Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 126/2007, 26 – 28 October 2007
Editorial
DETERIORATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE INCENTIVES
THE PRESIDENT SHOULD CONSIDER THE INTRODUCTION OF TWO TERM LIMIT
The president claims to be shocked by the dilapidated state of government
offices. He should also visit the classes and toilets of the long established
schools like Serrekunda Lower Basic School.
Mr. President, this is the country the APRC has built for the past 13 years.
The country has no admirable past and no admirable present. It deserves an
admirable future which only a sovereign people can bring; a sovereign people
who no longer allows leaders or parties to own them but would take ownership
of leaders and parties on the basis of the liberty and prosperity they can
give guarantee to, to enlarge or be denied even a second mandate.
Foroyaa has been shouting from roof tops that there is no vibrant private or
public sector in this country. There is just pomp and privileges propagated
by a television which focuses on fanfare and some achievements while
downplaying the poverty of the people, that is, the poor civil servants, farmers,
workers and the army of the unemployed.
Foroyaa has raised alarm regarding the remuneration and low level of
absorptive capacity of the private and public sectors in terms of employment.
For example, employment in the public sector remained at about 15,000
employees throughout the 1990s.
It has not grown much in the 2000s.
It is also indicated that the public sector is the main employer. One can
therefore clearly see that Gambia is a poor underdeveloped country. The problem
of the country is not simply one of management. Removing one form of
government to replace it with another without overhauling production systems and
methods of administration will do nothing to eradicate the suffering of the
people. What is needed now is not to follow personalities but to follow
programmes. The APRC has already shown what it can do in 13 years. It has only been
able to replace a dilapidated and shrinking public service heading towards
privatisation and retrenchment of workers with another dilapidated and shrinking
public service heading towards privatisation and retrenchment of workers. The
battle between the past, present and the future shall be determined by the
nature of the programmes that parties intend to implement to enlarge liberty,
and prosperity.
Foroyaa is not just out to publish news. It is out to enlighten and liberate
the people. It is not one of your umpire newspapers engaged in umpire
journalism to promote good governance, enlighten and entertain. It is committed to
the establishment of a country where the sovereignty of the people becomes
supreme.
In this coming year, Foroyaa will engage the APRC regime in every aspect of
national life. Just as we have done with the dalasi, we shall analyse every
aspect of Gambian society to give an alternative way forward.
We also call on the readers to challenge all those who wish to change this
country to do the same. They must not only read but must spread what they are
reading otherwise people who cannot read may not know who are genuinely
determined to work for their liberation.
Take the case of the detainees. Foroyaa is the only institution in the
Gambia which followed the movement of detainees and reported its findings without
fear or favour affection or ill will. However, many pick up these reports
from Foroyaa and spread them like wild fire without referring to their source
because of their desire to suppress Foroyaa’s role as a consistent and fearless
defender of justice. Foroyaa has made it very clear that in a developing
country without a strong private or public sector which can generate employment,
the informal sector usually constitutes the bulwark for income generation.
Foroyaa had indicated that under such circumstances policy makers cannot be
rigid about public and private enterprise development but must give support to
every productive venture which can have multiplying effect in income
generation and spreading to address the problems of poverty. We have shown how the
public sector should be managed to ensure growth in investment, earnings and
employment. We have also shown how the banks should be linked to the productive
base of the private sector to expand production. We have shown how the
informal sector could be strengthened through the association of small scale
enterprises to form cooperatives which is the basis of the whole housing industry
in most European countries, especially Ireland where the level of deprivation
during the earlier days was the highest. Foroyaa has analysed issues like
the dalasi to throw clarity on the subject. This goes for all issues of
national life. Yet some people will quote these things and just mention casually
that they came from a local paper in order to hide the truth to their readers so
as to find it easier to accuse the Foroyaa editors later to be barren of
ideas or is advocating for ideals that are not grounded in reality. Those who
are reading Foroyaa and are ready to be part of the solution should maintain
archives of what they read and post it to any media establishment which aims to
distort what we have been saying to people.
The people should no longer accept labelling, branding or stigmatising of
personalities or newspapers. For example, before Foroyaa started publication,
many people in high offices did not know what a constitution was. It is
Foroyaa which took the 1970 constitution from the shelves collecting dust and tried
to make it known to the people. Those behind Foroyaa have always refused to
support or participate in government establishment by unconstitutional means,
yet there are people who try to prejudice the minds of the people to think
that others are the genuine advocates of democracy.
In the coming years therefore, the real democrats who advocate for the total
sovereignty of the people will be separated from the formal democrats who
establish instruments, institutions and structures but do nothing to make
knowledge a property of the people so that they become so empowered that no leader
will dear appear before them like a demigod. It is then and only then that
society will give its back at impunity, oligarchies and autocracies.
The battle for transparency, accountability, clarity and assertion of
sovereignty of the people is taking a new dimension.
Even President Jammeh could not avoid exposing the inadequacies of his
administration. The future of our country does not lie in the stars or horoscopes
to reveal. The future lies in the brains and hands of the sovereign people.
Our children will inherit the type of society we dare to build with our minds
and hands. Those with negative thinking will always have nothing to
contribute but contempt. Those with positive thinking will always find means of
strengthening the people to become their own liberators.
Bajinka Incommunicado For 7 Months
By Modou Jonga
This reporter has been reliably informed that personnel of the National
Intelligence Agency (NIA), Yaya Bajinka, a resident of Brikama, is held
incommunicado at the State Central Prison for seven months since his arrest. The
detained NIA personnel, according to family sources, was arrested shortly after
Major Bajinka, a former aide to the President of the Republic, fled the country.
Sources noted that the said NIA personnel was released by the authorities
with other brothers of the absconded major.
Reports have it that Yaya Bajinka was rearrested by three plain clothes
officers believed to be NIA personnel on 16 April 2007 in Brikama and was then
whisked away and detained at Mile II. The NIA has denied ever arresting Yaya
Bajinka. Family sources stated that access to their loved one is prevented by
the authorities since the latter was re-arrested and detained.
Family sources further noted that no reason is yet advanced by the
authorities for the continued detention of Mr. Yaya Bajinka and that he is neither
charged nor arraigned in any court of law, contrary to the constitution and laws
of the land. They also lamented the health condition of Mr. Bajinka.
GOVI Celebrates World White Cane Day In URR
By Lamin Fatty
The Gambia Organisation for the Visually Impaired (GOVI) celebrated the
World White Cane Day followed by the (AGM) in Basse Upper River Region (URR). The
occasion was marked by a successful and colourful march past by the school
children, government Departments, NGOs, the Visually impaired, business
fraternity and a cross section of the general public, which was supported by the
regional Scouts band under Abubacar Krubally.
Speaking on the occasion, the president of GOVI, Mr. Muhammed Korah
highlighted that the aims and objectives of celebrating the day is to reflect on the
discrimination and injustices that are perpetrated against the visually
impaired. According to the GOVI president, this year’s celebration is held in URR
as part of GOVI’s efforts in decentralising its activities. He pointed out
that to be visually impaired does not mean that one is not a person. He urged
the visually impaired people not to underestimate their potentials as visually
impaired. For his part the Executive Director of GOVI, Mr. Mamut M. Touray,
said the celebration is a yearly event but that this year’s event is designed
for the people of URR to be sensitized about the importance of acting
responsibly towards the visually impaired. He said that the white cane used by the
visually impaired people is a symbol and identification for the visually
impaired people everywhere. He urged the general public to see the visually
impaired as being part of the society.
The National Assembly member for Basse, Hon Sellu Bah, who tied a peace of
cloth around his eyes in order to put himself in the situation of the visually
impaired, also addressed the gathering. He urged the general public
particularly the drivers to always take the visually impaired into consideration when
driving.
Declaring the celebration open, the governor of URR, Alhagie Omar Khan
reiterated that the day was a very important day, which according to him is highly
proclaimed. He said the “White Cane” is a symbol indicating that the
visually impaired are part of the society and who are capable of doing everything
by themselves. He pointed out that the rights of the visually impaired are
violated and they are being discriminated; that we make them feel hopeless in
the society. He stressed that it is the duty of everybody to respect and ensure
the protection and promotion of the visually impaired so that they can feel
they are part of the society and can contribute towards the socio-economic
development of the country. He finally thanked and commended the organizers of
GOVI for choosing URR.
Campaign To Ratify Small Arms Convention
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP) The Gambia, the coordinating
body for the sensitisation and advocacy mission of the ECOWAS Small Arms Unit
were in The Gambia for the purpose of encouraging the Government of The
Gambia to expedite the ratification process of the ECOWAS convention on small
arms and light weapons. The ECOWAS delegation and civil society organizations as
well as the media held a meeting at the joint officers’ mess at Kotu on
Wednesday 24 October.
According to retired General Charles Okae, the Director of peace keeping and
security in the region said their mission is to get The Gambia’s response in
terms of small arms which was endorsed in June last year. General Charles
Okae said they have been organizing various meetings with security agents to
make sure that ratification will not be a problem. He noted that the meeting is
to inform the citizenry of The Gambia about the ECOWAS convention. General
Okae asserted that ECOWAS heads of state have all agreed that there cannot be
any meaningful development in the region without peace, which cannot go
without controlling the spread of arms. General Okae indicated that nine member
states had ratified the ECOWAS convention on small arms and light weapons,
ammunition and other related weapons. General Okae has pointed out that the
convention does not include interference in the internal affairs of member states
and the principle that each member shall avoid recourse to the threat or use
of force.
Mr. Oluwafisan Bankale, who is also the policy, advocacy and communication
officer, conducted a lecture on the convention. Commandant Abdourahmane Dieng
head of ECOWAS Department for Small Arms Unit was also present at the
meeting.
RAFAM Campaigns For Gambia Mosquito Free
By Lamin Fatty
The Rural Association that aims to Fight Against Malaria (RAFAM) was formed
by a group of philanthropists on the 16 January 2006 in Basse URR. It was
registered on the 12 April 2006 at the AG’s Chambers in Banjul and finally
launched at Alunhare on the 10 of June 2007, making it a fully fledged Community
Base Organisation (CBO). The organisation has an executive of ten members
within the same Region supported by a dynamic drama group in charge of all the
advocacy activities of the Association. It had currently successfully
registered eight affiliated groups from various Districts across the region since the
organisation is conceived as a membership based entity.
Speaking to Foroyaa shortly after the exercise, Momodou Billo Jallow the
Secretary General of the Association said the aims and objectives of the
Association among others are to complement the efforts of the Department of State
for Health in the fight against malaria. According to Mr. Jallow, malaria kills
millions of women and children around the world including pregnant women and
The Gambia is not an exception, he said. He pointed out that based on the
following highlighted reasons, the organisation collaborates with the regional
Health Team in Basse headed by Saikouna Sanyang, and other important
activities all geared towards preventing the entire general public in URR from
contracting malaria and also to contribute towards the improvement of health and
hygiene through the help of traditional communication channels.
For his part the Social Secretary of the Organisation, Mr. Tentu Manneh
stressed that the formation of RAFAM is very crucial and timely since according
to him millions of people are dying as he was speaking. He pointed out that
malaria is very serious since it can reduce the productive labour force of a
society, thereby contributing to the decline of agricultural productivity which
according to Mr. Manneh haa a negative impact on both the lives of the
people particularly the rural poor and the economy. He therefore called upon every
body in URR to join RAFAM in the fight against one of the greatest enemies
of human beings (mosquitoes). He said the Department of State for Health alone
cannot do it. He commended the executive members of (RAFAM) for their
inspiring leadership and tasked them to take it as a challenge. He also appealed to
Government, NGOs as well as donor agencies and institutions for support to
be able to realize their potentials in making The Gambia mosquito free. The
exercise was conducted in the following communities. Koba Kunda, Kaba Kama,
Manneh Kunda, Basse and Samba Tako. The exercise was marked by educative drama
performances by RAFAM Traditional Communicators.
INTERVIEW WITH HALIFA SALLAH (PART 5)
How do you see the detention without trial of Chief Manneh, Kanyiba Kanyi
and others and the proceedings before the ECOWAS Court?
The worst forms of human rights violation are murder and disappearance of
persons. Murder is permanent disappearance. Detention without trial is
temporary disappearance. A just government must protect all her citizens from murder
and disappearance without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
The Gambian people are now seeing in practical terms the significance and
limits of constitutions.
One of the most important provision of the 1997 Constitution which was
absent from the 1970 Constitution is the time limit for Detention without trial.
In short, a sovereign person is a free person whose liberty, should not be
fettered. This is why Section 19 of the Constitution states: “Every person
shall have the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be
subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall be deprived of his or her
liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedures as are
established by law.”
It further states that any person who is arrested and detained shall be
informed as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any case within three hours,
in a language that he or she understands, the reason for his or her
detention and his or her right to consult a legal practitioner.
The right to know why he/she is detained and to see a legal practitioner
within three hours after ones detention is designed to prevent disappearance of
persons. If the Constitution is respected no body can be in custody for more
than three hours without public knowledge.
Furthermore, if a person is not release the constitution states that he or
she should be brought before a court without undue delay and in any event,
within seventy two hours. This is the second instrument that is designed to
prevent the disappearance of a person.
It is therefore absolutely clear that if the Constitution is respected no
law enforcement or security agent should keep a person in custody in secret for
more than 3 hours without informing him or her the right to seek legal advice
and for more than 72 hours without bringing the person before a court.
Could we then say that the Constitution has no use since there is detention
for over 72 hours without trial.
We must understand the power structure envisaged in a Sovereign Republic to
know where the powers of the Constitution start and end.
Please explain.
In a Sovereign Republic the Constitution has powers and the people have
powers. In the ideal situation the Constitution gets the powers that the people
give it.
In short, through a referendum the people become the first lawmakers of a
Republic. Since the people are the makers of Constitutions. They should be able
to change any of its provisions through a referendum.
Hence, the first lesson is that Constitutions are created by people and can
be changed by people.
The second lesson is that once a Constitution is promulgated it has the
power of law and people become subject to it. In this way the Constitution also
becomes supreme. It governs how a country is administered.
Thirdly, a Constitution has power only if its provisions are respected and
enforced. People with power can however disrespect the Constitution with
impunity or even overthrow it.
The fourth lesson is that the people have power to change those who
disrespect Constitutions. Ultimately, it is the people who make Constitutions
powerful or powerless.
How does it apply to Chief Manneh?
Chief Manneh should not be under detention without trial for more than 72
hours. Hence his disappearance should be of concern. The state has been
accused. It has a duty to appear and explain its case. It is left to the court to
decide the rights and wrongs of the case.
What can people do if the government fails to abide by the rules.
Popular outcry is the instrument to combat impunity. Every honest person
should talk. If the outcry comes in the media, the mosques and churches, the
platforms of civil society a government will be compelled to listen.
What if it fails to pay heed?
The people are sovereign. They can refuse to elect such a government and
replace it with another.
Some people have said that the sovereignty of the people have been reduced
because they have legally accepted coup detat in the preamble of the
Constitution.
A preamble is not a legal provision. In actual fact it is not a living part
of the Constitution. It is supposed to be a mission statement. I must say
that every legal and actionable provision of the Constitution runs counter to
rule by might and impunity. It is left to the Gambian people to elect
governments which respects section 1, subsection (2) of the constitution which states:
“The sovereignty of The Gambia resides in the people of The Gambia from whom
all organs of government derive their authority and in whose name and for
whose welfare and prosperity the powers of government are to be exercised in
accordance with this Constitution.”
FAO Joins Worldwide Candle light Vigil
By Annia Gaye
As part of the celebrations of World Food Day, which was held on 16 October
every year, the Food and Agriculture Organisation [FAO] on Monday 22 October
held a World Food Day Candle light Vigil that is being held in each country
worldwide. The Candlelight Vigil was held at the Buffer Zone in Lartikunda
Sabiji
The theme for these years’ celebrations was “The Right to Food”. Speaking
at the ceremony, the Food and Agriculture Organisation representative in The
Gambia Dr. David Bowen stated that several number of people go to bed with an
empty stomach every day. He said the theme for this year “The right to food
has been strengthened further internationally by more countries joining; that
56 states are taken “the right to food as a legally binding law. He said
information is the key element to every human being and they need the information
to reduce poverty.
He noted that Freedom from hunger is one of the fundamental goals in FAO
programmes and said the implementation framework based on the right to food has
been implemented. He said, “The Right to Food is the realization of human
rights”. For his part the Acting Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council,
Yankuba Colley said this theme is very important especially to countries in the
developing world. He noted that the KMC attaches great importance to issues
related to food self-sufficiency and poverty reduction within the framework of
the poverty reduction strategy of the FAO. He further noted that food
insufficiency was associated with rural communities but they, at local government
level, have realized that urban poverty is becoming a major issue in parts of the
KMC. He said people are poor and hungry by international standards because
they live on less then a dollar a day and they are unable to provide the
traditional square meal for their families each day”.
He noted that KMC is committed to work with FAO country office to develop
and implement projects so as to make life better for this category of the
community. “We must ensure that fewer and fewer people are without enough food to
eat each day,” he said. Mr. Colley stated, among other things, that lighting
candles and processions are not enough to boost the global fight against
poverty reduction and sustainable development but concrete and genuine actions
are needed for the benefit of the suffering masses, he concluded.
Policy Analysis And Advocacy Skills Workshop Held
By Annia Gaye
The National Youths Association for Food Security (NaYAFS) recently held a
one-day workshop on policy analysis and advocacy skills at the Baobab Resort
Hotel in Kerr Serign. The workshop aimed to raise the awareness of BCO’s,
their constituency, other chapter instruments and implications for community
level activities and to build-up their capacities on public budget analysis and
advocacy.
Speaking at the workshop, the Resource Person Mr. Omar Jobe noted that they
want to demystify the national budget so that every citizen would know about
it and know the level and reduction of poverty in the country. He urged
participants to make good use of the workshop as it analyses the budget of The
Gambia.
Abdoulie Bojang, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly noted that the
workshop was very important to them as members of the Assembly. He stated
that the budget is an expenditure that the government does. He noted that they
as members of the National Assembly would collaborate with all civic groups so
as to see what justice can be done to the people in the budget.
Alagie Kebbeh, the Director of NaYAFS pointed out that as poverty continues
to increase more and more, promises are made without any action being taken
by leaders in the south in terms of commitment to increase Official
Development Aid (ODA). He noted that the workshop was very important as its deals with
the budget. He urged the participants to make good use of it.
British Embassy Updates Visa Application Forms
By Amie Sanneh
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Banjul, Jenney Fenton, has said
their application forms have been updated to make it easier to understand and
fill in. She said new forms will be available on the 28th October from Visa
Application Centres, British Embassies and from the Ukvisas’website:
www.ukvisas.gov.uk.
Speaking to journalists at a press briefing on Thursday at the Embassy’s
hall, the Deputy British High Commissioner said Visa application centres will
continue to accept the old forms until 9th November 2007. Madam Fenton said
once the forms are properly completed, they are unlikely to require information.
On qualification for visa, she explained that applicants will qualify as a “
fast track” applicant if they have among others:
· Previously travelled to the UK and has evidence of this travel and
have not been refused a visa since their travel.
· Apply as a student and has previously studied in the UK on a student
visa. They must include full supporting documents or you are a student with
full British Council sponsorship.
· Applied as a diplomat in The Gambia Foreign Service, or in a
diplomatic mission in The Gambia.
The British Deputy High Commissioner explained that their decision to grant
or deny a visa is based on the United Kingdom Immigration rules. “The most
common reason for a visa refusal is because either the correct documents have
not been submitted or the information is insufficient,” she noted.
Madam Fenton, however, pointed out that they make a fair decision in issuing
out visas to people and no priority is given. Commenting on infrastructural
development, the Deputy High Commissioner remarked that some changes have
been done in their building structure. She said they made it to be more
comfortable in their busy periods by adding extra sitting in the outside waiting
area. She added that the waiting room has been refurbished.
She urged applicants to ensure that application forms are fully completed
with all necessary documents attached before they are lodged. “If the documents
are not in English, a certified translation must be submitted,” she noted.
She also added that “all supporting documents should be original and are
accompanied by a photocopy. This she noted is to guard against the submission of
forged paperwork.
The submission of forged documents she said is a criminal offence and will
result in the refusal of application and may also be liable to prosecution by
The Gambia police.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Discrimination In The Family
Part 8
The Rich Household
A dream has come true for Bani. Her husband is into all sorts of lucrative
business, oil exploration, diamond trading, manufacturing etc. He has offices
in The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Angola, South Africa and Brussels. He is filthy
rich. They love themselves. Bani lack nothing. As they were relaxing Mama
called and asked Bani to come over and help her with some shopping. “Can you
please come over and help me with some shopping? I want to travel to the village
to do some little trading”. “Okay! Hang up. I’ll get to you later”. Bani
came to her husband. “Whom were you talking to?” Che asked. It’s mama. She
asked me to accompany her to the market to buy some goods for trading in the
village”. “And what did you tell her?” He asked. “I told her to hang up while
I ask for your opinion about it”. “That’s right. My candid opinion is no.
She has to know and appreciate whose wife you are as from now. You don’t go to
market. Your servants do”. “Okay darling! I’ll let her now, thanks! Can I
serve your food?” He caressed his stomach and said, “Yes! I’ll do with that.
Thanks my love!” Bani got back to her mom and disappointed her. “Am sorry
mom, Che does not like the idea. It’s the phone. I’ll explain more when I see
you”. And she hangs the phone. “What! Your own mother? You need your husband’
s permission before assisting your own mother? Okay! We shall see”. Mama
hangs off the telephone.
Mom Comes To The Rich Household
Guards on duty have to take particulars before one is allowed into the
premises. There is a reason for that. Che is an international businessman. He has
friends and foes alike. His life is insured and highly protected. He lives a
secluded life. Everybody has to sign the visitor’s book no matter whom.
Coming to his house is by appointment and invitation. Everything about his life is
formal, you are only allowed into his residence if he wants to see you. Mama
came to see them and was asked to sign the visitor’s book. She became pissed
off. This is her in-law’s residence, a member of his family, why should she
sign? She protested. “Why should I sign? Didn’t you know me? I am your boss’
s mother-in-law; let me in before you lose your job”. She insisted. The guard
was polite enough to explain. “Mama sign oh! This is the routine whether
rich or poor. I am a poor fellow. I don’t want to lose my job. I have two wives
and fifteen kids. I am sorry. You must try to understand”. He pleaded. Mama
could not believe her ears. She dialed to Bani to enquire. “Bani girl! I am at
your gate. Your stupid guard asked me to sign a visitor’s book before am
allowed to enter your premises. Is that so? Me! Your mother!” She paused for her
reply. “That is so mama. This is the routine. It applies to everybody rich
or poor”. “If I don’t?” Mama defied. “Then no entry, mom. That is the rule
no exception”. She put off her mobile. She was drinking and chatting with Che
at their house bar. “Who is that?” Che asked. “Mama!” Bani replied. “What
does she want at this time of the night?” “I don’t know”. Was Bani’s short
reply. She hated mama’s troubles and she feared Che’s wrath. “She is not
welcome”. Bani supported her husband’s stance.
Mama Comes In
Mama came and met the couples at the steps to the entrance into the Manson.
She was tense but managed to greet both of them and went straight to the
point. “My in-law! I cannot understand your routine. I have to sign to enter into
your residence?” Mama asked a direct question. Che answered unequivocally. “
That’s not a big deal. Even presidents sign to enter my premises. Everybody
rich or poor observe the protocol. And you have not call to say you are
coming. You cannot barge into my family like that. You have to be invited”. Che
commented rudely. Mama got a rude shock. Che went back into the house. Bani
timidly welcomed her mom. Mama protested. “I don’t like your husband’s
reception. He is rude and impolite. I cannot allow my in-law to treat me as thrash”.
Bani cautioned her. “Mama! Don’t complain oh! This is the type of husband you
wanted me to marry. You have to comply. Don’t invite his anger and wrath. I
am very afraid of him. If he is angry, he is not easily contained.” “
Nonsense! I am complying because of you. But let it be clear to both of you. I
cannot be treated as a maid in my daughter’s house. Now you are the lady Diana and
he is the Prince Charles? You want to practice your high class on me. It is
undone. We shall see!” Mama posited. She was quite upset. She sensed that she
is unwelcome into this house but she will not give up without a fight.
Zai With Saul
Zainab married her choice. They loved themselves and lived a simple life.
Zainab worked as administrator in a private company. Saul worked as an
accountant at the Continental Bank. They hired an elderly nanny to look after their
twins.
The Unexpected Visitor
Mama barged into them unannounced. They were surprised to see her. Saul
commented. “Ah Mama! You did not tell us you are coming? It’s a big surprise.”
Zai rushed into the sitting room and manifested the same surprise. “Well! Here
I am.” “How is every one Mama? Is everything okay?” They asked. “Everyone
is fine and they send their greetings.” “You are welcome mom! You are
welcome!” they both said. Zai ushered her into her room and ensured she have a hot
shower. She slept the night.
Mama’s Troubles
Before she awoke Zai ensured she got a hot shower for her and prepared her
breakfast. Mama took her hot shower then came out into the sitting room. Her
first complaint was about lack of an AC. Then she asked for all the newspapers
available for the day. Saul was going to work but she insisted that he goes
to the street and buy her all the newspapers before proceeding to work. Saul
has to rush to do that. Then she complained about the food. She was not
interested in a dry breakfast. She requested for chicken or beef salad with plenty
of vegetables and also a hot beverage drink. Zai protested and said she eats
what is available or nothing else but Saul would not hear of it. “She is our
guest. Take some money and buy her breakfast at Mamy’s kiosk.” He pleaded
with Zai. “She is your mother.” Then he hurried to work. He commutes to work.
He was lucky to be given a lift by a colleague. Mama criticized the couple’s
poverty. “Poverty! Poverty everywhere! These idiots cannot even afford an
ordinary fan.” She grumbled to herself before Zai came with her breakfast.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE 1987 SUPPLEMENTARY REGISTRATION,
ELECTORAL OFFICE RENDERED TOOTHLESS
We have been focusing on Politics in this column and that motivates us to
follow the narration of events from pre-colonial to post-independence era.
The objective is to show that the independence that was fought by our
fathers such as Edward Francis Small and colleagues was to usher in a democratic
state. This also means that as an independent state, each citizen should be
sovereign with an obligation to exercise his or her right and conscience in
making an independent decision for the good of her country.
The struggle that continued to be waged in the first republic Gambia, and
even now was, is to free the individual by way of education and enlightenment
from what Barbara Goodwin called ‘obeying the sovereign however tyrannical’
In her book, Goodwin quoting from Locke said Locke located the origin of the
government in a state of nature but as he said that was a peaceful,
semi-civilized state; that for greater security of their life, liberty, and estate;
men consented to form a political community .The result of this contract was a
government whose duty was to protect and further their interests. The people
however would remain sovereign.
So the battle that was waged in the late 1980s was an attempt to help the
individual to discover his or her individuality and the rights and obligations
attached to it so as to take her rightful place in the democratic process of
her country.
In the last issue we have stopped where we said it was at this time that a
clandestine publication was discovered in circulation against the PDOIS,
captioned, ‘A Banjul Political Observer Writes To Enlighten Public On PDOIS.’
Let us continue from where we stopped.
The first paragraph of the clandestine publication reads as thus; “The
emergence of a new so-called political party in the Gambia’s Political history to
pose as “lawyers” “journalists,” “intellectuals,” “writers” and “
educationists| for the Gambian people does really pose some pertinent questions on
the mental well-being of the antagonist of this party bearing the name PDOIS
which in every respect means ‘peoples Devilish Organization for the insane and
the senile.”
“The writers of PDOIS will never hesitate to express a very high degree of
idiocy saying that PDOIS is too clean to engage in such dirty tricks”etc.,
that Gambians need not worry much about moon Tiger or other mosquito-repellents
to be free from noises created by the PDOIS.
The sad fact about these lost brothers is that they are now bothering on
three inter-related forms of detachment from the society—neurosis, psychosis and
schizophrenia. Nobody really knows what the members of this party are. They
claim to be politicians whilst at the same time reading the lawyers gown even
though they are not recognised by the Bar Association. They claim to be
intellectuals distributing all kinds of incomprehensible verbiage. They now claim
to be journalists by running a so-called paper when they cannot even justify
any of their claims they make.
All that is needed is a small cage; remember there are more people in a
Renault 4 Taxi than the PDOIS members. It would be better to take them to where
they belong and then carry on with some psychiatric treatment on them.
The Foroyaa, which was the organ of PDOIS, commented that the PPP government
dominated the National media. They could have called PDOIS to debate issues
there instead of hiding behind insults to cover-up their emptiness; that
PDOIS was ever ready to debate with the PPP on all fundamental issues such as the
budget, the SeneGambia Confederation and so on. They cited PDOIS’
performance at the National Conference on Education, which they said confirms PDOIS’
capacity to lead this country. They encouraged the PPP to invite PDOIS for
debate on any fundamental issue to clarify matters. They however said the fact
that their friend or friends had to hide to criticize them confirms PDOIS’
intellectual competence. They expressed hope that Mr. Pesseh Njie MP, and leader
of the PPP agents and a Mr. Jome would write to dissociate themselves from
Mr. No name’s infantile publication. This surprised many because this was the
first time a clandestine leaflet was seen circulating in town against an
opposition party in the Gambia.
Despite all the exposures through leaflets and Newspapers and rallies, the
practice continued unabated. A representative of PDOIS had to go and see the
Deputy supervisor of elections headlong on several occasions to get him to
stop the PPP Agents from issuing claim forms, but he could not be made to act.
A letter was again written to the supervisor of elections copied to the
president, the vice president, the minister of Justice and the Deputy supervisor
of elections warning the supervisor that if he failed to act they would take
further steps to expose his negligence of responsibility.
According to Foroyaa instead of acting, the electoral office issued out a
statement broadcast over Radio Gambia distorting their views.
According to the electoral office statement over Radio Gambia, PDOIS was
objecting to the presence of PPP Agents at the registration Centres who they
claimed were merely assisting illiterates to fill forms issued by the
registering officers. According to Foroyaa, this was a naked lie. How could they object
to the presence of PPP Agents at the registration Centres when their own
Agents were present in all Centres? Foroyaa asked.
By September 30th, PDOIS Representatives joined their Agents at the McCarthy
Square where registration was taken place with the objective to prove that
the electoral office was indeed telling lies; that PDOIS Release of The 14th
September was accurate or truthful.
Unbeknown to the PPP Agents, the PDOIS Executive had invited independent
observers to witness the scene. Many people were around at the center and the
PPP Agents were busy issuing out claim forms as usual. According to Foroyaa the
Registering officer was helpless. The PDOIS representatives stood their
ground and told the PPP Agents that the electoral office had already been
spreading lies that no political party was issuing forms. They insisted that the
practice had to cease.
The PPP MP for Banjul central, Hon. Ebrima Pesseh Njie said,’loolu duul la’
in wollof,’ meaning’ that is shit.’ meaning the unlawful practice of
issuing claim forms would not cease. Foroyaa commented that the phrase was
laughable because the PPP representatives thought that they were above the law.
According to the PDOIS they are too clean to respond to such vulgar language;
that all they were interested was to see that the law prevailed.
Somehow the police were also around observing the whole scene. According to
Foroyaa as the tension grew the PPP Agents adviced the MP to leave the scene
probably to avoid embarrassment knowing that the police were coming, which he
instantly did. Foroyaa observed that few minutes after his departure, new
police reinforcement arrived and questioned the PDOIS Agents who explained that
all they wanted was to prove that the statement from the electoral office
contained nothing but lies and further put a stop to the PPP Agents unlawful
practice of issuing claim forms. The police officers assured the PDOIS after
receiving confirmation from the registering officer that no political party was
allowed to issue claim forms that the practice was going to cease.
The question is, why was the electoral office siding with the PPP Agents’
unlawful practice up to issuing false statement to misinform the public? The
Foroyaa asked.
According to Foroyaa it was proven that the electoral office was telling
blatant lies. They analyzed that three options existed before the government to
restore public confidence in such an important office. Ie.1. Allow PDOIS to
issue out a statement over the air to state facts, which would give Radio
Gambia an independent appearance.2. The electoral office could be made to
re-track its statement or 3. The Authorities could dismiss the liar or dishonest
person who issued the false statement.
See next edition of Focus as we shed light on issues leading to the year
1988 registration.
Stakeholders’ Report On Cross Border Integration; Validated
By Modou Jonga
The stakeholders’ report on the Cross Border Integration prepared on 3
October 2007 at the Western Region Governor’s office was on Wednesday 24 October
2007 validated and adopted by representatives of civil society organizations.
The one-day forum, organised by the Brikama Area Council sub- committee on
Foreign Affairs and Cross Border Integration, drew participants from the
Immigration department, youth organizations, amongst others.
In his remarks at the one-day validation forum, Mr. Cherno Jallow, a
representative of FOPRADD, noted that the cross border integration initiative is
timely and urged respective governments to back it by political will. Mr. Jallow
further urged for the intensification of the activities of the
co-coordinating committee to interface with local governments.
As part of the forum, a Co-coordinating Committee was setup to steer the
plans of stakeholders on cross border integration. The elected members of the
coordinating committee are:
Cherno Jallow Coordinator, Mercel Badjie Assistant Coordinator, Ebrima M.J
Jallow Secretary, Lamin Jarju Assistant Secretary, Sandang Bojang Treasurer,
Solomon P.S Jatta Auditor, Lamin Darboe Public Relations Officer, Laliya Demba
Member and Mama Janneh Sawaneh – Member
In their concluding remarks, participants urged elected members of the said
committee to be committed and steadfast in working towards achieving the
ideals of cross border integration.
First Norwegian Tourist Flight Arrives
By Saikou Ceesay
The first direct tourist flight from Norway had arrived at the Banjul
International Airport on Monday 22 October at around 3pm. Talking to Foroyaa Mr.
Charbel Hobeika, Managing Director of Gambia Tours, disclosed that they have
received two hundred and eleven tourists from Norway.
Mr. Hobeika said that previously the Norwegian tourists used to board their
flights from Denmark and Sweden; that this is the first time for them to
receive a direct flight from Norway. The Gambia Tours MD said they are expecting
a high number of tourists this year and also years to come. He said the bulk
of guests would be lodging at Tafbell, and BB hotels among others in the
country. He said that most of these hotels are full but assured that there will be
no hotel overbooking.
Also talking to this reporter was Thomas Dalgard, Service Manager of Gambia
Tours, who said they are working on the services for the guests, which can
create and maintain very close collaboration with The Gambia tours.
Mr. Dalgard explained that they provide Scandinavian language interpreters
for the guests to have the necessary information and news about The Gambia.
Mr. Lamin Saho, Director of marketing at GTA, who represented the Director
General, said his office is working on the modalities to bolster Gambia
tourism in the Scandinavian countries. Mr. Saho said that exhibiting The Gambian
culture outside and the hospitality of her people is a move in the right
direction in ensuring a viable and everlasting tourism seasons in The Gambia.
For his part, Mr. Ousman Kebbeh, Human Resource Manager at GTA, said they
want to take tourism to the people in the rural areas to benefit, adding that
stemming down tourism to those in the rural areas and cultural groups will help
a lot in building a better tourism sector in the country.
In a similar development last week, 211 tourists arrived from Finland being
the first to come from that country.
Ambassador Salsamendi On The Achievements Of The Cuban Revolution
By Gibairu Janneh
The Cuban Ambassador to The Gambia, Mr. Carlos Salsamendi, in a presentation
at a seminar held at the Girls Guides Premises shed light on facts about
Cuba.
In his presentation, the Ambassador said the Republic of Cuba has gone
through three stages or periods of history namely; Spanish colonialism, United
States neo-colonialism and the struggle for independence in 1959. The Ambassador
further states that the independence revolution led by Fidel Castro was the
turning point of Cuba’s history as it brought sovereignty, dignity and
personality to the people of Cuba and ended decades of domination, exploitation,
bad governance and oppression. The revolution has had great achievements, and
impacts on the people of Cuba which includes women empowerment, as women
constitute 40% of Cubans labour force, 66% of professionals and technicians, 36%
National Assembly Members and so on and so forth.
It has also brought free education from primary to secondary schools thereby
reducing illiteracy down to 0.2%. 49% enrolment ratio and 65%enrollment in
universities. The health sector was also widely expanded with 71,000 doctors,
39,500 nurses, 248 hospitals, 420 major health centres and life expectancy a t
77 years, he said. On the economy, the Ambassador noted that Cuba reduced
unemployment level to 1.9% with 5 million people employed and that tourism
contributes to a greater part of the economy. Mr. Salsamendi also said Cuba has
26 embassies in sub-Saharan Africa and the diplomatic relations between The
Gambia and Cuba started in 1979 and since then Cuba has been assisting The
Gambia, particularly in the health sector. He disclosed that there are currently
145 Cuban doctors, nurses and technicians in The Gambia. He commended The
Gambia’s co-operation and the people of The Gambia for their support and
hospitality. The seminar was facilitated by Mr. Gumbo Ali Touray, Chief of
Information and International Affairs, University of The Gambia and was also attended
by the Mauritanian Ambassador to The Gambia.
UNICEF Holds Meeting With URR TAC
By Lamin Fatty
The New Unicef country representative in The Gambia Madam Min-Wheel Khaan,
with her deputy and some senior Unicef officials recently concluded a
three-day working visit to Basse in URR. The aim of their visit was to exchange ideas
with their partner institutions on their program approaches and strategies
as to how to coordinate the Unicef Gambia government country program of
cooperation 2007-2011 which is highly concentrated in URR. It is also meant to
enable the partner institutions to present their implemented activities, the
challenges faced, constraints and a way forward.
Speaking on the TAC meeting, which was held at the Basse Area Council
chambers, the Unicef boss said that URR has encountered numerous problems ranging
from health, education, child protection, empowerment and poverty in
particular. She pointed out that this was the reason why the Unicef country program of
cooperation is concentrating highly in the region. According to her, the
aims and objectives of Unicef is to ensure the protection and promotion of the
fundamental rights of children who according to her died before the age of
five years as a result of diarrhoea, malaria, and other preventable diseases.
She therefore stressed the need for the protection and promotion of the
fundamental rights of women at all levels of their lives, ensuring the provision of
basic needs services, such as clean safe drinking water, electricity,
hospitals, equipped with nurses and doctors who are well trained and paid. She
pointed out that she has great expectations from the URR TAC and therefore tasked
them to have policies, programs and strategies for the promotion and
protection of children and women’s rights and also monitor the progress made as the
program activities are being implemented. She finally called for the
development of regional sectoral plans and strategies to coordinate the implementation
of the country program activities by sectors within the region and assured
them of Unicef’s support and collaboration with TAC to jointly implement the
regional plans.
The remarks made by the Unicef representative were followed by presentations
from the Unicef implementing partners such as TOSTAN Gambia, CADO,
Education, Health and CBO’s.
The meeting was chaired by the Governor of URR, Alhagie Omar Khan.
HEALTH AND NUTRITION BANTABA
Amadou Sowe Dilates On Measles
By Yaya Bajo
Mr. Amadou Sowe, Programme Manager Health Education Unit at the Department
of State for Health and Social welfare, has categorised measles as one of the
most contagious viral diseases, caused by paramyxo virus. He said that
measles is the most unpleasant and the most dangerous of the children’s diseases
that result in body rash due to the complications.
In an interview with Foroyaa in his office recently, Mr. Sowe, explaining
the mode of transmission of the disease, said droplets transfer the infections
and, noting that although the sick person may be in isolation, the disease
may still spread from room to room. “Anybody who has not already had measles
can be infected and infants up to four months of age will not be infected if
their mother has had measles herself because they will be protected by her
antibodies”, he remarked. He added that the incubation period, that is, the time
between infection and the outbreak of the condition is usually one to two
weeks. “Patients are infectious from four days before the onset of the rash
until five days after it appears,” he divulged.
The health education unit programme manager further spoke about the symptoms
of measles, saying that after about 14 days, the following symptoms start
showing: a fever at about 39ºC, a cold; coughing possibly with a barking cough;
sore throat-the lymph nodes in the throat may swell; reddish eyes,
sensitivity to light and grayish spots; the size of grains of sand may appear in the
mucous membrane of the mouth just around the molar teeth. He said these are
called koplik’s spots and can be seen before the rash appears.
Mr. Sowe further explained that after three to four days the temperature may
fall, although it can run high again when the rash appears. “The rash
usually begins around the ears and spreads to the body and the legs within a day or
two. At first, the spots are very small, measuring a couple of millimetres,
but they double in size quickly and begin to join together,” he explained. He
said that the spots are a clear red colour and the temperature, which may
run as high as 40ÚC, may stay that high for a couple of days; that it then
disappears together with the rash, which may leave some brown spots; that after a
week the child will be fit again.
Mr. Sowe pointed out that children who have had measles cannot return to
school or childcare centres before they recover and when the temperature is
gone. He advised that the doctor should give children under the age of one who
are exposed to the disease an immunity injection within five days. On the
treatment of measles, Sowe said the patient should stay in bed in a cool room
without any brightly lit light. He added that medicines for coughing and reducing
the temperature should only be given after consulting a medical worker. He
said the doctor should be consulted immediately if the condition of the child
gets worse or the temperature stays high. Mr. Sowe finally noted that the
doctor must make sure there are no further complications such as pneumonia,
inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media), or inflammation of the nervous
system. He concluded that once a person had had measles, they can never catch it
again as the disease gives life long immunity.
GAWFA Credit Clerk Convicted
By Modou Jonga
The Credit Clerk of the Brikama Branch of The Gambia Women Finance
Association (GAWFA) one Gida Khan was on Wednesday 23 October, 2007, convicted by
Magistrate E.F. M’bai of the Brikama Magistrate Court. The Credit Clerk who
pleaded guilty is charged with stealing by clerk or servant in the sum of three
hundred and sixty thousand eight hundred and forty two dalasis, twenty-seven
butut at Brikama in the Kombo Central District between the months of January
and April 2007.
In narrating the facts of the said theft, prosecutor Corporal 134 Sambou
noted that it happened on 19 March 2007. That one Mr. Senika Sanyang, an Auditor
of GAWFA and one Mr. Ebrima Sillah, Finance and Administrative Officer
reported the case at the Brikama Police Station. Corporal 134 Sambou stated that a
report of financial mismanagement in the office of the said credit clerk was
disclosed at the said office.
The prosecutor noted that auditing was done in the office of the said credit
clerk and that an audit report was made with the sum of D360,842.27 missing.
According to the prosecutor, when the accused was confronted he confessed to
the said allegation and agreed that the missing monies were under his
custody. Corporal Sambou, then noted that the said credit clerk was charged for the
offence committed and detained at the said police station. Narrating
further, Corporal Sambou told the court that while the accused was in custody, he
made payment of an amount of forty-two thousand dalasis to the GAWFA offers in
three instalments.
The first payment, noted Corporal Sambou, was on 30 March 2007 in the sum of
five thousand dalasis on 11 April 2007 and the third payment in the sum of
eighteen thousand dalasis on 19 April 2007. The said audit report and receipts
of the three payments were tendered in court and marked as exhibits without
objection by the accused. Prior to the accused’s detention prosecutor Sambou
noted that the accused was cautioned and charged with theft by clerk and his
cautionary and voluntary statements were taken by the police in the presence
of one Modou Bojang, an independent witness.
The cautionary and voluntary statements of the accused were tendered in
court and marked as an exhibit without objection by the accused. Following the
end of the narrations of the facts by the prosecutor, the accused did not
object to the narrated facts. Thus the presiding magistrate convicted the accused
as charged and on his plea of guilty.
In his mitigation before the court, the convict noted that the said amount
of money was stolen from his house. While urging the court to grant him time
to pay the said amount in monthly instalments of five thousand dalasis. The
convict noted that he is a heart patient and a family man.
In delivering his statement, Magistrate M’bai noted that the said theft
offence is serious, for the convict had diverted funds meant from the
beneficiaries’ to his personal use. Magistrate M’bai stated that the convict had
betrayed the high confidence bestowed on him by his employer, his family and has
betrayed himself. “I do not believe that the said amount was stolen from the
house. “The fact that you are entrusted with such amount, it does not licensed
you to spend it as you wish,” Magistrate M’bai remarked The convict was thus
sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour and to pay the sum of
three hundred and eighteen thousand, eight hundred and forty-two dalasis,
twenty-seven butut; in default to serve further two years in prison. Both
sentences are to run consecutively.
ACHPR Holds Lecture On African Human Rights System
By Gibairu Janneh
The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights in partnership with the
law department of the University of The Gambia on Friday held a lecture on the
theme;’ “Towards an Understanding of the African Human Rights System’ at
the Paradise Suites Hotel.
In his welcoming remarks Mr. Musa Nyang Bittaye member of the commission and
a member of the working group on indigenous populations” committee said the
the lecture was held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the
commission and the African Human Rights day, which is observed every 21st October. He
said that this is the first time that the commission is carrying out its
mandate by engaging the highest institution of learning, adding that the African
human rights system is unique from other human rights systems in that it
does not only protect individual civil rights but also the collective rights of
people as a community.
The Attorney General and Secretary of State for Justice Mrs. Marie Saine
Fridous said for one to understand the human rights system of Africa one must
not forget the historical past. SoS Saine said colonialism still has effect on
contemporary African societies.
She said colonialism does not in any way support human rights and the
socio-economic development of Africa. The colonial masters were only interested in
exploiting the economy and they enacted and enforced all sorts of draconian
laws and policies to safeguard their economic interest thereby depriving
Africans of their rights, she noted. The SoS further states that as the
consequence of colonialism is greatly felt by Africa, the first challenge of post
independent states and the African Union was to restore African’s human rights
system and that the establishment of the African Commission on human and peoples’
rights by the OAU in June 1981 was the first step that opened the window of
opportunity to Africa. She said African states ratified the African Charter
without reservation, which means that they are committed to the principles of
human rights. She singled out that the Gambia has ever been committed to the
charter and this is evident in the Children’s Act in 2005, trafficking in
Human Act in 2007, the Women’s Bill which may be enacted soon and part four of
the 1997 constitution which guarantees the economic, social and cultural
rights of citizens and are enforced in the courts of law. She concluded that the
21st century Africa has had some countries that had witnessed gross violation
of human rights due to conflicts and wars and some that have improved. She
remarked that human rights is a two-way traffic where the state and citizens
must co-operate to achieve and that the mindset of the people must be changed
towards a concept of human rights.
Mrs. Hannah Foster executive director of African Centre for Democracy and
Human Rights Studies said the commission came into being in response to the
many voices to address the gross violation of rights in the continent and the
commission has taken a step towards human rights in the past 20 years. She said
the commission aims to ensure peace, stability and development and in
achieving this the commission takes cognizant of the African culture, which is the
foundation of the society. She further states that the commission aims to
establish an African human rights court. She disclosed that this has been
proposed since January 2004 and 23 states have so far ratified the protocol. She
said Tanzania will be the venue of the court but the structure and procedures
have not been worked out. She also said the commission finalized yet. She also
said the commission has adopted a protocol on the rights of women in 2003
and had 20 ratifications and 43 signatories whereas the African Union
convention on refugees has 43 ratifications. Mrs. Foster also disclosed that the
commission does work with the African Union and they have access to he Union’s
Economic and structural organizing commission (ECOSOC) and the peace and
security council (PASC) and also the Non-governmental organisation in the promotion
of human rights by given them observer status. She concluded that despite
the achievement of the commission they faced numerous set backs such as the
lack of an independent enforcement agency. The commission does not provide legal
aid and that the commission is usually criticized for keeping information
secret, which is against the principle of transparency.
For his part the vice chancellor of the University of the Gambia Professor
Andreas Steigen said universities do shape society by creating an avenue for
the best minds to meet. He said universities do not only provide critical
knowledge but also shape economic and social conditions. Professor Stiegen
remarked that the law module of the UTG would study among other things the history
of human rights in Europe and Africa, the structure and process of human
rights systems and problems of human rights in Africa so as to enable students
critique the system and help them come up with better alternatives.
Other speakers include Dr. Feyi Oqunade Senior Legal officer of the
commission, Her Excellency Justice Sanji Mmasenono Monageng, member of the commission
and Chairperson of the follow-up committee on the implementation of the
Robben Island Guidelines and Dr. Mary Maboreka, Secretary to the African
Commission on human and peoples rights gave the vote of thanks.
Africa Human Rights Day Commemorated in URR
By Lamin Fatty
Africa Human Rights Day was celebrated in Basse (URR) to commemorate the
20th Anniversary of African commission on Human and Peoples Rights. The
commemoration took the form of a march past by the school children in the region,
backed by the regional Scouts band headed by Abubacar Krubally who is also a
cluster monitor. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Consolidating the
ethics of human rights in African societies.” Speaking on the occasion, the
Director of SoS Children’s village in Basse, Mr. Henry Mendy highlighted that
the day was a great day which is not only to be celebrated but to take stock of
the protests against injustices on women and children globally. According to
Mr. Mendy the world has witnessed series of human rights violations, ranging
from colonialism, which Africans were subjugated to, and which he called “
mans cruelty against man”. He pointed out that the violation of human rights
could affect everybody stating that the war in the neighbouring Senegalese
region of Cassamance affects The Gambia in many ways. He said if we have a right
to life, we must therefore respect peoples’ rights to life, since the most
important right is right to life. Mr. Mendy finally stated that a nation that
does not treat its children in a respectable and dignified manner is indeed a
failed nation.
For her part, the PEO in region 6, URR, Madam Cole welcomes the students and
said the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights is situated along
the Kairaba Avenue in The Gambia. She pointed out that the theme for this year’
s celebration is for people to focus and reflect their minds on the past
human rights records to see what human rights were violated and what must be done
to ensure the protection and promotion of those human rights. She said this
year’s celebration took the form of a march past, a football match, role
race, symposium and all geared towards engaging the youths and inculcating the
spirit of fair play, positive behaviours and competition and that games should
not end in fights or impartiality, but should conclude in fair play. She said
the celebration also engages youths in discussing issues of human rights;
that as we celebrate the day we must also remember the following that as long
as we have rights, we have responsibilities that go along with these rights’.
She finally urged the students to take up their education seriously thus
fulfilling their responsibilities towards human rights to education.
Declaring the occasion open, the Regional Education Director in URR, Mr. Mam
Bala Njie welcomed the students and the general public, particularly TOSTAN
staff who joined the people of URR to contribute towards the protection and
promotion of human rights. He pointed out that the issue of human rights dates
as far back as the slave trade, colonialism, and to the present. He cited
some human right defenders like Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Steve Biko and
the recent South African musician Lucky Dube, whose rights, according to Mr.
Njie, ended up being violated. He stated that The Gambia is a signatory of the
African Charter. He therefore stressed that reflecting our minds on some of
the oppressions and suppressions of people all over the world makes it an
obligation on all of us. He finally concluded by stating that as educationists,
their main aim and objectives must be how to make and ensure education to be
accessible and affordable to every child of school going age as his or her
basic human right.
Mr. Alpha Camara, Senior Education Officer in Upper River Region delivered
the vote of thanks.
Retrenching Trained Veterinarians Is The Wrong Move!
Dear Editor,
In July this year there was an interview conducted throughout the country
with a committee from the Ministry of Agriculture to select staff for National
Agricultural Development Agency (NADA). The change accrues benefit to the
livestock farmers because of the reduction in the number of veterinary staff in
the service.
I think, there was need for capacity building instead of retrenchment. The
field staffs were not enough. What would happen, now that they are reduced in
number? The veterinary staffs are less than what is needed for the country
there arrest not enough drugs and vaccination is done only once in a year which
is not enough considering the density of livestock and poultry in some parts
of the country especially the CRR, URR, NBR and WR.
It would have been better to capacitate infrastructure than to reduce the
veterinary field staff to enable them vaccinate twice in the year with other
interventions and farmer training on livestock production to reduce dependence
on rain water. There is no farmer who does not have livestock or poultry.
Improvement should be made in the livestock production in this country in order
to minimize the importation of Rams from other countries especially during
Tobaski.
There is a lot to be done to improve the livestock and poultry production
within the veterinary services and not reduce its trained staffs. Maybe the
veterinary council can come in to save its registered staff to license them to
operate in some areas.
I think they are not fighting for food self-sufficiency and poverty
alleviation because of the cost of fertilizer in the country. Imagine D600.00 per
bag, how many crop farmers can afford to buy sufficient fertilizer to cultivate
a sizeable plot of land to enable them produce more food. That would be much
more ideal than reducing the agriculture Staff at this stage. When are we
going to alleviate poverty?
Capacity building was much more needed than reducing trained staff. I would
advise CRS and GAFAN as they are responsible for sesame in the country, to
pull more weight to bring in many pressing machines in order to reduce the
importation of oil, and to enable livestock farmers to get the sesame cake for
fattening and poultry feed.
The policy makers should not accept everything the donor agencies told them
based on their own interest alone, which may not favour us. If you go down to
the field you will know what is applicable for us to produce more products.
That would be better than taking a wrong direction.
The poor farmer would never support NADA because it does not favour them. If
there is money, capacitate what is on the ground than reducing the trained
staff. Surely it cannot tell well.
Yours truly,
Mohammed Baldeh
Kubuneh.
SeneGambia Tourism Fair
PRESS RELEASE
A two man delegation from The Association of Small Scale Enterprises in
Tourism (ASSET) returned home on Wednesday 17th October 2007, after a 2 day
working visit to Dakar Senegal to finalize the arrangement for the MBOKA 2007,
SeneGambian Tourism Fair which is due to take place from 31st October - 4th
November 2007.
The event which is jointly organised by The Association of Small Scale
Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) in The Gambia and the National Organisation for
Tourism Integration in Senegal (ONITS) are creating this unique opportunity to
showcase and promote the SeneGambian Tourism Industry to an international
audience by organising the first ever sub-regional Tourism Fair this year.
The event is not meant for exhibitors to sell their products but exposing
them to export markets and also promoting what we have to offer.
Speaking at a press briefing Mr Sheikh Tejan Nyang the head of the dele
gation to Dakar and also Chair of the Trade Fair Committee said “Tourism is
playing an important part in the development of the sub-region, not only in
economic terms but also in the preservation of our rich cultural heritage and our
environment To develop tourism and indeed our whole economy along sustainable
guidelines, we have to take into consideration socio-cultural, environmental
and economic principles- this is why this fair is themed under the motto
Promoting Responsible Tourism Mr Nyang concluded.
The event which will be held in Place de Ia Independence in Dakar will be
opened by The President of the Republic of Senegal Alh. Abdoulie Wade. The
Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture Madam Angella Colley will also grace
the event together with the Director General Gambia Tourism Authority Mr
Kaliba Senghore and other officials.
Participants will also include Niger State of Nigeria Tourism Office, Ghana
Tourism Federation and Senegalese tourism stakeholders. The invitation to
both Ghanaian and Nigerian tourism stakeholders is meant to continue the
regional tourism partnership already established and also in line with the
recommendations of the Tourism Development Master Plan.
The Mboka SeneGambia Fair is expected to be an annual event and the 2008
event will be held in The Gambia.
Mr Sheikh Tejan Niang was accompanied to Dakar by Daouda Niong Development
Manager ASSET.
Sheriff Minteh Murder Trial
Another Adjournment
By Musa Barrow
The trial of Sheriff Minteh’s murder suspect was on Tuesday 23 October
adjourned till Tuesday 30 October 2007, by Magistrate Buba Jawo of Bundung
Magistrates Court. The adjournment followed an argument between Defence Lawyer
Tambedou and Police Prosecutor Touray who deputised for prosecutor 772 Samateh.
Prosecutor Touray applied for an adjournment insisting that prosecutor 772
Samateh was bereaved. He also told the court that he was not in possession of the
case file and that his knowledge of this particular case was very limited.
Defence Lawyer Tambedou on the other hand was of the view that since the case
does not belong to Samateh, the hearing should continue. Lawyer Tambedou also
indicated that given the severity of the charge against the accused, which
is not bailable, hearing should continue. Prosecutor Touray who deputized for
the prosecutor, 772 Samateh, said that given the prosecutor’s remarkable
attendance record in the case, it was only right that the case should be
adjourned to enable him to continue with it.
Magistrate Buba Jawo ruled that given the absence of the case file and
prosecution Touray’s limited knowledge of the case, the case had to be adjourned
until the following week.
SoS Visits Tourism Security Unit (TSU)
By Saikou Ceesay
In complimenting her department’s efforts towards maximizing tourism season,
SoS Colley visited tourism security unit guards at the Senegambia Military
Camp and The Gambia Official tourist guides at Ali Baba in Senegambia.
In presenting her opening remarks, SoS Colley commended the units for the
tremendous services they have executed. SoS Colley said, what is important is
to go back and accept the error committed. SoS Colley stated that tourist fly
for six hours to come to The Gambia and arrive very tired, which deters them
from enjoying their expedition. SoS Colley indicated that the military
intelligence unit should not to allow any room for harassment of tourists. SoS
Colley explained the case of one tour operator who was harassed at the Senegambia
just after she left her room at the night for s stroll. SoS Colley noted
that the man finally decided not to spend an hour in The Gambia.
She urged security unit to liaise with those running bars and restaurants as
a way to ease the problem of bumsters, criminals while they would be able to
recognise other partners.
Mr. Kaliba Senghore, the Director of Gambia Tourism Authority emphasized
that the work of Tourism Security Unit (TSU) serves as a benefactor for the
entire Gambian Population. For maintaining soldiers, Mr. Senghore said it is not
a role for civilians to maintain soldiers but assured that GTA will continue
to render fuel supply and every complaint relating to that.
For his part, Lt. Col Biran Saine the head of t he unit stated that The
Gambia has been known world wide as a small but peaceful country. Lt. Col. Saine
said the relative peace has led many people abroad to build confidence in
visiting The Gambia. He asserted that despite the relative peace some Gambians
some people sometimes inconvenience some of these visitors. Lt. Col Biran
Saine cited the negative impact of “Bumsing” and Hassling, noting that it
reached a point where the country almost lost her image as a safe tourist
destination. Lt. Col Saine said it is imperative for us to remind ourselves that the
primary role of The Gambia National Guard (GNG) is to defend the sovereignty
and territorial integrity of our beloved nation. Lt. Colonel Saine said The
Gambia National Guard (GNG) would continue to contribute significantly to the
preservation and maintenance of public peace and security.
The following accompanied SoS Colley in the tour: Ida Jeng Njie, Binta Jobe
and Amadou Ceesay, the Director of Human Resources, Dawda Nyang from Asset
Management, and Liabo Manneh Chairperson of Bird Watchers’ Association, all of
who promised to work in tandem to ensure the “smiling coast” remains as the
best tourist destination worldwide.
In a similar development Dawda Nyang presented a computer set and a digital
camera on behalf of Asset Management to the Tourist Security Unit (TSU) in
SeneGambia. In receiving the gifts Lt. Col. Saine promised that the equipment
would put into good use.
COMIUM OPENS NEW BRANCH
As Two Customers Win Trips To Mecca
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Comium, the latest company to join the mobile phone business in the Gambia,
has opened a branch in Banjul and awarded two prizes (trips to Mecca) to
winners of their Ramadan raffle draw on Monday, October 22.
Speaking at the ceremony at their new Banjul customer care centre, Amadou
Traore, Commercial Director of Comium, said they are proud of their nationwide
coverage with clear quality network.
Mr. Traore said they have been giving 50% extra bonus credit since their
launch. He said during the Ramadan they had given out over 500 prizes, including
bicycles, rice and sugar to winners.
Comium’s sales Manager Nyang Njie said quality is one of their “core values”
.
Mr. Njie said telecommunication is a “virgin sector that is not yet fully
tapped”
Eventually, Muhammad Mahanera and Muhammad Bashir-Ceesay were awarded the
grand prize for a trip to Mecca.
Mr. Mahanera is 24 years old, while Mr. Ceesay is 47 years of age.
Toubabo Wants Out of Lierse, Adopt Wait and See Tactic
By Modou Nyang
Scorpions’ influential midfield star Mustapha Jarjue, will not commit his
long term future with club SK Lierse, instead preferring to buy time.
The former Biko and Wallidan player opened his 2007/08 season goal count for
Lierse with a double stunner and yet he remained coy about his long term
future with the Belgian club.
“I Still have a contract [to honour], I cannot decide”, he responded
whether he will still be a Lierse player by the end of the season. Toubabo has a
contract with Lierse until 2009. He and teammate Assan Jatta joined Lierse in
January 2006 as the club bid to avoid relegation from the 1st division. He
scored 9 goals between January and June, but his goals could not save them from
making the drop to the 2nd division.
And since, Lierse were on their toes as they struggled to hold on to the
services of their reigning top goal scorer. A host of teams in the Belgian 1st
division and others including Dutch side Rida JC were reported to have shown
interest in capturing the services of the Gambian sharpshooter. But Lierse
refused to budge, as they considered Jarjue hot property in their bid to regain
promotion to the top division.
Yet, speculations about the players future is persistently refusing to die
down as Lierse’ chances of gaining promotion back to the 1sd division are not
so certain following a difficult start to the season. And Toubabo may be on
the move when the European transfer window reopens in January with Lierse sure
to recoup a big transfer fee if he decides to further his career some where
else. Lierse captured the gifted midfielder with a paltry 75, 000 euros from
local Bakau side, Steve Biko?
Jarjue continued: “I still have one year to go, but [lets] wait and see what
gonna happen in December”. Lierse will however be in a big fight in their
attempt to keep their most prized player. But the prospect of moving to a bigger
club with fat wages will be so appetising for the rising star to maintain
his loyalty to the club. Jarjue is a fans favourite among the club faithful and
he said: “I am very happy with the fans” he said saluting their
faithfulness to the club despite dropping a division and fighting hard to impress in the
2nd division. “I think we have the best fans in Belgium, the team was losing
[and] they still come out [to watch games]. The players also have to show
that we love the club as well and want to give them results. We want to be in
the best three, we have the team, quality players and good trainers”.
But Toubabo admitted to the difference of playing in a lower division. He
went on: “It is a big difference, 2nd division is [more] difficult to play in
because here [second division] you fight for the whole 90 minutes if you want
to pick points”. Jarjue also reveled in his first goal for the club this
season he continued: “It is very important for me to start scoring again. Last
season I was scoring, I scored 9 goals and this season I have played 5 games
without scoring. I had chances but keep missing, [with] my two goals am very
happy and we will see what gonna happen [in the coming games]”.
SK East: Maccassa in Double Swoop Attempt
By Isatou Bittaye
Maccassa FC has booked their place in both finals as the Serrekunda East
Nawettan reaches its climax.
Last week, Maccassa was tied with Zurich FC in the league semifinal after
goalless draw in regulation time and either failed to get the better of the
other with each scoring 6 out of 7 shots in post penalties. And when the two
resumed hostilities for the decider of who should face AC Milan in the grand
final this Sunday, on Wednesday, they played another goalless draw and the match
had to be decided by penal kicks. This time Maccassa won 3-2 at the end of
the kicks booking their place in the final with Milan.
Maccassa also earlier on Sunday qualified for the final of the Cup fixtures.
They will play Bantaba FC on Sunday for the title and is they win; they will
attempt a double when they face Milan in the league final on a later date.
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