Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 18/2007, 11 – 12 February 2008
Editorial
The President’s Treatment
The recent appearance of women who are said to be possessed by spirits needs
comment to save them from stigma and possible isolation. Foroyaa will
conduct interviews with psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and
medical social workers to inquire into their experiences. We also have among our
editors experienced individuals who, sometimes ago, showed how a person who
experiences periods of losing consciousness could be helped to gain
consciousness by simply wiping the face with cold water.
It is very common in Gambian society to find people who fall down
occasionally for one reason or another. Some do so in schools, market places, hospitals
and even on the streets.
According to our findings, the human brain is a very complicated machine. It
is made to act by voluntary and involuntary processes.
There are some people who are afraid of congested environments, heights and
other conditions. They faint when they are faced with such conditions. There
are those with brain injuries which form clots. Such people can easily go
into coma. Some people experience epilepsy and can easily fall and even chew
their tongues if they are not properly attended to. There are those who can be
hypnotised. Once in a hypnotic stage, they could respond to suggestions and
behave almost like robots.
There are people with mental problems who are ether neurotic or psychotic
and could lose total control of themselves.
Recently Foroyaa came into contact with a girl who has gone to many
marabouts or spiritual healers for supernatural intervention. She was told that she
was possessed by spirits. She took all their concoctions but to no avail .She
began to lose hope in herself. However, she was told how people with high
fever go into a state of delirium and hysteria but do come out of the condition,
that illness does not make a person less than a human being; that each of us
must try to cope with our unique illnesses and seek help from those who can
understand our illnesses better. Foroyaa will go into this issue to help
people to have greater understanding of the human mind and personality.
Interview With Halifa Sallah
On the Launching of his book, The Way forward for Gambian Politics
Foroyaa: We received information regarding the Launching of your book at the
African Caribbean Centre in Leicester, UK on 23 of February. Why UK?
Halifa: Sylvester Williams was the first to host a Pan African Conference in
1900. It is symbolic that the African Caribbean Citizens Forum is behind the
launch of the most authoritative work I have ever written on African Unity
and Pan Africanism, at the African Caribbean Centre in Leicester, in
collaboration with Gambians in the Diaspora, who will introduce themselves at the
event.
Foroyaa: When will the Launching take place in the Gambia?
Halifa: I will start to circulate some copies on Tuesday, 12 February to
prepare for the launch of the book in The Gambia. A launching Committee of
progressive personalities will be set up to prepare for the occasion. It will
receive enough publicity. Academia will be given sharp focus in the launch. A
copy will be given to the Vice Chancellor of the University of the Gambia and
the Chairperson of the Governing Council for review. They are at liberty to
endorse or give a critical review of the content. The various departments of the
University will also be approached for them to participate in the launch.
Academics of all shades shall be identified and a copy of the book given for
review. The general public can start purchasing copies at the People’s Centre
in Churchill Town, starting from Wednesday 13 February. I would want each of
the African Heads of State and also the African Parliament to get a copy.
On Tuesday, I will start to send a copy to the Gambian Head of State with a
request for his technical experts to study the content and tell the nation
whether my proposals for a Federation of African States and the nature of the
union government are realistic or not. He or his technical adviser would
have the liberty to criticise or endorse the content of the book at the launch.
The Book launch is tentatively scheduled for 24 April 2008, so that those who
wish to participate would have enough time to read and digest the content.
The book is proposing direct election of members of the Pan African
Parliament and its endorsement with legislative and other enhanced powers. These
proposals require review. I shall submit a copy to the Speaker, the Majority and
Minority Leaders of the National Assembly and all members of the Pan African
Parliament from The Gambia for review by those five members. They will also
have the liberty to criticise or endorse the content at the launching.
The book deals with the African Court of Justice and proposes an extension
in the jurisdiction of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to
include matters pertaining to the trial of cases pertaining to war crimes,
genocide and crimes against humanity. A copy shall be given to the Chief Justice,
The Bar association, The African Commission and The African Centre for review.
They will have the liberty to criticise or endorse the proposals at the
Launching. The book calls for a robust food and agro-industrial base for the
continent which will pioneer the drive for the supply of all food in African
supermarkets, in particular, and that which is consumed by the people at large to
originate from the continent. The book calls for Continental private sector
and public sector initiatives and private /public partnerships supported by
a robust African Central Bank capable of intervening like other banks in
developed countries to stabilize currencies and interest rates, stimulate demand
and promote financial integration and monetary Union; robust African
Monetary Fund which will stimulate the movement of goods and services in the
continent and thus promote economic integration; a robust investment bank which
shall be able to launch its own financial facility to support continental
enterprises to promote raw material production, manufacturing and finally machine
building so that Africa can trade without being at a disadvantage in the
world.
The book made proposals on how to put an end to unfair trade. A copy will be
given to SoS for Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank, The Chamber of
Commerce, The Chief Executives of Banks and other business establishments for
review of how their various sectors would function under a united Africa.
They are at liberty to criticise or endorse the book at the launching. The book
has identified civil society segments as major partners in promoting civic
awareness and enhancing the capacity of the African People to take part in
discussions and decisions which affect their very lives. A copy will be given to
TANGO as an apex institution for civil society segments and the Media
establishments. They will be at liberty to do their own review and criticise or
endorse the proposals.
Women and Youth organisations shall be given copies to review and they will
be at liberty to state their opinion. The political parties will also be
given copies for review. The party in office will be at liberty to endorse or
differ with the proposals. The opposition will be at liberty to indicate whether
they would or would not have adopted the proposals if they were at the helm.
Copies shall also be given to embassies and some religious and traditional
leaders.
Foroyaa: It does appear that no one is excluded.
Halifa: This is about Africa. No one should be excluded. All of us should
take part in the debate. In fact, a Conference is supposed to take place in
Dakar on the Union Government and State as well as the EU-ACP partnership
agreements to which I am invited. I will see how many Heads of State I would be
able to meet there. My target is to launch the book in Ghana and then visit as
many African countries as possible and the African Diaspora to promote the
ideas.
Foroyaa: Now, let us come nearer to home. How do you see the Local
Government elections and what is the way forward to put an end to political apathy?
Halifa: In my interview with The Point after my return, I indicated that
given the fact that the councils were stripped of all autonomy, it was best to
transform the election into a referendum on the popularity of the APRC
administration. This, I said, could have been done by encouraging and supporting
genuine independent candidates to take over as many seats as possible. This
would have been easier since all supporters of opposition parties, some
supporters of the APRC who are dissatisfied and other independent voters could have
been mobilised to cast protest votes.
First and foremost, the fact that 8 independent candidates won is a
confirmation that there is a fertile ground for political change if the right tactics
and strategies are adopted.
The voter apathy still had the same effect of showing the unpopularity of
the APRC administration. The party’s mayoral candidate had 4600 votes out of
19000 votes in Banjul and 19000 votes out of 128 000 votes in the Kanifing
Municipality.
Foroyaa: The opposition did not fare any better, did it?
Halifa: Of course, the results, 1000 votes for the UDP in Banjul and 8000 in
KMC, are extremely low.
Foroyaa: What then is the way forward?
Halifa: We have four years ahead of us before the next election .The fact
that the people can ignore the dictates of the APRC and support an independent
candidate is a confirmation that the people could be inspired to look at the
merits of candidates. This gives people hope that if the right candidates are
put up by parties or stand as independent candidates the people may decide
to focus on the person and cast their vote to ensure victory. Hence opposition
parties should continue with their reforms to become more credible and
individuals who believe that they can inspire unity and hope should also play
their role. I strongly hold that the way of the future for the opposition is to
have primaries as means of checking the popularity of candidates. How to
introduce this in The Gambia should be a major priority if we want to put an end
to voter apathy. The people should know who and what they are voting for. They
should hear those who wish to lead them debate on fundamental issues.
Finally, it is clear that President Jammeh would have been in office for 17
years by the time of the next election. If I were in his shoes, I would have
introduced a term limit and then pioneer constitutional and electoral reform
so that the people would participate in a free and fair election to select a
new leader. In my view, what a leader cannot do in 17 years, cannot likely be
done in another 17 years.
Almamy Ceesay Still Fighting for Justice
It is an old adage that Justice delayed is justice denied. This is apt to
sum up Almamy Ceesay’s case. Readers would recall that Almamy Ceesay had been
an employee of the Medical and Health Department from 1965 up to the time he
was forced to retire 11 years ago. He rose to the rank of Chief Orderly before
his retirement. According to Almamy, he was forced to leave two years before
he was due for retirement under the pretext that he was over 55 years.
Almamy came to Foroyaa when he discovered that he had received part payment as
gratuity and refused to receive the other part until satisfactory explanation is
given on how it was possible to give him part payment. As Almamy pursued the
health authorities to get an explanation, his file was said to be lost. This
made him more suspicious. He lodged a complaint at the Office of the
Ombudsman demanding investigation into the disappearance of his file, the provision
of a proper explanation of his employment status and the source of the
confusion which gave rise to part payment of his gratuity, proper computation of
his gratuity and monthly pension allowance, compensation for forced retirement
two years before his attainment of retirement age, computation and payment
of his contribution to WOPS and the payment cost for losses in going up and
down for 11 years to pursue his rights.
Since the office of Ombudsman could not address all his concerns, especially
the missing file, which may contain the reasons why there was part payment of
his gratuity, Almamy decided to go to court since his entire petitions to
the president proved fruitless. Unfortunately, for Almamy the case proceeded
slowly in court and finally grounded to a halt when his lawyer Mai Fatty became
involved in an accident.
Almamy is waiting for the state to assume its responsibility to take care of
its pensioners. There is no human misery that Almamy, the Chief Orderly, had
not handled for patients.
Now that he should be rewarded for his life long service, those in authority
seem to be paying deaf ears to the injustice perpetrated against him.
Justice needs to be done and should be seen to be done. Almamy will write a
letter to the president again for his intervention, since the records with
his lawyer cannot be retrieved at the moment. We will wait and see what will
happen.
State Objects To Reviewing UDP/NRP Suit
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The state has filed papers at the Supreme Court objecting to the reviewing
of its recent decision against the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the
National Reconciliation Party (NRP). The UDP, NRP and the minority leader of the
National Assembly recently applied for a review of a Supreme Court decision
last month against them on the ground that it was a decision made by a single
judge. In January, the Chief Justice Abdou Karim Savage, sitting as a single
judge, dismissed the UDP/NRP and minority leader’s suit which was questioning
the legality of last year’s amendments of the Constitution and the Local
Government Act. Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Emmanuel
Fagbenle, appearing for the state on Friday before a panel of five judges, said that
such a review cannot be heard by five judges, instead it should be seven.
Mr. Fagbenle also argued that the suit seeking the review is not properly
constituted like it’s parent suit.
Ousainou Darboe, counsel for the plaintiffs and leader of the UDP, counter
argued that his suit can be heard by five judges contrary to the argument of
the state counsel.
A ruling on the matter is slated for tomorrow, Tuesday.
Internet Operators Lament Lack of Access
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Internet Café operators and users have been complaining recently that they
cannot access the internet services nowadays. They complained that it
sometimes takes them two to three hours before they can access the Internet. Internet
operators stated that they are having difficulties with their customers due
to difficulties in accessing their email accounts.
Most customers who this reporter spoke to said that they cannot understand
the slow process of browsing the internet. They said they buy time which would
be exhausted without accessing their emails. Some customers stated that they
would buy two to three hours without accessing their mails which is a loss
to them.
The internet café operators within the Kanifing Municipality pinpointed the
same problems they have been having since last week. They said it is very
difficult for their clients to understand the delay in accessing the internet.
They said they have to explain to their customers that the problem emanates
from the main service providers. They said customers often ask them to refund
them their monies as they cannot access the internet. They indicated that they
are encountering financial losses due to a drop in the number of customers;
that they do refund some customers who insist on getting their monies back
because of inaccessibility to the internet.
However, Foroyaa investigated the problem and found out that the internet
cable linking Gamtel and Sonatel, in Senegal has been faulty. According to our
sources, The Gambia internet traffic passes through Senegal; that their main
supply is the Senegalese internet provider Sonatel. Our sources indicated
that the reasons for the slow access to the internet is that The Gambia is not
directly connected to the World Wide Web, noting that the Gambia gets supplies
from Senegal.
Foroyaa was also informed that Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal are some of the
countries in Africa that have direct connection to the World Wide Web. A source
added that The Gambia is paying heavily for the services from Senegal. Mr.
Yaya Manneh, of the Gamtel Internet Service unit, confirmed their problems
pointing out that it was a cable problem emanating from their underground fibre
connection with Senegal, which has been cut. But he was quick to add that they
are tirelessly working on the problem. He indicated that, at first, they
thought the fibre problem emanated from the Senegalese side but it was later
discovered that it was from The Gambian side. He also confirmed that Gambia is
not yet connected to World Wide Web due to lack of “Marine Cable,” which
Senegal have for easy access to the World Wide Web. He noted that their main back
bone is Senegal.
However, as we were speaking on the phone, Mr. Manneh revealed that he had
just received a message from their engineers that the problem has been solved.
Nfamara Bojang’s Trial
Subpoena Not Heeded
By Modou Jonga
Senior Magistrate E.F M’bai of the Brikama Magistrate Court on Wednedday 6
February, 2008 said that despite a subpoena having been issued by his court on
5 December, 2007, for Assistant Superintendent of Police Biran Jobe, the
latter has failed to appear before him as ordered. ASP Biran Jobe, who is
attached to the police headquarters, was ordered to appear in court on a subsequent
sitting in order to testify as a last prosecution witness in the two counts
criminal trial involving the state and Mr. Nfamara Bojang, UDP candidate for
Bakau Constituency.
When the case was called, the prosecutor, Sub-Inspector Saine, told the
court that ASP Jobe had travelled to Barra in the North Bank Region, according to
information he received from the police headquarters. The Magistrate said
Mr. Bojang was discharged by a presiding Magistrate of the said court and that
if the said witness fails to be in the next proceeding he could consider
the case of the prosecution closed. The presiding Magistrate gave one more
opportunity to the prosecution and deferred the case to Monday 25 February, 2008.
The Magistrate noted that the accused person has rights under the
constitution and has always been present in court; that for whatever reason, if the
prosecution fails to proceed, the court will know what to do.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty, was dragged to court by the state, few
days after being nominated by the IEC to contest for the Bakau seat in the
January 25 National Assembly Polls.
On count one, he is alleged to have conspired with one Abubakarr Suwa, at
Busumbala in 2005 in Kombo North, to commit a felony. On count two, Mr. Bojang
is alleged to be in possession of faked Gambian currency notes at the coastal
road junction.
GAMBIA-U.S. MARITIME SECURITY AND SAFETY INFORMATION SYSTEM COOPERATION
Three U.S. Navy officers are currently in the Gambia to install an Automatic
Identification System (AIS) for the Gambia Navy. The project is called the
Maritime Security and Safety Information System (MSSIS), an unclassified
computer network system that enables collection and sharing of data on the
location and status of merchant ships throughout Europe and Africa.
This project was developed and is being implemented by the U.S. Government
to help countries like The Gambia better control their maritime territory.
Now that MSSIS is operational, these U.S. Navy officers are demonstrating its
capabilities to coastal nations throughout Europe and Africa so that these
nations can partner with The U.S. and other nations in the region to enhance
maritime security.
MSSIS installation will be complete in 15 African Nations by March 31st,
2008. The partnership with the Gambia will provide the Gambia Navy with desktop
information on maritime traffic in Gambian territorial waters, and in the
larger region. The Maritime Security and Safety Information System helps to
facilitate vibrant maritime commerce that underpins economic security and
protects nations against illegal fishing, illegal immigration, drug trafficking,
human trafficking, environmental pollution, oil theft, piracy, terrorism or
proliferation activities, as well as making a key contribution to maritime
safety and search and rescue efforts.
The Gambia Navy has identified the Naval Command as the base for the
installment of the Automatic Identification System and work should be completed in a
week.
N.E.A TRAINS POLICE PROSECUTORS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANTI-LITTERING
REGULATION
BY: Sheikh Alkinky Sanyang (NEA)
‘As our population is rapidly on the increase, many of our urban communities
are now experiencing the negative effects of unplanned urbanization
particularly the impacts on sanitation. Unabated, the negative effects of poor
sanitation will steadily erode all the gains achieved in recent years, and prevent
our nation attain the environmental and health objectives of the Millennium
Development Goals, PRSP and Vision 2020.Subsequently, every inhabitant in our
nation will be adversely affected directly or indirectly if the current trend
continues.’
These remarks were made by MOMODOU B. SARR, the Executive Director of the
National Environment Agency (NEA), during a one day training seminar for police
prosecutors and investigators, recently held at the Atlantic Corinthia Hotel
in Banjul. He said the objectives of this training seminar is to improve the
enforcement of the Anti-Littering Regulations passed into law on the 14th
June 2007 by the President of the Republic, in his capacity as the Chairman of
the National Environment Management Council.
The NEA boss revealed that preliminary results have confirmed that malaria
cases in some areas have dropped by up to 40%, as a result of the monthly
Operation Clean The Nation exercise instituted by His Excellency the President in
2004. “ We now have a firm conviction that with continued dedication, in
addition to receiving the required support from all well-wishers providing the
requisite tools for sound waste management, our nation would be transformed
into one of the cleanest and healthiest in Africa in only a few years from now”
Sarr pointed out.
He however noted that despite the positive reaction from most quarters, the
vigorous enforcement of the anti-littering regulations turned out to be a
more formidable challenge than envisaged. The low level of awareness on the
provisions of the law among our main collaborators has been found to be a major
shortcoming. Therefore, he said the purpose of this training is intended to
deal with this serious impediment.
The National Environment Agency boss disclosed that his agency has embarked
on a massive nationwide sensitization on the Anti-Littering regulation, in
particular, and on attitudinal change towards the environment, in general. He
therefore calls for a holistic approach from all walks of life in the
realization of this objective.
In his keynote address, the president of the Gambia Court of Appeal, Justice
Emmanuel Agim, commended the National Environment Agency for their tireless
efforts in the effective enforcement of this Anti-Littering Regulation. He
also commended the President Jammeh for his unique compassionate leadership by
initiating the monthly cleansing exercise, Operation Clean the Nation. The
Court of Appeal president further challenged police prosecutors and
investigators to carry their duties comprehensively without fear or favour.
Other speakers include Burama Dibba, Crime Management Coordinator of the
Police and the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Forestry and
Environment.
This training Seminar which was organized by the National Environment
Agency, has drawn over sixty police prosecutors, investigators and other
collaborators from sister security agencies.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE GAMBIA CELEBRATES SILVER JUBILEE; WERE WE JUSTIFIED? (Part 2)
With Suwaibou Touray
In the last Edition of focus, we have stopped at where we cited the reaction
of the Jali Baa editorial. Let us follow the reaction of the PDOIS through
their organ, The FOROYAA.
Foroyaa, as usual, made a serious analysis on the Silver Jubilee and
asserted that the history of human-kind has been a history of struggle for liberty,
dignity and prosperity; that nations have fought for independence, not as an
end in itself, but as a means to foster the liberty, dignity and prosperity
of their peoples.
Foroyaa opined that for those who have the interest of the Nation at heart,
it was time for critical evaluation of the past so as to know where we must
head to from here, but as it observed, for those whose eyes were blind to the
state of the Nation and the suffering of the people, the 18th of February was
a moment for jubilation.
The Chinese built stadium was decorated with the National flag; children
matched to the drum beats of the police and army bands, sung the National anthem
and were parties organized in which, as Foroyaa puts it, ministers went to
wine and dine. It further observed that the masses, on the other hand, whose
tax money the government utilized for the celebrations, utilized their last
bututs to buy uniforms and shoes for their children, bought “ashobi” for the
occasion and danced to the drums.
At night, the ministers and their guests got into their Mercedes Benz cars
and drove to their comfortable homes, whilst the masses rushed for transports
and returned to their congested houses to face the difficulties of everyday
living, wrote Foroyaa.
Foroyaa further observed that while the poor people had been deprived of
places in the markets to sell goods so as to survive, thus leaving them to sell
in street corners, the government had spared no effort in sending the
gendarmerie to sweep them away from the streets like thrash, in order to attract
their visitors. It revealed incidents were people’s properties were seized and
taken away and canteens over hauled just to impress their visitors.
To make matters short, as Foroyaa wrote, the people could go hungry so that
visitors could be given an impression that all was well with the Gambia. It
therefore asked whether that was the way to accord liberty, dignity and
prosperity to our people and further asked whether that did not make our claim to
independence a farce.
On the claims of the government that they had achieved development growth
during the 25 years of independence, citing hospitals and schools and roads
constructed etc, Foroyaa observed that the regime did not tell the people that
the two main hospitals RVH and Bansang, which have been in existence since
the colonial days, were still existing and that drugs were lacking in these
hospitals; that people were referred to purchase drugs after paying hospital
fees; that a person who was operated on and spent a month in the hospital was
likely to pay two hundred and fifty dalasi. Foroyaa then asked, ‘How many poor
farmers, low paid and retrenched workers could afford that?’ Tests could cost
up to ninety dalasi and more. Drugs could cost in the hundreds of Dalasis.
Foroyaa criticized the first Republic regime for mentioning numerous primary
schools but asked how many of these were built by the people and how many
collapsed due to poor roofing; that how many lacked teaching aids etc?
Foroyaa insisted that they should also tell the people that it was parents
who bought chairs, tables, books etc for their children and still paid all
sorts of funds. Foroyaa asserted that so many children were dumped in the
streets after only six years of primary education because of lack of space at the
secondary level, and so many children come out of secondary and high schools
without any prospects for employment or further training. ‘Shouldn’t they not
tell the people how many had passed through the sixth form without any
prospects for further education or meaningful employment?’ Foroyaa asked.
Foroyaa asserted that government would talk about the development of
infrastructure without telling the people that they were products of loans which,
according to section 108 of the constitution, had to be paid back from the tax
money of the people; that such loans are grossly mismanaged as we have seen
with the Banjul/Serrekunda highway which should have cost 29 million dalasi
but ended up costing 83 million dalasi because of mismanagement. Foroyaa then
asked, ‘What then was there for this government to show? Nothing.’ it stated.
Foroyaa revealed that what was most interesting was that while government
was unable to buy the groundnuts of the farmers, the Area Councils did not only
intensify the collection of compound tax but that the government
representatives had contacted chiefs to mobilize alkalos to collect contributions from
the poor farmers for the silver jubilee celebrations.
Foroyaa condemned what it called such heartless actions that were without
rival in the political history of any independent nation.
Foroyaa then exposed that Radio Gambia invited them to participate in a
panel discussion on independence, but since the radio was under the control of
the regime, their representative was instructed to exercise restraint in his
comments and exposures so that the producer would not have a problem in putting
the programme over the air.
After reviewing the history of the Gambia, the editors argued that the
Gambia was not independent in 1965; that the leader of a politically independent
nation must not owe any allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power
or state.
Foroyaa argued, among other things, that the 1965 constitution states
categorically that the queen was still the head of state of The Gambia; that
parliament consisted of “Her majesty and the house of Representatives; that section
29 states that, the Governor General Constituted the queen and was appointed
by her; that section 47 stipulates that, no law could be made without “Her
majesty’s approval; that section 62 vested executive authority in the queen;
that the prime minister was required to keep the Governor General informed of
the conduct of the government and so on and so forth.
On the economy, Foroyaa asserted that the colonialists taxed the people,
maintained a parasitic bureaucracy which did not permit funds to be invested in
production to build up the economy. This is why Foroyaa wrote that that could
not bring about development and prosperity. In the same vein, they said, the
PPP regime maintained the same system of taxing the people to finance its
own parasitic bureaucracy. The funds collected had not been utilized to develop
the productive sectors of the economy. Hence, consumption by a few
increased, while production remained relatively stagnant.
The venue for the 1990 independence celebrations was the independence
stadium built by the Chinese, (mainland), at a cost of 28 million dalasi. It was an
interest free loan. Thousands of people converged there until it was over
crowded. There was a rush to get into the stadium. Gendarmes were many and were
heavily armed with rifles with life bullets. On that day, there was a gun
shot which many people heard. A lot of people dashed for their lives. Some
fell, others trampled on them. A young German tourist by the name of Hans Peter
Klaus lay bleeding. A bullet penetrated his body from the back and went out
through the stomach.
According to Foroyaa, one Lamin Sowe, appeared to be hit on the leg by the
same bullet which passed through Mr. Klaus’s body. So many people became
victims of the panic that ensued.
Foroyaa maintained that the jubilation was a wastage of resources in the
midst of immense suffering that revealed with unmerciful thoroughness the
insensitivity of the PPP regime to the needs and aspirations of the people; that
despite the wastage, a major hospital like the RVH was without adequate X-ray
facilities etc; that the window dressing process was to give the impression
that all was well for the Silver Jubilee; that this was why the regime
commanded the security forces, armed with rifles to clear the peaceful petty traders
off the streets; that in that regard, they pitted the security forces with
the petty traders who had no where to sell to feed their families and who
always come back after they were cleared compelling the security forces to have
confrontation with the people. Foroyaa warned that no government can create
stability by alienating the people and that was precisely what the Gambia
government was doing.
See the next edition of Focus as we dwell into the 1990s and beyond.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Life Is Not A Game
Part 4
With Amie Sillah
At The Flower Garden
Ousman came to the Flower Garden to greet his boss Alhajj. “How is your
first day, Ous? I hope you like it here. But am sorry Mansata cannot join you in
the city but she would be visiting you quite enough. Is that okay by you?” “
Yes Sir,” Ous was shy to talk about it. “He left.
Madam Grumbles
Aja grumbled. “Why? Why do you grumble? Ousman is a decent hard working guy.”
“I fear for my girls. Ousman is nice looking and vibrant. My girls are
quite mature that is Nadia and Zahra. Didn’t you get it Matarr?” Alhajj laughed
over it. “What! You are not serious. Nadia and Zahra would look down at
Ousman. They are university undergraduates. Their sights are afar not on an
ordinary driver with a school certificate. Don’t be over sensitive. Moreover,
Ousman is happily married to the homely Mansata who would be visiting him quite
often. Let your mind not do anything stupid. I guarantee him with my life. “
Alhajj emphasized. Alhaji went to answer to an international phone call.
Aunty BB Visits Her Friend
Aunty BB is a ‘diriankeh’ (Fashion Pacesetter) she owned a lot of boutiques
in town. She ordered wholesale and sold it at retail to surrogates. She also
owned a string of hair dressing salons and tailor’s shops engaged in sewing
African, European and carribean fashions. She refused to get married or get
children. She is quoted to have said that she wants to remain young forever.
She wines and dines with the cream of society. She has a strong grip on Aja.
She giggled and got excited when she first saw Ous. “Waw! My God! Who is he?” “
Oh! That one. He is Ousman from Alhajj’s village. He is like a kind of
brother to Alhajj.” “Oh! This is a diamond you are having here. Look at his body
contours! He is hefty and heavy. Sister play bond.” “What! Astafurlah! How
can you say that? I am a married woman for God’s sake”. “Married ‘Ohkoh’! Do
you know what Alhajj does during his treks? You travel a lot outside the
country. Do you know what Alhajj does when you are away? Anyway Islam allows him
to marry up to 4 wives”. Aja called B.B a Satan in human clothing. She
refused to bulge to her suggestion. BB laughed at her. “You don’t need to go and
find him. He is right there under your nose. Think about it!” BB tabbed her
friend’s shoulder and left. Aja was in trance for a while before she finally
composed herself.
Ousman And Mansata
Mansata came to spend the weekend with her husband. Ousman brought Mansata
to greet his boss. The damsels were amazed. They cracked a joke when Ousman
introduced Mansata to his boss and his family. “Oh! Your wife is dazzling Ous!
Aren’t you lucky?” Ousman giggled. “Yes! She is but lives in village.”
Mansata pulled his shirt. “She is a village champion. Her skin is ebony smooth.
She has a natural beauty”. Mansata giggled like a school girl. “Are you not
flattering me?” “No” Nadia emphasized. “I am serious. I hate skin bleaching.
The black skin is so beautiful. Infact, we are all beautiful as God has
created us”. “Thank you.” Mansata said. The couple left.
Aja talked to Nadia. “Are you a Lesbian?” “What! Mom! Why?” “How you
looked at Mansata. How you described her beauty, looks to me as being her lover.” “
Mom! Is it wrong to admire a fellow woman?” “No! it is not but mind how you
described her. It can send wrong signals. I was just being a devil advocate.
I know you are not a lesbian.” Aja put in.
At The Flower Garden
Zahra was watering the flowers. An insect got into her eye. She screamed.
Ous was around washing the jeep. He came running offering a help.
Aja And BB Come Out
Aja and BB came out of the house. They misconstrued the situation. Aja
shouted and exclaimed. “What! Ous! What are you doing to my daughter?” She
roared. She accused them of flirting. She threw obscenities at both of them. In
rage Zahra rushed into the house. B.B exchanged glances with Aja. She asked
Ousman to quit her sight. “Bush boy! If you tamper with my daughter, I’ll get
you lock up for life. “She roared. Ousman left to avoid further embarrassment.
BB With Aja
“Girl! I told you, be smart! He is a jewel. Hop in before you lose him to
your girls.” Aja hissed and cursed Ousman. She blamed Alhajj for turning their
house into a SoS kindergarten.
Zahra Broods Over Mom’s Behaviour
Zahra became moody. She could not understand mom’s over reaction. Nadia
joined her at the patio. “Zahri! What’s wrong with mom? She over reacted. That
is not a big deal!”
Mom Comes In
She started to throw invectives at Zahra. She started to cry. Nadia
supported her. She rebutted her mom. “Hi! Take it easy mom. What is biting you? It is
not a big deal. Zahra has explained to you. Something got into her eyes and
Ous was around to help. Does that not satisfy you? Please! Let her be! Give
her a break!” Nadia spoke harshly to her mom. Mom became defensive. “Birds of
the same feathers flocked together. You neither have class nor taste”. Nadia
pulled Zahra and they went into their room and locked it behind them.
Association of Gambian Manufacturers Launched
The Association of Gambian Manufacturers was launched, over the weekend, by
the Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and Employment, Mr Abdou Colley,
at Istanbul Restaurant. While delivering his statement, he stressed that the
association will go a long way in realizing the dream of an industrialized
Gambia as enshrined in Vision 2020. He talked about manufacturing enterprises
often playing a crucial role in linking different sectors of the economy,
pointing out that it is crucial to forge linkages between different sectors and
to use the full dynamic sectors to the advantage of the less dynamic and
lagging sectors.
The Secretary of State noted that partnering with private sector is much
easier through associations than individual operators. He, therefore, called on
them to come together, not only to discuss their problems, but to share
experiences of best practices to promote competitiveness. SoS Colley called on the
public and private sector to maintain collaboration in order to improve the
welfare of Gambians, through the effects of their respective interventions.
The SoS added that the government considers the private sector as the engine
of growth in all the policy frameworks of the past and current programmes. He
listed a host of policies and measures in place, which he claims have shown
that government has created an enabling environment for the development of the
private sector to take the lead in the creation of wealth for the prosperity
of the Gambian people.
Mr. Bai Matarr Drammeh, President of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, who spoke at the launch, welcomed the formation of the association,
stressing that manufacturing is an industry too important to ignore. He
suggested that they include the following objectives in their manufacturing and
business activities.
- You prioritize achievable institutional goals
- You strengthen and enhance performance and quality
- That you do only what you can do best
- That you recognize changing needs of your customers
- That you become aware of your growth potential
- That your mission and vision must be creative and viable
- That you focus consistently and at all times on excellence
- That you build structures of support systems that provide incentives
for the creative and success driven employees.
Training For West African Journalists Due Tomorrow
By Amie Sanneh
As part of its promotional function, the African Commission, with financial
support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), will
organize a three day Human Rights Training Workshop for West African Journalists.
The workshop is scheduled to take place in Banjul from 12-14 February 2008 at
the Paradise Suites Hotel.
The three day workshop will deal mainly with human rights journalism,
focusing on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the work of the
African Commission. The workshop will also explore ways in which these human
rights journalists in the sub-region could use their skills and knowledge to
publicise the work of the African Commission in their respective countries, and
will explore how journalists can monitor, report on and ensure the
implementation of the charter. The workshop will also explore issues like freedom of
expression under the charter; the African human rights system; restrictions on
the media and rationale for the restrictions; civil and criminal
prosecutions against journalists; human rights training to the media; ethical issues;
factors affecting the contribution of the media in the effort to promote and
protect human rights; the media and good governance; and the declaration of
principles on freedom of expression in Africa; which was adopted by the 32nd
Ordinary Session of the Commission.
Twenty one participants from 14 countries in West Africa are expected to
benefit from the training. The objective of the workshop will, among others,
help them share experiences and encourage participants to incorporate human
rights principles in their work.
At the end of the training participants are, amongst others, expected to
establish direct contact with journalist groups and media personnel to discuss
media related rights issues and ways in which they can cooperate to create
better legal and political conditions for the exercise of journalism.
NUGS Unveil Congress Plans
By Gibairu Janneh
The National Union of GambiaN Students, which comprises six training
institutions, namely The University of The Gambia (UTG), Management Development
Institute (MDI), Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI), Gambia College
(G.G), International Business College (IBC) and the Hotel School (H.S), is set for
its second annual congress.
According to NUGS officials, the congress is now scheduled to take place
from 28 February to 2 March at the Friendship Hotel and not the 7-10 February,
as earlier announced.
Speaking to this reporter, Mr. Ebrima Sanneh, the President of the Union,
attributed the postponement to the unavailability of a suitable venue, as the
original choice was found to be inadequate, in terms of space and the quality
of its facilities. He further added that when the Friendship Hotel was
contacted as an alternative venue, it was found to be fully booked for sporting and
musical activities for the first three weeks of February. He, however,
expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness for the congress and
commended the organising committee for their commitment and sacrifice. He also
expressed gratitude to individuals, public and private institutions, especially
the National Training Authority (NTA) and the Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier
General Lang Tombong Tamba, for services rendered to NUGS.
About the justification of holding a congress, Mr. Sanneh asserted that
congress is a constitutional requirement and it creates a forum for a frank
exchange of ideas among student groups at the tertiary level, with a view to
finding economic and political common grounds upon which the union can stand,
shine and grow.
He said the main task of this year’s congress, which is expected to draw
over 200 students across the country, is to carry out a comprehensive review of
the constitution in order for it to reflect contemporary realities and issues
of students, strengthen the capacity of the union to speak with a powerful
voice both within and outside The Gambia and to mandate the Executive Council
to begin explanatory talks with tertiary institutions that have not yet
joined the union to convince them to do so. Stating that a series of seminars will
also characterise the congress, Mr. Sanneh revealed that papers will be
delivered by Professor Andreas Steigen, Vice Chancellor of the University of The
Gambia, Dr. Saidou S. Jallow, Permanent Secretary Department of State for
Higher Education Research, Mrs. Ida Faye Hydara, Executive Director of the Women’
s Bureau.
Mr. Sanneh also disclosed to this reporter that, as part of activities
marking the congress, the union will award certificates and trophies to some
personalities; that among these awards is the Man of Students Award 2007, which
will be awarded to the President. He said this is in recognition and
appreciation of the president’s efforts in assisting the student community of The
Gambia and promoting Gambia’s education to higher heights.
On his final note, Mr. Sanneh called on all the student unions under NUGS to
live by and uphold the ideas and principles of their union, noting that it
is only through unity that the student community can be respected and
consulted on decisions affecting their lives.
YJAG Association Launch
By Madiba Singhateh
The Young Journalists’ Association of The Gambia was launched on Saturday 8
February 2008 at the NaNA head office in Bakau.
Nfamara Jawneh, the president of the YJAG, in his welcoming remarks noted
that the association was founded back on September 16, 2007 and its membership
is made up of journalists between the ages of 18 and 30 from both print and
electronic media countrywide.
Mr. Jawneh said YJAG seeks to promote mutual understanding among young
Gambian journalists, provide them with training opportunities, pursue the general
welfare of its members, facilitate the recruitment of students into a career
in journalism and to complement the efforts of The Gambia Press Union in
promoting press freedom in the country. Mr. Jawneh further said he would appeal
to the authorities concerned to speed up the process because they, as young
people in the media, are very much committed.
Mr. Jawneh concluded that as a united group they can go forward and use
their collective strength to fight for all the issues affecting the young media
professionals in The Gambia.
Another speaker at the occasion was the American Ambassador to The Gambia,
Barryl Wells, who said that journalism is critically important and
significantly represents the voice of the people.
Mr. Wells said press freedom is important in any democratic society. He
emphasised the need for journalists to receive training.
Mr. Pap Saine Managing Editor of The Point declared his support for the
association. Mr. Saine said media houses are doing everything to render support,
despite the high cost of their operation.
Mr. Saine said they, the journalists, have a role to play in this society;
they are watch dogs.
Mr. Saine finally pointed out the need for their training and equipment.
Mr. Sam Sarr of Foroyaa Newspaper said he is moved by a group of young
people in the media coming together in order to promote their common interest and
the profession. Mr. Sarr said that the media is referred to as the fourth
estate, an indication of its importance in the development of society. “Without
the media or freedom of the press, people can’t express their views, and
democracy will not prevail, he said.
Mr. Sarr said that YJAG has a great challenge ahead of it given the numerous
problems the media is facing. He hoped that they will succeed in meeting
that challenge.
He stressed the need for the training of the young journalists, pointing out
that a journalism course at the University of The Gambia has been in the
Pipeline for years now but still remains there. He hoped that it would soon see
the end of the tunnel.
Mr. Lamin Saho, Assistant Principal Communication Officer, on behalf of the
SoS for Information and Communication, said the door of the Secretary of
State is open to them. Mr. Saho said the media has a responsibility in the
society and an important role to play in development and the unification of the
people. He pointed out that the media can also play a destructive role,
undermining development and dividing the people. He stressed the importance of
writing responsibly.
He concluded his speech by declaring the launching of the organisation.
Just before the launch, a female member of Gambia Senior Secondary School
Press Club recited a poem in which she emphasizes the power of information.
This was followed by a performance by a quartet from Nusrat Senior Secondary
School Press Club.
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