Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 150/2007, 27 December, 2007
Editorial
THE 2007 BUDGET SPEECH
35 MILLION DOLLARS SALE FOR 50 PER CENT OF GAMTEL/ GAMCEL
The Nation Needs Further Explanation
The Secretary of Finance and Economic Affairs delivered his budget Speech on
14 December 2007. A comprehensive analysis of the speech will be made in the
New Year. What is important now is to concentrate on the burning issues.
On the Dalasi
First and foremost, Gambians expected the Secretary of State to give clear
information regarding the uncertainty which surrounds the appreciation of the
dalasi and the prices of commodities. Other than his position that the
appreciation of the dalasi is due to Macro Economic stability, the Secretary of
State indicated that
“During the recent months of the dalasi appreciation, our commercial banks
displayed inconceivable and unimaginable Greed, and conducted foreign currency
transactions in a manner that is unprofessional, unethical, and unwarranted.
The banks have behaved inappropriately, and the inappropriate and
unacceptable practices must cease, and must never be repeated again.”
Foroyaa will conduct interviews to find out what the concrete allegations
are and further document the reactions of the banks in order for the people to
know exactly what happened.
Auditing of government accounts
The second controversial issue is the auditing of Government accounts. It is
incontrovertible that without audited accounts, no body can actually
indicate the true state of government finances. Section 160 subsection 1(d) of the
Constitution of the Gambia states that “The Auditor General shall within six
months of the end of the immediately preceding financial year to which each of
the accounts referred to in paragraph (c) relates , report to the National
Assembly on the accounts and draw attention to any irregularities in the
accounts audited and to any other matter which, in his or her opinion, ought to
be brought to the notice of the National Assembly.”
The accounts referred to are the accounts of The Gambia, the accounts of all
offices and authorities of the Government of The Gambia, the accounts of the
courts, the accounts of the National Assembly and the accounts of all
enterprises. The Government has been in arrears for 6 years in the submission of
its accounts for auditing. In fact the previous audited accounts revealed gross
anomalies, which led to recommendation by the National Assembly for the
enactment of supplementary legislation to write off the gross anomalies before
the accounts can have a legitimate opening balance in the next following year
after the mess is cleared up. The Secretary of State mentioned the efforts
made to deal with the arrears in the auditing of Government accounts as follows:
. “One issue which has featured prominently in previous Budget Speeches has
been the status of the Government Accounts. I wish to report to the National
Assembly that the 2000-2006 Government Accounts have now been prepared, and
have been submitted to the Auditor General for auditing. We look forward to
the Public Accounts Committee deliberations on the audited accounts in the near
future.” A government which has not been able to submit its accounts for 7
years cannot be said to be transparent and accountable by any standard.
On Debt Relief
The Secretary of state promised that “In few days time, precisely on the
18th and 19th December, 2007, the Boards of Executive Directors of the World
Bank and the International Monetary Fund will determine whether The Gambia has
reached HIPC Completion Point. This country has already traveled a long,
difficult and tiresome journey of far- reaching reforms.”
The World Bank and the IMF have indeed met and according to press release
No.07/302, issued on 20 December 2007, by the external relation Department of
the IMF, the two institutions, i.e, the World Bank and the International
Monetary Fund Support The Gambia’s Completion Point Under the Enhanced HIPC
Initiative and Approve Debt Relief under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative.
The press release stated among other things that
“Debt relief to The Gambia under the Enhanced HIPC Initiative amounts to
US$66.6 million in net present value (NPV) terms 1, equivalent to a 27.2 percent
NPV reduction of The Gambia’s debt after traditional debt relief. The
US$66.6 million in reduced debt is attributable to all creditors. Total assistance
under the Enhanced HIPC Initiative is estimated to correspond to
approximately US$140 million in nominal terms.2
“In reaching the HIPC completion point, The Gambia also becomes eligible for
further debt relief from the IMF, IDA, and the African Development Fund
(AfDF) under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). Total debt service
savings under the MDRI will amount to approximately US$373.5 million in
nominal terms over the next 43 years.
“As a result of reaching HIPC completion point, The Gambia is expected to
receive in total the equivalent of US$514 million in nominal debt relief under
both the Enhanced HIPC Initiative and the MDRI, on principal as well as
interest payments.
“The World Bank’s IDA committed itself to provide assistance of US$35.9
million in nominal terms, of which US$9.1 million has already been delivered.
Under the MDRI, the World Bank’s IDA will cancel a debt stock of approximately
US$183 million of debt disbursed before end-2003 and still outstanding on
December 31, 2007, corresponding to a total of approximately US$202 million in
debt service savings.
“The IMF committed itself to provide MDRI/HIPC debt relief totaling SDR 9.4
million (US$14.2 million). Under the MDRI, the IMF will provide 100 percent
debt relief on obligations incurred before end-2004 and still outstanding at
the completion point.”
Those who have little understanding of the international and national credit
market and the unique roles of the World Bank and the IMF tend to believe
that The Gambia is being rewarded by the two institutions. A patient is a
patient regardless of whether it is in an emergency ward or a normal ward. In
order to deal with the emergence of highly indebted poor countries which would be
strangulated by debt if there is no relief, the World Bank came up with the
heavily indebted poor countries initiative to encourage creditors to provide
debt relief to reduce their debt service burden. The debate among development
oriented thinkers is whether such initiatives are actually designed to
eliminate constraints in economic growth and the fight against poverty or a
mechanism for loosening the debt noose so that the country will continue to pay at
its pace until the noose tightens again.
In our view, the Gambia had to engage in a lot of domestic borrowing to meet
its budget deficits. If the relief it receives merely enables it to lower
its domestic borrowing, the country will still be in a terrible state if the
productive base is not built to ensure the availability of more revenue to deal
with poverty. Why would that be so? The answer is simple. The two
institutions are not giving debt relief without conditionality. In fact, the World
Bank and IMF did not hide this in the Press Release which we will publish in
full.
According to the World Bank representative the Gambian authorities “must
take this opportunity to ensure that future borrowing is prudently managed in
order to prevent a reoccurrence of debt distress, and to continue implementing
reforms outlined.” The IMF representative added that “Looking forward, a key
challenge is to maintain a sustainable external and domestic debt position
through careful borrowing and prudent fiscal policy’’
In short if the budget deficits are not controlled and the loans reduced on
an annual basis, the debt relief shall be meaningless. Debt relief can lead
to lower interest rates and more savings for the national budget. For example,
by the end of 2007 the interest payments are 15 percent lower than
anticipated. It is estimated that this expenditure component reduced from D846 million
to D782 million, due mainly to lower interest rates.
However, without reduction of loans and control of expenditure, the
situation will remain the same. For example, the Secretary of State indicated that
Domestic credit grew moderately to D4.4 billion, or 0.9 percent, of which
credit to Government and public entities increased by 0.1 percent, and 9.2
percent to D1.6 billion and D295.3 million, respectively. Such domestic debts are
the scourge to any gains from debt relief from the World Bank or the IMF. In
fact, the Secretary of State has exposed the conditionality imposed by the
World Bank in his speech as follows:
“Recently, the World Bank and the IMF conducted a Debt Sustainability
Analysis (DSA) on The Gambia’s external debt, and this has indicated that while
debt relief should move The Gambia to a sustainable debt path, Government should
promote a strategy of careful management of the country’s external debt to
finance PRSP II priorities, without compromising debt sustainability. But, let
me state categorically that The Gambia has no external payment arrears
problem, and Government has always been meeting its external debt obligations
regularly, and on time, and has the capacity to continue to do so. Government
has, therefore, decided to increase the grant element in new external borrowings
from 35 to 45 per cent, and limit new borrowing in 2008 to US$50 million.
However, Government will undertake its own independent Debt Sustainability
Analysis by end-July, 2008, and the results of that analysis will inform further
Government policies on new borrowings. What is now evident is that The Gambia
needs massive injection of grant funds by the Donor Community to finance the
projects and programs in PRSP 11, and this is the message that Government
will take to the Donors Roundtable Conference on The Gambia’’
Will debt relief impact on Poverty if there is no meaningful development of
the productive base of the economy? Our answer is in the negative.
On the Groundnut Trade
Finally the groundnut trade is in shambles. However, the Secretary of State
did not state how this major problem is to be addressed. He mentioned that “
The objectives of establishing the Assets Management & Recovery Corporation
(AMRC) are to recover and manage the non-performing assets of the defunct
Gambia Commercial & Development Bank, and the Managed Fund of Gambia Government,
and the forfeited properties/assets from the various Commissions of Inquiry
set up after 1994.”
He did not indicate how much has been collected by this institution and to
what use the money has been put. We have always maintained that the funds
should have been utilised to provide resources for the purchase of groundnuts. If
the groundnuts of the farmers are not bought, they should ask the government
where the funds of the Company are going.
It goes without saying that the funds from the sale of Gamtel/Gamcel could
have helped to cushion the groundnut industry. If the groundnuts of the
farmers are not bought they should ask why the funds for the sale of shares from
Gamtel/Gamcel have not been used for their very survival
The Government sold 50 percent shares in Gamtel/Gamcel to Spectrum
Investment Holding for an amount of US $35 million. Government has started to utilise
some of the funds paid in the 2007 Budget. An amount of D390 million has been
incorporated in the 2008 Budget, and the remainder of the funds will be
utilised in 2009. The proceeds from the privatisation sale are being used to fund
non-debt creating expenditures and assets in the social sectors, and in the
security area, which Government will not have been able to fund ordinarily
from revenue resources.
“The government has started to utilise the funds in the 2007 budget,” said
the SoS. We would like to know how much had been utilised and how it was
incorporated
390 million dalasi will be incorporated in the 2008 budget. In which areas
will this amount be incorporated ?
The remainder will be spent in 2009. Where is the remainder kept? How much?
Is it kept in an interest bearing account? Why spend the money in the security
area and not on agriculture to purchase groundnuts? We will continue our
inquiry
300 Hotel Strikers Strike A Deal
By: Fabakary B.Ceesay and Bubacarr K. Sowe
At least, three hundred members of staff of the Senegambia Beach Hotel who
went on a sit down strike on Monday, December 24, have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the management of the hotel. The employees went on strike
when management failed to meet their demands of 50 percent salary increment
and secure working conditions.
The memorandum indicates that a committee comprising the GTA, the
management, the staff association and the security agents will be convened to look at
the situation and make recommendations.
Meanwhile, a 5 percent salary increment will be implemented until a review
is made based on the audited account of the company. It was also agreed for
the hotel to give a two years contract to 100 junior employees.
Several workers, who were on strike, told FOROYAA that the hotel usually
employs people on a six month contract basis, which could be renewed or
terminated at the end of the period. Some members of the staff said that despite the
fact that some people have been working for the hotel for over ten years,
their employment is still contractual, and they have not got any other benefits.
They lamented the fact that some employees receive only D750 dalasi as salary
and whose contracts are terminated without justification.
The strikers, who were assembled in the hotel hall, were chanting slogans
and displaying placards with phrases such as; “No more slavery”, “No free
labour”, “We need job security, salary increment and we are fighting for our
rights”.
Most tourists and guests at the hotel could be seen serving themselves
breakfast. Some tourists expressed surprise and said they only learnt that some
thing wrong was taking place when their breakfast was delayed.
Most of the section managers in the hotel, and some share holders, were also
seen cooking and doing other activities as the management, security agents,
the strike leaders and the Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA), were engaged in
negotiations. However, a compromise was reached at the end of the negotiation.
GGC To Disburse Over D40 Million for Groundnut Buying
By Bubacarr Sowe and Fabakary Ceesay
The Gambia Groundnut Corporation (GGC) has started disbursing over 40
million dalasi to its agents, the General Manager told Foroyaa, upon enquiry, on
Monday 24 December, 2007. Mr. Colley further said that they have asked their
agents to secure insurance bonds .According to him, the D40 million dalasi will
be made available for disbursement among those who have met a set of
criteria.
He indicated that it would be premature at this stage to state the total
amount of cash needed to purchase nuts throughout the season but, as at now, the
D40 million is for immediate disbursement. According to him, they have
secured a loan at the Trust Bank by mortgaging the GGC assets, estimated to be
between 100 million and 200 million dalasi, to serve as a guarantee.
On December 17, 2007, the GGC issued a press release announcing that this
year’s depot price is pegged at D7950 per tonne. This followed an earlier
release by the Agribusiness Service Plan Association (ASPA) announcing the
producer/‘secco’ price of D7200 per tonne.
Meanwhile, the GGC has promised to announce, in the next few days, the total
amount required to purchase this year’s groundnut crop.
We will monitor developments at the depots and publish reports on them.
Vincent Jatta Passes Away
The former Armed Forces Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Colonel Vincent Jatta
(retired) has passed away, family sources revealed. The ex-chief of the armed
forces who grew up in Darsilami was admitted at the RVTH were he died this
week. Burial will take place today.
Following the failed coup of March 2006, Lt. Col Jatta was detained without
trial for more than a year before being released.
Detention Without Trial Update
By Fabakary B. Ceesay and Modou Jonga
Barely days to the New Year, detention without trial still seems to be a
phenomenon characterizing the APRC regime. The names of people listed below are
still in detention. The state is yet to prefer charges against most of them.
The authorities are yet to advance any reasons for their arrests and
continuous detention. Chief Ebrima Manneh, a senior journalist with the Daily
Observer newspaper, was said to be arrested by security officers on 7 July, 2006,
at his office in Bakau Since then, his whereabouts has been unknown. A suit
was filed at the Community Court of Justice of West Africa against The Gambia
Government for the release of Chief Ebrima Manneh. The judgment of the
Community Court is expected at the end of January 2008.
Momodou Lamin Nyassi, a former chief of Foni Kansala, Buba Sanyang and
Ndongo Mboob, all APRC bigwigs and residents of Bwiam, were arrested by plain
clothes officers at Bwiam in the month of April 2006. Family sources lamented the
vain efforts they had made to locate the whereabouts of the trio since they
were arrested.
Haruna Jammeh, Macie Jammeh, all residents of Kanilai and Jisaja Kujabie, a
stalwart of the APRC in Foni and a resident of Dobong village, were all
arrested in 2005, noted family sources. Family sources, however, called on the
relevant authorities to release them.
Yahya Bajinka, an NIA operative, was also said to be arrested in Brikama in
April 2006 by his NIA colleagues. He is reported to be incarcerated at the
Maximum Security Wing of the State Central (Mile II) Prisons for more than
seven months without his family having access to him. He was said to be spotted
at RVTH on 22 November, but the authorities denied having him in their
custody.
Alfusainey Jammeh, a prison warden and native of Kanilai, was also said to
be arrested in October 2004. Since his arrest he has been detained at the
State Central Prison. Family sources urged the authorities to release him or take
him to court.
Mr. Abdoulie Njie, a civilian arrested shortly after the March 21abortive
coup plot, is still in detention. Family sources lamented the failure of the
authorities to arraign him before a court of law. Mr. Njie is said to be
detained at the state central prison at mile two.
Abdoulie Kujabie, a former Director General of the National Intelligence
Agency, and Phoday Barry, a former senior personnel of the Agency, are also
reported to be detained at the Maximum Security Wing of the State Central Prison
(Mile II).
Kanyiba Kanyi, a staff member of the Christian Children Fund (CCF), was
arrested at his home village of Bonto by plain clothes officers since 18
September 2006. His exact location is still not known to his family. His lawyer filed
a suit at the High Court for his release which was granted by the court but
is yet to be honored by the state.
Sergeant Sam Kambai, of the Gambia National Army, is said to be detained at
the State Central Prisons since 2006. He was recently spotted along side a
group of alleged MFDC insurgents at the Kanifing and Banjul Magistrates Courts.
Though, he was later charged with supplying military equipment to the
insurgents, he has not been appearing in court since then.
Alieu Lowe, a resident of Faji Kunda, was also said to be arrested in
connection to the 21 March 2006 failed coup. He is said to be detained at the State
Central Prison.
Corporal Ebrima Joof, of the Gambia National Army, was in detention since
2006. The motive behind his arrest and detention is yet to be established.
Kebba Saidy, a National Intelligence Agency agent (NIA), is also said to be
detained at the State Central Prison since early 2007.
Alexandra Gibba, a leading member and spokesperson of a faction of the MFDC,
who was recently spotted at the Kanifing and Banjul Magistrates Courts with
a group of alleged MFDC members, is said to have been detained without charge
since 2006.
PEACE ENVOY SHOT DEAD IN CASSAMANCE
By Modou Jonga
Reliable reports reaching FOROYAA have it that Sheriff Samsudeen Hydara,
commonly known as ‘Dino’, was on Friday 21 December, 2007 shot dead by gunmen
suspected to be rebels, at his residence in Manudaa, in the Senegalese region
of Cassamance.
According to reports, before his death, the late Samsudeen was appointed as
peace envoy by the Senegalese Government.
Speaking to this reporter, a brother to the late Samsudeen Hydara, who
preferred anonymity, said the body of the Late Dino Hydara was taken to the
Mortuary in Ziquinchor. He said that the late Hydara died instantly after being
shot and that they do not know which faction of the MFDC shot him. He noted
that the body of his late brother was handed over to them by the authorities
and was on Saturday 22nd December, 2007 buried at Darsilami Sheriff Kunda, in
Cassamance.
While expressing grief and shock over the tragic end of the late Samsudeen
Hydara, family members said they do not know the true identity of the said
rebels who shot their loved one and the reason for his assassination.
The late sheriff Samsudeen Hydara is said to be survived by many wives and
Children.
Gambia College To Launch Three Customized Courses
By Modou Jonga
The principal of the Gambia College, Dr. Alieu Badara Senghore, has recently
disclosed that his college has identified three customized courses for
Development and that two have been completed. Dr. Senghore noted that a
curriculum for a short course on Poultry Production is at an advanced stage and that a
curriculum for a short course on Ram Fattening and Cashew Production has
been developed.
The principal noted that such courses are vital to enhancing the revenue
generation capacity of the college. Dr. Senghore underscored the importance of
livestock production in the economy of this country.
He said that the development of these courses and programmers came in the
wake of a task given to the College by the Gambia College Council towards
developing, designing and implementing relevant training programmes in order to
transform the college into a training centre of excellence.
SIX MEN SENTENCED FOR 4 MILLION DALASI THEFT AT TREASURY
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Six men working at different Government departments and security agencies
were recently sentenced to various jail terms ranging between one and a half
years to thirteen years nine months.
All the six men pleaded guilty to the one hundred and forty-five criminal
charges of conspiracy, stealing, forgery and fraud related offences, involving
over four million dalasi at the Treasury Department.
Babucarr Baldeh, a personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces, was given a
cumulative sentence of twelve years without the option of a fine, while the second
accused Marcel Jammeh of the Gambia Prisons Department got thirteen years and
nine months, also without the option of a fine.
Alieu Jallow and Sarjo Bah also bagged three and a half years and one and a
half years, respectively, without any option of a fine.
Edrisa Colley and Sulayman Bojang were each given one year eight months,
also carrying no option of a fine.
Magistrate Kayode Henry Olajubutu of the Banjul Magistrates court said the
conduct of the young men was carefully planned and they deserved to be
punished. He said the offences are serious and have been set against what he
described as the heartbeat of the country- The Treasury.
The convicts made their first appearance in court on the day before their
sentencing with some of them pleading not guilty. But on the following day,
Friday, they admitted doing the acts.
Meanwhile, the third accused person, Henry Davies, is reported ill and that
his trial was separated from his co-accused persons.
MURDER SUSPECT APPEARS IN COURT
By Saikou Ceesay
Kalilu Conteh, who is alleged to have murdered a pregnant woman and who has
been detained for over three years without charge, has now been brought
before magistrate Kumba Sillah Camara at the Bundung Magistrates Court.
The alleged murderer, a native of Baddibou Conteh kunda, was brought to
court on Monday 24th December. He was said to have used a pestle to hit the
victim on the head which resulted in her death.
The incident is said to have taken place at Sukuta in the Western Region.
The said offence is contrary to section 187 of the laws of the Gambia.
The case was called but the accused was asked to step down in order for him
to be provided with a defense counsel as the case is a serious offence.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
With Amie Sillah
Victim Of Circumstances ‘AiGaaf’
Part 7
Suspecting Disaster
EB suspected doom. “Why are they murmuring and looking at me with pitiful
eyes? I perceive doom.” He shouted for Fatima to come.
Explains To Fatima
EB explained to his wife about his feelings. “My body is strange and funny.
My limbs are lifeless. What is happening to me?” Fatima avoided EB eyes and
lied to him. He scolded her. “Don’t lie to me! Tell me what is happening. I
am not normal. If you love me as you always claim, tell me the truth.” Fatima
sobbed and told him what the doctor said. He cried like a baby. “I knew it.
My body is abnormal. Mom and Hojah have done their worst. Now am grounded in
bed forever they will be happy.” Fatima consoled and counseled him. “Don’t
lose hope. It is not final. The specialist is coming next week. She will
examine you again. The family has the resources. If need be you will be flown
overseas.” Fatima hid her emotions.
Mom Enters
Mom entered and started consoling EB. He became excited and wild. “You’ve
got your worst! You have finally grounded me down. Do as you wish. You can now
kill my wife and child. What can I do now? All my four limbs dead! I want to
die. What is the use of living? I hate you mom! I really do!” EB turned his
face away.
Mom Springs At Fatima
She fought Fatima and scratched her body all over. “You’ve got what you
want now. You made him hate me, his mother. Get out of here before I kill you
with my bare hands.”
The Nurse Comes In
The nurse came in time to rescue Fatima. She accused mom for the commotion. “
Please women! Get out before I call security! You are disturbing our
patients especially your son who need all the tranquility of the word. He is in deep
pain physically and emotionally. Please leave us.” Mom protested. “But don’
t leave Fatima there and ask me out. If I should go she too has to go.” She
insisted the nurse became wild. “Are you ordering me? Am I your maid? Get out
before I get violent.” She pushed her out of the ward. Fatima cried for EB
and for herself and Baby Mariam. “This woman hates me with a passion. She can
never like me. But I’ll still bear. My love for my husband is my strength.”
She quietly sobbed at EB’s bedside.
EB Asks To Be Left Alone
EB woke up staring at the ceiling. Fatima asked him his needs. “Can I serve
you food? I’ve cooked your favourite.” She tried to console him. EB was in
a bad mood. “Leave me alone! I need nothing! I want to die! I am tired of
this world!” EB was in a nasty mood. He asked Fatima to leave him alone.
Doctor kept him for a fortnight then he was discharged on a wheel chair.
At Home
Fatima prepared his room to make it very comfortable to suit his physical
state. A ramp was constructed to ensure easy access to all the home facilities.
Mom And EB
Mom came to his bedroom to console him. EB became nasty. He spat at mom’s
face, insulted and cursed her. “I hate you mom1 I hate you!” Mom fought back. “
You spat at me? You are doomed forever! You’ll die at your wheel chair. I
won you not to marry the possessed women. You defied me; now look at what have
happen to you! Blame yourself and not me!” Mom left in a rage.
Talking About Suicide
“I want to take my life. I don’t want to live. My own mom and sister put me
in this state.” He lamented. Fatima counselled him. “You have to be
positive. You are negatively affecting yourself and the loving people around you.” “
Who are the loving people, those witches around me? I hate them I hate them
with a passion.” “No! Don’t! Hate is negative. It is counter productive at
your present state. See the bright side of life. I am here for you. I’ll serve
you up to death. I am pregnant. The doctor said it is a son. , A son to carry
your name. We have a beautiful daughter, Baby Mariam. We love you; nothing
changed. You are still dear to us. Live positively. Allah is with you, with us.
” Fatima counseled. She helped him bathe and gave him food.
Tells Hojah To Look After EB
Fatima went to collect Baby Mariam. She asked Hojah to take care of EB. She
ignored her. Fatima left. She gave her cupboard key to Abdou to take to her
room. He did. Fatima drove away.
Abdou Takes The Key Upstairs
EB sent Abdou to buy Sulphuric Acid for him. Abdou is ignorant and naïve. He
went to the drug store and bought the stuff.
He asked him to put the Acid on the dining table. Abdou was asked to open
the bottle and put a straw into it. EB asked Abdou to leave. As soon as Abdou
left, EB dragged his wheel chair to the dinning table and drank the acid. He
died at an instant. That was the end of this innocent victim of backwardness
and prejudice.
Art & Music
Yusupha Ngum Determined To Reach The Zenith Of Music
By Musa Barrow
Yusupha Ngum, son of a Senegambian musician, Musa Ngum, in this edition of
the Art and Music, talks about a whole range of issues. The promising Gambian
musician shares his opinion on the state of Gambian music and the way forward.
Yusupha Ngum also talks about his determination to continue the legacy of
his legendary father, whose glittering musical career continues to serve as a
source of inspiration for all aspiring musicians.
Could you give a brief description of yourself?
Well, my name is Yusupha Ngum, born in The Gambia, aged over twenty, and
known as Jollofman. Music is my profession.
What was your first musical engagement?
As most people would recall, my first engagement was with the Galaxy Crew
where we played rap music.
How was Galaxy Crew founded and who were the original members?
Yusupha: Basically, Galaxy Crew was founded by my friend, Micky Boy, and I
in 1998. The crew was formed at a time when rap music was at its very peak.
The whole idea came during a stroll on the beach when I asked my friend why we
could not form our own musical group. This idea was wholeheartedly accepted
by my friend and that was when everything kicked off.
When was the first single of Galaxy Crew released and where was it recorded?
Our first two tracks, “Neteki: and “My Lover” were released in 1998 and
1999, respectively. And these singles were recorded at the Gallant Studio,
located in Bundung.
What was Galaxy Crew’s first album, when was it released and how many tracks
did it contain?
Our first album was entitled “Bamba’ it was released in September 2000 and
it consists of seven tracks.
Where was this first album entitled “Bamba” recorded?
“Bamba” was recorded at Ndanaan B Studio, located in Serrekunda, and owned
by one Mr. Ma Ebou Secka, a producer, who really helped us as it was through
him that we realized that music is our career.
Apart from your album entitled “Bamba” did Galaxy Crew release any other
album?
Apart from “Bamba”, Galaxy Crew did release two other albums entitled “
Peace and Blessing” and “Toloff Toloff”
When did you start your solo musical career and what was the name of your
first album?
I started my first solo musical career in 2005 when I released my first
album entitled “Ndigal”, which means command. “Ndigal” was done in a “mbalax”
style and it truly brought me to prominence.
What brought about this dramatic change of style from rap to “mbalax”?
This shift from rap to “mbalax” was prompted by the fact that rap music is
now a days less popular when compared to “mbalax”. And as an upcoming
artist, one always looks for avenues that can earn him/her the much needed
popularity.
How many tracks does this “Ndigal” album contain, and where was it recorded?
“Ndigal” contains six tracks and was recorded at Yellow Gate Studio, at
Kairaba Avenue, by Elle Nacif. The sound of the album was engineered by a
renowned Senegalese sound engineer called Owe Ndoye. Mr. Ndoye is an expert in
sound engineering and had worked with many prominent Senegalese artists. I truly
appreciated Mr. Ndoye’s contribution.
What impact do you think Mr. Ndoye’s contribution has made on “Ndigal”?
Without any doubt, the contribution of Mr. Ndoye and Kebba Taylor, who
directed the album, enhanced its popularity significantly. I’m really glad to work
with such professionals, their help was tremendous.
You said you truly appreciated Mr. Ndoye’s help. Does that mean that his
services were of no cost to you?”
If you want a good service you have to give out something. Mr. Ndoye’s
services were never free. I had to give him something which was budgeted.
May I know what inspired you to become a musician?
The answer to that question is very simple. I was born to be a musician,
because my father, Musa Ngum, was a musician. Although my musical career began
in 1998, music had always been part of me, because I was brought up in a
musical environment. I really like music and I’m trying to surpass my father. By
doing so I would definitely make him proud.
How do you see the state of music in The Gambia?
The state of music in the country is not very encouraging. More support
should be given to the musicians. The artists in this country also deserve
respect. Artists from other countries are fully respected and given their rightful
place in society. This is what is needed in this country too, so that artists
in turn can be able to meaningfully contribute to the socio-economic
development of this nation. I believe one thing that I can do is to reach the peak
of music and by doing so Gambia will be prominently marketed on the global map.
From what you have said earlier, are you saying that artists in this country
are not getting the necessary assistance they deserve?
Yes, all the artists in this country are struggling due to the fledgling
state of music in this country. The type of assistance I am advocating for is
the enactment of a Copyright law, which I believe would be a significant
milestone in the history of music in this country.
By advocating for a Copyright law, are you suggesting that piracy is rampant
in this country?
Well, as far as we the upcoming artists are concerned, piracy is not an
immediate threat to us. This is because we are relatively unknown. But it is a
problem for renowned artists like my father, Musa Ngum. It is unfair for
artists to work hard to produce an album only for it to be pirated by unscrupulous
elements. Such practice is a factor that can hinder the progress of our music
industry.
Recently, I have interviewed a veteran Gambian artist who pointed out that
young Gambian artists imitate the American or Jamaican style of music. What is
your response to that criticism?
That criticism is quite right, but the absence of a music school in this
country, where one can undergo professional training is responsible for this. So
these artists, after having the desire to become musicians, are influenced
by foreign musicians. However, imitating foreign musicians is, in fact, a
starting point. When they get the necessary exposure, they will be able to sing
their own songs. I, myself, started as a rap musician, but when I realized my
potential I was able to shift to “mbalax”.
How do you see the intervention of companies in the music industry?
The intervention of companies in the music industry is a good thing, because
all that the artists in this country need is support. And it is really good
that companies in the country are investing in the music industry. May I use
this opportunity to disclose that my new album which is due to be released in
the New Year is sponsored by Gamcel.
Do you think the music of upcoming Gambian artists is frequently played on
the radio and television stations?
As far as I am concerned, my music is frequently played on the radio and
television stations. I can also testify that I have frequently seen the music of
many upcoming Gambian artists on the television. But despite that Gambian
music deserves better promotion. Another thing worth pointing out is that in
other countries, like Senegal, if one’s music is played on television he/she
gets something from that. This is because a copyright law is in place. In fact,
I am registered with a copyright body in Senegal known as BSDA. Registering
with this company means anytime my music is played on television I will get
some financial benefit. I’m calling for the same thing to be introduced in
this country.
You are one of those Gambian artists who often move from Gambia to Senegal.
Is this frequent movement linked to your artistic interest?
Yes, my frequent movements from Gambia to Senegal are very much linked to
the pursuit of my artistic interest. As an artist, one needs to conduct
research in as many countries as possible. It is also worth noting that my next
album is being produced in Senegal and it is going to feature prominent
Senegalese artists.
As an artist who knows both Gambia and Senegal, how would you compare the
state of music in these two countries?
There is a vast difference in the state of music in the two countries. The
value of art and culture is known in Senegal. For Gambian music to flourish it
must be industrialized.
How would you define the role of artists in a society?
As an artist, one is a cultural actor. Artists educate people and build and
consolidate peace. Artists can also be used as a tool to uproot and expose
all forms of menaces going on in society, such as corruption.
You have just mentioned corruption. Are you one of the artists who are ready
to be the voice of the voiceless and oppressed?
Legendary musicians like Bob Marley stood for the oppressed, the voiceless
and the common man in the street. Any one who wants to be a true musician must
follow his footsteps. Although Bob Marley did not have the best voice, he
still stood out as one of the best musicians the world has ever known. This is
due to the conscious messages he preached in his music.
Can we expect you to be radical and bold in your effort to stamp out
corruption?
One fundamental philosophy of mine is respect for all. I’m going to address
some of the menaces in the most respectful manner. However, after having said
so, no amount of intimidation, harassment or threat can prevent me from
saying what I want to express.
You have made reference to your new album earlier, what is the title of this
album, and who are those prominent Senegalese that are to be featured in
your new album?
I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag yet. I want it to be a total
surprise to the audience.
When can we expect this album to be released?
This album is expected in the New Year, precisely in the first half of the
New Year.
Let us now reflect a bit on your musical career. When did you first perform
on stage and how was it like?
My first performance on stage was in March 1999 during a show organized by
Oussou Njie Senor. That day stands out to be a red letter day for me and the
experience is simply unforgettable.
How do you see the mass migration of African youths to Europe?
It is a desperate measure to earn themselves and their families something.
African leaders must do something about it, because that was why people voted
for them. Failure to provide job opportunities for the youth is unacceptable.
To what extent did your father inspire you to play music?
The inspiration of my father was quite obvious. But I realized that music is
the best career for me. I could have chosen football as my career, because I
was good at it.
What benefits do you get from your registration with the Senegalese
Copyright body BSDA?
Apart from one’s social security benefits, one is also entitled to royalties
even seventy years after one’s death.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with our readers.
It is a great pleasure, thank you.
LRR Groundnut Farmers Complain of Poor Harvest
By Bubacarr Sowe
Farmers in the Lower River Region (LRR) who spoke to this reporter have
complained of a poor harvest of their groundnut crop.
In most villages in this region output has not exceeded a quarter of that of
a normal harvest. Groundnut is an ingredient in many people’s diet. As output
is low, many households in LRR that cultivate the groundnut crop are seen
buying groundnuts for their meals.
A farmer I spoke to, attributed the poor harvest to the late start of the
rains this year, but he was quick to say that the lack of support to farmers is
a major factor. He emphasized that most of them have only crude tools like
the back breaking hoe and having a donkey driven plough is a luxury for a lot
of farmers. The man added that the high cost of fertilizer is another
important point worth noting, since the high cost made it difficult for many
farmers to apply it during cultivation.
While groundnut sale continues at the ‘lumos’ (weekly markets), this
reporter has not noticed trading in the crop at any ‘Secco’. It appears as if
there was no announcement by the Agribusiness Service Plan Association that the
season was to commence on 10 December, 2007.
Editor: In the absence of crop production figures for the year 2007, Foroyaa
will interview farmers in other divisions to have a glimpse of the output of
the crop in the country this year.
Tobaski Ram Sellers Arrested, Released
By Emil Touray & Bakary Seedy Dampha
Aggrieved ram sellers at the Abuko livestock market on Thursday 20 December
(Tobaski day) expressed acrimony over the arrests and detention of their
colleagues and loved ones by state security agents. Giving an account of the
horrific situation, Hali Ceesay, from Mamudfana, told this paper that “President
Jammeh’s security guards” descended at the Abuko livestock market on Tuesday
afternoon and arrested people they accused of selling sheep at exorbitant
prices. He said his uncle, Omar Jeng, from Mamudfana, was arrested together
with Hali Bindi, Pateh Samba and Sarra Nyass (all from Mamudfana) . He said Ebou
Fatou Mbaye from Kerr Homar Dacko and Alagie Jong of Niamina, who is
currently residing in the Kombos, were also arrested.. Hali Ceesay said, “when they
came here, they asked my uncle the price for two rams, he told them that one
is costing D8,500 and the other D10,000. They ( State Security Agents) said
the rams are expensive and asked him to follow them”.
He continued,” we were not told that we should sell our sheep at specific
prices. Infact when a delegation of ram sellers went to their place of
detention at Yundum Police Station, the police on duty said they, were only asked to
detain them there”.
He said the horrifying situation had forced him to sell his rams at a loss.
He remarked,” I bought a sheep at a cost price of D3000 and spent D450 on
transportation, only to sell it at a loss price of D1000". He said his uncle
brought twelve sheep and he had sold all. Another ram seller, Madi Ceesay
from Mamud Fana gave a vivid picture of the incident. In his narration, Ceesay
said three plain clothes officers went to the livestock market at Abuko at
around 3pm. He said upon arrival, the men met and asked Omar Jeng the price
for his rams. Continuing his explanation, Ceesay said when Omar told them the
prices; they said the rams are expensive and that they will not allow them to
sell the rams at such prices. Going further, Ceesay said it was at that
juncture that one of the officers phoned somebody and a vehicle came to the
scene. He said one of the officers had told them that nobody should sell their
sheep at a price which is more than D5000. He said an officer at Yundum
police station had told them that the order to arrest and detain the ram sellers
is from a high authority. Justifying their prices, Ceesay said they
purchased the rams at Senegal at prices ranging from CFA 25,000, to CFA 80,000. He
said they also spent money on transportation and that is why they had to sell
the rams at these prices so that they will not incur any loss of revenue.
Madi Ceesay is of the view that the action of the state security agents
contravenes the free market policy of The Gambia.
Other ram sellers expressed consternation over the arrests and detentions of
their colleagues. Some of the ram sellers said other ram sellers at Abuko
were arrested, but they did not know their names. Some of the ram sellers
mobilized themselves on “Tobaski” day and headed for Yundum police station with
a objective to facilitate the release of their colleagues. Some of the ram
sellers were seen parking their items and preparing for their journey back
home since they were going to celebrate the Tobaski on Friday. Speaking to
this paper on Saturday evening, one of the arrestees said they were released on
bail on Friday evening. He said they were twelve in number, but one of them
escaped while they were in police custody. He further stated that they were
asked to report to the police on Monday. He told this paper that they were
arrested by state security agents after Omer Jeng told them the prices he was
selling his sheep.
This paper contacted one of the arrestees on Tuesday and he confirmed that
they have been finally released unconditionally. He said Dawda Ceesay from
Ngayen Sanjal who was arrested later was also released.
This paper contacted the police spokesperson on Saturday, but he said he was
not aware of it. When contacted on Monday, he said he was ill and not at
work but had promised to contact Yundum police station and would brief us on the
matter afterwards. The Foroyaa contacted him later and he said he did try to
contact the officers at Yundum Police Station, but his efforts did not bear
fruits.
Banjul Red Cross Hold Annual Youth Gathering
By Bakary Seedy Dampha
The Banjul Red Cross branch with a total population of over two thousand
volunteers, comprising sixteen links and one community based link on Saturday 15
December 2007, held its 9"’ annual youth gathering at Gambia Senior
Secondary School. The gathering commenced with a march past from the branch office
situated at July 22 Square to Gambia Senior Secondary School by school
children, volunteers, sister organisations, parents, partners and donor agents.
“Youth gathering” is an English word, meaning a platform that brings youths
together in an organised forum to promote the ideal principles of the
International Movement, the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and to discuss
issues that are pertinent to youth development, such as social life, networking,
education, nation building, etc. This year’s gathering is marked by cultural
displays, poems, symposium, exhibition, drama and presentation of
certificates.
The night witnessed the famous MISS and MASTER youth gathering. The broad
theme for this year is ‘TOGETHER FOR HUMANITY’ and the thematic areas include;
‘’The consequences of illegal immigration’’, ‘’Violence against youths
and children’’, ‘’Voluntarism and its importance in nation building’’.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Katim Nget, the Programme Coordinator
of GRCS, who deputised the SG of GRCS, said this year’s theme, ‘Together
for Humanity’ is very important in Red Cross World Wide, more so in the Gambia
Red Cross Society. He also noted that Red Cross is a noble institution which
is out to serve humanity. He insisted that Red Cross alone cannot do it. This
is why they are together for humanity. He said youths are very important in
any nation and institution, particularly the GRCS, where youths taking up
leadership by providing services to humanity are envisaged. He noted that the
thematic areas that the youth gathering is looking at are to get to the root of
our own existence.
On illegal migration, he said, numerous youths lost there lives while
looking for greener pastures through migration.
He pointed out that since it is a youth forum, it is ideal to discuss the
issue and the way forward. Mr. Nget finally thanked the volunteers of GRCS for
the voluntary services they rendered to humanity, noting that there is no
amount of resources they can put together in paying volunteers for their
services. He concluded by reiterating what the vice president of GRCS, Mamud Bah,
said that they are proud to be associated with youths. Mr. Bah pointed out that
this year’s theme was generally adopted at the General Assembly in Geneva,
therefore the theme is quite fitting. He then revealed that the founder of the
movement Henry Dunant, had sacrificed all his resources, wealth and time in
serving humanity at the battle of Solfonno in 1859. Mr. Bah finally invited
volunteers to discuss the issue of illegal migration with emphasis on the
theme.
Mr. Bah also said that they at the management level are ready to work,
support and willing to sacrifice a lot. He challenged the youths also to improve
on their planning, implementation and evaluation efforts. Honourable Abdoulie
Bojang, Deputy Speaker National Assembly officially opened the discussion.
YOMPUA Harps On Youths and Illegal Migration
By Modou Jonga
The Youth Movement for Peace and Unity in Africa (YOMPUA) on Saturday 15th
December 2007 held a one day forum on the theme “ Youth and Illegal Migration”
at Yalding Nursery School in Farato, Kombo South.
In his introductory remarks, the secretary general of YOMPUA Mr. Ebrima
Ceesay described youths as the cream of society, and lamented the recent sea
disaster behind Mile ll, which led to the death of twelve youths, due to illegal
migration. While noting that youths exceed about 40% of Africa’s population
Mr. Ceesay warned that neglecting the plight of youths would amount to
failure of duty. He called for the formulation of strategies and mechanisms through
cooperation to put an end to illegal migration and thus urged for the
development of the human resources of the country. Mr. Ceesay said that YOMPUA is
committed to the propagation of peace and unity. Speaking further, the
YOMPUA Secretary noted that illegal migration can adversely retard agricultural
productivity and the attainment of the millennium development goals and food
self sufficiency.
On his part, Mr. Karamo Sanneh, from the Immigration Department Monitoring
Unit for illegal migration, harps on illegal migration, its causes and
consequences. Mr. Sanneh noted some of the causes, among which includes economic
factors, social and family setups, unemployment etc. He thus urged YOMPUA to
consolidate it efforts in sensitizing the youth on illegal migration.
A representative of North Bank Region Youth Committee, Haruna Kuyateh,
expressed delight over the forum and described it as timely. While expressing hope
that YOMPUA will continue to be organizing such fora, Mr. Kuyateh calls for
the decentralization of the activities of YOMPUA by involving other youth
groups in this region of the country.
The permanent secretary for the Department of State for Agriculture, Mr.
Sulayman Trawalley noted the significant contribution of youths to national
development. In his view, the current trend of illegal migration is a concern to
government. He called for concerted efforts in tackling the menace. He urged
youths to engage in agriculture to help in the attainment of the 2015 goal
for food self sufficiency. He called on youth groups to emulate YOMPUA by
organizing such fora.
Also speaking at the forum, Sainey Bajo , a commanding officer at Yundum
army Barracks who was deputizing for the chief of defence staff, described
youths as the bedrock of society. He urged them to travel legally and be steadfast
in their undertakings.
The commissioner of police for Western Region, Essa Badjie, who deputized
for the Inspector General of Police, underscored the significance of the forum.
While urging for the dissemination of the information gathered, Mr. Badjie
called for collective responsibility in persuading the youth to desist from
illegal migration. The WR police commissioner lamented that most youth who
embarked on illegal migration live as destitutes in Europe. A drama
presentation entitled youth and illegal migration was staged by YOMPUA participants as
part of the events.
The president of the Youth Movement for Peace and unity in Africa, Mr.
Momodou Bah, regarded the theme of the forum as appropriate and relevant. He said
that the menace of illegal migration has seriously affected the
socio-economic development of the country. The YOMPUA president noted that illegal
migration is expensive, difficult and risky. Mr. Bah urged all parties to
redouble their efforts in halting the menace of illegal migration. He thus urged
the government to tighten marine security around the waters of the River Gambia
and the Atlantic Ocean to intercept human traffickers.
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