Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 88/2006, 12-15 October, 2006
Editorial
GRTS UNDER FOCUS
Those who followed Every Mbye’s programme on TV would not fail to realize
that they are campaigning for the APRC for the coming National Assembly
elections. The GRTS management should meet to develop standards for their programmes.
Political parties should be able to buy slots and talk about their party
programmes. National programmes however should be free from any biasness.
Section 208 of the Constitution states that “All state owned newspapers,
journals, radios and television shall afford fair opportunities and facilities
for the presentation of divergent views and dissenting opinions.”
FOROYAA therefore calls on the opposition to request for Every Mbye’s
invitation to this television programme so that they can explain whether having a
house of representative without an opposition is to the best interest of the
country and whether those who are not in the APRC are unpatriotic.
The Gambian people need programmes that promote national unity irrespective
of diversity. The programme should enlighten instead of mislead the people.
People must begin to digest the fact that the wrong that is not said and
known about a country can never be corrected for the public good.
SPAIN OFFERS 6 MILION EUROS TO CURB ILLEGAL MIGRATION
By Bubacarr K Sowe
The Spanish government has offered a grant of six million Euros to the
Gambia for the development of its manpower the foreign Affairs Department revealed
on Tuesday.
This development arose on Monday, after the signing of a memorandum of
understanding between the Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Morapinos and his
Gambian Counterpart Lamin Kaba Bajo.
In an interview with Foroyaa on Tuesday, William Joof Permanent Secretary at
the Foreign Affairs Department said that the agreement is a general
framework relating to technical assistance in the field of manpower, agriculture and
the control of illegal migration.
Mr. Joof said that the six million Euros grant will be used in the creation
for skills centers, training for young people and provision of employment. “
The Gambia will act as a responsible sovereign state, ensuring that her
territory is not used by people who exploit innocent young people who end up
drowning in seas and putting their families in dispel,” he said.
The agreement, he said makes provision for mechanisms that will make
Gambians migrate legally and work legally in Spain.
CONFESSION OF DEJECTED RETURNEES
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Three Gambians in their mid-twenties have narrated their ordeal during their
unsuccessful adventure to the Canary Island, a Spanish territory, in their
bid to fulfil their age old dream of nestling in Europe. They made no bones
about their nightmarish experience that their risky venture had landed them in.
The trio, who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity after they
chucked up the idea of going to Europe on a make shift boat, informed this
reporter that they were surprised by the way they missed their route to Spain.
They revealed that after they boarded the boat on an Island near Kafunting,
Casamance, they sailed for twelve good days and nights without a glimpse of the
Canary Islands. They noted that the captain of the boat had missed the route
and they were heading to an unknown destination.
“We sailed for seven days without a glimpse of any ship plying between
Europe and Africa. We ran out of food and our water supply was exhausted and we
were left with just one gallon of fuel,” they lamented. They also narrated how
12 Senegalese mates who could not withstand the hunger, thirst and effect of
drinking salty water passed away on board. The bodies of the dead they said,
were thrown overboard.
The journey without destination in a mighty ocean did come to an end after
the bewildered youths, surrounded by water and the sky, experienced nightmares
on board their make shift boat. They immediately decided to make the return
journey. They said that on their way back, they spotted a fishing trawler
whose crew helped them with food and water. They also said that the captain of
the trawler informed the Moroccan navy about them. They added that the
Moroccans received them and escorted them to the Island of Dahlar, 40 kilometres
from the coast of Southern Morocco.
They also complained of being manhandled by Moroccan authorities. They said,
“We were handed over to the Senegalese Embassy, which helped to repatriate
us to Dakar by a Royal Air Morocco flight.”
It is amazing that the experience has not deterred the youth of still
dreaming to go to Europe.
DUTA KAMASO, MALICK MBOOB RELEASED
Former Parliamentarian of Wuli East Constituency, Madam Duta Kamaso, and the
former Communications Officer at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, Mr.
Malick Mboob, have been released from the National Intelligence Agency, where
they were detained for more than six months. Sources say that the duo were
released from custody on Monday, 9th October 2006. The source said they were
released unconditionally.
When this reporter visited the home of the former Wuli East Parliamentarian,
he was met by a young man who confirmed to him that their loved one was at
long last freed and was at home. On her physical health condition, Duta is
said to have recovered a bit but a family source said they have to take her to a
doctor for more check up.
The family members of the former RVTH Communications Officer, Mr. Malick
Mboob, also confirmed his release and said: “Malick looks physically fit.” He
is said to be in a good condition of health.
MARKET VENDORS DEMAND FOR SERVICE
By Modou Jonga
The Brikama Market Vendors close to a deplorable dumpsite in the old garage,
on Monday 9th October 2006, threatened to curtail paying their dues to the
Brikama Area Council. This startling revelation was made by the vendors, in
the presence of this reporter at the council premises. This move of the vendors
was to take effect yesterday pending the complete relocation of the said
decaying dumpsite, according to the vendors which included men and women. The
did not carry out their threat.
Readers would recall that the dissatisfaction of the concerned vendors over
the current deplorable state of the dumpsite was highlighted in an earlier
publication of ‘Foroyaa.’ There were angry exchanges between the vendors and
the council officials.
“It is being manifested undoubtedly to us by the council that they are only
interested in collecting our taxes and not providing services to the vendors,”
lamented some vendors. Meanwhile, fighting ensued, between the protesting
vendors and personnel of the council’s cleansing service. This happened soon
after a vendor bitterly complained about the inefficiency of the cleansing
service and eventually branded them useless and unreliable. The supervisor of
the council’s cleansing services confronted the vendor and as a result, fought
him. However, the fighting was short lived due to the intervention of the
council’s security, who escorted the angry vendors out of the council’s
premises.
EDITOR’S OBSERVATION
LAWYER GOMEZ DEFENDS MOMODOU JAGNE’S INTEGRITY AND REPUTATION
Mr. Edu Gomez has conveyed the objections raised by Mr. Jagne Managing
Director GPTC to an article published in the Foroyaa Newspaper entitled
“MAL-ADMINISTRATION AT THE GPTC”. According to him a newspaper should bear
in mind in paramount principle of verification and balanced publication.”
Foroyaa agrees with him: Foroyaa has sent Mr. Yahya Dampha to Mr. Jagne to
enable him to refute whatever allegations are made in a letter addressed to
Foroyaa by some of his staff. However he could not be seen. Foroyaa will send
Mr. Dampha to interview Mr. Jagne on Wednesday to be published on Friday. We
will forward a copy of this publication to him to serve as notice for the
interview.
ALLEGED ATTACK BY REBELS IN BINJONA
By Jaluma Vierra – Bissau Correspondent
Recently there has been an alleged attack on the village of Binjona, in the
southern region of Senegal by gunmen.
According to residents of this village who spoke to this reporter, the
gunmen came late at night and opened fire. They also explained that there gunmen
attacked places such as a petrol station and took with them 3,000,000 CFA.
People who spoke to this reporter also said there was a military vehicle
which was set on fire by these gunmen.
This recent attack has made many people in the area to be left with no
option but to flee the area. They told this reporter that it is a common
phenomenon in the area as they are sometimes attacked on the way to refugee camps by
unknown people who ask them to either surrender their money or risk loosing
their lives.
It would be remembered that few months ago there was heavy fighting between
rebels in the Casamance region and the army in Guinea Bissau. This has caused
those rebels who were loyal to Salif Sarjo to move away from the
Senegalese-Guinean border.
Reports also continue to indicate that rebels are now getting closer to the
Gambian border.
Recently it has also been reported that the Senegalese army was engaged in
fierce fighting with these rebels in the bush. The information this received
indicates that many people have in fact left their homes and properties to
flee for their lives.
MAN 24 KILLED IN A ROAD ACCIDENT
By Modou Jonga
Tijan Jallow, a 24 year old Guinean national and a gravel miner in Brikama
Wellingara, passed away on Monday 9th October 2006, after he was knocked down
by a speeding vehicle.
This tragic event happened on the Banjul-Soma highway around 5pm, when the
late Tijan was crossing the road from prayers. The vehicle is said to be a “
gelegele” vehicle.
The late Tijan according to eye witnesses died instantly on the spot after
being knocked at the Brikama Kabafita-Misera border. Readers would recall
that, this is the second happening of such nature within a spate of a week after
the death of a four year old in similar circumstances.
Speaking to this reporter, Samba Bah, a relative to the late Tijan,
expressed shock and grief over the tragic death of his fellow countrymen. The body of
the late Guinean was taken to Brikama Health Centre and later referred to
the RVTH, where he was officially pronounced dead. The late Tijan was described
by his fellow miners as a devout Muslim and a contented person. Meanwhile,
the driver involved in the tragic accident is said to have been arrested and
is helping the Police in their investigation.
The remains of the late Tijan were expected to be interned at the
Brikama/Kabafita/Wellingara cemetery on Monday.
DEMBA DEM IS STILL AN MP
Following the arrest of Demba Dem, National Assembly Member for Niani
constituency in connection to the allege abortive coup of 21st March 2006, people
have been asking whether Hon. Demba Dem is still a National Assembly Member.
Well according to section 91,(1) of the constitution, a member of the National
assembly shall vacate his or her seat in the National Assembly:
a) On the dissolution of the National Assembly;
b) Subject to subsection (2), if any circumstances arise which, if
he or she were not a member, would cause him or her to be disqualified for
election as a member or nominated as a member;
c) If he or she resigns his or her office as a member;
d) If he or she ceases to be a member of the political party of
which he or she was a member at the time of his or her election;
e) If, without the permission in writing of the speaker or
reasonable cause, he or she is absent for ten or more sittings of the National
Assembly during any period that the National Assembly is in session and continues to
meet.
f) According to Section 90(1); “No person is qualified for election
as a member of the National Assembly if he or she
g) Is under sentence of death imposed on him or her by any court, or
is serving, or within five years of his or her nomination for election,
completed serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding six months,
imposed on him or her by a court. It is evident that no court has imposed any
sentence on Hon. Dem and that he is not serving any sentence. All that can be
said at the moment is that Hon. Demba Dem is charged for treason and
according to Section 24(3) of the constitution, “Every person who is charged with a
criminal offence:
a) Shall be presumed innocent until he or she is proven or has
pleaded guilty.” Going by this constitutional provision, Hon. Demba Dem is as
innocent as any other citizen. What is putting him under custody is the fact that
he is charged for a capital offence which is unbailable.
Unlike Ramzia Diab, Dawda Bah and Duta Kamaso who were expelled by their
party, Demba Dem has not been expelled and has not been sentenced by any court
of law. Demba Dem therefore is still a duly elected National Assembly member
from a legal point of view.
REPORTER’S CASE ADJOURNED AS MAGISTRATE FROWNS AT PROSECUTORS
By Fabakary B Ceesay
The ongoing criminal case involving The Independent Newspaper’s reporter,
Lamin Fatty, has yet again been adjourned, due to the absence of the third (3rd)
prosecution witness. The case was called at Kanifing Magistrate Court on
Monday 9th October 2006.
Representing the IGP, the prosecution witness could not appear in court
because he was out of the jurisdiction. The witness is said to have traveled to
the United Kingdom (UK). Defense counsel Lamin Camara submitted that, the case
has been dragging in court for a longtime now. Principal Magistrate Kebba
Sanyang of the Kanifing Magistrate Court, told the prosecutor that this would
be the last time he would allow an adjournment. “If the prosecution witness
does not appear in the next sitting, I will not only discharge the defendant
but will acquit him,” he emphasized. At this point the Magistrate adjourned the
case till 25th October 2006. It could be recalled that, Lamin Fatty is
standing trial for publishing false information. He was arrested and detained for
sixty two (62) days before being released and dragged to court.
MAGISTRATE SANYANG FURIOUS OVER COUNCILLOR’S CASE
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Principal Magistrate, Kebba Sanyang of the Kanifing Magistrate Court, has
expressed concern over the prosecutor’s failure to produce councilor Ousman
Jatta (Rambo) before his court. The defense council, Ousainou Darboe, indicated
that, his client was not in court due to his detention. “The accused has been
in Police custody for a long period, and reliable sources told me that he is
detained at the Gunjur Police Station.” The prosecuting officer, Inspector
Bojang, noted that he has made efforts to inform the Director of Prosecution
about the court’s order to produce the accuse in court. “We are definitely
eager for this case to be finished” Inspector Bojang said.
However, Magistrate Sanyang, emphasised that he will allow the case but if
the prosecutor fails to bring Mr. Jatta in the next sitting, he will have no
option but to strike out the case. “If the prosecution fails to produce the
accused at the next adjournment date, I will strike out the case as I did to
other matters, and this case is no exception he said. The case is adjourned to
16th October 2006.
FARATO IMAMSHIP TRIAL CONTINUES
By Modou Jonga
The Farato Imamship trial involving the complainant, Samba Bah and the
accused, Kemo Saho, resumed at the Brikama Magistrates Court on Monday 9th October
2006, presided over by Magistrate E.F Mbye. The Police Prosecutor was 492
Badjie.
The trial continued with the testimony of the complainant, Samba Bah. The
complainant said that on the 6th October 2005, at around 4:30 am, he went to
the mosque to call for prayer and later returned home to wake his people; that
on his way back to the Mosque to lead prayers, he saw the accused hiding by a
tree just by the mosque.
Testifying further the complainant said, when he was about to enter the
mosque, a torch light was beamed on him by the accused from behind; that as he
turned to enquire who it was, the accused raised a cutlass and chopped him on
the hand; that at that juncture, he was handling a stick which he often uses
in the night against cats and dogs and wanted to hit the accused but couldn’t,
because his was unable as a result of the chopping on his hand; that the
accused left at a time when he fell down, but later got up to go home; that upon
reaching home he knocked on the door of his son Ebrima Bah, to whom he
narrated what transpired and told his son that he was attacked by the accused;
that people in his compound wanted to go the accused’s home to revenge but were
restrained by Ebrima Bah.
According to the complainant, he was brought to the Brikama Health Centre
via the Brikama Police Station by his son. At the time of the assault, he wore
a white cloth. The said blood stained cloth was tendered and marked as
exhibit in court without objection from the defense counsel. The complainant said,
he is the chosen Imam of the said mosque and said well before the said
assault, the accused had stopped attending prayers at the said mosque.
During cross examination of the complainant by the counsel for the accused,
Lawyer Borry Touray put it, to the complainant, that, he once refused to pray
behind the accused. He answered in the negative. Throughout that cross
examination, the complainant stated, that he is the chosen Imam of the mosque in
dispute and constantly denied flaming sentiments of tribalism by saying that
he will not prayer behind a Mandinka Imam.
According to the complainant, he hailed from Upper Niumi and settled at
Farato in 1944 but denied that he had committed murder in Niumi before he settled
in Farato, which manifests his violent history. The case was adjourned till
Thursday 19th October 2006
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