Njie Jatta Njie,

Thanks for your Foroyaa forwards. I always look forward to them.

All the best,

Bailo.

>From: Amadu Kabir Njie <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Fwd: Foroyaa Burning Issues
>Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 12:43:27 +0000
>
>Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
>
>Issue No. 10/2005, 7-9 February, 2005
>
>
>
>Editorial
>
>ARREST AND DETENTION WITHOUT TRIAL
>
>The arrest and detention of National Assembly members, Imams, senior public
>servants, businesspersons and other family men have been a subject of
>discussion everywhere. The latest arrest and detention of the Imam of the
>Airport mosque is a clear testimony of the trend of impunity that has
>developed. People have expressed their bitterness but appear helpless. They
>want FOROYAA to explain how this problem can be overcome.
>
>The lesson that people can draw is simple.
>
>First and foremost, we must demystify power. Secondly, we must challenge
>unlawful exercise of authority to test the validity of oversight
>institutions like courts. Thirdly, if oversight institutions perform their
>duties but are defied by constituted authority there should be public
>outcry to expose such constituted authority nationally and internationally.
>Finally, the people should vote against any constituted authority which has
>no respect for the constitution, the laws of the country and public opinion
>at large.
>
>The laws of the country on arrest, detention and trial are very clear. The
>limit set to the authority of the executive, legislature and judiciary are
>very clear.
>
>Section 1 subsection (2) of the constitution states:
>
>"The sovereignty of The Gambia resides in the people of The Gambia from
>whom all organs of government derive their authority and in whose name and
>for whose welfare and prosperity the powers of government are to be
>exercised in accordance with this constitution."
>
>The facts are clear. The authority of government is derived from the
>people. It should be exercised to promote the people’s welfare. The limit
>in the exercise of this authority should be based on what the constitution
>stipulates.
>
>In terms of arrest and detention section 19 subsection (3) states:
>
>"Any person who is arrested or detained?b) upon reasonable suspicion of his
>or her having committed, or being about to commit, a criminal offence under
>the Laws of The Gambia, and who is not released, shall be brought without
>undue delay before a court and, in any event, within seventy-two hours."
>
>It is therefore abundantly clear that no one should be detained for more
>than 72 hours without being taken before a court for judicial review.
>
>Only a court can order a person’s detention after 72 hours in public
>custody without court appearance. This is the law. Anybody who violates
>this, even if the order comes from a higher authority, must be seen to be
>contemptuous of the authority of the constitution and the courts. Such a
>person is an outlaw, pure and simple.
>
>In a country where there is true respect for the rule of law, the law
>enforcement officers are bound to listen to the dictates of the law, not
>the dictates of might.
>
>All should work for a Gambia where authority is derived from the people and
>exercised according to the law in their interest.
>
>SYLVA’S TRIAL STILL LINGERS ON
>
>By Surakata Danso
>
>The trial of the former Managing Director of Social Security and Housing
>Finance Corporation, Mr. Andrew Sylva, which was schedule for Thursday, 3rd
>February 2005 did not proceed. When this reporter asked a court official
>why the case did not proceed he indicated that the head of the prosecution
>team was before the Chief Justice on administrative matters.
>
>It could be recalled that when Mr. Sylva appeared before the Paul
>commission he was asked about a standby generator owned by Ocean Bay Hotel,
>which is a subsidiary of the Social Security and Finance Corporation. Some
>days later Mr. Sylva was arrested and subsequently brought before the
>Banjul Magistrates Court on a charge of perjury. Since Mr. Sylva’s first
>appearance in December 2004, the case has been adjourned several times upon
>the application of the prosecution.
>
>When Foroyaa contacted ASP Dibba of the prosecution he confirmed that he
>was engaged with the Chief Justice. On the next adjournment date ASP Dibba
>told this reporter that his office is to see the defence team of lawyers
>and fix a date.
>
>GAMBIA’S SUPERIOR COURTS LACK JUDGES
>
>By Sarjo M. Camara
>
>The three superior courts namely the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and
>High Court are having difficulties in satisfying the constitutional
>requirements regarding their constitution and operation.
>
>In an interview with this reporter, Mr. B. Y. Camara, the Master of the
>High Court disclosed that none of these three courts meets its legal
>mandate to be operational. He said section 121 of the constitution states,
>"There shall be the Chief Justice and not less than seven (7) other judges
>at the High Court," but that at the moment they do not even have the
>minimum requirement by the constitution; that they have only six (6) judges
>at the High Court. The Master said that the High Court has only one Gambian
>born judge, Justice A. K. Savage, Justice M. A. Paul, employed by the
>Gambian Government, two others from the Commonwealth and the rest from
>Nigeria.
>
>On the Appeal Court, Mr. Camara said that section 129 of the constitution
>states that there shall be a Court of Appeal with the President of the
>Court and not less than three (3) appeal judges constituting it but, that
>as at now Justice Wallace Grante is the only Gambian Appeal Court judge who
>is also the Provisional President of the Court of Appeal. He said the
>former President, Justice G. B. S. Janneh is now appointed as a Supreme
>Court judge. Mr. Camara informed this paper that at times they draft judges
>from the High Court to sit as Appeal Court judges temporarily if there is
>any court.
>
>On the Supreme Court which is the last court of resort, section 125 of the
>constitution states, "The Chief Justice and not less than four other
>justices of the Supreme Court of The Gambia shall constitute the court." He
>said apart from the present Chief Justice, Mr. Brobbey only one (1), a
>Gambian judge, Justice G. B. S. Janneh sits there; that when cases are to
>be heard at the Supreme Court they get judges from Supreme Courts in the
>sub-region like Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone.
>
>He told this reporter that at the last two Supreme Court sittings they
>brought Justice Ali from Nigeria, Justice Wood from Ghana, Justice
>Mambilima from Zambia and Justice Joko Smart from Sierra Leone.
>
>He concluded that the present Chief Justice is striving very hard to ensure
>that the requirements of the constitution are met regarding the
>constitution and operation of the courts.
>
>WORKSHOP ON LOCUSTS
>
>By Tombong Jadama
>
>The Department of State for Agriculture is very much worried about the
>invasion of locusts in The Gambia. As the swarms are now frequently coming
>into the country in their millions, it appears that the department is
>losing the battle. What actually surprises the farmers and Gambians at
>large is that The Gambia was seen making preparations to prevent the
>locusts invasion well before their arrival but now locusts are here and we
>cannot remove them.
>
>On Wednesday 2nd February 2005 a two days workshop was organised by the
>Department of State for Agriculture in collaboration with the Food and
>Agricultural Organisation (FAO) at the Wellingara Agricultural Camp,
>Serrekunda. Participants were drawn from all the Divisional Agricultural
>Offices in the country. According to sources, the aim of the workshop was
>to enable participants interact and familiarize with the locusts
>coordinators at the divisional level so as to know the problems affecting
>their work, especially in terms of fighting the menace. The workshop also
>focused on the constraints during the course of the campaign. Team leaders
>were also given the opportunity to highlight the dangers during the
>spraying like the risks involved in using the chemicals or pesticides. The
>workshop called the attention of donors for assistance or support in
>fighting the locusts.
>
>Efforts to get in touch with the National Coordinator for the locusts
>campaign, Mr. Bai Secka proved unsuccessful due to the official’s busy
>schedule. FOROYAA will get in touch with the authorities to shed light on
>the issue.
>
>INTERVIEW WITH HALIFA SALLAH
>
>FOROYAA: You went to South Africa immediately after the signing ceremony to
>establish the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD). What
>was your trip about?
>
>Halifa: The bureau of the Pan African Parliament met to plan the next
>ordinary session of the parliament which should take place in March. Since
>I am responsible for writing the report on our trip to Darfur I had to give
>a parliamentary briefing to the bureau. The final report will be submitted
>to the parliament at the next session.
>
>FOROYAA: Can you measure the impact of the visit of the Pan African
>Parliament taking that the crisis seems to be raging?
>
>Halifa: There are many institutions of the African Union. There is the
>Assembly of Heads of State chaired by President Obasanjo. They are
>responsible for policy making regarding Darfur. There is the Commission
>headed by Chairman Konare. They are responsible for implementation of the
>decisions of the heads of state. There is the Security Council which is
>responsible for technical advice. All these institutions have collaborated
>to establish an AU mission in Sudan to promote ceasefire and negotiate
>settlement.
>
>The Pan African Parliament is an oversight institution. It sent us to
>monitor the policies and their implementation on the ground and give advice
>regarding their viability or otherwise. The impact of our trip comes after
>we submit our report for debate by the Pan African Parliament and sent to
>the other organs of the AU, the Sudanese government and the other regional
>and national parliaments. I am confident that the report will help evoke
>the right thinking on how to address the Darfur problem.
>
>FOROYAA: In your absence people like Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay took a few
>shots at NADD. Would you like to comment on this?
>
>Halifa: I had already given a reply through the medium she used to lodge
>her criticisms. I believe that most people considered my response to be
>adequate.
>
>FOROYAA: In response to your comments she insisted that Jammeh will still
>be contesting in 2011?
>
>Halifa: Well, that is her opinion. Jammeh has been in office since July
>1994. If he were to be elected in office in both 2006 and 2011 he would
>have stayed in the office of President for 22 years by the year 2016. I
>still maintain that any president who does not subscribe to the 2 terms
>limit will be a pariah by 2010.
>
>The new standards of governance being set on the continent would require
>being part of the Africa Peer Review mechanism before any continental
>office is held. Presidents must conform to democratic norms or be isolated
>for the monarchical or dictatorial tendencies. Any person who wishes Jammeh
>well should drive this lesson to him.
>
>FOROYAA: She also said that the Alliance is being driven by one ideology?
>
>Halifa: Politics operates at a mature plane when people on different sides
>of the political spectrum focus less on trivial issues and more on issues
>of policies and practices. I am expecting a mature intellectual response to
>the MOU which may try to analyse its content with the view to expose
>inadequacies.
>
>FOROYAA: Is the Alliance driven by one ideology?
>
>Halifa: Look at the decision making and technical organs of the Alliance.
>Each party is represented by two persons. How can any party dominate the
>others? For example, I am in certain committees at the level of the
>National Assembly. When they accept ideas from me could one say that the
>committees are driven by one party? Correct and sound ideas belong to all
>those who are willing to accept them. I have emphasized that the Alliance
>is based on the lowest common denominator of democratic principles that
>could bind all the parties without any bowing down to the other. Maturity
>and democratic debate enabled us to reach unanimity in views. This only
>confirms that NADD will be able to build an open and tolerant society where
>the media will convey divergent views.
>
>FOROYAA: How do you see the continuous arrest and detention of even Imams?
>Is President Jammeh not trying to suppress dissent?
>
>Halifa: One thing is clear to me. No one possesses personal power. We
>should condemn impunity and refuse to be cowered by it. In short, at one
>time Sana Sabally had equal voice with Jammeh and was feared by many. Where
>is he now? It is situation that gives power. Once situations change people
>become as humble as the situation demands. Look at the white South Africans
>today. Compare them during the time of apartheid. State power can be abused
>to dominate people. However such domination does not last and no society
>can build a foundation of peace, stability and security on the pillars of
>oppression and impunity.
>
>FOROYAA: How is this to be checked?
>
>Halifa: Well, I was speaking to some ANC members of parliament. They
>indicated that even though the opposition is weak in numerical terms in
>South Africa, the mature democratic institutions have given rise to a
>vibrant press and civil society organisation such as trade unions which
>wield their power to check excesses in governance; that a person high in
>office as the Vice President had her cut to size by the press and civil
>society for allegations of corruption. Hence a country need strong and
>viable institutions that can hold all authorities accountable. In the
>Gambia civil society organisations are still quiet while efforts are being
>made to the muzzle the press in the name of promoting responsible
>journalism; even though the executive can use all the terms it outlaws to
>caricature others.
>
>In my view, what is necessary now is to have a very strong opposition that
>can enlist the confidence and support of the people. This is bound to put
>pressure on the government to take the road of good governance as a coping
>strategy or be very easy to defeat at the polls in 2006. The people should
>really give their support to the Alliance so that it can serve to check the
>uncontrolled might of the executive.
>
>At the National Assembly
>
>FOROYAA maintains that with knowledgeable National Assembly Members,
>coupled with a responsive and accountable executive, the people would truly
>become sovereign. The people need to know how their representatives are
>performing.
>
>This column is reserved for National Assembly Proceedings and Interviews
>with National Assembly Members.
>
>NAMs ON THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE
>
>SIDIA’S CONTRIBUTION
>
>"CATTLE TAX PAYMENTS TO COUNCILS MUST STOP!"
>
>During his deliberation on the adjournment debate, the National Assembly
>member for Wuli West, Hon. Sidia Jatta, indicated that even though there
>has been a Local Government Act, the Councils, as they are now, are under
>the control of Divisional Commissioners. "Councils are not decentralized in
>any way and they are not rendering services to anyone in their localities
>who are putting money in their coffers," said Sidia. "A member has said in
>the National Assembly that drugs for animals are expensive because of the
>tax levied on the products, but that the people are paying money for
>services in the form of tax but as it has always been, these taxes are
>collected by people who are not competent to collect them because they do
>not have the technical know-how to render those services to the people who
>are paying the tax," Sidia said. He told the Assembly that come next
>meeting, they will either come with a private member’s bill or a resolution
>to put a stop to Councils collection of
>  cattle tax from cattle owners because they are not providing any services
>to cattle owners.
>
>
>
>"MAGGOTS EAT PATIENTS BEFORE THEIR DEATH!!!
>
>In his 2005 budget, the Secretary of State for Finance and Economic
>Affairs, Hon. Musa Bala Gaye indicated in paragraph 67 that the actual
>total poverty reduction expenditures amounted to D382.8 million and D369.3
>million, respectively; that of this amount D194.3 million (50 %) was
>allocated to Education, D134.3 million (34 %) to Health and Social Welfare,
>D44.3 million (11%) to Agriculture and D17.6 million (5 %) to National
>Resources and the Environment in the year 2002. Similarly, he said, "In the
>year 2003, D208.6 million (45 %) was allocated to Education, D172.9 million
>(37 %) to Health and Social Welfare, D63.9 million (14 %) to Agriculture
>and D17.2 million (4 %) to National Resources and the Environment."
>
>In reacting to this statement, the National Assembly member for Wuli West,
>Hon. Sidia Jatta stated that he would want to ask the Hon. Secretary of
>State how these millions that have been spent on Education, Agriculture,
>Health brought about poverty reduction; that for him the investment in the
>health sector has neither increased the amount of drugs nor has it made
>drugs cheaper for the people. The National Assembly member for Wuli West
>said that the millions that are spent on health have not improved any
>conditions in health centres. He cited the Basse Health Centre as an
>example where toilets are stinking and maggots are eating patients even
>before they die! Sidia emphasised that this is no exaggeration, the
>problems have aggravated because you can hardly go to a health facility
>without a prescription to buy drugs.
>
>
>
>Issue No. 11/2005, 10-13 February, 2005
>
>USA’S MOST DIFFICULT DECISION
>
>FOROYAA’S HUMBLE ADVICE
>
>The new US Cabinet is without cautious Collin Powell and Ms. Rice is
>treading on the most uncertain political grounds that the US has ever
>walked on since it started its external interventions. The first diplomatic
>error is to focus on Iran while Iraq is a powder keg waiting to explode.
>The US administration sees election in Iraq as a success instead of a new
>dilemma for the US administration as long as it aims to continue its
>military presence and political influence in the country.
>
>The correct interpretation of the Iraq situation is that two centers
>against US presence have been created, that a legal one which will emerge
>at the wake of the election results and an armed opposition which
>demonstrated its invincibility by being present even at the highest level
>of security presence and alert.
>
>The differences between most members of the armed opposition and those who
>participated in election contest are tactical and not strategic. Most of
>them want the US military presence to end. The armed opposition were trying
>to discourage the Iraqi people from participating in the elections by
>calling it a sham that will not bring an end to the US occupation. Those
>who participated in the elections were convinced that the ballot is the
>easiest way to realise Iraq’s sovereignty and independence. Hence after the
>elections the attitude of the US will determine which side will claim
>victory.
>
>If the US takes the hard decision of leaving Iraq to the Iraqi people to
>decide all matters of their life, promote multilaterism to help a new Iraqi
>government to take charge and be seen not to be a puppet of the US
>government then the election will be seen as a serious success in Iraq.
>However, if the US maintains its political and military presence and
>dominance in Iraq, the armed opposition will claim victory and the election
>will be seen as a sham.
>
>FOROYAA sees the ultimate outcome to be significant to international peace
>and security which should be the common concern of all members of the
>international community. We therefore hope that our humble reflection will
>be given the consideration due by the US authorities via their embassy in
>Banjul.
>
>FORMER HIGH COURT ACCOUNTANT PLEADS GUILTY
>
>Baba Gassama, a former High Court accountant who was charged with thirty
>eight counts ranging from theft, personation, economic crimes,
>falsification of records and destruction of public records has pleaded
>guilty to three counts of theft, one count of economic crime, one count of
>fraudulent false accounting and one count of personation.
>
>Baba Gassama appeared in court on Monday and Tuesday with his co-accused,
>Papadadour Senghore Joof, who is facing theft and economic crime charges.
>
>The accused persons are arraigned in court for causing loss of revenue to
>the state amounting to D1, 520, 000 (one million five hundred and twenty
>thousand dalasi).
>
>The case did not proceed on Monday. However, when the case was called on
>Tuesday, the prosecution team led by Mary Wood averred that the prosecution
>met on Monday with the defence team. Mary Wood noted that the prosecution
>agreed with the defence’s proposal to reduce the charges preferred against
>the first accused person, Baba Gassama to six counts. She noted that
>Gassama did make up his mind to change his no guilty plea. She noted that
>the prosecution had decided to reduce the charges preferred against Gassama
>to six.
>
>Lamin Jobarteh, counsel for the first accused person later stood up and
>applied to the court for the six counts preferred against his client to be
>read in court.
>
>Antouman Gaye, counsel for Papadadour Senghore Joof said it was agreed at a
>meeting held at the Attorney General’s Chambers between the defence team
>and the prosecution that the two sides will take a date for an adjournment
>after the first accused takes his plea. He said the purpose of the
>adjournment is for the prosecution and Lawyer Jobarteh to address the
>court, whilst in the meantime the state will consider its position vis-?vis
>the second accused person.
>
>The court later granted Mary Wood’s application and struck out the other
>thirty-two counts preferred against Gassama. The six counts of theft,
>fraudulent false accounting, economic crimes and personation were read in
>court for the first accused person, and he pleaded guilty to all of them.
>
>The case continues today.
>
>IGP BADJIE/SoS BAH ADMONISH POLICE OFFICERS
>
>The Inspector General of Police, Landing Badjie has urged senior police
>officers to restore public confidence in the police force whilst noting
>that supervision of stations is falling behind.
>
>IGP Badjie made this remark on Monday during the decoration of thirty-six
>senior officers who were promoted to the ranks of Assistant Superintendent
>of Police, Superintendent of Police, Chief Superintendent of Police and
>Commissioners of Police. IGP Badjie paid homage to the Commander of the
>mobile division of the police whom he said took three hundred and thirty
>six offences to court, and succeeded in having the culprits convicted.
>However, the Inspector General of Police was not pleased with other senior
>officers whom he said failed to produce reports of crimes committed in
>their jurisdictions. He expressed his disapproval of the performance of
>officers responsible for checkpoints. He said the failure of the officers
>to measure up to expectation prompted him to ban traffic checkpoints. The
>Inspector General of Police also paid homage to the ex-police officers and
>urged them to advise the police officers where necessary.
>
>According to IGP Badjie, his office in consultation with the Department of
>State for the Interior and Religious Affairs, forwarded recommendations for
>the promotion of senior police officers for the year 2005. He said
>following the submission of the recommendation, the Police Service
>Commission with effect from 1st January 2005 approved the promotion of
>thirty-six senior officers to various ranks. Those promoted to the rank of
>Commissioners of Police are the following: chief Superintendent, Ousman
>Gibba, Biran Mbye, Edward Sambou and Famara Jallow. Those promoted to the
>rank of Chief Superintendent of Police include former Police
>Superintendents Pa Amady Jallow. IGP Badjie told the newly promoted
>officers that their promotions should be conceived as an added challenge in
>that their responsibilities will definitely increase, coupled with high
>expectations in terms of their approach to duties.
>
>The Secretary of State for the Interior, Mr. Samba Bah urged the officers
>to work hard in order to restore the image of the police force, whilst
>urging them to supervise the junior officers. He said around 1981, the size
>of the Police Force was under one thousand people.
>
>"I can safely say, things were better-off those days than now," he
>remarked.
>
>He said the Police owe responsibility to the public and government, whilst
>noting that some vehicles ply our roads without number plates.
>
>SoS Bah urged the promoted officers to be steadfast, dedicated, loyal, and
>above all support the government in the execution of their duties in a
>professional and efficient manner. He noted that the officers will be
>measured against their performance vis-?vis their new assignments and
>tasks.
>
>RVTH LACKS STAFF VEHICLE
>
>By Yaya Dampha
>
>Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) is the major referral hospital in
>the country and offers services to many patients. It is also where our
>major ill-health cases are treated. It is also a fact that people always
>find it very hard to get transport to take them to work every working day.
>This problem of transportation does not exclude the nurses and doctors
>whose services are of immense importance to the communities.
>
>According the PRO of RVTH,Mr.Baboucar Ngum, they are facing a lot of
>constraints when it comes to transporting staff to work. He said that it is
>always very necessary to have the services of a nurse or doctor available
>at any time when needed; that the hospital at the moment has only one bus
>and it is the only vehicle they use to collect their workers some of whom
>are living very far from Banjul. The PRO said that the X-ray department and
>theatre are very important units which need vehicles for their staff; that
>this will make service delivery to the public very easy and accessible. He
>cited instances where the films in the X-ray department are finished during
>the weekend and the member of staff responsible is not at work and needs to
>be collected to supply the materials and there is difficulty to collect him
>or her because of lack of transport; that if there is a vehicle at their
>disposal they will then be able to collect staff who are needed during
>emergency situations.
>
>The PRO said he is calling on the government and private donors to help his
>department with vehicles in order for them to be delivering effective
>services as required. Mr. Ngum commended the private sector and the
>Independent Newspaper for the support they are giving to the RVTH in
>helping it in its development.
>
>The PRO also seized the opportunity to inform this reporter that over one
>hundred nurse attendants are currently on a training at the hospital to
>improve their capacities in service delivery. By promoting the skills of
>these nurses, Mr. Ngum said, RVTH is fulfilling its mandate as a teaching
>hospital and many staff have so far benefited from training packages. He
>said the hospital and its staff need the help of those from government and
>the private sector.
>
>WORRIES DEEPEN AS TRADE SEASON SINKS
>
>By Tombong Jadama
>
>As this year’s trade season sinks deeper in limbo, farmers are becoming
>worried about their monies after taking their nuts to the various seccos.
>The Department of state for Agriculture has allowed only one company
>,Gamco, to operate accusing the others of not meeting the criteria to buy
>nuts.
>
>According to other operators they have been operating in this country
>seasonally for many years now without problems, but that this year they
>were not allowed to operate by the government. An operator went on to
>indicate that even though they are not allowed to operate, farmers?problems
>are and should be the concern of every Gambian. He further indicated that
>in previous years, there used to be more than four stakeholders in the
>groundnut marketing business but still they were not able to meet the
>tonnage expected. He said a single company cannot buy all the nuts in the
>country; that the only thing they do is credit buying. He said the
>government should allow other stakeholders to participate together with
>other private operators so as to avoid the slow marketing characterized by
>this year’s season.
>
>When this reporter went to Gamco, he found many small operators waiting for
>their cheques. Many spoke of their utter dissatisfaction with this year’s
>trade season; that for more than two weeks they had not received monies to
>pay the farmers; that it is expensive to travel all the way from Basse to
>come and spend weeks in Banjul without receiving their monies. However, it
>has been disclosed to this paper that there will be a stakeholders?meeting
>on Thursday 10th February 2005. Readers will be kept informed of
>developments.
>
>At the National Assembly
>
>FOROYAA maintains that with knowledgeable National Assembly Members,
>coupled with a responsive and accountable executive, the people would truly
>become sovereign. The people need to know how their representatives are
>performing.
>
>This column is reserved for National Assembly Proceedings and Interviews
>with National Assembly Members.
>
>PEOPLE’S VIEW ON THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
>
>By Abdoulie Dibba
>
>FOROYAA has been publishing in this column people’s views regarding the
>National Assembly at the end of the report of the proceedings of the
>National Assembly. In this publication, FOROYAA got in touch with Baboucarr
>Njie, a teacher.
>
>FOROYAA: Can you tell our readers your educational background?
>
>Mr. Njie: I attended Serrekunda Primary, Nusrat High and then Gambia
>College School of Education.
>
>FOROYAA: Are you conversant with developments at the National Assembly?
>
>Mr. Njie: Very well! You see, the National Assembly is the highest
>democratic institution in the country. It is the institution that should
>ensure proper scrutiny of the Executive and all government departments and
>ministries, plus their law making power. So because of this, very
>democratically minded citizens should be conversant with the developments
>taking place in such an institution.
>
>FOROYAA: What is your view on the performance of the National Assembly
>regarding the role it should perform?
>
>Mr. Njie: I must start by emphasizing the fact that in any National
>Assembly (Parliament) where the majority of the members see themselves as
>one and the same with the Executive, that National Assembly or Parliament
>will be reduced to a rubber stamp Assembly or Parliament and The Gambia is
>not exception. The National Assembly should be independent from the
>Executive. And this is why the constitution stated clearly in the preamble,
>"The functions of the arms of government have been clearly defined, their
>independence amply secured with adequate checks and balances to ensure that
>they work harmoniously together toward the common good." This simply means
>that none of the arms of government should serve as an underdog to the
>other or others as the case may be. I therefore call on all members of the
>Assembly to master the constitution to their fingertips and serve the
>national interest which is supreme to individual interests.
>
>FOROYAA: What is your message to the electorate?
>
>Mr. Njie: My message is simple. The electorate should follow the
>developments taking place at the National Assembly by attending sittings in
>order to better judge the performance of their representatives because to
>be honest with you, there are some who are doing very well but then there
>are some doing badly.
>
>FOROYAA: Thank you Mr. Njie.
>
>Mr. Njie: Thanks goes to FOROYAA which is giving voice to the voiceless.
>
>
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>  ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun!
>
>¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
>To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
>Web interface
>at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
>
>To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to:
>http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/CGI/wa.exe?S1=gambia-l
>To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
>[log in to unmask]
>¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

_________________________________________________________________
It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger today!
http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html

To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/CGI/wa.exe?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤