Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 23/2008, 25 – 26, 2008
Editorial
Suspect on Bail Re-Arrested
Sending The Wrong Signal
When President Jammeh boasted during the swearing in of Justices of the
Supreme Court, recently, that the Executive would not interfere with their work,
many raised eye brows. They did not believe that he meant what he said.
Recently, Foroyaa did emphasise in one of its editorials that what is of
significance is that words be matched with deeds? Did the executive match words with
deeds?
On 14 February, two accused persons, namely Superintendent Manlafi Sanyang
and Lt. Camara, were not in court to hear their application for bail. They
were then in detention at the State Central Prison at Mile Two, a prison meant
for convicts and not detainees who have either not been tried or are on trial.
Bail was nonetheless granted. But Lt. Camara and Modou Lamin Sonko of Boto
Construction, who was granted bail earlier, were both re-arrested and have
also been detained for more than 72 hours, contrary to the requirements of the
constitution.
Can this not send the wrong signal that irrespective of the decision of a
court what matters is what the executive does?
Needless to say, section 120 subsection (3) of the constitution states
explicitly, “In the exercise of their judicial functions, the courts, the judges
and other holders of judicial office shall be independent and shall be subject
only to this Constitution and the law and, save as provided in this Chapter,
shall not be subjected to the control or direction of any other person or
authority.”
Subsection (4) of the same section adds: “The Government and all departments
and agencies of the Government shall accord such assistance to the courts as
the courts may reasonably require to protect their independence, dignity and
effectiveness.”
Journalist Mam Sait Faces Fresh Charges
A fifty to two hundred and fifty thousand dalasi fine and in default, one
year imprisonment is in prospect for Mam Sait Ceesay, former Press Officer at
the office of the President, if found guilty of a fresh charge with false
publication contrary to the Criminal Code of the Laws of The Gambia.
Mam Sait Ceesay was invited to the Serious Crime Unit of the Gambia Police
Force on Friday, February 22, to enter his plea to a two count charge and was
detained for four hours before he was released on bail. In September 2007,
Mam Sait Ceesay and Malick Jones were jointly charged under the Official Secrets
Acts. It was alleged that the two “gave information to a foreign journalist,
which was harmful to the security of the state”.
Both accused persons pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody for a
week before they were released on bail. On September 26, 2007, defence
Counsel Antouman Gaye applied under Section 11 of the Official Secrets Act “for the
accused persons to be discharged.”
Magistrate B.Y Camara of the Banjul Magistrates Court, in his ruling, held
that the prosecution could not be mounted without the consent of the Attorney
General first being granted. He therefore ‘stayed’ the action until the
consent of the Attorney General was obtained and accordingly ordered the accused
persons to step down.
Six months later, on February 22, 2007, Mam Sait Ceesay was singly charged
with two counts of False Publication. Mr. Ceesay is yet to appear before a
Magistrate.
FORMER DIRECTOR, MILITARY OFFICER AND BOTO’S PROPRIETOR IN DETENTION
Bubacarr K. Sowe
Mustapha Leigh, Ex Director of Technical Services at the Department of State
for Works, Construction and Infrastructure, Lieutenant Bakary Camara -- a
Presidential bodyguard and Momodou Lamin Sonko – Proprietor of Boto
Construction have all been in detention for about a week now.
Both Lt. Camara and Mr. Sonko are currently on trial at the Banjul
Magistrates Court charged with stealing a government motor vehicle.
Lt. Camara was on February 14, granted bail in the sum of one million dalasi
by Justice Na Ceesay Sallah Wadda of the High Court following a bail
application by his lawyer.
Earlier on, Mr. Sonko was also granted bail by the High Court also in the
sum of 1 million dalasi.
However, Foroyaa has gathered that the two men have been re-arrested and
detained upon the granting of the bail by the court and their subsequent
release. Additionally, Mr. Leigh was also said to be arrested around the same
period.
Meanwhile, the trial of Camara and Sonko is expected to resume on 26
February at the Banjul Magistrates Court.
Gilanfari Residents Awaiting Proposed De-mining Exercise
By Modou Jonga
More than two months after the Gilanfari land mine explosion in the Foni
Bintang District, which resulted in the death of two students, residents of
Gilanfari and environs have again expressed concern that they have not seen any
sign of de-mining, despite the promise made by the Gambia Armed Forces in the
aftermath of the said incident.
Residents who spoke to this reporter believed that the landmine incident is
the first of its kind in the country and that it has sent a wave of fear in
villages close to the Senegalese region of Casamance.
The area where the landmine explosion happened had been declared a no-go
area for residents since 2 December, 2007. Residents who fear a reoccurrence of
the incident said they have decided to limit their activities in the forest
despite the fact that it is an area where they generate income from. They also
claimed that herdsmen are afraid to venture in to the forest with their
cattle for fear that they could be maimed or killed by landmines. They lamented
the difficulty they face in feeding their cattle. This reporter has, for some
time now, been making efforts to get the comments of the GAF Public
Relations, but his efforts failed to bear fruits. As soon as we get information from
him, we shall publish it.
Canteen Owners React To Brikama Area Council Notice
By Modou Jonga
Canteen owners at the Brikama Central Market have reacted swiftly to a
notice of increase rent issued to them by the Management of the Brikama Area
Council, recently. Canteen owners said that the notice dated 15 February, 2008 and
signed by the market manager, Mr. Bunfaring Jadama, on behalf of the BAC
Chief Executive Officer, is informing them that canteen rents are now increased
from D400 to D600, with effect from Saturday, 1 March 2008.
Canteen owners complained that the rent increment is exorbitant, unbearable
and discouraging. They further noted that in the notice given to them no
reason was advanced for the increment and that they are paying electricity
separately on a monthly basis. They said that their sales at the market are poor
and, apart from that, they have to provide basic needs for their families.
Canteen owners therefore urged the Management of the Brikama Area Council to
reverse its decision and be engaged in improving the hygienic and sanitary
conditions of the market.
In a attempt to seek the views of the BAC on the reason for the increase of
rental fees, this reporter visited the market manager twice at his office on
22 February, 2008 but he was said to be out. Subsequently, the market manager
was contacted on phone, but he requested this reporter to reveal the names
of the canteen owners who spoke to him (the reporter). The reporter explained
that what was important was his view on the matter and the market manager
declined to make any comment.
On his part, the Public Relation Officer of BAC, Mr. Serigne Modou Joof,
said the increment is based on concrete policy issues. Mr. Joof said the BAC had
conducted a feasibility study and survey to that effect and it is discovered
that what BAC charges is the cheapest in comparison with other area
councils. He said BAC is poised to make a difference in terms of development. The BAC
PRO noted that the increment has arisen out of necessity.
Two GADHOH Members Return from Spain
By Yaya Bajo
Two GADHOH board members, Madam Amie Cham and Mr. Landing Badjie, have
recently returned from the 15th World Federation of the Disabled Congress in
Spain. Madam Cham is the chairperson of the association’s Female Wing and Mr
Badgie is the deputy to the entity’s Executive Director and a sign language
teacher.
Madam Cham and Mr. Badjie met with prominent men and women who are deaf and
have acquired a lot of new experiences. According to the duo, everyone they
have met and everything they have been shown have indeed added something to
their experience. “Most of the people we met were friendly and courteous. We
gave information about The Gambia and GADHOH and received information on the
outside world, as well”, they reported.
Amie and Landing shared their experience with colleagues and friends and
have suggested to the national radio and television authorities, at a press
conference they convened, to seriously consider introducing broadcasting sign
news so that The Gambia will not be left behind by the development of the deaf
taking place in the other parts of the world.
Telecentre Operators Decry Loss of Business
By Modou Jonga
A Telecentre operator who spoke to Foroyaa in the Western Region, following
the recent noticed fast flowing of Units or Credits while making calls, has
noted that this unprecedented development is causing a huge loss of income for
them. They complained that their business is now stagnant because of this
development which scares off customers. They said when calling mobile numbers
from a fixed line the amount of credit consumed now is higher compared to the
previous days. They, however, noted that calling land phone numbers are
normal.
Speaking to this reporter, Mr. Ousman Barrow, an executive member of the
Telecentre Owners Association, said they are currently experiencing extreme
financial losses as their booths are not being used by customers. Mr. Barrow said
that before the recent increase in the rates, he was generating about D2000
on Sundays and D500 on other days. He said he has reported this rather
unfriendly business situation to the relevant authorities at Gamtel Mr. Barrow
said that the Gamtel Staff whom he had spoken to have confirmed the recent
developments but that they were urged by these authorities to close their business
till further notice.
Biosafety Cleaning House Project Launched
By Modou Jonga
The Biosafety Cleaning House Project (BCH), under the Department of Parks
and Wildlife Management, was on Thursday, 21st February, 2008 launched at the
Baobab Hotel Resort in Bijilo.
In delivering his official launching statement, the Permanent Secretary at
the Department of State for Forestry and the Environment, Mr. Bubu P. Jallow,
said the BCH Project is a vital national project and it is aimed at
assisting The Gambia to fulfill its obligation as a party to the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). The P.S
said that understanding the risks and potentials of modern Biotechnology will
be valuable in assisting the country to adequately tackle biotechnological
issues and in safeguarding the interest of the people and the natural
environment. Mr. Jallow noted that The Gambia has fulfilled its obligation under the
convention on Biological Diversity and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. He
urged the National Biosafety Task Force Members to take pride in this and to
demonstrate competence in implementing the National Biosafety Cleaning House
Project.
On his part, the Coordinator of the BCH Project, Mr. Alagie Manjang,
reiterated that The Gambia has signed and ratified the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety and that the objective of the BCH Project is to protect humans,
agriculture and the environment, amongst others. Mr. Manjang urged for the facilitation
of the exchange of biosafety information amongst governments. The BCH
Project Coordinator dilated on the Memorandum of understanding between the
Department of State for Forestry and Environment of The Gambia for the United Nations
Environment Project for Building Capacity for Effective Participation in the
Biosafety Cleaning House. Mr. Manjang noted the potential risks of
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) on Humans, and the environment. He emphasised the
need for the regulations and cooperation of national stakeholders in
handling genetically modified organisms. Mr. Manjang disclosed that the BCH Project
will soon embark on a national awareness campaign across the country.
The launching ceremony was chaired by Mr. Alpha Omar Jallow, Director of
Parks and Wildlife Management.
Participants called for a regional framework on Biosafety and Biodiversity
amongst others.
Brikama Area Council Lays Off Commission Collectors
By Modou Jonga
The then Chairman of the Interim Management Committee for the Brikama Area
Council (CBA) and the Regional Governor of the Western Region, Mr. Abdou FM
Badjie, has recently revealed that the BAC is overstaffed and that a
provisional staff appraisal was conducted, which recommends the laying off of
Commission Collectors and which has been done. Mr. Badjie noted that the Personel
Management Office were contacted to conduct a staff audit at BAC but the report
of the said audit exercise is not yet available and that, appropriate actions
would be taken in conjunction with the Department of State for Local
Government, Lands and Religious Affairs.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Yaya Tamba a member of the BAC Interim Management
Committee reiterated the same position. Mr. Tamba noted that many projects
contracted by the Area Council were pending and could not be completed. These
projects, Mr. Tamba said, include the market projects for Sanyang, Pirang and
Gunjur.
According to Mr. Tamba, the BAC was overstaffed with 60% of the Council’s
revenue goes into the payment of salaries. He said despite the large number of
Commission Collectors and Revenue Collectors, revenue arrears of three
million dalasi is still being owed. He was quick to add that his committee has
recovered arrears of revenue from institutions and companies in the sum of two
million one hundred and twenty-one thousand, seven hundred and seventy-eight
dalasis, sixty-eight butut (D2,121,778.68)
Speaking further, Mr. Tamba said they inherited the said council when the
accounts were in the red and it was providing services and paying salaries on
overdraft. While noting that the BAC Interim Management Committee has cleared
all bank loans owed by council to different Banking institutions, Mr. Tamba
said BAC is now free with bank loans and has a balance of five hundred, and
fifty thousand, and ninety-seven dalasis sixty-one bututs ( D550,097.61) in
their bank debit.
According to Mr. Tamba, because of disunity within Council, his committee
could not discover a four year strategy plan required for the operation of the
Council. He said a recommendation for the incoming Council to focus on the
operation of a developmental plan for the next four years has been made. He
said, their report on the Council will be submitted to the Secretary of State
for Local Government, and Lands and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ismaila Sambou, in
the shortest possible time.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the BAC, Mr. Momodou Jallow,
noted that the staff audit exercise has ensured financial discipline in the
council. Mr. Jallow spoke of the need to upgrade the Brikama Area Council into a
Municipality within three years. He urged all and sundry to work towards the
realisation of this dream. In conclusion, he cited the indispensability of a
sound resource base to this objective.
American Publisher, Wayne A. Young Visits The Gambia
By Baboucarr Ceesay
Timbooktoo hosted Port of Harlem magazine’s publisher, Wayne A. Young, at
the Timbooktoo Bookshop building in Fajara for a “Meet and Greet Saturday” on
Saturday, 23 February to foster networking between people of different walks
of life. The “meet and greet” attracted celebrated writers, literature
lovers, and Pan-Africans.
Wayne, publisher of the 13-year old Washington DC based quarterly, who can’t
hide his love for Africa, told our reporter that Port of Harlem is a general
interest magazine that focuses on various issues ranging from history to
travel. He indicated that Port of Harlem publishes articles from a global Black
perspective and integrates news and features about Blacks from around the
world into the magazine’s department, which include “Praising the Past,” “
Health,” “The Other Side,” “Entertainment” and so on.
Mr. Young’s answer to those who enquire about his political affiliation is
simply: “I vote Black. I simply vote for the candidate who I think will help
move the race from our current experience to a point where we can experience
freedom, justice, equality, and equity at home and abroad. I write in my own
name if I am convinced that none of the candidates will advocate policies that
will allow our people to strive….”
Mr. Young believes that Pan-Africanism is love for oneself to progress and
prosper and not synonymous to racism.
Port of Harlem is now available at the National Library of The Gambia,
University of The Gambia Library and Timbooktoo.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
MAL-ADMINISTRATION OF BAKAU WOMEN VEGETABLE GARDEN BOOMERANGED AS TECHNICAL
ADVISER CONVICTED
What About The Hidden Hands?
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column for quite a while now. We
are now narrating the happenings of the 1990s as it relates to the Gambia.
In the last edition, we have dealt with the crisis that gripped the Bakau
Women Vegetable Gardeners until they were expelled from their garden. We have
stopped where we wrote that it was those women who did not know about the
donated money who were being used by hidden hands to create disunity to bar those
who knew from pursuing the donated money.
Let us continue the narration from where we stopped in the Foroyaa.
On the 23 of March, 1990, Mr. Jalamang Jatta appeared before senior
Magistrate J.D Amartey, at the Kanifing Magistrates Court, as the defendant. Those
who lodged a suit against him, the plaintiffs, alleged that he was responsible
for the destruction of their vegetables at their garden, opposite the Radio
Gambia studios.
The plaintiffs were Mrs. Oumie Mboge, Mrs. Nyimasata Janneh, Mrs. Amie
Kebbeh Bojang and Mrs. Sanjally Cham. The counsel for the plaintiffs was Mr. Sam
George. The counsel for the defendant was Mr. Abdoulie Mboge. The case lasted
for six months and judgment was delivered on Wednesday, 5th September, 1990.
The plaintiffs called five witnesses to convince the court of the legitimacy
of their claims. The defendant called five witnesses to defend why he should
not be held liable.
The plaintiffs claimed that one S.I Touray informed them that Jalamang Jatta
said they should not step in the garden; that they asked S.I Touray what to
do with their vegetables but S.I Touray emphasized that all he knew was that
they should not step in the garden. The women said that up to that time they
did not step foot in the garden.
The different complainants explained to the court what vegetables they had
planted in the garden, which included cabbages, garden eggs, pepper, bitter
tomatoes, onions, tomatoes, okra, legume, papaya etc; that by the time they
left all the vegetables were ripe except the cabbages. They explained the
estimated quantity of each vegetable that they expected to harvest if they were not
banned from the garden. The plaintiffs said over two hundred women worked in
the garden.
Mr. Daddy Sowe’s Evidence
Mr. Daddy Sowe, who helped the women to establish the garden, also said in
the witness box that he was the very one who selected the spot for the garden;
that the area was a jungle; that they formed the society called Bakau Women
Vegetable Garden Tesito Society; that the co-founders were Biray Cham, Oumie
Mboge, Fatou Aya Sanyang, Sanjally Cham and Nyimasata Janneh; that these were
the committee members but there were others; that the British High
Commission donated materials to them; that the American Embassy donated fencing
materials; that at the time, Jalamang was not in the garden; that it was Jalamang
who went to the garden with a policeman and told Oumie that she should go and
report at the police station; that Jalamang, Oumie and Nyimasata together
with the police officer went to the police station; that he too went to the
police station and upon arrival, Jalamang told the police that Oumie and
Nyimasata were not to go to the garden anymore as they had been driven out, after
which he then left.
Under cross examination, Mr. Sowe said the society still existed; that he
does not know of Bakau Women’s Horticultural Cooperative Society; that Oumie
Mboge was vice president of the Bakau women vegetable garden tesito society;
that Oumie Mboge is his wife; that the society had an account at the Bank.
When asked about the position of the 1985/86 account, Mr. Sowe said the
files were in the office. Counsel for the defendant alleged that Mr. Sowe left
the garden because of the state of those accounts; Mr. Sowe denied this and
said it was the police who asked him to leave; that S.I Touray posted a
policeman at the garden; that the ministry of agriculture had given them technical
assistance in the form of a technical adviser and that Jalamang Jatta was one
of such technical advisers.
Jalamang’s Evidence
Jalamang Jatta in his defence said he is an agricultural assistant and he
was currently posted at the Bakau women horticultural cooperative society; that
he has been working there since 1st October, 1985; that he has been there
continuously since 1988; that he had been absent from the garden from the 10th
January, 1988 to 4th April, 1988 when he was attending a course in Cairo,
Egypt; that his duties at the garden were to assist the women to have awareness
on gardening.
Mr. Jatta insisted that the society was called Bakau Women Horticultural
Cooperative Society; that he had witnessed several disputes among the women;
that one of the incidents was Oumie Mboge encroaching on beds owned by one Fatou
Barrow Koto Camara, taking ten of them etc.
When asked what he saw with his own eyes after all those disputes, Jalamang
said he saw some people trying to negotiate but after sometime some members
were no longer there; that the society finally expelled Mr. Daddy Sowe, Oumie
Mboge and Nyimasata Janneh. He denied using a tractor on the garden for
demonstrations. He also denied reporting any disputes to the police; that when he
returned from Cairo, he found police officers stationed at the garden; that
he understood the police were told by the Bakau police station officer to tell
Daddy Sowe not to step his foot in the garden and that there are 490 women
vegetable growers.
At the end of the cross examination, the magistrate raised the question of
calling the police, who were mentioned on several occasions, to give evidence.
Mr. George, counsel for the plaintiffs also commented that it was not only
enough for the police to give evidence but should bring along their diary. Mr.
Mboge, however, said they would consider the matter.
The magistrate then addressed the court and said it has come to the
attention of the court that some people were causing trouble at the time. He called
on all to allow the court to work out the truth of the matter. The two divided
camps of the women were visibly noticed at this stage.
Addresses
Mr. Sam George, the lawyer for the plaintiffs, addressed the court and said
among other things that according to the evidence before the court no such
notice was given to any of the plaintiffs and the resolution should be two
thirds majority and there is no evidence that there has been two thirds majority
or any majority for that matter. Mr. George said the conclusion is that the
purported expulsion of the plaintiffs or some of them was illegal and wrong.
Mr. George also pointed out that the defense witnesses came to court and
said that at the time of the purported expulsion of the plaintiffs, there was no
produce in the garden and that the ground was as dry as the floor; but as he
said, one of their witnesses Famata Fatty, said under cross examination that
she planted pepper, okra, lettuce etc and harvested them when they were ripe
“Just before the rains.” She also confirmed that the women worked
throughout the year.
Mr. Sam George added that the other defense witnesses were schooled to come
and purport a story which does not tally with the graphic description of what
had taken place. He asserted that the plaintiffs would not have brought the
defendant, Jalamang, to court if he had not done something to them. He noted
that Jalamang’s evidence was tainted with what he described as fanciful
stories. “We knew he made a report to the police but he denied that” ,Mr. George
said. Mr. George finally concluded by submitting that the evidence of the
plaintiffs was to be believed as against that of the defendant and his
witnesses. He then asked the court to enter judgment for Oumie Mboge for D500, for
Nyimasata Janneh D4500, for Amie Kebbeh Bojang D4500 and for Sanjally Cham D3000.
Mr. George said since the defendant is a civil servant, the Attorney General
was made a party to this suit; that the judgment be entered against the
defendant, jointly and severally, so that whilst it came to the question of
payment, the state would pay for and on behalf of its servant.
Mr. Mboge did not come to give his address even though the court stood down
to allow him to come and make his address.
The Judgment
The magistrate summarized the evidence before the court and said, among
other things, that even if the plaintiffs were lawfully or unlawfully expelled,
expulsion was not the issue in the court; that the plaintiffs should have been
allowed to harvest their crops. He also noted that Jalamang had earlier on
said that the police were there to prevent Daddy Sowe not to enter the garden.
He then expressed that he hoped the threat was an ordinary threat; the
threat which ought to be ignored by the plaintiffs and for the plaintiffs to
return and harvest their remaining crops.
The magistrate entered judgment in favour of the following people and
awarded them as follows; Oumie Mboge D1000; Nyimasata Janneh D900; Amie Kebbeh
Bojang D900. The courts cost was estimated at D500.
According to Foroyaa, after the judgment, tension could be seen to be
building up on the one side, while relief was being expressed by the other. Foroyaa
also expressed hope that common sense would teach the women that if they
remained divided, they who are poor, would continue to make each other suffer
while the millions which could have provided them boreholes, storage facilities
and so on would not benefit them in any way.
Interestingly enough, despite the court verdict, Mr. Jalamang Jatta remained
at the garden as the technical adviser, and nothing was said about the
alleged donated amount of two million dalasis.
See next edition of focus as we edge closer to the late 1990s.
“Stick To The Media Code Of Conduct” - GPU Prexy Tells Journalists
By Amie Sanneh
The President of The Gambia Press Union, Madi MK Ceesay, has told
journalists to always stick to the Media Code of Conduct in order to be at the safe
side. He said journalists should use GPU Media Code of Conduct as their Bible or
Quran and always make reference to it when reporting.
The GPU President made these remarks, recently, at a one day sensitization
on Child Abuse organised by the Child Protection Alliance for Media
Practitioners at the president’s International Award Scheme. Mr. Ceesay described the
Code of Conduct as crucial, accurate and functional to journalists and which
they should have at the back of their minds. He added that for journalists to
report responsibly, they should go by the Code of Conduct. The GPU President,
commenting on the issue of child reporting, told the media practitioners
that they should consider themselves as guiding principles to children. He also
told journalists that when reporting issues dealing with children, it should
be in their best interest.
Mr. Ceesay urged them to always ensure that they (the journalists) cross
check their facts before publishing them. He said the public is counting on them
and so they should not convey the wrong notions to the public.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Life Is Not A Game
Part 9
With Amie Sillah
The Family Is Shattered
Nadia and Zahra were shattered when they heard the news. “On the whole this
Jezebel of woman refused to change. She told us a lie. She is totally
controlled by lust”. The girls cried their hearts out. They went to the hospital to
visit their dad. He was on oxygen in coma. The girls sat by his bed with
sullen face expecting the worst.
Doctor Jack Comes In
Doctor Jack came in to check on his patient. “He is still in coma but don’t
worry he” I soon come around. He is deeply hurt, betrayed by the two people
he trusts and loves”. Dr. Jack reassured the girls.
Dad Getting Well
A fortnight elapsed, dad is still in hospital. He is slowly recovering. The
girls are worried at the slow pace of progress. Gradually daddy got better
and was finally discharged.
Where To go
Daddy is now discharge. Dr. Jack called the girls in his office and spoke to
them about dad’s health progress. “Physically your dad has made enormous
progress but psychologically he is at zero. He is betrayed by the two people he
loves best. Now he has lost confidence in people. It will take time to build
up his confidence again. You have to be very patient with him. Show him
great love and care to enable him loves builds trust again”. Dr. Jack advised. “
We will take dad to the village. We can’t trust mom to take care of dad. She
an eliminate him to be free with her lover”.
Dad Is Taken To the Village
Dad was taken to the village by the girls. Grandmas’ maid took care of him.
Grandma was shock and disappointed in Aja and Ousman. “I cannot believe this;
that Ousman can betray me as such after everything I have done for him. I am
“Jaffoon (people pay my good deed for evil) I picked Ousman from the gutter.
Now look at ho he has destroyed my only son. Allah will judge between us. He
wrongs us. We did not wrong him. As far Aja, I leave her judgment for Allah.
She is evil and wicked. She has bewitched my only son not to do anything or
me but she has failed. He wanted your dad to do good only for her family not
me his mother. When I was going for the Hajji, your mom sent her mother, aunt
and her dad to go along with us. Your dad sent their ticket to Mauritania
for them to board the plane from there. I wanted your dad to send my elder
sister but your mom asked him to refuse. She bewitched him. Your dad made excuses
for the following year. He never did until my sister died. I have a lot of
scores to settle with your mom but I am a true believer. I’ll not revenge.
Allah will fight for me and brought my son back to health and wealth”. Grandma
confided with the girls. “But you never told us granny. You never told us”.
Put in the girls. Aja is your mom. Her problem is with me not you or your
daddy. I want you to experience her wickedness and then make a better judgment
out of your own volition”. The girls kissed their granny and prayed for her
long life and good health. They stayed for a while with daddy before they went
back to the city. They did a big shopping for granny to ensure they lack
nothing until they visit the village again.
The Girls And Mom
The girls visited their home and asked an audience with mom. “We need to
talk to you mom! Can you give us the audience? “No1 I can’t!” She tried to
dodge them. “You can and you will hear us out”. Mom tried to go away but the
girls caught her and forced her down on the settee. “You have to talk to us
bitch! You have to talk to us!” “Leave me alone! Leave me alone naughty,
irresponsible girls!” “Who is naughtier? A married slot flirting with a
driver-cum-houseboy now personal assistance our foot! Or desperate daughters trying to
bring sanity into their mom’s brain to help organise and salvage her failing
family?” As she resisted, the girls fell upon her and beat the hell out of
her. “Get out of my house before I set the Gendarme on you!” “You are the one
to be chopped out of our house. This house is not yours but the family of
Alhajj Matarr. Salma sends the money to build the bungalows. You soiled your
matrimonial bed with your houseboy. Get out of our life and our sight!” The girls
dragged her out of the house.
Girls Are Arrested
The Gendarmes came and arrested the girls. They were taken to Headquarters
and charged with assault.
Gra Soul Bails the Girls
Gra Sould heard the news. He went to bail the girls. He was able to secure
their bail. They were grateful. They thanked Uncle Soul for looking after
their backs. “You are daddy’s true friend. May Allah grant your wish in life”. “
You are always welcomed. Your mom is wicked. Am sorry, she is slot. She was
never faithful to your dad. Her sexual life is voracious. She flirts with
anything in trousers. She tried to seduce me many times in the past but I
rejected her outright. I am bad and flirtuous but not to your mom. I love and
respect your dad. He is my friend since our primary school days. We watch each
others back. Feel free! Ask me for any assistance I’ll do it.” He drew a cheque
of D20, 000 for the girls to take care of their family needs. The girls shed
emotional tear. They thanked their uncle for his kindness and concern. “Uncle
Soul! You are a family. May Allah guide you and fills yours fountain
bountifully,” “Amen!” Uncle Soul embraced the girls.
At The Home
Dry eye cover shame. Aja now did not give a damn about anything. She openly
flirted with Ousman whose initial guilt has now disappeared. He is now
enjoying the full bossom of Aja and her new found wealth. Aja disposed her family
of their wealth. She changed all the papers to her name. She now spent a lot
of money on Ousman expensive jeep. Most of the trips abroad are now being done
by Ousman. Ousman opened a secret bank account where he siphoned the foreign
exchanges.
Nadia Comes To The Home
Nadia came to the house talk along her luggage and that of Zahra. She passed
the lovers without greeting them. Mom protested. “Nadia! Didn’t you see us?
Can you enter someone’s house without greeting?” “Oh! Did I pass person> am
I entering someone’s house? I never knew. I though I came to a bush of wild,
shameless animals! Excuse me!” “What! How can you be so rude to your mom?
She gave birth to you remember!” “Shut up! Who is talking to me? The Black
Mamba! A gold digger! Shut up I am not talking to you! I hate you! I hate you
for life! I hate you for what you have done to my family!” You talk to me like
that?” Ousman questioned Nadia. “Go to hell and rot there!” “Discipline
her! She is rude. Teach her a lesson she’ll never forget”. Ousman took a
stride. He took out his trouser’s felt and beat the hell out of Nadia. She is
fair in complexion. All her skin was lacerated. She ran out of the house to
salvage her dear life. Mom gleed. “That’s fine! That’s good for a spoilt brat!
That’s a good lesson. Come here lover boy! Come to mom! Let us have fun. These
spoilt brats have to be taught a lesson. They are their dad’s freedom
fighters. It serves Nadia rights. She will explain her ordeal to Zahra. They will
learn to leave us alone. Let them go and take care of their bed ridden dad. He
is no use to me even when he was sound and healthy much more now when he is
an invalid. Life is for living. We will live our lives to the zenith”. Ousman
and Aja made love at the settee.
To be cont’d
Water Shortage Hits Seyone
By Modou Jonga
Residents of forty-five compounds at Seyone village in the Marakissa Ward,
in the Kombo Central District of the Western Region, have currently witnessed
water shortage. According to reports, the shortage is caused by the
cutting-off of the water pipe that supplies water to Seyone. The bore hole which is
located at Busura and supplies water to the villages of Seyone, Busura and
Jalabantang is a water project of the European Commission. Reports note that the
said water project is coordinated by the Department of Water Resources and is
being managed by GAMSOLAR.
Water shortage, according to reliable reports hit Seyone few days after the
just concluded Local Government elections in which an independent candidate
emerged victorious. A total of 25 taps are said to be under the said water
project, six are located at Jalabantang, 14 are located at Busura and five are
at Seyone. However, the five taps at Seyone are disconnected by the water
committee of the said project and the taps are dysfunctional.
Speaking to this reporter, a resident of Seyone alleged that the
disconnection of the water pipe is politically motivated and that both the composition
of the water committee and the distribution of taps are unbalanced. They noted
that the whole village is entirely dependent on one local tap. The women
noted that the cutting off of the water supply has caused them hardship forcing
them to fetch to water from their uncovered wells, despite the associated
risk.
The residents of Seyone, said the water committee has asked all the three
beneficiary villages to make a total yearly payment of thirty thousand, seven
hundred and forty dalasi ( D30,740). They noted Seyone is required an amount
of seven thousand, six hundred and eighty five dalasis (D7685), for
Jalabantang and D15,370 for Busura. Residents said the amount Seyone is asked to pay
does not commensurate with the amount of water they consume and suggested that
a separate water meter for each beneficiary village be provided.
According to the residents, the grand total of D30,740 is paid yearly to
GAMSOLAR, part of which is used for the maintenance of the taps and the rest is
returned to the water committee. They said an account was opened by the water
committee but all the signatories to that account are residents of Busura
and Jalabantang. “We do not have access to it,” they posited.
On his part, the chairman of the water committee, Malanding Sanneh, said the
water project is meant purposely for Busura but that it is out of good
neighbourliness that they connected Seyone and Jalabantang. Mr. Sanneh said his
committee was set up to manage the affairs of the water project and that it was
agreed that each compound within the three beneficiary villages should pay
D240 and contribution towards the said grant total. Mr. Sanneh noted that
Seyone has defaulted in paying their contribution to his committee and that the
water pipe that supplied Seyone was disconnected previously, in 2006. He said
several meetings were convened by his committee for the settlement of the
arrears and representatives of Seyone have failed to attend.
According to Mr. Sanneh, before the Council elections, he had requested his
assistant, Yunus Kujabi, a resident of Seyone to facilitate the collection of
the arrears from Seyone but to no avail. On whether Jalabantang and Busura
paid their share, Mr. Sanneh noted that the two villages have paid the major
part of the money they are required to pay and that has exempted them from
being disconnected.
He told this reporter that the Deputy Director of the Immigration
Department, Mr. Buba Sanyang, has paid ten thousand dalasis for the water pipe to be
reconnected for Seyone. He said the water supply to Seyone will be reconnected
but a meeting will be convened to discuss any future default in payment. The
said ten thousand dalasis, noted Mr. Sanneh, is handed over to the new
Alikalo of Seyone, Kebba Jatta.
Drivers Deplore State of Motor Park
By Musa Barrow & Madiba Singhateh
Drivers have described the state of the motor park at Tipper Garage Car Park
as totally unacceptable and inconceivable. The lack of latrines and the
congestion at the car park are deplorable.
Drivers who spoke to these reporters deplored the present state of affairs
at the car park which, they argued, is seriously hindering their work and
called for immediate action to properly redress the situation.
Speaking to these reporters, the Chef de garage of the said motor park said
the lack of latrines at there park is a major problem for both drivers and
passengers. He revealed that some people, as a result of lack of latrine have
been compelled to ease themselves within the park. He showed this reporter
areas in the park which were littered with human excreta and urine. He said the
unhygienic condition at the park, where they buy and eat food and drink
water, is posing a threat to the health of food consumers . He said the
environment could have devastating health impact on the people.
The Chef de garage further explained that they had tried to stop people from
easing themselves within the park but that there is no alternative facility
for them where he could direct people to go to and ease themselves.
He also complained that his park does not even have a cleaner. He said he
volunteers to clean the park himself.
One Mr. Boye, a driver, who has been plying between Tanji and Brufut for six
years, described the Tipper Garage Car Park as a very filthy public place.
He noted that the presence of human excreta and urine in the midst of people
is not acceptable under any circumstance. He also remarked that despite the
fact that drivers are being regularly compelled to pay all their dues, very
little is being done to improve conditions at the car park. Boye added that he
and his fellow drivers at the park are exposed to health hazards. He called
on the Transport Union to do something to alleviate the suffering of drivers.
He also indicated there isn’t enough space at the motor park for all the
vehicles.
Another driver, Mr. Manneh, added that it is quite disheartening to note
that at a time when people are calling for a clean environment the car par is
being littered with all kinds of rubbish.
A senior driver at the car park, Mr. Sarr, revealed that the car park was
allocated on temporarily basis. Mr. Manneh narrated that the car park was
allocated to them two years back when the Central Car Park at Serrekunda was
undergoing reconstruction.
He pointed out that although latrines and enough space for the drivers are
essential, the establishment of a permanent car park, which he described as
their primary, is urgently needed.
Mr. Manneh also called for a stronger Transport Union which, according to
him, is the most effective means to articulate for the needs of drivers.
**************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living.
(http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/
2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)
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