Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.84/2007, 20-22 July, 2007
Editorial
THE APRC GOVERNMENT NO MORE POPULAR
THE OPPOSITION NOT YET POPULAR
THE GRAND DEBATE
The high voter apathy in both the Presidential and National Assembly
elections has left the country without an undiluted choice of the people. Neither
the ruling party nor the opposition could claim majority popular support.
What then is the future of Gambian politics and the Gambian opposition?
The future of Gambian politics lies in the hands of the people. They must
bear in mind that they will get the type of leaders they vote for or failed to
vote for because of their apathy. In short, even the person who refuses to
vote is actually voting by default. In a word, the failure to vote by some
people can make a person to win or lose an election who, otherwise, may not have
won or lost.
Hence, if the destiny of this country is to reside in the hands of Gambian
people each sovereign Gambian must be independent in thinking and active in
making decisions that affect their very lives. This is the first commitment
that all Gambians need to make, that is, No to voter apathy!!
Secondly, some claim that there is political apathy because the opposition
parties are not united. Others claim that the leaders are not making headway
and should give way.
A Grand National debate should therefore begin on the future of the
opposition in The Gambia. Can they be united? If not can the people choose one among
them and give it their undivided support? If there is no such opposition
leader and party, could the people ask the existing leaders to give up their
aspirations for political leadership and leave the room for a more credible
alternative?
What is your opinion? Have a say. Support a credible person or political
force in the opposition!! If you don’t see one help create one!! Apathy is not
an option. The July 22 celebration is an indictment on the Gambian people. It
shows that when a people failed in their responsibility in changing leaders
others may claim to be their saviors. However we all know that an individual
has no power to save society. Democracy means the assertion of the power of
the people to save themselves. The celebration of July 22 should therefore
remind us how little the APRC regime has done in empowering the people and how
much we need to redouble our efforts to empower ourselves as Gambian people.
TREASON TRIAL
COURT ADMITS ALIEU JOBE’S STATEMENTS
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Justice Avril Anin Yeboah of the Banjul High Court has on Wednesday, July
18, ruled that the cautionary statements obtained from Alieu Jobe by the
investigators, who probed into the March 2006 foiled coup d’etat, are voluntary.
Alieu Jobe, the sixth accused person and ex-director of treasury, is facing
treason charges alongside Tamsir Jasseh, fifth accused, Omar Faal Keita,
seventh accused, and Demba Dem, the eight accused, for their alleged role in the
attempt to overthrow the government of The Gambia in March 21, 2006.
The ruling on Mr. Jobe’s cautionary statement came in the wake of a trial
within a trial (voir dire) which sought to test the voluntariness of the
statement obtained from the accused during the investigation.
The court went for the voir dire following the defence counsel’s objection
to the tendering of the statements as evidence by the prosecutor. Defence
lawyer Borry Touray argued that the statements are involuntary and applied for a
voir dire.
Justice Yeboah said she is satisfied that the prosecution has proved its
case beyond all reasonable doubt. She then admitted the statement in evidence.
Testimony
Continuing his testimony in the main trial which was halted by the voir
dire, Sergeant Boto Keita, a detective attached to the serious crime unit of The
Gambia police Force, said Alieu Jobe did inform the investigating panel that
Tamsir Jasseh escorted the former Chief of Defence Staff (the alleged ring
leader) to Kubuneh.
According to Sergeant Keita, this led to the arrest of Mr. Jasseh, adding
that Mr. Jobe told the panel that he met Omar Faal in his residence at Kerr
Serign and gave him the names of the officers who were arrested so that they
will be released, and for those who were yet to be arrested, not to be arrested.
Sergeant Keita testified that Mr. Jobe also told them that he sent Demba Dem
to Sokone.
He added that while they were investigating into the matter, they found the
passport of Omar Faal in his house.
The passport was shown to the witness and he recognised it.
ARMY SPOKESPERSON CLARIFIES ON SERGEANT KAMBAI’S WHEREABOUT
Reports reaching Foroyaa did indicate that one Sergeant Kambai of The Gambia
Armed Forces was being sought after by his wife for allegedly failing to
come home.
The Spokesperson of the Army, Lieutenant Alhagie Sanneh, indicated that
Sergeant Kambai is with them. He said the wife of Sergeant Kambai and other
members of his family came to his office and enquired about the whereabouts of
their loved one. He said the wife claimed that her husband had not returned home
since he left for work. Lt. Sanneh said he had told Kambia’s wife that her
husband is with them. When this reporter further asked him what he means by “
He is with us,” he said he meant Kambai is alive and he is there in the camp.
He said a soldier could be arrested and detained in the camp as part of their
ways of disciplining them. He went further to say that he is not aware of
him languishing in the prison.
SUSPECT DIES IN POLICE CUSTODY
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Reports reaching this paper have it that Police officers on duty at Basse
Police Station were stunned on Monday, 9 July, by the death of an inmate who
was in their custody.
According to sources, the deceased, Musa Bah, was arrested on Tuesday, 3
July, on suspicion of house breaking and stealing. He was said to have been
detained for almost one week. The Police Spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka,
confirmed the death of Mr. Bah while under Police Custody. He told this
reporter that on the night of 8 July, Mr. Bah was involved in a brawl with some
other inmates in a cell, and the Police officers on duty took Mr. Bah to
another cell to avoid violence amongst the inmates. Inspector Secka said on Monday 9
July, while the officers were opening the cells for the inmates to wash
their eyes, they found that Mr. Bah was motionless. The Police Spokesperson
indicated that a Cuban Doctor at Basse hospital indicated that Bah died as a
result of heart attack and that he was suffering from hypertension. Inspector
Secka said the Police have no hand in Mr. Bah’s death.
Mr. Bah was working at the “Canoe Crossing point at Basse”. He is survived
by a wife and two children. He was laid to rest on Monday, 9 July in Basse.
Editor’s Comment
Two points have to be noted. First, it is reported that the deceased had
been detained for a week. This is in contravention of Section 19 of the
Constitution which requires the suspect to be arraigned before a court of law or be
released within 72 hours.
More importantly, there is no report on a coroner’s inquest on the cause of
Musa Bah’s death, contrary to section 6(1) of the Coroners Act which states “
When any person dies while in custody of the police or of a prison officer
or in prison or when detained in any place under the provisions of the Lunatics
’ Detention Act, or of the Criminal Procedure Code, the police officer or
prison officer or other person having the custody or charge of the deceased
person at the time of his death shall immediately give notice of the death to
the nearest Coroner and, expect as otherwise provided by section 11 of this
Act, such Coroner shall hold an inquiry into the cause of such death in the
manner hereinafter provided.”
Infact it is reported that the deceased has been buried.
COURT HEARS DAVID COLLEY’S CASE
By Abdou Jeli Keita
One Jainaba Touray, a Prison Warden, yesterday testified in the criminal
case involving the former Director General of Prisons, David Colley and the
state.
The second prosecution witness testified that she was posted at the Juvenile
Wing of the Prison in Jeshwang. She said she was later transferred to Mile
Two Prison.
She added that she and her “Senior Man” were posted at the “Gate” of the
Prison on 22 September 2004 while they were at the “Gate”, the vehicle of the
accused “GPS1” drove in with the driver, Corporal Sanneh, and one Mr. Jobe
on board; that the arrival of the duo was recorded in a dairy. According to
her, the Chief officer, Mr. Jobe told them that he was sent by the accused to
collect a new generator donated to the tailoring workshop of the Juvenile
Wing. She said the man in charge of the new generator (ASP Manneh) gave the
generator to Mr. Jobe (Chief officer) and the driver (Famara Sanneh) after which
they left with it, noting that their departure was booked.
Prosecutor Touray tendered the diary in which the arrival of those sent by
the accused to collect the new generator was booked. The dairy was admitted in
evidence and marked exhibit P1.
During cross examination by the defence counsel, Sagarr Jahateh, the witness
said they normally ask visitors to produce their ID Cards after which their
time of arrival is recorded. She said prison wardens are normally treated
differently when compared to other visitors; that in the case of prison wardens,
they normally ask for the rank and name of the officer before booking
his/her time of arrival. She went further to say that they don’t ask prison wardens
to tell them the purpose of their visits, adding that she did not ask the
people sent by Colley to present any authorisation nor did she call the prison
headquarters to confirm if they were sent by the accused. She said that was
not her responsibility.
The trial is adjourned to a later date in July for senior defence counsel,
Antouman Gaye, to cross examine the prosecution witness.
JOURNALISTS AND CIVIL SOCIETY REPS CALL FOR THE RELEASE OF CHIEF MANNEH
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Journalists, representatives of civil society organisations and members of
the family of the missing Daily Observer reporter, Chief Ebrima Manneh, have
called for the immediate release of the detainee who has been missing since
July 7, 2006.
This call was made at a symposium on Tuesday July 17, organised by the
Network of Human Rights Journalists (NHRJ). The symposium was held at the Alliance
Franco-Gambienne along Kairaba Avenue. The theme was: “Guarantee to the
freedom of the press in the Gambian.”
Madi S. Njie, Chairperson of NHRJ called on the Gambia government to
critically look into the situation and act in the case of Chief Ebrima B. Manneh as
required by the constitution of the Gambia, and ensure that justice prevails.
“Mr. Manneh has been missing within our own society and up to date, we
cannot know his whereabouts,” Mr. Njie said.
Sarjo Manneh, the father of the missing journalist, told the gathering that
he nearly got mad following the disappearance of his son, without an
explanation from his employer, the Daily Observer.
“I sleep for only one hour in the night. Whenever my mind goes back to him,
my heart breaks.”
The old man also said he had approached the managing director of the Daily
Observer, Dr. Saja Taal who gave him “unnecessary’ excuses.
The missing reporter’s father said he has also visited the then Director
General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Harry Sambou and the then
Inspector General of Police, Ousman Sonko (now Secretary of State for the
Interior) who were all “unwelcoming.”
He added that he had been to several police stations but could not see any
sign of his son.
The mother, Sula Ceesay, said she has been living a difficult life for the
past one year.
“I eat a quarter of what I used to eat before. I often cry when eating,
because I do not know if my son is alive or dead, Mrs. Ceesay decried.
Madi Ceesay, President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU) said the country is
declared internationally as a “no press free country” by the Committee to
Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Freedom House.
Mr. Ceesay also said the Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontier (Reporters
Without Borders) has also declared the Gambian press is being subjected to
difficult conditions to operate in.
Mr. Ceesay said the arson attack on the Independent Newspaper, Radio One,
the house of Ebrima Sillah of the BBC coupled with the killing of Deyda Hydara,
the detentions and harassment of journalists are clear indications that the
Gambia lacks respect for the press.
The GPU president said the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act 2004 and the
Newspaper (Amendment) Act 2004 are severely restricting freedom of expression and
posing danger to the practice of journalism in the Gambia.
Cherno Jallow, a veteran journalist said the constitution guarantees the
rights of journalists as watchdogs of society.
Mr. Jallow said the press which is the fourth estate has the role to look
into the activities of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary, and
therefore has the constitutional right to inform the tax payers on the
activities of the government.
Amie Sillah, a newspaper columnist and gender activist, said the government
needs to immediately release the reporter or follow the due process of the
law.
Demba Jawo, an editor with Agence Press Africaine in Dakar in a paper read
on his behalf, urged media practitioners and workers in the country to rally
behind the GPU in order to give it more power to defend the rights of
journalists.
“This is also a wake up call for us (journalists) as it has been clearly
shown that none of us is secure, no matter which media house we work for.
Unfortunately however, some of our colleagues had this false sense of security just
because they were working for certain media houses that have been favoured
by the regime,” said Mr. Jawo.
Sam Sarr, Editor of Foroyaa Newspaper said the detention of Mr. Manneh is an
attack on the freedom of expression and the personal liberty of the
reporter which has violated the constitution and other international laws which the
government had sworn to defend, protect and preserve. He continued that the
issue does not only concern journalists but all citizens in The Gambia.
Ousman Yarbo, Director of the Association of the Non-Governmental
Organisations said civil society, the media and the private sector need to call for a
national conference to look into these issues that affect the dissemination of
information.
Sheikh Lewis, Amnesty International said such an ordeal should not happen to
Mr. Manneh, adding that people need to stop digging holes for one another.
He called on media practitioners to build “greater solidarity,” stating
that most of the “big men” in the Gambian media have failed to attend one of
the most “crucial issues” which they can be victims of “tomorrow.”
Nicolas Nzaki of the African Women in the Diaspora, (AWODO) said the
recommendation of the gathering needs to be forwarded to the authorities for urgent
action.
Swaebou Conateh, publisher and editor of the weekly News and Report
Magazine, said press freedom is an important point in the Gambian constitution, and
everybody is guaranteed security and liberty by the Gambian constitution.
Mr. Conateh said no government or authority has the right to interfere with
the basic rights of people and in the absence of these rights, nobody is a
full citizen.
“We should not allow ourselves to be enslaved by our leaders who we put into
office. They should be our servants and we have to help them do what we
want. Let us not allow them to control us to the extent that we become cowards,”
Mr. Conateh expressed.
Omar Jallow (alias OJ), a politician called on the government to respect the
freedom of the press and peoples’ fundamental human rights.
Mr. Jallow said the Gambian people need to do away with the culture of
one-selfness, adding that one’s problem need to be another’s problem rather than
saying, “it is not my problem or concern.”
He called on the people to give solidarity to one another and stand against
injustice, which he opined will only ruin the society.
A committee was selected at the end of the symposium to pursue the release
of Chief Manneh and look into issues affecting dissemination of information.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
HEART BREAKER’S NEMESIS
With Amie Sillah
Part 3
At The Prayer House
Jainaba slept at the Prayer House on Tuesday night. Baaba prayed throughout
the night and slept with Jainaba. On Wednesday he continued to pray throughout
with Famara’s picture at hand. Some of his Talibes (followers) were with him
praying for Jainaba to have Famara as a husband. Lolly came to collect
Famara to show him the Prayer House. She came in Famara’s jeep up to a junction
and pointed to the house. “Look at that T junction, curve right and enter the
first red gate. That is the Prayer House. Good luck!” She dropped to go. “No!
No! Lets go together. I want us to catch Jainaba red handed.” “No! No! No!
I can’t! I don’t want Jainaba’s trouble. She will cast me an evil spell.
Remember she is my friend and confidante. I am not suppose to tell you this. I
did so because you are a kind person. You love Jainaba. You have done
everything for her. Why should she wish you evil. I don’t care my girl friend. I’ll
expose her if she is evil. You are a good man. Don’t mention my name at all.”
Lolly advised. “Okay! You are right. Thank you all the same. I’ll go
alone. If this is true I’ll roast Jainaba alive.” “Go! Seeing is believing. Good
bye.” Famara gave her return fare and she left.
Caught Red Handed
Jainaba was busy with the Talibes praying with Baaba. Famara’s picture was
place in the middle surrounded by ten lighted candles. Famara tiptoed and
caught them red handed. “What! Oh my God! Jainaba what are you doing with my
picture? So it is true? What have I done to deserve this sort of treatment from
you?” Jainaba was startled. She was lost of words. “Fams! What are you doing
here?” “Oh! I should ask you that. What are you doing here with my picture
lighted all over?” Jainaba begged for understanding. “It is not what you
think Fams! It is not what you think!” “What should I think now? Tell me!” Baaba
intervened. “It is okay! She is praying for your success. She meant no harm.”
“Shut up! You beast! Don’t speak until I ask you to!” He went and snatched
his picture from the floor. Jainaba tried to hold his trousers. He nearly
stamped her. “Don’t touch me swine! You are finished! I have nothing to do
with you again! You are evil! Jainaba you are evil! Allah will punish you!
Seeing is believing! I was dealing with Jezebel!” Fams left in a rage. Jainaba
followed suit. “Come back! The prayers are not completed.” Baaba said. “Go to
hell and rot there! What am I praying for? My man have left me for good. Leave
me alone! Leave me alone!” Jainaba followed Fams. Baaba’s Talibes followed
after. Baaba was left alone.
Jainaba In Limbo
Jainaba was in limbo. She mourned her loss. She could not understand how
Famara came to the Prayer House and caught her red handed. It was a jig saw
puzzle, which she could not answer at the moment. The serpent was around trying
to confuse her all the more. “If a man said he does not love you again should
you kill yourself? Forget about him. You are young and beautiful you’ll have
another man”. Lolly advised “I don’t want another man. It is Fams I want.
Famara is my life. But! I cannot still understand how Famara came to the Prayer
House with precision, telepathy. It is indeed a strange coincidence.” Lolly
is smart. She gave an apt answer. “You know these guys when they become fed
up they cook stories. He might have followed your trail. That’s what they do
if they are fed up with a babe. Cheer up! Take heart! Famara is not the only
guy in the whole country. You’ll get a better guy.” She counselled. “I don’t
want a better guy. I want my Fams back.” Lolly gave some biscuits to
Jainaba. “Eat, drink forget about Famara. He has left you.” “Thank you! I’ve lost
my appetite.” Put in Jainaba. She is devastated and brooding. “Famara
treated me like a lady. Who is tearing us apart? And now the rumour in town is that
I wanted to use him for money ritual. Me Jainaba! Use Famara for money
ritual? I am finished! I am finished! When shall I ever recover from this shame
and anguish?” Jainaba sobbed bitterly. “I’ll go for an explanation. I’ll not
leave him go scott-free. It is not fair! It is not fair!” Lolly tried to
discourage her. “Don’t disgrace yourself! Don’t go! Forget about him! Open a new
page in your life. You are young and beautiful. Mr. Right will surely come.”
“No! I don’t care about any Mr. Right. Famara is my strength. He has to
answer my questions. And he have to answer them satisfactorily!” Jainaba
emphasized.
Lolly And Famara
Lolly visited Famara at his office. She came and announced herself. Famara
was amused and excited. “Who do I have here? The lady who saved my life. You
are lost. Where have you been? I’ve searched you everywhere. I don’t know
where you work. I don’t know your house and I don’t want to visit you at Jainaba
’s home. I don’t want to set my eyes on her again. She is a wicked witch.”
He offered her a seat. She sat. Famara proposed a date. “I have to thank you
for saving my life. You are a great lady. I am impressed.” Fams insulted and
cursed Jainaba. “I regretted befriending that wicked witch. I invite you to a
dinner.” Lolly acted the good babe. “No! save your money. Say, I’ll come to
your home and prepare you a delicious dish. I want you to taste my culinary
skills.” Famara gave her D5000 (five thousand dalasis). She querried. “This
is too much. I’ll cook you chicken yassa.” “D1, 000 is okay for what I want
to cook.” Lolly returned the D4000 back to Fams. She left. “Let me visit the
market to buy some food stuff. You’ll meet me at home.” she winked at Fams.
He was overwhelmed. “No! Where is she from? A babe returning cash? Unheard
of! I am impressed. And she is sexy and attractive. I think I am going to dig
this babe!” He soliloqued and gleed. “This time around I’ve caught a bigger
shark!” He said aloud and laughed. “All that glitters is not gold” says the
old adage.
NYAKOI BUNDUNG NURSERY SCHOOL HOLDS OPEN AND CERTRIFICATE AWARD CEREMONY FOR
2007 BATCH
By Joseph Sirjo Sonko
Nyakoi Nursery School, yesterday 14th of June 2007, held their Open and
Award giving ceremony at its school ground in Bundung. Speaking before a
multitude of people, the head Mistress, Mrs. Aunty Amie Sillah, underscored the
importance of education and the role parents can play to help their children to
higher heights. She said looking at the performance of each of the nursery
pupils, there is no doubt they have made up their minds to be good ambassadors in
society. She said every child did extremely well but that you can see those
that are being helped at home by parents who came out even more outstanding
than those neglected. She urged parents to also provide support for their
children noting that not only during school days should they be given tutoring
but on every step of the way. Children, she said, need all we got to make them
what they aspire to be in future.
Nyakoi she said started in 1987 with an input of seventeen children out of
whom she said ten were boys and seven were girls. Most of these children today
are in big institutions working very hard as Doctors, Nurses, Engineers, and
Teachers, and some are in universities. “It delights me all the more when I
travel and bump into someone who will exclaim I was a student of Nyakoi.”
These people are now big men and women doing extremely well. So what all these
young ones also want from us is our support in every way. “She commended the
parents for coming out in their large numbers to witness their children’s
performance. She appealed to parents, to also support the school and do everything
in their power to be paying their children’s school fees on time. She
lamented the delay in paying school fees which places obstacles that are often not
easy for the school to overcome.
The deputy Head Teacher, Mr. Abdou Jobe, said, “we not only teach the
children Mathematics, Science, Arts, Social Studies, and English etc. but also
moral and ethical behaviors as well.” He said Nyakoi has done everything it could
for these young ones now it is left to their parents. He especially appealed
to the parents of the two hundred and eighty seven students graduating to
help their children in their new field of endeavour.
Some of the parents who spoke on the occasion expressed delight in what they
saw. Noting that if children at such tender age can express themselves using
the English language with such ease and without mistakes and knowing so much
about the world as well as topics on science and its relation to the human
body and health, then what are they waiting for in heeding the head Mistress’s
called for action. All those parents who spoke did express hope that the
efforts will one day yield fruit that will see the building of a Nyakoi Primary
School.
The children who came out in different batches were presented with different
questions on different topics which they answered to the delight and
astonishment of every one in the crowd. The ceremony was graced by both parents and
teachers taking photos of each other and the singing and playing of cultural
instruments by the nursery children. There was great attendance from both
parents and people from different neighborhoods around Bundung.
SENIOR METREOLOGIST HARPS ON THE RAINY SEASON
By Isatou Bittaye
A Senior Metreologist at the Metreological Unit at the Airport, Lamin Mai
Touray, has indicated that the weather forecast for this year is very good. He
said it indicated that it will be wet this year. Mr. Touray said the late
start of the rainy season is only experienced at the coastline, noting that the
hinterland of the country had experienced rainfall since June. He noted that
the reason for the late start of the rainy season is that the surface of the
sea temperature along the Senegambia coastline was cold, and that of the Gulf
of Guinea was warm. He said such a situation does not allow the
precipitation of moisture beyond latitude 10 ºN.
Mr. Touray added that the movement of the monsoon through Northwards over
the Western Sector was delayed and that this was due to the weak nature of the
African easterly jets. He further indicated that the African easterly jets
have now intensified and had regained its strength, and the expected amount of
rainfall this season is between 650mm to more than 760mm.
Mr. Touray said the probability of the rainy season extending beyond October
this year is very low, but that heavy rainfall leading to flooding in some
places is expected. He said that a parameter called thermal index is measured
at 10km above meansea level which is used to determine whether a said region
would experience flood or drought and it has a threshold value that
determines whether there will be flooding or not and that all indicators, as at now,
is that flooding may occur at some places.
DOCK WORKERS CALL ON PRESIDENT JAMMEH TO INTERVENE
By Yaya Dampha
Since The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) wrote to the Dock and Maritime
Workers indicating that their services will be terminated by July 31, 2007, the
dock workers became restive.
This development had led the dock workers to agree within their ranks to
call for a strike action, which forced the security heads to call all the
stakeholders to a meeting at the Department of State for the Interior. The security
heads, the GPA management and the representatives of dock workers agreed on
a collective bargaining approach. GPA was asked to cancel their attempts to
terminate the services of the dock workers because they are not their
employees in the first place. On the other hand, the Dock and Maritime Workers were
also asked to call off their planned strike action.
However, at a recent press conference held by the union at their office on
Monday, 16 July, the Secretary General Mr. Landing Sanyang, told reporters
that they hade been abiding by the agreement brokered by the security heads
between their union and the GPA management because of their respect for the rule
of law, but had doubted that of the management of the GPA. Mr. Sanyang
claimed that it has come to the notice of his office that a staff of GPA, is
calling dock workers one at a time into his office, asking them to sign a document
which states that any dock worker who accepts to be terminated will be paid
one hundred thousand dalasi as a severance package. He said this move by GPA
is in direct conflict with their agreement with the security heads which is “
No Termination, No Strike action”. He questioned why the management of The
Gambia Ports Authority is still adamant and reneging on the agreement.
Sanyang called on President Jammeh to intervene in time.
Mr. Yusupha Ndow, a dock worker, said they are an independent body and
cannot be controlled by the GPA.
Mr. Abdoulie Faal, the organising Secretary of the dock workers union urged
the Secretaries of State for Industry and Works to participate in the process
to resolve the matter by attending their meetings.
Alhagie Kebba Gassama also reiterated the call for the president to
intervene. The union recommended the idea of collective bargaining rather than “
illegal terminations”.
WITNESSES TESTIFY IN OMAR NDOW’S CASE
By Abdou Jeli Keita
Mr. Ousman Jallow, a Compliance Manager at the Gambia Public Procurement
Authority (GPPA), and Mr. Abdoulie Bah, an accountant at GAMCEL, testified in
the criminal trial involving the state and Omar Ndow, a former Managing
Director at GAMTEL.
Ousman Jallow testified that, as compliance manager at GPPA, he has
something to do with GAMTEL, a former employer of the accused (Omar Ndow). He said he
had something to do with the accused.
He added that he reviewed a validation report directed to the intelligent
network to be approved for GAMTEL to open a negotiation with HUA WEI, a Chinese
company. He said GAMTEL submitted to the (GPPA) minutes of their negotiation
with HUA WEI Company but after going over it, he observed that something was
incorporated in the original procurement amounting to US $198,000. “I sent
them (GAMTEL) a letter requesting for an itemized break down of the said
amount,” he said. He produced a copy of the letter to the court.
At this juncture, ASP Bojang (prosecutor) tendered a copy of the letter sent
to GAMTEL and it was admitted in evidence and marked as Exhibit PB2.
Mr. Jallow went on to say that, GAMTEL never replied to the letter he sent
them. He concluded that he was never aware of any approval between GAMTEL and
the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA).
Mr. Abdoulie Bah, the third prosecution witness, who is an accountant at
GAMCEL told the court that on 17 August 2005, he was assigned to work with the
accused. On the stated date, he said a payment for a particular supply was
brought to the internal audit unit for auditing. He said he noticed that there
was no approval from the GPPA which he said is a violation of Section 13(1) of
the GPPA Act. He said he referred the payment to his boss Omar Mbye who
headed the Internal Audit Unit; that Mbye also sent it to the Managing Director of
GAMTEL and indicated that there was no approval from GPPA. The witness added
that GAMTEL wrote a letter to GAMCEL and informed them that they did receive
approval from the GPPA. According to him, the payment was meant for a
particular company called HUA WEI, adding that the transaction between his
department and GAMTEL was documented. He told the court that he was not in possession
of the document, but if he is given time, he may produce it.
At this stage of the trial, ASP Bojang applied for an adjournment to enable
the prosecution to lay hands on the relevant document to enable him to call
more witnesses.
The defence counsel, Sheriff Tambedou, said “even the body language of the
prosecution witness could tell the court that he is not in possession of the
said document,” he concluded.
The trial is adjourned till a later date in July for further hearing.
TRUST BANK MANAGER FREED OVER D1.9 MILLION THEFT
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Augustus Sarr, former Manager of the Trust Bank branch in Farafenni, was on
Wednesday, July 18 found not guilty by Justice Sanji Monageng at the High
Court on the D1, 911, 425 dalasis theft case brought against him by the state.
Mr. Sarr who was charged with theft was accused of tampering sealed bank
notes at the Trust Bank branch in Farafenni between August 2002 to December
2004. He pleaded not guilty to the charge at the start of the trial two and a
half years ago.
The High Court held that the shortages in notes discovered by the customers
of the bank was noticed after Mr. Sarr had left as Branch Manager and
therefore he is not liable to the act committed.
Mr. Sarr who was visibly elated, left the court room with smiles on his face
as he hugged his relatives and sympathizers who were in a joyous mood.
He was on a leave, receiving half of his salary but was not terminated and
is free to resume work immediately.
He was on leave, receiving half salary but was not terminated and is free to
resume work immediately.
PROMOTIONS AT THE POLICE
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
22 personnels of The Gambia Police Force were on Wednesday 18 July promoted
to various ranks by the state. The decoration ceremony was held at the Police
headquarters in Banjul. The ceremony was witnessed by the Inspector General
of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces.
In his opening remarks, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Benedit Jammeh,
told the decorated officers that their promotions are based on merit,
dedication, hard work and commitment and output. He said promotions are now based
on merit and not longevity. “You are promoted because the administration has
confidence in you. The Gambia Police Force and the entire Gambian populace
will be happy and proud of you if you do not betray that trust and confidence
they have vested on you. Your loyalty as security officers should always remain
unshakable”, said IGP. Commissioner Burama Dibba, told the officers to be
committed to the trust reposed on them by the command and that they should
commit themselves to make sure that they do not erode that trust, but they should
instead perform better than anticipated. He said serving one’s nation is not
a sacrifice, but an honour and a rare privilege for just a citizens.
Commissioner Dibba said it is part of their role to ensure that Police officers
respect, protect and promote human rights in their daily activities. He said they
should fulfiull the duty reposed on them by the law.
The chief of defence staff (CDS), Brigadier General Lang Tombong Tamba, said
such promotions are aimed at encouraging service personnels to do their work
effectively. He called on the Police to give 100% support to the IGP as
alone cannot do the job. He advised the officers to see members of the community
as partners in development, but not as enemies.
FA Cup Matches Start Today
By Modou Nyang
The long overdue FA Cup competition will commence today with 16 teams
battling it out in the preliminary round.
At the Independence Stadium in Bakau relegated first division side Seaview
FC will be hoping to better their league performance against second division
strugglers, Young Africans. Whilst at the Box Bar grounds in Brikama second
division fellows Jambanjelly FC and Nema United will battle for a place in the
next stage. The day’s other game will be a Serrekunda derby between
Tallinding United and Ham Ham FC to be played at the Serrekunda East grounds.
Tomorrow on Saturday, Brikama United will test it’s mettle against Steve
Biko, the wounded Bakau side who are bitter after making the drop on the last
day of the league season for the first time since the clubs inception.
Also on Saturday at the high level playing field in Basse Watterman FC of
URR will host Jarra West in a contest between fellow regional teams. And at
Soma Interior FC will travel all the way to meet Kiang Central, and Serrekunda
East FC play Samger FC at the Serrekunda East grounds in another hot duel
between two Serrekunda sides.
The eight teams that will progress from this stage will be pitted against
the other eight 1st division sides, who will also cancel out each other to
reach the last eight of the competition.
Dawda Bah Changes Club Scores in UEFA Cup Debut
By Modou Nyang
Finland based Gambian international Dawda Bah, has joined Finnish top
division side and UEFA Cup campaigners HJK Helsinki on loan from KPV Kokkola.
Bah’s move to the Finnish top flight league from the second tier division is
a major boost in his professional, and his footballing fortunes may continue
to gather steam as HJK are competing in this year’s UEFA Cup preliminaries.
They were to host Etzella Ettelbruck of Luxemburg yesterday night in the
first leg of UEFA Cup qualifying round.
Dawda joined KPV (Kokkolan Palloveikot) from local side Hawks in 2005 and
has been a regular in the side hence the call from top side HJK (Helsingin
Jalkapalloklubi) who are campaigning to make it to the group stages of the UEFA
cup.
HJK is generally considered Finland’s biggest club they are the only finnish
side to have competed in the UEFA Champions League group stage. And also on
the local scene, HJK is the country’s finest collecting the highest number of
league titles (21) and 8 Cup titles together with 4 league cups. The club
prides as one of its top ever player in Jari Litmanen, the Finnish captain and
former Ajax, Barcelona and Liverpool great. Other Africans in the club are
sierra Leonean trio Mohammed Kamara, Kabba Samora and John Keister.
Bah who have been handed the number 10 shirt was included in the team’s
starting lineup for the UEFA Cup first phase qualifier match against Etzella
Ettelbruck at home at the Acne Stadium, and he was being highly tipped to make
his debut for the Helsinki based side.
shortly before going to press reports indiated that Dawda Bah’s side HJK
have won Etzella Ettelbruck 2-0 and Dave was on the score sheet in the 24th
minute and substitute Sarso made it double in the 90th minute.
Njogu Demba Open with Win
By Modou Nyang
Njogu Demba and his Danish SAS Ligaen side Esbjerg opened their 2007-8
league campaign to a winning start, defeating Brøndby by a lone goal.
Demba who featured for the whole ninety minutes of play didn’t make the
score sheet and neither did strike partner Raiko Lekic as widely expected among
club faithfuls, but the day’s glory fell deeper on the team’s lineup to
Jesper Jørgensenn on the 76th minute from the penalty spot. Njogu was cautioned in
the 78th minute of the game.
Esbjerg fB got the breakthrough when Jesper Fetch was felled inside their
opponent’s penalty area after 76 minutes of play and Jørgensenn stood up and
fired home the spot kick. From thence on, the 11, 008 spectators inside the
famous Blue Water Arena got their money’s worth as they enjoyed their side take
firm control of the game and kickoff to a fine start to the SAA league.
Esbjerg’s next match is on Sunday away to Viborg FF, the two sides have met
before on 38 occasions, and Njogu’s Esbjerg ran victorious on eleven
occasions but lost seventeen times to ten overall draws. Their Sunday meeting will be
their 39th and the atmosphere is expected to be tough
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