Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 26/2008, 3 - 4 March, 2008
Editorial
Health Risk To Tipper Garage Drivers
Urgent Action Required
We wish to share the agony and anguish the drivers and other users of the
premises of Tipper Garage Car Park in the Serrekunda suburb of Bakoteh are
enduring because of the lack of proper excreta disposal system and over
congestion. It is indeed welcoming and moreover timely for the affected community of
the aforementioned public place to make their plight known to the general
populace, particularly the concerned authorities for swift redress or
intervention.
According to the story in the Foroyaa publication, the state for the motor
park is rather deplorable and inconceivable as it is grossly unfit for human
habitation. Health, which has been vividly defined by World Health
Organisation as the complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity, has had its philosophy threatened by
the car park’s unhygienic environmental condition.
Suffice to say that the unsound environmental scene besieging Tipper Garage
- lack of latrine and congestion - have the potent to expose the users to
life threatening communicable diseases like cholera and tuberculosis. The act of
open or scattered defaecation by drivers and passengers can promote the
outbreak of diarrhoeal diseases within the garage dwellers as faeco-oral
transmission or infection of bacterial agents can easily take place. The presence of
food vendors in such an unfriendly health environment amidst congestion puts
the health of the car park worker and even visitors at risk since the food
offered for sale is prone to contamination, resulting into gastro-enteritis or
other associated health problems such a helmint infestations, cholera,
diarrhoea and dysentery.
It should be borne in mind by all and sundry that poor sanitation can spread
disease through effective exposure to contaminated soils, skin contact with
contaminated water, drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated animals
or plants. This is precisely the reason why health experts recommend that
defecation areas should be far from water storage and treatment facilities, down
hill of settlements and water sources, far from public buildings or roads,
not in field crops grown for human consumption, far from food storage or
preparatory areas, and at least 30 metres from water sources which of course
depends on the function of soil factor.
However, environmentally sound management goes beyond the mere safe disposal
or recovery of wastes that are generated and seeks to address the root cause
of the problem by attempting to change unsustainable patterns of production
and consumption. This implies the application of the integrated life cycle
management concept, which presents a unique opportunity to reconcile
development with environmental protection.
Therefore, the untold poor sanitary condition at Tippa Garage taxi park as
highlighted by the report can be addressed easily by constructing a simple pit
latrine with a reasonable depth about 2 metres; supported by a good
superstructure with a cover slab or tight fitting lid. The brunt of the associated
health implications is being shouldered by the drivers who spend the day at the
taxi park. This is one of KMC’s responsibilities. Foroyaa will get in touch
to find out what they intend to do
Needless to say, the erection of a simple pit latrine at the taxi park will
greatly minimise the problem of odour and flies, thus transforming the
environment into a relatively conducive place for habitation. Please don’t wait any
longer, act now, as the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”.
Kanyiba Kanyi’s Family Remain Uncertain!!
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The detention of Kanyiba Kanyi incommunicado for 15 months now, made his
family and loved ones to be uncertain about his fate. The family, who were in
tears, said Kanyiba’s long disappearance had a negative psychological impact in
their family life. According to them, they could not understand the sudden
disappearance of Kanyiba; that they are yet to know the offences he might
have done to deserve his long incarceration. They pointed out that Kanyiba was
not a politician neither a state employee, instead a charitable worker under
the Christian Children’s’ Fund ( CCF). They expressed their frustration and
wondered as to whether Kanyiba is death or alive. They complained that since
he was arrested by security agents in September 2006; they have never heard
any information about his whereabouts nor the conditions under he might have
been held. They explained how they daily lived in sorrow and distress not
knowing joy nor happiness since his disappearance. They stated that they have done
everything possible within their power to locate Kanyiba’s place of
detention but to no avail. The Kanyi family wonder when justice would prevail,
because as they said their lawyer had sought the release of kanyiba through the
high court in late 2006, which was granted but is yet to be honoured by the
state. “ We have been waiting in vain since the court’s ruling, we have no
other alternative but to leave everything in the hands of Almighty”, they
lamented.
It could be recalled that Kanyiba Kanyi, was said to be arrested by three
plain clothes security agents from his residence at Bonto Village in Kombo Ea
st, on 18 September 2006, barely few days before the presidential elections.
His detention incommunicado now clocks 521 days. Upon his arrest, his younger
brother, Wandifa Kanyi, was also arrested and spent a night at the Police
headquarters’in Banjul before being released. As for Kanyiba, since then, the
family has not known his whereabouts or condition of detention.
Gambia Gets $28 Million Assistance to Fight Poverty
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Gambia has benefited about $28 million from the World Bank and the
African Development Bank Joint Assistance Strategy (JAS) to support the
implementation of the country’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP II) for the
period of 2008 to 2011.
According to a release from the World Bank Communication and Learning
Coordinator in Dakar, Mademba Ndiaye. The endorsement for the assistance was done
by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors on February 26 in Washington,
United States.
Madani M. Tall, country director for The Gambia, is quoted by the release as
saying, “this JAS is an important step in the process of aid harmonisation
because for that small country, more than 15 donors are providing assistance,
which is channelled through a broad variety of entities, both governmental
and non-governmental, and although most external partners are aligning external
assistance with country objectives, they are preparing separate assistance
strategies for the period 2007-2011”.
Francoise Perrot, task team leader for the Bank noted that the strategy
represents the first step of an effort to harmonise donor assistance in The
Gambia in line with the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness.
“It will allow us to align our development programme, avoid duplication of
efforts, and combine our technical expertise,” Ms. Perrot said.
She said that the joint strategy is prepared on the basis of an estimated
$18 million allocation on the World Bank side and $10 million on the AfDB side
over the period of 2008-2011.
“These are indicative amounts,” Ms. Perrot added.
The release indicates, “under this joint strategy, the World Bank and the
AfDB have developed shared-objectives and a common platform for lending and
non-lending services under two main pillars. So that the two institutions will
support The Gambia to strengthen its institutional framework for economic
management and public service delivery, and to enhance its productive capacity
and accelerate growth and competitiveness. These will include coordinated
contribution to budget support, complementary investments in growth and
competitiveness, and joint analytical work in the areas of public finance, civil
service reform and governance.”
The release states that the Gambian economy has been strong in recent years,
with an average annual real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of
about 6% during 2003-2006.
It added that the completion of a Millennium Development Goals-based Poverty
Reduction Strategy Paper II (2007-2011), the completion point under Highly
Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) in December 2007 and eligibility under
Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) and indications of increased project aid
from development partners provide an opportunity for the country’s achievements
and accelerated growth.
Media Practitioners Fight For Decriminalisation Of Media Laws
A regional seminar on “The decriminalisation of media laws”, held in
Ouagadougou from February 27th – 29th, Burkina Faso with objectives to reinforce
the comprehension of the de-criminalisation of the press offence laws in West
Africa, has set up a lobbying strategy at the regional level and is to prepare
a common lobbying document.
Deliberations and plenary sessions focused on decriminalisation of the press
offence laws in relation to the social responsibility of the journalist and
arguments for and against the de-criminalisation of the press offence laws.
In West Africa, only Togo and Ghana have de-penalised the press offence laws.
Presentations on their experiences and the processes to decriminalisation
were made.
Participants noted that the de-criminalisation of press offences within a
society that should build itself as a democratic State, will contribute to and
reaffirm, not only the right to the freedom of the press which opens the way
to the freedom of expression and opinion, but also the right to criticize the
decisions of the institutional powers established to open the path to plural
debate.
It was also argued that the arrests and imprisonment for violations of the
press offence laws, though sometimes legal, are sanctions that restrict 1) the
basic right to information and the free expression of the opinions and
thoughts; and 2) the installation of democracy.
A declaration known as the Ouagadougou Declaration was issued by the
participants at the end of seminar.
Considering that the freedom of the press remains essential to the
establishment of good governance and economic, political, social and cultural
sustainable development; of prosperity and peace in the sub-region, and to the fight
against corruption, famine, poverty, violent conflict, disease and lack of
education, the participants reaffirmed their responsibility as women and men
of media to conduct an “energetic campaign in the long run against the
violations and the restrictions on freedom of the press”.
The Ouagadougou Declaration calls on The Member States of ECOWAS and
Mauritania to recognise the indivisible character of freedom of the press and
respect the commitments they have signed within the framework of the international,
regional and sub regional conventions reaffirming freedom, the independence
and the safety of press and, “to urgently support this objective by the
abrogation of the laws on defamation and public insult.”
Among other issues, it further calls on the governments and the Parliaments
of the Member States of ECOWAS and Mauritania to urgently examine and abolish
all the other laws that limit freedom of the press; to immediately release
journalists imprisoned in the exercise of their professional duties and
authorise the journalists in exile to return to their home country; to condemn all
forms of repression of the media in the ECOWAS region and Mauritania that
make it possible to prohibit newspapers, and the use of other sanctions like the
taxation laws on the importation of newsprint and printing equipment and the
suppression of advertising interdiction in private newspapers; and to create
a fund for the development of the media and give priority to legal reform of
the media and, in particular, to the campaign for the removal in the West
African region of the laws on defamation and public insult.
The Declaration also reminded ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania to conform
to the principles stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and other protocols, and to offer constitutional guarantees to
freedom of the press.
This Declaration will be presented to the President of the Commission of
ECOWAS with the request that it be distributed to all the Member States of
ECOWAS to be approved during its next meeting at the summit of the Heads of State.
Gambia/Guinea-Bissau Sign Joint Communiqué
By Gibairu Janneh
The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau on Thursday signed a joint communiqué aimed at
fostering relationships between the two countries at the end of a joint inter
ministerial commission at the Corinthia Atlantic Hotel in Banjul. The
communiqué, which focused, among other things, on trade, tourism, social security
and housing, transportation, justice and other issues, is designed to bind up
efforts of the two countries to speedy realisation of the objectives of the
various development sectors.
On trade the communiqué states, among other things, that there will be a
tripartite meeting between the Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Senegal which will aim
at facilitating the free and easy flow of goods among the three countries. On
tourism, the joint communiqué states that there will be co-operation in
agreement that The Gambia will help Guinea- Bissau to facilitate and build its
tourism industry. On social security and housing it states that the Gambia will
facilitate and help Guinea Bissau develop and implement a housing scheme and
on justice it states, among other things, that there will be a treaty on
extradition which would enable the two countries consult each other on judicial
matters.
Addressing delegates after the signing of the communiqué the Prime Minister
of Guinea- Bissau, Mr. Martinho N’ Dafa Cabi, congratulated the government
and people of The Gambia for their hospitality and successful hosting of this
3rd joint inter ministerial commission. He said Guinea Bissau needs its
neighbours in order to achieve its goals and this is why they come to The Gambia to
put aside the past and look forward to the future, noting that the
contribution of The Gambia in bringing peace to Guinea Bissau is no news to anybody.
He noted that the signing of the documents is very important but it will be
more meaningful if it goes into its practical phase. “If we implement what we
have signed we will make history and our people will be grateful,” prime
minister N’Dafa Cabi remarked. He concluded his remarks by stating that
strengthening love and solidarity among African states was the vision of Amilcar Cabral
and if achieved will promote peace, tranquillity and development in Africa.
In her closing statement, the Vice President, Madam Isatou Njie Saidy,
welcomed the conclusions of their deliberations with great satisfactions. She said
after in-depth reflections the two sides have identified problem areas and
they now know the way forward with regards to how they should jointly implement
the many programmes for which they have entered into partnership. She
however said that the job is not done yet. She said as the ink dries on the
documents that they have signed, they should not be left to gather dust in an
obscure corner but rather they must endeavour to meet not only at regular intervals
but also the policy makers as well as our representatives must not shy away
from knocking on each another’s doors and call up ad-hoc meetings on any
subject matter that they hold dear. She noted that Guinea Bissau and The Gambia
are just a phone call away.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
NCP/PPP TALKS PERSISTED; WAS SHERIFF DIBBA TRYING TO BETRAY THE NCP?
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column. We have embarked on the
narration of significant political events from pre-colonial to post
Independence era. We are now in the 1990s. Let us continue from where we stopped.
At this particular time two issues concerned the populace. One was the huge
political debate in the country on the PPP/NCP discussions. The other was the
continuous price hikes experienced by the ordinary people.
The Gambia Bakers’ Association met by 17th August 1990 and increased the
price of bread from D1.75 to D2.25 per loaf. This was a time when Government was
trying to convince the people that the Economic Recovery Programme has
worked and that the new programme the P.S.D had begun. If the bakers were allowed
to increase the price of a stable diet like bread, would that not defeat the
debate that had heated up in parliament and outside it? This was why the Hon.
Minister of Economic Planning and Industrial Development, informed
listeners through the radio Gambia on Thursday, 9th August, 1990 that the Gambia
Bakers’ Association had been ordered to dissolve itself because it increased the
price of bread. The minister based his reason for the dissolution on the
price increase which he opined was high and that consumers had complained.
According to the Nation, Sabally concerned himself with the price increase
because as he argued price increase would encourage CARTEL instead of
competition. The Nation said the question that however persisted was, (1) could the
minister really order the dissolution of any enterprise, group, or
organisation without the due process of the law? (2) whether the procedure to stop the
price increase was proper? And (3) can it be said that the Bakers’
Association has infringed the law there was no price control control?
The Nation opined that it was the removal of price controls that led the
business or service providers to be able to increase prices of essential
commodities.
PPP/NCP TALKS
The second issue that continued to however exercise the minds of the
populace were the secret meetings between Sir Dawda and Mr. Sheriff Mustapha Dibba
in 1989, and this had been a subject of public interest for a very long time.
Many people thought that the talks had since died down, but they were
surprised to learn that they did not.
Many people could not believe the rumour which was being propagated that a
PPP Yai Compin had persuaded the NCP leader to meet President Jawara again so
that he could rejoin the PPP. The rumour was so intense that no media house
could ignore it.
Foroyaa sent a reporter to Mr. Sheriff M. Dibba to find out whether the
meeting had in fact taken place. Mr. Dibba confirmed that the meeting indeed
took place at State House, on Wednesday, 29th August, 1990 at 10:30am. He was
also asked as to who initiated the meeting, Mr. Dibba confirmed that Ajaratou
Fatou Sallah, a prominent PPP woman organizer, initiated the meeting. He said
Aja Fatou Sallah told him that even though she has not gone through formal
schooling, it was her view that political differences between the NCP and the
PPP should be set aside so as to work together for the good of the country. He
said, Mrs. Sallah approached Mr. Jawara to tell him the same thing. He
added that being a political, he was willing to talk to any body who was
interested in talking to him; that the consultation continued until agreement was
reached for a meeting to take place. Mr. Dibba also claimed that it was the
secretary general of the PPP who proposed for each side to send four people to
represent them.
Foroyaa asked Mr. Dibba the issue on which the discussion was centered; Mr.
Dibba said it was centred on two issues i.e. the establishment of a coalition
government or an alliance. He however categorically denied any talk of a
merger.
Mr. Dibba disclosed that the NCP sent Mr. Gibou Jagne, Mr. Solo Darboe, Mr.
Kemeseng Jawara and himself while the PPP sent Mr. Kelepha Samba, Mr. Yaya
Ceesay, Mr. Kiti Jabang and President Jawara himself.
Since Foroyaa had the intention to put to rest the rumour, it asked Mr.
Dibba the out come of the discussion Mr. Dibba said the talks were to continue;
that they did not arrive at a conclusion. He also argued that it was not clear
from the talks at the time whether what was ideal was to establish a
coalition government or an alliance.
Foroyaa which was observing the scene told Mr. Dibba of the broadcast of
radio Gambia, the text of which went like this. “The President Alhagi Sir Dawda
Kairaba Jawara, this morning, had a meeting with the leader of the National
Convention Party (NCP), Mr. Sheriff Dibba, at State House. “Sir Dawda later
told the press that the meeting which lasted about ninety minutes was held at
the request of Mr. Dibba. Sir Dawda said the discussion was very cordial and
the NCP group proposed a way for the two parties to work together. Three
options were considered; i.e. (1) a coalition, 2) an alliance or 3) the NCP
members joining the PPP.
Sir Dawda according to the release said the discussion did not come to any
conclusion and they decided to put the matter to their respective parties. “
Sir Dawda said that he did point out at the meeting that under the present
circumstances, the ruling party has an over whelming majority in parliament; that
there is no need for a coalition. He said he also emphasized that the PPP
was still committed to its avowed principles of a multi party system which he
said is most desirable for the country and is a system that has been
vindicated worldwide”.
Foroyaa analyzed that if the broadcast was anything to go by, Mr. Jawara has
rejected the possibility of a coalition or alliance with the NCP. This was
why Foroyaa asked Mr. Dibba to shed light on the broadcast. Mr. Dibba said
what the president said was his personal opinion; that each person is entitled
to his personal opinion; that for his part, the talks were continuing; that it
was not wise to rule out anything. On the date for the next meeting, the NCP
leader said no date was yet set.
THE OBSERVATIONS
Observers of the scene regarding meetings between Mr. Dibba and Jawara had
been a subject of discussion for sometime now. Some said Mr. Dibba was trying
to betray the NCP. Other NCP members said Mr. Jawara was about to appoint Mr.
Dibba as Vice President, while others maintained that he was going to
appoint him as minister of finance. Observation has shown that close associates of
Mr. Dibba were the ones spreading the rumour that Mr. Jawara has greater
trust in Mr. Dibba than the members of his cabinet; that he has realized that he
could not run the country without Mr. Dibba.Others said Jawara was just
exchanging the two personalities, that it was now the turn of Mr. Dibba now that
Mr. Saho has been removed,etc.
The debate intensified when Jawara informed the press of their Banjul
meeting. The people refused to stop asking questions. Foroyaa quoted section 59
sub-section (5) of the constitution which did not permit anybody who has stood
for elections and did not win to be appointed as an M.P without which one
could not be appointed as a minister. It also quoted section 45, section (1)
which stated that a vice president must be appointed from among the elected
members of the House of Representatives, and asserted that there was no
possibility of Mr. Dibba being made a minister or a vice president unless there was a
by-election from which he emerges as a winner.
Interestingly enough, while President Jawara during meetings in London and
else where continued to maintain that a coalition was not necessary; that Mr.
Dibba should just write and join the PPP, observers wondered why Mr. Dibba
continued to agree to discuss about a working relation with the PPP,that was
driving a wedge between him and his supporters. It was also the opinion of some
people that Jawara has been very skillful in utilizing these meetings to
build up his own political standing by exposing the event to the public.
Foroyaa analyzed that Alliance is formed by political parties which have
strongholds in different areas. In that way, their combined strength would give
them an advantage over their opponent. If an alliance is forged to contest
elections, each party in the alliance thereby puts up candidates where it has
popular support. All the other members of other parties would support the
candidate of the alliance.
Foroyaa cajoled that one does not have to be a political scientist to be
able to understand that the PPP, which has been a ruling party for 25 years sin
ce Gambia supposedly attained nation-hood, would not withdraw from certain
constituencies in favour of a candidate put up by an alliance. Hence Foroyaa
maintained that what would be realistic to the PPP was to absorb the NCP into
its ranks.
Foroyaa warned the NCP leadership to realize that a political party without
prestige cannot expect to win the support of the masses. These meetings
which were designed to develop a working relationship with the PPP at a time when
it demonstrated its incapacity to manage the affairs of the country is
evident to all, would only erode any confidence the NCP may have enlisted from its
supporters.
Foroyaa finally assert that never has a party done so much to discredit
itself at that moment, when everything was at it worst stage. Mr. Dibba, Foroyaa
wrote, has a lot of explaining to do to reassert the integrity of his party
as a viable alternative to the PPP. The paper said anyone who does not tell
Mr. Dibba that, is guilty of dishonesty.
See next edition of Focus as we move into the late 1990s.
Senegambia Craft Sellers Lament Slow Down Of Business
By Isatou Bittaye
The craft sellers at the Senegambia Craft Market have lamented the slow down
of business in this year’s tourist season. The craft sellers made this
statement in an interview with this reporter on Thursday at their craft market.
Speaking to his reporter, Amadou Njie said this year’s tourist season is bad
compared to last year. He said last season was far better than this season as
sales were good. It is his belief that the cause of the slow down is due to
the failure of many British tourists to come to the Senegambia Beach Hotel
because of the change to a new management. He said British tourists always buy
their materials but this season most of the Senegambia tourists are Spanish
and Norwegians. Amadou noted that tour operators always take tourists to other
craft markets such as in Brikama and Banjul which has also impact negatively
on their business. While acknowledging that the month of January was better
in the season, she was quick to say that even that is not good enough. Also
speaking, Gibou Sidibeh a vendor at the said craft market said last season was
better than this season. Gibou added that this season, their business is
dull and the cause of it is that the tour operators go with tourists to other
craft markets. He added that tourists who used to come to the Senegambia craft
market has reduced in number, and even if they do come, they don’t usually
buy anything.
Agie Sainey Faye, a craft seller also said their business had slowed down
this season as the number of tourists coming to the Senegambia has reduced. She
thinks the cause is the lack of control of the business. She said everywhere
people are selling craft materials in the markets and the tourists go to
other craft markets. She said the change of management in the Senegambia Hotel
also impacted on their business because this season, new tourists such as the
Spanish and Italians who are come to Senegambia hardly buy craft materials.
She said she could not tell which month she got the highest sale because
since the start of the season the business has not been doing well. Agie
concluded that since she started selling in the craft market this season is the
worst of all.
Forestry & Environment SoS Issues Warning
By Annia B. Gaye
Anybody found dumping refuse in the streets would be prosecuted, states
Momodou A Cham, Secretary of State for Forestry and the Environment. Mr Cham made
this statement on Wednesday,28 February at the Banjul Breweries Grounds .
.Speaking at a handing over ceremony , Mr Cham said the benefactors (Banjul
Breweries) who were handing over cleansing materials to the KMC (the
beneficiary Institution) has keen interest in ensuring that the environment is
sustained. Hon Cham commended Banjul Breweries for adopting the slogan ‘Operation
Clean KMC’ .He urged the KMC to ensure that the materials are sustained.
The tools that were donated by Banjul Breweries include 70 Wheelbarrows, 70
rakes, 70 forks, 70 buckets, 70 dustbins and 50 T-Shirts with the slogan “
Operation Clean KMC.”
Mrs. Fatou Sinjan Mergan, the financial comptroller, Banjul Breweries
limited stated that the staff of her institution had in November 2007 pledged to
the country the sum of 1 million dalasis to compliment government’s efforts in
key priority areas. She further stated that they have decided that this
amount should be spent on waste management within KMC ..
Mrs. Sinjan Mergan said the project also includes pushing and spreading
waste at the Bakoteh dumpsite and the mounting of a public awareness campaign
over the Radio and TV. She said Banjul Breweries are proud to be associated with
KMC in this project, and expressed hope that the items would be used by the
communities .She expressed hope that at the end of the project the public
will see a difference in the management of waste in the KMC..
For his part, the Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council,Yankuba Colley,
thanked the Banjul Breweries and said cleansing is their number one priority.
He assured the company that the materials would be used in a proper way. “
Operation Clean KMC would continue forever”, he said. He concluded by appealing
to drivers and vehicle owners to start putting dustbins in their vehicles.
Other speakers include Mr. Momodou B.S Kanteh, Director of Technical Service
Network and Mr. Buba P. Jallow, Permanent Secretary, Department of State for
Forestry and Environment.
Bulk Of “Half Die” Residents Vacate
By Saikou Ceesay
The majority of Banjul South residents, commonly known as “Half Die” are
vacating their dwellings after they were given a month’s notice by The Gambia
Ports Authority (GPA) to quit.
The compounds that were listed to vacate premises comprised 36, after The
Gambia Ports Authority’s decision to include the area in the ports complex.
According to the residents that are yet to vacate the area, they were
flabbergasted and dismayed by the short notice given by The Gambia Ports Authority.
The residents said they has unanimously agreed on a six month period with
The Gambia Ports Authority before they would finally vacate. They suggested
that the new site (Cape Point Bakau) should be well prepared by the Ports
Authority before they can erect their structures.
They stressed that the agreement with the Ports Authority includes the
provision of social amenities amongst others in the area (Cape Point, Bakau).
Those who vacated indicated that they are toiling both day and night at their
utmost to secure a house for their families. They described the eviction order
as unfortunate.
Speaking to this reporter a resident at “Half Die” and a compound head
indicated that almost all the compounds at “Half Die” are owned by extended
families. He applauded the development of the ports authority but posited that
the Ports Authority should have offered them more than what has been offered.
The Ports Authority had issued an ultimatum, whose deadline expired on
Friday 29th February 2008, asking residents to quit or face forceful eviction,
which has not taken place yet. This reporter endeavoured to get the opinion of
the Gambia Ports Authority on the matter but they were not accessible.
Informal Sector Not Benefiting Much From Tourism
Says Official Tourist Guides – PRO
By Isatou Bittaye
The informal sector does not benefit much from tourism, especially this
year, the Public Relations Officer of the Official Tourist Guides at the
Senegambia Beach Hotel, Lamin Kinteh, opined in an interview with this reporter on
Thursday. He said the informal sector comprises tourist guides, taxi drivers,
craft sellers, juice pressers and hair-dressers.
He said the tourists did not have enough information about The Gambia which
should be given to them by the tour operators. He added that the tour
operators should make their (tourist guides) job known to the tourists. Kinteh noted
that they (tourist guides) are the mediators between the tourists and the
local community. He said they should be going with the tourists in the
community but the tourists do not have enough information about them (tourist
guides). He added that with proper and correct information going around, the
tourists would not go on their own when they need guides. Kinteh noted that every
business should be promoted as far as tourism is concerned in the country,
noting that if there is proper dissemination of information, the whole informal
sector would benefit.
One guide by the of Lamin, said the number of tourists coming to The Gambia
this season is very good and that for the first time tourists from Italy have
come to The Gambia and that is a result of GTA’s intervention that new
markets have been found. He pointed out that the number of tourists who have been
coming to The Gambia for the last 10 years (old friends) has been reduced
this season but as he said new ones need to come.
African-American History Month Observed
By Modou Jonga
The Embassy of the United States of America in The Gambia, in collaboration
with the Administration of The Gambia College, Brikama Campus on Thursday 28
February, 2008 observed the African American History Month. The African
American History Month was observed at the College Auditorium.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Demba Ceesay, the Registrar of the College
said the event is worthy of comemorating as African-Americans are an integral
part of the history of the United States of America. Mr. Ceesay noted the
efforts of African-American Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King and
Malcolm X in the Civil Rights struggle for African Americans.
The Ambassador of the United States of America in The Gambia Mr. Barry Wells
dilated on the theme. “The lives and History of African Americans in the
United States”. Mr. Wells underscored the significance of history. The US
Ambassador noted his childhood experience of racial segregation in the State of
Ohio, where he grew up.
Speaking further, Mr. Wells cited prominent African Americas such as Rosa
Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, amongst others,
for their struggle and work towards the emancipation of and the promotion of
the ideals of the African-Americans in the US. The President of Gambia College
Student’s Union Mr. Musa Camara delivered the vote of thanks. The one day
event moderated by Mr. Papa Njie, US Embassy, Public and Diplomacy Assistant,
was attended by students of the College and the press.
In William Joof’s Trial
Bank Statement, Other Docs Tendered As Evidence
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A statement of account, demand notes, speeding tickets and documents
relating to the purchase of a Peugeot 607 vehicle were on Thursday admitted in
evidence by the court in the trial of William Joof, Gambia’s ex-ambassador to
France.
On Wednesday the prosecution had applied for the recall of the first
prosecution witness, Moses Benjamin Jallow, Charge d’Affaires of Gambian Embassy in
France, but counsel for the defence, Mr. Camara was objected. However,
Magistrate Olajubutu Kayode on Thursday, overruled the objection from Defense
Lawyer Lamin Camara.
The prosecutor, Emmanuel Fagbenle, recalled Mr. Jallow to enable him tender
the documents mentioned above as evidence. All the documents tendered in
court were recognised and identified by the witness. They were subsequently
admitted in evidence without objection.
Mr. Joof is facing eight charges ranging from abuse of office, official
corruption, obtaining goods by false pretence, stealing and conspiracy.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Life Is Not A Game
Part 12
With Amie Sillah
The Girls Meet Mom
The girls met Mom at the shop. They confronted her. Ndey Salma spoke to her
Mom. “Can I see the papers Mom?” “Which papers?” Mom pretended dumb. “Mom!
Don’t play panks with me. You know what I mean. I have already sent a
substantial sum of money to settle the family and make it sustainable. Why did you
drive your family Mom? I sent money to build a mansion and rent a shop to
enhance the family’s livelihood. Why should you betray your family?” Mom became
a beast. She denied receiving any money from Ndey Salma. “I don’t know what
you are talking about. The shop is mine, as well as the house. Ask your
invalid father about the money you sent. Did you send it to me?” She used a
technicality to dodge the question. She called the security. “Send them out of my
shop. They are harassing me.” Mom ordered her security. Nadia and Zahra reacted
aggressively. They resisted and called Mom names. Ndey Salma is a well
composed, calm person. “It’s okay girls! No need to overact. It’s a wide world
Mom. We will meet again. I can’t believe it! Let’s go!” She ordered her
sisters. “Dry eye cover shame.” Mom remained hurting and unrepentful.
Consoles And Counsels Dad
Ndey Salma and her sisters returned to the village on the same day. She
consoled and counselled Dad. “The girls are right Dad. I thought they were
exaggerating. They were not. I saw everything with my own eyes. Mom denied us. She
denied receiving any money from me. She said you received the money.” “That
is nonsense. I technically received it but gave it to her to administer.” Mom
has transformed into a monster because of lust. Its okay Dad!” Ndey Salma
stroked his shoulder. “I’ll buy you a house in town. You can move as soon as
possible. Let’s drink to the health of our family.” The family made a toast
and prayed for the continued success of Ndey Salma.
Dad Praises His Daughters
“Who said a daughter is useless?” Look at my daughters! My two younger
girls doing well in University. My eldest daughter, my Mom’s namesake, Ndey
Salma, a responsible Mom and wife and a practicing doctor in the United States. I
am grateful to Allah, to my mom, my kids and to the indomitable Mansata. Her
sincere, tender nursing care gave this perfect result. A person can’t enjoy
anything in poor health. My advice to society: Take care of our children
whether girls or boys. Children are gifts from Allah. Let us give them equal
access and equal opportunity, create the conducive environment and Allah willing,
they’ll excel.” They shed emotional tears. “Mom has disappointed us. She
has killed our soul.” Ndey Salma said.
Dad summoned courage and addressed his children. “Its okay girls! Together
we shall make it. Forget about mom. She lives in our past. Don’t hate her. She
is still your mom. I have forgiven them. I have decided to move on with my
life. I have thanked all of you for your support especially Mansata.” He asked
everyone to give her a standing ovation. She is shy. She shed emotional
tears. They sat down. “I would never forget what you have done form me.” They
all gave thanks to Allah. Dad asked Mansatta to come and live with them in the
new house. She was shy. The girls and grandma urged her to accept. After much
hesitation she accepted.
Full Control of The Shop
Mom made lover boy Ousman, co signatory to all accounts. The relationship
was hot. The heart ruled the head. Mom married Ousman in her own way. “You are
now my husband. You control all my financial transactions. I travel a lot.
Take care darling. Be responsible! You are the man of the house. I love you! I
trust you!” Mom kissed Ousman.
Ousman Flirts
Birds of the same feathers flock together. Ousman has wealth, has power. He
completely forgot his class background. He refused to assist his rural
family. His parents suffer at the countryside. He now dates sophisticated teenage
city girls. They eat his money, dine and wine with him. He opened a secret
account and siphoned mom’s millions which he spends on cheeky city girls. He
became wild. Johnny just come. The girls helped him eat his money.
Ousman With A Teenager
Ousman went to a classic restaurant with a teenage lover Lolly. Lolly is to
celebrate her 18 birthday. She wanted to do it in great style. Guess what
Ousman gave her, D100,000 (one hundred thousand dalasis) cheque. She was
excited. She had never seen such a huge amount of money. She jumped with excitement
and passionately kissed Ousman on the lips. “What! D100,000 oh my darling!
You are too much! I love, love, love you!” Ousman was highly elated. “You have
not seen anything, Just make me happy. There is more to come. Aja does not
know how to spend her money. I’ll spend it for her. The lovers drank to eavh
other’s health and caricatured Aja.
A New House
The family moved to the new house. They had a house party. It coincided with
dad’s birthday. After drinking to his health, dad made an announcement to
his family. “I add a year younger to my age. I feel bliss. I want to remarry.”
The girls were shocked. “Remarry! Why Dad? You want to get hurt again? No!
We want you to remain single and live the rest of your life in peace and
happiness.” Salma argued. Dad gave a broad smile. “Remember my faith. I am a
Muslim. Entitle to four wives if I can. Don’t you worry, you’ll like her.” “Do
we know her?” Nadia asked. Dad pointed to Mansata. She looked down. She is a
shy person. “Did she agree?” Salma asked. “I believe in consent.” “Ask her
for yourself.” “Will you marry Dad, make him happy and be our Mom?” Ndey
Salma asked. Mansata smiled. “Will you accept me as your Mom?” She humbly
asked. “Yes! Yes! We do!”
Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! MSN Messenger=
**************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money &
Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001)
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html
To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]
|
