Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 002/2007, 5-7 December, 2007
Editorial
Mr. Secretary of State Visit the Mortuary in Banjul
Every human being must have an end. Death must come to all of us. The
mortuary is therefore the last station human beings pass before reaching their
final destination into the bowels of the earth.
What is tragic is the state of the mortuary commonly referred to as the “
Death House” just opposite the BCC.
Anybody who visited the place on 2nd January, 2006 would have been struck by
an offensive odour because of the lack of a cooling system to protect the
dead bodies from decay and prepare them for burial. They are compelled to
confront the odour without any mask or gloves to protect them. Sometimes blood can
be noticed oozing out of the dead bodies. The workers willingly subject
themselves to such conditions because of their firm conviction that they too will
come to be like the very bodies they are taking care of.
Notwithstanding this, the living should be protected from conditions that
may be injurious to their health. The SoS for Health should visit the mortuary
to know its true state and create the conducive environment for the proper
handling of dead bodies and the proper protection of those who have the
conscience to look after the dead. Urgent action is needed to protect the workers.
OPPOSITION LEADERS INTERVIEWED
UDP WILL CONTEST ALL SEATS
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has said that
his party will contest all the 48 constituencies in the forthcoming National
Assembly Elections.
In an interview with Foroyaa on Tuesday, Mr. Darboe opined that they will
win a sizeable number of seats with a view to reducing the APRC dominance in
the National Assembly.
“We have identified candidates for various constituencies and these
candidates are working on tax clearance as well as assets declaration and the filling
in of nomination papers,” he said.
For the sponsorship of contestants, Darboe said it is not his party alone,
but Gambian Peoples’ Democratic Party (GPDP) and the National Reconciliation
Party (NRP) who are allying with him.
Darboe also said his party’s boycott of the last parliamentary election in
2001 was a protest.
“We brought our protest to an end when we contested the by-election when
Bana Jobe was convicted. We also contested in the Kombo East by-election and the
Bakau Ward by-election. So we brought our protest to an end much earlier
than now”, he added.
Asked how many seats UDP will win, Darboe said; “I would not want to
predict, but I believe a sizeable part of the seats.”
He was asked whether he was willing to create room for other parties in
constituencies where they are strong to contest the APRC alone.
Darboe indicated that he has not been consulted by any other political party
on the formation of a tactical alliance. He said presently it is only the
GPDP and the NRP that are collaborating with the UDP. When Mr. Gomez was
interviewed he spoke a different language.
“GPDP IS NOT PUTTING UP ANY CANDIDATE,” GOMEZ
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress is not going to participate in
the January 25 National Assembly elections, said its Secretary General on
Wednesday.
Mr. Gomez told Foroyaa that his party’s target is the next presidential
elections, expected in 2011.
“I was only having one goal and that was for all opposition leaders to come
together, but since I cannot achieve this goal, then it is too sad,” Gomez
said. He added that since the opposition is divided, he is afraid that what
happened in the presidential elections will repeat itself.
“We always have to learn from our mistakes, but if we still do not learn
from our mistakes we are still going to face the same problem like some couple
of months ago,” he said. On the formation of a tactical alliance with various
parties, he said that it was what GPDP was calling for, and it is unfortunate
they are not participating this time around. Asked whether he will support
his UDP and NRP friends, Gomez said there is no friendship in politics.
Gomez added that it is useless to contest since the outcome is foreseen. “We
have seen what happened in presidential elections. And we can only have a
chance of giving President Jammeh a headache by building a united force which
you know we are not following; we are only following our self interest,
following our big heads and we are trying to build up big muscles. But to think of
the interest of this nation let’s join hands together, where NADD is putting
up a candidate GPDP or NRP or UDP should not put up a candidate and we all
support the opposition candidate in each constituency,” Gomez posited.
NADD AIMS FOR AN EFFECTIVE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Halifa Sallah, National Assembly Member for Serrekunda Central has said that
the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD) will create “an
effective and efficient National Assembly,” if NADD contestants win the
forthcoming polls.
Mr. Sallah made this remark in an interview with Foroyaa over the weekend.
He said that the parliament needs to be an oversight institution that can
scrutinize and criticise programmes and policies which are not in the interest of
the country.
“In our view, you need the opposition in the National Assembly to avoid it
being a one party state. That is why Gambians need to be critical in their
selection of candidates. And, of course, the opposition must be very critical on
the type of candidates they are going to select,” Sallah said.
The Minority Leader also said that the electorate should vote for a
candidate who they believe can deliver. He added that people should move away from
the partisan conception in election, noting that the parliamentarian should not
ratify agreements, approve loans and enact laws based on their whims. These,
he said, requires persons of high caliber and reason.
Sallah added that if the National Assembly remains in the hands of the APRC
as the dominant power, it will lead to the country becoming a one party
state.
He said if they strategically win 27 seats, either independent or
opposition, that would neutralise the APRC and power will be in the hands of those 27
members who he opined will not bow down to the wishes of the executive. To
ensure the number of seats of the opposition and Independent candidates Sallah
called for a tactical alliance where the credible candidates are supported
irrespective of whether they belong to an opposition party or are simply
independent candidates. He explained that when NADD declared that there should be a
tactical alliance so that the opposition would agree on one candidate for
each constituency, he expected the UDP alliance to make the same declaration;
that when the UDP leader indicated that they would put up candidates in all
constituencies, it became futile to contact them. He said that NADD decided to
implement its tactical alliance unilaterally. He explained that NADD will not
put up candidates in Jarra West where Kemeseng is likely to stand or Upper
Saloum where Hamat Bah is likely to stand and Bakau where Dembo Bojang may
contest. Sallah indicated that he has spoken to the GPDP leader Mr. Henry Gomez
who supports the principle of having a tactical alliance. He commended Mr.
Gomez for the support.
DAY ONE OF NOMINATION
Thursday, 4th January, 2007 was the first day of the nomination of
candidates for the National Assembly Elections, FOROYAA was out and about witnessing
the process and interviewing APRC candidates. This day was scheduled for APRC
candidates for all 48 constituencies. Although an independent candidate can
be nominated on any of these three days only one independent candidate was
nominated last Thursday. His name is Abdou Colley of Kombo South.
NADD is scheduled to nominate its candidates today and UDP tomorrow.
THREE APRC CANDIDATES NOMINATED IN BANJUL
By Annia Gaye
As the National Assembly Election draws near three candidates of the APRC
were nominated in the Banjul Administrative Area on the 4th January 2007. The
three nominated candidates who were declared duly nominated by the Returning
Officer of the IEC Seedy K. Jobe are Mr. Abdoulie Saine for Banjul Central
constituency, Alagie Sillah for Banjul North constituency and Alhagie Babucarr
S. Nyang for Banjul South constituency.
Speaking to the press immediately after their nomination, Abdoulie Saine of
Banjul Central constituency said, he did not have any doubt that he would be
elected because all the youths and women in Banjul Central are behind him. He
sad his plan after winning the election are to address the problems of
employment of the youth and to improve the street lighting system in his
constituency. He stated that he would work on the drainage system in his constituency
and clean the environment in order to avoid mosquitoes in the area.
The candidate for Banjul North Mr. Alhagie Sillah mentioned that his
expectations are very high in these elections as he is representing a party that has
a good track record. On his plans Mr. Sillah said he would work with
communities as it is their responsibility as candidates of APRC to come together and
work hand in hand in order to complement government efforts.
He said that certainly Banjul North has few constraints which he said are
the condition of roads, which need to be rehabilitated; the drainage system,
street lights and cleansing service. He said all those things have to do with
capacity. He also promised to work with BCC and their external contacts.
Mr. Sillah urged supporters to vote peacefully and come out in their large
numbers.
The candidate for Banjul South, Mr. Alhagie Babucarr S. Nyang, said he
expected victory in his constituency and said he would do his best to facilitate
development. He advised voters to vote in peace.
FIVE APRC CANDIDATES NOMINATED IN KMC
By Amie Sanneh
In the count down to the National Assembly Elections set for January 25th
2007, five APRC candidates in the Kanifing Administrative Area were nominated
on 4th January, namely Honourable Sulayman Joof for Serrekunda West, Ousainou
Sainey Jaiteh for Serrekunda Central, Mrs. Haddy Nyang Jagne for Jeshwang
constituency, Hon. Khalifa Jammeh for Bakau and Fabakary Tombong Jatta for
Serrekunda East.
In an interview with reporters shortly after the candidates were nominated,
all candidates expressed optimism that the APRC would sweep the polls come
25th January 2007.
Honourable Sulayman Joof told reporters that he had already laid the
foundation in his constituency, which is to unite them as one. He, however, said his
constituency does not work in isolation and that he would continue to raise
the issue of his constituency at the National Assembly.
He noted that for him serving a 3rd term in office is an indication that the
people are satisfied with what he is doing.
He urged the people to maintain the peaceful atmosphere Gambians have known
through out the campaign period.
Mr. Ousainou Sainey Jaiteh who was also nominated to contest for the
Serrekunda Central seat said the chances belong to APRC. He described Serrekunda
Central as one of the most backward constituencies due to the fact that in the
past years APRC had never won. He stated that he has lot of projects in mind
which will introduce to the people, if elected.
Mr. Jaiteh urged the people to vote peacefully for the APRC for their own
development.
The candidate for Jeshwang, Mrs. Haddy Nyang Jagne, said she did not make
promises but would do her best if elected. She expected the voting process to
be conducted peacefully.
Honourable Khalifa Jammeh for Bakau pointed out that they would do more than
what they did during the presidential elections.
He said in the past, Bakau had not been enjoying any development but since
they shifted their allegiance to the ruling party, Bakau has experienced
development projects such as schools, construction of roads etc.
He advised the people to vote peacefully and abide by the rules of the IEC.
The last to be nominated was Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta for Serrekunda East.
He told reporters shortly after he had been nominated that he would pool
more votes than before. He noted that he would have noting less than 70% of the
votes. Hon Jatta revealed that his constituency will be an example in The
Gambia.
He commended the IEC for conducting the nomination process efficiently.
The Returning Officer for KMC, Abdoulie Jeng after the nomination process
told reporters that the nomination of all the five APRC candidates had been
peaceful and smooth. He said all the candidates had satisfied the conditions and
the law.
He also urged candidates to comport themselves and to advise their
supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during the campaign.
NOMINATIONS IN THE WESTERN REGION
By Modou Jonga
The nomination of nine candidates for the APRC in the January 25th National
Assembly election was held on Thursday 4th January 2007at the IEC regional
headquarters in Brikama.
Sheriff Abba Sanyang the APRC candidate for Foni Kansala Constituency was
the first to arrive. Mr. Sanyang, a former employee of the Department of State
for Education, is unopposed in the January 25th National Assembly Elections.
Speaking to reporters after being nominated Mr. Sanyang expressed his
determination to represent the wishes and aspirations of the people of his
constituency.
At the time of going to press, Mr. Abdou Jarju, APRC selected candidate for
Kombo Central Constituency, and Lamin Bojang, APRC candidate for Kombo East
Constituency arrived at the IEC to be nominated, while the remaining APRC
candidates were said to be converging at the Western Division Governor’s office
in Brikama at his invitation. The nomination process was conducted and
presided over by Mr. Malleh Sallah, the Vice Chairman of the IEC who is also the
returning officer for the Brikama Administrative Area.
APRC candidates who were yet to arrive for nomination at the time of going
to press include Mr. Adama Cham for Kombo North Constituency, Mr. Paul Mendy
for Kombo South Constituency, Bintanding Jarjue for Foni Berfet, Mr. Ebrima
Janko Sanyang for Foni Bintang Constituency, Mr. Matarr Kujabi for Foni Bondali
Constituency and Mr. Borry Colley for Foni Jarrol Constituency.
APRC NOMINATES CANDIDATES FOR LRD
By Yahya Dampha
Ahead of January 25th Parliamentary election, the LRD on Thursday nominated
six candidates for six constituencies in LRD.
The nominated candidates are as follows:
Mr. Njie Daboe for Jarra West, Mr. Momodou L. Ceesay for Jarra Central, Mr.
Aba L. Yarbo for Kiang Central, Mr. Bafaye Saidykhan for Jarra East, Mr. Bora
Mass for Kiang East and Mr Kalifa Kambi for Kiang West.
All the nominated candidates vowed to win their seats with large majority.
All five candidates are new in politics. They replaced their predecessors.
This has caused division within the APRC camp giving rise to prospective
independent candidates.
AT THE COURT MARTIAL
CAPTAIN DARBOE ALLEGES SEVERE TORTURE
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Captain Bunja Darboe, the first accused person in the general court martial
on the March 21st Coup Plot on Wednesday 3rd of January told the court that
he had gone through severe beatings at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Captain Darboe recalled the 25th of March 2006 about 15:00 hours when he was
picked up by people in a black uniform, who started slapping and kicking him
before taking him to the NIA headquarters in Banjul. He said that prison
officers at Mile 2 Central Prisons where he is in custody had to intervene,
telling them to kill him outside but not inside the prison campus.
He testified that as he alighted from a vehicle at the NIA, the men in black
uniform continued the onslaught on him. According to him, as they were
climbing the stairs, he was pushed and he fell down while still hand cuffed.
Darboe said he battled to rise amidst continuing beatings and reached the corridor
where his leg was kicked and he fell down again, causing him a fracture on
his left wrist. Captain Darboe informed the court that he was taken to the
minor theatre at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) where his fractured
wrist was straightened and bandaged. He said that after two weeks it was put
on a pop (plaster). He also said he visited the physiotherapy where his hand
was treated and he was given a brace and asked to report every Thursday,
which was only honoured twice by those keeping him in custody.
Continuing his testimony, Captain Bunja Darboe said that on the 6th of
April, 2006, together with Captain Yaya Darboe (second accused), he was taken to
the NIA around midnight by men in black uniform. On arrival, he said, he was
escorted to the back of the building by Lieutenant Musa Jammeh where they
ordered him to kneel down. Darboe alleged that they wore a black plastic bag on
his head and tied it, thus he could hardly breath. He said among those he
recognised were Sergeant Borra Colley, Corporal Nuha Badjie, W1 Tumbul Tamba and,
Lieutenant Alagie Martin and Musa Jammeh who were wearing Camouflage uniform.
Eventually, Captain Darboe said, he tore the plastic bag from his face so
that he could breath, but that it was replaced immediately. There, he added,
Musa Jammeh asked him which country is sponsoring the coup. He said he replied
that he had no knowledge of that. According to him, they resumed beating him
with sticks while the bag was worn over his head. “I started crying, till I
could not cry anymore. I was lying on the ground and they were just beating me
like a dead snake. Lieutenant Musa Jammeh told them to stop. He asked me
certain questions again, I was so weak I could not talk properly and could not
respond. Then he told them take me outside and finish me,” Darboe narrated. He
said he was later dragged to a dark corner and asked by a soldier to say his
last prayers since he was going to die. He added that they continued to beat
him. He said he was then forced to amend his statement as they wanted it to
be in line with what Lieutenant Dem and Captain Seckan told them. He said he
did not amend it that day but did so on the 22nd of June, 2006.
Captain Darboe told the court martial that shortly after his arrest on the
night of the 22nd of March, 2006, he was whisked from his cell and taken to
the NIA. He said as he came out of the car, a soldier kicked him with combat
boots on his lower abdomen, resulting in severe pain. He said he was taken to
the conference hall where he met one Mr. Hydara, Lieutenant Alagie Martin who
were later joined by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Colonel Lang Tombong Tamba
and the then Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ousman Sonko. According to him,
Colonel Tamba told him that Ex-CDS, Colonel Ndure Cham, is already arrested
and he (Cham) had informed them that he (Captain Darboe) was part of the
coup. “He said it will be wise if I admit being part of it,” he recalled. He
narrated that after refusing to answer Tamba’s question, Lieutenant Alagie
Martin came over him, tore his shirt, and threatened to deal with him severely.
At that juncture, he requested to talk to his wife for her to arrange for a
lawyer to see him. He said he talked to his wife but did not have access to a
lawyer. According to Darboe, Tamba told him that he knew something about the
coup, since he was Colonel Cham’s assistant. He denied knowing anything
about a coup, though he knows Cham. He also said that he was asked by Mr. Hydara
for the names of soldiers who had been visiting Cham’s office between January
and March 2006. An instruction to arrest those officers he said was made and
some were arrested. Darboe said he was forced to make a statement saying
that he was part of it otherwise he would be killed. Captain Darboe said he was
asked to recopy his statement of 22nd of March 2006 by Assistant
Superintendent Modou Lamin Ceesay. And Darboe said he complied since there was nothing he
could do.
CROSS EXAMINATION
In a cross-examination by the prosecutor Emmanuel Fagbenle, he said on the
25th of March, 2006, he wrote a statement at the NIA that was to be read over
the radio.
In an earlier testimony, Corporal Bakary Wharf Kujabi, a Prison Medical
Officer at the Mile 2 Central Prisons identified three X-ray films and a medical
folder of Captain Bunja Darboe. He said that the exhibits were issued to
Captain Darboe. Corporal Kujabi said he was present when the films were made. He
identified the images, indicating,“ It’s the wrist on the left hand of
Darboe.”
In a cross examination with the prosecutor, Kujabi said Darboe complained to
him that his hand was paining. Kujabi said after examining it they found
that it was swollen and referred him to the RVTH, since he was not a bone
specialist.
BRIKAMA P.I.U OFFICERS TESTIFY IN COURT
By Modou Jonga
Three officers of the Police Intervention Unit who are attached to the
Brikama Police Station have testified at the Brikama Magistrates Court recently.
Babucarr Cham, Kebba Bah and Babucarr Touray testified in a case involving
seventeen accused persons who were previously arraigned on 4th December on the
charge of acting without lawful execuse in a manner that is calculated to
lead to incitement of violence, destruction or damage to property.
This alleged act which contravenes section 59 (b) of the Criminal Code is
purported to have occurred on the 1st December, 2006 at Old Yundum and Sinchu
Alhagie in the Kombo North.
In his testimony, the first witness, Babucarr Cham, said while he was on
duty in the morning on 1st December, he received a phone call from the
Commissioner of Police of Western Division who instructed him to report to the office
with some P.I.U officers.
The first witness said he left Brikama with some officers and reported to
the Police Commissioner, Superintendent Mamud Jobe in Yundum. He said upon his
arrival at the Yundum Police Station, he and his colleagues were briefed by
the Police Commissioner that they were supposed to go with him on a mission to
Old Yundum Village.
According to the first witness, they left for the Old Yundum Football Field.
He said on their arrival at the said football field, the two goal posts
beside the Wellingara Road were removed based on the order of the commissioner of
police.
The witness said they left for the Old Yundum Market. According to the first
witness, they were halted by the Police Commissioner who addressed the women
who were selling at the said Market. He said the Police Commissioner ordered
the women to vacate the Market. The witness said a young man was seen
running towards the market area. He said the man was heard saying “Don’t go
anywhere! Stay where you are! This is a problem we will fight till the truth
prevails.”
The witness said the young man is the first accused person (Mustapha
Jadama). He said the young man was arrested on the orders of the Police Commissioner
and later taken to Yundum Police Station. The witness further said that at
the Yundum Police Station they were put on stand –by duty for an hour, after
which they were again led by the Police Commissioner on a patrol back to the
football field at Old Yundum.
The witness said when they reached Old Yundum; they realized that the two
goal posts beside the school were removed by unknown persons. The witness said
they left with the Police Commissioner for Wellingara Police Station. He said
after passing Sinchu Alhagie Village, they saw a large crowd consisting of
women who were led by men. The witness said they stood in front of the crowd.
He said these men were heard saying “We are still fighting for our right and
we shall continue to fight on.” According to the first witness, the rest of
the accused persons were part of the group.
“The men were also heard saying that they are ready to go with us if they
are arrested”. He said it was at this juncture that the Police Commissioner
ordered for their arrest. He said they were arrested and taken to Yundum Police
Station. He said upon arriving at the Yundum Police Station, he was asked to
give his statement, which he did.
The second prosecution witness, Kabba Bah, said on 1st December, 2006 in the
morning, he and some of his colleagues were ordered by Sergeant Cham of the
Brikama PIU to report to Yundum Police Station for a mission.
He said upon arriving at the Yundum Police Station, they met the Police
Commissioner who ordered them to go to the Old Yundum Football Field, which they
did. He said they were also ordered by the Police Commissioner to remove the
two goal posts at the football field besides the Wellingara High Way.
The second witness said they left for the Yundum Market where they met women
selling. “These women were ordered by the Police Commissioner to stop
selling and vacate the said market,” stated the second witness. He went on to say
that at that juncture, a young man arrived and said “This is our right and we
shall fight on till the truth prevails.” He noted that the young man is the
first accused. He said the arrest of the man was ordered by the Police
Commissioner and the latter was then taken to the Yundum Police Station.
At the Yundum Station, the second witness said, he and his colleagues were
on a stand-by for about on hour.
He said they were again ordered by the Police Commissioner to go back on
patrol to Old Yundum Football Field where they found out that the other two goal
posts beside the school were removed.
The second witness said they continued their patrol to the Wellingara Police
Station. He said on their way to the Wellingara Police Station, they met a
group of people shouting on the highway, “This is our right and we shall fight
to the end.”
According to the second witness, the 16 accused persons were arrested and
taken to Yundum Police Station. The witness said he made a statement on the
matter at the police station.
The third prosecution witness, Babucarr Touray, also testified on that day.
The case is adjourned till Monday 18th December, 2006. The police prosecutor
is 629 Saine.
HOPE FOR “BUMSTERS”
By Amie Sanneh
To address the issue of “bumsters”, a multi-faceted project for their
upkeep is said to be underway.
In an interview with the brain behind the project, Ousman Kebbeh, said this
project, which is expected to start in January, is meant to train youths who
were repatriated on skills as waiters or waitresses, guides, drivers.
He said he came up with this project to help the bumsters because the “
bumster” phenomenon has long been an obstacle to the national problem of
investment in the tourism sector in the country, which they want to address.
He added that tourists complain a lot about the hassle and harassment they
sometimes receive from “bumsters.”
Mr. Kebbeh pointed out that this harassment they receive from “bumsters” is
contained in a survey they conducted recently. He said 67 percent of
tourists said they would never come back to The Gambia.
“It is a high percentage which is driving me into the project in order to
help them,” said Mr. Kebbeh.
He, however, revealed that some of the bumsters have good certificates but
that job opportunities are lacking.
“Each bumster has a dream and they want to help their families settle down.
That is why we have to help them and stop describing them as criminals,” he
posited.
The criteria of this project, Mr. Kebbeh revealed will include a national
Identity card and a certificate of character from the police . This, he noted,
will help them not to involve any criminal in their project. He said this
first project will mainly deal with the positive ones and that plans are
underway to involve the negative ones. “We want to gain credibility in this project,
” he said.
Mr. Kebbeh revealed that in 1999 he conducted a similar survey which was a
success and the youths involved are now absorbed by the Department of Tourism
as official tourist guides.
Mr. Kebbeh called on all to make this project a success. He also urged the
tourism industry to employ those who have undergone the training in their
industry.
THE PLIGHT OF A GAMBIAN YOUTH
Poverty and lack of employment are killing the youths more than the bullet
can do. The youths prefer to die than live in shame for being treated like
thrash by their families due to the fact that they cannot contribute financially
to a family that quite often lives from hand to mouth. They are ready to go
against the tide and scale all heights in order to make a living. A youth
narrated his experience to this reporter thus: “I went to school up to Grade 9.
My father who is a farmer was unable to finance my senior secondary school
education. I therefore had to drop at Grade 9 not because of poor academic
performance but to poverty that engulfed the family. I joined my father at the
farm. After working at the farm for many years, which only enabled us to live
from hand to mouth without a future, I decided to travel in search of greener
pastures. I was able to obtain a passport but not a visa for any European
country. I have been duped by people who claimed that they could help me to
acquire a visa.
I lost thousands of dalasis in that adventure. In the month of July this
year, I was told by a friend of the opportunity of going to Europe without a
visa. The friend explained the opportunity of sailing to Europe by boat at a
relatively cheap price. After discussing with the people in charge of the boats,
I sold my watermelon farm at a give away price since the melons were
premature at that time. We embarked the boat and left the country in September. We
were forty in the boat; most of us were Gambians and Senegalese. We sailed for
eight days without reaching our destination. Later we were told by the
Captain that we were lost. He said he could not make out where we were. We were
all concerned we asked ourselves “What next?” - a question that was never
answered. On the 11th day we found ourselves in Senegal. At Senegal, we
disembarked from the boat, went in town to buy food since our provisions were
exhausted. When we came back, we could neither see the boat nor the Captain. We were
in a dilemma. We had to find our way back to The Gambia. Presently, my dream
of travelling has not come true; I lost my melon farm.”
FIRE GUTS AN APARTMENT
By Musa Barrow
“Tobaski” and New Year celebrations turned tragic for the family of one Sam
Dampha a resident of Bakoteh Lay-out. They saw a sudden eruption of fire
from their apartment on Monday 1st January 2007.
Speaking to Foroyaa shortly after the fire was extinguished the wife of Sam
Dampha, Ndey Krubally, who witnessed the fire outbreak from the onset, said
the fire had robbed the family of their household materials. She took this
reporter round the debris and stated that household materials and gadgets such
as clothes, bed TV set and carpet worth thousands of dalasis were lost to the
fire.
Regarding what actually triggered the fire, Mrs. Krubally could not explain
how it sparked off. She, however, narrated that she was talking to her father
on the mobile phone outside their apartment when she heard her younger
brother shouting. She then threw away her mobile phone and ran to the scene only
for her to realise that a fierce fire was ravaging the apartment.
She said she immediately called the fire service, but according to her well
before the fire fighters arrived, her neighbours had rushed to the scene and
taken the fight to the raging fire. Although what sparked off the fire still
remains a mystery, Ndey Krubally who left the apartment before the fire
erupted indicated that she could not remember leaving or seeing any flammable
material that might have ignited the fire. She therefore suggested that
electrical miscarriage might have been responsible for the fire outbreak.
Attempts to talk to Sam Dampha, the family head turned futile as he was out
when this reporter visited the family who looked shocked and somber.
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