Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 70/2007, 18 - 19 June, 2007
Editorial
FUEL SHORTAGE
Economic Sabotage or Attempt To Frustrate
Small Scale Importers
SoS For Finance and SoS for Trade Should Explain
The queues near fuel stations are growing longer. Transportation is becoming
a problem and the informal economy is being put under strain as small scale
producers find it difficult to move their goods to markets or do so at
increased transport cost. What then is the cause of the shortage? The SoS for
Finance and Economic Affairs and SoS for Trade and should give an explanation.
Foroyaa would like to give them facts to investigate.
First and foremost, we would like to draw their attention to the attempt by
the SoS for Agriculture to suppress the informal sector in the purchase of
groundnuts in the 2004/2005 trade season in favour of monopoly by GAMCO.
Foroyaa cautioned that the Gambian economy depends on the informal sector for its
survival. Small scale enterprises run by people, generally considered
illiterates, have proven to be resilient, irrespective of all the shocks the economy
goes through including the border problem that had already been overcome.
We emphasized that any attempt to suppress the operation of small scale
enterprises would lead to closure of market access to farmers, impoverishment of
retail traders, shortages of commodities, rise in inflation and growth in
poverty.
Apparently, a government whose economic foundation rests so much on the
informal sector does not appear to have done a comprehensive study of this sector
in order to determine the type of policies, institutions and procedures and
regulations it need to adopt to protect and promote its development.
The present shortage in fuel and rise in the price of cement are clear
testimonies to the absence of a coherent government economic policy regarding the
informal sector.
If the SoS for Finance or SoS for Trade disagrees they should call a press
conference to defend the position of the government.
One may now ask: How does the absence of a coherent government policy on the
informal sector contribute to the present shortage in fuel and rise in the
price of cement?
The answer is simple. Foroyaa was approached by a friend of some informal
sector operators to indicate that some of them have been asked to stop selling
fuel they imported because of the claim that they do not possess licence to
sell fuel.
He claimed that they were advised to go to the Department of State for Trade
to get the licence. There they were told to go to the commissioner of
petroleum at the office of the President. There too it is claimed that they were
asked to write a letter to the Secretary General to find out what should be
done since that office was also not responsible for issuing the licence alluded
to by police personnel. He indicated that they were advised to visit Foroyaa’
s office where they are likely to find people who can write the appropriate
letter for them.
Reviewing the case, it became apparent that the people concerned were in
possession of certificate of business registration stipulating the sale of fuel
as their angle of trade, tax identification numbers (TIN), receipts
indicating payment of income tax and taxes to area council, as well as customs
receipts for paying duty for importing hundreds of thousands of litres of petrol
which commenced since 2005. These young entrepreneurs, whom the government have
been making appealing to rise up to take charge of the informal trade, have
receipts totalling over 7 million dalasis that they have paid as importers of
fuel and cement. We could not believe our eyes that the informal sector was
contributing so much to government revenue. We have asked them to seek an
appointment with the SoS for Finance who has established a quota for revenue
collection by the National Revenue Authority. He would then determine whether
such successful young entrepreneurs need incentive to enhance their business or
sanctions to drive them out of business. Since the matter had gone all the
way to the courts we asked the young people to hire legal counsels to maintain
them on a permanent basis to protect their successful enterprises if they
fail to get sympathetic hearing from the Secretary of State.
The next day after the advice we were informed that the security forces had
been instructed to remove about 29,900 litres of fuel from the premises of
the Gambian entrepreneur for storage at a place determined by a commissioner of
police.
At the moment, while there is petrol shortage we have been reliably informed
that that these young entrepreneurs have 70,000 litres of petrol up country
which they are told not to bring into the Greater Banjul area; that some of
them have stocks exceeding 49,000 litres in Senegal which they are afraid to
bring for fear of conflict with the law. The people we met appeared shattered
for having been put in cells. They claim that as people from religious
backgrounds who grew up as Arabic students in informal koranic schools, they have
no way to make it except through honest trade. They claim that they have been
advised by their religious teachers and parents to respect and abide by the
law; that before they started their activities they consulted with government
institutions to get guidance, that up to this time they do not know where they
have gone wrong.
In our view, while the court has power to play its part, the SoS for Finance
and SoS for Trade have a duty to provide the conducive environment for young
Gambian entrepreneurs to carry on legitimate trade.
In our view, investors should not be spending money to search for advice on
how to invest. It is the duty of government to guide investors to invest.
In short, the Department of State for Trade should have a unit serving as an
Indigenous Business advisory body that should have identified all the
businesses functioning in the informal sector, prioritize their volume and prepare
brochures on the regulatory environment for their smooth registration and
operation. Such bureaucracy which pushes an investor from one office to another
is tantamount to economic sabotage, since it frustrates the operators of
small scale enterprises.
Immediate action is necessary to save the situation.
It is such vacuum in policy and administration which has compelled Foroyaa
to restructure so that it can take the mantle of a fourth estate. We will have
a section on economic and social development whose reporters will receive
reports of all obstructions to the development of enterprises, all tendencies
towards monopoly which increases inflation and throw light on the protective
environment by interviewing lawyers and insurance brokers who can help to
protect the interest of vulnerable enterprises. We will engage the policy makers
and administrators and challenge them to provide the conducive environment
necessary for economic and social development to take place or stand exposed.
Emerging economies from underdevelopment need huge investment and democracy.
Foroyaa will conduct studies on investment pattern and the requirements for
democratic solutions of the country.
All these developments will take place after Foroyaa’s anniversary in August
2007.
“See Halifa Sallah’s Interview in the next issue on the restructuring drive.
”
FUEL SHORTAGE HITS AGAIN
By Fabakary B. Ceesay & Yaya Dampha
Since last Wednesday, private and commercial drivers have been experiencing
difficulty in acquiring fuel for their vehicles to conduct their normal daily
business due to scarcity of fuel in the country especially within the
Greater Banjul areas.
On Sunday, Foroyaa reporters went around to various fuel stations within the
Kanifing Municipality to assess the situation and the problems motorists are
experiencing. At the Shell petrol station at Churchill Town, the whole
station was virtually empty. At Castle Filling Station at West Field, there was a
large queue of waiting vehicles and a group of disgruntled people holding
empty gallons to get fuel. Sale at this filling station was intermittent rather
than continuous. There was another large crowd of people at Elton Station
along Sayerr Jobe Avenue with a long queue of vehicles. Pump attendants were
seen supplying fuel only to customers that had coupons. Many people complained
that they are also customers and should be considered. At the Shell Filling
Station along the same road, no single person or vehicle was there to get fuel.
A staff member told Foroyaa that there is no single barrel of fuel at their
company. They said their consignment is on the way and they expect the vessel
to dock at the ports at any moment from today. Some government drivers with
coupons from Shell Company indicated that they cannot get their fuel due to
scarcity at Shell.
A Lebanese businessman told Foroyaa that fuel companies should have measures
in place to tackle such problems before they arise. He said his business had
been at a standstill as he could go to work since Friday.
CONTROVERSY OVER A SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
By Abdoulie Dibba
On Monday 11 June 2007, a controversy ensued at the National Assembly over a
supplementary question between the Speaker, Hon. Netty Baldeh and Hon. Sidia
Jatta. The controversy arosed following a question raised by the National
Assembly Member for Lower Fulladu West, Hon. Yerro Mballow, as to whether there
was any fertilizer purchased for the last cropping season for the farming
community?
a). If there was no fertilizer purchased, why?
b). If there was any purchase made how much was distributed regionally?
In response to these questions the SoS for Agriculture, Kanja Sanneh,
indicated that fertilizer was not purchased for the last cropping season for the
farming community because there was a balance of stock from the previous season.
In a supplementary question, the member for Lower Fulladu West, Hon. Yerro
Mballow, raised the following question: Hon. Speaker, could the SoS tell this
Assembly whether the balance of fertilizer was adequate for the farming
community? This question however, led to a controversy as the Speaker ruled out
the question saying the question was not a supplementary one but a new element.
But Hon. Sidia rose up to observe that it was indeed not a new element but
was rather supplementing the main one, making a follow up on the SoS’s reply.
Mr. Netty Baldeh also rose to support what the Speaker had said and went
further to stress that the Speaker’s position was final because according to him
the Speaker had already over ruled the question.
The Wuli West NAM rose up to demand from the Speaker to make an observation.
The Speaker also asked whether it was on the same matter, to which Sidia
answered in the positive. Netty Baldeh, however, stood up to insist that Sidia
should not make any further observation on the matter.
Sidia, who must have felt surprised, asked Netty whether he was the Speaker
of the National Assembly, Netty answered in the negative. The Speaker then
thanked Netty for helping to protect her and later said the way he saw Sidia
was like somebody who needed sympathy but Sidia said he did not need sympathy
and retorted that he did not need sympathy from those who need to be
sympathised. He, however, emphasize his point on the fertilizer purchases which the
SoS should clarify but the Speaker insisted that it was still a new element.
The majority leader who rose to defend Hon. Baldeh’s position indicated that
even if Hon. Jatta was right, the fact is that the Speaker had already
overruled the supplementary question and that Hon. Jatta’s position should not be
tolerated.
NAMS SCRUTINISE MANSAKONKO AREA COUNCIL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
National Assembly Members on Tuesday, June 12, questioned the Secretary of
State for Local Government and Lands on the revenue collected by the
Mansakonko Area Council (MAC) since 2005, when the Council’s books were last audited
and how many students are being sponsored by the council.
Ismaila Sambou, Secretary of State For Local Government and Lands, said the
Council collected D4,508,182.69 (four million five hundred and eight
thousand one hundred and eighty-two dalasis sixty-nine bututs) between January 1 to
December 31, 2005, D4,766,822.95 (four million seven hundred and sixty-six
thousand eight hundred and twenty-two dalasis ninety-five bututs) from January
2 to December 31, 2006 and D1,673,573.07 (one million six hundred and
seventy-three thousand five hundred and seventy-three dalasis seven bututs) from
January 1 to May 31, 2007.
SoS Sambou also said that the accounts of the Council were last prepared in
2006, noting that the accounts are currently being audited. When he was asked
by the member for Jarra Central to shed light on how many students are
being sponsored by the Council, Mr. Sambou said the Council is sponsoring ten
students at senior secondary schools, twenty students at upper basic schools,
ten students at basic cycle schools and one member of staff, at The Gambia
Technical Training Institute.
Answering a question raised by the minority leader and member for Kiang
West, Momodou Sanneh, the Secretary of State said the major areas of expenditure
of the Council in 2005 and 2006 are personal emoluments (salaries), supply
and service, vehicle maintenance and fuel, health and social service,
development projects requested by the communities and contributions to “Tesito.”
SoS Sambou added that fifty-one permanent staff were engaged up to December
2006 by the Council.
BABA JOBE & CO CASE
High Court Dismisses The Defendants’ Application
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The four defendants in the seven million dalasis civil suit filed by the
Guaranty Trust Bank may file an appeal at The Gambia Court of Appeal. Justice
Haddy Roche on Friday overruled the application made by lawyer Janet Sallah
Njie. She ruled that the plaintiff has to prove the allegation against the
defendants; Philip Thompsett, Lynn Wilson, Lloyd Bourogh and Baba Jobe, a former
majority leader at the National Assembly.
Defence Counsel, Mrs. Sallah Njie, on Tuesday, June 12, submitted that the
defendants are not liable to the claim made by the plaintiff and urged the
court to dismiss the case. When her application was turned down on Friday, she
told the court that she would appeal against the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
In delivering the ruling on the matter, Justice Roche stressed that in the
statement of the plaintiffs it alleged that the defendants had agreed to pay,
therefore, the court would go ahead with the hearing of the matter.
The judge also ruled that the court cannot dismiss the matter and put the
case into a controversy, adding that the case needs to be tried to prove the
allegation the plaintiffs are making against the defendants.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE 1981 POLITICAL CRISIS
Sir Dawda Given A New Mandate; Dibba Lost His Seat, Awaits Court Verdict
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been using this column to focus on politics, in general, and Gambian
politics in particular. In the last issue we have dealt with the 1982
election campaign where the opposition leader was detained, pending the outcome of
his trial as he was accused of treason and many other offences. We have
stopped where we said, ‘during the state of emergency, the illiterate politicians
did not know then that one could hardly do or say anything during the
campaign without putting oneself in trouble’. Let us continue from where we have
stopped.
The results of both the presidential and parliamentary elections which were
held simultaneously were not a surprise to many enlightened observers. The
President, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, won a landslide victory and many
parliamentary candidates of the ruling PPP also won, giving them another clear
majority and mandate to manage the affairs of the country for the next five years,
1982 to 1987.
For the opposition NCP, even though, they had gone through the whole episode
with dignity, the number of seats had infact dropped. They had lost what was
considered their main seat, that of Central Baddibu, to Honourable Lamin
Kebba Saho of the PPP who contested against S.M Dibba. However they emerged
triumphantly with the Illiasa and Lower Baddibu seats, as well as Bakau. This was
understandable given the circumstances in which the seeming contest was
staged.
For the next contentious area, the URD, Mr. Bubacarr Baldeh, an independent
candidate, managed to defeat the ruling party candidate with a clear margin
despite the fact that the NCP filed a candidate in the same place. This was a
clear indication that if the people will it, they could decide the course of
events despite all the loopholes against them.
The other independent, Mr. A.K Touray of Sandu also defeated a high profiled
PPP candidate after a tough campaign which appeared like a semi war. Despite
all the threats and intimidation, the people decided that Alh Musa Dabo
should not represent them. Mr. M.C Cham, of Tumana, however, escaped the
independent net. He defeated Mbemba Tambedou, a new comer to the scene. But Mr. Kebba
Fadera, a lone independent in the Kiangs defeated Hon. J.L.B Daffeh, a long
term serving Parliamentarian who also served as Cabinet Minister of Health,
Labour and Social Welfare, and of Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well
as a Parliamentary Secretary.
So the independents emerged with a clean bill of health but the fear
remained as to whether the government was going to allow Mr. Bubacarr Baldeh who
appeared to have spearheaded the group to continue operating as head of the
Freedom From Hunger Campaign (FFHC), an NGO.
The question was very valid because, at the time, no matter how competent
one was, if one stood under the banner of an opposition ticket in an election,
one would be barred from not only holding government positions but all
attempts would be made to stifle one’s private initiative from progressing so that
one eventually succumbs to the mercy of the ruling party. But if one were to
stand under the ruling party banner and failed, according to M.B Jones in the
Outlook newspaper, everything would be done to rehabilitate that person.
On 11 May 1982, the President was sworn in. This was the first time in
Gambian history for a President to be seen being sworn in an open ceremony. The
then Speaker of the House, Sir Alieu Sulayman Jack; the Chief Justice of The
Gambia, Sir Phillip Bridges, Ministers of State, Justices of the Supreme Court
of The Gambia and Sierra Leone, Solicitors, dignitaries and ’ VIP’s’ were
all present to make the occasion look like as it was the first of its kind in
history.
Infact, a red carpet was even spread for the President to walk on leading to
the dais where Sir Dawda and the First Lady were seated. They were of course
flanked by special uniformed military officials from Senegal, who still
controlled the security of the country. The President, after taking oath,
thanked the people for the overwhelming vote of confidence that they bestowed on
him at the recent elections. He promised to maintain his past performance and
solicited their support and co-operation as in the past.
Sir Dawda spoke lengthily. He said the elections were free and fair and
peaceful. He blamed drought and world inflation for the economic problems and
said it was also mainly due to the limited natural resources. He also blamed the
international media for deliberately ignoring these difficulties; minimizing
their achievements and exaggerating their shortcomings in a mischievous
attempt to ridicule them and the country. He however emphasized that they are
proud of their achievements. He finally said his Government would continue to
proceed forthwith with the implementation of the second five year Development
plan which was launched just before the last parliament was dissolved. The
president then inspected the guard of honour mounted by both The Gambia Police
Force and a battalion of the resident Senegalese soldiers. He then shook hands
with the judges of the Supreme Court (now the High Court) and other eminent
personalities and jubilantly or triumphantly sang;
Long live the Republic of The Gambia!
Long live the Republic of Senegal!
Long live the Confederation of Senegal and The Gambia!
This was chorused after him by his party stalwarts as well as supporters.
Immediately after this ceremony, the President announced his cabinet, which
took all and sundry by surprise, as follows:
THE 1982 CABINET
1. Vice Presiden t- Hon. B.B Darboe
2. Minister of Local Government and Lands - Hon. M.L Saho
3. Minister of External Affairs - Hon. L.K Jabang
4. Minister of Finance and Trade - Hon. S.S.Sisay
5. Attorney General and Minister of Justice - Hon. Fafa Mbai
6. Minister of Health, Labour and Social Welfare - Hon. M.C Cham
7. Minister of Agriculture - Hon. S.S. Sabally
8. Minister of Information and Tourism - Hon. L.J Sonko
9. Minister of Economic Planning and Industrial Development - Hon. Dr.M.S.K.
Manneh
10. Minister of Water Resources and the Environment - Hon. Omar Amadou
Jallow (O.J)
11. Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture - Hon. A.A
Njie
12. Minister of the Interior - Hon. A.S Mboob
It was this cabinet reshuffle which had created restlessness among certain
elements within the party hierarchy. It was tantamount to the creation of
resentment and dissatisfaction from those who, according to M. B. Jones, expected
too much for whatever contribution they might have made towards a peaceful
ending of the crisis. It did not stop there, it created an indelible dent
within the PPP set up, a rift which could only be patched up by a highly patient
politician, but Sir Dawda did not appear to have much patience at the time .
The former Vice President, Assan Musa Camara, who went unopposed was not
appointed together with the former Attorney General, Mr M.L.Saho, who held the
post for 14 years and was then given what was considered a down graded
position. What then was the reaction? Mr. M.L. Saho resigned from the Local
Government portfolio and claimed foul play. He bluntly told the press that the Party
was sizzled with tribalism.
And what about the former Vice President Assan Musa Camara? What did he do?
He became a backbencher when the parliament reopened on 2 June 1982 and as
The Outlook thought, he accepted his lot with calm and dignity. But how long
could he stay calm?
See next issue for more and on the Treason Trial of S.M Dibba and Six others.
“BREAKING THE BARRIERS” ART EXHIBITION
A Scenario Of Fertile Imagination
By Baboucarr Ceesay
Three erudite and dynamic professional Gambian artists, Malick Ceesay,
Michael Kuna Manga and Moulaye Sarr, in collaboration with the African Art
Gallery, mounted an exotically inspiring arts exhibition at African Art Gallery in
Senegambia Beach Hotel on Friday 15 June 2007. The exhibition with the theme “
Breaking the Barriers” attracted art lovers, tourists and artists alike.
Madam Anna Braren of the African Art Gallery and organiser of the exhibition
said the African Art Gallery has been existing for more than a year now.
She said the establishment of the gallery came in the wake of a dire need to
expose the talents of artists. She said the gallery exhibits works of various
West African artists. She intimated that Gambian artists need support and
positive exposure. “If Gambian artists are supported, that will galvanise their
efforts in contributing their quota to the development of their country,” said
Anna. She opined that Gambians should appreciate and develop interest in the
works of their indigenous talented artists as their immediate neighbours,
Senegal, where even ordinary citizens buy art works of their artists.
Mr. Malick Ceesay a self taught Gambian professional artist, celebrated for
his proficiency in painting and sculpture, said this joint exhibition is
meant to grease their muscles as artists. “A lot of practice and consistency is
what comes first for me in arts,” said Malick.
Malick was born, brought up and schooled in The Gambia. He started the art
at a tender age and after completing his high school he decided to take it up
as a career. He became a member of The Gambia Black Arts Club in 1983. In 1998
he joined Arts Xchange and Society of Gambian Sculptors in 2003. Ceesay
participated in both national and international exhibitions.
Mr. Michael Kuna Manga, a painter who developed interest in arts in his
infancy when drawing and painting used to be great fun for kids. “I read arts in
school and I became inspired by great painters of the renaissance period,”
Said Manga.
Manga participated in several exhibitions which enabled him to grow
artistically. He added that he is further inspired by his environment as a member of
a multi-cultural society.
As an artist, Kuna believes there will be lasting peace when the people of
diverse cultures begin to appreciate and respect each other. “I want to use my
art to promote African culture and tradition,” he said.
Mr. Moulaye Sarr is another painter from the younger generation of Gambian
artists whose artistic life started with drawing cartoons and sketches while
still in primary school. His artistic talent at an early age exposed him by
interacting with artists both at home and neighbouring Senegal. Sarr spent
seven years in Senegal as a young man. He practiced and trained with professional
artists and finally returned to his motherland.
His works use a variety of artistic media although most of his works are
two-dimensional abstract forms in acrylic on canvas. He is also a talented
portrait painter, working with pencil, charcoal, using sand and textile design.
The exhibition is free entrance, open for public view at the African Art
Gallery, Senegamgia Beach Hotel (up stairs) above the reception. The exhibition
runs from 15 to 30 June 2007.
FUNERAL OF OUSMANE SEMBENE “THE SENIOR” OF AFRICAN CINEMA
Culled from Rewmi
The Senegalese performed a solemn funeral on Monday for the film producer
Ousmane Sembene, the pioneer of African cinema, in Dakar, two days after his
demise at the age of 84 which roused strong emotions and collective homage in
Africa and France.
The body of the person who humourously called himself the “senior of the
elders” of African Cinema was laid in state for viewing at 15.00GMT (and local
time) before it was laid to rest at 16.00 at the burial ground of Yoff,
northern Dakar.
The Senegalese government was represented at the burial by the Prime
Minister, Macky Sall and the Minister of Culture Mame Biram Joof.
The government had announced on Sunday, without giving a date, the
arrangement for a solemn “hommage to Ousmane Sembene as a way of expressing respect
for the life and works of this illustrious son of Senegal and Africa.” From
Paris, the former president of Senegal, Abdou Diouf, Secretary General of
Francophone countries, observed that Africa had lost “one of its greatest film
producers” and a fervent defender of liberty and social justice.”
The French Minister of Immigration Brice Hortefeux, revealed his “emotions.”
“With the death of the great Senegalese film producer, the Francophone world
lost a talented artist, who had a charming view of the world,” he
regretfully said.
The Malian Minister of Culture, Chiekh Omar Sissoko, who is equally a film
producer and close friend of Ousmane Sembene, paid hommage to the “authority”
of African cinema. “African cinema has lost one of its touch bearers,” he
emphasised.
Jean-Pierre Garcia, the artistic Director of Amiens Film Festival (France)
and specialist in African Cinema paid tribute to the “spokesperson of African
people in their thirst for reconquering their screen, to give meaning to
their images which were distorted by colonial experience.”
Hommage also came from Ouagadougou, the seat of the Pan-African Cinema
Festival and the Ouagadougou Television (FESPACO), of which he was one of the
founders. The head of the delegation of FESPACO, Bala Hama, lamented “the great
lost of African cinema.”
“This is the disappearance of a great doyen of African cinema,” Mr. Hama
added, with a heavy heart. “These are moments of affliction of great sadness as
this baobab succumbs,” he continued.
We will pay tribute to him and hope that the struggle which he has led will
be continued by the present African generation and others to come,” the
Burkinabe film director, Gaston Kabore, hoped.
The Senegalese press granted a wide coverage to this “monument of African
cinema.”
“Ousman Sembene Breaks His Pipe,” was the title of the private newspaper,
Le Populaire referring to the long pipe that he had always carried on his
lips, before paying hommage to a doyen of African cinema, which symbolised the
African spirit of resistance to, and rejection of cultural suppression.” For
the government-controlled daily newspaper Le Soleil, “The Magician of Image has
Ceased to Exist.”
Ousmane Sembene has produced tens of films.
Beginning with “Borom Sarret” (1963) which relates a day in the life of a
poor porter, to Moolade, which is an indictment of female circumcision and a
tribute to women, through “Le Noire de……” (1966), “Le Mandat” (1968), “Ceddo
” (1976). His film works demonstrate a profoundly popular progressive film
library.
He was rewarded on two occasions at the Venise Festival for “Le Mandat,”
in 1968 and in 1988 for “Le Camp de Thiaroye,” a film depicting the violent
repression of Senegalese war veterans by the French Army in 1944 which the
former were claiming their dues. He also received an award for the “Un Certain
Regard,” the Cannes Festival in 2004 as well as for his film “Moolade,” and
indictment of female circumcision.
HOLY FAMILY BAND LAUNCH 3RD ALBUM
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
A live band musical group calling themselves “The Holy Family Band,”
consisting of eight talented Gambian Youths on Friday 15 June, launched their third
successful album at the buffer zone, along side their Canadian counter
parts, “The Mango Tree Revival Band.” The Album is called “THINGS U NEED 2 KNOW.”
The launching was witnessed by many guest artists such as, the Jokor Band,
King Kora, Lamin Saho, Block Acostic and, Solomelo. According to the lead
vocalist, Eba Sallah, they started the Band in 2003 and have so far produced
three albums. He said they play their own rhythms in reggae, calypso and soul
music. Mr. Sallah indicated that as musicians they deem it necessary to come up
with a live band to promote Gambian music in the world musical arena.
Vocalist Sallah stressed that it is high time for the Gambian musical industry to
be playing live band performances rather then depending on play back or
remixing different rhythms to compose their music. He stressed that remixing other
rhythms will not up-grade their talents, rather it is live band performances
that can do so. Mr. Sallah noted that the album is out in the market at a
reasonable price. Since the inception of the band in 2003, they represent the
core values associated with the word “Holy Family.” Indeed three of the band
members are brothers and all are friends who work as a family. For the young
talented Gambian artist, there is a live band that can give them melodies from
a live band performance instead of play backs.
CIAM DISCOVERS KEY RESULTS ON PREGNANT WOMEN WITH HIV
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Public Health Research and Development Centre, (CIAM) formerly centre
for Innovation Against Malaria, (CIAM), has discovered key results in the
Parent-To-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS (PTCT).
According to their 2006 annual report, the PTCT programme provides two types
of drugs, nevirapine and AZT to pregnant women who are infected with HIV.
With the availability of these drugs to infected mothers, it cut the transfer
of the virus to the child.
The results show that out of the 25,734 women attending Reproductive and
Child Health Clinic between March 2004 and May 2006, 62% of pregnant women
completed the full HIV/AIDS counselling process, that is, they received pre-test
counselling, had an HIV test and received the results during a post test
counselling session.
The results revealed that of those women who tested HIV positive, 24.9%
received anti-retroviral prophylaxis. “23.3% of HIV positive women delivered in
health facilities compared to the national average of 55%,” the CIAM report
shows.
It also discovered that 13.9% of infants born to infected mothers received
nevirapine syrup and 6.4% of infected mothers were given replacement feeds.
CIAM has established a monitoring and evaluation system for the national
programme of AIDS treatment, care and support sponsored by the Global Fund to
Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM).
D-DAY FOR AZIZ TAMBA AND OTHERS
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court is expected to
deliver judgment on the D19 Million criminal case, involving Aziz Tamba,
Mustapha Bojang and Famara Colley, today.
The accused persons are charged with stealing and conspiracy to commit
felony. Tamba, a former national youth mobilizer for the APRC party was the
manager of the Kanilai Farm up to the time of his arrest and incarceration. He was
convicted and sentenced to eight years of imprisonment by the Bundung
Magistrates Court.
The D19 million case has been going on since February this year. The trio
who pleaded not guilty to the charges were not represented by counsel. The
prosecution closed its case two weeks ago and the defendants have also testified
to prove their innocence. They are charged with two counts. Count one states
that between 17 June and 23 August 2005, the three conspired to commit
felony. Count two states that the three, being employees of the Kanilai Farm,
between 2005-2006 jointly stole D19,598,779.34. contrary to section 252 of the
Criminal Code, Laws of The Gambia.
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