Dr Abdoulaye Saine
I remember even better good old times of the glory days of Kaur Wharf town and
Kuntaur Wharf Town when GPMB was at it's height. We came to see the ocean going
vessels dock on the wharfs to load hundreds of truckloads of groundnuts even for
Senegal .
In the late fifties we always wanted to go there for the Christmas holidays and
even the summer vacation despite the mosquitoes and the bad roads.
I hope the military will use it's manpower to rescue these desperate citizens.
now we can call upon them to help instead of just being at the barracks .
Let us pray for the departed souls with their children . It is so sad especially
during the rainy season when funds are so low for almost everyone in the Gambia
I was also told that there is need for antibiotics. I am not sure what kind but
the medical personnel in Banjul should advice donors (Gambians abroad and non
Gambian friends also)
Well gone are those days when we can say it was . Now we should say what are we
going to do to make it better and look for the best interest of the younger
generations behind us. It is their turn to pick up and continue where we left.
May Allah let us all be able to help friend and victims in any way we can.
Abdoulaye Saine wrote:
> Habib & G-L Community:
> I spoke to relatives in Kaur on Sunday, 29th August, who informed me of
> the drowning of up to 40 people, perhaps more, on their way to Kaur from
> Niamana for a loumooh. "They were still taking out the bodies," my aunt
> said to me, the day I called. This disaster has added to the trauma
> visited on Kaur by the heavy rains, devastating as many as 200 houses,
> rendering many homeless and injured. The trauma and anxiety wrought by
> these events is likely to have an enduring negative effect on the town
> and its people.
>
> Kaur, was once a vibrant commercial center, known for its ethnic mix and
> tolerance and certainly a favorite spot for budding petty traders who
> hailed from Banjul and neighboring Nganda and Kaolack in Senegal. It
> was also a holiday destination for youth from the Banjul area many of
> whose ancestors originated there. The Summer months were particularly
> exciting as students from all the major High and Secondary schools, and
> Yundum College flocked to Kaur. Soccer and cricket tournaments filled
> the day while wrestlers from neighboring Ballanghar, Njau and Niamana
> entertained at night. One could hear the beckoning sounds of the
> "gorong", the droning rhythm of the "lambe" drums and always the lulling
> and sometimes undulating and piercing sound of horns in the still of
> night. This was replaced in the trade season by excitement generated by
> the Ground-nut mills and Ocean Liners from Germany and other European
> countries. In addition, "Najib" Cinema, a major night attraction was
> not only a place to watch Indian and other foreign films, but a place to
> socialize with friends. Here, one could also revel in the excitement of
> listening to the latest in British, American Pop or lose oneself in the
> candle lit tables of petty traders who sold anything from "gerteh saaff"
> (maraba)to imported cigarettes.
>
> When last I visited Kaur in the Summer of 1996, I was visibly moved by
> its social and economic deterioration. The people and monuments that
> were witness to my childhood and those of many others, had either passed
> on or moved to the greater Banjul area, or destroyed. Homes that were
> once vibrant and breathing with activity, now stood in silent defiance
> of the elements. Many however, remained unflinchingly loyal to Kaur-
> daneh mayo ( the neck of the river in Fulani)a characteristic not too
> uncommon in other parts of Gambia and particularly valued among
> Saloum-Saloums.
>
> As I reflect on Kaur's glory days, her deterioration and desolate
> circumstances today, I can imagine how the rains once the sustainers of
> life, would have further sapped many a dream. Yet, Kaur's story is the
> story of many an urban town in Gambia. A town only in name, populated by
> "strangers," the old and infirm, weakened by poverty and abandoned by
> its son and daughters. What remains is hope and the belief in Allah that
> some day with our collective blood and toil, we shall once again
> rejuvenate Kaur and many other "deserted villages" in Gambia.
>
> Abdoulaye
>
> "Habib Ghanim, Sr" wrote:
> >
> > Asalaamu alaikkum
> > Good morning everyone
> >
> > I spoke to a friend of mine in banjul who gave me an update on the
> > health hazards caused by the flooding due to the heavy rainfall still
> > going on.
> >
> > Because of the floods in some areas water wells have been contaminated
> > from the overflowing latrines near them. As a result diarrhea is
> > becoming a problem to many in the rural areas. I would suggest to the
> > GLC or anyone who has been collecting funds to get some diarrhea
> > medications sent from any money collected to send back home or ask the
> > Medical and Health (BODOFEL) their advice first.
> >
> > I understand some women and their babies still tied on their backs
> > drowned on their way to a loumooh near Kaur area. they were going with a
> > boat because the transportation by roads are not yet solved .
> > May Allah have mercy on their souls and send them to Jannah.Ameen.
> >
> > Tombong can you please update us or verify this information. ( confirm
> > this or not)
> > Thanks
> >
> > I am on my way to work
> > have a nice day
> > Wasalaam
> >
> > Habib Diab Ghanim
> >
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