Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 109/2007, 17 – 18 September 2007
Editorial
How Free is Free Education For Girls?
Schools are at the verge of starting their courses for the next academic
year. Parents are busy preparing for their young ones to go to school. Many
families are confused about the government’s claim to be offering free education
for girls. They are wondering whether the programme covers the basic
education and secondary education cycles. They also question whether all regions and
categories of schools are covered.
In many countries when one mentions private schools one refers to schools
for the children of elites.
In the Gambia, there are few private schools which are designed for the
children of the elites. The bulk of the private schools are back ups for public
schools.
People go there when the government schools can no longer accommodate
applicants.
The facilities in those schools are comparable to that of government.
Many girls who would want to be in public schools but are deprived because
of the lack of space are asking whether government is responsible for
sponsoring their education in such schools. This is why Foroyaa sent a reporter to
the Department of State for Basic Education to enquire the state of the free
education for girls programme.
The reporter was asked to prepare questions and send it to the Department.
The questions were submitted on 22 August 2007 but no answer has been given so
far.
Foroyaa would like the public to ask any body who claims that there is free
education for girls.
Unless these questions are answered by the education authorities they have
no moral authority to claim that there is free education for girls.
There can be no credibility without accountability.
Jammeh Reshuffles Cabinet
On Friday 14 September 2007, President Yahya Jammeh completed the
reshuffling of his cabinet which entailed new appointments, reassignments and
redeployments.
The four new entrants are Mr. Abdoulie Momodou Sallah; as SoS for Higher
Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr. Mass Axi Gai; as SoS for Youth,
Sports and Religious Affairs, Mr. Ousman Jammeh, the current Secretary
General and Head of the Civil Service, to also serve as SoS for Petroleum, Energy
and Mineral Resources and Mrs. Marie Saine Firdaus, as Attoney General and So
S for Justice.
Two reassignments were made for Mr. Crispin Grey-Johnson, from Higher
Education, Research, Science and Technology to SoS for Foreign Affairs and National
Assembly Matters and Mr. Kebba Sanyang, from Attorney General and SoS for
Justice to SoS for Works, Construction and Infrastructure.
The two former Secretaries of State who are now said to be redeployed to the
diplomatic missions are Mr. Bala Garba Jahumpa, Foreign Affairs and Mr.
Sheikh Omar Faye, from Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs.
Abdoulie Momodou Sallah
Mr. Sallah, who was one time the So S for Health and Social Welfare, was
born in 1944 in Niamina Sambang, in the Central River Region.
Mr. Sallah attended Dankunku Primary School in 1953 to 1957. He also
attended the Methodist Boys High School and Gambia High School. Sallah then attended
the University of Ibadan, Nigeria from 1965 to 1969.
Sallah also attended many professional courses such as Management Services
course, Staff Training officer course, General Management course and a law
course at Holborn College, Wooldridge in London.
Mr. Sallah, who served in several portfolios, was Assistant Divisional
Commissioner for Western Division from 1965 to 1970.
- Assistant Commissioner for MID 1970 to 1971.
- Secretary, Public Service Commission (PSC) 1971 to 1973.
- High Commissioner/Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea
and Cote d’Ivoire between February 1995 to June 1997. Gambia’s representative
to the United Nations, 1997 and 1998, president of the UN Security Council
during the month of March 1998.
Mr. Abdoulie Sallah’s final assignment was the Secretary of State for Health
and Social Welfare in December 1999 to April 2001.
He is newly appointed as the Secretary of State for Higher Education,
Research and Technology, replacing Crispin Grey-Johnson.
Mass Axi Gai
Mass Axi Gai, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Youth, Sports and
Religious Affairs, has promised to do his best in his new office.
Speaking to Foroyaa on Sunday, September 16, Mr. Gai said currently football
is the only growing and popular game in The Gambia, and he hoped to
popularise other sporting activities among the youthful populace.
The new SoS said a large percentage of the country’s population are youths
and developing them means developing the Gambia.
On curbing the large exodus of youths to Spain and other parts of Europe,
Mr. Gai said they need to be given skills, made to be productive and engaged in
good ventures.
The SoS also promised to relinquish his two positions as the second Vice
President of the Gambia Football Association (GFA) and the President of The
Gambia Ports Authority Football club.
In January 1973 to December 1975, Mr. Gai obtained a certificate RSA in
Accounting stage one and stage two.
In March and April 1985, he obtained a certificate in Auditing Professional
Development at the Management Development Institute (MDI).
He studied and acquired a certificate in Public Accounts and Auditing at
Croydon College in the United Kingdom between September 1989 to June 1990.
He also earned a certificate in Performance Auditing at the University of
Connecticut in the United States of America between September and December 1991.
From November to December 1994, he got a diploma in Advance Auditing for
Senior Auditors, ESAMI in Nairobi, Kenya.
Between January to July 1996, he obtained a diploma in the field of
Professional Development in Public Financial Management at the University of
Connecticut in the United States of America.
Some Gambian Farmers Oppose EPAs
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Some commercial farmers in The Gambia have raised objection to the Economic
Partnership Agreements (EPAs), presently being negotiated between the
European Union (EU) and the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.
These farmers and representatives of farmers’ organisations were recently
sensitised at a session organised by The Gambia Social Forum at the Paradise
Suites Hotel.
Njaga Jawo, the Executive Director of the National Women Farmers’
Association (NAWFA) told this reporter that the partnership being sought by the EU and
the ACP countries may not yield “equal opportunities”.
“When you have a reciprocal partnership between the EU and Africa, the
difference is that they have more economic power to bargain, produce and pay
because of their capacity”. So, this is a question of capacity, and they have
better capacity than we have. What that simply means is “Survival of the fittest,”
Mr. Jawo pointed out.
The NAWFA Executive Director said it is premature for Developing Countries
or Least Developed Countries to enter into such a free trade agreement with
rich European countries, stressing that the relationship would be “unfair”.
He said recent studies have shown that countries, like The Gambia, will lose
customs revenue as high as 90% per annum, if the EPA is signed by January
2008. Mr. Jawo decried that the EU will eventually dominate the ACP markets
because they are highly subsidized while the poor ACP farmers with little or no
machinery and financial support will find it hard to penetrate the EU market
without restrictions on quality.
Mr. Jawo expressed that the deadline for the negotiations should be extended
and the agreement be given “a developmental face” in order for the poor
countries to grow.
Abdoulie Khan, Secretary General of the Commodity Traders Association said a
reciprocal trade agreement between the EU and the ACP will do more harm than
good to the developing markets. Further commenting on the agreement, he
said: “That is impossible. If any Gambian based company wants to export groundnut
into European Markets, there is no way. You will have problems with
afla-toxin. A broker from Europe can come here buy the same groundnut without a
problem,” Mr. Khan said.
Musa Jawneh, the president of the National Farmers Platform, told this
reporter that governments in the ACP countries should listen to the farmers and
the poor. “If we open up our markets for the EU goods, without tariffs with
cheap prices what would happen to the local producers?” Mr. Jawneh asked.
He opined that local producers will no longer be able to market their goods
in the local market which would be dominated by cheap subsidized European
products. He added that if poor farmers are no longer able to market their
products, they will certainly be unable to get income to buy the EU products,
which will eventually escalate poverty and economic decline. He called on the EU
to develop the productive sectors of the ACP countries in order to allow a
free and fair competitive trade.
Mamour Sey, of The Gambia Horticultural Producers and Exporters Association,
said that for the EPAs to work, the productivity and capacity of the
developing countries need to be strengthened.
NIA Diamond Case Commences Again
Court Interpreter Testifies
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Mr. Dodou Manneh, an interpreter at the high court, has, on Thursday 13
September, testified in the protracted criminal case between the state and six
ex-officers of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). The matter was heard by
Principal Magistrate Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrates Court. Mr.
Manneh told the court that he is a linguist and he is versed in English, Dutch,
German, Portuguese, Italian and Korean. He added that he can speak other
languages as well. He said he had been in the service for 23 years. Mr. Manneh
told the court that he was given a document by lawyer Borry S. Touray who
asked him to translate it from German into English. When the document was shown
to him, he said he recognised the said document. The state counsel A.S Umar
wanted to tender the same document but it was objected to by defence counsel
Lamin S. Jobarteh who argued that any document processed by computer needs to
be certified. His objection was overruled and the document was admitted in
evidence and marked as an exhibit.
During cross examination, Mr. Manneh said he graduated from Crab Island
Secondary School and proceeded to Amsterdam Free University where he graduated as
a linguist in 1974. When asked whether he could produce his university
certificate in court, he said he lost the certificate i at sea, in Italy, when he
was sailing as a sailor. He said their boat sunk and he eventually lost all
his documents. Counsel Jobarteh put it to him that one year at the university
would not guarantee him to be a linguist. Mr. Manneh said he is a linguist
and that it is a natural gift to him. He said he did not study or read German
at school but that he taught himself to read and write German during his stay
in Germany. He said he is fluent in German but not as the native speaker. Mr.
Manneh indicated that after the translation of the document from German to
English language he gave it back to Mr. Borry S. Touray. He said he had never
met the two Germans.
The six ex-NIA officers, Lamin Drammeh, Lamin Sanneh, Fabakary Barrow,
Kajali Jawara, Basiru Jabang and Salimina Drammeh are standing trial for alleged
negligence of official duties, abuse of office and theft. They are alleged to
have robbed two German nationals of their money and properties the sum of
206, 000 US dollars, eight (8) pieces of raw diamond, two Nokia cell phones and
a shaving machine.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
1987 GENERAL ELECTIONS
OPPOSITION ANTICIPATES WIDESPREAD DISAFFECTION;
RULING PARTY BANKS ON EXISTING ELECTION MACHINE;
We have been focusing on politics in general and Gambian Politics in
particular. This motivates us to follow the narration of events from pre-colonial to
post-independence era.
We have gone far into the narration of events that occurred in 1987. We are
dealing with the 1987 General election campaign and the contradictions that
emanated.
Let us continue from where we have stopped.
It should be clear that both the presidential and parliamentary elections
were done simultaneously. The NCP leader also stood as a parliamentary
candidate in Central Baddibu, against the incumbent PPP candidate Dr. Lamin Kebba,
alias Nafa Saho.
Something is unique about this constituency. The NCP leader since
independence and up to 1982 was the favourite candidate in the constituency. Dr. Lamin
Saho defeated him in 1982 when he was incarcerated in prison for his alleged
role in the 1981 rebellion and again in 1987.
During this period, Mr . Saho who had won the seat with a small majority of
just 95 votes had now consolidated his hold on the constituency. Saho who was
said to have studied in Germany and was alleged to have been helped by his
German friends/ philanthropists who concentrated in their projects in his
constituency.
According to the Nation, the philanthropist group seemed to be interfering
in our internal affairs by supporting a particular political party, the PPP.
The Nation cited the Frederich Ebert Foundation that also sponsored seminars
and other gatherings for the PPP, such as the “Jakarloo,” thus strengthening
their grip of the country at the expense of the other political parties.
The Nation said it is an open secret that Dr. Lamin Nafa Saho was being
propped up in his constituency by West German Assistance. They said the Germans
had financed several local projects in Central Baddibu, which Dr. Saho was
using to campaign. Many saw their motive as helping their friend to be
re-elected to parliament and whether that had any reciprocal effect remained to be
known.
The nation wondered what the government’s reaction would be if such
assistance had been channeled through one of the opposition parties. They opined that
they would most likely accuse them of selling the country or being in the
pay book of foreigners, as they had done to the GPP leader.
The GPP leader himself had stood against both a PPP candidate, Mr. Baboucarr
Sanyang, and an NCP Candidate, Mr. Bubacarr Sanyang, in the Kantora
constituency, where he had been an incumbent for many years. He was still the
incumbent at the time but the difference now was that he was on his own and did not
enjoy the privileges that were initially accorded to him such as using
government vehicles, radio, NGO projects and so on. So the campaign was tough.
The PPP this time around said they refused to entertain what they called
revolts within their ranks, meaning those applicants who were rejected but
instead go back and contest against them after their rejection.
In the opinion or analysis of the PPP on the elections, the PPP organ agreed
that it was going to be tough but said they would still win. According to
the PPP organ, The Gambia Times, the oppositions’ principal hope and
calculation was based on the anticipated widespread disaffection and what they called
the traumatic infighting within their ranks.
For the PPP, the organ said, they were hoping on their election machine,
which had helped them win all these years. This was the time some members of the
PPP used to say that no matter which university one studied politics, when
you come to Gambia you must study their Gambian politics.
The PPP election machine was put to a test against an intellectual in Wuli
East, Mr. Sidia Jatta. Mr. Jatta who stood in Wuli East as a candidate had
many problems in the initial phase before the people back home could understand
him. At the time, it was Sidia’s elder brother, Alhagie Foday Kebba Jatta,
who was the chief of Wuli. One can imagine how the people in the area felt when
they heard that Sidia wanted to stand in an opposition ticket. It was
interpreted in so many ways. Some said Sidia was standing because he did not want
his brother to remain as chief of Wuli. For some, Sidia;s candidature was
synonymous to dismantling his family’s relationship. Others felt that, Sidia as
educated as he is, should not bother himself to stand in politics; that he
already had a good job under the Jawara regime etc.
Before Sidia’s departure to campaign in Wuli (1987) , many delegations were
sent from the chief asking him to withdraw his candidature. It was not easy
to convince such people that it is the right of every citizen to participate
directly or indirectly in determining the government of one’s country that he
was simply doing his national responsibility. Despite the clarity of this
assertion, this was not convincing enough to the delegates who believed that
Sidia’s brother was already a king “Mansa” and as such the president could
dismiss or destroy his “Manasayaa” (kingship).
After all the explanations given to these delegations, the chief could not
understand or that he refused to accept the decision taken by Sidia and
appeared to have taken a confrontational attitude after Sidia’s return.
By the time Sidia arrived in Sutukoba, his birthplace, people were already
agitated to believe that the brother’s position as chief of Wuli was in
jeopardy and for what the PPP propagandists say ‘his dismissal was a foregone
conclusion.’ But Sidia knew where the pressure was coming from.
Sidia, who was obviously aware of his people’s level of political awareness
decided to arrive in silence as a method to calm down any potential building
of tension . He joined a commercial vehicle and in arrived in Baja
kunda.After arriving there, he walked the remaining four kilometers on foot to
Sutukoba. News spread that the much talked about brother of the chief had arrived.
Interestingly enough, the rumours reaching the people also alerted some who
became curious and wanted to hear what Sidia had to say.
Sidia then commenced his campaign in his home village. A sizable crowd
gathered to listen to him. He spoke lengthily saying among other things that his
involvement stemmed from the conviction that the Gambia belongs to the Gambian
people; that the wealth in the country is the collective property of all the
people. He explained to the people how they pay taxes to those they have
entrusted with the responsibility to use that wealth in the general welfare and
interest of the people. He explained both direct and indirect taxation and
how the general populace should benefit from that wealth.
Sidia was very patient with his people. He explained the role of the
parliamentarians and explained why he had resigned to enter into politics. He said
he was educated by the collective wealth of all the people; that if he is not
to be a selfish person, he should utilize that knowledge to benefit the
people by way of sharing that knowledge.
Mr. Jatta told the gathering that the cause of the people had been betrayed
by the so-called elites; that the colonialists had enslaved the country. He
said the reason why we fought them is to free ourselves from the yoke of
colonialists. He said but the people who took over the helm of state infact put on
the same shoes left behind by the colonialists; that they too did not want
the people to be free.
He then explained how Jawara had sold not only himself to president Abdou
Diouf of Senegal but made the Gambia to owe allegiance to a foreign power or
authority.
Sidia analyzed the Gambian economy and told the people how the wealth could
be utilized to invest into the productive base of the economy, how the
industrial based could be developed to create value added commodities which would
generate wealth that could be ploughed back to create more wealth.
He told the people that he would never sacrifice the future of our children.
He gave them inspiration; that there is nothing that we could not do. He
said they intend to show that people can work selflessly in the interest of the
Nation and people without any desire for status, power or wealth. He also
spoke about the principles of the PDOIS party; that they are willing to do this
so that others can learn; that they want to show this with the type of
sincerity and devotion; that without humility, our Nation will not stand and the
aspirations of our people cannot be realized nor the future of our children be
safeguarded.
The PDOIS Wuli East candidate maintained that parties in the Gambia
generally do not have any clear plan as to where they intend to lead the people to
nor a body of leaders who are enlightened, just , sincere and committed to
their Nation and who can win the confidence of the people because of their
maturity and honesty.
Sidia then opened the floor to whoever wished to say something. He said they
are advocating for peoples democracy; that they are not like the PPP or any
other party who simply hand pick speakers of their choice and the masses
simply become onlookers. An elderly man opted to say something. He was given the
mike. This must have been the first time this man touched a microphone. He
was shaking like a leaf. He must have associated the mike to the king. He,
however, said he was not going to support Sidia because of what he said the chief
had done to them. He also said if you give these two key positions to the
Jattas, they the people of Wuli would not have peace, referring to their
community fight over a rice field.
Sidia however explained to him that he and his brother are two different
personalities; that the reason why he and his colleagues had established an
opposition party was to bring about change so as to correct those very wrongs;
that he could not take responsibilities for whatever transpired between them
and his brother.
After this message was heard in Sutukoba the chief also started his
campaign. He went around Wuli to tell the people that they should not listen to
Sidia; that even though he sent many people to discourage him from standing he was
bent on standing. He called on the people not to vote for somebody who would
not listen to his own elder brother and so on and so forth.
The PPP also used the EEC feeder road project going on at the time.
Unfortunately this time around there was somebody who could explain the circumstance
of the projects.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
BLACKMAIL, JUSTICE AND SENTIMENT
Daado Starts Work
Daado started to work at one of Greg’s conglomerates. Infact she was
attached to Greg’s office as the Accountant. She enjoyed her work. Greg was pleased
with her performance. He showed her great respect. As he entered the office
Daado stood up to greet him. “Sit down! Its okay. Are you enjoying your job?”
Greg asked. “Enjoy? Sir! That is an understatement. I loved it. I wish to
give my best at all time” Daado emphasized.
Greg Travels To The U.S
Greg invited Daado to his home. He prepared a delicious meal for her. Greg
is a good cook. He enjoyed making a dish. He is an only son in a family of ten
girls. After serving Daado a delicious dish, Greg told her the news. “I am
traveling to the States for a brief business trip. I won’t be long. Close your
eyes”. Greg ordered. “For what? Why should I close my eyes?” Daado asked.
Greg pleaded. “Close them please!” Daado closed her eyes. Greg placed a mixed
gold diamond ring on her finger “Now open your eyes”. Daado opened her
eyes. She exclaimed amazingly. “Oh! A ring! Are you sure of what you are doing?
Do you know me enough?” Greg gave her a passionate lip kiss. “Sure! I know
what I want. And what I want is you and only you. And I am very sure about
that. Keep yourself for me. I will not go the States without engaging you to be
sure you are always mine and mine alone. Vultures are abound. You are
stunningly attractive. I won’t be long. I intend to marry you as soon as I arrive from
the states”. Daado was surprised and overwhelmed.
No Correspondence
Greg went for a while. He became incommunicado, No correspondence. Daado
became quite worried. “What is happening?” She soliloqued. “Have Greg forgotten
me? Has he got another girl?” Many unanswered questions invaded her mind.
Sophia, her best pal, did not make it easier for Daado. She kept on pestering
her about Greg. She never wanted their relationship. She distrusted Greg. She
thought he was out to use and dump her friend. “Do something about your life.
Greg does not love you as you do for him. He have used and dumped you. You
are beauty queen remember! Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Men are
following you daily as hungry chickens. You can choose as you wish. Greg is
enjoying his life in the States. He had totally forgotten you. Do something about
your life girlie! Life is too short!” Daado refused to comment. Instead she
took Greg pictures and admired them. Sophia rebuked her. She blamed her for
being foolish. Sophia pleaded with Daado to go out with her to enjoy life.
Docter Justin still persisted to take her out for a date. She repeatedly refused
his request. Sophia encouraged her to accept Docter’s request. Sophia
repeatedly pressurized her. “Justin loves you since our campus days. He is equally
as rich as Greg and above all he loves and cares about you”. Daado cried in
pain and agony. “He had been gone for over an year now and still no
correspondence but I still love Greg. I have no feelings for Justin”. Daado emphasized.
Supermarket Meeting
Docter went shopping with his girlfriend, Patricia. As they finished their
shopping and coming out, he sighted Daado from afar also coming into the
supermarket. Docter pretended to be communicating with his office. He found an
excuse to send Pat home. “I’ve just received an emergency call from my
Secretary, Hotentia. I am rushing to he office. Let me hire a taxi for you. I’ll meet
you at home”. He stopped a taxi and asked Pat to hop in. Pat hesitated.
Justin rushed back into the supermarket. Pat became suspicious. She knew Justin
as a womanizer. “The devil is up to something. I am sure of that”. She
soliloqued.
Pat Takes A Cab
Patricia took a cab went half way and came back to monitor Justin. She stood
at a distance and watched.
Justine Talks To Daado
Docter Justin went back into the supermarket to talk to Daado. He was
excited to see her again. After exchanged greeting Justin volunteered to take her
home. Daado declined the offer but Docter insisted. Patricia saw Docter taking
Daado home. She bit her lips. “I knew it! Public Dog!” She cursed.
Along The Route
They chatted along the route to Daado’s home. She lived at the company
quarters allocated to her by Greg himself. It was a comfortable duplet. They
explained about their lives. “How is life treating you?” Justin asked Daado. “
Fine! I am being attached to Greg’s company as an accountant and I hope to work
for the company after my attachment”. Justin saw her engagement ring and
asked. “Is that all you have to tell me about yourself?” Daado smiled and asked
him Whatelse does he want to hear. “Your engagement Ofcourse!” Justin
replied. “Yes! I am being engaged to Greg”. Daado replied. “That makes no
difference to me. Daado! You know that I love you well before Greg, since our campus
days. But you always rejected me, why? Am I not man enough? It hurts me that
you cannot share your angelic love with me. It really pains me”. Daado tried
to explain to him to understand. “Stop that line of reasoning. Don’t spoil
my mood. I like you as a friend but I cannot be your lover and now it is
late. I am already engaged to Greg Johnson”. “Daado tried to change the topic
and asked about his work after campus. “I am into family business. As the
eldest son, the old dad have now retired. I am in charge. I am into import of
electronic gadgets, computers and second hand cars etc.
My business is doing fine. But my only regret in life is your rejection of
my love. “You don’t give up!” Daado complained. “I am your special friend.
Please leave it at that”. “Okay! Half a loaf is better than nothing. I have
accepted your special friendship”. Justin gave Daado his business card. “This
is my card. Ring me whenever your remember me”. “Thanks!” Daado replied. He
later dropped her at her residence and bade her good bye.
Justin And Pat
Justin came home and found an angry disillusioned Pat. She exploded and
insulted Justin’s very being. “How could you Docter? How could you lie to me?
Who is she? Who is the bitch you gave a ride home?” Before Justin could reply
Pat gave him a nasty face slap. Justin gave a wicked laughter. He hesitated
then grabbed Pat by the neck and try to squeeze the life out of her. Pat choked
and he finally released her. “Never! Never try it again or I’ll kill you!
You are not my wife only a girlfriend. You have no control over me. I am a
free person that’s why I am yet to marry”. He treated Pat sadistically. Justin
then kissed her forehead and asked her to go to the kitchen and prepare
something for them to eat. Pat reacted. “Over my dead body! Kill me Justin! Kill
me?” She shouted at him. Justin went into his room.
Some Expensive Gifts
Docter sent an expensive jewelry box to Daado. She refused and rejected it.
Sophia could not understand. “Are you alright Daado? These ornament sets are
very expensive. They cost a fortune. Docter lover and cares about you. Don’t
return the gift. It is an insult. Keep it or give it way. Don’t give Justin
the impression that you reject his friendship. It will hurt him all the more”.
“I don’t need it. I have to return it. I don’t want to give Docter the
impression that I love him and have accepted his gift. I never have such
expensive jewelry before but its okay. I can only receive gifts from Greg, my fiancé
and only Greg. He is the only man I love and cared for”. Daado returned Justin
’s gifts to Sophia’s disappointment and dismay.
Justin Vain Pride is Wounded
Justin was shattered to pieces. “No! Never! A babe has never hurt my pride
so badly! Why? Why should she return such expensive gift? I am quite sure Greg
had never bought her such. This is an uncivilized behaviour. ‘Tit for tat’.
I’ll pay Daado in her own coin. I’ll also inflict pain on her. She has to
dearly pay for this rudeness”. Doctor vouched.
Bill to Amend Income and Sales Tax Act Passed
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The National Assembly has passed a Bill amending the Income and Sales Tax
Act of 2004.
Tabling the Bill of 2007 before the law makers on Thursday, September 6, the
Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Musa Balla Gaye, said
following the enactment of the law in 2004, certain amendments are now
required to meet current trends.
Seconding the motion on the Bill, the majority leader and Member for
Serrekunda East, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, said efficient and equitable tax collection
system will enhance tax compliance. Mr. Jatta urged Gambians to understand
that it is imperative to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
The minority leader and Member for Kiang West, Momodou Sanneh, commended the
Secretary of State for making provision in the amendment that would cater
for taxation in the infant petroleum industry.
Mr. Sanneh cautioned that taxes collected from the public must be properly
controlled and put into good use for the people.
The member for Jimara, Mama Kandeh, echoed the minority leader’s view. “
Anything collected must be put in good use,” said Mr. Kandeh .
Sellu Bah, the representative for Basse, praised the efforts of the new
Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in their collection of taxes across the country.
Bill Establishing Land Commission Passed
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A Bill providing for the establishment of a Commission to oversee and
control land matters in The Gambia was passed or enacted by the National Assembly
on Monday, September 10.
The Land Commission Bill of 2007 envisages the creation of a land commission
as required by the 1997 Constitution. Ismaila Sambou, Secretary of State for
Local Government and Lands, who introduced the bill to the legislators, said
due to changes in economic trends, increasing demands and pressure on the
limited land resources, it had become necessary to put in place policies and
procedures that would ensure a more efficient and judicious land administration
mechanism in The Gambia.
Mr. Sambou said this law would ensure that land disputes are reduced. He
said: “As the need for housing and other land related uses increase, due to
population growth and rapid urbanization, land utilization activities
correspondingly increase, necessitating new regulatory framework.
Sidia Jatta, the representative for Wuli West, said he expected a “more
robust legislation” because land is a very complicated matter. Mr. Jatta opined
that it is a right for every citizen in the country to have affordable land
for shelter. The Wuli West Member complained that there are rich people in the
country who have numerous plots of land and they are still grabbing more
plots, while the poor Gambians cannot acquire even the smallest plot. Mr. Jatta
revealed that sometime ago, some National Assembly Members were asked to apply
for plots in Bijilo, but they were turned down despite meeting all the
requirements. He said a commission of this nature has a difficult task to
accomplish, and members of the commission must assume work immediately.
Foday Jibani Manka, the member for Janjanbureh, described the bill as
important, but questioned the relationship between the commission and district
chiefs, since the latter deal with customary land issues.
Babanding Daffeh, of Kiang Central, said land is as precious as diamond now
and its administration requires proper regulation. “Land is so expensive that
the average Gambian cannot buy even a ten-by-ten metres square,” Mr. Daffeh
said. He also said the average Gambian cannot buy land due to the high demand
for land by non-Gambians who have the financial strength to buy as much as
they wish. He further said the price for land should be reduced in order for
the poor citizens to have plots for dwelling.
The member for Jimara, Mama Kandeh, said the issue of land concerns every
Gambian, their children, grand children and great grand children.
Baby Girl Abandoned at Brikama Market
By Modou Jonga
According to reliable reports, a two week baby girl was recently abandoned
and left in the custody of a market vendor, one Isatou Drammeh in the morning,
by her purported mother, whose identify still remains to be known.
Sources have it that, the baby was held by the said vendor when the mother
approached her and told her that she (the mother) wanted to urinate. According
to sources after about thirty minutes, the said vendor raised alarm but the
purported mother was nowhere to be found. The baby was therein surreadered at
the child welfare unit of the Brikama Police Station by the vendor and was
later referred to the Brikama Health Centre. Sources further told this
reporter that the baby was thus referred to the Senior Crime Unit of the police and
then to RVTH. The Social Welfare Department is said to be taken care of the
baby.
When this report visited the Child Welfare Unit of the Brikama Police
Station, an officer who preferred anonymity noted that the said baby is currently
at the custody of the SoS child ward at Bakoteh. Another police source stated
that her identify and whereabouts is still unknown but that a vigorous
investigation is jointly being mounted by concerned authorities to arrest the
culprit.
Sports Get New Supremo
By Modou Nyang
Mass Axi Gai is the new Secretary of State for Sports. He replaces Sheikh
Omar Faye who according to reports, will be redeployed to the diplomatic
missions.
Axi, until before his appointment to the top job was the 2nd Vice President
of the Gambia Football Association, GFA. He has served in that position
acting as the liaison officer between the football body and the Sports Department.
Sheikh Omar Faye was appointed SoS for sports last year replacing Samba Fall
who had held the post for years.
Mass Axi Gai was an employee of the Gambia Ports Authority before the
elevation. He is a veteran footballer who has played for the National team. He is
also a member of the Gambia Ports Authority Football Club.
Gambia’s Badjie Optimistic about Future
Sweden-based Gambia striker Ismaila Badjie is positive ahead of Saturday’s
league match against Strömtorp IK in the Division III. He talks exclusively to
Goal.com about his career and plans.
The 25-year-old, who plays for Karlslund IF HFK, has made an impression with
the club this season and has scored seven league goals for them. The
attacking-midfielder, who can play on both left and right side of midfield, is
looking forward to a win on Saturday following last week’s 2-1 defeat against
arch-rivals Orebro SK Ungdom.
“We are going out with the same offensive mentality, although it’s an away
match, but we know that we have the quality and potential to win any opponent
in the league,” says a confident Badjie. “It’s going to be a difficult
test but I think we will come home with the three points.”
Karlslund are challenging for the league title and Badjie hopes he can help
them gain promotion to the next tier. “I am hoping to win the league with my
team,” says Badjie. “And it’s very important for us and the supporters
because we are moving from our stadium Ornsro to another new one which is being
built at the moment.”
Karlslund will play a semi-final match against IFK Kumla in a district cup
called the Folksam Cup on Monday. “We beat them (IFK Kumla) 2-0 away in the
first round and I scored the first goal of the game and got the prize for
man-of-the-match and then we beat the 4-0 at home,” recalls Badjie. “I think
we have a big chance of winning the tournament this year.”
Having played in Sweden since 2004, Badjie is now looking forward to a new
challenge in his career. He however failed to make any speculations but will
surely like to play football at a high level. “Well I am not making it (my
plans) public but its of course every player’s dream to play in a better league
and at a higher level, so I am listening to offers and options,” says Badjie.
“But who knows, I may stay here too, cause its a very wonderful atmosphere
to be and the coach (Rickard Nilsson) is a good one. You can only improve
working with him,” the player added.
Badjie is yet to play for his country, Gambia, and firmly believing it is an
honor to put on the national gears, says his options are open for a call-up.
“Its a dream of any player to wear the national colors and represent your
nation, so i will love to represent Gambia if the call arises,” says Badjie. “
I almost had a call-up cause I got a phone call sometime last year from the
director of the Gambian Football Association who wanted me to go for the
preparation of a Nations Cup qualifier against Cape Verde in Gambia then.
“But then plans collapsed because things were not well planned. However, I
am open to and willing to show up if the need arise anytime.”
Culled from goal.com
Edi Stars in Club’s First Win
By Modou Nyang
Scorpions skipper Edrissa Sonko produced a stunning performance on Saturday
to help Walsall pick their first league win away to Millwall.
Sonko was provider for all two goals that put Walsall ahead in the 42nd
minute and again the winner in the 86th. Edi came from the bench replacing Ian
Roper in the 40th minute and was instantly in action as he setup Daniel Fox who
fired home to put the Saddlers ahead only two minutes in the pitch.
And as the visitors struggled to maintain their slim lead in an effort to
pickup their first three points since the begging of the league, the home side
fought back and levelled in the 83rd minute.
But the Gambian import had another idea, as he turned provider once again.
The new summer signing setups Troy Deeney from a lofted cross for the new
entrant to superbly fire home three minutes after the equaliser, to snatch all
three points for the visitors.
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