Joe,

No thanks necessary.  I got my thanks that evening with the high attendance and seeing the folks that organized this be rewarded with a successful evening.  As one attendee mentioned, there were folks there who they had not seen participate in events such as this and THAT in itself is an indicator to us that folks are incredibly ready to participate in this effort whether politics is in their bones or not.

Side note: Jammeh, yeah, you....you are on your way out according to my marabout.  Gozweeeeeena Birdyakker (yeah that's her name) hasn't disappointed me yet.......

Anyway, I wanted to let you know that during our meeting Minnesota Gambians gave $131.40-specifically designed for the Sept 29 bye election.  I will be sending it to the PO Box yet this week so, heads up Banka M.

These folks are serious individuals with lots of energy, ideas, and most of all-they have been working like crazy these past couple of months.  You all should be so proud of your brothers and sister here.

Chris




Joe Sambou <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Culled from ALLGAMBIAN website. Thanks to Chris, Che, Yero and others in MN
for their services to NADD.

NEWS
NADD'S MISSION IS NOT ONLY TO GET RID OF PRESIDENT JAMMEH -UDP LEADER TELLS
GAMBIANS IN MINNESOTA,, AS HE UNVEILS A TOTAL CLEAN UP PLAN FOR THE APRC
GOV'T
BY STAFF WRITER



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 7, 2005
Continuing his United States tour, leader of the Opposition United
Democratic Party Ousainou Darboe, told Gambians residing in Minnesota that
NADD'S preoccupation is not only to get rid of Gambia's president Yahya
Jammeh, but to correct a corrupt system, which toppled the 30 year Jawara
rule.

Addressing a crowded gathering mainly Gambians, friends of The Gambia and
other pro democracy activists from various walks of life, the outspoken
leading human rights lawyer, cum politician, reaffirmed NADD'S commitment in
embarking on a total clean up of what he referred to as the 11 years Jammeh
misrule.

While admitting that a future NADD government will have a big task ahead of
it, Darboe implored on Gambians to put all hands on deck to flush out the
despotic Jammeh administration come the 2006 presidential elections.
Together, he went on, we can effect a change come 2006.

Borrowing a renowned quotation from for the late US president JF Kennedy,
Mr. Darboe challenged Gambians not to be only interested about "what your
country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". The UDP
leader implored on citizens of the tiny West Africa country to take their
rightful roles in Gambia's democratisation process.

The new coalition NADD Mr. Darboe went on, belongs to the people and
therefore urged Gambians to rally behind the new political grouping. "It is
not the pet project of the politicians alone. It is everybody's project and
whoever is selected by the coalition will serve for only five years ".
Darboe pointed out.

Mr. Darboe who spoke for an hour, exposed the misplaced economic policies of
the Ruling APRC government, characterised by rampant corruption and
maladministration. The UDP leader says lack of judicious management of state
resources and reckless spending are the key reasons for the current economic
mayhem. Darboe argues that Gambia's economy is today in "gutters" and there
is no indications that it would change for the better.

The UDP leader also commented about the country's appalling human rights and
rule of law crisis. He accuses president Jammeh's government of politics of
intimidation against impoverished citizens. Mr. Darboe says from 1994 to
date, the Jammeh administration had "continually harassed and intimidated
Gambians with impunity."

Addressing the meeting, which was held at the Hampton hotel in St. lous
park, Darboe reaffirmed his call for Gambians to remain united and liberate
their country from the Jammeh "oppression and bad governance."

The Minnesota forum also observed a minute silence to pay respect to
Gambia's veteran journalist Deyda Hydara, former Finance minister Ousman
Koro Ceesay, and 14 unarmed students murdered on April 10, 2000 by Gambia's
security forces. The gathering also prayed for the victims of the "hateful
Katrina Hurricane."

Continuing his touching speech, Darboe went further to explain to the
gathering that the '"unbreakable" NADD coalition was formed in a bid to wage
a unified front against the current Jammeh dictatorship, while adding "our
country need the services of people who are selfless and a security service
that is completely neutral and apolitical "

Also addressing the meeting was Christine Sakuna, a Minnesota resident and
local coordinator for save The Gambia Democracy project. Ms. Sakuna
underscored the need for Gambians to support NADD and also contribute in the
ongoing efforts to restore democracy in The Gambia. "Mr. Darboe, you are
welcome to Minnesota and not long ago, we were with one of your fellows
Halifa Sallah." She told the UDP leader.

In what was described as short and powerful speech, Ms. Sakuna explained to
the gathering what "Save The Gambia Democracy project is all about and how
people can be members." Ms. Sakuna also informed the meeting about a
fund-raising dinner for NADD scheduled for September 24, 2005. Finally Ms.
Sakuna, urged the gathering to buy the NADD T-shirts and bumper stickers,
which she says will help a great deal.

Mr. Soul Njie gave the vote of thanks, followed by questions, and comments
raised by members of the public. A dinner was also hosted for Mr. Darboe
sponsored by Cherno Bah . The program was well attended by influential
figures, such as Dawda Sowe, Lang Dibba president of Gambian association in
Minnesota, Cherno Bah, DJ Alkali Ali Yafa -national guard, who took the
opportunity to bid farewell to the gathering, as he is deployed to Iraq.
Also in attendance were many Islamic scholars, who graced the occasion.

The Minnesota meeting was chaired by Yero Jallow, popularly known as Dalton.

In a separate development, Save The Gambia Democracy Project in Minnesota,
under the leadership of Coordinator Christine Sakuna and Cherno Bah wish to
invite Gambians and staff members of ALLGAMBIAN, for a NADD fund-raising
dinner on September 24, 2005. Speakers at this forum will include veteran
political scientist Dr. Saine, Kebba Foon and journalist Lamin Sabally.
Singles are supposed to pay a Ticket of $20.00, while couples are billed to
pay $30.00.

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