Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 106/2007, 10 – 11 September, 2007
Editorial
19 Million For Government Vehicles and
2.2 Million On Celebrations
The Secretary of state for Finance and Economic Affairs introduced a
supplementary appropriation bill to the National Assembly requesting the members to
approve an additional sum of 82.9 million dalasis.
It is important for the Gambians to realize that the government allocated a
budget of 118 million dalasis for the holding of the AU Summit. The Auditor
General’s Report should contain how much was eventually spent which is likely
to exceed the sum allocated. Many foreign governments also gave financial
support. The number of official vehicles available to carryout services was
amazing to many. It is therefore rather strange that a sum of 19 million dalasis
is being requested to purchase additional government vehicles.
Where are all the AU vehicles? Were they rented? Were they purchased? Were
they sold? The public needs an explanation.
Secondly, the Secretary of State told the members that 2.2 million dalasis
is to cover a shortfall in expenses on celebrations of National events. It is
therefore important for the public to realize that the financing of
celebrations come from their tax money. The more the government wastes on elaborate
celebrations the more taxes they pay to finance the wastage.
The Secretary of State also stated that 6.7 million dalasis is to be
utilised to do additional works on the West Field - Mandinaba Road. The public has
witnesed the wastage of resources which go with the lack of a holistic
approach to project planning and implementation. One has to look at the drainage
system on the road mentioned.
The drains do not go beyond certain junctions, thus causing water to flood
the junction resulting in their erosion. In certain areas the drains are not
paved thus resulting in soil erosion that is likely to reduce the durability
of the roads.
Many residents of compounds near the road are complaining of floods because
of the poor drainage facilities. How much have they spent on drainage? Who
are the contractors? Who are the consultants? Why is another 6.7 million
needed? How much has been spent so far on this project. Foroyaa will conduct its
investigation and submit its findings to the public in due course.
It should however be clear that government finance comes from the public
purse. The people should therefore be concerned about how their money is spent.
This should determine who they entrust their money through their ballot.
National Assembly Divided Over Indirect Election of Local Government Heads
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The National Assembly members were on Thursday, September 6, divided over
the amendment of the constitution to allow the election of local government
chairperson by the councillors rather than universal adult suffrage.
The Bill seeks to amend section 194 (c) of the Constitution of The Gambia
1997 which shall pave the way for the amendment of section 13(c) of the Local
Government Act 2002. This would provide for the election of chairpersons of
the local governments authorities, excluding mayors and mayoresses, by the
councillors themselves rather than through universal adult suffrage which was the
method being used until recently.
The legislators were polarized over the amendment with the members of the
ruling APRC supporting the bill while the opposition members disagreed. However
the ruling party used its number to get its way and the Bill was eventually
passed..
Kebba Sanyang, the Secretary of State for Justice, who introduced the Bill
to the legislators, said the change in the constitution is necessary to
facilitate the monitoring and supervision of the councils by the department of
State for Local Government and Lands.
According to the Secretary of State, since the enactment of the Local
Government Act in 2002 and the holding of local elections in each of the regions
and the Kanifing Municipality and Banjul, the Act has been operational, but
some abnormalities have occured which need to be addressed.
Mr. Sanyang said: “It is for this reason that there was an amendment in
April 2004 and subsequently in May 2006. However, despite these amendments and
given that decentralization is an ongoing process, it has become necessary to
amend certain provisions of the Act to align it with the realities on the
ground.”
He said the government is concerned that council chairpersons and
councillors do not know their roles and functions and that of the governors.
“Working relationships between council chairpersons and councillors have
deteriorated leading to conflict which prevented them from addressing the
problems facing local communities in a responsible and collective manner,” the
Secretary of state pointed out.
Mr. Sanyang expressed that since the local government elections are due in a
year, it is urgent to amend the provision.
Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the member for Serrekunda East and majority leader
said the reasons advanced by the Secretary of State are tangible.
“It is imperative to make local councils more efficient in service delivery,”
Mr. Jatta said.
Sidia Jatta, the member for Wuli West, questioned when his colleagues would
stop undermining the capacity of the Gambian people who should decide for
themselves.
Sidia said: “This particular amendment aims to deny the capacity of electors
to determine the type of person the people want to elect as chairpersons. “
Nothing is really going to convince me that denying the people the right to
elect chairpersons is what is going to improve the efficiency of the councils.
I for one, I am opposed to the amendment of section 194 because this is
undermining section 193.”
He explained that the fundamental problem lies with the decentralization
process which has not been implemented as provided for by the Act.
Mr. Jatta dismissed the notion that people in the local areas cannot elect
their own chairpersons who at the same time elect people in high places such
as the legislators and the president.
“We want to empower our people to assume the responsibility of their
affairs. We cannot do that if we deny them power to do that,” Mr. Jatta decried.
He expressed his dismay over the gradual cancellation of election for
councillors in the future.
According to him, the amendment of section 194 “will not serve the purpose,
but on the contrary it will serve a negative purpose.”
Babanding Daffeh, the member for Kiang central, concurred with the view of
the Wuli West representative.
“This is a direct seizure of power from our people. They have to choose for
themselves who they want to represent them,” Mr. Daffeh told his colleagues.
“I am against the change, but even if it takes place it will be counter
productive. Most of the councillors at councils are not elected, they have been
handpicked. So they cannot produce,” Mr. Daffeh warned.
The Minority Leader and member for Kiang West, Momodou Sanneh also opposed
the amendment of the section.
Mr. Sanneh said that the constitution is the supreme document of the country
and amendments to it need to be looked into critically.
The member for Sami, Lamin Ceesay said councillors viewed the amendment as a
step backwards in democracy.”
Cherno Cham of Lower Niumi believed that his colleagues from the opposition
are making a “mistake” for opposing the amendment.
Mr. Cham said the modalities are just like in the National Assembly, where
the speaker also does not face any election.
Foday Jibani Manka of Janjangbureh said the amendment is in the right
direction.
The member for Tumana, Netty Baldeh also supported the Bill.
GAMCOT Owe Farmers Over One Million
By Lamin Fatty
Information reaching Foroyaa has confirmed that GAMCOT, the only Cotton
Company in The Gambia, owe farmers over one million dalasis. Mr. Danso, the
Manager of the Cotton Company, who spoke to this reporter at his office in Basse
Manneh Kunda, said Gamcot owes farmers D1,821,667.25 as at the time of the
interview.
Apart from this outstanding balance, he said, the company has already paid
D3,425,437.41. He pointed out that farmers on the other hand owe Gamcot
D1,604,383.09 representing 27% of the total credit given to farmers between the
period 2004-2007. He said the farmers are yet to pay this debt. He said there
are farmers whom Gamcot will pay, but they will still owe the company. This he
said happened to farmers whose credit inputs exceeds their total production
value. According to him Gamcot gives credit inputs which is recovered after
production. He pointed out that there is nothing that the company can do
because they cannot take the whole money from farmers in the name of recovering
loans and leave them empty handed. He said if they do that, then they are not
encouraging cotton farmers. He said prosecuting a farmer for failing to pay his
debt would cost them a lot. He said Gamcot is doing everything possible to
pay farmers. He indicated that the company currently employs over forty
Gambian staff whose employment is on permanent basis. He said the salaries of those
members of staffs as well as the administrative running cost are dependent
on the sale of the cotton. He said ginning has already started and very soon,
it would be finished and they will have the opportunity to export it for
marketing.
KMC Mayor in Court
Matter Taken In Chambers
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The acting Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Counsel (KMC), Mr. Alieu Momar
Njie, who is also the Chief Commissioner of The Gambia Scouts Association,
appeared before Principal Magistrate Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrate
Court in chambers, on Friday 7 September.
Mayor Njie was spotted sitting in the office of the court clerk from10:55am
to 13:00 hours before his matter was called into chambers. All along, he was
reading a newspaper and making phone calls. When the matter was called in
chambers, the police prosecutor ASP Momodou Bojang and two lawyers, Surahata S.
Janneh and Lamin Ceesay went inside to hear the matter. They spent about
twenty five minutes before they came out. The prosecutor was busy making phones
calls. Later, Commissioner Burama Dibba appeared, followed by the Inspector
General of Police. Discussion took place and Mayor Njie was taken into the clerk
’s office. This reporter saw two passports being tendered and documents
signed. Mayor Njie was later escorted and assisted by two people to join a
vehicle with the registration number BJL 5577D. When the police prosecutor was
approached for comments on the matter, he declined to comment. It could be
recalled that Mayor Alieu Momar Njie was arrested on the 21 August and subsequently
detained at the Serious Crime Unit at Police Headquarters in Banjul for a
day.
SOS Education on Graduate Teachers’ Pay Scale
By Abdou Jeli Keita, Bubacarr K. Sowe & Isatou Bittaye
In the third meeting of the National Assembly in the 2007 legislative
session, the Secretary of State for Basic and Secondary Education, Fatou Lamin
Faye, during the Question and Answer Session, responded to the question raised by
the Honourable Member for Foni Bintang Karanai, Ebrima Jammeh, who asked for
what plans, if any, does her Department have in upgrading the pay scale of
Gambian University Graduate Teachers from Grade 7 to Grade 8, to minimize the
rate of attrition.
The SoS in response said: “All university graduates are placed on Grade 8
when they take up appointments in the senior secondary schools”. She added
that, however, due to lack of graduate positions in the Lower Basic and Upper
Basic schools those who choose to serve at this level will have to wait for
promotion to be upgraded. She added that, it might interest them to know that
plans are also underway to create graduate positions in the lower and upper
basic schools. On the question raised by Honourable Njie Darboe, Member for Jarra
West, as to whether there are plans to build another high school in the
Lower River Region, as the Region has been blessed with only Tahir Ahmadiya High
School, the SoS replied:” There are plans to build another senior secondary
school in the Lower River Region. She said the Regional Education Directorate
of the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education is currently
working on the modalities to start another senior secondary school in the
region.
She also said, there are plans to provide a senior secondary school in the
Niaminas but the location of the school is the subject of discussion between
the different constituencies concerned. He said there are no immediate plans
to build structures at Ballanghar and Kaur. She, however, said plans are
underway to convert the school in Ballanghar to a Basic Cycle School which will
require building more classroom facilities.
NaNA Harps on Nutrition
By Yaya Bajo
Malang Fofana, the Senior Programme Officer of the National Nutrition Agency
(NaNA), has stated that nutrition is a science that deals with the ingesting
of food, digestion, absorption, utilisation, metabolism and interaction of
nutrients by the body of an individual. Mr. Fofana who is also the National
Coordinator of the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) made these
revelations in an exclusive interview with Foroyaa on Wednesday, 5 September
2007 at the NaNA head office in Bakau.
He said nutrients are substances that are found in food and are classified
into two main groups, namely micro nutrients-required in small quantities such
as minerals and vitamins, and macronutrients which is required in large
quantities like carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Mr.Fofana added that both micro
and macro nutrients are required by the body in order for it to function
effectively.
Mr. Fofana adds: “The requirement for nutrients differ from one person to
another as it depends on the age, sex and size of an individual”. He said
infants and children require more nutrients because they are growing. He added
that nutrients provide energy for all types of activities, help in growth and
development and protects the body from infections and diseases. He remarked
that infants and children are vulnerable when it comes to nutrient intake and
therefore their nutrient requirement is always high. “They have immature
immune system and the development of this immune system is largely dependent on
the availability of nutrient, this makes nutrients very important for them,”
said Mr.Fofana.
Tailoring down to the most important food for the infant, the NaNA Senior
Programme Officer mentioned breast milk as perfect, since it contains all
classes of food, particularly in the first six months of a child’s life. He said
that breast milk being a perfect food for infants makes it globally
recommended for lactating mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
He further stated that after six months of exclusive breastfeeding,
breastmilk becomes no longer adequate therefore other foods have to be complemented. “
Complementary foods should be introduced after six months of a child’s life
in order to fill the gap of an infant’s food requirement,” he divulged. He
maintained that the introduction of other foods should be gradual and the
texture should be liquid and not solid. While noting that the formula should be
watery, its nutritional value must not be compromised. He added that the
period of complementary feeding had become a dilemma because mothers feel that
infants cannot eat other foods at that time. “The pap given to infants are
mainly watery and therefore has little nutritional value. To avoid giving babies
less nutrients that contained watery formula, mothers are advised to practice
fermentation method because research has shown that during the time of
weaning two factors hinder complementary feeding,” he explained. He said these
factors are nutritionally and highly contaminated food by pathogens.
“If fermentation method is used it will cut down the amount of bacteria as
it cannot grow on it. It enhances the flavour of the pap and makes it
delicious,” Mr.Fofana explained. He further reminded mothers that complementary
feeding has to go in conjunction with breastfeeding as it has to continue for two
years or beyond. He said as the child gets old enough other family foods can
be given plus fruits and vegetables some of which he advised should be mashed
as they are important sources of micro nutrients.
Mr. Fofana warned that when the child starts eating family foods, care
should be taken to ensure the child gets fair and equitable share of the food
because traditionally families eat together and, many a time, children are
disadvantaged because they are not often allowed to touch the ingredients. He said
children should be provided with in-between meals (snacks) due to their
smaller stomach capacity”. It is recommended that children should eat at least
five times a day to ensure that they meet their nutritional requirements. The
other fundamental factor is the hygiene and safety of the food. He warned that
care must be taken to ensure basic principles of personal and environmental
hygiene in the preparations and storage of infants’ food”.
Health Policy and Master Plan Close to Completion
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The draft Health Policy Framework 2007-2020 and the Health Master Plan
2007-2020 will be finalised soon. This revelation followed a consensus building
meeting at the Paradise Suite Hotel recently. This meeting attracted
stakeholders to study and agree on the two documents which will serve as blue prints
for the health sector for the next thirteen years.
Among the targets in the new health policy is to reduce the rate of infant
mortality from 75 deaths in every 1000 children to 28 deaths by 2015. The
policy also seeks to reduce maternal mortality from 730 to 150 and under five
mortality from 99 to 43 for every 1000 by 2015. It also projects life expectancy
to increase from 63.4 years to 68 years by 2015 and reduce the prevalence of
HIV/AIDS1 from 1.1% to 0.5% and HIV/AIDS 2 from 0.6% to 0.1% by the same
year.
By that time the policy hopes to reduce tuberculosis incidence from 120 in
every hundred thousand cases to sixty thousand. Total fertility rate is
expected to reduce from 5.4 to 4.6, morbidity due to non-communicable diseases
would drop to 10% and morbidity due to other communicable diseases would fall to
50%.
Sekou Omar Toure, the Director of Planning and Information at the Department
of State for Health and Social Welfare, told Foroyaa that the draft
documents are the results of a series of consultation and the work of experts.
Mr. Toure said their technical committee is finalizing both the health
policy and the master plan.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
CHILD BETROTHAL
Part 5
By Amie Sillah
Haja Rakey And Her Childern
Muhammed shut himself in his room incommunicado. Rokiya forced herself into
the room. She gave her brother solidarity. “Bro! Hang on! This is your life!”
Haja Rakey came into Muhammed’s room. The children told her their mind. “
Mummy! This match make cannot work. Jami is a snob and a spoilt brat! She has
no respect for our family. You know that mum! You know it!” Haja Rakey was
cornered. “Its true! But what can we do? Your dad has gone far in the marriage
arrangement”. “We can do something mum! We can! This is my life. I have a
say in when I want to marry. And definitely, it is not Jamila”. Rokiya choused
and urged her mother to do something. Haja Rokey got resolved. “Okay! I’ll
do something”. “You will?” the children asked. “Yes I will. Alhajj is my
husband. I’ll talk to him”. “Thank you mum! Thank you!” The children kissed
their mum.
Amina And Aunty Mai
Anunty Mai tried to reason with Amina. “My child! Don’t kill me with shame.
Uncle Che is our life. Your late dad betrothed you to him. Nothing can
change that, nothing! It’s a dead man’s wish”. “It can be undone. It was only a
wish. The reality has changed. You people never sought my consent. Uncle Che
is a nice man. I respect him a lot. He is like a dad to me. He is my father’s
age mate for Allah’s sake. Mummy! Wishes come and wishes go. Muhammed is the
love of my life. I can’t let him go”. Aunty Mai fell into tantrums. She
cried her heart out.
Uncle Che Comes In
Uncle Che confronted Amina. “What is your game? Do you think you can use and
dumped me? No way! What can that little boy do for you?” Amina stammered. “
I went for an excursion” “Liar! Excursion my foot! I saw and heard you speak”
. Uncle Che is smart, he decided to change tactic. “Okay my sunshine! I
forgive your escapade. I have accepted you back but promise that you’ll never
hurt me again. I love you. You are my sunshine. I can’t do without you”. Uncle
Che gave her a peck. Amina left. “Patience! More patience! Uncle Che left.
Muhammed Pays Amina A Visit
Muhammed came to Amina to pay her a visit. Aunty Mai came to answer the
knock. Whom did she see? Muhammed standing at the front door. “Who are you? What
can I do for you?” “I am Muhammed, Amina’s friend”. Aunty Mai reflected. “
Oh! You are the Muhammed who have come to ruin my joy? You are the one
distracting Amina? Go! Go away the son of the devil! Never come to my home again.
You are univited”. Muhammed was embrassed. He left in a rage. Amina was inside
her room. She came out to enquire about Mamma’s outburst. “Mamma! What is
it? Why are you shouting like that? Who are you shouting at?” “It is that
rascal, that son of the devil who is distracting you from Uncle Che”. “Muhammed?
Where is he?” “Do I care? I sent him away? I strictly warned him never to
call to my house again”. Amina rushed after Muhammed but it was too late. He
had already driven away. Amina came back frustrated. She left for Muhammed’s
house.
At Muhammed’s House
Alhajj Bangally confronted his son. “How about your arrangement to travel to
the U.K?” “Well! I am on it,” he lied. “I expect you to be on top. Your
first degree was excellent”. “Dad! I have more surprise for you. I do not love
Jamila. I would go to London but not to marry Jamila”. “But my son! You
loved her before especially during your high school days. You can always work it
out”. Alhajj tried to encourage his son.
Amina Comes In
At this juncture Amina came in. Alhajj asked. “Who is she?” Muhammed
hesitated but took the courage to introduce Amina to his parents. “This is Amina,
the love of my life”. He turned to Amina and introduced his parents to her.
Alhajj was rude and unaccommodating. “Oh! Is this the Jezebel distracting you
from your fiancée Jamila? Get out of my house! You are not welcome!” Amina
rushed out with embarrassment and shame. Muhammed went after her. “Come here!”
Alhajj ordered. Muhammed ignored him. Rokiya exploded. “Dad! Mum! This is
unfair! You cannot treat Muhammed like a teenager. He is 30 years for Allah’s
sake”.
Alhajj Reacts
“No more pocket money! No more privileges! I am done with Muhammed until he
comes back to his sense”. Rokiya went after Amina.
Muhammed And Rokiya
Alhajj put an embargo on Muhammed’s privileges. He started to feel the
pinch. He cannot drive his unfuel vehicle. It has to be parked at home. He came
out and found Rokiya watering the flowers. He begged her for some money to meet
some of his basic needs. Rokiya had D400.00. She decided to give him
D200.00. He was happy.” Thanks my dear sister. I can now fuel my car and satisfy
some basic needs thanks”.
Lovers At The Love Garden
The lovers met at the love garden. Amina knew Muhammed’s suffering. She gave
him a bag full of groceries, fruits and other basic needs. “All this for me?
But why? You are a student”. Muhammed posited. “I have the means to help.
What is love about if not to help a friend in need?” Muhammed kissed her at
the forehead and thanked her. Amina handed her an envelope, in which D10, 000.
was enclosed “It is not much but it can go a long way given that your dad put
an embargo on your allowance”. “But it is too much. The groceries and other
miscellaneous items then D10.000 cash! That’s too much!” “No! It is not. You
are always welcome”. Amina begged for Muhammed’s indulgence. “Sweetheart!
No more outings until my problem with Uncle Che is solved. I am working out a
plan. Be patient and give me more time”. She gave Muhammed a peck and left.
Muhammed And Amina’s Friends
Muhammed met Jackie and Jenny. He greeted them nicely and left. Jackie
criticized him. “He is evil. He is trying to drive a wedge between Amina and her
benefactor Uncle Che. It is not right”. Jenny supported him. “They are made
for each other. Don’t you see how Amina is radiating? Arranged forced
marriage is wrong. Marriage should be based on consent. I am happy for them and I
wish them well,” put in Jenny. The friends disagreed again.
Haja Rakey And Alhajj Bangally
Haja Rakey woke Alhajj at the middle of the night. She tried to win him over
and to make him softer toward Muhammed. “Darling! You should review you
stand towards you son. Don’t you think he has a say in this matter?” “What say?
Muhammed is stubborn. He is challenging me. I’ll show him I am his dad not
the other way round”. Dad was rigid. “Don’t frustrate our only son, let us
allow him make a choice. Remember your clan wanted you to marry a second wife
but you disagreed. According to you polygamy is ‘wahala’ (trouble); that you
don’t want to die early. We love each other. Your clan cannot separate us.
Why? Because of our true, genuine and mutual love. Don’t deny your only son of
that opportunity. Think about it?” Haja kissed her husband. “Rakey! Leave me
to sleep. I’ll think about it”. “Thank you my love! Thank you!” Haja was
happy. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Amina And Aunty Mai
Aunty Mai is employing all tactics to woe over Amina to love Uncle Che.
Amina explained about her appreciation for Uncle Che. “I appreciate him a lot but
I do not love him. That is my point. Uncle Che is my dad. I cannot se him as
a husband”. Mamma tried to discourage Amina from Muhammed. She told her a
lie about Poor-Rich-Theory. “Rich people are all the same. They have no love or
respect for the poor. Muhammed will use and dump you”. Amina doubted her mum
and pointed out a contradiction in her theory. “Uncle Che is rich and you
are praising him”. “Yes! Uncle Che is different”. “Mamma! That’s is why it is
wrong to generalize”. Mum was cornered. She emphasized, “Uncle Che is
different. He has proven himself and Muhammed has not”. “But mamma! Have you
given Muhammed a chance?” “Your birthday is fast approaching. Uncle Che have
promised to celebrate it with a style”. Mamma announced excitingly.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE 1987 GENERAL ELECTIONS
PDOIS’ ARTICULATES ITS ALTERNATIVE POLICIES
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in general and Gambian politics in
particular. The narration of events commenced from pre-colonial to post-independence
epoch. We have gone far into the narration of events in the 1987 general
elections.
In the last edition, we have dwelt on the campaign messages of the ruling
PPP, where Sir Dawda defended his government’s policies. We have stopped where
we quoted Joseph E. Stiglitz where he said “when crisis hit, the IMF
prescribes outmoded, inappropriate, if “standard” solutions, without considering the
effects they would have on the people in the country who are told to follow
those policies;” that the IMF expects countries to follow its guidelines
without debate. Let us continue from where we stopped
The political atmosphere in 1987 was indeed tense, albeit, amusing. The
PDOIS was the youngest party and its militants were all young and new to the
field of canvassing votes. They only had the science to help and protect them.
Sir Dawda, Dibba and Camara had all been in politics since before independence.
PDOIS’ five candidates were all said to be new in the field. However, the
PDOIS leaders had always emphasized the need to put haste aside even though the
militants and few supporters on the ground were agitating to move to the
country - side. At their rallies, the PDOIS emphasized that their concern at
that moment was not necessarily the votes but the need to build a solid cadre of
party workers; that to build a house, one must build the blocks, establish a
solid foundation, because as they argued, the task ahead was not an easy one.
The PDOIS, however, claimed that they have a body of leaders each of whom
was more knowledgeable, more honest, more patriotic and more dedicated than any
person in the Jawara government. The PDOIS opined that they had been placed
in an advantageous position; that they had decades of lessons to learn from;
that they had all the instruments necessary to build a Nation that can meet
the aspirations of our people. They asserted that all that was required from
them was sincerity and commitment.
The PDOIS criticized the Jawara regime for entering into the Senegambia
Confederation. They quoted section 59 of the 1970 constitution, which stated that
the Gambia should not owe allegiance to any foreign power, or authority.
The PDOIS accused the PPP government of accepting to be in a confederation,
which made them to owe allegiance, obedience and adherence to Abdou Diouf of
Senegal; that the type of African unity that is principled is based on the
sovereign equality of states and peoples; that Governments, which unite, should
use the resources for the interests of the people. The PDOIS emphasized that
the SeneGambia Confederation was neither based on the principle of sovereign
equality of the two states and people nor were the policies and programmes
geared to serve the interest or welfare of the two countries. The new party
revealed that the confederal Budget amounted to D78 million dalasis; that
Gambia was contributing D26 million and Senegal was contributing D52 million. They
also revealed that D60 million was spent on the maintenance of the
confederal armed and security forces; that the ministers and parliamentarians were
given double income. They argued that nothing was there to build roads across
the two countries or telecommunications services or any other thing.
The PDOIS leaders emphasized that the taxes paid by both people were being
wasted to maintain mere bureaucracies. They added that President Diouf of
Senegal who had the authority to declare a state of public emergency permanently
led the condeferal government and when that happens, he could order anybody in
the Gambia and requisition goods and services to handle the emergency
situation in the country. The new leaders laid emphasis on the fact that the PPP
regime had sold itself to the Senegalese regime and the president and
parliamentarians had authorized the enforcement of an agreement that made them to owe
allegiance and adherence to the dictates of the president of Senegal. The
PDOIS who are versed and articulate in local languages argued in their rallies
that the D26 million dalasis paid by Gambia could be better spent to improve
agriculture, health and other services.
On the economy, they emphasized that instead of diversifying agriculture and
introducing light scale industrialization to process our products to
generate consumer goods and employment, the PPP had relied basically on the
production of groundnuts and the exportation of even rice, our staple food. They said
the GPMB and cooperative union used to collaborate with Gambia Commercial
and Development Bank (GCDB) to purchase the crops of the farmers at a cheaper
price and make profit under the pretext that they would give production and
subsistent credit and creates consumer cooperatives to subsidize production
input and consumption of the staple food, rice, by reducing the prices. The
PDOIS argued that the PPP regime was driving the GPMB, GCDB and Cooperatives into
bankruptcy and thus eliminate all possibilities of subsides to the farming
community; that the farmers were being impoverished by rising prices of
consumer goods and low prices of their nuts in comparison to the world market price.
The PDOIS emphasized in the campaign that the cooperative union would truly
be a union of producers, marketing and consumer cooperative whose leaders
would be elected by the farmers to represent them; that such a union would have
access to world market price of all commodities produced by Gambian farmers
and then negotiate with the farmers based on all the collateral cost for the
exportation of the crops to determine the local price. They said they would
make sure that the farmers have a say to determine the local price.
On Employment, the PDOIS revealed that the plan of the PPP was to privatize
all the public enterprises and retrench the workers and argued that public
enterprises could be profitable; that since individuals who managed them end up
running their own private businesses after their companies were privatized
confirms that any public enterprise which becomes bankrupt must have been
mismanaged.
PDOIS emphasized that if it took over, it would manage these public
enterprises so that annually they would yield dividend which would be reinvested
both in the expansion of the productive base and the sustenance of social
services.
On Democracy, the PDOIS said the PPP regime had introduced and consolidated
the politics of patronage; that throughout the country, people had been
paying taxes without knowing that it should be utilized to provide services; that
farmers see their members of parliament, president, councilors and chiefs as
monarchs (kings) rather than representatives; that PDOIS had come to
introduce genuine Democracy in The Gambia by doing their utmost in raising the
awareness of the people to know that the reason why they elect representatives is
to serve them and not to rule over them.
The PDOIS also exposed the impunity where farmers at the time who allegedly
failed to pay their cooperative loans would have their corrugated iron sheets
removed or the seizure of their implements or were put in transports and
driven around villages, put in seed stores polluted with insecticides etc. They
said that would cease and the law would be allowed to take its course.
Finally, the PDOIS said among other things that they had in mind the history
of Gambian politics; that they knew that people could often use tribe,
religion and divisive issues to try and discredit a body, which may represent the
truth. This is why the PDOIS said they had worked hard to have people on
board from all sections of the Gambian community united by one desire alone, i.e.
a desire to carve a Nation where every Gambian irrespective of tribe,
religion, sex, philosophy, or race can live happily in prosperity without
oppression or exploitation.
The PDOIS expressed optimism that the party will never die because, as they
forecast, as long as there are committed and sincere people, the PDOIS will
always live to serve the people for whom it is established.
See next edition as we dwell into the aftermath of the 1987 elections.
Regional Effort to Safeguard Baby Food
By Yaya Bajo
The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) is a pro-advocacy network
of professionals, institutions, organisations and individuals that protects,
promotes and supports optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices
(IYCFP). It was created as a result of a WHO/UNICEF meeting on infant and young
children feeding in Geneva on the 12 of October 1979, and currently has over 200
AFFILIATES in over 100 countries in the world. It is a loose structure of
organisations, groups, departments, and individuals sharing a common goal.
IBFAN organises conference every three years for its member countries as
part of its regular programmes. This year’s conference was held in
Maputo-Mozambique from the 13-18 August, where 24 countries out of the 30 Anglophone and
Lusophone attended. The conference hosted National Coordinators of Infant and
Young Child Feeding Programme and their collaborators from the 24 countries.
It discussed internal policies and plans with partners, donors and
collaborators geared towards optimal TYCF.
The conference also provided a forum for sharing experiences enriching and
updating participants on new issues and development on IYCF and create
consensus on matters of mutual benefits and came up with recommendations.
During the conference, provision was made for regional meetings which gave
the members the opportunity to elect the Advisory Committee (now called the
Executive Committee) for the next 3 years. This Committee formulates major
IBFAN regional polices and advises the regional coordinator on issues of
implementation and coordination of the regional programmes.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Revitalisation of the Mother and
Baby Friendly Health Facility and Community Initiative in Africa: Successes,
Challenges and Forging Ahead”.
As per the theme, this initiative was instituted as a means of achieving
increased rates and duration of exclusive breastfeeding in Africa.
However, major challenges such as the HIV pandemic, national and human made
disasters, poverty, and economic globalization, environmental degradation are
negatively affecting IYCF practices in this regions.
Ten steps to successful breastfeeding were developed for the Baby Friendly
Hospital Initiative and its tenth step which addresses the community aspect,
remains the corner stone of protection, support and promotion of optimal
infant and young child feeding for all infants. The Baby Friendly Hospital
Initiative (BFHI) and the Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCT) therefore must
receive greater attention in all countries if breastfeeding especially
exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and optimal IYCF for all children is to be
achieved.
OBJECTIVES:
The overall objective of the conference and general meeting is to improve
care and breastfeeding immediately after birth, exclusive breastfeeding rates
for six months and total duration of breastfeeding and improved support for
HIV positive mothers with optimal infant and young child nutrition specific
objectives.
Ø To update members on the issues, developments on infant and young
child feeding.
Ø To update all countries on the new WHO/UNICEF, BFHI training and
assessment tools in the context of HIV.
Ø To review progress made in BFHI and community support.
Ø To develop recommendations for “bringing up to speed implementation
” of BFHI and BFCI in the region.
Ø To review the achievements of IBFAN African and its board, endorse
the constitution and elect members.
CONTENT:
As per the objectives, the conference deliberated on issues geared towards
uplifting infant and young child feeding. The opening statement was delivered
by the Deputy Minister of Health of Mozambique, who underscored her government
’s support to this noble crusade. There were updates on current infant and
young child nutrition and were presented by individual countries. The
presentation focused on the achievement, strengths, weaknesses, challenges and
constraints. Countries also presented on the progress on the BFHI with emphasis on
community initiative and documentation of best practices with emphasis on
gender and breastfeeding and the involvement of men and youth in promoting
optimal IYCF. Five countries, including The Gambia, that benefited from the IBFAN
Africa Capacity Development Project 2006-2008 made a presentation on the
progress made in the project relation to IYCF. This was followed by poster
presentations where countries showcased their national activities on BFHI and other
work on IYCF.
To ensure improved coordination among network members and to facilitate
monitoring of progress, group works were done for countries to come up with
Action Plans focusing on the National Scaling up of BFHI and BFCT for 2010. The
action plan developed by The Gambia was geared towards the designation of 6
health facilities as baby friendly by 2010 and these include Bansang, Basse,
Essau, Soma, Farafenni and RVTH. This therefore means concerted efforts are
needed to realize this by all and sundry.
The conference also elected members to the next executive committee as well
as sub-regional representatives. The West African countries elected their
sub-regional representative from Ghana. After each country presentation,
discussions were made on the burning issues and participants came up with their
experiences on the issues. Although significant progress is made in some
countries in the implementation of the BFHI, there are also countries that need to
speed up in this area. The Gambia, though yet to possess a single facility
designated for BFHI, the country has made significant achievements in the area of
BFCI to support the hospital initiative. This has fascinated other countries
as they registered their appreciation to this initiative and some of the
countries have already started implementing the BFHI
Conclusion:
Overall, it was a well organised meeting and participants were updated on
new developments on infant and young child nutrition including the context of
HIV. They also had better understanding of the new BFHI training assessment
tools, understanding of the various best practices from the individual
countries as well as documentation of these practices.
RECOMMENDATION
Ø Scale up BFHI implementation
Ø Adoption of the new BFHI training tool and training/retraining of
staff on the new tool.
Ø Implementation of the international code and national regulations.
Ø Strengthen the involvement of youths and men in IYCF programmes
Ø Advocate for increase funding for IYBF programmes
Ø Relocation of the regional office to Nairobi
SOS Faye Addresses NYSS Corps Members
Omar Faye, the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, has indicated that
the swearing in ceremony of 160 NYSS Corps members came at a time when The
Gambia and her development partners had to redefine their strategies to
effectively stem the tides of what is manifestly youth in despair and their attempts
at sea ( “Barcelona Wala Barsah”).
SoS Faye made this statement on Thursday 30 August, at the swearing in
ceremony of the 9 intakes of NYSS Corps held at the Independence Stadium and
Friendship Hotel in Bakau.
Faye said, “We are witnessing the phenomenon of increasing challenge to the
self worth and esteem in our young girls and women folk. In this regard, its
is worth mentioning that not too long ago, The Gambia in partnership with
Spain had drawn a mutually benefiting strategic smart partnership to tackle this
menace. While on the Spanish side, fewer people will have the need to brave
the perilous high seas, we on this side will be able to invest in more tools
for poverty reduction, training and employment opportunities for both
Gambians and European markets thus strengthening our employment drive”.
“I am pleased to mention that 160 corps members consisting of 34 females and
126 males are today paraded as the 9 NYSS intake 2007, to be administered
the Oath of Service allegiance,” she remarked.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director of the National Youth
Service Scheme, Musa Mboge, said since the commencement of the orientation course
six weeks ago, the new members from diverse backgrounds and environments were
brought together and were introduced to leadership skills and good
practices. He said they have received introductory lectures in counselling, sexual and
reproductive health, business management, enterprise development and culture
and tradition. He said this is to inculcate in them the ideals of service
scheme and re-orient them towards being responsible and disciplined citizens,
as well as prepare them for their skills training period and beyond.
Transport Union VP Arraigned
By Modou Jonga
The former first Vice President of The Gambia National Transport Union, Mr.
Abdoulie Sosseh, was on Thursday 6 September, 2007 arraigned in court and
charged with forgery contrary to section 322 of the Criminal Code. The
particulars of the offence states that the accused forged letterheads and membership
cards on the 15 of March 2006 and in the month of March 2007 at Brikama
without lawful authority.
Daddy Sowe, the president of the Gambia National Transport Union, testified
that the accused was appointed first Vice President of the Transport Union
when he manifested his interest to join the Union after returning from the
United States of America in 2001. Mr. Sowe noted that the accused ceased to be
the Union’s vice president after his appointment was terminated sometime last
year when he engaged himself in malpractices.
According to Mr. Sowe, shortly after the termination of the appointment of
the accused, he was invited for questioning at the National Intelligence
Agency Headquarters. He said upon his arrival at the NIA headquarters, documents
were put before him (Sowe) and he identified them as forged letters bearing
the symbol of the transport union and a membership card, and invalid
signatures. The forged letterheads and membership card were identified by the witness
and tendered in court and marked as exhibit without objection by the accused.
Testifying further, Sowe said he had shown the official letter and
membership card bearing his name as the president of the union. He said he gave his
statement both at the NIA and the police. Under cross examination by the
accused, the witness noted that he was informed that the alleged forged documents
were obtained from the government. The accused put it to the witness that he
had not acted independently with non executive members, but the witness
refuted his claims. The witness said he has the “final say” on decisions
pertaining to the transport union, and any decision taken without his consent amounts
to a Coup d’etat. The accused put it to the witness that the letterhead and
membership card were not forged but were changes authorised by the Executive
Committee.
David Colley’s Trial
Police Commissioner Testifies
By Abdou Jeli Keita
The criminal trial of David Colley, former Director General of Prisons and
the state continued with the testimony of Commissioner Burama Dibba.
In his testimony at the Banjul Magistrates Court, Commissioner Dibba said he
knew David Colley. He said Colley is his friend and senior as the former
Director General of Prisons. He added that in June 2007, he, in his capacity as
O C of Prosecutions, brought David Colley from Mile 2 to his office and told
him that he wanted to interrogate him on the accusation against him. He said
before doing that, he asked the accused whether he had a lawyer and the
accused responded that Lawyer Antouman Gaye was his counsel. He said he called
Lawyer Gaye but could not reach him on phone, upon which David Colley told him
to question him, noting that he would communicate what transpired to his
lawyer.
He said he questioned the accused on the D27,000 derived from the use of a
tractor. He said David denied that he put the money into his personal use
while pointing out that it is less than D27,000. He said further that the accused
maintained that the amount was used for official purposes like buying fuel
for moving prisoners to the hospital.
He said he told David that he was not supposed to use the money. He said
David answered that Volume 3 gave him the mandate to use the money.
During cross-examination, Counsel Gaye asked the witness whether he told the
accused that he was about to question him, but he need not answer because any
answer he gave will be given in court as evidence against him. Commissioner
Dibba said he didn’t. Counsel Gaye then proceeded to ask him if anybody
obtains statement from David Colley, the witness said he was not part of that. The
case is adjourned till Wednesday 12 September 2007.
Police Sergeant Accused of Extortion
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Two Rastafarians, a complainant and a defendant, appeared before Principal
Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrates Court and accused a police sergeant
stationed at the Serrekunda Police Station of receiving money from them in
the form of a bribe and extortion.
According to the defendant, his brother gave D1500 dalasis to the said
sergeant as a compensation to the complainant. He alleged that the sergeant
insisted that the D500 dalasis is for a bail and the D1000 dalasis for the
complainant. The complainant also alleged that he went to the station to collect the
said amount but that the sergeant was so arrogant towards him that he
ordered him to get out of the police station before he put him in cell. He said the
sergeant told him he (the sergeant) had no money for him and if he insisted
he would be put in cell. He added that he left the station without any money.
Magistrate Richards ordered the prosecutor to ask the sergeant to produce the
said money if it is true by the next adjourned date. The matter was heard on
Wednesday 5 September.
Girl, 11, Allegedly Raped
By Modou Jonga
An eleven year old student complainant (name withheld) has on Thursday 6
September, told the Brikama Magistrates Court, that she was sexually abused
sometime in March this year by an Adult (name withheld) at Marakisa in Kombo
Central.
The eleven year old girl made this remark while testifying before Magistrate
Ayub Johnny Njie. She told the court that on the date of the offence, she
was sent by her mother to collect money from the accused in exchange for a
local incense. She stated that, she met the accused in his residence and was
given D100.00, but the cost of the local incense was D50.00. She said she was
supposed to return the balance of D50.00 to the accused.
According to the complainant, as she returned to give the D50.00 to the
accused, she was given one smoked fish on a plate to be taken to her mother.
After handing over the smoked fish to her mother, she returned to give the said
plate to the accused at his compound. She said when she returned to the
accused, the accused asked her to take the plate to his room. She said as she was
heading to the room of the accused, the accused held her hand and pulled her
on his bed. She said the accused forcefully undressed her an sealed her mouth
with a piece of cloth. She said the accused mounted on her. She testified
that she felt pain, as the accused could not penetrate her. She said she later
narrated the circumstance of the rape and the matter was reported to the
Brikama Police Station, where she was interrogated and her statement obtained.
The complainant said she was accompanied the following day by her mother
and some police officers. She said she was taken to the Brikama Health Centre
where she was medically examined. The picture of the alleged scene of the
crime and the statement of the complainant were tendered in court and admitted as
exhibits without objection by the accused.
While being cross examined by the accused, the complainant noted that the
cloth she wore at the time of the alleged rape is in the custody of the police.
The complainant stated that the clothes she wore were not stained prior to
the alleged rape offence. The accused has denied sealing the complainant’s
mouth with a piece of cloth and raping her.
Lamin R Darboe’s Trial
Magistrate Njie Issues Ultimatum
By Modou Jonga
Magistrate Ayub Johny Njie, had on Tuesday, 4 September 2007, urged the
prosecutor prosecuting the criminal trial involving the supporters of the UDP to
proceed with the case, failing which he will dismiss the case on Tuesday, 18
September (the next adjourned date).
The UDP supporters were charged with criminal assault after the by election
in Kombo East which saw Junkung Conteh outclassing his opponents in the
polls. The learned trials Magistrate made this statement after he registered his
dissatisfaction over the snail pace with which the matter is being prosecuted
by the prosecution. Magistrate Njie scolded the prosecutor for what he
described as negligence of duty on the part of the prosecution. Lamin Darboe, the
first accused urged the court to help in ensuring that the case precedes. He
informed the honourable court that the case has not proceeded since on the 5
of May; that this is disheartening because they are always in court.
Darboe said he is not satisfied with the conducted of the prosecution. Dudu
Kassa Jaata who is jointly charged with one Natoma Conteh expressed similar
sentiments.
Readers may recall that Lamin R. Darboe, Buba Darboe, Mariama Jobarteh,
Jerreh Fatty, Momodu Demba, Dudu Kassa Jaata and Natoma Conteh, have all pleaded
not guilty to the assault charges preferred against them.]
Scorpions Win, Mission Unaccomplished
By Modou Nyang
The Scorpions defeated Algeria 2-1 on Sunday fighting from a goal down.
Algeria took the lead in the 53 minute following a goalless first half. But Assan
Jatta came from the bench and fired the home side on level terms.
Jatta rounded off the Algerian goalkeeper after being superbly setup by
Mustapha Jarjue, to fire home the all-important goal. And Mathew Mendy controlled
well inside in the Algerian Box to slot home the match winner in the 87th
minute.
The Desert Foxes took a surprise lead early in the second period from some
lose play by the Scorpions. Mustapha Jarjue failed to connect to a throw from
Pa Saikou Kujabi and when the visitors took off for a counter attack, they
outnumbered the Scorpions defenders. Abdoulie Corr (Paco) and Lamin Conateh
(Babaye) forced them to play the ball away to the edge of the area but when the
cross went in, Saifi Rafik was on hand to head into Musa Bajaha’s net.
The Scorpions technicians responded by introducing Jatta for Njogu Demba and
the Belgium Based striker became an instant threat to the North Africans.
And when Ebrima Sohna was given the nod for the injured Edrissa Sonko, the
Scorpions regained the midfield to allow Jatta and co to ruin their tricks. With
some stability in midfield Toubabo was able to locate the rushing Jatta in
the 71st minute and the leggy striker rounded off the keeper and put the
Scorpions back into game.
Back on terms the Scorpions were reduced to 10 on the pitch when debutant
Ousman Jallow was red carded. Jallow making his senior debut was involved in a
scuffle with the Algerian defenders after the Gambia’s goal and when the
referee sought the opinion of his assistant, Jallow was off. Jallow earlier
missed a penalty when he was fouled inside the Algerian area.
It didn’t came much difference as the Scorpions continued to push for the
break through and the moment came again with the involvement of Assan Jatta.
The visitors defence was played out inside their penalty area and as the ball
begged for legs Mathew Mendy showed up and coolly drove in the winner.
In the corresponding fixture between Guinea and Cape Verde in Guinea, the
Cyli National won 4-0 to seal a place in the Nations Cup as group winners. The
Guineans now have a 11 points to Gambia and Algeria’s 8. The defeat to the
Desert Foxes by the Scorpions meant South Africa take the remaining spot for
the second best placed teams.
Samger Promoted To 1st Division
By Isatou Bittaye
Samger FC has gained promotion to the 1st division.They finish second after
Interior FC n the 2nd division league with a total of 35 points .
The promotion was confirmed by the Chairman of the GFA league organizing
committee mass Axi Gai. Interior took 1st position with a total of 35 points
and qr3 followed by Gamger in second with 33 points. Mr gai said Samger edged
past Brikama United by a one goal difference. He said that the committee was
given the task of running the league upon which completed can dessiminate the
result to the public, noting that without finishing the task cannot speak
to the press.mr gai indicated that both samger and Brikama did their
calculation of the result but the GFA result is the final.he said that in the 1st
division league real de Banjul took first with a total of 35 points , followed
by GAMTEL with 32 points and a goal difference of 6 and Wallidan obtain the
3rd position with 32 points and 4 goal difference. He said that seaview and
steve biko are relegated into the 2nd division and interior and samger are
promoted in the 1st division. Mass axi added that Y/African got 16 point s
followed by Jambanjelly 8 points who closed the table. He however warned after
every league season all teams should wait for the FA to give the final results
before concluding that they are promoted or not. He noted that both Brikama
and samger were saying that they are promoted. He indicated that in the
female the results are yet to complete but interior took 1st in the 2nd division
and anytime they are ready the final result will be announced .
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