Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 105/2007, 7-9 September, 2007
Editorial
THE POINT AND FOROYAA
The Readers As Judges
Deyda Hydara established The Point to be what we would like to call a “
referee newspaper.” We have great respect for Deyda and we will now start our
struggle with The Point until it maintains its stand as “a referee newspaper”.
We will not develop any hostility towards the paper despite its attempt to
hide behind prestigious awards. Let us put our case against The Point before
helping its editors to understand that both the state media and the media aimed
at giving alternative sources of information to a state media monopolized by
a ruling party are vital in a democratic society. We will come back to this
to confirm that Foroyaa journalists are not trying to score political points
but are interested in the publication of the truth in good faith and in the
public interest.
Foroyaa decided to challenge The Point report published in Issue No. 262 of
29 August 2007 which stated: “Gambians in The United States to Reunite NADD”
. They put the photographs of Assan Musa Camara, Ousainou Darboe, Halifa
Sallah, Hamat Bah, Omar Jallow and Waa Juwara on the front cover.
In Issue No. 264, The Point published an interview with Lamin Waa Juwara
indicating that “NDAM will not be part of NADD Reunion”.
Foroyaa had no information of attempts to reunite NADD nor could it answer
people’s questions on the subject. Gambians abroad who claim to be the
organizers of a conference in the USA wrote to dismiss The Point report. Foroyaa
approached The Point before publishing their letter. We discovered that the same
Lamin Waa Juwara who claimed that he would not be part of a NADD reunion was
the one who gave The Point the information that Gambians in the United
States were to reunite NADD.
Foroyaa published the views of Gambians abroad and explained that The Point’
s source was Lamin Waa Juwara so that Gambians abroad would not hold The
Point accountable for the story. The Point’s reaction was to publish an article
in issue 266 captioned “Waa Juwara hits back at Foroyaa.”
The Point claimed that Juwara called them to say that his source was
credible. He questioned Foroyaa’s objectivity for not contacting him to get his
opinion and indicated that “Focus on Politics” written by Suwaibou Touray who is
relying mostly on newspaper reports such as The Senegambia Sun was rubbish.
This is what The Point captioned as a hit back on Foroyaa.
Foroyaa sent a reporter to Lamin Waa Juwara who indicated that his source
was one Mr. Dibba whose first name he would not reveal. We published the letter
of the organisers in full and Waa’s interview, which absolved The Point.
Since we could not get the name of Waa’s source to confirm the story whether
some Gambians were about to reunite NADD, we said that we were waiting for fur
ther clarification from the organisers regarding a Mr. Dibba among them who may
have been representing or misrepresenting them to cause the confusion.
What is the end result? The Point accused Foroyaa of being “politicians who
masquerade as journalists, especially when they are under the cloak of
journalistic objectivity to try to score political points.”
The Point published a story which became the concern of the whole nation and
it was refuted by the organizers. Instead of trying to get to the truth of
the matter it has taken its hands off and is now accusing Foroyaa which is
trying to get to the truth of the matter in good faith and in the public
interest to be masquerading as journalists. Where is the beauty of investigative
journalism?
The point of politicians masquerading as journalists also came up in Waa’s
interview with The Point. Basiru Gassama also raised it with Daily Observer.
It is important for Foroyaa to put this misconception of journalism to rest.
Foroyaa as a newspaper emerged to address the monopoly of the state media by
the ruling party of the day. It is designed to provide an alternative view
on all issues of national importance.
It is left to the reader to decide whether or not Foroyaa has fulfilled its
mandate since the days of the PPP.
The Point editors must lack a sense of history to accuse Foroyaa journalists
of being politicians masquerading as journalists. Foroyaa had never hidden
its nature as a medium for views aimed at transforming society. It stood
boldly in opposition to those who controlled state power until the court ordered
that it removed its opposition gown.
However, to claim that Foroyaa journalists could not be objective is as good
as claiming that BBC reporters could not be journalists because they work
for a state media.
The fact of the matter is that newspapers are vehicles for the amplification
of the voices of the people. The Point amplified Waa Juwara’s voice. We
amplified the voice of the Gambian organisers of the conference in the USA. There
is no need for accusation and counter accusation between The Point and
Foroyaa. What is needed now is for the people to gather enough information to know
whether The Point story was true or false since there are two contradictory
claims.
Responsible newspapers are interested in publishing the truth in good faith
and in the public interest. The Point editorial claims that it has been
ignoring Foroyaa. Foroyaa also wishes to claim that it has been studying how The
Point has been wittingly or unwittingly trying to erode the integrity of the
Opposition in this country.
Let us give few examples. It is The Point, which published that Waa Juwara
had broken his silence. Opposition politicians were approached to comment.
Halifa Sallah issued a statement on the July 22 celebrations, which The Point
covered. At the press conference he was asked to comment on Waa’s interview. He
said that Waa is entitled to his opinion and it was not relevant for him to
argue with opinions. The Point later put Halifa’s and Waa’s photographs side
by side with the caption “Halifa Agrees with Waa but…” Some portions were
extracted from his statement and published as if he was reacting to something
Waa had said. This led Waa to react in an interview with Today Newspaper. In
The Point column, the “Bite” the following was published on August 6 2007.
“The opposition politicians have started their fruitless bickering again.
They have to learn that in politics, the opposition anywhere in the world
usually find it difficult to dislodge the ruling party. They don’t have to give
up; instead they should keep striving until when they are able to get what they
want.
“If the present leadership cadre of the opposition no longer feels up to the
task, they should give way to a younger and more dynamic generation of
politicians who are ready to move the country forward.”
In our view, “referee newspapers” are those that are independent of the
State and other interest groups in the society. The Constitution has charged
them with the responsibility of upholding the principles and objectives of the
Constitution and the responsibility and accountability of the government to
the people of The Gambia.
Political parties are required by law to explain their economic and social
programmes to the people. Newspapers can play a constructive role in the
democratic process by finding out the policies of parties on all issues of
national importance.
It is for the people to decide who will win the 2011 election. Newspapers
should stop promoting the trading of insults between political figures. This is
the way to prevent bickering.
TWENTY ONE REPATRIATED GAMBIANS RELEASED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The twenty-one youths who were deported from Spain on the 24 July have been
set free after they were detained for 36 days at the State Central Prison at
Mile II. They were set free after they pleaded guilty on their third
appearance in court. The accused persons had pleaded not guilty in earlier
proceedings. The accused persons decisions to change their plea came in the wake of
discussions they had with their lawyer as well as other developments. The case
was before Principal Magistrate Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrates
Court on Wednesday 5 September. The deportees who, earlier, had no legal
representation were represented, by lawyer Edward Anthony Gomez free of charge.
After the police persecutor, Inspector Touray, narrated the facts before the
court, all the young Gambians pleaded guilty to the two count charges
preferred against them. According to the prosecution, the deportees were screened
by personnel of the Immigration Department at the airport upon their arrival
from Spain on 24 August at about 15:00 hours. Inspector Touray said they were
escorted to the Police Intervention Unit at Kanifing where they were
re-screened and cautioned. He stated that the youths went and assembled at the West
Field Junction where the president was involved in an inauguration. He said
the youths insisted that they want to see and talk to the president. He said
they behaved in a manner that is not conducive to the peace and were using foul
language against the president. He concluded that they were later arrested
by the PIU and charged with the said offences.
Mitigating on their behalf, Counsel Edu A. Gomez told the court that the
offences under the criminal law are misdemeanors. He said that the accused
persons are very young, but their desire to elevate their conditions led them to
venture overseas in search of opportunities. Counsel Gomez indicated that the
desire for one to leave the shores of one’s country to venture to another
country to improve one’s family condition had been a common phenomenon for
centuries. He noted that there are prominent people in the society who did the
same in the past by stowing away in ships to England. He added that those
people are now been looked upon as prominent people in society. He asserted that
human beings have always been moving from place to place to improve their
conditions of life. He seemed to have touched the hearts of both the bench and
the court attendees to the point that some nearly shed tears. The heat and
congestion of the court did not distract their attention. Mr. Gomez finally urg
ed the court to caution and discharge the accused persons, as they had never
committed any offence or have any criminal records before the said court. In
his ruling, Magistrate Richards imposed a suspended sentence of a term of one
year and also warned them to maintain peace.
NEW FISHERIES LAW ENACTED
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Fisheries Act 1991, which is viewed as “obsolete”, has been repealed on
Tuesday, September 4 at the National Assembly, following the passing into
law of a new Fisheries Act 2007.
Yankuba Touray, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and Water Resources,
who tabled the bill before parliamentarians, said the 1991 Act is “obsolete and
filled with gaps, thus making the management of the sector based on existing
legislation ineffective and unsustainable”.
The Secretary of State said the new legislation will adequately address
current practices, issues and trends in the sector and will be in consonance with
the principles that are enshrined in the Food and Agricultural Organization
(FAO) and the United Nations Code of conduct for responsible fisheries.
Mr. Touray said “Numerous issues have emerged during the past fifteen years
both in the artisanal and industrial fisheries sub-sectors warranting the
formulation of a new Act which would reflect present realities and be able to
address the needs and demands of responsible fisheries exploitation and
utilization commensurate with resources management and conservation”.
He added that responsible fisheries management requires that fisheries
legislation should encompass all the current issues and stakeholders, with due
recognition of fishing activities in the country’s marine waters by sub-regional
and distant water fleets.
Abdoulie Kanagi Jawla, the member for Sandu, who seconded the motion, said
the reviewing of the 1991 Act is crucial in the fight against poverty and
meeting the objectives of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP (2)).
The member for Tumana, Netty Baldeh, said the country needs stringent
control of its territorial waters, and enacting legislations is one of the ways to
achieve that objective.
Sidia Jatta, the member for Wuli West, described the bill as “important and
overdue”.
TWO BILLS WITHDRAWN FROM THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Telecommunication Bill and The Asset Management and Recovery Corporation
(AMRC) Bill have been withdrawn from the National Assembly as announced by
the Speaker on Tuesday, September 4.
Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay told the legislators that she received an order
from the office of the President via the Department of State for Foreign
Affairs that the two bills be withdrawn. However, no reason was advanced for the
withdrawal of the bill.
VP NJIE SAIDY HARPS ON FERRY SERVICES
By Isatou Bittaye, Bubacarr K. Sowe & Abdou Jeli Keita
The Vice President and Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs, Ajaratou
Isatou Njie-Saidy who deputized for the SoS for Work and Infrastructure, said
that efforts are being made to secure additional ferries for the Banjul-Barra
services.
Vice-President Njie-Saidy made this statement while responding to a question
raised by the member for Janjanbureh, Foday Jibani Manka, on the
rehabilation of small ferries and dilapidated terminals. Njie Saidy added that the
government recognised the need to meet the increasing demand for ferry services,
particularly in the North Bank. The Vice President also said a nation-wide
feeder roads construction will include feeder roads in Kiang Central.
Mrs. Njie-Saidy indiated that the provision of a drainage system to a
community in a low-laying area would constitute a project of its own. She said this
while responding to a question raised by the member for Wuli West, Sidia
Jatta, who asked whether the government is aware of the flood experienced by the
communities close to the newly constructed roads and to clarify whether it
is government policy to link the provision of drainage facilities with road
construction and the amount spent on each project to create the facility. Vice
President Njie-Saidy also indicted that plans are underway to secure bigger
ferries to solve the problems that affect the delivery services in the Niamina
Dankunku District.
MICRO FINANCE OPERATORS GET NEW BOARD
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Gambia Microfinance Network (GAMFINET) has elected a new board during
the general assembly held at the Paradise Suites Hotel on Wednesday, September
5. Alasan Bah was elected Chairperson, Mariatou Kassim-Loum as Vice
Chairperson, Bubacarr Khan was elected Treasurer, Alasana Jitteh, Sarian Jobateh and
Seeku Jaabi, as members, and Tijan Bangura as Secretary.
A new constitution which was received by a taskforce was also approved by
the general assembly. GAMFINET, the umbrella organisation of individuals and
institutions working in micro finance practices was established in 1999 and has
a current membership of sixteen.
The Executive Director, Tijan Bangura, said their objective is to create a
common platform for microfinance operators by providing training and other
assistance.
Mr. Bangura said their constraint is finance and they are in need of
partnership. He said that micro finance operators are making considerable
achievement in the fight against poverty.
The outgoing acting chairperson of GAMFINET, Mariatou Kassim-Loum said the
role of micro finance had been successful in poverty alleviation. “Our
services are small but we can do worthwhile ventures in the development of the
country.
VICE PRESIDENT DWELLS ON RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
By Bubacarr K. Sowe, Isatou Bittaye & Abdou Jeli Keita
Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Vice President and Secretary of State for Women’s
Affairs had promised the National Assembly on Wednesday, September 5, that the
government is looking for funds for the continuation of the rural
electrification programme.
The Vice President made this announcement while answering a question from
the National Assembly Member for Jarra West, Njai Darboe, on the extension of
the programme to the Kabada area, Jenoi, Sikunda, Jifin and Jabisa.
Madam Njie-Saidy said, “The government of The Gambia recognizing the
importance of electricity in the socio-economic development of this country is
committed to electrifying the entire nation.
However, you may agree that this undertaking is capital intensive. This
notwithstanding, the government is looking for funds for the continuation of the
Rural Electrification Program and the concerned settlements will be
considered in subsequent phases of the program, of course, the underlying criteria
will be the technical feasibility, economic and financial viability, that have
to be performed”.
Answering a question on the expansion of the programme to Lower Saloum from
the constituency’s member, Kebba Touray, the Vice President said the area
will be considered in the next phase provided they fulfill the requirement for
electrification.
Answering a question by the member for Sabach Sanjal, Ousman Bah, on when
the programme will reach his constituency, Madam Njie-Saidy said “The main
objective of the Rural Electrification Program is to provide 100% accessibility
to electricity supply to the entire nation. However, due to scarcity of funds,
the program is being implemented in phases. Hence, I am not in a position to
inform you as to when specifically the program will reach your constituency.
However, subsequent phases of the Rural Electrification Program, certainly,
will include the electrification of Sabach Sanjal.
PRICE OF FLOUR EXPECTED TO RISE
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
After our last publication regarding the reduction in size of the local
bread (Tapalapa) and the corresponding increase of the price of flour, Foroyaa
decided to contact the importers, retailers and wholesalers.
According to Mr. Hussein Tajco, proprietor of TAJCO import and export
company which engages in the flour business, there was low production of wheat this
year and this has affected the wheat market. Mr. Hussein said he imports his
commodities from Turkey and that he deals in two types of flour. He
indicated that the “Cow” brand wheat is sold at D560 dalasi and that the “Eiffel
Tower” brand flour is sold at D625 dalasi. He said both flour brands are made
from wheat and have different qualities. The Tajco proprietor noted that he
expects the price of flour to increase due to the world market price.
Mr. Yahya Faal, a wholesaler, said he buys flour at a wholesale price at
D625 dalasi per bag and sells at a retail price of D630 dalasi per bag. Two
other wholesale merchants in Serekunda, who want to remain anonymous, told this
reporter that they buy a bag at D625 dalasi and resell at D670 dalasi, a price
which they said includes labour and transport costs. They said they do not
intentionally increase the price but have to gain a little profit from each
bag.
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION TURNS TO A NIGHTMARE
By Lamin Fatty
Report reaching Foroyaa has indicated that the people in Basse and the
surrounding communities have expressed disappointment and frustration over what
they called perpetual power cuts in Basse. They blamed NAWEC for not providing
them with electricity regularly.. In an interview with one Ebrima L. S
Marenah, the interviewee said the erratic power supply is becoming a cause for
concern for many people, particularly those whose daily bread depends on the
availability of electricity. He said he is personally affected because he is
engaged in the sale of ice block. He pointed out that the intermittent power cut
has spoilt his two refrigerators, each of which cost D10, 000.00. He said he
is losing income on a daily basis as a result of the intermittent power
supply.
One Sira Manneh, a fish seller at the Basse market, said she uses ice block
to preserve her fish. She appealed to the concern authorities to remedy the
situation otherwise the promotion of small scale enterprise will not bear
fruits.
Karantaba Manjang, a welder, said electricity is a necessity, without which
life will be difficult. When this reporter visited the NAWEC office at Basse,
he was told that one Fafanding Cham is the person in charge of the unit and
was said to be out at the time. However, in an interview with one Kebba Keita
who is said to be next to Mr. Cham, Keita said it is not their wish to put
off the electricity. He said most of the time, the power cut is as a result of
abnormalities. He said that the branches of trees normally affect the flow
of electricity when they come in to contact with electric wires. He said that
sometimes ago, they noticed that two electric wires were responsible for
power cuts in Sabi. He apologized to the public for the power cut, but also urged
them to be vigilant and to always report cases of such nature for remedy. He
said the personnel did a good job as opposed to what some people claimed.
FASE INAUGURATES SKILLS CENTRE IN LAMIN
By Yaya Bajo
A multi purpose skills centre, which was jointly funded by USAID and the
Fight Against Social and Economic Exclusion (FASE) programme, was officially
launched on Tuesday, 28 August at a ceremony held at the skill centre’s ground
at Lamin.
The project is geared towards enhancing the production capacity of the women
of Lamin in tie and dye, batik and soap making.
In her inaugural statement, Mrs. Fatou Jasseh Kuyateh, the Permanent
Secretary at the office of the Vice President revealed that almost 90 percent of the
micro level beneficiaries of the UNDP funded FASE project are women. She
said the women were trained on the management of community based organizations,
technical and entrepreneurial skills, livelihood skills and access to
micro-finance.
Madam Jasseh-Kuyateh added that women are unique and that they have their
own capacities and capabilities. “Women are treasured for what they are and for
what they can contribute to the development of their communities, nations
and the world at large, thus the concern of the international community, the
United Nations and the whole world in mainstreaming gender in all development
policies and programmes,” she explained. She told the gathering that women
form half of the population of the world and no meaningful socio economic
development can take place without their full recognition and participation at all
levels. Madam Jasseh-Kuyateh said by training the women in management
techniques, entrepreneurship and livelihood skills, the FASE project has addressed
the strategic gender needs of the women of Lamin Sanchaba West.
She stated that the government of The Gambia and the international
organizations are all concerned about addressing the gender inequalities in mainstream
development programmes. She added “We must all renew our commitment and
determination to stamp out gender inequality if we really want to achieve
sustainable socio-economic development.” She finally thanked UNDP for coming up with
such an innovative project like FASE, which has contributed greatly towards
the economic independence of the women of Lamin Sanchaba “Nyodema Kaffo,”;
that the spill over, effect will be a future generation of economically
empowered youth and women.
Earlier, Mrs. Fatou Kinteh, the National Coordinator of FASE, who presided
over the occasion, said the aim of the FASE project was to strengthen
community responsiveness to poverty reduction and to create employment opportunities
for women. She commended the Alkalo of Lamin for providing land for the
construction of the skills training centre.
Momodou Jagne, the programme specialist at UNDP lauded the contribution of
the FASE project towards poverty reduction.
He reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to work
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
CHILD BETROTHAL
By Amie Sillah
Part 4
The Search Party
Muhammed’s parents and his sister formed the search party to look for him.
They visited all his friends but he was not there. The parents started to
panick. They visited the police station to lay a complaint. They asked Rokiya to
stay at home to monitor the situation and take care of the house. As soon as
her parents left, she laughed and mocked at them. “It serves them right! Let
them suffer! It teaches them a lesson to desist arranged marriages.” She
mimicked their panicky behaviour especially her mother’s emotional outbursts.
Amina’s House
Aunty Mai was in tantrums. “My daughter! Where is my daughter? Is she dead
or kidnapped? I don’t know Amina’s friends. I am bad at keeping names. I can
recognize them facially but not by name,” Mamma soliloqued. Uncle Che came
running. “What am I hearing in town? Is it true that Amina is missing?” Uncle
Che was worried. “Chernor do something! Find my daughter!” Aunty Mai stooped
infront of Uncle Che. “Get up! Do you know her friends? That would have been
easy!” “No! I don’t. I can recognize them facially but not by name.
Moreover, I don’t know where they live. Uncle Che do everything possible to find my
daughter,” Aunty Mai wailed.
Complaint At The Police Station
The parents complained about a missing son to the station officer. “How old
is he?” She asked. “Muhammed is 30 years old.” “What? 30 years old?” “Yes!
30 years old,” Alhajj replied. “Is he mentally balance?” Superintendent
Sanyang asked. “He is a solicitor LLB Double Honours!” “What! Alhajj don’t
pull my legs. Your son can take care of himself. He is an honourable gentleman!
Well! It will be fine. He will come home. Well! We will be alert. You can
also go to the National Television to make a complaint,” Superintendent Sanyang
advised.
Haja Rakey Very Worried
Haja Rakey was pacing up and down the room. “I know it! My enemies are at
work! Your father’s clan hate me. They want Alhajj to marry a second wife or
wives to extend their clan. They blame me for giving Alhajj two issues only and
an only boy for that matter. They said I bewitched him. Allah knows I’m
innocent. Alhajj chooses monogamy to polygamy. I don’t discuss his choice with
him. Allah help me! Help me find my son!” Haja Rakey prayed.
Aunty Mai
Aunty Mai is worried to death. She cried and could not go to sleep. Her mind
wondered in the wilderness. “Where is my daughter? I hope everything is fine!
” She prayed.
Still No Message
At Alhajj’s home there was still no message. The family is now dead worried.
Alhajj started to break down. “I hope my enemies have not got my son.”
Alhajj broke down emotionally. Haja Rakey fell into tantrums. “We have tried our
best; done everything that is supposed to be done but to no avail; now I have
left everything in Allah’s hands,” Alhajj reasoned.
Television Appearance
The secret lovers decided to come out public. They invited the National
Television crew to interview them to be aired over national television. They
explained about their predicament. They hooked each other and explained their
situation. “We are responsible youths. We are not missing. We are teaching our
parents a lesson. We are made for each other! We are meant for each other! We
abhor arranged marriages. Both of us are victims of forced arranged
marriages. We love ourselves! We are asking for forgiveness from our arranged
partners. We do not hate them. We platonically love them. We wish them well in life.
We pray they discover their missing ribs. No hard feelings! We wish them well,
” Muhammed posited. The female member of the crew turned to Amina and asked.
“What have you to say beautiful damsel?” “Well, Mo have said it all. No
hard feelings! We wish our arranged partners well. We pray they find their
missing ribs!” The lovers hugged and kissed each other intimately.
Uncle Che’s Reaction
Uncle Che heard and saw the interview over National Television. He was
shocked. “Rubbish! This girl is a bitch! I’ll handle her! She cannot make a fool
of me! I have already spent a fortune on her. I am always a winner!” He
roared. He was shaking in rage. Uncle Che reflected. “I have to do something.” He
reflected. “Oh! I remember this face. Yes! At the super market! I am in the
same club with his dad Alhajj Bangally. In the same Lion Club. We meet every
Monday of every month. I’ll go and see him,” he said.
Alhajj Bangally’s Reaction
Rokiya tuned in and saw the interview. She alerted both parents. “Dad! Mum!
Muhammed!” The parents rushed to see what was happening. They saw the
interview. Haja Rakey showed a sign of great relief. She hummed. Alhajj was very
angry. He hissed. “Public dog! Ingrate! This is what he has to say after putting
us in great suspense!” “Why did he do this?” Haja reasoned. “To disgrace
my family! He has to pay for this! Nobody messes with me and go scott-free,”
Alhajj swore.
Uncle Che Faces Aunty Mai
“I am determined to fight for my investment! I cannot clan my property only
to be enjoyed by a brat who have not spend a dime on her. Opportunist!” Unlce
Che swore.
Uncle Che went to Aunty Mai. “Have you seen them?” He asked Aunty Mai. “See
who?” “Your daughter of course!” Aunty Mai jumped with excitement. “What!
Amina is alive! Oh! My daughter is alive! Where is she?” “She is with that
little boy throwing our family name into the mud. What are you excited about?”
Uncle Che rebuffed Aunty Mai. “Are you not happy that Amina is alive? I am
excited because my daughter is alive. “Aunty Mai defended her position. Uncle
Che rebuffed Aunty Mai. “Your daughter is an ingrate! What have I not done for
her? She went over television parading herself all over the place with her
school boy lover. Why should she throw her romance in my face? She is making
me look stupid infront of the public. Our relationship is known by everybody.
Your daughter has ridiculed me after all my investment!” Aunty Mai reflected.
“Nothing has changed. My husband betrothed Amina to you. She is your wife.
You deserve my daughter; nothing can change that as long as I live.” “I’ll
fight with all my strength. Nobody can take Amina from me not to talk about
that school boy. His dad is my club member. I’ll see him.”
Uncle Che Visits Alhajj
Uncle Che visited Alhajj Bangally. He was surprised to see him. “I hope
everything is well? What is the reason for this august visit?” Alhajj asked. They
chatted for a while to ease the tension. Both men are chest players but
Alhajj Bangally is a chess champion. They chatted on chess for a while. Then
Uncle Che explained his problem. It instigated a great laughter in Alhajj
Bangally. He has to make excuses of his outburst. “I am sorry! I did not disrespect
you because of my laughter outburst. My point is that, there is no problem.
It is solved. My son is betrothed to my best friend’s daughter. They should
marry next month in U.K you are also betrothed to your woman since childhood
that is excellent. My son goes to his girl and you take your girl, fair play!
That’s why I say there is no problem. Have you now seen my angle?” Alhajj
asked. Uncle Che showed great relief. He sighed. “Thank you! Thank you very much!
” They exchanged greetings and he left.
Father-In-Law Rings Alhajj
Professor Langley rang when he saw the interview. He questioned Alhajj
Bangally. “Have you seen your son parading his lover on stage? What does he mean?
Does he want to ridicule my family and rubbish my name?” Alhajj lied. He
denied knowledge. “I have not seen him Prof. Whatever he says or does is
immaterial and irrelevant. Nothing! Nothing can destroy our plan I’ll get to the
root. Nobody will drag my name and reputation into the mud. Be rest assured! The
plan is on course!” Alhajj reassured Prof.
Confrontation
The lovers separated and each went home. Alhajj Bangally confronted
Muhammed. “What was the meaning of your show? You want to destroy my family name? You
have failed! Your plan will not work. You will go to the U.K next week. You’
ll marry Jamila and continue your postgraduate studies from there. Am I
understood?’ Haja chorused and concurred with her husband. Muhammed defied his
parents. “I don’t love Jamila. She is rude and not my type. We are
incompatible. I’ll marry Amina. She is my type. We are compatible.” Alhajj laughed. “You
are a big fool! Amina is Chernor’s wife. How can you be married to someone’
s wife?” “Daddy! That’s a fallacy! Amina is betrothed to Uncle Che just as
you betrothed me to Jamila. We are two of a kind. In the same boat! We do not
love our arranged partners. We wish them well. Let them go and find their
missing ribs. We have found ours.” Haja gave her point of view. “It’s a lie! You
’ll marry Jami or no one else. If Amina charms you, she has failed.” “Amina’
s charm is her real love for me. And I love the charm.” Rokiya spoke. “Dad!
Mum! Its not fair! Leave brother to make his choice!” “Get out! You fool!
Who asked for your opinion?’ Alhajj shouted at Rokiya “Excuse me!” She left.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
With Swaebou Touray
1987 GENERAL ELECTIONS ANNOUNCED, HAS JUSTICE GUIDED OUR ACTIONS?
We have been focusing on politics in this column. We have been narrating
political events from pre-colonial to post-independence era. We have gone far
into our narration of events in 1987. We are now dealing with the campaign
issues and how parties reacted to them and to each other. We have been getting
feedback from readers all over the place. One Mr. Correa, a Gambian in
Toronto, called to say that a Chinese friend of his reads the FOCUS from him; that
the friend was thrilled to realize that while China was struggling to build
her economy in the 1970s and 80s, she could still afford to help other
developing countries such as the Gambia with rice production, medical services and
built a stadium.
Another person who was in the field of journalism and had gone through all
the trouble to analyze and expose the situation and mal-practices at the time,
has also indirectly reacted to say how thrilled he is with the focus. The
person infact said he would want to write his auto-biography in the not too
distant future and the Focus will be of great help to them.
The columnist also had personal contacts with a reader who has some
connection with old personalities, and insinuated that “when the earth shakes old
bones do shake as well,” meaning that many of the old brand of politicians who
felt that their records are not clean are afraid that the Focus may as they
call it, unravel their old secrets.
The latest reaction came from Mr. Lamin Waa Juwara, through THE POINT that
the FOCUS is all rubbish but did not elaborate. Well that is not unexpected of
Mr. Juwara who I know very well. All that I can tell Mr. Juwara as of now is
that he is entitled to his opinion, but if he wants me to see him as a
serious intellectual , he should simply take his pen and pin-point a particular
issue which is not factually narrated in the Focus. But that is not enough. Mr.
Juwara should also narrate a particular political event in the best way he
knows it. If that happens, I will do a research on it and it will be
published in FOCUS. So Mr. Juwara, the floor is yours.
A learned philosopher, Pierre Bourdieu, once called on politicians to behave
more like scholars to engage in scientific debate based on hard facts and
evidence. So heed the warning.
In the last edition, we have dealt with the NCP’s concerns in their press
release calling on government to play the game as the law and ethics required
it. This time we will concentrate on the campaign messages of the PPP. Let us
continue from where we stopped.
After the long sensitization and testing of the pulse of the people across
the country, by all parties, Sir Dawda eventually announced the date for the
presidential and parliamentary elections.
In his speech, which was aired over Radio Gambia, Sir Dawda told the people
that 1986 had been a difficult year but as he argued, it was decisive and
rewarding. According to the PPP organ, the Gambia Times, the president said that
for the last 12 months, the people had responded magnificently to some very
difficult challenges in the economic sphere. According to the Times, the
president was able to reveal that the economy was on track and was beginning to
stabilize; that this was due to what he termed as the steadfastness and
resoluteness with which the country continued to implement its Economic Recovery
Programme (ERP)
Sir Dawda, as published by the PPP organ, said the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) and other friendly governments also shared this view. He
hypothesized that if the people could continue through 1987 with the same perseverance,
diligence and patriotism, the worst of the storm would have been weathered.
According to the PPP organ, the president cited the good rainy season of
1986 as a factor for over turning the difficulties and helping the process of
adjustment; that he also cited the timely generous assistance from friendly
countries as well as from multi-lateral institutions.
The paper further reported that the president in his campaign address opined
that the people should be grateful for the peace and stability they enjoyed
throughout the previous year, without which he said, conditions of the
adjustment process would have been disrupted and the chances of recovery
jeopardized.
Sir Dawda also went into the Confederation and said negotiations on the
economic and monetary Union have now been concluded at the official level, and
that negotiations had already started at ministerial level. In this way, he
said, the Senegambia Confederation would contribute its fair share in the area
of regional and sub-regional co-operation and thereby enhance the achievements
of continental unity, as a long-term objective and at the socio-political
and economic levels.
According to the Times, the president, before announcing the date of the
Elections over Radio Gambia, thanked the people for their patience and
understanding during what he called these difficult ERP times and reiterated that
without their understanding and cooperation, life in the Gambia might have been
less pleasant for all of us.
For Sir Dawda, he was quite satisfied and insisted that the economic
background against which they entered into with the IMF in 1986; i.e., a background
characterized by balance of payments difficulties and its attendant shortages
would all be addressed in due course. The president was however unsure of
the future. According to the PPP organ the Gambia Times, the president said,
given the economic realities, they cannot predict whether the 1986 agreement
would witness the solution to all their problems or create a dramatic turn
around in the economy; that all they can say, at this stage, is that given all
the policy and institutional changes that government has made, the future would
be decisive.
The president finally announced the date of the presidential and
parliamentary elections, which was to be held simultaneously on 11 and 12 March 1987.
According to the Times the president also said time would be allocated on
Radio Gambia for party political broadcast but only for parties that had seats
in parliament. It was later learnt that based on the president’s
prerogative, only 10 minutes was allocated for the NCP presidential candidate over the
only national radio that could not cover most parts of the country. Other
private radios were not allowed to broadcast political messages. Mr. Assan Musa
Camara could not utilize the airtime because he did not have any
representation in parliament. The PDOIS who fielded five candidates to test their strength
in the two weeks official campaign time did not also utilize the official
radio. Halifa Sallah decided to go to the radio to demand for their turn but
was denied.
The PPP in their 1987 campaign did appear to ignore the PDOIS. The president
in his tours tried as much as possible to isolate the PDOIS by insinuating
that PDOIS arose out of the ashes of the July 1981 rebellion. He criticized
communism and defined it to the farmers as thus; that when PDOIS comes their
properties would be seized from them; that the Fula cattlemen would cease to
own their cattle and Mandinka men would cease to own their wives and so on.
The PPP campaigners on their campaign trial dwelt mostly on peace. They
called on the people to vote for peace; that yes the country was undergoing
difficulties, but Sir Dawda was a peaceful man and a good man at that; that it was
the people who surrounded him who create problems and so on and so forth;
that without peace there cannot be development and so on.
However, a researcher and academician, Joseph E Stiglitz, in his book “
Making Globalization Work”, said “when crisis hit, the IMF prescribed outmoded,
inappropriate, if “standard” solutions, without considering the effects they
would have on the people in the country told to follow those policies.” He
said the IMF expects countries to follow its guidelines without debate.
See next issue as we cover the 1987 election campaign.
NMCP ENDS MASS BED NET DIPPING
By Annia Gaye
National Malaria Control Programme NMCP, recently ended an eight day
Nationwide Mass bed net dipping in North Bank Region East. The campaign covers eight
percent of its targets in the various Regions, especially the pregnant women
and children under 5 yrs.
Speaking to Foroyaa, the Regional Nutrition Officer North Bank East, Mr.
Jallow, described this years campaign as successful and noted that people in
these communities claim to them that this years KO-Tab are the most effective one
’s for the nets as they easily kill mosquitoes.He stated that the only
problem they encountered was that it was late to start but despite that people
came out in their large numbers to dip their nets. He further stated that
the bed net dipping would help to reduce the rate of malaria in The Gambia,
especially the most affected ones, i.e the pregnant women and children less than
5 yrs. He challenged the National Malaria Control Programme to continue this
type of work although it is expensive but the fight against malaria in the
Gambia is a worthwhile venture.
William Mendy, the Regional Vector Control Officer of North Bank East, said
their target has been completed and which he said was 80%. He described the
turn out of community people as not impressive. He noted that communities
should be sensitized first before dipping would start so as to enable them to
come out in their large numbers. He called for the continuity of this programme.
Report by the Ombudsman
INVESTIGATION
Interview with the Managing Director and Project manager revealed that
complainant was under probation and was found wanting and lack the necessary skill
to do the work. His midwifery skills were below standard and he lacked the
experience to prescribe the appropriate medication to patients. He was
cautioned on his shortcomings but he failed to improve. They had no option but to
terminate his services. Complainant insulted them and assaulted one of the
nurses. The considered Complainant’s behaviour a danger for both patients and
co-workers. His termination was revoked and substituted with dismissal.
FINDINGS
Complainant was on probation and his performance was not up to standard. He
was found wanting in his work and his demeanour at work left much to be
desired.
CONCLUSION
Complaint is dismiss as vexatious and not made in good faith under section 9
(3) (1a) of the Ombudsman Act.
National Roads And Technical Service Authority Bill Amended
By Bubacarr K. Sowe, Abdou Jeli Keita &Isatou Bittaye
The National Roads and Technical Service Authority (Amendment) bill 2007 has
been unanimously amended by the National Assembly on Wednesday, September 5.
Introducing the bill to parliamentarians, the Vice President and Secretary
of State for Women’s Affairs, Isatou Njie Saidy, informed NAMs that the
authority is mandated under the act to administer, control and maintain all roads
in the country.
Madam Njie Saidy said the objective of the act is to facilitate the
effectiveness and efficiency of the authority by limiting it to only roads and
related structures.
The Majority leader and member for Serrekunda East said the bill is “non
controversial” and seeks to facilitate the effectiveness of the authority.
Sidia Jatta, the member for Wuli West said the bill will make the authority
more focus, effective and objective.
The minority leader and member for Kiang West, Momodou Sanneh, said the bill
is straightforward. Mr. Sanneh said there is no objection to the bill.
POLICY ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN THE OFFING
By Annia Gaye
A policy on traditional medicine is currently under formulation to regulate
and regularise traditional healing, said Dr. Tamsir Mbowe, Secretary of State
for Health and Social Welfare. Dr. Mbowe made this statement at a ceremony
marking the commemoration of African Traditional Medicine Day on 31 August
2007.
“Traditional Medicine is an essential component of our cultural heritage as
well as an alternative source of health care for ages. By virtue of its
relevance, my government has institutionalized it as a programme of the Department
of State for Health. It is categorically outlined in the national health
policy. A traditional medicine policy is also currently under formulation to
regularize and regulate the practice,” Dr. Mbowe remarked.
Dr. Mbowe said the theme selected for the occasion is quite appropriate.
Going further, the Secretary of State for Health said the theme lays emphasis on
the need to utilize the wealth of scientific knowledge at the disposal of
mankind to unravel the mysteries, but more importantly the benefits and
potentialities of traditional medicine.
“We call on all African governments to elevate research and development of
traditional medicine into policy and programme priorities. Such policies and
programmes should however be designed in such a way that research, development
and utilization of traditional medicine is managed within the context of
mutually and equitably beneficial partnerships with donor governments and NGO
agencies,” he said.
A regional strategy on African Traditional Medicine was adopted by the 50the
Regional committee of Health ministers in the Africa Region in 2001. The
aims and objectives of this strategy is to contribute to the achievements of
health for all in the region by optimizing the use of traditional medicine.
The aims of this strategy are;
i. To develop a framework for integration of the positive aspects of
traditional medicine into health systems and services.
ii. To develop viable local industries to improve access to traditional
medicine.
iii. To strengthen national capacity to mobilize stakeholders and formulate
and implement relevant policies.
iv. To promote the cultivation and maintenance of medicinal plants.
The implementation of this strategy , he said, is guided by the following;
Capacity building to enhance countries to asses their needs in regards to
traditional medicine practice and draw up a code of ethics to guarantee the
provision of safe and quality services.
Promotions of research through the strengthening of collaborating
institutions and promote the use of medicinal plans that could promote self-reliance
and reduce cost.
CLINIC FOR TRADITIONAL HEALING IN THE OFFING
By Annia Gaye
The Association of Traditional Healers in the North Bank, is building a
traditional medicine clinic cum dispensary at Niumi Berending. This is a project
funded by the Social Development Fund (SDF), said Bubacarr D.S Sillah, the
Programme Manager of Traditional Medicine at the Department of State for Health.
According to Mr. Sillah, traditional healers are gradually collaborating
with the Department of Health and that over the years, over 1500 of them have
been oriented on childhood killer diseases, like malaria and diarrhoea.
In addition, sensitizations on Reproductive Health, and Control of TB and
Leprosy have been conducted, and as at now sessions on HIV/AIDS are on going.
“Basically we orient healers on the signs and symptoms of diseases,
preventive and control measures and as well urge them to promptly refer cases beyond
their scope,” he remarked.
He said at the moment, twelve organisations of healers have been registered
and, at least, one of them is an NGO called Traditional Medicine and Home
Care Foundation run by “Dr” Alhassan Abubacarr of Ghana Town in Brufut.
“There are now two registered specialist healer’s associations such as
mental healers and eye healer’s associations. They work in collaboration with the
specialist programme of eye care and mental health. Mental healers who are
recognised in the sense that they attend to people with mental ailments to the
extent of providing lodging facilities for their patients are remunerated by
the Department of Social Welfare with an annual allotment, which serves as a
form of maintenance allowance for their patients,” he remarked.
KMC PRO DENIES PRIVATISATION CLAIM
By Isatou Bittaye
The spokesperson of the Kanifing Municipal Council, Pa Kalifa Sanyang, has
refuted claims that the KMC is planning to privatize waste disposal in the
Municipality. According to Pa Kalifa, the Manager of the Cleansing Service and
his team are working on feasibilities to improve waste collection and disposal
in the Municipality. Mr. Sanyang said there are no plans to privatize the
cleansing services .He said they are working on how to improve waste collection
in the Municipality.
Scorpions Rally for Final 2008 Battle
By Modou Nyang
The Paradise Suites camp of the Scorpions is agog with confidence as Sunday’
s battle with Algeria nears.
All invited foreign based players have reported to camp and the stars were
taken through their paces on Wednesday and Thursday at their training ground
at the Independence Stadium.
The training session was a delight to watch as striker Njogu Demba went
rampage scoring three times and former U- 20 golden boy Ousman Jallow, showed his
predatory instincts in front of goal. Assan Jatta was another striker who
showcased his goal scoring talent, with Kamal Ndow and Pa Modou Jange
displaying also putting the defenders on constant guard.
There was no short of attraction in the middle of the park, highly talented
youngster Mustapha Jarjue was all around doing the distribution role and
taking his favoured outside shots to test the guard of the keepers. Modou Jange,
Mathew Mendy and Ebrima Sohna provided the array of stars to grapple for a
place in the middle for the Scorpions on Sunday.
And the defence is not lacking either, Pa Saikou Kujabi as ever bright as he
is was always on it. Operating deep into his own half he put his opposite in
constant menace with his runs with the ball. Lamin Conateh and Abdoulie Corr
were marshalling as usual from the backline. Ousman kolly and Austria Based
Ousman Sonko were also greatly involved.
Sunday’s match with the Desert Foxes of Algeria will be the Scorpions last
in the qualifiers for the African Nations Cup holding in Ghana in January next
year. And the boys need to win to convincingly to reach the finals for the
first time. And if their recent form is anything to go by, the Scorpions is
going for the kill on Sunday.
Red Cross Donate to GFA
By Isatou Bittaye
The Gambia Red Cross Society Wednesday donated a 20 feet container full of
sporting materials to the Gambia Football Association (GFA).
The donated items are gifts from the Icelandic Red Cross. They include 720
football boots, 350 training shorts, 2,520 training shirts, 520 footballs, 325
table tennis, 1,800 T Shirts, 740 used clothes and 500 other training
materials. The donated items are valued at D144, 550.25.
Speaking during the presentation Katim Nget the Program Manager of the
Gambia Red Cross Society said it is through their partnership with the Icelandic
Red Cross that the donation was released. He noted that the materials are
meant for the Gambia indicating that they should be distributed across the whole
country. Nget added that their aim is to see sports developed in the country
from the grassroots level.
And receiving the donated items the 2nd Vice President of the GFA Mass Axi
Gai said the materials received will reduce the financial pressure on the FA
in procuring sporting gears. He promised that the materials will reach the
intended beneficiaries.
Sheikh Omar Faye the SoS for Sports urged other institutions to follow the
example of the Red Cross and establish partnerships to develop sports in the
Gambia.
GFA Secretary General Quit Office
By Modou Nyang
Jammeh Bojang, Secretary General of the Gambia Football Association has left
office for studies in the United Kingdom.
Jammeh traveled to the UK last Friday for a two year study period and it is
not clear if he will return as the head of the country’s football
administration body after he graduates. He is believed to be pursuing a master program.
Other sources to the story are with the view that Jammeh Bojang has finally
dumped the GFA after serving it for many years. The GFA had recently with
support from Fifa built a multi million dalasi secretariat to house all
administrative work of the association. And it was thought that the long serving
Secretary General will soon set the affair of football in the country in high
motion.
Jammeh Bojang is the longest serving Secretary General of the GFA since the
establishment of the football body in 1952. He has served under different
administrations ranging from the time of Alagie Ousman B. Conateh (OB) Gabbie
Sosseh and the now youthful cadre led by Seedy MB Kinteh. He has gathered a lot
of experience in the process leading the administrative machinery of the FA.
The Gambia Football Association is yet to announce the replacement for
Jammeh Bojang and in which the football caring Gambian public will be eagerly
waiting to know.
SK East: London Celtic, Wales Win
By Isatou Bittaye
London Celtic defeated TK Snookers 2 goals to nil on Thursday and Medina
lost to Wales 2-1 in the ongoing Serrekunda East Nawettan.
London’s Sang Gomez put his side through in the 6th minute and Snookers
fought back and leveled terms moments later. But Sang struck back in the 23rd to
seal all three points for Celtic. The second period witnessed a stiff charge
by Snookers but their effort fall short when it was to hit through to the
net. They failed to make use of a numerical advantage when Celtic’s Francis
Gomez was sent packing in the 38th minute.
Matches continue today and AC Milan will take on T Central whilst culture FC
play Kerr-gi on Saturday. Late Alieu Ngum will also battle with Eden Border
for the second fixture of e day.
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