Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 31/2008, 14-16 2008
Editorial
The GPU Congress
Which Way Forward?
As the Gambia Press Union (GPU) Congress draws near a
variety of views on the performance and conduct of the GPU have been
expressed.
Indeed, much interest has been shown by media
practitioners and apparently others on the forthcoming congress. This is a
healthy development because it indicates that the GPU has a significant role
to
play, and can play a significant role in the development of our dear land.
The Constitution of The Gambia recognises the
significant role of the media as the watch dog of society by stating
explicitly
in Section 207 subsection (3) that “The press and other information media
shall
at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of
this Constitution, and the responsibility of the Government to the people of
The Gambia.”
This is a heavy responsibility that must be recognised
by all media practitioners. The role of the GPU is to facilitate the role of
the media. Concretely it means providing the necessary support to make it
possible for media houses and media practitioners to conduct their work in a
professional manner in a free atmosphere.
In other words, a strong GPU can strengthen the media
while a weak GPU can make the media vulnerable. Hence, not losing sight of
the
issues at hand at the congress is of great importance.
Gambia lacks professional
courses for journalism which paves the way for a professional media. Needless
to say, professionalism becomes empty chatter where freedom of expression is
lacking. The experience in The Gambia in the past few years as far as freedom
of expression is concerned leaves much to be desired.
In our view, therefore, selecting the best candidate
means selecting the one who can best promote the professionalism of the media
and freedom of the press in The Gambia.
While reflecting on the past and
looking towards the future, it is prudent for all and sundry to exercise
vigilance and avoid being caught off guard by any hidden hand that may
attempt
to cast a die. The dichotomy between genuine concern and manipulation must be
grasped.
To conclude, the time has come for the elected
representatives to render account and for the membership to carve its
destiny.
Two types of leadership can emerge from the congress – a leadership which can
strengthen the media by promoting professionalism and freedom of expression
or
one that can stifle the media.
Security
Agents Fail To Appear In Chief Manneh’s Case
Five state agents of The Gambia, who were summoned by
the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja,
Nigeria, in the
ongoing case of a “disappeared” Gambian journalist on March 11, 2008,
failed to
make an appearance before the court to testify.
The security agents had been summoned by the court to clear themselves of
their
alleged involvement in the arrest and
subsequent detention of Chief Ebrima Manneh, a former reporter of the Daily
Observer newspaper.
The court therefore adjourned the case till June 5,
2008 for delivery of its judgment.
The security agents, three military personnel and two
police officers, had been mentioned earlier by witnesses as involved in the
arrest and detention of Chief Manneh.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) last year
brought legal action for the sub-regional court to compel The Gambian
government to unconditionally release the journalist.
The Gambian government has consistently failed to
appear before the court. On July 7, 2006, colleagues of Manneh witnessed his
arrest at the Daily Observer premises. He has since been sighted in the
custody of state security personnel, but the government has denied ever
arresting him.
The MFWA was founded in 1997 to defend and promote the
rights and freedom of the media and all forms of expression.
Journalists Benefit From GPU
Week-Long Training
By Isatou Bittaye
A week long training workshop organised by Gambia
Media Support (GAMES) and The Gambia Press Union (GPU) for journalists ended
on
Wednesday at the GPU office. Speaking at the closing, a trainer Ms. Eva
Dalgaard Adreassen said that they achieved a lot in the training between the
groups. She added that one cannot be a good journalist without improvement on
his/her work and this can be achieved through training. Ms. Eva urged
journalists to practice what they have learnt in doing their work and also
use
the knowledge and skills of their colleagues to improve on their work. She
said
journalists should be sharing experiences, noting that one can criticize but
objectively on other’s report and in that way all of you will improve in your
work.
Buttressing on the issues they have learnt, a trainee,
Bubacarr K. Sowe said they have learnt how to put in the skills of team work,
news writing, mapping, interviews, head lining and source of information. He
said his group have been trained on these issues and they learnt a lot.
Saul Saidy a trainee said his group was trained on
photo journalism. He said they dealt with issues such as ethics of taking
pictures, and the need for photo journalism. He said they also learnt basic
skills of using camera. Saidy buttressed on the need for photos in the
strory,
noting that sometimes it is the picture which sells the paper and it tells
what
the story is about. He emphasized for the need for photo journalists in media
houses.
A Board member of GPU and Editor-in chief of Foroyaa
Newspaper, Mr. Sam Sarr, buttressed on the difficulties faced by media
houses.
Mr. Sarr said lack of resources play a great role in the low level of output
by
reporters. He said media houses are also experiencing practical problems
which
need to be resolved. He added that the high tax rate on media houses also
impacted on their output because it makes them encounter difficulties in
remunerating reporters and that also contributes to the reporters’ output.
Mr.
Sarr also dilated on the need for photos in stories.
At the end of the closing ceremony, this reporter
caught up with some of the trainees who expressed views on the training.
Bubacarr K. Sowe, Reporter Foroyaa Newspaper
The training is very beneficial because it will
improve my work to a great extent and that will help tell my story to the
readers. The skills I learnt will be used and I will disseminate it to my
colleagues and by using the new skills, it will improve the output of the
paper. I am very much grateful to the organizers and I also called on them to
widen the programme so that many reporters will benefit from the skills of
other journalists who are working in a different environment. I also thanked
Eva, my training instructor, for the encouragement and support she has given
me
during the week long training. I was under the section of News and Feature
writing and I gained a lot from the training.
Nfamara Jawneh, Reporter, Point Newspaper
I was under the section of photo journalism and definitely
I gained a lot from the training. New skills were acquired during the
training
and I hope that this kind of training will continue so that more people would
benefit from it. I am very grateful to my training instructor, Mr. Troels,
and
the GPU. Capacity building is very vital in any given profession and this
training will help me a lot in my work.
Saul Saidy, Reporter News and Report
I learnt a lot in the training as I was under the
photo journalism group. I have also seen the importance and there is need to
take it up in all media houses. It enlightened me and it will have a great
impact on my work. I thanked the trainers for given us knowledge and skills.
Mr. Troels Norlem, Trainer From Denmark
We have achieved a lot in the training because the
participants are more concerned with the importance of the training. They wer
e
also aware of the need for photo journalism and its importance because
pictures
make the paper and story easy to understand. We also talked about technical
things and different uses of the camera. We are working in Denmark and
will try to change and adjust the time and see what method would suit the
participants. This is the 3rd training programme but the first of its kind
because it is the first time that photo journalism has been introduced.
The kind of training will be part of our future plans
and many journalists will benefit from it as time goes on. The participants
were trained on different aspects including editorial management, radio
reporting, newspaper reporting, on line reporting, photo journalism and
layout.
Gambia National Transport Union
Hold Congress
By Modou Jonga
The Gambia National Transport Union has on Wednesday,
12 March, 2008, held an extra-ordinary congress at the B.O Semega Janneh hall
in Serekunda. The congress witnessed the amalgamation of The Gambia National
Transport Union, Agricultural Food Industrial Workers Union and the
Commercial
Drivers Union.
Speaking at the congress attended by delegates from
various regions of the country, Mr. Ebou Faal, chairman of the congress, said
the new union is poised to improve conditions of the Transport industry and
to
create a more favourable environment to exchange social dialogue and
partnership. Mr. Faal calls for partnership with stakeholders to ensure the
application and implementation of the rules of International Labour
Organisation. He noted that the new union will be a non political entity and
will strive to work tirelessly in the sensitization and education of its
members.
On his part Mr. Daddy Sowe, the out going president of
The Gambia National Transport and Agricultural Food Industrial Workers Union,
said that he has voluntarily stepped down to give room for the younger
generation of Unionists. Mr. Sowe urged for unity and collective endeavors in
the activities of the union. He noted his resolve to render advise to the new
union when the need arises. Mr. Sowe reiterated the need for members of the
union to speak with one voice and avoid differences.
The congress also witnessed the presentation and
adoption of the draft amended constitution of the new union and the election
of
the new executive committee. The elected executive members of the new
Transport
Union, are in the persons of Mr. Abdoulie B. Sosseh; President, Mr. Ousman
Drammeh; first vice president, Mr. Mustapha Jobe; Second Vice President, Mr.
Amadou Bah; Secretary, Mr. Sulayman Jobe; Public Relations Officer, Mr. Janko
Jabang; Organising Secretary, Mr. Amadou Yadicon Jallow; Coordinator and Mr.
Ebou Faal; Treasurer. The trustees are Alhagie Nyassi, Sajor Kanyi and Kota
Sawaneh. Alhagie Daddy Sowe, Ismaila Sawaneh are the advisers and Mr. Juldeh
Bah is the Social Secretary.
In his brief acceptance speech, Mr. Abdoulie Sosseh,
the president-elect of The Gambia National Transport Union, Commended
delegates
for the trust and confidence bestowed on him and his committee. Mr. Sosseh
calls for unity, genuine partnership and solidarity towards the realization
of
their aims. Mr. Sosseh emphasized the need for the change of attitude and
mindset and urged members to be active and loyal to the union in enhancing
national development.
He further urged the union members to strive to establish
and maintain a positive and fruitful
working relations with all partners in development.
The congress was attended by Mr. Nyabally Barrow,
representative of the Labour department, Mr. Sunkary Badjie, chairman of the
Brikama Area Council and Mr. Samboujang Njie of the IEC.
World Women Speak Out
“Political Will Must Translate Into Financial
Commitment” Says Delegates At CSW 52
Amie Sillah
News from New York
CSW 52 Theme: Financing Gender Equality and Empowering
Women: What is the commission on the status of women? The CSW provides a
distinct place in the UN agenda that is entirely devoted to examining the
state
of progress for women. Women still comprise the majority of the world’s
absolute poor and those without access to education. Additionally disparities
in equal pay for equal work, unpaid work, continued high maternal mortality,
prominent HIV infection rates and a pandemic of violence against women are
clear indicators that our commitments to these gender specific issues must be
redoubled. The special needs of all women, young girls to older women, must
be
recognized in a context of clear-cut human rights.
“This year’s theme financing for Gender Equality and
the Empowerment of Women highlights the necessity for ensuring that women
are a
part of the financial process at all levels. More than political will is
necessary; it is the financial resources that makes the commitment a reality.
We have reached a point where many member states have pledged their support
but
now we need action. And for this, women have to be at the table, lead the
process, lending their voices, their experiences and their unique
perspectives.
Women must have the tools and the training and the
will necessary to achieve financial equality. Political will must translate
into financial commitment” says the delegates and Expert Group Report at CSW
52.
It was an exciting and rewarding two weeks, a time of
great optimism and energy. It was also very productive as the women of the
world bring their expertise and experience to the meetings and share them
with
others who have come from around the world.
The trip was sponsored by African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights
Studies. (ACDHRS).
FOCUS ON POLITICS
PRESIDENT JAWARA CUT SHORT HIS TRIP AS WAR INTENSIFIES
IN LIBERIA
Would They
Listen To Wise Advice?
With Suwaibou
Touray
This column is focusing on politics in general and
Gambian politics in particular.
In the last edition, we have commenced the narration
of events during the civil war that broke out in Liberia.
Let us continue from where we stopped.
According to the Nation Newspaper, the session was
convened to review the current Liberian crisis and plan appropriate community
action with a view to re-establishing peace and security in Liberia.
But before the Banjul Summit meeting of 30 March 1990,
PDOIS wrote a communiqué to the summit meeting warning them not to send
combatants to Liberia.
The central committee of the People’s Democratic Organization for
Independence and
Socialism (PDOIS) wrote this letter to the ECOWAS Mediation Committee on the
6th August, 1990, well before they met and discuss about the crisis in
Liberian. The PDOIS letter told the West African Leaders that the letter
sprang
from the desire of the PDOIS to contribute its quota in mapping out a route
that could be taken to bar the possibility of compounding the crisis which
has
engulfed the Liberian nation.
PDOIS reminded the leaders that substantive conception
of a crisis at hand derived from coherent evaluation of it provides the basis
for an effective plan of action; that action, no matter how well intentioned,
if it is not illumined by sound understanding of a situation, could only
yield
undesirable consequences. PDOIS therefore cautioned that peace is not
safeguarded by taking actions that are likely to breed more confusion in a
society.
The first lesson the ECOWAS mediation committee needs
to focus on, PDOIS opined is the question, why the United States which had
had
such special relation with Mr. Doe’s regime had failed to intervene in
Liberia. And
why are they removing their citizens while motivating other African countries
to send their own citizens to interfere in a military situation.
The answer PDOIS opined was simple. It said, the death
of United States citizens in
Vietnam had given rise to
mass uprisings in the U.S as people asked why their children should die in
foreign countries because of military adventures by the United States
government. This is
the reason why PDOIS said, the United
States would not commit its troops to any
intervention where there is likely to be a bloodbath or a long drawn out war.
PDOIS argued that the U.S government would not be able
to solve the problems of the Panamanian People after the departure of
Noriega,
that after the departure all the problems confronting the people would be
attributed to the intervention. The PDOIS Central Committee insisted that the
U.S had then acknowledged that it had terribly miscalculated in its invasion
of
panama; that the United States had thought that the unpopularity of Noriega
would enable them to invade panama without much resistance; that it had then
been clear to the U.S that if it intervened everywhere it would make many
enemies while it’s competitors in the economic sphere would make more friends
and win more markets.
This and many other reasons made the PDOIS arrived at
the lesson that intervention was a very expensive enterprise. It said, if one
takes a partial view, its advantages may over-balance the disadvantages.
PDOIS
however said if it is viewed from a global angle, the disadvantages may
outweigh their advantages. PDOIS reasoned that military situations are
transient; that they are not static; that those who engage in military
ventures
without examining all the linkages or chain effects are likely to be
confronted
with unpredictable and overwhelming developments.
The PDOIS
central committee analyzed that military situation in Liberia at that
material time; that at first, Doe’s forces were in control; that after
sometime, Charles Taylor’s forces had the upper hand; and at the time Doe was
confined at the executive mansion, then a new force led by Prince Johnson
emerged. PDOIS told the mediation committee that the fact that Mr. Taylor’s
forces controlled most of the countryside indicated that it was the strongest
force, that the fact that his forces tried to lie in wait to allow Mr.
Johnson
and Doe’s forces to wear each other out indicated that such a force has a
more
superior tactic.
The Military situation therefore stood as follows: Mr.
Johnson’s forces had formed a net on one side and Mr. Taylor’s forces on the
other side while Mr. Doe waited in a hole waiting for a chance to facilitate
his rescue.
The PDOIS letter then asked what ECOMOG was going to
do to restore peace in Liberia
“Was it going to send an intervention force to Oust Mr. Doe?” ‘Were the
ECOMOG
forces going to push Mr. Taylor’s forces back, to enable an interim
government
to be established? Were they going to confront Mr. Johnson’s force?” the
PDOIS
letter asked.
PDOIS maintained that, clearly in any of these cases,
force would have to be confronted with force which could lead to the death of
many soldiers. Peace, PDOIS wrote could not be fostered under such a climate;
that if the intervention force just remain in between the three forces, peace
would still not be attained and the suffering of the people would still
persist.
PDOIS suggested to the leaders that if the object of
ECOWAS was to promote peace, then an intervention force was the most
inappropriate instrument to utilize to attain the objective; that it would in
fact complicate matters; that it was likely to excite national chauvinism and
lasting hostilities between the people of Liberia and the nationals of
countries which may participate in the invasion.
“The principle of non-interference in the internal
affairs of other countries has the profound effect of preventing such
antagonisms arising mainly from invasion of countries by other nationals”
wrote
the party. The PDOIS opined that the shortest road at the time that could
lead
to the immediate restoration of peace was the following package:
1) An agreement be reached for Mr. Doe and his forces
to be given safe passage after being disarmed.
The force led by Mr. Taylor and Mr. Johnson would sign
to accept cessation of hostilities.
2) An interim government be formed with the strongest
force being given a strong voice in determining the composition of the
government; that guarantees be sought by the mediators for a timetable for
free
and fair elections monitored by the international community.
PDOIS asserted with all the emphasis they said they
could command that any war posture assumed by ECOWAS with the view to put an
end to the war in Liberia
cannot be rationally justified before the eyes of our various people.
They concluded among other things by sending this wise
dictum that every action taken by the mediators is history, so mediators
should
guard their actions so that history would vindicate them; that Liberia
belongs
to the Liberian people; that they alone should be commanders of their own
destiny, that outsiders can render solidarity but have no right to dictate
how
the Liberian nation was to be governed.
PDOIS told the mediators that it anticipated a
communiqué that would be vindicated by History’s judgment. The letter was
sent
to all heads of States in West Africa.
By 7th August, 1990, the mediation committee issued
their communiqué which spelt out their programme of action to restore
Liberia to
normalcy, i.e. Seat an interim government which could govern to replace
Samuel
K. Doe’s government which they said could not govern and pave the way for
elections.
ECOMOG reached Liberia on the
25th of August, 1990, with the declared objectives of seeing that a
cease-fire
was in place, ensuring the monitoring of the cease-fire, order and create the
climate for the holding of general elections.
The PDOIS’ central committee cautioned them that
military situations are transient and could change within minutes; despite
the
fact that they could not impose a ceasefire without escalating the war if one
of the warring parties refused to accept the role of ECOMOG.
This was at a time when Charles Taylor’s’ forces had
pushed Mr. Doe’s forces up to the executive mansion, but it was left to push
Doe out of a heavily fortified executive Mansion which required heavy
artillery
and according to Foroyaa analysis, that could succeed in destroying the
Mansion. Based on the analysis, Taylor’s
forces took Mr. Doe’s threats seriously and decided to move towards the
Mansion
in a cautious manner.
The new force that broke away from Charles Taylor’s
forces and got to the city of Monrovia
was led by Prince Johnson. Mr. Johnson is said to be an old soldier who has
been in almost every struggle against Samuel Doe. His tactic, Foroyaa opined
was to move in front in order to capture the Executive
Mansion, but once he attempted to do
so, he was forced to retreat because of the concentration of the fire power
around the heavily fortified Executive
Mansion. He therefore
consequently established his own base close to the Port of Monrovia.
Foroyaa analyzed that because of the balance of forces, there was a semblance
of a ceasefire imposed. This was why Foroyaa said PDOIS insisted that a
situation like that called for a political settlement, and this was why they
wrote to the mediation committee calling on them not to send a military force
to Liberia, but should try and convince Mr. Doe to accept
safe passage; call on the warring parties to cease hostilities and agree to
participate in a discussion to set up an interim government pending general
elections with the strongest warring party given the upper hand in the
composition of the government. The mediation committee however disregarded
these advices and decided to send ECOMOG when the warring parties did not
accept its mandate.
According to Foroyaa, the mediation committee was with
the obsession of sending troops to Liberia, while the Western media sang
praises to them, and their military analysts told them that their
professional
force were no match to the warring parties in Liberia, and that the US
marines
would give them logistical support forgetting that it is human beings who
fight
wars not satellites or whatever technical gadgets that supply military
intelligence.
According to Foroyaa, the situation changed before the
ECOMOG force landed and the area was under the control of Prince Johnson’s
forces; and the attempt by ECOMOG to go to the city centre was blocked by Mr.
Taylor’s forces. Foroyaa cited the BBC reports that indicated that the ECOMOG
suffered heavy casualties when Taylor’s
forces bombarded the port area at a time when a Ghanaian delegation was
boarding one of their ships after a visit to study the situation. The ship
was
said to have been hit and buildings smashed resulting to many deaths.
President Jawara who was the chairman of the mediation
committee had to cut short his trip to Zimbabwe and arrived on Sunday 16
September 1990, in a sort of confused state. He was interviewed by Malick
Jeng
of Radio Gambia
on his return.
THE INTERVIEW
Mr. Jeng: May I ask you sir why you’ve
decided to cut short your visit, you were expected to proceed to New York
from Zimbabwe?
President Jawara: Well, well, I’ve come
because at this juncture in the situation in Liberia, it is necessary to have
consultation with a lot of people involved and this is why I have come back
at
this time.
Mr. Jeng: The Ghanaians were reported to be
calling for a rethink of ECOMOG’s mandate, saying in effect that ECOMOG
should
either decide to fight or get out. What’s your reaction to that?
President Jawara: Well, as I have said, we’ve
got to a, a, a, stage in the whole operation when we should really consult
and
see how we carry the whole operations forward and I, I believe that ah, ah,
the
result of our consultations would be to really ah, do the job ah, to achieve
the objective of bringing peace to Liberia. Not, not, not to pull out but to
do
the job that, and achieve the objectives which we set in the first place.
Malick Jeng: What’s the job sir?
President Jawara: Well, that is to bring about
to help bring about peace in Liberia, I mean at the moment ah, there is a lot
of confusion; there’s a lot of fighting; there is a lot of violence, ah,
after
we consult and decide what to do next ah, this, the operation would bring
greater stability and more peace and safety and order in the, in the
situation
in Liberia.
Malick Jeng: And finally Mr. President, the
Ghanaians have over the past two days bombarded rebel positions; Charles
Taylor’s rebel positions. Is this not going to make your job a bit more
difficult?
President Jawara: Well, am, am, am not in
possession of the full details of what you’re referring to now but ah, this
all
depends, I mean this is a very complex operation and we’ve got to a stage
where
really we have to think deeply on what to do, to bring a very bad and very
confused and violent situation ah, to, to, to a halt. So am the, ah, part of
an
operation which is very complex, and which, which we have to, to look at
closely and see how to proceed in this difficult situation from now on.”
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Is She A Fortunate Woman?
With Amie Sillah
Part 4
The Results
Results were being read over state radio and National
TV. There was tenseness in both camps. Dr. Isaac was still not sure. Michelle
shut herself up in her room. She has little confidence in the people. “They
will hop you up only to drop you down at the last hour.” She tried to warn
her
husband in advance. Dr. Isaac has faith in the good judgment of the people. “
I
have laid down my credentials. I think they’ll act positively.” He argued
back.
Alhajj Bubacarr
Alhajj as he is fondly referred to is very tense. He
held that Dr. Isaac is young, inexperience and reckless. “He is naïve. He
thinks
everything is shouting and giving out speeches. He has cannot deliver. He has
no experience. I have 40 years experience. I should win the nomination.” He
barked. His surrogates tried to calm him down. “Alhajj! Take it easy. Dr.
Isaac
is new in the game. He sprang from nowhere. He can’t stand you. You have
never
lost an election. You are a champion.” They tried to soothe his nerves.
The Results Are Over
The results are over. Dr. Isaac won Alhajj by 2 digits
margin. He became furious. He blamed everyone except himself. He literally
broke down. “I have spent millions! How can I lose to that brat, that church
mouse who virtually spent nothing?” The surrogates came. He chased them away.
He refused to come to terms with the results.
At The Restaurant
Maria is very frustrated. She vents it at Reuben. She
shouts at him for everything. Reuben is calm, well behaved and well composed.
He bore her venom with calmness. This attitude frustrated her all the more.
She
depicts herself as a monster which she did not like.
The Celebration
There was great celebration in Dr. Isaac’s home. They
wine and dine. Michelle came down and joined the celebration. Doc teased her.
“You only come down because I won what about if I had lost? “You have not
lost!” Michelle joined in the fun.
The Loser
The loser Alhajj was furious as earlier reported. He
became physical and insulting to surrogates. He blamed his loss on them. “You
stupid fools! You squandered my millions. You have not spent my money on my
campaign. I would have won the race. Get out of my house!” He went after
them.
His wife Aja Mariam restricted him. She counselled him. “Are you not a man of
faith? Trust Allah! This is not yours. Your time will come.” Alhajj cried on
his wife’s arm.
Visits Mom
Maria visited her mom. She blamed her for spoiling her
siblings. “Where is Harriet?” “She has gone out to visit a friend.” Mom
explained. “You have to discipline Harriet. She is too care free for my
liking.
Mom! You are a widow. You have to handle the kids with care. Teach them life
saving skills to enable them function when you are not around.” Mom remained
defensive. Alex, the ‘chat’ (youngest) is hard working and very helpful.
Maria
praised his courage and steadfastness. “I need more hands in the canteen.
The
business is expanding. Alex can help during the holidays. That will help him
accumulate funds before school reopens. Alex! Do you dig it?” “Yes! I do
sister. I’ll love working part time holiday job in your canteen.” “Okay! a
deal?” Maria asked. “Yes! a deal.” Alex responded.
A Mail For George
A postman brought a mail for George. He was not in.
Reuben signed to receive it. George received it when he came. It was for an
interview concerning the job in Dakar.
He became excited. He jumped high up, excused himself and rushed home to
share
the news with Maria.
The News
George brought good news to his wife. He was excited.
He came home humming beautiful hymns. He found Maria picking up the laundry.
He
took it from her and started doing it with excitement. Maria was surprised.
“Georgy! What is this excitement all about? Have you won a jackpot?” “I have
won more than a jackpot! I am called for an interview in Dakar.” “Interview
in Dakar? How?” “Do you remember Mandy?” “Yes!
Amanda! Our high class client? What about Mandy?” Maria asked. “Amanda has
fulfilled her promise of finding me a job in her office in Dakar. Is it not
great? Our prayers have been
answered.” Georgy exclaimed. Maria was lukewarm, not as excited as her
husband.
Georgy is very sensitive to his wife’s coolness. Mariam took a deep breath
and
said “uh! Uhoo!” “What do you mean by uh! Uh oo!” are you not happy that
our
family is climbing up the success ladder?” Georgy tried to put Maria in a
spot.
“No! I am for our family success and you know it. But I kind of feel uneasy
with
Mandy. My instinct is never wrong. I sense foul play. Amanda is up to
something. What is her prize?” Georgy sprang up. He laughed to stupor. “Hear
you again! Always a pessimist. What prize is Amanda seeking? Nothing! And you
know it. Mandy is a family friend. She wants to help. That’s all.” “
Nonsense!
You are naïve but I am not. I am a woman. I know what I want. I know my
gender
more than you. We are not stupid. We are very smart especially when we are
empowered. Mandy is economically empowered. She now wants a man she can call
her own. You are the perfect fit Georgy! Didn’t you understand it? Are you
kidding me? I’ll fight Amanda. I’ll not stand and get my 15 years of
struggle
and commitment eroded into thin air. Stay Georgy! Don’t take the bait!
Preserve
our family. Amanda will destroy our family. She has got your soft spot. My
instinct tells me so and my instinct is never fails me.” Maria embraced
George
and became very emotional. George felt the pain. He tried to reassure Marie.
“Maria, my love! You know you are second to none in my heart. We have gone a
long way my sunshine. I’ll never betray you; if I do God will punish me.
Amanda
is harmless. She means well. Let us give her a chance.” Maria responded. “
You
said so?” “Yes! I believe so.” George replied. “The job offer is too sweet
to
reject. Cross my heart!” George reassured her.
The Campaign Trail
The U.S
Primaries
By Amie Sillah
News From New
York
Democracy at work. The only problem money!
The race is still very tight. They need the magic
number of 2025 delegates Obama has 1608 pledged delegates, Clinton has 1,478
pledge delegates.
Who Are The Candidates?
The Republicans have their presumptive nominee Sen.
McCain. He is now going round rallying the Republicans who oppose him, also
fundraising for his campaign. His difficulty being who of the Democrats he
has
to concentrate on in a tight closed race. Fewer people are coming out for the
Republicans.
The Democrats
Hillary Clinton was trailing behind Barrack Obama
since a string of straight 11 contests win since the Super Duper Tuesday when
Hillary have an edge in the big states leaving Barrack to win the other
states.
Barrack have won more states and more pledge delegates than Hillary Clinton.
Hillary Clinton
Is a two time senator of New York State.
She is married to former President Bill Clinton who served as a two time
Democratic President of the United
States. During his two terms he has been
seen as the peoples’ president because of his populist stance. Hillary is a
strong woman very determined to get what she wants by any means necessary.
Her
come back after Obama’s 11 straight wins have shown that trait Ad tactics
were
used to get the Ohio
and Taxas voters by hook or crook.
The Americans called the tactic “Kitchen Sink”
strategy dirty tricks. In Taxis an Ad was released using sleeping children
in a
time of crisis, a bomb. The Clinton
camp claimed that she is ready at day one to pick the 3 pm, or 3am call to
solve the crisis. They claimed Obama is ill experienced and cannot answer the
call. It is that Ad that Swung over the undecided voters in Taxas in favour
of
Hillary. She won by 3 points. The caucus has been counted in Taxas and Obama
has won. Hillary was determined to come back into the race. Taxas and Ohio
was a do or die for
her.
In Ohio,
she used NAFTA (North Atlantic Free Trade Association) to tell the undecided
voters that Obama supports NAFTA in private and opposes it in public and she
claimed one of Obama’s aides disclosing this information to the Canadian
government. Obama did not pay much attention to these accusations but they
did
not go away. They made him lost Ohio
and Taxas to Hillary Clinton in the primary.
Now To Barrack Obama
Obama gave his resume. He was born to a teenage mum
married to a Kenyan immigrant. His dad left him when he was 2. He was trained
by a single mum assisted by his grand parents. Through struggle he got his
education. “I am a child of hope,” he said.
When he graduated. He did not go to Wall Street to get
the bucks but instead he went to work in the streets of Chicago Fighting for
the poor and the under privileged. “That’s where I got my experience,
organising, mobilising and training to right the wrongs of the mighty against
the poor.” Fighting back against his distracters he said. “I am not naïve.
I am
very well offay with the problems of our society. People are fed up with the
‘Business As Usual’ politics of Washington.
There are good ideas. But the lobbyists kill them at Washington. I want to
do business
differently I know you and I can make that change. If you are ready we can”.
Normally the people will go frenzy. “Yes we can! Yes we can!” The
journalists
exclaimed. “The people applaud when Obama sneezes.” I believe that change
will
come to America
bottom up and not the other way round. It is be difficult but together we can
”.
“Yes we can! Yes we can!” Barrack is a genius in community mobilisation. He
effectively use the internet to inspire, mobilise, organise and get the
people
do things on their own. He gave them the political ownership of their
campaign.
Even his opponents attest to this fact. He is a fiery fundraiser. In February
his organisation raised more than 57 million dollars. Clinton was
experiencing
some difficulties to raise money as she trails the campaign but her coming
back
into the race have earned her campaign 3 million dollars after primaries of
Ohio and Taxas.
“I have not receive a dime from any Lobbyist. They
will not set my agenda when I become the president of the U.S.” He is
confident, likeable and down to earth and mingles with the people. These are
very fine leadership qualities that we should all emulate. Obama have
supports
from all agents of change who are dissatisfied with Washington. He has
support from the
Republicans calling themselves Obamacans, from the independents who are
neither
Democrats nor Republicans. All oppressed people of all colours, race, creed,
gender, religion all over the world support him in all the continents. Obama
has created a wave. Whatever happens tomorrow, all the same. He has made
history.
Gender is about men and women. From what I have seen
and heard, I can safely said Obama is gender conscious and gender sensitive.
He
consults his wife on everything. Michelle Obama describes her husband in
these
words. “Despite his busy schedule in the campaign, he never forsakes us. He
came for Christmas and spent it with us to celebrate in our family. He sends
me
a Valentine card and takes me out to celebrate our anniversary. He is
consistent. He is a good, caring husband. I’ll not allow anyone to throw
“kitchen sink’ at him”. Michelle told Larry King Live CNN.
Barrack told some voters. “l love my mum . She
struggles to make me who I am today. I love my wife Michelle; she is a strong
woman, a strong arm to lean on. She made me stopped smoking cigarette. I am
grateful to her. I love my two daughters. Like other American daughters and
sons, l want them have the best”. I respect a person by his words and deeds.
Hillary is a strong determined woman. I respect and
wish her well. If elected she will equally made history.
My Commentary
I believe as women me have to enter politics as
consensuous candidates. We are the mothers, sisters, daughters, wives. We
have
to talk to everybody, bring everyone on board to get the work done and to
change the ‘Business as usual’ order and get work done to satisfy the people
who matters and who suffers all the time. The Nigerian Governor of Anambra
State was impeached for corruption. His
Deputy is a lady. She assumed the Acting governorship portfolio for 100 days.
“I brought everybody on board. I became a consensuous governor. People took
ownership and the work was done.” She told the fringe meeting I attended at
the
UN. We cannot follow the old boys’ tactics. We have to bring passion, hope
and
genuine change in politics.” Mama Governor told the audience.
The Hoodwink Game
Former President Bill have talked about the dream
team. “Hillary wins the country side. Barrack wins the cities. These two form
an unstoppable wave”. “People ask me that they want to vote for both of us.
I
laughed and told them it can be possible someday”. Said Hillary. “They
insinuate that Barrack will be her vice. Obama’s position:. “It is
premature as
yet. The fight for delegates continues. The states will decide who will be
the
nominee. I am standing for president not as a forerunner.” Obama explained to
his supporters. He has learnt the bitter lesson from Ohio and Taxas. “I am
leading in delegates
and have won more states. How can first be the second and the second be
first?
Obama asked.
The Good Practice
Democracy is at work in the U.S. There is free speech and free
debate. There is no intimidation, bad blood or impunity from the state. There
is of course hate messages from negative people but at the end free
conscience
prevails. Candidates debate issues. I love that! That is the opposite of
Africa. Bad governance, corruption, impunity and
violation of human and people’s rights. Africa
has to learn from good practices to earn the respect of the world.
WAEC Holds 13th Endowment Fund Lecture
By Gibairu
Jammeh
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has on
Monday, held its 13th Endowment Fund lecture at the Jama Hall in the
Kairaba Beach Hotel.
The lecture was initiated in 1984 at the 30 council
meeting in Monrovia, Liberia, in a bid to promote
educational development project, provide funds for awards to deserving
candidates, promote educational research and standardize the education system
and also integrate the sub- regional curriculum.
This year’s lecture was in connection to the 56th
annual council meeting, which is hosted by the Gambia. The topic for this
year’s
lecture was “Enhance agricultural education is an inevitable necessity for
our
survival.” Presenting the lecture paper, Bishop Tilewa Johnson said
agriculture
is an area of study most relevant to our region. He said agriculture does not
only provide food and income provision but also enable us to remember the
history of our ancestors when mankind is connected to the land for survival.
He
said despite the crucial importance of agriculture it is still being rejected
by the majority of the youths and is taken to be an occupation for those who
are less educated. He said for agriculture to be valued today, the people
must
change their attitudes towards agriculture and the exams council must make
Agric education system inspirational for
the young to admire. He also spoke against the unfair trade terms that
characterize the international economy and called on African states to search
for opportunities that will enable them to have greater access to the
international market.
Bishop Johnson also said that for agriculture to
triumph there should be a friendly environment, political will, markets and
technological advancement and if these factors are denied, then the system
will
not change for good. He remarked that the purpose of education is to prepare
people for a meaningful life, and the challenge therefore lies with the
examiners to make agric education system one that will be beneficial to the
people after studying it in school. “Agriculture is an occupation that can
be replicated
whilst it is being taught. Inspiration from any field can only come from a
positive vision. We cannot therefore separate agriculture from the
socio-economic environment that is prevailing” the Bishop said. He also said
that the education system should be such that it does include everybody in
its
learning process, adding that “people with physical disabilities must not be
excluded in the learning process.”
He concluded by calling on government and partners to
support the agricultural system. He also challenged WAEC to present an
education system that will be relevant to the lives of the people.
Chief of Defence Staff Promoted
By Modou Jonga
A press release aired by GRTS on Wednesday has
indicated that the president of the republic, in his capacity as
commander-in-chief
of the armed forces of The Gambia and in accordance with section 190 of the
constitution, has approved the promotion of the Chief Defence Staff, Lang
Tombong Tamba, from Brigadier General to Major General. This promotion is
said
to be with immediate according to the release.
Man, 45, Commits Suicide
By Modou
Jonga
Reports reaching Foroyaa has it that one Mari Bah, a
resident of Brikama Gidda in the Kombo Central District has committed suicide
by hanging on Wednesday 12 March, 2008.
According to eye witnesses the late Mr. Bah hanged
himself on a tree near a mosque located at the said place and was discovered
by
passers-by.
Sources noted that the tragic incident was reported to
the Brikama police station and officers were dispatched to the scene. The
deceased was taken to the Brikama health centre and the police station before
being referred to the RVTH for post mortem. Sources confirmed to this
reporter,
that the deceased was laid to rest on the late evening on the same day.
Relatives
expressed shock and grief over the tragic incident.
Inspector Sulayman Secka, the police public relation
officer said the deceased is reported to be mentally unbalanced.
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