Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 27/2008, 5 – 6 March 2008
Editorial
DOES THE PRESIDENT MEAN HIS WORD?
Does the President really mean what he says? Let’s follow him to Brikama
where he recently inaugurated the Chief of Kombo North, Demba Sanyang, as the
first paramount chief.
What did he say? He did not launch an attack on democracy as a western
concept as he sometimes does. No, he spoke of constitutional rule, of the rule of
law. If The Point is to go by the following are quotations from his speech at
the inauguration.
“I the president, and you the traditional rulers, we are all below the law.”
He is reported to have told traditional rulers that they are bound by the
same constitution that empowered them, calling on them to dispense with justice
in accordance with the Constitution and the Local Government Act.
He is quoted as saying “In the dispensation of justice there should be no
fear or favour.”
Mr. President, Kanyiba Kanyi is still detained without trial even though the
high court has ordered for his release in 2006. Lt. Camara is held at Mile
II even though the high court had granted him bail in respect of one set of
charges and the Magistrates Court in respect of another set of charges. Your
security forces do not even have courtesy to take him to court.
Just when will the executive learn to comply with court orders and give the
courts a lease of life so that they can act without fear or favour?
We cannot judge the President by the populist slogans he utters but his
practice. In short, he cannot be said to be committed to constitutional rule if
people continue to be detained without trial and the executive does not comply
with court orders.
Lieutenant Bakary Camara Still Not In Court
New Charges Looming
By Bubacarr K. Sowe & Fabakary B. Ceesay
Lieutenant Bakary Camara, a body guard to President Jammeh is yet to appear
in court as the prosecution failed to abide by two bail orders issued by a
Magistrate and a High Court judge.
Lieutenant Camara was to appear in court yesterday at the Banjul Magistrates
Court, but the prosecutor told the court that the accused person is remanded
at the State Central Prison at Mile Two. Yesterday’s absence of Lieutenant
Camara makes it the second consecutive adjournment of the case due to the
absence of the accused person.
Camara is facing two counts of giving false information and one count of
theft. He was initially charged with conspiracy, stealing and economic crime
alongside Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Manlafi Sanyang, controller
of government vehicles and Momodou Lamin Sonko, proprietor of Boto
Construction.
Meanwhile, Inspector Yaya Touray yesterday told the court that they want an
adjournment for the trial of Lieutenant Camara until today (March 5). The
prosecutor said he received new charges against Camara from the Attorney General’
s Chambers and he wants to consolidate it with the charges of ASP Sanyang
and Domenico Fideli, both on trial on the same subject.
Lieutenant Camara’s Lawyer, Lamin S. Camara told the court that the matter
should not be adjourned because the prosecution refused to bring the accused
person who is on bail. Lawyer Camara said that the prosecution’s action shows
disrespect for the court orders, stressing that the accused was never given
the chance to meet his bail application. Mr. Camara argued that as soon as the
court rose on the day, his client was granted bail. The accused was
immediately whisked away by security officers without meeting the bail condition.
However, Magistrate Kayode Olajubutu said since the prosecutor has opened
what he called the Pandora’s box he should enter the witness box and testify
since the accused person who is on bail has not been released. Inspector Touray
however refused to testify on the whereabouts of Lieutenant Camara.
The Magistrate then ruled that he will not take Inspector Touray as serious
and he will issue a bench warrant for the accused person who he said is on
bail. Apart from the D50,000 bail bond granted by Magistrate Kayode to the
accused person, he was initially granted bail by a High Court judge in the sum of
one million dalasi in respect of other charges, but both orders are yet to
be honoured by the state.
Bai Ousman, Batata, In Court For Alleged Visa Deal
By Fabakary B. Ceesay & Bubacarr K. Sowe
Two ex-permanent secretaries at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bai
Ousman Secka and Mahamadu Batata S. Juwara respectively appeared before
magistrate Imelda Mboto of the Banjul Magistrates Court on Tuesday 4 March, charged
with six different counts of offences. They all pleaded not guilty to all
the charges against them.
The statement of offence indicates; conspiracy to committee felony, contrary
to section 368 of the Criminal Code. The statement states, Bai Ousman Secka
and Mahamadou Batata S. Juwara sometimes in 2007,while employed in the civil
service of The Gambia at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs in
Banjul and other places in the Gambia, conspired together to commit a felony to
wit; procuring visa with false information and thereby committed an offence.
On count two, the statement indicates; making false document without
authority contrary to section 332 (a) of the Criminal Code. The particulars stated
that Bai Ousman Secka and Mahamadou Batata S. Juwara on or about the 23 day of
August 2007, at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs in the city of
Banjul, in The Gambia, with intent to deceive, “make a verbal addressed to the
American Embassy for the issuing of American Visa to Ms. Isatou Njie on the
ground that she is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in
New York scheduled for September 2007, which information they knew to be
false and thereby committed an offence.:”
Count three states; making false document without authority contrary to
section 332 (a) of the Criminal Code. Particulars of offence indicate that Bai
Ousman Secka and Mahamadou Batata S. Juwara, on or about the 23 day of August
2007 at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs in the city of Banjul, in
the Republic of The Gambia, with intent to deceive, they made a note verbal
addressed to the American Embassy for the issue of American Visa to Ebou
Manneh on the ground that he has been officially posted to the Gambia High
Commission in New York, which information they knew to be false and thereby
committed an offence.
On count four, it states uttering false document contrary to section 332 (b)
of the Criminal Code. The particulars state that, Mahamadou Batata S. Juwara
while employed in the civil service of the Gambia at the Department of State
for Foreign Affairs in Banjul, The Gambia, he sometime in 2007 with intent
to deceive, knowingly presented a false note verbal dated 23 August 2007, to
the American Embassy knowing the same to be false and thereby committed an
offence.
Count five states that, Abuse of office contrary to section 90 of the
Criminal Code. Particulars indicated that, Bai Ousman Secka and Mahamadou Batata S.
Juwara sometimes in the year 2007, while employed in the civil service of
the Government of the Gambia at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs in
Banjul, Republic of The Gambia, they procured American Visa for Ms. Isatou
Njie in abuse of their office and thereby committed an offence.
Count six states Abuse of office contrary to section 90 of the criminal
code, laws of The Gambia. The particulars of offence states that Bai Ousman
Secka and Mahamadou Batata S. Juwara, sometimes in the year 2007, whilst employed
in the public service of The Gambia in the Department of State for Foreign
Affairs, they procured American Visa for Ebo Manneh in abuse of their office
and thereby committed an offence.
Both the accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges. However
count four only implicates Mr. Juwara.
Their defence counsels applied for bail as the offences are bailable. They
were granted bail in the sum of D500,000 dalasi each and to provide two
Gambians reasonable sureties. The state was represented by Inspector Yaya Touray,
while Lawyer Borry S. Touray, Mrs. Hawa Ceesay Sabally, Amie Joof Conteh and
Momodou Lamin Drammeh, stood for the defendants.
GPU To Hold Congress Saturday March 22
According from a statement from The Gambia Press Union, it is set to hold
its fifth Triennial Congress on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the President’s
Award Scheme Hall in Bakau. The Congress, a mandatory requirement under Article
6b of its Constitution, is now due and to ensure compliance with the
Constitution.
The holding of the congress is a precondition for any further media
development in The Gambia. Also, governance issues are critical to the management
and integrity of an organisation that faces numerous challenges in terms of
operating in an environment that is generally hostile to the media. Transparent
and accountable systems of governance are also critical for self regulation
and for the maintenance of a credible institution.
To this end the Gambia Press Union Executive last week toured media houses
to discuss plans for the event and to ensure a good turn out. “The triennial
Congress is a statutory requirement in the GPU Constitution. Good governance
also promotes transparency and accountability not only to the membership but
to the public at large. As media practitioners, we should practice what we
preach, if we are asking government and public institutions to be transparent
and accountable, then, we should also do likewise,” said GPU secretary
general Ndey Tapha Sosseh.
GPU President Madi Ceesay told journalists that the Union is an institution
that represents all Gambian journalists and that for it to effectively
continue “to be a champion of press freedom and to fight for the right of
journalists to practice their profession in The Gambia,” journalists must turn out in
their numbers and vote in those that they wish to steer the affairs of the
Union for the next three years.
During the Congress, the financial and status reports of the Union over the
past three years will be presented and discussed; a consultative discussion
on the way forward and sustainability will be held and a new executive board
of nine is expected to be voted in.
Foreign Diplomat Acquitted
By Modou Jonga
Mr. Willem Tako Battema, a foreign diplomat of the United Nations, Mr.
Willem E. Wincker, all Dutch nationals and one Momodou Jallow were on Monday 3
march, 2008 arraigned before Magistrate Ayub Johnny Njie of the Brikama
Magistrates’ Court.
The trio were dragged to court by the state for allegedly committing
criminal trespass and causing annoyance to an officer on duty at the Carnegie
Minerals Mining Site located at Sanyang in the Kombo South on 27 February, 2008.
When the case was called, counsel for the accused persons, Lawyer Jobarteh
noted that the first accused person (Willem Tako Battema) is a diplomat and
that the court is incompetent to try him. The diplomatic passport of Mr.
Battema was tendered in court and the latter was accordingly acquitted by
Magistrate Njie.
In his testimony a PIU officer Amadou Sanyang said while on duty on 27
February, 2008 at the Carnegie Mineral Mining Site at Sanyang with one Corporal
Bojang and Alieu Krubally, the accused persons drove with a vehicle to the said
site.
Subsequently, noted the witness, the accused persons took photos of the sand
at the site and collected samples of it. Mr. Sanyang noted that the accused
persons were approached and questioned and the trio replied that they are
from Sanyang Beach and that they are Dutch nationals. He said it was the
discharged diplomat who took photos of the sand. Mr. Sanyang said the trio were
informed that the site is restricted but the trio told him, that they are unaware
of it being restricted. According to Mr. Sanyang he led the trio to his
senior, Corporal Bojang and the accused persons were taken to Sanyang Police
Station. Sanyang said, his statement was taken at the said police station and
that a while Nokia phone N93 camera was used to take pictures of the sand. He
recognised the said phone which was tendered and admitted in evidence.
During cross examination of the witness, Lawyer Jobarteh put it to the
witness that the defendants were unaware that the site is restricted and that
there was no sign board to indicate such. The witness noted that there was a
signboards marked danger at the site. The witness agreed with Lawyer Jobarteh
that the accused persons at the time of questioning were quite obedient.
Lawyer Jobarteh further told the court, that his client were put in a cell
and detained. The two accused persons, other than the diplomat (who was
acquitted) had pleaded not guilty and the prosecutor was ASP Camara. They were
granted bail in the sum of one hundred thousand dalasis each and the bail bond
was signed by Lawyer Jobarteh.
NUGS Begins 2nd Annual Congress
By Gibairu Janneh and Isatou Bittaye
The National Union of Gambian Students (NUGS) has on Friday begun its second
annual congress at the friendship hotel in Bakau. The congress which brought
together over two hundred students from the tertiary institutions is
designed to engage students in discussing issues pertaining to student welfare and
to look for new ways forward to achieving common objectives for the Gambia
students.
Addressing the delegates, honourable Borry Colley who represented the Vice
President underscored the importance of student unionism describing it as a
special institution that always complement government’s efforts in up grading
the welfare of students. Honourable Colley said students have a right in
society and the Gambia being a democratic state has recognised those rights. He
said students are the future leaders of tomorrow and as such they must
peacefully settle their misunderstandings and prepare themselves for the challenges
that lie ahead, noting that it has always been the ambition of the government
to empower the Gambia students so as to enable them take charge of national
responsibilities in the future. He advised them to be disciplined and always
stay united. He however said that students must always refrain from being
misused by what he called unpatriotic Gambians for the achievement of their
personal interests.
For his part the secretary of state for higher education, research, science
and technology, Mr. Abdoulie Sallah said the congress is not only a
constitutional demand but it is unique in that it creates a forum for exchange of
ideas, views, co-operation and also provide common solutions to problems. He said
the President of the Gambia has already opened the doors of opportunities
for the students by making education his priority and students should take
advantage of this to enrich themselves with diverse knowledge and skills. He
called on the students to be disciplined, stay united, always work for peace and
progress and always consult their leaders for advice since they are the
future leaders of tomorrow. He said his department is always open to students. He
also encouraged them to do more research to gain scientific knowledge that is
necessary for modern development.
The congress will among other things review amendments where necessary so as
to adopt it to changing practical realities. The opening session was graced
by several dignitaries, including National Assembly members and senior
government officials and was chaired by Mr. Ousman Badjie the President of the
University of The Gambia Students Union.
IBC HOLDS IT’S 4TH GRADUATION CEREMONY
By Annia Gaye
The International Business College on Saturday held its 4th Graduation
Ceremony at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi. Delivering his opening remarks
the principal of the College Mr. Festus O. Ajibuwa stated that IBC was
established in September 2003 by the Former Director of the College Mr. Tony Johnson
and said it is an Edexcel British Technical and Educational Council’s
recognized centre in the Gambia.
He further stated that the college delivers two-year courses in the areas of
Business Management, Banking, Finance, Business Marketing, Information
Technology, Tourism and Hotel Management at both the Higher National Diploma 1 and
Higher National Diploma 2 levels.
He noted that the college’s higher national diploma 2 programme is
equivalent to the second year university degree programme in the United Kingdom,
America and Canada.
He further noted that International Business College is fully committed to
total quality in terms of policy making, delivery of lecture, Administration,
employment and said their staff/students relationship is orchestrated by the
National Training Authority with a handful of well qualified, experienced
lecturers.
Mr. Festus said that IBC is in full support of the Government’s vision 2020
programme and the Silicon Valley Project by training highly qualified
personalities who would contribute immensely to the socio-economic development of
the Gambia. He concluded by advising the Graduates to remember the motto of the
college “Intelligence with Diligence makes excellence in any where they head
to.”
The guest speaker of the ceremony Mr. Ousman Nyang who is the Director of
the National Training Authority said Technical Education has always been termed
as second best in the Gambia and Africa. He said that the Graduates are the
Ambassadors of the International Business College any where they go. He
challenged them to make use of their education and maintain discipline.
Certificates were awarded to Business Management Students, Marketing
Students, IT Students, Tourism and Hotel Management Students and Banking and Finance
Students. Prices were also awarded to outstanding students.
Two Men Jailed For Theft At Revenue Authority
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Two men have been sent to jail without the option of a fine for stealing and
receiving copies of tax clearance at the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) on
Friday, February 29.
Patrick Paul Gomez was sentenced to six months imprisonment for stealing by
clerk and Kawsu Bojang was sentenced to seven months imprisonment for
receiving stolen property. Magistrate Kayode Olajubutu in his judgment said the
accused persons are first offenders and that had prevented the court from
imposing a maximum punishment.
Mr. Gomez, an employee of the GRA at the deputy commission of income tax
office, was charged with stealing eleven books of income tax clearance disc for
2008 which are valued at D50, 000 on 8 February 2008.
Mr. Bojang at Lasso Wharf in Banjul, is charged with receiving eleven books
of income tax clearance disc for 2008 from Mr. Gomez on 8 of February 2007.
Both men are residents of Lamin Village, Kombo North. They all pleaded
guilty to their charges.
Carnegie’s MD’s Bail Review Dismissed
By Bubacarr K. Sowe & Fabakary B. Ceesay
The review of the bail condition of Andrew Charles Northfield, the managing
director of Carnegie Minerals was on Monday dismissed by the High Court.
Mr. Northfield’s lawyer, Christopher Mene wanted a review of the bail
condition of nine million dalasis recently granted to the accused person, but the
High Court overruled his application.
The Carnegie Managing Director was granted bail in the sum of five million
dalasis in cash along with two properties worth two million dalasi each. The
British national and the company are both charged with three counts of
economic crimes and theft.
Justice Na Ceesay Sallah-Wadda in her ruling said the High Court does not
have the jurisdiction to reverse a decision it had already made. The judge
made reference to the 1997 constitution, the Criminal Procedure Code and the
Supreme Court (now High Court) Rules, which she said does not contain any such
provision or expression. Justice Sallah-Wadda added that the defence can
pursue the review of the bail application only in an appeal court.
The British national and his Australian Company are expected in court on
March 17 at Midday.
MASS ARRESTS IN BASSE
By Lamin Fatty
The police officers in Basse are currently embarking on a mass arrest of
people in Basse and the surroundings after the subsequent arrest of one Alieu
Jallow popularly called Molanam a Guinean National and a resident of Basse, for
stealing a duplicate key from one Momodou Bohoum Jallow a Guinean business
man in Basse. According to sources a policeman at the said region is suspected
to be among those who allegedly buy items from the suspected thief.
According to the police commissioner the accused, Alieu Jallow, was arrested
on suspicion of stealing a duplicate key from the said businessman while
serving as a watchman at the said businessman’s shop. He pointed out that Alieu
who is the principal suspect is expected to be arraigned before the Basse
Magistrates Court latest today, Wednesday 5 March.
He stated that the case of a police officer who is alleged to have bought
articles from the accused will be dealt with in accordance with the police
disciplinary code. The following items according to Commissioner Cham were
recovered as suspected stolen items: 116 mosquito nets, 2 pedal bicycles, 4 radio
cassette players, 7 plastic chairs, 7 generators, 1 television set, 2 praying
mats and physical cash amounting to 26,500 dalasis.
Commissioner Cham commended his police officers for a job well done and
urged them to be always vigilant in curbing crime rates and serve as role models.
He finally stressed that he will never condone criminality in his region.
Capacity Building Training For Teachers Held
By Modou Jonga
A three-day capacity building training workshop for school managers was
recently concluded at the Bwiam Lodge in Foni Kansala District of the Western
Region. The training workshop which brought together thirty school heads,
deputies and senior teachers from lower basic, upper basic and senior secondary
schools across the Western Region is part of a two-year training package for
school managers organised by the Gambia Teachers’ Union, over the period 2007
to 2008.
The training with the Swedish Teachers’ Union and Education International
(EI) focused on Effective School Management Skills, Leadership qualities and
Roles, Ethics and best practices in school management, the education policy
2004-2015, school community Relationship and GTU structures and programs. In his
opening remarks, Mr. Adama Faal, Chairperson of the conference of
principals, who deputized the GTU president, urged participants to take the training
seriously and to disseminate the knowledge, experiences and skills gained from
the training to their colleagues who could not benefit from the said training.
The training was coordinated by GTU project officer Mr. Pa Daniel Mendy and
facilitated by Mr. Yahya Jallow, Region two GTU Secretary.
Art & Music
Veteran Music Promoter Calls For Institutionalisation of The Music Industry
Part 2
By Musa Barrow
How active were Gambian musical bands in the 70s and 80s?
Jack: In those days every sport activity and exhibition organised by schools
used to be accompanied by musical displays. Musical bands such as lovers
band which gave birth to Magaden Band, Ifanbondi and Gellewarr used to appear in
sport activities at the then MacCarthy Square. Furthermore, I would love to
put the message across that on a day like Independence Day entertainment
should be done by Gambian artists. It is absolutely wrong to invite foreign
artists to perform on such an occasion. The collasal sum of money often given to
these foreign artists could have been spent prudently.
Another musical group that you worked with was Libadorr, how did that band
start?
Jack: Libadorr band was initiated by Alhagie Mustapha Faye who worked in
Saudi Arabia. He truly had a great love and passion for music. During one of his
visits to London he bought musical instruments and transported them to
Gambia. Initially Ebou Jobarteh managed Libadorr which lasted for a year. There
was a musical programme at the customs department in Banjul where Libadorr
Ifanbandi and Kulanjang, the band I was managing, performed. As a result of my
promotional prowess Kulanjang band was able to steal the show. My band turned
out to be the favourite of the crowd. After having released what I was capable
of doing, the management of Libadorr band invited me to work with them
promising me twenty percent of what the band earned. It was from that moment that
I started working with Libadorr. The band lasted for a little over one year
as a result of a split. After a while the boys of Libadorr returned to me
asking me for the rekindling of the band. I then started work with them again.
However. this time we had to rent instruments because we did not have
instruments of our own. We used to rent instruments belong to Oko Drammeh. Apparently,
the cost involved in renting instruments was very high, leaving members of
the band with very little income. While we were undergoing such a difficult
time I also bought instruments for the band. The second phase of Libadorr,
fully managed, began in 1986.
I’m the first musical manager in this country to have a band, own the
instruments, pay electricity as well as food and have equal shares with the
musicians from whatever is earned.
How long did Libadorr last?
Jack: The band lasted for a period of six years, infact it should have
lasted more than that.
In 1992 you were part of a group that organised a carnival on the beach. How
was this musical carnival like?
Jack: Myself and my friend Abdoullah Ngum orgnisaed a carnival on the beach
aimed at parading all Gambian musicians on a single stage. Although initially
we thought of many avenues, we finally concluded to stage it on the beach.
This programme started at 11pm and ended at 3am. And it was attended by many
well known Gambian artists such as Jaliba Kuyateh and Musa Ngum. This
programme which turned out to be a success was organised to show to the then
government what the country had in terms of music and musicians.
After this show I had high expectations, the then governments response was
disappointed. Nothing came from the government, which compelled me to travel
to Europe. However, my decision to travel to Europe was not driven by the
quest to look for greener pastures. Instead it was a reaction to the sorry state
of music in those days.
Among all the musical groups that you worked with which one would you
describe as the most successful.
Jack: It is rather difficult to give a definite answer. But thee were
individual successes within the groups that I had worked with. Almost all the bands
that I had worked with have experience on European platform and recordings.
Let me cite an example of such individuals success. Michael Gomez who was my
keyboard player and background singer at Libadorr is now a full fledge
musician based in Germany.
Other examples are Damu Jaw who was my former drummer now based in London
and Osuman Njie who is now based in Holland. As a band their achievements were
limited, but most of them excel as individuals.
Our recently formed panel called the Way Forward has managed to spot and
support Chamelion band who are now playing at the Coconut every Saturday.
In addition the Way Forward is an opened forum and anyone with positive
ideas is invited to share it with the panel.
How was the concept of Way Forward conceived and what are its objectives?
Jack: The Way Forward is a freelance panel and it was initiated by Moses
Nden. The Way Forward panel aims to among many things support artists and
sensitise people on the significant of art. Furthermore, although art is a
coordinal pillar of the Way Forward panel. However, it also talks about social issues
affecting the life if the people in this country.
Apart from radio discussions what has been some of the achievements and
engagement of the Way Forward panel?
Jack: The panel has been able to produce Ndey Nyang, widow of late Ousou Lie
Njie with Fawegam at the Sunwing Hotel. The panel also on regular basis
visit and counsel Gambian artists. The panel with collaboration from various
interested partners had also organised a musical show where over thirteen Gambian
bands were invited to perform.
Currently, we have got plans to organise such programme in other places.
Let me stress that we are embarking on all these activities out of our
individuals generosity, as we bear the financial brunt of the activities that we
embark on. We are doing all these things because have passion about Gambian
music.
What has been the reaction of Gambians towards you this panel discussions?
Jack: Apparently Gambians have been very receptive of this open forum. We
always stress that we are just there to coordinate things, but it is after all
the listeners who are expected to come up with suggestions.
We also try to put across the message that let us all work assiduously
inorder to give a brighter future to Gambian music.
How would you spell out the role of a manager to a musician?
Jack: The role of a manager in music cannot be over emphasised. All
musicians need a manager. The fact of the matter is one cannot be an artist at the
same time protecting his/her economic interest as well as run an
administration. Such role are handled by a manager. Nevertheless, for one to be a manager
he/she must know how to go about things in the world of music.
Is the copyright law in Gambia really implemented to the fullest?
Jack: The copyright law is not active in this country. This is
understandable because it really takes time to put everything together. Moreover every
royalty board is bang formed as a society by artists. The artists must come
together to secure their interests, works, intellectual property and performing
rights. Establishment of a copyright bureau is also essential as it can be a
source of employment for the unemployed youths who can be turned to copyright
police.
How big a threat is piracy to Gambian music?
Jack: Regardless of its magnitude piracy is illegal and all measures should
be taken to put an end to the practice.
Foroyaa: Is The National Council for Art and Culture doing what is expected
of them?
Jack: The National Council for Art and Culture needs a musical department
and some one who knows the constraints of Gambian musicians. Having said that,
musicians of his country should first of all organise themselves into a sort
of an association. As an association they can out forward proposals and
demands on the council. Until this is done the council cannot fully support
artists.
Despite Gambia having some of the best instrumentalists, why is it that
Gambian music is only secondary to music of other countries in the sub region?
Jack: This is due to the fact that Gambian music is not being given the
respect it deserves. Recently we had to raise concern that a Gambian company
brought Fatou Gewel from Senegal and paid her one hundred and eight thousand
dalasi, surprisingly the same company paid Sambou Susso who also performed on the
night fifteen thousand dalasi. Such things are ludicrous and unacceptable.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Life Is Not A Game
Ousman Is High
Ousman came late and quite drunk. Aja stayed very late to wait for him. She
quarrelled with him. “What is the time? Where are you coming from?” “Woman!
Why are you not in bed? Why do you poke your nose into my business? Don’t I
have my life to live?” “No! you rag! I picked you up from the gutter, cleaned
you up and here you are playing pranks with me? I promise you, I’ll make
your life miserable.” “You cannot enslave me. I am a man, your husband. I can
come and go any time I wish.” “Nonsense! I’ll not accept it.” “You’ll
accept it. You cannot sit on my happiness,” Ousman protested. The atmosphere was
highly charged.
Dinner At The Restaurant
The family had a dinner at the restaurant. They chatted heartily and enjoyed
themselves. “We leave dad in your care. Take good cake of him as you always
do,” Ndey Salma said. “I’ll. Alhajj deserves the best from me,” Mansata
replied. They were married the previous week in a simple ceremony. Both couple
wanted it low key. Mansata has just lost her mom. She was still in grief.
Alhajj, given his age and children, wanted it low key.
Ous Is Seen With A ‘Chick’
Ousman was spotted at the corner by Nadia. She signalled the others and made
a body language to alert them on what was happening. The family was amused.
There was Ousman frolicking will Lolly, his teenager lover. Zahra gleed. “
Where is his wife? He is enjoying his latest chick.” “It serves the adultress
right. The evildoer reaps what he/she sows,” Nadia reasoned. She is now very
spiteful of her mom. Daddy changed the discussion.” She is still your mom. All
have ended well. Didn’t you see it? I am fine. I am experiencing true love
which I never did in my whole marriage life. I was always giving, never
receiving. And that is unhealthy in any relationship.”
Aja Comes In
Aja came into the restaurant and confronted Ous and Lolly. Lolly talked back
at her. “What have you to say? How did you get Ousman? Through adultery? You
betrayed your good loving husband because of a small boy due to lust! Shame
on you adultress!” Aja sprang at Lolly to tear her up. “You dare talk to me
like that? I’ll eat you up!” Ousman pushed Aja away.
The Other Family Left
Alhajj’s family left in a hurry. Nadia is naughty. She went up to the scene
and mocked at mom. She just stared at them in shame. She could not believe
the Mansata she saw, cool, calm and collected. She did not connect it. She
thought Mansata is still a househelp in Alhajj’s household. Ousman hurriedly left
with Lolly. Aja was rejected in the cold. Her two elder daughters pretended
she does not exist. This is the first time Aja despised herself. The Almighty
has fallen from pride and grace.
Ready To Leave
Ousman came home and packed his lugguage ready to leave. “Where are you
going?” Aja softened. She did not want Ous to leave. “Don’t leave! Society will
laugh at us. I mean your ex-wife and my ex-husband. Didn’t you see they are
together. Let us stay together. It will work. I’ll not worry you again. I don’
t want to lose you.” Aja stooped on the floor. “I rejected my family for
you. Didn’t you get it? I’ll die of shame if you leave.” “I am leaving. You
are a heartache. I want to be free. No string attached. I have had it up to
here with you. I am a bird. I am gone. Your bewitchment is gone.” Ousman left.
Aja was devastated.
About Turn
Aja visited Gra Saul and asked him to reconcile her with Alhajj. “It was the
work of the devil. I don’t know what came over me. Alhajj is the love of my
life. He gave me life and I paid him with betrayal. Ousman has deserted me
for a young lover. I am shattered. You were our best man at our wedding. Please
impress upon your best friend to take me back.” GRA Saul gave her audience.
Afterwards, he told her his mind. “Aja! You are wicked. You betrayed my best
pal because of lust. Look at the disgrace you brought upon yourself. It is
very difficult for one to do what you asked of me. I’ll try for old time sake.”
Aja thanked him.
The Unsual
They made an appointment to visit Alhajj. At first, he did not know Gra was
coming, with Aja. They arrived when the girls had gone back to school and
Ndey Salma returned to the US. Alhajj was surprised to see Aja. He remained
civil to both of them. Gra asked for a seat. Alhajj welcomed them at the palour.
He refused to let Aja into his sitting room. Alhajj is superstitious. He
distrusted Aja. Gra explained his mission. “Your wife has come to ask for your
forgiveness. She has learnt her lesson. She is now a changed person. She wants
you to take her back.” Aja was subdued and afraid of Alhajj’s rejection.
Alhajj got up and went into his house, came back and threw a bucket full of
water at the intruders. He outbursted. “What do you think of me? A fool? To take
this woman just like that, after all what she did to me? Don’t I have a
heart? Wait! Let me show you.” Alhajj called Mansata. “Darling! Come out! Come
out for her to see you.” Mansata came out in style. Well dressed, decorated in
expensive ornaments and expecting her twins as confirmed by her doctor. Aja
was shattered. She has lost the game. Ousman squandered her money. She was
fooled by some defrauders. Her business collapsed. Her class status dropped. She
walked the streets with frustration, people pointing finger at her to tell
her story to who ever was interested to hear it. She is being scorned by
society.
Mansata And Alhajj
They are happily married, expecting their twins. The girls dotted on their
step mom. She is in their age group bracket. Ndey Salma sent her fashionable
items to wear. Daddy dotted on his new wife. They became a perfect couple.
Grandma praised Allah. Finally her son has come back to her. The girls are happy
with Mansata. She has brought dad back to life. The couple’s lives have
become blissful.
Ousman’s Life
Ousman’s girl friend Tanta Lolly squandered $200,000 dollars from him. She
eloped with her lover boy to Europe to get married. It was too much for
Ousman. He committed suicide by drinking poison.
That is the end of the traitors. Surely! Life is not a game.
As for Sophiatou and Essa they finally got married. Essa graduated and
Sophia took a teaching job.
George abandoned the traitors and returned to South Africa away from his mom.
Aunty Rose swore that she would never pressurise her son to marry. “Marry
your choice. I have learnt my lesson,” She told George.
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