Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 008/2008, 18 – 20 January 2008
Editorial
IS REPLACEMENT OF A CANDIDATE POSSIBLE AFTER A WITHDRAWAL OUTSIDE THE
STIPULATED PERIOD?
Readers have been asking whether a candidate can be withdrawn and replaced
outside the period established for the withdrawal of candidature by law.
According to section 51 of the Elections Decree, there is withdrawal within
20 days before the date of holding an election.
Section 51 subsection (1) reads:”Any candidate may withdraw from his
candidature by notice in writing signed by him and delivered by himself or one of
the persons nominating him to the returning officer no later than four o’ clock
in the afternoon of the twentieth day before the date of election, or where
the election is to be held over a period of days, before the first day of
that period.”
Furthermore, section 54 makes provision for the death of a candidate. In
short, if a candidate dies before the date established for withdrawal, the IEC
is required by section 51 to issue a notice calling for fresh nomination for
the office. If the person dies after the date set for the withdrawal of
candidates the IEC is required to defer the holding of elections with respect to
such electoral office.
On the other hand if a candidate who had registered his name under a party
withdraws within twenty days before the holding of election the IEC is
required to give the Political Party the option of fielding another candidate within
7 days from the date of the withdrawal. Section 51 subsection (4) reads: “
When the candidate withdrawing his candidature had registered his nomination
under a political party that political party may within seven days from the
date of the withdrawal field another candidate.”
The IEC may give shorter notice as to when the party shall hold such
nomination.
Section 51 subsection (5) reads: “A candidate fielded under subsection (4)
shall be nominated in accordance with the provisions of this part, provided
that the returning officer may give such shorter notice when such nomination
shall be held as he may deem fit.”
There is no provision in the Elections Decree which indicates what the IEC
should do if a candidate of a political party withdraws outside the period
stipulated for the statutory withdrawal of Candidates which is 20 days before
the holding of an election. The IEC needs to hold a press conference to explain
the legal basis for accepting the withdrawal of one candidate and the
nomination of a new candidate in his place.
JERMA HOTEL STAFF DEPLORE WORKING CONDITIONS
General Manager Denies Allegation
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Staff of Jerma Beach Hotel have complained of poor working conditions,
but the management has denied the allegation.
Some employees told Foroyaa that they have been receiving half of their
salaries since the opening of the hotel in late 2006 until December 2007 when
they started getting their wages in full.
Workers also alleged that they were not paid on time last month and they
only got their salaries on January 10.
One of them said they are afraid of speaking against the condition of their
work, which he claimed has recently led to the sacking of three members of
staff by the hotel’s management.
In an interview with Foroyaa on Monday, the hotel’s general manager, Ali
Chaouch, said they have not been getting guests when the hotel began operation
and that the hotel owners wanted to close it, but an alternative arrangement
of paying the staff, including managers, half of their salaries was put in
place until November 2007.
Mr. Chaouch said the payment of half salaries is justifiable because the
staff were only working for two weeks in a month.
He also denied the sacking of any employee at the hotel. He said from
November 2007, the workers started receiving their salaries in full.
Mr. Chaouch also claimed that his hotel pays the highest wages among all the
hotels, with D2, 000 a month as the lowest salary.
Former Gamtel MD’s Trial Adjourned
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Proceedings of the trial of Omar Ndow, former Managing Director of Gamtel,
could not continue on Thursday as expected due to the absence of his lawyer.
Mr. Ndow, who is now facing one count, defying the regulations of The Gambia
Public Procurement Authority (GPPA), after his acquittal on the other count,
is in the middle of his evidence as a defence witness. Assistant
Superintendent of Police, Momodou Bojang, who is prosecuting Mr. Ndow, told the Banjul
Magistrates Court that he had spoken to his lawyer, Sheriff Tambedou, who said
he is traveling to Dakar.
Principal Magistrate Baboucarr Y. Camara, therefore, deferred the
continuation of Mr. Ndow’s testimony to January 22.
Court Admits Some Cassamance Insurgents’ Statements
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Banjul Magistrates’ Court on Thursday admitted the cautionary statements
of two of the alleged Cassamance insurgents as part of the evidence against
them.
The admission of the statements of Nuha Jammeh and Abdou Salam Jammeh, as
evidence, came at the end of voir dire (trial within a trial) that was meant to
proof the voluntariness of their cautionary statements while under police
interrogation.
Nuha and Abdou Salam are among nine alleged Cassamance rebels who are being
tried for spying, planning attack on Senegal and unlawful possession of
Gambian national identity documents.
In his ruling, Principal Magistrate B.Y Camara said that Nuha Jammeh was
straightforward in his evidence and he spoke the truth in his statement.
For Abdou Salam, the Magistrate said he was an interesting character and
gave a lengthy claim of torture.
Magistrate Camara said that although Abdou Salam made allegations of being
tortured with electric shock and showed his pants to the court but their was
no blood stain on it.
He also said that there was no physical burn that was made available to the
court by Abdou Salam.
Magistrate Camara added that the courts will rely on corroborated evidence
so that it can decide otherwise.
The case continues on January 23 for the hearing of the main trial.
K.M.C Commission 25 New Tractors And Trailers
By Isatou Bittaye
The Kanifing Municipal Council, on Wednesday, January 16, commissioned
twenty-five new tractors and trailers for efficient collection and disposal of
waste in the municipality. The commissioning of the tractors was held at the KMC
grounds.
In his welcome remarks, the chairman of the KMC Interim Committee, Mr. Gibou
Jagne, said the council has been faced with tremendous challenges over the
years in addressing the problems that are associated with waste collection and
disposal. He said it is against this background that efforts are being made
to acquire the tractors and trailers which he said will benefit the
municipality.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of KMC, Mr. Abdoulie
M.B Sanyang said the council was unable to collect waste regularly to the
satisfaction of residents who pay rates and taxes in anticipation of such basic
social services. He added that the constraints were as a result of lack of
adequate resources. Mr. Sanyang noted that with the council’s current
development plan, they will ensure that unsatisfactory services become a thing of the
past. He urged the people to ensure that the tractors and trailers are used
for the purpose for which they are meant in order for them to realise their
objectives.
In commissioning the tractors, the Secretary of State for Local Government,
Lands and Religious Affairs, Mr. Ismaila Sambou, said waste collection and
disposal are some of the core responsibilities of the Municipalities and Area
Councils. He said it is the responsibility of his Department of State to
ensure that all forms of social services are delivered by the councils regularly
and efficiently to improve the livelihood of the people. Mr. Sambou stated
that the Kanifing Municipality is the most densely populated township in The
Gambia and the provision of adequate and regular cleansing service by the KMC is
a subject of great difficulty. He noted that local government councils are
not profit making institutions and their role is to collect property rates and
taxes and plough it back to communities in the form of services.
SoS Sambou added that with the proper management of the tractors and
trailers, the problem of waste collection in the Municipality will be solved. He
congratulated the Management and Staff of the KMC for returning to the people a
substantial D9.6 million of their tax monies in the form of the tractors.
Arab Consulting Engineers To Supervise Westfield - Sukuta Road Construction
By Isatou Bittaye
“Arab Consulting Engineers of Egypt are the design and supervision
consultants for the proposed Westfield-Sukuta road project”, according to information
from GAMWORKS officials. The GAMWORKS officials made this disclosure in an
interview with FOROYAA. According to the agency officials, the Westfield -
Sukuta Road is a 7.5 km stretch and has experienced severe deterioration as its
surface suffered deformations and that it is the economic and social
importance of the road that makes the rehabilitation of the road a high priority to
the government. It is said that GAMWORKS agency is responsible for the
implementation of the reconstruction of the road; that the tender documents for the
works are being finalised, and upon completion of the bidding documents, a
tendering process will be launched to recruit the contractor. The works are
expected to start by the second quarter of this year and should last for 18
months.
The GAMWORKS officials noted that the construction will be financed by a
loan from the Islamic Development Bank based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to the
tune of US$7.705 million and the government will contribute US$0.867 million.
They indicated that the duration of the loan is 25 years with a grace period of
7 years and that the service fee, which will not exceed 2.5% of the loan, is
calculated on an annual basis.
It is revealed that the reconstruction of the road will comprise drainage,
traffic and street lights, parking bays and traffic signs; that the project
will also provide concrete pedestrian walkways on both sides of the road for
the benefit of people with mobility problems, especially those in wheel chairs;
that as part of the works, there will be relocation of public utilities such
as electricity cables and poles, and water pipes; that there will be
diversions for traffic during the course of the works and a proper traffic
management system will be put in place to minimize disruption and inconvenience to the
public.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
“Too Late! He Lost Her”
Part 7
With Amie Sillah
The Proposal
Isha’s parents urged her to accept Amadou. “Don’t you want us to get out of
poverty?” Aunty Marie became hysterical. “I adopted you since your parents
demised. IF it were your parents you would agreed. I am not a your mom that’s
why you are treating me as such.” Aunty Marie broke down. She explained. “
Don’t blackmail me mama! You know that is not true. You are the only mom I
knew. I have never deny you anything until now. My marriage is my life. I’ll not
gamble with my life. You can say anything but you cannot threaten me. I am
innocent. I am a medical student. I’ll graduate as a doctor. I’ll go for my
specialization. I’ll be economically independent. I’ll take care of myself
and my parents. It will be my power and will be control by me. Amadou cannot
give me power. He wants to buy me. He has already bought you. Excuse me!” “
Wake up! Wake up girl! Amadou is better than Ismail. At least his family
supports his proposal unlike Ismail whose family hates you with a passion. Wake up
and smell the coffee!” Aunty Marie warned.
Anita Hassuls Ismail
Anita hassuled Ismail’s love. She lured him to bed many times. Ismail
enjoyed the fun but his mind is still glued on Isha. He wanted to give her another
chance. Ismail distrusted Anita. “This girl has a sinister look. I cannot
locate it but I believe she is fake.” He soliloqued.
Badou Corresponds
Badou sent Isha an email explaining his situation. He asked her to collect
money for herself and his parents. He said he wants to pay a short visit. Isha
became very excited. She visit Badara’s parents to give them the money and
the good news.
Badara’s mom prayed for her success. “You are a well behaved girl. I would
be privileged if my son takes you as a wife. I pray for your success in life.”
Isha Shows The Gift To Mama
Isha showed the money to mama. She is not excited. She felt bitter. “This is
a chicken change. Amadou could have given you more. Badara is a student in
the U.S While Amadou is a business tycoon. What's wrong with you? Amadou is
young, handsome, well mannered, and above all he loves and dotes on you. What
else do you want?” Mama argued. “I want love mom! I want love! Badara is my
first love. He is second to none. I accepted Ismail because he was always
there during Badara’s incommunicado. I have no feeling for Amadou. He is your
candidate not mine.”
Amadou Turns Sour
Amadou threatened Isha. “I am handsome, rich and appealing to any woman. Why
are you behaving otherwise? Are you the most beautiful girl on earth?’”
Amadou became nasty. Isha fought back. “I am Isha. I am myself. I don’t care
how you perceive me. I don’t love you. I don’t have your feelings. Leave me
alone! I don’t care about your money. I don’t love for money. I am Isha
different from any girl you know.” “To hell with you! I am out of here but you’ll
live to regret it!” Amadou left in a rage.
“You cannot threaten me. I did nothing to you. I am innocent. I have not
eaten a butut from you.” Isha talked back after him.
Badara Shows Up
Badara showed up unannounced to Isha. She was surprised and excited. True
love never dies. The lovers picked up from where they have left.
The Frame Up Is exposed
The evils that men, do live after them. Rugi caught Anita sleeping with
Ismail. She became outraged. She protested, confronted and fought Anita. “You
are a whore! You framed up Isha to snatch Ismail from her. You are a rogue!”
Rugi exposed her friend to Ismail.
The Frame UP
“You are rogues both of you! You conspired and framed up my girl, the love
of my life. No wonder her eyes look innocent. She vehemently denied my
allegations. I have hurt an innocent soul. Where will I start from now?” Ismail
lamented. He turned to the duo. He pointed at Rugi: “You! You’ll suffer in life.
You are gudgeous. You have hurt my feelings. I’ll not forgive you for a long
time. Go! You are a beautiful damsel. Go and find your true love. Don’t
destroy what Allah have put together! Allah will curse you if you don’t take
time.” He turned to Anita. She was shattered and embarrassed. The exposure has
weakened her a great deal. She was speechless. She begged for mercy. “I am a
desperate woman in love. I’ll do anything to get you. I love you and you love
Isha. I came up with a plan supported by Rugi. She thought I was helping your
family get rid of Isha when I am also helping myself to get you for myself.
This is what has infuriated Isha to expose me to you. Forgive me but know that
I did what I’ve done for love.”
Ismail Is Disappointed
Ismail regretted his action towards Isha . He rang her but Isha refused to
take Ismail’s call. He became desperate.
Too Late! He Lost Her
Too late to make amends, Isha and Badara have hooked again. Their love is
now in full gear, no vacancy, no room for any intrusion. Ismail’s calls were
repeatedly ignored.
Ismail Visits Isha
Ismail decided to pay a visit since Isha refused to take his calls. He met
her in a relaxed atmosphere. Ismail stooped down and explained himself; the
frame up and every important information to win Isha’s heart. “My mother and
sister are ashamed. They asked for your forgiveness. They have come to realize
that you are the only women for me. They love you ‘I’. I love you with all
my life you are discipline, warm, compassionate and dignified.” He took out
an engagement ring and tried to put it on Isha’s finger. She drew back. “No!
I cannot take your ring. I belong to someone else. It’s too late! You have
lost me. I have given you ample chance to prove yourself. You lost it. You
listened to evil gossip and frame up. Allah be praised! My name is cleared. I am
not a double timer. I love myself and I guide my dignity. My honour can
never be compromised. Excuse me!” Ismail broke down. He cried bitterly for losing
a jewel. He cursed his family for it.
Badara Arrives
Badara arrived with a broad smile. Mama became embarrassed. “Sweetie! Whats
up! My Uncles will come today to pay the bride price. I was a fool but no
more. You have taken your exams, am taking you to the U.S to do your post
graduate studies!” He swept her off her feet and gave her a sweetie kiss. Ismail
stared at them a fixed. He became overwhelmed and heart broken. He admitted
defeat. He left in regret, distress and felt great loss.
The End
12 New Doctors Sworn Into The Medical Profession
By Gibairu Janneh
The Gambia Medical and Dental Council, in collaboration with the University
of The Gambia and the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, has on Wednesday
sworn in 12 medical graduates from the School of Medicine and Allied Health
Sciences of the University of The Gambia into the medical profession, at a
ceremony held at the RVTH courtyard.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of The
Gambia, Professor Andreas Steigen, told the gathering that the swearing in of
these new doctors meant that success has been repeated. He said the occasion has
manifested that critics who believe that The Gambia cannot maintain a medical
school have been proven wrong. “This is a significant day for The Gambia,
the medical education of the University of the Gambia and of course for future
patients,” Professor Steigen noted. He, however, added that despite the
success registered by the medical school, the school still needs better state - of
- the - art facilities to enable it to excel in its operations. Prof Steigen
concluded by congratulating Yahya A.J.J Jammeh whose dream for a better
Gambia mandated the University to start a school of medicine and allied health
sciences in which he has been one of the greatest assistants. The Vice
Chancellor also hailed the Cuban government and the RVTH without whose support he
said, “there will be no medical school.”
Addressing the occasion, the Registrar of the Gambia Medical and Dental
Council, Dr. Adama A. Sallah, said the ceremony marks another significant mile
stone in the history of medical education. He said the 100% success rate that
this batch has registered in examination, both internal and external,
demonstrates that the medical school is accelerating very fast. He however told the
new doctors that much is always expected from one who has been given much. He
said their education was done with great expenses by the state and their
families and therefore called on them to deliver up to expectations. He advised
them to be humble and principled. He also led the swearing in of the 12 new
house officers.
For his part the Secretary of State for Health, Dr. Malick Njie, challenged
the new house officers to be good state ambassadors and not violate their
code of conduct as it will take extra two years before their certificates will
be changed from pencil writings to ink. He reminded them that as doctors they
will be examined every day by their patients and if they treat them well they
survive, if they fail they die. He also broke the news that the department
of state for health has put in place post graduate medical degree studies and
the first batch will start this year.
Other speakers at the ceremony included Dr. Mariatou Jallow, chief medical
director of the RVTH and Dr. Ousman Nyang, Provost of the School of Medicine
and Allied Health Sciences.
Driver Charged With Negligence Over The Dead Of Ten People
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A driver who was purportedly driving the truck that ran into a crowd on
Sunday evening at Serrekunda-nding, Kombo Central, is charged with rash and
negligent acts, which allegedly caused the dead of ten people.
Alhagie Badjie, who appeared at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, is currently
in police custody.
Magistrate Kayode Olajubutu said that his court does not have the
territorial jurisdiction to hear the case and therefore ordered it to be transferred to
Brikama Magistrates Court which has the jurisdiction.
The police also said that six people who sustained injuries are currently
admitted at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital.
The deceased are Adama Camara, Fatoumatta Camara, Malang Camara, Titti
Darboe-Ndow, Alieu Ceesay, Maimuna Ceesay, Isatou Badjie, Lamin Manka, Bintou Sowe
and Lamin Sanneh.
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