Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
No. 114/2006 20-21 December, 2006
Editorial
Mr. President Declaring Monday a Holiday Was a Bad Move
No holiday was more unpopular among our readers than the one declared round
about midnight on Sunday. Many people prepared to go to work only to be told
by neighbours that a public holiday had been declared. Banks and many
businesses were closed giving rise to losses of millions.
Needless to say, 25th December is Christmas day, 1st January is new year.
The Islamic feast of Eid-ul Adha is also expected on the 31st of December. Can
you imagine how much is going to be lost yet there are some public
corporations that are unable to pay the gratuity and pensions of their staff. Such
people are living in debt. They will have very little money to invest by the time
they receive their gratuity.
What would have been a better approach is to ensure that all gratuities are
paid, pensions increased and salaries paid in advance of the main feasts.
This would have helped the working people to celebrate with their families
rather than watch young people on TV dining and dancing. There are two worlds.
Those who live to be happy today and those who wish to live happily everyday.
They constitute the majority. These are the poor people who want the President
to hear their voices.
HALIFA REACTS TO THE BUDGET SPEECH
The Minority Leader and Member for Serrekunda Central Honourable Halifa
Sallah, spoke to the press after the 2007 budget speech was delivered by the
Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs Honourable Mousa Gibril Bala
Gaye. Halifa started by telling Journalists that their role as National
Assembly Members is to scrutinize Bills and the budget is no exception. He told
Journalists that the Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs has
indicated that the objective of the budget is poverty reduction. Halifa said
poverty cannot be reduced without an increment in the income of the people. He
asked the Journalists whether the Secretary of State had indicated in his
speech how the income of the formers are going to be increased; how the income
of the civil servants who earn between D500 to D1500 is going to be increased.
Halifa stressed that nothing of such has been mentioned by the Secretary of
State.
He also told Journalists to go to the market and find out the cost of fish,
meat, rice, etc. “You would find out that the prices of these commodities are
sky-rocketing and the Secretary of State has not indicated concretely in his
speech how these prices are to be reduced. Halifa then stressed that without
addressing these fundamental factors of poverty, poverty would only
escalate, but not reduce. On the profit of public corporations, Halifa said the
profit of the public corporations would only be realistic and meaningful if they
pay dividends to Government or invest in a productive venture. Without these
he said it would only be a mere profit or profit spent on fanfare. He assured
Journalist that on Wednesday (today), he would critically scrutinize the
budget and map a way forward for the Gambian Economy.
RAMBO DETAINED AT SIBANOR POLICE STATION
The Councilor of Bakau ward Mr. Ousman Jatta (alias Rambo) is currently
detained at the Sibanor Police Station.
Mr. Jatta has been detained at Sibanor for over two weeks.
Rambo was arrested in August and he has since then been detained at various
police stations such as Kartong, Gunjur and Sibanor where he is currently
detained
He is currently standing trial at the Kanifing Magistrate Court. His case
has been protracting in court due to the failure of the authorities to produce
him in court. The state has not advanced any reason for the continuous
detention of Jatta.
Dr. Loum Detained
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A reliable source has informed Foroyaa that Badara Loum, a former Permanent
Secretary at the Department of State for Agriculture is detained at the
National Intelligence Agency headquarters since Wednesday, 13th of December. The
source added that Mr. Loum was picked up by plain cloth officers between the
hours of seven and eight in the afternoon on Wednesday.
“We don’t know where he is,” said someone close to Dr. Loum.
INTERVIEW WITH HALIFA SALLAH
THE NADD SELECTION PROCESS
FOROYAA: The NADD militants appear to be dictating the progress of your
candidature. Can you tell us the result of their Sunday meeting?
Halifa: Indeed they claim that the consultation is enough and went right
away to inform me that they have selected me as their candidate for Serrekunda
Central.
FOROYAA: Have you accepted their verdict?
Halifa: A representative is a servant of the people. I am not tired of
serving what I am not ready to do is to overstay when people no longer want my
service. I repeat, to me political representation is not a career but a service
that each of us should avail himself or herself to perform when the people
want us to do so.
FOROYAA: So Halifa Sallah is the NADD candidate for Serrekunda Central?
Halifa: Yes, if the executive has no but in the manner of selection. As far
as the NADD executive is concerned it is the militants in a constituency who
decide. If there are no disputes in candidature it endorses the wishes of the
people.
FOROYAA: Have the selection processes been completed anywhere else.
Halifa: Yes, Wuli West have selected Sidia Jatta, Wuli East have selected
Swaebou Touray, Sandu have selected Foday Sanyang. The process continues in
some constituencies.
FOROYAA: Are you going to put up a candidate everywhere?
Halifa: No. We are ready to consider the numerous applications made by
Independent candidates for support and compare those who apply for NADD
candidature with the candidates of other parties. The Executive of NADD is very
rational in its approach to the selection of a candidate.
FOROYAA: How many applications are for a NADD seat still in the process of
being considered?
Halifa: Seven are on the waiting list.
FOROYAA: How many Independent candidates?
Halifa: Seven are in the list.
FOROYAA: What next?
Halifa: The process is going on. We will continue to give feedback to the
public.
FOROYAA: Are you going to be affected by a three way race in Serrekunda
Central.
Halifa: Everyone has a right to elect or be elected. I have confidence in my
ability to serve and I will accept any decision that comes out of a free and
fair electoral process. Each candidate has one vote. It is the people who
decide. They should know what is best for them.
JUSTICE GRANTE LAID TO REST
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Justice Wallace Godfrey Grante, who died on the 1st of December in
Northampton, England, was on Monday the 18th of December laid to rest at the Banjul
Cemetry.
Born on the 4th of March 1937 in Banjul, the 69 year old was educated at the
Methodist Boys High School. He took up his first job with the Bank of West
Africa (Standard Chartered Bank) where he served as a bank clerk.
In the early 1960’s, he left for the United Kingdom for further education,
and there he earned an honours degree in law from Nothingham University of the
Inner Temple where he successfully passed the bar. Upon his return to The
Gambia, he was appointed as a state counsel at the Attorney General Chambers,
shortly thereafter he became the Registrar General, Solicitor General and
later took up his first judicial appointment at the Supreme Court as Master and
Registrar.
Justice Grante retired from The Gambia’s Judicial Service, and took up a
judicial appointment with the Botswana Government for nine years, and returned
home in 1998. There he was appointed a High Court Judge, he and later rose up
to the position of an Appeal Court Judge, a position he served up to March
2005 when he retired.
Outside his professional life, Justice Grante was a keen musician and
organist. He was a member of the Anglican Church, and was a Diosecean Treasurer and
Chancellor. He will be remembered as an active member of the St. John’s
Lodge in Banjul and also a member of the Banjul Dinner Club.
Justice Grante was married to Sally Regina Grante and was blessed with three
children, Dennis, Valerie and Yvonne and three grand children, Malaika,
Gerard and Joanna. Outside his immediate family members, he is survived by
sisters; Princes Diouf (Yamiday) and Ernestina Dampha (Monica). He is the second
son of Ernest and Annette Grante. See next edition of Foroyaa for an article on
Justice Grante’s professional career.
The 2007 Budget Speech
The Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs Honourable Musa
Gibril Bala-Gaye delivered the 2007 budget speech on Monday 18th December2006
before deputies at the National Assembly. SoS Gaye said the 2007 budget has been
shaped by The Government’s Second Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper,
PRSP (2007-2011) and the recently negotiated Poverty Reduction and Growth
Facility (PRGF) programme with the international Monetary Fund, (IMF),
Primarily to sustain growth and reduce poverty by building on the current
macroeconomic gains through deepening the reforms undertaken by Government in recent
years. SoS Gaye pointed out that the overriding. Policy objective of the
Gambia Government is to substantially reduce poverty and achieve all the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, as well as the goals of vision 2020.
On the Domestic Economy
On the Domestic Economy, SOS Gaye said during 2006, real Gross Domestic
Product (GOP) grew by 7.7 percent. He said this is a formidable performance of
the economy, compared to the previews years. He asserted that the growth in
value added is the result of growth in all sectors of the economy.
He said, the prime movers of growth in 2006 are a booming Building and
construction industry, a strong rebound in telecommunications, considerable growth
in Agricultural output, and a substantial increase in the operations of
Hotels and Restaurants resulting in growth rates of 40 percent, 18 percent, 6.5
percent and 6 percent respectively. In terms of percentage shares SOS Gaye said
Agriculture, industry and the services sectors contribute 29.8 percent, 10.9
percent and 56 percent of total value added respectively.
On the External Sector
On the external Sector, SOS Gaye said that owing to the projected
improvement in the trade balance, travel income and remittances, the current account
balance (including transfers) is expected to narrow to a of D0.9 billion from a
deficit of D1.3 billion in 2005. The trade balance he said is projected to
improve to a deficit of D3.2 billion in 2006 from a deficit of D3.4 billion in
2005 due largely to the projected increase in export including re-export. SOS
Gaye pointed out that exports are estimated at D3.0 billion, compared to
D2.7 billion in 2005. He said re-exports are estimated to increase to D2.6
billion or 2 percent. Regarding imports SoS Gaye said this has increased to D6.5
billion. Food products, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment
top the list of imports SOS Gaye said
On Major Sources of Foreign Exchange
On Major Sources of Foreign exchange, SOS Gaye said Tourism and private
remittances continue to be a major source of foreign exchange for the Gambian
economy. The value of travel income he said is estimated to increase to D1.8
billion in 2006 compared to D1.5 billion in 2005. SOS Gaye said private
remittances are estimated to constitute the second largest source of foreign exchange
for the Gambian economy after foreign direct investment. He said flows of
workers’ remittances have grown steadily over the years, reflecting principal
increase in the number of Gambians living and working abroad. Remittances are
estimated at D1.8 billion in 2006, compared to D1.7 billion in 2005.
On Fiscal Projections for 2007
On Fiscal projection for 2007, SOS Gaye said the for 2007 stands at D4422.67
million or compared to the 2006 Budget total of D3353.55 million. Although
projected total revenue rises to 3342.67 million from D3164 million in 2005
SOS Gaye said, the largest increment is in total grants from D189.28 million to
a substantial D1.08 billion, an increase of more than five folds. The grants
he said include the substantial sum of D813.65 million from the European
Union for road infrastructure development.
On Projected tax Revenue
On projected tax revenue, SOS Gaye said that the projected tax revenue for
2007 budget is D2973.47 million, an increase from the 2006 budget total of
D2795.96 million. The breakdown he said, shows that international trade tax
makes up the largest share of total tax revenue at D1462 million, followed by the
direct tax at a total of D861 million, and then Domestic tax on Goods and
services at D582 million. The non-tax revenue he said is projected to increase
marginally from the 2006 budget of D327.4 million to D348.3 million.
On Expenditure
On expenditure, SOS Gaye said that the total expenditure and net-lending for
2007 amounts to D4408.34 million and has risen by 17.9 percent above the
2006 figure of D3740.09 million. Current expenditure he said is projected at
D2909.22 million an increase of 4.6 percent over the 2006 figure of D2779.64
million. Debt interest payment continues at an annual downward trend, from
D955.9 million in the 2006 budget to D846.35 million in 2007.
“LET NO ONE INTIMIDATE YOU”
JUSTICE AGIM TELLS WITNESS
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Court Martial involving Captain Bunja Darboe and others is adjourned to
January 2007. This decision was made on Thursday 14th December after Lawyer
Lamin Camara asked for an adjournment to enable the first defense witness to
prepare and bring some documents to court.
Camara informed the court that their first witness is the medical officer at
the prison, Corporal Bakary Kujabi (Wharf). He said Wharf is in court, but
he did not receive his summon in time to enable him to appear before the
court. Camara indicated that they want Wharf to produce the medical reports of the
accused person (Bunja Darboe). The said medical documents were alleged to
have been given to Darboe at the hospital. Camara said the documents are the
X-ray film, referral paper and prescription card given to Darboe. Camara
posited that he has discussed with Corporal Wharf, and Wharf told him that he is
not in a position to bring the documents, and that he needs to be given time.
The prosecutor, Emmanuel Fagebenle, said he appreciated the argument of the
defense. He said the court should allow the accused to testify until such time
that the defense needs the documents, and they can adjourn for the said
documents to be brought to court. Justice Agim granted the application, saying
this court will not dictate anything on the issue of calling witnesses.”
Defense Counsel Camara and Jobarteh told the court to warn everybody, especially
state agents to desist from interfering with their clients and witnesses. The
counsels wanted to address the court in chambers about an issue relating to the
trial. “It has been going on over and over, but we cannot bear it anymore,”
they said. Agim then called Wharf and told him that he is a free agent to
testify on what he knows. “Let no one intimidate you,” Agim said. The trial is
adjourned to 3rd January 2007.
LAMIN FATTY’S TRIAL ADJOURNED INDEFINITELY
By Bubacarr K. Sowe & Fabakary B. Ceesay
The trial of Lamin Fatty of the shuttered Independent Newspaper was on
Tuesday adjourned indefinitely due to the unavailability of a trial Magistrate.
The court has been adjourned on several occasions following the appointment of
the presiding Magistrate Kebba Sanyang as Attorney General and Secretary of
State for Justice recently.
Mr. Fatty is standing trial on alleged false publication following the March
21st Coup Plot.
OC COLLEY & BABOUCARR JOBARTEH DETAINED AT MILE TWO
ASP Colley and Baboucarr Jobarteh the former Protocol at the office of the
President are said to be incarcerated at the Mile Two Central Prison.
The duos were arrested by state security agents. It is purported that Colley’
s arrest is connected to the ongoing rebellion in Casamance. However, the
members of his family have dismissed the allegations that he aided some MFDC
combatants.
The state is yet to advance any reason on why Jobarteh and Colley are
detained.
CASAMANCE SEPARATIST DETAINED
A Casamance Secessionist, Alexandra Djibba is detained at the maximum
security wing of the Mile Two Central Prison, a source informed this paper.
Djibba, a former spokesperson of the MFDC was asked to leave The Gambai by
the authorities in 2003. He was expelled from the country after he granted an
interview to Sophie Malebou of RFI. That interview angered President Wade who
ordered the French Journalist to leave Senegal.
Djibba was seen at Sekunda (Jarra) some months ago and he said he was
looking for Salif Sarjo, one of the Warlords in the Cassamance. It is not clear why
he is arrested and detained by the authorities.
Issue No. 115/2006, 22-24 December, 2006
Editorial
MR. PRESIDENT INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY IS INVIOLABLE
During the swearing in of Justice Otta President Jammeh indicated that “The
Independence of the judiciary is a misnomer”
This does not speak the language of the Gambian constitution.
Section 120 subsection (3) states that “In the exercise of their judicial
functions, the courts, the judges and other holders of judicial office shall be
independent and shall be subjected only to this Constitution and the law
and, save as provided in this Chapter, shall not be subject to the control or
direction of any other person or authority.”
What then is expected of the President? The constitution is also clear on
this matter. It states very clearly in Section 120 subsection (4) that: “The
Government and all departments and agencies of the Government shall accord such
assistance to the courts as the courts may reasonably require to protect
their independence, dignity and effectiveness.”
We therefore hope that the language and actions of the President will always
be in line with the letter and spirit of the constitution that he has sworn
in public to defend.
This is what is meant by respect for the rule of law.
Furthermore, the president indicated that “a judiciary that is independent
should provide its own resources.
Clearly, the executive, the national assembly or legislature and the
judiciary are three arms of the state. They are all maintained by the tax money of
the people and other public resources.
To prevent the executive from controlling the judiciary on the basis of
resources the constitution requires the budget of the judiciary to be submitted
without alteration by the executive.
In short, section 144 subsection (1) of the constitution states: “The Chief
Justice shall subject the annual estimates of expenditure for the judicature
to the president for presentation to the National Assembly in accordance with
this Constitution. The President shall cause the estimates to be placed
before the National Assembly without amendment, but may attach to them his/her own
comments and observations.”
Furthermore, subsection (2) of the same section states: “The judicature
shall be self-accounting and the moneys charged on the Consolidated Fund or
appropriated by an Act of the National Assembly for the Judicature, shall be paid
by the Accountant General to the accounting officer for the Judicature as
required by the Chief Justice.”
In essence the pubic resources do not belong to the Executive, the National
Assembly or the Judiciary. They belong to the people. The Executive under
section 152 (1) of the constitution is authorized to present a budget to the
National Assembly. It states: “The President shall cause the Secretary of State
responsible for finance to prepare and lay before the National Assembly at
least thirty days before the end of the financial year, estimates of the
revenue and expenditure of The Gambia for the following financial year. The
estimates shall include any estimates which under this Constitution, are to be
submitted directly to the President by the Chief Justice or any other authority
for presentation by the President o the National Assembly.”
Subsection (1A) of the same section states: “The National Assembly shall,
within fourteen days of the estimates being laid before it, give consideration
to and approve the estimates.”
In a word, the Judiciary is required to prepare its own budget which the
Executive can comment on but cannot alter. This budget should be integrated into
the national budget presented to the National Assembly for approval. This is
a clear manifestation of check and balance between the three arms of the
state.
If this mechanism is adhered to, not only will it avert the development of
an omnipotent authority, it would ensure that the judiciary is not starved of
resources because it is exercising its independence. Needless to say, the
independence of the judiciary is necessary to maintain its impartiality, a
cardinal principle in the dispensation of justice.
It is important to point out at this stage that being independent of the
executive is not equivalent to being opposed to the government. It simply means
making decisions and acting without being under the direction or control of
the Executive. It means adjudicating officers should make decisions without
fear that the Executive may use the stick against them or stuff their mouths
with carrots. They should base their decisions on the law and the facts
presented to them.
In a country where the government respects the constitution there are hardly
decisions against governments. However in a country where government
officials constantly disregard the constitution the judiciary is likely to appear as
anti government for instructing government officials to release people who
are detained unconstitutionally. The real task of an open society is for all
arms of the state to abide by the dictates of law and best practice in good
governance.
GOOD NEWS FROM NIA
A spokesperson of the National Intelligence Agency has informed FOROYAA that
in the past few days, they have effected the release of 26 detainees under
their custody. The detainees are mostly those connected to the forestry case
and revolving text book case. This leaves a lone detainee in their custody.
The spokesperson emphasised that there would be no delay in the handling of
cases. Once they are ready, their statements will be taken and they will be
handed over to the police who will grant them bail.
The spokesperson also denied that Dr. Badara Loum, a former permanent
secretary who was arrested from his home on Wednesday 13th December between 7 –
8pm, was in their custody. He noted that the NIA is not the only security force
with plain clothes officers.
NADD ANNOUNCES CANDIDATES
NADD has indicated the candidates it so far intends to put up at the
forthcoming National Assembly Elections. Below is the full text of the press release.
The Executive Committee of the National Alliance for Democracy and
Development (NADD) has received the nominations of the following people by their
constituency committees for the forthcoming National Assembly Elections.
Sidia Jatta - Wuli West
Suwaibou Touray - Wuli East
Foday Sanyang - Sandu
Halifa Sallah - Serrekunda Central
Other nominations will be communicated as and when they receive the
nominations from the respective constituency committees.
JOURNALISTS DECRY IMPUNITY
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Journalists and civil society participants at a symposium organised by GPU
in honour of the late Deyda Hydara, Managing Editor and co-proprietor of The
Point newspaper, have bemoaned the high level of impunity in the country.
Journalists have called on the government to review its stance on the
investigations of the murder of Mr. Hydara by unknown criminal(s) in December 2004.
Madi Ceesay, President of The Gambia Press Union said the government seems
to be relaxed in its pursuit the murder of Mr. Hydara and some other attacks
suffered by journalists working in the country.
He also said the report on the investigation on the murder of Hydara tends
to blame the slained journalist, describing his conduct as the cause of his
dead. Ceesay said that an International Conference marking the first
anniversary of his killing was held in the absence of the Secretary of State for
Information, Technology and Communication, Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, who failed to
honour her invitation at the eleventh hour.
Amie Bensouda, who spoke on behalf of The Gambia Bar Association, said the
gunmen who killed Mr. Hydara and shot Lawyer Ousman Sillah are enemies of
justice and freedom. She underscored the importance of Freedom of Expression and
the press in any healthy democracy.
Sam Sarr, Editor of Foroyaa newspaper gave reference to section 25 of the
constitution which gives every person the right to freedom of expression. He
said section 207 not only guarantees freedom of expression; it also guarantees
the independence of the media. He said that the constitution guarantees the
scrutiny of the government by the media and the affording of divergent views
and dissenting opinion by state owned media.
He emphasised that while pursuing their freedom of expression journalists
should be mindful to damage the reputation of persons, noting that they should
be guided by the truth, good faith and the public interest. He also advised
journalists to crosscheck their facts thoroughly and demonstrate a high level
of responsibility.
The Editor-in-Chief of News and Report Magazine, Swaebou Conateh, said as
far as the constitution exists, there is a provision for freedom of press, but
Gambian journalists are in a situation where that hardly exist.
Mr. Conateh said contrary to what the constitution provides for, the
government has enacted a law that adversely undermined the freedom of the press. He
added that the Media Commission Act of 2004, called for registration of
journalists by the commission which also gives power to imprison journalists,
impose heavy fines and close media houses.
Mr. Conateh said though the Media Commission Act is one of the most
notorious piece of legislature affecting the press and that the Criminal Code
Amendment Act of 2004 and the Newspaper Registration Amendment Act of 2004 are both
affecting press freedom.
“Together, these pieces of Legislation Constitute the greatest legal, but
unconstitutional provision against the freedom of the press,” he said.
FJC Cries For More Money As NAMs
By Modou Nyang
Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay has cried foul over the amount of money paid to
National Assembly Members as benefits, describing the act as a legal error.
Contributing to the debate on the payment of gratuity to members of Cabinet
at the National Assembly, FJC Called on the finance department to also
consider increasing the 12.5 per cent gratuity being paid to lawmakers to 25 per
cent. She said: ‘That is an error, and legally it has been an error because 22nd
December would be my last day and I don’t have a constituency to run (for),
I have been calculating my gratuity and I was calculating 25 per cent but you
are now telling me 12.5 per cent, I think that is an error,’ FJC lamented.
The nominated member said she was caught unaware because as a former press
officer at the President’s office for five and a half years, she received a 25
per cent payment for her services at the end of every two years of her
contract. ‘I see no reason why lawmakers should not receive 25 per cent’ she
argued. After commending the executive for proposing the bill to reward members of
cabinet for their service, FJC urged the department of State for Finance to
consider the 12.5 percent ‘error’ to enable her properly calculate her dues
at the end of her National Assembly term.
Echoing the same view with FJC, Edrissa Samba Sallah the member for Sami
Constituency called on the executive to at least consider monthly allowance for
National Assembly members.
However in contrast to the above speakers, Halifa Sallah the minority leader
whilst also contributing to the motion called for a comprehensive pension
and gratuity scheme to reward all those who have served the nation. Halifa told
his colleagues “as the objective of the bill is to reward those who have
served” he warned ‘if we do it sectorally we will undoubtedly be indicted -
that we are taking into consideration our concerns’. And reminded them that
there are people who also serve the country for all their life and are now
earning 9 dalasis as pensions. ‘There are people out there who rendered service
all their life and are now literally beggars in the streets, because no one is
providing for them ‘he asserted. Sallah called on his colleagues to work with
immediacy to deal with such problems as they are considering issues of
equity and justice.
Facts on payment of Gratuity
PRODUCER PRICE FOR GROUNDNUT ANNOUNCED
The Agribusiness Service Plan Association has issued a press release that
states that the producer price for groundnut is D6500.00. Below is the text of
the press release;
The Agribusiness Service Plan Association (ASPA), which is the
Inter-professional body vested with the Management of the Gambia Groundnut Sub-sector, in
consultation with the Government of the Gambia is pleased to announce a
Groundnut Producer Price of D6,500.00 Dalasis per metric tonne farm gate for the
2006/07 Groundnut Marketing Season. ASPA also wishes to declare today, Friday
22nd December 2006 as the official start date for this year’s
groundnut-marketing season in The Gambia.
Groundnut producers are hereby assured that this year’s producer price was
arrived at using the officially recognised Producer Price Determination
Mechanism, which takes into account the World Market Price for Groundnut Products
as well as parameters and ratios relevant to the domestic marketing system.
This year’s price compares quite favourably with what pertains in the
sub-region.
Farmers are therefore urged to sell their produce through the existing
marketing outlets.
Once again, ASPA solicits the cooperation of all and sundry to make the
marketing season a success.
For the information of the reader the producer price in the 2004/2005 season
was D8100 and in the 2005/2006 season D7500.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT LAUNCHED
By Amie Sanneh
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Tuesday Launched the
Global Human Development Report 2006 at the UN House in Cape Point.
The theme of the report is “Beyond Scarcity: power, poverty and the global
crisis which underscores the fundamental role water plays in all human
development activities.
In his Launching statement, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and Water
Resources, Yankuba Touray, said water pervades all aspects of human
development and when people are denied access to clean water, their choices and freedom
are constrained by ill health, poverty and Vulnerability.
He revealed that 62 percent of households in the country have sustainable
access to an improved water source, but lack access to sanitation. He said the
challenge is for government to meet the basic water needs of the people.
SoS Touray noted that a new holistic and broad based water resources
management policy is currently under review.
This policy he said recognises economic incentives builds on traditional
approaches and promotes sustainabity.
He added that the policy will conserve water supplies and meet the needs of
agriculture, Fisheries, navigation etc.
“Investment in irrigation using ground water resources will be promoted, as
this will help produce and ensure access to more food, and create more
sustainable livelihood for the population,” said SOS Touray.
He pointed out that due to the importance of water; the Millenium
Declaration provides a benchmark for measuring progress towards halving by 2015 the
proportion of the world population without access to safe drinking water and
basic sanitation.
Attaining this goal, he maintained that it is critical to the achievement of
other goals. He said clean water and sanitation would save the lives of
countless children, support progress in education, and liberate people from the
vicious cycle that keeps them in poverty.
According to SoS Touray the report shows that there is concern over global
water supply and food availability. Governments should look beyond the
scarcity equation to wider human development issues. He added that it should give
equity and empowerment more prominence in the governance framework as a
starting point.
“The report advocates the need for a transparent national water strategy,
the integration of the framework into national poverty reduction planning
exercises, and to recognise the rights to water of poor households by creating
institutions that empower the Poor,” he said.
REPATRIATED MIGRANTS TRIAL ADJOURNED
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving thirty repatriated Gambian migrants was on Tuesday 19th
December, 2006 adjourned to January 9th 2007. The case was presided over by
Magistrate E. F M’bai. Fourteen of the alleged accused persons were said to be
present.
The thirty accused persons charged with criminal offence are standing trial
for malicious damage to the property of The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority
at the Banjul International Airport. Readers could recalled that the Brikama
Magistrate Court on 12th December, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of
the accused persons who were absent in court. The police prosecutor is ASP
Tijan Badjie.
UNDP Sponsors Civic Education
A UNDP press release has revealed that it has awarded grants to the National
Civic Council for Civic Education and Civil Society Organisations to
undertake voter education activities, the training of election observers and a
survey of media coverage of electoral activities. The UNDP has done this in
partnership with the IEC, DFID, and the EC in support of the role civil society in
the electoral process in The Gambia.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has, within the framework of
its project “Support to ±e electoral process in The Gambia”, and in close
cooperation with the Independent Electoral Commission signed contracts with
Gambian civil society organizations and the National Council for Civic
Education to carry out election related activities.
The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has been awarded a grant to
undertake voter education activities for the National Assembly elections!
Through the grant the NCCE will conduct voter education activities in the entire
country including drama, p1ays and radio talk shows.
The CSO Coalition on elections The Gambia has been awarded one grant to
conduct voter education and another to train domestic election observers, Through
the grant for voter education the CSO Coalition will undertake activities
such as tooth group meetings, village meetings and meetings with local
councilors and opinion leaders, The training of domestic election observers will
enable the CSO coalition to enlarge the number of observers and build on the
successful domestic election observation conducted during the presidential
elections.
The National Youth Parliament and the Youth Ambassadors of Peace have both
been awarded grants to undertake voter education activities particularly aimed
at the Youth. The National Youth Parliament will carry out activities such
as meetings in schools, drama shows and a concert. The Youth Ambassadors of
Peace will hold sensitization workshops and voter education rallies.
Finally, the Gambia Press Union has been awarded a grant to survey the media
coverage of electoral activities for both the pre- and post election periods.
The 1.5 million dollar project of support to the electoral process in The
Gambia is funded by the European Commission, the Department tar International
Development (DFID) and the UNDP itself.
KASSA JAATA AND CO TRIAL ADJOURNED
By Fabakary B Ceesey & Bubacarr K Sowe
The Criminal case involving Dudu Kassa Jaata and seven (7) others is
adjourned to next year due to the absence of the prosecution witness in court.
The prosecutor, Inspector Bojang, has informed the court that his witness,
the Former Station Officer Bakau Police Station has been posted to the
provinces. According to Inspector Bojang, the Former Bakau S O is now an O C at the
provinces and that makes it difficult for him to be court. He applied for the
court to hive him one week for his witness to appear at the next sitting.
Defense Counsel Lamin S. Camara did not object to the prosecutors’ application.
He told the court that his clients are all present in court.
Dudu Kassa Jaata and sever other are standing trial for allegedly arming
themselves in public, using abusive language and obstructive Police offices
while executing their duties. The case is adjourned to Tuesday 2nd January 2007.
MAGISTRATE RICHARDS SCOLDS ACCUSED
By Yaya Bajo
Magistrate Moses Richards on Wednesday, 20th December, 2006 told one
Sulayman Jawo (a defendant) that no amount of confusion should warrant a man to
drive carelessly or recklessly to cause an accident. Magistrate Richard made this
statement when Sulayman Jawo who was standing trial for careless driving
said in his plea of mitigation that he committed the offence due to the fact
that his son who is grade 8 was about to drown in the river and upon receiving
that bad news, he had an accident while trying to rush to the scene.
Magistrate Richards ruled that even if his son was drowning, that was no
justification for him to commit the offence because he could have killed many
people in the name of protecting his own child. “I will still punish you because
traffic accidents are so rampant and it claims a lot of lives,” he remarked.
According to the particulars of the offence, Mr. Jawo drove a vehicle with
registration number BJL 2379A along Kotu highway on the 2nd day of October
2006 without due care and attention and collided with an approaching vehicle
from Senegambia direction thereby causing an accident. The defendant pleaded
guilty and he was accordingly sentenced to a fine of D2500 or in default to
serve 12 months in prison.
“NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW, EXCEPT THE PRESIDENT”
MAGISTRATE MBACKEH
By Bubacarr K. Sowe & Fabakary B. Ceesay
Magistrate Abdoulie Mbackeh of the Kanifing Magistrate Court on Tuesday
said, “No one is above the law, except the President.” Advising accused persons
and complainant (s) before him, the Magistrate said despite the fact that he
is a magistrate; he will face the consequences if he violates the law. He
urged them to desist from provoking each other, stressing that he will send any
of them to jail, if they are found to be guilty of provoking another persons.
He noted receiving two fresh cases that are related to the matter of
provocation. “I am not saying the accused are guilty, but desist from provocation,”
Mr. Mbackeh advised. He advised the parties to live in harmony as
neighbours, urging them to go away from petty talks that ignite quarrels among them.
GAMTEL’S FORMER MD DETAINED AT MILE TWO
Omar Ndow, the former Managing Director of GAMTEL, is detained at the
maximum security wing of the Mile Two Central Prison. Ndow was arrested and
detained at an unkown location shortly after he was relieved of his duties. He was
later transferred to the maximum security wing of the Mile Two Central Prison.
A source at the NIA alleged that Ndow is being investigated on alleged
economic crimes at GAMTEL.
KEBBARINGO JAMMEH RELEASED
The councilor of Kanilai Ward, Kebbaringo Jammeh, has been released by the
authorities.
Jammeh, who was detained at the Maximum Security Wing of the Mile Two
Central Prison, was released on Tuesday.
Mr. Jammeh was arrested and detained by state security agents. He has been
languishing at the Mile Two Central Prison for some months
GAMTEL DIRECTOR TESTIFIES IN THE TREASON TRIAL
By Fabakary B. Ceesay & Bubacarr K. Sowe
Mr. Ousman Njie, the Director of International Operations at GAMTEL Earth
Station in Abuko; has testified in the treason trial involving, Alieu Jobe,
Tamsir Jassey, Honourable Demba Dem and Omar (Faal) Keita on Wednesday 25th
December, before Justice Anin Yeboah.
Mr. Njie told the court that on the 20th March 2006, he received a call from
somebody who introduced himself as Captain Camara. He said that Captain
Camara told him that he wanted to see him (Njie); that he told Captain Camara
that he is on a mission to Senegal and it would be impossible to see him.
Mr. Njie told the court that on the 21st March 2006, whilst in the ferry, he
got another call from Captain Camara, and he said he wanted to see him
(Njie). Mr. Njie indicated that he told Captain Camara it was too late and he was
not going to his office until the next morning; that Camara told him that he
(Njie) had something for him (Captain Camara) which was supposed to come from
Ebrima Fatty’s sister in Dakar.
He said he was told by Ebrima Fatty that his sister will give something to
him (Mr. Njie). Mr. Njie further said that when he enquired about this said
Ebrima Fatty and asked for his phone number, Capt. Camara told him that he
lived in Bakau but that he didn’t know his number. Mr. Njie said that he told him
“You are talking to the wrong person but if you still want to see me you can
come tomorrow.” “On the 22nd March, Capt. Camara did not come to see me,”
added Mr. Njie.
On the Abuko Earth Station, Mr. Njie said that its importance is that it
serves as a gateway for voice and radio calls.
There was no cross examination from counsels. Lamin Camara and Lamin
Jobarteh. Hearing continues on the 10th January, 2007.
BCC FINANCE DIRECTRESS TESTIFIES
By Bubacarr K. Sowe and Fabakary B. Ceesay
Oumie Sanneh-Badjie, the Directress of Finance at the Banjul City Council
(BCC) has continued her testimony at the High Court in the trial of Pa Sallah
Jeng, Mayor of Banjul. Appearing before Justice Monageng on Wednesday, 20th of
December, Mrs. Badjie said she and the Council’s Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) are responsible for the payments of per diem. She said the payments made
to the Mayor were guided by rules.
Mrs. Badjie testified that as at 2002 to 2005 the payments were 130 pounds a
day to the Mayor, but this was revised when the Finance and Audit Act came
in to force, and the payments were cut down to 100 pounds a day. She added
that the 130 pounds allowance was approved by the Department of State for Local
Government and Land, noting previous mayors at the BCC benefited from this
payment.
She recognised an exhibit, which she said is the payment voucher in respect
of per diem paid to the Mayor for a trip to the United States. She said the
voucher was a ten-day payment calculated and prepared by the Senior Account
Officer Abou Mahmoud, which she approved and was also approved by the Town
Clerk, Mustapha Batchilly.
Mrs. Badjie added that a memo dated the 16th June, 2006 from the CEO to her
as the financial directress on the subject of the mayor’s trip to the U.S was
signed by the Town Clerk. She recognised a receipt that was paid to the
mayor. The finance directress identified a letter from the Department of Local
Government and Land approving the mayor’s ten-day trip to the U.S and for him
to receive the 130 pounds allowance. Another payment voucher for an air ticket
from the Banjul Travel Agency was approved by the BCC.
On a cancelled trip to Guinea Bissau, Mrs. Badjie said the accused did
return the per diem to her, but she could not tell the court whether others who
received the allowance for the cancelled trip to Bissau had refunded the
council.
For the publication of a booklet called “In My Time,” she said it is a
common practice by Mayors in office to publish booklets. It was done privately by
Pa Sallah’s predecessor, Samba Faal and cannot be seen as an autobiography,
she claimed. According to her “The streets of Banjul,” “The City of Banjul,”
“Catalogue of schools, Madarassas and Darras in Banjul,” are among the
publications the mayor wrote. A budget allocation for publication for the mayor’
s office, she said, was approved by the ministry for 2005.
On the construction of toilets in Primed Street in Banjul, Mrs. Badjie said
she is not aware of it and that it was in court that she knows it. She added
that she does not know who authorized the construction and what it was meant
for.
Mrs. Badjie claimed that she does not know whether the DOSLGL was aware of
the toilets construction, saying she has not seen any contract document. She
said she does not know who the contract was awarded to, but said she is aware
that a payment was made by the cashier. She admitted playing a part but
denied knowing about such a contract. Mrs. Badjie reappeared on Thursday, the 21st
December for cross-examination.
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