Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 94/2006, 1-2 November, 2006
Editorial
SPAIN, GAMBIA AND THE ESTRANGED YOUTH
Poverty is the scourge of the 21st Century. Governments have agreed to
reduce it by half under the Millennium Development Goals by the year 2015, which
is 9 years from now.
In the Gambia 69% of the population are living in abject poverty despite the
claims that the economy grew by 8% in 2005 and by 5% in 2006. The projection
for 2007 is infact more fanciful.
Gambia’s poverty however affects the youth who constitute 60% of the
population more than any other sector.
Needless to say, since most parents can no longer take care of their
families, it is the older children in the families who are now taking care of the
young ones. This is precisely why pressure is on the youths to become income
earners. The lack of employment possibilities have compelled many youths to
migrate to Europe in search of greener pastures. This often require huge
investments to get visa, passports, air tickets or pocket money to travel by land.
Relatives who have succeeded in going often send 3000 to 5000 dollars to
finance such enterprises. Parents with compounds, cattle or other assets often
sell such assets to finance such trips. Hence when a person is deported a whole
life time asset perishes and hopes are dashed. What Spain is doing with
governments like the Gambia, to the point that our own officers travel to Spain to
come with our nationals beats our imagination. No government should restrict
the freedom of movement of her citizens. It is the government of another
country, which may establish conditions for lawful or unlawful entry into a
country and establish guards to enforce their own laws. Migration from one
country into another is as old as human civilization. The very United States was
founded on the migration of Pilgrim Fathers from Europe into the land of the
American Indians. Hence, policing is not the answer. The real answer is
collaboration to fight poverty.
This requires enlightened national and foreign policy that can foster the
type of free movement of goods and people from one country to the other that
are mutually beneficial.
Before such an enlightened policy is established, a laissez faire attitude
to the movement of youths is the best policy. In this way those who are
deported will not transfer their anger to people at home. They will see it as a
by-product of their struggle to escape poverty. They may draw the lesson that
instead of getting frustrated, it is better to also take part in building a
society that can guarantee them prosperity and one that can be respected in the
world to the point that her citizens will be able to move freely.
FORMER BAC FINANCIAL CONTROLLER IN THE DOCK
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving Mr. Fafa Kuyateh, the former financial controller of the
Brikama Area Council is adjourned to the 6th of November 2006. The case is
adjourned due to the absence of Lamin Jobarteh, the counsel for the accused
person. The accused Fafa Kuyateh has been charged for obtaining an account of
D230,000 (two hundred and thirty thousand dalasis) from one Babucarr Cham by
false pretence over a piece of land that is said to be located at Nemakunku
Village. The presiding Magistrate is E.F Mbai and the police prosecutor is 413
Sanyang of the Yundum Police Station.
NIA DIAMOND CASE IN PROGRESS
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The protracted legal battle involving the state and six ex-officers of
National Intelligent Agency (NIA) continued at the Kanifing Magistrate Court on
Monday, 30th October 2006. The case was presided over by principal magistrate,
Kebba Sanyang. Continuing his testimony, the ninth prosecution witness, Borry
Touray, said he received the statement of the Germans. He said the statement
was written in the German Language and a note was attached to it. Touray said
the statement contained Dr Mahler’s signature. He said the statement was
translated from German to English, and that the translated version was sent to
the office of the Vice President, the German consulate in Banjul and to the
panel of investigators at Police Headquarters in Banjul. He admitted that the
translated version of the statement was not signed. The original version of
the statement and the English version were admitted in evidence as exhibits F
and G. The case is adjourned to 8th November, 2006.
TRIAL OF LAMIN DARBOE AND CO ADJOURNED
The trial of Lamin R. Darboe (The UDP candidate in the Kombo East
By-election) and others is adjourned to Tuesday 14th November 2006 by the Brikama
Magistrate Court. The case is adjourned due to the absence of the presiding
magistrate S.B Tabally, who was said to be sick.
Readers could recall that the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the
charges that are preferred against them. The accused persons are charged with
assault
The case allegedly happened in Pirang.
NADD FLAG BEARER ON THE ELECTION
PART 8
In my view, NADD is not a party designed to promote the specific ideology,
principles, policies, programmes and practices of a given political party. It
is a united front, which embraces principles, programmes and practices that no
one in the left or right of the political spectrum can object to. It is
designed to give the country a democratic political gene from which a healthy
democratic organism we call the Gambian state can emerge. In this respect, I
cannot object to their resolution to retain NADD as a point of convergence for
the opposition in the Gambia.
However, five years is a long period in politics. Many people can emerge who
can best lead NADD to victory. Another alliance may emerge. Hence I can only
accept to be a caretaker flag bearer to give it focus. I will be willing to
stand back whenever the executive deems it necessary. The reason for my
position is simple.
The developments since our July 4th and July 5th 2003 meetings in Atlanta
are instructive.
I went to Atlanta in 2003 not to be part of an alliance but to promote
PDOIS, which had won 2 seats out of five in the 2002 elections. My mandate was to
win over the crowd and proceed on a tour of the US to raise funds and come
back to the Gambia to build PDOIS branches all over the country. I still
believe that if I had done this a PDOIS Presidential candidate after four years of
consolidation would have had more votes than I now have. I still wonder how
the UDP would have come out of its boycott to contest the Jarra West by
election of 2004 if there was no discussion about an alliance.
The situation would have been more favourable to PDOIS’ Fadera who was
already very popular in the area.
Fadera gave way to Kemeseng and we put all our finances to help him to win
not because of any desire to promote PDOIS. In that regard 20,000 dalasis is
still owed to my constituency development fund as a result of Kemeseng’s first
By-election. We spent time, energy and resources not to promote any
individual party but to ensure that we could have more opposition seats in the
National Assembly to check the overwhelming power of the APRC, which was being
abused in amending the constitution. We contributed immensely in resources for
the launching of NADD, the Njau and Nianija by elections.
All these resources could have been utilized for my constituency projects
and that of Sidia and for PDOIS if we wanted to promote a PDOIS agenda. Suffice
it to say, the only trip I took on behalf of NADD led us to many states in
the United States and when I came back I gave account of a sum of 2,165
dollars. 1,000 dollars came from the Movement for Democracy in New York. 565 came
from the Raleigh group. In Seattle Mr. K gave me 300 dollars for personal use,
which I put it in the NADD account. Mr. J of Seattle, and his brother plus
Mr. M of New York gave me a combined sum of 300 dollars for personal use. I put
it in the NADD account. The treasurer should have issued receipts to all
such people but because of the split the treasurer left. Other than this no
money had ever passed in my hands from abroad except 200 dollars, which was sent
through somebody’s father by his son in Minnesota for the elections. All
monies contributed locally or externally towards the by elections in 2005 did not
finance my own campaign but went to benefit other campaigns. I financed my
own campaign during the 2005 by election.
I have received no personal benefits because of my association with NADD. I
have spent time, energy and resources that could have been devoted elsewhere.
I am stating this without any regret just to confirm that we were moved by
duty and not by any desire for power or personal gain.
Needless to say, up to the eve of nomination I was trying to put NADD
together so that only one candidate would contest.
Finally, I took the decision that if there was no enthusiasm shown for my
candidature after my nationwide tour as NADD’s flag bearer I will at least
withdraw my candidature.
There is no doubt that if I withdrew my candidature after the rapturous
reception I received everywhere in the country I could have been easily accused
of being bribed to withdraw without any credible means to defend my integrity.
History has therefore done its will. It is now left for posterity to judge.
I am however very convinced that the worst political move I could have ever
made is to encourage NADD to support a UDP or PDOIS or PPP or NRP or NDAM led
alliance. The objective of NADD was not to put any particular person or party
in power but to empower the Gambian people. I have always made it clear that
I was ready to be an instrument for the empowerment of the people and not an
instrument to help a person or party come to power for its sake. NADD was
indeed the strategic instrument to liberate the country. We missed the
opportunity.
The way forward is clear. As a caretaker flag bearer I have no option but to
create a new foundation for opposition politics in the country. No one
doubts that in my speech after my nomination I had shown my determination to
confront the APRC regime with my bare hands and risk death if they wanted to
intimidate my supporters not to vote for me. Now, no stretch of the imagination
could enable me to win a presidential election with 23, 473 votes. In this
regard, I have no moral authority to claim that I am mandated to liberate a
people who had all the power to entrust their voices and authority for me to speak
on their behalf but decided not to do so. Yes we have talked about many
anomalies such as underage and foreign voters, suppression of voters’ cards
through tricks by Yai Compins, intimidation, tribalism, inducement and some even
coming to vote with voters’ cards without their names being found in the
register or the counter foil but were rejected. However, this can only be of use
for electoral reform.
In this respect, the only opposition that is permissible for me to be a flag
bearer of is one that accepts to function under the MOU that all politicians
signed under the auspices of President Obasanjo and the Commonwealth.
The preamble states that the parties do recognize that “ a peaceful and
stable political environment underpinned by a transparent, plural and democratic
political dispensation is vital for the future prosperity and for the
happiness and well being of its people; that they do recognize, “the legitimacy of
the present government and its right to govern, within the constitution and
the laws of the land on the one hand and the rights of the political opposition
to operate freely and to hold the government to account on the other hand.”
In this respect, NADD will move away from squabbles, monitor the policies
and practices of the APRC government and the party. We will consult, give
advice, scrutinize and criticize where necessary. We will do so by seeking
audiences with members of the executive and the various officers of their party
apparatus. We will issue letters, statements, press releases, cassettes so that
an alternative voice of sanity will remain ever present in this country to
help promote our collective awareness to guide our collective destiny. We will
try to conduct ourselves in accordance with the standards of best practice so
that we earn national and internal respect. We will try to have weight to put
a stop to impunity and promote respect for fundamental rights and rule of
law. We will serve as the conscience of the state by being involved in anything
that a people who love their country and people should be involved in. we
will provide examples by precepts and practice.
To conclude I wish to thank all those who have taken part in cash, kind or
spirit to work day and night to promote our common aspiration to create a
Gambia that we can call our dear motherland because of the protection it gives us
to live in liberty and prosperity. Of course I am not satisfied with the way
we were abandoned by The Gambian community abroad. We can all fold our
hands. Who then will save our dear motherland? If 400 Gambians abroad were to
contribute 200 dollars each we would have had all the T-shirts, flags, transports
and mobilisers we need to conduct a successful campaign in addition to our
resources. May be they will respond to the National Assembly elections. If not
they should partly accept responsibility for any quasi one party state that
may emerge. All this blame should not go to split, lack of support is another
cause.
That all people must one day live in liberty and prosperity free from
oppression and poverty is the verdict of the human conscience and will. This
verdict is irrevocable. The just conscience and will are always outraged by
injustice and degradation. Such conscience and will always yearn for dignity and
self worth. This is why hope must never be lost. Hope will never be lost!! Hope
never dies where the just are alive. Behind all the dark clouds the golden
sunlight is waiting to shine. The future is bright.
Notwithstanding, we wish to express special appreciation to the 27 people
who gave their support to NADD, especially the few members of the STGDP who
kept their promises, the Minnesota Group.
Long live NADD!
Long live Democracy!
Long live the people!
THE PROBLEMS OF POVERTY (SOS GAYE DILATES)
By Annia Gaye
Mr. Mousa Gibril Bala Gaye, Secretary of State for Finance and Economic
Affairs has noted that poverty is the most serious and endemic problem that
governments and peoples face in most part of sub-Saharan Africa. Hon Gaye was
speaking at the opening of a 10 day national project implementation workshop that
is being held at Kariaba Beach Hotel. The theme of the workshop is “National
project Implementation and Poverty Reduction.”
Mr. Gaye further described poverty as the root cause of disease, instability
and conflicts. He said the most striking challenge facing the world today is
the alleviation of endemic poverty worldwide.
He stated that poverty is widespread and endemic in The Gambia. He however
noted that there is evidence of decline in certain areas of the country. He
further stated that The Gambia’s second Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
(2007-2011) has been adopted as the framework for bringing together national policy
programmes, projects and development assistance for realizing the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGS), the Poverty Reduction Goals and the Governments
Vision 2020.
Hon Gaye pointed out that the training workshop is one of the concrete
actions organised to ensure that the projects adhere to the Bank Group
disbursement and procurement notes and procedures. On this note, he said the training
will serve as one of the effects in their joint efforts to improve the
soundness of the Gambia portfolio, as other complementary plans are ongoing.
He further revealed that his department has undertaken a restructuring and
recorganisation exercise that is aim at building capacities and improving
project management and the Aid coordination Directorate. He underscored the
various areas of project’s implementation, such as procurement and disbursement,
which are based on a prescribed set of rules and procedures that government
should follow.
WOMAN COMPLAINS OVER DUMPSITE
By Isatou Bittaye
A resident of Latrikunda German, Aji Mama Sillah has complained of a
deplorable dumpsite at her immediate surrounding. She said the pungent odour coming
from the dumpsite has made life difficult for her. She said she lives at a
water logged area and that when it rains in the past, the water use to pass
through that area, but the creation of the dumpsite has affected the free flow
of water and this has caused flooding in her compound. Aji Mama indicated that,
she has lived in that place for many years, but it is only of late that she
is facing these problems. She said that after every rainfall, the water and
rubbish settled in her compound and this affects them. She indicated that
people from Latrikunda and Kanifing South always came with vehicles to dump their
rubbish at the area and whenever she complained, they always insult her. She
indicated that she has complained to the K.M.C, but nothing has been done to
solve the problem, noting that the K.M.C has visited the area once and
promised to do something about it, but they are yet to do something about it.
“ I am desperate and tired with this problem. I have done everything to
address the problem,” she remarked. When contacted the K.M.C cleansing service
manager, Mr. Edrisa Njie said that the women has lodged complaint to the K.M.C
and they visited the area. He indicated that the K.M.C cleared the area in
2003, and people redumped refuse there. She said the woman reloaded her
complaint recently.
He said the K.M.C promised her that they will clear the area. He was quick
to say that he does not know when his institution will clear the area because
they have lots of problems to address. He said the K.M.C does not have enough
facilities. He lighted that the community has a role to play in waste
disposal and management.
UDP STALWART STILL IN DETENTION
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The members of the family of Kanyiba Kanyi, a Stalwart of the United
Democratic Party, have told this reporter that their loved one is not released by
the authorities.
According to them, Justice Monagen has ordered the unconditional release of
their family member but they are still waiting for his release. They pointed
out that they do not know the necessary steps they should take to facilitate
the release of Kanyiba Kanyi. They also indicated that they are yet to
establish the whereabout of Kanyiba Kanyi.
They noted that, they are very concerned about his health. Readers could
recall that Kanyiba Kanyi was arrested on the 18th September 2006, at his home
at Bonto, Kombo East. He was later granted bail by Justice Monagen, but he is
still in detention.
BRITON MURDER TRIAL DEFERED AGAIN
By Modou Jonga
The murder trial involving Kate Afori and Co has been deferred to Tuesday
14th November 2006 by the trial magistrate E.F Mbai on Tuesday 31st October 2006
at the Brikama Magistrate Court upon the application of the prosecution.
In his application for an adjournment, the Chief Police Prosecutor Western
Division, ASP Tijan Badjie told the court that all the four accused were not
present in court, noting that they were being held in remand. He also told the
court that the British Police are still helping the serous crimes unit of
the Gambia Police Force on the scientific aspect of the case.
Going further, ASP Badjie, said, he was informed by one superintendent
Kinteh, that the latest piece of evidence from the scientific investigation
carried out by the British Police were supplied to the serious crimes unit on
Monday and has been duly forwarded to the Attorney General’s Chambers, who the
prosecutor said, are presently handling the case file for legal advice.
Based on the above, an application was sought by the prosecutor which was
granted by the presiding magistrate without objection by lawyer Camara, counsel
for the first accused Kate Afori West and lawyer C.O Secka counsel for the
fourth accused David Bathran.
DEFENCE COUNSEL LAMENTS DELAY IN HAKIM’S CASE
Lawyer Sourahata Semega-Janneh, the defence counsels representing Mr. Wally
Mahmoud Hakim, who is charged with firearms offences at the High Court,
lamented the delay the case had suffered. Hakim is charged with two counts of
criminal offences, on count1, he is facing the charge of “possession of the
firearms without authority,” contrary to Section 8 of the Arms and Ammunition Act,
Cap.21:01 vol. III Laws of The Gambia 1990. According to the statement of
offence, Wally Mahmoud Hakim, on or about the 17 February 2005, in Kerr Serign
in the Western Division, had in his possession firearms without proper
authority.
On count 2, he is charged with, “ Importation of firearms into The Gambia
without import licence,” contrary to section 6 of the Arms and Ammunition Act.
He was alleged to have imported into The Gambia, firearms without an import
licence duly granted by the prescribed Authority. He had, however, denied the
charges.
When the case resumed on Monday, October 16, before Mrs. Justice S. Monageng
of the High Court in Banjul, Principal State Counsel Mr. A.S. Umar appeared
for the state. The case could not proceed as the prosecutor asked for an
adjournment. He told the court that at the last adjournment date, the NIA officer
involved in the investigation was then part of the AU Summit Security
Personnel, and that after that summit; the said officer was not available.
According to Umar, the officer is out of the jurisdiction and is not with the NIA
now. He said the defence had produced photocopies of documents to show that
Hakim had licence for the firearms, and they said the originals were with the
NIA. So, he said the prosecution was trying to confirm whether the documents
were with the NIA or whether they should continue with the case or not.
The prosecutor further said that only two officers were involved in the
investigation, but he said he could not disclose certain things before the
court. He therefore craved the court’s indulgence for an adjournment, noting that
the prosecution is aware of the health condition of the accused. He said they
would be willing to take any adjournment that would suit the accused.
In reply, Senior Counsel Janneh said: “ My Lord, I did not doubt the
sincerity of my learned friend, but I must say that I doubt the sincerity of the
system.” He informed the court that the case had started at Bundung since 2005
and nothing was done there. He said the case was then transferred to the High
Court where, according to him, nothing is done. He lamented that Hakim has
suffered mentally due to the burden of the case and his business also had
suffered. Janneh said they have shown ample evidence that the accused is seriously
ill and due to the nature of the illness, he had to go to the Unites States
for treatment on three occasions but he came back. That the counsel stressed,
that that showed that Hakim is clean, saying the case has no basis. He said
if the prosecution is not ready to proceed he would ask for the case to be
struck out or the accused be discharged. Justice Monageng, in her ruling
expressed her concern regarding the inability of the NIA to produce the original of
the document. She added; “ We, legal people should show concern to the
plight of people in our custody.” She gave the prosecution the last adjournment to
proceed, failure of which, she said, she would discharge the accused.
The Judge also said she was concerned that only one person could produce the
said document at the NIA.
Meanwhile, Hakim himself had spoken to the court on his ailment, saying he
was to undergo a serious surgery. The case was adjourned to November 2. It
would be recalled that Hakim was arrested following the brutal assassination of
a prominent journalist, Deyda Hydara, by unknown assailants, but he was
subsequently released.
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