Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No 108/2007, 14 – 16 September 2007
Editorial
Questioning the Direction of Health Delivery
Foroyaa received a letter from Karamba Touray expressing outrage at the
focus given by Health authorities to treatment in Kanilai at the expense of the
National Health Delivery System.
This is not only being broadcast by national radio. The non-governmental
radio stations broadcast such advertisements daily.
Suffice it to say that since the various treatments started in Kanilai one
finds even the wife of the former president as a patient.
The Gambia has a very complex people with diverse beliefs. They resort to
such beliefs irrespective of level of education. Attempts to question such
beliefs could even earn a person the label of being an unbeliever or cultural
heretic. Can you imagine what type of minds would believe that displaying the
buttocks of elderly women could make an opponent to lose an election.
It is customary for even those who are not ill to take daily concoction of
herbs or roots diluted in water for protection.
What Foroyaa had done since the HIV/AIDS treatment started is to contact the
Medical and Dental Asociation and some senior representatives of the
profession for comment. We are yet to be successful to get medical opinion in the
Gambia.
Secondly, we sought the opinion of the WHO and UN HIV/AIDS. They indicated
that their position that HIV/AIDS has no cure still stands and gave advice
that those diagnosed as HIV/AIDS patients should continue to take anti
retroviral drugs. Foroyaa sought to have an interview with Dr. Mbowe who appeared
keen. An initial appointment was fixed but later cancelled by him.
Neither the doctor at the state level nor the non-governmental levels are
willing to comment.
Unfortunately, the opinions of laypersons in medicine are not scientific
grounds to argue a case.
In this light, Foroyaa will continue to advise people to the best of our
ability to adhere to the ABC approach to the prevention of HIV/AIDS and would
try to have periodic interviews with medical practitioners on how to prevent
and manage hypertension and diabetes.
We hope that the small contribution will help Gambians to make a choice.
As it stands there are no laws regulating the practice of traditional
medicine.
People’s beliefs have a lot of impact on their health. Beliefs should not be
imposed.
We hope such exchanges will enhance the debate and enable the people to make
informed choices on how to manage their own health.
Where professionals are silent laypersons can only continue to shout from
rooftops for them to answer to the call of conscience and keep our fingers.
Foroyaa, however, recommends another option. Where systems do not serve the
welfare of the people, they have the votes to change them. Personal outrage
can ease conscience, but do little to change systems. We must all become
educators of the masses for a better Gambia.
MALICK JONES AND MAM SAIT CEESAY REMANDED
The spokesperson of the Gambia Police Force, Inspector Sulayman Secka, has
confirmed that Malick Jones and Mam Sait Ceesay are remanded at the State
Central Prison at Mile Two.
Secka said the duo were unable to meet the bail conditions. Inspector Secka
made this disclosure to the Foroyaa reporter on Thursday. The duo were
paraded before Magistrate B.Y. Camara on Wednesday at the Banjul Magistrates
Court.
Wednesday’s Proceeding
Malick Jones, a radio producer cum presenter, and Mam Sait Ceesay, a press
officer at the State House, appeared before Magistrate B.Y Camara of the
Banjul Magistrates Court. They are charged with communication of code words
contrary to section 4 (1) (a) of the Official Secrets Act, Cap 17:01 of the Laws of
The Gambia 1990.
According to the particulars of the offence, between 5 and 7 September 2007,
the two accused persons communicated or gave information to a foreign
journalist, which is harmful to the security of the State
Both accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against
them. Jones and Ceesay told the court that they were kept incommunicado since
last Saturday and that they don’t have the opportunity to arrange for a lawyer.
Magistrate Camara said the charge is a bailable offence so he would want to
know why the prosecution is opposing bail.
The Prosecutor, Cadet A.S.P Keita said the offence involves an intensive
investigation both in the country and abroad. He said as far as the case is
concerned, investigation is far from complete and that they have no doubt that
if the accused persons are released on bail they would tamper with their
investigation and that will jeopardize their efforts.
In his ruling magistrate B.Y Camara said the prosecution claims that the
case requires an intensive investigation and the matter is of state security.
He, however, said the charge is a misdemeanor and not a felony and that section
24 of the constitution guarantees individual right to liberty. He said the
accused persons were in custody since Saturday. He, therefore, granted them
bail but said the condition must be stiff because of state security. They were
granted bail in the sum of D200, 000.00 and they must provide a Gambian
surety with a title deed.
The case is adjourned for a fortnight for further hearing.
TABARA SAMBA’S TRIAL SET FOR JUDGMENT
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The murder trial involving Tabara Samba and the State is set for judgment.
The trial magistrate made this announcement after the defence and prosecution
addressed the court on Thursday 13 September.
In his address to the court, the police prosecutor, commissioner Burama
Dibba, told the court that the accused person is charged with murder and that the
prosecution has called ten witnesses. Commissioner Dibba said there was
evidence before the court that Ebrima Nyan was dead and there was also evidence
that the accused was the wife of the deceased. He pointed out that there is no
dispute that the accused poured hot oil on the deceased. He indicated that
the accused said before the court that she poured hot oil on him and that
there was also proof from the witnesses. He noted that from the totality of the
evidence adduced before the court by the prosecution, he is convinced that the
prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Commissioner Dibba
indicated that the act by the accused was premeditated. He urged the court to
dismiss the facts advanced by the defence that there was a cause of
provocation and self-defence. He said there were direct and circumstantial evidence.
Dibba said to succeed in self-defence; the accused must be able to prove that
she was prompted by instincts. Commissioner Dibba noted that the defence has
failed in their defence. He noted that where one claims self-defence, the
burden is shifted to the accused person. Dibba stated that the defence based
their argument on provocation and self-defence, which totally failed. He
asserted that the intention of the accused person was to kill her husband and that
she had planned it in advance. He therefore urged the court to dismiss the
submission made by the defence counsel, which was done in writing.
The defence counsel, Mrs. Amie Joof Conteh told the court that she will rely
on her written address, which is before the court.
The presiding magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh announced that he will deliver on
the matter on 24 September.
Madam Tabara Samba is standing trial for allegedly killing her husband,
Ebrima Nyan by pouring hot oil on him . The incident happened at Old Jeshwang in
March this year.
COST OF FUEL IMPACTS ON PRICES OF FISH
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Fishermen at the creeks in Old Jeshwang are of the view that premixed fuel
is one of the factors that is responsible for the high cost of fish at the
market nowadays.
One Seedy Barrow, a fisherman said they usually use 60 liters of fuel for a
single expedition if they do not go beyond river Gambia. He said they use 100
liters if they are going up to the Senegal River. He added that a liter
costs them D30.00. Mr. Barrow noted that they understand that customers complain
about the rise in fish price. He said they (fish mongers) know that there is
no stable price for fish at the markets. “When we catch a lot of fish the
price becomes low”. He noted that the price depends on the availability of fish
at sea. Mr. Barrow added that when there is premixed fuel shortage they mix
oil with fuel, which they in turn add to the fish price. Mr. Barrow indicated
that approximately 20 people do embark on Bonga fishing expedition, while a
minimum of 6 people will go for fresh water fishing expedition. Mr. Barrow
lamented that in the rainy season they have difficulties in going out to sea,
noting that their boats do capsize when the heavy winds blow. He also added
that ships and trawlers always give them tough time by running into their nets
and cutting them into shreds. He said fishing nets are very expensive. Mr.
Barrow also complained of lack of storage facilities like the one in Tanji. He
asserted that they do have good catches but because of the lack of customers
and storage facilities they sometimes dump their catch into the sea. Mr.
Barrow said they normally sold their catch to their customers at the shore who in
turn sell it to the public at the markets. He lamented that they have raised
their problems with the fisheries Department, but there has still not been
any positive development.
Two other fishermen, Baks and Fams, said they buy foodstuff and ingredients
for cooking whilst at sea. They added that boat owners also ask for a
commission noting, that also has an impact on the fish price, as they will also
calculate for their profit. The duo lamented that at times, as many as 15 to 20
people will go for one trip and come with little fish. They added that they
also do increase the price to gain a little profit as well as the boat owner.
They noted that the amount of money they invest on a fishing trip sometimes
motivates them to increase the price and that their customers in turn increase
their prices to maximize profit. They added that in any business there must
be profit. They complained that sometimes their customers gain more profit
than those of them who risk their lives into high seas.
The duo said that sometimes it is difficult for them to organize a trip due
to high winds at sea and that most of them do not know the weather
conditions. They call on the weather forecast office to be helping them with
information as regards the weather.
When contacted, the Director of Fisheries, Mr. Adiatou Njai, said that his
department is collaborating with the fishermen at Old Jeshwang creek which
eventually leads to a building of fish smoking house for them which was under
the sustainable livelihood project to reduce harvest losses. Mr. Naji added
that they gave a loan of D310, 000 dalasi for them to purchase a refrigerated
vehicle which was done. Mr. Njai pointed out the desire of his department to
build a storage cold room and ice plant facility but that they have to develop
a capacity to manage the ice room. He said they need a generator to make ice
flakes. Mr. Njai indicated that Jeshwang is a small landing site; that they
will consider it in due course. Mr. Njai noted that they have managed to train
some fishermen in marketing and management with expertts from different
places.
Mr. Njai also cited the problem of fishermen complaints of fishing trawlers
that destroy their nets; that when they receive complaints they summoned both
parties to a meeting and put the matter on the table . He explained that in
most cases they assess the situation and the level of compensation to the
complainant. He also said that trawler owners or agents also complained that
fishermen do not use enough buoys to alert them on the direction of their nets
and where they are heading to .He added that they do have training with
fishermen on the weather condition, noting that the weather is unpredictable. Mr.
Njai noted that instead of fishermen throwing their catch into sea they
should link with the Agricultural sectors who can transform the fish to
fertilizer.
“INEFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT AT DOSH”
Reports Health Master Plan
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
According to the draft health master plan of 2007 to 2020, one of the most
pressing constraints facing the health sector is “the ineffective management
structure at the Department of State for Health (DOSH)”.
“Frequent changes were made in the top management positions at DOSH that
hindered policy implementation, and weakened institutional memory”, the document
reveals. The plan shows that if this challenge is successfully overcome, the
rest of the constraints will be effectively addressed.
Among the problems highlighted by the master plan are high attrition of
skilled health workers, inadequate skilled and competent health workers and low
staff production from health training institutions.
Inadequate basic equipment, insufficient drugs and other medical supplies
coupled with weak referral systems are part of the challenges the documents
outlined. The master plan reads: “Inadequate infrastructure and ICT equipment,
high incidence of malaria, containing the spread of HIV/AIDS infection the
overall goal of which is to stabilize and reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS,
provide treatment, care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS”.
Sustainability of Health Management Information System (HMIS) is also a challenge, the
master plan raised.
GAMTEL DETERIORATION LEADS TO SALE OF GOVERNMENT SHARES
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Neneh Macdouall Gaye, the Secretary of State for Communication, Information
and Technology, has on Tuesday September 11, told the National Assembly that
Government decided to sell its shares in Gamtel/Gamcel due to deterioration
of services over the years.
Mrs. Macdouall Gaye was answering a question from the Minority Leader and
Member for Kiang West, Momodou Sanneh. The Secretary of State said: “The
Government of The Gambia has decided to find a strategic partner for Gamtel/Gamcel
so as to inject the necessary capital to increase coverage and improve
quality of service. Gamtel over the years has deteriorated greatly in terms of
service provision, service quality and accessibility. It experienced stagnation
in network expansion at a time when population increase, boom in business and
transforming the economy into a technology driven one requires robustness,
dynamism and strong competitiveness for any operator in the business of
telecommunication”.
Mrs. Macdouall Gaye stressed that telecommunication infrastructure provision
is capital intensive and also requires cutting edge technical and managerial
competence. “Gamtel has not been in a position technically, operationally,
managerially and organizationally to provide these and achieve the Government
objectives of universal telecommunication access to every one in this country,
” the SoS said.
Mrs. Macdouall Gaye explained that their concerns are in line with Government
’s liberalization policies and programmes as enshrined in the NICI Policy
and the telecommunication sub-sector strategy.
She added: “Government felt that there is need to inject capital, new
technology and new business models and strategies through strategic partnership
with reputable companies who have the required competence and financial muscle
to extend quality, affordable telephone and related services to all citizens
and residents in The Gambia”.
The Secretary of State indicated the country’s financial and capital markets
are not sufficiently developed to raise the needed finance through these
markets. “Partnership with well meaning, genuine investors through allocation of
shares is an economically efficient way of raising capital and engaging
management teams to turn public enterprises like Gamtel around. Government has
studied several proposals from different companies and the current partner
spectrum Group Came up with required business models and plans that can address
the existing problems Gamtel faces,” she said.
Babanding Daffeh, the Member for kiang Central also questioned the SoS on
what measures were taken prior to the sale. Mrs. Macdouall Gaye responded: “
Government is not oblivious of the fact that sometimes when a company changes
hands, organization structures, management and human resources systems change
too. These changes could lead to personnel being moved from one section to
another or become redundant. However, the process will be managed well to
minimize redundancy and where it cannot be avoided, there will be acceptable
redundancy package in line with labour laws of this country. Currently the new
team is doing their study and will report back to Government once their
assessment is completed. We will be in a position to know details of costs involved.
But let this Assembly be rest assured that there will be no loser in this
process”.
The SoS assured legislators that the Spectrum Company Group is an
internationally acclaimed company operating in both Africa and the Middle East with
good reputation. She further added: ‘Detecon Group that has been given the
assignment to manage the partnership is a reputable international
telecommunication consulting company from Germany with a good track record in this domain”.
What Is The Fate of Marabout Hamadi Sowe?
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Marabout Hamadi Sowe of Ebo Town, who was arrested and charged for
concealment inconnection to the March 21 alleged coup plot is still languishing in
detention after sixteen (16) months of his arrest. His trial has not been
proceeding since the end of last year.
Marabout Sowe was charged alongside Alieu Jobe and others but his case was
later separated and was being tried alone before Justice Monageng of the high
court. In November 2006, the state counsel Merly Wood informed the court
about the state’s intention to withdraw the case. On 14 November 2006, Mrs. Wood
told the court that the State could not be able to file the intended notice of
discontinuation of the case due to circumstance beyond their control. She
then applied for an adjournment noting that by the next sitting date the said
document would be presented in court. The case was adjourned to 30 November
2006.
Since then the case did not proceed and he is not released.
According to his family members, his lawyer, Sainabou Wadda Ceesay had also
informed them that the state wanted to withdraw from the case and that
Marabout Sowe will be released very soon. Family members expressed shock that their
breadwinner is still detained and not appearing in court since then. They
said they are hopelessly waiting for his release from Mile Two Prison. They
noted that they do visit him in prison and are given thirty minutes only. They
lamented that Marabou Sowe is depressed about his long detention and lack of
knowledge of his fate. They called on the authorities to consider the plight of
their family head. It could be recalled that Marabout Hamadi Sowe was
arrested at his residence at Ebo Town on the 27 March 2006 by personal of the
Gambia Armed Forces and that since then he has not breath the air of freedom.
Marabout Hamadi Sowe was born in Upper Saloum, in Kerr Modou Warr. He is married
with three children, two boys and a girl. He is said to be in his late 30s.
Marabout Hamadi Sowe is presently being detained at the maximum-security
wing of mile two. According to some family members who visited him, Sowe is in a
depressed situation and his condition does not look fine.
THE GAMBIA’S FINANCIAL SECTOR IS UNDER DEVELOPED SAYS 1ST GOVERNOR CBG
By Annia Gaye
The 1st Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, Mr. Basiru Njai,
has said that The Gambia Financial Sector is under developed and the range of
institution is narrow. Mr. Njai was speaking at the opening of a one-day
sensitization workshop organised by the Central Bank on the issue of the new
institutional and Regulator Framework for the micro finance sector held at the
Paradise Suites Hotel on Tuesday 11 September. He observed that most people do
not have access to basic payment services or savings accounts and that the
largest part of the productive sector cannot obtain credit. He said that,
infact the private sector credit to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is low even by
the standards of sub-Saharan Africa. Mr. Njai said, “Implementation monetary
policy in the context of shallow markets is costly and inefficient. Also
limited access to finance lowers welfare and hinders poverty reduction and the
emergence of an economically active middle class, more fundamentally, inadequate
Financial Services Stifles economic growth”.
He highlighted that the economic growth that is broad-based is the most
effective, efficient and also enduring ways of eradicating poverty, financially
develop, which he said can help to reduce poverty in a more direct manner. He
said the availability of finance allows small firms and individuals to make
use of new growth opportunities.
He said, “Low and stable inflation is possible; that the most crucial
prerequisite is effective and efficient domestic resources mobilization and
allocation through the financial sector”. He quoted from the National Consumer Price
Index indicating that the end period inflation was 6.3 per cent in July 2006
and expectations are prices would decelerate to less than 5.0 per cent by
the end of December 2007. “The deceleration inflationary pressures should
ensure that interest rates remain positive, positive interest rates have the
principle effect of raising the quality of investment, thereby increasing the
growth rate of output and consequently that of financial savings in a vicious
cycle,” he said.
According to him maintenance of adequate capital is essential in promoting
sound financial system, noting that capital absorbs operating losses and
promotes confidence, restricts excessive growth and also provides protection to
depositors and creditors. He said “although capital adequacy is dependent on
the risk profile of the institution in the Financial Institutions Act (FIA)
2003, the Central Bank has established three (3) minimum capital requirement for
finance companies and village savings and credit Associations (VISACAs),” he
noted that this comes in the heels of introducing a minimum capital
requirements for banks and insurance companies in the amount of D60.0 million and
D150.0 million.
Mr. Njai stated “for Finance companies, the minimum unimpaired paid up
capital is D5.0 million to be observed latest end September 2008 and D10.0 million
by end December 2009. Capital adequacy ratio is set at 16.0 per cent and a
gearing ratio of D10.0 times. He dilated that regarding the VISACAs, the
minimum capital requirement has been raised to D300, 000.00 from D10, 000.00. He
further dilated that the capital adequacy and the gearing ratio are set at 16.o
percent and 10.0 times respectively, this requirements he said are to be
observed by the end of March 2007.
Mr. Naji said, “The minimum capital requirement shall mean and include:
1. Fully paid up capital;
2. Balance in the premium account
3. Reserve for bonus shares and
4. General reserves as disclosed on the balance sheet”. He noted
that any institution that fails to observe the minimum capital requirement shall
be ineligible to conduct the business to which it was licensed.
In conclusion Mr. Njai added that Despite the significant amount of
resources ploughed into the VISACAs most he said have failed to reach sustainability
owing to a number of factors including poor governance, low capital base,
poor outreach, dearth of well trained personnel and inadequate support from some
of the VISACA promoting institutions.
He highlighted that to address these challenges; the Central Bank would like
to see stronger linkages between VISACAs finance companies and banks.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
BLACKMAIL, JUSTICE AND SENTIMENT
Part 1
By Amie Sillah
Daado is a beauty queen in her campus. She is admired by both men and women.
She is kind, generous and pleasant in character. She is from a middle class
family. She studied accountancy. She came out first class honours. She is bei
ng courted by a multi billionaire who travelled briefly to the US for a
business trip. Before he left, Johnson engaged Daado. He stayed more than
expected. Daado became worried, meanwhile, she met an admirer at a supermarket. He
invited her for a date and called it only a harmless friendly date. The first
date went without an incident. Doctor Justin Planned another one. Daado is
very naïve. She trusted Docter as a friend who will never harm her. Docter is
jealous that Daado turned him down and accepted Johnson whom he referred to as
a business associate. He drugged Daado’s juice drink unbeknowing to her.
Docter raped Daado in her sleep and filmed her. Daado got pregnant. She was
devastated. What was she to do now? What will she tell Johnson? The story unfolds.
The Beauty Queen At Campus
Daado is a beauty queen admired by both men and women. She is intelligent
and has a pleasant character. She is studying accountancy. Her girlfriends
invaded her room. They discussed about what dress to wear to go to a party.
Daado is busy studing her notes. “Aren’t you going to the party? You are not
involve in our conversation! What’s eating you up?” Sophia asked “No! I am
having a paper on Monday”. “Today is Saturday. You can have all day on Sunday.
You are too bookish for my liking. Enjoy yourself girlie! Life is too short”.
Maria advised. Daado left the house. They gossiped about her. “What is wrong
with Daado? Are we also not students?” Sophia asked. “She wants first class
honours”. Put in Maria. “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you may die”.
Put in Sophia
An Admirer Makes A Move
As Daado left her room, an admirer moved towards her. Alieu expressed his
love for the queen. “You are as graceful as the giraffe. Look at your elegant
steps. I love you Daado. Just say yes to me! Just say yes!” Daado bluffed him.
“Please! Don’t hang on me like a hungry chicken!” She moved. After few
steps, another admirer came rushing towards her. “Queen Daado! Why? Why are you
putting me off? Didn’t you know I am dying for you? Just say yes and you make
my day!” Malick pleaded. He asked Daado to let him carry her files for her.
She declined the offer. Malick continued to plea but to no avail. Daado
enjoyed the pursuit of her admirers. Along the route to the lecture hall, she met a
casonovo, Doctor Justin. He is named after his uncle who is a medical
doctor. That’s how he got the Docoter nickname. Docter loves Daado but he is a
casonovo. He had a list of girlfriends. Daado like him but does not like to date
him as a lover. Nonetheless, she enjoys the attention given to her by her
male and female friends. She tolerated Docter’s advances on her and laughed over
it. Docter wanted a definitive answer from Daado but she dodged the
question. Docter Justin described Daado as an angle and begged her to give him a
chance as a lover. As he persisted, Yatou came along and asked Daado to leave at
once. “What are you doing with this one? Didn’t you know he is a casonova. He
dates everyone in skirt. Don’t be caught in his cobweb. Lets leave here”. “
Justin was embrassed by Yatou’s harsh words. Daado protested. “Don’t be too
harsh on him. He is just a friend”. Just a friend! Don’t be naïve Daado!
Justin is a ‘casovono’. He chases everyone in skirt. He is sickening!” Justin
get up and grumbled. “Bad customers everywhere! The deman have taken away my
angle”. He was disappointed that he had not made an in road into Daado.
Daado Returns
Daado returned into her room and still found her friends gossiping. She
bluffed them by announcing. “Guess what!” “We cannot guess”. They answered in
unison. “I was approached by five guys along the route to the lecture hall”. “
What! You have broken the Guiness Record Book. 5 guys in 10 mins!” They all
joked about it. Yatou continued her, cautioning “I hope you have subtracted
the casonovo. He is a curse!” The friends cheered Daado. They laughed and have
fun.
Meeting The Rich Guy
Greg Johnson came to the university to check on his cousin Phillip Johnson.
While her awaited for Phillip, Daado came out from her hostel going towards
the shops. Greg glued his eye on her. He forgot about himself. It was love a
first sight. Greg fell head over heels in love with Daado. He worshipped her
being. Phillip came to answered his cousin. After exchanged greetings he asked
about Daado. He described her. “Who is that sexy babe with the beautiful
curves?” “Who is that? “she has just passed here on her way to the shop. She is
beautiful. I am attracted to her as a magnetic”. “Oh! I never knew you love
women this much!” Phillip teased. “No! It is not like that. This babe is
different. I’ve never feel for a woman this way”. Then Daado came out from the
shop and was walking towards them. Greg signaled Phillip and he turned and
saw Daado. “Yes! That is the girl I referred to”. “Greg announced. “Oh! That
is Daado, the beauty queen of the campus”. Phillip called Daado and
introduced her to Greg. “Beauty Queen! Meet my cousin Greg Johnson”. They greeted
each other. Phillip continued. “She is an angle and a hot pursuit at campus.
Both sexes love and like her”. Daado is modest. She protested. “Stop mocking
at me. I am neither an angle nor a beauty queen. Stop teasing at me. “Greg
picked up the conversation. “I disagree with you. You are an angle and a beauty
queen”. Greg confirmed. Daado smiled. She was amused. Greg asked Phillip to
excused them. He introduced himself as Greg Johnson and Phillip’s first cousin
on the paternal side. “I am in love with you. My soul accepted you. You don’
t know me but you’ll get to know me better”. Daado was lost of words. “Take
you time girlie but always remember someone is dying for you. And that
someone is Greg Jonhson”. “But!” Daado started to say something. Greg interrupted
her. “Yes! You have a lot of admirers as Phillip confirmed and probably you
are engaged to be married. A beautiful damsel like you can have no vacancy.
But my offer is different you cannot say no”. Daado invited him to her
convocation party. Greg promised to attend. He discussed briefly with Phillip then
left.
Greg And Daado At The Hotel
Greg and Daado at the Hotel. “Congratulations!” Greg said as he gave Daado
a peck. “Thank you for honouring my invitation. I gave my sincere apology. I
cannot attend your convocation party”. “Okay!” Daado replied. “Are you sure?
” Greg asked “Yes! Only that I was a bit disappointed when I searched for
you everywhere but to no avail”. They toasted for each other’s health. Greg
expressed his love for Daado. She is shy. “Your beauty is stunning and you are
very attractive Daado. It is not a compliment but a fact. No wonder Phillip
calls you the Campus Queen. Be my girl! Be my lover! I don’t expect you to
say no but you have to say yes” Greg took control.
Greg Takes Daado To His Home
Greg took Daado to his home. Daado expressed delight and admired the
beautiful house. “Your house is beautiful!” She exclaimed. “Thank you”. Greg
replied with humility. He offered her soft drink. And told her about himself.
About his conglomerate. Daado was surprised. “Phillip never told me for once”.
She complained. “That’s how it should be. I don’t like blowing my trumphet. I
love simplicity”. Greg emphasized. Greg asked about Daado’s posting. “The
authority has posted me to the Upper Region”. “What! Upper Region is quite
far. What are you going to do about it?” “What can I do? Nothing!” Greg
smiled. “I can do something about it”. Daado sprang up and seated herself
properly. “Do you want to work in my office?” Daado smiled. “Are you offering me a
job? “Yes! if you want to work in my firm the job is yours”. “Just like that?”
Daado asked”. Yes! Just like that!” Greg confirmed. Daado stooped down and
thanked him. “No! No! You need not do that! It is fine Daado. I love you.
You mean the world to me. You cannot appreciate it now until later”. Daado was
overwhelmed. It sounds too good to be true. Daado offered him another toast. “
It’s a pleasure meeting you sir! I am grateful!” “It’s my pleasure!” Greg
replied.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
1987 GENERAL ELECTIONS
WHO DARE TO CONTEST SABACH SANJAL SEAT?
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column. We have narrated the
political history from pre-colonial to the post-independence era. In the last
issue, we have reported issues raised at PDOIS’ maiden rallies. In this edition,
we will focus on the contradictions that emanate from the various party
campaigns.
Let us continue from where we stopped.
Sometime before January 6 1987, the National Convention Party (NCP), led by
Sheriff M. Dibba, made a complaint in a press release, which was not read
over the national radio. The Nation published the release but the PPP organ did
not initially comment on the matter.
The NCP release blamed the PPP for its military style campaign. The BBC
narrated the incident and went further to assert that the 1982 elections was
infact not free and fair because as they said it was conducted under a state of
public emergency. This exposure appeared to have a psychological effect on the
regime, compelling the President himself to have an interview over radio
Gambia to argue against the report.
In that interview, Sir Dawda accused the BBC of unfair reporting on the
Sabach Sanjal incident and said the report was incorrect. He blamed Mr. Modou
Gaye, the NCP candidate for Sabach Sanjal, as the cause of the scuffle. He said
it was Mr. Modou Gaye, the NCP candidate, who lit up dry grass on the road as
the motorcade of his party approached, thereby forcing it to stop. He said
that was the reason why there was what he called “a scuffle” between him
(Modou) and some people.
According to the Nation Newspaper, Sir Dawda also made a remark that the NCP
leader sounded desperate from the speeches he had been making and opined
that NCP’s credibility was very low. The Nation, however, called on the public
radio to accord the NCP leader to make his views known for fair play and
called for an inquiry to be held afterwards.
The Press Release
According to the NCP Press release, the NCP candidate, Mr. Modou P. Gaye,
said between 1400hrs and 1500hrs on Saturday, 20 December 1986, the motorcade
accompanying Hon. Saikou Sabally, Minister of Agriculture and the Sabach
sanjal Candidate of the ruling PPP, together with the Vice President, Bakary
Darboe, on their way to attend a rally at Kani Kunda, went with their motorcade up
to the extreme Western end of the village of Ngayen Sanjal, behind his Modou
Gaye’s compound.
According to the release, the PPP motorcade become emotionally and
psychologically disturbed when they saw two NCP white flags placed at Mr. Gaye’s gate.
They then stopped and some people on board descended and tried to uproot the
flags.
According to the release, this was unfortunate for Mr. Gaye who was on the
spot clearing and burning the weeds in front of his compound and who had to
intervene and seize the flags from them. The release further said a police
corporal who was among the escort ordered Mr. Gaye to leave the flag and a member
of the mob then tore the flags and others took sticks, some stones and
others simply used their fists to hit him.
According to the release, a gendarmerie knocked Mr. Gaye down on the ground,
while the police officer held him and the maddening crowd assaulted him
mercilessly. The release further said that both Saikou Sabally and B. B. Darboe
watched while their supporters mishandled Mr. Gaye.
The release went on to explain that while Gaye was struggling to save his
life, the misguided mob followed him to his compound and even went to the
extent of beating Gaye’s seven and half-month’s pregnant wife. The release said
candidate Gaye sustained serious injuries in the head, hip and eyes as a
result of the beating. He and his wife were rushed to a Chinese doctor at
Farafenni for treatment and later reported at the Police Station there.
What was disquietening about this incident the release said was that even
the Vice President and Minister of Agriculture were present when this
unprovoked act of barbarity was perpetrated without even a comment from them. The
release opined that their indifference in the face of what it termed “This most
inhuman indulgence,” coupled with conspicuous involvement of both the police
and the gendarmerie is indicative of their tacit and seeming approval of this
episode.
The NCP opined that this might have been a deliberate act planned by Saikou
Sabally with the ulterior motive of scaring away NCP supporters and at the
same time, instilling fear in the mind of the NCP candidate who dared to stand
against them.
The NCP leaders in this release called on PPP leaders to understand that
time has ran out for them; that the overwhelming majority of youths in this
country support the opposition and were prepared to go to any length to salvage
their country from total and permanent disintegration; that they were totally
committed to end what they described as “this state of misrule” which was so
prevalent in this country. The NCP in their time of need called for an
impartial referee; that custodians of the law (the police) must not become
lawbreakers. They said if that happens, they in the opposition would have no option
but to apply what they called “Moses law”, that is ‘an eye for an eye.’
Mr. Dibba finally appealed to the ruling (PPP) to abide by the laws and to
conduct activities with the established rules laid down in our statute books.
The issue that engendered a serious debate during the 1987 election campaign
was the president’s announcement that only those parties represented in
parliament would be given the opportunity to speak over radio Gambia. According
to the Nation Newspaper, this was a “presidential decree,” which it described
as very absurd and does not make much sense for certain obvious reasons.
The Nation said radio Gambia belongs to the people and as such, it is not up
to the president or anyone else to decide which political party should gain
access or should not. According to the Nation, when parliament is dissolved
it automatically means that no political party is represented in parliament
and as such all legally constituted political parties should be treated equally
and accorded the same privileges and treatment. The president, they said,
was just a caretaker president and as such should not deny any party access to
the public media. The Nation condemned what they called this arbitrary ruling
by the president which they said tantamounted to naked discrimination
against a party like the PDOIS. The nation said this is an apparent infringement of
PDOIS’ freedom of speech and unhindered access to all public facilities,
including radio Gambia. The paper opined that since the country was not living
in a military dictatorship, it has not seen it as appropriate for the
president to make such arbitrary “decree” that had no constitutional backing. The
Nation newspaper called on the government to withdraw such a ruling; that Sir
Dawda was not there to introduce new laws because he was there only to take
care until a newly elected president comes into being. They also called on the
president to cite a provision from any authority that prevented political
parties from addressing the electors.
The GPP leader, based on the reports, had specialized on exposing the
regime. Many people were of the view that since he was a long serving minister of
state under the PPP administration, he was better placed to expose the secrets
of the regime.Mr. Camara, according to the Nation accused the President for
non-payment of income tax. He also challenged Sir Dawda to appear with him
before the commission on the evaluation of Assets and Corrupt Practices,
because as he said the staff of Assets Evaluation Commission were still receiving
salaries and not doing any thing. Mr. Camara was said to have spoken on the
arrest, detention and subsequent release of the Georgetown Area Council
officers who he said were involved in corrupt practices; that the regime was silent
on the loss of a voucher of the Department of Water Resources since 1983. He
also called on the regime to break silence on the sinking of the “Lady Chilel,
” and so on.
Interestingly enough, the PPP also rejected the application of a GPP member
Mr. Suntu Fatty who they said had applied for membership to the PPP committee.
The PPP said they rejected his application based on the fact that Mr. Fatty
was prepared to sell the Gambia to Foreigners. Mr. Suntu Fatty was earlier on
said to be arrested by the police supposedly for participating in the “Sale”
of The Gambia to a Nigerian businessman in Lagos. He was later released and
allowed to join the president’s meet the farmer’s tour (1986) where he
divulged the alleged transaction between the GPP and the Nigerian businessman.
Mr. Fatty was also alleged to have threatened to reveal chiefs and civil
servants who he said were supporting the GPP, unless they denounced their support
of the party. This has created quite a steer among the public servants at the
time.
It, however, remained to be seen how much damage this alleged sale of The
Gambia has done to the GPP leader’s chances in the 1987 elections. The PPP also
criticized Mr. Camara for engaging in tribal and divisive campaign.
See next issues for more on the 1987 election.
REGIONAL LOCUST QUEST TEAMS TRAINING IN PROCESS
By Isatou Bittaye
As part of efforts to combat the locust invasion in The Gambia, the Africa
Emergency Locust Project, in collaboration with the Department of State for
Agriculture, has commenced a five-day training workshop for Regional Locust
Quest Teams (quality control of locust) at the Agricultural Rural Farmer
Training Center in Jenoi, on Tuesday 11 September..
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the
Department of State for Agriculture, Mr. Kekoi Kuyateh, deputising for the
Secretary of State for Agriculture, said the workshop aims to equip participants
with key information in order to enable them to perform well in the field in
the control of locust. Mr. Kuyateh stressed the need for collaboration in the
locust control campaign for it to be effective. He said that in controlling
locust there is the need to detect the environmental effects in order for the
control not to have any negative effects on humans and animals. The deputy
P.S at Agriculture urged the participants to cooperate with the trainers and to
utilize the knowledge and skills gained to help the farmers for national
development.
In declaring the workshop open, the Governor of Lower River Region, Mr.
Momodou Soma Jobe, said the regional quest teams will pave the way for better
operation of farmers.He said the training is needed in order for effective
control of locust without damaging the environment and having impact on humans and
animals. He told the participants to promote the positive aspect and
minimize the negative effects of locust control. Mr. Jobe further urged the
participants to disseminate the information acquired from the training.
Mr. Sheik Tijan Sosseh, the acting Project Coordinator, gave a brief
background of the locust project. He said the AELP is a sub-regional project funded
by the World Bank and The Gambia Government with the main objective of
controlling locusts and mitigating its effects on humans, animals and the
environment in a bid to enhance food security and alleviate poverty. Mr. Sosseh noted
that the Quest teams were introduced by FAO to ensure the quality of locust
control campaign. Mr. Sosseh added that the Regional Quest Teams would
complement the efforts of the National Quest Team to ensure compliance with the
safeguard polices of the World Bank in controlling the locust as hazardous
pesticides are used. He said that the Quest teams are to monitor the health of the
pesticide operators, conduct environmental impact assessment, ensure proper
calibration of the control equipment and conduct training for the Regional
Quest teams. Mr. Sosseh indicated that the trainers are drawn from the National
Agricultural Development Association (NADA) Department of State for Health,
Department of Water Resources, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and
Agricultural Pest Management Unit. He acknowledges the efforts of various heads of
institutions and urged the participants to operationalise the knowledge
gained from the training on the field.
New Law Criminalizes Human Trafficking
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A new law, “Trafficking in Person bill 2007,” which aims to criminalize
human trafficking has been enacted by the National Assembly on Thursday,
September 6.
This bill seeks to prevent, suppress and punish those engaged in the
trafficking in person and also to rehabilitate and integrate of victims of
trafficking.
Introducing the bill before the deputies, Kebba Sanyang, the Secretary of
State for Justice said human trafficking is a twenty first century slave trade
driven by the continuous global demand for cheap labour and commercial sexual
exploitation.
The Secretary of State stated that trafficking in persons in the Gambia has
become a cause for concern. Mr. Sanyang explained that lack of understanding
of the matter has been affecting efforts to combact it in the country. He
said The Gambia in a bid to curb the menace has signed numerous multi and
bi-lateral agreements.
“The Department of State for Justice is chairing a national taskforce to
combat trafficking in The Gambia. This taskforce consists of law enforcement
agencies, the Department of immigration, the Department of Social Welfare, the
Chief Protection Alliance which is a non-governmental organisation and UNIC
EF, to name a few,” Mr. Sanyang announced.
He said the Act will establish a national agency against trafficking in
persons, which will be responsible for administering the bill, monitoring the
immigration and emigration among government departments and among others. The
Secretary of State said the bill provides for a minimum of fifteen years jail
term or life in jail in addition to a fine upon conviction for the offence.
Haddy Nyang Njie of Jeshwang, who seconded the bill, commended the Secretary
of State for what she called a “laudable bill”. She described human
trafficking as the worst form of human right violation, which Africans have been
bearing the brunt from the days of the slave trade to present day phenomenon.
The Member for Niamina West Lamin Jadama said human trafficking is one of
the ugliest manifestations of organised crime and the bill is a comprehensive
law that will curb the problem.
Sidia Jatta of Wuli West said human trafficking is the newest form of
slavery though the phenomenon is giving a new name today, but the trend is the
same. Sellu Bah of Basse urged his fellow parliamentarians to support and
consider the bill.
TORRENTIAL RAIN CLAIMS LIFE IN PATEH SAM
The heavy down pour of rain last Tuesday was said to have been the heaviest
since the start of this year’s season. This heavy down pour had caused panic
in Pateh Sam in the Niamina East district. According to Alhagie Abdou Secka,
the Alkalo of Pateh Sam, over three compounds were razed to the ground. He
said a wall crumbled and fell on one Amie Mama Mbye, which resulted in her
death on the spot. He said one Fatou Ceesay sustained a broken leg.
The Alkalo further reported that many sheep and goats died, while the roads
from Kerr Samba Mbye and Kaolong were completely cut off. He said the rice
fields and groundnut farms were also destroyed. He called on the government and
NGOs to help the villagers some of whom are displaced and are without
foodstuff. Any potential donor can contact Alkalo on these numbers 9953234 or
4393177 0r 9933599.
Jammeh Bojang Still GFA S/G
By Modou Nyang
Jammeh Bojang remains the Secretary General of the Gambia Football
Association (GFA) despite his leave of office.
The vastly experienced football administrator traveled to the United Kingdom
on Friday August 31st to pursue a masters program. But as football lovers in
the country were eagerly waiting to know who will replace him as head of the
FA’s Secretariat, confirmation from a top official of the FA has said that
Jammeh will continue to retain the hot post.
Confirming this Seedy MB Kinteh, President of the GFA said there will be no
replacement for Jammeh Bojang noting rather the out of town Secretary General
still maintains the post of Secretary of the GFA. “Jammeh is still part of
the GFA whether he is here or not [and] nobody is replacing him”, he stressed.
And in an effort to affirm the GFA’s backing of the travelling of their
Secretary General after last Friday’s Foroyaa-sports report of the leave of
office of the long serving Secretary of the GFA, Seedy added: “[Jammeh] is in
Birmingham for a masters program and is due back end of October [next month], his
program is for two years [and] he will not continue staying there because he
will be doing it [program] in modules. So he will be traveling back to the
country from time to time”.
The President of GFA continued by adding that Jammeh Bojang traveled out of
the country with full knowledge of the GFA, dispelling rumours of his dumping
of the National football body.
Last week Foroyaa-sports reported the travelling out of the country of
Jammeh Bojang noting that the GFA was yet to announce his replacement as Secretary
General.
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