Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
  Issue N0.70/2006, 28-29 August, 2006
  Editorial
  CIVIL SERVANTS AND POLITICS
  Section 1 of the Constitution states that “the Sovereignty of the Gambia resides in the people.” “All organs of government must derive their authority from the people.” “Powers of government are to be exercised to promote their welfare and prosperity.” Civil servants are part of the sovereign Gambian people. They wear two caps. When it comes to politics they are sovereign persons who have a right to belong to political parties and to vote. However as civil servants they are required by law to serve the tax payers who may belong to different political parties. This is why they are required by the Constitution to perform their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will. This is why section 200 states that: “A public officer shall not in the course of his or her official functions and without lawful excuse do or cause to be done any action which is prejudicial to the rights of any other person.”
  However, section 104 of the Elections Decree states that: “The number of political parties shall not be limited by law and every citizen of The Gambia shall have the right freely to choose whether or not he or she will become a member of a political party and which party he will support.”
  A sovereign Gambian is therefore free to choose whether or not to belong to a political party. Nobody can force a civil servant to belong to the APRC or buy their campaign materials. Any civil servant who allows himself or herself to be pressurized to buy APRC campaign materials has moved from being a sovereign person into a political hostage.
  No dignified Gambian will allow himself or herself to be a hostage of his or her fellow human being. Gambia will never have a liberated people unless those who call themselves educated and enlightened take charge of their destiny. Any educated person who is afraid to have independent political opinion from those who manage state affairs is still living in mental slavery. Such a person is yet to be a sovereign person as required by the Gambian Constitution. The time has come for each Gambian to emancipate his/her mind. This is the only way each Gambian can make an informed choice.
   
  SIBANOR O.C SENT TO JANJANGBUREH PRISON
  By Yaya Dampha and Modou Jonga
  On Thursday August 14th the Officer Commanding Sibanor Police Station, Asst. Superintendent Abdoulie Colley, was arrested by the Security forces and sent to Janjangbureh Prison.
  According to sources close to the police, OC Colley’s arrest came in the wake of fresh fighting in the troubled Senegalese region of Cassamance. OC Colley is alleged to have transported wounded rebel fighters to hospital for treatment.  It is also alleged that Gambian soldiers patrolling the border had a confrontation with the runaway rebels some of whom were captured.  It is further alleged that these GNA soldiers patrolling the border in the Foni came to the Sibanor Police Station in order to communicate information to their superiors but were blocked by OC Colley.  It is alleged that because of this move by OC Colley, he was accused of siding with the rebels, and was apprehended and taken to the Janjangbureh Prison, after being taken to Kanilai first.
  Readers can recall that Foroyaa reported the admission of some unidentified men with gunshot wounds at the RVTH last week. A family source informed this paper that OC Colley is said to be in detention for the past three days but cannot ascertain the reason and whereabout of his detention. The family however indicated that they preferred to give the matter a low profile and promised to talk to the press if substantial information has been gathered about the detention of their loved one, whom they regarded as the breadwinner of their family. They said they did not have access to him and they cannot tell where he is being held. 
  When contacted, Police PRO, Aziz Bojang, confirmed to this reporter that OC Colley is detained but asserted that he would not reveal the reasons for his detention nor his whereabout.
   
  PANIC IN KAFUTA
  As Fighting Intensifies in Cassamance
  By Abdoulie G. Dibba 
  Information reaching Foroyaa has it that fighting on the Gambia/Senegal boarder has intensified and as a result, people are fleeing the war-torn region into the Gambia. On Wednseday, Foroyaa dispatched a reporter to Kafuta village in the Western Division to find out the developments. When this reporter arrived at Kafuta, he approached the Alkalo of the village, Kata Bojang. According to the Alkalo, the fight within the border area is a cause for great concern as the people of Kafuta are weary of the gunshots that echo in their houses during the night. He told this reporter that the sound of gunshots could be heard every day. Regarding the number of refugees in his village due to the fighting, the Alkalo said that he connot ascertain the figure, because the people who are lodging the refugees have not informed him. He was quick to say that there are refugees in his village and referred this reporter to the compound where the refugees were lodged. 
  When our reporter arrived at the said compound, he asked for the compound owner and was told that he was out. The son of the yard owner who is in his early 60s, confirmed that there were some refugees in their compound but was quick to add that they are relatives who settled in Cassamance a long time ago and have returned due to the fighting in that area. Talking to a refugee in Kafuta, an old man in his late 70s told our reporter that they received warning from the rebels to abandon their homes. The old man said that the number of people who fled from their village is well over 500. Asked whether he knows where they are presently, the old man answered in the negative but added that most of them are in Kafuta, Sohm, Faraba and Bulock. As the old man was speaking, tears were rolling down his cheeks. Nursing mothers, children and old women are involved. 
  Residents of Kafuta told this reporter that they are in a serious state of fear. A group of women told this reporter that they have to abandon their rice fields because of the war. They called on the authorities to help address the situation to ensure tranquility in the area. 
   
  EXPIRED FOODSTUFF ON SALE AT SERREKUNDA MARKET
  Bubacarr K. Sowe
  Several products ranging from toothpaste, biscuits to mosquito repellants are currently on sale at the Serrekunda market, despite the fact that the expiry dates written on them have elapsed.
  This reporter has discovered that the expiry date of the “Flash” toothpaste brand, weighing 70 grams with batch number 678233-051238 has elapsed. According to the manufacturer’s advice, the product is good only up to two years after the date of manufacturing. The expiry date written on it is June 2006. 
  Another toothpaste brand on sale at the market is the “Close Up” toothpaste brand, which is weighing 65 grams with the batch number 8999999-706210. On it, is marked 8th August 2006 as expiry date. This is a product of unilever and it is made in Indonesia. The “Total” brand Mosquito coil has also expired. It is weighing 120 grams and its expiry date is 26th June 2006.
  On sale at the market is the “Glucose” milk and honey biscuit brand packed in creamy colour sachets, which expired this month.
  Strategically, hawkers selling these products have reduced the prices in order to attract buyers. The biscuits are sold at D2. 50 per packet, the “Flash” toothpaste at D5.00 and mosquito repellant at D5.00.  
  A health officer at the Medical and Health Department, Alieu Bah, has indicated that they will make sure an investigation is carried out. “We will make sure that foodstuffs that are not fit for human consumption are taken out of circulation and destroyed in accordance with the Public Health Act,” Mr. Bah said.          
   
  COURT TO PROCEED WITHOUT COUNSEL
  The Gambia Court of Appeal has ruled that it will proceed to deliver its judgment on the appeal of the Independent Electoral Commission and the Attorney General against NADD and four of its candidates at the National Assembly by-elections held in September 2005. The ruling was made upon the application of the respondents for an adjournment until they can be legally represented. The respondents had indicated difficulty in getting counsel to represent them at the appeal. At the proceedings of 21st August 2006 they indicated that their counsel who represented them at the court of trial had travelled and two others who had been approached could not take it. The respondents also told the court on Thursday that they had approached four other lawyers but they also had indicated that they could not take it either because of they were about to travel or other reasons. They urged the court to adjourn the matter until they can get counsel to represent them.
  Counsel for the Independent Electoral Commission, Mrs. Amie Joof-Conteh, opposed the application, noting that justice delayed is justice denied. Counsel for the Attorney General, Mr. Fagbenle, also opposed the application, noting that a certificate of urgency had been filed. He pointed out that the second respondent, Halifa Sallah, had earlier indicated that if they failed to secure the service of counsel he would file a brief.
  The court, in its ruling, refused the application, noting that it cannot wait until the end of the vacation before the disposal of the appeal. It pointed out that the matter is dealing with election matters and the election date precedes the end of the vacation.
  The court was then adjourned until Wednesday 30th August for judgement, whether or not the respondents get counsel.  The respondents are to file their brief by Monday 28th August if they so desire.
  The subject of the appeal is whether persons whose names do not appear on the register of voters must be allowed to vote.
  The panels of judges are Justice Agim, Justice Dordzie and Justice Roche.
   
  HEAVY RAIN REDUCES COMPOUND TO RUBBLE
  By Musa Barrow
  The family of one Fabakary Jammeh of Churchill’s Town was on Thursday 10th August 2006, left in a state of anguish as they saw the spectacular collapse of their family houses in their compound.
  The sudden collapse, which was clearly triggered by heavy rain, reduced three houses to rubbles and robbed the family members of some of their household materials. As a result, some members of the family have been moved to neighbouring compounds because of a direct consequence of shortage of shelter.
  Speaking to Foroyaa, the wife of the landlord, one Ida Jarjue, expressed shock over the collapse of their house. She further narrated that it was early in the morning on that fateful day immediately after taking out her children from the building, the first house started to collapse.
  Mrs. Ida Jarjue also thanked God for what she described as a narrow escape for her family. She concluded by appealing for help to rebuild their ruined building.
   
  NADD’s PRE-NOMINATION RALLY
  By Sarjo M. Camara Singateh
  The National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD) on Saturday held a mass political rally at which its charismatic Flagbearer, Halifa Sallah, displayed its manifesto. 
  The NADD flag bearer stressed that people will live an esteemed and worthwhile life only if they know themselves, their country and the world in which they live. He noted that to leave oneself at the mercy of someone elected to serve the people is to live like a donkey. He pointed that NADD as an alternative government does not only criticize but has a manifesto as an alternative to what the APRC government has in stock.
  The flag bearer will present the manifesto at the partys’next rally to be held on Monday after nomination at the Bundung garage opposite the Police Station.
  Sidia Jatta, a NADD Executive member, in his speech, described in detail the fruitless attempts he made in trying to get Mr. Ousainou Darboe to come back to NADD soon after h4e tendered his resignation from the alliance.
  Mr. Jatta indicated that when he went to Mr. Darboe’s Office once to discuss this matter with him he met a good number of UDP supporters in his office and the he believe this must have led to the spread of the false rumour that he clashed with Halifa because he ‘betrayed’ Mr.Darboe.
  Mr. Lamin Waa Juwara analyzed the leadership qualities of Yahya Jammeh comparing them to that of Halifa Sallah, noting that they are diametrically opposed to each other. He described Halifa Sallah as a man of principles who has displayed immense patriotism, selflessness, knowledge, humility, fearlessness and tolerance.
  Amie Sillah, another executive member dealt with issues relating to women. She criticized the APRC government for failing to solve the problems of women while creating divisions between men and women. She stressed that partnership between men and women is essential.
  In summary, the NADD Chairman Mr. Landing Jallow Sonko indicated that since the Gambian people are about to entrust a new five-year mandate to one of the contestants in the forthcoming Presidential election, people should listen wisely and choose wisely.
  Saikouba Ceesay of Niamina Kudang, Eliman Choi from Fass Nja Choi and other speakers delivered messages from their respective regions. 
   
  NADD MILITANT ARRESSTED
  A NADD Militant, Buba Sanyang, alias Oliver Khan, was arrested at Giboro Kuta. Buba, a young militant who lives in Giboro Kuta has been very active in filling nomination forms. 
  No reason has been given for his arrest although relatives believe the arrest is politically motivated. Buba’s arrest was effected on Saturday 26th August 2006 and up to the time of going to press he was still in the custody of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
   
   
  MAGISTRATE RICHARDS ISSUES WARNING
  By Yaya Bajo
  Magistrate Richards of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court has categorically told a police officer that the police have no right to beat suspects while trying to arrest them.
  Magistrate Richards issued this stern warning in a criminal case involving two girls who were arraigned in court for allegedly assaulting a police officer while he was executing his duties. The accused persons were charged with assault contrary to section 230 Cap 10 of the Laws of The Gambia.
  Testifying in the crowded court room, one of the accused girls, Florry, adduced that she was involved in a fight with one of her mates on the day in question when a police officer appeared on the scene and tried to quell the fracas. She further testified that the police officer suddenly slapped her on the face as she (Florry) turned to face him following an alarm raised by her colleague, Mallou, the second accused. She added that she also slapped him back with the aid of her friend, Mallou, and they were eventually arrested and taken to the police station and charged for assault.
  In his testimony, the police officer (name withheld) informed the court that he has decided to drop the case and forgive the two defendants following the appeal by the parents of the accused.
  Delivering his judgement, Magistrate Moses Richards, told the accused persons to be careful and desist from taking the law into their hands to assault the officer even though he was so quick to physically beat them. He said the police had no right to slap her in the first place, but she too should not also hit back the officer as she has an alternative right to sue the officer in court. “For the benefit of the public” he continued, “where a police officer beats arrestees, it is equally an offense, which is punishable by the law.” He finally cautioned the defendants to be careful as they have a record of criminal offense already. He accordingly discharged and acquitted the two defendants based on the decision of the complainant (police officer) to drop the charges against the accused persons.
   
  LALA HYDARA CLARIFIES
  By Annia Gaye and Abdoulie Dibba
  Lala’s Cleansing Service Company has come under sharp criticism for what the staff described as unfair treatment meted out to them by the company’s proprietress.
  The staff described their monthly salary as pittance. They further alleged that they do not receive monthly transport allowance from their employer.
  Lala Hydara, the company’s manager, told those reporters that her company currently employs 106 people. She said workers who are posted to the Airport and the Ports Authority complex are provided with transport everyday, but noted that those at the Airport are given transport allowance at the end of every month. She said this is to make sure that they pay fares when they sign off from work, noting her company’s van has capacity for only 16 people. According to her, the staff pay fares if the company’s vehicle has a breakdown, but she always makes sure that they are refunded.
  She remarked: “I provide uniforms for my staff, pay their social security contributions and pay bonus to those who are on contract.” 
  She said she could not increase staff salaries because her company is not a government. She said if she has a contract that lasts for one year, then she will increase the salary of the staff.
  She was quick to point out that there were instances when she paid bonuses to the company staff which was more than what they received at the end of the month as Salary. She further indicated that her Staff are always reluctant to be transferred from the Airport, because they receive tips from guests. 
  She noted that she often gives loans to her staff.
   
   
  TWO DROWN IN BIJILO
  By Modou Jonga
  Pa Amat Gaye, an 18 year old resident of Kerr Sereign, drowned together with his colleague at the Bijilo Beach on the 21st of August 2006. According to information reaching Foroyaa, the drowned boys were students of an Arabic School within the Greater Banjul Area.
  Sources have it that the duos were bathing at the beach after playing a football match on the evening of Monday 21st August 2006. According to sources, the boys drowned when they were trying to collect their ball that was kicked in the sea. Our source further indicated that that was the time when the boys were over-powered by strong waves that dragged them away, deep into the sea.
  However, our source further indicated that it was through the late Amat’s determination to help rescue his colleague that he too subsequently got over-powered by the waves.
  The bodies of the duo were later rescued in the early hours of Tuesday morning and taken to the RTVH, where they were officially pronounced dead.
   
   
  MURDER TRIAL ADJOURNED
  By Modou Jonga
  The murder trial involving Kata Afori and others was adjourned to Thursday by Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
  The case was adjourned because the prosecutor ASP Tijan Badjie was not ready to proceed with the matter. Kate Afori is accused of killing her husband with a pestle while the latter was asleep. The alleged murder is reported to have taken place in Sanyang village in the month of June.
  The widow, Mrs. Kate Afori West, and three other Nigerian nationals, Favour Akponegbeta Abokou, Idriss Masade and David Bathran, were on Thursday of August arraigned in court charged with the murder of the late Mr. William West.
  The widow pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against her at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court. The three other accused persons pleaded not guilty of the charge.




 		
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