Issue No. 97/2007, 22 – 23 August, 2007
Editorial
Public Corporations for Sale
The Public Needs Urgent Feedback to Dispel Rumours
The government of the Gambia has a divestiture agency to oversee the process
of privatization of public enterprises. The government has had shares in
Hotels like Senegambia Beach Hotel and enterprises like Gambia Cotton Company
(GAMCOT) Banjul Breweries Ltd and so on.
Government has either sold or is trying to sell its shares in some of these
enterprises. GGC which fell on government’s lap after the 11.4 million
dollars settlement to Alimenta after government took over the company is now to be
privatised again. Will government get 11.4 million dollars for it? This
constitutes the economic loss of not abiding by the rule of law with
circumspection. Secondly, government promises to dispose of the shares of the Cotton
Company publicly. Thirdly, government is focusing on the divestiture programme for
GPTC, GIA and Management Services Agency.
Government has ordered a study of the technical environment and financial
assessment of GPTC and GIA to pave the way for their divestiture transactions.
It is anticipated that once this is complete clues shall be taken as to what
to do with GAMCEL, GAMTEL and NAWEC. Public corporations are public
properties. The Divestiture Agency should be required to have television and radio
programmes to explain how far the privatisation programme have gone. This is
what is meant by transparency and accountability. Last week we approached the
Public Procurement Agency for an interview on their functions and major
achievements in promoting efficiency and save resources in adapting procurement
measures. Guess what, the officers of an independent agency claim that they must
get authorization from finance to speak to the press.
We hope finance will tell the Director Generals of all agencies that they
are only bound to be accountable to the public, otherwise they should be
absorbed as government departments and save the cost of establishing separate
administration we will contact the Divestiture Agency to get the facts.
CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS SEMINAR ENDS
By Yaya Dampha
Over sixty representatives from the Civil Society, The Gambia Armed Forces
and the other law enforcement agencies are on a three-day seminar at the Joint
Officers Mess in Kotu. Participants are drawn from Government Departments,
the National Assembly, the Army and other security units, civil society
organisations, the media and representatives of political parties.
In her introductory remarks, Madam Lange Schermerhorn, US Charged D’
affaires, said she was pleased to join the participants in their discussion. She said
The Gambia has a strong tradition of an apolitical armed forces being
clearly subordinated to civil authorities. She commended The Gambia Armed Forces
for hosting the programme, which shows a sign of healthy civil-military
relations in The Gambia.
Charge D’affaires Lange said West Africa and, indeed, all of the world
today, are being shaken and reformed by globalization; that the challenges and
opportunities opened up by global markets are reshaping all economies and
nations.
She observed that the interests of countries in this 21 century are
converging. She said that people find themselves collaborating to face challenges
ranging from keeping peace to responding to disasters such as earthquakes and
tsunamies.
In his opening remarks, Brigadier-General Lang Tombong Tamba, the Chief of
Defence Staff, informed the gathering that it is the duty of the military to
assist the civilian population on request, as this moment presents
opportunities to fortify the relation. The Chief of the Armed Forces agrees that years
back the civil military relation was not as cordial as it is today. He said
the misunderstandings and frictions have diminished. Tamba called on the
military and civil society to exercise dialogue, tolerance, discipline,
professionalism and openness to nurture the bond of relation between the military and
civilians.
“ZERO TOLERANCE TO CIVILIAN HARRASSMENT”
By Yaya Dampha
At the end of the civil-military relations seminar at the Joint Officers
Mess on Thursday, the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General Lang Tombong
Tamba, has informed the participants that there would be ‘Zero Tolerance’ in
the Army when it comes to intimidation and harassment of civilians.
Tamba assured the participants that the civil-military relations have
changed for good and that the two camps should now see each other as one family. He
went on to commend the Center for Civil-Military Relations Africa Program
Manager, Rtd. Colonel Mensch and Professor Letitia Lawson who facilitated the
three days seminar.
Brigadier-General Tamba said the purpose of the seminar was to discuss
civil-military relations and military professionalism in general with special
emphasis on the role of the Armed Forces in time of peace, and relations between
the security forces and the legislative branch of government. He said it is a
right move in the right direction.
Brigadier General Tamba emphasized that the military is here for the public,
noting that they need public support to make their task of safeguarding them
realisable. He urged the public to see them (soldiers) as their sons,
daughters, etc. He pointed out that they (soldiers) are servants of the people. He
noted that once the public gives them (the soldiers) the support they need
they would be more accommodative to them. He assured his audience that his
forces would not intimidate or harass civilians.
He went on to say that the public must understand the role of the military
in society and urged civil society to educate the public so that they can have
a clear perspective. He acknowledged their responsibility to sensitize the
public for them to understand the roles and functions of the military and
advocated for the sharing of experience with civil society, noting that the
officers’ mess is open to civilians. He was quick to point out that in other
countries, an officers’ mess is open only to the military. “Our doors are open,”
he said. He indicated that their public relations department has been willing
to entertain media practitioners. “It is always available to the media for
information,” he remarked.
In conclusion, the Chief of Defense Staff emphasized: “There is no soldier
or officer who will willfully wish to use his gun against his/her
brother/sister. They will not use them against you unnecessarily.”
For his part, Colonel Mensch commended participants for giving themselves
time to be part of the seminar, considering their diverse nature of duties. He
said the seminar would increase the level of mutual understanding on the part
of the armed forces and civil society regarding their respective roles,
missions and responsibilities in a democracy.
Participants prepared a plan of action to guide future contacts between
Armed/security forces and civil society, which was handed over to Chief of
Defense Staff Brigadier General Lang Tombong Tamba. The CDS commended the
participants for creating a road map to guide the relations in the future. The
participants were also awarded with certificates of participation, which were
presented to them by the Chief of Defense Staff.
EFA ENDS REGIONAL BUDGET
TRACKING WORKSHOP
By Isatou Bittaye
A five day budget tracking workshop ended on Friday at the Paradise Suites
Hotel. The workshop which was jointly organised by Africa Network Campaign for
Education for All and Education for All Network (EFANET) The Gambia, brought
participants from various countries in Africa.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ms. Adelaide Sosseh, Chairperson of
EFANET, noted that the workshop would yield good results and contribute to making
the participants more capable, efficient and courageous advocates. Ms. Sosseh
said that advocacy is not an easy thing because it is a double edged sword
which empowers the poor and marginalised but at the same time poses a risk to
the advocates for when people demand for their rights, the advocates can be
accused of being ringleaders and trouble makers with dire consequences.
She added that the solution to this problem is informed advocacy that is
getting facts and figures right and building strategic alliances to ensure that
the messages reach the right audiences who can influence policy decisions.
Ms. Sosseh further said that the Education Department has recognised and
appreciated the role of Civil Society Organisations in education policy, planning
and programming and have also engaged and dialogued with CSOs at all levels.
Ms. Sosseh asked whether the workshop has achieved its objectives; if
expectations had been met and fears allayed. She added that it is only the
participants who can answer such questions. Ms. Sosseh noted that the workshop brought
in sharing of knowledge and information from diverse backgrounds and
experience. It also showcases a merging of cultures from various African countries,
high quality of facilitation and participation and also tolerance, respect and
caring for each other.
Also, speaking at the closing, the coordinator of ANCEFA, Mr. Gorgi Sowe,
said that there is need to build one voice on Civil Society Organisation. Mr.
Sowe added that the capacity of CSOs should be built inorder to analyse
policies. He said that there is also need for monitoring levels. Mr. Sowe indicated
that the IMF and World Bank Policies on Education are problems in achieving
the EFA goals such as the policy of recruiting unqualified teachers. He said
that inorder to get quality education, quality teachers are needed. Mr. Sowe
indicated that budget tracking is the shortcut for CSOs to make evidence and
skills needed to be built inorder to be heard and recognised by national
government, build alliances with National Assembly Members and the Media.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Department of State for
Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Babucarr Bouy, encouraged the participants to
utilise the skills acquired in the workshop in their advocacy work. He said
that advocacy work can be very sensitive but all depends on the manner of
approach. The P.S, noted that advocacy work does not need confrontation and
urged the participants to be mindful in the context of transferring skills and
knowledge. Mr. Bouy advised the participants to engage the Ministry of
Education in identifying simple inputs in budget tracking and the Ministry of Finance
to compact the miscellaneous items on the budget because sometimes they
could hide the real budget. He indicated that in 2008 the Education Department
would be working with EFA and all its partners to select some critical inputs
in education and put it to test. Mr. Bouy said that The Gambia has a well
sensitised National Assembly that understands the rules of advocacy work.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
IS MONEY LIFE?
Part 7
Lang Confronts Chaneh
“You public bitch! You think you can spoil my life? You are mistaken. I love
my wife I told you. Why did you explain our affair to her? Why can’t you be
discreet?” Lang soft-pedalled. He is weak towards Chaneh. Chaneh explained
herself. “I was hurt about your failed appointment. I expected you. I have some
new techniques for you. I felt bad when you failed to turn up. Now you are
shared between two women Hellen and myself. You cannot cheat on me. Its wrong.
Destiny has brought us together. I cannot marry Essa and you cannot totally
be faithful to Hellen. This is our portion. We have to live by it.” Chaneh
gave him an irresistible lip kiss. Lang woke up from his trance. He freed
himself from Chaneh’s grip and rushed to his wife.
Hellen Packs Up
Hellen packed up her belongings. Lang came in time. He tried to stop her.
Hellen sparked like fire. “Don’t touch me! You are a liar and a cheat! How
could you? How could you go back to Chaneh? Let alone sleeping with her! I am
ashamed of you. Leave me alone! I don’t ever want to set my eyes on you again!”
Lang tried by all means to stop her but he couldn’t. Hellen pushed Lang
from her path and went away.
Chaneh Moves In
As Hellen was going out Chaneh was coming in. She mocked at Hellen. “It
serves you right. It’s our man and we have to share him. I am hotter, he prefers
me. You are too cold for him. Moreover, you are heavy you cannot service him
now but I can.” Hellen stood speechless. She left for Uncle Victor’s mansion.
Chane and Lang
Chaneh stayed in Lang’s house. Lang became more confused. “Destiny brought
us together. We are meant for each other.” Lang became confused. He is
ashamed. He could not act.
Uncle Victor Comes
Uncle Victor came to enquire from Lang. He found Chaneh as the mistress of
the house. He knocked and Chaneh came to open the door. She answered him
rudely and inpolitely. “You have no home training! I’ll destroy you!” “Empty
bluff! You can’t do anything!” Chaneh challenged him. Uncle Victor left.
Lang Is Regretting
Lang regretted. He wanted Hellen back. Chaneh moved in with her luggage.
Lang blamed himself for hurting his wife. “I’ll do anything to get Hellen back.
I have hurt her badly. She is pregnant with our child. I have failed her. I
am an ingrate and a heart breaker.” Chaneh came to caress him. He pushed her
away. “I am confused. You cause all this. I don’t have your time now excuse
me, I am finished!” Lang got up and left. He sat down in his car and
reflected. He got resolved. “Chaneh has to leave! I’ll fight my lust. Chaneh is a
sweet poison. If I remain stupid she will eventually kill me.”
Lang Comes Back Resolved
Lang came home resolved. He took a positive stance. Chaneh was nowhere to be
found. She went away with Lang’s cheque.
Hellen At Uncle Victor’s Home
Hellen is moody. Uncle Victor cheered her up. “Cheer up my daughter! You are
a good wife. You have done everything for Lang. He does not deserve you. Don’
t kill yourself for him. Live for your unborn baby. Cheer up! Eat and be
merry! I am here for you.” Uncle Victor reassured his niece.
A Knock At The Door
There was a knock at the door. Hellen went to answer it. Who was it? Lang
appeared. “Who! Its you? What are you doing here? Coming to mock at me? No! Not
again! I’ll not allow you to pierce my heart! I am done with you!” Lang
apologized. I am a pig, a dog! I don’t deserve you. Find it in your heart to
forgive me. I am sorry. I am weak in the flesh but I love you. I love you with
all my heart. I am praying over it for Allah to help me to be resolved. It is
all my fault. You are a good wife. I have nothing against you.” Hellen
rebuffed and rejected him. She shut the door at his face. Lang shed emotional tears.
Lang And Uncle Victor
Lang visited Uncle Victor and confessed everything to him. “I love my wife
but I am weak in the flesh. I could not resist Chaneh. She took advantage over
it. I know Chaneh is sweet poison but I was foolish to keep on fooling
myself. Thank God! I have prayed over it. Now I am resolved. No more Chaneh or any
other woman for that matter. I love my wife and I promise to be faithful to
her forever”. Uncle Victor softened. “Okay! Get up! I’ve heard you! Hellen
is only a woman. She is now sentimental but she loves you. I’ll talk to her.
Give her time. But behave as you have promised.” “I’ll Uncle! I’ll! You don’
t know what you have until you are about to lose it. Now I know better.” Lang
promised. Lang explained Chaneh’s fraud. “She stole my cheque and went away
with my D50, 000) fifty thousand).” “What! You have to hand her over to the
police. This girl has evil vipes. She has to be disciplined.” Uncle Victor
advised.
Lang Uses His Connections
Lang used his connections. Chaneh got arrested as she tried to cross the
border to the neighbouring state.
Love Is Appreciation
Hellen and Lang love themselves. They reconciliated and live happily again.
Hellen gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. It was a caesarean case the
doctor advised tubal tie. The couples consented. The children were named Uncle
Victor and Lang’s mother Aja Sophie. The naming ceremony was glamourous.
Relatives and friends came from far. There was plenty to eat and drink. There was
real fun. Real Love lasts forever.
The Fraudster Put To Book
Chaneh was tried in a law court and put to book. She was sentenced and sent
to jail.
Lang Is Elated
Lang came to announce the verdict. “The fraudster is sent to where she
belongs.” Lang said excitedly. Hellen was not pleased. She was sad. She reflected.
“I pity Chaneh. She is a young woman. She has some evil vipes but she was my
childhood pal. I pity her. I am not revengeful. I feel sorry for her. I do
not rejoice at her misfortune. We should not rejoice at the misfortune of our
enemies.” She advised. “Hellen! You are always soft! Forgive! Forgive!” Lang
complained, “I love you darling! You are a priceless jewel!” “Our love is
mutual! Our trust should also be mutual! You should never hurt me again!
Promise!” “Yes! I promise! Cross my heart!” Lang promised. They engulfed in a
passionate lip kiss. They nursed the twins together. Lang remained a perfect
husband and father. Hellen was never found wanting.
Ousman And Nurse Fatima
Ousman’s romance with nurse Fatima blossomed. It developed into real love.
They are preparing to get married soon. The couples wished them well.
The End
FOCUS ON POLITICS
FACTIONAL INFIGHTING WITHIN THE PPP,
THE ORDER OF THE DAY!
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics and our objective is to recall the events
of the past in order to try and shape the future. In the process of doing so,
it is individual personalities who have been mentioned while they were
acting on our behalf. This makes it all the more important to focus the microscope
on their actions so as to help the future generation to avoid falling into
the similar pitfalls.
In the last issue we have stopped at where we said the editorial position of
the Torch newspaper did not also spare the elites of The Gambian society who
it described as “often run-off the mill intellectuals” who they understood
to be generally baffled by this kind of situation.
Let us continue from where we stopped.
The people, throughout the early 80s, seriously debated the issue of Asset
evaluation of government officials. But many also lose interest with the
feeling that a Government cannot evaluate itself. By May 1984, the Foreign
Exchange Controller of the Central Bank of The Gambia, Mr. Tijan Bangura, told the
commission that he approved eight separate Foreign Exchange transfers,
totaling 153, 000 Pounds for Mr. Fafa E. M’bai, Former Minister of Justice and
Attorney General.
According to reports, Mr. Bangura gave this account to the Commission on
Assets, which revealed what the Sun refered as “such startling things as helping
out Richard Akinjide and carrying out secret Government missions”. At that
stage, Mr. M’bai was yet to give his version of what actually happened, but
the Sun hypothesized that if Mr. Bangura’s account was anything to go by, Mr. M’
bai, as well, might have drained the Republic of its foreign exchange
holdings.
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the ruling party at the time, appeared
to be in serious disarray in the sense that the invisible infighting has now
become so apparent to the extent of affecting the normal operations of
government.
By 1986, the former Attorney General in the Outgoing cabinet, Honorable
Momodou Lamin Saho was embroiled in litigation against his former boss for a 50,
000 Pounds that was said to have changed hands between one chief Francis
Arthur Nzeribe, a financier and former Lagos Senator and President Jawara.
Francis Arthur Nzeribe was said to be a Nigerian Millionaire whose name was
involved in a scandal, sometime around June 1984, concerning the purchased of
Palm Grove Hotel. Nzeribe later denied the story but told the Sun’s Baboucar
Gaye that a company in which he owned a share, “Fanz International” made a
bid to buy a hotel in The Gambia but was turned down. This was way back in
June 1984. Mr. Nzeribe’s name appeared in newspaper headlines in The Gambia
again, regarding 50, 000 Pounds, but the matter was barred from prosecution
under Gambian law. However the former Attorney General was said to have refused
to allow sleeping dogs to lie. Some say he was bent on disgracing his former
boss, President Jawara. This revelation became a by-product of a huge rumour
which was said to have been reported by insiders that the privy council
proceedings in London was said to be in the process to de-knighting President
Jawara, meaning to remove the “Sir” title before his name. The reason they said
was a man who takes bribes is not fit to be called Sir.
But while this rumour had taken many by surprise, Hon. Momodou Lamin Saho,
the MP for Banjul Central, was himself reported to be nibbed in circumstances
of a criminal nature, i.e., a “money doubling scandal” and according to the
Torch, he was languishing in a British remand cell.
The Torch reported that Hon. Saho has accepted introducing Mr. Nzeribe to
President Jawara but that he was not a party to the deception and theft.
According to a newspaper report, Hon. Saho was, earlier on, appearing in a
case in the Banjul Magistrates Court and in which the state intervened by
filing a nolle prosequi. However, the Torch stated that what the court records
showed at the time was that he absented himself for what he called ‘
professional business’ in the United Kingdom. According to Torch, those nibbed along
with Saho were his daughter, Fatou Saho, who was a student in London, two
Malians and a Gambian called Sheriff Ibrahim Hydara. They were said to be refused
bail by the British Crown, conditionally.
On the home front, Editor Sanna Manneh also decided to institute legal
action against Mr. Housainou Momodou Musa Njie, the Managing Director of the
Gambia Commercial and Development Bank (GCDB) and the Minister of Finance and
Trade, Hon. Sheriff S. Sisay. He wrote a letter lodging a complaint on the
commission of the offences committed by the two accused persons. He also submitted
an application for the issuing of a summons and warrant to apprehend and
bring the two accused persons before a court, in accordance with section 69 (3)
(5) (b) of the Criminal procedure Code, Cap 39-laws of The Gambia.
In the statement of offences, the editor mentioned;
1. Disobedience of statutory duty, contrary to section 115 of the
Criminal Code;
2. False statements by officials of companies, contrary to section
302 of the Criminal Code;
3. Neglect to prevent felony-contrary to section 367 of CPC;
4. Conspiracy, contrary to section 368 of CPC.
In the particulars of offences;
1. Between 30 April 1978 and 18 August 1986, Mr. Housainou Njai
committed a misdemeanor by willfully disobeying to observe the provisions
contained in section 18 (6) (i) (ii) of the Financial institutions Act 1974, in
failing to exhibit throughout the past years in a public, part of each of the
places of business of the GCDB and to publish in a Local newspaper in each of
these years, the annual audited Accounts of the GCDB, as required of him by
law.
2. Between 30 June 1982 and 1st July 1983, 1984 and 1985, Mr. Njie
committed a felony by using his official position to transmit false
information to the ministry of Finance and Trade, on the operating results of the GCDB
for June 1982 and 1984.
3. Neglected to prevent the commission of a felony, by omitting to
do what each and everyone of them ought to have done to prevent a commission
of the felony.
4. That on 1st July 1983 and 1st July 1985, Mr. Sheriff .S. Sisay
conspired with officials of his ministry to commit a felony and a misdemeanor
when he used in his budget speeches to parliament, materials particular, of
the false information transmitted to his ministry by Mr. Njie, with intent to
deceive the Nation and mislead international institutions on the performances
of the GCDB.
The editor then went ahead and sworn to an affidavit in court, in support of
charges preferred against the two accused persons to affect their arrest
according to Law. According to the Torch, the Principal Magistrate I.S. B. Mboob
told Editor Manneh that action would be taken.
According to the Torch, the law required that if the Magistrate is satisfied
that the complaint lodged is not “frivolous or vexations” he/she shall then
issue either a summons or a warrant of arrest, as he/she deemed fit. The
paper asserted that the Finance Minister must resign to answer the charges and
that Housainou Njie must be suspended from duty pending the outcome of the
case. If the minister refused to resign from his position, it would then be the
duty of the president to force him to vacate his office.
At this stage, many people were of the view that the various factions within
the PPP were intensely undermining each other; that whoever was believed by
the president got the Upper hand. It was said that even though the party
hierarchy may have had several factions, the factions dubbed the “Mafia” and the
“Teeri Kafoo” were the main contending factions fighting each other and
wrecking the party as well. At this point in time, it was said to be difficult
for the president to either unite the two factions or balance them. Some also
believed that the other faction, the Terri Kafoo was encouraging journalists
to expose the secrets of the other faction.
However by September 1st 1986, the principal magistrate, I.S.B Mboob,
responding to Mr. Manneh’s application for the institution of criminal proceedings
against Mr. Housainou Njie and Sheriff Sisay in his court, stated that cases
normally commenced either by summons and or a Praecipe or by motion and an
affidavit and not by letter. He also mentioned the civil suit No. 10/85
entitled Housainou M. Njie Vs Sanna Manneh, which he believed is the defendant
himself. He then ruled that Sanna’s application is frivolous and vexatious and an
abuse of the process of the court and thereafter refused it.
Observers at the time, such as the West Africa Magazine on April 29, 1985,
reported about the Nation Newspaper’s comment which also called on the
Minister of Finance to resign and admit to parliament that the figures given were
incorrect; that either action taken would save continued embarrassment to
government.
According to West Africa, “this malicious lies were made by none other than
a Gambian, as a cover-up for the Government, the torch reported.
Read the next edition of Focus as we tread into 1986.
CONSULTATION FORUM ON THE BRIKAMA FISH MARKET HELD
By Modou Jonga
A one-day consultation with stakeholders meeting on the proposed Brikama
Fish Market Project organised by the Department of State for Fisheries and Water
Resources, in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) was held on Tuesday 14 August, 2007 at the Regional Governor’s
Office in Brikama.
The main focus of this meeting centered on the mission of the Basic Design
team from JICA for the construction of the Brikama Fish Market and on the
subsequent re-location of those conducting business at the site of the proposed
project.
The meeting which was officially opened by the Governor of Western Region,
Abdou F.M Badjie, brought together vendors, canteen owners and fish retailers
in a discussion, moderated by personnel of the fisheries department, JICA,
Brikama Area Council amongst others.
In his address, the project Manager of Fisheries product distribution survey
of JICA, Mr. Masami Tsuchiya, noted that the construction of the proposed
fish market follows a request for grant Aid made by the government of the
Republic of The Gambia in August, 2005 to the government of Japan.
According to Mr. Tsuchiya, the Japanese government has officially entrusted
for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to examine the
viability of the proposed fish market thereby ensuring the implementation of the
Japanese government’s Technical Assistance and expediting the proper execution of
Japan’s Grant Aid.
Speaking earlier, the Assistant Director of Fisheries Mr. Dampha dilated on
the objectives of the Basic Design Study embarked upon by personnel of JICA,
which includes examining the necessity, relevance and the emergency of the
request components in detail and investigate an appropriate content of the
project as Japanese Grant Aid Assistance.
Speaking further, the Fisheries Deputy Director, said that the study team
aimed at confirming and verifying the ability and the potential of management
and maintenance of the facilities, including the plan of the operating body
for the project.
The consultative forum also witnessed group discussions by vendors, fish
retailers and Canteen owners, during which problems of the said groups,
solutions, strategies and partners were identified and recommendations made for
consideration by the relevant and concerned authorities.
In their deliberations, respective participants highlighted their problems
as the poor drainage system, unreliable electricity supply, improper
relocation process, toilet facilities, lack of waste management system, etc.
Various solutions were identified by the said groups amongst which are to
urge the management of the Brikama Area Council, and other relevant
institutions and stakeholders, to conduct sensitization of communities through the mass
media, the provision of fisheries accessories, quick implementation of the
proposed fish market, facilitation of the relocation process etc inorder to
remedy their constraints.
In his closing statement the Vice Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, Mr.
Sunkarri Badjie, noted the significance of the consultative meeting of
stakeholders and described it as a milestone towards alleviating poverty. The BAC
Vice Chairman further urged the participants to filter down the knowledge and
experience gained from the forum to their partners/colleagues.
Eight Non Gambians Arrested At the Banjul International Airport
By Modou Jonga
Prosecutor Abdoulie Ceesay, of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, has
told the Brikama Magistrates’ Court that eight Nigerian nationals were arrested
by security personnel at the Banjul International Airport on 20 July, 2007
while they were about to board a flight out of the country.
The NDEA prosecuting officer made these remarks on Thursday 16 August, 2007
before magistrate E.F M’bai while the said arrestees are separately arraigned
in court. All the accused persons who pleaded not guilty, were dragged to
court by the state for alleged trafficking of cocaine by swallowing, contrary
to section 43 of the Drug Control Act 2003, as amended.
The first accused person, Klement Ifeanyi Obriorah, is alleged of possessing
prohibited drug being cocaine by swallowing seven hundred and ninety seven
grams for the purpose of trafficking. The second accused, Okafo Francis Paul,
is alleged to have swallowed one kilogram and one hundred and sixty-two grams
of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Samuel Nwaiwu, third accused is
alleged to have swallowed one gram four hundred and twenty-seven grams of
cocaine for the said purpose. The fourth accused, Edi Banke Anthony is alleged to
have swallowed eight hundred and seventy-three grams and twenty-two
milligrams of the said prohibited drug for trafficking.
James Nicolas, the fifth accused person, is alleged to have swallowed one
kilogram and four hundred forty grams of cocaine for the said purpose. The
sixth accused, Aposo Mallachi Ngozi, is alleged to have swallowed one kilogram
and four hundred and seventeen milligrams of cocaine.
Faith Chinomso Obatu, a female and the seventh accused person, is alleged to
have swallowed nine hundred and nine grams of cocaine, while the eighth
accused, Amanchuku Okafo is alleged to have swallowed eight hundred and
eighty-four grams of cocaine for the said purpose at the Banjul International Airport,
on 20 July, 2007.
After having taken their plea, the presiding Magistrate ruled that all
accused be remanded in custody. Prosecuting officer Abdoulie Ceesay and Modou Jobe
represented the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA).
OPINION
Slaves, Or The Biggest Fools, What Are We?
Foroyaa has been advising and teaching us for the past twenty years to know
ourselves, know our country and know the world so as to be the architects of
our own destiny. But can’t we stop a minute and ask ourselves whether we have
heeded the advice and learnt any lesson from what we were being taught? Do
we know who we are? Do we know the type of country we are living in and the
system it has been operating under from the days of colonialism to date? Do we
know the kind of world we are living in? In my view, the answer to these
questions is no. That is so because the kind of questions being raised, and the
statements being made by people who are supposed to be torch bearers in our
society is an indication that very little has been learnt. Had we learnt our
lessons better, we would not have been asking questions such as what is
responsible for the skyrocketing of the prices of basic goods, the stagnation of the
starving wages of workers, the retrogression in the agricultural sector and
the difficulty experienced by farmers in the marketing of their products year
in year out. We have failed to learn that just few decades ago we did not own
ourselves and therefore did not have any rights over ourselves; that we were
subjects of other people who think for us and decided on everything about
our lives for us.
Because these people think for us, we are made to work and serve them while
they ensure a better life and comfort for themselves. On the other hand, we
as their subjects continue to live in subhuman conditions. However they also
know that we are not unblessed in terms of mental capacity and resources; that
if we are left on our own unhindered, we will be able to use our creative
minds to harness the material resources in our environment to transform our
lives. Instead of pursuing a development process which all societies must pass
through, they found a shortcut to development for themselves by exploiting us.
Survival of the fittest is an integral part of their ideology. Their greed
for material wealth has conditioned them to accept that as normal. They couldn’
t see any evil in exploiting others as long as their selfish interests are
not affected. Since they consider exploitation to be normal and logical, it
must be left to continue without let or hindrance. Anybody trying to interfere
with that system must be resisted. This has been, and still is their position
regarding this system of exploitation.
But, as human beings, we cannot continue to live like animals forever. The
desire to be free and live like human beings forced some of our fathers to
mobilise our people to resist this evil system, which made the exploitation of
person by person normal. Their vision and mission was to put complete the end
to their evil system. At the initial stage of the struggle, it must be
unimaginable to many that any headway could be made. But with patience,
perseverance and selfless sacrifice they were able to take us to where we are today
enjoying the little rights that we now take for granted. As our fathers were
sacrificing everything in the struggle against the evil system of marked
exploitation, the master exploiters were also strategizing to defend and conserve it.
When they realised that with the determination of fathers they would not
survive as exploiters, they eventually decided to retreat at a certain point and
rethink their strategies. They acknowledged the fact that if they were to
survive as exploiters, they had to relinquish their position of lordship over
us at least to give us a false sense of freedom and independence. With this
false sense of freedom and independence, a seed of complacency was sown among
the exploited and oppressed and their fighting spirit to resist was
extinguished. The little work that they had to do was to eliminate those who understood
the full meaning of the term independence and are determined to achieve it
at all cost.
Unfortunately for us, with that work done, those that were now in position
of leadership in our countries were those who accepted to be tools of the
master exploiter. In this way the master exploiter got whatever she/he wanted
from the exploited behind the scene. Most of the oppressed and exploited thought
that the mere appearance of their own kind in such position meant freedom
and independence.
What must be realised by all of us is that the struggle launched by our
fathers against oppression and exploitation is far from over. One can rightly say
that it is just the first phase of that struggle which has ended. The second
phase of that struggle is in progress and history has entrusted the
responsibility of it’s prosecution upon the shoulders of our present generation. The
earlier we realize this, the better for us and our children. Our fathers have
accomplished what could achieve in their time and circumstances, by ending
colonialism but even after they are long gone, they still continue to
perpetuate it behind the scene in close collaboration with those we consider to be
our own. It is therefore the responsibility of our generation not to betray
succeeding generations by failing to effect change. If we do, by that act, we
are either accepting to be slaves or the biggest fools that ever existed on the
face of the earth.
We must ask ourselves why is it that after decades of independent existence,
we are still unable to feed our selves and provide shelter and clothings for
ourselves? Why is it that we are becoming more and more hopeless about our
future instead of being hopeful? Would this be the case if we were really free
and independent? No, this is our situation because those in positions of
leadership are truly wolves in the sheep’s clothing.
Up to this day truly we are being dictated to by the master exploiter (our
former colonial masters) through their financial institutions in the form of
World Bank and the IMF (International Monetary Fund). By taking lessons from
these institution which are solely owned by the master exploiter on how to run
our economy, whatelse do we expect other than to be broken and exploited,
and the consequent underdevelopment, poverty and hardship. Infact to accept to
be dictated by these institutions tantamount to accepting to be either a
slave or the biggest fool ever.
Division Budhoo, who worked for the IMF for 12 years, resigned after making
a critical appraisal of the IMF’s role in the third world. In an open letter
to the IMF bureaucrats, he accused them of “hawking your medicine and your
bag of tricks to peoples of the world. Devalue! Tax the poor! Remove all
subsidies to the underprivileged! Fire the people! Cut out social services! Let
the children starve! Let malnutrition in all the shanty towns be our
performance criteria! Increase prices of bread, yams, soap and water! Negate all
constitutions! Kill all hope and aspiration from the heart of the down trodden! Go
back again to saying your prayers in the mosque, and begging in the streets
and dancing in the jungle! Turn back the clock to two hundred years and let us
again be the masters and you be the slaves!.. lie prostrate, i.e obediently
as our heaviest stream roller ploughs through you for the glorification of
our founding fathers and for the pique and career development of our present
day staff”. How can a society entrust its future development to such
insensitive, callous and sometimes downright incompetent officials with the primitive
attitude and understanding of Africa and its problems of the one-time colonial
officials? he asked.
Muhammed Babu, veteran commentator on African politics described the
situation under the kind of misleaders who accepts to be dictated by the master
exploiter. “Injustice in this state is seen as an ever present element rather
than a shocking intrusion in the people’s existence. Those in power demand from
the people only unilateral, in place of mutual respect: the respect of
inferiors for superiors, rather than respect between equals. To such leaders the
people are only part of their estate and in such an estate the masters are
insensitive to appeals for justice; to them justice is whatever is useful to
maintain themselves in power. Their ideal is to govern with the minimum of
perspiration and the maximum of domination. They are obsessed with the lust for
power and regard themselves demi-gods. Anybody honest enough to refuse to
acknowledge them, as such is a criminal and punished accordingly, mostly through the
PFCs. The country in the meantime moves by desultory stages nearer and
nearer disaster. They reduce the entire population to the economic level of
beggars and at the political level of convicts”.
Marcus Garvey in his article entitled Negro Leadership and What It Means,
wrote about the kind of leaders we have at the helm of our affairs in these
words. “I would not exchange two five-cents cigars-even though not a smoker-for
all the colored or Negro political leaders, or rather mis-leaders, of our
time. The fraternity is heartless, crafty and corrupt. They exist for themselves
only, and give no honest thought to the future, nor the condition of the
people, except to exploit the said condition to their political benefit.
“The leaders of the race are visionless and selfish. They think of none but
themselves.
“Among the whites, we have a few political charlatans and crooks, but that
race can well afford, under the circumstances, to tolerate them, because they
are surrounded and circumvented by statesmen and race patriots who are ever
vigilant and on guard in protecting the rights of their people. Among us
Negroes, there is no relief from such a class, because they monopolize our
politics and obstruct our outlook..
“To use our present political leaders there must be a conversion and
reformation in head and heart. I believe it to be impossible with the inviting
system of graft, therefore I suggest that leadership be assumed by our uncorrupted
youth, with a program leader, positive and determined, counting well the
cost of opposition and persecution,. Which generally leads to the Bastile and
the Guillotine”
Now as Garvey has rightly stated those very people we regard as leaders have
turned to be hypocrites, sycophants and deceptors employing all their skills
to entrench and strengthen oppression and exploitation for their selfish
interests. They are the ones who have been deafening the ears of our people with
talks of development and revolution even though the farming community which
constitute a large percentage of the populace are frustrated; even though the
youth who are the future of the country are being driven to risk their lives
at the sea because of lack of hope about their future at home; even though
people are virtually starving because of our inability to afford a nutritious
diet for our families with the rising prices of basic commodities coupled with
the violations of fundamental human rights. It is clear that we did not have
people whom we can rely on for the evil system which have taken us hostage.
Therefore as Garvey has suggested it is our uncorrupted youth, with a program
clear, positive and determined, counting well the cost of opposition and
persecution, which generally leads to the Bastile and Guillotine who must assume
the leadership of the struggle against oppression and exploitation in our
society. Unless and until the youth, and women especially, take an informed
and firm position on matters that affect their country and life, then national
affairs will be hijacked by fellow citizens who lack the patriotism,
commitment and vision which are required to develop the nation. In such a situation
therefore the country stands to lose not only the gains already made, but the
very existence of our society would be threatened by instability and impunity.
All Gambians particularly the youth are urged to engage in politics in full
force because politics is the only means by which we can determine our
destiny; control our resources; promote and protect our human rights and the rule
of law; ensure democracy, accountability and good governance; and achieve our
development objectives in peace and stability. The solution to all the needs
and concerns of society lies in politics.
The executive are the decision and policy makers in any county. The national
assembly (Parliament) are the law makers of almost any country. Since that
is the case, the people must therefore get involved in politics to choose the
right individuals as their president, national assembly members, councilors,
chairpersons, and mayors so that the right policies, decisions and laws will
be made for the benefit of each and every citizen. Let us stand for a future
that will place our country fully in our sovereign hands with a government
that is entrusted with public power and committed to the exercise of power that
belongs to the people to safeguard their liberty, dignity and prosperity.
May God awaken the people from their slumber!
Fabakary Trawally
Baddibou Salikenni.
Sport Journalists Association Holds Congress
By Abdou Jeli Keita
The Gambia Sport Journalists Association convened its triennial congress on
Saturday 11 August 2007 at the Independence Stadium. This association is the
umbrella body responsible for the welfare and training of sports journalist
in The Gambia.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General Lang Tombong Tamba, who
doubles as vice President of The Gambia Football Association, Commended the sport
journalist for their immense contribution to the successful hosting of the
African under 17 Championship held in Banjul. He said journalism is about
investigating and reporting accurately for the public to debate on them. He added
that journalists should embark on investigative reporting in order to get to
the root of the facts and produce it for the public, because according to him,
what journalist inform the public is what the public is likely to believe.
In delivering his report, Mr. Namory Trawally, President of the Sport
Journalist Association said his term in office is the most successful period in the
history of sport journalism in The Gambia. He said this period witnessed
important developments in the history of sport journalism in this country. He said
this is the period when The Gambia hosted a major continental football
Jamboree in which sport journalists successfully handled the media and publicity
committee.
He said the biggest achievement of the association is the approval of its
application for membership both AIPS and the African sports journalists union.
He said the sport journalist association will from now on be organising an
annual awarding of sport men and women who have contributed to the success of
sport in The Gambia. The president went on to inform the attendees of the
setting up of the association’s website in January this year. The website
(www.sports.gm) he said will provide information on happenings in Gambian sports.
The association’s secretary general, Korka Jallow, in delivering his report on
the association’s activities, said there is need to maintain and improve the
standard of the association’s website which the said is a major asset. He
added that, there is need to look for an office space in order to put in place
a proper filing system. Gibril Jassey, the association’s financial secretary
said from March 2004 to may 2007, the operating surplus amounted to D55,000
compared to D475 when they took office in March 2004.
The total expenditure he said, has increase due to the publication of sport
magazine (Gamsport Published in the African U17 Championship in May 2005).
The association adopted and approved a new constitution. A new executive body
was elected and constitute the following;
Namory Trawally as president, Pa Modou Faal of GRTS as second Vice
President, Sainabou as Kujabi as Secretary, Korka Jallow Assistant Secretary, Gibril
Jassey as Treasurer, Ndey Busso as Assistant Treasurer and Babou Gaye as
Auditor of the Association.
Isatou Bittaye, Ebou Manneh and Mohammed Manneh are co-opted members of the
executive body. The congress was graced by Beatrice Allen, 1st Vice
President of GNOC and member of IOC, Salifu S.K Jaiteh, Modou Musa Njie General
Manager of FIB, Musa Njie, General Manager of the Independence Stadium, Pap Saine
honorary life president of the association and Kebba Yoro Manneh, a social
commentator among others.
2nd Division: Samger Hoping for Promotion
By Isatou Bittaye
Samger FC defeated Tallinding United a lone goal to propel themselves into
1sst division the promotion zone.
Brikama United lost 3-1 to Ham Ham at the Serrekunda West grounds to slip
down and allow Interior FC go top with 35 points. Samger are now level on
points with Brikama United (33) with only few matches remaining to the end of the
league.
Samger edged pass Tallinding United with skillful midfielder Omar Jassey
(Waterman) snatching the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute. They could
have registered many more had they concentrated better in front of goal. And
Tallinding also failed to hit the Samger net as they squandered a lot of
chances.
SK East Nawettan Roundup
By Isatou Bittaye
T. K. Snookers made it six points with another victory over Late Alieu Ngum
on Thursday. Whilst Rangers shared the points again this time with T Central
on Friday.
Amadou Keita scored the only goal of the match as Snookers collected all
three points in a tough tassel against Late Alieu Ngum. Snooker seemed to have
managed an edge over their opponents with the tactical touch of their manager
as the substitution proved effective in the superiority over Late Alieu Ngum.
T Central forced Rangers to a goalless draw on Friday adding to the
frustration of Rangers as they collect only two points from two outings. Rangers
determined to avoid a sharing of the spoils for a second time, mounted a fierce
challenge in the second period of the game but always misfiring when in front
of goal.
Tomorrow Kerr-gi will take on Juventus FC and Gamma Link play it out with
Medina on Wednesday.
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