Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 74/2007, 27-28 June 2007
Editorial
THREATS TO STRIKE ARE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNALS TO RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENTS
THE VOICES OF WORKERS AND PENSIONERS NEED TO BE HEARD
After the National Assembly reviewed the gratuity of Secretaries of State
and National Assembly members, Foroyaa wished to remind the SoS for Finance
that the review of the earnings of pensioners should follow with immediacy.
Anybody having a family who is earning less than 1 dollar a day is living in
abject poverty.
Furthermore, the pensioners are entitled to freedom of association. They can
create an umbrella National Pensioners Association to articulate their
concerns and promote the interest of their members.
Foroyaa welcomes the news that the declaration issued by the Dock and
Maritime Workers Union asking the GPA to revoke their plan to terminate the
services of their members by the end of July has been heeded by the government.
The ABC’s of democracy are steadily being learned by all sectors of Gambian
society. Undemocratic governments always see an organised people as a threat.
Democratic governments, however, see people organised into associations as
instruments for ensuing transparency, accountability, justice and peace.
In short, democracy can only be guaranteed in a country if there are
Associations of persons with the aim of protecting the just interests of members.
This helps democratic governments to formulate just policies and receive
feedbacks regarding their implementation.
It is increasingly becoming clear that political associations in the form of
political parties are just one form of Association. Most people have always
looked up to political parties to fight for social justice.
This has been so because of the failure to build democratic associations
that can look after the day to day concerns of their members.
Once such associations are mature and organised they will be able to
negotiate with democratic and competent governments to address the concerns of their
members and work to replace governments which are insensitive to their
concerns.
DAVID COLLEY’S CRIMINAL CASE
By Abdou Jeli Keita
The criminal case involving David Colley, the former Director General of
Prisons, was called yesterday at the Banjul Magistrates Court, presided over by
B.Y Camara, but the accused was not present in court.
The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Touray, told the court that the accused is
at the remand wing of the State Central Prison. He said the investigation
into David’s case is yet to be completed.
He said the police have set up an investigating team comprising of the
sister forces. He said any time they are finished with their investigation, the
accused will be brought before the court.
The counsel for the accused, Lawyer Antouman Gaye said when the accused was
arraigned before the court, he was put under the care of the court and the
court remanded him in prison under the application of the prosecuting team, so
if the court make an order for the accused to be brought before the court,
that order should be respected. Defence counsel Gaye added that the case cannot
proceed because the accused is not present and reminded the court that the
case is a criminal case, noting the accused should be present to enable the
case to proceed.
At this juncture, Gaye asked why the accused is not arraign in court, the
police prosecutor Inspector Touray, said, while he was coming to the court, he
was told that the accused is still at Mill II Prison and he had no idea,
whether the investigating team is ready with the accused (David Colley).
The defence counsel insisted that the accused should be brought to court. At
this stage, the court had a recess for the accused to be brought to court.
After the recess, prosecutor Touray, said they made all efforts to bring the
accused to court, but they realised that he left with the investigating team
to recover a stolen generator which is connected with this case. The defence
counsel, at this point told the presiding Magistrate B.Y Camara, that the
accused is legally under the custody of the court and nobody, no matter what,
has right to take him out without the court’s permission.
The defence counsel, Antouman Gaye, applied that the charges against the
accused be struck out, since the offence in question is felony. The case, he
said, cannot proceed in the absence of the accused.
The presiding Magistrate B.Y Camara then adjourned the matter to 28 June, on
the grounds that, the accused will be brought to the court and the IGP and
AG Kebba Sanyang must be notified.
The accused, David Colley is standing trial for allegedly stealing D27,
000.00 and a Generator valued D35, 000.00, a property of The Gambia Prisons
Department.
FATOU JAW MANNEH’S TRIAL
WITNESS CROSS EXAMINED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Mr. Basiru Gassama, the second prosecution witness (PW2) in the trial of
journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh, on Monday 25 June was cross examined by the defence
counsel. The case was heard at the Kanifing Magistrates Court presided over
by Magistrate Buba Jawo.
In his evidence in Chief, Mr. Gassama said he is the security manager at the
Sun Beach Hotel and Resort and has been working there since 1993. He said he
never travelled out of the country from 1993 until 2005. Gassama said since
1994, three presidential elections were contested through the ballot box which
were won by Yaya AJJ Jammeh. Mr. Gassama said development under the two
regimes is not comparable, that is, the present regime and the former PPP
government in terms of development. He cited the development projects such as higher
education and free education for girls. He also mentioned road constr
uctions, such as the Kombo Coastal Road, Farafenni-Laminkoto road, the Kerewan
Bridge and roads in Bakau.
He noted that he does listen to news and reads news on newspapers and on the
internet inorder to know what is happening in and outside the country. He
added that he watches GRTS, adding, “Which we never dream of having”; that this
was brought by the present government.
During cross examination, defence counsel Lamin S. Jobarteh asked the
accused whether he has travelled to Basse via mandinaba. Mr. Gassama responded that
he did not travel from Mandinaba to Basse during the past three months. He
added that he does not know the road condition there. When asked about the
road condition from Sukuta to Westfield Mr. Gassama said he cannot recall the
last time he travelled from West Field to Sukuta. “What about Barra to Amdalaye”
, he stressed that the road from Barra to Amdalaye is in a very good state.
When asked about Tipper Garage to the Serrekunda Police Station. Gassama
responded that he cannot tell the condition of the Tipper Garage road. When he
was asked to comment on roads in Bakau, he said since APRC came to power, many
roads were constructed in Bakau. Gassama indicated that he was appointed as
security manager in 2000.
At this point, the court warned Mr. Gassama to stand properly in the box and
stop idling about in the box.
When he was asked to produce his appointment letter before the court,
Gassama started shouting on top of his voice. He was visibly raging with anger and
thus retorted, “I cannot produce any appointment letter, that is confidential
and my earning, I can produce my Identity card as a security manager, I will
not do it by any means.”
At this point, Mr. Gassama was sweating form head downwards until his green
gown (kaftan) was soaked with sweat. He was turning about in the witness box
until he knocked down the two holy books (bible and the Quran), on the floor
and he kept on shouting.
Defence Counsel Lamin Jobarteh, kept on telling the prosecution and the
court to warn the witness. When Jobarteh put it to him whether he had once been
admitted at the Psychiatric Clinic at Campama in Banjul, Mr. Gassama responded
angrily by shouting back “I am 100% well, your worship, he is provoking me,
I will not allow my integrity to be tarnished in public like that. I was
never at Campama, this is an insult. I will not take this kind of questions.” At
this juncture, the court decided to adjourn the matter.
The first witness, the NIA officer (name withheld) was also called by the
defence for re-examination. The NIA man said he never saw the accused person
speaking to anybody with regards to the matter. He said he never heard her
utter any seditious statements, but that she admitted granting seditious
interview. He added that the accused has not mentioned any names or any person to
whom she granted the interview to, but that she did mention the newspaper. He
said he cannot show the court where she did mention the name of the newspaper
on the exhibits. The NIA man admitted that he did not ask her to put it in the
statement, the name of the newspaper she granted the interview to. He said
he already knew the name of the newspaper which is the Independent. He was
asked to read out the portion which it was indicated, Independent.
He read as thus, “now living in the United States, Fatou’s fiery zeal with
the pen could still be gleaned from her despatches to the Independent.” He
said the word “despatches” could be an interview, he added despatches means, “
Sending something from one place to another.” He later admitted that there is
nothing on Exhibit B that says independent newspaper. “I am putting it to
you that the word despatches is completely different from an interview.” He
answered in the negative. The NIA man said interviews are in different forms and
“that is either by telephone, answering of questionnaires and one to one
interview or facial.” Counsel Jobarteh put it to him that the most he did was to
read part of Exhibit A, but that he did not know anything before the court.
The NIA man admitted that when he was in a questioning and answering session
with her, he was not taking notes. Jobarteh said, “That shows how inefficient
you are.”
At this point, there was an objection from the state counsel, E.O. Fagbenle,
that the question was meant to embarrass the witness and it is also an
insult. He said the counsel is annoying the witness by posing such questions.
Defence Counsel, Jobarteh cited the law to back his question. He maintained that
the court needs to know the credibility, efficiency and fitness of the
witness to the matter he is testifying to. Magistrate Jawo over-ruled his question
and said “the question should not be allowed,” Jobarteh posed another
critical question; that the NIA officer has failed in his duty, but the court ruled
that the witness is not bound to answer that question as well, but the
witness responded and said he did not fail in his duties.
Jobarteh said, “Am putting it to him that he is an untruthful witness and
that she never told him that she had granted an interview to anybody neither a
newspaper.” The NIA officer stressed that he is truthful, but admitted that
Fatou Jaw Manneh never told him the name of any person or newspaper to which
she granted the interview to.
DOCK WORKERS AND GPA
“Security Heads Intervene”
By Yaya Dampha
The security heads have decided to pour oil on trouble waters by engaging
the dock workers and the management of the GPA in a dialogue with a view to
settle their problem.
This meeting came in the wake of the decision of the dock workers to embark
on strike if the management of the Ports terminate their services as planned.
The GPA recently wrote a letter to the dock workers and informed them that
their services will be terminated by the 31 of July. The dock workers later
called a press conference and chided the management of the ports.
The dock workers have stated, among other things that they are not employees
of the GPA; that they are recruited by the commissioner of labour and they
work alongside the GPA.
Speaking to this reporter shortly after their meeting at the Ministry of
Interior, the dockworkers said SoS Sonko had advised the stakeholders to handle
the matter with care. They said SoS Sonko had also asked them to call off
their strike and further told the management of GPA to write back to them
(dockworkers) and informed them that they have cancelled the termination of their
services.
They said the Inspector General of Police, Benedict Jammeh also asked a
Manager at the Ports Mr. Jobarteh as to who appoints dockworkers. They said Mr.
Jobarteh said that the dockworkers are not employees of the GPA. They said the
IGP then opined that their services cannot be terminated by the GPA.
The secretary general of the Dock Workers Mr. Landing Sanyang commended the
SoS for Interior, Director General of NIA and the IGP. He said they have
played the role of peace makers and called on them to convince the GPA to
cooperate and abide by what was recommended.
Sanyang said the dockworkers will wait for the GPA to write and inform them
that they have cancelled the move to terminate their services.
Pa Kebba, an adviser to the dockworkers, called on the members to respect
what was agreed at their meeting with the security heads. He however stressed
that if the GPA did not honour what was said, they too will have no choice but
to embark on a strike. He commended the security heads, who, according to
him, have told the GPA the truth.
He said they have all agreed that since dockworkers are not employees of the
ports, then they cannot terminate their services.
The dockworkers said the meeting was attended by the Interior SoS,
Commissioner of Labour, GPA Managers, PS Works and Infrastructure, Director of
Administration at Ports, DPS Trade and DG National Intelligence Agency.
ECOWAS HOLDS EXPERTS MEETING
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
“The 500 million US dollars West African Gas pipeline project which is
designed to transport affordable and cleaner energy from Nigeria to Benin, Togo,
Ghana and eventually to other West African states will be commissioned this
year,” said colonel Mahamane Toure, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affair’
s, Peace and Security at an experts meeting organised by the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the Paradise Suites Hotel from the 24-28
June, 2007. The meeting is supported by DANIDA to look into the draft
Conflict Prevention Framework. Col. Toure said with the West African Power
(electricity) Pool, the initiative demonstrates the abilities of member states to
undertake giant projects to underpin greater integration, the creation of jobs
and the generation of wealth.
He said similar progress has been made in the fields of transport,
telecommunications and ICT to promote free movement of persons, goods and services,
and to boast trade with the community. “Thanks to mutually beneficial
public-private partnership, the West African shipping company, ECO MARINE, is now
operational; plans and feasibility studies are also far advanced to launch the
West African airline, ECO AIR, and to develop regional road and rail networks.”
he said.
Col. Toure further said progress has been made in agriculture and rural
development, which constitutes a crucial sector for regional integration and
economic development. He stated that in 2005, Heads of State adopted the common
ECOWAS Agricultural policy (ECOWAP) with a plan of action to boost sustainable
food security and the eradication of poverty in the region.
The ECOWAS Political Affairs Commissioner said ECOWAS remains the only
region in Africa where citizens of the community do not require a visa to visit
any country and where all member states are on course to issue a common ECOWAS
passport to citizens.
He pointed out that the military agenda, for a time, overshadowed the
economic imperatives of ECOWAS, and that the creation of the ECOWAS ceasefire
monitoring group (ECOMOG) to intervene in Liberia and Sierra Leone was therefore
an act of absolute necessity dictated by the unfolding realities.
In his opening address the Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and
Employment, Hon. Abdou Colley, said the ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG)
was born here in The Gambia in the aftermath of the outbreak of civil war in
Liberia in 1989 and that The Gambia deployed one of the first contingents for
the ECOMOG intervention in Liberia.
On his part, the former president of the Republic of The Gambia, Sir Dawda
Jawara, who chaired the meeting said. “The assurance of peace and security in
the sub-region has become a sine qua non for sustainable development and
human security, just as increasing, integration, deepening democratization and
the improvements on the welfare of the populations are becoming the cornerstone
of peace and security. I am delighted that ECOWAS is striking the right
balance between the two, as demonstrated by the purpose of today’s meeting”.
Sir Dawda said it has become imperative that the sub-region consolidates the
peace by fashioning permanent mechanisms for the peaceful management of
differences and to prevent tensions from degenerating into open and violent
conflict.
The former Gambian president concluded that this meeting in Banjul is
convened to further develop ECOWAS strategic framework for conflict prevention;
that it is yet another important step in the efforts to erect permanent people
oriented structures for the consolidation of democracy, peace and security in
the sub-region.
D3 MILLION CASE SET FOR JUDGMENT
By Abdou Jeli Keita
The defence has closed its case in the D3 million criminal case involving
one Karafa Keita. The defendant (Karafa Keita) is standing trial at the Banjul
Magistrates Court for allegedly obtaining money by false pretence contrary to
section 285 of the Criminal Code. He is alleged to have obtained an amount
of over D3 million from 69 people on the pretext that he would ferry them to
Spain via the sea, which he never fulfilled.
The counsel for the defendant, Lawyer E.A Chime, informed the court that his
client, Karafa Keita was involved in an accident and could not appear in
court.
Defence Counsel Chime said the prosecution called five witnesses in a bid to
prove its case, but the evidence of these witnesses are not far-fetched,
noting the accused (Karafa Keita) did all he could to see the materialisation of
the objective of the passengers, which was to travel to Spain. He went
further to say. “None of the prosecution witnesses gave convincing evidence. He
pointed out that a practical demonstration of evidence to suppress the truth
and facts was shown by PW2, when he said under cross examination that there was
no trawler out at sea, and consequently admitted that the captain of the
canoe which conveyed them into sea demanded them to pay Euro 10 each in order to
be brought back to the beach.
He said that two propelling machines were purchased for the proposed journey
and taken to Tanji beach. He said the Rastaman, Adama Mbye, has one of these
machines and none of the statements by defence witnesses were challenged by
the prosecution during cross examination. The defence counsel further
emphasised that any statement made which under evidence in chief and unchallenged,
stands to be the truth. He said that the said machines are under the custody of
the Rasta man (Adama Mbye) and he insisted that the prosecution is aware of
this and therefore urged the court to hold that the said machines are with
Adama Mbye. Counsel Chime said, that PW4, Modou Njie, under cross examination,
admitted that he collected some money totalling over $12000 and that he
further admitted that it was his decision not to go with the said amount of money
until these passengers have travelled.
He further said that, both PW1 and PW2 admitted they were embarking on an
illegal trip to a foreign land and they also know that government frowns at
anybody attempting to travel illegally to a foreign country; that they have no
one to blame, should anything happen to them. The defence counsel quoted the
legal maxim “Volenti non fit injuries” meaning, no injury is done to a person
who consents.
At this stage, the presiding magistrate, B.Y Camara, told the defence
counsel that the legal maxim does not apply to criminal matters; that it is
restricted to torts and contracts cases. He reminded lawyer E.A Chime, that the case
at hand is a criminal matter, that is, obtaining money by false pretence.
The defence counsel urged the honourable court to uphold that the accused
never obtained money by false pretence; that the prosecution has failed to
discharge the statutory burden of the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable
doubt. Chime finally urged the honourable court to discharge and acquit the
accused, based on the totality of the evidence before the honourable court.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Keita, representing the Inspector General
of Police, strongly disagreed with the defence counsel’s submission that the
prosecution has failed to prove the charges against the accused.
In his view, the fact regarding the charges preferred against the accused is
not legality of the journey, but the representation made by the accused to
induce the complainants to pay their money to him. From the evidence given by
the prosecution witness, he said, it is clear that the accused promised to
assist the complainants to travel to Spain, by providing a fishing trawler,
from the face of the evidence presented before this court. Prosecutor Keita said
the accused gave a false representation as he failed to provide a fishing
trawler, and instead provided a canoe. Furthermore, he added, the accused
alleged in his evidence that he provided a fishing trawler and other valuable
items for the proposed trip, but while under cross examination, he stated that
the said fishing trawler was to be provided by PW2, Modou Njie.
In his view, prosecutor Keita added, these two contradicting statements
painted a clear picture that no trawler was provided.
Prosecutor Keita submitted that the evidence given by the five defence
witnesses were made out of fabrication and he therefore urged the honourable court
to disregard the evidence of the five defence witnesses, as they were meant
to mislead the court.
The case is now set for judgment.
YOUTH FORUM ON EMPLOYMENT HELD
By Isatou Bittaye &Abdou Jeli Keita
Youth Employment Network (Y.E.N)-Gambia Chapter, in collaboration with the
Youth Monument Bar and Restaurant and Kanifing Municipal Council, on Sunday
organised a day long forum on Youth Employment at the Youth Monument Bar and
Restaurant at Westfield.
The Youth Employment Network (Y.E.N)-Gambia Chapter, was launched in 2002 to
spearhead the decade long campaign for the creation of 100,000 job
opportunities for young adults in The Gambia by 2012. The national campaign is in line
with the global call for action by the international community for the
creation of extra 500 million jobs by the same year. This year, 2007, marks the
midterm review of the campaign, both national and international, which attached
a great importance to this forum. The theme for the forum was “Young people
and employment”. The forum brought together Government, Local council,
employment agencies, media and young people to discuss youth employment issues with
a special emphasis on the available employment opportunities for young
people.
Abisatou Janneh, a representative of the Youth Monument Bar and Restaurant
said today 90% of the staff of the Youth Monument are young people, of which
75% are Gambians; that this is a clear demonstration that they are resolved to
contribute towards the youth employment crusade in The Gambia. She said
their support to many youth initiatives and programmes of which this is one, and
that correspondingly they are open for more positive partnership in the name
of youth development. Madam Janneh said they are also challenging the young
people to see the youth monument as a symbol of unity where young people can
meet and discuss what really impact on their lives, be it negative or positive.
She called on all the young people to be partners in development process.
Deputizing for the (CEO) of KMC, Mr. Sutay Jawo said youth unemployment is a
global thing. Mr. Jawo said that the education system in the country should be
revisited and even restructured; that the unavailability of appropriate data
on unemployment be addressed. He said Gambian youths must be willing to pickup
skilled labour and thereby create self employment. The private sector he
said should start helping the youths of this country.
Muhamed Sillah, CEO, Sankung Sillah and Sons Ltd, speaking on the overview
of the employment opportunities created by his manufacturing company for young
people, said his company (SSS Ltd) employs over 200 people and that they are
also looking at other projects to create more employment for youths. He
pointed out the inadequate skill labour, and scarcity of technicians and
engineers among Gambians, some of the problems responsible for youth unemployment.
Mr. Sillah said his company currently employs five physically disabled
persons. He said the reason why Gambians prefer imported goods than home made
goods has nothing to do with quality, but rather the attitude of the consumer. He
urged the youths to be organising such fora.
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL NETWORKS OF FARMERS HOLD CONSULTATIVE FORUM
By Modou Jonga
The West African Network of Peasant Organisation and Agricultural Producers
(ROPPA) in collaboration with the National Coordinating Committee of the
Farmers Organisation in The Gambia (NACOFAG) held a one day consultative forum.
The consultative forum was held on Friday, 22 June at the Friendship Hotel in
Bakau.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the forum and the Spokesperson of
NACOFAG, Mr. Alhagie Kebbeh said ROPPA was setup to enhance and improve the
capacity of peasant organisations in West Africa. Mr. Kebbeh noted that most of
the members of ROPPA are drawn from French West Africa. The NACOFAG
Spokesperson has commended The Gambian farmers organisation for being on record as the
first English speaking country to join this regional network.
According to Mr. Kebbeh, the membership of Ghana and Sierra Leone into ROPPA
were confirmed at a forum held at St Louis in Senegal. He noted that efforts
are being made to bring Liberia and Nigeria into the folds of ROPPA.
Speaking further, Mr. Kebbeh stated that the aims and objective of ROPPA are
to promote and defend the values of farmers as partners in development. The
NACOFAG PRO, urged the Department of State for Agriculture and stakeholders
to adopt a policy framework to increase food security.
In conclusion, Mr. Kebbeh noted the resolve of ROPPA and NACOFAG to commit
itself to the cardinal goal of reducing chronic hunger and malnutrition by
2015 as contained in the Millennium Development Goals.
On her part Mrs. Isatou Fayenkeh, president of ROPPA female wing said her
wing was accepted and affiliated to ROPPA at Togo in 2003. Mrs. Fayankeh
commended the Government for empowering the women farming population.
Speaking on behalf of the SoS for Agriculture, the Permanent Secretary for
Programmes and Projects at DOSA Mr. Sulayman Trawally, said the consultative
forum will enable farmers and stakeholders across the country to reflect on
the ideas and concepts of ROPPA/NACOFAG in order to pave the way for farmers.
The DOSA Permanent Secretary reiterated government’s commitment to reduce
poverty through PRSP II, being the strategic framework formulated to address
issues relating to poverty.
“This forum will also enable NACOFAG to build solid relationship with other
development partners to help them to forge a link ahead,” posited DOSA’s
Permanent Secretary. Mr. Trawally, called for enhanced agricultural production
through mechanisation and improvement through techniques. He said this will
bring household food security and the attainment of the Millennium Development
Goals.
The Director of TANGO Mr. Ousman Yabo urged delegates to be committed and
dedicated to the ideals and aspirations of ROPPA for the good of the farming
populace.
DR MARIATOU JALLOW HARPS ON TUBERCULOSIS
By Yaya Bajo
The Director of Health Services, Dr. Mariatou Jallow has recently told
participants at a workshop on TB prevention and control that the tuberculosis
epidemic in the Africa region is of great concern. She said approximately 2.4
million new TB cases and 500,000 deaths occur every year. She added that the
Africa region accounts for over 25% of the Global TB burden.
Dr. Jallow further indicated that available data shows that TB incidence in
the Africa region has been increasing by 3% per year compared to a global
average of 1%. She said the data also indicated that most countries in the
region have not yet reached the world health assembly and Abuja targets of 70%
case detection and the 85% treatment success rate.
According to the Health Director, this alarming situation is attributed to
many factors within the continent. She said TB detection and control has been
accorded relatively low priority by Governments with regards to resource
allocation. She added that access to DOTS (Direct Observe Treatment Short Course)
is still limited in many countries. She further lamented that the
participation of the private sector and community groups in the delivery of TB services
is still low while public health delivery systems upon which TB services
rely tend to be poorly distributed and mostly malfunctional. She noted that
facilities for diagnosis are still highly centralised and the absence of trained
manpower and basic equipment compound the problems.
Dr. Jallow expressed pleasure that diagnosis and treatment of TB in The
Gambia is provided free of charge to all patients irrespective of nationality. “
This clearly demonstrates government’s Commitment to the containment and
eradication of the disease,” she pointed out.
IN NFAMARA BOJANG’S TRIAL
Court Registrar Testifies
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving the candidate of the United Democratic Party for Bakau
constituency during the last National Assembly Election, Mr. Nfamara Bojang,
on Tuesday 26, June 2007 proceeded at the Brikama Magistrate’s Court, despite
the absence of defence Counsel, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe.
In her testimony before Magistrate E.F M’bai, Mrs. Haddy Joof, a Registrar
at the said court, noted that a case was filed in 2005 at the said court
bearing the name of the accused person. Mr. Joof stated that the accused person
was charged on two counts, namely conspiracy to commit felony and found in
possession of faked Gambian currency notes.
Testifying further, the registrar noted Exhibits were tendered in court with
regards to the preferred charge against the accused person. She added that
she has seen thirty-five (35) notes in D50 denomination that were tendered in
court but did not see the alleged faked D100 notes.
The file of the case was therein tendered by Inspector 629 Saine, but the
Presiding Magistrate ruled that the said file be typed. At this juncture, the
case was adjourned to 11 June, 2007.
Readers could recall that the accused was arrested by the Police; a day
after his nomination was endorsed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
to contest in the January 25 National Assembly Elections. He was detained for
few days, was subsequently arraigned in court on 10 January, 2007. He has
pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges preferred against him.
On count one, Mr. Bojang is alleged to have conspired with one Abubacarr
Suwa to commit felony in January 2005 at Busumballa in Western Region.
On count two, Mr. Bojang is charged with being in possession without lawful
authority of forged currency notes on 23 January, 2005 at the Coastal Road
Junction in the said region.
SoS FOR EDUCATION CLARIFIES
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Contrary to the expectations of the National Assembly Member for Foni
Bintang, Ebrima Jammeh, the Secretary of State for Basic and Secondary Education,
Fatou Lamin Faye, has clarified that there is no plan to establish a Senior
Secondary School in Foni Bintang.
Mr. Jammeh asked the Secretary of State to inform the deputies on the state
of affairs of the proposed senior secondary school to be built in Foni
Bintang. In response Madam Faye said “I regret to inform this august body that the
Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education does not have any
immediate plan to establish a senior secondary school in Foni Bintang.”
The Secretary of State said that she is not aware of any such plan from any
interested stakeholder, adding that the member can furnish the National
Assembly or the Department of State with any relevant information he may have on
the matter.
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