Mr. Jassey-Conteh:

Your tribute to Daddy Houssainou brought tears of sorrow -- and that of pride
because although I grew up knowing these things you said about the man, in my
case, it was a casual occurrence because we are family.  However, hearing
someone else outside of the family say things like this is quite soothing.

On behalf of the family, "njarama" to you for your eloquent piece on a man
who has left us, but shall never be forgotten.  My daddy Omar Sey lost a
brother and best friend who left a very big void in his family.

Regards,


Awa Sey


In a message dated 9/10/2002 2:56:50 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Subj:ATRIBUTE TO MR. OUSAINOU N'JIE
> Date:9/10/2002 2:56:50 AM Pacific Daylight Time
> From:    [log in to unmask] (Jassey Conteh)
> Sender:    [log in to unmask] (The Gambia and related-issues
> mailing list)
> Reply-to: <A HREF="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>
> To:    [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>
> Dear Mr. Ousainou N'jie:
>
> Many of us fondly remember people who have been inspirational in our
> developments.  Many would acknowledge that it was entirely their parents who
> relentless provided the assets of their Successes.  Many further would
> realistically meditate and ask, after graduating from high school, who gave
> me
> the first chance of employment?
>
> I fondly remember during an interview for a job at The Gambia Commercial and
> Development Bank, you asked me about the political climate in The Gambia.  I
> responded by saying that as a youngster, I hope the government would do more
> for the Gambian youths.  You said, how about the National Youth Week?  I
> replied, well that is only politics for the PPP.
>
> After I was hired, I was shocked to learn that I shared the same phone
> (368)with you.  I asked the late Mr. Habib Faye; should I answer your phone
> when it rings?  Habib said: "Ousaninou never picks up his phone, but if he
> gets a call
> just tab the ringer."  You never got upset when I tried to use the telephone
> while you were talking.
>
> On one instance when the office was flooded with water, I took a mop and a
> bucket to help the janitor.  When you came down from your office, you said,
> "Conteh, you are not supposed to do this kind of work."  I replied by saying
> that if the files were destroyed, it would take me days to replace them.
>
> For one reason, your father, the late Alhagie Momodou Musa Njie would fondly
> tell me in Mandinka to join the PPP.  Those were the days when we could
> disagree in principle without being subjucated to political intolerance.
> The
> Gambia of yesterday is totally different from the Gambia of today.
>
> You knew I was anti-PPP, but you never intimidated me.  You knew I was
> planning to run as an opposition candidate in my constituency, but you never
> threatened me.  When a former Minister of Economic Planning reported that I
> be
> fired, you took the high road of political correctness by saying no.  When
> you
> asked me whether I would be interested in going to
> Ghana for a refresher course, I said yes and you smiled.  How could a PPP
> supporter give an opportunity to an anti-PPP candidate that kind of
> opportunity?  Those were the days of Sir Dawda, but the current dictator in
> Gambia has depleted that kind of political will in our country.
>
> Yes, Mr. Ousainou N'jie, I was just told of your illness 10 days ago.  I had
> planned to visit you at the hospital in DC, but Allah took you away from us.
> I am indeed in total shock, but I understand Allah's wish.  I know you are
> with the angels because you have done a lot for many.  Abdoulie Karim Sonko
> can attest for that.
>
> I also know that we are in a position of understanding that life is sacred.
>  I
> also know that it is our responsibility to shoulder those messages evoked to
> us in our prime years.
>
> I deeply thank you for suggesting that I stop at your daddy's shop before
> leaving for the U.S.  In the White envelope that the elder Njie gave me, was
> $300 U.S. as a thank you for prompt services that I rendered him.  I just
> could not thank you in time.  But Allah understands.
>
> Finally, Mr. Ousainou N'jie, some of us who worked with you at The Gambia
> Commercial and Development Bank knew you as a man of integrity.  Your
> constructive suggestions have indeed played a vital role in my development.
>
> With tears, Mr. Ousainou N'jie, I treasure you and I am proud to know
> and worked with you.
>
> Finally, a word in Fula:  "Jarama!"
>
> May Allah have mercy on you.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Muhammad Lamine Jassey-Conteh
> Greensboro,NC/Kombo East Constituency

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