NEWSFLASH: NADD Wins Three, Loses One Seat in Bye-Elections
The National Alliance for Democracy and Development has won and retained three of the seats declared vacant by the courts serveral months ago. Halifa Sallah, Kemeseng Jammeh and Sidia Jatta retained their seats but NRP leader Hamat Bah of Upper Saloum was declared loser in his constituency.
War on Armed Robbery Begins
By Buya Jammeh & Ansumana Darboe
The SoS for Interior, Baboucarr Jatta has said that the security agents will be operating in full force to track down armed robbery in the country.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at Jarra Soma, SoS Jatta stated that armed robbery has been a cause for concern to the security and they are prepared to tackle the situation.
SoS Jatta said although political relations between The Gambia and Senegal are low, that of security is still cordial and as such the border impasse will not affect the crusade against armed robbers.
He said the purpose of his visit in the area is to support the Independent Electoral Commission to conduct the by-elections in a peaceful and fair manner. SoS Jatta believes the by-elections will serve as a springboard in preparation for the 2006 presidential election in the country.
Mr. Jatta said the tour was also meant to assess the deployment of security forces as well as meet and discuss with various stakeholders of the by-elections. "The presence of the security is to reinforce the existing peace in the area. But my visit would serve as a reminder to the authorities in our quest to maintain the link between them and security officers," he said.
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Is BAC In Financial Crisis?
By Alieu Darboe
Brikama Area Council (BAC) is reportedly immersed in a serious financial crisis following the out come of the audit report that is yet to be made public, The Independent was informed.
Sources indicated that the council that has been recently audited by government auditors to ascertain the alleged financial mismanagement has been rocked in what is seen as the "worst financial crisis" in its history. "There is a serious financial crisis bedevilling the present management of the council. It is mainly due to mismanagement of funds," a member of the audit team purported. He said the government should not bury the outcome of the auditors in the interest of transparency. He said the compilers are still working to finalise the report.
Insiders at the Council urged the authorities to intervene and help the council revive from the crisis. "Their failure to intervene may lead to the collapse of a council that generates more income than any other council in the country," the council officers said. "The auditors must have proven that the present management has been involved in wild spending of the taxpayer’s money. Some of their expenditures include buying of carpets, generators for the projects that do not bear fruits and the most recent one is the maintenance of the Council’s vehicle with registration number BAC 2 which the management claimed to have spent over one hundred thousand Dalasis."
Our reporter’s frantic efforts to solicit comments from BAC officials proved futile, as they were said to be busy.
However, The Independent has learned that there is simmering row between BAC Chairman and CEO, Ahmed Gibril Jassey and Lamin Jammeh. According to informed sources, this has to do with the council’s financial crisis. "No one is ready to take the blame," a council member disclosed.
In the face of inappropriate financial practices, the government was compelled to send auditors to probe BAC some months back. However, auditors’ work was impeded by the disappearance of the cashbook thus prompting NIA officers to invite BAC present and past management for questioning. Weeks later, the cashbook was found.
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Editorial : The Independent Excels
"The downfall of a man is not the end of his life," is the popular old adage. Having gone through many trials and tribulations, the enemies of press freedom and democracy thought The Independent would have been thrown into the dustbin of history. No way, they are wrong, as the truth is very difficult to kill! We are continuing to excel.
After many years of hard work punctuated with hiccups and blights, The Independent family has got something to cheer about.
First, our Chief Executive Officer, Baba Galleh Jallow who is currently a PhD student in African Studies at Howard University in the U.S., published his third book – The Anatomy of Powercracy.
While that news was being celebrated, another good news emerged. Guess what? Our Managing Editor, Alagi Yorro Jallow has added another feather on his cap by winning an international award for press freedom and human rights. These and many others show the extent of our excellence despite all the odds.
It also shows the world that the duo has continued to record their names in the history book of Gambian journalism.
Though the youngest newspaper in The Gambia, The Independent has had more troubles than any other media outlet. The paper became a potential threat the very first day it hit the streets with a headline "We are not at war." Our editorial staff had gone through all sorts of intimidation and harassments in the form of unlawful arrest, detention and even kidnapping. At some point, the nationalities of the paper’s founding fathers were questioned.
The latest straw on the paper’s back was the printing embargo being imposed on us by the so-called powers-that-be. They had failed earlier attempts to subdue The Independent’s hard editorial policy. So the printing embargo was used as a resort to silence the bi-weekly paper forever.
However, after a month’s absence in the market, The Independent was forced to publish on A4. At first, our enemies who could not chew up their words depict a gloomy future for the paper. They thought the A4 was a non-starter, but they were proven wrong, as the paper is alive and excelling both locally and internationally.
Some people keep telling us not to be bothered by the A4 because even if we publish on A5 they will still buy our paper. People keep asking us about the secrets behind our success. But our motto: "Truth is Our Principle," tells the story. We search for truth in our endeavour to provide accurate and unbiased news to our readers, while we are prepared to endure the cost or repercussion involved.
The latest achievements of our editors have added undivided zeal and commitment among the staff of the paper. It has not only inspired us to be steadfast in our work but it was also a lesson that those who diligently serve humanity live forever. We want our readers to join us in saluting Baba Galleh Jallow and Alagi Yorro Jallow who toil hard for the emancipation of their people.
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Info Scarcity Hits Provinces
By Muhammed J Sankano
The frequent breakdown of Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) branch in Basse has created news blackout in the provinces.
Transmitting on 747 KHZ on Medium Wave, Radio Basse has been limping with technical faults thus depriving listeners in Central and Upper River Divisions.
Our reporter who visited Radio Basse was surprised to see the staff trying tooth and nail to link up with Mile 7 Studio so that listeners could have access to daily news. But this was not a reality mainly due to network failure.
Speaking under cover, an irate staff of the radio said, "Our transmission has continuously failed us and as a result, we could not get signals from Mile 7. This is why listeners in Basse have not been getting news. This bad development has created information or news blackout for the people of Basse who don’t know what transpires in The Gambia," he said.
The problem has forced Radio Basse to start work at 7 am and close down transmission at 12 noon. "Those who tune GRTS through Radio Basse have been out of news since the problem started some weeks back," said a resident of Basse.
The staff of the radio also revealed that their work is being hampered by shortage of fuel. "We could not rely on NAWEC whose services are not reliable. But most often our generator goes without fuel. We are therefore soliciting support from the government and private sector to bail us out because information is crucial in human life. How can communities in Basse and surroundings actively participate in national development when they don’t get news," he said.
For several months now, provincial settlers have not been able to tune the national TV. This has forced those near the border villages to rely on Senegalese radio and TV for information and other programmes.
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Court Remands Doctor
By Dawda Faye
A Bakau doctor, Momodou Jawo who was charged with forgery, was remanded in custody because nobody came to his rescue.
The Principal Magistrate of Kanifing, Kebba Sanyang was surprised that the accused could not be bailed by the people of a community he has been serving. "What about your patients? Can’t they bail you out?" his worship asked.
The accused was therefore remanded in custody until the next adjournment. The accused had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A prosecution witness, Pa Modou Corr of Kairaba Police Station testified in court. He said upon a search at the house of the accused in Bakau, he had found clinic cards and birth certificates with passport photos. "Some of the birth certificates bore the same number. We collected them and took them to Kairaba Police Station," Corr said.
At this point, the said documents were tendered and marked as exhibits in court.
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TK Motors Dragged To Court
By Dawda Faye
One Amie Cherry dragged TK Motors to the Kanifing Magistrates’ Courts.
The plaintiff is claiming £1, 125, being the cost of a second hand diesel engine for a motor vehicle with registration no. BJL 9868A. Appearing before Magistrate Mboto, the plaintiff further claimed 30% interest per annum commencing from December 1st 2004 up to the date of judgment. She also wanted compensation for the cost of litigation.
According to particulars of her claim, on the 31st November, 2004 her husband, one Ernest Cherry, took her vehicle to TK Motors to carry out a replacement of four shock absorbers.
The said claim added that Ernest provided TK Motors with four new shock absorbers for the replacement, which cost him the sum of £950 plus transportation charges of £175 to purchase a second-hand diesel engine for the vehicle from the United Kingdom.
She further revealed that she sent her driver to the defendant’s garage at Kanifing to collect the vehicle. She said upon delivery, the driver heard a strange noise coming from the engine as he drove away.
She claimed that the vehicle was immediately returned to the defendant’s garage and it remained there unrepaired, leaving her with no alternative but to seek redress at the courts.
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Farmers Expect Bumper Harvest
By Yaya Bojo from CRD
Barely two months ahead of the harvest season, farmers in CRD and URD are preparing for what they described as "bumper harvest."
They believed that this year’s harvest season would produce pleasant yields, thanks to the pattern of the rain experienced. Many farmers in the inland mainly CRD and URD who have experienced an unprecedented early start of rainfall were reluctant to sow their seeds due to the uncertainty in their minds. Those who sowed their seeds after the first rain would soon reap the benefit of their sweat.
According to agric extension workers, crops across the country are generally doing well, with no reported risk of pest infestations. They added that if the trend continues quality product will be produced during the harvest season. However, farmers are urged to report any pest invasion on their farms. "This is important so that appropriate measures can be taken to contain or control their spread and devastation," one of them said.
In a random interview by this reporter in various farming communities, farmers hailed this year’s pattern of rain arguing that it has been going in sufficient amount with virtually causing no harm or crops damage.
Abdoulie Huma of Daru Village in CRD said he has always been hoping for bumper harvest since the start of the farming season. He said the pattern of rain has favoured the growth and maturity of crops. "I expect we will be paid good monies as soon as our crops reach buying centers," Huma said.
Juma Kandeh of Sinchu Alagie called for concerted effort as a way of averting the last year’s unpleasant trade seasons. "Despite sweating at the farms, we find it disturbing when we took our produce to the buying centers because we had to wait for weeks before we received our monies," he lamented, urging the SoS for Agriculture to honour his promises and solve the plight of farmers, which is mainly marketing of their produce.
Others farmers who spoke to The Independent expressed similar sentiments.
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Policy Analysis Workshop Held
By Lamin M. Fatty
Decision makers in public, private sector and civil society organizations recently took part in a week’s workshop on policy analysis methods at GTMI, Kanifing.
Among others, the workshop aimed to build the policy analysis capacity of decision makers so that they critically analyze national policies and their implementation.
In her keynote address, SoS for Trade, Industry and Employment, Mrs. Neneh Mcdoll-Gaye said policies are the backbone of any meaningful development and that acquisition of relevant skills and experience are the keys to the design and implementation of public policy, especially with regard to policies relevant to business and investment.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the promotion of investment in the country. She said the private sector would also be accorded the opportunity to advise government on policies that are of interest to the economy and society.
Mrs. Mcdoll-Gaye described the private sector as a major source of economic growth. She therefore reaffirmed her office’s commitment to the development and partnership with the private sector.
SoS Mcdoll-Gaye said the private/public sector partnership must be enhanced, as it is essential for democracy and good governance as well as equity and inclusiveness in policy analysis.
The Director of Tango, Ousman Yarboe said policymaking and analysis needs partnership between policymakers and those that implement the design policies. Mr. Yarboe called for clear definition of policies to ensure their easy implementation. He said partnership plays important role in policymaking, which is why mutual understanding and cooperation between the partners is necessary. "It can be seen as a collective responsibility through sharing of resources on the part of government and partners from both the private sector and civil society organisation who are all stakeholders," he said, calling the need for the building of high sense of transparency and trust as soluti
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LG West Africa Chief Arrives
By Lamin Njie
The President of LG Electronic operation in West Africa, Mr. Tae Hun Ryu is currently on a familiarization visit in The Gambia to access the company’s operations, which is in line with their mandate.
This was disclosed to journalists at a news conference at the LG Ultra Modern Showroom along Kairaba Avenue at the weekend.
The Administrator of MFH Group (agent of LG in The Gambia), Mr. Edward Ekuale said the company’s name has become a household name in many Gambians homes. He said LG electronic is ranked among the top companies in the world for offering quality products to its customers. "In The Gambia, LG has enjoyed a strong degree of trust among the people," he said, adding that the company was able to achieve this simply because of its commitment to providing quality products and services.
Mr. Ekuale stated that LG sponsored Miss ECOWAS 1999 as well as organized a carnival in 2003. "All this is geared towards sealing the already mutual trust between the company and its customers and they are part of our social developments," he said.
He said LG is the leading digital revolution in the world, especially in air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators and mobile phones. He said his company would soon open an ultra-modern show room in The Gambia.
The President of West Africa operation, Tae Hun Ryu also spoke at the ceremony. He assured LG’s resolve to provide quality products and services to their customers at all times. Mr. Ryu thanked MFH Group and the Gambian public for their cooperation and mutual understanding.
Angelica Prox-Dampha moderated the ceremony.
LG originated from South Korea. It means Life is Good.
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NAPSA Marks 4th Anniversary
By Fatou Sanyang
Hundreds of students recently took part in the fourth anniversary of National Patriotic Student Association (NAPSA).
The celebration took in the form of a procession from West Field to Nusrat Senior Secondary School.
In his ceremonial speech, the President of NAPSA, Sylvan Gomez challenged students to maintain discipline, hard work, punctuality and academic excellence. Mr. Gomez expressed NAPSA’s resolve to bail out students whenever the need arises.
He told his audience about NAPSA’s quest to standardize education in the country. Gomez exhorted students to be obedient to their teachers and parents. "This will make them productive citizens who strive for the progress and development of their country," he said, adding that over the years his association has helped needy and deserving students.
He said NAPSA constitution was amended to give room for students in lower basic cycle and junior secondary schools to join the association and be part of the
struggle to ensure quality and relevant education.
Mr. Gomez described NAPSA and GAMSU as sister associations with common objectives. He said the relationship between the two associations has been cordial throughout. "The friendly football match between the two associations has not only solidify our relationship but also amplify it," he said.
Gomez described President Jammeh as their "academic manure" who has helped them to achieve their objectives.
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GPU President’s New York Address
The President of Gambia Press Union, Mr. Madi Ceesay has used his tour in the United States to address Gambians in New York on issues back home. Mr. Ceesay’s audience includes journalists.
I am very happy to be privileged with the great opportunity to talk to friends of the media who live thousands of kilometers away from home. But in spirit, we have always been together, as our hearts meet often.
I urge you all to stand strong behind us, as there cannot be any meaningful democracy in the absence of a vibrant press. You all know the kind of difficulties the media, especially the private is facing back home.
There are instances in which our media houses or presses got burnt down, our personalities being attacked physically and our colleagues killed all for no other crime except defending the truth.
But we will not let the brutal killing of Deyda Hydara to lay rest like many cases in the past. As I speak to you now, I can say loud and clear, that nothing tangible has come from the investigations. The latest report on the investigations from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) seems to have shifted the blame on Deyda himself.
The report is saying that Deyda used the might of his pen to offend other people from government and outside government, which we at The Gambia Press Union found to be very disappointing. We thought the so-called investigative report would have addressed who killed Deyda and for what purpose. But not speculative reasons responsible for his killing.
What is clear to us is that Deyda’s killing was perpetrated by oppressors of truth, although we at the Press Union are yet to have concrete evidence as to who these killers or perpetrators are.
Actually it is the state security agents who should have proven this evidence, because the bullets that were removed from Deyda’s body are enough clues for any intelligence agency to trace the killers. The bullets must have come from somewhere. It must have a trademark. Unfortunately, that aspect is completely ignored by the report of the Gambian Intelligence Agency.
We still stand by our question. We want to know who killed Deyda. I’m therefore again calling on the government to do all that they can and bring Deyda’s killers to book, even if it means inviting the FBI and Scotland Yard who have good records of such investigations. It is eight months now and nothing has so far emerged from the story, which is very worrying.
The Press Union is also engaging the Government of The Gambia to repeal all the repressive media laws that they have enacted. It doesn’t make sense to levy half million bondage on media houses as well as criminalize opinions and editorials. How can we have freedom of expression when we have all these kind of media laws in place? That is not possible.
Dear countrymen, tell me where do we have other than The Gambia as a home? And how long can we go on like this?
We the press, at home need your support like any other professional. Give us the support and we will deliver the goods. All we need from you is moral and financial help. Most governments in our sub-region that see media as partners in development give them free housing. Ours is a totally different one where the government is eager to strangulate the media through whatever means. Do you expect a government that levies huge taxes on media to subvent the same media? Impossible!
The Gambia Press Union has its internal difficulties, which include financial. The union is a non-profit making body that mainly relies on membership dues. I therefore call on Gambian journalists abroad to regularize the payment of their monthly dues. Consequently, I’m also appealing to you and other colleagues in Diaspora to support their home union on a regular basis. If the politicians in the Diaspora can support their colleagues in The Gambia, what then is stopping journalists in the Diaspora be they in America, UK, Germany or else where from doing the same? They should make their little contributions to sustain the union.
We are unlike other African countries, such as Ghana and Senegal, where press union’s Secretariats are hosted by their governments. In our case, we are paying our bills by ourselves including local staff salaries, which is why our overseas colleagues should do their best and help us. By helping the media is like strengthening the arms of democracy, good governance, justice, human rights, etc. While I thank you for supporting us, I will hasten to assure you that no amount of threat or intimidation will move us. We will continue to serve the interest of our people, no matter the cost. That is what we are committed to.
However, I call on my colleagues back home to maintain fairness and objectivity in their reporting. Journalism is all about integrity, which can only be achieved through objective and accurate reporting.
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Health Guidelines For Ramadan
By Ahmed B Saidybah
The Holy Month of Ramadan is just few days away, which is why it is important for Muslims to get prepared for this blessed month. This is why we present an article being authored by a prominent Islamic scholar of Islamic Medical Association of South Africa, Dr. Farouk Haffejee. The article gives a lot of insights about common problems being encountered during Ramadan. Those who follow the advice contained in the article will comfortably fast and enjoy the spiritual benefits of the blessed month.
During the holy month of Ramadan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadan is an ideal time to normalise one’s weight.
In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours. Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates). Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates). Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, marrow, mealiest, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc. The foods eaten should be well-balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heartburn, and weight problems.
Avoid
Fried and fatty foods, Foods containing too much sugar .Over-eating especially at Morning meals (sehri).Too much tea at sehri. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.
Eat
A complex carbohydrate at morning meal (sehri) so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry. Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium. Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.
Drink
As much water or fruit juices as possible between time of breaking fast (iftar) and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.
Constipation
Constipation can cause piles (haemorrhoids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.
Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet.
Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake.
Indigestion And Wind
Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.
Remedy: Do not over-eat; drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods.
Lethargy (Low Blood Pressure)
Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon.
Causes: Too little fluid intake decreased salt intake.
Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.
Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They should consult their doctor.
Headache
Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, a lack of sleep, hunger usually occurs as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.
Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganise your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.
Low Blood Sugar
Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.
Causes in non-diabetics: Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially in the morning (sehri). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.
Remedy: Eat something at sehri and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.
Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.
Muscle Cramps
Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.
Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.
Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.
Peptic Ulcers, HeartBurn, Gastritis And Hiatus Hernia
Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend up to the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.
Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadan.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquid to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.
Joint Pains
Causes: During Ramadan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.
Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfilment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah with ease.
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SoS Taal Frowns At Solar Theft
By Pa Modou Secka
The SoS for Fisheries and Water Resources, Bai Mass Taal has raised concern over the high-level vandalism and solar panel theft in the country.
"The provision of solar water lifting systems combined with safe pipe water distribution is intended to improve the socio-economic status of the beneficiary communities," he said, adding that people should be wary of thievery of solar panels, which weakens as well as damages systems. He said such acts undermine the sustainability and effective management of our village water supply systems.
SoS Taal raised these concerns at the 5th meeting of the regional steering committee of the European Commission and the inter-state committee against drought in the Sahel (CILLS) at Kairaba Beach Hotel. The theme of the meeting was "Security and sustainability of solar power water supply systems." It also aimed at enhancing sustainable improvement of the supply of good quality water for the rural populations.
The essence of solar energy in the water sector, according to SoS Taal, is to promote and facilitate the efficient management of the water resources to maintain adequate balance among competing consumers.
He said The Gambia Government has signed the implementation protocol on sustainability and management of the water supply facilities by concerned communities.
He said over the years, 50 solar powered water supply systems were constructed in The Gambia. He said 66 small community lighting and refrigeration systems were installed. "In 1998, an additional 11 solar water supply systems were constructed and more than 120, 000 people in Western, North Bank and Upper River Divisions benefited from RSP," he disclosed.
"The financing agreement of phase II of the regional solar programme which is estimated at 1.9 million euro was signed in 2001," he said.
The executive secretary of CILLS, Mr. Saidou Traore said the Gambia is one of the luckiest countries in the region, noting that it will host the 9th European development fund-NIP by the "rural water supply sector support" programme, which is starting by the end of 2005, as 6.8 million euros project.
According to him, 30 new solar water supply systems would be installed in The Gambia in 2007 while five older units go for replacement.
The Charge d’Affaires of the European Commission in The Gambia, Mr. Thierry Mathiase said the EC would work closely with stakeholders to promote water supply throughout the region.
The meeting was chaired by Permanent Secretary at Fisheries and Water Resources.
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Appreciation For Educational Support
By David Thoronka
The climate of hustling and bustling that circumvent the reopening of school is gradually subsiding. However, the question that is often asked should once again be asked: why is the period close to reopening schools so hectic? Why are parents so busy running helter skelter to purchase the last textbook on the bookshop shelf, uniforms, school bag, shoes and all other relevant accessories needed by their children to go to school.The possible answers to these questions are numerous.
But to narrow them down to meet our intended objectives, let us consider the following purposes. It is the responsibility of all parents to provide these basic learning necessities for their children to go to school. Furthermore, it is to tell their progeny that they really want them to concentrate on their academic work. In a nutshell, this demonstration of parental responsibilities is to tell their children that parents want them to develop the maximum potentials in them, especially academics.
It is often said that when a child is deficient of key learning materials, he/she becomes disinterested in education and seek for other options that are comfortable for him /her. Such circumstances can enthuse children intocommercial sex work, gambling and other crimes. Thus to avoid this situation is why parents are squeezing water out of stone, to ensure that essentials children need are provided - even amidst the economic speculation of this time of the year.
On the other hand, some people may dismiss their struggle as just the normal parental duties. But what is disheartening is that after all this toiling by parents to foster their children’s academic dreams, the children seem not to appreciate their efforts.
The children show disregard to the labor and effort of their parents, playing truancy in school. They dodge from school before the normal times expires, sometimes they do not go to school at all, even after dressing at home. They take less care of the hard earned learning materials and in their course work, thus under-performing during examinations. All these are negative characteristics of some students. Inevitably, any child who practices these bad attitudes is heading for failure in his or her life. He/she will become a liability to his/her parents and finally, a stumbling block to other children in the community in which he live. Most often the echo staunch regrettable statements such as "had I known".
Meanwhile to be an ungrateful child to one’s p[aren’t is not benefiting at all! As children and as leaders-in-the-making, you should always be thankful, for whatever little thing that is done for you, in order to aid your future. In the latter days, it is only you and your family who will enjoy the fruits of your parents labour. So take the best opportunity of what they do for you, now!
You can show your appreciation for their efforts by being obedient to their instructions, studying hard and passing your examinations, staying away from bad peers who will influence you into negativity and finally, handling with care your educational materials.
As it is always said, the parents have played their part by paying your school fees and all other responsibilities that go with your education.
All that is left now is for you to add a little bit of seriousness to your studies. Always a student who goes the extra mile will be a good student. Remember that the future lies in your hands. It may be good or bad, depending on how you want it to be. Also, today is education while tomorrow is future. So let us take our education seriously so that we can make our motherland a beautiful and prosperous place to live in.
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Nike Pursues U-17 Striker
Despite their last minute booting out of the U-17 World Cup Championship in Peru, the Baby Scorpions have not left empty handed, as their impressive soccer clout has earned them international recognition. The team at last has something to be proud of because Nike had approached the team’s quick-witted striker, Momodou Ceesay to advertise for them.
The world’s giant sports wear manufacturer wants Ceesay to be their main advertiser in the field of play. Our correspondent in Peru reported that Nike had formal discussions with the player but the agreement is yet to be concluded. If agreement has been reached, Ceesay will be wearing only Nike boots when playing football.
The star striker led The Gambian U-17 side to victory during the African championship at home. His bountiful efforts pushed the Gambian team to cross the semi final bridge during a match against the stubborn South African team. He scored the winning goal of this match. In the final against Ghana, Captain Ousman Jallow poked in a winning goal thanks to the magnificent pass he had collected from Ceesay.
In their historical 3-1 against Brazil at The Gambia’s first ever world cup outing, tall and lanky striker had proven to be a nightmare for the world cup champions.
Ceesay had started organized soccer career with Kanifing United of Serekunda West. He later went through rudimentary training at Flamemins, a second division team before joining Wallidan in 2003. During his Wallidan stinct, Ceesay won the FA and two national championship titles (2004 and 2005) for the team. He also clinched a double (league and FA cups) for Wallidan in 2004.
Gambian Fans Return Home
The 276 soccer fans that were ferried by President Yahya Jammeh to cheer up the Gambia U-17 team in the world championship in Peru returned home last Tuesday.
Their stay was made short due to the elimination of the Baby Scorpions in the group stage. The delegation was led by the Chief of Staff of The Gambia National Army, Col. Lang Tombong Tamba who is also the coordinator of the presidential gesture.
The fans who left on Tuesday September 20th, 2005 on the Tri-star L1011 plane arrived in Piura two hours before the Qatar-Gambia encounter kick-off. The reigning African champions beat Qatar 3-1 in this match. The fans later traveled to the capital, Lima on 23rd September to see their team being booted out of the competition by Netherlands that beat them 2-0.
The bills of Peru sojourn were in totality footed by President Jammeh. Apart from airfares, Jammeh had also bankrolled accommodation, transport and feeding of fans in Peru.
The contingent comprised of supporters selected countrywide and representatives of national Scorpions Fans Clubs. Also in the line up were coaches, doctors, security officers, referees, sports officials and journalists.
Gambian fans became eyesores for Peruvian and European press after their plane made an unauthorized emergency landing in Piura. They accused the Run Air Plane of refusing to go through immigration formalities in Lima and therefore decided to make an emergency landing in the northern city of Piura.
According to CORPAC, the state body that runs Peru’s Airports, the Tri-Star L1011 plane, which came from Brazil, claimed it did not have enough fuel to land in Lima. This has left Piura residents astonished, as the little airport is only meant for domestic flights. The plane was impounded at Piura’s airport for few hours before the intervention of Gambian authorities to solve the problem.
Final Weekend In Bakau
The 2005 Bakau zonal nawettan championships organized by Bakau sports committee will wrap up this weekend, with fans waiting to see the winners of both the league and knockout trophies.
The defending champions, Linguere of New Town and Senior Lions (Old Hands) battle it out in the league competition, which is sponsored by Western Union on Sunday, October 2nd at Bakau mini-stadium.
After two months of intensive competition, senior lions booked their ticket to the final after they had booted out Seaview of Fajara 1-0 in the first semi-final while Linguere FC made a similar beat on Swing A Ling.
In the knockout final on Saturday, October 1st, Saul Samba of New Town who beat late FM 1-0 in the first semi-final will take on Scan Tours who beat Fajara United 3-2 on penalty kicks.
The knockout championship is sponsored by Cotton club/Seaview Hotel.
According to the chairman of Bakau sports committee, Ebrima Jallow (EB), the winner of the league trophy will receive a cash prize of D10, 000 while the runner up will be awarded D7, 000. The winner of the knockout trophy go home with D15, 000 while the runner-up will be consoled with D10, 000
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Kitty, Nema In Brikama League Final
By Alieu Darboe
The stage is set for a final between Kitty and Nema United in Brikama. The two teams emerged finalists after they had won their semifinal matches.
Kitty became the first team to book a ticket to the final after they had punched the defending champions, Blackpool at post-match penalty shootouts at Box Bar Mini-stadium 5-4. The Kitty boys, who dominated the first half, missed quite a number of chances as their forward players were sending heavy missiles to the Blackpool goaler, Fadal Nyang who blocked their goals.
After the first encounter, Black pool entered the field with added stamina but could not capitalize turn the clear chances into goals. The aggressive Kitty defenders kept marking Blackpool strikers.
The semifinal match between Nema United and their archrivals, Newtown was another tough encounter, with players in both teams squandering clear chances. Due to acrobatic nature of both goalers, the first half ended in a goalless. But New Town scored through Sarjo Fadera who collected a cross from Kabba Jobe 15 minutes into the second half. Barely ten minutes before the match finished, Nema equalised through a penalty, which was converted by their goalkeeper, Kamba Sanneh. This compelled the teams to go for a post-match penalty spot, which saw Nema on top. The match ended 4-3.
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Agriculture To Arrest Poverty
By Sana Camara
Sulayman Samba, Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Trade and Industry has spoken of The Gambia Government’s resolve to use agriculture to arrest poverty in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of a Technical Committee on Groundnut Marketing in Banjul last week, Mr. Samba said such a foreseeable strategic goal is impossible in the absence of fairer trade and the capacity of the trade ministry to create a commodity unit and manning it in the medium term.
He said the absence of this capacity will however not derail their efforts to mainstream trade and private sector issues in the pursuit of more and fairer trade to enhance growth in agricultural production and productivity for poverty reduction.
He said the review of the trade policy is ongoing in a process, which involves both private sector and civil society operators. This, he said, is done to foster stakeholder ownership of the policy and their commitment and participation in its execution. He said a similar approach would be devised in updating the industrial policy.
He said the technical committee, which is tasked to monitor and manage groundnut marketing, is developed in a broad-based stakeholder participatory process, constituting an adequate response to the problems identified with their assignment.
"The satisfaction of legal status requirements; the ascertainment of the capability profile of actors; the designation of markets as the sole places of exchange; and above all, the requirement of an agreement for the monitisation of the produce to guarantee access of disposal income to farmers and agents, and hopefully, savings to sustain their operations, provide the necessary conditions for improvement in groundnut marketing", Permanent Secretary Samba outlines the Terms of Reference (TOR) to the members on the committee.
Similarly, he added, insistence on the confirmation of credibility of exporters in terms of their financial clout, compliance with quality standards, proofs of overseas contacts and ploughing back payment proceeds into the banking system would not be compromised, as consultations with relevant government agencies will continue to line-up donor support, especially from the E.U. in order to build capacity and create opportunities in these strategic areas.
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Expert Faults IFAD Niamina Project
By Pa Modou Secka
The Principal Researcher and Irrigation Engineer at National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) blamed the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for sponsoring a small/scale water management project to ameliorate the tidal irrigation for the people of Niamina.
Halifa Mass Jobe said the IFAD-sponsored project which started in 1992, has succeeded in destroying the traditional rice field of Niamina, in particular Dankunku. "The project is not good in implementation," he said in an interview.
"The land was being rendered to zero production of acid surface because the natural drainage pattern was eroded, thus blocking the water from passing through the rice field so that production takes place. Water could not go out and what we got is salty water, which affects the production of rice behind the dyke. It affects the whole system."
Over the years, IFAD has funded low land agricultural project (LADEP) and the small-scale water management projects to promote and develop the rice production in The Gambia. But according to Mr. Jobe IFAD has performed badly in Niamina Dankunku rice field. "The project has badly left the farmers without a means of survival. Their soil has already been destroyed and it will take ages before the lands become fertile. Sadly, these people cannot take the government to court," he said.
Mr. Jobe urged the government to address the problem because rice cultivation is the main source of their survival. "I am urging the government to help these affected farmers with unaffected land for cultivation," he said.
Mr. Jobe complained why such a huge amount was spent on a project that turned out to be a white elephant. "The Gambia is a country endowed with lot of potentials and fertile land but all that we need is to embark on projects that will reduce poverty. If we have meaningful rice projects in the country, we would have stopped importing huge tones of rice. We can produce enough rice to suit local demands," he said.
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