Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 140/2007, 28 - 29 November 2007
Editorial
The Africa-EU Summit in December
The plan by the European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to
host a summit in Portugal to revive Europe’s relations with the African
continent in December is now marked by controversy as the British Prime Minister
Gordon Brown threatens to boycott the summit to avoid being in the same room
with President Robert Mugabe as a protest against his human rights policies.
This is exposing the fragility of continental organisations because of the
lack of homogeneity in principles, policies and practices in conducting
foreign policy. In short before such a summit is hosted preliminary work should
have been done by the African Commission and the European Commission to prepare
an agenda for the Summit and the information be passed on to all governments
for consideration and approval. Should any differences arise it could be
ironed out at the planning stage instead of the implementation stage.
The Economic Partnership Agreement, trade and immigration are very crucial
issues to discuss. This ultimately leads to the issue of democratic
governance; debate on the concept of free movement of goods, services, capital and
persons; the status of migrants and the issue of equitable trade relations
between Nations.
Both the African Union and the European Union needed to have their acts
together to avoid any unilateralism which only leads to weak international
policies and responses to situations of common concern.
Multilateralism is the key to handle issues of global concern. Britain
therefore needs to consult its European partners and work out a common position on
issues concerning its relation with Africa which would earn them the respect
of their African partners while the African Union also conducts its own in
house consultations and come up with positions on the different issues which
would earn them the respect of their European partners. When it comes to
shaping international norms and practices, issues of individual sovereignty are put
at the doors of conferences until the opinions of all are expressed to reach
a consensus. If a common position cannot be reached by the European
governments regarding their approach to the summit one must admit that it has failed
before it has even started.
It is time for governments to establish think tanks and friendly nations
contact groups to facilitate wider consultation in determining foreign policy.
The cocoon approach to making foreign policy leads to unilateralism and
ineffective response to issues, which require concerted multilateral responses to
achieve common goals.
FARMERS ANXIOUS ABOUT TRADE SEASON
Farmers in Upper River Region are anxious about this year’s trade season.
According to farmers who spoke to this reporter, the poor marketing
arrangement of groundnut is the major factor contributing to the impoverishment of
the farmers. They say last year’s trade season was one of the worst ever
witnessed by farmers in this country. According to them, the trade season was dull
and sales at the Depots require a minimum of five (5) tonnes.
This they said, left them at the mercy of middlemen who purchased their
groundnuts at cut throat prices since most of them could not even produce 1 tonne
not to talk of 5 tonnes. Regarding two or three farmers combining their
groundnut inorder to get the five tonnes minimum requirement at the Depots, the
farmers said the combination of groundnuts is impossible since not all nuts are
of the same weight. They said combining nuts would be at the detriment of
one of the parties where the nuts are not of the same weight.
Regarding the prospect for this year’s trade, the farmers asserted that
their experience over the years taught them the lesson to produce more coos, corn
and other grains for food and then produce less groundnuts which they can
market at the local markets (‘lumos’) in case the poor marketing arrangements
persist. The farmers concluded by calling on the Government to make proper
arrangement in the buying of their nuts and to be in cash and provide
fertilizer to them during the rainy season that could be deducted from them during
the marketing of their nuts.
They also asserted that the provision of fertilizer during the rainy season
when most of them are thinking of what to eat would be of little benefit to
them since most of them would not be able to buy the fertilizer.
Women For Democracy And Development (WODD) Tours Its Study Circles
Amie Sillah Reporting
A three-person delegation led by the Executive Secretary of WODD, Amie
Sillah, Fatou Touray Vice Chairperson of WODD and Aja Mrs. Fatou Mboge a WODD
member and a skills’ trainer toured seven villages in Wuli West Constituency from
the 15th to 25th November 2007.
The group met with WODD Study Circles. WODD is a non-partisan,
non-religious, non-profit Women’s Rights Organisation. WODD focuses on civic education,
health education and economic empowerment. WODD gives its study circles seed
money to start small projects in villages to help women take care of their
daily needs. It urges women to stand as one, united as a broom. It teaches the
women how to fish, irrespective of political party affiliation, ethnic or
religious divide. Women are urged to stand as one to develop their communities,
to work with their menfolk in partnership. Women are given small grants and
not loans. Seven villages were covered: Taibatou, Kerewan, Sutukonding, Bani,
Limbambulu, Barrow Kunda and Chamoi. WODD believes that poor women can only be
helped through grants not loans.
They should be motivated to be productive and engage in healthy competition
with other women groups. Individual successful women can also be assisted
through soft interest free loans for economic empowerment. The women will
determine the loan payment in a period of time. Through the study circles women
engage in literacy classes. Discussions were held on health education, civic
education, and skills’ training. Women engaged in healthy discussions and
assisted each other. WODD will work in partnership with other development agents.
WODD intends to build relationships and to bring about development in the
communities. We have reached one thousand four hundred women in ten days. It was
a successful tour, a win-win for all stakeholders. Mr. Saiba Juwara and Mr.
Njundu Conteh, all WODD committee members in Taibatou and Kerewan study
circles, assisted the delegation.
Alieu Lowe Detained For One Year, Eight Months
By Bubacarr K. Sowe and Modou Jonga
Alieu Lowe a resident of Faji Kunda is still languishing in detention since
his arrest on March 26, 2006, a family source confirmed.
Mr. Lowe was arrested in connection with the March 2006 attempted coup d’
etat against the government of The Gambia. The detainee appeared as a
prosecution witness in the treason trial of Tamsir Jasseh, Alieu Jobe, Omar Faal Keita
and Dem but his testimony was later expunged by the High Court. Mr. Lowe who
was held at the State Central Prison, Mile Two, at the time of his appearance
in court a year ago is believed to be detained there till now without being
charged.
ECOWAS COURT
Three Testify
Hearing of the case of journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh started afresh on
Monday, 26 November with plaintiff calling three withnesses,two from The Gambia
and one from the Media Foundation for West Africa. The first prosecution
witness, who is a colleague to Chief Manneh told the court that two plain clothes
officers from Bakau Police Station arrested Chief Manneh at the Daily
Observer premises on the 7 July. Since then, he continued, Chief Manneh has not been
released while the state continues to deny holding him. The witness further
told the court that he made efforts to locate Chief Manneh for the past 15
months but to no avail.
The second prosecution witness told the court that he is from a sister paper
in the Gambia and knew Chief Manneh for the past 7years. As a journalist he
did get information from his sources that Chief Manneh was arrested on 7
July. He told the court that a reporter for the media he works for was assigned
to speak to the managing director of Daily Observer in order to confirm the
journalist’s arrest but the Managing Director declined to speak to the
reporter. He also told the court that he himself was later assigned by the
editor-in-chief to investigate the whereabouts of Chief Manneh. He informed the court
that during the course of his investigation he approached the then Public
Relations Officer of the Gambia Police Force and asked him about Chief Manneh
but he never commented on the issue. He further told the court that it was late
December 2006 that his office got a tip off that Chief Manneh was at Fatoto
Police Station and his editor asked him to go there to verify the
information. Continuing his testimony he told the court that upon his arrival at Fatoto
Police Station he saw Chief Manneh being returned to the cells after being
served food; that he waved but Chief Manneh never waved back though the police
officer did so. The witness continued testifying by telling the court that he
later went to Basse in the eastern part of the country where he wrote his
report and faxed it to his office.
At this point he told the court that upon receipt of his report his editor
asked him to further call the Police PRO and tell him where he (the reporter)
saw Chief Manneh, but that it took him some time to get to the Police PRO and
when he finally did the police spokes person declined to comment. He then
told the court that when he informed the editor-in-chief of the development,
the editor-in-chief also tried to inform both the inspector general of police
and the SoS for the interior about the sighting of Chief Manneh under police
custody at Fatoto Police Station but to no avail. His report, he said, was
published few days latter. The second witness told the court that few weeks
later, when he returned to the same police station he found that he had been
transferred to a unknown detention centre and since then he (the reporter) had
heard no news of his whereabouts.
The third prosecution witness to testify was Professor Kwami Karikari, the
Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). He told the court
that the MFWA has correspondents in 15 West African states and that when they
received reports of the arrest of Chief Manneh they contacted their sources and
confirmed reports of his arrest. At this point the case was adjourned till
today 28 November for the plaintiff’s lawyer, Mr Femi Falana to address the
court and for the court to fix a date for the judgment.
Chief Manneh’s lawyer is Mr. Femi Falana, a Nigerian human rights lawyer and
President of the West African Bar Association.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) filed a legal suit at the
sub-regional court to compel the government of President Yahya Jammeh to
immediately release and produce Manneh from arbitrary detention since July 2006.
At the Court’s hearings on July 16, 2007, the Gambian government failed to
make an appearance and no explanation was also offered. The Community Court
therefore adjourned the case to September 26 to enable it duly serve the
Gambian government for the second time. The court confirmed that the Gambian
government was duly served with the hearing notice through its High Commission in
Abuja, Nigeria. Again, the government of Yahya Jammeh failed to appear.
Interview with Halifa Sallah - Part 14
You claim that the S in the acronym PDOIS is not controversial but many
critics claim that socialism is a failed system and is out of fashion and that
its advocates are utopian in thinking. What do you say to this?
I am not sure how critics define successful and failed systems. A successful
system to me and my colleagues is one that guarantees liberty, dignity and
prosperity to all those who live under it. What I consider an academic and
utopian exercise is for Gambians in particular and Africans in general to debate
about our success and the failure of the Soviet Union, or comparing the
success of China and India against the G8 while 80 per cent of the continent’s
832 million people rely on crude tools to plough the field only to live among
the wretched of the earth. 70 per cent of rural Gambians are living below the
poverty line. Of what benefit is the success or failure of US, Russia, China
or India to such people if their own poverty cannot be eradicated. What we
have never engaged in is, the irrelevant debate as to whether one country or
another is the superpower of the world or has the best system. What we have
always engaged in is the relevant debate of how to enlarge the liberty, dignity
arid prosperity of’ the Gambian people.
This is what pushed us to study the Gambian economy in all its dimensions
and came up with realistic options on how to address the challenges of
development. In fact since PDOIS came into being every budget speech was given a
comprehensive analysis. Our book The Analysis of the Gambian and International
Economy is reference material for many Gambian graduates in economics. Many
scholars have utilised it for their theses and dissertations. No one had ever
written to challenge our conclusions. What I will recommend is for these ma
terials to be deposited at the People’s centre so that those who make reference
to them will first sign our visitors’ book. This will help us to keep track of
the number of intellectuals who are clearly aware of the economic policies
we advocate and are quite capable of confirming their viability but do not
seem to be doing so even though they have benefited from the information.
Now could you explain in simple terms what type of economy PDOIS intends to
build and how?
The economy of the Gambia has a public sector, private sector and informal
sector comprising individual and cooperative ventures such as cooperative
credit unions and cooperative gardening schemes.
A National economy must deal with five basic factors, that is, production,
accumulation, investment, distribution and consumption. In short, a nation
must produce its goods and services. It must accumulate resources for investment
in the production of those goods and services. It must distribute the wealth
produced to facilitate individual consumption such as food and clothing, and
social consumption such as schools and hospitals.
Let me go right away to show a fundamental difference in public policy
between PDOIS and the two regimes it opposed. It is common knowledge, that both
regimes have a policy of divesting from public enterprises. Our policy defers
from them in this sense. In our view, public enterprises are indispensable in
a narrow tax based economy.
In short, if government is to build and maintain hospitals, schools, and
other social services it must generate income. If it does not have a productive
base it must depend on taxation. If the tax base is narrow it must reach a
level beyond which it cannot go to scrape the back of’ the people.
Consequently, it will either leave the services to degenerate or introduce cost recovery,
which will automatically exclude the poor.
PDOIS considers it to be absolutely necessary for public enterprises to be
maintained to enable government to earn non-tax income and thus deliver
services without increasing taxes or engaging in cost recovery.
Secondly, PDOIS maintains that if the public enterprises are to serve their
purpose they must be managed according to international principles of
accounting so that they will be able to pay dividends annually into the government
treasury to augment revenue for recurrent and development expenditure.
Hence if PDOIS was in position of leadership the annual budget will contain
the amount of money paid by each public enterprise as dividend. We will
measure our success in this regard by the increase in the volume of the dividend
paid by each enterprise to facilitate the expansion of services and
improvement in quality.
How does PDOIS intend to handle the private and informal sectors? Will they
be abolished and all properties seized and transformed into state property?
The Gambia is an economy in transition. It does not have a self reliant
agricultural and industrial base. The Public sector cannot possibly take charge
of production, accumulation, investment, distribution and ensure the
individual earnings and consumption according to the quantity and quality of work done
and social consumption according to need. It cannot therefore have a
monolithic or single production system. Hence the private and informal sectors would
have to play a complimentary role to the public sector to enhance
socio-economic development by adhering to the principle of’ corporate responsibility.
At the moment the banks which are the main institutions of accumulation in
the country are not linked to private sector or informal sector production.
The public sector borrows the money from tile banks but does not put it to
productive use. The state has laws which make it owner of land, which it is
selling without any coherent investment plan. In fact PDOIS is very much opposed
to such state ownership of land under the state lands, which has been in
existence since Jawara’s era. It is simply giving rise to land grabbing by a few
who can afford to buy it and the money does not go to reduce the poverty of
tie people.
How does PDOIS intend to handle all these sectors’?
First and foremost it is necessary to give background information on the
Gambian economy before going into the details of policy on how to handle the
private and informal sector under a PDOIS government Our analysis revealed that
Gambia is an agrarian economy with 8o per cent of the population depending on
agriculture for their survival. The public sector has been the main employer
and total employment in the first Republic and up to today hardly exceeded
16,000 employees. The private sector has been very small and receives very
little investment. ‘The importation of goods had been the dominant enterprise in
the private sector until services started to mushroom. Massive employment,
poor wages and poor prices of agricultural produce had always militated
against growth in income and prosperity. Gambia has always been listed among the
least developed countries.
Hence the formal Gambian economy is very narrow in scale and can only
guarantee survival and prosperity to few Gambians.
Contrary to the opinions of the presidents that the first republic and
second republic that Gambia is the bread basket of the subregion, what we found
out from our research is that Gambia’s informal economy scale has never been
studied by either governments.It is infact the bastion of the economy. In short
the country has been benefiting from the economics of scale since its birth.
The young people in the URD supplemented their income by developing
Smuggling chains which extends from the Gambia to Mali . It is not uncommon to find
battering between the Gambian communities and Senegalese traders in the saloum
area. The weekly market days in the border area facilitates an expanded
market for Senegalese and Gambians in the border areas. The informal economy
produced a chain in the kombos which extends through the cassamance up to Bissau,
Conakry, kono in Sierra Leone and Cote D’Ivoire. Fruits palm oil, kola nuts
and minerals are harnessed for trade prosperity. There are many Gambians who
move on to develop links with Liberia and Gabon. There are many houses
erected for rentage in the urban area whose owners gained their wealth from the sub
regional minerals business,and services.
We have also discovered that the wars in guinea Bissau, Casamance , Sierra
Leone arid Liberia had enabled some who had means to invest their capital in
the Gambia and leave family members behind to manage their enterprises while
they sought asylum in developed countries. These people send foreign exchange
to build up businesses. Hence a triangular business chain has developed where
such people develop links between Dubai, the Gambia and their home country.
In the same vein Gambians who go to Congo, Angola and other mineral rich
regions are developing similar triangular trade by linking the source of their
diamonds in Angola to the places for sale in the Middle East and the purchase
of goods to bring to the Gambia to expand their business. How do we intend to
handle these sectors to promote prosperity is the question.
To be continued
GCCI To Hold Trade Fair
International Companies Expected
By Amie Sanneh
The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and industry (GCCI) is expected to hold a
trade fair from the 1st to 9th December 2007 at the independence stadium in
Bakau.
The theme for this year’s trade fair, which is “Tapping the Growth
Potentials of the Small and Medium Enterprises”, will draw participants from Spain,
India, Indonesia and the West-African Sub-Region.
At a press briefing held on Monday at the independence stadium, the
coordinator of the Trade fair Beatrice Allen said their level of preparedness is high.
She said the aim of the trade fair is to bring companies together to expose
their products and expand their business. Mrs. Allen explained that the
reason why they organised the trade fair is for the international companies so
that partnership can occur and the private sector benefits from it for their
business will be known and promoted.
She revealed that in this year’s trade fair a heavy presence of
international companies are expected. She said 40 companies will be coming from Spain
and 30 companies will represent India and Indonesia.
For the case of India, she said they do not only want partnership but also
to invest in the country.
She pointed out that they have sponsors already and Taf holding company is
the major sponsor and LG electronics. She said the sponsors have made it
easier for the Small and Medium Enterprises noting that it is expensive to host a
trade fair.
She remarked that the trade fair is not going to be a Greater Banjul affair
but business centres across the country will be there.
She said the trade fair will not only benefit the private sector but also
the customers noting that they can have different types of goods displayed and
customers will have all they need at one place.
She however described the market industry as small but noted that with the
participation of the international companies it can be promoted to expand the
market.
According to GCCI their long term objective is to make Gambia a trade fair
center in Africa.
The president of GCCI Bai Matarr Drammeh said they have already been given a
land near the Sukuta garden but are looking for funds to kick off the
project and when completed trade fairs will be held there.
On display at the trade Fair will be the manufacturing industry, cultural
people, Malians, fisheries, Kanilai Farms, women in fashion and design among
others.
Four motor companies are also expected to display their vehicles on the
ground.
Boto Sonko Taken to Court Again
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Mr. Momodou Lamin Sonko alias “Boto,” has been taken to court again by the
state. Mr. Sonko was first standing trial at Kanifing Magistrates Court but
was discharged after the state withdrew the case.
On Monday 26th November, Mr. Sonko appeared before principal Magistrate B.Y.
Camara of Banjul Magistrates Court. According to the particulars of offence
Mr. Momodou Lamin Sonko Between June 2001 and 2007 in Banjul and in diverse
places in the Gambia allegedly stole an amount of D1, 593,307 dalasis being
proceeds realised from the leasing of construction equipment to Merrs Kharafi
and sons limited and failed to render it to the owner thereof. On count two,
that Mr. Momodou Lamin Sonko in diverse places between June 2001 and 2007 in
Banjul and in the Gambia allegedly stole an amount of 121, 665.35 US dollars,
being the proceeds realised from the leasing of construction equipment to
Kharafi and Sons Limited but failed to render it to the owner thereof. Mr. Sonko
pleaded not guilty to the two count charges preferred against him. He was
granted bail in the sum of D 2 Million. The defense counsel is Antouman Gaye
while Inspector Yaya Touray represents the state.
The case was adjourned till 10 December for hearing. It could be recalled
that Mr. Momodou Lamin Sonko (Boto), the proprietor of Boto construction
company was taken to court along side Mr. Mustapha Leigh, the former Director of
Techinical and physical planning for allegedly stealing and using government
property without proper authority. As the trial dragged on, the prosecution
later withdrew the case from proceedings and the duo were discharged by the
court.
Author Bamba Khan Urges Gambians To Embrace The Culture of Reading - Part 2
By Musa Barrow
In this edition we continue with Foroyaa’s exclusive interview with a
promising Gambian writer, Bamba Khan, who described writing as an extricable part
of his life. In the interview, Bamba Khan takes us on a guided tour of his
writing career. He also dealt with how to inculcate the culture of reading in
children and what the future holds for upcoming Gambian writers. Let’s pick up
from where we stopped.
You have made mention of some international publishing houses stating what
you described as unnecessary standards. What are those unnecessary standards?
Most of these publishing houses look at books that would be digested in the
educational system eg books used in schools. I am not saying that academic
books are less important, but art should also be given its due attention. To
come to the point some of the unnecessary standards are that they would ask the
author to type his work within a short period of time and that if one
submits his/her work to them it starts passing from one hand to another, which is
normally a protracted process. Sometimes, as an author one is left in a state
of bewilderness for not knowing the status of one’s work. And in most
occasions, they change certain things, which are relevant to your work; this is due
to the cultural divergence they always want to set the standards by their own
level. For example, as an African, if you put up a certain phenomenal issue
that is important to you because of your culture, they could see it as
completely frivolous. So, these are some of the unnecessary things they do that
disfigures the nature of the work.
What is the role of writers in a society?
Writing is a noble deed, because the world itself was built on writing. The
origin of writing can be traced to as far back as the days of ancient city of
Mesopotamia, in modern day Iraq. But writing later developed and came to
sustain all the records of the world. It is through writing that we know about
the empires, discoveries and miracles. Scriptures are written down, Jews have
the Torah, Muslims have the Qur’an and Christians have the Bible. All these
holy books could be transferred from one generation to another through writing.
So, writing continues as long as the sun shines. We cannot do away with
writing, because it is through writing that the world changes. Writing helps to
put things right, it helps to rectify politicians and the society as a whole.
It puts society on course so that the misdeeds of a people would not be
repeated again. The history of wars such as the Second World War has made it
possible for the modern states to avoid global war. This was transmitted from one
generation to another through writing.
As a Pan-Africanist, does your Pan-Africanist ideology reflect on your
writings?
Of course, it does. I believe that every person hails from a culture and it
is that culture which influences the way you think and view things. I read
Pan-Africanism at school and I’m familiar with names like Nkrumah, Lumumba,
Nyerere and Saikou toure. All what these pioneers of Pan-Africanism wanted was
to uphold Africa’s integrity. They wanted to ascertain the dignity of the
black person. They wanted to make the black people understand that they can live
better lives without depending on outsiders. This spirit engineered, by these
pioneers of Pan-Africanism truly motivates me. This is why I told you
earlier that I refused to send my work to Western publishing houses. I believe as a
Pan-Africanist in my writing, I portray Pan-Africanist sentiments, African
unity and peace in Africa etc. I also debunk the fight against disunity,
injustice, child exploitation, gender inequality and those things that can render
our continent backward.
What would you attribute as responsible for Gambia’s failure to produce many
prolific art and seasoned writers?
I believe that is due to the fact that Gambia is unfortunate for not having
a university very early. And to be frank, universities are the centres of
knowledge acquisition and diffusion. However, there is no doubt in my mind that
very soon this country would produce very good writers. I can also sense that
very soon this country will produce best selling authors. This is due to the
fact that Gambia has a very unique geo-political and socio-cultural
environment. This country does not have war, crime and many negative things and this
is why The Gambia is a heaven for many, nevertheless, despite all these
positive things, we should develop our intellect.
Earlier you lamented about the poor culture of reading in The Gambia. How
can we inculcate the culture of reading in our children?
Without any question, the most appropriate answer to that is for us to
encourage our children to read constantly and frequently. What really helped my
sister and me was that we have a very strict and uncompromising father who
forced us to read. I’m staggered when people say corporal punishment is bad. I
believe it is only bad when it fails to produce results.
Do you believe in this theory that good writers are born, not made?
Although I believe in destiny, i have the feeling that everybody can be a
writer. After all, practice leads to perfection. You start writing nonsense and
later it is from that very nonsense that you write sense. As far as i am
concerned writers are people who are dedicated to their work, and they have the
stamina to withstand pressure.
Can you shed more light on your books starting with Juffereh, “Kissing you
with hurting lips?”
The very title of this book is ironic. The definite question is how somebody
can kiss with hurting lips. The message it sends is that this book makes
reference to Africa’s history. Juffereh is a symbol of slavery. The title of the
book is basically saying that we are remembering our difficult past. Our
first book entitled Juffereh was published in 2004.
The second book entitled Proverbs of the Senegambia aims to conserve and
preserve our tradition as it contains proverbs from different local languages in
this country. This is with the ultimate objective of protecting our values
and culture from Western stain.
How do readers receive these books?
As soon as I publish them, the National Library as well as various hotels
such as Kairaba and Tropical Tours all demanded copies, which I did. Bookshops
like Timbooktu and Maroon’s Supermarket all have my copies. And wherever I go
people do tell me that I have read your book. This reaction truly motivates
me and makes me feel that I am trying.
Does the future look rosy for Gambian writers?
Indeed, the future looks rather bright for Gambian writers. It is as bright
as the stars of the night, because currently The Gambia is a virgin land,
which has not yet been exploited. Upcoming writers can take advantage of this
and reach the zenith.
What is your reaction to this concept that writing is not lucrative enough
in terms of material gain?
If one look at the monetary aspects of writing, one would not become a
writer. Writing goes beyond the material gains that one can amass wealth. For one
to be a writer, you do not have to be materially oriented. Instead one needs
to be spiritually connected with the people inorder to project how society
should be. History teaches us that all the prophets who brought salvation to
their people were not rich. Scientists who also came up with great discoveries
were not also rich. As a starter in writing, one should not think about
money, although it might come later if he/she produces a best seller.
As a writer, you must have read many books. Who are some of your favourite
writers?
Chinua Achebe is one of my favourite writers, because his writing always
show African values and draw one back to the village. I do not like reading
books that talk about the snow as those things do not reflect the African reality.
Do you have any favourite books?
I like the “Anthills of the Savannah”, because it talks about politics and
it makes reference to many things happening in Africa today. The Anthills of
the Savannah touches political injustice, corruption, poor governance,
intimidation of journalists and torture. All these practices are rife in the
continent of Africa today. In that book, there is a character called Ikem Osodi who
was an independent journalist, but was victimized. The book also portrays
the characteristics of a dictator. Basically Anthills of the Savannah is a
replica of what is happening in many African countries today. I am also an
admirer of my sister Mariam Khan’s books; she is truly a skillful writer.
You have talked about the Anthills of the Savannah, which is political in
nature. Can we also expect Bamba to come up with books, which deal with
politics?
That is quite right, I am currently developing a book of such a nature, the
title of which I do not want to divulge now.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
My advise is let them read as much as they can. Reading broadens one’s
knowledge.
Tell me more about yourself?
Well, Bamba Khan is a writer who lives in Brikama; married with one child
and I work at the Access Bank.
I hold a Bachelors Degree from The University of The Gambia in Sociology and
French. I also attended Sheikh Anta Diob University where I did a course in
French and linguistics. I was a head boy of Nusrat Senior Secondary School
and a pivotal founder of NAPSA. I was also the first Secretary General of NAPSA.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
‘TUMAL’ (ACCUSATION)
By Amie Sillah
Emma became very sad. Victor practically imprisoned his daughter. He
addressed her with harshness. He is very suspicious of her. He thinks he might end
up as her mum. This attitude disturbed Emma. She felt her dad hated her
because she resembled his estranged wife. Emma felt herself trapped into a golden
cage. She wrote a letter to B.B and deliberately did not seal it. She gave it
to Victor to deliver to B.B.
The Letter Reads
“My dad gives me everything a girl of my age would desire but he hates me
with a passion because I resemble his estranged wife, my strange mum. I am
suffering innocently. Would I have chosen to be born to such couple? Hell no! He
calls me my mother’s name Emily instead of my name Emma. I am a moving
nightmare. I pray daily for God to soften his heart towards me. BB pray for me.”
She ended her letter. The letter touched Victor’s heart. He dropped his iron
shield towards his daughter. He asked his driver to turn back and drive to
his home.
Emma Doing Household Chores
Emma is always lively when Victor is out. She was singing and dancing to the
music. Victor came and called her. She was afraid. “What have I done wrong?”
She asked. “Nothing my daughter! Come to your father. I have read your
touchy letter to B.B. I’m sorry! I thought I was protecting you but I was wrong.
I am very sorry.” Victor hugged his daughter and they both shed emotional
tears. Victor opened up to his daughter and they became very close from that
moment onwards.
At The University Campus
Emma met B.B at the university campus. They spoke at length and compared
notes. “It is a pity we are not staying in the same hostel. My dad is crazy. He
said I stay at home since he lives in the city and not far from the campus.
We got some teething problems but we are now coping with each other.” “That’s
very nice to hear. My room mate Fatima is not as cool as you but I’ll have
to learn to cope. Have you seen your course designer?” “Not yet!” “Go now
and see her. I have already seen mine. Good luck!” B.B told her. “My course
designer is always absent but I’ll go to see whether she is around.”
Meets Her Course Designer
Emma met her course designer. She resembled her a great deal. Her name rang
a bell in the woman’s mind. Dr. Emy Jackson felt something for this girl. She
asked her more questions about her biological father. “My dad is Mr. Victor
Johnson, a businessman.” She gave her her home address. Dr. Jackson became
suspicious and curious. She thought very hard. “Emma is my lost daughter,” She
said to herself.
Reflections
Emy spoked to her best friend Sarata. “I have met Emma today.” “Which Emma?”
Sarata asked. “My lost daughter.” “Are you sure?” Sarata asked. “My
instinct told me. She gave Victor Johnson as his dad and the same address of our
marital home. My instinct cannot be wrong.” “Pray over it Emy. But you have
to be really sure that she is your daughter,” Sarata advised.
Emma Returns
Emma returned to the doctor. She was very nice to her. “Feel free! Come to
me for anything. I am here for you. You are a nice lass. Give me your mobile
number.” Emma did. Doctor is very happy. This is the first step.
Go Shopping With B.B
Emma went shopping. She bought a lot of clothes. B.B also bought some
clothes. They went to a pub and bought some soft drinks. While there B.B’s room
mate Fatima came and called her aside. She had a problem with her boyfriend. She
wanted to call it a quit. B.B is the intermediary. She asked her to give him
a second chance. Then Matar, Binta’s boyfriend rang to apologise B.B
encouraged her to make peace with him. She went back to Emma, who was very agitated
and worried. She is scared stiff. “My course directress said she wants to see
me, for what I don’t know. I have a clear conscience. “Emma reassured
herself. “That should be the spirit. Have nothing to fear. You have done nothing,”
B.B reassured her.
The C.D Invites Emma To Her House
The course directress invited her to her house. Emma is still panicky. “Tell
me more about your mother.” Emma found it difficult to explain. She mustered
courage and said. “I have no mother.” Doctor got uneasy. “You have!” She
said. “Do you know her?” Emma asked. “Calm down! I know your mum.” Doctor
replied. “I am your mum!” “No! You are not!” Emma yelled. She started to run
away. “It is not true! It is not true! You broke down dad’s heart and ran
away!” She accused. “It is not true! Let me explain.” Doctor begged. “You have
nothing to explain. Leave me alone!” Emma ran away. Doctor felt the pain.
Her only daughter is crucifying her at the altar of justice.
Confides In B.B
Emma confided in B.B. “My C.D said she is my mother.” “What! Did she
explain her side of the story of her accusation?” “No! I did not give her the
audience,” Emma said. “Give her a chance to explain herself. Did you tell your
dad?” “No! I did not.” “Did she confess?” “I did not give her the chance.” “
Start from there,” B.B advised. “How can she come out from the blue and
wanted me to accept her just like that? I can’t.” Emma argued. “Lend her your
ears and listen to what she has to say is my candid advice to you,” B.B
advised.
To be cont’d.
In Gamtel’s Former MD Trial
Court Urged to Ignore “No Case” Submission
By Bubacarr K. Sowe and Fabakary B. Ceesay
Replying to the defence “No case to answer” submission, the prosecutor in
the trial of Omar Ndow, ex-Managing Director of Gamtel on Monday urged the
Banjul Magistrates court not to consider the request made by the defence lawyer.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Momodou Bojang asserted in his
submission that the accused person has a case to answer and should therefore
enter his defence.
The Former Gamtel boss is charged for disobedience to statutory duty
contrary to section 115 of the Criminal Code and abuse of office, which contravenes
section 90 of the same code.
The particulars of the offence alleges that Mr. Ndow about 2005 and 2006 as
a public service employee and managing director of Gamtel, willfully omitted
to refer a contract proposal to the Gambia Public Procurement Authority
(GPPA) which is a statutory requirement.
The particulars of offence added that within the same period and in the same
capacity as managing director Omar failed to follow the required procedure
of the GPPA regulation.
Responding to the defence lawyer’s argument that it is Gamtel as a company
that should have been taken to court, ASP Bojang said that is possible but in
a criminal case it cannot and that is why Mr. Ndow as head of that company
should answer to the charges.
The prosecutor argued that there was a contract between Gamtel and the
Chinese company called Huawei, contrary to the defence counsel’s claim.
He said the contract was never signed and its initial phase was opened by
the president. The Assistant Superintendent of Police recalled that four
prosecution witnesses testified in court, one of which is a police officer who
obtained Mr. Ndow’s statement.
ASP Bojang submitted that another witness who appeared before the court is
Sarjo Ceesay, a Gamtel employee and Secretary to its board of directors.
He said Ceesay testified at a board meeting that the approved 2005 budget
included the IN and CDMA projects (subject of the trial) but does not know if
they were approved by the GPPA.
The prosecutor added that Abdoulie Bah, an auditor with Gamtel said in his
testimony that payment for the contract was referred to his office but he did
not observe any GPPA approval of it.
He narrated that another prosecution witness who testified in the case is
Ousman Njie, compliance manager of GPPA who said approval was given to Gamtel
to open negotiation with Huawei but never got feedback from Gamtel, which he
said means “No approval was given.”
ASP Bojang said that the consent of the Attorney General was sought at the
time of removing the case from the High Court. This he said was contained in a
letter to the Inspector General of Police. The letter was tendered and
admitted in evidence.
The trial was adjourned till December 3rd, to enable the defence lawyer who
was absent to go through the prosecutor’s address.
Bajinka’s Family Shocked
By Modou Jonga
The family members of a detained National Intelligence Operative Yahya
Bajinka have expressed shock and great concern over the detention incommunicado of
their breadwinner for eight months at Mile II. Yahya, who was arrested
shortly after his brother and former ADC, Major Kalifa Bajinka fled the
country,was released few days later,but rearrested in Brikama on 16 April 2007. Since
then, he has been incarcerated at the State Central Prison. While expressing
doubt over the health condition of Mr. Bajinka, a family source appealed to
the concerned authorities to release their family member. They noted that the
detention incommunicado of Mr. Bajinka has caused them psychological strain
and sleepless nights.
The National Intelligence Agency had earlier denied arresting Mr Bajinka.
Cuban Ambassador Hosts Media Fraternity
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
A good number of senior Gambian journalists including editors from the media
fraternity were on Saturday 24 November, hosted by the Cuban Ambassador at
his new residence at Fajara. The reception was held for a familiarization
purpose and a chat between the media fraternity and the Cuban embassy.
The interaction covered many issues, ranging from the days of slavery to
women empowerment. References were made to the eradication of the Indian race
and the influence of African tradition and religion on Cuban society.
The Cuban ambassador Mr. Carlos M. Salsamendi embraced the media with open
arms saying “My house is also your house.” Ambassador Salsamendi dilated on
the role played by Cuba in Africa during the struggle against colonial rule.
He said Cubans and Africans share many common experiences such as colonialist
or semi-colonial exploitation. He said we were all victims of one common
problem and have the same common solution to the problems. Ambassador Salsamendi
indicated that Cuba and Africa have the same geographical features and
climatic conditions. He pointed out that probably a good number of Gambians were
taken into slavery in Cuba. He noted that most of these slaves were fighters
who mutinied against the Spaniards at their plantations. He added that the
offsprings of these slaves have also played a significant role in the attainment
of the Cuban revolution.
Going further Mr. Salsamendi pointed out the cordial relationship between
the Gambian populace and the Cuban doctors throughout the country. He added
that they also appreciate the good hospitality they receive from the Gambian
people from Banjul to Basse. “Whereever we go, we are recognised, especially at
the markets,” said Salsamendi. He pointed out that there are Cuban doctors
who are very interested in learning the local languages and the Gambian way of
life. He cited a radio medical program conducted by a Cuban doctor at Kerewan
community radio in the Mandinka language. He said the program is meant to
sensitize the local population on health issues. For her part, the first
Secretary to the ambassador Mrs. Nancy Iglesias Mildenstein also the wife of the
ambassador, pointed out the role played by women during the Cuban revolution
and its aftermath. She said women hold key positions and ranks within the
revolutionary council. She cited some African countries with female Cuban
ambassadors with their husbands serving under them as Secretaries. She pointed out an
incident during the revolutionary war when a group of women demanded to
fully participate in combat as soldiers; that Fidel Castro gave his consent to
it. She added that the awareness of women is always a priority to Castro. She
said women had never been backbenchers in the revolution. She asserted that
women hold senior ranks in the force.
Banjul and Bakau Reach S/Nawettan Final
By Lamin Komma and Sulayman Bah
Banjul won Brikama 2-1 at the Serrekunda East grounds on Sunday to make a
date with Bakau in the final of the Super Nawettan who saw off S/West on
penalties on Saturday.
Two first half goals by Banjul neutralised Brikama who went into the tough
semi-final riding high with 7 points from group B. Banjul took the lead in the
23rd minute through Gambia Ports Authority FC striker Alagie Musa Camara.
And just when the Western Region side were hoping to redraw their comeback
strategy during the break, Banjul struck again through Powerful striker Ousman
Jagne in the 43rd minute.
In the second period Brikama played only to complete the remaining time and
only troubling the tight Banjul defence from the right where star player
Lamin Findi Jammeh continued to make his fine runs. And it was from the part of
the field that Brikama collected their consolation in the 87th minute when
Sainey Sambou head freely from a cross to full one back.
The other semi final between Serrekunda West and Bakau ended in penalties
after a goalless draw at the West grounds on Saturday. Serrekunda West failed
to utilise their first half advantage having created the most chances. But a
resurgent Bakau in the second period missed twice in the dying minutes as
number 10 Alagie Janneh discovered his skills late on. Firing wide and setting up
another moments later.
However, Bakau were sent through to the final when West lost their second in
the six-kick shootout during penalties winning 5-4.
Serrekunda West Fails Yet Again
By Sulayman Bah
Serrekunda West has failed in their bid to claim a first ever triumph in the
Super Nawettan competition crashing out of the competition to Bakau in post
penalty shootouts on Saturday.
West who were playing at home are the biggest under achievers in the history
of the competition having reached the final on three occasions and losing
all. And eager to erase such an ignominious history they fought hard to overrun
their opponents from the start of the match.
Three-goal striker Ebrima Drammeh could have registered his fourth when he
missed narrowly from a cross by Ebrima Kinteh in early stages of the match to
put West ahead. West continued to storm the Bakau goal area and two more
chances by Alagie Berker Modou Sarr just before the break failed to break the
deadlock.
West started the second half with hope of overcoming their first half
misfortune and continued their dominance in possession but failing to beat Abdoulie
Njie in the Bakau goal. And as if to indicate who was to have the last
laugh, Bakau turned the heat on Serrekunda West in the last 10 minutes and came
close to scoring on two occasions. But they had to wait a little later before
they could celebrate and it was delivered to them in the first kick by
Serrekunda West during the penalty kicks when left Back Sarr missed his spot kick.
But Bakau failed to finish the duel with their fifth kick as Alagie Omar
Jallow hit the goal post. And West again handed every thing to Bakau with another
missed kick, hitting the crossbar.
Gambia Foreign Stars Roundup
By Modou Nyang
Gambians trading their football skills abroad returned to action in the
weekend following more than a week break of international matches. And with the
close of some of the leagues in Europe and elsewhere, players such as Dawda
Bah, Abdoulie Corr (Paco) and Demba Savage Finland, Ebrima Sohna and Tijan
Jaiteh Norway; Pa Dembo Touray, Lamin Conateh and Aziz Corr Nyang Sweden and
Abdoulie Mansally and Sainey Nyassi USA; the season for some ended with accolades
and championship medals whilst others return home with feelings of nostalgia
and for some a moment of reflection for the next way forward. Tijan Jaiteh
was crowned champion with his club Brann and Masally and Nyassi got a cup
medal and were denied another in the last hurdle. And Pa Dembo Touray was also
beaten in the last game denying him a championship medal once more.
Austria – Pa Saikou Kujabi was an unused substitute in club SV Josko Fenster
Ried’s 1-1 draw with SV Mattersburg on Saturday, whilst Modou Jagne’s SCR
Altach received a 6-1 throbbing from SK Sturm Graz.
Belgium – in the Belgian second division league Mustapha Jarjue and Assan
Jatta are still on break having taken theirs lately before the international
break. But during their midweek fixture on 14th November before the
international break, the Gambian duo lost 1-0 away to Tubize with club K Lierse SK.
Both of them were involved in the match but Jatta was substituted in the 57th
minute. They will return to action on Sunday against K. AS.Eupen. Ebrima Sawaneh
’s KSK Beveren picked-up 6 points during the same period. Beveren defeated
RS Waasland and Excelsior virton on 14th and 17th November respectively.
Cyprus – in the Cypriot 1st division league Mustapha Kamal Ndow and his club
Doxa Katokopias lost 2-1 to Nea Salamina on Saturday.
Denmark – in the Danish SAS league striker Njogu Demba scored twice to help
club Esbjerg to a 3-2 win over Brøndby IF on Sunday. Njogu has now scored 7
goals for Esbjerg this season, 6 of them in the league.
England – in the English league 1 division (third tier league), Edrissa
Sonko played until the 90th minute as Walsall humiliated Northampton 2-0 at their
own ground on Saturday. Edi was substituted in the 90th minute by Paul Hall.
Holland – Ebou Sillah wrote his name on the score sheet in a 2-2 draw
against Helmond Sport on Friday. Sillah scored club, MVV Maastricht’s second to put
them back in the lead but Helmond levelled late on to share the spoils. And
former Scorpions captain Jatto Ceesay was not in his club FC Omniworld’s team
list as they also played 2-2draw against haarlem FC on the same day.
Norway – the Norwegian league has ended with Gambian youngster Tijan Jaiteh
receiving a championship medal as his club Brann were crowned champions for
the first time in 44 years and Ebrima Sohna’s Sandefjord side went down in to
relegation. But Tijan is still in contention for yet another accolade with
Brann fighting it out in the UEFA Cup competition. They will tomorrow play at
home against Dynamo.
Peru – in the Peruvian Premier division league, Yankuba Ceesay (mal) and his
club Alinaza Atletico were won 1-0 against Total clean on Saturday. Ceesay
who was booked in 33rd minute of the match was involved for the entire
duration of the game.
UAE – the United Arab Emirates Ettellasat league is on an extended break
since on November 3rd and is set to resume but as the club continue to prepare
for its upcoming matches, they played two test matches in the interim first
with Sudanese side Alhilal and Omani club Altaleea. And in their match against
Altaleea, Ousman Jallow scored twice as Alain won 4-1 finishing off the
visitors early in the match. Ous scored 5 seconds after kickoff and before
halftime, Alain were 3 up with Jallow scoring the third.
Njogu Back on Target, Ebou Sillah Got First
By Modou Nyang
Striker Njogu Demba hit the net twice for club, Esbjerg as they cruised to a
3-2 win on Sunday against Brøndby IF. And Scorpions veteran Ebou Sillah,
scored his first goal for Dutch club MVV Maastricht earlier on Friday.
Demba who has not scored for Esbjerg since 2nd September when he scored a
double against AC Horsens in a 4-3 defeat, but the stylish striker was back on
song on Sunday after being in the scoring wilderness for 84 days. He put
Esbjerg ahead in the 1st minute of the match to put his side ahead ending an
eight match goal draught. And when strike partner Jesper Mikkelsen scored Esbjerg’
s second in the 38th before the break, Demba made it three in the 52nd to
set the home side in a dream win.
But Brøndby fought back and pulled two back in the 75th and 81st minute to
end the match 3-2. The win has leapfrogged Esbjerg one step ahead of Brøndby
in 8th position on the Danish SAS league table.
Also in the Dutch second division Ebou Sillah scored his first goal for new
club MVV Maastricht in a 2-2 draw with Helmond Sport on Friday. Sillah
restored MVV’s lead after Habraken had cancelled out Van Boxel’s opener in the
14th minute. But three minutes later Helmond pulled back levelling the score
through tom Daemen.
Zone II Final Selection Released, Travels to Bissau Today
By Modou Nyang
The final selection of players for the Zone II Amilcar Cabral tournament in
Bissau was released yesterday.
Four players have been dropped from the team to trim it down to the required
18 man squad. And it has been confirmed to Foroyaa-sport that the team will
travel to Bissau today by road to arrive in Bissau two days before they play
Mali in their first match on Saturday.
List of Selected Players
Name Club
Abdou Darboe Armed Forces
Babucarr Sey Bakau Utd.
Samba Bah Bakau Utd.
Mandou Bojang GPA
Abdou Njie GPA
Pa Modou Jagne GPA
Abdourahman Dampha GPA
Robert Badjie Hawks
Alagie Jobe Real
Pa Landing Conateh Real
Dimingo Manneh Sait Matty
Ousman Koli Steve Biko
Habib Kunta Steve Biko
Amadou Gai Wallidan
Sainey Touray Wallidan
Wuyeh Sey Wallidan
Momodou Lamin Sillah Wallidan
George Cole Wallidan
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