*Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue*

*Issue No.19/2006, 13-15 March 2006*

* *

*Editorial*

*INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY*

It has been 21 years since the international women's year was declared. It
was 1975 to be precise. Countries were required to look at the situation of
women in their countries.

In the Gambia, it is found that women are subjected to massive illiteracy;
73% illiteracy rate to be precise. They are responsible for 40% of total
agricultural production. Women however constitute over 77% of the
agricultural labour force. They are stuck to the use of crude tools. The
difficulty in acquiring production inputs has relegated women farmers to a
life of abject poverty.

The latest figures confirm that women occupy 12 percent of managerial staff,
about 2% of professional and technical occupation, 23 percent of clerical
positions, and 49% of skilled labour force.

With high unemployment rate urban women are also wallowing in abject
poverty.

Instead of utilizing the public media to discuss the problems of women and
how to address them the government is promoting fan fare which will lead to
more expenditure by poor women on consumption items that will make their
families poorer.

Instead of creating a women's commission that will serve as an oversight
institution to ensure the implementation of conventions and protocols for
the emancipation of women a women's bureau and a women's council are created
that are simply under the control and direction of the executive. As we move
towards an election year the cause of the women is now being thrown out of
the window and attempts are being made to transform the women into praise
singers of the regime. While in the past women in the opposition were given
prominence this year the focus is to promote the APRC regime.

The women however are not asleep. They will not forget the Satang Jobartehs,
Amie Sillahs, the Dr. Isatou Tourays, the Adelaide Sossehs, the Dr. Siga
Jagnes, the Hannah Forsters who continue to speak out to promote the
emancipation of women. As the fan fare fills the air with ecstasy the women
who claim to be commemorating International Women's Year should remember
those women in Kumbuje who dig stones at the Bafuloto quarry to earn money
to buy compounds only to have them demolished. They cannot join the Women's
Bureau at Kairaba to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

These are the women International Women's Day is meant for. It is they who
should be the focal point of the commemoration. To put an end to their
suffering should be the object of all those who are committed to the
emancipation of women.



*Halifa vs Jahumpa***

*The Debate goes on*

*By Bubacarr K. Sowe & Fabakary B. Ceesay***

Addressing an APRC meeting the SoS for Works, Mr. Bala Garba Jahumpa has
challenged the NADD Flag-bearer Halifa Sallah to go to the FOROYAA Archives
in order to recollect the allegations he was writing against the former
regime, with whom he is now in alliance with. "Action man" as he calls
himself questioned whether Halifa has forgotten those statements he made
against Omar Jallow, alias OJ alongside his counterparts, back in the
eighties, when OJ was the Minister of Agriculture in that government.
"Halifa should ask OJ, why for thirty-two years of their PPP regime, they
cannot improve the Sapo rice field, why GPMB was sold, why the NTC
commercial bank and PWD failed and why they could not bring higher
education, like the university and the television station to the doorsteps
of Gambians?"  He also went on to add that the roads that are constructed by
the APRC regime were not constructed by relying on loans as always stated by
Halifa.

When contacted regarding the allegations, Halifa, in a terse statement
asserted that politics has both a partisan and national component, and that
therefore the national interest has compelled PPP and PDOIS to ally.

He said: At the national level, regardless of who governs, a constitution,
laws, policies and programmes must be put in place. Each party envisages the
type of constitution, laws, policies and programmes that it would like to
put in place when it has the mandate of the people. PDOIS and PPP have their
views on the type of programmes that should be put in place."

"NADD holds that the country needs a transition to consolidate democracy and
promote development. I have made it clear that our donor partners have
suspended support for our poverty alleviation programmes because of poor
management of our public finances. The country has lost $115 million in
assistance from 2002 onwards because of poor performance in governance.

"If there is a NADD cabinet can PPP and PDOIS representatives stop measures
aimed at proper management of our financial resources so as to get the
support of donors to alleviate poverty or cancel debts? Of course not!"

He added that it is stated in the Memorandum of Understanding that both
PDOIS and PPP are obliged to strive for the establishment of an alternative
government in order to put an end to self-perpetuating rule, establish
proper democratic and constitutional safeguards, implement sound and
sustainable economic policies and ensure that patronage, intimidation and
inducement shall not stifle the undiluted consent of the people."

However, he said that the past records of PDOIS and PPP cannot prevent NADD
from carrying out the basic constitutional, legal and policy reforms that
will enable the country to have a good foundation to conduct future
multi-party elections based on the diverse backgrounds of various parties
not compromising NADD.

"In short," he said, "NADD aims to refine what exists so that properly
managed private and public sectors as a more responsive government will
emerge to enhance respect for fundamental rights and thus consolidate
democracy and development."

"In this way, no future government would emerge after NADD to violate the
fundamental rights of the people or mismanage public resources with
impunity," Sallah noted.





*The State of the** Groundnut Trade*

*When will Farmers get their monies?*

*By Yaya Dampha*

It is almost four months now since the 2005-2006 trade season started and
before it started, farmers were promised that this year's trade season will
be different from the previous years; that no credit buying will be
accepted. Farmers were assured that all their nuts will be bought on
delivery at the secco.

However, things did not go as promised. This has caused a serious set back
in the lives of the farmers. Farmers in various parts of the country were
contacted to ascertain how the trade season is faring. Our investigations
revealed that in some areas, almost all the groundnuts were bought on credit
and that they were given promissory notes. A farmer in Wuli Sutukonding said
their nuts were taken to the secco and that they were promised that before
the end of December they would receive their monies. He said they have been
waiting for their monies, for long, in vain. He said they have celebrated
the Tobaski feast without receiving their cash. He said they have to take
loans in order to buy rams and clothes for their families. A farmer in Kaur
said that farmers who took their nuts to the secco in December and January
received their monies on the 26th of February 2006. He said this has caused
others to retain their nuts in their homes only for all to be destroyed by
insects. He doubted whether the President is sincere on his call for
Gambians to go back to the land. He asked how people can go to the land
without their produce being bought.

A farmer in Kudang said they have not been able to sell their nuts and that
many who took their nuts to the secco did not still receive their cash.
Babou Jeng of Pateh Niamina said their nuts were bought on promissory notes
some months ago and that they still cannot receive their money. He said many
of the nuts that are taken to the seccos are bought without the farmers
receiving their cash.

In Jarra farmers are desperate since many of them cannot still sell their
nuts. Farmers in Jarra are complaining that their nuts are spoilt and some
who took their nuts to the seccos cannot still receive their monies. Others
have resorted to selling their nuts at the "Lumos" (weekly markets) so that
they can feed their families. They also complained that most of the buyers
at these "Lumos" are Senegalese Nationals who come and buy these nuts. The
farmers in the area are saying the area councils and the immigration are
creating some huddles for those buyers, by asking them to pay aliens cards
and licenses. This has prevented many farmers from selling their nuts, thus
leading to the failure to sell their nuts which became infested.

Farmers in Baddibou and Niumi said their groundnuts are mainly bought by
private associations and that these associations could not buy the whole
produce of the farmers, giving rise to their poverty.



*NO REASON TO RESIGN*

*Yanks Tells Darboe*

*By Fabakary Ceesay*

Speaking at a political rally at old Jeshweng on Wednesday (8th March 2006),
the APRC National Mobiliser, SoS Yankuba Touray said Ousainou Darboe has no
reason to pull out of the opposition Coalition. (NADD) of which he played a
very significant role to form. Yankuba explained that NADD consisted of five
political parties, but today only three political parties are there, because
the opposition doesn't have the interest of the country at heart, noting
they are only interested in leadership and self interest. Going further, SoS
Touray reminded the people that it was Darboe who went to America and told
Gambians that he is a member of NADD and he will support any person selected
as the latter's flag bearer. Touray challenged Darboe to advance reasons why
he resigned from NADD, but not to give flimsy excuses, like, "there is
mistrust and that was the reason why I left NADD. Darboe knows that he could
not meet the criteria for the selection of the standard bearer and that is
why he decided to withdraw." SOS Touray also accused Darboe and Bah of
forming a Coalition based on tribal sentiments. He further stated that Hamat
has no political influence and no future in Gambian politics and that is the
reason he decided to follow Darboe. "Hamat sees his own downfall in politics
and that is why he decided to join Darboe to enable him regain popularity,"
he claimed. He concluded by calling on the opposition to join APRC.



*  KOMBO EAST CHIEF CLARIFIES *

*By Fabakary Ceesay***

Alhagie Ebrima Jarju, the Chief of Kombo East, has broken the ice by stating
that Sulayman Bojang is the lawful Alkalo of Kafuta.

Mr. Jarjue made this clarification in the wake of the recent Alkaloship
tussle between Sulayman Bojang and Solly Bojang. Speaking to our reporter,
Mr. Jarjue said Sulayman Bojang was appointed to this prestigious position
by the erstwhile Commissioner of Western Division, Abdou F.M Badjie. The
Chief noted that he was aware of Sulayman's appointment. Chief Jarjue said
Solly Bojang was not officially appointed as the Alkalo of Kafuta.  However
he was quick to point out that Solly Bojang was appointed as Acting Alkalo
of Kafuta during the "Charity giving ceremony" marking the death of the late
Alkalo of Kafuta. Chief Jarjue said the appointment of Solly Bojang as
Acting Alkalo by some of the National Assembly Members was vehemently
opposed by many elders in Kafuta. Chief Jarjue shrugged off claims that he
used his powers to unseat Solly Bojang.

"No official document was given to him as the appointed Alkalo. So I cannot
dismiss him officially," Jarjue remarked.

Going further, Chief Jarjue said when Sulayman Bojang was officially given
his appointment letter, he (Sulayman) was mandated to collect the Alkaloship
stamp and other official materials from Solly Bojang. According to Jarjue,
Solly was reluctant to hand over the stamp and the materials. Jarjue further
indicated that he later sent his badge messenger to Solly Bojang and
demanded that he should surrender the materials.

Chief Jarjue remarked, "he (Solly Bojang) refused by saying that the stamp
is with the son of the late Alkalo.

The Chief indicated that he did report the matter to the Commissioner, but
he was told that Sulayman Bojang should make another stamp. Jarjue noted
that he has put his best foot forward in order to solve the matter, but that
there are some people who are claiming that Solly Bojang is the Alkalo of
Kafuta. He said he is still calling on all the parties to engage in dialogue
in order to solve the matter.

"I want peace and stability in the district and the Gambia as a whole. I am
appointed as the Chief of this area because of my stance against injustice
and the peaceful way I solve problems, especially problems that involve
relatives."

Chief Jarjue concluded his explanation by stating that his doors are open
for dialogue.

*Comment:* Introducing politics in the appointment of an Alkalo is a
potential source of conflict and division in our communities. The former
provision in the constitution provided for election where selection based on
consultation with elders fails. This is fair enough and would diffuse
tension. The amendment was designed to facilitate political control of the
communities by the ruling party by appointing Alkalos that will be willing
tools of the ruling party.





*NADD Introduces **Flag-Bearer*

Halifa turned to the Gambian youth. He indicated that they are the most
vulnerable group; that the APRC regime often claims that it is a party for
the youths; that they would organize musical programmes and kill bulls and
sheep for the youths to wine and dine only to be exposed to mosquitoes, lice
and bed bugs when they go to sleep because of poverty. He added that when
they fall ill because of Malaria they are asked by hospital staff to go to
the pharmacy to purchase drugs; that the lack of employment often reduces
them into paupers who sit around to drink green tea to nurse their misery
and frustrations; that members of the regime often accuse them of being lazy
even though they do not hesitate to die in deserts and high seas in search
of greener pastures so that they can ease the burden of their family
members. Halifa called on the youth to take charge of their destiny. He
emphasized that Gambia has enough resources to enable her children to live
in liberty, dignity and prosperity; that what is required is the pursuit of
knowledge, truth and unity; that knowledge, truth and unity will set all of
us free to live in liberty, dignity and prosperity.





*MAYOR CONTEH IN COURT***

*By Fabakary B. Ceesay*

Mayor Abdoulie Conteh has appeared before Justice Dorzie of the High Court
on Thursday 9th March, 2006, on changes of economic crime and
resisting  arrest.
Count one of charges stated that Mr. Conteh, as mayor of KMC from 1998 to
October 2006 has paid himself an amount of D143, 150 from state funds and
count two indicates that he resisted arrest. Before Mayor Conteh took his
plea, the head of the defence team, Antouman Gaye, indicated that the plea
cannot be read orally and that it has to be made in writing. The State
Couneel, Marie Saine, did not object to this and indicated to the Court of
the States withdrawal of Count two of the charges, because Mayor Conteh has
been acquitted on this charge by Justice Haddy Roche. She also agreed that
the plea has to be in writing. However, the case has been adjourned to 6th of
April, 2006.



*NADD MILITANTS SALUTE ASSAN MUSA CAMARA*

The Militants of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development, NADD
under the banner the NADD militants' forum, have applauded the efforts of
the former chairman of NADD Hassan Musa Camara for his contributions In
making the Alliane a reality. We publish the full un edited letter below.

It is with deep regret that we have learnt of your decision to step down as
Chairperson of NADD for reasons which we deem to be genuine and justified.

We are however saddened by your decision because of your singular
contribution and commitment to the cause of democracy and the future of the
Gambia for which NADD was established. We note with appreciation your
statesmanship qualities and civility with which you handled the affairs of
NADD since its inception. Never in its history, have we doubted any of your
decisions and actions. On the contrary we have come to realize that you have
always led NADD on the right path in the interest of the Gambia and we still
require your leadership even more today than ever.

In this regard we wish to assure you that we, the Militants of NADD have
resolved to continue to give NADD our unflinching support to make sure that
the mission and objectives that you and our leaders have set for this
country as enshrined in the MOD of NADD shall be pursued unrelentingly until
we achieve our noble objective of ushering in true democracy, the rule of
law and the empowerment of the Gambian people. This is the only sure way we
believe will put a definitive end to self-perpetuating rule and the politics
of patronage, deceit and impunity, and place our country on the path of
development, peace and respect.

We therefore wish to thank you very much, and to wish you and your family
our best regards. In the same vein, we solicit your moral, and if possible
material support to our cause. We seek your prayers.

At this juncture, we would like to say that forty-one years of independence
is a long time, and as the present young generation of the Gambia today, we
are dissatisfied with the conditions in which our people live. While we are
conscious of the difficult task of nation building, we are however strongly
disturbed by the fact that for over four decades, this country, with all the
great human and material resources it is endowed with, has to contend with
such an unbearable level of development in all sectors. Our generation has
vowed to put an end to this through NADD once and for all.

Once again our sincere thanks and gratitude to you for being part of the
initiators of this great solution.

Yours in the Service of the Gambia,

NADD Militants Forum

Cc: NADD Executive, Media House



*GAMBIAN WOMEN SPEAK OUT*

During the International Women's Day celebrations, Foroyaa interviewed women
of all walks of life in other to enable them to share their views and
experiences with our readers.

The first person I got in touch with was *Kujeja Conteh*, a restaurant owner
in Churchill's Town, Serrekunda. This is what she had to say:

'I am a petty trader but my main problem is that life is getting harder for
me and my fellow women everyday because I depend on what I have from my
sales to enable me pay the school fees of my children and to meet my basic
needs.

However, business is too dull; the market is getting expensive everyday,
particularly for us women.

Kujeja indicated that the involvement of women in politics is another
development process for women. "For me, I was not involved in politics much
but this year I will make sure that I involve myself very much, because we
need to develop the political standards of women," she concluded.

*Fansainey Fatty*, also a petty trader, living in Latrikunda said that she
has been involved in selling porridge, pancakes and soup since 1987.

She said that her husband is old and that she depends on her own income
which she uses to pay for her children's school fees and the home
consumption.

"I believe that before reducing myself to a beggar, it is best for me to do
some small business. If my children are educated and are able to have good
jobs, they will assist me in the near future.

I think this day is worth celebrating because it is all about women's
advancement and how this can be realized."

Politics is important to everyone and what I understand is that women should
not be left out. We are the people who play a vital role in politics and are
always used and dumped afterwards. We should be part of the decision making
process.

"Women should wake up and see what is going on now. The present system does
not and is not doing anything to alleviate the plight of women, despite the
fact that we have a women's organization. For example, I have not benefited
from any project from the women's organization but thank God, I am able to
talk to Foroyaa to express my views.

*Dusuba Touray*, a woman farmer who lives in Sutukoba, in the Upper River
Division (URD), had this to say:

"We do hear things like the International Women's Day Celebrations and
similar programmes. The fact is that women are suffering everyday in this
country, whether you know it or not.

We the women are doing all the donkey jobs. Like for us in Wuli, if you wake
up early in the morning, you have the domestic chores like sweeping the
compound, bathing the children for school, cooking of breakfast as the
laundry, waits for you, before you are able to cook the lunch and start
preparing for your garden or farm. This depends on the time of the year that
you are.

"We depend on our groundnuts and garden produce for income but I can tell
you that not a single nut from my this year's produce is sold, due to the
poor state of the groundnut season. How can you survive in this type of
farming condition and want to educate your children and take care of their
other basic needs.

I support women to take part in politics. Besides, we all need to have an
equal share with the men because we all contribute our quota.

From my own perspective, women are reduced to tools in politics. In some
places, men have this notion that women are not fit to lead any key position
especially positions like Alkalo, Chiefs, compound heads and even to be
president.

"Men have frightened women to an extent that sometimes women will revisit
their moves before doing anything.

"If women are given the chance to lead this country, obviously things may
change for the better. When I say women should lead, the type of women I am
referring to are the women that have interest in developing their fellow
women. We need progressive women to lead in key positions. Women are tired
of clapping and dancing."

*Dr. Ayo Palmer*, a medical doctor and also the director for the Centre for
Innovation Against Malaria, said that empowering women cannot be attained
until and unless women are informed; that informing women will start with
education as it is the only tool to empower women.

Dr. Palmer said that women need to learn to know issues around them and have
access to health and health education. She said that information is a
powerful tool and this cannot be attained without quality education which
includes teachers, learning materials, etc.

She said that as a malaria specialist, people should use malaria information
and put it into good use. She advised pregnant women to go to clinics and
take fansidar to prevent malaria which can lead to anemia. She concluded by
saying that there are many things people need to know about themselves which
include behavioral change.



*SIMMA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY*

*Amie Sillah Reporting*

On 8th March 2006, SIMMA Vocational Training Institute and women Resource
Centre celebrated International Women's Day at Sinchu Baliya Village, Kombo
North. In attendance were 100 women including some students from SIMMA. The
Resource persons were Ms. Amie Sillah and Ms. Ndey Jobarteh. Amie spoke on
the theme Women in Leadership and Decision making while Ndey spoke on the
theme Leadership and Decision making policy. Ndey Jobarteh is a Gambian
national working for the African Women Development Fund (AWDF) based in
Accra, Ghana. Later on the theme corruption and Governance was shared among
the two speakers. Ndey dealt with corruption while Amie dealt with
governance.

The Alkalo of Sinchu Baliya, Alhaji Amadou Bah, opened the programme after
prayers by the Imam. He supported the theme of the 2006 celebration. He said
gender equality and equity should be implemented in every sphere of human
development." Man and woman are created to live in partnership just as the
legs synchronize during a March. Husbands and wives should cooperate to live
a healthy marriage life." He posited.

Alhaji Cham of Tango came to grace the occasion. He gave them an anology of
why the 'findo' plant should be cultivated in the right place to have an
excellent yield. He urged the women to listen attentively to make good use
of the experts' deliberations. Fatou Sanyang, a Kanyalenge and women leader
of the group made remarks on HIV/AIDS. She advised the women to take need of
HIV/AIDS especially young women who are yet to found a family.

Kumba Barry, the Alkalo's wife and 'Yaayi Compin' (Surrogate mother) spoke
about their development projects. "We built our school, market, hospital and
Mosque on self help basis. We are one family. We see only our village's
development. All communities should emulate our endeavour. My husband is
positive and development oriented. There is oneness and cooperation between
the twelve compins (groups) in Sinchu Baliya." She said.

The break was intercepted by an interlude of Kanyalengo's songs with songs
giving special messages on pertinent issues.

The first presentation was made by Amie Sillah, a gender activist and
politician. She dwelt on women's political participation. The need to see
our commonality as women, oppressed, exploited, suppressed, maligned and
marginalized by a crude backward system where the common man and woman is
voiceless and invisible. More so the common woman triply oppressed by the
system, patriarchy and her male partner.

"women have to recognize our differences, our specificities, our
divergencies and be united by our commonalities. Gambia is one boat, as
women getting into politics and decision-making we should be compassionate,
creative, full of empathy, sympathy and situate ourselves into the position
of the woman who gives birth to her child, nurtures, rears and brings
him/her up as an industrious, discipline Gambian who sees nothing but a
nation to be developed to higher heights."

"The opposition and the ruling party are not enemies but Gambians at
different side of the same coin. Today one is in government tomorrow you are
opposition and Vice-versa."

"As women we should listen to both sides and decide who should best serve
our interest. We have our practical needs- shelter, food, clothing, foot
wear, health needs, etc; we also have our strategic gender needs such as
empowerment through education and skills learning to ensure livelihoods. We
also need visibility and a voice to be in institutions of decision making
from the local government, National Assembly to the Cabinet and when we
assume such positions we should ensure gender equality and equity, social
justice and social inclusion, good governance, peace, progress and
prosperity. This should be women's agenda in the 21st century if our
contribution is to be meaningful to the lives of humankind."

Amie's paper would be published in the Foroyaa for people to consume the
message.

Sister Ndey Jobarteh presented as thus. She started by situating women in
leadership and Decision making.

"I am a feminist and I should not be misunderstood. I do not hate men. I
love my husband, father, brothers and two sons. I am a feminist because I
belief in my personhood. I should not be discriminated because I am a woman.
I love to be created as a woman. I believe in partnership between men and
women. I believe in setting targets. For myself and meeting those targets. I
want to see the end of gender discrimination and gender violence. I want to
see women being involve in the process of decision making from the local
government level to the level of cabinet and International relations.
Society cannot develop if half of its citizens are under the yoke of
oppression, exploitation, suppression, marginalization and discrimination."
She went on:" Educate your girl children to give them a future. End the
discrimination of your girl children from the stage of babyhood, growing up,
adolescence, adulthood and finally old age." She said women have to create
their space and work in those spaces to achieve whatever they aspire in
life. She said women should not be dependent on men. She advised the school
girls to be serious in their academic work. "Study hard, be stead fast,
ignore "Sugar-dadies, boys and 'semesters'. I am from Europe. They are
falsing you. They lead your lives to misery, hardship and early grave. Your
empowerment lies in your hands. Be friends to your books. Study hard, have a
mission and vision." She advised women not to be divided along partisan
lines. "Have critical minds; put politicians on each side of the divide to
task. They have to address your practical and strategic gender needs." The
topic on corruption and Governance were treated by Amie and Ndey
respectively. Amie dealt with Governance. She said Governance is a question
of life and death. What is good governance? Good Governance addresses the
question of health, education, agriculture and other vital services. It
addresses the question of Human Rights, Separation of powers, The
Independence of the Judiciary, the freedom of the press both public and
private, the question of gender equality and equity, social justice, social
inclusion, peace, progress, prosperity as well as human dignity and peaceful
coexistence. These issues are critical to women empowerment. Politicians
should be put to task and critically examined as to who can better serve our
interest concerning these issues.

Ndey dealt with corruption from the home, school, community and finally at
the state level. "Corruption is rampant in the Gambia. People ask for bribes
in everything they do. They render services without issuing receipts and
society condones it. It is a cankerworm. Corruption strives under poverty
and deprivation." She emphasised. "Let us work for a better system. People
are overwork and salaries are at starvation wages. We can only end
corruption if we vote for the right people and put them in the right
places," Ndey emphasised.

Mr. K. K. Barrow from Tango attended at a later stage. He made some
inspiring remarks. "Society cannot develop if half of its citizens are
maligned, discriminated, oppressed, suppressed and subjugated. Men and women
should work in partnership to bring about a prosperous nation." The floor
was opened for questions and answers. Pertinent questions came from the
floor and the resource persons answered them adequately.

Nyima Ceesay, SIMMA's programme officer wrapped up by thanking the sponsor,
Action Aid, the Gambia, TANGO, NGOs Umbrella organization, the resource
persons Amie and Ndey, the Alkalo and his staff, the women of Sinchu Baliya,
SIMMA staff, students and finally the media GRTS Radio and Television as
well as Foroyaa Newspaper whom she specifically asked to report on the
occasion. The occasion was a great success.

*Recommendations*

*-*Government should look into the prospect of electing women leaders not
literate in English into the National parliament. Their deliberation can be
translated into English.

-The Ruling Party and opposition should file in a lot of capable female
aspirants and help them win the elections to ensure gender parity in
governance.





*HAMAT BAH DECRIES LACK OF SCHOOL BUSES*

*By Bubacarr K. Sowe*

Hamat Bah of the National Reconciliation Party has strongly bemoaned the
lack of school buses for students in the Greater Banjul Area.

Speaking at a rally organised by the NRP and the UDP on Saturday at Brufut,
Kombo North, Bah said that he is always sympathetic and highly emotional
when ever he passes students along the roads begging for lift.

He added that President Jammeh provided transport for school children during
the welcoming of the heads of States who visited the country during the
Independence celebration, but he could not provide school buses for the
students.

"Students stand along the Banjul highway, begging for lift up to noon and
the luxurious vehicles that Yaya Jammeh bought can buy a lot of school
buses," Bah said.

"Our children need sound education and not beach parties. They need
education to build this country and prepare for the future."

Bah also deplored tribalism, a status of a head of state.

He continued to say that the UDP and the NRP will not support any one tribe,
arguing that tribes, races, religions and regions are insignificant, that
the national interest is what they believe in.

In his speech, Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party condemned the
dubious grabbing of land in Brufut and its surrounding. He said the Gambia
is a home to farmers whose valuable asset are their farmlands. According to
him, the state has given plots to the Taf Construction Company and
M.AKharafi in Brufut without compensating the traditional land owners.



*DRAMA AT THE JUDIACIARY*

Sources from the judiciary and the Bar Association have informed this paper
that the members of the Bar are still boycotting Justice M.A Paul's Court.

Sources added that the boycott has gone up to the level of the court of
appeal, where Justice Paul was recently copted as a co-judge. That it will
further be extended to any judicial function which Justice Paul may preside
over.

 In the same vein people in the legal fraternity have called on the
executive to reconsider its position on Justice Paul in the interest of
Justice.





*BAC GETS ACTING CHAIRMAN*

*By Fabakary B. Ceesay*

The Public Relations Officer of the Brikama Area Council (BAC), Mr. Serigne
Modou Joof, has confirmed that an acting chairman was appointed on the
13th February
2006. According to him, the then deputy chairman of the council, Ousman Gaye
was told to step in as the acting chairman by the Department of State for
Local Government. Under the Local Government Act, the office of the members
of the council shall become vacant when a member is dead, revocation of
his/her mandate, resignation, absent from three consecutive ordinary
meetings of the council disqualification to be nominated for election, or by
resolution by council.

Ex-chairman Ahmed Gibril Jassey was dismissed last month and detained by NIA
personnel but no official reason was given for his dismissal. The PRO did
not say who dismissed him, needless to say, there is nothing stated above
indicating that a seat can become vacant by dismissal.

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html

To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤