s lawyer, Sheriff Tambedou at the
close of the prosecution’s case. On whether Mr. Ndow has disobeyed his
statutory duty as a Managing Director of a public body, the magistrate said though
Gamtel is a legal entity that can sue and be sued it has directors who are
expected to be the eyes and brains of it. He said it is incumbent on Gamtel to
have a contract committee directed by the managing director when seeking
approval for contracts from the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA).
Therefore, Magistrate Camara ruled that the accused person has “ a case to
answer,” on the charge that sprang from a contract between Gamtel and Huawei a
Chinese Company.
Abdoulie Sonko Gets New Lawyer
In Order To Speed Up Proceeding
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Abdoulie Sonko who is being tried at the High Court for treason following
the 1996 attack on the Farafenni Military Barracks has acquired the service of
a new lawyer so that his trial can proceed.
Counsel Lamin S. Camara on Monday, December 10 offered to defend Mr. Sonko
at no cost. The proceedings of the trial has been affected by the
hospitalization of his former lawyer Mai Fatty who was involved in a car accident some
months ago.
Lawyer Camara’s offer was precipitated by an appeal from the presiding
judge, Justice Mabel Maame Yamoa, who is expected to continue hearing the case on
January 21, 2008.
Counsels To Provide Further Evidence In Tabara Samba’s Appeal
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The counsel for Tabara Samba who is appealing against her death sentence has
said they will provide further evidence. Counsel Amie Joof-Conteh told the
High Court on Tuesday that they will provide further evidence by way of an
affidavit.
Tabara is appealing the verdict of the Kanifing Magistrates Court which held
that she killed her husband by pouring hot oil on him.
Her appeal is expected to continue on December 19 at 10am.
FIRE RAVAGES SHOPS IN LATRIKUNDA MARKET
By Gibairu Janneh
Two tailoring shops in the Latrikunda Sabiji Market belonging to one Omar
Jack and Modou Yaya Bah were on Saturday ravaged by a fire disaster.
Speaking to this reporter, Omar Jack, one of the shop owners said he has no
detail of the cause of the fire outbreak. He said he was in his home when he
received a phone call that his shop was on fine. He said it was there that he
rushed to the scene only to find his shop completely burnt but was not able
to recover any thing from the shop and that hundreds of thousands worth of
goods had perished.
Modou Yaya Bah another victim of the fire disaster said he also does not
know the cause of the fine. He said he closed work at around 2:30 am on Saturday
morning and later while he was at home praying he received a phone call
informing him that his shop was on fire. He said when he came to the scene he met
fire service personnel and some people struggling to put off the fine. He
however said that he was informed the fine started from his shop and one of his
trained tailor, Babucarr Gaye, was badly burnt and was rushed to hospital.
He said he lost nearly one million dalasis worth of goods as nothing was
reused from the shop.
Eye witnesses informed Foroyaa that the fire started at around 6:00am and
was caused by a candle. Baboucarr Gaye was first rushed to the Faji Kunda
Health Centre where he was hospitalised (RVTH) for treatment. The police are
guarding the scene to avoid looting.
Travel Agency Promises To Help Needy Children
By Modou Jonga
Brikama Travel Agency, one of its kind in the Western Region has promised to
use its profits to assist needy children. This promise was made on Saturday
8 December, 2007 when it was officially opened at a ceremony held at its
office near the Brikama TOTAL Fuel Station. In his opening remarks, the
proprietor of Brikama Travel Agency, Mr. Muhammed Allright a British national recalled
that he visited The Gambia as a tourist in 1988, but was horrified about the
large number of children who could not afford education due to poverty. As a
result, a charitable body called Gambia Schooling Fund was set up to provide
funds to educate disadvantaged children. Dilating on the numerous businesses
he established, the proprietor of Brikama Travel Agency, disclosed that he
had built a photolab near the Travel Agency which employs eleven people.
Speaking further Mr. Allwright underscored the significance of the Brikama
Travel Agency in enhancing the affordability and efficiency of Air Travelling
to the populace. Mr. Allwright expressed confidence that his Agency has
trained an efficient staff to provide excellent services to the people and that
profit realized from the Travel Agency will be used to sponsor the needy
children.
The Brikama Travel Agency Proprietor used the occasion to announce a 7%
discount Air Travel Cost to individuals who spend five thousand dalasis in a
year. This he reiterated is vital in ensuring and sustaining the business scheme.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Western Region Deputy Governor Madam
Sainabou Faal expressed delight and gratitude in witnessing the official opening
ceremony of the Brikama Travel Agency. Deputy Governor Faal noted that the
opening of the Travel Agency is a milestone in the development records of western
region. Madam Faal noted her office’s resolve in cooperating with the Brikama
Travel Agency and The Gambia Schooling Fund in educating needy children. She
commended Mr. Allwright for his contribution to the socio-economic
development of Gambia communities. The Western Region Deputy Governor thus urged the
residents of her region to make good use of the Travel Agency.
In delivering the vote of thanks, Brikama Travel Agency Sales and Marketing
Manager Mr. Momodou Jabang noted their resolve in cooperating with other
travelling agencies in The Gambia.
The opening ceremony was attended by staff of Brikama Travel Agency, Staff
of Continental and Banjul Travel Agencies, Kebba Bojang representative of the
Chief of Kombo Central and a cross section of the community of Brikama and
environs.
Bureng School Construction Delay
By Bubacarr K. Sow
The construction of a nine classroom block at Bureng Upper Basic School has
been delayed due to late disbursement of funds from the European Commission
(EC), said the Secretary of State for Basic and Secondary Education, Fatou
Lamin Faye.
Mrs. Faye made this statement at the National Assembly recently while
responding to a question from the member for Jarra East Ba Faye Saidykhan who asked
why the construction of a Senior Secondary School at Bureng village in Jarra
East is still at a standstill. The Secretary of State said their records
show that no senior secondary school is being constructed at Bureng. She said in
2004, the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education started the
construction of a 9 classroom block at the Bureng Upper Basic School through
support from the European Commission in a bid to provide additional space”.
Mrs. Faye added that due to delay in the disbursement of funds from the EC
during the project period, construction got delayed which coincided with the
end of the project.
She also explained that her department is exploring other avenues to secure
the resources required to complete the works as well as those on other sites
affected by the same problem.
Victim Of Circumstances ‘AiGaaf’
With Amie Sillah
Wife Is Worried
Fatima is worried to death. Her husband is very late today. As Fatima
pondered over it, she heard the door bell. She went down to open the door. She saw
the company driver Essa holding a staggering Ebrima. Fatima offered her
assistance and helped her husband upstairs. She thanked Essa for saving his life.
Ebrima Cries
Ebrima cried his heart out. “I want to die. Why am I living? Allah! Take my
life. My mom and sister are a torn in my flesh.” “No! You’ll not die my
husband. You are a great man. Your heart is gold. They don’t hate you. It is me
they hate but I can cope. I have you. Everyone rejects me except you and Aunty
B.B. They hate me but I love them. Love is the cure of hate and love is
strength.” They cuddled into each other’s arms and consoled each other. “I love
you! “They said to each other through their sobs.
Application As a Nurse
Fatima applied as a nurse to her former job. The matron confronted her. “Why
did you quit your job as a professional nurse/midwife? You quitted only to
go into marketing? That is what they call square peg in a round hole.” Fatima
became a bit uncomfortable. “My decision was a family decision. I am not
happy in my present job. I want to come back to the hospital where I belong.” “
Well! We will look into your application.” Fatima smiled. She did not do so
for quite a long time now. She is hopeful.
Ebrima Resigns
Ebrima is dissatisfied working with his mom. She is mean, petty and
domineering. Ebrima decided to offer his letter of resignation to his mom. Aja Mariam
accepted it. She acted a great deal just to show Ebrima that she is made of
hard stuff. She disowned him. Aja Mariam threatened to shut, Ebrima out of
his dad’s great fortune. Ebrima cared less. Aja Mariam also threatened to cut
off Fatima’s monthly maintenance allowance. “Your parasitic wife does nothing
for our family. I’ll from hence forth stop her monthly maintenance allowance.
” “Suit yourself wicked woman! Haven’t you not done enough harm. Take dad’
s wealth and leave us in peace. We will relocate. Fatima will find a job and I
’ll also find one. My family will go far away from your evil machinations.”
“Get out of my office before I call the security! Get out!” Aja raised her
voice. Ebrima left in a rage.
Visits Phil For A Job
Dr. Philips owns a conglomerate. He is into so many businesses, all
blossoming. He attended the same university as Ebrima. Ebrima also have a doctorate
degree in philosophy and is also a business guru. He went to visit Dr. Philips
for a job. Phil thought he was joking. “You can’t be serious! What about
your family conglomerate?” “My mum is a pin in my back. I can’t work for her.
She is choking me.” “Okay! I’ll ponder over the issue and will give you a
response in due course.” They kissed and bade each other good-bye.
Fatima Protests
Ebrima told Fatima his decision and action. Fatima protested. “Why? What
were you thinking about to resign from your family company? They don’t hate you.
It is me they hate. We are in a poor situation. I am jobless; Mama have
stopped my monthly stipend and now you have resigned your job. How will we cope?”
“Allah is great! Dr. Phil will offer me a job.” Ebrima was confident. “A
bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Fatima argued. “You cannot work
for Phil. You have to rescind your decision. Take back your resignation letter
and apologize to mom.” “Never! Over my dead body! I am an intellectual. I
have connections. I’ll survive. Have faith in Allah. Where is your faith Fatima?
” Fatima cringed, crawled and counched at Ebrima. She yelled and fainted.
Ebrima got panicky. He applied first aid on Fatima and got her back to
consciousness. “Will you go back to work?” She asked “Yes! Yes! I’ll go back to
work only for your sake.” Fatima force a smile. Ebrima kissed her to sleep. He
soliloqued. “I am caught in a cross fire. The two dearest women in my life are
in a war pitch. So help me Allah! Help me solve my family problem. Mom
dotted on me until I married Fatima, the love of my life. She started showing her
snake venom. She is doing everything to split my family. Mom hates Fatima
with a passion. She calls her ‘Aigaaf’ (bad lucked). I have to take side. My
wife is my life.”
Fatima Apologises for Ebrima
Fatima asked to see mom. She bluffed and snubbed her. Anyway she went ahead.
She apologised for her husband. “Forgive him mom! He knows not what he was
doing.” Mom checked her up and down and refused to utter a word. “Ebrima is
not resigning. It was a misunderstanding.” Mom hates Fatima. She hissed and
left her unceremoniously standing. Fatima forced a smile to mask her
embarrassment. She went back to her room. She did not narrate the incident to Ebrima.
She did not want to fuel a dying fire.
Mom Condemns Fatima
Mom discussed the issue with Hoja. “That witch of a wife! She came to beg
for my son! My son! She is a hypocrite! A satan! She is a perfect actress. Her
pretence sicken my stomach! She destroys my family by marrying my son and now
she pretends to be a mediator between me and my only son. What a cheek!” Mom
foamed.
Fatima Explains To Ebrima
Fatima explained to her husband. “I went to mama to beg her.” “Why should
you beg her? For what? I’ll find a job. I’ll not die.” Ebrima argued. “Not
again! We have already past that bridge. You’ll rescind your resignation
tomorrow. A deal!” Fatima confirmed
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