Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 88/2007, 30-31 July, 2007
Editorial
ON THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN GPA AND THE DOCK AND MARITIME WORKERS UNION
When SoS Bala Jahumpa introduced the Bill to amend the Labour Act in 2004 by
deleting Section 158 of the Labour Act which provided for the establishment
of a Labour Board and the Second Schedule which provided for the Port Labour
Board Rules some opposition members of the National Assembly argued that a
progressive bill must have the intention to remedy a defect. That instead of
amending the Act and rules to give more entitlements to dock workers in line
with international standards, the amendment sought to usurp the powers of the
workers.
The majority in the National Assembly passed the bill despite the petition
of the Union against it. The workers responded by petitioning the President
not to assent to the bill.
What did Foroyaa find out, Section 100 Subsection (3) requires that the
President assent to a bill within 30 days of its presentation to him or return it
to the National assembly for reconsideration. Subsection 6 makes it mandatory
for the President to cause the Act to be published in the gazette within
thirty days of assent.
Supplement c to The Gambia gazette No. 35 of 30th December 2004 indicates
that the Labour ‘Amendment’ Act, 2004 was assented to on 28th December 2004.
The counsel of the union may investigate further. It is evident from this that
the president did not heed the dock workers petition.
One Pa Modou Faal wrote to praise the intervention of the security chiefs to
stop labour unrest but lamented that the suspension of the Port Labour Board
is the root cause of the problem.
The truth is that the Port Labour Board and the Port Labour Rules are
deleted by the National Assembly and the executive. Nothing is put in its place.
This is why the Port Authority is moving according to government directives.
Despite its limitations, the Port Labour Board was a democratic institution
which accorded the dock workers Union powers to protect its members.
Rule No. 4 of the Port Labour Board Rules stated that “The Port Labour Board
shall consist of three representatives of employers and three
representatives of trade unions together with three Independent members appointed by the
Minister of Labour with the prior consent signified in writing and signed by
both Employer and trade union members of the port Joint Industrial Council. One
of the Independent members shall be elected by the representative members to
act as Chairmen (Chairperson) and another as Vice Chairman (Chairperson) of
the board. The Commissioner of Labour shall act as Secretary and Advisor to
the Board but shall have no voting rights. The Commissioner of Labour shall
not delegate his function.”
Rule 9 empowered the Board to “prescribe working instructions together with
appropriate penalties for failure of any registered worker to comply with
these instructions in order to ensure the safe, efficient and speedy loading and
unloading of ships’ cargo”
The Board was responsible for registration of dock workers and rotational
recruitment of registered workers had to be done in the presence of
representatives of shipping agencies, the trade union concerned and the labour
department.” This was designed to avoid favouritism in recruitment and promotion.
Retrenchment is not the basis to improve the salaries of dock workers. Those
over sixty should have been remunerated and given contracts just like all
contract workers. The international standard set for remunerating dock workers
should have made them middle income earners. Foroyaa will set the record
straight.
Foroyaa will investigate and publish the amount of money paid by the ship
owners and agencies for dock workers.
To conclude, let us remind members of trade unions that a democratic society
avails the opportunity to transform their concerns into platforms for
political parties to adopt. This is the way to have law makers and policy makers
who would serve their interest.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION CONFERENCE CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL
A two-day conference on Strengthening Freedom of Expression in Africa
organized by the Centre for Research Education and the Development of Rights in
Africa (CREDO-Africa) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) with the
support of the Open Society-Network Media Programme, took place in Accra,
Ghana from June 25 – 26, 2007. At the end of the conference, participants passed
a resolution calling for the adoption of an additional protocol to the
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on freedom of expression. The full text of the
resolution is published below
The participants observed that the 5-year old Declaration of Principles on
Freedom of Expression in Africa, is limited in scope mainly because it
conceived freedom of expression more in terms of media freedom.
The participants therefore agreed that the Declaration ought to be updated
to address in more concrete terms, other elements of freedom of expression
including freedom of political participation, academic freedom, cultural freedom
etc.
It was also noted that Article 9 of the African Charter on Peoples and Human
Rights on which the Declaration rests is a weak foundation which provides
escape window for governments opposed to freedom of expression and freedom of
the press.
Participants however held that while efforts are being made towards the
strengthening of the Declaration urgent measures should be taken towards
improving awareness about it as it still constitutes a major pillar for the promotion
and defence of the right to freedom of expression and the right of press
freedom on the African continent.
For the purpose of making the right of freedom of expression effectively
binding on African States participants adopted a Resolution for the adoption of
an Additional Protocol to the African Charter on the Human and Peoples’
Rights on Freedom of Expression to be presented to African leaders attending the
AU summit.
Participants further agreed that the Centre for Research, Education and
Development of Rights in Africa (CREDO-Africa) shall be the coordinating
secretariat for the campaign for the Protocol and shall assume the lead in the
coordinating committee.
State of Press Freedom:
The conference in further noting the relapse into attacks on journalistic
and media rights as well as the right of freedom of expression resolved to
engage in greater coordination and networking for effective continent-wide
defence of human rights.
The conference in the immediate terms called for the release of all
imprisoned journalists across the continent and in the particular case of Mali
adopted a special DECLARATION On the Sentencing of Journalists and a Malian
Teacher, also for presentation to the AU summit.
Resolution for the adoption of an Additional Protocol to the African Charter
on Human and Peoples’ Rights, on Freedom of Expression (Adopted at CSO AU
Summit conference on Strengthening Freedom of Expression organised in Accra,
Ghana 25-26 June 2007.)
- Considering that article 66 of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights allows for the adoption of Protocols or particular agreements
to complement the provisions of the Charter where necessary;
- Considering that articles 60 and 61 of the African Charter on
Human and Peoples’ Rights recognize regional and international instruments
relating to human rights and African practices which conform to the standards of
international Human and Peoples’ rights as important principles of reference
for the application and the interpretation of the African Charter;
- Considering that article 9 of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights guarantees the Freedom of Expression;
- Considering that the Declaration of the Principles on Freedom of
Expression in Africa proclaims that the Freedom of Expression is “a
fundamental right” which includes “the right to receive information and express
opinions”;
- Considering the importance of Freedom of Expression and its
direct link with other fundamental freedoms;
- Considering numerous violations of Freedom of Expression in
Africa;
- Concerned by the growing impunity whose authors benefit from the
violations of the Freedom of Expression in Africa;
- Considering the restrictive interpretation of article 9 of the
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ rights made by States;
- Convinced that only a legal and binding continental instrument
can guarantee Freedom of Expression in Africa;
We, the participants to the Conference on Strengthening Freedom of
Expression in Africa, held on June 25-26, 2007 in Accra (Ghana)
- Ask State parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’
Rights to ratify and adapt to their national laws, international and regional
instruments related to Freedom of Expression;
- Ask the relevant organs of the African Union to work with
African Civil Society and especially free expression organisations to submit an
Additional Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on
Freedom of Expression to the Summit of Heads of State by mid 2008;
- Ask the relevant organs of the African Union to work with the
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Civil Society organisations
particularly freedom of expression organisations in the drafting of the
protocol
- Ask the AU and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
to
1. Provide the Special Rapporteur of the African Commission on Human
and Peoples’ Rights on Freedom of Expression all the necessary means to
accomplish her mandate particularly to receive information, conduct studies and
investigations, initiate dialogue with states and sensitize them to implement
the United Nations and African Union’s provisions as well as submit reports
and recommendations to the Commission
2. Ensure that the Freedom of Expression is a permanent key point
for the examination of the periodic reports submitted by States to the
Commission
3. Exhort the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to work
with African Civil Society especially free expression organisations in the
process of the drafting and implementation of the Additional Protocol
Done in Accra, this 26th Day of June, 2007.
REGISTRATION OF DOCK WORKERS BEGINS
By Yaya Dampha
The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) has started the controversial registration
of dockworkers in the face of opposition by the Dock and Maritime Workers
Union who accused the GPA management of refusing to discuss with them. The
process started last week, after the GPA had finalised plans to take over the
recruitment, employment and registration of dock workers.
On Tuesday 24 July 2007, the GPA held a ‘sensitisation’ meeting spearheaded
by its operations manager. The GPA had earlier on put up an advertisement
inviting dock workers to this meeting, which they said is further to the Labour
(Amendment Act) 2004 and government directives.
The GPA management noted the following:
1. The GPA is not legally obliged to pay severance package to
dock workers but is doing so out of humanitarian grounds.
2. The amounts mentioned for payment of the severance package are
only indicative and shall be finalised upon verification of dock workers’
actual age and length of service.
3. All outstanding liabilities shall be deducted from the final
payment.
4. All dock workers above the statutory age of 60 years shall be
retired.
5. The same recruitment and wages, bonus and overtime payment
system in existence shall be maintained pending the wider restructuring of
stevedore labour which is expected to be complete within the next two years.
6. Dockworkers’ total individual earnings will increase due to
the fact that a lesser number of dockworkers will be sharing their bonus
entitlement as opposed to the old system.
According to the operations manager of The GPA, Mr. Ousman Jobarteh, the
registration of dockworkers had indeed started since last Tuesday and a good
number of dockworkers have already been registered with the GPA. When asked as
to how many dockworkers have so far registered he said he would not be able to
say so since the register is with the stevedoring branch of the GPA. He
further stated that the aim of the registration is to enable GPA to know who are
actually dockworkers. He said this will help them to be able to pay them
their compensation. He said for those who refused to turn up for registration,
their monies will be there for them to take any time they decide to register.
The Reaction of the Union
According to the Secretary General of The Gambia Dock and Maritime Workers
Union, Mr. Landing Sanyang, the management of GPA had proceeded to hold a
meeting which was aimed at finalising the negotiations between the two camps
without inviting his Union. He said the operations manager wrote a letter dated
19 July and addressed it to concerned dockworkers without writing to the
executive committee of his Union.
The Secretary General said the GPA had never before held such meetings
without contacting him. He referred to the recent developments as unjust. Sanyang
said if the GPA fails to respect and honour their position as an independent
Union and continues to recruit dock workers as planned, it could lead to
industrial unrest. “There will be no work on the ships,” he remarked. The
Secretary General called on all stakeholders to intervene in order to avert
industrial unrest in the country.
He asked what the security heads are waiting for when their advice to the
two parties to keep the peace is being violated by the GPA. He said the Dock
and Maritime Workers Union have respect for the law and have also heeded the
advice for them to cancel their planned strike action scheduled for 20 July.
He said his Union will not accept the redundancy and retirement plan.
Sanyang said the GPA told them that they will retrench those over sixty years and
pay them on humanitarian grounds. He said the GPA management intends to effect
the proposed payments in bits.
Mr. Landing Sanyang further said the registration is not in line with the
requirements of the Labour Act and violates their right as a Union. He said out
of a total membership of over four hundred registered dockworkers in his
Union, less than forty people registered with the GPA.
He further stated that those who have registered with the GPA have reported
their queries to him.
Mr. Sanyang said they disagree with the plan. He called for the solidarity
of all their members and affiliated unions, both at home and abroad, to
support them in the most trying time of their career as workers.
RE: DEATH UNDER POLICE CUSTODY
By Suwaibou Touray& Fabakary B. Ceesay
Foroyaa carried a story on the death of one Musa Bah in issue No. 84 /2007
where the police explained what they knew of the circumstances of his death.
Our reporter went to Wuli Kerewan and spoke to the adopted parent of Musa
Bah, the deceased, and have their version.
Mr. Ebrima Jabbi said he is the guardian and adopted parent of Musa Bah, who
was aged 35. He said the late Musa came from Guinea Bissau as a very young
person. He said the deceased lived in The Gambia for almost nineteen years
now. He said Musa had four children but only one son is living. He left behind a
wife named Neneh Sisay, a Gambian. Mr. Jabbi has his own compound at Kerewan
Badala in the Wuli District.
He explained that Musa had been a boat rower at the Basse/Wuli river
crossing since he came from Guinea.
On what he knows about Musa’s recent predicament, Mr. Jabbi said the young
man was arrested on Tuesday 3 July 2007 on allegation of stealing. He said
Musa came with a police officer to search his house which was done. He said the
police removed two old transistor radios which were no longer in use from his
house. Mr. Jabbi said the police continued to detain him.
Asked if they did not try to bail him, Mr. Jabbi said one Mansamang Jallow,
a colleague and friend of Musa, went to the station to bail him but had
difficulty in doing so.
Mr. Jabbi said Musa was detained until the following Monday when he, Jabbi,
was told that Musa had died at the police station. He said when he arrived at
the station, on that Monday, at about 10am, the station was locked. He said
after he was introduced to the police as the relative of the deceased, the
police opened the door of the station and subsequently opened the cell door in
which Musa was kept.
Mr. Jabbi said he was shocked and dismayed when he entered the cell and
found the decomposed body of Musa. He said he saw blood oozing out of Musa’s ears
and nose. He also said the police themselves had to use incense, locally
called “Churai”, to fend off the offensive odour. Ebrima Jabbi, the adopted
father of Musa, continued to say that the police prepared a document whose
content was unknown to him and asked him to go with a police officer to the
Magistrate whose name he did not know. He claimed that when they arrived there, the
Magistrate did not append his signature on the said document. He indicated
that they then returned to the station, upon which the police decided to take
the body to Bansang Hospital and they too joined the vehicle.
At Bansang, he said, the security personnel there told the police that the
document they had was the only document they could get from there, noting that
if they (the police) wanted any further document, they must proceed to the
RVTH in Banjul.
At this juncture, he said the officer asked them if they, (the relatives)
would take the dead body to RVTH. But they (the relatives) also told him that
anytime they (the police) are ready to give them the body they would then go
and bury him. He said the body was so decomposed that they had to put it in a
sack and put cotton wool in his ears and nose and cover their own nose before
they departed with the corpse.
The adopted parent said the officer then communicated by telephone to police
in Basse upon which they returned to Basse with the deceased and were later
allowed to bury him. Ebrima said they asked the police to give them a police
officer who would witness the burial which they did and the body was buried
at Kerewan Badala in the Wuli West District.
Our reporter also asked Mr. Mansamang Jallow, a colleague of the deceased if
he knows anything about the matter. Mr. Jallow said all he knows is that
when he went to the station to bail his colleague and friend, he was asked to go
and see one Mr. Jarra, a radio repairer, who was said to be the complainant.
He said the repairer told him that he (the repairer) would only agree for
the police to grant the deceased bail if he, Mansamang, would be ready to pay
for all the radios allegedly stolen from his (the repairer’s) workshop.
Mansamang said he was not in a position to do that.
The deceased was held in police custody, according to the relatives, for
about six days before he was reported dead.
Police Deny Allegation
The police spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka denied the allegations
that Mr. Musa Bah died in a police cell and left there until the body got
decomposed and was emitting odour. He confirmed that blood was oozing out of the
nose and ears and that foam also came from his mouth, noting that this had
attracted the flies. He said that the blood was due to the fact that the deceased
was suffering from hypertension as indicated by a Cuban doctor. He said the
body was taken to Bansang Hospital for post mortem but there was no facility
of that sort there. PRO Secka indicated that the Coroner’s Report was signed
by the travelling Magistrate at Basse, Tony Baldeh based on the report given
by the Cuban doctor at Basse Hospital. He said that the Coroner’s report will
be sent to them in Banjul as soon as possible. He finally said that the
reason why they allowed for the burial of the body was due to the lack of
mortuary at Basse and the extreme heat there.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
HEART BREAKER’S NEMESIS
With Amie Sillah
Part 7
Lolly Pays A Visit To Shehou
Lolly paid a visit to Shehou, Sainabou’s fiancé. She reported every
information to him. It was unbelievable. “The information is precise. How did you
know all these?” Shehou asked. “We are girls, we know each other’s tricks. You
are a good person who has given Nabou a fortune. Why should she cheat on you?
She is my friend but I’ll not back her do evil”. Lolly posited. “It is not
true. Nabou can’t cheat on me. Why? I have given her everything. I divorce a
white woman. I want to marry a Gambian. How can Nabou cheat on me? I cannot
believe it!” “Seeing is believing. Go to the Good Will Hotel, Saturday at 6pm
sharp. Good bye! Good luck!” Lolly left Shehou staring into space.
Catches Them Red Handed
As usual Shehou followed the description. He went to the Good Will Hotel at
6pm sharp and met his Sweetheart frolicking with Dr. Fofana, a retired
lecturer of statistics at the age of 70 years. He opened the room what did he see?
He shouted. Nabou fainted. “You can faint for all I care! You! You Sainabou!
What have I not done for you? I gave you earth and heavens! Your wish is my
command! What can this old hag do for you? Sex! Money! Am done with you! Go to
hell and rot there!” He turned to Fofana. “You beast! Taking your grand
child to bed! Don’t she tell you she had a fiancé? I deal with you!” Shehou
left in a rage. Fofana checked on Nabou. She was still in shock. He ran away.
The room boys came and resuscitate Nabou back to consciousness. A taxi was
hired to take her home. She was ashamed and devastated.
Lolly Meets Shehou In His Hotel
She tried her luck to woe him over. It was as difficult as trying to get
water from a rock. Shehou loved Nabou. He was hurt yes but could not selve his
love for his fiancé. He became suspicious of Lolly. He interrogated her. “I
cannot understand. How can you sacrifice your love for Nabou for me?” Lolly
tried to explain. I have already told you. You are a nice person. I hate
cheating. Nabou is evil. She was trying to cheat on you. Don’t you see it? I love
you the moment I set my eyes on you in the super market. Marry me. I am a
decent lady. I sacrifice my girl friend’s love for you. Can’t you get it?” She
pleaded vigorously. “I get it alright but I am not convinced. You know what
girl. I still love Nabou. As the old adage puts it the devil you know is better
than the angel you know not. I am going back to Nabou. She has to explain why
she cheated on me.” Lolly was disappointed. She bit her lower lip and
hissed. “He is an idiot! A damn fool! It is your business”. She followed suit in
shame and disgrace. Shehou soliloqued. “She cannot trap me. She is another
woman on a mission”. Lolly’s mission failed again.
Meeting With Sainabou
Sainabou went to the hotel to explain. Shehou cried. “Why Nabou? Why? What
have I done to deserve betrayal? I gave you heavens and earth! Your wish is my
command! Why? I want to know explain!” Sainabou explained how Lolly
encourages her to sleep with Fofana. How Fofana blackmailed her. Shehou was in
flames. “What! Your lecturer blackmail you and you didn’t tell me? Why? Am I not
responsible for you? Why did you treat me as such? And Lolly! Lolly advised
you to sleep with your lecturer? This same Lolly exposed your so-called tricks
to me. That’s the precision in time and place. Lolly cajoled and coaxed me to
sleep with her and abandon you”. Nabou cried. “It cannot be! Lolly set me up
”. She cried. “Beware of such evil friends. If my love for you is not real
you would have lost me to Lolly. She did everything for me to love her and
abandon you. Beware of such envious friends. They mean no good”. “Thank you!”
Nabou said through her sobs. “I love you Nabou. I love you through my heart.
I cannot live without you. I meant every word I said”. He gave her a
passionate lip kiss.
Nabou And Lolly
Nabou is aggressive. A no nonsense lady. She went to confront Lolly. She met
her at her gate. “Public dog! Fiancé snatcher! Public lay about! Shehou told
me everything. You set me up to steal my fiancé? You have miserably failed.
Shehou cannot fall into your trap. He loves and adores me. You don’t and can’
t never have a space here even if I die. Go and find your own man! You are a
lay about. Men used and dumped you but my Shehou does not want to do that
with you. He has a jewel fiancé. For your information, we are getting married
mid August. After my September results we are relocating to Canada. You have
treaded on too many toes. Your wall will soon crack when they come demanding
for their pound of flesh. Shame on you public dog! Hurrah! Hurrah!” Lolly was
over whelmed by Nabou’s hail of insults. She tried to insult Nabou back. “
Look at you Sainabou! My underdog at school! Oh because Saihou your so-called
semester open a supermarket for you! You talk back at me? I’ll deal with you!
You cheap girl! You sleep with your lecturer! It serves you right! You were
caught red handed, shameless thing!” Nabou blew her mouth. “Look at who is
talking? Kettle deh call coal black! Have you completed school? What are your
grades? Have you not slept with all your lecturers? Were you not expelled from
school? Get away from me or you’ll regret ever being born! Shame onto you
public dog! Heart Breaker! Nemesis will catch up with you sooner than later!
Cameleon friend!” Lolly wallowed in self pity. She refused to see her fault. “
I have suffered in this town! Even Nabou is now insulting me. Allah! Please
give me my own man! Or have you forgotten me?”
Shehou And Dr. Fofana
Shehou confronted Fofana at his office. He blasted him to nonsense. “Look at
you dying old man! You have to repent and apologize to Nabou. She has to
pass your subject. She studied very hard. You cannot fail her. Some of the
ladies in campus have husbands and fiancés who are more deadly and dangerous than
the campus bandits you fear”. Fofana stooped down and begged Saihou. “
Forgive me. I’ll never do it again. Nabou is a brilliant girl. She will pass all my
subjects. I’ll apologize to her. Forgive me. Ask anything. I’ll give it to
you”. “Get up!” Shehou collared Fofana and said “To the V.C’s office, you
have to explain everything to her”. Fofana begged. “Let settle the matter not
at the Vice Chancellor’s Office”. Shehou dragged him to the V.C’s office.
He was suspended for three months without pay. He was strictly warned with
dismissal on next occurrence.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE 1981 POLITICAL CRISIS
With Suwaibou Touray
THE ERA OF AUSTERITY MEASURES HAVE BEGUN; TIGHTEN YOUR BELTS!!
We have been focusing on politics in this column. We have stopped where we
said the Asset commission later prohibited the Customs Department not to allow
Mr. Mbai access to a container that arrived at the Ports in Banjul on Sunday
5 June from Antwerp, Belgium, addressed to one Fatou Camara in care of Mr.
Mbai; that according to reports Mr. Mbai’s first wife also happens to bear the
name Fatou Camara. Let us now continue from where we have stopped.
In mid 1984, the masses began to know what the president’s pronouncement at
the PPP rally was actually about. It suddenly dawned on man local observers
that the presidents’ warning to, “cut our coat according to our size” was not
an ordinary warning.
The Dalasi was devalued by 25% percent. The exchange rate of the pound
sterling became £1 pound to D 5 dalasi, from £1 pound to 4 dalasis. If it was only
the devaluation alone, the ordinary person might not have known what was in
store, but the prices of essential commodities, however, began to soar up.
For example, the price for petrol jolted up, on 1 March 1984, from D1.80 bututs
per litre to D2.17 bututs per litre. Thus representing an increase of 68
buttuts per litre. This, as you can imagine, had automatically spiraled the
prices of both essential and non essential commodities, leading to Gambian style
protests, i.e, complaints at Bantaba’s and “VOUS” regarding the rising cost
of living.
The elite class also began the debate as to the merits and demerits of
devaluation. It became a debate precisely because Gambia had never witnessed or
experienced the devaluation of their currency since Independence.
The Government could not shy away from this intense debate. This was why the
president had to make a statement on the economic situation and the
so-called stabilization programme.
In his speech on 2 March 1984, he informed the people of what he called the
painful adjustment measures and the resulting hardship and unemployment that
were in store which, he said, Europe and America had to endure in the light
of the world wide economic recession. He said the developing countries, must
therefore, either take timely adjustment measures or faces economic collapse
and social instability. He added that sober realism and political courage
demand that we do this and to shoulder our responsibilities as a Government and
as a Nation.
Sir Dawda blamed the economic hardship on drought which he said had
adversely affected the quality and quantity of both food and cash crop production. He
said exports had faced fluctuations in prices; that overall reduction in
general prices offered for our exports had led to a decline in our country’s
export revenues and therefore of our national income and wealth.
The President did not hide the facts on that day. He gave statistics of the
failures of our export earnings while our external indebtedness had also been
increasing through the rise in the price of imported goods, the volume of
which had increased, particularly with respect to essential food items; which
he admitted we were importing in even large quantities because of the failure
of our own food crops, due to low or uneven rainfall. The president also
spoke of what he called the fundamental balance of payment disequilibrium which
he said was exacerbated by the deterioration of both our domestic and external
trade sectors, as we continued to incur short term debts which stood, at the
time, at D108 million dalasi as at end December 1983.
The President made mention of the External debts which he emphasized must be
settled because as he asserted if we cannot pay the debts immediately, then
we must at least try to reduce the rate at which our indebtedness is
increasing.
The President informed the nation that to arrest this deteriorating trend,
and put the Government finances in order, one instrument of policy that
government had decided to use was the exchange rate of our national currency, “the
Dalasi;”
He admitted that this is a policy no one likes but, as he said, they must
use that when the economic circumstances make it imperative.
The unfortunate thing however was that the government negotiated with the
IMF behind closed doors before the debate.
Nonetheless, the debate intensified as to who to blame for the economic woes
of the country.
Supporters of the regime fired back at critics and called them all sorts of
names, such as “enemies of the nation”; that they were those who cast wicked
aspersions against the Government and blamed it for all their troubles
including the ones they themselves helped to create. The “Enemies of the Nation”,
they said, were those at all levels, who refused to give their best or even
to make any effort for the benefit of the nation; that they lean on the rope,
but don’t tug; that they sit in the boat but don’t row; that they were
generally interested only in themselves, forgetting completely about the meaning
of competence and efficiency and good leadership.
Others criticized both the Government and donors. They blamed the donors for
pouring in large sums of money and not seeing results. They asked, “could it
be just us?” and “Why should heavy sums be granted or loaned when it is
possible they would be mismanaged?”. The critics continued that “now that the
loans have been wasted the possible bad effects would affect the citizens of
the Nation who these loans and so -called aid were really meant to benefit in
the first place”.
The debate intensified and during the period, the editor of one of the most
critical Newspapers at the time, Mr. Dixon Colley of the “Nation” newspaper
was arrested and charged with sedition following the publication by the paper
of a tract by an anonymous writer or writers titled “TILL DOOMSDAY”.
Mr. Colley was subsequently acquitted and discharged of the sedition
charges. The Principal Magistrate, Mr. Ibrahima A.S Mboob, in his judgment said he
accepted the evidence given by Mr. Colley as truth and that he believed him
when he said he had no intention to raise discontent or disaffection amongst
the citizens or inhabitants of The Gambia, nor did he have any intention to
bring into hatred or contempt or disaffection in the administration of justice.
According to reports, the austerity measures continued to bite. The shortage
of essential commodities such as rice continued. The GPMB eventually brought
11, 000 tonnes and the World Food Programme and FAO brought 7,200 tonnes as
food aid to assist drought victims. The Egyptian Red Crescents also donated
189 tonnes of rice.
The concern of the period was that some unscrupulous businessmen started to
sell rice far above the legal going price of D91 for a 100kg bag. They warned
that the distribution also must be controlled. The food aid must also be
monitored to make sure it reached its ultimate destination, ensuring that the
right persons got it irrespective of party affiliation.
The concern was so serious that the Vice President Mr. B.B Dabo had to go on
a tour and asked local authorities to be vigilant and prevent rice being
smuggled out of the country. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation
also arrived in The Gambia on Friday May 1984. They consulted Government
institutions and parastatals.
According to the “Senegambia Sun”, a confidential report which served as
the blue print for both Government and the IMF was again provided. According to
the report, the IMF looked into the recent developments in the areas of
public finance, pricing, wages, employment and the importation of luxury goods.
At this stage, the IMF was to assist The Gambia in paying her balance of
payment deficit which, for the past fifteen months, was at the tune of $30
million dollars. According to Joseph E. Stiglitz, in his book entitled “Making
Globalization Work”, poor countries, like The Gambia, borrow too much or are
lent too much, and in ways that force them to bear most or all of the risk of
subsequent increases in interest rates, fluctuations in the exchange rate, or
decreases in income. Stiglitz asserted that the consequences of debt are
dramatic, as with debt crises, but most commonly the debt burden shows its face as
countries struggle to avoid default.
So, as you can see, with this they sacrifice education and health programs,
as well as economic growth.
See subsequent issues for more on the ensuing economic crises.
ROLE OF A METEOROLOGIST IN OUR DAILY LIVES
By Lamin Mai Touray
Department of Water Resources
We are all interested in the weather. If we are ever unable to watch the
weather forecast on TV or listen to it on the radio, we might ask our family or
our friends in the morning; “What will the weather be like today?”
We usually need to know this, so that we may decide on how to dress, whether
to take an umbrella with us to work or to school, or whether to pack a sun
protection cream in our sports bag (for tourists). Organizers of sports events
and other outdoor activities, as well as tourist operators, often rely on
weather and climate information to make certain that we shall be able to make
the most of our holidays and leisure activities.
Similar information can also be used to ensure that our natural environment
will remain a healthy one for us and for future generations.
Meteorologists and climatologists provide advice for urban planning,
building design and location, including for renewable energy structures. They also
assist farmers and foresters in selecting the best times for sowing, planting,
irrigating and harvesting and in avoiding and controlling diseases and
pests.
Mariners and aviators and road companies, all use meteorological information
to delay departures whenever necessary or to plan their routes in order to
avoid hazardous weather conditions.
No community is fully immune to natural disaster, but some are certainly
more vulnerable than others. Meteorologist can assist those communities by
providing them forecasts and warnings, not only before and during a hazard, but
also throughout the difficult weather conditions that may follow.
These few aspects of meteorology and climatology – and there are many others
– contribute to making life safer, healthier and more comfortable for all.
They further ensure that lives and livelihoods will be evolving in a sustained
environment whose precious resources will also be protected.
Meteorologists are not high-profile people; they are men and women working
behind the scenes for our safety. Their work is very much of a team effort,
hence the slogan of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) “Working
together in weather, climate and water”
Perhaps you had not considered before the role that meteorologists play in
our daily lives. I hope that this article will stimulate you to do so, by
providing you a glimpse of their work and their contributions to society. Better
still, I hope that it may even encourage you to consider, as I did years ago,
a career in this highly gratifying field.
Towards a Better World
Nearly all areas of human activity are weather, climate and water sensitive.
Of particular importance is the impact of weather and climate fluctuations
on food production. Other areas, including fisheries and forestry, energy and
water resources management, land, marine and aviation transport, banking and
insurance, construction and urban design, all benefit directly from services
provided by meteorologists. The provision and application of accurate and
timely weather information, forecasts and warning contribute to human well-being
and are of considerable benefit to socio-economic development and
environmental protection.
Every dalasi invested in meteorological services produces an economic return
many times greater, often 10 times or more.
There is growing concern about the impacts on human societies of extreme
weather and climate events such as tropical storms, floods and drought. Some of
these events cause enormous destruction and loss of life with long-lasting
effects. Meteorologists, in collaboration with hydrologists, issue early
warnings of natural disasters so that immediate action can be taken.
Exactly what meteorologists do depends upon local requirements and the
structure of the National Meteorological Services.
Improving our well-being
Weather and Climate are both natural resources and hazards. They support but
can also pose a threat to life, property and the environment. In some cases,
such as thunderstorms, the impact is usually limited to a relatively small
area over a short period of time and affects only a few people. By contrast,
drought and flooding cause widespread and long-lasting damage. As well as the
immediate threat posed by severe and extreme weather, indirect effects
include disease and famine.
Meteorologists play a key role when disasters occur. They help educate the
public and raise awareness about weather-related disasters. Their advice
assists in preparing for disasters and finding ways of preventing them from
happening.
In the developed countries, many commercial organizations use specialized
weather and climate information services to support their decision-making.
Agriculture, road and marine transport, energy and water resources management,
aviation and tourism are particularly sensitive to the weather. Good weather
forecasts and climate information help ensure that these activities are carried
out safely and efficiently and that long-term plans take full account of any
expected changes in the climate.
Demand for energy supplies is highly weather-dependent (cooling in hot).
Forecasters provide information that assists suppliers in ensuring that
day-to-day requirement for electricity are met. Similarly, the management of water
resources requires timely and accurate information about the weather,
especially rainfall, to be provided by forecasters.
Weather information, forecasts, and warnings improve public safety and are
of enormous potential economic benefit.
Observing the weather
Accurate observations about the current weather are the basis of a good
weather forecast. This information is also required to monitor the climate.
Traditional sources of observations are observing stations on land and at sea and
upper-air-sounding. Today satellites, radar and aircraft are increasingly
vital sources of information.
There are many different instruments at an observing site. Some measure
temperature and humidity. Others measure air pressure, wind speed and direction,
rainfall and sunshine duration.
Upper-air-sounding are obtained by releasing a balloon which carries
instrument through the atmosphere. Information about pressure, temperature, humidty
and wind is sent back to a ground station.
Wind and other useful atmospheric information is also deduced from satellite
data. Satellite meteorologists develop the processes for turning the vast
amount of data into useful information and products.
The improved accuracy of weather forecasts over the last 30 years is partly
due to the increase in the amount of satellite data available, along with
advance in extracting useful information for use in computer models.
Forecasters depend upon information from satellites to help identify the
location and development of weather systems, especially over the oceans. In
addition, radar pictures provide forecasters with detailed information about the
structure of rainfall. A series of satellite and radar images helps
forecasters make detailed predictions of the weather over the next six hours or so.
Such techniques are especially useful for providing warnings of heavy rainfall.
Turning data into products
Observations are collected using national telecommunication networks and are
then transmitted around the world. A vast network has been established to do
this – the WMO Global Telecommunication System (GTS). It is also used to
share weather products.
Observational and forecast data need to be stored in databases so that the
data are available whenever required. The quantity and variety of data and the
need to provide ready access pose significant problems for information and
communication technology specialists.
Forecasters need to be able to display observations, analyses and forecasts
on meteorological workstations. These workstations prepare weather products
and warnings and send them to the appropriate users.
Forecasting the weather
The behaviour of the atmosphere is simulated using computer models which
take a detailed analysis of the state of the atmosphere at a particular time
using the latest available observations and then apply the laws of physics to
forecast what will occur.
Most computer models use a three-dimensional grid to represent the
atmosphere. At each grid point, information is recorded about pressure, temperature,
humidity and wind.
The starting point for making a forecast is to collect observations from
around the world using the GTS, which transmits surface observations, as well as
data from satellites, radar and aircraft. Once the observations have been
checked, they are used to determine the atmospheric variables at each grid
point at the start of the forecast.
Some of the complex processes taking place in the atmosphere cannot be fully
described and represented precisely in the models so their effects have to
be estimated. This is called “Parameterization”.
The numerical models use the initial grid point values, laws of physics
regarding the behaviour of fluid and parameterization schemes to make a
prediction of the change in grid point values a short time ahead. New grid point
values are then calculated and the process is repeated. In this way, a forecast is
built up.
Today, predictions made by computer models include a wide range of
geographical coverage and time-scales. Some models can predict weather conditions with
great detail in the short range, i.e. two to three days into the future,
while others can predict general weather patterns several seasons ahead.
Reaching People
Weather forecast presentations on television are popular and attract a
consistently high number of viewers. Radio broadcasts are another important way to
provide weather information to the public.
Dealing with climate change
Climate influences a wide variety of human activities and is very important
for social and economic well-being. Climate varies naturally from year to
year and may lead to extreme weather events such as severe storms, floods and
droughts.
Climatologists monitor the climate. They do this by examining averages and
extreme values of various weather elements, such as rainfall and temperature,
and the frequency with which weather events occur over a long period of time,
usually about 30 years. Climate summaries of this information and analyses
of change over time help people make decisions about weather-sensitive
activities. Construction, agriculture and insurance are a few examples.
Making travel safer
Aviation forecasters provide services that help reduce departure delays,
flight times and fuel consumption, and ensure the safety and comfort of
passengers. Of particular importance in these forecasts is advice concerning weather
conditions that may be hazardous to aircraft on take-off and landing and in
flight, such as strong wind, thunderstorm, turbulence and icing.
Fog, dust storm, heavy rain and strong winds create hazardous conditions for
road traffic. Forecasters provide warnings about the possibility of their
occurrence, taking into account expected changes in local weather. Drivers
should act on warnings to cancel or postpone a journey or be prepared for a
longer journey time or choose another mode of transport.
Saving lives and property
Natural disasters include tropical cyclones (also called hurricanes and
typhoons), severe storms, tornadoes, floods, drought, storm surge, land- and
mudslides, avalanches, wildland fires and sandstorms.
According to WMO, during the 10-year period 1992-2001, about 90 per cent of
all natural disasters were weather, climate or water related. They killed
622, 000 people and affect over two billion others. The total value of economic
losses over the same period was estimated at US$446 billion, accounting for
about 65 per cent of damage arising from all natural disasters.
Human and material losses caused by natural disasters are a major obstacle
to the sustainable development of developing countries, where their economic
impact is often devastating. The destruction of buildings, transport
infrastructure and agriculture has catastrophic impacts on local and national
economies. In the last decade, developing countries shouldered a great share of the
economic impacts of natural disasters than developed countries. Their
consequences continue to be felt long after the event.
Forecasters identify such events in the early stages and monitor their
progress. With the use of surface and satellite data, computer models and
knowledge of local climate and weather conditions, they predict future developments.
Protecting our health
Increasing concern about environmental and sustainable development issues
has created a demand for scientific advice and information on topics such as
air quality, solar radiation, the spread of pollutants and infectious diseases
and the onset of extreme climate conditions.
Weather and climate play a key role in the initiation and propagation of
potentially dangerous infectious diseases, such as bird flu and Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which are carried in droplets and particles in the
air.
Mosquitoes are bearers of severe deadly diseases such as malaria, dengue,
yellow fever and rift valley fever. Hot and wet weather conditions favour their
development and trigger outbreaks of these diseases.
Early warning systems for these hazardous conditions are developed by
weather and climate experts in partnership with health and social services,
allowing the public to be suitably prepared.
Feeding the world
All around the world, agriculture is critically dependent upon the weather.
Accurate weather and climate information helps farmers cultivate healthy
crops and livestock and expand production. Similar information is used by
fishermen, foresters and horticulturalists.
Agro meteorologists provide services based on an understanding of the
interaction of weather and agricultural activities. They use data which concern the
development of crops, including damage by pests and diseases and soil
moisture.
Each day a farmer needs to make decisions about which activities to carry
out. To help them do this, weather bulletins are issued on a daily or decadal
(every ten days) basis. The decadal bulletins provide information about past
and forecast weather and identify the activities that can be carried out.
Environmental factors affect the incidence of plant and animal diseases and
pests. For example, desert locust swarms ravage crops and destroy
livelihoods, leading to starvation. Knowledge of these factors and of the stages in
development of diseases and pests when they are most harmful to crops and
livestock allows farmers to take preventive action. Information provided by agro
meteorologists helps farmers with control operations, such as forecasting
optimal wind conditions for spraying crops with insecticide.
Farmers need to be aware of the likely range of variability in the climate
from year to year. Awareness of the likely onset of droughts, heavy rain and
temperature extremes enables farmers to decide which are the most resistant
crops to grow to minimize losses.
NATIONAL CODEX COMMITTEE REVITALIZED
FOOD STANDARDS, QUALITY AND SAFETY ITS PRIORITY
By Ousman Sillah
The newly revitalized National Codex Committee (NCC), which is appointed by
the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) Board in accordance with the Food Act,
2005, has held its inaugural and monthly meeting at the Agency’s head office,
near Mile 7 along the coastal road in Bakau, on Thursday 26 July 2007.
The meeting was convened to enable members to discuss and acquaint
themselves with the organisation and structure of the NCC and to review and adopt its
Terms of Reference (TOR). It was noted that the National Codex Committee
(NCC) has an important role to play in the Food Control System, which is
equivalent to that of an executive committee, as it is to coordinate the work of the
various technical bodies operating in sensitive areas in the Codex
organisational framework. Among the other issues dealt with at the meeting were the
identification of institutions and other persons as members of the NCC and also
on capacity building in creating basic understanding of the Food Act, 2005.
In recognition of the urgent need to establish mechanisms that will ensure
food standards to protect the health of consumers in The Gambia, the meeting
agreed to work towards putting in place a regulatory framework consisting of
such competent committees in the areas of General Principles, Food Labelling,
Food Import and Export inspection and certification systems, Food hygiene,
etc.
The inadequate capacity of existing laboratories was highlighted and the
need for an accredited and centrally coordinated laboratory on Quality Control
to be worked out by the specialized technical committees was also recommended.
The need to expedite the establishment of the Compliance Committee, as
provided for by the Act, to deal with the enforcement of standards to be complied
with by the supermarkets, abattoirs, markets and street food vendors etc. was
also recommended.
The National Codex Committee, which is taking cue from Codex Alimentarius,
is established to facilitate communication among all stakeholders concerned
with food production, safety and standards.
A presentation on the Food Act, 2005 was made by Mr. Modou Cheyassin Phall,
Acting Executive Director of NaNA.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Omar Touray of the National Authorising
Office Support Unit (NAOSO) and attended by representatives of the relevant
government departments, agencies, civil society organisations, media and the NaNA
support staff.
MUSTAPHA LEIGH AND BOTO SONKO’S TRIAL FAILS TO PROCEED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The trial involving Mr. Mustapha Leigh, the Former Technical Director of
Works and Infrastructure and Mr. Momodou Lamin Sonko, alias “Boto”, the
proprietor of Boto Construction Company, could not proceed at the Kanifing
Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 26th July, due to the absence of the trial Magistrate,
Moses Richards.
The two accused persons were seen within the court premises. Messrs. Leigh
and Sonko were dragged to court by the state on three counts: conspiracy,
stealing and abuse of office.
On count one, the duo, are accused of conspiring together to commit felony
in 2001.On count two, the duo are accused of stealing a bulldozer in 2001
being the property of The Gambia Government and count three stated that in 2001,
the duo used the bulldozer being the property of The Gambia Government
without authority. They both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
MARABOUT DAWDA CEESAY’S TRIAL
Serious Crime Unit Officers Testify
By Abdou Jeli Keita
Maxell Bass and Lamin Jadama, both officers of the Gambia Police Force
attached to the Serious Crime Unit, testified in the criminal trial involving one
Dawda Ceesay. Maxell Bass testified that on May 7, 2007, while on morning
duty, a case was referred to his office for further investigation. He said he
interviewed the complainant (Abdoulie Corr) who alleged that the accused person
(Dawda Ceesay) received money from him (Abdoulie Corr) with the intention of
multiplying it and which the accused could not do as promised.
He said during the investigation, they interrogated the suspect, who
confessed to have received money from the complainant purposely to multiply it. He
added that after the interrogation, they escorted the accused to his house and
conducted a search, during which papers in Arabic writing were found. He
said they then escorted the accused back to the police station.
Prosecutor Sanyang applied to tender the document in Arabic for
identification purposes and which were admitted in evidence and marked ID-1, 2, 3,4,5,6.
Prosecution Witness Maxell Bass added that, as they returned to the serious
crime unit, they interrogated the accused person, (Marabout Dawda Ceesay) who
revealed that they shared the money (D28, 000) and each got D14, 000, part of
which was sent to his parents.
PW2, Bass said they made further investigations through the accused person’s
parents by telephone conversation and who also admitted receiving money in
francs CFA, equivalent to D810. He said they asked the parents to come with
the said amount.
The D810 was tendered. It was admitted and marked Exhibit B1. The witness
added that a mobile phone was also recovered from the accused person, which the
complainant identified as his and it was returned to him and the accused was
charged according to law.
The witness said the accused made two voluntary statements at the serious
crime unit office.
The third prosecution witness, Lamin Jadama, a police officer attached to
the Serious Crime Unit at the police headquarters, said sometime in April 2007,
he received a case file pertaining to obtaining money by false pretence
which involved one Dawda Ceesay. He added that he was assigned to obtain a
voluntary statement from the accused, in the cause of which the accused pleaded
guilty to obtaining D14, 000 from one Abdoulie Corr, the complainant.
The police prosecutor, Sanyang, at this Juncture informed the court that the
accused was bailed at the police station.
This case is adjourned to a later date in August for further hearing.
WULI EAST ROADS IMPASSABLE
By Suwaibou Touray& Yaya Dampha
Reports emanating from the Wuli East district spoke of untold suffering by
the people to access roads in the region. Our reporter visited the district
and saw from first hand the dilapidating nature of all the roads in the region.
The situation of the road is aggravated by the destruction of all the
culverts built during the construction of the Feeder roads in 1985/86.
The worse affected areas are the culverts after Chamoi which has not only
been destroyed but washed away by the flood. The culvert between Bantunding
village and Baja Kunda is also dismantled by erosion last year but was not
repaired. The culvert immediately after Baja Kunda Health Centre was not only
removed by erosion but the land in which it was settled was also eroded thereby
cutting off the road completely. This has made it extremely difficult for
people of Sutukoba to access the Baja Kunda
Health Centre. The only health centre for the whole ward.
The culvert before Sutukoba is dismantled and dangerous for any kind of
motorist, not to mention big trucks. This is why the area is depending on rice
and fertilizer imported from Senegal.
Throughout the district, from Kambeleng as well as between Gunjur Kuta and
Barrow Kunda, culverts have been removed by rain making the whole area
inaccessible to motorists and passengers.
According to the people, the local authorities be they the Area Council or
the Governor are either unhelpful or unconcerned about the road conditions and
the suffering it entailed for the people in that southernmost tip of the
country.
During the presidential tour at Baja Kunda the issue was raised by the
people and the president Alhagi Yahya Jammeh gave out D50, 000 dalasis towards the
repair of the road but that could only fill holes on the roads with gravel
but not repair the most crucial aspect, i.e. the culverts.
Our reporter contacted the Governor URR, Mr. Omar Khan who denied the
reports and referred to them as erroneous and unfounded. He said he himself has
travelled on these roads two weeks ago with his vehicle and even saw trucks
plying the route.
He said those roads were rehabilitated since last year. However, a resident
in Sutukoba maintained that the roads are in bad condition; that trucks
carrying goods had to unload their contents between Baja Kunda and Sutukoba before
they can cross over the culverts. He however said even garage chief at Basse
can confirm that.
FA Cup Quarter Final Roundup
By Modou Nyang
Hawks outplayed Armed Forces 2-0 and Real de Banjul fought from behind to
eliminate Wallidan 2-1 to book their places in the FA Cup semi final. Whilst
GPA also got the better of Steve Biko by a 2-1 goal margin and Bakau United
annihilated Kaira Silo to complete the quarter final knockouts.
Hawks showed their class over the soldiers at the Serrekunda West grounds on
Sunday by scoring at the 44th minute of the first half and returning in the
second to take full control of the game. With the tension of the game boiling
high and the referee unable to take control of the situation, Hawks again
scored in the 61st minute to kill the game. After that it was only Hawks in the
field as Armed Forces were only chasing shadows.
But earlier on Saturday, Real de Banjul full a more shocking defeat against
Wallidan at the Independence Stadium after falling to a Modou Lamin Sillah
first half goal. But Real went into the second half with much zeal and their
efforts paid off when Edrissa Jarra headed in to level the score. And as the
pressure continued to mount on the bleu boys Kabba Langley was forced to clear
the ball into his own goal as he attempted to play out Ebrima Bojang’s low
cross. At the Serrekunda West playing filed on the same day on Saturday, Steve
Biko were sent packing out of the Cup competition – which effectively starts
their sojourn in the second division next term. Ports Pa Modou Jange scored
first in the 26th minute and Hadji Tunkara maded it two in the 32nd to finish
off any challenge from the Bakau side. Alagie Bah however in the 53rd minute
pulled one back, to earn his side a consolation.
Bakau United beat lowly Kaira Silo three nil to also make a date for the
semi finals. Semi final fixtures: Real de Banjul will play Wallidan on Saturday
and on Sunday Hawks take on Bakau United both at the independence Stadium.
August 4th for S/K West Super Cup
By Modou Nyang
The Serrekunda West Nawetan curtain raiser is slated for August 4th between
New Jeswang Kanifing United.
New Jeswang as league champions and Kanifing United as the FA champions will
officially set the ball rolling for this year’s Nawetan football season.
Five teams has joined other from the qualifying series including Manjai United
and Ajax who were relegated last season.
A total of Twenty four teams registered for the qualifying rounds and SK
Central, Sankung Sillah and Boys United joined Manjai and Ajax to make the
twenty teams that will compete in this year’s Nawetan.
Handball Elect New Executive
By Modou Nyang
A new Executive body has been elected to steer the affairs of Handball in
the country on Sunday at the Independence Stadium.
With only one position (President) contested all other seven position went
unopposed. The congress was however marred with disturbances especially
regarding the representation of Wallidan and ELF Handball Clubs. The two clubs have
two factions each with a copy of a letter from the National Sports Council
requesting their participation in the congress. And when it was time for the
election of the executive committee, the different side were given the
opportunity to reconcile amongst themselves and when that initiative too failed, the
clubs were excluded from voting. Representatives of Armed Forces and Dark
Martin were not present.
Kebba Jobe and Martin Solomon Johnson who were nominated for the post of
President, went for an election and Kebba Jobe was elected with thirteen votes
to Martin’s five. The remaining positions were all filled unopposed. They are
to run the affairs of Handball for the next four years.
The Full Executive.
President, Kebba Jobe
V/ Président, Nuha Darboe
S/General, Modou L. Singhateh
A/S/General Modou L. Badjie
Treasurer, Bai Cham
Members. Njaimeh Joof, Kumba Ceesay and Pa Dodou Sarr
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