Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue

Issue No. 60/2005, 1-3 August, 2005





Editorial

WHAT FOROYAA SAW AND HEARD

FOROYAA sent a reporter to cover the meeting of the KMC Fan Club at Serrekunda Central. Pa Malick Faye of the Observer saw a large crowd as reported in the Sunday Observer of 31st July 2005.

The FOROYAA reporter saw about 200 people mostly children mobilized from different areas of the KMC. The meeting was more about the internal conflicts within the APRC than the struggle between the APRC and the opposition. The name of Halifa Sallah was mentioned by only one person that is Fatoumatta Jahumpa. She mentioned what FOROYAA thought will not be reported by any Newspaper that the members of the AU parliament were happy that Halifa had lost his seat because of the claim that he used to disturb them and the APRC government in the Gambia. FOROYAA calls on the Gambia Press Union to invite all editors to a discussion on the ethics of the profession.

Should journalists report what are naked lies as truth in any newspaper in the name of supporting a political party?  Even if a newspaper supports a party, it should not sink to the level of publishing lies to mislead the public. FOROYAA also cautions all those who seek to be representatives of the Gambian people to tell the truth to the public so that newspapers can transmit their truths to the public. Those who speak lies are helping to contribute to the consolidation of an irresponsible press and journalists in the Gambia.

In short, journalists and newspapers who publish what they know to be lies are guilty of gross irresponsibility.



FURTHER ON US TRIP

Halifa Sallah on Visit to State Department NDI and IFES As Organised By Save the Gambia Democracy Project STGDP

ADDITION TO SANKAREHS REPORT TO POINT

FOROYAA: You indicated that you did not have opportunity to convey your points to Sankareh before you left the US. Can you throw more light on your visit to the US State Department, The National Democratic Institute and IFES in Washington?

Halifa: I have to apologize to Ebrima Sankareh for not giving him more details regarding the visits since he had displayed keen interest in reporting all developments regarding our visit. Fundamental lessons are to be learnt from out visit. First and foremost, while Gambians have done very well to arrange visits with key personalities in the US it became very clear in the visit to the state department that U.S foreign policy with specific countries are shaped at the ambassadorial level. Hence my major concern was how to gather more information regarding the general concerns of the US government in building relation with other countries and raise NADD’s profile as an alternative government. The officials were also interested in knowing NADD’s policies regarding our neighbours.

FOROYAA: Can you explain your impression?

Halifa: When asked it appeared that the US was concerned with democracy, peace and terrorism. They acknowledged that regional and sub regional organisations are making coup d’etat as thing of the past on the African continent; that they collaborate with many African countries to prevent terrorism without interfering with religious conviction of people.

They were informed that the real guarantee of peace in any African country is the existence of responsible governments and responsible alternatives. That what Africa has been doing is to establish standards of good governance and encourage each government in Africa to sign a memorandum of commitment to a peer review mechanism that compels adherence to good governance. It was emphasised that the U.S policy should compliment the African initiative by linking the extent of its relations with countries to adherence to the standards of governance set under the African peer review mechanism. The absence of a single opposition member in the National Assembly was pointed out as well as the frequent removal of the members of the Independent Electoral Commission by the Executive. It was made clear that a meeting had been held between the members of the Independent Electoral Commission prior to the changes with representatives of the different parties and the US ambassador, the British High
 Commissioner, the EU and UNDP resident representatives to discuss about the electoral system and the extension of the franchise to Gambians abroad. The need for the US government to fund institutions like NDI to help in the process was noted. The official referred to their budgetary adjustments and indicated that they were in touch with their officials on the ground. It was emphasised that our main concern is for a democratic society based on tolerance to be built in the Gambia where the people will select their representatives in a free and fair manner. The official enquired how NADD sees the situation in Cassamance. It was emphasised that during the conflict many people had to come to the Gambia as refugees; that peace in the Cassamance is an asset to the Gambia. Furthermore they asked how NADD sees the issue of building a bridge across the Gambia river. They were informed that development projects between Gambia and Senegal would be studied in line with the NEPAD programme for
 the integration of the continent; that NADD will study everything that is in the interest of the people; that it will pursue the policy of two state one people with Senegal so as to give example of what African integration would mean in the future.

FOROYAA: What about NDI and IFES?

Halifa: Both institutions are developing capacity building in strengthening and empowering democratic practices and electoral systems. NDI is interested in coming to the Gambia to help in the voter education and other components. IFES is interested in the organisation of registration of voters for Gambians in the diaspora. If the government and the IEC are interested expertise and resources can be mobilized to have free and fair election in 2006. NADD left a good impression that we are interested in a free and fair electoral contest.



Darboe Chides Jammeh

Ousainou Darboe, the Secretary General of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has launched a scathing criticism of President Yahya Jammeh. Darboe’s criticism of Jammeh which was made at a press conference held at his party’s bureau on Thursday came in the wake of a recent television broadcast, in which he (President Jammeh) faulted the court’s decision to acquit and discharge him (Darboe) of murder charges.

Darboe remarked: “Jammeh did not only show his disgust for the judgment, but made it categorically clear that he has no confidence in the judiciary and referred to the judgment as “a stupid judgment.” His contemptuous words and utterances reveal his nature as a man who does not have any modicum of respect for the judiciary. He has proved that he can only tolerate judges who are inclined to succumb to his dictates. No wonder, we have seen some judges and magistrates dismissed or their contracts not renewed because they refused to compromise their integrity and the rule of law.”

On President Jammeh’s description that the acquittal of Darboe and his co-accused” on a murder charge is a disaster for the maintenance of law and order, the UDP Secretary General stated that the said averment by the president exposes the image of a personality in a state of paranoia and also one who has no iota of respect for the judiciary and the rule of law. He added that Jammeh’s ravings and rantings can be attributed only to the erratic personality of a lunatic in crisis.

According to Darboe, the constitution of the land, though honoured more in breach than observance by the Jammeh regime, provides for the independence of the judiciary which in itself entails that judgment of the courts must be respected and no person or authority must make contemptuous  remarks about judges in respect of their judgment; that the person or authority that should lead by example  in this is none other than the head of state; that he has however not only shown how uncouthed he is in his approach to the “Darboe and co-trumped up murder trial” but he also exposed his utter ignorance of the issues before the court.

Darboe added “It is misleading and false for Jammeh to say that Darboe was arrested at the murder scene when Darboe was not even present during the confrontations mentioned in the court alleged to have taken place between members of the ruling APRC July 22nd Movement (officially sanctioned APRC “thugs’) and the UDP militants, both in Numuyel and Chamoi. Nevertheless, the entire UDP have manifested maturity and proved to be law abiding. Throughout their trial, neither Darboe nor any member of the UDP has commented on the case, but president Jammeh who has a penchant for disrespect has on several occasions commented on the case by fabricating stories that Alieu Njie was cut into pieces, with the intention of influencing the outcome of the case in favour of the state.” Mr. Darboe said apart from his (President Jammeh) contemptuous remarks directed at the judiciary, Jammeh’s utterances reveal his nature as a man of violence, one who believes in violence and uses violence to solve his
 problems; that he believes that Gambians live like animals in a jungle and he (Jammeh) is the most powerful animal in this jungle. He said this is a very serious mistake and error of judgment on the reality of the situation and political climate of the country.

Mr. Darboe said that Gambians and the international community accuse the APRC and Jammeh in particular, of similar crimes; that the perpetrators of those crimes are yet to be investigated, let alone brought before the courts. He said the murder of Ebrima Ceesay, a UDP militant, on the eve of the 2001 presidential elections by Jammeh’s state guards, is one example, while the cold blooded murder of innocent school children during a peaceful demonstration on April 10th-11th 2000 remains a crime on the head of Jammeh’s security apparatus. Darboe said that the report of the commission of enquiry has still not been made public. He noted that Jammeh as a collaborator granted amnesty to the murderers of these innocent and defenceless school children.

Mr. Darboe also said that UDP has always condemned violence in all its forms and will continue to do so; he however noted that he will never allow any person or group of persons to interfere with the legitimate exercise of their political rights.

He remarked finally that, “the international community should be alerted that Jammeh is poised for violence. He is a desperate man and will apply all tactics to remain in power; but that his greatest mistake will be to make attempts on the life of any politician. His threats to eliminate Darboe will be the beginning of the end of the violence that Jammeh has been clamouring on since he seized power on July 22nd 1994.” Mr. Darboe indicated that the members of the UDP have solemnly vowed to lay their lives for peace and stability to prevail in the Gambia and made it categorically clear that it will never succumb to any attempt by Yahya Jammeh to silence them.

Mr. Darboe indicated that Jammeh’s threats and actions will not go unchallenged. He took the opportunity to inform the world that Jammeh in one of his rallies indicated that some of the opposition elements would not witness the 2006 presidential elections. He indicated that Jammeh has renewed his “promise” when he stated in no uncertain terms that “Darboe could be killed.” Mr. Darboe said that the entire membership of the UDP and all decent Gambians will hold Jammeh responsible for his murder should he (Darboe) die a result of violence of any form (including forced collision whilst driving or being driven). He said Jammeh must know that it is his responsibility to ensure peace and stability prevail which he said is more to his (Jammeh) advantage, that to create conflict situations that will untimely devour him like some of his erstwhile colleagues in the sub-region.



DID LAWYERS BOYCOTT JUSTICE PAUL’S COURT?

Barely a week after a local newspaper reported that the embattled High Court Judge, Justice Paul, has been urged by the Chief Justice, Steven Alan Brobbey, not to preside over court matters, impeccable sources at the judiciary informed this paper that Justice Paul did sit in chamber on Thursday.

The local newspaper report came in the wake of a parliamentary report which dented the credibility of Justice Paul who headed the Anti Corruption Commission that was set up by President Jammeh to probe past and present civil servants who served his (President Jammeh’s administration. Readers could recall that the said parliamentary report did order the High Court Judge to pay over two hundred thousand dalasis to the government of the Gambia.

On Thursday morning, Justice Paul did preside over three cases involving the following lawyers: Mary Samba Christensen, Ida Drammeh, Bola Carroll and Amie Bensouda. However, the aforesaid lawyers were not present in court. It is not clear whether their absence is a boycott of the Judge’s court or not. However, some lawyers are of the view that they (lawyers) should boycott the Judge’s Court until such a time that he clears his image of the allegations levelled against him by the parliamentary commission. The decision of the High Court Judge, Justice Paul, to sit has baffled many people at the High Court.



PROPRIETOR OF HARRY’S SUPERMARKET IN COURT

The criminal case involving the state and the proprietor of Harry’s Supermarket, Surresh Kumar Wadwani, resumed at the Kanifing Magistrate Court on Thursday. The accused is charged with the sale of expired food stuff, an act that is detrimental to the welfare of the people of the Gambia and her economy.

The accused is charged under the Criminal Code, cap 10, volume 111 laws of the Gambia 1990 and under the Economic Crimes Decree (Decree No. 16 of 1996).

The prosecutors were not in court when the matter was called. The accused entered the dock and his counsel, Sheriff Marie Tambedou, stood up and announced his appearance for the accused.

Sheriff Tambedou informed magistrate Mboto that one of the prosecutors did inform him that if they (prosecutors) were in court the previous day, they (prosecutors) would have applied to close their case. Sheriff urged the court to take a date for the accused person to enter his defence. The 16th of August was chosen by the court for the case to be mentioned, and a hearing date to be fixed by the two parties, namely the prosecution and the defence.



LETTER TO PRESIDENT JAMMEH

Part 3

Mr. President, lets take the expenditure on the 10th anniversary of the July 22nd coup d’etat in 2004. The Secretary of State for Economic affairs indicated to me in question I raised at the National Assembly that a sum of D10 million had been spent and that more figures were being expected. Needless to say, if one checks the whole estimate of revenue and expenditure for 2004 one will not find a budgetary item for July 22nd celebration amounting to 10 million dalasis. This confirms that your regime has been making many unauthorised and unbudgeted expenditures which constitutes gross financial indiscipline. Infact, Gambians often hear about transports, helicopters and other hard ware being bought but one hardly sees any item in the government budget providing for them. On the other hand I have repeatedly printed out pointed out to different secretaries of states for finance and economic affairs that monies allocated for the settlement of what is itemized in budgets as confirmed debts
 signified unauthorised expenditures. For example, one will find 13 million being spent for 2004 and 15 million for 2005 on the settlement of confirmed debts on vehicles. Under miscellaneous 26 million was spent to settle confirmed debt in 2003. 20 million for 2004 and 20 million for 2005.

The utilisation of the funds of the Central Bank without regard to the budgeting allocations led to the growth of the deficit and the issuing of treasury bills to finance the deficits. It is therefore no surprise that the domestic debt has grown to 4.0 billion dalasis as of December 2004 warranty as an interest cost of D588 million dalasis annually.

Needless to say, it is such mismanagement of the Central Bank which compelled the IMF and World Bank to condition the government to have external auditing of the accounts of the bank. It is no surprise that you came up with operation no compromise after this pressure which would have certainly revealed the cases that amounted to 400 million dalasis.

It goes without saying that your government is also mismanaging the public enterprises. Just look at Social Security and Housing Finance corporation. You decided to utilise the funds of this corporation to purchase Mariatou Beach for 45 million and spend over 300 million to refurbish it. How long will it take you to recover the money of the working people. To add insult to injury the Nation was informed that a new company GAMCO will be able to purchase all the groundnuts produced in 2004/2005 season. To everybody’s surprise, social security had to contribute over 50 million in cash and also provides guarantees in support of GAMCO to enable it to receive 120 million dalasi from Trust Bank and Guaranty Trust. It goes without saying that while public money was being utilised to purchase the groundnut crop not much was done to enhance farmers’ income compared to the rising cost of living. In short, while the world market price for groundnuts was put at between D29,000 to D31,000 dalasis,
 the local price was put at D8,100 per ton.

Mr. President the proper way to manage an economy of a developing country is clear to anyone with an understanding of how to run an economy.

A budget of 3.2 billion dalasis is being collected from the people this year.

Over 2.5 billion comes from our taxes. Over the years you have spent the money in such a way that you will have surplus to finance development projects or repay loans without encroaching on the monies designed to put drugs in our hospitals or learning materials in our schools. Instead of managing the economy properly you have driven it to a perpetual state of budget deficits. Consequently all the development projects in the country depend entirely on loans.

People have recently heard that the Soma Mandina Ba Road is to be built by a loan of over 1 billion dalasi. The TV is from a Libyan loan. A 30 million dalasi Libyan loan built the Bwiam Hospital. Badea and Kuwaiti fund amounting to D112 million built the Kombo Coastal Road. A Taiwanese loan built the Kerewan road and bridge. I can go on and on. There is nothing wrong in receiving loans if there is further investment in the productive base of the economy to ensure a larger revenue base to repay loans. The fact of the matter is that the revenue base of the economy is not expanding in a proportional manner to the rise in debts. Consequently, while company taxes increased from 248 million to 399 million between 2003 and 2005.

Interest rate for burrowing is now 23%. Companies are therefore overtaxed and excessively indebted. In the same vein customs and excise has risen from 750 million to 1500 million between 2003 and 2005. Thus increasing the cost of living while income remains stagnant.

Mr. President, both job creation and income have literally been stagnant. The public service and private sector employs less than 50,000 people while over 200,000 children will be out of school system in the next 10 years. This is why many Gambians are leaving for greener pastures abroad. They work 16 hours daily in the US and UK to make ends meet and send some money home. Contrary to your comment that NADD sought to incite Gambians abroad against their dependents at home, the Gambians in the diaspora are concerned with the fact that the monies sent home is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of their relatives due to the high cost of living. This is why they vowed to vote with their mouths if they cannot vote with their hands, by convincing their people to vote for NADD.

Mr. President, the true state of the economy is manifested by a debt of 22,000 million dalasis. This year also we are to pay 1,400 million from a budget of 3200 million. This is why hospitals built will lack the necessary drugs to cure and so on.

In my view, all the schemes you have launched such as the youth development enterprise, the millennium airlines, etc have only served to enrich a few people whom you have now sacrificed in the name of an anticorruption campaign. Public enterprises contribute funds to APRC activities as if the state is a party property.

The first submitted Statements of Accounts of government to be presented by the Auditor General to the National Assembly was done only in June this year and it covers only 1992 – 1999. The anomalies are unimaginable. The same lack of transparency shrouds your salary and allowances. Section 68 (1) states that “The President shall receive such salary and allowances as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly, and such salary and allowances shall not be altered to his or her disadvantage during his or her tenure of office.” However, the Secretary of state for Finance would not reveal your salary and allowances to the National Assembly. This is why you want a National Assembly that is under your control.

So take leave of this subject. Mr. President let me emphasise that the Gambia is very rich but your method of governance has made it impossible for prosperity to reach the common people.

For example, in 2003 145 million was invested in agriculture from the recurrent and development budget. This increased to 172 million in 2004. In fisheries and environment 201 million was invested in 2004. Where is the development? The volume of transactions in the purchase and sale of foreign currency rose from D700 million in 2003 to 13,600 million in 2004.These large sums did not go into the productive base even though the money is available in the Gambia.

This is why in 2002 we sold 417 million worth of goods and imported 2.9 billion leaving us with a deficit of 2.5 billion. This deficit increased to 3.9 billion in 2003. It should therefore be clear that you have not come up with any economic blue print to make the Gambia prosperous. This is why 69% of the people are living in abject poverty.

Mr. President you promised to meet violence with violence

SEE NEXT ISSUE FOR PART 4



JULY 22 IS NOT WORTH CELEBRATING

Exactly eleven years ago, a group of five junior soldiers overlooked and bypassed our democratic process with contempt and staged a coup d’etat against a legally elected government, thereby abrogating the then constitution, robbed citizens of their right of speech and assembly and established decrees as the basis of their rule. Among the many reasons given by the military junta for their intervention were: to get rid of corruption, mismanagement and embezzlement (which in their own words were rampant in the former regime) and to restore sanity in the governance system of the country. After setting up a two-year transition period, they promised to return to barracks ands use the slogan “Transparency and Accountability after that back to barracks.” But it did not take long for the Gambian people to realise that their slogan was just a mere pronouncement with absolutely no commitment as their underground mobilisation and manipulation of opinion leaders, elders, etc revealed their hidden
 agenda.

Undoubtedly, over the last eleven years, Gambia faced many trials and tribulations, all due to direct or indirect consequences of AFPRC/APRC rules. Our economy has become fragile like never before; our currency has depreciated and prices of basic commodities skyrocketed to an unprecedented level, thereby creating an economic nightmare for the average Gambian. The economic situation over the last eleven years has become so desperate that thousands of dejected youths have resorted to taking dangerous and risky journeys across the high seas, in order to alleviate the untold suffering of their families. Eleven years of Jammeh’s rule has clearly plunged our economy in turmoil with our trade deficit likely rising to an all time high. Above all, who would ever forget events of April 10th and 11th, when our own security forces caused carnage by turning their guns against the very people they were supposed to protect? On that particular day, innocent students were mercilessly massacred and
 still nobody has been brought to justice for those unspeakable criminal acts. Apparently atrocities committed on this fateful day have been swept under the carpet, but the fact of the matter is that sooner or later they shall be unravelled and the perpetrators will pay the price of their evil acts. How can you talk about reconciliation when there is no justice?

Unfortunately, we have seen the enactment of the two most retrogressive laws in the history of this country in the last eleven years, namely:  the Indemnity Act and the Media Commission Bill. Isn’t it amazing to note that, in this 21st century when accountability and transparency are the standards globally, our government was pioneering such simple unprogressive laws while the media commission bill  is aimed at stifling press freedom in this country, which could have a very devastating impact on the country.

Nevertheless, if corruption, mismanagement and embezzlement were rampant in the former regime, they have now become normal ways of life under the current regime. Despite the economic hardship of the masses, we have seen state resources being extravagantly used for meaningless and futile celebrations.  By virtue of the above mentioned facts, July 22nd should be seen as a day when the barrel of the gun prevailed over the ballot box, the day when our constitution was brought on its knees and darkness started spreading; our democracy was hijacked by unscrupulous elements. 22 July deserves to be mourned and not celebrating.

By Musa Barrow



Re: X-RAY SHORTAGE AT RVTH

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICERS SHOULD SPEAK THE TRUTH

I was totally amused to read in the FOROYAA Newspaper Issue No: 59/2005, that the Communications Officer at RVTH has categorically denied that there was shortage of X-ray Films in the RVTH, when it is common knowledge that this is the case.  According to the report, the Communications Officer even went to further to say that those days are over when RVTH runs out of films and drugs.

I wonder what the intention of the Communications Officer was when he was making that statement or whether he actually understands what it is means to be a Communications Officer of a public institution in the first place.  Did he think that to be skillful in cosmeticizing falsehood is what it is about being a communications officer?  In my view, holders of such positions are duty bound to present the realities of the situation so that together, solutions can be found or people can be assisted to find easy ways out of the problems they encounter in relation to those public institutions and to harmonise the relation between the two.

Instead of dong that, this man seems to implicate the staff of the hospital, specifically the x-ray technicians.  His denial of the shortages of x-ray films and his failure to indicate that they do not have enough films in stock and are giving out what they have in rations, implies that it was the x-ray technicians who are making the people suffer by telling them that there are no films and asking them to go to the private clinics to pay large sums of money, which most of them cannot even afford.  It also means that the x-ray technicians are using the films for other purposes which they are not intended for.  Otherwise, why are they telling the people that there are no films when they are available?  If that is not what he implies, then he is undoubtedly guilty of putting the public against the X-ray Department staff by tarnishing their images.

The Communications Officer knows quiet well that his claim that the shortages of drugs in RVTH as a thing of the past is false; completely false!  Even at this very moment that you are reading this article, there are people going to the private pharmacies with prescriptions from RVTH to buy simple drugs such as Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Analgesics such as Brufen and Antibiotics such as Septrin and other drugs.  I remember a similar comment was made by the Public Relations Officer of the hospital sometime ago when there was an acute shortage of Atropine which led to the cancellation of many operation cases.  He denied that there was any such problem being experienced at the hospital when he himself knew that that was what was happening at the time.  Such authorities fail to understand that they are killing their staff and the patients psychologically when they make such untruthful comments which are not in line with the realities on the ground. Did they ever sit and think that
 this could be one of the reasons why many of their staff are leaving?  The staff are working under very unfavourable conditions with very little encouragement and hope.  There is a shortage of almost everything that is essential for effective service delivery, yet the authorities are not prepared to admit that publicly for reasons best known to them.  The people can only guess their motives for doing so.  There is the opinion that these people fear to tell the public the realities in their institutions because the regime will see that as an attempt to expose their failure, there by leading to their dismissal from their jobs.  But what they fail to understand is that if they fail to say the truth to show out the problems so that solutions can be found, the problems will escalate and people will continue to suffer and become more and more dissatisfied and as a result diminish their support for the regime.  Any time the regime realises that it is their action or inaction that is
 responsible for the dwindling their support, then they will find solution for the problem and try to avoid them by saying the truth.  They will be kicked out of their jobs and the public will be told that they are inefficient that is why they are dismissed.

Before you allow yourselves to be trapped in such a situation, why can’t you do what is expected of you; that is to speak the truth and state things as they are?  They should know that there is no regret in speaking the truth and standing by it.  What is always regrettable is to make the devil your companion.  That is to fail to say the truth and stand by it, because of the fear that one will find oneself in trouble if one does so that will never make you the least secure but if you are truthful and stand by the truth, even if you are victimised by the proponents of evil and falsehood you will be regarded in high esteem by people of conscience.

Lastly, they must realise that it is sinful, immoral and indecent to tell lies.  Lies never take any society forward.

A concerned Health Worker.



At the National Assembly

NAMS QUIZED SOS JATTA

The former member of parliament for Jarra West, Hon. Kemeseng Jammeh, raised the following question at the National Assembly prior to the Supreme Court decision which led them to vacate their seats:- “Mr. Speaker, with the acquisition by government of two new multipurpose aeroplanes that could be utilized for aerial spraying of chemicals against locusts and mosquitoes, could the Secretary of State for Health give an indication as to when his Department would consider using this facility in our fight against malaria which is the number one killer disease in the country?” in response, SoS Babucarr Jatta, who deputised for the SoS for Health, Tamsir Mbowe, pointed out that the vector control unit of the Department of State for Health has been relentless in its fight against vectors. He indicated that “a variety of vector control measures are being implemented. He said that larviciding and fogging are two such key inventions. SoS Jatta noted that according to plans, aerial spraying will
 take effect when the vector population has reached considerable proportions and when all logistical requirements are in place.

On his part, the member for Janjangbureh, Hon. Musa AK Sillah, raised the following question:- “Mr. Speaker, Bansang Hospital is a major referral hospital in the provinces, could the Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare tell this Assembly the number of doctors and nurses in this hospital?” In response, SoS Jatta said Bansang Hospital has10 medical doctors and 26 nurses.

On his part, the Member for Banjul Central, Hon. Kofi Green Harris raised the following question:- “Mr. Speaker, is the Secretary of State for Health aware of the current burning of the groundnut dust at Denton Bridge? (b) What effect does this have on the health of the public particularly those that are asthmatic?” In response, SoS Jatta indicated that the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare is aware of the burning of peanut shells at Denton Bridge. This, SoS Jatta said, results to the emission of considerable doses of carbon-dioxide, which is hazardous to health especially if the exposure is prolonged. Hon. Kofi Green Harris also raised the following question regarding the importation of chickens and chicken legs. “Mr. Speaker, is the Secretary of State aware of the way and manner imported chickens and chicken legs are transported from the port to importers’ stores? (b) Is the Secretary of State satisfied with the transportation and storage of these poultry products
 as required by our public health rules? (c) How often does the Department’s inspectors these storage facilities?” In response SoS Jatta said that he is fully aware of the way and manner, imported chickens and chicken legs are transported from the port to the importers’ stores; that most of these products are transported in freezer containers. “However,” he said, “there are instances when the products are handled away in open trucks, but the products are frozen and safe by the time (30 minutes) they reach the imports’ stores.” SoS Jatta pointed out that the latter form of transportation is being discouraged and the attention of such suppliers has been already drawn to this. With regard to the last question, Mr. Jatta that the food hygiene inspectors visit storage facilities fortnightly. “However,” he said, “there are instances when resource constraints inhibit this frequency of visits.”

For his part, the Member for Niamina West, Hon. Amad Samba Sallah, raised the following questions:- “Mr Speaker, could the Secretary of State for Health explain to this August Assembly what is holding the deployment of medical personnel to Nana Village as structures have been established there more than five years ago?” In response, SoS Jatta indicated that two sets of nurses have just completed training and a nurse will be posted to Nana Health Facility as a matter of urgency.



COURTS COMMENCE VACATION

The country’s superior courts, namely the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, will commence vacation today. The new legal term will commence on the 13th day of October 2005.

The vacation judges are the Master of the High Court, BY Camara and Justice Yamoa. B.Y Camara will sit from the 1st to 31st of August, whilst Justice Yamoa will sit from the 1st of September to the 30th of September 2005.

Presently, Justice Gibou Janneh is serving as the acting Chief Justice. Justice Brobbey is out of the jurisdiction.

The latest development means that the following cases at the High Court and the Appeal Court, namely, Musa Suso’s Appeal, Baba Jobe’s Appeal, Batch Faye’s Appeal, BB Darboe versus the state and the sixty five million criminal case involving Winston Able Thomas and the State, will not be heard this term.



ALLEGED THEFT AT THE AIRPORT



By Abdoulie G. Dibba

Information reaching Foroyaa indicated that three airport security personnel were on Friday, 15th July 2005 accused of stealing 2,000 pounds from a bag belonging to a tourist who was returning home. According to our sources, the visitor arrived at his destination and realised that the said amount of money was missing in his bag, and decided to return to the airport immediately. Our sources went further to explain that when the tourist arrived, he reported the matter and the suspects were arrested and taken to Yundum Police Station. This reporter saw the three suspects at Yundum Police Station and decided to contact the Police PRO for comments. The Police PRO confirmed the story, but declined to comment on the matter, saying that the personnel involved are not police officers but rather agents of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority and therefore directed this reporter to the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority. Attempts to reach the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority for comments proved
 futile by the time of going to press. Foroyaa will get in touch with the authorities and inform the public accordingly.





---------------------------------
How much free photo storage do you get? Store your holiday snaps for FREE with Yahoo! Photos. Get Yahoo! Photos

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html

To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/CGI/wa.exe?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤