Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 53/2007, 9 - 10 May, 2007
Editorial
Focus On Local Government
Many people in the Gambia do not think about the services they should
receive from the Municipal Councils and Area Councils. It is, therefore, necessary
for Foroyaa to focus on these institutions so that the people will have a
greater understanding of their role or functions in national development.
Foroyaa will establish a column to enable the taxpayers to quantify how much they
are putting in the coffers of the Councils on an annual basis.
To carry out this important task, a reporter will be assigned to start the
quantification with the KMC, which has the greatest potential for mobilisation
of resources for local development. We shall move from street to street to
count the number of homes which pay rates and quantify the sum involved. The
counting will involve the workshops of the mechanics, welders, carpenters, the
consultancies ,the banks, the insurance companies ,the bureaux de change,
the telecentres, video clubs, training institutions, the super markets, the
bakeries, the pharmacies, the construction companies, beverage factories, the
soap factories, the hotels, the restaurants, the travel agencies, and other
enterprises. Foroyaa will then show what could be done to provide good roads,
public taps, street lights, waste disposal facilities, schools, vocational
training centres, council housing, health facilities, football fields and other
recreational facilities, markets, garages and other amenities. The
investigation will then be extended to the other councils. Before the end of 2007
Foroyaa would like every Gambian to know the amount of money each council can
collect in ones locality so that the people can start to make demands for their
tax money to be utilised to bring about development in their local areas.
History teaches that the first slogan of the movement for self determination in
the Gambia, as far back as 1920 was “No taxation without representation.”
87 years have elapsed since Edward Francis Small pioneered the movement for
the people to control their councils by establishing rate payers
associations. It is a tragedy that some people are still ignorant of the role of Councils
in national development. It should therefore be clear that taxation and
representation are meaningless without transparency and accountability: Foroyaa
will devote itself to helping every resident of a ward or village to
understand that the wealth derived from the people by the councils should be ploughed
back to address their local needs. Voting will be a mere exercise in futility
if the people do not have the clarity to make independent judgment as to
whether their representatives are utilising their wealth to serve their
interest. 2007 and 2008 should be years of enlightenment. Foroyaa can be counted on
in contributing its quota to the enlightenment process.
BATTLE FOR THE RELEASE OF TWO
(KANYIBA KANYI AND RAMBO JATTA)
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
In a bid to secure the release of Kanyiba Kanyi and Ousman (Rambo) Jatta, a
writ of Habeas Corpus was on Monday, May 7, filed at the High Court calling
on the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the
Inspector General of Police to produce the two detainees before a court.
The requirement of such a writ is to secure the production of the detainees
before a court and for the detaining authority to justify their continued
detention. If they can justify the detention it will continue, otherwise the
court will order that the detainees be released. The duo in this case are said
to have spent several months in detention.
Moving the application before Justice Sanji Monageng, the detainees’ lawyer,
Ousainou Darboe, said that he wants the two to be produced in court so that
the respondent justify their detention.
The lawyer moved two affidavits sworn in by Dudu Kassa Jaata and Seedy
Kanyi, both relatives to the detained persons. He also moved an additional
affidavit sworn in by Hamat N.K. Bah, a politician and a businessman.
State counsel, Emmanuel Fagbenle raised objection that Hamat Bah is not
qualified to swear into the affidavit as he is not a family member or a blood
relative to any of the detained people. The state counsel gave reference to two
cases; Wassa Janneh versus the State and Lamin Wassa Janneh versus the State
to support his argument.
Fagbenle also objected that the applicant’s exhibit which is attached to the
affidavits is the record of a meeting held by a political party.
The applicant’s lawyer also countered the state counsel’s objection,
arguing that there is no law saying that it is only family members who can swear
into affidavits.
However, the court hearing was adjourned on Monday and the following day,
Tuesday, the High Court Judge over-ruled the state counsel’s objection.
Mr. Kanyi is an employee of the Christian Children Fund (CCF) and a native
of Bontho village, Kombo East, while Mr. Jatta is a United Democratic Party
(UDP) Councilor for Bakau.
ALLEGED HUSBAND MURDERER FALLS ILL
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Tabara Samba, who is standing trial for allegedly murdering her husband
(Ebrima Nyan) by pouring hot oil on him, sometime in March 2007, is said to be
ill, the Police Prosecutor told the court on Monday, 7 May.
Prosecutor Burama Dibba told Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh that the accused
person was ill and had been taken to hospital for a medical checkup. Dibba also
added that he is sure that the accused person would be able to come to court
on Wednesday 9 April. The matter was deferred to today, Wednesday. Seven
prosecution witnesses had testified in the matter.
ACCUSED REMANDED
FOR TWO MONTHS WITHOUT TRIAL
By Modou Jonga
Lawyer O.D Mbye has on Tuesday 8 May, 2007 told the court that his client
Seringe Joof has been remanded by the Police for two months without trial.
Lawyer Mbye made these remarks before Magistrate Martins while applying bail
for his client. Defence counsel Mbye further stated that the practice is
illegal and contrary to the requirements of the constitution.
The accused person (name withheld) is alleged to have had carnal knowledge
of an eleven year old girl (name withheld) at Sambuyu village. The accused was
not in court on Tuesday due to the fact that he was remanded in custody.
Lawyer Mbye has urged the court to grant bail to the accused person.
In objecting to the bail application, the prosecutor, 935 Jammeh , noted
that rape is a serious offence. He further urged the court to consider the age
of the alleged rape victim. The court later granted bail to the accused person
in the sum of three hundred thousand dalasis and that he must provide two
Gambian sureties with valid ID Cards.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday 22 May for hearing.
REGIONAL SEMINAR ON COSTS AND TARIFFS AND MEETING OF (TAF)
By Madiba Singhateh
A four day seminar on costs and Tariffs Group for Africa, orgnised by Public
Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) commenced on the 7 May at the Kairaba
Beach Hotel.
The seminar and meeting is pursuant to the International Telecommunications
Union (ITU) strategic plan which was adopted at the plenipotentiary
conference Antalya, 2006 and the Doha Action Plan (DAP) 2007 which was also adopted at
the World Telecommunications Development Conference, (DOHA 2006).
Mr. Alagie Gaye, Director General of PURA, The Gambia, said he is proud to
co-host alongside the (ITU) Regional Seminar which will be steered by the
Telecommunications Development Bureau (BDT) of the (ITU). He said Technological
convergence has brought with it challenges, possibilities and opportunities to
developing countries to realign their policy and regulatory frameworks to
facilitate investments in new technologies. He said convergence is largely
driven by internet Protocol (IP) based network which serve as common platforms to
provide voice, data and video services.
He said for African countries to take advantage of the opportunities
presented by convergence, there has to be widespread work of BDT which pertains to
the developmental aspects of Telecommunications such as tariff issues,
investment and financing policy.
He added that the TAF group of the 9 and 10 May will be driven by the
Telecommunications Standardization Bureau, another specialised arm of the ITU. The
TSB’s main function is to draw up standards and norms for the telecom
sector. Its mandate he said is to extend to streamlining and standardising tariff
related matters. He said items for discussion will include tariff situation in
Africa, review of the TAF group cost model and general tariff related
matters of specific interest to Africa.
He said therefore their expectations are that through the exchange of
experiences and best practices our horizons will broaden, enabling them to
institutionalise lessons learnt. He emphasised that the seminar and the meeting in
effect will galvanise their Network capabilities through dialogue, debate and
discussion. He added that they will also ensure that their regional
requirements are incorporated into the international and global standards that enable
compatibility in the use of information technology between nation states. He
also said they have laced the meetings with two high points of socializing,
networking and entertainment.
Modibo Traore, the Chairman of TAF, also in his short briefing noted that
the discussion pertaining to the seminar will be important and the discussion
will be held in the internet.
Ebou Jobe, the Director of Information at the Department of State for
Communication, deputising for the SoS for Information, said that they are
continuing the process of consultations that Africans and their international partners
in communications and information Technology have started in addressing
their needs at national, regional and continental levels. He said they aimed at
building an inclusive information society which constitute a balanced and
realistic convergence of many factors and components particularly tariffs and
costs that this regional seminar and subsequent meeting of the Tariff Group of
Africa will discuss during the next few days. He said the meeting will
address, in part, the needs of Africa to reduce poverty and accelerate efforts to
achieve the Millennium Development Goals. He said by hosting this important
African regional seminar and meeting on Tariffs and costs, they in The Gambia
strongly confirm their commitment to the Istanbul plan of Action programme to
embrace WTSA- 04 Resolution 26. Mr. Jobe said he believes that one of the
important objectives they should work towards is to set up a viable framework in
the ICT sector for closer co-operation on Interconnection Tariff structures
that place a high priority in the need for accessible, affordable and easily
available telecommunication for the ordinary people in Africa.
He added that the impact of developing robust tariff and cost regimes in ICT
will contribute by accelerating the march towards greater equality of the
genders, augment the equality for education for all and ultimately the living
standards of the continent as a whole.
He said they affirm that development of ICTs provides enormous opportunities
for women, who should be an integral part of, and key actors, in the
information society.
In conclusion, he said he has no doubt that the outcomes of this events will
constitute an important step towards bringing them closer to the common
information society which they all seek.
The participants at the seminar were drawn from PURA, ITU, GAMTEL, COMIUM,
GAMCEL, AIRTIP, Quantum Associates, QuantumNet, Unique Solution, GSAT and Net
page.
FATOU JAW MANNEH’S TRIAL DEFERRED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The sedition trial of Journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh did not proceed at the
Kanifing Magistrate Court on Friday 4 May, due to the bereavement of the
Presiding Magistrate, his lordship Buba Jawo.
Both the state counsel E.O Fagbenle and defence Counsel Lamin Jobarteh were
in court that day, but were told that the Magistrate was not in court. The
accused person was also in court.
Fatou Jaw Manneh, a US based Gambian Journalist, is standing trial for
allegedly writing seditious words and with seditious intention to cause fear in
the country. She was arrested upon her arrival from the US on March 2, 2007 at
the airport.
MEDIA PRACTITIONERS SACKED,
THE REST WARNED
By Modou Jonga
Foroyaa has been reliably informed that two media practitioners, working for
a community radio station in Brikama, commonly called FMB, have been sacked
by the management of the aforesaid radio station on May 2, 2007.
According to sources, the rest of the media practitioners at the said radio
station were served with warning letters. The two sacked are Mr. Lamin
Sanyang and Miss Ramatoulie Keita.
According to the dismissal letter, the decision to sack the two staff was
reached after it was brought to the notice of the management of the radio
station that some of the staff presenters were not punctual. The letter concluded
by warning the rest of the radio presenters to be more committed and
dedicated to their profession in order to enhance efficiency and the successful
operation of the said radio station.
When contacted, the Managress of the radio station, Jarra Sanneh, confirmed
the sacking of the duo and the warning of the other staff. Madam Sanneh noted
that the dismissal came in the wake of a coordinated monitoring of the staff
working at the radio station by its Management. On his part, Lamin Sanyang,
alias DJ Spirit, confirmed that he is relieved of his duties, but Ramatoulie
Keita could not be reached for comments.
BRITON MURDER CASE TO COMMENCE
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The protracted murder trial of Dawda Bojang and Kawsu Jarjue, who were
accused of killing a British citizen three years ago, is to commence before
Magistrate Buba Jawo of the Kanifing Magistrates Court.
The case was called on Monday 7 May, but the accused persons were not in
court that day. Mrs. Mendy, the counsel for the first accused, Dawda Bojang,
told the court that she was not aware that the case was supposed to commence on
that day.
She added that they would have opened their defence if they were aware that
the case was meant for hearing on Monday. She asked for a convenient date to
proceed with their defence. Hearing is expected on Monday 14 May, 2007. Mrs.
Mendy also held brief for Haddy Dandeh Njie for the second accused person,
Kawsu Jarjue. The duo are standing trial for allegedly killing a British
citizen three years ago. The alleged offence was said to have been committed in
Cassamance. The case started at the Brikama Magistrate Court and it was later
transferred to Magistrate Kebba Sanyang at Kanifing. It has now been
transferred to another Magistrate within a period of three years.
SEMINAR FOR UNESCO OFFICIALS OF AFRICAN NATIONAL COMMISSIONS
By Annia Gaye
Officials of English Speaking African National Commissions are undergoing a
three days Regional Training Seminar under UNESCO, starting from the 7 to 9
May, at the Paradise Suites Hotel. These are the new officials drawn from the
English Speaking African National Commissions namely; Sierra Leone, Nigeria,
Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, South Africa and
The Gambia. The new officials are going to be trained so as to enable them to
familiarise themselves with the ideals and mandate of the organisation. The
seminar is organised by UNESCO.
Delivering her opening remarks, the Secretary of State for Basic and
Secondary Education, Madam Fatou Lamin Faye, said that within the framework of the
national vision, The Gambia incorporated Vision 2020 has acknowledged that
development cannot be successfully generated and directed unless it is supported
by a “deliberate policy of investing in those human capital resources that
are required to produce, organize, mobilize and manage the development
processes which will be indispensable in the 21 century”. She noted that The Gambia
Government, in realizing this long term objective, is committed to increasing
awareness about the need for high performance through seminars and
management training sessions that focus on policy and strategic issues.
Madam Faye further noted that The Gambia has recognize the crucial role
UNESCO is playing, among other endeavours, as the leading United Nations
specialized agency which is performing the function of capacity building in member
states. She elaborated that the seminar matches those mandates and is expected
to build the capacities of National Commissions. She therefore said the new
members of the various African National Commissions are among the principal
actors at the country level. She highlighted that the capacity building started
in Africa is a good guide for all to renew commitment to the development of
human capacity.
She urged the participants to make good use of the training offered to them
as officials of English Speaking National Commissions in Africa. She
challenged them to teach others whom they left at home. This she said would ensure
that the multiplier effect is triggered for the welfare of all. She concluded
by commending UNESCO on behalf of the Government, people and the National
Commission of The Gambia for approving this training.
For her part, the Secretary General NATCOM, Mrs. Sukai Bojang, stated that
the participants, for the next three days, would have ideas of how UNESCO
works and the role of National Commissions, on one hand, and their government, on
the other. She further said that as new officers, the seminar would be
educative and would give them knowledge that would be useful in their work at
their National Commissions. The representative of UNESCO, Mr. Malick Mbye, said
the training of new Secretaries-General is a tradition with a view to
enhancing the capacities of National Commissions.
He said that the African Speaking countries aim at providing information on
the process of the preparation and elaboration of UNESCO’s programme and
strategy C/4/C/5 as part of the on-going UN Reform. He said that National
Commissions are the components of UNESCO that can enhance the organisation’s present
visibility, networks and partnerships in member states. Among the speakers,
were the United Nations Resident Representative in The Gambia, Malcolm Robert
Duthie, who dilated on the importance of the UN and UNESCO in National
Commission member states. He challenged the participants to concentrate on their
work during the three days training.
“INSUFFICIENT COORDINATION RETARD ACHIEVEMENT OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT”
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Insufficient Coordination of the activities and initiatives undertaken by
national and grass-root agencies including “Kafo,” Non-Governmental
Organisation and development partners has seriously retarded the achievement of the
goals of empowerment and protection of the fundamental rights of women, says
Gumbo Ali Touray, Chair of International Affairs and Information at the
University of The Gambia.
Mr. Touray was speaking on behalf of the University’s Vice Chancellor at The
Gambia at the Women Rights Forum held at the Paradise Suite Hotel on April
28 and 29.
“Poor coordination is not only wasteful of scarce resources, but it also
hampers fruitful sharing and replication of successful experiences and
achievements,” Mr. Touray said.
He indicated that although many governments have ratified the African
Charter and the Protocol on the Rights of Women, the contents and the mechanisms
adopted for implementation are not sufficiently understood or disseminated. “
Many women are still ill informed about their fundamental rights and the
legally sanctioned mechanisms provided by the Protocols,” he said.
Mr. Touray added that the second challenge is the urgent need for sharing
and replicating best practices and success registered by different
organisations.
He said: “The study of the University recommends for organisations that have
accomplished significant success in areas such as food security, income
generation, skill and capacity building, advocacy, socio-economic empowerment and
the provision of micro-financing, to share their experiences and the lessons
learnt.”
According to the University lecturer, the third challenge is closely related
to the problem of improving coordination of national initiatives, through
understanding the mission, role and objectives of the new National Gambian Women
’s Federation, which will be formally launched shortly. “This organisation
will play a catalytic role in the advancement of Women and the protection of
their rights,” he added. Another challenge highlighted by Mr. Touray is the
issue of funding, which, he said, is generally identified by most
organisations as a major constraint. “Access to resources, needless to say, is a
pre-requisite for implementation of projects designed to enhance socio-economic
empowerment,” he expressed.
“The last challenge,” he concluded, is the need for women using the
benefits and experiences of the forum to formulate a sound and implementable plan of
action that effectively promote empowerment and the protection of the rights
of women.
LAMIN R. DARBOE AND CO. TRIAL COULD NOT PROCEED
By Modou Jonga
The seven month long trial, involving Lamin R. Darboe (UDP Kombo East
candidate) and four other UDP supports, could not proceed again on Wednesday 2
May, 2007, due to the absence of the presiding Magistrate, Assan Martins.
The said case was expected to either proceed or be struck out following an
ultimatum issued by magistrate Martins in the previous sitting on Monday 17
April, 2007. The magistrate told the prosecution in the said case to be
resolved to proceed or risk the case being struck out and thus adjourned the case to
2 May, 2007 to give reasonable time for the prosecution to proceed.
The accused persons, Lamin R. Darboe, Buba Darboe, Momodou Demba, Jerreh
Fatty and Maimuna Jobarteh have pleaded not guilty to assault charges preferred
against them. The alleged assault is said to have been committed at Pirang
village on 15 May, 2006.
The defence counsel for the accused person, lawyer Ousainou Darboe was also
absent. All the accused persons, except Maimuna Jobarteh (the fifth accused),
who is said to be sick, were present in court. The case was however
adjourned to Monday 21 May, 2007.
DUDU KASSA JAATA AND CO. ARRAIGNED IN COURT
By Modou Jonga
Mr. Dudu Kassa Jaata and Natoma Conteh, all supporters of the United
Democratic Party (UDP) were arraigned at the Brikama Magistrate Court before
Magistrate Martins on assault charges.
The accused persons who pleaded not guilty, are jointly charged for
assaulting one Hawa Jatta, thereby causing the complainant actual bodily harm. The
alleged joint assault is said to have been committed on 15 May, 2006 at Pirang
village in the Kombo East.
On Wednesday 2 May, 2007, the said case could not proceed due to the absence
of the presiding Magistrate Assan Martins. The case was thus adjourned to
Monday 21 May.
Our readers could recall that the first accused person, Dudu Kassa Jaata, is
currently standing trial with seven others before Magistrate Abdoulie Mbacke
at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on charges of arming themselves in public
and obstructing Police Officers while executing their duties.
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