Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 149/2007, 19-23 December, 2007
Editorial
CRISIS IN THE MARKETING OF GROUNDNUTS
Nine days of the groundnut trading season have passed with no sign of a
trade season. Everything is dead. The Seccos look more like bushes, rather than
buying points. The ˜Secco managers are hardly available. Cash is not yet made
available at the ˜Seccos
No announcement was made to explain why nothing was happening after a
previous announcement that trading would resume on 10 December. The farmers are
left in the wilderness not knowing what was happening. The announcement did not
just reflect developments on the ground. Since they are in dire need of cash,
farmers are selling their nuts across the border in Senegal or in bits at
the local markets.
If the produce of the farmer cannot be bought, how can we talk about meeting
the Vision 2020 objectives and the Millennium Development Goal of halving
the proportion of the poor and those who suffer from hunger by 2015?
The developments which took place in the past nine days are not reflective
of a government that is concerned about the plight of the farmers.
The Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs indicated in his
budget speech that groundnut production registered an increase of 6.7% from
140,660 metric tonnes in 2005/2006 to 150,136 metric tonnes in 2006/2007.
However, all these years there have been increasing problems in purchasing
groundnuts from the farmers. There has been inability to purchase, in spite of
increases in production. The basic problem is the lack of cash to pay for
the nuts. Private companies, like Gamco, did not provide adequate cash and had
to rely on loans guaranteed by public institutions like Social Security to
purchase the nuts of the farmers.
No Sign of Groundnut Trading
Going by the reports of our reporters and correspondents around the country,
trading in groundnut, this year, is like a dead wood. They say nothing is
happening in all the regions of the country. They keep telling us that there is
no sign of a trade season. In the last issue, we published reports from two
regions. In this issue, we publish reports from three other regions. There is
a growing trend to sell across the border, and if no speedy action is taken,
no single tonne will reach the Depots.
Central River Region
Reports from the Central River Region are not different from the other
regions in the country. Up until yesterday, no trade had taken place in any of the
places visited in both CRR North or CRR South. Some Seccos(buying points)
have not even been cleared in preparation for the trading activities,while
those which have been prepared are waiting for the buyers to come. This applies
to Kaur and environs. In Panchang, for example, one Pap Jallow, indicated that
even though they have cleared the 'Secco' no trading has taken place so far.
He pointed out that they have not seen or heard from anybody since the
announcement of the commencement date of the trade season He said that their only
problem is selling their nuts. He added that selling one's nuts in Senegal
also has its problems.
In CRR South, our correspondent has informed us that there is no sign of
trading in groundnuts at Galleh Manda, Kerr Njaga and Daru. The Secco' at Kerr
Njaga has been prepared for trading but the 'Seccos' in the other two
villages are yet to be prepared. Our correspondent further added that while some
farmers are selling their nuts across, in Senegal, others are decorticating
them and selling them at the 'lumos' (weekly markets) and the Bansang Market.
LRR FARMERS IN LIMBO
By Fabakary B. Ceesay and Bubacarr K. Sowe
Farmers in Lower River Region have expressed concerns over the groundnut
trading season. Many said they are yet to sell their produce because buyers are
not available.
Farmers in Jarra Si-Kunda and Soma said they are not sure if the promises
made by the Agri-business Service Plan Association (ASPA) for a successful
groundnut season would materialize. They said they did not prepare the buying
centres 'Secco' for this year's trade season. The Jarra farmers explained that
nothing absolutely is taking place as regards to the groundnut trade season.
They said they are waiting for the Senegalese to come forward to buy their
nuts.
In Kiang West, farmers are not sure of what will happen to their groundnuts
this season. Farmers in Kwinella, Jattaba and Nioro Jattaba, lamented that
ASPA should not give empty promises when they are not in a position to fulfil
them. They said that this year's production is very low compared to last
year's; that they were hoping to sell their produce on a cash payment basis, as
promised by ASPA. The Kiang farmers pointed out their frustration, noting that
they have been waiting for interested buyers to come forward. They said since
the announcement of the commencement date by ASPA, they did not clear their
trading centres (secco) and that they did not set eyes on any person or
organization which is interested in buying their groundnuts. They challenged the
government to look into the plight of groundnut farmers and not to issue empty
promises. They called for immediate action for their plight to be addressed.
GROUNDNUT BUYING HAS NOT STARTED
FARMERS TAKING THEIR NUTS TO SENEGAL
By Lamin Fatty
Following the issuance of a press release by the Agri-business Services Plan
Associations (ASPA) on the commencement date for the 2007/8 groundnut trade
season, this reporter visited the buying points 'Secco' within the Upper Riv
er Region (URR) to assess the situation on the ground and to find out whether
groundnut buying has started. At the first station that this reporter
visited, the Basse secco, nothing was seen to indicate that groundnut buying is in
progress. When contacted, a Secco manager (name withheld) told this reporter
that groundnut buying has not started. According to him, they, Secco managers,
have formed an association and agreed that they should have a substantial
amount of money in hand before starting the buying of farmers' produce. He said
that they reached at this agreement so as to avoid the difficulties they
normally encounter when they engage in credit buying.
This reporter visited the 'Secco' at Garawol and Fatoto in the Kantora
district but found out that buying was not taking place. He caught up with one
Mansata Sanneh, who was selling decorticated groundnut seeds at the Garawol
market and asked her why she is selling her groundnut when the trade season had
started.
According to her, the decision to sell her nuts at the market was triggered
by the fact that she wants to meet some pressing family needs ahead of the
Tobaski.
This reporter also visited Sandu Darsilame and Wuli Birifu but nothing was
happening in those areas. In Birifu, it was only the fence that was prepared
but nothing was taking place.
In an interview with one Saiba Darboe, who claims to be a representative of
the farmers, he said they have not seen any clerk or money. He said farmers
are taking their groundnuts to Senegal for marketing because they have lost
confidence in marketing their groundnuts in the country. An extension worker
also told to this reporter that he saw a tractor around Tabanding, in Wuli,
heading for Senegal and loaded with bags of groundnuts. According to him,
farmers felt that that was the only thing they can do to solve their pressing
family problems.
PEOPLE EXPRESS DISMAY OVER THE HIGH COST OF GOODS
By Musa Barrow
Ordinary Gambians have expressed frustration and consternation over what
they described as the high cost of goods at the various markets in the country.
In interviews conducted by this reporter, who went round the town to feel
people's pulses on the cost of goods ahead of the Tobaski feast, people are
voicing out their unhappiness over what they perceived as the high cost of
goods, which is making it impossible for them to purchase their basic needs.
Talking to this reporter, one Mr. Alieu Ceesay, a resident of Bundung, said
he bought his ram for D2,500 (two thousand and five hundred dalasis). This
sum, according to Mr. Ceesay, is beyond what an average Gambian earns every
month.
Mr. Ceesay who just bought his ram two days before the feast of Tobaski,
further explains that he had to struggle extremely hard before being able to
gather enough money to buy a ram, which he said is a sacred religious
obligation.
Mr. Ceesay said that in addition to buying a ram, he had to buy clothes for
his children and wife. He observed that the burden he shouldered is really
heavy considering what he earns.
However, making comparisons, Ceesay acknowledges that this year's prices of
ram are a bit better than last year.
Another man, who introduced himself as Madi Jeng, noted that the price of
ram this year is exorbitant and as a result he could not afford it. He stated
that he had to focus his attention on pressing family issues, such as provision
of food. Jeng said he would love to slaughter a ram, but due to its price,
he would not be in a position to do it. Mr. Jeng who claimed to have
slaughtered rams over the past years, but that the lack of it this year would be
disheartening and a big blow to his children. He concluded by saying, 'I have
done my best and my best was not enough to get me a ram'
Expressing his frustration over the price of goods at the market as the
feast of Tobaski draws closer, Fatoumata Cham, a housewife , said the price of
goods are generally high when compared to the level of earning of ordinary
Gambians. She complaint about the high cost clothes for children. Cham explained
that she had to buy clothes for her five children, which cost her nothing
less than D1000 (one thousand dalasis).
According to her, this burden is enormous given the fact that there are
other essential matters that should be solved. When she was asked whether the ˜
Wanterr' (mass reduction of prices) is not having any impact on the price of
goods, she responded by saying the so-call reduction of prices are a mere talk
and is not what prevails on the ground. She said that the only difference
between now and a month ago at the market is the noise. As you can see, today
there is a loud noise reverberating in the market, traders are pretending that
they have reduced the prices of goods, but in reality the prices today are
not different from those a month ago Fatoumata Cham concluded.
Awa Jobe, a 22 year old girl, told this reporter that she came to the market
to buy clothes and a pair of shoes for herself, but she had to abandon the
idea as she did not have enough money to buy all that she needed.
One Sally Jallow, a resident of Ebo Town explained that her main priority
was to provide basic needs for her children and not trying to buy luxurious
things like clothes and shoes.
Sally said that she struggles to earn a living; that her main worry is the
skyrocketing prices of basic commodities.
GGC Announces Depot Price, D7950
The Depot price for this yea's groundnut marketing season is pegged at
D7950.00 per metric ton, revealed a press release issued by the Gambia Groundnut
Corporation, dated December 17, 2007.
This announcement follows an earlier one made by the Agribusiness Service
Plan Association (ASPA) which gave the secco price for groundnuts at D7200.00
per metric ton in the 2007/2008 groundnut marketing season. The release also
called on all Licensed Buying Agents and Cooperative Marketing Societies
(CPMS) who have applied to the Corporation for pre-financing to report to GGC with
their bonds for the funds to be disbursed to them.
Interview with Halifa Sallah
Part 16
What would labour relation be like?
We will restore the joint industrial council where representatives of
employers and Trade Unions shall meet to establish wages for all categories of
workers on the basis of the quantity and quality of work done and the duration..
These minimum wages will be statutorily established and shall take the cost
of living into consideration.
Could a small economy like that of the Gambia be self-reliant?
Nkrumah had indicated that a self-reliant economy must have three
components. First and foremost it must be able to produce it raw material requirements.
Secondly, it must be able to process the raw materials to produce value
added manufactured goods. Thirdly, it must be able to produce the machines
required for the production of manufactured goods.
Gambia can meet the first requirement. It can establish many cottage
industries to go a long way in producing value added processed goods to meet
domestic consumption and reduce our food import bill. However it will still need to
import a substantial part of its needs for manufactured goods. Thirdly, even
though it will be able to build some light machines it will still be unable to
establish machine building industries on its own. This is precisely the
reason why we stand for continental integration so that African countries can
pool up resources to meet the secondary and tertiary phases of self reliant
economies. This is what Europe did after the devastation of their economies
during the Second World War. I have made this very clear in my book: ''Treatise on
founding a Federation of African Republics''
Some people have been arguing what your positions on religion and communism
are. Can you shed more light on these issues?
Halifa: I have been intimated with the content of the debates on Capitalism,
Socialism, Communism and Religion. It is amazing how people confuse ideology
with policies and programmes of political parties. Does a country like the
Gambia become a developed capitalist country because of the commitment of its
leaders to the system? In the same vein, does it become a socialist,
communist, Christian or Muslim society because of the commitment of the leaders to
any of the concepts? The answer to this question is obviously in the negative.
Capitalism can only exist where there are many capitalist investors who own
means of production in the forms of land, industries and other companies in
sufficient numbers to generate employment for the vast majority of
inhabitants. They should be able to generate enough income and corporate tax as revenue
for the state to provide public services.
In fact, during the depression of 1929 economists like Keynes argued
vehemently that when demand for goods and services fall economic down turn or crisis
must become the consequences. Hence he recommended government policy
interventions to stimulate demand for goods and services. This confirms that even
in the most advanced capitalist countries the state is an economic actor. One
has to study Roosevelt's New Deal which was designed to lift The United
States from depression to understand how state interventions had given rise to the
public economy and the welfare state which has created the political
boundaries between democratic/social democratic, socialist parties in Europe or the
US and their Republican / Conservative / Christian democratic counterparts or
opponents with the liberals standing in the middle and the Communist at the
left of the first group.
Governments in the most advanced capitalist countries are in control of
monetary and fiscal policies which are utilised to control money supply,
determine exchange rates, set interest rates to stimulate demand and even determine
prices through the introduction of subsidies in agriculture. Governments
maintain welfare and pension schemes, run transport, public works and services
to expand public sector employment. Suffice it to say, any body who follows
the evolution of the International financial system would realise that the
primary aim of establishing the IMF is to provide liquidity to countries which
cannot pay for imports as loans, through the collective contribution of states,
to enable them to pay for imports and thus sustain international demand for
goods and services.
In the second book of the analysis of the National and International
Economy quotations shall be culled from ex President Reagan's speeches which he
made in 1965 to distinguish the policies of his former party , The Democratic
Party and the new party he chose to join, the Republican Party. This will
show the degree of state intervention in the US economy and the level of the
state debt and deficits which were partly designed to maintain it's military
might and partly motivated by the Keynesian policy of state intervention in
stimulating demand and thus maintain production and employment. This will
confirm that both the public and private sectors are economic actors in developed
capitalist countries and the difference between the conservative Republicans
and the Liberal Democrats/ Social democrats /Socialists lay in the degree of
space occupied by the state as an economic and social actor in contrast to the
private sector.
The important point to note however is that where capitalism has been
consolidated the vast majority are employed because of the industries which rely on
the economics of scale to sustain production. They maintain national and
international markets to sell their goods and services. Credit cards become
rampant and consumerism is stimulated to sustain demand and encourage production.
In such countries income and corporate taxes are levied to provide social
security services to those without work while local councils and building
societies provide housing and other social amenities. Many people from developing
countries who benefit form these schemes fail to appreciate that they are
benefiting from the type of policies which have been engendered by years of
struggle by trade unions and movements for social justice to pressurise
governments to adopt people centred programmes which PDOIS is advocating for.
Hence if Gambians see any party which can bring about agricultural and
industrial development to the point of ensuring the employment of the vast
majority of people through capitalist investments and rely on income and corporate
tax to provide social security, infrastructural development and general
welfare we will be glad to step aside and leave them to move the country forward.
The reality is that the Gambia is not heading towards Capitalist development.
It is sinking into the abyss of underdevelopment. It currently belongs to the
least developed countries of the world. It does not have an industrial base
to process it raw materials into manufactured goods. It does not even have
the marketing potential for its cash crop. 70 per cent of the people in the
rural area are living in abject poverty It has a narrow tax base and cannot
provide welfare service. This is why we call for the intervention of the public,
the cooperative and the private sectors to play their part in promoting
people centred and sustainable development.
Foroyaa: Can you explain the other two concepts, namely, socialism and
communism
Halifa: The concepts: Socialism and Communism arose from the expectation
that Capitalism without any state intervention to regulate its excesses would
lead to development of advance technology which will require lesser number of
people to engage in production. It is expected that if such a development
takes place, the more advance the technology the more people are thrown out of
work because of automation. In this way there will be immense profit generated
by the capitalists and few wage workers to pay .This is expected to yield
immense wealth on one side and immense poverty on the other. Those who analyse
such a state of things concluded that the way to prevent this is for the
state to intervene and take control of the means of production and allow every
one to work according to ability and receive according to the quality and the
quantity of work done. According to them technology would no longer lead to
the alienation of workers and their retrenchment but would lead to growth in
income and reduction of working hours because of the rise in the value of
labour and its productivity. According to them the more technology advances the
greater the likeliness for labour to yield more than the person needs for
consumption. When that point is reached it is hypothesised that people will be
able to produce according to their ability and will consume according need.
This is what Marx called communism. According to him, there will be no classes
or inequality in such a society.
What then are the points of the critics? The Gambia is a poor agrarian
country without industries and advanced technology. Is it useful for us to debate
whether we can build a society where so much abundance is created that the
slogan ' could be put into practice.
In my view, we should concentrate on translating Ideologies into practical
and relevant policies, programmes and projects in order to save our people
from poverty and tyranny.
Foroyaa: You may now focus on the issue of religion, politics and political
leaders.
To be continued
Saikou Saho Unveils Blue-Print For The Rejuvenation Of Gambian Music
By Musa Barrow
In this edition of the Art and Music column, Foroyaa speaks to a prominent
Gambian artist, Jali Saikou Saho, who, by virtue of his international exposure
is very determined to leave a legacy on Gambian music.
In this exclusive interview, Jali Saikou talks about his idea of setting up
a music school in The Gambia . This, he argued, is the only way to catapult
Gambian music to reach the global arena.
Foroyaa: Before we proceed, it is appropriate that you tell the readers
about yourself.
Jali Saho: Well, my name is Saikou Saho. I was born in the village of Doban
Kunda , Lower Fulladu District, Central River Region. I started my music
career through my father, Jali Wally, who also learned the trade through his
father, Jali Mamudou. Similarly, my mother, Mamasa, was a singer who also
inherited it from her father, Jali Makang Susso. At the age of seven, I started
singing and playing the kora under the tutelage of my father and uncles.
Foroyaa: When did you first burst into the musical scene?
Mr. Saho: As an artist, my first engagement was with the Gambia National
Troupe in 1980. in 1983 I and other troupe members represented the nation in a
promotional show held in the Senegalese capital, Dakar . Furthermore, from
1984 to 1989, I represented The Gambia in a musical fair held in Paris . In
fact, in 1989, I was living and working in France but I had to abandon all my
private engagements just for the sake of flying Gambia's flag at the fair.
Foroyaa: You have just spoken about representing the nation in various
international fairs. Undoubtedly, representing the nation is a great honour and
pride. Why were you and the few others selected to represent The Gambia?
Mr. Saho: I believe the reason why few of us were selected to represent the
nation was our professionalism. Our hard work and dedication were recognised.
In addition to that, it was known that all those selected had undergone the
right training and had experience and had also been performing to expectation.
Again in 1988 I represented The Gambia in a sub-regional kora competition in
Guinea , which was organised by President Lansana Conteh. In that
competition, although I emerged second, behind the Malians, my prowess as the best kora
player was recognised. My sublime display of kora playing skills at the
festival should not be a surprise at all, because when it comes to playing kora,
Gambians are the leaders. After 1989 I represented The Gambia in various
festivals in Europe, precisely in Belgium and England .
Foroyaa: As an expert kora player, can you shed more light on the kora as a
musical instrument?
Mr. Saho: First of all the kora has 21 strings. Each of these 21 strings has
its tune. It is the combination of the different tunes that produces harmony
in music. How to combine these different strings requires knowledge and
skills which are acquired through learning.
Foroyaa: After having mentioned the exploits of sublime kora players like
yourself, do you think the young and upcoming Gambian artists are on course to
continue this rather excellent tradition of fine kora players?
Mr. Saho: Most upcoming Gambian artists are not playing kora in its orthodox
form. This is due to the fact that they have not undergone any appropriate
training along traditional lines. They play it as it pleases them which is not
the way we found the earlier generations doing it. Young artists in this
country should all strive to be able to play the kora as standard players like
Lalo Kebba Drammeh used to play it.
Foroyaa: After having witnessed both the past and the present, how do you
see the state of music in this country presently? Is there any ground for
optimism?
Mr. Saho: After interacting with many renowned African musicians like Salifu
Keita, Papa Wemba and Angela Kidjo, there is no doubt in my mind that our
music currently stands at zero, as far as international popularity is
concerned. The reason why I said so is that the input and output of our music leave a
lot to be desired thereby severely affecting the quality. For one to be able
to produce quality music, he/she should work hard and know how to capture the
imagination of the audience.
Foroyaa: As a close follower of young Gambian artists, do you think they are
on the right track as far as the style of music they play is concerned?
Mr. Saho: Most of our young and upcoming artists have derailed as far as
traditional and cultural Gambian music is concerned. Some of them imitate
foreign music. It must be made abundantly clear to these young artists that no
matter how they imitate these foreign musicians, they remain Gambians. They also
have a responsibility to promote Gambian music by playing it. This disease of
imitation should be addressed and remedied. Having said so, modern
instruments like the bass can be used to improve the quality of our music.
Foroyaa: What is the role of artists in traditional Gambian society?
Mr. Saho: In pre-colonial Gambia , artists played the important role of
present day protocols officials to kings. But those artists were upright in their
dealings and actions. They served as middle-men between the king and the
people. Artists also served as advisers during the pre-colonial era. When it
comes to our social life, artists have a very pivotal role to play in acting as
mediators in marriage. In times of disputes and conflicts in communities,
the artists used to play the role of peace-brokers. In addition to that artists
also served in their traditional role as the custodians of history.
Foroyaa: In an interview with GRTS, you indicated that you intend to set up
a music school. Can you tell us more about that novel idea?
Mr. Saho: Yes, I did say so. The idea of setting up a music school was
triggered by my fervent desire to take Gambian music to where it rightfully
belongs. The fact of the matter remains that our music will continue to remain
retarded, until and unless we have well qualified people who have adequate
training. My interaction with renowned African musicians like Salifu Keita who had
also embarked on such projects in his native country Mali , has also prompted
me to do something which will have an everlasting impact on this country's
music. I have presented this plan of mine to the National Centre for Arts and
Culture (NCAC). I would like to seize this opportunity to appeal to all and
sundry to assist in these efforts to ensure that this novel idea of setting up
a music school is not just a proposal, but is truly realised. This, I feel,
is my contribution towards the raising of the profile of Gambian music.
Foroyaa: How would setting up such a music school enhance the quality of
artists in this country?
Mr. Saho: Well, it was music school that, after all, enhanced the output of
professional artists in countries like Senegal , Mali and Guinea . There is
no doubt that such a positive development can also be registered in The
Gambia. If this idea is transformed into reality, experienced and qualified tutors
from the music world will be invited to give lectures at the school. However,
the most important factor that will make the school achieve its desired
results would be the determination of the students.
Foroyaa: If this music school is established, what criteria would you apply
in the enrolment of prospective students?
Mr. Saho: Well, this school will be free to all aspiring students, because
its main objective will be to promote culture. Since music has no boundary,
non-Gambians who are interested in the courses offered will also be admitted.
The main criterion is interest.
Foroyaa: What is the name of your own musical group and when was it formed?
Mr. Saho: The name of my musical group is Biba Musical Group and it was
formed in 1996. This group was formed shortly after the 1996 Roots Home Coming
Festival.
Foroyaa: Since the inception of your artistic career, how many singles and
albums have you released:
Mr. Saho: My first single entitled 'Manding' was released in 1990. After
that another album entitled 'Saikou and Aramata' was also released in 1996. This
album was named after me and my wife, who is presently residing in France .
Foroyaa: Apparently, you were living and working in France . Why did you
decide to come back to The Gambia?
Mr. Saho I decided to come back to The Gambia so that I will be able to
contribute my quota to the development of music and leave a legacy in my country
of birth. This should not be a surprise to anybody because the talents that I
have are needed more in The Gambia than elsewhere.
Foroyaa: When do you plan to release your next single or album?
Mr. Saho: I am presently working on an album that talks about patriotism.
This album aims to inculcate in the citizens of The Gambia the virtues of
patriotism and its essence in nation building.
Foroyaa: Do you think the various radio stations and the national television
are doing justice to Gambian music? Do they play Gambian music quite
frequently?
Mr. Saho: Gambian music is not being given the due attention it deserves by
the radio and TV stations. The amount of air time that foreign music is given
is incredible. Whenever you watch our national television you see Guineans,
Malians, Senegalese and other foreign musicians. The fact of the matter is
that if you go beyond the boundaries of this country, you only hear Gambian
music once in a blue moon. Although there are several factors that account for
this poor publicity and promotion, the first one is the present poor quality
of Gambian music. The second one is the lack of proper training and
orientation of DJs. I am therefore appealing to Gambian musicians to work assiduously
to enhance the quality of their output. There is no doubt that if our music is
very attractive and melodious, it will capture many hearts. Research has
shown that good music can be more effective medicine than the pills.
Foroyaa: What would be your advice to aspiring Gambians who want to take
music as their career?
Mr. Saho: My advice to them is to strive hard and do thorough research on
the art.
Foroyaa: Thank you.
Jali Saho: Thank you too.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
With Amie Sillah
Victim Of Circumstances “AiGaaf”
Part 6
Aja Mariam Arrives
Aja Mariam arrived home. Hojah went to open the gate. She felt victorious.
''I have won! She cannot use her stolen car' she exclaimed and embraced her
mum. Aja praised her daughter. 'You are my daughter! My Hojah, I trust you. It
serves them right. The war has just begun,' Aja smiled.
The Bad News
The mobile phone rang. Hojah picked it. :'Who is it?' she asked. 'EB is
involved in a dastardly accident' 'what!' Hojah exclaimed. Aja enquired. 'What is
it?'she asked nervously. 'EB is involved in a dastardly accident.' 'What! Oh
I warned my son! She is evil! She is a witch! She is gripped by misfortune (˜
Aigaafâ). She has eaten all her close relatives. Now she has involved my son
in a dastardly accident. She will end up eating him as well.' Fatima entered
at the wrong time. 'Here she is, the witch! You want to eat my son?' She
physically attacked her.I 'll kill you! I 'll kill you. Abdou separated them.
Aja and Hoja boarded mum's jeep and went to the hospital. They refused Fatima's
attempt to board the jeep.
At the Hospital
Aja and Hoja were shocked. They found EB admitted at the emergency ward. His
whole body was plastered. The duo broke down. EB was in coma and on oxygen.
Fatima Arrives
Fatima arrived and went straight to the ward. Aja drove her out. She went
into tantrums. She threw angry invectives at her daughter-in-law. Essa came on
time and rescued Fatima . ' okay mum! Take it easy. This is not the time to
apportion blame. EB is your son but he is also Fatima's legal husband. Please
take it easy with each other' Aja broke down and wept bitterly. Fatima sobbed
ferociously. She saw her life being shattered. 'My sunshine, you are the only
one left for me. If you are gone, I am gone! I cannot live without you.
Don't do this to me. Stay! Stay with me!' She sobbed. Aja hissed and stared at
Fatima with scornful eyes.
A Family in Grief
The family was in great grief. Mum and daughter are dead worried. Aja
confronted Doctor Nyang. 'Will my son survive the accident?' 'Yes, he will survive
it, but whether he walks again on his two feet and use his arms have to be
tested. Let us pray to Allah. He works in mysterious ways. Doctor consoled Aja.
She is dead worried. She kept on insulting and cursing Fatima .
Fatima at her Husband's Bedside
Everyone left her by EB's bedside. She sobbed as she prayed for his returned
health. EB gained consciousness. Fatima jubilated. 'Oh Allah! Thank you!'She
stood up and talked to her husband.
'Are you awake? How do you feel?' Fatima asked. 'Nothing! I feel nothing!'
'What do you mean? Fatima asked.' 'No! I did not feel anything. I think my
four limbs are dead. My body is strange. It is unlike me. I have a strange
body. Fatima ! What is happening to me?' EB became hysterical. He cried bitterly
and cursed and insulted his mum and sister.
Fatima Calls Doctor Nyang
Fatima called Doctor Nyang to come and answer to EB.
Essa Enters
Essa came on time. He met Doctor Nyang at his office and asked him to
enlighten him on EB's illness. ' EB had a spinal cord injury. He might not be able
to use his forelimbs again.' 'What!' Essa exclaimed. 'It is a disaster! He is
so young and vital, at the prime of his life'Essa sobbed. 'Take heart! While
there is life, there is hope. We will send him to a specialist hospital.
They may be able to do something for him,' Doctor Nyang advised.
Results Are Out
His results showed a severe spinal cord damage. EB was taken to the teaching
specialist hospital in the capital.
Mum in a Jigsaw
Mum and Fatima could not understand why EB was transferred to a specialist
hospital. Fatima went on her own to enquire from the doctor. He told her the
naked fact.'EB had a severe spinal cord injury. The results showed he will not
be able to use his four limbs again. But don't be discouraged. While there
is life there is hope' What! How can I be at ease when you told me that my
benefactor may not be able to use his limbs again unless there is a medical
miracle?' Fatima sobbed bitterly.
Mum and Doctor Nyang
Mum went to visit Doctor Nyang to get a clearer picture of her son's
condition. 'Your son's accident was dastardly. His jeep somersaulted thrice. He is
severely injured in his spinal cord. He may not be able to use his four limbs
again unless there is a medical miracle.' 'What!' Mum exclaimed. 'I am
finished! My only son! I have warned him! I warned him not to marry that witch! She
has offered him as a sacrifice to the marine world' She cried bitterly.
Doctor Nyang was flabbergasted. He shook his head. 'What is the woman saying?' he
murmured. Doctor Nyang advised Fatima and mum to find a psychologist or
medical social worker to address EB's state of mind and mindset.' it is going to
be difficult for EB to comprehend the reality. He needs counseling. All
hands have to be on deck to get him to accept his reality and to live a positive
life,'heremarked.
Ex-Permanent Secretary Pleads Not Guilty To Stealing
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
William John Joof, ex-Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for
Foreign Affairs, on Monday, pleaded not guilty to the charge of stealing 15, 000
US dollars, being property of The Gambia Government.
According to the particulars of the offence, Mr. Joof, between 2005 and
2006, while employed in the public service of The Gambia, as Ambassador to
France, allegedly received the sum of US$15,000 from diverse sources in the name of
Gambian delegation to UNESCO and converted it to his personal use.
His counsel, Lamin Camara, submitted before magistrate Kayode H. Olayubutu
that he is objecting to all the eleven counts except count seven, because they
are duplicitous and uncertain.
Mr. Camara argued that most of the charges are alleging offences to the
public service regulations which, he said he does not have knowledge of.
He said he was finding it difficult to advice his client on the remaining
charges and made an application for the regulations to be made available to him.
The prosecutor, Habib Sanyang, counter argued that the accused person should
take his plea, since all the eleven charges are clearly spelt out.
Mr. Joof was granted bail in the sum of half a million dalasis with two
Gambian sureties.
Magistrate Olajubutu stressed that both sureties must be senior civil
servants and one of whom must also not be below the rank of a permanent secretary
in any government ministry.
The Banjul Magistrates Court adjourned the case till December 27 for a
ruling.
Sensitisation On EPAs Widens
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The ongoing campaign on the potential implications of the Economic
Partnership Agreements (EPAs) being negotiated by the African Caribbean and Pacific
States and their European Union (EU) counterparts has widened with the
involvement of various participants at a sensitization workshop on Saturday, December
15 at the Regional Education Office in Brikama. The session attracted
representatives from the Kanifing Municipal Council, the Office of the Governor of
Western Region and farmer's organisations.
Lamin Nyangado of Action Aid-The Gambia said the signing of an agreement
like the EPAs with a continent which is far bigger than The Gambia (in capacity
and economy) is a serious concern.
Mr. Nyangado said with the coming into force of the EPAs, ACP countries will
have a 90% tariff reduction, noting that a country like The Gambia is
already facing a collapse in the poultry industry due to the importation of
subsidised poultry products from Europe .
Amadou Taal of the Gambia Social Forum, which organised the sensitisation
session, said negotiations for the signing of the EPAs will end by the end of
this year and that at the recent Lisbon EU-Africa Summit, some African
governments promised to sign the Agreement. We the social forum are saying that we
should not sign the EPAs in their present form. Mr. Taal said. The Chief
Executive Officer of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mam
Cherno Jallow, said the negotiators of the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS), has raised concerns over some issues.
Mr. Jallow said the region's development concerns are not taken into account.
He said: Modalities for a compensation mechanism for tariff losses and the
improvement of competitiveness and the upgrading of the economies are not
defined. Mr. Jallow added that ECOWAS is the important ACP region in terms of
import and export to and from EU, representing 29 billion US dollar in 2001.
Lamin Dampha, Principal Economist at the Department of State for Trade,
Industry and Employment said there is a need to consolidate the gains of the
regional integration process as a critical step for harnessing the benefits of
international trade.
The focus on market access should go beyond tariff reduction to cover
non-tariff barriers, Mr. Dampha stressed. He further said that extra budgetary
support should be provided to small countries like The Gambia.
Technical assistance should be provided to design economically and socially
desirable support packages to mitigate the adverse cost and consequences of
the EPAs, he concluded.
Meanwhile, Ghana and Ivory Coast have signed what is called a light-EPA,
and, most probably, Cape Verde and Nigeria will also sign it. Some weeks ago
about five countries in the East African community bloc have signed the
agreement.
SHERIFF MINTEH'S MURDER TRIAL ADJOURNED AGAIN
By Saikou Ceesay
The protracted murder trial of Sheriff Minteh, a resident of Serrekunda
London Corner which involves Dodou Janneh alias Dudu Boy did not progress on
Tuesday 18th December 2007 at the Bundung Magistrates Court.
The police prosecutor appealed to the court for another adjournment date to
be given, as the prison's vehicle which transports prisoners was in
maintenance.
Magistrate Kumba Sillah Camara urged the police prosecutor to ensure that
prisoners are brought to the court on time. She added that the case keeps
dragging because the accused person has not been coming to court. The case is to
resume on Monday 24th December, 2007.
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