Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 86/2007, 25-26 July, 2007
Editorial
Threats of Flooding
Houses in the Kanifing Municipality and beyond are experiencing floods as
the rain pours with greater intensity. The Department of Technical Services
should go on air to explain what is going on.
Our humble opinion is that roads have been constructed without respect for
basic principles of engineering. All civil engineers will tell you that road
construction should go hand in hand with drainage.
One feature common to a number of roads which have been built is the raising
of roads above the level of compounds without providing drains that could
empty the water into a river, stream or pond. The major problem of the
Kanifing Municipality is that the natural path of the rain water has been blocked by
structures and drainage facilities have not been provided to enable the
water to flow to areas where they could be reserved for one form of use or
another.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) should undertake a study of the
wetlands in the Kanifing Municipality. It will discover the natural drainage
facilities of the areas. Wetlands can be found from Kotu to Latrikunda, Dippa
Kunda, Bakoteh, London, Bundung Borehole and beyond. They can also be found
stretching from Oyster Creek Bridge to Ebo Town and beyond.
These wetlands serve as the water reservoir of the area. They were natural
receptacles of rain water flowing from the towns. Urbanisation and poor urban
planning has led to overcrowding and the transformation of the wetlands into
residential areas. One therefore finds houses built on flood plains.
Such natural receptacles of rain water are not taken into consideration in
constructing drains that lead to where that water could be emptied. In many
countries pools are even dug just to make them water collection points for
agricultural and other purposes. Boreholes are also dug in such wetlands to
generate water.
There is therefore need to revisit the practices of building roads without
drainage facilities. The sooner this is addressed the quicker the solution to
the problem of floods.
HABIB DRAMMEH FACES ELEVEN CHARGES
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Habib Drammeh, ex-Director General of The Gambia Toursim Authority (GTA), on
Tuesday, July 24, appeared before Justice Sanji Monageng at the High Court
on eleven criminal charges.
Mr. Drammeh has pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to
him in court. The accused person is expected in court again on October 18.
He was represented by counsels Sydney Riley and Amie Bensouda, while A.S Umar
represented the prosecution.
Below we reproduce the charges against Mr. Drammeh.
EXCERPTS:
COUNT 1
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Giving false information to a public servant contrary to section 114 (a) of
the Criminal Code Cap 10 Vol. III Laws of the Gambia 1990.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh, in the Republic of the Gambia on the 12th of July 2005 in a
petition titled PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT AS DIRECTOR GENERAL GTA to the
President of the Republic of the Gambia, a Public Servant alleging wrongful
suspension, gave information among others to wit: an independent Audit
investigation commissioned by the Board cleared me of any wrong doing which you knew or
believe to be false intending thereby to cause your reinstatement as the
Director Genera! of the Gambia Tourism Authority, which the President ought not
to do if the true state of facts contained in the Investigative Audit Report
Into The Land And Financial Transactions Of GTA dated 22nd December 2003 were
fully disclosed to him in the said petition
COUNT 2
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Giving false information to a public servant contrary to section 114 (b) of
the Criminal Code Cap 10 Vol. Ill Laws of the Gambia 1990.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh in the Republic of the Gambia on the 12th of July 2005 in a
petition titled PETITION FOR REINSTATEMENT AS DIRECTOR GENERAL GTA to the
President of the Republic of the Gambia alleging one Momodou Sallah caused your
wrongful suspension, gave information among others to wit: an independent Audit
investigation commissioned by the Board cleared me of any wrong doing which
you knew or believe to be false intending thereby to cause the President to
use his lawful power to the annoyance of the said Momodou Sallah, a former
Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture
COUNT 3
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Economic Crimes contrary to section 5 (e) of the Economic Crimes specified
offences Decree No. 16 1994.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh, in Kololi Kanifing Municipal Council, in the Republic of the
Gambia between January 2002 and December 2003 while holding public office as
the Director General of the Gambia Tourism Authority in breach of sections 6,
7, and 10 of the Gambia Tourism Authority Act 2001 approved the payment of
Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dalasis (D450,00) from the funds of the Gambia
Tourism Authority to Home Finance Mortgage Company Limited for the
settlement of your personal Housing loan debt without the knowledge, disclosure,
consent or authorization of the Board.
COUNT 4
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Economic crimes contrary to section 5 (g) of the Economic crimes (specified
offences)Decree No. 16, 1994.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh in Kololi Kanifing Municipal Council in the Republic of the
Gambia between January 2002 and December 2003 while holding public office as
the Director General of the Gambia Tourism Authority corruptly or dishonestly
abused the office for private benefit in that you caused the payment of Four
Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dalasis (D450,000) from the fund of the authority
to Home Finance Mortgage Company Limited for the settlement of your personal
housing loan and thereby caused financial loss to The Gambia Tourism Authority.
COUNT 5
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Economic Crimes contrary to section 5 (g) of the Economic Crimes (Specified
Offences), Decree No. 16 1994.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh in Kololi, Kanifing Municipal Council of the Republic of the
Gambia between January 2002 and December 2003 while holding public office as
the Director General of Gambia Tourism Authority corruptly abused the office
for private benefits in that you directed and caused the payment of the sum of
Twenty-eight Thousand Five Hundred and Twenty-two Dalasis (D28,522) the
property of the Gambia Tourism Authority to Shyben Madi & Sons Ltd for the repair
of your private car Peugeot 406 with Registration No. KM 6236 A.
COUNT 6
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Economic Crimes contrary to section 5 (a) of the Economic Crimes (Specified
Offences), Decree No. 16 1994.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh in Kololi, Kanifing Municipal Council of the Republic of the
Gambia between January 2002 and December 2003 while holding a public office as
the Director General of Gambia Tourism Authority wilfully caused the loss of
Twenty-eight Thousand Five Hundred and Twenty-two dalasis (D28, 522) to the
Gambia Tourism Authority being payment made from the funds of Gambia Tourism
Authority to Shyben Madi & Sons Ltd for the repairs of your private car
Peugeot 406 with Registration No. KM 6236 A pursuant to your directives.
COUNT 7
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Economic Crimes contrary to section 5 (d) of the Economic Crimes (Specified O
ffences), Decree No. 16 1994.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh in Kololi, Kanifing Municipal Council of the Republic of the
Gambia between January 2002 and December 2003 while holding public office as
the Director General of Gambia Tourism Authority dishonestly acquired a plot
of land located at Brufut Height property of the Gambia Tourism Authority and
valued at Three Hundred and Seventy-five Thousand Dalasis (D375,000) without
paying for same.
COUNT 8
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Economic Crimes contrary to section 5 (a) of the Economic Crimes (Specified
Offences) Decree No. 16 1994.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh in KoloJi, Kanifing Municipal Council in the Republic of the
Gambia while holding public office as the Director General of Gambia Tourism
Authority recklessly or dishonestly caused financial loss of Three Hundred
and
Seventy-five Thousand Dalasis (D375,000) to Gambia Tourism Authority being
the value of a plot of land located at Brufut height property of the Gambia
Tourism Authority which you allocated to yourself without paying for same.
COUNT 9
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Economic Crimes contrary to section 5 (g) of the Economic Crimes (Specified
Offences) Decree No. 16 of 1994.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh in Kololi, Kanifing Municipal Council in the Republic of the
Gambia between January 2002 and December 2003 while holding public office as
the Director General Gambia Tourism Authority corruptly abused your office.
for private benefit in that you authorised payment of the sum of D4 338 95
property of Gambia Tourism Authority to Great Alliance Insurance Ltd. as
Insurance premium for your private car Peugeot 406 with Registration No km 236 A.
COUNT 10
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Economic Crimes contrary to section 5 (a) of the Economic Crimes (Specified
Offences) Decree 1994.
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh in Kololi, Kanifing Municipal Council of the Republic of the
Gambia between January 2002 and December 2003 while holding public office as
the Director General Gambia Tourism Authority cause the loss of Four Thousand
three hundred and thirty eight Dalasis Ninety-five Bututs (D4,338.95) The
Gambia Tourism Authority being the sum paid from the funds of Gambia Tourism
Authority pursuant to your directives to Great Alliance Insurance Ltd. As
Insurance premium for your private car Peugeot 406 with Registration No km 236 A.
COUNT 11
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE
Economic Crimes contrary to section 5 (e) of the Economic Crimes (specified
offences) Decree No. l6of 1994
PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE
Habib Drammeh in Kololi Kanifing Municipal Council in the Republic of the
Gambia between January 2002 and December 2003, while holding public office as
the Director General of the Gambia Tourism Authority in contravention section
10 of the Gambia Tourism Authority Act 2001, entered into a contract with the
authority, by hiring your personal car Peugeot 406 with Registration No KM
6236 A and received the sum of D49,750 from the contract without disclosing
the transaction or securing the authorisation of the Board.
OMAR NDOW’S CASE
THE BATTLE OVER THE ADMISSION OF DOCUMENTS
By Abdou Jeli Keita
Abdoulie Bah, an accountant at Gamcel has on Tuesday appeared in the
criminal trial involving the state and Omar Ndow, the former Managing Director of
Gamtel.
Mr. Bah produced two documents before the court, an original document and a
photocopied one. According to the witness, the original of the photocopied
document is with Standard Chartered Bank. He told the court that he does not
think that there is any means of getting the original document from the bank.
Prosecutor A.S.P Bojang said the two documents produced by the witness
contain the communication between the two parties pertaining to the transaction of
a certain amount to a certain company. He then applied to tender the
document dated 16 and 17 August 2005. The defence counsel Sheriff Tambedou, objected
to the tendering of the said documents. He said the foundation to tender the
document in court is done through the evidence of the witness. He noted that
there is no evidence from the witness to show that he has been in possession
of the said documents or that he was the keeper of the document, nor has the
witness told the court where he got the document from. He added that on the
18 July, the last adjourned date, the witness said in his evidence in chief
that the transaction for the approval was in writing and not verbal, and he
(the witness) said if he is given time, he may produce the documents. Defence
counsel Tambedou proceeded to say that the said document is not coming from
proper custody. He said they did not know where the document is coming from and
that the foundation is not therefore laid down.
With regards to the photocopied document which is dated the 16 of August
2005, counsel Tambedou added that, the witness, Abdoulie Bah, is neither the
author, nor the addressee of the document. He said this document is addressed to
the Managing Director of Standard Chartered Bank; that it is not address to
Mr. Bah, nor is it signed by Mr. Bah. He added that the document was signed
by the Director General and the Finance Director. He said the document is a
photocopied document which therefore makes it secondary evidence.
He said that the Evidence Act 1994 lays down instances when secondary
document can be admitted as evidence in court, noting that the Act does not
recognise photocopied documents. Defence counsel Tambedou added that the document
which is dated 17 August 2005, was addressed to the head of the audit
department (one Omar Mbye). Counsel Tambedou urged the court to reject the said
documents.
Prosecutor ASP Bojang said the witness stated in his evidence in chief that
the transaction between Gamtel and HAWEI was sent to their office for
auditing (internal audit).
ASP Bojang said the witness has said in his evidence in chief that the
conversation between the audit department and the accused was written and not
verbal, and when he was asked if he can produce the documents the witness said he
may. According to ASP Bojang, the witness has fulfilled his promise to the
court by providing the documents pertaining to the issues in question. He
said, the document dated 16 August 2005 was written by the accused (Omar Ndow) in
his capacity as Managing Director of Gamtel.
At this stage, the defence counsel Tambedou argued that it is a rule of
evidence that you should not go into the content of a document yet to be produced
in court as evidence. ASP Bojang said since the original copy of the said
document is not in their possession; the court should put aside the defence
counsel’s argument that the said documents should be rejected by the court. He
said he was made to understand that the witness is the author of the document
which is dated 17 August 2005. He urged the court to admit the said document
in evidence.
The court is expected to rule on the submissions of the prosecution and the
defence. The case is adjourned to a later date in August.
DAVID COLLEY RELEASED ON BAIL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
David Colley, former Director General of Prison, who is charged with theft
has been released on bail on Friday, this reporter has been reliably informed.
Inspector Touray, station officer at the Prosecution office of The Gambia
Police Force, confirmed the release of Mr. Colley. Inspector Touray, who is
prosecuting the case of Mr. Colley, said the accused has been able to fulfill
the conditions of the bail granted to him some weeks ago by the court.
Mr. Colley is accused of allegedly stealing D27, 000 and a generator valued
at D35, 000, being the property of The Gambia Prison Department.
He was granted bail by Magistrate B.Y Camara of the Banjul Magistrates’
Court, but was rearrested at the court premises and kept under detention.
Mr. Colley will be back in court, tomorrow, Thursday.
75 GAMBIANS REPATRIATED
Seventy five Gambians, who were repatriated from Spain, arrived at the
Banjul International Airport on Tuesday 24 July 2007, on board an Astrone
aircraft. Upon their arrival at the Banjul International Airport, they were handed
over to Immigration officers who were assisted by the Police Intervention Unit
to take them to the old terminal at the Airport. The returnees were later put
on board two State Guard trucks with registration numbers SG 114 and SG 119,
and whisked away to an unknown location(s). This reporter who spent thirty
minutes at the Airport before the departure of the repatriated youths,
overheard the aggrieved returnees shouting at the top of their voices, saying, “The
Spanish authorities did not tell us that they are taking us back to The
Gambia”.
STATEMENT BY HALIFA SALLAH
ON THE 1994 COUP AND ITS COMMEMORATION ON 22 JULY 2007
THE FULL VERSION
Compatriots, the empowerment of the people so that they can claim full
ownership of our country and become the architects of a destiny which assures them
liberty, dignity and prosperity remains our primary and most immediate task.
Since the APRC regime is busy promoting a culture that romanticises a coup d’
etat which led to the suspension of the sovereign right of the people to
determine their manner of government, i have no option but to use the occasion
to promote a culture that eschews tyranny and cherishes democracy which is
predicated upon the assertion of the sovereignty of the people.
Compatriots, today is a public holiday. It is designed to commemorate the
July 22nd coup detat. Arches, parks, hospitals, holidays and movements have
been associated with the day to ensure that it remains indelible in the minds of
the people.
On the other hand, few people even remember or know the significance of 24th
April, 1970 or 16 January 1997. This is because the Gambia is yet to have a
government which truly cherishes the sovereignty of the people.
Compatriots, Section 1 subsection (2) of the Constitution of the Republic
states very clearly in unambiguous terms that
“The sovereignty of the Gambia resides in the people of the Gambia from whom
all organs of government derive their authority and in whose name and for
whose welfare and prosperity the powers of government are to be exercised in
accordance with this constitution”
Compatriots, in a Republic sovereignty resides in the people. Power belongs
to the people. Organs of government derive their authority from the people.
Representatives are only mandated to exercise that authority to promote the
liberty, prosperity and general welfare of the people.
Suffice it to say, the Gambia became a sovereign Republic on 24th April,
1970. This is the day that is worth commemorating. It is a day that should be
relied on to take stock on an annual basis whether there is a balance, surplus
or deficit in the liberty, prosperity and general welfare of the people or
not. This day passes without any commemoration or remembrance.
This confirms that the culture of the sovereignty of the people is yet to
take root in the Gambia. This is why democracy is yet to take firm root.
In short, sovereignty is about rights and powers and democracy is about
decision making powers and choice. Both cannot be exercised without
consciousness. One cannot exercise one’s right to choice if one is ignorant of one’s
powers or options. Herein lies the importance of awareness.
Compatriots, in another 2 years President Jammeh would have been in office
for 15 years, which is half the number of years ex -President Jawara was in
office. By the time he completes his current term he would have been in office
for 17 years, that is, two decades minus 3 years. Each of us should honestly
ask ourselves what has been done during the past 13 years to enhance the li
berty, dignity and prosperity of the people.
When the coup d’etat took place i was 41 years and President Jammeh has
turned 29 and was heading towards his 30th birthday. Today he has celebrated his
42nd birthday. He is older than I was when they took over in 1994.
Two things were my fundamental concerns when I joined other colleagues to
establish an opposition party 7 years before the July 1994 Coup detat, that is,
the poverty of the people and the lack of awareness of their sovereign
rights to determine their destiny.
When the coup occurred the constitution was suspended, parliament dissolved,
the executive abrogated and an Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council
established which became executive and legislative at the same time. All organs of
government derived their authority from the Council. The sovereignty of the
people was suspended.
Between July and December 1994 Decrees after Decrees were promulgated to
legitimise arbitrary detention and abolish all political activities, parties and
manifests of political thought.
A determined effort had to be made by Gambians to get the AFPRC to come up
with a transitional programme.
On 16th January 1997 the Second Republic came into being as the President
was sworn in to assume office. Herein lies the importance of 16th January.
It is therefore an irony that instead of commemorating the birth of the
first and second republic which affirm the sovereignty of the people we are
commemorating a day when the sovereignty of the people was suspended and a quasi
monarchical rule established which legitimised arbitrary rule and impunity.
13 years after the coup d’etat the country is still classified among the
least developed countries and is now labelled as a Highly Indebted Poor Country.
The fact that a coup d’etat is being commemorated confirms that there is
gross deficit in awareness of what constitutes a sovereign republic and people.
A CATALOGUE OF FAILED PROMISES
According to Vision 2020 the APRC government aims
“To transform The Gambia into a financial centre, a tourist paradise, a
trading, export oriented agricultural and manufacturing nation, thriving on free
market policies and vibrant private sector, sustained by a well-educated,
trained, skilled, healthy, self reliant and enterprising population, and
guaranteeing a well-balanced eco-system and a decent standard of living for one and
all, under a system of government based on the consent of the citizenry.”
On Tourism
Government statistics reveal that the estimated value of travel income
stands at 1.5 billion in 2005 and 1.8 billion in 2006.
For 15 years government has not been able to articulate policies that create
a linkage between the tourism sector and the other productive sectors of the
Gambian economy. Tourism can only enhance the eradication of poverty through
the consumption pattern of the tourists. If over one hundred thousand
tourists consume beverages, fish, meat, poultry and vegetables and utilise soap,
towels etc that are locally produced they would help to boost local light scale
industries and small scale agricultural production. This is not case at the
moment. In fact, what the APRC is doing is to build up its security machinery
in the name of protecting tourists from bumsters or beggars but had not
provided adequate alternative schemes for the young people to live productive and
contributive lives.
In his address to the Nation the president praised the girls for not
venturing to scale the high seas to go to Europe. He lamented over the dangers faced
by the young people. It is important for the President to bear in mind that
his government has acknowledged that “tourism and private remittances by
Gambians living and working abroad continue to be a major source of foreign
exchange for the Gambian economy.” Remittances are estimated at 1.7 billion in
2005 and 1.8 billion in 2006.
This is more than the estimated value of foreign Direct Investment. Many
homes in the Gambia are maintained by such remittances. The semblance of
prosperity which exists in some quarters is not due to earnings from wages or
salaries provided by government. There is no doubt that the salary of a qualified
teachers or nurse which is approximately 1500 dalasis a month cannot enable a
person to buy cement at 300 dalasis per bag or rice at D600 per bag, meat at
D85 per kilo and then live a middle income life style.
The movement of Gambians to Europe is out of desperation and more
constructive approaches are needed to handle the crisis of youth employment. Young
girls are facing the same crisis which is leading to the rampant sex trade. They
are being arrested and detained like never before. Hence both the boys and
girls are in the same boat.
On Agriculture
The Gambia Cooperative Union used to purchase and sell 80% of the groundnuts
processed by GMPB
By 1993 the Cooperative Union went into the red by 20 million dalasis. The
GPMB was privatised. When the APRC took over the purchasing of groundnuts was
carried by the GGC/Alimenta In 1999 a dispute arose which led to
international arbitration and a settlement amounting to 11.4 million dollars. As for the
Cooperative Union, a press release was issued in 1998 that it had a liability
of 209.5 million dalasis and assets of 25.9 million dalasis, thus leaving it
with a deficit of approximately 183 million dalasis. It was therefore
liquidated. Since then the groundnut sector has depended largely on credit buying
and farmers continued to experience growing hardship as prices of essential
commodities increase and receipts for sale of groundnuts are delayed. As for
the cotton sector farmers are still cling to the arms of hope
Today, the price of fertiliser is 650 dalasis per bag. One needs about five
bags to farm 1 hectare of land. How many farmers can produce 3200 dalasis to
purchase fertiliser?
The Solutions
In 1995 it was on record that the Assets Management and Recovery Corporation
claimed to have recovered 50 million dalasis in cash and 100 million dalasis
in assets. The sum continues to increase year after year. However, the
budget speech of the Secretary of State for Finance in 2006 did not indicate the
sum total of cash and assets recovered.
Notwithstanding , we have recommended over and over again that the cash and
assets of this corporation should be transformed into the cash and assets of
an agricultural development bank to promote crop financing and agricultural
production but to no avail.
Despite numerous promises of mechanisation the interests of the managers of
the farming implements as well as share cost have militated against the
achievement of goals.
Hence, today Gambia is still not self-reliant in food production.
Foreign Assistance
There is claim by the president that some foreign governments are imposing
conditionalities on them instead of giving aid. However, the same government
tells us that the European Union financed the study and design for the
reconstruction of the Barra-Amdalai Road, Trans Gambia Highway, the Basse-Sabi Road,
Soma-Basse Highway and the resurfacing of the Mandinaba-Seleti Road. There
is absolutely no doubt that The Gambia has received substantial assistance and
loans. The Rural Electrification Project of course costs 19 million dollars
and is mainly funded by the African Development Fund, the Islamic Development
Bank, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa. Libya financed the
hospital in Bwiam to the tune of 30 million dalasis. The Kombo Coastal Road
was financed by Kuwait and the Arab bank to the tune of 112 million dalasis
Taiwan has also provided billions of dalasis, which led to the building of the
Kerewan Road and Bridge.
It is estimated that the country’s debt burden stands at 22,000 million
dalasis requiring debt repayment and servicing amounting to 1500 million dalasis
annually. This is why Gambia is labeled as a heavily indebted poor country.
We are indeed repaying the loans and interests. For example, the amount
involved in loan repayment to Taiwan in 2005, 2006 and 2007 are 71 million dalasis,
63 million dalasis and 66 million dalasis respectively. The amounts involved
in interest payments are 41 million dalasis, 55 million dalasis and 65
millions dalasis respectively.
The Objectives of Loans and Grants
Development projects under the APRC depend mainly on loans and grants to be
financed. This comes along with the danger of indebtedness if the productive
base of the economy fails to grow in a balanced and proportionate manner. In
short, if the productive base does not grow the tax base will be narrow and
dividends will not increase to enable government to boost up revenue to
finance the repayment of loans. In the absence of expanding revenue base,
government must engage in schemes such as the privatisation of public enterprises,
retrenching workers, imposition of cost recovery programmes for services, such
as the Bamako initiative in Health and the removal of any form of subsidy to
promote agricultural production. That is why there is a power purchase
agreement between Global Electrical Group (GEC) and NAWEC for the management of the
Brikama Power Station. This is why the cost of electricity increased by 30%.
Such cost recovery schemes will increase. The divestiture programme of
government is now focused on GPTC, GIA and MSA. Sector studies are also being done
on GAMTEL – GAMCEL and NAWEC.
Hence after 13 years the APRC regime has not been able to manage public
enterprises to expand their productive base. Such public enterprises could have
paid dividends on an annual basis which could be reinvested to sustain and
develop them or promote the development of public services in a sustainable,
balanced and proportionate manner. Instead public enterprises are becoming a
liability because of poor directives on how to manage their resources in between
financial years. In short, in 2005, two hundred million dalasis had to be
withdrawn from government coffers to service the external loans of public
enterprises but government could only recover 56 million from such enterprises.
Hence it is clear that the public sector has not registered any impressive
growth that could generate significant employment in the past 13 years.
Instead many enterprises such as the GPTC experienced economic contraction and are
heading towards privatisation.
On the other hand, the private sector has not been faring better. High
interest rates on burrowing have militated against local private sector
investment. There is evidence that money is available in the country, for example the
total purchases and sales of foreign currencies in the Inter Bank market
totaled D23.9 billion dalasis. Banks have been benefiting more from investing in
treasury bills than giving credit to the private sector.
Deepening Crisis
We have repeatedly drawn the attention of the government to the lack of
submission of Audit reports on the financial statement of central government and
public enterprises. Year in year out the national assembly would pass
Appropriation Bills( Budgets) which contain miscellaneous allocations which are
designed to repay confirmed outstanding debts. No enquiry was done on how those
debts were incurred. It is when the pressure intensified that it was revealed
that some officials do take commodities from enterprises without having the
funds to purchase them. Consequently, such enterprises turn to government for
payments. Such debts according to SoS Finance amounted to 500 million dalasis
and would have to feature in subsequent budgets in bits until they are
cleared.
Central government statement of accounts and that of public enterprises are
required by law to be subjected to audit in accordance with international
auditing standards and guidelines to ensure all assets, liabilities, surpluses
and deficits are recorded, and that statements reflect what obtains in books
and records of accounts. In this way one can determine whether financial
transactions are in line with the dictates of financial rules and regulations.
Auditors enhance financial discipline by expression of opinions after subjecting
statements of accounts and financial practices to compliance reviews,
economy and efficiency appraisals as well as effectiveness reviews. It was in 1998
that the first auditor general under the second Republic expressed her
opinion that financial statements were not presented to her for auditing and that
she could not form an opinion on the accounts of government from 1991 to 1997.
Since then another Audit report did not emerge until 2005 when the Auditor
General submitted audited financial statements for the period 30th June 1992 –
31 December 1999. He indicated that the accounts for the years 1991 – 92 to
1996 – 97 and 1998 to 1999 were not submitted for audit until May and
September 2001 respectively. He complained of the lack of institutional memory,
missing documents, staff changes that militated against the preparation of good
quality financial statements. Commissions of enquiry were blamed for missing
documents and 800 million dalasis could not be properly accounted for and the
open balance for each financial year is rendered inaccurate until the
Department of Treasury and the Department of State for Finance have the 2006
statement audited before the end of 2007,It is then and only then that all the
unaccounted sums could be substantiated to facilitate any write off that the
government may wish to do to come up with a legitimate opening balance for its
accounts.
It is therefore no surprise that the Poverty Reduction Growth Facility
programme was suspended by the IMF in 2003 and thus undermined the availability of
resources to implement the poverty reduction strategy paper. This also led
to the suspension of the 115 million dollars fund pledged by donors during the
2002 Geneva Round. Less than 40 % of the programmes undertaken under the
Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper were implemented.
It is in 2006 that the government had started to implement a managed
programme so that it can reach heavily indebted poor countries’ completion point to
have the possibility of debt relief.
This is what the president should tell the people as they commemorate the
13th year of the coup; that we are indebted to our forehead and cannot be
classified as the economic superpower of Africa.
Foreign Policy
In his interview and statement regarding the anniversary the president
lamented over the marginalisation of African leaders, dismissed the AU Summit in
Accra and NEPAD and questioned the viability of the Africa Peer Review
Mechanism. It is therefore necessary to throw light on all these issues.
The African Union Summit Was A Success
The African Union Summit was a success. The objective of the summit was to
engage in a grand debate on the feasibility of establishing an African Union
Government and the founding of United States of Africa. This was a debate. A
head of state could even give reasons why a union government and a United
States of Africa are unachievable. The Gambia had the study prepared in May 2006
entitled, Study on an African Union Government: Toward The United States of
Africa. It was the duty of the APRC Government to review the document,
formulate a position and present it in Ghana. A government has no moral authority to
criticise the proposal of others unless it presents alternative proposals
that it considers to be more viable.
If the Gambia government does not have a position paper it should set up a
multi disciplinary force to formulate one before the next AU Summit; otherwise
it will be left behind. African unity is an idea whose time has come. We
must unite or perish individually. This was true yesterday but it is more so
today than ever before. Even President Jammeh acknowledged that African leaders
are not given the importance they deserve. Nkrumah predicted this 50 years
ago.
He has stated in no uncertain terms that no African micro state has a future
outside of a United States of Africa. In his book entitled Rhodesia File, he
documented his speech at the opening of the OAU Summit held in Accra on 21
October 1965. The relevance of quoting the lessons he drew at the summit is
because of the fact that it was the first summit attended by the head of state
of a newly independent Gambia. I was only 12 years old and president Jammeh
was only few months old when Kwame was drawing the attention of the leaders of
the continent to the impossibility of total emancipation of the continent
without Unity. The relevant portions of Kwame’s speech read:
Let me take this opportunity to welcome into our midst Brother Dawda Jawara,
Prime Minister of the Gambia, who takes his seat among us for the first
time. Gambia’s accession to independence is of great significance to us because
her indepen­dence closes the chapter of British and French colonialism in
this part of our continent. Among us here also in the capacity of observers
are the representatives of our courageous freedom fighters in the remaining
territories of Africa still under the yoke of colonial rule……………………………
As long as political boundaries persist in Africa, boundaries which we have
inherited at independence and were drawn arbitrarily, with no heed to the
ethnic, economic, and social realities of Africa, so long shall we be plagued by
the political refugee problem. The political refugee problem is a social and
political problem, and its only solution lies in an all-African Union
Government within which our present boundaries will become links instead of
barriers.
In the national Constitution of Ghana, we have provision for the full or
partial surrender of our sovereignty to an all-African Union. No member state
should or can be expected to surrender its sovereignty for any lesser cause.
We can delay no longer in taking the economic destiny of Africa into our own
hands. Since the founding of the Organisa­tion of African Unity at Addis
Ababa, world trade has moved further and faster into the channels prepared
by neo-colonialism. The increased productivity of our wealthy continent has
bene­fited not us, but the industrial nations. By depressing the prices of
our raw materials and metals, they have stunted our economic progress. By
raising the prices of their manufactured goods they have drained away any
surpluses we might have acquired. The deliberate policy of neo-colonialism
emerges, not only to rob us of our wealth, but to prevent us from acquiring capital
for our own development.
An African Common Market of three hundred million producers and consumers
should have a productivity, a purchasing and bargaining power equal to any of
those trading and currency blocs which now rule the commerce of the world.
Who is there to oppose or frustrate us, if we only have the courage to form
an all-African Union Government? Can the industrialised nations do without
our copper, our uranium, our iron ore, our bauxite, our coffee, cocoa, cotton,
groundnuts, palm oil — or will they come running to us, as we have been
running to them for trade on equitable terms? It is courage that we lack, not
wealth.
It is true that we have made half-hearted attempts at economic co-operation,
but without the drive and authority which can only come from political
action. In this connection, let me quote the words of Brother Nyerere of Tanzania:
‘For Africa, the lesson of our East African experience is that although
economic co-operation can go a long way without political integration, there
comes a point when movement must be either forward or backward — forward into,
political decision or backward into reduced economic co-operati0n.’
The OAU must face such a choice now — we can either move forward to progress
through an effective African Union or step backward into stagnation,
instability and confusion — an easy prey for foreign intervention, interferences and
subversion.
We have a market which can absorb the produce of modern giant enterprises.
We have already through the efforts of the United Nations established an
African Development Bank. There are recommendations adopted by the Addis Ababa
summit conference as well as by the ECA concerning the estab­lishment of a
common monetary zone. What is left now is to create a Union Central Bank to
back our individual currencies. The decision to create a Central Bank for
Africa is a political one. Why is it that we are finding it difficult to take this
decision in spite of so many resolutions, declarations and attempts? If
Africa had one political front, a central machinery, such a decision would not be
difficult to take and achieve.
What people like Nkrumah realised when independent African states were
taking their first faltering steps is what has been realised in different degrees
by the present African leaders. There is no single African leader who is not
being subjected to some form of conditionality
The President alluded that some heads of state want to be emperors. The
institutions of the African Union comprise an Assembly of Heads of State, a Pan
African Parliament and an African Court of Justice among others. The trend is
towards a state structure that promotes the separation of powers.
My reading of the working document does not give any indication that a Union
Government will be under the control of an executive president. The
recommendation regarding the presidency in the study should have generated an intense
debate. The paragraph reads:
“The Assembly of the Union “composed of Heads of State and Government or
their duly accredited representatives” should retain its present structure.
Therefore, it should continue to exercise its current functions as the highest
decision making organ. Under the Union Government, the main responsibility of
the Assembly would be to review the state of the Union in the strategic areas
of focus. Special sessions may be needed to discuss issues arising from
emergency situations.”
“In addition, in view of the imposing demand on the Union Government, there
may be need to consider allowing a longer tenure (about 3 years for example)
for the President of the Assembly. The functions of the President of the
Assembly will be to promote and facilitate the establishment and consolidation of
the Union Government, and to coordinate the work of the Assembly with the
Commission. The President of the Assembly would also be the unique spokesperson
of the Union at world or other special summits. In that regard, it would be
desirable that the function of President be on a full time basis and could be
assigned to a Former Head of State.” The powers of an Emperor are clearly
not envisaged. A United Africa can only be in the form of a Federation which
gives some powers to the Union Government while reserving certain powers to
National Governments. This is why a task force was established to look into such
matters The SOS for Foreign Affairs should call a press conference and
release the communiqué issued at the end of the summit. This communiqué will
confirm my conclusions on the summit. If the President or the SoS for Foreign
Affairs maintain that the Summit was a failure they should then accept my open
invitation to a debate involving themselves or their representatives and any
other professor from the University of the Gambia who share their view. The
debate should be covered by GRTS
On NEPAD
NEPAD cannot be written off as some heads of state are trying to do. The
institutions implementing and governing it needs to be transformed and
democratised so that all can claim ownership. The problem with many African
Governments is that they monopolise information and do not share it with the people. It
is therefore necessary to throw light on NEPAD. The New Partnership for
Africa’s Development deals with issues such as the historical impoverishment of
the continent, the realities and impact of globalisation, the political will
of African leaders, the strategy for achieving sustainable development, the
issue of peace, security, democracy, political governance, corporate
governance, sub regional and regional approaches to development, issues pertaining to
infrastructure, information and communication technology, energy transport,
water and sanitation, poverty reduction, education, the brain, drain, health,
agriculture, environmental initiative, science and technology platforms,
mobilising resources, debt relief, ODA reform, private capital flows, market
access initiative, diversification of production, mining, tourism services, non
tariff barriers and a new global partnership. The document deals with general
concepts and contains valuable ideals. It can be utilised for brain storming
on Africa’s problems.
The heads of state created a secretariat which is independent of the AU
commission and a heads of state implementation committee was created to supervise
implementation. This of course can cause friction. This governance structure
re requires changes. Any mature government could have come up with proposals
that are acceptable to all. That is how a government earn integrity in
international relations. What they are discovering is that NEPAD contains pledges.
What is significant is how to transform the pledges into programmes. At the
moment the NEPAD Secretariat is busy developing short term action plans which
are receiving funding from the World Bank, The African Development bank and
other financial institutions. Many projects are already in the pipeline such
as the plans to lay fibre optic submarine cables on the east coast and the e
school projects covering about 23 countries which had accepted to be part of
the Peer Review Mechanism. The World Bank accepted to spend 570 million
dollars to support NEPAD’s short term action plans. The African Development Bank
undertakes to spend 580 million dollars It has also mobilised 1.6 billion
dollars through co-financing arrangement. In short The GAMBIA should have a focal
point for NEPAD so that we can follow all developments and make proposals on
how to make NEPAD relevant and beneficial to the country. In my view the
scope of NEPAD is not comprehensive enough requiresIf it is to help Africa to
achieve its goals it must undertake a comprehensive study of the development
needs of all African countries and identify areas of complimentality which
require continental programmes and projects to facilitate development. This is
why I propose the formulation of a comprehensive economic and social
development programme for Africa based on a comprehensive inventory of the realities
of each country. The NEPAD Secretariat should therefore become a specialised
technical committee of the AU responsible for programmes and projects that
could promote African unity. There is no need to write it off. What is needed is
its restructuring and reorientation so that it will be under the Assembly
and commission rather than a special group of heads of state.
On The African Peer Review Mechanism
President Jammeh indicated in his interview that anybody who asks Bachir of
Sudan and Deby of Chad to subject each other to review is asking for trouble.
He added that despite a promise of billion dollars in aid if Africa accepts
to implement the peer review mechanism, nothing is forthcoming. He lamented
that instead of giving his government assistance the donors would criticise
him for keeping coup makers behind bars while they keep innocent migrants in
jail for long periods without trial. One may now ask: What is the African peer
review mechanism? The mechanism is a collective self monitoring mechanism
which is acceded to voluntarily by member states.
First and foremost, a member state must agree to conform to the values,
codes and standards established in the declaration on democracy, political,
economic and corporate governance. There is absolutely no doubt that there can be
no unity unless we share common values and notions regarding what constitutes
standards of best practice in governance. The review is not done by heads of
state. It goes through five stages.
Stage one involves a study of available information from National, Sub
regional, regional and international institutions regarding the political,
economic, corporate governance and development environment in the country subjected
to review.
Stage two involves the visit by a multi disciplinary review team which is
allowed to conduct the widest possible range of consultation with the
government, officials, political parties, parliamentarians, representatives of civil
society organisations (including the media, academia trade unions, business
and professional bodies).
The third stage is the preparation of a report by the team which is
forwarded to a government for reflection.
The forth stage is to forward the report to the participating heads of state
for review
The fifth stage is to table the report at the Pan African Parliament, the
African commission on Human and People Rights, the Peace and Security Council
and the Economic, Social and Cultural council. This constitutes the end of the
review process.
It is envisaged that through the review exercise a government can see its
strengths and weaknesses and rectify its errors. It is therefore difficult to
comprehend President Jammeh objections to the Africa Peer Review Mechanism
when Rwanda, Kenya Ghana had all gone through the process. Their reports were
tabled and discussed at the Pan African Parliament in 2006.Furthemore the
following countries have accepted to be part of the scheme: Algeria, Angola,
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana,
Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South
Africa and Uganda. Why wouldn’t Sudan, Chad or Gambia take part. Gambia will
soon be left behind if the APRC government fails to join the mechanism?
A New Approach to Foreign Policy
Finally, it my conviction that African governments in particular and
governments of developing countries in general should go though a paradigm shift in
their relations with developed countries. The era of the cold war when some
governments in developed countries believed that they could sustain their
sources of raw materials and markets by maintaining corrupt puppet regimes which
keep those countries underdeveloped, has passed. Now it is clear that poor
countries cannot sustain the payment of debts or the purchase of manufactured
goods. The repositioning of China and India has reduced the role of ideology in
economic relations. Even North Korea is repositioning itself. Hence if
leaders of developing countries like Chavez are to have impact in shaping a new
international economic and political order they must be able to lead their
countries to build the highest standards of democratic participation of the
people and formulate the best policies and initiatives to eradicate poverty. The
developing countries can easily win the hearts and minds of the people in
developed countries who can help to stage a new world by electing the right type
of leaders. This however is inconceivable without being a model in promoting
the liberty and prosperity in their countries.. This is how a leader in a
developing country can acquire the moral authority to demand for a new
international economic and political order. I, as minority leader and member of the
Pan African Parliament was arrested and detained in a maximum security wing. I
was not a Coup plotter. Where in the Western World with the worst violation
of human rights can a leader of a parliamentary opposition be detained in
prison for even saying the most unpalatable of statements? Even the Burmese
authorities put their political opponents under house arrest. Where is Councillor
Jatta? The government should learn to accept criticism. This is the only way
to rectify mistakes and build integrity
Conclusion
Compatriots all the signs are there to confirm that the APRC government has
reached the pinnacle of what it can do for The Gambia. It can only build a
heavily indebted poor country characterised by serious deficits in liberty and
democracy. There are mature people in the country who are encouraging the
people to engage in a mature discourse regarding a way forward for the country.
However these views are quickly swept under the carpet because of political
expediency. People give more focus on militaristic discourse that democratic
discourse. If we are to move forward we must focus on issues and forgo
personalities. We must empower ourselves and take charge of our country and destiny
We need to engage in a grand debate regarding the future of the country and
focus only on positive ideas that can give us clarity and move us forward. I
am ready to engage all positive compatriots who are ready to move forward in
this direction.
Some people claim that the opposition has failed and should call it quits.
In my view there are two types of failures in politics, that is, system
failure and personal failure. A leader who loses the confidence of the people
because of corruption and malpractice needs to disappear from public view. However
a leader who earns the confidence of the people because of his/her honesty
and humility should take centre stage to inspire the Nation.
To say that the opposition has failed to provide the necessary alternative
is half the truth. The whole truth is that the system itself has failed. Let
us look at the statistics of the last presidential election. Out of 670,336
voters only 264,404 voters voted for president Jammeh. 405,932, registered
voters did not vote for him.
On the other hand 542,055 voters out of 610,336 registered voters did not
vote for the opposition. The ruling party has failed. The opposition has
failed. Gambian democracy has failed.
The important task now is for the people to be enlightened to take charge of
their destiny. President Jammeh on one hand and the opposition or the other
hand can give Gambia a new start. Throughout the sub region with the
exception of Guinea and Gambia all heads of state are to be in office for two terms.
This is the situation in Senegal, Mali, Sierra Leone Ghana, Nigeria, and
Guinea Bissau. President Jammeh can say that 17 years at the helm is enough,
spend the rest of his term to expand the democratic space and establish a two
term system and leave Gambians to decide who should guide their destiny in 2011.
The opposition leaders may also facilitate change by eliminating the
monarchical tradition of maintaining one person as a presidential candidate for
eternity. This will not encourage those with greater potential to head parties to
victory .To lead is a duty and not a right. In between elections every
potential leader should be encouraged to perform to their optimum. When the time
comes to select a candidate person of integrity who the people want should be
selected
If all of us subscribe to the view that leadership should not be an ambition
but a duty which one should always be ready to perform whenever duty calls
we shall have no power hungry leaders.
To conclude I want to reassure the people what I have always promised that I
will never preside over a cabinet that will prolong the servitude and
poverty of the people; that I will never take part in any cabinet which preside
over the oppression and poverty of the people; that I will never participate in
bringing into office any person who will preside over the subjugation and
impoverishment of the people. This is the dictate of justice and conscience and
it is irrevocable.
The end
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
HEART BREAKER’S NEMESIS
With Amie Sillah
Part 5
Lolly Visits Fam’s Office
Lolly visited Famara’s office to enquire about him. “What’s happening my
love? I don’t hear from you for long. Who is tearing us apart? Is it Jainaba?
That daughter of the devil!” “Well! I don’t want to see you again! Don’t
ever come looking for me. I am not available! Do you understand?” Lolly was
disappointed. “Why? What have I done? We are two of a kind! Don’t allow that
witch to separate us. We love each other. We understand each other.” Lolly
pleaded. “Get out of my office! Get out of my life! I don’t want to ever again
associate with Jainaba or any of her friends. You are all birds of the same
feathers flock together.” Lolly begged but to no avail. Famara drove her out of
the office compound. Lolly felt disappointed and dejected.
Reflections
Lolly reflected in her house. “Look at me! I came up to catching some big
sharks and they slipped out of my hands! Am I cursed? Big shots sleep with me
and discard me off! What does my friends have which I have not? All my schemes
failed. But I am not discouraged. I’ll keep on trying until I succeed. I
have to date and marry a rich guy Ishallah!” Lolly vouched.
Lolly Visits Alhajj Baaba, Catherine’s Sugar Daddy
Alhajj Baaba is dating Kate in secret. He had three wives. Kate is his
secretary. He is in the airline business. Kate is Lolly’s friend. Alhajj
maintained Kate’s family. He built a duplet at her father’s home. He gives the fish
money. He also built a boutique in Kate’s compound which is situated in a
business area. Lolly is envious of all these goodies. “Why Kate and not me? Kate,
the ugly duckling can have such things from a big shark and not me? I think
I am cursed. I don’t believe in the Baabas but I have to go to them for a “
Changat’ (Spiritual bath for luck).” Lolly visited Alhajj and asked about
Kate. Alhajj was suspicious. He believed his third wife is investigating him
through Lolly. “Kate is off today. She will come to work tomorrow Ishallah.”
Lolly shamelessly chased after Alhajj. He rejected her outright. “I am an Alhajj
with three wives and twenty children and several grandchildren. Get out of
my office! Don’t make me commit sin devilish woman! Get out of my office
before I call you my security! Get out!” Lolly was shattered. She went out in
disgrace. Alhajj laughed. “Nonsense! It is Aja Absa. She is the ‘panka’
(aggressive) and the assuming wife. She is educated and in business. My other two
Ajas Binet and Marie are local wives. They are unassuming especially Aja Binet
my first wife. She acts as a mother to me. I am the master whatever I do is
unquestioned. But Absa! She is my headache! She shows me hell! She has set the
devil on me but she has failed. She will never discover my Kate, my sweet
Kate! Kate teases my sensory organs”. Alhajj soliloqued.
As Lolly Comes Out
Lolly spoke to herself as she came out of Alhajj’s office. “Look at the
fool and rascal. He lied nakedly to me. He said he has three wives but he still
flirts with kate, my friend. He had given fortune to Kate. He promised to
make her his fourth wife. Kate is not interested to marry him. She fears Absa
his lioness wife who fights co-wives and girlfriends alike. I’ll set a trap for
Alhajj. He disgraced me. I’ll disgrace him.” Lolly vouched.
Lolly Visits Aja Absa
Lolly visited Aja Absa at her boutique. She pretended to be a concern
person. “Aja! I like you very much. You are a decent lady who has tried very hard
for Alhajj your husband. Am sorry! What I’ll tell you is not sweet.” “Go
ahead! I am all ears.” “Alhajj is frolicking with my brother’s fiancée Kathy. My
other relatives are setting trap for him. He might loss his life if caught.
If you don’t want to be a widow act now before it is too late.” “How do you
know this?” Absa asked. “Kate is driving an expensive sports car from Alhajj.
He had open a boutique for her in her home. He also built a duplet for her.
Kate is double dating. She does not want to marry your husband but she
accepts the fortune from him. Kate wants to marry my brother. Who stays abroad.
We the family members do not want our brother to marry a harlot. We are
setting a trap for your husband Alhajj. If you don’t believe me go to Alhajj Amara
’s guest house on Saturday evening. You’ll catch them red handed.” Lolly
got up to leave. “Thank you for your concern!” said Absa. “It’s a pleasure.
Kate is cheating on all of us. We have to stop her game with Alhajj.” Lolly
posited.
Absa paced up and down. “Alhajj! I hope it is not true? If it is I’ll do
something you’ll forever regret! Hopeless man!” Absa soliloqued.
Alhajj And Kate
Absa came exactly to the place and on time. She went straight to the
receptionist desk and asked for her husband. “Where is that beast you call Alhajj
Baaba? I’ll skin you alive if I found you in prostitution. “Alhajj was shock
when he heard his wife calling him names. Kate was equally bewildered. “Its my
wife! Get up! Wear your clothes!” As lightning, Alhajj escaped through the
back door. Kate was not as swift. Absa rushed into the room as Kate tried to
escape. She gave her a good hiding. Kate managed to flee for her life. “I’ll
kill you beast! Prostitute! Husband snatcher!” Absa yelled. “As for Alhajj!
You’ll meet me at home.” Absa left.
Alhajj Dodges Absa
Alhajj should have spent the night at Absa’s Villa but he dodged and went to
Aja Binet. She refused him. “It is incorrect. It is not my ‘Aiye’ (turn for
the husband). He then visited Aja Marie’s Villa. She in turn refused him and
gave the same reason for refusal. No way to way, he went back to Kate’s
house and spent the night. Absa vowed to deal with him. She does not give up. She
is a fighting tigress.
Elders Pay A Visit To Absa
Elders of Alhajj’s clan visited Absa to cool her down. They asked her to
restrain. “You are Alhajj’s third wife. He is a Muslim entitle to four wives.
If you frustrate him he will marry Kate and you can do nothing about it. Look
at your villa! Well furnished! You have gone to Mecca and you have a
boutique. You travel around the globe. Your co-wives don’t have that privilege. What
do you want now? To disgrace your husband? Kate is his Secretary. Do you want
him to sack her?” The elders blamed Absa not Alhajj. Absa’s parents blamed
her as well. She was alone in her fight. She gave up the fight. Alhajj bought
her a jeep as a compensation.
TREASON TRIAL
State Closes It’s Case
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The prosecution has closed it’s case in the treason trial of Tamsir Jasseh,
Alieu Jobe, Omar Faal (Keita) and Demba Dem who are all civilians accused of
taking part in the alleged foiled coup in March 2006.
Merley Wood, state counsel, informed the High Court on Tuesday, July 24,
shortly after the end of the cross examination of their last witness, Detective
Sergeant Boto Keita, that they do not have any more witnesses to call to
court.
In his cross-examination, Sergeant Keita confirmed that Mustapha Lowe
appeared before the investigative panel and he was charged but later dropped.
He said that Mustapha Lowe told the panel what he knew about the March 21
foiled coup and made a statement.
Sergeant Keita said the investigation report contains Mustapha Lowe’s
summary of evidence, adding that he was present when Lowe appeared before the panel.
He said Lowe told the panel that Mr. Jasseh transported the former Chief of
Defence Staff, Colonel Ndure Cham, from Farato to Darsilameh, which he said
is in The Gambia.
The trial continues today before Justice Avril Anin-Yeboah.
NFAMARA BOJANG’S TRIAL
MAGISTRATE JAWO TO CERTIFY CASE FILE
By Modou Jonga
The case file involving the state and Nfamara S. Bojang, should be certified
by Magistrate Buba Jawo before it would be admitted in court as an exhibit,
said Magistrate Edrisa M’bai of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrate M’bai made this ruling on Tuesday after the prosecutor, Inspector
629 Saine applied to tender the case file. Magistrate M’bai had earlier
ruled against the tendering of the untyped case file by the prosecution. His
position was that the writings on the file are not legible.
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe objected to the prosecution’s application to tender
the case file on Monday. He submitted that the file should be certified by the
former trial Magistrate, Buba Jawo, before it can be tendered in court.
Prosecutor 629 Saine later applied for an adjournment to give him reasonable time
to ensure that the file is certified.
The accused, Nfamara S. Bojang, was arrested and detained barely few days
before the January 25 National Assembly Elections. He is standing trial on two
count charges.
On Count One, the accused is alleged to have conspired to commit felony with
one Abubakarr Suwa at Busumballa in the Kombo North District in 2005.
The accused, on Count Two, is alleged to have been found in possession of
faked Gambian currency notes at the Coastal Road.
He has however pleaded not guilty. The trial is adjourned to 20 August, 2007.
NIA DIAMOND CASE IN LIMBO
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The prostrated legal battle involving the state and six ex-officers of the
National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has, on two occasions, failed to proceed
before principal Magistrate Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.
The case which has been dragging in court for a long time now is supposed to
continue on the 4 of July but the Magistrate was indisposed on that day. The
state counsel, A.S Umar, defence counsel Lamin S. Jobarteh and the accused
persons were all in court only to find out that the trial Magistrate was not
available. On the 19 July, the case was called but could not proceed due to
the fact that the defence counsel was engaged in the treason trial at the High
Court. A.S Umar told the court that he understands that the Chief Justice has
given priority to the treason trial at the High Court. He said lawyers
engaged in the treason trial should be given excuses over other cases. The case
was deferred until further notice. It could be recalled that the six ex-officers
of the NIA, namely, Lamin Drammeh, Fabakary Barrow, Lamin Sanneh, Kajali
Jawara, Basiru Jabang, and Salimina Drammeh have been dragged to court by the
state for allegedly robbing two German nationals of their properties, which
includes eight (8) pieces of raw diamond, two cell phones, a shaving machine and
$205,000 United States dollars. They were charged with theft, criminal
trespass and abuse of official duties.
TABARA SAMBA’S TRIAL
WITNESS CROSS-EXAMINED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Mr. Lamin Conteh, the fifth prosecution witness (PW5) in the trial of Tabara
Samba was cross examined by counsel Amie Joof Conteh on Tuesday 24 July at
the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh.
Mr. Lamin Conteh said he is a brother to the deceased and that they share the
same mother. He said he saw his late brother on that unfortunate night and
that he noticed that something has happened to him. He said at that time, the
deceased’s face and the neck and the back were burnt and the skin was pilling
off. He said he escorted the deceased to Lamtoro clinic where he received
the first aid treatment administered by Doctor Sallah. He added that it was the
deceased who drove himself to Lamtoro clinic. He said he and Doctor Sallah
went to report the matter to the police at Kanifing while the deceased was
left at the clinic. He said he made a statement to the police. Mr. Conteh
indicated that he and Doctor Sallah went with a police officer to arrest the
suspect. Conteh said they found that the accused was trying to wipe the oil stains
on the bed and attempted to turn the bed mattress up side down. But he said
he did not see the accused while she was doing that. He said at that point the
accused was arrested by the police. When asked whether his late brother was
a diabetic patient, he replied in the positive. He indicated that he used to
visit his late brother at the RVTH when he was admitted there. He added that
he was not present when his brother passed away and that he did not ask the
Doctors what happened to him. When asked whether he knew that his brother was
suffering from heart attack, he replied in the negative. Asked whether he
knew the type of medication given to his brother, he said he never knew and
that he did not ask the doctors, about the type of medication.
The case was adjourned for further hearing. Tabara Samba is standing trial
for allegedly killing her husband, Ebrima Nyan, by pouring hot oil on him
while he was sleeping. The incident happened in March at Old Jeshwang.
VILLAGERS GRAPPLE WITH WATER SHORTAGE
By Musa Barrow
Villagers of Jah Kunda and Fadiya Kunda in Wuli West District have been
experiencing acute water shortage for over one year. The water crisis in these
two villages which share the same solar pump was caused by the breakdown of
this pump.
As a result, the availability of clean drinking water in these aforesaid
villages have proved to be a major problem. The only sources of water for these
villages are wells which are uncovered.
Moreover, the depth of these wells is (42) meters on average. Women have to
use ropes to draw water out of the wells, which is such a daunting task.
Sometimes, it takes these women a great deal of time before filling their water
containers. This is due to the fact that too many women fetch water at wells
at the same time.
Consequently, this uphill task of fetching water coupled with the domestic
work put women in these two villages under enormous pressure. They often
wonder ‘when shall this predicament end?’. And now that the rainy season had
begun, these women have to divide their time between their farm work and domestic
works, including fetching water from such deep wells. These women are
therefore compelled this shortage to fetch water either by waking up early in the
morning before going to the farms or after returning home from the farms in
the afternoon.
Cattle owners in these villages have also had their fair share of the
adverse effects of water shortage; the wells which were previously exclusive to
them are now overcrowded with women. These cattle owners due to the size of
their herds have to use horses to pull water out of these deep wells. The burning
sun often takes its toll on these herdsmen, who usually draw water under the
hot sun.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the spare part which is missing from the
solar pump and causing cessation of operations is currently being sought in
France. The amount generated for the purchase of the spare part is said to be
contributed by people who hail from the two villages and are living overseas.
“U- 20 Fighting Spirit Pleases Me”
Hawks Coach Joe Gomez
By Modou Nyang
The U – 20 football team might perform below the expectation of the larger
general public, but Joseph Gomez head coach of Hawks FC is revering in the team
’s fight back attitude.
The Gambian team displayed what exactly they are capable of doing when they
both one goal and a man down on two occasions. First against Portugal when
Captain Ken Malamin Jammeh was sent off for a wild challenge and the resultant
spot kick scored deepening the Young Scorpions woes, and again against the
Austrians when midfield star Tijan Jaiteh received his marching orders
following a second bookable offence. A goal also followed suit from the awarded
freekick.
He said: “the fighting spirit when they concede a goal, I like that. The way
they regroup and fight back into the game is very nice to watch”. Joe added
that it however not good for the team to wait until they are cornered before
they show their real character. “What I will advice the coach is not to wait
until they team concede a goal before they fight back”. The coach who have
three players Ken Malamin Jammeh, Paul Jatta and Ebrima Jatta in the team,
concluded “other than that their fighting spirit is wonderful”.
The Njogu Demba Example
By Modou Nyang
Establishing a football academy for the nurturing of the skills and talents
of the young of this country, Njogu Demba has demonstrated his true love for
his homeland.
Demba is the first serving Gambian footballer, a professional for that
matter to help put in place the structure we so much lack in this highly soccer
talented country. What the Gambia is missing is the education that kids require
at the early ages of 6, 7 and 8 up to 12; the formative years for many a
successful footballer. There are of course exceptions, but the process has to be
followed without anything left to chance. And the material at hand is at
abundance – the talent possessed by the kids of this country is second to none
on planet earth.
And Njogu’s intervention in this sphere is in the right direction – one
that needs to be emulated by other professionals. Those that are fortunate to
have benefited from the highly organised clubs of Europe who are endowed with
the facilities and technological wherewithal, should lead the processes of
facilitating the technological transfer of the technique and material needed to
get us to the next level of our football development.
We have recently witnessed the emergency of the Cherno Samba football
academy and the like and also the sprouting-up of some organised clubs (Ham Ham and
Seaview) but Njogu’s attempt stands out. He knows how it is being done in
Europe and (may) have the funds to keep the academy breathing, and moreover the
influence among his peers to follow suit and emulate his wonderful example.
His pals, Mathew Mendy and Assan Jatta who were at hand to brighten the
launching ceremony of the academy, must have their psyche pricking at that moment.
The needed model:
Unless we start seeing our pros knocking it out at some of the high wage
paying leagues in Europe, this formula will suffice, as no single one of them
may be able to carry the full burden of maintaining a full fledge soccer
academy. Three or more players could pool resources together and put up a top
structure to help offset the burden of maintain such big projects. That wonderful ‘
baby’ will be capable of enrolling a lot of kids and provide them with all
they need to develop their talents and also fend for their academic needs to
prepare them for an alternative in the future. The project will be entrusted
to capable administrators and technical personnel to man, with clear and
strict regulations governing their operation.
This in my humble belief will catapult our footballing capacities to the
highest and guaranty us regular places at top soccer gatherings. This method
will surely put us some where near the fancied facilities being put up in other
African countries by successful players like Patrick Vieira’s in neighbouring
Senegal. And for igniting the process, Njogu Demba is in the right
direction.
FA Cup: Big Guns Join the Fray
By Modou Nyang
Second division minnows will today attempt to continue their giant killing
characters as they face the big guns in the first round of the competition.
First division sides has now joined the competition after waiting on the
wings as the relegated two from their ranks battled second division outfits and
regional teams in the preliminary stage knockouts. And as results from the
preliminaries have stated Seaview fell along the way from a determined Young
Africans side and Jambanjelly FC surprised many as they emerged 1 nil victors
against Nema United. Young Africans saw off first Division side Seaview 5-4 on
penalties.
The first round matches today will witness Young Africans taken on current
champions Real de Banjul at the independence Stadium in Bakau and Jambanjelly
play league runners-up Wallidan at the Serrekunda East grounds. The two first
division sides are outright favourites but Young Africans and Jambanjelly
who occupy the bottom of the second division league table will go all out
looking to cause an upset their big brothers.
Complete the day’s sensational fixtures dethroned division 1 champions
Gambia Ports Authority will face the challenge of determined Tallinding United at
Serrekunda West, Tallinding having reached this stage after eliminating Ham
Ham 4-3 on penalties in one of the Serrekunda derbies. And to cap it all
relegated Steve Biko will battle out for supremacy with Gamtel at the Box grounds
in Brikama. Biko returns to the Western Region grounds in less that a week
after they survived elimination from a goal down to level terms against Brikama
United, before running out 4-2 winners on post match penalty shootouts. They
might as well show that they do not lack the quality to play against the top
sides in the 1st division.
And tomorrow at the Independence Stadium Basse outfit Waterman FC, will also
seek to revise the axis of power in Gambian football when they meet
defending champions Hawks FC. The meeting will be an epic clash of the extreme
opposites in Gambian Association football. Hawks FC the standard bearers in Gambian
club football in the Greater Banjul Area versus a regional team from the
farthest town in the country, ready to portray to the footballing public just
what they are missing by not venturing up country to tap into the endless
talents that are abound there.
On the same day on Thursday at Serrekunda West it will a security men affair
as Armed Forces FC taken on Interior FC. Interior came into the game with
6-0 thrashing of Kiang Central in Soma. Their mettle will however be tested to
prove their current standing at the top of the 2nd division league. Kaira
Silo who reached this stage without dropping a sweat were handed boardroom
points as a result of the non appearance of Northern Region side Lower Niumi, who
cited bereavement for their no show, will play Sait Matty FC in Brikama. And
the last match of the round will be between 2nd division sensations
Serrekunda East FC and Bakau United. The game at the Serrekunda East grounds will
witness United who escaped relegation from the 1st division on the last day of
the league season, square-up against young boys of Serrekunda East in their own
back yard.
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