Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 25/2008 29 February – 2 March 2008
Editorial
Two Faces of The Executive
When the President was swearing in two Supreme Court judges recently, he
declared his support for the independence of the judiciary and pledged not to
interfere with the work of the judiciary. But did he really mean what he said?
Well, let us look at the facts since then.
When Lieutenant. Bakary Camara and Superintendent Sanyang, both presidential
guards, and Momodou Lamin Sonko, proprietor of Boto Construction, first
appeared in court charged with stealing, economic crime and conspiracy, they
applied for bail but it was not granted. However, on 14 February upon application
by the presidential guards the High Court granted the two bail. But soon
after their release they were re-arrested and have since been held at Mile Two
contrary to law. Mr Sonko was earlier granted bail but he was rearrested.
When Lt Camara alone faced fresh charges in court on Tuesday he was again
granted bail in respect of this case as well. However, all three of them are
incarcerated at the state central prison which is meant for remand prisoners
and convicts alone.
In short the court has made its decision based on law; it has granted bail
to all defendants, a decision to be respected by all parties. But the
Executive has not complied and has continued to incarcerate them.
Needless to say, a judiciary can function independently and effectively not
with a noose round its neck but in an atmosphere of freedom which can inspire
unresolved judges to adjudicate impartially and independently.
That is what Gambia needs to ensure peace and stability. It would be wishful
thinking to presume that stability rests squarely on military might. History
has countless experiences to disprove this.
To conclude, we wish to remind the Executive of their constitutional
responsibility: “The Government and all departments and agencies of the Government
shall accord such assistance to the courts as the courts may reasonably
require to protect their independence, dignity and effectiveness.”
Lieutenant Bakary Camara’s Trial In Limbo
Family Asked To Vacate Residence
By Bubacarr K. Sow
The trial of Lieutenant Bakary Camara, a Presidential body guard did not
proceed on Thursday, as the prosecutor was reportedly engaged.
Lieutenant Camara is charged with stealing a government motor vehicle and
giving false information to a public officer. The accused person was initially
charged with stealing, conspiracy and economic crime together with Assistant
Superintendent of Police Manlafi Sanyang and Momodou Lamin Ceesay, proprietor
of Boto Construction.
However, Lieutenant Camara is now facing separate charges in court and it is
not clear whether the previous charges still stand. Meanwhile, Foroyaa has
learnt that the three men are still in detention.
On Thursday, a police officer who appeared for the prosecutor told the court
that he wants an adjournment because Inspector Yaya Touray who is
prosecuting Lieutenant Camara’s case is on an official assignment. Camara was on
Tuesday granted bail by the Banjul Magistrates Court in the sum of D50,000.
In another development the family members of Lieutenant Camara were on
Wednesday, February 27, ordered by security officials to vacate their residence
which is a state property.
Lieutenant Camara is expected before Magistrate Olajubutu Kayode on March 4.
Relatives Of Modou L Nyassi
And Others Express Anxiety
By Modou Jonga
Sources close to the family members of the former Chief of Foni Kansala,
Momodou Lamin Nyassi have told Foroyaa that they don’t know anything about the
whereabouts of their love one since he was arrested in April 2006. Sources
informed this paper that the authorities are yet to disclose where the former
Chief is detained. Modou Lamin Nyassi, Buba Sanyang and Ndongo Mboob were all
arrested by plain clothes officers at their native village (Bwiam) in April,
2006, family sources said. They informed Foroyaa that they had visited the
Police headquarters, Mile II Prisons and the National Intelligence Agency
Headquarters to look for their loved ones, but their efforts failed to bear fruits.
They said they had last learnt of the whereabouts of the trio when they were
taken to the police headquarters for interrogation. Family members said they
had visited various police stations including Sibanor Police Station to look
for the trio, noting that the continuous detention of their loved ones has
affected them psychologically. They regarded the trio as their sole
breadwinners.
64 “Almudus” Deported
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Security agents working for the Gambia Immigration Department on Tuesday 26
February, rounded up 67 “Almudus” (children beggars), within the city of
Banjul. These “Almudus” who were identified as Senegalese citizens were
eventually deported, while those who happened to be Gambians were kept in detention.
According to the Immigration spokesperson, Superintendent Olimatou Jammeh
Sonko, the children who are all boys aged between 10 and 17, were like
vagabonds within Banjul. Superintendent Jammeh Sonko indicated that the children
were living by themselves, noting that most of them slept in mosques and under
verandas. She noted that most of them were being used as child labourers at
the beach side in Banjul and were paid low wages. She noted that most of them
were not physically healthy, adding that they were causing nuisance within the
communities. She emphasised that her department will leave no stone unturned
on the “Almudu” issue; that the trend will continue until they are wiped
out of the streets. She stated that the Gambian Almudus will be kept in
detention until their parents are identified; that they too will be warned to keep
their children off the streets. Superintendent Olimatou posited that all the
64 children are natives of Kabada, NJamakuta and Medinaunas, all in Senegal.
She indicated that they were deported under the escort of their officers to the
border and handed over to the Senegalese authorities. She also added that
the Senegalese authorities in Banjul were aware of the developments.
Superintendent Jammeh stated that from now on, teenagers travelling into the Gambia
without parents will not be allowed in; adding that they would put all measures
to stop the flood of teenagers in to the Gambia.
Journalist Fatty’s Appeal Called In Chambers
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The criminal appeal case of journalist Lamin Fatty, of The Independent
Newspaper, which is now closed, was on Thursday, 28 February called in chambers at
the Banjul High Court presided over by Justice Naceesay Salla Wadda.
According to the defence counsel, Lamin S. Camara, the 59 page records of
evidence at the Kanifing magistrates’ court are still in the process of typing
and correcting and they are yet to be sent to the High court. The case is now
adjourned till 10 April. It could be recalled that journalist Lamin Fatty
was dragged to court by the state after spending 64 days in NIA custody before
being charged with false publication. He was later convicted by Magistrate
Buba Jawo of the Kanifing Magistrates Court and sentenced to a fine of D50,
000, in default to serve a term of one year in prison. However, the defence
decided to appeal against the judgment of the magistrates’ court.
Bissau-Gambia Joint Inter-Ministerial Meeting Underway
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The joint inter-ministerial commission meeting involving representatives of
Guinea Bissau and the Gambia began at the Corinthia Atlantic Hotel on
Thursday 28 February. The last joint ministerial meeting which was aimed at
promoting the bilateral relationship that exists between the two countries was held
three years ago.
In her opening remarks, the Vice President Madam Isatou Njie Saidy, said the
strong historic, cultural and ethnic affinities that bind Guinea Bissau and
The Gambia go back to time immemorial .She pointed out that the people of the
two countries are from the descendants of the Kaabu, Fulladu kingdom and the
Mali Empire, pointing out that the two people are one and are indivisible.
Madam Njie Saidy posited that their efforts must be geared towards ensuring
that unity is maintained, not only at the bilateral level, but also at the
regional and continental levels.
Vice President Saidy stated that the joint inter-ministerial commission
offers the two countries the opportunity to bring together policy makers and
experts from the two countries to discuss salient matters regarding Agriculture,
Trade , Customs, Tourism, Fisheries, Transport, Social Security, Justice and
other development related issues that challenge the two countries. Madam
Njie Saidy noted that the joint commission should cater for stock-taking on all
the things that have been achieved by the two sides over the past years and a
follow up on unresolved issues and table new ones that may have cropped up
in the interim. “I am confident that with the expertise, commitment and
dedication of our able officials, we will be making headway on how we tackle and
resolve issues affecting us with a view to ensuring a better future for our
people and bringing to reality their development dreams and aspirations in an
atmosphere of peace and security,” said VP Saidy.
The Guinea Bissau Prime Minister, Mr. Martinho N’Dafa Cabi, echoed the words
of The Gambia’s Vice President that the Gambia and Guinea Bissau are one
people that are divided by the colonialists. He asserted that the relationship
between the two countries is bound to stay as the two people are the same. He
noted that the two sides should maintain the peace and stability that exist
in the two countries. He pointed out that the interest of the two states will
always be a priority for them. The meeting was chaired by Crispin Grey
Johnson, the SoS for Foreign Affairs.
Charge D’Affaires Re-Appears In William Joof’s Trial
By Bubacarr K. Sowe and Fabakary B. Ceesay
Moses Benjamin Jallow, the charge d’affaires of the Gambia’s Embassy in
France has testified that he does not know the date of the termination of the
services of Michel Coencas and Michel Athias, both employed by the said embassy.
Under cross-examination on Wednesday, February 27, in the trial of William
Joof, Gambia’s former ambassador to France, Mr. Jallow said he knew about the
termination of Coencas and Athias in a communication note from Mr. Joof to
the UNESCO Secretariat. Mr. Jallow agreed with the defence lawyer that what he
saw was not a termination letter but a communication note.
Asked whether the note from Mr. Joof could have come after the resignation
or falling sick of Mr. Coencas and Mr. Athias, the witness said it could be.
The charge d’affaires further said that he was assigned to the post in
France on September 15, 1998 and he knew the accused person prior to his posting,
adding that Joof was the Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Affairs
Department. As head of the Chancery, Mr. Jallow said he had not seen any duty waiver
in respect to the vehicle Mr. Joof allegedly bought. The charge d’affaires
added that he did not see any receipt of the purchase of the vehicle, but had
seen a proforma invoice.
Mr. Jallow also said he was told by one Gerrard Nuss that he paid fifteen
thousand Euros to Mr. Joof so that he can be made honorary consul.
He adduced that he saw bank transfers of the alleged sum paid to Mr. Joof’s
personal account. Finally, he told the court that he had not been shown
evidence of this payment by the bank.
He did not also know the registration number of the vehicle Mr. Joof
allegedly bought.
However, the Director of public prosecution, Emmanuel Fagbenle wanted to
recall the witness so that he can tender some evidence in court, but the defence
lawyer, Lamin Camara objected to that, thereby triggering a long argument.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Olajubutu Kayode is to deliver a ruling on the matter
on February 28.
Mr. Joof is facing charges of abuse of office, official corruption,
obtaining goods by false pretence, stealing and conspiracy.
Trial of Casamance 9
Witness Cross-Examined
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The criminal trial involving the state and the 9 MFDC insurgents continued
at the Banjul Magistrates Court, on Wednesday 27 February. The state witness
Samba Gajaga, a security operative was subjected to cross examination by 4 of
the accused persons.
Accused person No.6, Tamsir Badjie asked officer Gajaga, what evidence they
have against him which led to his arrest. Officer Gajaga replied that there
was no evidence gathered about him but taking him to court reveals the
evidence. Tamsir asked officer Samba to point out any part of his evidence adduced
before the court which is a threat to the Gambia’s security. Samba replied
that the 3 photos of the security installations and the documents are clear
threat to the Gambia. “I’m putting it to you that those photos were taken by
your people,” said Tamsir. Samba replied in the negative, noting that the
photos were extracted from their own camera. Tamsir put it to him that their
camera only contained photos of their activities in the bush and not the 3
security installations. Samba maintained that the photos were taken from their
camera and was developed in the presence of Sidat Jarjue, whom they found the
camera with.
The 7th accused person Nuha Jatta asked Samba the reason for his arrest.
Officer Samba told him that he was in possession of Gambian documents when he is
not a Gambian citizen. “How can a mobile phone be a threat to Gambia’s
security,” asked Nuha. Samba replied, “That shows that you were communicating
your dubious activities to your partners in the bush”.
During cross-examination by Abdou Salam Jammeh, the 8th accused person,
officer Samba Gajaga admitted that they were not having any arrest or search
warrant for the arrest and search of his house. Abdou Salam asked whether it is
legal to arrest and search his house without any warrant. At this juncture,
the state counsel E.O Fagbenle rose to object to that question, arguing that
the witness is not bound to answer to that question. He cited a law to back his
claims. Magistrate Kayode ruled that the legality of that issue should be
determined by the court; but that the court will have in record that there was
no warrant for the arrest and search of the accused person. Officer Gajaga
indicated that the photos of state house were taken from inside a car, that a
windscreen and a wiper can be spotted in the photo.
Abdou Salam asked him whether State House is like a market place where one
can just take photos like that. Gajaga said the issue is where to stand and
how to do it. He said he cannot estimate the distance from where the photos
were taken from the state house. Abdou Salam asked why photos of their
activities taken in the bush were not tendered in court so it can be scrutinized with
other photos to verify whether they were shot by the same camera. Officer
Gajaga stated that the photos were also tendered in court as exhibits. “I’m
putting it to you that the photos of the security installations were your own
fabrications and that they are not from us,” Abdou Salam said to the witness.
Gajaga maintained that the photos were taken by the accused person. Abdou
Salam also put it to Gajaga that he was not asked to provide the pass word of the
computer labtop, but Gajaga denied that, noting that Abdou Salam was quizzed
to reveal the password to the laptop but he refused to do so.
Wuyeh Jarju also asked officer Gajaga the reason for his arrest, but Gajaga
indicated that he was not part of the team that arrested Wuyeh. Wuyeh asked
whether there is any material evidence before the court that is linked to him,
Gajaga replied that there is an ID card, birth certificate and a mobile
phone that bears his name. Gajaga asserted that he could not tell the type of sim
card in the phone. Gajaga stated that the phones were taken to Gamcel to
trace the numbers that they were communicating within and outside the Gambia
with other MFDC colleagues. Sitting continues on 11 and 12 March.
Theft At Revenue Authority
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Two men are in police custody for allegedly stealing and receiving stolen
property belonging to The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), said police spokesman
Inspector Sulayman Secka.
One Mr Patrick Paul Gomez allegedly stole eleven books of income tax
clearance disc for 2008, valued at D50,000. Police sources also said that one Mr
Kawsu Bojang received the tax clearance books and issued them out to people.
Consequently, Mr. Gomez and Mr. Bojang both residents of Lamin, Kombo North, are
now charged with stealing by clerk or servant and receiving stolen property
respectively.
According to the police spokesperson the alleged incident occurred on
February 8, 2008. He said the men were due to appear at the Banjul Magistrates
Court, but Foroyaa has learnt that the men were not court yesterday.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
DID THE GHOST OF EDITOR MANNEH CONTINUE TO HAUNT JAWARA’S GOVERNMENT THROUGH
THE 1990s?
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column with the objective to
rewrite the history of significant political events and divulge possible motives
behind the happenings so that our young readers in particular and the public
in general would remember the past with a view to avoid them so as to help
shape the future.
Let us continue from where we stopped.
By 18th June, 1990, the case of Sanna Manneh was still heating up. The
pronouncement of the High court judge that the case of Sanna Manneh be transferred
to the magistrate court for re-trial went beyond the prayer of the Attorney
General for a re-trial to be made so that an order for the court of trial to
convict and sentence Mr. Manneh on count 1 and 3 and to sentence him on
count 2, could be done.
The radio Gambia announcers misinterpreted that to mean that Mr. Manneh was
sentenced on those counts which created quite a confusion among the people..
Mr. Sam George, counsel for Sanna Manneh reminded the new magistrate, Mrs.
Ngum that Mr. Manneh was formally convicted by this court. He brought it to
the notice of the court that the accused person has filed an appeal in the
Gambia court of Appeal and in accordance with the rules of the Gambia court of
Appeal in particular, Rule 54, sub-rule (4) that no further action shall be
taken by any court in respect of the action. He asserted that all action in the
law courts should be suspended pending the determination of the appeal.
Mr. George opined that since they had filed an appeal in the Gambia Court of
Appeal, the matter was pending before the court so that the matter before
the magistrate court could not proceed until after the determination of that
appeal.
Mr. George was of the opinion that if the appeal was dismissed, then the
appeal court could send the accused back to the magistrates court, for possible
sentence.
Mrs. Bensonda who represented the inspector General of police reviewed the
rule cited by Mr. George and also concurred that since Mr. Manneh was tried
summarily, she would take it that the application Mr. George has made could be
done.
Mrs. Ngum who was now presiding over the case also requested for the law
books, reviewed it and ruled that no further action could be taken by the court;
that all proceedings be suspended until after the determination of the
appeal in the Gambia court of Appeal, that Mr. Manneh would continue with his
court bail.
This had effectively sealed all the rumour generated by the
misinterpretation of Radio Gambia implying that the editor has been sentenced.
Interestingly enough, Sir Dawda who had earlier on insisted that he would
not take any action until his interpretation of what he called the ‘legal
process’ to take full cycle, now appeared to have changed his mind for whatever
reasons and terminated the services of Dr. Lamin Nafa Saho as the Minister of
Information and Tourism, thus creating confusion within their ranks on
Thursday, 3rd May, 1990.
The president however did not state the reason for Saho’s removal. He simply
stated section 46(a) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia for
the removal and section 45(1) of the constitution for replacing him with Mr.
Alkali James Gaye, M. P.
Two questions however exercised the minds of the people i.e. What was the
cause of Saho’s termination and the other was, the replacement of Mr. Pesseh
Njie with Elizabeth Renner as parliamentary secretary, Ministry of Health, the
Environment, Labour and Social Welfare.Pesseh Njie’s termination was not
made public at the time.
The cause of Saho’s Dismissal
Foroyaa made strenuous effort to find out the reason why Dr. Saho was
removed. The paper sent a reporter who witnessed a meeting convened by Dr. Saho at
his Sukuta residence few days after his removal.
According to Foroyaa, the first person to address the meeting was one Alhagi
Sambou Samateh of Baddibu Central PPP committee. He praised president Jawara
and pointed out that this was nothing new, that people like M.C. Cham and
Lamin Mboge had all been removed from ministerial posts before; that Saho
should not allow anybody to incite him. He also cautioned everyone to give short
speeches which was noted..
According to the report, Dr. Saho also praised president Jawara and
acknowledged that he has been removed from his ministerial post, but added that he
did nothing wrong.
He said it was God who decreed that he would be removed and that his removal
should not bring calamity. He then prayed for president Jawara to rule this
country forever.
The sacked Dr. Saho said president Jawara is a good person and that was why
he has formulated a policy that if a minister was removed from his post, he
or she should be paid as a minister for six months, including his M.P. Salary.
He promised more projects for his constituency and asked people to turn to
him.
Dr. Saho’s pronouncement that he was going to receive his salary for another
six months generated another debate in the country. Was it true or not,
became the question.
Foroyaa made a finding and clarified that if the conditions of Dr. Saho’s
removal were anything to go by, then he was not going to receive the benefits
that go along with retirement or resignation from a ministerial post; that Dr.
Saho’s services were terminated and that meant that he would only be
receiving his constituency allowance of D2500 per month.
According to Foroyaa, the information circulating in Town was that his
termination was as a result of the developments at the hearing of the appeal of
the Attorney General against the judgment of the magistrate in the case against
Mr. Sanna Manneh; that others claim that he had a contradiction with his
permanent secretary and wanted to get rid off him but the permanent secretary
also presented facts against him in self defence which appeared convincing to
the president to terminate his appointment.
Foroyaa also cited other allegations that Dr. Saho had been issuing land
around the Tourist Development Area without seeking the inputs of relevant
government institutions and had been more interested in doing business
transactions during official trips abroad.
According to Foroyaa, facts revealed that Dr. Saho before his termination
went around with the president to visit the Kairaba Beach Hotel complex and the
new V.I.P lounge at the Banjul International Airport which were being
constructed for the ECOWAS conference.
What is logical, Foroyaa opined was that if the president decided to
terminate Dr. Saho’s appointment instead of asking him to resign so that he would
enjoy the benefits of retirement, then it was logical to say that he was not
satisfied with Dr. Saho’s performance.
Foroyaa maintained that it was true that a report on Mr. Manneh’s answer to
the Attorney General’s submission on the count dealing with Dr. Saho was in
circulation sometime before the termination of Dr. Saho. They also seemed to
confirm that, that report had reached the president, but maintained that only
the president could say why he has terminated the services of Dr. Saho.
Foroyaa asserted that what was however clear was that the president has
concluded that Dr. Saho was unsuitable to be the minister of information and
tourism. The paper also added that since Dr. Saho was not crying foul; since he
was even praying for the president, then it must be assumed that he has agreed
with the judgment of the president on his termination.
On The Lessons
The PDOIS commented that the doctrine of the Executive presidency is a
monarchical legacy which enables a president to do many things without having to
give any explanation. The paper cited the 1970 constitution and analysed that
under that constitution, the ministers only had an advisory capacity in
policy making, that the president alone had the decision making powers; that he or
she can appoint and sack ministers as he/she wishes without having to give
reasons to anyone. Foroyaa then asserted that a government cannot be a
government of the people unless it is accountable to the people and as it opined,
there must be legal guarantees to such accountability instead of leaving it to
the deliberate judgment of one person.
The PDOIS therefore proposed a constitutional framework where ministers
would be elected by all the representatives selected by the people and could be
removed through impeachment or removal proceedings that would be broadcast
live to the public unless they preferred to resign.
See next Edition as we interpret motives behind the events in the 1990s
HEALTH AND NUTRITION BANTABA
Growing up too quickly in childhood
Increasing worry of parents for early puberty of their children
DR H. AZADEH MD, Senior Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
By Yaya Bajo
Puberty is an unsettling stage in anyone’s life, but if it appears at the
age when a child is still playing with her dolls, it can be very worrying
indeed.
Dr Hassan Azadeh a Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology made this
remark recently in an interview with our Health Reporter Yaya Bajo following
a series of his articles about public health published in national News
papers in the Gambia.
Dr Azadah at what age girls and boys start with their puberty?
Puberty, usually occurring during adolescent, is when kids develop
physically and emotionally into young men and women. Usually, this starts to happen no
earlier than 9-10 for girls and 10-12 years for boys.
Over the centuries there has been a steady decline in the onset age for
puberty. In Victorian time, it was about 15 for girls and older for boys; before
that, records show that youths of 17 and 18 were often still to reach puberty
because their voices had not yet broken.
The generally accepted international standards of normal puberty for girls
were set by a study of 200 females in a British orphanage in 1960’s; which
established that 12 years six months for girls was the average age at which
menstruation began. Similar studies of boys concluded that 14 years was the
average age of sexual maturity for them.
Puberty involves huge physical; emotional and hormonal changes as the body
prepares for reproduction. There is also rapid growth and weight gain and the
appearance of body hair and for many, an unwelcome crop of acne. Girls
develop breasts and begin having menstrual periods, boys begin to produce sperms
and their voice becomes lower pitched.
So far there is no real agreement among Doctors about whether we are just
seeing a continuation of this decline in the average age at which puberty
occurs, or whether it is part of a more worrying environmental trend towards
children growing up too quickly.
However, most agree that if breasts and pubic hair development happen before
age eight or nine in girls, or signs of puberty manifest themselves in boys
under ten, it is “abnormal”. However, the onset of signs of puberty before
age 7 or 8 in girls and age 9 in boys can be physically and emotionally
difficult for children and can sometimes be the sign of an underlying health
problem. There is also evidence that children with early sexual development become
sexually active earlier. There are also thoughts whether early childhood
could have a knock on effect which makes them susceptible to adult health problem
such as cancer and heart disease.
In Britain and in some other European countries it is now more or less
established that up to at least one in six children under ten is affected. In
deed; there are some recent studies that show that school girls as young as six
are entering already puberty. There are also a few studies from some African
and Asian countries reporting similar early childhood development in puberty
and early sexual maturity too.
Whatever the cause, a growing number of children are being deprived of
childhood and are turning, physically into mini-adults at an increasingly, young
age. But without the emotional maturity to deal with these changes, they are
vulnerable to exploitation.
Dr Azadeh what are the signs of early puberty?
In girls, the commons signs include any of the following before 7 or 8 ages:
• breast development
•pubic or underarm hair development
• rapid height growth- a growth “spurt”
• onset of menstruations(periods)
• acne
• “mature” body ordour
In boys, the signs of early puberty before 9 years of age include:
• enlargement of testicles or penis
• pubic, underarm, or facial hair development
• rapid height growth - a growth “ spurt”
• voice deepening
• acne
• “mature” body odour
Similarly, some girls and boys may experience early growth of pubic and/or
underarm hair that isn’t associated with early puberty and may require
evaluation to rule out “true” early puberty or other health problems.
Going through puberty early can also be difficult for a child emotionally
and socially. For example, girls with early puberty may be confused or
embarrassed about physical changes such as getting their periods or having enlarged
breasts well before any of their friends. But the hardest part may be teasing
that children with the condition - especially girls - may experience. Even
emotions and behaviour may change in children with early puberty; girls can
become moody and irritable. Boys can become more aggressive and also develop a
sex drive inappropriately for their age.
Dr Azadeh what are the causes of early puberty in girls and boys?
The onset of puberty is normally by the Hypothalamus (the area of the brain
that helps control the function of some glands) in particular a gland called
pituitary to release hormones that stimulate the ovaries in girls or
testicles in boys to make sex hormones.
Sometimes, the early puberty stems from a structural problem in the brain,
brain injury due to head trauma, an infection such as meningitis, or a problem
in the girls ovaries or thyroid gland that triggers the onset of puberty
ahead of schedule - but this usually isn’t always the case.
In about 5% of boys, early puberty is inherited. Starting puberty early can
be passed on to the son from the father. But less than 1% of girls affected
by early puberty have inherited the condition.
*More girls experience early puberty which is very much linked with their
lifestyle, diet and in particular in girls who are overweight (obese) in their
very young age especially in 6 - 9 years old.
*Others attribute largely to improvement of nutritious, food containing more
vitamins, minerals, proteins, fat and other ingredients. But the most
harmful are those foods containing hormones, such as in chicken, meats and even in
some fruits and vegetables growing in some industrial countries.
*An Italian study confirmed that the stress of family breakdown alters the
balance of growth hormones and other chemicals in the body, speeding up a child
’s physical development. This include the absence of biological fathers
which may be is one of the common causes as girls whose fathers had left home
started their periods earlier due to the psychological trauma they were going
through.
*Early puberty has also been linked to watching too much of TV, movies and
playing TV games at a very young age. There is evidence that children who
watch three hours TV a day produce less of the sleep hormone and the sleepless
condition creates physical and mental stress as a result children develop a
misbalance in their sexual hormones.
DR Azadeh how is early puberty diagnosed?
I strongly recommend every parent who observes any signs of early puberty
and/or any sexual maturity in their children before the age of 7-8 to seek
advice from a medical professional. The signs include, in girls early breast
development, rapid height growth, menstruation (periods), excessive developing
acne, in boys enlargement of testicles or penis, changing voice or pubic or
underarm hair.
The physical changes boys and girls go through during puberty are usually
evidence to a Doctor during an examination. To confirm a diagnosis of early
puberty of your child, the Doctor may order blood and urine tests to detect
elevated of sex hormones or possibly an x-ray of your child bones too. There
might be also necessary for further testing such as scanning which can help to
rule out specific causes of early puberty, such as a growth in the girl’s
ovaries, or boy’s testicles. Fortunately all motioned diagnostic facilities are
now available at RVTH including MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) for
affected children to be appropriately diagnosed by specialists.
Dr Azadeh, is there any preventative medicine available possibly to prevent
the development of early puberty or perhaps even to treat children who are
already affected?
Not surprisingly the drug industries have developed quite a few different
drugs for prevention and also for possible treatment of premature puberty. The
mean effects of these drugs are to block the early production of growing
hormones; but the medical professionals are not happy to admit powerful drugs,
normally used to treat cancer, be routinely prescribed for young children.
There are some thoughts that possibly by medical definition normal age range
for onset of puberty simply be adjusted downwards so that the increasing
number of children reaching sexual maturity while still at primary school are no
longer viewed as abnormal?
Dr Azadeh what is your own personal opinion about this worrying development
in our young girls and boys, even here in the Gambia?
As a medical professional and in particular being also professionally
Gynaecologist for over 32 years I am very familiar with the facts on early puberty
and early maturity in young children. I met quite a number of children, also
here in the Gambia in my long years of medical practice, in particular, girls
with similar conditions brought to me by their parents.
I strongly recommend that they should seek medical advice by medical
professionals for performing an appropriate diagnosis for underlying health problems
and for possible treatments; in particular, girls at a very young age with
an early menstrual period, development of their breasts or suffering from
obesity and in boys of rapid height growth, enlargement of their testicles or,
and developing early facial hairs.
In The Gambia we and our children are extremely lucky living in an
environment without toxic and harmful industrial chemicals which have been so far
highlighted, indeed as the commonest cause for hormonal changes in very young
children. But this does not mean that we also should ignore some other motioned
causes such as obesity and the possibility of early pregnancy. Most recent
studies in UK (2005) showed 148 girls aged 13 or younger becoming pregnant from
which 62 present were diagnosed as early sexual maturity. We are also facing
the common teenage pregnancy here in The Gambia either through unwanted
pregnancy or marriage of very young girls.
I am certain that the medical professional here in the Gambia is happy to
advice parents on the normal and abnormal onset of early puberty and early
sexual maturity, also to perform the appropriate diagnosis as the diagnostic
facilities at RVTH, MRC and some health and medical centres are available.
Further information and advice are offered at BAFROW, and also Tel, No:
7774469.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Life Is Not A Game
Part 11
With Amie Sillah
The Girls And Sister Salma
Zahra, Nadia and Salma came to see their mom. The gateman refused them
entry. “Why?” The girls asked. “Mom did not tell me she was to see anyone.” The
girls protested. “She is our mom. Tell her we want to see her.” Amadou took
the phone and asked mom. “No! I don’t want to see them. Tell them I am sorry.
” “What did she say?” Salma asked. “She does not want to see you.” “What!
Nonsense! We will go in! What does she mean? The house owner has come to her
house. How can she shut her out? Open the gate!” Nadia ordered. “I can’t. I
have to secure my job.” “It’s okay girls! Let’s go. I’ll fix it out.”
Salma ordered.
Mom Comes Out
Mom came out in her car. She passed through the girls. Salma tried to stop
her. “Mom! It is me Salma. Can I talk to you?” “No! I can’t. I am already
late. I am to attend an important meeting.” “Spare me only five minutes.” “I
can’t. Excuse me!” She drove past them. The girls were embarrassed by mom’s
snob. Salma was embarrassed and frustrated. “I can’t believe it! Is it that
bad?” “You have not seen anything yet. She has been transformed into a
monster.” “Let’s go!” Salma ordered the girls. “I wanted to ascertain for
myself. I am now convinced. I have seen more than enough.” Salma said.
Taken To The Stream
Dad was taken to the stream by Mansata to have some fresh air. As dad was
seated at his wheel chair, Mansata went into the stream and prayed to Allah to
heal Dad. “Oh Allah! Answer my prayers and get Alhajj healed. The innocent
should not suffer while the wicked live and rejoice. Allah! You are in control.
Heal Pa Alhajj!”
Slips Into The Water
Mansata slipped into the water and fell. She screamed and called for help.
Alhajj woke from his slumber and saw her drowning. The impulse! The fear of
losing a jewel in his life sparks his spinal cord. He stood up in a second and
ran to safe Mansata. It was a miracle. He got into the water; swam and
rescued Mansata. Alhajj carried her to the shore, drained the water from her body
and applied mouth to mouth resuscitation. Mansata came back to life and
sneezed. Alhajj jumped into happiness. “Oh my God! You have come back to life!”
Alhajj kissed her forehead. “What happened?” Mansata asked. “You were
drowning, the fear sparked my spinal cord, I stood up and started to run to save your
life. I was scared to lose you. Allah gave me back my gait. I thank him for
that.” Alhajj was rejuvenated. Mansata got up and they pushed the wheel chair
back home.
The Girls Arrive
The girls arrived at the village. Dad was no where to be seen. They were
scared. They went into the room searching for him. They saw the wheel chair.
They heart jumped. Their knocked at Granny’s door. She came out with a broad
smile welcoming Salma home. “Ndey Salma! You are welcome! How is your family?” “
They are fine.” She became impatient and asked her namesake. “Grandma! What
is happening? Where is dad? I saw his wheel chair outside. “Your dad has
gone on stroll with Mansata. He is no more on wheel chair. Allah has healed him.”
The children screamed, sobbed and thanked Allah. “God is great! God is
great!” They chorused.
The Unbelievable
Dad and Mansata came home. The girls were amazed to see their dad in a
healthy shape. Salma rushed to embrace him followed by Zahra and Nadia. They
cannot believe it! They cannot believe it! They examined him all around. Dad was
laughing at his children. “Girls! I am fine. Allah has healed me. All thanks
goes to him. I am grateful.” It was a happy reunion. The family shed emotional
tears. Alhajj pointed at Mansta. “Apart from Allah, All thanks goes to
Mansata. She made it happen! I am grateful.” The children hugged Mansata. Grandma
praised her courage and support. I pray for you Mansata. May Allah give you a
man of your choice. “Amen.” Everybody chorused.
The Explanation
The family listened to Mansata’s explanation. “I left Alhajj seated at his
wheel chair. I went into the stream to pray for him. I slip and screamed for
help. Alhajj thought of losing me. His spinal cord sparked and he came
rushing to help me before I get drowned. It’s a miracle. Isn’t it?” “This is the
greatest news ever heard. We are so happy for you, for us dad! You are a
great dad. You made us what we are today. You never failed to carry out your
responsibility. We thank you.” Ndey Salma said through her sobs. There was an
emotional outburst. “It’s okay girls! We will win! Allah is with us. I thank
all of you for your support through my ordeal. I have faith. I have forgiven my
transgressors. I wish them well.” Alhajj said.
GFA Intent on Opening New Page with the Media
By Modou Nyang
The meeting between Jammeh Bojang, the GFA Secretary General and members of
the sporting media is a welcome development in the relation of this two
important bodies.
It was a brotherly chat as Bojang put it. And really it was, I appreciate
the meeting/chat a great deal. Next time efforts should be made to get all the
different media institutions in the country to be present. It is only through
this means where the sporting media are divided that issues of importance
can be discussed.
The Gambia Football Association according to the FA’s secretary general
wants to: “open a new page our relation with the media”. The role of the media
in football and sports in general cannot be pushed aside. It is the media that
makes the image of football and Jammeh honestly admitted this. Hence there
is no doubt the FA knows very well the position of the media.
It is good news that the position of a media officer is being advertised
this will fill a huge gap in terms of the flow of information and most
importantly the handling of media concerns relating to the coverage of matches and
football related events. The dialogue should continue in the mean time as Jammeh
wished before the coming into office of the GFA media officer to handle
pressing issues as they arise.
A way to enable journalist better do their coverage of matches is to
improvise a way to list all the players of the various clubs for identification
purposes. A database of the registered players of all the clubs is available at
the FA secretariat, and since clubs may not be in the position to print the
names of their players on their jerseys. Clubs can be compelled to maintain the
jersey numbers of their players and the data provided to the media for them
use for reference in preparing reports. Reporters will only have to rely on
the numbers during matches. This will help to improve the quality of our
reports. If this is introduced, changes should only be entertained during the
transfer window.
I eagerly look forward to the next meeting/chat to put forward my other
opinions which I believe will help further the development of our game.
Hawks Play Senegal’s Linguere Sunday
By Isatou Bittaye
Hawks Football Club will Sunday host Linguere FC in a friendly international
at the Independence Stadium, Bakau.
St. Louis based Linguere are in town to play their Gambian counterparts in a
return leg following Hawks’ visit earlier this month. Burama Dibba Hawks’
Secretary General said his club lost to the Senegalese club during their visit.
Linguere are Senegal’s FA Cup champions they play in the 2nd division league
and have a preliminary round bye in the CAF Confederation Cup. They await
the winner between Gambia Ports Authority FC and Ivory Coast ES Bingerville.
Dibba is hoping for a good match on Sunday and win the game to avenge for
their loss in Senegal. And noted that Hawks want to repay the good treatment
they received in St. Louis.
Wallidan Survive Biko Late Surge
By Isatou Bittaye
Wallidan yesterday weathered a heavy second half Biko storm to win by a lone
goal at the Independence Stadium.
George Cole put Wallidan ahead in the 35th minute from the penalty spot
after a Wallidan player went down easily in the Biko penalty area. Proceedings
before got the Wallidan got their break through was somewhat lacking in quality.
But with the caliber of the teams at show and their bitter tug of war
regarding the international transfer rights of Ebrima Sohna, the real show was
reserved for the second half.
Receiving the support of an unusual large support from the stands, Biko
pushed forward in search of the all important equaliser. And matters became more
compounded for Wallidan when striker Amadou Gaye was sent off in the 72nd
minute for a second bookable offence.
It was oneway traffic from that moment. Habib Kunta was the fulcrum for Biko
providing the passes and doing most of the runs. And the introduction of
Alpha Omar Jallow meant more defending by Wallidan. Jallow cut inside Wallidan’s
defensive wall and lay the ball in the part of Kawsu Jatta whose shot
narrowed out.
But Wallidan goalkeeper Ansumana Samateh had to make another wonder save to
keep his side up. Samateh was forced to scary for the ball to push Alagie Bah’
s goal bound low drive out for corner. The resultant corner caused another
scare but Wallidan successfully laid back well to defend their lead.
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