Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.  126/2007, 26 – 28 October 2007

Editorial
DETERIORATION OF PUBLIC  SERVICE INCENTIVES
THE PRESIDENT SHOULD CONSIDER THE INTRODUCTION OF TWO TERM  LIMIT
The president claims to be shocked by the dilapidated state of  government 
offices. He should also visit the classes and toilets of the long  established 
schools like Serrekunda Lower Basic School.
Mr. President, this  is the country the APRC has built for the past 13 years. 
The country has no  admirable past and no admirable present. It deserves an 
admirable future which  only a sovereign people can bring; a sovereign people 
who no longer allows  leaders or parties to own them but would take ownership 
of leaders and parties  on the basis of the liberty and prosperity they can 
give guarantee to, to  enlarge or be denied even a second mandate.
Foroyaa has been shouting from  roof tops that there is no vibrant private or 
public sector in this country.  There is just pomp and privileges propagated 
by a television which focuses on  fanfare and some achievements while 
downplaying the poverty of the people, that  is, the poor civil servants, farmers, 
workers and the army of the  unemployed.
Foroyaa has raised alarm regarding the remuneration and low level  of 
absorptive capacity of the private and public sectors in terms of  employment.
For example, employment in the public sector remained at about  15,000 
employees throughout the 1990s.
It has not grown much in the  2000s.
It is also indicated that the public sector is the main employer. One  can 
therefore clearly see that Gambia is a poor underdeveloped country. The  problem 
of the country is not simply one of management. Removing one form of  
government to replace it with another without overhauling production systems and  
methods of administration will do nothing to eradicate the suffering of the  
people. What is needed now is not to follow personalities but to follow  
programmes. The APRC has already shown what it can do in 13 years. It has only  been 
able to replace a dilapidated and shrinking public service heading towards  
privatisation and retrenchment of workers with another dilapidated and shrinking  
public service heading towards privatisation and retrenchment of workers. The  
battle between the past, present and the future shall be determined by the  
nature of the programmes that parties intend to implement to enlarge liberty,  
and prosperity.
Foroyaa is not just out to publish news. It is out to  enlighten and liberate 
the people. It is not one of your umpire newspapers  engaged in umpire 
journalism to promote good governance, enlighten and  entertain. It is committed to 
the establishment of a country where the  sovereignty of the people becomes 
supreme.
In this coming year, Foroyaa will  engage the APRC regime in every aspect of 
national life. Just as we have done  with the dalasi, we shall analyse every 
aspect of Gambian society to give an  alternative way forward.
We also call on the readers to challenge all those  who wish to change this 
country to do the same. They must not only read but must  spread what they are 
reading otherwise people who cannot read may not know who  are genuinely 
determined to work for their liberation.
Take the case of the  detainees. Foroyaa is the only institution in the 
Gambia which followed the  movement of detainees and reported its findings without 
fear or favour affection  or ill will. However, many pick up these reports 
from Foroyaa and spread them  like wild fire without referring to their source 
because of their desire to  suppress Foroyaa’s role as a consistent and fearless 
defender of justice.  Foroyaa has made it very clear that in a developing 
country without a strong  private or public sector which can generate employment, 
the informal sector  usually constitutes the bulwark for income generation. 
Foroyaa had indicated  that under such circumstances policy makers cannot be 
rigid about public and  private enterprise development but must give support to 
every productive venture  which can have multiplying effect in income 
generation and spreading to address  the problems of poverty. We have shown how the 
public sector should be managed  to ensure growth in investment, earnings and 
employment. We have also shown how  the banks should be linked to the productive 
base of the private sector to  expand production. We have shown how the 
informal sector could be strengthened  through the association of small scale 
enterprises to form cooperatives which is  the basis of the whole housing industry 
in most European countries, especially  Ireland where the level of deprivation 
during the earlier days was the highest.  Foroyaa has analysed issues like 
the dalasi to throw clarity on the subject.  This goes for all issues of 
national life. Yet some people will quote these  things and just mention casually 
that they came from a local paper in order to  hide the truth to their readers so 
as to find it easier to accuse the Foroyaa  editors later to be barren of 
ideas or is advocating for ideals that are not  grounded in reality. Those who 
are reading Foroyaa and are ready to be part of  the solution should maintain 
archives of what they read and post it to any media  establishment which aims to 
distort what we have been saying to  people.   
The people should no longer accept labelling, branding  or stigmatising of 
personalities or newspapers. For example, before Foroyaa  started publication, 
many people in high offices did not know what a  constitution was. It is 
Foroyaa which took the 1970 constitution from the  shelves collecting dust and tried 
to make it known to the people. Those behind  Foroyaa have always refused to 
support or participate in government  establishment by unconstitutional means, 
yet there are people who try to  prejudice the minds of the people to think 
that others are the genuine advocates  of democracy.
In the coming years therefore, the real democrats who advocate  for the total 
sovereignty of the people will be separated from the formal  democrats who 
establish instruments, institutions and structures but do nothing  to make 
knowledge a property of the people so that they become so empowered that  no leader 
will dear appear before them like a demigod. It is then and only then  that 
society will give its back at impunity, oligarchies and autocracies.
The  battle for transparency, accountability, clarity and assertion of 
sovereignty of  the people is taking a new dimension.
Even President Jammeh could not avoid  exposing the inadequacies of his 
administration. The future of our country does  not lie in the stars or horoscopes 
to reveal. The future lies in the brains and  hands of the sovereign people. 
Our children will inherit the type of society we  dare to build with our minds 
and hands. Those with negative thinking will always  have nothing to 
contribute but contempt. Those with positive thinking will  always find means of 
strengthening the people to become their own  liberators.

Bajinka Incommunicado For 7 Months
By Modou  Jonga
This reporter has been reliably informed that personnel of the National  
Intelligence Agency (NIA), Yaya Bajinka, a resident of Brikama, is held  
incommunicado at the State Central Prison for seven months since his arrest. The  
detained NIA personnel, according to family sources, was arrested shortly after  
Major Bajinka, a former aide to the President of the Republic, fled the country. 
 Sources noted that the said NIA personnel was released by the authorities 
with  other brothers of the absconded major.
Reports have it that Yaya Bajinka was  rearrested by three plain clothes 
officers believed to be NIA personnel on 16  April 2007 in Brikama and was then 
whisked away and detained at Mile II. The NIA  has denied ever arresting Yaya 
Bajinka. Family sources stated that access to  their loved one is prevented by 
the authorities since the latter was re-arrested  and detained. 
Family sources further noted that no reason is yet advanced by  the 
authorities for the continued detention of Mr. Yaya Bajinka and that he is  neither 
charged nor arraigned in any court of law, contrary to the constitution  and laws 
of the land. They also lamented the health condition of Mr.  Bajinka.

GOVI Celebrates World White Cane Day In URR 
By Lamin  Fatty
The Gambia Organisation for the Visually Impaired (GOVI) celebrated the  
World White Cane Day followed by the (AGM) in Basse Upper River Region (URR).  The 
occasion was marked by a successful and colourful march past by the school  
children, government Departments, NGOs, the Visually impaired, business  
fraternity and a cross section of the general public, which was supported by the  
regional Scouts band under Abubacar Krubally.
Speaking on the occasion, the  president of GOVI, Mr. Muhammed Korah 
highlighted that the aims and objectives  of celebrating the day is to reflect on the 
discrimination and injustices that  are perpetrated against the visually 
impaired. According to the GOVI president,  this year’s celebration is held in URR 
as part of GOVI’s efforts in  decentralising its activities. He pointed out 
that to be visually impaired does  not mean that one is not a person. He urged 
the visually impaired people not to  underestimate their potentials as visually 
impaired. For his part the Executive  Director of GOVI, Mr. Mamut M. Touray, 
said the celebration is a yearly event  but that this year’s event is designed 
for the people of URR to be sensitized  about the importance of acting 
responsibly towards the visually impaired. He  said that the white cane used by the 
visually impaired people is a symbol and  identification for the visually 
impaired people everywhere. He urged the general  public to see the visually 
impaired as being part of the society. 
The  National Assembly member for Basse, Hon Sellu Bah, who tied a peace of 
cloth  around his eyes in order to put himself in the situation of the visually 
 impaired, also addressed the gathering. He urged the general public 
particularly  the drivers to always take the visually impaired into consideration when 
 driving. 
Declaring the celebration open, the governor of URR, Alhagie Omar  Khan 
reiterated that the day was a very important day, which according to him is  highly 
proclaimed. He said the “White Cane” is a symbol indicating that the  
visually impaired are part of the society and who are capable of doing  everything 
by themselves. He pointed out that the rights of the visually  impaired are 
violated and they are being discriminated; that we make them feel  hopeless in 
the society. He stressed that it is the duty of everybody to respect  and ensure 
the protection and promotion of the visually impaired so that they  can feel 
they are part of the society and can contribute towards the  socio-economic 
development of the country. He finally thanked and commended the  organizers of 
GOVI for choosing URR.  

Campaign To Ratify  Small Arms Convention
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
West Africa Network for Peace  Building (WANEP) The Gambia, the coordinating 
body for the sensitisation and  advocacy mission of the ECOWAS Small Arms Unit 
were in The Gambia for the  purpose of encouraging the Government of The 
Gambia to expedite the ratification  process of the ECOWAS convention on small 
arms and light weapons. The ECOWAS  delegation and civil society organizations as 
well as the media held a meeting  at the joint officers’ mess at Kotu on 
Wednesday 24 October.
According to  retired General Charles Okae, the Director of peace keeping and 
security in the  region said their mission is to get The Gambia’s response in 
terms of small arms  which was endorsed in June last year. General Charles 
Okae said they have been  organizing various meetings with security agents to 
make sure that ratification  will not be a problem. He noted that the meeting is 
to inform the citizenry of  The Gambia about the ECOWAS convention. General 
Okae asserted that ECOWAS heads  of state have all agreed that there cannot be 
any meaningful development in the  region without peace, which cannot go 
without controlling the spread of arms.  General Okae indicated that nine member 
states had ratified the ECOWAS  convention on small arms and light weapons, 
ammunition and other related  weapons. General Okae has pointed out that the 
convention does not include  interference in the internal affairs of member states 
and the principle that  each member shall avoid recourse to the threat or use 
of force.
Mr.  Oluwafisan Bankale, who is also the policy, advocacy and communication 
officer,  conducted a lecture on the convention. Commandant Abdourahmane Dieng 
head of  ECOWAS Department for Small Arms Unit was also present at the 
meeting.  

RAFAM Campaigns For Gambia Mosquito Free
By Lamin Fatty
The  Rural Association that aims to Fight Against Malaria (RAFAM) was formed 
by a  group of philanthropists on the 16 January 2006 in Basse URR. It was 
registered  on the 12 April 2006 at the AG’s Chambers in Banjul and finally 
launched at  Alunhare on the 10 of June 2007, making it a fully fledged Community 
Base  Organisation (CBO). The organisation has an executive of ten members 
within the  same Region supported by a dynamic drama group in charge of all the 
advocacy  activities of the Association. It had currently successfully 
registered eight  affiliated groups from various Districts across the region since the  
organisation is conceived as a membership based entity.
Speaking to Foroyaa  shortly after the exercise, Momodou Billo Jallow the 
Secretary General of the  Association said the aims and objectives of the 
Association among others are to  complement the efforts of the Department of State 
for Health in the fight  against malaria. According to Mr. Jallow, malaria kills 
millions of women and  children around the world including pregnant women and 
The Gambia is not an  exception, he said. He pointed out that based on the 
following highlighted  reasons, the organisation collaborates with the regional 
Health Team in Basse  headed by Saikouna Sanyang, and other important 
activities all geared towards  preventing the entire general public in URR from 
contracting malaria and also to  contribute towards the improvement of health and 
hygiene through the help of  traditional communication channels. 
For his part the Social Secretary of the  Organisation, Mr. Tentu Manneh 
stressed that the formation of RAFAM is very  crucial and timely since according 
to him millions of people are dying as he was  speaking. He pointed out that 
malaria is very serious since it can reduce the  productive labour force of a 
society, thereby contributing to the decline of  agricultural productivity which 
according to Mr. Manneh haa a negative impact on  both the lives of the 
people particularly the rural poor and the economy. He  therefore called upon every 
body in URR to join RAFAM in the fight against one  of the greatest enemies 
of human beings (mosquitoes). He said the Department of  State for Health alone 
cannot do it. He commended the executive members of  (RAFAM) for their 
inspiring leadership and tasked them to take it as a  challenge. He also appealed to 
Government, NGOs as well as donor agencies and  institutions for support to 
be able to realize their potentials in making The  Gambia mosquito free. The 
exercise was conducted in the following communities.  Koba Kunda, Kaba Kama, 
Manneh Kunda, Basse and Samba Tako. The exercise was  marked by educative drama 
performances by RAFAM Traditional  Communicators.

INTERVIEW WITH HALIFA  SALLAH  (PART 5)
How do you see the detention without trial of Chief  Manneh, Kanyiba Kanyi 
and others and the proceedings before the ECOWAS  Court?
The worst forms of human rights violation are murder and disappearance  of 
persons. Murder is permanent disappearance. Detention without trial is  
temporary disappearance. A just government must protect all her citizens from  murder 
and disappearance without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
The  Gambian people are now seeing in practical terms the significance and 
limits of  constitutions.
One of the most important provision of the 1997 Constitution  which was 
absent from the 1970 Constitution is the time limit for Detention  without trial.
In short, a sovereign person is a free person whose liberty,  should not be 
fettered. This is why Section 19 of the Constitution states:  “Every person 
shall have the right to liberty and security of person. No one  shall be 
subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall be deprived of  his or her 
liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedures  as are 
established by law.”
It further states that any person who is arrested  and detained shall be 
informed as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any  case within three hours, 
in a language that he or she understands, the reason  for his or her 
detention and his or her right to consult a legal practitioner.  
The right to know why he/she is detained and to see a legal practitioner  
within three hours after ones detention is designed to prevent disappearance of  
persons. If the Constitution is respected no body can be in custody for more  
than three hours without public knowledge.
Furthermore, if a person is not  release the constitution states that he or 
she should be brought before a court  without undue delay and in any event, 
within seventy two hours. This is the  second instrument that is designed to 
prevent the disappearance of a person.  
It is therefore absolutely clear that if the Constitution is respected no  
law enforcement or security agent should keep a person in custody in secret for  
more than 3 hours without informing him or her the right to seek legal advice 
 and for more than 72 hours without bringing the person before a court.  

Could we then say that the Constitution has no use since there is  detention 
for over 72 hours without trial.
We must understand the power  structure envisaged in a Sovereign Republic to 
know where the powers of the  Constitution start and end.

Please explain.
In a Sovereign  Republic the Constitution has powers and the people have 
powers. In the ideal  situation the Constitution gets the powers that the people 
give it. 
In  short, through a referendum the people become the first lawmakers of a 
Republic.  Since the people are the makers of Constitutions. They should be able 
to change  any of its provisions through a referendum. 
Hence, the first lesson is that  Constitutions are created by people and can 
be changed by people. 
The second  lesson is that once a Constitution is promulgated it has the 
power of law and  people become subject to it. In this way the Constitution also 
becomes supreme.  It governs how a country is administered. 
Thirdly, a Constitution has power  only if its provisions are respected and 
enforced. People with power can however  disrespect the Constitution with 
impunity or even overthrow it.
The fourth  lesson is that the people have power to change those who 
disrespect  Constitutions. Ultimately, it is the people who make Constitutions 
powerful or  powerless. 

How does it apply to Chief Manneh?
Chief Manneh  should not be under detention without trial for more than 72 
hours. Hence his  disappearance should be of concern. The state has been 
accused. It has a duty to  appear and explain its case. It is left to the court to 
decide the rights and  wrongs of the case.

What can people do if the government fails to  abide by the rules.
Popular outcry is the instrument to combat impunity.  Every honest person 
should talk. If the outcry comes in the media, the mosques  and churches, the 
platforms of civil society a government will be compelled to  listen. 

What if it fails to pay heed?
The people are sovereign.  They can refuse to elect such a government and 
replace it with  another.

Some people have said that the sovereignty of the people  have been reduced 
because they have legally accepted coup detat in the preamble  of the 
Constitution. 
A preamble is not a legal provision. In actual fact it  is not a living part 
of the Constitution. It is supposed to be a mission  statement. I must say 
that every legal and actionable provision of the  Constitution runs counter to 
rule by might and impunity. It is left to the  Gambian people to elect 
governments which respects section 1, subsection (2) of  the constitution which 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.”

FAO  Joins Worldwide Candle light Vigil
By Annia Gaye
As part of the  celebrations of World Food Day, which was held on 16 October 
every year, the  Food and Agriculture Organisation [FAO] on Monday 22 October 
held a World Food  Day Candle light Vigil that is being held in each country 
worldwide. The  Candlelight Vigil was held at the Buffer Zone in Lartikunda 
Sabiji
The  theme for these years’ celebrations was “The Right to Food”. Speaking 
at the  ceremony, the Food and Agriculture Organisation representative in The 
Gambia Dr.  David Bowen stated that several number of people go to bed with an 
empty stomach  every day. He said the theme for this year “The right to food 
has been  strengthened further internationally by more countries joining; that 
56 states  are taken “the right to food as a legally binding law. He said 
information is  the key element to every human being and they need the information 
to reduce  poverty.
He noted that Freedom from hunger is one of the fundamental goals in  FAO 
programmes and said the implementation framework based on the right to food  has 
been implemented. He said, “The Right to Food is the realization of human  
rights”. For his part the Acting Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council,  
Yankuba Colley said this theme is very important especially to countries in the  
developing world. He noted that the KMC attaches great importance to issues  
related to food self-sufficiency and poverty reduction within the framework of  
the poverty reduction strategy of the FAO. He further noted that food  
insufficiency was associated with rural communities but they, at local  government 
level, have realized that urban poverty is becoming a major issue in  parts of the 
KMC. He said people are poor and hungry by international standards  because 
they live on less then a dollar a day and they are unable to provide the  
traditional square meal for their families each day”.
He noted that KMC is  committed to work with FAO country office to develop 
and implement projects so  as to make life better for this category of the 
community. “We must ensure that  fewer and fewer people are without enough food to 
eat each day,” he said. Mr.  Colley stated, among other things, that lighting 
candles and processions are not  enough to boost the global fight against 
poverty reduction and sustainable  development but concrete and genuine actions 
are needed for the benefit of the  suffering masses, he concluded. 

Policy Analysis And Advocacy  Skills Workshop Held
By Annia Gaye
The National Youths Association for  Food Security (NaYAFS) recently held a 
one-day workshop on policy analysis and  advocacy skills at the Baobab Resort 
Hotel in Kerr Serign. The workshop aimed to  raise the awareness of BCO’s, 
their constituency, other chapter instruments and  implications for community 
level activities and to build-up their capacities on  public budget analysis and 
advocacy.
Speaking at the workshop, the Resource  Person Mr. Omar Jobe noted that they 
want to demystify the national budget so  that every citizen would know about 
it and know the level and reduction of  poverty in the country. He urged 
participants to make good use of the workshop  as it analyses the budget of The 
Gambia.
Abdoulie Bojang, the Deputy Speaker  of the National Assembly noted that the 
workshop was very important to them as  members of the Assembly. He stated 
that the budget is an expenditure that the  government does. He noted that they 
as members of the National Assembly would  collaborate with all civic groups so 
as to see what justice can be done to the  people in the budget.
Alagie Kebbeh, the Director of NaYAFS pointed out that  as poverty continues 
to increase more and more, promises are made without any  action being taken 
by leaders in the south in terms of commitment to increase  Official 
Development Aid (ODA). He noted that the workshop was very important as  its deals with 
the budget. He urged the participants to make good use of  it.

British Embassy Updates Visa Application Forms
By Amie  Sanneh
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Banjul, Jenney Fenton, has  said 
their application forms have been updated to make it easier to understand  and 
fill in. She said new forms will be available on the 28th October from Visa  
Application Centres, British Embassies and from the Ukvisas’website:  
www.ukvisas.gov.uk.
Speaking to journalists at a press briefing on Thursday  at the Embassy’s 
hall, the Deputy British High Commissioner said Visa  application centres will 
continue to accept the old forms until 9th November  2007. Madam Fenton said 
once the forms are properly completed, they are unlikely  to require information.
On qualification for visa, she explained that  applicants will qualify as a “
fast track” applicant if they have among  others:
·     Previously travelled to the UK and has  evidence of this travel and 
have not been refused a visa since their  travel.
·     Apply as a student and has previously  studied in the UK on a student 
visa. They must include full supporting documents  or you are a student with 
full British Council  sponsorship.
·     Applied as a diplomat in The Gambia  Foreign Service, or in a 
diplomatic mission in The Gambia.
The British Deputy  High Commissioner explained that their decision to grant 
or deny a visa is based  on the United Kingdom Immigration rules. “The most 
common reason for a visa  refusal is because either the correct documents have 
not been submitted or the  information is insufficient,” she noted.
Madam Fenton, however, pointed out  that they make a fair decision in issuing 
out visas to people and no priority is  given. Commenting on infrastructural 
development, the Deputy High Commissioner  remarked that some changes have 
been done in their building structure. She said  they made it to be more 
comfortable in their busy periods by adding extra  sitting in the outside waiting 
area. She added that the waiting room has been  refurbished.
She urged applicants to ensure that application forms are fully  completed 
with all necessary documents attached before they are lodged. “If the  documents 
are not in English, a certified translation must be submitted,” she  noted.  
She also added that “all supporting documents should be original  and are 
accompanied by a photocopy. This she noted is to guard against the  submission of 
forged paperwork.
The submission of forged documents she said  is a criminal offence and will 
result in the refusal of application and may also  be liable to prosecution by 
The Gambia police.

MARRIAGE AND  FAMILY
Discrimination In The Family
Part 8
The Rich Household
A  dream has come true for Bani. Her husband is into all sorts of lucrative  
business, oil exploration, diamond trading, manufacturing etc. He has offices 
in  The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Angola, South Africa and Brussels. He is filthy 
rich.  They love themselves. Bani lack nothing. As they were relaxing Mama 
called and  asked Bani to come over and help her with some shopping. “Can you 
please come  over and help me with some shopping? I want to travel to the village 
to do some  little trading”. “Okay! Hang up. I’ll get to you later”. Bani 
came to her  husband. “Whom were you talking to?” Che asked. It’s mama. She 
asked me to  accompany her to the market to buy some goods for trading in the 
village”. “And  what did you tell her?” He asked. “I told her to hang up while 
I ask for your  opinion about it”. “That’s right. My candid opinion is no. 
She has to know and  appreciate whose wife you are as from now. You don’t go to 
market. Your servants  do”. “Okay darling! I’ll let her now, thanks! Can I 
serve your food?” He  caressed his stomach and said, “Yes! I’ll do with that. 
Thanks my love!” Bani  got back to her mom and disappointed her. “Am sorry 
mom, Che does not like the  idea. It’s the phone. I’ll explain more when I see 
you”. And she hangs the  phone. “What! Your own mother? You need your husband’
s permission before  assisting your own mother? Okay! We shall see”. Mama 
hangs off the telephone.  

Mom Comes To The Rich Household
Guards on duty have to take  particulars before one is allowed into the 
premises. There is a reason for that.  Che is an international businessman. He has 
friends and foes alike. His life is  insured and highly protected. He lives a 
secluded life. Everybody has to sign  the visitor’s book no matter whom. 
Coming to his house is by appointment and  invitation. Everything about his life is 
formal, you are only allowed into his  residence if he wants to see you. Mama 
came to see them and was asked to sign  the visitor’s book. She became pissed 
off. This is her in-law’s residence, a  member of his family, why should she 
sign? She protested. “Why should I sign?  Didn’t you know me? I am your boss’
s mother-in-law; let me in before you lose  your job”. She insisted. The guard 
was polite enough to explain. “Mama sign oh!  This is the routine whether 
rich or poor. I am a poor fellow. I don’t want to  lose my job. I have two wives 
and fifteen kids. I am sorry. You must try to  understand”. He pleaded. Mama 
could not believe her ears. She dialed to Bani to  enquire. “Bani girl! I am at 
your gate. Your stupid guard asked me to sign a  visitor’s book before am 
allowed to enter your premises. Is that so? Me! Your  mother!” She paused for her 
reply. “That is so mama. This is the routine. It  applies to everybody rich 
or poor”. “If I don’t?” Mama defied. “Then no entry,  mom. That is the rule 
no exception”. She put off her mobile. She was drinking  and chatting with Che 
at their house bar. “Who is that?” Che asked. “Mama!” Bani  replied. “What 
does she want at this time of the night?” “I don’t know”. Was  Bani’s short 
reply. She hated mama’s troubles and she feared Che’s wrath. “She  is not 
welcome”. Bani supported her husband’s stance.

Mama Comes In  
Mama came and met the couples at the steps to the entrance into the Manson.  
She was tense but managed to greet both of them and went straight to the 
point.  “My in-law! I cannot understand your routine. I have to sign to enter into 
your  residence?” Mama asked a direct question. Che answered unequivocally. “
That’s  not a big deal. Even presidents sign to enter my premises. Everybody 
rich or  poor observe the protocol. And you have not call to say you are 
coming. You  cannot barge into my family like that. You have to be invited”. Che 
commented  rudely. Mama got a rude shock. Che went back into the house. Bani 
timidly  welcomed her mom. Mama protested. “I don’t like your husband’s 
reception. He is  rude and impolite. I cannot allow my in-law to treat me as thrash”. 
Bani  cautioned her. “Mama! Don’t complain oh! This is the type of husband you 
wanted  me to marry. You have to comply. Don’t invite his anger and wrath. I 
am very  afraid of him. If he is angry, he is not easily contained.” “
Nonsense! I am  complying because of you. But let it be clear to both of you. I 
cannot be  treated as a maid in my daughter’s house. Now you are the lady Diana and 
he is  the Prince Charles? You want to practice your high class on me. It is 
undone. We  shall see!” Mama posited. She was quite upset. She sensed that she 
is unwelcome  into this house but she will not give up without a fight. 

Zai With  Saul
Zainab married her choice. They loved themselves and lived a simple  life. 
Zainab worked as administrator in a private company. Saul worked as an  
accountant at the Continental Bank. They hired an elderly nanny to look after  their 
twins. 

The Unexpected Visitor 
Mama barged into them  unannounced. They were surprised to see her. Saul 
commented. “Ah Mama! You did  not tell us you are coming? It’s a big surprise.” 
Zai rushed into the sitting  room and manifested the same surprise. “Well! Here 
I am.” “How is every one  Mama? Is everything okay?” They asked. “Everyone 
is fine and they send their  greetings.” “You are welcome mom! You are 
welcome!” they both said. Zai ushered  her into her room and ensured she have a hot 
shower. She slept the  night.

Mama’s Troubles
Before she awoke Zai ensured she got a  hot shower for her and prepared her 
breakfast. Mama took her hot shower then  came out into the sitting room. Her 
first complaint was about lack of an AC.  Then she asked for all the newspapers 
available for the day. Saul was going to  work but she insisted that he goes 
to the street and buy her all the newspapers  before proceeding to work. Saul 
has to rush to do that. Then she complained  about the food. She was not 
interested in a dry breakfast. She requested for  chicken or beef salad with plenty 
of vegetables and also a hot beverage drink.  Zai protested and said she eats 
what is available or nothing else but Saul would  not hear of it. “She is our 
guest. Take some money and buy her breakfast at  Mamy’s kiosk.” He pleaded 
with Zai. “She is your mother.” Then he hurried to  work. He commutes to work. 
He was lucky to be given a lift by a colleague. Mama  criticized the couple’s 
poverty. “Poverty! Poverty everywhere! These idiots  cannot even afford an 
ordinary fan.” She grumbled to herself before Zai came  with her breakfast.

FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE 1987 SUPPLEMENTARY  REGISTRATION, 
ELECTORAL OFFICE RENDERED TOOTHLESS
We have been  focusing on Politics in this column and that motivates us to 
follow the  narration of events from pre-colonial to post-independence era.
The objective  is to show that the independence that was fought by our 
fathers such as Edward  Francis Small and colleagues was to usher in a democratic 
state. This also means  that as an independent state, each citizen should be 
sovereign with an  obligation to exercise his or her right and conscience in 
making an independent  decision for the good of her country.
The struggle that continued to be waged  in the first republic Gambia, and 
even now was, is to free the individual by way  of education and enlightenment 
from what Barbara Goodwin called ‘obeying the  sovereign however tyrannical’
In her book, Goodwin quoting from Locke  said Locke located the origin of the 
government in a state of nature but as he  said that was a peaceful, 
semi-civilized state; that for greater security of  their life, liberty, and estate; 
men consented to form a political community  .The result of this contract was a 
government whose duty was to protect and  further their interests. The people 
however would remain sovereign.
So the  battle that was waged in the late 1980s was an attempt to help the 
individual to  discover his or her individuality and the rights and obligations 
attached to it  so as to take her rightful place in the democratic process of 
her country.
In  the last issue we have stopped where we said it was at this time that a  
clandestine publication was discovered in circulation against the PDOIS,  
captioned, ‘A Banjul Political Observer Writes To Enlighten Public On  PDOIS.’
Let us continue from where we stopped.
The first paragraph of the  clandestine publication reads as thus; “The 
emergence of a new so-called  political party in the Gambia’s Political history to 
pose as “lawyers”  “journalists,” “intellectuals,” “writers” and “
educationists| for the Gambian  people does really pose some pertinent questions on 
the mental well-being of the  antagonist of this party bearing the name PDOIS 
which in every respect means  ‘peoples Devilish Organization for the insane and 
the senile.”
“The writers  of PDOIS will never hesitate to express a very high degree of 
idiocy saying that  PDOIS is too clean to engage in such dirty tricks”etc., 
that Gambians need not  worry much about moon Tiger or other mosquito-repellents 
to be free from noises  created by the PDOIS.
The sad fact about these lost brothers is that they are  now bothering on 
three inter-related forms of detachment from the  society—neurosis, psychosis and 
schizophrenia. Nobody really knows what the  members of this party are. They 
claim to be politicians whilst at the same time  reading the lawyers gown even 
though they are not recognised by the Bar  Association. They claim to be 
intellectuals distributing all kinds of  incomprehensible verbiage. They now claim 
to be journalists by running a  so-called paper when they cannot even justify 
any of their claims they make.  
All that is needed is a small cage; remember there are more people in a  
Renault 4 Taxi than the PDOIS members. It would be better to take them to where  
they belong and then carry on with some psychiatric treatment on them. 
The  Foroyaa, which was the organ of PDOIS, commented that the PPP government 
 dominated the National media. They could have called PDOIS to debate issues  
there instead of hiding behind insults to cover-up their emptiness; that 
PDOIS  was ever ready to debate with the PPP on all fundamental issues such as the 
 budget, the SeneGambia Confederation and so on. They cited PDOIS’ 
performance at  the National Conference on Education, which they said confirms PDOIS’ 
capacity  to lead this country. They encouraged the PPP to invite PDOIS for 
debate on any  fundamental issue to clarify matters. They however said the fact 
that their  friend or friends had to hide to criticize them confirms PDOIS’ 
intellectual  competence. They expressed hope that Mr. Pesseh Njie MP, and leader 
of the PPP  agents and a Mr. Jome would write to dissociate themselves from 
Mr. No name’s  infantile publication. This surprised many because this was the 
first time a  clandestine leaflet was seen circulating in town against an 
opposition party in  the Gambia. 
Despite all the exposures through leaflets and Newspapers and  rallies, the 
practice continued unabated. A representative of PDOIS had to go  and see the 
Deputy supervisor of elections headlong on several occasions to get  him to 
stop the PPP Agents from issuing claim forms, but he could not be made to  act.
A letter was again written to the supervisor of elections copied to the  
president, the vice president, the minister of Justice and the Deputy supervisor  
of elections warning the supervisor that if he failed to act they would take  
further steps to expose his negligence of responsibility.
According to  Foroyaa instead of acting, the electoral office issued out a 
statement broadcast  over Radio Gambia distorting their views.
According to the electoral office  statement over Radio Gambia, PDOIS was 
objecting to the presence of PPP Agents  at the registration Centres who they 
claimed were merely assisting illiterates  to fill forms issued by the 
registering officers. According to Foroyaa, this was  a naked lie. How could they object 
to the presence of PPP Agents at the  registration Centres when their own 
Agents were present in all Centres? Foroyaa  asked. 

By September 30th, PDOIS Representatives joined their  Agents at the McCarthy 
Square where registration was taken place with the  objective to prove that 
the electoral office was indeed telling lies; that PDOIS  Release of The 14th 
September was accurate or truthful.
Unbeknown to the PPP  Agents, the PDOIS Executive had invited independent 
observers to witness the  scene. Many people were around at the center and the 
PPP Agents were busy  issuing out claim forms as usual. According to Foroyaa the 
Registering officer  was helpless. The PDOIS representatives stood their 
ground and told the PPP  Agents that the electoral office had already been 
spreading lies that no  political party was issuing forms. They insisted that the 
practice had to  cease.
The PPP MP for Banjul central, Hon. Ebrima Pesseh Njie said,’loolu  duul la’ 
in wollof,’ meaning’ that is shit.’ meaning the unlawful practice of  
issuing claim forms would not cease.  Foroyaa commented that the phrase was  
laughable because the PPP representatives thought that they were above the law.  
According to the PDOIS they are too clean to respond to such vulgar language;  
that all they were interested was to see that the law prevailed. 
Somehow the  police were also around observing the whole scene. According to 
Foroyaa as the  tension grew the PPP Agents adviced the MP to leave the scene 
probably to avoid  embarrassment knowing that the police were coming, which he 
instantly did.  Foroyaa observed that few minutes after his departure, new 
police reinforcement  arrived and questioned the PDOIS Agents who explained that 
all they wanted was  to prove that the statement from the electoral office 
contained nothing but lies  and further put a stop to the PPP Agents unlawful 
practice of issuing claim  forms. The police officers assured the PDOIS after 
receiving confirmation from  the registering officer that no political party was 
allowed to issue claim forms  that the practice was going to cease.
The question is, why was the electoral  office siding with the PPP Agents’ 
unlawful practice up to issuing false  statement to misinform the public? The 
Foroyaa asked.
According to Foroyaa it  was proven that the electoral office was telling 
blatant lies. They analyzed  that three options existed before the government to 
restore public confidence in  such an important office. Ie.1. Allow PDOIS to 
issue out a statement over the  air to state facts, which would give Radio 
Gambia an independent appearance.2.  The electoral office could be made to 
re-track its statement or 3. The  Authorities could dismiss the liar or dishonest 
person who issued the false  statement.
See next edition of Focus as we shed light on issues leading to  the year 
1988 registration.

Stakeholders’ Report On Cross Border  Integration; Validated
By Modou Jonga
The stakeholders’ report on the  Cross Border Integration prepared on 3 
October 2007 at the Western Region  Governor’s office was on Wednesday 24 October 
2007 validated and adopted by  representatives of civil society organizations.
The one-day forum, organised  by the Brikama Area Council sub- committee on 
Foreign Affairs and Cross Border  Integration, drew participants from the 
Immigration department, youth  organizations, amongst others.
In his remarks at the one-day validation  forum, Mr. Cherno Jallow, a 
representative of FOPRADD, noted that the cross  border integration initiative is 
timely and urged respective governments to back  it by political will. Mr. Jallow 
further urged for the intensification of the  activities of the 
co-coordinating committee to interface with local governments.  
As part of the forum, a Co-coordinating Committee was setup to steer the  
plans of stakeholders on cross border integration. The elected members of the  
coordinating committee are:
Cherno Jallow Coordinator, Mercel Badjie  Assistant Coordinator, Ebrima M.J 
Jallow Secretary, Lamin Jarju Assistant  Secretary, Sandang Bojang Treasurer, 
Solomon P.S Jatta Auditor, Lamin Darboe  Public Relations Officer, Laliya Demba 
Member and Mama Janneh Sawaneh –  Member
In their concluding remarks, participants urged elected members of the  said 
committee to be committed and steadfast in working towards achieving the  
ideals of cross border integration.

First Norwegian Tourist Flight  Arrives
By Saikou Ceesay
The first direct tourist flight from Norway had  arrived at the Banjul 
International Airport on Monday 22 October at around 3pm.  Talking to Foroyaa Mr. 
Charbel Hobeika, Managing Director of Gambia Tours,  disclosed that they have 
received two hundred and eleven tourists from  Norway.
Mr. Hobeika said that previously the Norwegian tourists used to board  their 
flights from Denmark and Sweden; that this is the first time for them to  
receive a direct flight from Norway. The Gambia Tours MD said they are expecting  
a high number of tourists this year and also years to come. He said the bulk 
of  guests would be lodging at Tafbell, and BB hotels among others in the 
country.  He said that most of these hotels are full but assured that there will be 
no  hotel overbooking.
Also talking to this reporter was Thomas Dalgard, Service  Manager of Gambia 
Tours, who said they are working on the services for the  guests, which can 
create and maintain very close collaboration with The Gambia  tours.
Mr. Dalgard explained that they provide Scandinavian language  interpreters 
for the guests to have the necessary information and news about The  Gambia.
Mr. Lamin Saho, Director of marketing at GTA, who represented the  Director 
General, said his office is working on the modalities to bolster Gambia  
tourism in the Scandinavian countries. Mr. Saho said that exhibiting The Gambian  
culture outside and the hospitality of her people is a move in the right  
direction in ensuring a viable and everlasting tourism seasons in The Gambia.  
For his part, Mr. Ousman Kebbeh, Human Resource Manager at GTA, said they  
want to take tourism to the people in the rural areas to benefit, adding that  
stemming down tourism to those in the rural areas and cultural groups will help 
 a lot in building a better tourism sector in the country.
In a similar  development last week, 211 tourists arrived from Finland being 
the first to come  from that country.

Ambassador Salsamendi On The Achievements Of The  Cuban Revolution
By Gibairu Janneh
The Cuban Ambassador to The Gambia, Mr.  Carlos Salsamendi, in a presentation 
at a seminar held at the Girls Guides  Premises shed light on facts about 
Cuba.
In his presentation, the Ambassador  said the Republic of Cuba has gone 
through three stages or periods of history  namely; Spanish colonialism, United 
States neo-colonialism and the struggle for  independence in 1959. The Ambassador 
further states that the independence  revolution led by Fidel Castro was the 
turning point of Cuba’s history as it  brought sovereignty, dignity and 
personality to the people of Cuba and ended  decades of domination, exploitation, 
bad governance and oppression. The  revolution has had great achievements, and 
impacts on the people of Cuba which  includes women empowerment, as women 
constitute 40% of Cubans labour force, 66%  of professionals and technicians, 36% 
National Assembly Members and so on and so  forth.
It has also brought free education from primary to secondary schools  thereby 
reducing illiteracy down to 0.2%. 49% enrolment ratio and 65%enrollment  in 
universities. The health sector was also widely expanded with 71,000 doctors,  
39,500 nurses, 248 hospitals, 420 major health centres and life expectancy a t 
 77 years, he said. On the economy, the Ambassador noted that Cuba reduced  
unemployment level to 1.9% with 5 million people employed and that tourism  
contributes to a greater part of the economy. Mr. Salsamendi also said Cuba has  
26 embassies in sub-Saharan Africa and the diplomatic relations between The  
Gambia and Cuba started in 1979 and since then Cuba has been assisting The  
Gambia, particularly in the health sector. He disclosed that there are currently  
145 Cuban doctors, nurses and technicians in The Gambia. He commended The  
Gambia’s co-operation and the people of The Gambia for their support and  
hospitality. The seminar was facilitated by Mr. Gumbo Ali Touray, Chief of  
Information and International Affairs, University of The Gambia and was also  attended 
by the Mauritanian Ambassador to The Gambia.

UNICEF Holds  Meeting With URR TAC
By Lamin Fatty
The New Unicef country representative  in The Gambia Madam Min-Wheel Khaan, 
with her deputy and some senior Unicef  officials recently concluded a 
three-day working visit to Basse in URR. The aim  of their visit was to exchange ideas 
with their partner institutions on their  program approaches and strategies 
as to how to coordinate the Unicef Gambia  government country program of 
cooperation 2007-2011 which is highly concentrated  in URR. It is also meant to 
enable the partner institutions to present their  implemented activities, the 
challenges faced, constraints and a way forward.  
Speaking on the TAC meeting, which was held at the Basse Area Council  
chambers, the Unicef boss said that URR has encountered numerous problems  ranging 
from health, education, child protection, empowerment and poverty in  
particular. She pointed out that this was the reason why the Unicef country  program of 
cooperation is concentrating highly in the region. According to her,  the 
aims and objectives of Unicef is to ensure the protection and promotion of  the 
fundamental rights of children who according to her died before the age of  
five years as a result of diarrhoea, malaria, and other preventable diseases.  
She therefore stressed the need for the protection and promotion of the  
fundamental rights of women at all levels of their lives, ensuring the provision  of 
basic needs services, such as clean safe drinking water, electricity,  
hospitals, equipped with nurses and doctors who are well trained and paid. She  
pointed out that she has great expectations from the URR TAC and therefore  tasked 
them to have policies, programs and strategies for the promotion and  
protection of children and women’s rights and also monitor the progress made as  the 
program activities are being implemented. She finally called for the  
development of regional sectoral plans and strategies to coordinate the  implementation 
of the country program activities by sectors within the region  and assured 
them of Unicef’s support and collaboration with TAC to jointly  implement the 
regional plans. 
The remarks made by the Unicef representative  were followed by presentations 
from the Unicef implementing partners such as  TOSTAN Gambia, CADO, 
Education, Health and CBO’s. 
The meeting was chaired by  the Governor of URR, Alhagie Omar Khan. 

HEALTH AND NUTRITION  BANTABA
Amadou Sowe Dilates On Measles
By Yaya Bajo
Mr. Amadou Sowe,  Programme Manager Health Education Unit at the Department 
of State for Health  and Social welfare, has categorised measles as one of the 
most contagious viral  diseases, caused by paramyxo virus. He said that 
measles is the most unpleasant  and the most dangerous of the children’s diseases 
that result in body rash due  to the complications. 
In an interview with Foroyaa in his office recently,  Mr. Sowe, explaining 
the mode of transmission of the disease, said droplets  transfer the infections 
and, noting that although the sick person may be in  isolation, the disease 
may still spread from room to room. “Anybody who has not  already had measles 
can be infected and infants up to four months of age will  not be infected if 
their mother has had measles herself because they will be  protected by her 
antibodies”, he remarked. He added that the incubation period,  that is, the time 
between infection and the outbreak of the condition is usually  one to two 
weeks. “Patients are infectious from four days before the onset of  the rash 
until five days after it appears,” he divulged.
The health  education unit programme manager further spoke about the symptoms 
of measles,  saying that after about 14 days, the following symptoms start 
showing: a fever  at about 39ºC, a cold; coughing possibly with a barking cough; 
sore throat-the  lymph nodes in the throat may swell; reddish eyes, 
sensitivity to light and  grayish spots; the size of grains of sand may appear in the 
mucous membrane of  the mouth just around the molar teeth. He said these are 
called koplik’s spots  and can be seen before the rash appears. 
Mr. Sowe further explained that  after three to four days the temperature may 
fall, although it can run high  again when the rash appears. “The rash 
usually begins around the ears and  spreads to the body and the legs within a day or 
two. At first, the spots are  very small, measuring a couple of millimetres, 
but they double in size quickly  and begin to join together,” he explained. He 
said that the spots are a clear  red colour and the temperature, which may 
run as high as 40ÚC, may stay that  high for a couple of days; that it then 
disappears together with the rash, which  may leave some brown spots; that after a 
week the child will be fit  again.
Mr. Sowe pointed out that children who have had measles cannot return  to 
school or childcare centres before they recover and when the temperature is  
gone. He advised that the doctor should give children under the age of one who  
are exposed to the disease an immunity injection within five days. On the  
treatment of measles, Sowe said the patient should stay in bed in a cool room  
without any brightly lit light. He added that medicines for coughing and  reducing 
the temperature should only be given after consulting a medical worker.  He 
said the doctor should be consulted immediately if the condition of the child  
gets worse or the temperature stays high. Mr. Sowe finally noted that the 
doctor  must make sure there are no further complications such as pneumonia,  
inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media), or inflammation of the nervous  
system. He concluded that once a person had had measles, they can never catch it  
again as the disease gives life long immunity.

GAWFA Credit Clerk  Convicted
By Modou Jonga
The Credit Clerk of the Brikama Branch of The  Gambia Women Finance 
Association (GAWFA) one Gida Khan was on Wednesday 23  October, 2007, convicted by 
Magistrate E.F. M’bai of the Brikama Magistrate  Court. The Credit Clerk who 
pleaded guilty is charged with stealing by clerk or  servant in the sum of three 
hundred and sixty thousand eight hundred and forty  two dalasis, twenty-seven 
butut at Brikama in the Kombo Central District between  the months of January 
and April 2007.
In narrating the facts of the said  theft, prosecutor Corporal 134 Sambou 
noted that it happened on 19 March 2007.  That one Mr. Senika Sanyang, an Auditor 
of GAWFA and one Mr. Ebrima Sillah,  Finance and Administrative Officer 
reported the case at the Brikama Police  Station. Corporal 134 Sambou stated that a 
report of financial mismanagement in  the office of the said credit clerk was 
disclosed at the said office.
The  prosecutor noted that auditing was done in the office of the said credit 
clerk  and that an audit report was made with the sum of D360,842.27 missing. 
According  to the prosecutor, when the accused was confronted he confessed to 
the said  allegation and agreed that the missing monies were under his 
custody. Corporal  Sambou, then noted that the said credit clerk was charged for the 
offence  committed and detained at the said police station. Narrating 
further, Corporal  Sambou told the court that while the accused was in custody, he 
made payment of  an amount of forty-two thousand dalasis to the GAWFA offers in 
three  instalments.
The first payment, noted Corporal Sambou, was on 30 March 2007  in the sum of 
five thousand dalasis on 11 April 2007 and the third payment in  the sum of 
eighteen thousand dalasis on 19 April 2007. The said audit report and  receipts 
of the three payments were tendered in court and marked as exhibits  without 
objection by the accused. Prior to the accused’s detention prosecutor  Sambou 
noted that the accused was cautioned and charged with theft by clerk and  his 
cautionary and voluntary statements were taken by the police in the presence  
of one Modou Bojang, an independent witness.
The cautionary and voluntary  statements of the accused were tendered in 
court and marked as an exhibit  without objection by the accused. Following the 
end of the narrations of the  facts by the prosecutor, the accused did not 
object to the narrated facts. Thus  the presiding magistrate convicted the accused 
as charged and on his plea of  guilty.
In his mitigation before the court, the convict noted that the said  amount 
of money was stolen from his house. While urging the court to grant him  time 
to pay the said amount in monthly instalments of five thousand dalasis. The  
convict noted that he is a heart patient and a family man. 
In delivering his  statement, Magistrate M’bai noted that the said theft 
offence is serious, for  the convict had diverted funds meant from the 
beneficiaries’ to his personal  use. Magistrate M’bai stated that the convict had 
betrayed the high confidence  bestowed on him by his employer, his family and has 
betrayed himself. “I do not  believe that the said amount was stolen from the 
house. “The fact that you are  entrusted with such amount, it does not licensed 
you to spend it as you wish,”  Magistrate M’bai remarked The convict was thus 
sentenced to three years  imprisonment with hard labour and to pay the sum of 
three hundred and eighteen  thousand, eight hundred and forty-two dalasis, 
twenty-seven butut; in default to  serve further two years in prison. Both 
sentences are to run  consecutively.

ACHPR Holds Lecture On African Human Rights  System
By Gibairu Janneh
The African Commission on Human and Peoples  Rights in partnership with the 
law department of the University of The Gambia on  Friday held a lecture on the 
theme;’ “Towards an Understanding of the African  Human Rights System’ at 
the Paradise Suites Hotel.
In his welcoming  remarks Mr. Musa Nyang Bittaye member of the commission and 
a member of the  working group on indigenous populations” committee said the 
the lecture was held  in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the 
commission and the African Human  Rights day, which is observed every 21st October. He 
said that this is the first  time that the commission is carrying out its 
mandate by engaging the highest  institution of learning, adding that the African 
human rights system is unique  from other human rights systems in that it 
does not only protect individual  civil rights but also the collective rights of 
people as a  community.
The Attorney General and Secretary of State for Justice Mrs.  Marie Saine 
Fridous said for one to understand the human rights system of Africa  one must 
not forget the historical past. SoS Saine said colonialism still has  effect on 
contemporary African societies. 
She said colonialism does not in  any way support human rights and the 
socio-economic development of Africa. The  colonial masters were only interested in 
exploiting the economy and they enacted  and enforced all sorts of draconian 
laws and policies to safeguard their  economic interest thereby depriving 
Africans of their rights, she noted. The SoS  further states that as the 
consequence of colonialism is greatly felt by Africa,  the first challenge of post 
independent states and the African Union was to  restore African’s human rights 
system and that the establishment of the African  Commission on human and peoples’
 rights by the OAU in June 1981 was the first  step that opened the window of 
opportunity to Africa. She said African states  ratified the African Charter 
without reservation, which means that they are  committed to the principles of 
human rights. She singled out that the Gambia has  ever been committed to the 
charter and this is evident in the Children’s Act in  2005, trafficking in 
Human Act in 2007, the Women’s Bill which may be enacted  soon and part four of 
the 1997 constitution which guarantees the economic,  social and cultural 
rights of citizens and are enforced in the courts of law.  She concluded that the 
21st century Africa has had some countries that had  witnessed gross violation 
of human rights due to conflicts and wars and some  that have improved. She 
remarked that human rights is a two-way traffic where  the state and citizens 
must co-operate to achieve and that the mindset of the  people must be changed 
towards a concept of human rights. 
Mrs. Hannah Foster  executive director of African Centre for Democracy and 
Human Rights Studies said  the commission came into being in response to the 
many voices to address the  gross violation of rights in the continent and the 
commission has taken a step  towards human rights in the past 20 years. She said 
the commission aims to  ensure peace, stability and development and in 
achieving this the commission  takes cognizant of the African culture, which is the 
foundation of the society.  She further states that the commission aims to 
establish an African human rights  court. She disclosed that this has been 
proposed since January 2004 and 23  states have so far ratified the protocol. She 
said Tanzania will be the venue of  the court but the structure and procedures 
have not been worked out. She also  said the commission finalized yet. She also 
said the commission has adopted a  protocol on the rights of women in 2003 
and had 20 ratifications and 43  signatories whereas the African Union 
convention on refugees has 43  ratifications.  Mrs. Foster also disclosed that the 
commission does work  with the African Union and they have access to he Union’s 
Economic and  structural organizing commission (ECOSOC) and the peace and 
security council  (PASC) and also the Non-governmental organisation in the promotion 
of human  rights by given them observer status. She concluded that despite 
the achievement  of the commission they faced numerous set backs such as the 
lack of an  independent enforcement agency. The commission does not provide legal 
aid and  that the commission is usually criticized for keeping information 
secret, which  is against the principle of transparency.
For his part the vice  chancellor of the University of the Gambia Professor 
Andreas Steigen said  universities do shape society by creating an avenue for 
the best minds to meet.  He said universities do not only provide critical 
knowledge but also shape  economic and social conditions. Professor Stiegen 
remarked that the law module  of the UTG would study among other things the history 
of human rights in Europe  and Africa, the structure and process of human 
rights systems and problems of  human rights in Africa so as to enable students 
critique the system and help  them come up with better alternatives.
Other speakers include Dr. Feyi  Oqunade Senior Legal officer of the 
commission, Her Excellency Justice Sanji  Mmasenono Monageng, member of the commission 
and Chairperson of the follow-up  committee on the implementation of the 
Robben Island Guidelines and Dr. Mary  Maboreka, Secretary to the African 
Commission on human and peoples rights gave  the vote of thanks.

Africa Human Rights Day Commemorated in  URR
By Lamin Fatty
Africa Human Rights Day was celebrated in Basse (URR)  to commemorate the 
20th Anniversary of African commission on Human and Peoples  Rights. The 
commemoration took the form of a march past by the school children  in the region, 
backed by the regional Scouts band headed by Abubacar Krubally  who is also a 
cluster monitor. The theme for this year’s celebration is  “Consolidating the 
ethics of human rights in African societies.” Speaking on the  occasion, the 
Director of SoS Children’s village in Basse, Mr. Henry Mendy  highlighted that 
the day was a great day which is not only to be celebrated but  to take stock of 
the protests against injustices on women and children globally.  According to 
Mr. Mendy the world has witnessed series of human rights  violations, ranging 
from colonialism, which Africans were subjugated to, and  which he called  “
mans cruelty against man”. He pointed out that the  violation of human rights 
could affect everybody stating that the war in the  neighbouring Senegalese 
region of Cassamance affects The Gambia in many ways. He  said if we have a right 
to life, we must therefore respect peoples’ rights to  life, since the most 
important right is right to life. Mr. Mendy finally stated  that a nation that 
does not treat its children in a respectable and dignified  manner is indeed a 
failed nation. 
For her part, the PEO in region 6, URR,  Madam Cole welcomes the students and 
said the African Commission on Human and  Peoples Rights is situated along 
the Kairaba Avenue in The Gambia. She pointed  out that the theme for this year’
s celebration is for people to focus and  reflect their minds on the past 
human rights records to see what human rights  were violated and what must be done 
to ensure the protection and promotion of  those human rights. She said this 
year’s celebration took the form of a march  past, a football match, role 
race, symposium and all geared towards engaging the  youths and inculcating the 
spirit of fair play, positive behaviours and  competition and that games should 
not end in fights or impartiality, but should  conclude in fair play. She said 
the celebration also engages youths in  discussing issues of human rights; 
that as we celebrate the day we must also  remember the following that as long 
as we have rights, we have responsibilities  that go along with these rights’. 
She finally urged the students to take up  their education seriously thus 
fulfilling their responsibilities towards human  rights to education. 
Declaring the occasion open, the Regional Education  Director in URR, Mr. Mam 
Bala Njie welcomed the students and the general public,  particularly TOSTAN 
staff who joined the people of URR to contribute towards the  protection and 
promotion of human rights. He pointed out that the issue of human  rights dates 
as far back as the slave trade, colonialism, and to the present. He  cited 
some human right defenders like Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Steve Biko  and 
the recent South African musician Lucky Dube, whose rights, according to Mr.  
Njie, ended up being violated. He stated that The Gambia is a signatory of the  
African Charter. He therefore stressed that reflecting our minds on some of 
the  oppressions and suppressions of people all over the world makes it an 
obligation  on all of us. He finally concluded by stating that as educationists, 
their main  aim and objectives must be how to make and ensure education to be 
accessible and  affordable to every child of school going age as his or her 
basic human right.  
Mr. Alpha Camara, Senior Education Officer in Upper River Region delivered  
the vote of thanks. 

Retrenching Trained Veterinarians Is The Wrong  Move!
Dear Editor,
In July this year there was an interview  conducted throughout the country 
with a committee from the Ministry of  Agriculture to select staff for National 
Agricultural Development Agency (NADA).  The change accrues benefit to the 
livestock farmers because of the reduction in  the number of veterinary staff in 
the service.
I think, there was need for  capacity building instead of retrenchment. The 
field staffs were not enough.  What would happen, now that they are reduced in 
number? The veterinary staffs  are less than what is needed for the country 
there arrest not enough drugs and  vaccination is done only once in a year which 
is not enough considering the  density of livestock and poultry in some parts 
of the country especially the  CRR, URR, NBR and WR.
It would have been better to capacitate infrastructure  than to reduce the 
veterinary field staff to enable them vaccinate twice in the  year with other 
interventions and farmer training on livestock production to  reduce dependence 
on rain water. There is no farmer who does not have livestock  or poultry. 
Improvement should be made in the livestock production in this  country in order 
to minimize the importation of Rams from other countries  especially during 
Tobaski.
There is a lot to be done to improve the livestock  and poultry production 
within the veterinary services and not reduce its trained  staffs. Maybe the 
veterinary council can come in to save its registered staff to  license them to 
operate in some areas.
I think they are not fighting  for food self-sufficiency and poverty 
alleviation because of the cost of  fertilizer in the country. Imagine D600.00 per 
bag, how many crop farmers can  afford to buy sufficient fertilizer to cultivate 
a sizeable plot of land to  enable them produce more food. That would be much 
more ideal than reducing the  agriculture Staff at this stage. When are we 
going to alleviate  poverty?
Capacity building was much more needed than reducing trained staff.  I would 
advise CRS and GAFAN as they are responsible for sesame in the country,  to 
pull more weight to bring in many pressing machines in order to reduce the  
importation of oil,  and to enable livestock farmers to get the sesame cake  for 
fattening and poultry feed.
The policy makers should not accept  everything the donor agencies told them 
based on their own interest alone, which  may not favour us. If you go down to 
the field you will know what is applicable  for us to produce more products. 
That would be better than taking a wrong  direction.
The poor farmer would never support NADA because it does not  favour them. If 
there is money, capacitate what is on the ground than reducing  the trained 
staff. Surely it cannot tell well.

Yours  truly,

Mohammed Baldeh
Kubuneh.

SeneGambia Tourism  Fair
PRESS RELEASE
A two man delegation from The Association of Small  Scale Enterprises in 
Tourism (ASSET) returned home on Wednesday 17th October  2007, after a 2 day 
working visit to Dakar Senegal to finalize the arrangement  for the MBOKA 2007, 
SeneGambian Tourism Fair which is due to take place from  31st  October - 4th  
November 2007.
The event which is jointly  organised by The Association of Small Scale 
Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) in  The Gambia and the National Organisation for 
Tourism Integration in Senegal  (ONITS) are creating this unique opportunity to 
showcase and promote the  SeneGambian Tourism Industry to an international 
audience by organising the  first ever sub-regional Tourism Fair this year.
The event is not meant for  exhibitors to sell their products but exposing 
them to export markets and also  promoting what we have to offer.
Speaking at a press briefing Mr Sheikh Tejan  Nyang the head of the dele
gation to Dakar and also Chair of the Trade Fair  Committee said “Tourism is 
playing an important part in the development of the  sub-region, not only in 
economic terms but also in the preservation of our rich  cultural heritage and our 
environment To develop tourism and indeed our whole  economy along sustainable 
guidelines, we have to take into consideration  socio-cultural, environmental 
and economic principles- this is why this fair is  themed under the motto 
Promoting Responsible Tourism Mr Nyang concluded.
The  event which will be held in Place de Ia Independence in Dakar will be 
opened by  The President of the Republic of Senegal Alh. Abdoulie Wade. The 
Secretary of  State for Tourism and Culture Madam Angella Colley will also grace 
the event  together with the Director General Gambia Tourism Authority Mr 
Kaliba Senghore  and other officials.
Participants will also include Niger State of Nigeria  Tourism Office, Ghana 
Tourism Federation and Senegalese tourism stakeholders.  The invitation to 
both Ghanaian and Nigerian tourism stakeholders is meant to  continue the 
regional tourism partnership already established and also in line  with the 
recommendations of the Tourism Development Master Plan.
The Mboka  SeneGambia Fair is expected to be an annual event and the 2008 
event will be  held in The Gambia. 
Mr Sheikh Tejan Niang was accompanied to Dakar by Daouda  Niong Development 
Manager ASSET.

Sheriff Minteh Murder  Trial
Another Adjournment
By Musa Barrow
The trial of Sheriff Minteh’s  murder suspect was on Tuesday 23 October 
adjourned till Tuesday 30 October 2007,  by Magistrate Buba Jawo of Bundung 
Magistrates Court. The adjournment followed  an argument between Defence Lawyer 
Tambedou and Police Prosecutor Touray who  deputised for prosecutor 772 Samateh. 
Prosecutor Touray applied for an  adjournment insisting that prosecutor 772 
Samateh was bereaved. He also told the  court that he was not in possession of the 
case file and that his knowledge of  this particular case was very limited. 
Defence Lawyer Tambedou on the other hand  was of the view that since the case 
does not belong to Samateh, the hearing  should continue. Lawyer Tambedou also 
indicated that given the severity of the  charge against the accused, which 
is not bailable, hearing should continue.  Prosecutor Touray who deputized for 
the prosecutor, 772 Samateh, said that given  the prosecutor’s remarkable 
attendance record in the case, it was only right  that the case should be 
adjourned to enable him to continue with  it.
Magistrate Buba Jawo ruled that given the absence of the case file and  
prosecution Touray’s limited knowledge of the case, the case had to be adjourned  
until the following week.

SoS Visits Tourism Security Unit  (TSU)
By Saikou Ceesay
In complimenting her department’s efforts towards  maximizing tourism season, 
SoS Colley visited tourism security unit guards at  the Senegambia Military 
Camp and The Gambia Official tourist guides at Ali Baba  in Senegambia.
In presenting her opening remarks, SoS Colley commended the  units for the 
tremendous services they have executed. SoS Colley said, what is  important is 
to go back and accept the error committed. SoS Colley stated that  tourist fly 
for six hours to come to The Gambia and arrive very tired, which  deters them 
from enjoying their expedition. SoS Colley indicated that the  military 
intelligence unit should not to allow any room for harassment of  tourists. SoS 
Colley explained the case of one tour operator who was harassed at  the Senegambia 
just after she left her room at the night for s stroll. SoS  Colley noted 
that the man finally decided not to spend an hour in The  Gambia.
She urged security unit to liaise with those running bars and  restaurants as 
a way to ease the problem of bumsters, criminals while they would  be able to 
recognise other partners. 
Mr. Kaliba Senghore, the Director of  Gambia Tourism Authority emphasized 
that the work of Tourism Security Unit (TSU)  serves as a benefactor for the 
entire Gambian Population. For maintaining  soldiers, Mr. Senghore said it is not 
a role for civilians to maintain soldiers  but assured that GTA will continue 
to render fuel supply and every complaint  relating to that. 
For his part, Lt. Col Biran Saine the head of t he unit  stated that The 
Gambia has been known world wide as a small but peaceful  country. Lt. Col. Saine 
said the relative peace has led many people abroad to  build confidence in 
visiting The Gambia. He asserted that despite the relative  peace some Gambians 
some people sometimes inconvenience some of these visitors.  Lt. Col Biran 
Saine cited the negative impact of “Bumsing” and Hassling, noting  that it 
reached a point where the country almost lost her image as a safe  tourist 
destination. Lt. Col Saine said it is imperative for us to remind  ourselves that the 
primary role of The Gambia National Guard (GNG) is to defend  the sovereignty 
and territorial integrity of our beloved nation. Lt. Colonel  Saine said The 
Gambia National Guard (GNG) would continue to contribute  significantly to the 
preservation and maintenance of public peace and  security.
The following accompanied SoS Colley in the tour: Ida Jeng Njie,  Binta Jobe 
and Amadou Ceesay, the Director of Human Resources, Dawda Nyang from  Asset 
Management, and Liabo Manneh Chairperson of Bird Watchers’ Association,  all of 
who promised to work in tandem to ensure the “smiling coast” remains as  the 
best tourist destination worldwide.
In a similar development Dawda Nyang  presented a computer set and a digital 
camera on behalf of Asset Management to  the Tourist Security Unit (TSU) in 
SeneGambia. In receiving the gifts Lt. Col.  Saine promised that the equipment 
would put into good use.

COMIUM  OPENS NEW BRANCH 
As Two Customers Win Trips To Mecca
By Bubacarr K.  Sowe
Comium, the latest company to join the mobile phone business in the  Gambia, 
has opened a branch in Banjul and awarded two prizes (trips to Mecca) to  
winners of their Ramadan raffle draw on Monday, October 22.
Speaking at the  ceremony at their new Banjul customer care centre, Amadou 
Traore, Commercial  Director of Comium, said they are proud of their nationwide 
coverage with clear  quality network.
Mr. Traore said they have been giving 50% extra bonus credit  since their 
launch. He said during the Ramadan they had given out over 500  prizes, including 
bicycles, rice and sugar to winners.
Comium’s sales Manager  Nyang Njie said quality is one of their “core values”
.
Mr. Njie said  telecommunication is a “virgin sector that is not yet fully  
tapped”
Eventually, Muhammad Mahanera and Muhammad Bashir-Ceesay were awarded  the 
grand prize for a trip to Mecca.
Mr. Mahanera is 24 years old, while Mr.  Ceesay is 47 years of age. 

Toubabo Wants Out of Lierse, Adopt Wait  and See Tactic
By Modou Nyang
Scorpions’ influential midfield star  Mustapha Jarjue, will not commit his 
long term future with club SK Lierse,  instead preferring to buy time. 
The former Biko and Wallidan player opened  his 2007/08 season goal count for 
Lierse with a double stunner and yet he  remained coy about his long term 
future with the Belgian club. 
“I Still have  a contract [to honour], I cannot decide”, he responded 
whether he will still be  a Lierse player by the end of the season. Toubabo has a 
contract with Lierse  until 2009. He and teammate Assan Jatta joined Lierse in 
January 2006 as the  club bid to avoid relegation from the 1st division. He 
scored 9 goals between  January and June, but his goals could not save them from 
making the drop to the  2nd division. 
And since, Lierse were on their toes as they struggled to hold  on to the 
services of their reigning top goal scorer. A host of teams in the  Belgian 1st 
division and others including Dutch side Rida JC were reported to  have shown 
interest in capturing the services of the Gambian sharpshooter. But  Lierse 
refused to budge, as they considered Jarjue hot property in their bid to  regain 
promotion to the top division.
Yet, speculations about the players  future is persistently refusing to die 
down as Lierse’ chances of gaining  promotion back to the 1sd division are not 
so certain following a difficult  start to the season. And Toubabo may be on 
the move when the European transfer  window reopens in January with Lierse sure 
to recoup a big transfer fee if he  decides to further his career some where 
else. Lierse captured the gifted  midfielder with a paltry 75, 000 euros from 
local Bakau side, Steve Biko?   
Jarjue continued: “I still have one year to go, but [lets] wait and see what  
gonna happen in December”. Lierse will however be in a big fight in their  
attempt to keep their most prized player. But the prospect of moving to a bigger 
 club with fat wages will be so appetising for the rising star to maintain 
his  loyalty to the club. Jarjue is a fans favourite among the club faithful and 
he  said: “I am very happy with the fans” he said saluting their 
faithfulness to the  club despite dropping a division and fighting hard to impress in the 
2nd  division. “I think we have the best fans in Belgium, the team was losing 
[and]  they still come out [to watch games]. The players also have to show 
that we love  the club as well and want to give them results. We want to be in 
the best three,  we have the team, quality players and good trainers”. 
But Toubabo admitted  to the difference of playing in a lower division. He 
went on: “It is a big  difference, 2nd division is [more] difficult to play in 
because here [second  division] you fight for the whole 90 minutes if you want 
to pick points”. Jarjue  also reveled in his first goal for the club this 
season he continued: “It is  very important for me to start scoring again. Last 
season I was scoring, I  scored 9 goals and this season I have played 5 games 
without scoring. I had  chances but keep missing, [with] my two goals am very 
happy and we will see what  gonna happen [in the coming games]”.

SK East: Maccassa in Double  Swoop Attempt
By Isatou Bittaye
Maccassa FC has booked their place in both  finals as the Serrekunda East 
Nawettan reaches its climax.
Last week,  Maccassa was tied with Zurich FC in the league semifinal after 
goalless draw in  regulation time and either failed to get the better of the 
other with each  scoring 6 out of 7 shots in post penalties. And when the two 
resumed hostilities  for the decider of who should face AC Milan in the grand 
final this Sunday, on  Wednesday, they played another goalless draw and the match 
had to be decided by  penal kicks. This time Maccassa won 3-2 at the end of 
the kicks booking their  place in the final with Milan. 
Maccassa also earlier on Sunday qualified for  the final of the Cup fixtures. 
They will play Bantaba FC on Sunday for the title  and is they win; they will 
attempt a double when they face Milan in the league  final on a later date.







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