Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
  Issue No. 97/05, 19-21 December,2005

  Editorial
  THE DEBT BURDEN AND RISES IN TAXES AND HARDSHIP
  Contrary to the views expressed by many Secretaries of State for Finance that the Country could comfortably shoulder its debt burden, SOS Bala Gaye has confirmed beyond any shadow of doubt that the debt burden can no longer be shouldered Foroyaa has repeatedly told the nation that the 22 billion dalasis National debt which required 1.4 billion dalasis from the National budget in 2005 and 1.5 billion in 2006 cannot be the basis for the reduction of poverty; on the contrary it could only lead to more hardship.  It is very clear that the government has been living above its means by domestic borrowing to meet its expenditure. SoS Bala Gaye has confirmed that government revenue fell below target this year by 220 million dalasis. This is due to shortfall in taxes in international trade and non tax revenue.  This shows the danger of government depending entirely on taxes for its public expenditure.  This drop in revenue gave rise to a budget deficit of 855 million.
  How are these deficits financed? It is by borrowing. Needless to say, these debts have to be paid. The SOS has said that the government is in arrears in its payment of domestic debts. Consequently it is now conditioned by its external creditors to manage the economy according to its means.
  The government has to pay its debt, reduce its borrowing and increase taxation. This means more hardship for the people. Salaries will not be increased, more cost recovery in public services, more privatization of public enterprises and more poverty.  The income of farmers is to be reduced because of the lowering of the prices of groundnut.  Civil Servants also assured of no salary incentive. Foroyaa will wait and see how the National Assembly members will analyse the budget speech and report on their views for public consumptions.


  THE 2006 BUDGET:
  TAX INCREASES  In his deliberation of the 2006 Budget, SOS Gaye indicated that “Growth in domestic revenue slowed down in 2005 to less than 105 from the total revenues collected in 2004. This trend he said should be curbed, and that revenue collections should be augmented to fully finance Government operations. Moreover, SOS Gaye said, to ensure that the 2006 budget can be property funded, it is also necessary to implement bold measures to raise additional domestic revenues. SOS Gaye pointed out that Government has therefore decided to introduce the following revenue measure for the 2006 budget, with immediate effect;
  i)          The pump prices of the three petroleum products – petrol, diesel and Kerosene will be increased by D3 per litre to the new pump prices of D30, D28, and D12 per litre respectively. The new pump prices SOS Gaye said, are still lower than current petroleum prices in our neighbouring countries.
  ii)         Sales tax on non-oil imports is increased from 10 per cent to 15 per cent, in line with the 15 per cent sales tax on domestically produced goods. The 18 per cent sales on telecommunications remain SOS Gaye said.
  iii)         All customs tariff rates of 18 per cent are increased to 20 per cent to conform to ECOWAS common External Tariff (CET) rates of 5 per cent, 10 per cent, and 20 per cent, which will be introduced in January, 2006.
  iv)        The Excise duties on cigarettes and Tobacco and on imported alcoholic drinks are doubled. The excise duties on cigarettes are increased from D75 to D150 per kilo; on imported beer from D35 to D70 per litre; on wine from D50 to D100 per litre; and on spirits from D75 to D150 per litre.
  v)         An excise duty of 10 per cent is now levied on used cars, in addition to the customs duties and sales tax.
  vi)        Vehicle license fees are increased by 30 per cent.
  vii)        Fishing licenses for all categories of fishing vessels are increased by 30 per cent; and
  viii)            License fees for cellular operators are now fixed at US $15 million for a period of fifteen years, from 1st January 2005, mobile phone operators should make the first payment of US $1 million before end December, 2005.
  SOS Gaye asserted that these revenue measures will generate the resources required to finance the 2006 Budget deficit, and enable Government to meet the fiscal targets under the current staff monitored program, and its successor Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility Program (PRFG) to be negotiated with the IMF in 2006. SOS Gaye concluded this aspect of the Budget by stating that “the tax administration system will also be further strengthened to ensure that all monies due to Government are properly collected and on time.

  APPEAL OF THE NADD TRIO  Will The Case Be Transferred?
  By Suwaibou Touray  Hearing of the appeal of the three members of the Executive Committee of NADD who were recently granted bail commenced on Thursday 15th December at The Gambia Court of Appeal. The three appellants, Halifa Sallah, Omar Jallow and Hamat Bah, are aggrieved with the proceedings of the High Court of 18th November presided over by Justice Paul. They therefore appealed to the Gambia Court of Appeal to set aside the proceedings of 18th November and transfer the case to another judge.
  Halifa Sallah who is defending himself as the first appellant told the Court in his submission that he would depend on what obtains in his briefs.  He said he thinks that is sufficient.  Mr. Darboe  who is leading the defence team on behalf of Messrs Hamat Bah and Omar Jallow alias O.J began by saying that he had filed the submission on behalf of the two appellants.  He said he and his co-Counsels are relying on the briefs but said he would wish to refer the judges to some cases.
  Mr. Darboe cited several cases to support their point in the briefs including Panga Maleza vs Kiwaraha in the Tanzanian Law Report and asserted that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.  He then recalled what the 2nd appellant in the High Court told Justice Paul: “I have made statements about you before and I do not think I will get impartial justice from your Court.”  He said this is the feeling of the 2nd accused.  Mr. Darboe then cited other cases deemed relevant to this, such as A. Radabu and others vs. the State, 1989 Tanzania Law Report.  He said in this case the Judge, infact, took plea of guilty even when Radabu made his feeling known that he may not get impartial Justice in that Court.  Mr. Darboe then went on to say that they have made two affidavits which do not have any subjective pronouncements but he is aware of the oral statements made by the Judge on that day.  He, however, asserted that the briefs do not qualify for evidence but they can go to
 show how hostile the Judge was towards the accused.  He asserted that it is not the state of mind of the Judge which is important but that of the accused, the outward appearance and manifestation of the accused or the impression of the people and the accused.
  Mr. Darboe went on to say that the Judge said he has never seen anywhere where the accused select who should try him or her but according to him, in criminal case No. 12, the State vs. Ebrima Barrow and others, the Court had decided that the case be transferred to another Judge.
  He said if the accused had known who the Judge was, they could have filed a motion for the transfer of the case or write to the Chief Justice but they could not have done that because while they were put in the dock, the charges were being processed. They were not told anything so they could not have done anything, he stressed.  In concluding his submission, Mr. Darboe stressed that the appeal to transfer the case to another Judge was done only to promote the administration of Justice and to strengthen the confidence of the ordinary Gambian in the administration of justice in The Gambia.  He said it has nothing to do with the personality of Justice Paul.
  The prosecutor, Marley Wood read what she called the amended version of the Criminal Code, which talks about the commencement of a criminal trial.  She however said that the Judge has the discretion to defer how a criminal trial commences.
  Honourable Halifa Sallah in his reply stated that according to section 216 of the Criminal Code, they are entitled to service, which was not done.  He said the Court should grant the right and not leave it to the discretion of the Judge.  Mr. Darboe in his reply said even the state had at one time adopted this type of transfer in the interest of justice.
  As far as rules governing the commencement of a case, Mr. Darboe said he is aware that there are no rules for the past years, it has become a practice and we have to adopt those practices and procedures.  He added that they cannot follow those practices half way.
  He then asserted that the arguments must be on issues that are raised from the grounds of appeal.  He told the Court that the respondent does not deal with any issues; on the contrary, she dealt with procedure.  He said there has been no response on the appellants’ appeal and submitted that since no ground of appeal has been raised it is presumed that the ground of appeal has been dropped and that also means that the respondent’s ground of appeal should be struck out.  The case is adjourned to Wednesday 21st December 2005 for ruling.

  DEYDA IS ALIVE  By Baboucarr Sowe  “Though his body is gone, his spirit is alive, because no one can silence the truth. Freedom of _expression can only be inhibited, it cannot be wiped out. The people cannot be silenced.” This was the clear message that emerged from the International Conference on Press Freedom, Democracy and Development held in Banjul on 15-16 December 2005 to mark the first anniversary of Deyda Hydara’s killing which occurred on 16 December, 2004.
  It became evident that rather than being intimidated by the killing, the media practitioners and civil society were emboldened and more resolute in pursuing freedom of _expression.
  It was also evident that freedom of _expression was no longer seen as a matter for society as a whole.
  The conference was well attended by media practitioners from all media houses, both electronic and print, public and private; whether critical or not. They were all united in their pursuit of freedom of _expression.
  United and emboldened they marched as one to the spot where Deyda Hydara was shot but to their utter disgust and amazement they found the Police Intervention Unit (Paramilitary) there. They were stopped from laying a wreath at the spot by the Police, who told them that they could not do so because they had no permit. They were asked which law requires them to obtain a permit from the police to lay a wreath but their only answer is that they are going by an order from above. The Secretary of State for Information was contacted by phone. She said that the development took her by surprise and promised to enquire and get back to the caller but the caller did not receive her call. Participants, especially international guests could not believe what was happening. Many could not understand the conduct of the government. They could not digest the fact that after three Secretaries of State failed to attend the conference; they stopped media practitioners and their supporters from laying a
 wreath in honour of Deyda Hydara.
  From the site without laying the wreath the gathering proceeded to Bakau to commemorate the one year charity of Deyda.
  Below is a full report of the conference proceedings, which we will serialise.

  An International conference marking the first anniversary of the killing of a veteran Journalist,
  Deyda Hydara, has called on the Gambian Government to allow an independent investigation into the murder of Deyda and provide a healthy working environment for Journalists.  The two day conference, held on the 15th and the 16th of December at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, was organised by Civil Society organizations and the Gambian press union (GPU), Madi Ceesay, the President of the GPU called on the government to allow an international body of investigators to probe into the murder of Deyda.  Mr. Ceesay added that since the government could not find out the perpetrators of the crime and many other atrocities against Journalists in the Country, it is fitting for an independent body to be allowed to do it.
  Giving a chronology of attacks on media houses and media practitioners, he said that no case relating to these incidents has reached the Courts.  “Recently a reporter with the Point News paper, Njameh Bah was severely beaten up and hospitalized for days”.  Prior to that, he said there were attacks on Ebrima Sillah of the BBC, the Independent Newspaper, threats on Demba Jawo’s life, attacks on Radio one FM and most seriously the killing of Deyda.  Mr. Ceesay therefore stated that the conference will go a long way in showing the role of the media in a democratic and developing Society.  Giving his keynote speech, Lamin Barrow of Action Aid urged the killers of Deyda to come out in the open before it is too late.
  “You know best why you killed him.  If your motive was to silence him, yes you have succeeded in that, but his cherished ideals live on.  No one can silence the truth, it must always be told, you can kill a person but there are many others who will always defend the truth,” Mr. Barrow said.  He added that Action Aid regards the Media as a powerful avenue for a flourishing democracy and good governance, providing relevant information to our citizenry, preaching tolerance and fair play, and advocacy and influencing at local, national and international levels.
  The President of the West Africa Journalist Association (WAJA) called on the authorities to take action or face action.  Mr. Coulibaly described Deyda as an influential professional who was a founding member of WAJA.  He noted that the West African sub-region has witnessed a series of assassinations of Journalists, harassment, arrest and closure of media outlets.

  SOLIDARITY STATEMENTS
  Pap Saine
  Pap Saine of the Point News paper- said Deyda was a man who stood for the people and died for them (a martyr of Press freedom).  He added that the perpetrators thought that killing Deyda will result to the closure of the paper, but that has not been the case.
  Mr. Saine therefore called on the government to abolish all the bad media laws, which is hindering the Journalists to work professionally.

  INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF JUORNALISTS
  Gabriel Baglo of the International Federation of Journalist, Africa Regional Office in Dakar, said our African governments have acknowledged the fact that the media play a significant role in development.  “Still, media practitioners are finding it very difficult to go on their daily duties without intimidation, harassment, forceful arrest and detention in Africa.  The environments in which journalists operate have become hostile, due to numerous negative legislations that are intended to clip the wings of journalists and to cage the profession.”
  “The culture of impunity that has been growing in our societies and emerging democracies should be fought.  In this regard, we once again call on the Government of the Republic of the Gambia, to redouble a full and independent investigation into the murder of Deyda Hydara in order to bring the perpetrators to Justice.  The Gambia government needs to rebuild its image in the world. Sheikh Tidiane Sy on behalf of the Committee to Protect Journalists in New York, called on the government to take a number of steps to help improve the environment, including publicly affirming a commitment to press freedom and Journalists safety.  “But official intimidation and harassment of the media has only continued,” the statement stated.  “When the National Intelligence Agency released a report on the murder inquiry in June, it was widely denounced as unprofessional and an attempt to smear Hydara’s reputation, as well as that of his family.  CPJ wrote to President Yahya Jammeh, expressing concern
 that instead of fostering trust, this report would further undermine public confidence in the investigation and alienate potential witnesses.  CPJ called for the probe to be handed over to an independent commission, to be established in consultation with Gambian Journalists and members of the human rights and legal community.  Other local and international press freedom and human rights groups have made similar calls.”

  Amie Joof Cole, FAMEDEV
  Amie Joof Cole of the Inter Africa Network for Women, Media, Gender and Development (FAMEDEV) said that it was unfortunate that the Secretary of State for Information, communication and Technology has decided not to attend this important Ceremony, which she said shows the government’s lack of commitment to Press Freedom and Freedom of _expression.
  “What is even disturbing is the fact that the SOS herself-Neneh Macdoul Gaye, is a Journalist, and I believe that it is in recognition of her profession that she got her present position,”
  Mrs. Cole said.  “It is sad to note that for twelve months now, nobody in this country has been able to capture or arrest Deyda’s assassins.  With a population of over one million people and the size of about 10,000 square kilometres, the Gambia is too small for a killer to be hidden for 12 months.” She added.
  “As Journalists and professionals we strive to work with responsibility, respect for the rule of law and abiding by the principles of ethical Journalism.”
  “As Journalists our pens, our Newspapers, our Radio Stations, our TV Stations, our Websites or what ever means we utilize as our medium of communication are stronger than a million soldiers or security agents put together.  We are the watchdog of Society; we are the eyes and ears of the public.  Our task is a very noble one and we should be proud of it.”
  Fatou Jagne of Article 19 expressed that the government should create a conducive environment for Journalist to operate in.  She however, added that the assassination of Journalist is the most serious crime one can ever thought of.  A Senegalese Journalist, Alpha Sall of APS also called on the Gambian government to create a peaceful Senegambia, that that will symbolize the solidarity and brotherhood amongst its people.
  Elise Schieeler, a Danish Journalist also added her voice calling on the Gambian authorities to provide protection for Journalists and create a climate free of impunity by bringing the killers of Deyda before the law. Writing on behalf of the Gambia Press Union, United Kingdom Branch, Alieu Badara Sowe highlighted that during the last decade, arrests, intimidation, harassment, physical beatings, imprisonment and forced deportation of foreign Journalists have been the unfortunate daily experience of Journalists in the Gambia.  “We would first of all like to use this occasion to re-iterate our call on the international community, law abiding governments, human right groups and members of the media fraternity to continue to apply much needed pressure on the Government of the Gambia to take the investigation into the assassination of veteran Journalist, Deyda Hydara more seriously.” The statement indicated.  The GPU Branch in the United States in a statement signed by Baba Galleh
 Jallow said Deyda Hydara is more dangerous today to his enemies, the enemies of truth and justice in our country than when he was alive.  “We rejoice in that, Deyda is today taller than he could ever have been during his lifetime, that he towers like a giant over the heads of his brutal murderers and that he continues to strike at the root of the evil that took his life.”  Deyda is proving more dangerous to his criminal killers because he has turned the full force of the international searchlight on our country.  By his death, he has brought our Country under a sea of light and driven away all the shadows and darkness, and removed all the covers behind which hypocrites and demonic killers can hide their evil acts.”
  Mr. Jallow emphasized.  Deyda’s son, Baba Hydara writing from Paris told the conference that his dad’s crime was to be a Journalist and live in a world where freedom of speech should be practised and at the same time trying to uphold the ethics of Journalism.  “During this horrible time I was really shocked that the Government, instead of pursuing his killers, they tried to bring dirt to the memory of my dad, but thank God nobody paid attention to those absurd allegations.  Therefore, let me take this opportunity to remind them that we are the victims and not the enemy.  We are just asking for the truth about what happened and we have the right as Gambian Citizens to request for an independent investigation to be held since his killers are still at large.”  The Minority Leader at the National Assembly and member for Serrekunda Central Hon Halifa Sallah also described Journalists as noble professionals who served as amplifiers to people.
  The member for Wuli West, Hon. Sidia Jatta too condemned the killing of Journalist and called for a rapid investigation in to the murder of Deyda and other attacks on the media. Former National Assembly member for lower Saloum Hamat Bah also echoed similar sentiments, describing Gambian Journalists as hard working people.  Adelaide Sosseh, the Director of World View said freedom of _expression is an inalienable human right, and freedom of the press an indivisible part and a guarantee of other freedoms.
  “There is no alternative to a free press.  We have to be Vigilant in defending it.  Let us recommit ourselves to the principles of a free, independent and pluralistic press that advances a culture of respect for human Security, human rights, for good governance and for social equality, peace and development for all nations and peoples.” She said.  “No democratic society can exist without a free Press as indicated by Thomas Jefferson’s line that if he had to choose, he did prefer a free press without a government than a government without a free press.  The Editor-in-Chief of the News and Report Weekly Suwaebou Conateh described Deyda as a Journalist who worked hard for his country and happened to die for that cause.  He added that the series of attacks on Journalist in the past years have increased fear in Journalist that they can also be killed if they do their work properly.  He also renew calls to the government to speed up the investigations of Deyda’s murder.
  The Reporters Without Borders delegate, Leonard Vincent, who had difficulty coming to the Gambia, indicated that the so-called, confidential NIA report has provided no positive move.  “After this stifling year of tension, mistrust and fear things must be clear.  If Reporters without Borders cannot be with you today in Banjul, if I cannot myself read my speech to you, it is because President Yahya Jammeh now sees Reporters without Borders as an enemy or at the very least as a trouble marker.  But what do we want? We just want justice to be done.  How? By discovering the truth, this goal is simple.  There is nothing subversive about it.  It should be shared by all those who cannot stand in justice, whether they are Presidents, Ministers.”  Mr. Vincent said.  Madi Jorbateh, speaking on behalf of the Foundation for Legal Aid, Research and Empowerment (FLARE) said anywhere the press is muzzled, one has to be rest assured that the people of that society are equally silence simply because
 the press serves as the amplification of the voices of the people to reach each other as citizen on one hand, and on the other hand to hear and be heard by their government and representatives.

  “In addition, we recall how these leaders promised to promote and protect press freedom.  On this occasion, we are obliged to remind the Government of the Gambia of that promise and duty, and to also call their attention to the current situation in the Gambia, for truly the condition of the press has really deterioted far below what it was in 1994.”  Madi indicated.  Meanwhile, the conference had adopted a number of resolutions that it hope to engage the government with.
  The commemoration of Deyda’s murder was characterised by the beating of a female Journalist by the police Intervention unit (P.I.U) The Journalist, Ramatoulie Charreh of the Daily Observer was severely beaten up on her way to the site where Deyda was gunned down.  This happened when the Police barred the Journalists from going to the site to lay a wreath for their slain hero.  She was rushed to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital where she was treated. She was discharged the same day.

  THE ALIEN ID CARD PALAVER  D165 Million Not Accounted For!
  During the review of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2006, the National Assembly Member for Basse Hon. Momodou Sellu Bah said that in November 2005, the Director of Immigration Department went on a Country wide tour According to the member, in one of his (the Director’s) meeting in Basse (URD), he, (the Director) indicated that there are 500,000 Aliens in the Gambia and out of that number only 200,000 Aliens have paid for their Alien ID cards.  Hon. Bah said the Immigration Director had called on Landlords/Ladies, Alkalolu, who are hiding or running from the Immigration Authority.  Hon Bah indicated that going by what the Director of Immigration said, the estimates should have accounted for D200,000,000 (Two hundred million dalasis) instead of D35,000,000 (thirty five million) as indicated in the 2006 estimates.

  TRIAL OF EX-CHIEF OF FONI BINTANG KARANI
  By Yaya Dampha  Mr. Tombong Ceesay, the former Chief of Foni Bintang Karanai, who is facing criminal, charges on nine counts, reappeared before Magistrate Sheriff B. Tabally of the Brikama Magistrates Court.  When the case was called, the prosecutor, first class Corporal 748 Sarr, applied to amend the charges. The Defence Council, Lamin Jobarteh, did not object to the amendment application filed by the prosecution.  The new charges against Mr. Tombong Ceesay are: Count one (1): Stealing by Clerk or Public Servant contrary to Section 158 of CPC; that in or about 2003, being an employee as Head Chief at Sibanor Village, stole an amount of five thousand one hundred (D5100.00), being Court fine, paid by one Omar Sanyang; Count two (2): stealing by Civil Servant contrary to section 158 of the CPC; that on or about 2003, as an employee as Head Chief, he stole an amount of eight thousand dalasis (D8,000) being court fine paid by one Fabakary Sanyang.
  On count 3: stealing by Civil Servant, contrary to section 158 of the CPC; that in 2004, being an employee as Head Chief, he stole an amount of two thousand five hundred dalasis (D2500.00) being Court fine paid by one Siaka Fatajo; on count four (4): stealing by Civil Servant contrary to section 158; that in 2004 at Sibanor, being an employee as Head Chief he stole an amount of (D2, 700.00) being Court fine paid by one Njundu Sanyang; on count five (5): stealing by civil servant, contrary to section 158 of the CPC; that in 2004, as an employee as Head Chief, he stole an amount of (D3, 100.00) being Court fine paid by one Bala Sanyang; on count six(6): stealing by Civil Servant, contrary to section 158 of CPC, being an employee as Head Chief, an amount of (D4, 000.00) being Court fine paid by one Jerreh Sanyang; on count seven (7): As employee as Head Chief, he stole an amount (D4, 600.00) being Court fine paid by one Fansu Badjie; on count eight (8): that as an  employee as Head
 Chief at Sibanor, he stole an amount of (D1, 500.00) being Court fine paid by one Tombong Sanyang  and on count nine (9): stealing by Civil  Servant; that as Head Chief at Sibanor in 2003, he stole an amount of (D3, 015.00)  being court fine paid by one Mamina Sanyang. The accused pleaded not guilty to the nine (9) counts of stealing.  Defence Counsel Jobarteh applied for an adjournment to enable him study the charges.

  THE STATE AND MAYOR CONTEH NEGOTIATING
  Surakata Danso  The case involving the former Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, Lai Conteh, and the state resumed on Thursday (1st December 2005) before Justice Haddy Roche.
  When the matter resumed on Thursday, the head of the defence team, Antouman Gaye and Mr. Umar (a state counsel) of the Attorney General’s Chambers both informed the Court that negotiations between the two parties have gone very far and are encouraging. Both sides further assured the Court that they had agreed to ask for more time to allow them conclude their negotiations.
  Lai Conteh had been the Chairman of KMC since August 1994 and became an elected Mayor following the Local Government elections of 2002. He was recently arrested at the Banjul International Airport. Following his arrest, a lot of allegations were made against him on both the national Radio and Television. However, some people are dismayed to learn that he is not charged with subversion, arrogance and negligence of duty, which were the allegations, levelled against him. He was accompanied to Court by high profile APRC Yayi Compins. Other APRC stalwarts like former National Assembly Nominated Member Ramsia Diab and other well wishers including his wife, Amie Conteh, were there. He is represented by a team of lawyers constituting Antouman Gaye, Badou Conteh, Momodou Drammeh, and C. Gaye Sagarr Jahateh while the State was represented by Mr. Umar.

  CLOUDS OF DESPAIR LOOMS OVER (2005/2006)
  GROUNDNUT TRADE SEASON
  As Farmers Express Lack Of Confidence In This Year’s Arrangement

  By Pateh Baldeh  Farmers in the Lower and Central River Division of the Country have expressed their total lack of confidence in the arrangement for this year’s groundnut trade season.  Speaking to the reporter who was on a tour in these Divisions to see the government’s state of preparedness for the year’s groundnut trade season, farmers have indicated that they have been informed that this year’s season commences on the 19th December, 2005 and that information has also been advanced to them that the price for their nuts this year, will be D7, 500.00 per tone.  According to most of the farmers who talked to this reporter, this year’s price is very low and will not enable most of them to meet their need, if one looks at the skyrocketing of prices of good; that a bag of rice in these Divisions costs above D550 on average.  However, most of the farmers who spoke to the reporter questioned how it will be stored, when the nuts of last year are still waiting at various depots across the
 two Divisions, to be evacuated.  Our reporter confirmed this story when he visited some of these depots in these two Divisions. As we go to press, it has been confirmed by the relevant authorities that some higher authorities have been dispatched for Basse and Bansang, to evacuate last year nuts.
  This reporter was also informed that Secco Presidents were called to a meeting in Bansang recently to discuss the state of preparedness of government for this year’s groundnut trade season and that the meeting was attended by senior government officials at the Department of State for Agriculture. Mention was made of the evacuation of last year’s nuts.  Also, farmers have complained to this reporter of the poor Harvest of this year’s groundnuts; that despite this year’s good rainfall, groundnuts did not do fairly well; that this year’s harvests will wit ness poor quality nuts.  Our reporter has also visited some farms to confirm the issue of poor quality of this year’s nuts.

  KMC COUNCILLORS  CHALLENGE GOMEZ’S APPOINTMENT

  By Sarjo M. Camara  The Kanifing Municipal Council is witnessing an interesting drama.
  Last week, councillors held several meetings inorder to put heir house in order. According to some councillors, at the meeting, on Friday, they unanimously agreed to condemn the appointment of Francis Gomez.
  Speaking to this paper, a councillor said that they (the councillors) at KMC do not recognise the appointment of Francis Gomez and he cannot continue to be the Mayor because he is not an elected member. The meeting was attended by 17 councillors.
  “We are not officially informed, we only heard his appointment on papers,” said Mr. Rambo Jatta, councillor for the Cape Point Ward. He was asked why they did not want to work with Mr. Gomez. He said according to the Local Government Act, “The Mayor is answerable to them (the councillors), but since Lai’s arrest, he (Gomez) did not convene any meeting with them; that when they call a meeting he boycotts it. “In fact to hold our Friday meeting we had to go to the CEO to give directives for us to get the key to open the chambers for the meeting. He, the Acting Mayor, said we were not going to hold any meeting in the chambers, be it a committee meeting or council sitting,” he explained.
  According to Mr. Jatta, they will select one among themselves to be chairing their meetings.
  He also said it is probable that they would impeach the Acting Mayor; that the letter was already written waiting to be dispatched. He said the allegations are misconduct, abuse of office and wilful damage of his official vehicle (which was given to him by the council).
  The councillor was asked about the allegations against Mayor Conteh concerning garbage collection. In his response, he argued that the government is supposed to give D55 million to the KMC as subvention every year but this happened only in 1996. Since then, we have never received anything like that while the council pays 25% to the Central Revenue. “We at the council are spending only the council’s own money, the constructed roads were constructed by KMC and Gamworks, he concluded.
  When the Acting Mayor was asked to shed light on this concerns raised by the councillors, he said he was not aware of anything that this reporter was told of. He referred the reporter to the PRO for further clarification.  Up to the time of going to press attempts to reach the PRO proved futile.

  TIME WILL TELL
  There Is No Escape For Violators
  The ball is the court of each and every Gambian. The task is to either save or break the Gambia. It is becoming apparent that the objective of the leadership under President Jammeh is to break the Gambia hoping that a conflict-ridden Gambia will serve their purpose of clinging onto power for a longer time. This seems to be the rationale for the arrest of the NADD leaders and others.
  President Jammeh has already lost credibility both nationally and internationally. At the local level he has proven to be incompetent to manage the affairs of the country. He has created a conducive environment for corruption to flourish. Otherwise how does one explain the setting up of a corruption inquiry under Justice Paul, and then turn around to re-appoint Yankuba Touray and Sheikh Tijan Hydara who have been confirmed by Justice Paul to be corrupt and subsequently sacked by President himself?
  That aside, in the recent imbroglio with Senegal, President Jammeh approached the issue with a nationalist rhetoric that the Gambia has sovereign rights to increase ferry tariffs. However within a short space of time the same Yaya Jammeh led a government delegation to Senegal only to come back to heap blame on his own government for violating the agreements made with Senegal since last year on the issue of ferry tariffs. While Gambians are trying hard to understand such an about-turn, the same president went ahead to declare before religious leaders that it was the Opposition who fed President Wade with false information about the Gambia with the intention of bringing the two countries to a collision.
  As is natural, NADD calls for proof, or charge with impeachment if Yaya cannot back his unintelligible fuming. Political decency based on democratic principles and justice should have first advised Yaya that his ways are not the ways of wisdom and progress that will ensure the freedom, peace and prosperity of his motherland and compatriots. If not, common sense and a mere observation of the times should have advised him that no leader in these times can engage in atrocities and still escape law and justice. Hussen Habre, Augusto Pinochet, Charles Taylor are living examples. Faggots like Mobutu, Abacha, Bokassa and Samuel Doe have always served as good examples for bad behaviour and its consequences. And the good souls and encouragements are all over – Nyerere, Mandela, Ketumile Masire and Abdou Joof among others are living dignified and secure lives. Why can’t Yaya endeavour to be like Mandela? Once, Nyerere said if one honours power more than your person then you will not want to
 leave office honourably, which means you will be forced to leave dishonourably.
  The question of how and when to leave office is left with Yaya Jammeh. The task with us the citizens is that we should not allow to be the sacrificial lambs in his project, now or later. The arrest of the NADD leaders and others is all intended to provoke a situation such as a demonstration whereby the government will use agents-provocateurs to create mayhem including looting and then turn around to blame the opposition and innocent citizens for the crimes. The scenario is like the unplanned April 2000 student demonstrations in which the Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy declared on national television that shooting emanated from the children leading to the clamp down on GAMSU!
  The people of the Gambia must not allow any provocation from Yaya and his cohorts, but to remain steadfast and committed to the peace and security of the Gambia, and to maintain a sustained concern and interest in national affairs until the evil wear themselves out. Yaya Jammeh will answer to how the Gambia has been run since 1994 and all that have happened in this country. He will answer to these today or tomorrow, in the Gambia or outside, but the day shall come. In Rwanda even the equivalent of Alkalolu and Seyfolu, priests and business leaders are answering to crimes against humanity in Kigali, Arusha and The Hague. This list also includes mercenary intellectuals who are ready to save their salary and fringe benefits at the detriment of the human rights and development of fellow citizens? Why will the Gambia be different therefore?
  As they say no condition is permanent and no one’s idea of being powerful should make one feel that one is invincible or untouchable. After all where is the ‘almighty’ Baba Jobe, or Abdoulie Kujabi or Sana Sabally? As it happened to them so shall it happen to all others like them, one by one until the last one who is Yaya Jammeh? This is the verdict of history.
  Having said this, I borrow a note of wisdom from Madam Sallah in her letter to the president. She writes,
  “To end this letter your Excellency, it is not a weakness or a shame for the perpetrators of the illegal practice to repent, rather it is an act of patriotism, love and respect that they hold for their people who believe in forgiveness for peace, tranquillity and stability to be the eternal wealth of our dear motherland, The Gambia.”
  Yaya Jammeh and his government have no power. The Gambia Armed Forces, the Police and the NIA have no power. Abuse of power is no power. Power that is abused and misused without conscience does not only kill the victim but also ends up consuming the perpetrator in the most dramatic way. People who just execute the orders of any person, especially blindly are not powerful. People who give unjust orders that violate the rights of human beings by abusing the authority entrusted to them are not powerful. Power that is not used in the public good but used to brutalize the people is tyranny. Tyranny by nature is an act of cowardice. It indicates that one is not only dishonest and unjust but also incompetent and weak. A study of all dictators since the beginning of history has proven that all of them are incompetent, dishonest, corrupt with a high inclination towards vanity and deception. Thus in order to cover-up their weaknesses and calumny and fear of being exposed they abuse authority
 by employing treacherous means to silence everyone even if that means killing, jailing, exiling and suppression in all forms.
  Our 1997 Constitution states clearly that the Government and all its organs derive their authority and legitimacy from the people whom they must serve. Power therefore lies with people both in principle and practice. All throughout history the people have shown out to be the only almighty power in the world, which no force on earth can and has ever defeated. People are stronger when they are enlightened and organized. In these present circumstances, Gambians need to make themselves aware of what is happening in their country and organize so that no force can defeat us. It is a person, who dies, but the people always live, and people have always outlived dictators and wars all throughout history. The people of South Africa have outlived Apartheid. The Jews have outlived Hitler. The Liberians have outlived Doe, and surely the Gambians will outlive Yaya. Time will tell…

  By: The Patriot




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