Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 91/2007, 6-7 August, 2007
Editorial
SCIENCE ACADEMY IN KANILAI
Give It A Second Thought, Mr. President
The report that Taiwan is assisting the president to build a Science Academy
in Kanilai has taken many by surprise.
It is just recently that the government has informed the public that it is
building a university campus in Faraba Banta.
Nothing is being said how the present university will develop and evolve
into one with a campus.
Good planning starts from what exists and is characterised by short term,
medium term and long term strategies to facilitate the smooth, continuous and
sustainable development of a project.
Currently, the University of The Gambia is without a campus or proper
science facilities. The students doing physics and other science subjects are
terribly disadvantaged because of the inadequacy of books and laboratory
facilities. What the university needs currently should be identified and provided if
the government is committed to the spirit and principle of promoting
university education. At the moment, what is available is a college.
What the university needs are accomplished lecturers in the sciences, an
update of learning materials and well equipped laboratories to provide education
up to PhD level.
In subsequent issues Foroyaa will focus on science education in the
University of The Gambia. We will provide the facts to the readers to evaluate the
situation.
We have constantly lamented the negligence of the leaders of the first
republic in building a university infrastructure. We have equally drawn the
attention of the Gambian public to our honest opinion that this present government
is not following the right direction in promoting university education.
We have argued vehemently that the Independence Stadium complex, with hostel
and adjoining rooms, is a fitting place to commence a university campus. Can
you imagine what could have happened if the funds proposed for the academy
or to build a university at Faraba were to be utilised to modify the
structures at the stadium to build science laboratories with state of earth equipment
and provide conducive environment for the lecturer to teach and reside? This
could have been the main campus which will proceed to develop up to the point
of offering PhD courses. Colleges specializing in agriculture and other
disciplines could have been established elsewhere when the situation permits.
The basic problem of the government’s development strategy is lack of
coherence and a holistic approach in planning. Take the road network as an example.
The first strategic objective of any government should have been to build a
trunk road from Barra up to the Fatoto river crossing, where a bridge could
have easily been constructed to complete the connection between the North and
South Bank. Secondly, a South Bank trunk should have been built from Kartong
to Koina as another phase in linking all parts of the country. Any government
with a coherent road policy would have tried to achieve this within a five
year period. This government however showcases development in disjointed ways.
Its starts something and goes to something else, before it completes the
whole journey cracks would have started where it completed and the whole cycle of
deterioration starts off again.
Our fear is that vital time and resources will be wasted before a university
is established. Then cost would deprive the poor from being enrolled. This
is what must be avoided. Taiwan is helping but a change of government or
change of policy is always possible. The government should use all opportunity to
promote sustainable ventures.
IEC FORGERY CASE
“I Did Not Forge Ndondi Njie’s Signature”
Kawsu Ceesay
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Mr. Kawsu Ceesay, the Chief Electoral Officer of the Independent Electoral
Commission (IEC), who is standing trial for allegedly forging the signature of
Mr. Ndondi Njie, the then chairman of the IEC, told the court that he did
not forge the signature of his former boss. On Tuesday 31st July, Mr. Kawsu
Ceesay ended his evidence in chief before magistrate Babucarr Secka of the
Kanifing Magistrates’ Court. Mr. Ceesay, dressed in a dark suit with a multi
coloured tie, was narrating his evidence like a pastor preaching to the newly
converted. On several occasions the magistrate had to remind him to reduce his
speed so that he can get all the facts.
Mr. Ceesay told the court that the lack of sufficient materials to register
eligible voters continued into the second phase of the registration period.
He said political parties and elegible Gambian voters lodged several
complaints to IEC about the shortage of registration materials at registration
centres. Mr. Ceesay said at about the 15th July 2008, Mr. Ndondi Njie informed him
that he (Ndondi Njie) had been to the head of state and according to him
(Njie) there were complaints about the registration exercise. “On the 17th July
2006, I was in my office and he called me in his office through the intercom.
When I went to his office he told me, Kawsu I am fired, meaning that he was
sacked from his position as chairman of IEC”, said Kawsu Ceesay. Mr. Ceesay
indicated that Mr. Ndondi Njie told him to check into his office drawers for his
personal belongings and collect it for him as he was leaving the office at
that very moment. Mr. Ceesay indicated that Mr. Ndondi Njie was escorted away
by the officials of the NIA and that those people who remained in the office
were asked to lock the office, he added that he collected the personal
properties of Mr. Njie and sent them to him through somebody. Mr. Ceesay asserted
that days after the removal of Mr. Njie, he understood from the new chairman,
Alhagie Mustapha Carayol that CODE INCORPORATED COMPANY intended to sue the
IEC to court for breach of contract. He added that Mr. Ndondi Njie wrote to the
new chairman that the IEC has no obligation to pay CODE, because they never
ordered materials from them (CODE).
“I received some NIA officials in my office at about the 18th – 19th July
2006, asking me to make a written statement on the issues that they will
dictate to me. This came in a way of questions which I had to answer to in
writing. I understood from my colleagues that the Director of finance, Mr. Lamin
Cham, and the Director of administration were also requested to make statements,”
said Ceesay. When asked by defence counsel Musa Batchilly, whether he could
remember some of those questions put to him by the NIA. Mr. Ceesay said some
of the questions he can remember were the issue of purchase of ten (10)
vehicles by IEC, five (5) computers, the order of the election materials from
CODE and why there were problems in the registration of voters. Mr. Ceesay
added, “I was asked whether if the materials from CODE had arrived, whether the
IEC would have problems of registration. I said no because we had ordered enough
quantities to conduct the registration exercise for all the elections from
2006 to 2008, but unfortunately, Mr. Ndondi Njie stopped the consignment from
arriving. They asked me whether payment was effected, I say no.” Mr. Ceesay
noted that shortly before the National Assembly elections in January 2007, he
and the director of finance, Mr. Lamin Cham, were invited to the NIA office
where they found Mr. Ndondi Njie. The defence counsel, Batchilly asked, “Mr.
Ceesay, did you forge the signature of Mr. Ndondi Njie?” Mr. Ceesay answered,
“no I did not, and the question I kept on asking myself always is that why
should I forge somebody’s signature to pay for election materials that are
meant to enable the IEC conduct elections. What benefit is that to me on a
personal basis. I have not forged somebody’s signature on a cheque or a voucher
that I could directly benefit from!” Mr. Ceesay asserted that all the electoral
materials from CODE bears the name of IEC - The Gambia, and that since the
Gambia’s electoral system is uniquely different, it will be difficult to market
those materials in the sub region. Counsel Batchilly asked “what did you
gain personally from IEC paying CODE for the election materials?’’, Mr. Ceesay
said “I could not see any way where I could benefit from the ordered
materials from CODE. I was not mandated to make any payments”.
He said payments are done in a way IEC would request its bank to make a
transfer to the bank of the beneficiary company. Mr. Ceesay emphasized that the
document was signed by Mr. Ndondi Njie in his presence. He noted that during
the tenure of the new chairman, Mr. Mustapha Carayol, on the advice of the
permanent secretary, Department of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr.Willy Joof,
both sides have agreed to receive some of the materials from CODE needed by the
IEC to conduct the transfer and replacement of voters’ cards for January 2007
National Assembly elections; that the materials were received by the IEC
from CODE.
At this point Mr. Ceesay came to the end of his long evidence in chief. The
defence counsel, Musa Batchilly, informed the court that he intends to call
some witnesses in their defence. However, on Friday 3rd August,
cross-examination could not continue due to the fact that magistrate Secka is on a
vacation. The matter was adjourned till September for cross-examination by the state
counsel, A.S. Umar
Mr. Kawsu Ceesay, the Chief Electoral Officer of the IEC, is standing trial
for allegedly forging the signature of the former chairman of IEC, Mr. Ndondi
Njie, to purchase registration and electoral materials from CODE
Incorporated Company in Canada, to the sum of 6 million dalasi.
DR. JABEZ AYODELE LANGLEY LAID TO REST
By Isatou Bittaye
Dr. Jabez Ayodele Langley, who died on the 10th June at Kelly Cross
Hospital, Maryland, USA, was finally laid to rest on Monday 30th July 2007 at the
Banjul cemetery at 6.00pm.
Dr. Langley was born on the 13th March 1943, to Ya Haddy Njie of Medina
Serigne Mass and Mr. Gustavus Ekundayo Langley.
He was educated at Methodist Kindergarten and Preparatory School and the
Methodist Boys High School (1954 – 1959), which was later called the Gambia High
School in 1960. Upon completing his high school in 1962, the young Jabez was
awarded a United Kingdom scholarship to study at the University of Wales,
Swansea, where he received a joint honours degree upper second class (Magna cum
Laude) in History and Politics in 1965.
He later proceeded to the University of Edinburgh, Scotland to study for his
PhD and was successful to defend his doctoral thesis on Pan-Africanism and
Nationalism and was awarded a PhD in African History and Politics in 1968.
Shortly after receiving his doctorate, he was appointed assistant lecturer
at the University of Edinburgh where he prepared his doctorate thesis for
publication.
Dr. Jabez Langley’s “Pan-Africanism and Nationalism in West Africa 1900 –
1945” was published by Clarendon Press Oxford in 1973 and his second book “
Ideologies of Liberation in Black Africa” was published by Rex Callings, London
in 1979. Several articles by Dr.Langley were published in distinguished
academic journals in the United Kingdom and United States. He also published a
book on Pan-Africanism and was excited to attend the Pan-Africanist conference
in Tanzania in 1973.Dr. Langley’s first posting, upon joining the civil
service in September 1971, was at the Ministry of External Affairs (Foreign
Affairs) where he developed rapport with the diplomatic Mission accredited to The
Gambia. In 1973. Dr. Jabez was given a special assignment, the establishment
of the Gambia High Commission in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Upon his
return to The Gambia in September 1974, he was appointed Permanent Secretary in
the newly created Ministry of Economic Planning and Industrial Development.
Dr. Langley, with his team of economists and planners, took the challenge of
preparing the first five year National Development Plan 1975 – 1980. The
plan was launched in July 1975 and it came amidst great national excitement and
hope for the future. Together with his team of economists and other staff of
the Ministry of Finance, they promoted the plan among Multilateral and
Bilateral Donors with a view to secure funding for the timely implementation of the
projects and programmes in the plan. Also with his team of economists, Dr.
Langley prepared the second five year development Plan 1981 – 1985 culminating
in the launching of the second plan early in July 1981.
During his times in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Industrial
Development, he served four ministers with different temperaments.
In 1982, Dr. Langley was appointed the Secretary General and head of civil
service where he also served as adviser to the President of The Gambia and
secretary to the cabinet. With the signing of the Kaur declaration in the
aftermath of the July coup, a new relationship came into existence between Senegal
and The Gambia and Dr. Langley became an adviser to the president of the
Senegambia Confederation.
He was cognizant of the need to honour the agreement and to foster good
neighbourliness.
Not being gender bias, Dr. Langley saw the development of a Women’s Bureau
as an important factor and was aware of the women’s potential to contribute to
national development. He encouraged the training and career advancement of
women in The Gambian civil service.
In December 1988, Dr. Jabez Ayodele Langley left the Gambia for secondment
in the World Bank in Washington D.C, with the awareness that he had done his
best in order to leave behind a stronger civil service.
Dr. Langley’s career began and ended in teaching and his association with
Howard University began as a senior fellow at the Ralph Bunche International
Affairs Centre in Washington D.C.
He taught a course on West Africa since 1800, for graduate and undergraduate
classes at Haward University’s History department and was later appointed to
the Center for African studies where he introduced several new graduate
courses ranging from Public Policy and Development in Africa, Development Policy
and Administration, Non-Governmental Organisations and Democratisation in
Africa. He also taught a graduate course in Pan-Africanism and undergraduate
courses on the continent, including Environment and Society in Africa.
He was awarded the Howard University Fund for Academic Excellence in 1998.
Dr. Langley received many accolades and honours during his life time,
including the commander of the Republic of The Gambia (CRG), the Ordre Du Lion of
Senegal in 1972, as an adviser and member of the delegation to the
presidential consultative meeting in Dakar Senegal. The commander of the Order of the
Niger (Nigeria) was also conferred on him.
Dr. Jabez Ayodele Langley was a technocrat and an academic and had climbed
to the highest level of the academic ladder.
The funeral service was conducted at the St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in
Banjul on the same day. His former co-workers and colleagues were all present.
Mr. Amadou Touray, Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Tourism, Mr.
Yaya Sallah, Mr. Amadou Taal, the Inspector general of Police, Benedict Jammeh
and his Pan-African colleague, Halifa Sallah were all present at the funeral.
PALM OIL REFINERY IN THE MAKING
By Isatou Bittaye
A new company, Gambia Vegetable Oil Company will soon start to operate a
palm oil refinery in The Gambia. This was revealed by the company’s General
manager Mr. Kishor in an exclusive interview with Foroyaa last week at the
factory at Oyster Creek (Denton) Bridge near Banjul. The company is jointly owned
with three other Gambians.
Kishor said the company will concentrate on refining palm oil but also
engage in soya beans and solvent groundnut oil refining in the near future. Mr.
Kishor noted that the raw materials needed for the refining of palm oil is
crude oil and will be imported from Malaysia and Indonesia.
He indicated that the palm oil, if refined, will be sold in the Gambia for
local consumption but that 70% will be exported to other African countries
because of the low consumption of palm oil in The Gambia. Mr. Kishor said that
the refining process will soon start, noting that the key persons for
operating the machines will come from India but the local people will be trained
later. He indicated that in Soya bean refining the raw material will be brought
from Argentina or China and for that of the solvent groundnut from Senegal and
Nigeria. Mr. Kishor said the main purpose of the company is to get the low
cost of oil and that also crude oil will be imported in order to have good
quality refining oil.
EDWARD FRANCIS SMALL’S MONUMENT “IN LIMBO”
By Abdou Jeli Keita
The monument of Edwards Francis Small a person widely regarded as the father
of modern Gambia Politics is still in limbo. This most important monument in
the history of our beloved Gambia, located in the epicentre of the city of
Banjul has been neglected.
Little do Gambians know about this great man (Edward F. Small), how
immensely he contributed in our struggle to attain independence. Indeed, this great
man greatly contributed in our drive to self government.
He is the father of Trade Unionism in The Gambia and this may have led The
Gambia National Trade Union Congress (GNTUC); in this year’s workers’ day
celebration to call on the Department of State for Trade, Industry and
Employment, President Jammeh and other stakeholders, to assist in rebuilding Edward F.
Small’s Monument at The GAMTEL roundabout in the epicentre of Banjul in
order to keep his legacy in the minds of Gambians.
It will be a disillusionment to realise that The GAMTEL roundabout is being
redesigned
and re-built while neglecting the monument in the centre of the roundabout.
The Gamtel Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Abou Othman, in an interview
with Foroyaa Newspaper, said Gamtel is sponsoring the rebuilding of the
roundabout at an undisclosed amount. He added that this rebuilding has nothing to
do with the call by the Trade Unions to assist in rebuilding the Edward F.
Small Monument. He said the rebuilding of the roundabout is geared towards 13
years celebration of the July22 1994 takeover.
New monuments are seen being built, but this most important monument to
remember and honour Edward Francis Small, a great son of The Gambia, is being
neglected.
This reporter spoke to many people who called on President Jammeh, to assist
in the rebuilding of the Edward Francis Small Monument. Mr. Dawda Faal, a
historian, wrote the following:
‘’Edward Francis Small is widely regarded as the father of modern Gambian
politics. He formed the first quasi political organisation in The Gambia. He
was born in Bathurst in January 1891. He completed his education at the
Methodist Boys High School in Freetown and started to work there, in Freetown in
1910.
He then held a series of clerical jobs in both Freetown and Bathurst before
becoming a teacher in Bathurst in 1915.
While a teacher, Small decided to become a clergyman in the Methodist
Mission. In 19 17, he was sent to Ballanghar to serve a probationary period as
agent of the Methodist Mission, but within eighteen months he was dismissed from
mission employment. Small’s dismissal followed what has been referred to as
the “Ballanghar incident”. On New Year’s Eve 1918 Small ordered the bell of
the mission chapel at Ballanghar to be tolled heralding the annual watch night
service. The sound disturbed one James Walker, a European trader living in
the town; and an argument developed between the two leading to Small’s
dismissal.
This “Ballanghar incident” was to serve as the starting point for the
political career of Edward Francis Small. The travelling commissioner at the time
Mr. J.L. Mocallum, insisted in the removal of Small from Ballanghar. Under
pressure from The Gambia Colonial government, Rev. P.S. Toys, the Chairman of
The Gambia District of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, withdrew Small to
Sukuta. Small resented the treatment he received from the Church and proceeded to
criticise Rev. Toys openly and was consequently dismissed from the mission
employment. Small together with other discontented members of the Aku Community,
Founded The Gambia Native Defense Union (GNDU), who attacked what they
called “the blatant flaws in the administration of the central Government”.
Meanwhile, in the other British West African Colonies preparations were
being finalised for a conference of educated West Africans to take place in the
Former Gold Coast. Since the organizers of the conference wished all four
British West African Colonies to be represented, support was sought for in The
Gambia. Small was able to convert the (GNDU) into the conference’s fund raising
committee in Bathurst. Enough money was raised for one Gambian delegate to
attend and Small, as the Secretary of the Fund raising committee, was selected
to represent The Gambia.
At the Accra conference of March 1920, Small who was one of the Principal
Speakers, delivered on the right of West Africans to self determination. The
Accra conference resolved itself as the National Congress of British West
African NCBWA. Small arrived back in Bathurst in May 1920 and within a short time
had established The Gambia Chapter of the NCBWA and became its Secretary.
Edward Francis Small was also a pioneer Gambian Journalist. In the 1920’s he
published and edited “The Gambia Outlook and Senegambian Reporter”
producing the first edition in Dakar. He would later found The Gambia Outlook. As a
journalist Small established a tradition of critical and independent political
journalism in the country. Small always took up issues of concern to the
people of Bathurst in the pages of The Gambia Outlook and was also quite
prepared to criticise government policy.
In 1929 Edward F. Small Founded the first Gambia Trade Union, the Bathurst
Trade Union (BTU), which was “strong enough to organise the first labour
strike in Gambian history in 1929, marking one of the most successful strikes in
Africa before the Second World War. Edward F. Small by early 1930’s, was again
in the thick of politics as the leader of the Rate Payers Association (RPA).
The RPA was the first quasi-political party in The Gambia.
Edward F. Small went on to represent the municipal council in the
legislative council between 1942 and 1947. When the elective principle was first
introduced for the legislative council in 1947, Small became the first Gambian to
win a popular vote. Sponsored by his labour union, Small defeated Sheikh Omar
Faye and I.M. Garba Jahumpa and became the elected representative for Banjul
and the Kombo area in the legislative council.
Edward Francis Small will be remembered as the founder of The Gambia Branch
of the National Congress of British West African. He was the first Gambian to
be directly elected to the legislative council and the first to be appointed
to the executive council. He was also the driving force behind the Bathurst
Rate Prayers’ Association which dominated the politics of Bathurst in the 1930
’s and 1940’s. He founded the first Gambia Trade Union and created the
modern Gambian Press.
Small continued to play an important role as a political activist, trade
unionist and journalist for Gambian and non-Gambian movements until his death in
January 1958.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
IS MONEY LIFE?
Part 1
Lang and Chaneh are from provinces. They were bred and schooled there. They
became childhood lovers. Lang is an orphan brought up by his paternal
grandmother. He schooled up to Secondary Technical level. Then he learned many
trades - carpentry, masonry, farming and plumbing. He is witty and
entrepreneuring. He mortgaged his father’s land to help sponsor Chaneh’s education, her dad’
s hospital bill, etc. Chaneh grew up to be beautiful damsel. She was already
betrothed to Lang who has invested a huge sum of money on her head. Will she
marry him? Read on to find out.
Chaneh and Lang
Chaneh have grown into a beautiful sophisticated damsel. After she completed
her Grade 9 she started to play games with Lang, her village champion. She
now looked down on him. She compared him with the city guys. Her parents
encouraged her to flirt with civil servants posted to her village. Essa was
heading a project whose headquarters was based at Chaneh’s village.
Essa has interest in Chaneh. He asked for her hand in marriage. Chaneh
agreed, backed by her parents.
The Marriage
Ousman, Lang’s friend broke the news of the marriage to him. “Did you not
hear?” Ousman asked Lang. “Hear what?” “That Essa is marrying your
girlfriend today?” “It’s a lie. Chaneh cannot do that to me.” Lang swore. “She has
done it. Do you disbelieve me? I’ll take you to her place to witness the
ceremony. We an take a shade to cover our presence.” Lang agreed. He saw the shock
of his life. There was Chaneh, a centre of attention being showered head to
foot with raw cash in D100 and D50 notes. She was all smiles, Essa dominating
her presence all the time. The griots were singing praises to the bride and
groom, tracing back to their great ancestry in history.
Lang could not believe his eyes. “Chaneh is wicked! She should have informed
me. After all, marriage should be based on consent.” He shed emotional
tears. Ousman cheered him up. “It is painful, especially when you have spent
everything you had on her. Take heart! Allah knows everything.”
Recollection of Secondary School Days
Lang recollected his secondary days with Chaneh - how they used to play hide
and seek in the bush; how everybody referred to them as husband and wife.
They loved themselves and they amused villagers by their teenage romance. Their
parents betrothed them to each other with full consent from them.
Chaneh’s Dad
Chaneh’s dad, Pa Basiru visited Lang’s home. He found him repairing his
rider. Pa Basiru brought a box load of clothes and a jewelry box and handed them
over to Lang. “What for?” Lang asked. “These are the things you gave my
daughter, Chaneh. She is married to Essa now and does not need your things. You
can sell them or better still find another village girl to marry.” Lang shook
his head and addressed Pa Basiru. “Pa! I am very disappointed in you. How
can you be that callous? Are you mocking at me? Did you ask for the things I
gave to Chaneh? Or are you suffering from guilty conscience? Why didn’t you
return the hospital bill I paid for your operation in Dakar; your daughter’s
education bill and the fish money I have been giving you? You are heartless but
Allah is watching you.” “My daughter is right. She went for greener pastures.
I never prayed for my daughter to stay in this Allah forsaken village. You
are a village champion, Lang of many trades. You can find another village
queen. Certainly not my Chaneh! She will pay you back everything you spent on us.
Essa is a patron. He will find her a job and she will pay you every butut
spent on our family.” Pa Basiru left Lang repairing his Honda bike.
Lang is Disappointed
Lang is disappointed in life. He cursed his being. “Look at me! Born with
bad luck. I lost my mum as she gave birth to me. My dad died as soon as I was
born. My granny brought me up. Now she too is gone. I am alone in this wide
world. My relatives do not care about me. I made it on my own. I have spent
everything on Chaneh. Look at it! She too has betrayed me. What have I done?
Where have I gone wrong?” he wailed.
Ellen, The Village Seamstress
Ellen is the village seamstress, very industrious. She schooled up to
secondary four. Then she learned tailoring. She sewed for both sexes, adult and
children. She is single. Lang keeps his money with her. She is very straight
forward and honest. Sometimes she lends money to Lang when he is in difficulty.
Chaneh is Ellen’s bosom friend. Their friendship started since primary school
days. Lang still loves Chaneh. She could not easily get out of his mind
despite the betrayal and being someone’s wife It is ludicrous and funny. Lang
visited Ellen to get Chaneh’s address in the city.
Ellen Advises Lang
“I have Chaneh’s city address but why should I give it to you? It is
dangerous. Chaneh is now someone’s wife. You can cause commotion in her marriage
life or be in collision with her husband. Don’t visit Chaneh.” Lang lied. “
Chaneh is having some of my important documents. I went to her parents. They
searched but could not see them. They refused to give me her address for reasons
better known to them. I decided to come to you as her friend.” Ellen thought
hard and said. “Okay! I’ll help you. I’ll give you Chaneh’s address but be
very careful.” Lang laughed and said, “You know me by now! I am always very
careful.”
Lang’s Business
Lang decided to go into second hand clothing business. He took part of his
family land and sold it. The business thrived. Lang decided to visit Chaneh in
the city. Ousman advised him not to go. He braved the storm and went to the
city.
“I have to see Chaneh face to face. I still could not believe this! Where
are all the promises, trust, and love? This is unbelievable! Seeing her eye to
eye will determine whether charm is involved,” Lang argued.
At Chaneh’s Home
Lang came to Chaneh’s home in the city. He met the gateman and gave him a
false name. The gateman announced to Chaneh that her father wanted to see her. “
Ask him in.” Chaneh was eager to see her father.
Lang is Ushered In
The gateman ushered Lang in. “What! What are you doing here Lang? You want
to put me into trouble? What do you want from me? Didn’t you see I am married?”
Chaneh bombarded him with questions.
Lang is still dreaming to have Chaneh.
“Chaneh my love! Why have you betrayed me? Where is everything we shared?
Are you charmed? I was very disappointed but I am ready to have you back. You
have to leave your husband’s house. Come back to me I love you with all my
heart. You forgot our oath. Come back to me my love.”
Chaneh laughed at Lang’s face. “What stupid love! Poverty love! Chaneh is
moving forward and you are asking me to move backward! It can’t be! I cannot
exchange affluence and prestige with poverty and want. If you want to be near
me let me employ you as my watchman.”
Lang got up. “You have insulted me to my soul. Enough of it! I am leaving!”
“Take the fare and retain the change for your troubles.”
“Thanks! I have brought my own fares.”
Lang left. “I don’t hate you. You are a good man. I used to love you very
much but now I am married and devoted to my husband,” Chaneh said.
Night Driving
Lang refused to stay in the city. Chaneh wanted him to sleep with the
gateman until in the morning but he refused. “I can take care of myself. I am
returning this night.” The driver over speeded and there was an accident. There
was no death but a lot of injuries. Lang was hospitalised.
Ellen and Ousman Pay A Visit
Ellen and Ousman visited him at the hospital. He narrated his experience at
Chaneh’s house and the accident. “It’s okay! Don’t be hard on yourself.
Take it easy. All will be well,” the duo said. Ellen went home to cook him a
high pepper soup with coos while Ousman waited for him. His two friends showed
great care and love. They praised Allah for sparing Lang’s life.
To be Continued
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE 1981 POLITICAL CRISIS
GCDB TOOK THE SPOT LIGHT AS EXTERNAL AUDITORS PROBE IN
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column. We have analysed the
politics of pre-colonial to post-independence epoch. We have just completed the
narration of political events for the year 1984. We have stopped where we said
the second thing that happened was the introduction of an identification
system, ID cards, for Gambian nationals in 1974 for the first time in Gambian
history; that it was initially meant for boosting up security for the state.
The issues that struggled for centre stage in early 1985 were numerous, but
the crisis that beset the Gambia Commercial and Development Bank was an issue
that did not have an equal in terms of importance. The Gambia Commercial and
Development Bank (GCDB) was established in 1974 with the objective of making
loans available to small and medium entrepreneurs as well as farmers. It is
a public commercial bank which had dominated banking in the mid 70s up to the
early 1980s.The GCDB accumulated millions of dalasi through savings from
individual depositors but the public continued to hear about scandals that were
connected to the bank.
For example, in 1980, there was a big scandal surrounding a theft case of
about 200 million CFA Franc. It was reported in the Nation newspaper that the
money was about to be smuggled out of the country through the Banjul
International Airport by officials of the GCDB who were attacked by the robbers; that
the robbers were intercepted by the police at the highway. The scandal was
popularly called the ‘Yundum highway robbery case’.
Another scandal that came to the limelight on 9th September 1982, was that
involving one Mrs. Ngum who was arrested and charged with stealing a large sum
of money of over 50 million CFA Francs belonging to the GCDB.
These developments infuriated the populace who came to realise that the bank
was under going serious problems of mismanagement. A lot of irregularities
occurred and to the disappointment of the general public, but that it was
difficult for people to air such grievances openly for fear of being charged with
defamation of character, libel etc.
But by end of 1984, with the intervention of the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), it was recommended that the GCDB be probed. Hence, external auditors
were invited to audit the bank. This is why after the budget session for the
year 1984, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Sheriff Sisay was asked by the Torch
Newspaper to shed light on the report of external experts but the minister
told the Torch that he was not aware of the report. In the subsequent issues,
the Torch revealed that particular areas of the bank’s operations depart from
acceptable practice; that its external accounts status in its 38
correspondent banks was unascertained in three years. According to the Torch, reports in
1974, ‘81, ‘83, ’84 had been prepared by experts on the bank; that if the
Minister chooses to be ignorant, it would be at the expense of a ruined country.
The Torch continued to reveal that what they had gathered was that the
auditors had suspended investigations for two reasons i.e. 1. Because
investigation may take too long a time or 2. this is convincing evidence that fresh
re-examinations were necessary. The Torch, however, insisted that it was risky
evasion, marking time, reposed in the accounting process, a trust for the usual
report in the generalities; that accidents that may unravel mysteries were
suffocated in the routine.
As you can imagine, this created a long drawn out debate within the public.
Many believed the Torch report. Others blamed the paper for irresponsible
reporting. Some say “let us see what happens etc.
At this stage, within a week, the publisher of the Independent weekly paper,
“The Torch’, appeared in court on Monday, 4 Februaryt 1985. He was sued for
libel as well as other general claims. He was sued by no other person than
Mr. Housainou Momodou Musa Njie, the Managing Director of the Gambia
Commercial and Development Bank in his personal and public capacity.
According to a BBC report, the paper has reported a D9 million dalasi
overseas bank account belonging to Mr. Njie in December 1984. The BBC report
mentioned Mr. Njie as a very powerful figure in financial, social and political
quarters in Banjul; that he is also a brother in law to the President. According
to the Torch, they too filed a statement of defence by 25 February 1985
through their counsel, the famous Sam H.A. George. With the long drawn out legal
battle between the Torch and GCDB manager, the paper continued to report the
findings of external auditor’s report on the bank, which is a body corporate
with unlimited liability.
Further reports revealed that the bank has not maintained the minimum
deposit with the Central Bank of The Gambia as required by the Central Bank of The
Gambia Act 1971, nor had it maintained the minimum liquid asset as required
by the financial Institution Act 1974 According to the auditors, the system of
internal control was inadequate to enable them to determine that all
transactions with customers, other banks and third parties were recorded. As a
result, they said, they have been unable to satisfy themselves as to the
completeness of the books and records of the bank or that they have received all the
information and explanations they required. According to the Torch report on
the auditors, the bank’s records contained many balances which could not be
analysed into identifiable and collectible amounts; that they believed that a
provision of at least D8 million Dalasi may be required against these items.
It was also reported that the records show that over D50 million dalasi were
unaccounted debts and that included loans and advances and an amount due from
the Gambia Co-operative Union Ltd. for 25 million dalasi which they say was
ultimately lent to farmers in 1979/80 and 1980/81. According to the Torch
report, in the opinion of the external auditors, the provision for another bad
and doubtful debts and related interest is inadequate and a further provision
of at least D22 million dalasi may be required against these items.
In these pages of the Torch on this report, they quoted a famous Henry John
Ford who said “History is bunkum, what matters is money”.
See next issue as we forge ahead into the middle 1985.
WHERE ARE THE REPATRIATED MIGRANTS?
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Several people are still informing the FOROYAA that their relatives, who
were recently repatriated from Spain, are being detained at the state Central
Prison at Mile Two, even though Superintendent Anita Jammeh – Sonko has
repeatedly told Foroyaa that the Gambians who were deported from Spain were released
that same day. “Immigration has not detained anybody”, she said.
However, one Badinding Sillah has informed Foroyaa that his brother and some
relatives are in custody at the state central prison.
He said that he was told by one of his deported brothers, Gai Sillah, at the
Serrekunda market that they were repatriated and detained at the police
Intervention Unit (PIU) camp in Kanifing but they have been released and most of
his friends are on the way coming home. Badinding added that those people
never arrived home and the following day he went with Gai to the PIU camp but
another policeman recognized him (Gai) as a deportee and that eventually it was
ordered that he be arrested. Badinding Sillah also said that the police
denied him to bail his brother and that while at the PIU camp a policeman told
him that the rest of the deportees are at the state central prison.
He said that he went to the prison to enquire about his brother but was told
to come back the following day, Thursday, July 26, during the visiting
hours. That day, he said, he was denied entry at the prisons and could not succeed
in giving his detained relative the food he took for them.
According to Badinding Sillah, apart from Gai who is held at the PIU camp,
Sulayman Sillah, Kawsu Drammeh, Kawsu Juwara, Aruna Trawally and Alasan
Trawally are all being held at the state central prison.
PLANNING UNIT SHOW COMMITMENT OVER COMMUNITIES’ NEED ON 2008 BUDGET
By Bubabcarr K. Sowe
Representatives of various planning units of the government have shown
commitment to the priority issues raised by communities at the annual 2008 budget
interface forum held at the Paradise Suites Hotel, Kololi on Friday, august
3.The event which is being facilitated by Pro-poor advocacy Group (Pro-PAG)
since 2004 brings together representatives from the Western, North Bank, Upper
River and Central River Regions (North) into discussion with the government’s
planning units where local communities put across their pressing issues for
the next fiscal year.
Pro-PAG’s policy and budget analyst, Omar Jobe, told Foroyaa that they
achieved more than they thought they would.
“All the planning Directors we targeted are here, and all of them have
committed to take almost 90% of the priorities that are emerging from the
community consultation on board without any problems, particularly for water”, Mr.
Jobe said. He said the priorities for the various regions differ and the North
bank is much more concerned with water, the Western region needs more road
infrastructure, the central river region has diverse concerns such as road,
access to health facilities and upgrading of schools, while the major priority
for the Upper River Region is water.
Mr. Jobe added that this year’s forum is more successful than the previous
years and they have been able to include the Central River Region (North) into
the programme.
He said they could not include Banjul, the Kanifing Municipality, Lower
River Region and the Central river Region (South) in this year’s participatory
process due to financial and time constraints but that plans are in place to
bring them on board next year.
Dr. Siga Fatima Jagne, Pro-PAG’s director, said at the opening ceremony that
it is only by bringing the poor people’s priorities in the budget process
that development can be achieved.
She remarked that the interface forum will create the enabling environment
for the voice of the poor people to be heard by the technocrats who are
involved in the planning of national development.
Omar Badjie of Action Aid – The Gambia said it is essential that the poor
and excluded people are not only consulted just for the sake of it but the
space is deliberately created for them to fully participate in programme
initiation, planning, implementation and evaluation so that their views and
aspirations are given due considerations.
Mr. Badjie said: “Participation therefore is not a favour or a privilege to
be bestowed to the people by any duty bearer; rather it is a right that
everyone must enjoy irrespective of ethnicity, religion, age or gender.
Development policies and actions can only be legitimate if they are developed with
active, free and meaningful involvement of the people whose lives will be
affected by decisions taken.”
Abdoulie Jallow of the department of State for Finance and Economic Affairs
said the outcome of the consultation forum will be considered in the
preparation of the 2008 budget. Mr. Jallow informed the gathering that the Gambia
government has recently been attested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
on its Poverty reduction and Growth facility Programme and they are hopeful
that in September the country will have its debt written off and that would
mean more resources will go into financing into the priorities raised by the
communities.
CAWABA COMPANY DIRECTOR IN POLICE NET
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
One Mr. Douglass A.G. Watts, the Managing director of CAWABA Building
construction Company, was arrested by the police in Gunjur, Kombo South and later
transferred to the Serious Crime Unit at police headquarters in Banjul.
According to our sources, Mr. Douglass Watts was detained at the police
headquarters for hours before being released on bail. The same source added that Mr. Watt
’s traveling documents are being held by the police and that he is still
said to be reporting to the police, as required by his bail conditions.
When contacted, the police spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka confirmed
the detention and subsequent release of Mr. Douglass Watts. Inspector Secka
said that Mr. Watts was arrested and charged for obtaining money by false
pretence amounting to 10,000 pound sterling. Inspector Secka added that Mr. Watts
has accepted liability and promised to pay back the complainant with a piece
of land equivalent to the said amount. Mr. Douglass A.G. Watts, a Briton, is
said to have retired as a major in British Army and is now running a
building construction company in The Gambia called CAWABA, which was said to be
registered in 2005.
FA Cup: Ports and Hawks Make Finals
By Modou Nyang
Gambia Ports Authority FC will meet Hawks FC in the FA Cup Final on Sunday.
Ports saw off current league champions Real de Banjul 2-1 after fighting
back from a goal down on the first semi final played on Friday at the
Independence Stadium. Real took the lead in the 13th minute of the and Ports leveled
terms in the 36th minute before snatching the winner through substitute Hatab
Badjie to send the dethroned champions to the final.
And on Sunday Hawks maintained their stance to defend their FA Cup title by
eliminating Bakau United by a goal to nil. Hawks has owed to defend their
crown and with the quality they exhibited in defeating Armed Forces at the
quarter final stage before finishing off Bakau United, clearly demonstrated their
ability to do so.
Banjul Nawettan Starts on Saturday
By Modou Nyang
The 2007 Nawettan season in Banjul will commence on Saturday with the super
cup between Digi Dambi and Macdonald United.
The match will serve as the curtain raiser for this year’s Nawettan which
will take off on the following Tuesday. The matches will be played in two
different locations – Banjul playing grounds and at the Gambia Senior Secondary
School.
In another development, the Banjul Sports committee has reached an agreement
with GSM service providers Gamcel in a deal that will see the sports
committee pocket D75, 000 annually. The agreement involves Gamcel sponsoring the
activities of the Banjul Sports Committee together with their super Nawettan
team and they utilise the committee’s activities to promote their products.
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