Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.35/2007, 26-27 March, 2007
Editorial
CHECK THE ADVERTISEMENTS ON TV!! CHECK THE ADVERTISEMENTS ON TV!!
What are they teaching the young?
Behaviour is shaped in many ways. Advertisement is designed to shape
behaviour. The person who wants the goods to be sold would want to convince each
person to buy it. The best way to do that is to promote the quality of the
product by giving sufficient and reliable information to viewers.
What is steadily being ignored are the messages the advertisements convey to
children when they dramatize the use of the product on TV. GRTS is now
reaching danger point which has caused Foroyaa to raise the alarm before it is too
late.
What is this danger point?
Can you imagine a school boy and girl rushing towards a transport while an
anxious driver was waiting to take them to school, only to rush back to the
house after remembering that a given brand of butter had not been added to
their bread? Instead of mother and driver getting worried that the children may
be late, they also joined in the excitement about the butter! What are we
teaching the children?
Can you also imagine a mother giving a given brand of chocolate paste to a
child and he/she refuses and insists, demanding that he/she will only eat a
given brand? What are we teaching the children?
Furthermore, we are constantly talking about violence against women. Can you
imagine how husbands talk to and threaten wives just to strive to win bags
of rice or carton of milk from lottery schemes linked to the sale of given
products.
What values are we teaching our children?
The board in charge of GRTS should look at these issues and guide producers
to link ethics to their professional conduct. One can still entertain without
sacrificing values. We are not calling for censorship and moralizing. We are
simply counseling adherence to professional ethics and standards of best
practice.
TAMSIR JASSEH & CO TREASON TRIAL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Tijan Bojang, the independent witness during the obtaining of statements
from the suspects of the March 2006 alleged coup plot, on Wednesday, March 21st,
appeared before Justice Yeboah at the High Court.
Tijan Bojang told the court that he knows Lamin Cham, the police detective,
who called him to appear as a witness while he was obtaining the statement of
the 5th accused person, Tamsir Jasseh. Bojang made this statement when he
was cross examined by the defence team. He said it was in the morning of March
25th, 2006 that Cham called him, but he could not tell the court at what time
it was in the morning. He also said that he arrived at the National
Intelligence Agency (NIA) Headquarters in the same morning, but met Tamsir Jasseh in
the afternoon.
Bojang said that Cham introduced him to Tamsir Jasseh in English and he too
spoke to the accused in English. He said that he can read and write, but
refused to tell the court why he left school when he was at grade seven. He added
that the sheet containing Jasseh’s statement was blank when he arrived at
the NIA and it was Jasseh who wrote his statement. He said he found Cham’s two
colleagues at the NIA, namely Boto Keita and Abdoulie Sowe, who he said just
sitting and chatting. Bojang also said that he wrote nothing there and his
name was filled in by Cham after which he signed as a witness.
He stated that he only saw Jasseh at the room where the statement was
obtained and denied seeing him being escorted by armed soldiers from the Mile 2
Central Prisons to the NIA Office.
Bojang went on to say that he does not know what might have happened to
Jasseh before his arrival. He said Jasseh was not forced or beaten to give his
statement, noting that he did it out of his own will.
He said that he did not see any armed officers at the NIA and no other
investigator was present apart from Cham, Keita and Sowe. According to him, Jasseh
wrote his statement on a paper given to him by Cham. He also said that
Jasseh signed after writing, and he also did the same.
Concluding the cross-examination, he said that he is not an NIA agent, but a
masoner, a trade he learnt from his parents. The trial continues on April
4th.
ABDOULIE SONKO’S TREASON TRIAL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Mai Fatty, counsel for Abdoulie Sonko, who is arraigned in court for alleged
murder and treason following the military assault on the Farafenni Military
Camp in November 1996, has urged the state to expedite their prosecution of
the case.
Appearing before Justice Monageng at the High Court on Thursday, Mr. Fatty
said the matter has been dragging for years. He said the accused has a family.
He also said that the accused person cannot be left at the whims and caprice
of the state.
Mr. Fatty made these statements after the state counsel, Merley Wood, told
the court that she has been unable to get the person who has the pictures that
are required as evidence. The trial is adjourned to March 29th.
UTG CROWN PROFESSORS
By Isatou Bittaye
The University of the Gambia on Thursday 22nd March, 2007 organised its
maiden inaugural lecture for two new professors. The ceremony was held at the
Paradise Suites Hotel.
The newly crowned professors are the Vice Chancellor of UTG, Professor
Andreas Ludvig Steigen, crowned as Professor of Zoology (Ecology and Evolution)
and Professor Nicodemus F. Awasom crowned as Professor of African History.
Introducing the newly crowned professors, the University Orator, Alhagie
Gumbo Ali Touray, said promotions in the University is based on publications one
has published in a recognised journal.
Mr. Touray indicated that the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adreas Ludvig
Steigen is a seasoned academic of international standing who was promoted to the
rank of Associate Professor in 1982, noting that Professor Steigen has a long
standing interest in Africa and a sound knowledge of the African Academic
system. Mr. Touray added that Professor Steigen was responsible for the
implementation of the framework agreement between Makerere University in Uganda and
the University of Bergen in Norway. Mr. Touray said Professor Steigen has set
up a biodiversity project in Tanzania. He said while in Sudan, he established
an aquaculture project. He said that Professor Steigen has over 40 peer
review publications.
Turning to the Professor of African History, Professor Nicodemus Awasom, Mr.
Touray indicated that Professor Awasom arrived in the Gambia in 2001 as a
senior lecturer.
Mr. Touray said Awasom is a holder of two doctorate degrees from Universite
de Yaounde (Cameroon) and the University of Ibadan (Nigeria). He further said
Awasom had taught in the University of Buea and Yaounde in Cameroon and the
University of Basle and Zurich in Switzerland, noting that his University
teaching record is international in outlook and includes universities in Africa
and Europe. Mr. Touray added that Professor Awasom has over 40 peer review
publications. Mr. Touray said that Awasom is a recipient of several
international awards which includes the Lawrence Dunbar Reddicle Memorial Superlative
Scholarship in 1999, the CODESRIA Governance Institute Laureate in 1997,
Visiting Fellowship for the African Studies Centre Leidan (The Netherlands) in
2001 and was selected on competitive basis as a resource person for the CODESRIA
Governance Institute in the 2003 session and CODESRIA/SEPHLS extended
workshop on social history in 2004.
IS BETRAND SAMBOU CHARGED?
The Police Spokesperson, Superintendent Famara Jobarteh, has indicated to
this paper that Betrand Sambou is a state detainee. When asked whether he is
charged, Jobarteh added that he could not dwell on the matter, but that Betrand
is detained by the state. Betrand Sambou is a native of the Casamance region
in Southern Senegal and was arrested by the Sibanor Police some months ago.
According to a relative of Mr. Sambou who lives in The Gambia, he was
arrested after one young man was apprehended by the Police at a checkpoint in
Bulock. Mr. Sambou was said to have been taken to the Sibanor Police post where he
was later transferred to the serious crime unit at Police Headquarters in
Banjul.
The reason for his arrest is still unknown.
COMMEMORATION OF FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEMISE OF COMRADE EBOU MADI
SILLAH, OF BLESSED MEMORY
It is now one year since we lost our dear husband, brother, colleague and
friends, Ebou Madi Sillah, on 5, February 2006. He is gone but, certainly, not
forgotten. For this reason, his family, friends and colleagues have decided
to commemorate the anniversary by celebrating his life through an exhibition
to showcase his many faceted works which span almost all the disciplines in
art, from fine art to sculpture.
The exhibition will take place at the Alliance Franco Gambianne from 19th
April (Ebou’s birthday) to 26 April 2007 when the exhibition will close with
the launching of Ebou Sillah Memorial Foundation, a charity to raise funds to
help sustain Ebou’s heirs as well as support budding artists with a view to
creating other “comrade.”
The exhibition will be followed, on 28th April, by a Memorial Meeting of Ebou
’s family, friends, colleagues, patrons, former pupils and well wishers, at
a location still to be determined, of which you will be informed in due
course.
Ebou was only a friend of the media, but by virtue of his work, he had a
symbiotic relationship with the media that was mutually beneficial. For this
reason, by this letter, we are inviting all media houses to not only take part
in the commemoration, but also help publicize the event beforehand as well as
cover the various programmes of activity.
In this connection, please find attached a biography of Ebou to facilitate
your promotion of the event, if possible free of charge as your contribution.
But, if necessary, we should be willing to consider paying a fee for the
service rendered.
For the newspapers, a full page spread of the press release, with pictures,
and Ebou’s biography, followed by full coverage of the anniversary events,
will be highly appreciated.
For Radio and Television, we would appreciate as many slots as possible to
publicize the event as well as its full coverage.
We should therefore be grateful if you would please reply, as soon as
possible, to indicate your willingness to participate as well as the nature of your
offer.
We look to forward your kind cooperation.
Yours sincerely
Baboucarr Gaye
For the organizing committee
WODD EXECUTIVE SECRETARY DONATES TO THE ASSOCIATION
By Isatou Bittaye
The Executive Secretary of the “Women for Democracy and Development”
(WODD), Mrs. Amie Sillah, has donated D5, 000 to the WODD of Churchill Town. The
donation was presented to the members of the association on Tuesday in
Churchill’s Town.
In presenting the cash donation Mrs. Amie Sillah said that the members of
the WODD group of Churchill’s Town are very dynamic and hardworking and that is
why she had decided to give them D5, 000 from the per diem she received when
attending the 51st Session of the UN Commission on women in New York.
Mrs. Amie Sillah explained that at the meeting in New York, they discussed
about Women Solidarity and that this had motivated her to share the little she
got from the trip with the members of the Association. She said that it is
through economic empowerment that women can get empowered and that helping
women to get economically capacitized inorder to develop their families is
something that is good for society. Mrs. Amie Sillah told the largely women
gathering that African Women, especially the Gambian Women, are really great and
are ready to work if supported; that women are always doing a great work when
they are not even supported.
She said that the donation given to the Association will assist them to
engage in meaningful activities and to also help their literacy class. Mrs. Amie
Sillah exhorts the women to develop the practice of sharing whatever little
they have with their colleagues.
In receiving the donation, Aji Ndumbeh Njie, the leader of the group,
thanked Mrs. Amie Sillah for her good gesture and support to the Association. Aji
Ndumbeh said that whatever little one may have, if it is shared with others
inorder to help, one’s respect and status will no doubt increase. She expressed
her wish for the organisation to reach higher heights. Also contributing,
Aji Bino Mboge said that Mrs. Amie Sillah is always working hard for the
development of their organisation, in particular and the advancement of women in
general. She said that the amount that Mrs. Amie Sillah gave them and what she
described as small, to them it is very substantial and appreciated. Aji Bino
said that everybody wants to become a leader but it is not easy to be a
leader and that Mrs. Amie Sillah is a role model to them the members of the
organisation (WODD). She noted that the gesture is great and that they thanked
Aunty Amie for the support and urged other members to emulate her. For her part,
Mba Mondoba Saidy said that WODD is a god-gifted organisation and that it
stands for the development and advancement of women irrespective of any
parochial or divisive consideration. She thanked Mrs. Amie Sillah for her support to
the organisation.
Other speakers included Ndey Secka who spoke on behalf of the disabled, Ya
Sukai Sarr, Ya Biray Jarju, Aunty Haddy Njie, Aji Danso, Fatoumatta Balajo;
representing the disabled youths, Mariama Jobarteh and Mama Ceesay all
expressed similar sentiments.
Male supporters and members of (WODD) also spoke. Musa Jobarteh, a
journalist and one of the facilitators in the Churchill Town literacy class also said
men and boys should give solidarity to women and girls. Mr. Musa Jeng said
partners should work with WODD to make it realize her aims and objectives. Mrs.
Bana Jamba entertained the audience with beautiful songs. The women danced
and enjoyed themselves.
SINDOLA SAFARI LODGE EMPLOYEE ARRAIGNED IN COURT
By Modou Jonga
An employee of Sindola Safari Lodge, one Lamin Sanneh, was on Monday 19th
March, 2007 arraigned before Magistrate E.F M’bai. The accused person is
charged with stealing contrary to section 252 of the Criminal Code.
According to the particulars of the offence, the alleged theft is committed
over the period of September 2005to February 2007 at Sindola Safari Lodge at
Kanilai in the Western Region. The sum of D196, 489 (one hundred and
ninety-six thousand four hundred and eighty-nine dalasi) is said to be allegedly
stolen at Sindola Safari Lodge.
In his application for bail, the defence counsel S.W Riley told the court,
that the accused person has been in detention at the serious crime unit of the
police. He said he has been there for over 72 hours. He said the continued
detention of his client is unlawful. He further urged the court to grant bail
to the accused person since the offence he is alleged to have committed is
bailable.
The accused was granted bail in the sum of D500, 000 (five hundred thousand
dalasi) and that he must provide a Gambian surety who must prove means and
who must produce a valid Gambian ID card. The prosecutor was Sergeant 453
Touray. The case is adjourned to Monday 2nd April 2007.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
AFTER FIVE YEARS OF REPUBLICAN EXISTENCE, HOW DID THE ECONOMY FARE?
Before we move to the 1977 General elections, it would be ideal to analyse
what transpired in terms of The Gambian economy from 1970 to 1975, the first
five (5) years of republican rule under Sir Dawda.
Did president Jawara address the age old contradictions in an economic
system which creates unjust privileges for a few, who come to fear that the
awakening of the masses would drift them from such privileges and therefore thought
that by oppressing or suppressing them was going to be the only solution to
cow them.
From hindsight, one could imagine that, at this stage, almost all of the
people were absorbed in the economic struggle; the struggle to acquire what in
their opinion was due to them and indeed what was theirs to be retained even
if it was illegally acquired.
A place like Banjul was already divided, not only between tribes, but also
visibly becoming a class society. Material possession whether by desire or
fact, dominated the outlook of many people, especially people who were newly
emancipated from colonialism.
By the 1970s, very few Gambians had acquired “Capital” but land was not
initially considered wealth, since it was abundant and the population small. One
thing that must be borne in mind is that a privileged minority once created,
would live in luxury without having to produce anything at all since, in
most cases, they would have acquired or inherited capital or land through
perceived legal right as was the case in Zimbabwe, where the vast percentage of the
best arable land was permanently kept by the white people.
Once an economy takes this trend, it is very difficult to undo it, because
the few who found themselves privileged also become the most respected and, as
such, everyone would want to struggle to enter their ranks no matter what.
As a result, those who are successful will have the unwillingness to accept
the fact, let alone face the fact that there is indeed no justification for
incomes acquired in this way. And if a society thrives in this unjust way of
distributing wealth or income, it therefore widens the gap between the rich and
the poor.
Secondly, unjust distribution can take the form of trade. The farmer who
toils in the field and produces his/her groundnuts requires to be informed about
the reality of groundnut not only what the trader would offer him but what
his product is worth at the world market where the trader would ultimately
make his profit. In this way, the farmer would be in a position to bargain for
his product, but in the absence of this, the farmer is liable to what is
called “Exploitation.” He or she is dependent entirely on the mercy of the
trader. Has that been tackled by the Government of the 1st republic?
In the same way a worker who does not know the worth of his toil or his
skill would be dependent on the employer. The average Gambian household
breadwinner earned only D75 dalasis per month whilst a bag of rice costs D43.05.
The worker has no control over his pay nor has he any say over prices of
commodities which makes it difficult for him to cater for his family.
For example, a bag of sugar was increased in 1973 from D25 to D50 when the
salary of the worker was not increased by a butut. This is called injustice
and Gambians dubbed it “Monkey works baboon eat” system, because those who
were given the responsibility to make sure that the society gets equitable
justice and income increased 40 pounds to their salary giving them scope to live
extravagantly at the expense of the toilers.
TO BE CONTINUED
This was why in 1970, the workers unions had clamoured for a salary
revision, because they felt that the colonialists had created an unusual disparity in
terms of wages between the “Pen Pushers”, white collar workers, and the
skills persons and laborers. The Government also accepted and contracted a
British national, Mr. Wallace, to come and review the capacity of The Gambian
economy with a view to recommend at least two things;
1. To see if the economy could accommodate the upward adjustment of
wages of both the white collar workers, as well as, the skills workers and
laborers,
2. To review and recommend the reduction of the gap between the
various categories of workers in the civil service;
The Wallace report did not only take time to come out but took even a longer
time for Government to inform the people and workers of it’s contents and
whether or not it has accepted it. Mr. M.E Jallow, who is the Secretary General
of The Gambia Workers’ Union, had to meet president Jawara to avail on him
to increase salaries of the minimum pay workers, as well as, propose new
working hours for the workers.
The tension continued to mount and on the 28th July 1975, it was felt that
M.E Jallow’s meeting had not yielded dividend, motivating workers all over the
country to go on a general strike to protest against what they called the
delaying tactics being employed by the Government in revealing the new salary
structure as recommended by Mr. Wallace. This was the first time in post
Gambian independence history that workers from all shades, irrespective of
ethnicity and partisan leanings were able to come together to struggle for a common
cause. The strike took four days.
CORRECTION! SUGGESTION! COMMENTS!
In issue No. 33/2007, it has been mentioned that Mr. Saikou Sabally was the
Vice President and leader of the House in 1975. The error is regretted. It
should have read, Mr. A. D. Camara who was the V/President and leader of the
House. However the comment attributed to Mr. Saikou Sabally in the said article
still stands in my records. Secondly in issue No. 23/2007, it has been drawn
to my attention that Mama Tomani Bah was never involved or at least not
actively involved in politics but instead was an Imam since 1938 and infact rose
to the level of Imam Ratib of Banjul, so he could not have been active in
politics to the extent of forming a political party. I have researched in the
Archives but many records dealing with the 50s are not available. So I concede
to the correction even though I have found it in an earlier edition of
contemporary records. The error is regretted.
The third contribution is not a correction but a pledge to make an input
which is more than welcomed. It relates to the Excerpts of Mr. Sanjally Bojang’a
interview in which a contemporary of Mr. Bojang was mentioned. One Kunbuna
Manga and the contributor who knows him very well wrote to say his actual name
was Mr. Kunbuna Yirajang from Patcharr Village in the CRD. So Mr. Kuyateh,
we look forward to your contribution TO share with us what you know about one
of the members of Pa Sanjally’s vanguard team. In this regard, I am also
inviting readers to send any observations which I will investigate with a view to
ascertaining authenticity because, as I said in the beginning, we are trying
to rewrite our history together so that ultimately other historians would
want to rely on this column to gather information.
Thirdly I would want Gambians to think for one moment of a man who paved the
path to political independence of our dear mother land.
To do this, I would also suggest for people to stop, at least for five
minute when they when they walk past the round about at the junction of
Clarkson/Nelson Mandela streets in Banjul inorder to have a look at something which
most people probably pass un-noticed. What is there is The Edward Francis Small
MEMORIAL was constructed in 1990 but later vandalised by a lunatic. It is
indeed an insult to our collective intelligence to remember Mungo Parks’s
plague and deprive ourselves and our children the opportunity of knowing and
remembering the father of the Nation Edward Francis Small. Sir Dawda once thought
of resuscitating all monuments of historical importance but not much came of
it. Let’s hope that the second Republic would not forget to implement the
good thoughts of the first Republic.
LETTER TO NADD EXECUTIVE BY EX-FLAG BEARER, HALIFA SALLAH
Compatriots, I dare say that if the young people of the Gambia conceive
elections as a game of numbers and give their votes to the highest bidder, they
are certain to mortgage their future to the vagaries of the gambling table.
The pursuit of football, jerseys and dalasis staked in tournaments would
dictate how votes are cast unless, our young people inculcate in their minds that
the casting of a vote is the highest expression of the political will of a
sovereign person, a will that should be asserted with honesty and clarity of
mind by an incorruptible citizenry. Unless such political maturity is attained
the future of this nation shall be immersed in doom and gloom.
Compatriots, apart from the young people, another group that is decisive in
determining the outcome of elections in the constituency are the women. Their
“hand to mouth” struggle for existence has compelled them to develop
cooperative survival techniques which reinforce social and political obligations.
The establishment of thrift savings and credit societies provide access to
funds to invest in small scale enterprises. These funds are often accumulated
from the daily, weekly or monthly contribution of members who receive the total
sum contributed on a rotational basis. The group (compin) members tend to
have influence on each other because of the culture of solidarity that emanates
from rendering mutual support in financing naming, marriage and other
ceremonies. Those with political interest often seek to influence the leaders of
such groups so that they can exert pressure on the rest of their members to
give blind support to certain political parties or political figures.
Six tendencies were evident among the women in Serrekunda Central
Constituency. The first tendency was manifested by women who owned their minds and
needed no one to dictate how they are to cast their votes. They do not entertain
any form of intimidation or inducement. They even campaigned for me without
being visible. I must say that a large portion of the votes I received came
from such women who simply want effective and efficient representation. Many of
them experienced shock when they heard the results. I came to identify many
of them as a result of the expression of their grief after they heard the
announcement. I could never have imagined that some of the characters who
appeared could have been so interested in shaping the political life of the
country.
Secondly, there were those women who have come to develop links with the
Centre I established to serve the people, known as the People Centre at Papa
Sarr Street.
The non partisan free computer training services, the education support
programme to finance the fees of disadvantaged students, the revolving loan
scheme financed by a deposit of more than 50% of my national assembly income into
a bank to run an interest free and non profit micro finance scheme, the
community support programme, the social organisations, the provision of
recreational kits to children of the women, the provision of office space to the
National Association of Disabled Youths and financial support to open up its bank
account and meet travel cost to conduct radio programmes, the provision of a
social clinic to counsel and serve as an interlocutor for the solution of
labour, marital, inter generational problems, land, gratuity, rent, inheritance
disputes, all combined to move many women to become politically active to
safeguard the gains.
Thirdly, there were those women who had established themselves as the women
leaders of the APRC who used to free themselves during National Assembly
elections to vote for a person of their choice. Many of them have always been
convinced that I could be an ideal representative. This time they were told that
the President wanted the seat and those who break ranks would see the
consequences. The weakness of many leaders of women groups is the fact that during
registration, they rely on the Village heads or Alkali for attestation forms
to influence many people to be registered. They keep register people whom
they can control.
Since presidential elections and the national assembly elections do not take
place simultaneously all the aspirants for the various seats usually exert
their own influences on the various women groups. Each women group strives to
have its choice selected so that they would have greater influences on the
political process. This is what gives rise to boycotts by those whose choices
are rejected. In this election, the impression was given that the victory of
the APRC candidate will enable all groups or compin leaders to benefit. They
were also made to believe that a defeat will be reprimanded. Hence in the 2007
National Assembly elections the women who are linked to the APRC camp
continued to support the candidate while trying to draw the loyal group members on
their side. Only the non visible members broke rank and either abstained or
voted against the candidate because of dissatisfaction in the choice of
candidature. One may wonder why APRC women groups would campaign for a candidate
they may not want. The answer is simple. A close relative of mine who is an
APRC supporter explained their state of mind in the clearest manner. She said to
me “Halifa if you were president we will do things to sustain you in office
than we can ever do for Jammeh.” She indicated that the problem is that
Jammeh is in power, that if they don’t get close to the government the minority
ethnic groups whom she referred to in a derogatory manner, would end up being
more important than they are in their own city, that they cannot allow
themselves to go through such people to get to ministers and other top government
officials. It is therefore clear that some women would support any ruling party
just to be closer to the decision makers. They would obey instructions just
to remain in the good books even if they do not believe in what they are
doing.
The fourth tendency is those women who have been politically linked to the
UDP. Those linked to the UDP were simply informed that Halifa Sallah spoiled
Ousainou Darboe’s chance to be president, that he also must be deprived of his
National Assembly seat. They claimed that Halifa Sallah has prejudices
against members of the Mandinka tribal group.
The attempt to peddle these two indefensible views is what undermined the
credibility of the UDP candidate in Serrekunda Central. Many of their credible
supporters decided to stay away from their campaign. Some gave support to me
while others who wanted me to lose supported the APRC candidate.
The fifth tendency was displayed by women who have been associated with the
NCP. A number of them continued to support the UDP after the split between
the leadership of the NCP and UDP. However, when they realised that the UDP
would not be able to win the seat some gave me their support while others
restored their traditional support for the NCP. The message from the NCP was very
simple. They conveyed to their women that the party leader had sent word that
all those who are interested in his welfare should vote for the APRC
candidate.
Finally, the sixth tendency deals with women who still see themselves as
migrants. Once they come into the country they usually have a long standing host
who provide them with all the support to get residence. Since people can get
voter’s cards through attestations such people find it easy to get identity
documents and voters cards. However, such women are always insecure. They are
always under the dictates of their original host. They always stand the risk
of being accused of obtaining identity cards through false pretence.
Infact, during the recent upsurge to get non Gambians to acquire what is
referred to as alien identity card such people go through a lot of trauma for
fear of being discovered. Voters of such a nature can never have a mind of
their own. They can always be subjected to intimidation by those who helped them
to get the voter’s card.
I must say that one of the worst features of the past registration exercise
is to allow people to get voters cards through attestation. Now that we have
both the Presidential and National Assembly election behind us one service
that I can perform to promote the democratic revolution in the Gambia is to add
my voice in calling for electoral reform.
The Gambia government has accepted the decision of the African Commission on
human and peoples rights to introduce street names and compound numbers and
mention such addresses in the voters’ cards of all successful applicants. For
over a decade this has not been implemented. I will trace these documents
and lay it before the Independent Electoral Commission for action. The reason
why it is easy to escape scrutiny is to register voters without the filling of
detailed application forms with security features. It is amazing that one
has to fill forms to get ID card and passport but the forms that are required
to be filled to get voters’ cards are non existent. It is absolutely essential
for us to focus on comprehensive review of the electoral system before the
holding of any major elections. I am convinced that with massive voter and
civic education and electoral reform a more democratic environment will be
created for a freer and fairer election to take place.
Without such developments, the results of elections cannot truly reflect the
undiluted choice of the people. In short, how can one explain the results of
the Presidential and National Assembly elections. Let us interrogate the
results of the two elections.
Scorpions Fall at Home to Guinea
By Modou Nyang
Two second half goals handed Guinea a vital win away to the Gambia. Kaba
Diawara put the visitors ahead with a free header seven minutes into the second
half, and as the humiliation was not enough, Seyfo Soley, blundered to allow
Pascal Fendouno, put the Cyli Nationale in firm control of the remaining
proceedings.
The Scorpions started very well dictating the pace in the early stages of
the first half, but the failure to fetch the all important goal and force the
Guineans to venture out of their own area, proved to be their undoing. A first
minute drive into the visitor’s area by Dawda Bah and Skipper Jatto Ceesay
resulted into a corner for the Scorpions and another opportunity came begging
from a Pa Saihou Kujabi free kick, but Seyfo’s header went wide. The
Scorpions continued their search for the opener and their best chance came in the 13
minute when Njogu Demba fouled the Guinean defence into his way offering
Seyfo a good shooting opportunity, but his effort narrowed out of play.
The Elephants (Cyli) came into the game when the Scorpions started showing
signs of frailties in keeping pace and control of the ball. Kaba Diawara twice
freaked the ball from defensive errors. And in the 27th minute, his strike
from outside the Scorpions area went high.
But the Scorpions kept fighting and Edrissa Sonko was a step late as goal
keeper Kemoko Camara, beat him to the ball, when he was setup by Mustapha
Jarjue in the 29th minute. Moments later Njogu Demba could have broke the deadlock
had he kept close touch with the ball when fed inside the Guinea penalty box.
The scorpions returned for the second half of the match and guinea’s
complacency was evident as Ousmane Kalabane was cautioned for time wasting. And the
Scorpions realising the tactic of the visitors to kill-off the game by
wasting time, should have known better. But the Guineans must be praising the gods
of luck when an unmarked Kaba Diawara headed straight into the Scorpions net
from a Pascal Fendouno spot kick to put the Guinean’s ahead.
The Scorpions, in other to avoid the shaming of the Elephant’s trampling at
home ventured out to get the much needed sting to level terms. Mustapha
Jarjue had the opportunity inside the box but he was on a wrong footing and earned
a corner, when the Guinean defence cleared. Seyfo Soley headed out from the
resultant corner kick. And again it was Njogu Demba, he collected the ball
inside the Guinean area rounded his first opponent but fell to the ground but
managed to kick the ball, the Guinean defence cleared with the ball hitting
the hand of a Guinean player, but the referee waved play on. Guinea were now
out and skipper Pascal Fendouno to his best in the match providing the killer
passes. He setup Diawara again but this time the bulky forward’s effort was
saved by Pa Dembo Touray. Coach Alagie Sarr brought in Assan Jatta and Aziz
Corr Nyang to push for a leveler. But the visitors could not have begged for
more, when Seyfo Soley invited trouble at the edge of the Scorpions penalty
area. Seyfo tried to beat Fendouno and Diawara as he tried to slip through
between them he miss handled and the clinical Fendouno leaped to slot home Guinea’s
second.
Sixty six minutes into the game and gifted with two priceless goals, Guinea
took control of the game, exposing the Scorpion the more. Kaba Diawara went
out for Sulayman Youla and Abdourahman Sylla replaced Foday Mansare, to
freshen the Guinea attack. The damage was already done and when Kamal Ndaw came in,
in the 75th minute, his presence bore naught. The frustration was imminent,
as further chances were blown away by the Scorpions.
The Scorpions now drop one place from second to third and Guinea climb to
second from third place, in the group. Algeria who also defeated Cape Verde by
2 goals to nil remain at the top with 7 points and now Cape Verde replaces
Guinea at the bottom of the group. The Scorpions are ahead only with a better
goal difference.
U-20 Receive Second Defeat
By Modou Nyang
The National Under – 20 team lost forth second time at the Suwon
International Youth Football festival taking place in Suwon, in South Korea.
The Young Scorpions went down this time in the hand of Southern American
side, Chile, by a 2-1 goal margin. The boys first lost to host South Korea in
their opening fixture on Friday, on a 4-0 throbbing.
According to Namory Trawally, the Chileans took the lead early in the second
minute of the first half when Jaime Gondona Bobadilla capitalised on a
communication break down in the Gambian defence. The Young Scorpions resorted to
physical challenges resulting to the booking of Furmus Mendy and the Chileans
doubled the advantage in the 11th minute through Nicolas Esteban Medina Rios.
In other to avoid a second defeat, the Young Scorpions launched a series of
attacks pushing their opponents back into defence. The Boys continued to
dictate the pace of the game and Pa Modou Jange forced the Chilean keeper,
Benjamin Toselli Rios, to push out for a corner. The offensive bored fruit in the
27th minute when Pa Modou Jange, struck home Kebba Bah’s cross to pull one
goal back.
The Chileans, forced to play into their own half allowed the Young Scorpions
to rain attack upon attack in a bid to rescue the situation. As a result Pa
Modou Jange twice struck the crossbar before the end of the first regulation
time.
With the Young Scorpions out to level the score line in the second period,
the Chileans firmly leaned back to defend their advantage. Coach Peter Bonu
Johnson changed formation by starting Kebba Bah and Abdou Ceesay in right and
left backs respectively. The system worked well providing a lot of attacking
options deep inside the Gambian half. The match also witnessed the debut for
Sainey Touray, the young Wallidan striker paired well with Pa Modou Jange
tormenting the Chilean defence through out.
Courtesy of Namory Trawally President Gambia Sport Journalist Association.
Alagie Sarr: I Am Disappointed
By Modou Nyang
Scorpions Coach Alagie Sarr, did not hide his disappointment with the
performance of the Scorpions against the Elephants (Cyli Nationale) of Guinea on
Saturday at the Independence Stadium.
The Emergency Step-in caretaker coach said he was disappointed with the
performance of his team especially in the second half noting that the Football
Association should think twice before inviting players for matches in the
future. “We have a lot of problems and we [will] have to talk to the FA, [because]
it is not easy to [handle] a team like this, I do not even know whether the
players are playing [for] their clubs or not. “We just brought them in but
they did not perform, it gives us lot of problems. “Look at the time they
arrived here, some two days even one day before the game, every body has his own
attitude, they didn’t even respect what they were doing, [and] you need to
respect the game you cannot just play like that. “I even told [them] not to
entertain the public, we have to play for our Nation we need goals.
“We [still] have a chance, we just have to go and prepare again [but] the FA
have to know whether these players are playing in Europe or not. “The
Guinean team all of them are first choice [in their clubs and for] our players we
do not know. “Before you invite a player send someone to investigate if they
are playing or not [and] what type of league”.
Read our next issue for the reaction of some of the players to the match
against Guinea.
Jatto Ceesay: We Deserve to Loose
Seyfo Soley: It Was My Fault
EMPLOYER SUED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
One Kebba Kongira 31, has instituted a civil suit against his former
employer, Mr. Delroy Pitt, the Manager of Palace de Chocolate, located at Kairaba
Avenue. Mr. Kongira is claiming D250, 000 and 25% interest for the injury,
pain, damages and suffering that he has encountered, plus D500 for medical
coverage.
Testifying before Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh on Monday 19th March 2007, Mr.
Kongira told the court that he started working at the said company in 2002
with the former management and in 2005 with the new manager, Mr. Pitt. Kongira
said the incident happened on 8th January 2006 when he was working on the ice
cream mixing machine. He said while he was busy mixing the ice cream, his
finger which is next to the thumb on the right hand was cut off by the machine.
Mr. Kongira said he had never received any money from Mr. Pitt to treat his
wound, and he has not been receiving his salaries after the injury. He
lamented that he encountered serious pain, headache and suffering because of the
injury. He said the injury nearly left him handicap. He said that he later
requested compensation from Mr. Pitt, but the latter was reluctant to listen to
him.
During his testimony, Mr. Delroy Pitt told the court that he first attempted
to compensate the victim, but his offer was rejected. He said that the
victim, Mr. Kongira was given all the medical care he needed to heal the injury.
He said Mr. Kongira was given a 3 months leave and was receiving monies after
he complained of pains and headache. He said that he was paying Mr. Kongira
all those months. He said that he later instructed the manager not to pay Mr.
Kongira who failed to resume even though the wound has healed. Mr. Pitt said
that he also consulted his lawyer on the matter, and the lawyer told him to
compensate the victim; that he was advised to get a compensation form for the
victim to sign it to get compensation. He added that the lawyer told him not
to dismiss the victim but get him compensated. He said that he sought advise
from Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) and he was told
that they are responsible for compensating victims. Mr. Pitt indicated that
the reason why he was reluctant to compensate Mr. Kongira was that Social
Security told him that they are in charge of compensations. Mr. Pitt later
tendered the documents that he claimed contained the bills or expenses he had spent
on Mr. Konjira and it was admitted as evidence. Mr. Kebba Kongira was
represented by lawyer Ousainou Darboe while Mr. Delroy Pitt represented himself.
Mr. Pitt was being represented by lawyer Carol who walked out of the case after
a disagreement with Mr. Pitt. The case continues.
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