Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.109/2006, 6-7 December, 2006
EDITORIAL
A SOCIETY OF POVERTY WITHOUT BEGGARS?
The Dilemma Of The APRC Regime!!
69% of the population are living in abject poverty. It is because of such
poverty and indebtedness that made the World Bank and IMF to rank Gambia as a
Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC).
Many people depend on the income of one or two persons who are working. The
APRC government should not close its eyes to the naked fact that many homes
survive by one meal a day. That meal is often served in one big basin. It is
not uncommon to find seven or more members of a family surrounding such basins
to eats. Each has few mouth full and then proceeds to drink a lot of water
to fill the stomach. This is why slight malaria leads to amaenia. Others
simply boil the starchy rice and add sugar to have a meal. This is why diabetes
and other nutrition related illnesses are on the increase.
What is therefore surprising is for administrative measures to be taken to
sweep all the beggars from the street. Some have been taken to court.
The APRC regime should bear in mind that many beggars are now living in a
state of destitution, fear and frustration. They approach everyone who open the
door to seek for advice. The Secretary of State for Health and Social
Welfare should meet the representatives of all the societies of the disabled, many
of whose members are terribly affected to discuss a way forward. Begging is
part and parcel of the culture of poverty. The progressive way to fight
begging is to eradicate poverty. The attempt to do so with an iron hand is not the
just way to lead with a social problem.
We hope the policy will be revisited and safe the poor from further
humiliation, marginalisation and destitution.
No Sitting At The Assembly Due To. . .
There was no sitting at the National Assembly due to the fact that the
Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs was absent. The agenda for the
day was the laying of the draft Annual Estimate of Revenue and Expenditure
with Development Expenditure of the Government of the Republic of The Gambia
for the Fiscal year 1st January to 31st December 2007.
This motion however, could not proceed due to the absence of SoS, Bala Musa
Gaye. The majority leader, Honnourable Churchill Falai Baldeh proposed for the
Assembly to be adjourned. Reacting to the absence of SoSs at sittings,
Honourable Sidia Jatta, National Assembly member for Wuli West, asserted that the
attitude of the National Assembly members of accepting to come to the
National Assembly only to be told that the business of the National Assembly cannot
proceed simply because of the absence of an SoS should change.
“We need to be given notice. This is serious! We cannot come here only to be
told that Secretaries of State are not here like we are school boys,” Sidia
said. The Assembly was adjourned to Tuesday 5th December.
A Tax Based Budget
The 2007 estimates was laid by the Secretary of State for finance on Tuesday
5th December 2006. According to estimates the total estimated revenue for
2007 is D3, 342, 670, 000 (Three thousand three hundred and forty two million
six hundred and seventy thousand dalasi) while total expenditure and
net-lending amounts to D4, 408, 343, 000 (four thousand four hundred and eight million
three hundred and forty three thousand dalasi) leaving a deficit of D1, 065,
673, 000 (one thousand and sixty five million six hundred and seventy three
thousand dalasi). Out of a total revenue of D3, 342, 670, 000 (Three thousand
three hundred and forty two million six hundred and seventy thousand dalasi),
D 2, 994, 370, 000 (three thousand nine hundred and ninety four million
three hundred and seventy thousand dalasi) is derived from tax.
“Don’t Raid Disabled Beggars,”
By Yaya Bajo
Following last week’s crackdown on disabled street beggars by the police and
the subsequent conviction of 21 of them by Magistrate B.Y. Camara of the
Banjul Magistrates’ Court for causing nuisance in the streets, the President of
the Gambia Federation of The Disabled first reacted to the saga by calling on
the Police not to raid disabled street beggars but to engage them in
dialogue. Mr. Korah made this call while delivering a speech on the occasion of
World Disability Day celebration, on December 3rd at the KMC grounds.
The head of the disabled organisations’ federation urged the Gambia Police
Force to show sympathy and solidarity in the process of clearing disabled
beggars from the streets. He advised the Police officers not to raid street
beggars but to advice them to quit the streets or distance themselves from the
danger areas to avoid becoming victims of traffic accidents.
Mr. Korah further appealed to the police officers to use the sensitisation
approach when it comes to dealing with disabled street beggars. He said he
feared that “as we celebrate World Disability Day, the stand off between the
street beggars and the authorities might be negatively perceived by the
international community”. He therefore urged the police not to clamp down on the
beggars, but to simply advise them to abandon danger areas for their own safety. “
It is our desire to see that in the next ten years no disabled person will
beg in the streets with the help of the Government and all the stakeholders,”
he said.
The GFD President also spoke about the long term plan of his organisation to
ensure that physically disabled people including the visually impaired
become computer literate as the theme for this year, E-Accessibility, calls for it.
Counsels Cross Examine Detective Abdoulie Sowe
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Lawyer Lamin S. Camara and Lamin Jobarteh have on Saturday 2nd December
2006, cross examined detective first class 1580 Abdoulie Sowe. Abdoulie Sowe is
the first prosecution witness in the trial of Captain Bunja Darboe at the
court martial. Detective Sowe told the court that he was present when Captain
Bunja Darboe was brought before the panel. He said he cannot tell how many times
he was brought before the panel.
He said during the course of their investigations a cautionary statement was
obtained from Captain Darboe. He added that he cannot tell the actual date
when the statement was taken. He also said he cannot tell how many statements
Captain Darboe made to the panel. Detective Sowe maintained that he doesn’t
know the date that the preamble was written and the it’s recovery date.
Counsel Camara told him that he said he was present all the time, and he responded
in the affirmative. Sowe indicated that there is no name of Captain Darboe on
the preamble but that his signature is there. Camara asked him how he knows
that the signature was that of Captain Darboe. He replied that Captain Darboe
has told him and also the panel that the signature is his but he said that
he cannot tell the date. Camara ask him where did he recover the video
cassette and how. He said he recovered it at GRTS and from Momodou Sanyang. He said
that the micro tape and a small cassette were recovered from Chief of Defense
Staff (CDS) Colonel Lang Tombong Tamba, during the course at their
investigation. Sowe added that he cannot tell how long their investigation lasted,
whether days or months, he cannot estimate the duration. He said he cannot tell
how many times the panel obtained the statement of Captain Darboe, because
Captain Darboe was brought before the panel on different occasions. Sowe noted
that he had never found anything from Captain Darboe apart from the preamble.
He said that Captain Darboe had made a statement in his presence. Counsel
Camara asked him where and when did Captain Darboe made a statement to the
press. Sowe said Captain Darboe spoke to the press at the NIA conference hall but
he cannot remember the specific date. Sowe indicated that Captain Darboe was
under the custody of the panelist when he spoke to the press. He explained
that he and detective Boto Keita were present when Captain Darboe made a
statement to the press. He added that two GRTS Staff, a cameraman and a technical
operator were also present. He said the accused person requested to speak to
the general public and to the commander in chief of The Gambia Armed Forces,
but that he cannot tell the date. Mr. Sowe said out that Captain Darboe’s
statement was obtained contained before he spoke to the media in the presence of
the independent witness, Tijan Bojang, Boto Keita, himself and the armed
officer who sitted at a distance for their protection. Counsel Camara finally
put it to him that the preamble was not found with the accused person but that
it was made at the panel. Sowe said, it was found with him and that it was
not made at the panel but that it was found in accused person’s office drawer.
During cross examination by Lamin Jobarteh, detective Sowe told the Court
Martial that he has served The Gambia police Force for a long time now and that
he is very good in doing his job. He said he is familiar with the conduct of
diary of action. He noted that it is not all the time that they include in
their diary activities such as who they went for, what they went for and what
they recovered. Sowe indicated that their reports include the activities of
Captain Darboe in their diary if action. He added that the best witness of a
police officer is the station diary and the diary of action. He admitted that
he is still maintaining the station diary. He also said that they don’t record
the movements and affairs of the accused person in the station diary at all
time. Counsel Jobarteh asked him whether he can produce the station diary,
report of investigations and the diary of action before the court. He replied
in the positive. Justice Agim asked him to bring the diary by the next
sitting-sitting continues on the 7th December 2006.
Government Urged To Value Migrant Women
By Amie Sanneh
The State of the World Population Report 2006, which was launched last week,
focuses on Women and International Migrant and indicating that women
migrants form up to half of all International migrants worldwide. “It is a call for
greater cooperation by governments to ensure a win-win situation for all,”
says Fadzai Gwaradzimba, the UNDP Representative in The Gambia when delivering
a statement on behalf of the UNFPA Representative.
The UNDP Representative said the 2006 population report call on governments
and individuals to recognize and value the contributions of migrant women and
promote and respect their human rights.
She stressed the need for stronger cooperation between countries to make
migration safer and fairer. “And there is a dire need for greater action to add
the lack of opportunities and the human rights violations that led many women
to migrate in the first place,” she said.
Mrs. Gwarazimba said of the world’s 191 million international migrants, 95
million are women. She revealed that women often work behind the scenes and
their work goes largely unrecognised. She said that the 2006 report shows that
women migrants, contribute a great deal to the families and communities in
their host countries and back home. “Yet despite their huge numbers and
substantial contributions to both families and countries abroad and back home, women
migrants are too often ignored, disenfranchised and abused,” she added.
The UNDP Representative highlighted the background women migrants came from.
She said they are domestic workers, caretakers of the sick children and
elderly farm labourers, sex workers etc. Mrs. Gwarazimba revealed that human
trafficking today is the third most lucrative illicit business in the world after
arms and drug trafficking.
“As you know, this is very closely tied to sexual exploitation and abuse,
and many victims are forced into sex work against their will and held as
virtual sex slave,” she said.
The UNDP Representative contended that The Gambia has its own share of
International Migration and its effect, like many other countries in the
sub-region. She, however, said the unstable situation of the surrounding countries
adds to the already significant migrant population of the country, which
constitutes 7.7% according to the 2003 census.
“It is in recognition of this that UNFPA supports the formulation of a
comprehensive Migration Policy preparations of which have already begun”, she
said, and added that the UNFPA also supported the Department of Immigration with
data processing equipment and supplies to enhance the availability of reliable
data on the flow of migrants.
“Where Is Master Tamba?”
Family Members Ask
By Lamin Fatty
Family sources close to Foroyaa expressed concern over the continuous
detention of their beloved one, Mr. Tamba Fofana. Mr. Fofana was the headmaster of
Kudang Lower Basic School, up to the time of his arrest and detention.
According to a family source Mr. Tamba was arrested a week before the Presidential
election by Inspector Jawo of Bansang and subsequently escorted by one
Sawaneh to Banjul where he is still said to be in detention. No reason has been
advanced for his continuous detention but according to sources he is said to be
accused of giving access to the chairs and field of Kudang Lower Basic School
to Mr. Ousainou Darboe and his entourage during the presidential campaign
for them to conduct a meeting, as well as advising the students to assemble at
the Kudang Army Camp in order to welcome the latter and his deligation. This
reporter visited the compound of Mr. Tamba to find out, if he is still in
detention, but according to his son, Musa Fofana, his father is still held in
detention. He said they have access to him nor do know exactly where their
father is. He said out that sometime ago they were told that he was at Sibanor
Police but when they went to Sibanor, they were told that Mr. Tamba was not
there. The son said that the continuous detention of his father is creating a
big problem for the family because they neither have food to eat not to talk of
going to school because of the lack of money due to the absence of the
breadwinner. When this reporter visited Bansang Police, he was told that the
Station Officer was out and when he asked the officer on duty about the whereabout
of Mr. Tamba he said he cannot comment on the matter. This reporter
contacted the PRO of Police, Aziz Bojang, concerning the arrest and detention of Mr.
Tamba and who said he was aware of the arrest of Mr. Tamba but does not know
where Mr. Tamba is held.
Former NAWEC MD’s Case Drags
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The ongoing criminal trial of the former Managing Director of the National
Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), Abdoulie Jobe, has continued to drag on
at the Banjul Magistrate Court.
Prosecutor Landing Kinteh on Monday applied for an adjournment of the case
in order for them to be allowed time to complete their investigation.
However, the second accused, Tijan Bahoum, the company’s former supply
manager was in court and represented by counsel, Lamin Jobarteh. On the other hand
Abdoulie Jobe the first accused was not in court. The prosecution in a
previous hearing informed the court that the whereabouts of Mr. Jobe is not known
to them. They claimed that they could not give an account of him, since he
was not arrested by the Police.
The duos are standing trial, on two charges of economic crimes which they
pleaded not guilty to.
216 Troops Leave For Darfur
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
In what it called a rotation of its troops in Darfur, The Gambia Armed
Forces (GAF) has last Saturday and Tuesday sent a total of 196 troops and 20
military observers to Sudan.
Lieutenant Lamin Gano, Spokesman for GAF told FOROYAA on Monday that The
Gambia is maintaining a contingent of 196 troops and 20 military observers as
part of the African Union Peace Keeping Mission in Darfur.
“The first batch, consisting of 106 troops left on Saturday morning and
another 106 returned to The Gambia on that evening. On Tuesday the second batch
of 110 troops left and another 110 troops returned,” Lt. Gano said.
This is the fourth contingent from The Gambia. The first was deployed in
December 2005.
Court Recommends Pardon For Convicts
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Assan Jobe (alias Dirika) and Matarr Faal were on Thursday found guilty by
the High court for the murder of a businessman in 1996.
Justice Monageng ruled that the perpetrators were juveniles at the time of
committing the crime, therefore, lesser punishment is necessary for them. She
also said that both Assan and Matarr have already spent ten years in
detention and that has to be incorporated to the sentence.
Justice Monageng also indicated that the accused persons’ file will be
forwarded to the Secretary of State to be recommended for pardon.
The counsel for the first accused, L.K. Mboge, submitted that Assan has
manifested that he will not break the law again. He also urged the court to
consider the youthful age of Assan, who has a long way to go. “During his
detention, he has studied the Holy Qur’an, a manifestation of change and fear of God,”
Mboge said.
Lawyer Riley who appeared for the second accused person, asked the court to
show mercy on them. He said that they are going unmarried, first offenders
and have shown remorse.
29 Admitted For Food Poisoning
By Amie Sanneh
Reports reaching this paper have it that 29 people were on Monday 4th
December, hospitalised at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) due to food
poisoning.
According to the source, these 29 were said to have bought food (fufu) from
a vendor at the RVTH who has been selling at there for years without any
unfortunate incident. The 29 included staff of the hospital, patients and other
customers.
The source added that those who ate the said fufu started vomiting and
experiencing running stomach and were quickly rushed to the hospital for treatment.
When contacted, the PRO of RVTH, Alh. Baboucarr Ngum confirmed the story. He
said they confirmed that the unfortunate incident was due to food poisoning
but they still do not know what was the cause of the food poisoning which
they will find out.
He said the 29 who were admitted on Monday 15 are staff of RVTH, 27 were
already discharged on Tuesday and the two others were still hospitalised and
responding to treatment.
PRO Ngum, however, commendered the staff of RVTH for their timely
intervention, without which, he said it would have been something else.
The PRO said that at the RVTH they have a rule that states that nobody sells
there without a hygiene certificate from the public health authorities. The
public health authorities he said normally screen them to see if they are fit
to sell food before being approved to sell there.
He advises vendors to resist from selling left over food to the customers
and that people should also know where they buy their food from.
THEY ARE STILL BEING DETAINED
Buba Mendy - Gambia National Army
Buba Jammeh – Gambia National army
Chief Ebrima Manneh – Journalist
Baba Saho – NIA
Musa Dibba – NIA
Ngorr Secka – NIA
Kemo Balajo – NIA
Alieu Singhateh - NIA
Abdoulie Kujabi – Former DG NIA
Vincent Jatta – Former Chief of Defence
Phoday Barry – NIA
Abdoulie Jobe – Former NAWEC MD
Lamin Sanneh – former Permanent Sec. Works
Babucarr Jobarteh – Former Protocol Officer
Karamo Jaiteh – Department of Works
Ebou Seck – Department of Works
Sarani Hydara – Department of Works
Ansumana Fadera – Department of Works
Momodou Senghore – Department of Works
Kebba Faye – Department of Works
Alhagie Bunda Leigh – Forestry Officer
Muhammed Jaiteh – Forestry Officer
Faburanma Sanyang – Forestry Officer
Omar Sidibeh – Forestry Officer
Pa Demba Jeng – Forestry Officer
Master Tamba – Kudang Lower Basic
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