Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 143/2007, 5 - 6 December 2007
Editorial
Give Hope to the Disabled
A few days ago the World Disabled Day was commemorated. The disabled are
humans beings too and must be treated as such. A disabled person has a brain
just like any other person.
There is need to mainstream the disabled to be part and parcel of society
and not for them to be treated as outcasts. The disabled must not be seen as
lacking ability. They need to acquire skills in order to make their contribution
to the development of society.
There is no need for them to be pitied.
The Constitution defends and protects the fundamental rights of the disabled.
It states in section 31
“(1) The rights of the disabled and handicapped to respect and human dignity
shall be recognised by the state and society.
(2) Disabled persons shall be entitled to protection against exploitation
and to protection against discrimination, in particular as regards to health
services, education and employment.
(3) In any judicial procedings in which a disabled person is a party the
procedure shall take his or her condition into account.”
There is need for attitudinal change by both the government and civil
society. The conspicuous absence of cabinet ministers leaves much to be desired.
The government has to show greater interest in mainstreaming the disabled.
Driving then out of the main streets or arresting them is not a means of
solving their problems. They need to be enlightened that begging is not a
dignified was of life. They should go further by providing them with skills and
employment facilities to enable them to contribute their quota to the development
of our dear nation. Proper facilities and the conducive environment should be
provided in educational institutions to ensure their educational
development. Civil society also has to change its attitude by pursuing an all inclusive
approach in their relationship with fellow members of society.
THE 2008 ESTIMATES
The Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Musa Gibril Balla
Gaye on Monday, December 3, submitted before the National Assembly estimates
of revenues and recurrent and development expenditures for fiscal year 2008.
In the mean time the parliamentarians are expected to resume sittings in
December for a debate on the draft budget.
Mr Gaye wasted no time in reminding the National Assembly Members of their
obligation under Section 52(1a) of the 1997 Constitution to consider and
approve the 2008 Estimates of Revenues and Recurrent and Development Expenditures
within a maximum period of 14 days after receiving the Estimates.
According to the Secretary of State, “the 2007 Budget will register a
substantial surplus of D416 million,” far more than was forecasted. He described “
this outstanding fiscal performance” as “a landmark in the history of Gambia’
s budget performance.”
The Secretary of State stated that the “total Revenues and Grants are
expected to reach D4,536 million” for the year 2007, 3% higher than what was
initially projected. On the other hand, “Expenditure and net-lending for 2007 is
now projected at D4, 064 million, 10% lower than” what was initially projected.
In short, according to his statement more revenue was collected and less
expenditure incurred than was initially projected, leading to a now projected ‘
basic balance surplus of D416 million’. This is what led him to state that “
the tax revenue reforms undertaken by Government have started to pay dividends
…”
The Secretary of State went further to state that “Government has not
borrowed from the Central Bank to finance the Budget. Instead, Government deposits
at the Central Bank have been raised, and this has been made possible by a
combination of factors - increased revenue collections and expenditure controls.
”
Regarding the year 2008, the Secretary of State had this to say: “The fiscal
strategy for 2008 will continue to foster growth and development, by
according high priority to those sectors that can assist Government efforts to
alleviate poverty in this country.
“The key parameters of the macro-economic framework for Fiscal Year 2008 to
consolidate the recent macro-economic achievements, and for the attainment of
The Gambia’s economic and social objectives are that growth will remain
solid at between 6-7 per cent, inflation will be below 5 per cent, domestic debt
to GDP ratio as well as the current account deficit (including official
transfers) will be reduced, and international reserves will be maintained at a
level, equivalent to about 4 month’s of imports.”
In this regard he estimates the 2008 total revenues and grants to be D4, 476
million. Out of total direct tax constitutes D1, 017 million, about 27 per
cent, indirect tax, D2, 345 million, about 62 per cent, and the remaining of
D408 million, or 11 per cent, is from non-tax revenues and grants. He
indicated that Government will step-up revenue collection efforts by further
strengthening tax administration.
Expenditure and net Lending for 2008 is projected at D5, 205 million. He
explained that the increase is on the account of the use of HIPC/MDRI debt
relief resources of D502 million, and also part of privatization proceeds of D390
million from the sale of 50 percent shares in Gamtel/Gamcel to finance
increased investment expenditures in 2008. He indicated that interest payments on
external and domestic debt account for D622 million or 22 per cent.
According to the Secretary of State, “The budget deficit of D730 million, or
about 3 per cent of GDP, will be financed by external borrowing of D1, 024
million, capital revenue of D15 million repayment of domestic debt of D57
million, repayment of arrears of D179 million, privatization proceeds of D390
million, and payment to bank and non-bank sectors of D266 million.”
SoS Gaye further stated: “Government’s goals are to reduce poverty and meet
all the Millennium Development goals on the basis of sustained growth and
macro-economic stability, which should be underpinned by fiscal policy which
seeks to promote fiscal discipline, efficiency and effectiveness in spending,
with the necessary complementary monetary policies. In order to meet these
ultimate goals much easier, Government has scaled-up the share of Government
Local Funds (GLF) spent on poverty programmes to about 46 per cent in the 2008
Budget.”
NAMs React To The 2008 Estimates
By Abdoulie Dibba
The majority leader: Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the minority leader Momodou
Sanneh and Sidia Jatta reacted to the 2008 Estimates of Revenue and the Current
and Development Expenditure of the Government for the fiscal year 1 January
to 31 December 2008 in an exclusive interview with this reporter just after
the tabling of the estimates by the Secretary of State for finance and Economic
Affairs. Reacting to the estimates, the majority leader asserted that the
Department of State for Finance has done a very impressive job. He asserted
that the 2008 projections are very realistic. Tombong Jatta pointed out that
there has been an increase in the Gambia Local Fund (GLF) on poverty alleviation
and that Government has almost not borrowed from the Central Bank making
domestic borrowing to barest minimum. He asserted that the budget is generally
very good. Regarding the bulk of the revenue coming from taxation, Tombong
Jatta said the economy is very buoyant and that they must not only thank the
Department of State for Finance but also the Director General of the Gambia
Revenue Authority and his team. He said that is so because Revenue collection in
this country has quadrupled within the past four years. Tombong Jatta
asserted that the establishment of the Gambia Revenue Authority is one of the causes
of the budget surplus this year since they have collected a lot of revenue
and controlled expenditure.
Regarding the economy as a tax base economic, the Majority Leader, while
acknowledging that Gambia has a tax base economy, pointed out that we do not
have natural resources that we can tap. Tombong Jatta said that eventhough over
80 per cent of the revenue is coming from tax, over the past years there has
not been any increase on taxation, yet a lot of development is going on and
the government is providing the basic needs and services to the people. As to
whether he forecasts tax increment or new revenue measures, Tombong Jatta
said he cannot forecast. He said that is the prerogative of the Secretary of
State and that he commended the SoS for understanding the tax burden on the
people over the years, in that there has never been tax increase or new revenue
measures but the strengthening of the revenue collection system. Fabakary
Tombong Jatta concluded by saying that the SoS for Finance has a human heart and
that even if there is going to be tax increment the people would hardly talk.
On his part, the Minority leader, Momodou Sanneh, said in reaction to
estimates that he has very little to say about the estimates because the Secretary
of State had highlighted most of areas on the estimates in his presentation.
Momodou Sanneh said he had not gone through but he thought with his
experience, the Secretary of State had highlighted all the areas of the estimates. He
thinks apart from some adjustments and corrections of certain areas, it will
be a good budget. He pointed out that the areas queried are travelling
expenses, utilities, rented properties, special materials services. He said that
poverty alleviation needs to be looked into properly. He also said to deal with
poverty alleviation, the problem of the people needs to be looked into and
that if the funds are available, they should be utilized accordingly. He
pointed out that the economy is tax based. He said Government relied mainly on
tax. He concluded by saying that they will study the estimates properly and
give an opinion on the debate.
On his part, the member for Wuli West, Sidia Jatta, said he heard what the
SoS had said and his reaction is that if there is a surplus of D416 million as
the SoS has claimed then why was there any need for supplementary
appropriation? Sidia Jatta asserted that over the years they claim that the goal for
budgets is poverty reduction but he (SoS) has admitted that the rate at which
poverty is growing is unsustainable eventhough they claim that the economy
improving. “My worry is if the past 3 to 4 years the goal of all the budgets is
to reduce poverty, and poverty is still problematic then something is wrong
somewhere. Well you see, this is the problem. They claimed that the economy
is doing very well. Over 80 percent of revenue comes from tax. Well for me he
said what is fundamentally wrong is that the productive sectors of the
economic are not been engage the way they should be engaged. And infact, I don’t
think there is any serious engagement of the productive sectors of the economy.
Poverty, Sidia said, cannot be reduced in the way they are going about it. He
said no grant can reduce poverty! No loan can reduce poverty! Poverty can be
reduced by people producing to kill poverty.
“Omar Ndow Has No Case To Answer” –
Lawyer Argues
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Sheriff Tambedou, the defence counsel for the erstwhile Managing Director of
Gamtel, Omar Ndow has insisted that his client has no case to answer.
Mr. Tambedou was addressing the Banjul Magistrates Court on Monday, December
3rd, while replying to the prosecutor’s response to the defence’s “no case”
submission.
The former Gamtel Managing Director is charged with disobedience to
statutory duty contrary to section 115 of the Criminal Code and abuse of office,
which contravenes section 90 of the same code.
Mr. Tambedou submitted that the accused person is not Gamtel and it is
Gamtel as a corporate body, which is responsible for contract with the Chinese
Firm-Huawei. The defence lawyer argued against the prosecution’s claim that
Gamtel as a company can only be sued in a civil litigation but not in a criminal
case.
He said companies could be sued in criminal suits for industrial nuisance or
pollution.
On the prosecutor’s argument that the defence kept quiet on the fiat from
the Attorney General-allowing the prosecuting of the accused person- Mr.
Tambedou said he ought to quiet in order to save his client.
On the two documents tendered as evidence by the prosecutor during his
address, the defence lawyer said that was not proper and no evidence can be
produced during addresses but examinations.
The trial continues on December 10 for a ruling by Magistrate Baboucarr Y.
Camara on the “No case” submission.
GFD Marks World Disabled Day
By Yaya Bajo
The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), an umbrella body of Disabled
People’s Organizations (DPOs), on Monday, December 3 celebrated World Disabled
Day with its partners at a colourful ceremony held at KMC grounds. The event
started with a procession from Jimpex to the KMC premises amid singing and
display of placards with slogans “We have potentials,” “Give us a chance and
decent work for people living with disabilities.”
When the dust settled at the meeting ground, Mr. Gibou Jagne, KMC interim
chairman who received the procession team on arrival said the day is observed
in order to reflect on the plight of the disabled around the world. He added
that tremendous efforts are needed to attain full integration of disabled
persons in the community. He urged all and sundry to fight against
marginalisation and discrimination of disabled persons within the society. Mr. Jagne
pledged his council’s continuous support to the course of disability in The Gambia.
Mr. Muhammed Kora, National Chairman, Gambia Federation of the Disabled
remarked that the community of The Gambia has contributed immensely towards the
realization of their objectives. “Since we have started celebrating world
disabled day in 1997 we have seen an immense contribution of Gambians towards
disability matters,” he pointed out. Mr. Kora further stated that GFD would take
a new approach in 2008 in its development programmes. He said the community
would be involved right from its commencement to its implementation. “We want
to sustain ourselves through a plan of action that is going to be supported
by The Gambian community;” he divulged.
In her keynote address, Haddy Lamin Njie, country director VSO The Gambia,
said the rights of persons with disabilities should be guaranteed. She stated
that a survey conducted by the UN General Assembly revealed that 6.5 percent
of every population is disabled. She added that these categories of people
should have access to schools occupied by the able-bodied people. She further
posited that VSO is tirelessly working to remove all the barriers confronting
disabled people in The Gambia. She added that this noble course would be
extended to the rural areas of The Gambia. “We want to provide an inclusive
environment for people living with disabilities in order for them to tap their
potentials,” she highlighted. She concluded by re-echoing the most popular adage
that disability and inability marked the difference.
Fallou Sowe Deputy Director Social Welfare, who deputized for the director,
noted that the day seeks to empower the people living with disabilities in
the Gambia. Mr. Sowe who also launched the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) project said
the fund is a three year project and aimed at empowering the disabled people
in The Gambia. He pledged his office’s continuous support in the
implementation process of the Big Lottery Fund Project. “In order to achieve the MDGs
people with disabilities and their families must be on board. Development is
about empowerment and this can only be achieved through the active participation
of concerned people and disabled people cannot be left behind in this
process,’ he explained.
Lack of Vehicles Constrains Anti Measles Campaign
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
As the national measles immunization campaign progresses, some teams in the
Central River Region are faced with vehicle constraints.
Speaking to this reporter, Mr. Abdoulie Baldeh, a nurse, whom we found with
his team in Kibari village in CRR North said they have one mobile team and
they are issued with one vehicle and their catchment area include 25 villages.
He said the vehicle they have is the ambulance of the health centre. His area
has 2 teams and each team has a vehicle. He said they are to cover 34
villages within 7 days. He stated that as at now the only problem they have is
communication and his syringes and needles got exhausted but promise was given by
the general supervisors that efforts will be made to give them another
supply before the next day.
In Kaur, the public health officer, Mr. Peter Manneh said his teams have a
wider coverage as they are to cover 60 villages with only 2 teams and he is
not mobile. He said network also is not good around that end. He said he has
the most difficult area to cover as most of the villages are in remote areas.
Speaking to an insider at the regional health team, he said they have 42
teams in the region though they requested for 35 teams. But, as he said, they
were allocated only 25 vehicles and that’s what brought all this complaints
from team supervisors from different places. He also stated that CRR is not easy
to cover as it has two banks (north and south) and road networks are poor.
He stated that they have three kinds of teams, that is, fixed teams, which
they expected would cover 300 children per day, outreach teams to cover 250
children per day and mobile teams to cover 150 children. He said these are the
targeted coverage for each day. He said in CRR they targeted over 33,600
thousand children at the end of the campaign. Anytime the need arises the ambulance
has to go and serve the health centre, they have to station one place and
wait for the ambulance. He stated that some villages have a distance of 4 to
5kms. He said apart from mobile/transport problem everything is going well with
them. “Similar problems exist in Kudang as they are to cover 48 villages
with only 1 vehicle, says the supervisor.
Speaking to another supervisor Alpha Jallow of Njau primary health care,
said they have three teams in Njau and he as the supervisor has no means of
transport and network is very poor with respect to all the services. He said
plans are on the way to fuel a motorbike for him to be meeting the teams.
Heartbreaker Determined To Elevate Gambian Music On Global Stage
By Musa Barrow
In this interview Foroyaa puts on the spotlight another rising Gambian
musician known to music enthusiasts as Heartbreaker. Heartbreaker takes us through
his musical career talking on the obstacles of young Gambian artists and
what he thinks the future holds for young promising Gambian musicians.
As an entertainer, it is quite astounding to have chosen this exotic name,
Heartbreaker, for yourself. Why?
The reason why I have chosen this name is because I believe the heart needs
to be purified in order for it to cope with various difficulties.
What is your original name?
My real name is Mamud Jeng.
Where were you born and brought up?
Although my origin could be traced back to Kaur, I was born and brought up
in Farafenni-Mauritania
What were the schools you attended and when did you complete senior
secondary school?
My former schools were Farafenni primary, Farafenni Junior Secondary and
Farafenni Senior Secondary. I completed senior secondary school in the year 2007.
Have you released any album yet?
My tracks were in two compilations, namely “Be yourself,” which was
produced by Hi-Tech Production which was located in Fajara, and now they have moved
to Dakar. My songs were also featured in Smiling Coast compilation. But as at
now, I have not yet released any album.
How about the singles. Have you released any?
Yes I have released three singles, namely “I told you before,” “wonders and
signs” and “sitting in the park”. Music lovers are quite familiar with these
singles.
How were these singles received by music fans?
These singles were really appreciated by the public, but I believe young
Gambian artists need more encouragement. The only thing artists can do is to
display their talents. It is up to the public to support us with a view to
catapulting Gambian music to higher heights and to grow from strength to strength.
What really inspires you to take up music as a career?
My inspiration to play music comes from God himself whose divine message I
can’t simply afford to ignore. Secondly it is worth mentioning that when I
completed school I looked for a job, but I could not get one. Despite getting
eight credits getting a job proved so elusive to me. This is another teason why
I took music as a career.
What could be your response to those critics who are of the opinion that it
is only failed people who take music as their career.
Well, I believe the lyrics and messages we send should be the yardstick to
judge whether musicians are failed people or not. The reality is that music is
a lucrative industry which attracts very intelligent and progressive people.
For example apart form my musical work, I also engage myself in other works.
How do you see the state of music in this country? Are musicians given the
due attention they deserve?
The state of music in this country is not very rosy as we would love it to
be. Support is definitely lacking. If there was enough support, the level of
our music in The Gambia should have risen above what it is today. Musicians
need support because we also have a very pivotal role in national development.
From the three singles you have released so far what were some of the
difficulties you faced when working on them?
I have faced various difficulties ranging from recording to compilation.
There are very few recording studios with the know-how to develop music.
What do you think is the role of Radio stations and Television in the
promotion of Gambian music?
Radio stations and the television have a crucial role in promoting Gambian
Music. But what really disheartens me is that these radio stations instead of
playing Gambian music they play foreign music, which I believe does not help
our music. For our music to flourish, the radio stations and television
should be frequently and constantly playing them.
But upcoming Gambian musicians are often criticised that they do not play
traditional Gambia music.
As far as Heartbreaker is concerned, I play pure Gambian music. In fact some
of the instruments we use are local ones, which can be identified,
everywhere, as Gambian.
Even though you said you play pure Gambian music, but some of our fellow
young musicians imitate either the Jamaicans or the Americans.
My message to those musicians is for them to cease imitating outside artists
and to be original. As positive musicians, we have to be ourselves. In fact,
if one looks at the history of Jamaican music, its origins can be traced
back to Africa. So, there is no need for these young artists to imitate anybody
because given our rich cultural heritage we are quite capable of doing
anything in our own way.
How do you see your role in society? Are you one of those musicians who are
ready to tackle some of the malpractices and social ills in society through
the music you play?
Basically, I can say my music is a universal message regardless of one’s
background. But I would also like to put it that in my music I do not intend to
denounce a certain group of people in favour of others. Furthermore, the
message sent through my music is universally appealing. You do not necessarily
have to be poor or rich to listen to my music.
Many young Gambian artists have signed contracts with some companies to
promote their services or products. Have you entered into any arrangement like
this with anybody?
I have been approached by both Africell and Comium. But I have not signed
any contract with any company, because the contracts that I was offered were
not lucrative enough to entice me. As an upcoming musician, I also believe I
should produce albums to raise my own profile, but not to promote the services
and products of companies. After all I must stress that I am an artist not
just by name but an artist by culture.
What do you mean by saying that you are an artist by culture? Are your
parents themselves artists?
Well, that is quite right. My grandparents were themselves musicians. Infact
some members of the Jeng family are renowned for their exploits in the music
industry.
What do you think is the perception of the public toward artists?
I think that question should have to be put to the people. Anyway, I have
the feeling that artists are not given the due respect they deserve.
Don’t you think artists are themselves responsible for not being respected?
The Cannabis smoking and dreadlocks, are these not a problem with society?
Well, if they want to categorise every musician that way I believe it is not
right. In fact one interesting thing about musicians is “do as they say, but
never do as they do”.
In the various interviews with upcoming Gambians musicians, some are
pointing fingers at piracy as one of the major obstacles facing musicians of this
country. Do you share their opinion?
I totally share their opinion on piracy as one of the stumbling blocks
facing musicians of this country. There is a need for a strong copyright law to be
in place.
A prominent DJ been interviewed recently, was of the opinion that piracy is
not a major problem facing Gambians artists. He said instead that the music
produced by Gambian artists is just simply not appealing.
I am flabbergasted by such claims. The fact of the matter is that Gambians
do not appreciate locally produced music. Without a shadow of doubt, I can put
my hands up and say that the music produced here is as appealing as any
other music played elsewhere. Recently I was watching one Senegalese television
station and to my surprise this station was playing my own music. I have also
received messages from viewers of my website who applauded my music.
Recently you had embarked on a nation-wide tour. Tell me how you were
received by the people and who organised this tour?
The reception given to us by the people of the hinterland was simply
amazing. They showed us that although they are far from the media, but yet they
truly adore us. This tour was organised by Smiling Artist including myself,
Hurricane, Jah Youth and with support from ‘Five Star Sound’. I would like to
urge the people of the hinterland to continue supporting Gambian music.
Over the years, many musical groups have emerged in this country, but
suddenly most of them have evaporated in thin-air just like that. What do you think
has contributed to the disappearance of these musical groups from the
musical scene?
Well, I don’t know what had contributed to the disappearance of these
emerging musical groups. But one thing I can say is that Heartbreaker is here to
stay.
Recently one of Africa’s most prominent musicians, the South African reggae
star, Lucky Dube, was gunned down. What is your reaction to this rather
tragic development?
Lucky Dube’s death was a great loss to the entire continent of Africa:
Although he was slained, but his voice can never be silenced.
Earlier you talked about your website, give the address.
The address is www.myspace.com/heartbreakergambia
Thank you.
It’s a pleasure.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
‘TUMAL’ (ACCUSATION)
Part 8
With Amie Sillah
Emma Prays For Her Parents
Emma went to her bedroom and prayed for her parents. She knelt down and
said, “Please God! Help my parents come as one again. Soften my mommy’s heart to
forgive my dad.” Emy eavedropped her daughter. The revelation melted her
heart. Now she is in a dilemma.
Emma And B.B
Emma discussed the problem with B.B “My mom has filed a divorce. My dad is
shattered. He cries everyday on my shoulders. I pity him.” “Talk to your mom
and impress on her to forgive him, if not for him but for your sake. You are
the centre piece. You want your parents to reconcile to compensate what you
lost in your growing years. Tell your mom that!” B.B advised. “I did all that
but mom would not yield an inch.” “Continue to pray. Only God can heal
those wounds.” B.B advised.
Given A Brand New Car
Alhajj brought a brand new porsh car for Emy. “Thank you.” Emy said. “Its
my pleasure. Give me the chance to do more. You deserve only the best.” Alhajj
kissed her hand.
Victor Is Kidnapped
Alhajj instructed his death squad to kidnap Victor. He was kidnapped and
taken to a hideout. He was tortured and forced to sign the divorce papers to get
his life spared. They told lies to him. “Emy sends us to force you sign the
divorce papers. She said you are a thorn in her flesh. She wants you to leave
her life to marry Alhajj, the love of her life.” Reluctantly to save his
life he signed the papers. He was blackmailed.
Emma Suspects Her Mum
Emma came to her mom very depressed. She broke down. Through her sobs, she
accused her mom. “Have you degenerated to this level? Is it a crime to ask for
forgiveness? He said he is sorry and you sent your thugs to blackmail him
and asked him to sign the divorce papers! Mom, you have changed. I never knew
you are that mean and callous. Your politician boyfriend taught you his dirty
tricks.” Emy was bewildered. “What are you talking about? I don’t understand.
” Emma explained everything to her. How her dad was severely tortured to
sign the divorce papers. Emy suspected Alhajj. She went to confront him.
Emy Visits Alhajj
Emy visited Alhajj and found the thugs hovering by his gate. She confronted
him. “So it is true?” “What is true?” Alhajj pretended. “That you sent
thugs after your real and perceived enemies to torture and kill if necessary.
That is the rumour and it is confirmed. Why are those thugs hovering around your
premises?” “I am a politician. They are my unofficial guards. They are for
my protection,” Alhajj boasted. “You sent thugs to blackmail and torture
Victor to sign the divorce papers?’ “No!” “Who is Victor?” He lied. “You are
pretending! You are evil! Take your car keys! I am done with you!” Emy left
the bewildered Alhajj. He tried to joke over it. “You look gorgeous! I was not
expecting you. Cheers to a broken down relationship! I’ll think of another
plan!” he said.
Victor Drinks To Stupor
Victor drank to stupor. His life is tattered and torn. Dr. Phil met him at
the bar. He advised him to take it is easy. He took him to his house in his
car. He came back and packed Victor’s car at his garage. He slept the night at
Dr. Phil’s house.
At Dr. Phil’s House
Dr. Phil is a childhood colleague. They came from the same village. He knew
Victor’s story. In the morning Victor became sobre. Dr. Philip advised him. “
Your episode is a sad one but take it easy on yourself. If Emy should be
your wife she will come back to you. As our proverb goes if a bird is truly
yours no matter how high it flew it will truly come back to you. If it is not
yours it will not come back. What is best is a family reunion. You once had a
perfect marriage. I hope and pray that you capture it again but if it cannot
happen you have your second best you have Emma your beautiful teenage daughter.
She loves and adores you. She is a darling and is doing very well in school.
Thank God for that.” Victor broke down and cried like a baby. Dr. Phil gave
him the opportunity to emotionally expressed himself. He got a healing after
his experience with Dr. Phil.
Emy Reflected
Emy reflected and came to a positive decision. “My husband has changed. He
had apologized. He is the love of my life. God has bless us with an
enlightened young lass. Emma wants her life back. An evil person denied her a positive
growing up with mum and dad. Alhajj is not my type. Yes, he is rich and
glamorous. But is life only that? Alhajj is mean, callous and unholy. He is the
devil incarnate. I cannot marry him. I am going back to my sunshine.”
In Search of Victor
Victor came late from Dr. Phil’s house. He met a woman in shrawl waiting for
him. “Who is she?” He asked. Emy got up to embrace him. “I’m sorry my
love! My sunshine!” Victor said. “I did not send those thugs. Alhajj did.” Emy
said. ”I know. Its all over now. Come home to where your heart belongs!” The
couple embraced each other. Emma arrived. A dream comes true. She rushed and
locked in the ring between mum and dad.
End
Defence Counsel Not Aware of Fresh charges Against Former Mayor
By Saikou Ceesay
The defence counsel for the erstwhile mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council
KMC, counsel, Badou Conteh, has said he has not been notified of any fresh
charges against his clients.
He acknowledged that his client is still reporting at the major crimes unit
at the police headquarters in Banjul but emphasised that he has neither been
interrogated nor charged.
Contacted for a comment on the reaction of the defence counsel, the police
spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka, while pointing out that the former
Mayor was discharged but not acquitted, noted that they are waiting for legal
advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
The Attorney General is the legal adviser of all government institutions and
civil servants.
32 Peacekeepers Return
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A contingent of thirty-two members of The Gambia Police Force serving as
peacekeepers in Liberia returned from Liberia, says the police spokesperson.
Inspector Sulayman Secka told Foroyaa that about eighteen personnel returned
on Friday, November 30, as the last batch, while the rest came on a previous
trip.
The police spokesman added that the returnees would be replaced in a month’s
time by another contingent who will serve the United Nations Mission in
Liberia (UNMIL).
Inspector Secka talked about the good record of his colleagues while in
Liberia, adding that their valuable service to the UN has earned one of them,
Corporal Seedy Drammeh a job at The Hague, Netherlands.
“Measles Cause 700,000 Deaths Annually,”
Says UNICEF Representative
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
Speaking on behalf of UN system and WHO, the Unicef Representative to the
Gambia Min-Whee khan said it is estimated that globally over 2,000 children
under five years die from measles daily with over 700,000 deaths annually. The
Unicef Representative made this statement at the July 22nd Square, in Banjul,
during the ground launching of the National Measles Immunization Campaign
slated from 27 November – 3 December 2007.
She said out of the vaccines that prevent childhood diseases, measles is the
most deadly as it is capable of killing scores of children in a single
epidemic. She said the magnitude of human lives lost represented by such numbers
is staggering, not only to families and communities, but also to countries
that can scarcely afford the destruction of so much human potential.
“Despite these glaring figures it is worth noting that there is a growing
and concerted effort to accelerate the global measles campaign” she stated.
She noted that four strategies have been set out by WHO/UNICEF which are to
provide the first dose of measles vaccine to successive groups of all
children at the age of 9 months or shortly after; guarantee a second opportunity for
measles vaccination through campaigns or other supplemental immunization
activities; establish an effective system to monitor coverage and conduct
measles surveillance with integration of epidemiological and laboratory information
and improve the management of every measles case.
She said globally over half a billion children have been reached with
measles vaccine. In the Gambia 87% of all children under 24 months of age have been
reached in 2005. “So if there is one country in Africa that can meet the
goals it is the Gambia” she stated.
She acknowledge a special partner who has generously contributed to this
campaign, the starwood group, which is represented here in the Gambia by the
Sharaton Resort Hotel at a tune of $800,000 towards the week long campaign.
In his launching statement SoS Yankuba Touray, who deputized for the
president, has called on the general public to be cooperative and come out in their
numbers to immunize their children. He said this year’s theme is fitting as
it is calling to save lives! He said the disease is a vaccine prevented one
and a campaign of this magnitude involves a huge amount of money. On his part
the Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Malick Njie thanked
the WHO and UNICEF and other donors for their continuous support in
complementing government’s efforts.
Dr. Sulayman Samba, Permanent Secretary of DOSH, chaired the ceremony.
Murder Suspect In Poor Health
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Lamin Ceesay, a murder suspect currently detained at the State Central
Prison at Mile Two on Tuesday, December 4 appeared at the High Court with the
support of a crutch in his hand.
Ceesay was charged for allegedly murdering one Modou Lamin Bayo in Brikamaba
on June 14, 2001. The Presiding Judge, Justice Mabel Yamoa has ordered a
medical doctor to tender a medical report of the accused person in court.
The judge also put it to the prosecutor, Umar Abdullahi, that a police
officer serving as a prosecution witness should report to court on December 6.
“Let him come down or I will bring him down,” Justice Yamoa ordered. The
judge also said she would issue an arrest warrant against the witness if he
should fail to honour the court’s order. She added that the criminal section of
the High court should be taken seriously
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