Issue No. 102/2007, 31 Aug-2 Sept, 2007
Editorial
Where is the Gambian Economy Heading to?
If a woman takes 25 dalasis to the market she will be able to buy 1 medium
size cabbage or 2 garden eggs or two cups of palm oil or 8 cups of rice. This
is why many families survive on rice pudding which is the surest way to get
diabetes because of the lack of insulin and balanced diet.
Those who want a kilo of meat have to produce 100 dalasis per kilo for steak
and 80 dalasis per kilo for meat and bone.
Those who have children abroad were among those whose family incomes were
subsidised by the depreciation of the dalasi against major currencies. Now
there is almost a daily appreciation of the dalasi against the major currencies.
What no one can comprehend is the rise in the cost of living in the face of
appreciating dalasis.
The suspicion is that the dalasi is not appreciating because of the
strengthening of productivity but there is fear by the importers that prices may be
forced down as the Ramadan draws near and are therefore hastening to sell
their goods while withholding imports. This has resulted in foreign exchange glut
thus compelling those who maintain a parallel foreign exchange market to
dump the monies they hoarded to the banks, which reduces exchange rates on a
frequent basis.
If these fears are accurate Gambians are heading towards high prices, low
earnings and scarcity of goods.
The Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs should conduct
investigation and come up with strategies to avert a rough Ramadan for poor
Gambians.
The greatest cause of ill health in The Gambia is poor nutrition. People
just cannot afford food of nutritious value in sufficient quantity. If the APRC
regime addresses this problem The Gambia will spend less on drugs whose
prices are also skyrocketing.
PIU Accused of Torture
By Modou Jonga
Two accused persons Ebrima Jarju and Omar Jarju have told the Brikama
Magistrates Court that their cautionary and voluntary statements were obtained
under duress.
Testifying before Magistrate Johny Njie on Wednesday, the two brothers said
they were tortured and intimidated by personnel of the police Intervention
Unit and officials of the criminal investigation unit at the Brikama Police
Station during interrogation. The duo made these allegations during a trial
within a trial. A trial within a trial is meant to test whether a statement(s) is
voluntarily obtained from an accused person.
The court entered into a trial within a trial after the seventh prosecution
witness cum CID officer, Lamin Nasso was cross examined by the second accused
person. The magistrate’s ruling for a trial within a trial came in the wake
of allegation that the statements of the accused persons were obtained
involuntarily.
In his testimony on the allegation of severe torture and beatings, the
second accused told the court that he is a student and that he was arrested in 11
April, 2006 at his friend’s residence at Brikama Nyambai.
According to the student, he was immediately whisked away to the Brikama
Police Station after his arrest where both his hands and legs were handcuffed
and he was beaten. He noted that he initially denied committing the said theft
when he was handed over to the police Intervention Unit Personnel at the said
station. He said four officers tied his hands to a pole and beat him
continuously with electric wires. He stated that he was later remanded in custody.
Testifying further, the accused recalled that he was removed from custody at
night and taken to the Criminal Investigation Unit of the said station where
he was asked to give his statements on the said theft by Lamin Nasso the
seventh prosecution witness and Abdoulie Ceesay, sixth prosecution witness, all
police officers. He said during interrogation by the said CID personnel, he
vehemently denied committing the said theft and was ordered to admit
committing it otherwise it could be terrible for him. The accused told the court that
he was again dragged to the PIU Unit for severe lashing with a Pipe as result
of which the fingers of his right hand got dislocated. The accused said he
was taken to Brikama Gidda Ward for treatment on his dislocated fingers by
Bakary Bojang, a police officer.
While being cross examined by prosecutor Corporal 935 Jammeh, the accused
refuted breaking into the house of the complainant Bintou Bangura, and
committing theft. He said his cautionary and voluntary statements were obtained
against his will. The accused stated that the said statements were not obtained in
the presence of an independent witness called Pa Alpha Ceesay, a resident of
Brikama Sanchaba.
On his part Omar Jarju (third accused) and brother to the second accused
said he was slapped and threatened by Abdoulie Ceesay to admit that he committed
the offence. He said he was slapped while he was being interrogated.
Third accused said while he was being re-interrogated at the CID Unit, he
refused to confess. He said at that juncture, Lamin Nasso took out a pipe from
his office drawer, handcuffed and undressed him naked and beat him all over
his body except his face. He said he sustained injuries as a result of the
beatings meted out to him. He also told the court that he led the police to
where his brother was because of the beatings. He said the police arrested the
brother after that encounter.
Testifying further, he said he was removed from custody at 11pm at night and
taken to the said CID Unit for him to give his statements. He said when he
refused to confess, he was threatened that he was going to be subjected to
severe torture.
While being cross examined, the accused noted that his statements were
obtained against his will and that the contents of the said statements were not
explained to him. He further denied that the said statement was obtained in the
presence of an independent witness called Musa Jawo, a resident of Brikama
Nyambia. He noted that he did not enquire about the contents of his
statements. He further noted that the said statements are different from what he
narrated to the police.
The Magistrate ruled that the first accused, Nyima Jarju (the mother to the
second and third accused persons) should enter her defence. While denying
that she committed the said theft, the first accused testified that she was
present when her two children were severely tortured by Lamin Nasso at the said
CID Unit. She stated that she refused to offer bribe to Lamin Nasso when it
was demanded by the latter through a friend. The prosecutor immediately
objected to that part of her testimony, and the objection was upheld by the court.
Rapist Gets Life Imprisonment
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Principal Magistrate, Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrates Court
yesterday sentenced one Amadou Jello Bah, a Guinean to life imprisonment after he
pleaded guilty to the rape charge preferred against him.
Amadou Jello Bah was dragged to court for allegedly abducting and raping a
girl under the age of sixteen (16). According to the particulars of the
offence, Amadou Jello Bah had on the 19 of August unlawfully abducted a young girl
without the consent of the parents by locking her for three consecutive days;
that in the same place, he forfully had carnal knowledge of the said young
girl without her consent. Mr. Bah pleaded guilty to all the charges preferred
against him. A medical certificate was tendered in court as an exhibit.
In his ruling, magistrate Richards said of rape is common in the society. He
added that the institutions responsible for children and girls have raised
concerns on such issues and that they had sensitised the public on such
matters. “We have witnessed a number of such cases in court,” said Richards. The
Magistrate said he had a similar case, which involved a girl below the age of
the victim in this new case. “We must put a stop to these immoral attitude,”
he said. Magistrate Richards therefore sentenced the accused to five years on
count one and life imprisonment on count two. He was sentenced on his own
plea of guilt.
Convict Collapses in Court
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
One Ousman Camara, an accused person who was convicted by Magistrate Pa
Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrates Court, collapsed in front of the court
on Thursday while the court was sitting. Mr. Camara was earlier convicted by
the same court and sentenced to three months and fined D1, 500 dalasis in
default to serve another three months in jail.
Shortly after he was sentenced, Mr. Camara who is said to be a common
offender and also suffering from epilepsy collapsed on the court floor. He was
kicking the tables, benches and the witness box with his legs. The courtroom was
so noisy that some of the court attendees immediately rushed out of the
court. Magistrate Jammeh then ordered the prosecutor and the court security to
attend to him. The magistrate remained in court until Mr. Camara became
conscious. While another case was gong on, Camara collapsed on the floor. This time
it was so violent that the court attendees and attendants stood up.
This time the magistrate rose and asked the police to escort Mr. Camara out
of the court. He told the prosecutor that he would talk to the prison
director about the condition of Mr. Camara.
David Colley’s Trial
Defence Counsel Accuses Witness
By Abdou Jeli Keita
The ongoing criminal trial of David Colley, former Director General of
Prisons continued before Magistrate B.Y Camara of the Banjul Magistrates Court.
Defence counsel Antouman Gaye has accused Private Edrisa Camara, (PW7) of
lying to the court.
Private Edrisa Camara testified that sometime in 2006, something transpired
between him and David Colley. He said David gave him the “Operation feed
yourself tractor” to fetch water and to work on his (David’s) farm land. He said
David further told him that any officer who wants to use the tractor can
provide fuel and use it. He said Colley also told him that if he (the witness)
has sand and gravel contract, he could use the tractor and later take the money
to him (Colley). He said he gave Colley D26,500. When asked by defence
counsel Antouman Gaye whether he has ever lied, the witness responded in the
negative. Gaye further put it to the witness that that means he is living in a
different world. Counsel Gaye put it to the witness that apart from his name,
all that he said about David Colley, that he gave him a tractor, “Is a bag of
lies.” He further put it to the witness that his evidence is fabricated to put
David in trouble; that somebody put all that he said into his mouth; that he
didn’t know anything about David Colley.
The witness said all that he said is the truth.
The trail is adjourned till 6 September 2007 for further hearing.
1986-A PARTY OF A NEW TYPE ESTABLISHED, THE PDOIS
“Empowerment of the People Is Our Goal”
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column. We are now in 1986, which
preceded an election year 1987. In the last edition, we dealt with the
emergence of the GPP (Gambia People’s Party) led by Hon Assan Musa Camara. In this
edition we will focus on the emergence of yet another political party, the
PDOIS (People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence And Socialism). Let us
start from where we have stopped.
The mid 1986 also witnessed the emergence of yet another political party.
The PDOIS (People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism. In
July 1986 about 30 or so intellectuals and or interested persons were
consulted to come together and discuss a draft manifesto for the new party. The
discussion took two days to complete. The meeting that was considered as the party
’s first congress took place at Kololi.
The draft manifesto was discussed, differences thrashed and eventually
adopted. The participants also agreed to make it public the formation of the
party. This day was the historic day of 31st July 1986. The election to various
working positions was done and the following persons wee elected to start the
operation and management of the party as from henceforth; Mr. Sidia Jatta was
elected Chairperson; Mr. Halifa Sallah-Secretary General; Mrs. Amie Sillah,
Secretary to women and Child Affairs and Mr. Sam Sarr, Secretary to the
Information Bureau.
Immediately after this maiden congress, the PDOIS established a political
Bureau in Bundung. The rest of 1986 was used to sensitize the general public on
the reasons for PDOIS’ emergence. The second objective was to scout for
members who would be trained as party militants for the onward transmission of
information to the general public. By November 1986, the PDOIS commenced their
first open rallies. The first rally was held at Latirkunda Yiringaya. The
second one was held in Banjul. The Party spent the rest of 1986 having rallies
in the greater Banjul area.
The PDOIS’ leaflets and speeches deplore the wretched conditions of the vast
majority of the people of The Gambia in particular, Africa in general and
the world at large. It deplores what it calls the torrential rain of
unemployment and poverty, which they said, threatens to flood the globe. The economy
they said was being subjected to what they called shock therapy to regulate
brain waves, which had been over wound by difficult times. The PDOIS maintains
that the world is moving but many of those at the helm do not know where it is
heading. They said hopes are being dashed and clarity being suppressed.
Confusion, despair and depression they said seem to rule the spirit of the people
and noble ideas are shriveling like leaves at the mercy of the harmattan
wind.
The PDOIS in explaining the reasons for their emergence continued to
emphasize that fatalism has acquired new momentum as Nations, Regions and
Individuals become more inward looking and self-centered. They felt that what was could
no longer be and what is will not always be. The past they said must give
way to the future.
The PDOIS in their maiden rallies emphasized that the people are left with
the freedom to choose whether to ride like beasts on the winds of time and
float from the past into the future that is just a void or develop our minds and
skills and put them into operation to understand nature and society in order
to produce our intellectual, material and cultural requirements and thus
become the guardians of our own destiny.
The PDOIS maintains and agreed that it is true that human beings can live as
wretched and hopeless beasts at the mercy of economic, social and natural
forces, but argued that we also have the unlimited capacity to build a bright
and predictable future of carving the earth into a beautiful home that can
ensure our protection from all the ravages of life. They said in their leaflets
that the problems of humanity seems to appear insurmountable, but only
because we have not made the determined effort required to understand them.
Knowledge is the key to the solutions of the problems of humanity, the leaflets
maintained. Those who lack knowledge cannot guide the destiny of human kind. The
misguided too, PDOIS maintains, are not competent to give guidance. “The
uninspired cannot give inspiration to the dispirited”. What the world requires at
that historical juncture, they said, are people who can give knowledge to
those in darkness and inspiration to the disheartened. These, the leaflets say,
are the demands of our times.
From the leaflets and earlier campaign cassettes of PDOIS, the party
envisaged a long and arduous struggle to bring about the desired change. It was
meant to be a protracted struggle, with the purpose of cultivating a highly
informed populace who ultimately will be capable of transforming or changing
information and knowledge into clarity and power to invest, design and build a
society that can guarantee all the people liberty, dignity and prosperity.
According to the pioneers, their objective is to broaden the horizon of the
minds of the people so that we can all become the architects of our own
destiny. The empowerment of the people is not possible, PDOIS asserted, without
making knowledge their property. “Ignorance robs a person of self confidence.
Ignorance leads to a culture of silence and apathy. It makes a person an
object that does not act to help develop their conditions; ignorance is a chain
around the mind. Information and knowledge help to break the chains that keep
our people as captives of ignorance”.
According to Sidia Jatta, the reason why they have embarked on such a
protracted and somewhat torturous but noble national duty knowing that it could
take more than one’s life time before its accomplishment is the fact that as
human beings, we cannot live forever and ever but as he observed, some people
come and go and are forgotten but as he said there are others who do not die,
they stay forever. He said human beings who don’t die are those who serve
humanity in the course of their existence. He said such people are always
survived by their deeds; that their deeds continued to serve humanity even when they
had gone. Such human beings he said are even better than those who may be
living with us today.
According to Barbara Goodwin in her book “using political ideas” social
scientists have long held the view that history is a dialectical process; that
it proceeds through contradictions; that contradictions between economic and
social relations, and the antagonisms between the two major classes is what
develops in each new historical period.
Barbara analyzed the view that Revolutions are not made deliberately and
arbitrarily but everywhere and at all times; that revolutions were the essential
outcome of circumstances quite independent of the will and the leadership of
particular parties and entire classes. She said a revolution would come when
the conditions are appropriate. In her quotations, she opined that men make
their history by themselves but only they do so in a given environment and
often what emerges is something that no one willed”.
So the PDOIS set its own stage in 1986 and three eminent intellectuals have
taken up the task on their shoulders that they would make their own
contribution and leave The Gambian people to make their collective history. This is
the first time since independence in 1965 that a party based on ideological
clarity is established in The Gambia. With ideology, a party or its members
become principled, and predictable. Throughout the history of Gambian politics,
politicians have been cross carpeting from one opposition party to the ruling
party. Most of these people were not committed to any ideology whatsoever
.The reason for that is because they lacked ideology and principle. Their
ideology therefore is synonymous to their individual interest.
But these three intellectuals, Mr. Sidia Jatta, a linguist by profession,
Mr. Halifa Sallah, a sociologist and Mr. Sam Sarr, a scientist and
mathematician became the key leaders of the PDOIS. They said they are committed to what
they called collective leadership. According to Halifa Sallah, no one sets a
date for a genuine change.
See next issue as delve into 1987 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Global Unification – The Gambia Holds Symposium on African Unity
By Yaya Bajo & Baboucarr Ceesay
Global Unification – The Gambia on Saturday held a symposium on African
Unity on the theme “Importance of One voice, One Action, One Africa” as part of
its global week campaign at the KMC Conference Hall in Kanifing.
Mr. Tony Mendy, campaign coordinator, said in uniting Africa there is need
for the consideration of the community to support the AU policy for African
Unity.
Mr. Ebrima S. Dem the National representative of Global Unification - The
Gambia said his organisation’s sole objective is to bring together civil
society organisations, youth groups, NGOs, governments and people at the grass root
for the advancement of humanity.
Dem said Global Unification was initiated by an Australian (the late Patrick
Surrey), and it commenced operation in November 1, 2004 in Australia under
Peter Reed, the successor of the late Patrick as a private and voluntary
organisation.
He added that GU - The Gambia under the auspices of GU Africa focuses on
giving support to the African Union to realise its objectives for the people of
the continent.
Dem indicated that Kwame Nkrumah started the movement for African Unity in
order to strengthen the continent and protect it from outside influence.
Mrs. Angela Colley, Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture said it is
the duty of every African to be raising the awareness of others. She asserted
that the future of Africa lies in the hands of the youths.
Ousman Bah, Communication Officer of ActionAid, said if America and Europe
are developed, there can be no justification for 206 million Africans going to
bed hungry.
Hassan Sallah who deputised Dr. Saja Taal placed emphasis on the need for a
united Africa.
Professor Nicodemus Fru Awasom, dilating on what he called the theory,
philosophy and practical modalities of AU, said the boundaries are divisions that
separate us, but safe the metropolitan powers and not us. He said the many
interested groups outside the continent are the obstacles; that the union of
Africa is like a movement of an ocean that is unstoppable.
Professor Awason said some people opined that African Unity should be
gradual while others say we should unite now, but Africa’s unity is a reality and
nothing can stop it. He said the idea of AU surfaced in the new global era,
where if we can break the barriers and get down to the poor, we might not need
to destroy the state structure; that is confederation and federation.
During the question and answer session, Mr. Halifa Sallah who was at the
symposium as a participant was given the floor to speak.
Mr. Halifa Sallah commenced by stating that whether he is an invited quest
speaker or not he would attend and speak in any gathering where African Unity
is to be discussed. At this point, participants responded with inspiring
applause.
He said the issue of whether people are going to lose sovereignty by being
part of a union; that is the principle of subsidiarity in international law.
He intimated that, it is believed that if nations come together into a
federation they are going to lose sovereignty and they said some leaders do not want
to lose sovereignty, therefore would be discouraged from being part of a
union. Mr. Sallah said that is a false premise.
The issue of federation, he said is the principle of collective sovereignty
where nations do not lose sovereignty, but gain sovereignty. Being part of a
whole, he said, one can have a voice to determine what happens in a whole.
Sallah said in such a situation one is not losing sovereignty but adding to one’
s sovereignty. He pointed out that if one has a voice to say what happen in
Nigeria, South Africa and all parts of the continent, that is the principle
of collective sovereignty.
“What Nkrumah had said in terms of a government? I heard somebody asked this
question at the School of Nursing. What type of President? What type of
elections? That’s not what is being talked about. It is not an issue of having an
executive presidency. Somebody to be elected and to rule over Africa, that’s
not the concept,” he stressed.
He said Nkrumah formulated this in 1965 at the OAU summit held in Ghana
which is the first summit, noting that President Jawara attended and Gambia
became independent in February.
According to Halifa, Nkrumah emphasised that Africa will go through a
process and as he said, he said it out of experience generally; he saw three phases
of development, (1) raw material production, (2) value added
(manufacturing), and (3) machine building.
Halifa Sallah added that no nation can be free until it is capable of
producing its own machines; that as long as you are producing groundnuts and
selling it to someone who would use value added and send it back to you, you would
be poor forever.
He quoted Nkrumah as saying, if Africa is going to be liberated, Africa must
be able to develop to the point of producing its own machines and those
machines would produce manufactured goods by using our raw materials.
He indicated that in such a situation the goods could be value added, they
would not go to Europe, because the industries would be here to employ you. He
received rapturous applause. He then continued that we would be able to
build infrastructure, because out of the resources that are developing from all
corners, we will be able to build infrastructure and be able to provide
services and provide employment.
Halifa said Nkrumah said at the time that no individual African country
could build its own machine at that time after the colonial experience; that they
have tried to do that but all of them were dependent. Therefore, to be
independent, he said there is need for a collective responsibility of coming
together to maximise their capacity. He said that is why Nkrumah was talking about
the union of African states; that we must do it with speed; that if we fail
to do so, we would continue to remain poor and that is what is happening
today. Over 40% of Africans are living on less than one dollar a day, in a
continent having over 20% of the world’s mineral resources, 40% of world’s gold,
60% of world’s cobalt.
“We have the resources. What is the problem? Because we have not combined to
develop the right policies and strategies to be able to develop the
continent,” Halifa lamented.
He further observed that what happened in 1999 at Sirte, Libya is not an
accident, it is not created by Ghadafi. He called on people to understand their
history; that to say that Africa was united in the past was not a fact.
Africa, he asserted was divided. Kings fought wars, they sold others into slavery.”
That was the reality of Africa. Let us not romaticise the past. We must
have understanding,” said Halifa.
He said when African countries began to have independence; it was collective
solidarity that led us to independence. “The independence we have was
something that started to develop over the years”. He said it will be interesting
to know how the first Pan African conference influenced the United Nations,
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, etc.
He said people like Dubois were thinkers calling for a collective struggle.
Halifa dwelt on the history of Pan Africanism and said he will be launching
his book on the issue which he promised would explain a lot about Pan
Africanism.
Ms. Ida Jallow read a poem entitled My Mother.
The symposium was chaired by Michael Mendy.
The ceremony ended with awarding of certificates to some GU – Gambia members
and media houses.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
CHILD BETROTHAL
Part 1
By Amie Sillah
Amina is from a clan who betroth their babies at birth. Her father died at
her infancy. He betrothed Amina to his best friend Cherno Bubacarr. Chernor
Bubacarr is a rich peasant who engages in animal husbandry and he also produces
diary products. He is feared and respected in his village. He is also an
estate developer. He has many properties all across the country. He has three
wives Haja Binta, Haja Oumu and Haja Aisha. His dream is to make Amina his
fourth wife. Chernor Bubacarr wants Amina to learn up to university level. He
sponsored her education from nursery to university. He wants Amina to be an
elite wife to help him in his business empire. Chernor Bubacarr’s three wives are
not literate in English but they are very intelligent especially Aisha who
is an Islamic Scholar vase in Koranic scriptures. She has a “dara” (a Koranic
school) at her home. The wives live in different villas in town. Chernor
Bubacarr takes good care of them. He also sponsors Aunty Maimuna’s petty
trading. He built her a shop in her home and stocked it to the brim. He built a
mansion at Amina’s home. He also gives them feeding money. Chernor Bubacarr is
worshipped by Aunty Mai. Amina grew up into a beautiful damsel. At first she
condoned Chernor Bubacarr’s Advances but when she entered university it totally
became a different ball game. What was responsible for her change in
attitude?
Muhammed also has a similar experience. He is from a rich family. His family
matched make him with Jamila who is an only child from a very rich family.
Jamila schooled in the U.K. Muhammed was to start his university degree at
home until his first degree. Then he is to proceed to the U.K for his masters
and PhD. The plan is that both of them will wed in England. Muhammed and Jami
are not compatible. To Jamila class is everything. She looks down on the less
privileged. She was born with a silver and golden spoon in her mouth. Her
parents are super rich and she is an only child from an aristocratic family. She
is a spoilt brat who looks down on Muhammed because her family is richer than
Muhammed’s. She does not appreciate or respects him. Instead she wants
Muhammed to adore and worship her. Muhammed is her opposite, easy going,
respectful, loving, generous and concerned. His heart beats in unison with the
wretched of the earth. Jami’s father helps Muhammed’s father with contracts. Their
relationship is unequal. Professor Danso, Jami’s father lives by his daughter’
s wishes. Alhaji Bangali, Muhamed’s father does not have a grip over his
son. Muhammed has a free spirit. Did the arranged marriage work for Muhammed and
Jami? Read to find out.
Birthday Party
Muhammed was celebrating his thirtieth birthday with great pomp and show.
That is not his style but his parents forced him to. “You are old fashioned!
Enjoy the buck! For Allah’s sake you are our first born! Your birthday
coincides with your graduation. This calls for double celebration!” Said mum and dad.
Jami came to town purposely to be part of the celebrations. She came with
class and style. Outwardly they look like perfect couples. They locked into
each other’s arms to the amusement of the invitees. Jami is romantic. She
composed a love song for Muhammed. He was shy but he enjoyed it. Muhammed was pist
off with his suit. He went and changed into a kaftan. Jami was displeased.
She called him aside and protested. “Why did you change into a local dress? Get
formal for once! Is this not your day? Why didn’t you consult me before you
changed your clothes?” Muhammed was mad with Jami. “Not again! We will
discuss it later!” He begged. Jami frowned.
Alhaji Banjali Surprises Muhammed
Alhaji called the party aside and showed them something. In the middle of
the compound something stood covered. He blew a whistle and asked Muhammed to
pull off the cover. What was it? A brand new black Honda Bonnet sport car! “
Whaw!” He smiled at everybody. He hugged his dad. “Thank you dad! You are a
sweetie daddy. I love you. I’ll always make you proud!” “It’s a pleasure!”
Alhaji replied Muhammed Jami, his sister Rokiya and his mum Haja Rakey. He
thanked his parents. Muhammed asked Jami to open the car. Jami kissed him and
opened the car. She then sat at the front passenger seat. Muhammed drove up to
the street and came back. There was partying and dancing up till the early
hours of the morning. It was a great party. Plenty to eat, drink and great fun.
Chernor Bubacarr And Amina
Chernor brought in many gifts for Amina and her mother Aunty Mai. Amina was
very happy. She felt contented. “All these for me? Are you not tired of
buying me gifts?” “Why should I sweet ehart? You are my sunshine! I promised your
dad, my best friend, that I’ll take care of you as long as I live.” Chernor
drew a cheque for D10,000 for Aunty Mai and a cheque of D20,000 for Amina. “
This is to take care of your university needs. If it is not enough don’t
hesitate to tell me. I don’t want you to lack anything at campus.” Chernor
emphasised “What will we do without you? You are a darling we pray the good lord
never to let your well dry.’ Aunty Mai prayed. “Amen!” They all chorused.
Muhammed And Jami Went Shopping
Muhammed and Jami went shopping. A contradiction erupted. Muhammed came out
of the car. Jami refused to come out. Muhammed went back to enquire. Jami
protested.” You are not a gentleman!” “Why?” Muhammed asked. “How can you
leave your lady behind? Why didn’t you open the car door for me?” “Open the car
door for you? Why?” “That’s what gentlemen do for their ladies. That’s why
I said you are not a gentleman.” Muhammed opened the door and grumbled. “
Jami! You are very petty. Opening doors for women is not part of our culture. If
I decided to do or not to do it is out of my own volition. Our relationship
is not normal. Why can’t we be like normal couples? Why are we all the time
quarreling?” Muhammed asked. “We are a different kind of couple. We are not
just any couple. We are from the cream of society!” Jami argued. “Well! We
are incompatible. For me life is seen from the angle of the wretched of the
earth. How can I in my little way add meaning to their lives. I don’t want to
live a parasitic life,” Muhammed emphasised. “Then what is the point of
sticking together? Should we break up?” Jami asked. “Did you ever love me? Did you
ever respect me? You treat me like a boy-boy! Suit yourself! Whatever
decision taken I’ll abide by it,” Muhammed replied. “I’ll give you a reply when I
get to London. Take me back home.” She hopped into the car and waited for
Muhammed to hop in.
Muhammed got frustrated and confused. His spirit revolted at Jami. “She is a
rude spoilt brat!” He soliloqued. They reached Jami’s home. She got down
and hurriedly started to go into her house. Muhammed called her back. “Is this
how you want us to part? Is this a respectful relationship? There is
suffocation!” She reluctantly slowed down. Muhammed gave her a peck, bade her good
night and prayed for a safe journey back to the U.K. “Thanks!” She then
entered her house. Frustratingly, Muahmmed drove back home. “I’ll not marry this
spoilt brat! We are poles apart! Incompatible!” He said aloud.
Muhammed At Home
Muhammed was doing his assignment on his post graduate studies. He is now a
proud lawyer. His dad, Alhaji Banjai is well connected.
He explained the many possibilities for Muhammed. “If you marry Jamila your
horizon will be extended. She is the heiress to the Johnson empire. How are
you two faring?” He Curiously asked. “Fine! We are doing fine!” He lied. He
does not want to engage in a long argument with his dad if he tells him the
contrary. He kept his feelings to himself. “Your marriage will take place in
London. But don’t worry. It will still be grand. The two great families will
join you there.” Alhaji tried to explain. Muhammed felt nostalgic. He was not at
all excited or amused.
Tyre Problem
As Muhammed got his tyre fixed, Amina and her two friends Jenny and Jackie
past by. They begged for a lift. Amina approached him when his tyre was
already fixed. “Sir, we are freshmen of the university. We are already late for
lectures. Can you give us a lift?” Muhammed smiled. “Why not? Hop in. It will
be a crime to leave three beautiful damsels stranded on the road.” The girls
giggled and hopped in.
Amina occupied the front seat. Their chemistries attracted each other.
Muhammed asked her name. “Oh! My bad manners! I am Amina, my friends are Jenny and
Jackie. We are all freshmen in the Science Department. I am interested in
surgery, Jenny pharmacy and Jack gynaecology.” Muhammed smiled. “That’s great!
We need a lot more women in medicine. Congratulations!” Amina turned to
Muhammed and asked. “What about you, Monsieur?” “Well! I have graduated, LLB
Double Honours. I am on my post graduate assignments after which I’ll proceed to
the UK for my masters and PHD.”
“Well done! And good luck,” the girls chorused. He dropped them at the
university campus. They thanked him and went into the university building. Amina
and Muhammed were physically attracted to each other. Is it love at first
sight? Read to find out.
Ninety-Seven Peer Health Educators Graduate
By Annia Gaye
Kunkung Jobarteh, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Department of state
for Basic and Secondary Education has stated that Nova Scotia Gambia
Association has promoted key educational messages on malaria, HIV, Tuberculosis,
Nutrition, Drug Abuse, Healthty Relationships and Reproductive Health throughout
the country.
Mr. Jobarteh was speaking at the graduation ceremony of 97 trained peer
health educators and 25 teacher coordinators who participated in the NSGA Summer
School Programme.
Jobarteh said the development of teacher coordinators and thousands of peer
health educators have ensured the sustainability and longevity of the work
they are doing, and this has made NSGA a household name throughout The Gambia.
He described NSGA work as building knowledge, transforming lives and also
enhancing the social and economic development of The Gambia. He reiterated that
the summer school is another platform that is used by NSGA to reinforce and
promote key educational and health messages so as to transform the behaviour
of Gambian youths. He noted that the summer school offers teacher coordinators
a unique opportunity to refresh and enhance their skills so that they return
to their schools with new vigor to carry out their work.
In Sheriff Minteh’s Murder Trial
Counsel Demands For Adjournment
By Yaya Bajo
The protracted murder trial of Dodou Janneh at the Bundung Magistrates’
Court has suffered yet another setback as one of the defence counsels, Lawyer
Jobarteh told the court that he could not proceed with the matter in the absence
of his colleagues. Lawyer Jobarteh who was the only counsel present in the
court on Tuesday August 28 before Magistrate Buba Jawo noted that since Camara
and his other colleagues were absent, he would ask the honourable court to
adjourn the matter. “I prefer for us to be together and collectively preside
over the case,” he posited.
While apologising for the delay, Lawyer Jobarteh noted that his learned
colleague Sheriff Tambedou has gone to visit his father and that his (Tambedou’s)
trip was not a leisure mission. He added that he would do his utmost best to
either go to Tambedou’s office or get him through the phone in order for
them to talk on the matter.
Police prosecutor 772 Samateh did not object to the counsel’s submission and
the court finally adjourned the case to Tuesday 4 August 2007. Dodou Janneh
alias Dodou Boy is standing trial for murdering Sheriff Minteh at London
Corner.
In New Yundum Firearm Trial
Accused Acquitted And Discharged
By Modou Jonga
Magistrate E.F M’bai of the Brikama Magistrates Court had on Wednesday, 29
August, acquitted and discharged one Sainey Sonko who was charged with
possession of an unlicensed firearm.
It was alleged that he had an unlicensed firearm in his possession while he
was at old Yundum.
In delivering judgment on Monday, the trial magistrate said the prosecution
brought two witnesses in the persons of Babucarr Bojang and Omar Bah, all
police officers.
Magistrate M’bai said the first prosecution witness, Babucarr Bojang, had
testified that the Inspector General of police brought the accused to Yundum
police station with other officers on Suspicion that he had committed theft,
but firearm was found in his possession. The Magistrate said the unlicensed
firearm was identified by the first prosecution witness and was admitted as an
exhibit.
Magistrate M’bai further noted that the second prosecution witness, Omar
Bah, obtained the cautionary and voluntary statements of the accused.
According to the presiding Magistrate, the accused had in his defence
averred that he has inherited it from his father and that those types of guns do
not require licence..
He said the accused has called two witnesses in the persons of Yusupha
Nyassi and Omar Gibba who all stressed that such guns do not require licences;
that they are only used in traditional rites such as initiation ceremonies. He
said the witnesses also testified that these types of guns are used to scare
thieves from stealing their cattle.
The presiding Magistrate further noted that the Arms and Ammunition Act is
promulgated to maintain law in the country. He said the type of firearm
recovered from the accused does not pose a threat to the public. He said the
accused has proved to the court that such guns do not require licences and that
they are used for cultural activities. Magistrate M’bai later acquitted and
discharged the accused and ordered the prosecutor to return the firearm to the
owner.
Fish Processing Plant For Group Njambal
By Madiba Singhateh
A fish processing plant for Group Njamal, a women’s group in Old Jeshwang,
was inaugurated on Tuesday 28 August 2007 by SoS Yankuba Touray.
Mrs. Fatou Kinteh said the FASE project was conceptualized in 2000 by UNDP
as part of its contribution towards poverty alleviation in The Gambia.
She said the project target beneficiaries include women groups’ smallholder
women farmers and members of small business associations.
She said the project has successfully achieved all its objectives. She said
the project was expected to reach 80,000 beneficiaries, She said she is happy
to state that FASE has benefited almost 120000 women making it one of the
most successful UNDP project. She added that through the support of SDF and
FASE, a skills training centre was built for the women of Kembujeh; that a
market, which has 36 shops, was built at Sunwing for women. She said the fish
processing plant would benefit 52 women.
She concluded that a total of D306, 000 has been invested in the fish
smoking and processing plant.
Mr. Alieu Momar Njie, the acting mayor of KMC said the FASE project has
contributed in improving the lives of thousands of women, youth and micro e
ntrepreneurs through training on management skills, entrepreneurial skills and
livelihood skills in The Gambia.
He said by constructing this plant, FASE is contributing towards increasing
the production capacity of Group Njambal, whose members are engaged in fish
smoking and processing..
He said the FASE project and UNDP are contributing towards creating
employment for women and youth. .
The Secretary of State for Fisheries and water Resources, Yankuba Touray ,
noted that every citizen has the right to participate and benefit from
national economic development,. The SoS further said that the Beijing platform for
action recommends the removal of all obstacles that hinder women’s economic
rights and equality in access to, and participation in economic structures and
policies. He said the government of The Gambia has left no stone unturned in
supporting the economic empowerment of women.
He finally congratulated FASE for a job well done.
UEFA Cup: Dave and Pa Saikou Flop, Tijan Through
By Modou Nyang
Pa Saikou Kujabi and Dawda Bah’s side were knocked out of the UEFA Cup
whilst Tijan Jaiteh’s Brann went through.
Brann won 6-4 on aggregate away to Lithuanian side FK Suduva to make a berth
in the next stage of the second most prized European club competition. But
Dawda Bah and his Finnish HJK side failed to protect the slim 2-1 home
advantage they traveled with to Denmark by falling 3-0, handing a 4-2 aggregate win
to Aalborg BK. And Pa Saikou Kujabi’s SV Ried also went down 3-0 away at the
hands of FC Sion.
Tijan Jaiteh was involved for the whole period of the game. And Dawda Bah
also featured in his team’s match, but Pa Saikou was however not listed for in
his sides encounter with the Swiss outfit.
GFA: No Contract with Saller
By Modou Nyang
Gambia Football Association (GFA) has claimed that there was no binding
contract between them and Saller.
According to Brigadier General Lang Tombong Tamba, 1st Vice President of the
GFA they signed a revised draft contract and send it to Saller but the
sports kit manufacturers never did their part of the deal. “A contract is a
document agreed between two partners and it become valid when the two parties sign”
, he said in a press conference on Wednesday at the independence Stadium to
give the FA’s side of the bitter divorce between the two partners who were
courting each other since 2005.
Making a detailed brief on the FA’s relation with Saller the Chief of
Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Force said: “We received a sponsorship offer from
Saller through Malick Camara. At that time that time that was the only offer
in terms of sponsorship.
“The Marketing Committee observed that we also come up with a proposal and
send it back t Saller and say this is the way we want it. We did that
[including] equipments that were not in the list. [Saller] said no, we cannot provide
all those equipment – he is sticking by his original offer, we had no other
choice at that time, we accepted. It did not come with any financial
assistance, all was equipment.
“Saller prepared a draft contract which was in German; Malick helped us with
the translation. It was reviewed by us and we sent the same draft to them to
say this is the way we reviewed and translated it. At that time is was a
draft it was not yet signed, this was sent back to them to review and we also
sat to review. The Marketing Committee realized there was no termination. [And]
in the draft Saller requested for ten year contract, the marketing committee
said no lets start with four.
“In January a tournament [U – 20 tournament in Congo] was approaching and
we pressured that if the contract was not signed we would not be supplied with
equipment. We finalized the contract here and included a termination clause,
the President Seedy Kinteh signed it and we scanned and emailed it to them.
[With the hope] that they will also sign, all that time we were talking to
Malick about the proceedings. [Sometime later] Malick brought a draft contract
[while] I was at the stadium watching football and said I have to sign. I
glanced through; there was no termination clause I said no. I asked him why he
didn’t bring the [signed] copy Jammeh [Bojang] sent to him he said no, this was
what Jammeh sent to me. I said no, Jammeh sent you two copies, a draft and a
signed one. “We were expecting to get the signed document back, but they
never sent it up till today. A contract is a document agreed between two
partners and is becomes valid when both parties sign the agreement. When we signed
and sent it to them, they never sign and send it back to us.
“In July Malick came back to the Gambia and gave me a letter, I looked at
the letter and asked what the problem is, Malick said, Saller said he cannot
accept that termination clause because it does not favour him. [He asked us] to
delete that termination clause and the contract will continue, if we do not
want he will not accept and he is terminating the contract. Another time we
meet he told me the position is the same.
“I tabled the issue in a Marketing committee meeting and it was unanimously
agreed that no where on earth [one] can have a contract without a termination
clause. Hence Malick was insisting that it was because of the termination
clause [they] were terminating the contract, we accepted it in good faith. We
instructed the Secretary General to write a letter thanking Saller-sport for
the support he has given us over the years by equipping our National teams.
The termination clause states that either party can terminate the contract by
giving three months notice to the other in writing. We feel that this protects
both parties. For us it came as a surprise because if that clause was the
only cause for Saller to terminate this contract”.
SK East: Zurich and Milan Win
By Isatou Bittaye
Zurich FC on Tuesday defeated Wales FC 2-0 to earn themselves 7 points and
AC Milan got the better of T Central on Wednesday by a lone goal in the
ongoing Serrekunda East Nawettan.
Zurich’s Alagie Jobe put his side through in the 36th minute from the
penalty spot. And the tempo of the game intensified as Wales searched for an
equaliser but were always put back by the Zurich defence. And to compound Wales’
frustration, Unusa Jallow made it double 10 minutes into the second period
securing all three points.
On Wednesday, T Central suffered a lone goal defeat at the hands of AC
Milan. U – 20 player Habib Kunta registered Milan’s goal in the 58th minute
leaving Central struggling for a leveler, but to no avail.
United Stars return to action today against Kerr-gi and Bantaba FC will play
Medina on Saturday. Leeds United will also take on Abuko United in the
second match on Saturday.
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