Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 129/2007, 2 – 4 November 2007
Editorial
Some are Leaving and Others are Dying
What Next for the Conscience of the Nation?
Citizen FM has been silent for many years. Every day comes with hope that
the state will accept its transmitters to amplify the voices of the people. As
long as there was life and will there remained the hope that there will be a
way to solve the problem of the Radio station. Now Baboucar Gaye, The
Proprietor of Radio One FM is speaking to the Nation with the voice of silence. Who
owns the Gambia? What does any person have to stop a fellow human being from
practising his profession without fear or favour affection or ill will? How
many families have been deprived their basic necessities of life? How many
minds have been starved of information? Citizen FM was a novelty in every
respect. It sought to bring information that the literate in the English language
reads from newspapers written in English right to the door steps of the people
who could not read and write. Information gives birth to knowledge which
gives birth to citizenship power.
Every true leader of a liberated people must want them to be empowered.
Baboucar Gaye would have been appreciated and encouraged by any progressive
government. There is no doubt that both Citizen FM and Radio 1 FM had tried to be
people centred in their broadcast. If they functioned under a progressive
government they would have established television stations by now and could
have even been major investors in our telecommunication sectors.
Instead of encouragement the terrain becomes so rough and hostile that even
family members tend to give advice for one to give up. How can our people
become enlightened if those with information are afraid or are hindered from
doing so?
Foroyaa can attest to one thing about Baboucar He was not a puppet of any
political party. He wanted his media house to be an umpire media establishment.
Ruling party members and opposition alike dreaded to appear before him to
try to score political points. He had a way of questioning which makes any
person without sound arguments very uncomfortable. Consequently, only few
politicians were fond of appearing in his programmes.
Baboucar was always careful not to be used by disgruntled people. He once
told one of the Editors of this paper that in this country when you are in
difficulty few people care but when you are in a position to be productive many
people appear to try to use you for their own ends. Baboucar will be
remembered for owning his mind up to the end of his life. Now that he is gone those
who control the decision making powers of this land should bear in mind that
some citizens of this land who have found life intolerable are either leaving
because of death or are going into exile. Deyda is gone and Baboucar is gone.
Even though it is under different circumstances none of them had left fond
memories of their treatment as professional media practioners.
Foroyaa has also gathered that Nyabally, one of the former GAMSU leaders
have also left in search of a sanctuary abroad. This young man was very proud to
go to University in the Gambia. These are the people who should have been
encouraged to be role models for having led students and had gone through the
school system in the Gambia. However, many detentions without trial and
incapacity to get productive engagement had made his homeland alien to him. We hope
those with conscience will continue to call for sanity to prevail in
managing the affairs of the country. The Gambia does not belong to its political
leaders. It belongs to the PEOPLE. No leader is fit to govern the country who
fails to recognise that one’s power emanates from the people and should be
exercised to promote their liberty and prosperity.
Veteran Journalist Laid to Rest
Veteran journalist, Baboucar Gaye, was finally laid to rest at the Jeshwang
Cemetery on Wednesday evening in the presence of the Imam of Banjul and other
religious leaders. The burial was preceded by the funeral service at the
Independence Drive Mosque in Banjul. A host of religious leaders were present,
including the Imam of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Kah, who spoke at the service. He
talked about the positive attitude of Mr. Baboucar Gaye, and particularly,
the dignified character of his parents. Another speaker talked of Mr. Gaye
being a man of truth who does not speak behind one’s back, but would rather make
the truth known to the defaulter. That speaker noted that Mr. Gaye is a
committed person who hates failure and who, therefore, persists in his pursuits.
A doyen of media fraternity, Mr. Swaebou Conateh spoke on behalf of the
media fraternity. In his speech, he traced Mr. Gaye’s history to the time when
Mr. Gaye worked under him at Radio Gambia. He talked about how Mr. Gaye pursued
courses in broadcasting in London and Nigeria, and how he later became
broadcasting officer at Radio Gambia.
He narrated how he founded The Point, which he founded jointly with the late
Deyda Hydara and Pap Saine. He did not forget to mention how he established
Citizen FM which was closed twice without a court order. He told the gathering
that Citizen FM was an alternative source of information which broadcast
information published by local newspapers, in the local languages.
The doyen of the media fraternity stated that Baboucar was arrested. He
revealed that he was present on the second occasion of the closure of the radio
station. He narrated how the security forces came that night and closed the
radio station, which never re-opened despite all pressure.
He regarded Baboucar Gaye as committed to his profession.
Imam Muntagha Faye also spoke. He traced Mr. Gaye’s history to his childhood
days, describing him as one of the most advanced Koranic pupils in their ‘
madrassa’. He said that Mr. Gaye was committed to Islam. He noted that he used
to broadcast a religious programme at Citizen FM. He talked of his good
character and prayed for him.
The entire media fraternity were at the funeral and burial ground and paid
homage to the bereaved family. All of them wished that he rests in peace.
Legislators Split Over Amendment of Local Government Act
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The extra-ordinary meeting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, October
31, has been marred by a polarized debate among members over the amendments of
the Local Government Act.
These amendments in the law will disqualify the election of local government
chairpersons, excluding mayors and mayoress, by universal adult suffrage but
councillors would now select them from among themselves. The amendments of
the Local Government Act followed an amendment of the 1997 constitution, which
paved the way.
Ismaila Sambou, the Secretary of State for Local Government, Lands and
Religious Affairs said: “Due to the need for faster decision making in council and
for a more rapid and more responsive implementation of the decentralisation
process, the Department of State wishes also to propose the amendment of the
relevant sections of the Local Government Act 2002 to reflect the need for,
the President to have the power to remove the Mayor/Chairman, Deputy
Mayor/Chairman or other members of council”.
Mr. Sambou said these amendments seek to provide the dissolution of councils
ninety days before Local Government Elections and the setting up of interim
management teams by the president to oversee the affairs of councils until
the scheduled elections.
Contributing to the debate on the amendment, Sidia Jatta, the member for
Wuli West said changing the law is tantamount to assassinating the sovereignty
of the people.
“Somebody elected into office can be removed by one individual. What is the
essence?” Mr. Jatta asked.
He asked his fellow legislators to come to terms with the reality of whether
they want to empower the people or disempower them.
Jatta went on to say that the electorate should be left to manage their own
affairs and in this case they should elect their own council chairpersons
rather than somebody else electing and another firing those chairpersons.
He likens the piecemeal amendment of the Act as an approach towards
autocracy and dictatorship. The Wuli West representative wondered why his colleagues
are always effecting unnecessary amendments as if they do not know where they
are heading to.
“This is a conspiracy against The Gambian people and I for one do not
subscribe to it,” he said.
The minority leader and member for Kiang West, Momodou Sanneh also objected
to the amendment of the Local Government Act. Mr. Sanneh said his objection
to the bill is not that they are on the minority side but they need to look at
things with a critical eye.
He said that being a law making body, the National Assembly Members
regardless of political differences should study every law critically before imposing
it on the people.
Babanding Daffeh, the member for Kiang Central said, the electorate should
maintain both the right to elect and remove council chairpersons. Mr. Daffeh
said giving the president those powers will effect a concentration of too much
power on one person.
Pa Jallow of Jarra Central also raised objection to the bill, saying that
there are many things the Assembly should look into.
Mr. Jallow’s statement was abruptly halted by the speaker who ordered that
he sticks to the topic before hand.
When he was given chance to speak again, the parliamentarian said, “Madam
Speaker with these few remarks personally I am not in support of this bill”.
However, the rest of the deputies from the ruling APRC party gave their
support to the amendment.
Adama Cham of Kombo North said democracy is a process that changes as it
goes, thereby defining and refining.
Mr. Cham said democracy is not being hijacked but the president should be
given the power to fire people who have not delivered.
Netty Baldeh of Tumana said the amendment is due and should be effected.
Sheriff Abba Sanyang and Mama Kandeh, members for Foni Kansala and Jimara
respectively gave support to the amendment.
The Bill was eventually passed by the National Assembly.
See next issue for commentary.
Gambia-Senegal On Crucial Discussion
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Delegates from Senegal yesterday joined their Gambian counterparts at a
technical committee of experts meeting marking the beginning of the session of
the Senegalo-Gambian Joint Ministerial Commission at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Crispin Grey-Johnson, said since
the two sides met in 2004 at the consultative meeting, not much has been
done by way of follow-up on courses of action that were agreed upon.
“Much work has to be done in the areas of trade, transport, transit and
customs. There are also several matters that need much smothering,” Mr.
Grey-Johnson said.
He also said there are important trans-boundary questions which they need to
work on collectively including questions pertaining to environmental
management, forestry wetlands and fisheries management.
“We must examine all the pending issues in these areas with a view to
transforming them from the disenabling factors in the relationship-which they
currently are,” he said.
Mr. Grey-Johnson urged the technical experts to address issues with
frankness, courage and sincerity.
NIA Former Directors And A Prison Warden Still Detained
Information reaching Foroyaa have it that two former directors of the
National Intelligence Agency, namely Abdoulie Kujabi and Foday Barry, and a prison
warden, AlfuSainey Jammeh are still detained at the maximum security wing of
the Mile Two Central Prison.
Kujabi and Barry were arrested shortly after the coup d’etat masterminded by
colonel Ndure Cham was quelled by the Gambia Armed Forces. They were later
charged with conspiracy to commit felony to wit treason, but the case did not
proceed. They have since then been languishing at the maximum security wing
of the prison.
They were charged along side Ngorr Secka, Baba Saho, Vincent Jaata and Kemo
Balajo. However these people were later released by the authorities.
Alfusainey Jammeh, a native of Foni, was arrested over a year ago. He is yet
to be tried. He is also languishing at Mile Two Central Prison.
“IEC Faces Challenges In Electioneering Process”-Commissioner Grey Johnson
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Mrs. Sarah Grey Johnson, a commission member of the Independent Electoral
Commission (IEC) has said that they, as referees of the electioneering process,
have faced challenges and that they will continue to confront those
challenges. Mrs. Johnson noted that one of the challenges is the waning interest by
eligible voters to exercise their rights to vote at the dawn of the second
republic in 1996. She said in 1996 over 90 percent of registered voters had cast
their ballots but that ten years later, that number dwindled significantly to
less than 70 percent. “In the same period we have seen fewer candidates of
different political parties take up their mantle in National Assembly
Elections, causing the choice of votes to significantly narrow,” said Mrs. Johnson.
She pointed out that it is challenges that undermine diversity in any nation,
which they must address effectively as a broader body, comprising all
stakeholders in society. Commissioner Grey Johnson pointed out that the tremendous
support they received from the government of The Gambia and the donor
community, the UNDP, Government of Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States. She
added that their well wishers have also come from civil society groups and
the media, but that the most important of all, is the Gambian electorate who
have, at all times, shown their resounding confidence in the IEC at each
election. She noted that The Gambia has a reputation for mass participation in the
electoral process and that remains the highest in the world because the
stakeholders have shown their interest in the democratic process in the country.
Mrs. Grey Johnson said that the workshop will require them to deliberate on
relevant matters affecting the electoral process in the country, and to come
out with realistic, timely, measurable, attainable and specific goals to guide
them as they aim to further strengthen their mandate as an institution tasked
with conducting national elections through their motto and guiding
principles of “fair play, integrity and transparency”. Commissioner Grey Johnson said
their mandate is to ensure that elections are held in a free and fair
manner, a fact that should not be lost. The IEC Commissioner was speaking at a
two-day programme conducted by the IEC at Jangjanbureh, Central River Region,
(CRR) on the theme, “Strengthening the electoral process in The Gambia”.
Representatives from the British High Commission, the UNDP, Civil Society,
Governors of both URR and CRR, Chiefs, National Assembly Members, Ward
Councillors and Senior Police Officers from both regions attended the programme.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Discrimination In The Family
Part 11
By Amie Sillah
At The Boys’ Quarters
Mama stayed at the Boys’ Quarters very tense. She saw herself as being
discriminated against. I am a high class lady, a permanent Secretary, Ministry of
Education. Why are my daughter and my son in law treating me like thrash? Che
said only his family members stay in the mansion! Am I not a part of his
family – his mother in law? This is insulting! A whole me staying at the Boys’
Quarters? I’ll not accept it! I’ll fight back!” She swore. Her heart was
heated. She awaited for the slightest provocation to spark.
Alex And Mama
Alex is the chief house boy. He came to call mama to accompany him to the
mansion to bath Che Junior. Alex is pleasant with all smiles. After exchanged
greetings he said, “Mama, Madam asked me to call you to go and bath Junior.”
Mama gave a sarcastic smile and looked at her watch. She showed it to Alex. “
What is the time?” It was eleven a.m. “This time! I woke up since six a.m.;
seven a. m I went to the mansion Madam’s door was closed. Now it is already
late. I have dressed up but I can compromise a bit. Asked your madam to bring
her son to the Boys’ quarters to get him bathe.” Alex sensed trouble.
Meekly, he went back to the mansion.
On His Way, On the Steps
Coming up the steps, he met Che coming out. He enquired. “I thought you were
sent to call mama to come and bathe my son?” “Yes! But Mama said it is
already late. She has already dressed up. Instead, Madam should take Che Junior
to the Boys quarters to be bathe.’ Che jumped in excitement. “What? My baby!
My son to be taken to the Boys’ quarters to be bathe? What a cheek! Is she
mad? This woman has grown wings. She has to be fixed.” Che rushed to the Boys’
quarters in full rage.
Confrontation
Che met Mama at the verandah filing her nails. “My in-law! What have you
told Alex?” “Nothing!” mama replied. “You told him to ask my wife to bring my
son to the Boys’ Quarters? What a cheek! That is insolence. I’ll not take it
from anyone, not even you. This is your last warning. You better behave
yourself. I have taken it up to here.” Che touched his chin. “Be warned!” As he
started to walk away, Bani came running “What is the problem?” Che explained
to his wife.
Bani Scolds Mama
Bani confronted Mama. “Why mama? Why? You are misbehaving. To stay here you
have to comply with the rules. No flouting of orders. I don’t want your
trouble. You have already been warned. I dread Che’s wrath. It can be explosive.
You wanted me to marry a rich guy. It has happened. Why complain? Don’t bring
me trouble oh!” Mama protested. “Why are you people troubling me? You
relegated me to the Boys’ Quarters. I came without resistance. I woke up early,
came to the mansion and found you still asleep. I came back and took care of
myself. You came late to ask me to bath Junior. I asked Alex for Che to be
brought to me to be bathe and your silly, uncultured husband protested. You asked
me to stay at the Boys’ Quarters, me your mother but your son, my grand child
should not be brought to the Boys’ Quarters. I have taken it up to here with
both of you. Enough is enough! I’ll take it no more. I am an adult. You
cannot treat me as a child.” Mama protested. “Then behave like an adult!” Bani
posited. “What if I refuse to bath Che?” “Then you leave our premises. I don’
t want your trouble Mama. I don’t want your trouble! If you want to leave,
leave in peace. Don’t try to offend anyone.” Bani warned. Mama sulked. “You
want to treat me as your maid. I’ll not accept it. I’ll not accept it! I came
because of my grandson! That’s why I am accepting all these insults from you.
” Then mama went to bath Junior.
Eating In the Patio
Mama ate at the classic sitting room. Bani came shaking. Mama was again
inviting trouble. Che will flare up when he sees her. Bani begged Mama to go to
the Dinning “Mama! This is undone. No one eats at any of our sitting rooms not
to talk of our classic patio. It is an explosion if Che meets you here.”
Mama jumped with excitement. She rebelled. “Che this! Che that! Who is Che? God?
When I came you discriminated against me and took me to the Boys’ quarters.
You showed me where to sleep but you cannot show me where to eat. I’ll eat
here and here alone.”
The Show Down
An argument ensured. It became heated. Bani talked back to her mum. “Zai did
the best. She ignored you and follows her heart. You are wicked, mean and
impossible!” “What!” Mama gave Bani a nasty slap.
Che came down just in time. He was shocked. “What? A nursing mother! My
wife! You slap my wife in my home? You dared me after being warned? Leave my
premises right now! And never come back again!” He called Alex to help Mama
packed her things. Mama fought back. “Useless man without manners! Uncultured!
Untrained! Rude and sulky! I am gone. I came from a home. I don’t blame you. I
blame my daughter.” She pointed to Bani. “I have disowned you. Never come
back to me if he finally dumps you!” “Mama! Go! Go with your troubles! I prefer
to die in hell than come back to you!” Alex wanted to help her pack. She
pushed him away. She packed her things and left in her car. She refused to send
the car away since Che ordered her to do so.
At Her Office
Mama got the rude shock of her life. It was like a dream. Unbelievable! “
This is untrue! Unbelievable! What is happening to me?” She rang Zai but there
was no response. She thought they were also avoiding her. She became
frustrated and disillusioned. “What is happening? They too are avoiding me! Is it a
conspiracy?” she asked in dismay.
At Haja B’s House
She went straight to Haja B’s house for comfort and reassurance. Mama has
already taken voluntary retirement.
She has already left the government house. She regretted not building her
house. “I have no where to call my own. I was stupid and foolish. Government
house is not my house. While I went partying and wasting money, I completely
neglected my building. I was banking on my rich daughter. Look how she have
treated me, a whole me as a thrash!” She sobbed. Haja gave her courage. “What
are friends for? I love you Oumu. We have been friends since our school days.
My house is your house. You can stay as long as you wish. Feel free and
comfortable. I am the only occupant of this huge self-contain duplet.”
The Couples Came
Zai and Saul bought a double decked duplet at the housing scheme they
relocated there. They wanted to take mama by surprise. That’s why she cannot reach
they by phone. They came for her.
The Surprise
Mama felt great relief when she saw her younger daughter and her husband.
After all they have not abandon her. She thought they have also abandoned her.
They greeted mama and her friend. They announced that they have come for her.
“Mama! We have come for you.” “To go where?” She asked with a surprise. “
To go to our home.” Your home?” “Yes! Our home!” She hesitated. “You want me
back after everything I’ve done to you?” “Why not? Allah forgives us our
trespasses, who are we not to forgive others who trespass against us. You are
forgiven. You will always be our dear mum. We are very sorry for what have
happen. Please take it in good faith. Everything will be alright Ishallah!”
Madam Bintou winked her eyes in approval. “Okay! Let me go in to get my luggage.”
The couples thanked Madam Bintou for standing up for Mama. “Thank you Aunty
for taking care of mama.” “Its my pleasure. Thank you also for taking care
of your parent. Allah will pay and reward you. No matter what, a parent is a
parent. That is African culture. As the saying goes, a parent is like a rock.
If you fell at it you get crushed, if it hits you, you are equally crushed.
Allah will bless you.’ Madam Bintou prayed for them.
The Greatest Surprise
Mama thought she was going to the old home but instead the couples drove her
in a new porsh car into a porsh area of the surburbs. The car halted at a
flashy newly built double decked duplet. Mama is full of surprise waiting to be
enlightened. Zai laughed and ushered Mama into their flashy newly built
duplet. “Mama is this our house. We bought it.” “What about the Car?” Mama
asked. “We own the car as well. Saul has been doubly promoted to the position of
General Manager of his bank. He will be traveling shortly to the U.S for a
two years refresher course. I’ll be traveling with him. A college position is
already secured for me. I want to do my masters. You’ll be staying here while
we travel to the U.S. There is a maid and a houseboy at your disposal. Feel
free mum. Saul have also made plans to build you a house at your empty plot.”
Mama shed tears of joy and shame. She hugged the couples and prayed for them.
“You have really kill me with shame. All that glitters is not gold. I have
got my blessing where I least expected it. Nothing is static. The rich
household has rejected me. The poor household have transformed to the least I have
expected. May Allah bless you and forever fill your wealth fountain. But as
for Bani and her husband may I never meet them even in the heavens.” Comment:
Never discriminate between members of your family. The morrow is prename with
surprises.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
1988; THE YEAR WHEN THE SENEGAMBIA CONFEDERATION SHOWED SIGNS OF CRACKS
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in general and Gambian politics in
particular in this column. This is what motivates us to follow the narration of
political events from the pre- colonial to post –independence era.
In the last issue we have started to reproduce Foroyaa’s interview with
president Jawara during a Press Conference where his position on democracy in
relation to the Local Government and chieftaincy elections was challenged.
Let us continue from where we stopped.
Whilst Foroyaa was questioning president Jawara on chieftaincy elections,
three districts were brazing themselves for an election; i.e. Niamina East,
Jarra East and Kombo East. The fourth district, Wuli East was also due for
election at the time but it was not included for undisclosed reasons according to
the Nation.
The Nation also questioned how democratic was the institution of chieftaincy
and why was it that only yard owners were entitled to nominate and vote for
a chief?
The Nation recalled FOROYAA’ interview with president Jawara and expressed
wonder as to what kind of democracy that was when people could propose and an
individual disposes. The Nation asserted that this type of democracy could
not be the so-called Westminster style of democracy, which the PPP claimed to
have inherited from Britain. The Nation opined that it is quite absurd that
whilst chiefs rule over everyone in their districts, the yard owners only elect
them.
Yard owners in the provinces, the nation wrote, are usually old men and that
means that the women and the rest of the citizens are effectively
disenfranchised during chieftaincy elections. The Nation opined jokingly and said it
could fittingly be called one of two things, i.e. Sembocracy or Gentocracy but
certainly not Democracy.
The Nation argued that the president removes chiefs only when they fall foul
with the state but certainly not for anything else such as the national
interest as claimed by the president. The Nation cited a chief who was infirmed
for more than two years who would not neither be removed by the people nor the
regime as long as he was not doing anything that offended the regime. The
Nation challenged the PPP regime to stipulate the criteria or qualification to
be a chief. They argued that there was none; that the only and the most
important qualification for one to be a chief and remain so was the
unquestionable loyalty to the PPP. Full stop. This is why the Nation posited that there
was not a single chief in the whole Gambia who was allied to the opposition. It
remarked that the absurdity of the selection criteria for chiefs is, no
doubt, one of the reasons why chiefs were being screened and short-listed as
candidates for elections, a power which did not rest with the people but with the
minister of Local Government whose prerogative it was to choose who should
or should not be given a ballot box. The other verbal criteria laid down during
nomination do not guarantee anyone the right to get a ballot box for the
elections.
In view of the partisan nature of the chieftaincy and the fact that most of
them are illiterates who have no idea as to what the law is, it is quite
ironical that the chiefs would sit as magistrates in their districts, the Nation
argued.
By 31st January 1988, The Gambia and Senegal celebrated the Senegambia
confederation in both Dakar and Banjul and which was graced by both presidents.
Observers of the period expressed that the two leaders were not actually
speaking the same language. They observed that whilst president Abdou Diouf was
stressing on the oneness of the peoples of the confederation, Sir Dawda appeared
to be at pains to stress on the independence and sovereignty of the two
political entities.
According to the Nation, instead of referring to the confederation like a
single political entity as Diouf did, the Gambian president kept on referring
to it as the “Confederated states”.
According to the Nation, whilst president Diouf saw the confederation as a
first step towards the eventual union of the two countries, Jawara saw it
purely as a marriage of convenience.
Sir Dawda in his address at the celebration mentioned, among other things,
that the institutions of the confederation, which were created in cognisance
with the national sovereignty and the democratic principles of our two
countries continue to mature and function satisfactorily. He cited the confederal
parliament and the council of ministers that continue to meet to discuss
matters of significance. He also cited the General Secretariat and the presidency,
which he said was the principal operating organ of the confederation as well
as the various confederal ministries that were also performing their
functions satisfactorily, despite some manpower and financial resource constraints.
President Jawara opined that these developments would not have been possible
without dedication and devotion to duty of the officials of the confederated
states at various levels of their confederal institutions.
After the celebrations, many Gambians expressed opinions in Newspapers. One
student commented that what has been proven by history was that unity is not
and cannot be expressed so easily on paper; that it has to be an expressed
will of the people concerned; that any forced, unequal accord, whether on
confederal or federal terms, cannot exist without using violence to maintain the
force that gave birth to it.
There were others who accused Senegal of being a neo-colonialist state and
cited French military bases there as an example. Others in fact went to the
extent of saying that even the word Senegambia was synonymous with a Gambian
subject to Senegal; that we are no longer given due regard and respect as a
people pertaining to a certain nation but we lived in a world of mockery and
scorn.
The opposition to the Senegambia confederation continued to build up,
pioneered by the PDOIS party. One commentator blamed both Senegal and Gambian
authorities and accused them of perpetrating an act, which according to him if
unchecked could lead to an incident in which brother would kill brother, which
he opined, was already enough. Narrow nationalist feelings such as the above
were also developing mainly among the youth.
See next issue as we delve into issues of mid 1988.
LABA SOSSEH – The historical legacy of an African musical genius
Part 2
By Wassa Fatty
Improvisation:
Slavery has robbed Africa of its human resources and dislocated its
potential to industrialize. Our African ancestors who were brutally exported as human
slave cargoes to the Americas where not nonentities or nobodies as the
history books written by Europeans will tell you; but included nobles and people
who specialized in various professions. Among those captured and chained to be
slaves were doctors, teachers, blacksmiths and goldsmiths, leather
specialists, shoemakers, traders, entrepreneurs, technologists, scientists,
industrialists, farmers, fishermen, philosophers, engineers, administrators, hunters,
poets, singers, dancers, comedians, pregnant women and children of all ages.
There were also individuals who specialized in the making of all kinds of
musical instruments. All these people were dehumanized on their voyage to the new
world created by the Europeans and for the interest of the European ruling
elites. Africa’s lost became the fruitful gains of what we now call the
Western world.
Our ancestors chained in the slave ships left with no personal belongings to
the new world. The only thing they carried with them was their skins,
memories, languages, talents, blood and flesh to generate wealth for Europeans.
Under any condition, especially in dehumanized conditions, humans may loose
their names and language, but they do not forget their history or place of
origin. They may not also possess original materials they used for cultural
development, but they do have innovative skills to improvise the type of things they
left behind under forceful and painful conditions such as slavery. It is in
this context that one need to search for the innovative skills of our
ancestors in their new environment as slaves to understand the cultural
contributions they left behind for humanity. The present day popular Salsa music, like
Rumba, Chacha, Blues, Jazz, Soul, Wrap, Ska, Reggae, Calypso, Steel band or
even Rock music, you name them; all had their roots from these improvised
musical instruments. It was from these musical instruments made in the slave
plantations that gave birth to all these music we now call “Western music.” What
is Western music without the Black presence? The evidence given in Salsa
music will support the argument.
Salsa music as it is known today was African in origin. Its origin came from
the African musical instruments produced in slave plantations. Many things
the slaves were using for their own emotional needs and to establish their own
identity were banned by the slave masters. For example the banning of the
drums led to the improvisation of steel drums (empty barrels) in the Caribbean.
So was the history of other improvised musical instruments produced in the
plantations.
Thus, here are some of the names of the improvised musical instruments below:
Among those improvised musical instruments as narrated by Maureen Turner and
Elena Perez Sajurjo of the Institute of Cuban music, where the “Bongoes”
(an African name), corruptly called the “Bongocitos” in Spanish. The Bongo or
Bongoes are two wooden shells joined together at the middle and the tops
covered with leather and produced sounds when struck in the centre. The “Botijuela
” is an ordinary container made from yellow clay with an opening at the
neck. Its main use was to transport oil or milk from Spain to the Caribbean
slave plantations. The slaves improvised the empty containers of Botijuela to
drums. The “Claves” (improvised “tamma” or talking drum) (keep the name in
mind) was made from the type of hard wood usually used in the construction of
boats. It is one inch in diameter and eight inches in length, but it was one of
the most dynamic musical instruments made outside of Africa by Africans. It
is one instrument that can give all kinds of sounds and has the capability to
rise above all other instruments melodically. It can carry or change the
rhythm, direct the melody and the steps of the dancers as well. The African “
Tamma” does that too. Its usefulness and popularity spread from Cuba to the rest
of the Americas and even to Europe. The Cuban music expert, Emilio Grenet,
correctly stated that the “Clave” is one instrument that can be adjusted with
every type of Cuban melody. The “Conga” (African name) drums or sometimes
called the “Tumbadora” (“Tumba”, “Tantawo” or “Kutiro” in Mandinka. “Jembe”
in Wollof), is made from a shell or hollow wood. To play it, it is held
between the knees or hung from the shoulders. The “Cobwell” or called in
Spanish ‘Cencerro,’ is made from hard metal to give or provide strong sounds when
strike with a metal stick. The “Guiro” is mostly a rhythmic instrument made
from large dried gourd (“Mirangwo” in Mandinka), with several lines carved
on the sides and a hole in the back. It can create different vibrations of
sounds depending on what is strike against it; wooden or metal stick. The “
Marimbula,” is a wooden box with a circular opening which serves as the sound
hole. It has sheets of metal of different sizes fastened over an opening and
produce different sounds when played with the finger tips. It was made by
Africans in Santo Domingo or Haiti. The “Quijada” was among the earliest improvised
instruments the Spanish slavers called “primitive” instrument or “jawbones”
in Louisiana, USA. As the slave masters banned the wooden clapping sticks (“
Wooleh-wumaw” in Jola) in the plantations, slaves improvised this instrument
with large animal jawbones such as donkeys or horses. When the upper and
lower jawbones are strike together, it produces various sounds and it became an
instrument that accompanies the clave instrument. The “Timbales” are drums
of different sizes (“Bukarabu” in Jola). It could be two or more drums
normally placed according to sizes to give different sounds. It gave life to rumba
music for that matter and became a very vital instrument in Latin American
music to this day.
HEALTH AND NUTRITION BANTABA
What Is Measles
By Yaya Bajo
(Courtesy of HEU)
Measles remains a leading cause of death among young children, despite the
availability of a safe and effective vaccine for the past 40 years. An
estimated 345,000 people, the majority of them children, died from measles in 2005
(the latest year for which figures are available)
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. Almost all non-immune
children contract measles if exposed to the virus. Measles is an acute viral
illness caused by a virus in the paramyxo-virus family. As a respiratory
disease, measles virus normally grows in the cells that line the back of the
throat and in the cells that line the lungs. Measles is a human disease with no
known animal reservoir.
Vaccination had had a major impact on measles death. From 200 to 2005, more
than 360 million children globally received measles vaccine through
supplementary immunization activities. Moreover, improvements have been made routine
immunization over this period. These accelerated activities have resulted in a
significant reduction in estimated global measles deaths. Overall, global
measles mortality decreased by 60% between 1999 and 2005. The largest gains
occurred in Africa where measles causes and deaths decreased by nearly 75%.
Sings And Symptoms
The first sign of infection is usually high fever, which begins
approximately 10 to 20 days after exposure and lasts one to seven days. During the
initial stage, the patient may develop coryzer (running nose). Cough, red and
watery eyes and small white spots inside the cheeks. After several days, a rash
develops, usually on the face and upper neck. Over a period of about three
days, the rash proceeds downward, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The
rash lasts for five to six days, then fades. The rash occurs, on average, at day
14 after exposure to the virus, with a range of seven to 18 days.
Complications
Measles occur after an unpleasant mild or moderately severe illness. Severe
measles is particularly likely in poorly nourished young children, especially
those who do not receive sufficient vitamin A, or whose immune system have
been weakened by HIV/AIDS or other disease.
Children usually do not die directly of measles, but from its complications.
Complications are more common in children under the age of five or adults
over the age of 20. The most serious complications include blindness,
encephalitis (a dangerous infection of the brain causing inflammation), severe
diarrhea (possibly leading to dehydration), ear infections and severe respiratory
infections such as pneumonia, which is the most common cause of death
associated with measles. Encephalitis is estimated to occur in 1/1000 case, while
otitis media (middle ear infection) is reported in 5-15% of cases and pneumonia
in 5-10% of causes. The case fatality rate in developing countries is
generally in the range of 1 to 5%, but may be as high as 25% in populations with high
levels of malnutrition and poor access to health care. People who recover
from measles are immune for the rest of their lives.
People Most At Risk
Un-immunised persons, especially young children, are highest risk for
measles and its complications, including death. Measles can also affect
un-immunized older children, adolescents and young adults. All people who have not been
immunized with vaccine or who have not acquired immunity through having
experienced the disease can become infected.
Measles can be particularly deadly in countries experiencing or recovering
from rates war, civil strife or natural disasters. Infection rates soar
because damage to infrastructure and health services interrupts routine
immunization and overcrowding in campus for refugees and internally displaced persons
greatly increases the risk of infection.
Transmission
The highly contagious measles virus is spread by airborne droplets
(circulating as a result of coughing and sneezing), close personal contact or direct
contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected person. Consequently,
measles tends to occur as epidemics which may cause many deaths especially among
young malnourished children.
The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces
for up to two hours. It can be transmitted by an infected individual from four
days prior to the onset of the rash to four days after the onset. If one
person has the disease, a high proportion of their susceptible close contacts
will also become infected with the measles virus.
Treatment
Severe complications from measles can be avoided through proper clinical
management General nutritional support and the treatment of dehydration with
oral rehydration solution are necessary. Antibiotics should be prescribed for
treating eye and ear infections and pneumonia. To improve survival, it is
important that children with measles receive adequate nutrition and fluids.
All children in developing countries diagnosed with measles should receive
two doses of vitamin A supplements given 24 hours apart. Given vitamin A at
the time of diagnosis can help prevent eye damage and blindness. Moreover,
vitamin A supplementation had been shown to reduce the number of deaths from
measles by 50%.
Disease And Mortality Burden
While measles is now rare in many industrialized countries, it remains a
common illness in many developing countries. More than 20 million people are
infected each year by measles. In 2005, it was estimated that there was 345,000
measles deaths globally; this translate to about 945 measles deaths everyday.
The over whelming majority (> 95%) of measles deaths occur in countries with
per capita Gross National income of less than US $ 1000. The primary reason
for continuing high childhood measles morbidity and mortality is the failure
to deliver at least one dose of measles vaccine to all infants. In countries
where measles has been largely eliminated cases imported from other countries
remain an important source of infection.
Prevention: A Cost-Effective, Save Vaccine
Suffering, complications and health caused by measles can be easily
prevented through immunization. The measles vaccine is safe, effective and
inexpensive. It costs less than one US dollar (Consisting of vaccine, injection
equipment and operational costs) to imminise a child against measles, making measles
vaccination one of the most cost-effective public health interventions
available for preventing death. Measles immunization carries the highest health
return for the money spent saving more lives per unit cost. The vaccine, which
had been available for more than 40 years, costs about US 50.33 per bundle
dose. (vaccine plus safe injection equipment) if procured through the United
Nations children Fund (UNICEF).
In many countries where the public health burden of rubella and/or mumps is
considered to be important, measles vaccine is often incorporated with
rubella and/or mumps vaccines as a combined, live, attenuated (weakened).
Measles-Rubella (MR) or Measles-Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine. If procured through
UNICEF, MR vaccine cost about US 5065 per bundled dose, and the price of MMR per
bundled dose is in the range of $1.04-$1.50 depending on the manufacturer.
Measles vaccine is equally effective whether in the monovalent or in the
combined immunization coverage rates for measles vaccination vary significantly by
region. WHO and UNICEF estimate that the global average for routine measles
immunization coverage between 1999 and 2005 increased from 71% to 77%.
To be continued
Cotton Farmers Speak Out After One Year Of Frustration
By Lamin Fatty
Cotton farmers in CRR and URR have received the moneys owed them by Gamcot.
This development happened after one year of waiting which was characterized
by anger, frustration and hardship. Speaking to this reporter at the Gamcot
office after receiving his money, Kunna Bah, a farmer and a native of Sarejideh
in the Wuli East District pointed out that his cotton weight 300kg which
according to him is equivalent to D2200 after paying all his inputs credit to
Gamcot. He said that he does not cultivate cotton this season because of
difficulties in getting the usual raw materials (seeds) from the company. He said
the only crop he cultivated is coos.
Another farmer, Jiddeh Bah, also a native of Sare Jiddeh told this
reporter that his cotton weight over 1000kg. He said he paid D1275 to Gamcot, being
the cost of the input he took from Gamcot. He said he was finally left with
D8, 890. He also added that he does not cultivate cotton this year due to the
fact that he encountered difficulties. He explained that normally at the
beginning of the rainy season, Gamcot officials do visit the farmers who want to
grow cotton and supply them with seeds and fertilizers; that this t year no
Gamcot staff was seen ; that in the whole of Wuli East and Central, only three
farmers cultivate cotton; that even those three farmers who cultivate
cotton, got their seeds from neighbouring Senegal.
When asked where these farmers are going to sell their cotton to since
Gamcot did not advice them to grow cotton, he said that what these three farmers
told him was that they are going to sell it to Senegal if Gamcot will not buy
it. He called on the management of Gamcot to look into better management
strategies to improve cotton production. Jiddeh Bah remarked that Gambian farmers
are now desperate since groundnut production is already in shambles and the
sustainability of cotton production is also seriously at stake.
Alagie Abdou Keita, at Foday Kunda, said he received D5,640after paying
the money he owed Gamcot.. He urged Gamcot to supply farmers with seeds at the
right time, otherwise farmers will end up diversifying from cotton to other
food crops that are consumed locally. He finally urged farmers to continue
to produce cotton and not to be threatened or discouraged by their ordeal.
Another farmer interviewed was Tamba Saho, said to be a native of Bani in
the Kantora District who explained that his cotton weighed 441kg which earned
him D3,080 after paying the money he owed Gamcot. He also said that he did
not cultivate cotton because of the same reasons advanced by the other farmers
but that he used to grow cotton.
Pa Sarjo Sanyang, a native of Song Kunda in the Kantora District also an
area president, said he cannot remember how many kilos his cotton had weighed ,
but was paid D1160.00 after paying his debts. He said he has not seen a
single cotton farm in the whole of Kantora District because of the constraints.
Alpha Bah, the National President of the Gambia Cotton Growers Association
(COGA) said he was happy and comfortable that the farmers are finally paid. He
said all that he was craving for was for farmers to receive their money;
that as a leader you can never be comfortable if your followers are in trouble
or in difficulty. He thanked the farmers for their understanding and
cooperation by maintaining patience; that this is what is expected of them. The COGA
president said he cultivated cotton this year .He said he did use the seeds he
gathered from his farm last year to cultivate cotton this year.He said
Gamcot will buy the cotton. Mr. Bah finally appealed to the government for support
as cotton contributes a lot towards the economy of the country and that
cattle benefit a lot from the cottonseed as a good source of animal feed. When
contacted to shed light on the issues raised by the cotton farmers, the Manager
of Gamcot Amadou Danso said the government had written to the parent
company, Dagis, in France for them to meet with the sister company in Senegal in
order to discuss the future of the company. Mr. Danso, however, pointed out that
Gamcot can be sustained for one year with the present cash flow at their
disposal.
Gambia Gets U.S $3 Million World Bank Grant
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The World Bank has approved a grant of US$ 3 million to support the Gambia’s
Capacity Building for Economic Management Project.
According to a release from the bank, it’s board of Executive Directors on
Tuesday October 30 in Washington gave the approval of “An International
Development Assistance (IDA) additional grant to support the Capacity Building for
Economic Management of The Gambia, without an expansion and a scale-up of the
original project activities.”
This new grant is expected to establish the Integrated Financial Management
Information System (IFMIS) and to build local capacity in its usage. The
release read: “The establishment of The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and the
streamlining of customs procedures and upgrading of the Automated System
Customs Data Administration (ASYCUDA) IT system are also among activities to be
funded by the additional grant.” The project was initially approved by the IDA’
s Board of Executive Directors in July 2001 and was due to close on December
31, 2007, but as part of additional financing, the closing date has been
extended to December 31, 2008.
“As of September 1, 2007, 94.4 percent of the credit has been disbursed,”
the bank said.
The World Bank Task Team Leader for the project, Hoon Sahib Soh quoted by
the release said: “This additional grant would help finance costs associated
with some of the original project activities which have experienced cost
overruns. It will allow the Government of The Gambia to complete ongoing
initiatives, thereby contributing towards the achievement of the initial Project
Development Objective (PDO) and the sustainability of the initiatives”. Hoon Sahib
Soh emphasised that the “Expected out comes from these activities are
improved public financial management, both for revenue and expenditures”.
Lamin R. Darboe And Co. Trial
Another Adjournment
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving the State and Mr. Lamin R. Darboe of the UDP and four
others was on Wednesday 31 October 2007 deferred to 14 November. The trial did
not proceed due to the absence of the presiding Magistrate Ayub Johnny Njie..
Readers would recall that the five supporters of the UDP, who pleaded not
guilty to the preferred assault charges, were first arraigned in court on 7
August, 2006 before Magistrate S.B Tabally. The accused persons Lamin R. Darboe,
Buba Darboe, Jerreh Fatty, Maimuna Jobarteh and Momodou Demba are alleged to
have unlawfully assaulted the complainants thereby causing them bodily harm
on 15 May, 2006, at Pirang village in the Kombo East District..
Only two prosecution witnesses have so far testified before Magistrate Njie.
The first prosecution witness, Morro Bojang, while being cross examined by
defense counsel lawyer Ousainou Darboe, denied having known that on the night
of 15 May, 2006 the APRC supporters were arrested by police officers from
Mandina-Ba Police Station based on the complaint lodged by the first accused,
Lamin R. Darboe.
Employee Accuses Police Of Torture
By Modou Jonga
Vincent Badjie, who is currently standing trial on a count of theft and
house breaking, has told the Brikama Magistrates Court that his cautionary and
voluntary statements were obtained involuntarily. A German at Madina Salam in
the Kombo South District employs the accused, who pleaded not guilty to the
charge of house breaking.
While entering his defence on Tuesday 30 October 2007, the accused noted
that he was tortured by officers at the Gunjur police station and was forced to
give his statement.
While being cross-examined by prosecutor Corporal 134 Sambou, the accused
dismissed the argument deployed by the prosecution that his statement was
obtained under duress and in the absence of an independent witness.
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA
PRESS RELEASE
Crushing Defeat of US blockade of Cuba at UN General Assembly
Havana, Oct 30(acn) For the sixteenth consecutive time, United Nations
members voted against the US economic, financial and commercial blockade of Cuba.
The resolution presented by the island received 184 votes in favour, one more
than in 2006, four against and one abstention.
President Bush’s latest speech calling for a strengthening of the economic
war on the Cuban people triggered an opposite reaction and the White House was
suddenly left alone except for its own vote, that of its loyal ally Israel.
and the vote of the Marshall Islands and Palau. Only Micronesia abstained.
The Bush administration tried in vain to “persuade” UN members prior and
during the General Assembly sessions, but the pressure only worked on Albania,
which did not show up, and Iraq and El Salvador whose representatives left
the room before taking the vote.
Several countries spoke up against the blockade. Pakistan took the floor on
behalf of the Group of 77, while Egypt did so representing the Non Aligned
Movement, and the Bahamas on behalf of CARICOM.
Venezuela, Mexico, Viet Nam and South Africa stood up alongside Cuba as
well, as did, in their speeches, the representatives of China, Russia, India,
Uganda, Bolivia, Libya, Tanzania, Zambia, Nicaragua and Zimbabwe. Cuba’s Foreign
Minister Felipe Perez Roque called on UN members to support the report
entitled “Necessity to end the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed
by Washington against Cuba,” considering the blockade as part of an extra
territorial and illegal policy, a genocide. The draft resolution, which had
already been circulated among the 192 member states, is supported by an annual
report by the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, which reflects the
disagreement of 120 countries and institutions in relation to the US aggressive policy
against Cuba.
“Cuba will never give up. On the contrary, Cuba will fight on because by
defending the rights of their people it is defending the rights of all the
peoples represented by the UN General Assembly,” he concluded.
Jolly Riders Donate Over 600 Bicycles
By Madiba Singhateh
Jolly Riders Foundation in the UK in collaboration with the Board of the
Foundation in the Gambia handed over 600 bicycles to students of the upper basic
and senior secondary Schools at a presentation held at Gunjur Kombo South,
on Thursday 25 October 2007.
Mr Kebba K. Barrow, the Secretary of Jolly Riders in The Gambia on his
welcome remarks said their objective is to develop the capacity and skills of
students in Gambian schools through the provision of training facilities and
opportunities delivered by different means and format.
Mr. Barrow said the Foundation was registered on 25th April 2006 and that
from March 2006 they handed over 909 bicycles to 9 upper basic schools in The
Gambia.
He noted that the donation of 665 bicycles to upper basic and senior
secondary schools emanates from the concern that children travel for more than 4
kilometres to school in their division.
Mr. Barrow also noted that Jolly Foundation in both The Gambia and UK is
supported by Her Majesty to deliver the bicycles in The Gambia.
He said the foundation will donate the 1000 bicycle to PS Department of
State for Basic Education because of their commitment, noting that the Department
paid the D132, 894 for the 665 bicycles at the customs, so they are thanking
them.
Mr. Barrow concluded by saying that they have donated 1665 bicycles to meet
their target in the Millennium Development Goal of Education in 2015. He said
they are expecting another batch of bicycles in November. The bicycles
donated are giving to schools like Kalagi Upper, Keneba Basi cycle, Karantaba
Upper, Pakalinding Upper, Japineh Upper and Siffoe Senior Secondary Schools.
Hon. Borry Colley the national Assembly Member for Foni Jarrol also
commented on the gesture and said parents should know that these bicycles are for
their children.
Mr Abdou Badjie the Governor for Western Division said he wants the mutual
relationship to grow from strength to strength. He said that the gifts would
enable the children to go to school punctually.
He said they train the children on how to use the high way and they will
call the attention of the police to the vehicles on the highway in a workshop.
He said it will be organised for children also on how to use them (the
bicycles) effectively.
He said his office will give land to Jolly Riders as they are doing a good
job.
Sports’ Journalists’ Awards in December
By Modou Nyang
The Sports Journalist Association will finally stage their long awaited
awards in December, a statement from the General Secretary indicates.
Signed by Sainabou Kujabi, General Secretary of the Sports Journalist
Association of the Gambia, the statement revealed that the event will be staged in
partnership with Football Digest newspaper. The event is scheduled to take
place on December 22nd.
The awards, the first of its kind in the country, will honour sportspersons
for their performance during the year. Coaches, administrators and sports
sponsors will also be awarded too, the statement added.
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