Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 116/2007, 3 - 4 October, 2007
Editorial
Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied
Fatou Jaw Manneh Still Waiting
The forthright woman who spoke her mind and had to face criminal charges for
it is still waiting for her case to proceed.
She was arrested on 28 March 2007 and after juggling from one court to
another, the Banjul Magistrates Court ruled that the case should be filed at
Brikama Magistrates Court. This was on 6 August 2007 two months ago. Since then
she has not been summoned to appear before any court to face criminal charges.
Any delay in proceedings simply hampers the work she has been engaged in.
She has been waiting for over six months. Does she have to wait for another six
months before commencement of proceedings and may be yet another six months
before delivery of verdict? Prosecutors take note: Justice delayed is justice
denied
The merit of the case aside, the government has to seriously consider what
it hopes to gain by keeping her here for at least another six months before
the case is concluded. It has to consider whether the words she wrote, for
which she is charged, pose any threat to security of the state. What harm is
there in dropping the case and letting her be? Let’s hope that this will serve as
food for thought.
Needless to say, journalists are not enemies of the government. They simply
constitute the watchdog of society who would scrutinise what goes on,
particularly in the public domain, and inform the public accordingly.
This is why the constitution gives the media the task to uphold “the
responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people of The Gambia.”
Young Man Sentenced To Death For Murder
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Principal Magistrate Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrates Court has on
Tuesday 2 October convicted and sentenced one Sulayman Bah, a young man, to
death on a charge of murder. According to the facts adduced before the court,
Mr. Sulayman Bah and Mamudou Jallow were involved in a brawl at Dippa Kunda
on the 1st of September 2007. The brawl was said to have been caused by a
dispute over D10 which resulted in a fight.
According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Touray, Sulayman Bah angrily
took an iron bar and hit Mamdou Jallow on the head thereby shattering his head
in to pieces. He was said to have been rushed to Serrekunda Clinic and later
transferred to Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) where he was
pronounced death. The said iron bar and seven photographs of the deceased were
tendered in court as exhibits. The accused told the court that he was beaten and
electrocuted by the police to confess to the allegation of killing Mr. Jallow.
He said the first time he appeared in court, he did not understood the
language of the interpreter. Magistrate Richards said killing is very rampant in
our society and that it is the duty of the court to put a stop to it.
Magistrate Richards therefore convicted Mr. Bah on section 187 of the Criminal Code,
Laws of The Gambia, for murder and sentenced him to death under section 188 of
the Criminal Code, laws of The Gambia.
Twins Die In Inferno
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Adama and Awa Boye, four months old twins died in a fire incident in their
parents house at Bijilo on Saturday, September 29.
According to their father, Essa Boye, the fire was caused by a burning
candle in the room where the children were lying. The aggrieved father told
Foroyaa that he believe that the bed net in which the twins laid under caught fire
after it was blown by the wind towards the burning candle.
Haddy Konneh, spokeswoman of The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service, said the
unfortunate incident occurred around 21:00 hours, when both parents were
sitting outside after breaking their fast. She attributed the cause of the
inferno to the burning candle in the house. Konneh said though the fire was
extinguished by neighbours, the fire brigades in Kotu were lately called. Konneh
also said the twin victims were rushed to a health centre in Sukuta where they
were pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of The Gambia Police Force, Inspector Sulayman
Secka, told Foroyaa that a coroner has authorized an autopsy and the deceaseds
are currently at the mortuary at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH).
The fire service spokeswoman has urged the public to master the necessary
telephone numbers in case an emergency erupts. Konneh dismissed the view that
the brigades are most of the time late to arrive at scenes of fire outbreaks.
A mobile phone hotline, 18, can reach the fire and ambulance service when
needed.
Alexandra Djibba And Others In Court
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Thirty men suspected of being rebels from the Senegalese Region of
Cassamance were on Monday 1 October spotted at the Kanifing Magistrate Court. Among
the men is the former spokesperson of the MFDC, Alexandra Djibba and a member
of The Gambia Armed Forced, Sergeant Sam Kambai.
They were not arraigned before any magistrate. They were packed in one of
the empty courtrooms which was guarded by well armed police intervention unit
personnel who were armed with Ak47 rifles. The courtyard from the main gate up
to the premises of the courtrooms were manned by PIU men. The thirty men were
later taken away after almost three hours under heavy guard. They were
whisked on board two police trucks with registration number GPF 47 and 48. The
trucks drove towards Banjul. Alexandra Djibba was seen limping with a cruch in
his hand. He was assisted by two officers to climb the police truck.
Immigration personnel were also spotted in the operation.
Dudu Kassa Jaata & Co Trial
Defence Opens Its Case
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The defence in the trial of Dudu Kassa Jaata and seven others has on Monday
opened its case in the matter before Magistrate Abdoulie Mbacke of the
Kanifing Magistrates Court. The first defence witness was Dudu Kassa Jaata, the
first accused person.
Kassa told the court that he is a businessman and a politician who belong to
the UDP. He said he know Mr. Sam Dubois, the complainant in the case. He
said Sam is the chairman of the ruling APRC at Bakau . Mr. Jaata said on the 27
June 2006, he was at a registration centre at Bakau Bantangkoto representing
UDP as a supervisor and agent. He said be operated from 8 am to 5pm. He noted
that on the 1st August 2006 at the same registration centre, Sam Dubois and
some APRC supporters went to their compound at Bakau Jatta Kunda with some
police intervention unit personnel. He said they were led by Inspector Sawaneh
and were armed with guns, tear gas and batons. He said one Nyima Manneh who w
as selling at the compound gate was arrested. Kassa narrated that some
family members went to the police station to secure her release, but they were
beaten by the police and denied entry into the station. He said one Banuha
Touray happened to enter the station and was told by the police that they
mistakenly took Nyima for Yama Fatty. He said the police later apologised and
released Nyima. He denied being arrested, noting that he surrendered himself to the
police when he heard that the police had arrested, Lamin Jawara, Isatou
Jawara, Omar Jatta and Yama Fatty. He said he gave a statement to the police that
the statement was obtained by detective Manneh.
At this point, defense counsel Lamin S. Camara made an application for him
to study the statement. However, persecutor Sergeant 870 Touray objected to
that, noting that the statement belongs to the prosecution. Counsel Camara
maintained that the statement does not belong to the prosecution and that the
defence has the right to go through it. Magistrate Mbacked ruled that the
defence has the right to study the cautionary and voluntary statements of the
accused persons and therefore adjourned the matter to another date. Dudu Kassa
Jaata and the seven others are standing trial for allegedly arming themselves
in public, using abusive languages and obstructing police officers while
executing their duties.
PW 1 Testifies Against EX- KMC Mayor
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The D4 million dalasis fraud case involving the state and the ex-mayor of
the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMN), Mr. Alieu Momar Njie has commenced at the
Kanifing Magistrates Court presided over by Principal Magistrate Moses
Richards on Tuesday 2 October.
The case began with the testimony of the first prosecution witness (PW1),
Alagie Gibril M. S Njie who is the Commissioner of Finance of the Gambia Scouts
Association. Mr. Njie said allegations were levelled against Mr. Alieu Momar
Njie. He said Momar Njie was accused of mismanaging the associations finance
which includes deposits from various Jamborees organised by the Association
and the proceeds from hiring the Associations vehicles to foreign visitors.
He said the hiring of their vehicle for over two years could amount to D58,
000 dalasis. He said the monies were kept by Mr. Alieu Momar Njie. He said the
commission members had always complained that they never set their eyes on
the monies derived from the vehicles, subvention from the Dennish and some
skills centres. He said there were mismanagement of funds from all these
accounts. Mr. Gibril Njie said in 2004, there were Jamborees in UK, USA, Germany;
that there was an ECOWAS Jamboree which was sponsored by the International Union
of Muslim Scouts (IUMS) in Jeddah, Saudi, Arabia. Mr. Gribil Njie pointed
out that the IUMS gave them 10, 000dollars for the ECOWAS Jamboree. He said the
cash was given to Mr. Alieu Momar Njie. He noted that Mr. Njie did not seek
the consent of the finance unit, but instead disbursed the amount. He noted
that Mr. Alieu Momar Njie later issued a statement of account on how he used
the said amount; but that several expenditures were made without receipts. He
added that Mr. Alieu Momar Njie said he had spent D6,000 on phone calls and
that there was another amount he spent on International calls. Mr. Njie
indicated that Mr. Alieu Momar Njie told them that he had also refunded his
daughter an amount of D20,000 dalasis.
Press Release From NYC
The Gambia National Youth Council (NYC) was established by an act of
parliament in 2000 and is mandated to monitor and coordinate all National Youth
Programmes and activities, Register Youth Organisations as well as advice
Government on all Youth matters.
In view of that the National Youth Council wishes to inform all Youth
Organisations operating in the Gambia to register with the Council or its
structures on or before the 30th November, 2007.
All organisations operating in one or two regions should register with the
Regional or Municipal Youth Committee, while those operating in three or more
regions should register with National Youth Council with an attached
endorsement letter from Youth Committee Chairperson of that Region.
The registration will help both the Youth Organisations and Council to
better plan for the physical year 2008 and in the monitoring process.
Organisations or groups that fail to meet the registration deadline will be
suspended from operation.
Organisations that have already registered are requested to pay their
subscription within the given deadline.
Breakdown of payment is as follows;
National Youth Organisation registration fee is D500.00 while subscription
is D1000.00
Local Youth Organisations registration fee is D250.00 while subscription is
D500.00
For more information please contact the National Youth Council at the
Independent Stadium Bakau or call:
Office: 4495617/4495621
Cell: 9962763/9888504/7795722/7739090
Soliciting your cooperation.
Thank you.
MEDIA RELEASE
Y P M Gambia Gets Radiojojo Boost
Young People in the Media Organisation, The Gambia entered into a
partnership agreement with radiojojo, World Children’s Radio Network based in Berlin,
Germany. Radiojojo is the first global children radio initiatives.
The partnership project which comprised of four countries namely Berlin,
Greenland, Bolivia and the Gambia.
The project aims at producing a multilateral radio show on water and
sanitation situations in the four countries. It will enable children of the various
countries to tell kids worldwide about water situation in their respective
countries.
According to the Gese Rindermann of Radiojojo in Berlin, the multilateral
radio show project is indeed timely and crucial since water and environment are
important topics for the future.
He noted that the project will allow children in the participating countries
to share and express their taught with other children worldwide on water
situation in their countries and what they are doing in ensuring portable
drinking water is accessible to all.
He said, the goal of the project is to have a radio compare the topic water
in the various countries made by children and for children that is
fascinating, interesting and informative for children. Abdou Jatta, President of Young
People in the Media, the Gambia, expressed optimism in the project which is
laudable since Gambia is the only African country chosen to take part.
He said the people will give boost to Gambian young people and children to
tell kids worldwide about water situation in their country. Jatta noted that
hopefully, the project will have an initial pilot character that all the
parties concern are content with it.
The Body Shop: Breaking Silence
(Courtesy of Unicef)
Sometimes the best-kept secret turns out to be the worst-case scenario. That
is the situation for an estimated 275 million children worldwide who witness
domestic violence. Often feeling alone, terrified and invisible, their
childhood secrets are not accompanied by shared giggles and joyful whispers of
innocence, but by panic, shame and the emotional scars of trauma.
For these hidden victims of household brutality, the effects of seeing their
parents or caregivers, battered, bruised and bullied can last a lifetime.
For this reason, The Body Shop International, UNICEF and the Secretariat Study
on violence against children teamed up to shine a spotlight on a pandemic
that is cloaked in secrecy.
The Body Shop International, the skin- and body-care retailer, has long
championed humanitarian causes. In 2004, The Body Shop launched ‘Stop Violence in
the Home’, an ongoing global campaign to raise awareness. Although
documentation of the devastating effects of domestic violence on women has improved in
recent years. Far less is known about the damage done to children who
witness the abuse. Consequently, The Body Shop looked to UNICEF when its focus
turned to the smallest victims of this huge problem.
In August 2006, The Body Shop’s ‘Stop Violence in the Home’ campaign was
launched in 50 countries. Through more than 2, 000 stores around the world and
The Body Shop At Home businesses in the United States and the United Kingdom,
the campaign raised awareness and funds to support local partners working to
prevent domestic violence and to provide treatment.
Behind Closed Doors: The impact of domestic violence on children is a joint
UNICEF/ The Body Shop publication that identifies a strong link between
domestic violence and child abuse. Among child survivors of abuse, 40 per cent
reported domestic violence within their homes. The report also reveals that
children from violent homes often exhibits learning problems, limited social
skills, aggression, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, and are more likely
to experience domestic violence later in life, as victims or perpetrators.
UNICEF distributes Behind Closed Doors through its National Committees and
field offices. The Body Shop coordinates the campaign through its worldwide
markets. The goal is to raise awareness and foster dialogue about this largely
ignored pandemic-and to encourage governments to enact legislation that
criminalizes domestic violence and establish programmes to help children recover.
In addition to visibility, the in-store campaign’s brochures and leaflets are
used to raise funds for non-governmental organisations that work with child
survivors of domestic violence.
“Thanks to the support of UNICEF and the passion and determination of The
Body Shop store staff, the campaign has played a vital role in taking what is a
very challenging and difficult issues from behind closed doors and out into
society,” said Christopher Davis, Global Campaigns Manager of The Body Shop
International.
“Creating Behind Close Doors and launching the findings across the world
gave the campaign a great profile and support-our ultimate objective of making
a real difference, raising awareness and funds for children around the world”.
The Body Shop and UNICEF are committed to achieving long-term results from
the Behind Closed Doors campaign. And they are working together to pry open
those doors behind which frightened children wait to be rescued.
Measuring Results
Good intentions do not substitute for measurable success. Analysis of data
allows UNICEF to scale up programmes that are effective and invest in
campaigns that will produce high returns.
UNICEF developed the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey in 1995 to generate
precise data in a timely, cost-effective manner. This household survey is a
key tool for monitoring progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.
Survey results contribute to the accuracy and thoroughness of Progress of
Children, UNICEF’s series of ‘report cards’ on the Millennium Development Goals.
The two reports issued in 2006 focus on nutrition, and water and sanitation.
A Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey in 2006 found the under-five and
maternal mortality rates in the Central African Republic to be unacceptably high.
The survey’s results are helping to generate a proposal for a national child
survival and development programme. In Niger, a Multiple Indicator Cluster
Survey allowed the country to monitor its progress in decreasing under-five
mortality and promoting exclusive breastfeeding by comparing figures from 2006
Multiple Indicator. Cluster Survey is helping the government quantify
educational disparities between the general population and ethnic minorities, migrant
children and other vulnerable groups. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey is
utilized in 55 countries and, starting in 2006, will be conducted every
three years, an increase from the previous five-year time frame.
In addition to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, UNICEF generates data
through Demographic and Health Surveys and has invested in the creation of
Devlnfo, software that can assist countries in monitoring progress towards the
Millennium Development Goals and other development benchmarks. Solid data
form the backbone of UNICEF’s annual flagship publication The State of the World’
s Children, which is a vital resource for development specialists and child
rights advocates.
Health & Nutrition
Repercussions of Substance Abuse
By Yaya Bajo
The habit of substance abuse is not an uncommon phenomenon among the world’s
youthful populations. Many people take drugs duo to medical prescriptions
for various reasons which eventually lead to dependence, or addiction and other
serious health implications in the long run.
For public consumption, a drug is a chemical substance used for medical or
veterinary purposes. It can however, be a habit-forming narcotic which causes
physiological or emotional dependence. However, drugs are really meant for
preventing or treating illness. Unfortunately, however, some of these drugs are
abused, that is, they are used for reasons other than the medical one.
Drugs can be conveniently classified as:
-Domestic, eg caffeine, alcohol and nicotine
-Stimulants, eg amphetamines and cocaine
-Barbiturates, eg phenobartitone and anytal
-Opiates, eg morphine and heroin
-Hallucinogens, eg cannabis and LSD
Some people find it very hard to stop using certain drugs. They are said to
be addicted to or dependent on the drug. A drug addict may want to give up
taking a drug but his body refuses to let him do so. Addiction to nicotine,
the drug in tobacco is very common. It develops in this way. There is an urge
to cough while smoking the first few cigarettes. Once this has been overcome,
the nicotine produces a pleasant feeling of light-headedness and relaxation.
The desire for more of such feeling brings about repetition and several
cigarettes may be smoked a day. The next stage is a tolerance to nicotine when the
smoker needs more cigarettes in order to get the same feeling. Prolonged and
heavy smoking leads to the withdrawal stage. The smokers simply cannot do
without a cigarette because of nervousness and irritability otherwise known as
withdrawal symptoms, when not smoking.
The above pattern of addiction is true of almost all other addiction drugs.
At the withdrawal stage, the taking of the drug is simply a habit to give
relief from the withdrawal symptoms, it is rather not taken to give pleasure.
The habit forces the addict to spend a lot off time and money obtaining the drug
and therefore work, health, family and friends may be neglected. It is
against the law to use some drugs and they cost more to obtain. This leads to
robbery or prostitution in order to get enough money to buy drugs.
For domestic drugs, coffee and tea contain the drug caffeine. Caffeine tends
to aid mental activity and give a slight “high” feeling. Caffeine is rarely
addictive but drinking too much coffee which contain more caffeine than tea
can damage the heart and kidneys.
The addiction to the drug alcohol, especially ethyl alcohol or ethanol, is
one of the major social problems in many countries. Examples of alcohol drinks
are beer, wine and spirits such as whisky and gin. The alcohol content of
sprits is much higher than in wine and beer. Some home-made spirits are very
alcoholic, sometimes not ethanol but other more harmful types of alcohol.
Alcoholis are affected in a number of ways after having taking alcohol. With
a little drink, they begin to feel “high” and appear to be in a happy mood.
Greater amounts affect the brain. People may lose self control and say or
do things that are not normal for them. They may argue, shout or fight. They
cannot rely on their memories. They may judge distances wrongly and see things
in a confused manner. Their reactions may be slowed down. They are said to
be drunk. When the effect of alcohol wears off, they have what is called a
hangover. This involves headaches, tiredness, thirst and sickness. Some people
will drink now and again with other people (social drinking) and will not
suffer very much harm from if. There are, however, others who are heavy drinkers
and may become alcoholics. They have a drinking problem which can be overcome
by selfhelp. They need to develop a strong will power, control their
drinking or give it up altogether. If it was caused, for example, by the loss of a
job or the death of a marriage partner, it could be over come by a new job or
remarriage respectively. Other ways of trying to solve the problem include
abstinence, staying away from drinks, involvement in healthy pursuits such as
games an other sporting activities.
Heavy drinking is a very bad habit and a disease. It is harmful in a number
of ways:
The heart may enlarge and become less powerful
The liver cells may be destroyed, resulting in a very serious disease called
cirrhosis. This kills many heavy drinkers.
· Stomach ulcers may develop
· Brain cells are destroyed and memory can be seriously affected.
· Malnutrition may develop because heavy drinkers often lack
interest in food.
· Heavy drinking can lead to crime and accidents, expecially road
accidents.
· It is expensive to drink. It may lead to problems because there
is not enough money for the family.
· Pregnant mothers who drink often have babies with small heads
below-normal intelligence. The children have distorted faces, poor eyesight and
heart defects.
In addition, nicotine in tobacco is addictive and poisonous. It causes
narrowing of blood vessels (arteriosclerosis). This may occur in the heart,
causing a heart attack, or in the brain, causing a stroke.
Cigarette smoker contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas and various tars.
The carbon monoxide tends to reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood of the
smoker and other people who may inhale the smoke (passive smokers). This
affects all tissues, particularly the brain and the heart.
The tar irritates the nose, throat and lung. Some diseases of the
respiratory tract, for example bronchitis, can also develop. Smoking can cause
abortions and premature births. The babies of smoking mothers are smaller in size
than those of non-smokers. Nicotine in the mother’s blood may harm the foetus.
Smokers usually have a bad smell on their breath. They also cough often and
do not eat well. Other harmful effects of smoking include the fact that
cigarettes cost a lot of money, and also that smoking increases the risk of
starting a fire.
Furthermore, hallucinogenic drugs such as cannabis is harmful in the
following ways.
It acts on the nervous system and can damage the brain
It is a depressant drug (slows down the user) and causes unsteadiness.
It can produce hallucinations.
It removes the desire to work and better oneself. However, some of the its
sides effects include mental disorders and difficulty in concentrating
Jah Michael Ready to Champion the Cause
of the Poor
By Musa Barrow & Madiba Singhateh
In this interview, Foroyaa unravels the story of an artist who described
himself as a man on a mission. Jah Michael, whose ideas make him a unique
singer, tells Foroyaa the rationale behind his beliefs. He also takes us through
his musical career.
Foroyaa: You are known to music enthusiasts as Jah Michael, but tell us what
your real name is, and why did you choose the name Jah Michael for yourself?
Jah Michael: My real name is Musa Jatta and the name Jah Michael is a
reference to my religious beliefs, because Jah means God while Michael is a name of
an angel known for mercy.
Foroyaa: When did you start playing music?
Jah Michale: Basically, music has always been an inextricable part of my
life, starting from childhood days.
Foroyaa: So far, how many albums or singles have you released?
Jah Michae: I have so far released only one single entitled Smiling Coast.
Foroyaa: When was your debut single entitled Smiling Coast released?
Jah Michael: It was released exactly one year ago.
Foroyaa: Which studio recorded Smiling Coast?
Jah Michael: Smiling Coast was recorded by Bul Duff Recording Studio, which
was owned by the late Modou Jammeh, who also played a very pivotal role in my
quest to become a fully-fledged artist.
Foroyaa: Clearly, the late Modou Jammeh must have been an idol to you. How
would you like him to be remembered?
Jah Michael: Without any doubt, the late Modou Jammeh was an idol not just
to me, but to this entire generation of upcoming Gambian artists. He had
mentored some and inspired others.
Foroyaa: What type of artist are you?
Jah Michael: I am a revolutionary artist who is ready to champion the cause
of the poor in order to make sure that injustice and poverty are not just
alleviated but totally eradicated.
Foroyaa: Apparently fighting injustice and poverty is a very daunting
challenge how do you hope to accomplish this mission?
Jah Michael: Yes, fighting against injustice and poverty is a tough
challenge, but I must stress that it is not insurmountable. And I hope to accomplish
my mission through singing about the two menaces mentioned above and make
sure that concrete action is take to address them.
Foroyaa: As an artist, how do you see society?
Jah Michael: There are many social vices existing in our society. Corruption
is rife and endemic and our hospitals sometimes run out of drugs.
Foroyaa: What is your response to those who may say that singing against
some of these malpractices could land you in trouble. Is Jah Michel ready to pay
whatever it takes to expose these malpractices?
Jah Michael: As far as I am concerned, failure to expose and despise these
malpractices means deviating from the mission assigned by God. I am ready to
pay whatever price it takes to make sure that corruption and all forms of
malpractices have no moment of respite. I will condemn them in the strongest
terms possible, constantly and relentlessly.
Foroyaa: Recently, many rising Gambian artists have attracted sponsorship
from companies. Has any company approached you with a view to promoting their
products and services?
Jah Michael: Until now, no company has approached me with such a proposal.
Foroyaa: Would you consider such deal, if you have been approached?
Jah Michael: Yes, I might consider such deals in the future.
Foroyaa: By having contracts with companies to promote their products and
services, will that not compromise the principles you said you stand for?
Jah Michael: No contract shall compromise my principles. If signing one
means compromising what I stand for, then I have to terminate such a contract.
Foroyaa: Young Gambian artists have often come under criticism for not
playing traditional Gambian music. Critics do say such musicians either imitate
the Jamaican or the Americans. Which school of music do you belong to?
Jah Michael: First of all I believe that the criticism is unfair because
music has no boundary. I am a Jamaican inspired artist. Let me also put it that
Jamaican music also has its root back in Africa.
Foroyaa: After having talked to some artists, they expressed their desire to
become icons. Do you also hope to become an icon?
Jah Michael: The issue for me is not to be an icon; the message I send is
the most important thing for me.
Foroyaa: What is your relationship with other artists?
Jah Michael: The relationship is rather cordial.
Foroyaa: When can we expect your next single?
Jah Michael: You can expect it any moment from now.
Foroyaa: Finally, to take you back, how old are you?
Jah Michael: I am 27 years old.
Foroyaa: Thank you Jah Michael for the interview
Jah Michael: It’s a pleasure.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
BLACKMAIL, JUSTICE AND SENTIMENT
Part 9
The D-Day For The Blackmailer
Justin came to the hotel with a gun unbeknowing to Daado. As Daado entered
the hotel room, Justin brandished the gun at her. The timid Daado was scared
to death. Justin threatened her with a gun. He gave a long sermon. He is
desperate. He wanted to have Daado at all cost. His intention is to have sex with
her and humiliate her in the process. But Daado was resolved this time
around. Justin spoke his mind. He is grudgeous. “I have never been rejected by a
woman. What is special about you? I’ve had you in unconsciousness. You are
nothing but a woman. Why do you accept Greg and reject me? You have hurt my
pride. This is why this project to kneel you down is dear to my heart. I am Docter
Justin I’ve always get my heart’s desire”. Daado took a stand. “You have
humiliated me enough. This time around you cannot have your way. I belong to
someone else. First time you drugged me to have sex with me. This time around,
you have to kill me first”. Justin became mad at Daado’s defiance. The
chauvinist pushed Daado at the bed and started to take out her clothes. Daado
fought him like a wounded lioness. Quickly, she seized the gun from him and
threatened to shot at Docter. He did not take her seriously. He laughed over it. “
Give me the gun! You cannot shoot at me!” Justin bluffed. He still thought
Daado as a naive, timid lady whom he can toy with as he Wishes. Daado held to
the gun and threatened to shoot at Justin if he advanced towards her. Docter
took it as a bluff and advanced towards her.Daado pulled the trigger and shot
him dead. The hotel detectives including Desmond who was trailing after them
rushed to the hotel room. They were shocked. They found Justin in his pool of
blood. Daado stood over him shocked at her action. “What happened?” Desmond
asked desperately. “I did not kill him. He tried to rape me. When I refused
he threatened to kill me. I seized the gun from him and as he advanced
towards me. I pulled the trigger in self defence. “Desmond asked further. “Who
brought the gun?” “It is his gun”. Daado replied. The detectives arrested Daado
and charged her for murder. Desmond protested. “But that was not the plan.
The victim brought the gun”. The leading detective ignored Desmond and whisked
Daado away.
Daado In Detention
Desmond narrated the incident to Cynthia who was very disappointed at their
foiled plan. Greg came shattered. He asked for his wife. “Where is my wife?
Where is Daado?” Cynthia explained what happened. “Justin appeared with a
gun. He wanted to rape her. During the scuffle, Daado seized the gun and shot
him dead”. “What! Can I see my wife now?” Cynthia and Desmond pleaded with the
security. Daado was brought out of cell. The couples embraced. Daado broke
down. “I did not intend to kill him. He tried to rape me. When I refused, he
threatened to shoot at me. I then seize the gun and shoot him. Please take me
out of here?” She cried. Greg felt for his wife’s pain. He pitied her. He
reassured her. “Take it easy darling. I’ll do my best to secure your release”.
Greg shed emotional tears for Daado. She was shattered. She is a shy timid
person. They embraced for ten minutes. “Time is up. She has to go back to her
cell”. The detective announced. “Give us a little more time”. Greg pleaded. “
No! Time is up!” “Okay darling! Take it easy. Our team will try our best to
secure your release!” Daado was dragged back into her cell sobbing
vehemently in pain and agony. Greg was sad.
Greg Is Disappointed
Greg was mad at the duo. “Your plan is flawed. I was just being carried
along. I know it will fail since the onset. You see what you have done!” He
shouted at Cynthia and Desmond. “Our plan was perfect. We never thought he will
come with a gun. It served him right. They have no case. We have every evidence
against him on tape. Daado acted in self defence”. Cynthia posited. Greg
spoke strongly. “Cynthia! Desmond! Try everything you can to secure the release
of my wife. I love her dearly spare no expences. Money is not my problem.
Defend her to the last. My wife must not be found guilty”. Anybody would have
done the same including my self. He scared her life. She acted in fear and
consequently shot him dead.” Cynthia argued. Greg was agonized. His wife’s
desperate cries filled his soul. He again criticized the plan and on his way out,
he pushed Cynthia and left the police station.
Justin’s Father
Greg Senior, Docter Justin’s father is arrogant, selfish and pompous. He
invited Senior Advocate Grant to his home and decided to take him as his lawyer.
“I want this lady hung, electricuted, crushed!” Senior Advocate Grant
reassured him. “You know me now! I have never lost a case in my entire life. And
certainly, this will not be the first one”. “Who is the defence lawyer?” Greg
Senior asked. I understand she is a baby lawyer in a Baby Chambers.” Greg
Senior laughed heartily. The Senior Advocate bluffed. “I’ll easily win the
case. There is no doubt about that”. “I’ll offer you one million. My vengeance
is in your hands. Docter Justin was the first fruit of my loin. He cannot be
killed as a chicken”. Greg Senior posited.
An Interesting Scene
Father and daughter in opposing camps. The Senior Advocate’s daughter is
Cynthia. It was a great shock when he came to know about it. “It is absurd! How
can I fight a case with my own daughter at the opposing end? You have to drop
the case Cynthia. I am already deeply involved”. Cynthia refused. She tried
to reason with her dad. “Daddy! This is a battle to defend honour, a battle
for Justice. Mrs. Daado Johnson is my friend since in campus. She is my client
since we graduated. I am her personal lawyer. She have been violated,
humiliated and put to shame. I cannot abandon her now after this unfortunate
incident. I am personally involved in this case since the onset. Pull out dad! It
is easier for you than me”. “Nonsense!” Senior Grant protested. “What do you
know about Justice. Give up the case!” he threatened. “I cannot be scared.
My career is at stake. I am determined to see Justice done”. Cynthia sticked
to her guts. “We shall see?” Senior Grant posited.
NIA Diamond Case
Defense Submits No Case To Answer
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The defence counsel in the protracted legal battle of the six ex-NIA
officers, Mr. Lamin Jobarteh has on Monday submitted a no case to answer submission
before Principal Magistrate Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrates Court.
Counsel Jobarteh told the court that the accused persons are standing trial
on five count charges. He said the accused persons have no case to answer.
Mr. Jobarteh pointed out that the evidence adduced by the prosecution is so
weak that no court should rely on it to convict the accused persons. He said the
commissions purported report which is before the court is full of
irregularities and that the evidence is so manifestly weak that they cannot be
supported in law. He noted that the translator of the letter from German to English
cannot understand what he had translated. “He is not versed in German to read
and translate in open court the document he claimed to have translated”. Mr.
Jobarteh argued that there is no evidence before the court that the
purported commission’s report was prepared by them. “None of them had appeared in
court for three years, are they dead, unwell, unfit, physically, mentally
infirmed or are they off the jurisdiction to appear in court? Reasonable attempts
had been made for them to appear before the court but to no avail”. Counsel
Jobarteh asserted that the letter claimed to be sent by the two Germans to Mr.
Borry Touray was never tested to be confirmed whether it was truly from the
German and that whether the content is true or not. “This is a serious matter
that some body in Germany wrote a letter to a lawyer who also gave it to
somebody to translate it to English. The translator cannot read the letter and
translate it in English in open court,” said Jobarteh.
The six-ex-NIA officers are Lamin Drammeh, Fabakary Barrow, Lamin Sanneh,
Kajali Jawara, Bansiru Jabang and Salimina Drammeh. They are standing trial for
negligence of official duties and robbing two Germans of their items which
includes 8 pieces of raw diamond, two Nokia cell phones, a shaving machine,
cash amount of 205, 600 US Dollars, a hundred dollar or Euro note and D1, 100
dalasis.
Eight Senegalese Charged With Felony And Espionage
By Abdou Jeli Keita
Eight Senegalese, all natives of the Cassamance region were arraigned before
Magistrate B Y Camara of the Banjul Magistrates Court. They were escorted by
security officers who were armed to the teeth. The eight accused persons,
Sidat Jobe, Ebrima Viex Colley, Nuha Jammeh, Lamin Teww Sambou, Tamsir Badjie,
Joseph Jatta and Abdou Salam Jmmeh, are charged with four counts of
conspiracy to commit felony, spying, receiving stolen properties and unlawfully
possessing Gambian National Identity Card.
According to the statement of offence in count one, the eight accused
persons between 2004 and 2006 conspired to carry out acts of terrorism against a
neighbouring state of Senegal, in a manner prejudicial to the public security
and national defence of the Gambia and thereby committed an offence while in
diverse places in the Gambia.
Count two states that the eight accused persons between 2004 and 2006 while
in diverse places in the Gambia, collected photographs or documents of a
confidential nature concerning security installations in the Gambia which may be
directly or indirectly useful to an enemy.
Count three states that between 2004 and 2006, the eight accused persons
received military equipment from Sam Kambai knowing or having reasons to believe
that it was feloniously obtained and thereby committed an offence.
Count four states that the eight accused persons between 2004 and 2006, not
being Gambia citizens, falsely acquired Gambian National Identity Cards and
thereby committed an offence.
All the eight accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges on count
one, two, and three; but on count four, all but the third accused (Nuha Jammeh)
pleaded guilty.
In his ruling, the Presiding Magistrate said the accused persons are facing
very serious charges. He advised them to seek the service of a legal counsel.
The eight accused persons are presently under custody. The case has been
adjourned till 8 October.
David Colley To Enter His Defence
By Abdou Jeli Keita
Following defence counsel Antouman Gaye’s submission of no case to answer in
the criminal trial involving David Colley and the state, the trial
Magistrate, B Y Camara, has ruled that the accused has to enter his defence.
The trial Magistrate made this ruling on Monday at the Banjul Magistrates
Court. Magistrate Camara said it is a fundamental principle in criminal law
that the burden of proof lies squarely with the prosecution. In his view, the
accused has a case to answer in count one and two. Justifying his ruling, the
trial magistrate said the evidence of the sixth prosecution witness shows that
the accused has a case to answer. The trial was later adjourned till the 4
of October.
Magistrate’s Absence Delays Sheriff Minteh’s Murder Trial
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The trial of Dodou Janneh alias Dodou Boy, who is accused of murdering one
Sheriff Minteh has been adjourned due to the absence of the presiding
magistrate, Buba Jawo. Court clerks said Magistrate Jawo was unavailable and all
cases scheduled for Monday, October 1st had to be deferred to later dates.
Eventually, the case of Dodou Janneh was deferred to October 8, Dodou’s
trial is in respect of the May 9 incident in London Corner which claimed Sheriff’
s life.
Fit Again Tijan Ready for Title Charge
By Modou Nyang
Tijan Jaiteh returned to action for Brann this weekend bolstering coach Mons
Ivar Mjelde’s squad as they head for league title.
Jaiteh was ruled out for the past two weeks due to a groin problem, but his
return this weekend has offered Mjelde more options in the center of the
field. Talking to the club’s official website, the rising Gambian star said of
his confidence on Bann’s chances to clinch the league title.
He said: “we are certainly looking up to winning the league” before
flashing a wide smile. “We need more composition for the remaining matches. I am now
fit and ready to fight for a place, but it is the coach who decides who
starts after all. I now feel no pain I am fully fit and am ready if the coach
calls upon for my services.”
“I have great respect for my fellow teammates; Eirik Bakke, Hassan El Fakiri
and Martin Andresen. They are all good midfield players. We have a lot of
competition in that position, and that is how it has to be if we are to be a
championship winning team. That is a good indication that we can be able to run
out as champions in the end.” Since the beginning of the season we have been
fighting to finish at the top and as we are now a few matches away from the
title, I am ready to fight harder for every ball in the last games.”
Brann are top of the Norwegian Tippeligaen with 48 points. their closest
rival Viking are railing behind with 41. with four matches to the end of the
league and a possible title showdown with second placed Viking on 28th of this
month, Brann are favourites to finish the season as champions. Brann are also
involved in this year’s UEFA Cup competition and they will travel to Belgium
to face Club Brugge on Thursday for the second leg. Club Brugge won the first
leg at Brann stadium by a lone goal.
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