Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 006/2008, 14 – 15 January 2008
Editorial
Monetary Policy Committee Issues Press Release
Clarification still needed
On the 11 of January, 2008, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central
Bank issued a Press Release. Foroyaa expected the monetary committee to explain
the turbulence in the international financial markets and the lesson to be
learned for the benefit of the domestic financial market. The committee simply
mentioned that there is lower than expected growth in output which it
attributes to a number of factors including “turbulence in the financial markets,
surging oil and commodity prices and increasing risks from disorderly
unwinding of global imbalances.”
The impact it could assess so far is its claim that “Inflationary pressures
rose in many countries driven by rising food and energy prices increasing the
risk of imported inflation in The Gambia.”
The Monetary Policy Committee then proceeded to examine the growth rate,
money supply, public finances, inflation, the inter bank market, the domestic
debt, the reserves of the banks and the exchange rate of the currency.
Foroyaa would like to recall the policy indicated by the secretary of state
for finance that: “monetary policy in 2007 focuses primarily at achieving the
inflation target of 5 percent by end-December 2007, maintains a viable
external position, a stable exchange rate, and also sustains economic growth for
increased employment and poverty reduction.”
The Press Release indicated that there was growth averaged at “6.4 per cent
in real terms between 2003 and 2006. In 2007, GDP growth is estimated at 6.9
per cent supported by 11.3 per cent increase in value-added of the services
sector.” However the committee made no mention of the statistics which
indicate growth in employment or reduction in poverty which should be the resultant
of meaningful growth.
We hope the Central bank will do its investigation and give us accurate
record on how growth in GDP is impacting on employment and poverty, otherwise we
cannot assess the success or failure of Government’s monetary policy on this
score.
Secondly, the Committee did deal with inflation. It states that: “according
to the National Consumer Price Index, end-period headline inflation was 6.02
per cent at end-December 2007 compared to 0.42 per cent in December 2006.
Food price inflation accelerated from 0.25 per cent to 9.46 per cent in December
2007. Non food prices, on the other hand, increased by only 1.55 per cent.
Core inflation which excludes prices of energy and volatile food items also
accelerated from 0.82 per cent in December 2006 to 6.02 per cent at end
December 2007.”
The committee could not predict the inflationary trend. It simply
acknowledges the risk of imported inflation. Hence the inflationary trend is still
hanging on the wings of blind circumstances.
In terms of the exchange rate the Monetary Policy Committee release states:
“As at end-December 2007, the Dalasi appreciated in nominal terms by 19.60
per cent, 9.30 per cent and 17.5 per cent against the Dollar, Euro and Pound
Sterling respectively from the corresponding period in 2006. Looking ahead,
the Dalasi is forecast to remain stable in the medium-term premised on
continued implementation of prudent monetary and fiscal policies, increased foreign
currency inflows and the likelihood of reduced demand for foreign exchange by
Government in light of the HIPC and MDRI debt relief.”
If the figures given by the monetary committee regarding the appreciation of
the Dalasi as end December, 2007 are compared to that of the SOS for finance
which covers October 2007 it would appear that the dalasi is depreciating
instead of appreciating. The Monetary Committee needs to clarify. In short, in
his budget speech the SOS indicated that
“On October, 30, 2007, the Dalasi appreciated to a four-year record high
against the US dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro and CFA franc by 30.6 percent, 23.0
percent, 22.9 percent, and 16.2 percent respectively. Looking ahead, the
Dalasi is projected to be relatively strong in the medium term. This is based on
the continued pursuance of prudent fiscal and monetary policies, increased
foreign exchange”
What we expected the Monetary committee to explain are the factors which
gave rise to the following remarks by the SOS for finance: “During the recent
months of the dalasi appreciation, our commercial banks displayed inconceivable
and unimaginable greed, and conducted foreign currency transactions in a
manner that is unprofessional, unethical, and unwarranted. The banks have
behaved inappropriately, and the inappropriate and unacceptable practices must
cease, and must never be repeated again.”
Apparently the public is still in the dark.
Finally what is of major concern to us is the growing volume of Inter bank
trade in foreign currency without any visible complementary growth in
investment in the productive base of the economy. According to the committee, in
terms of trade in foreign currency “ in the year to end-November 2007,
transaction volumes increased to D36.5 billion, or 9.4 per cent from a year ago
reflecting strong inflows from inward remittances, travel income, foreign direct
investment and re-exports.”
However, investments went as follows:
“The industry’s assets rose to D10.0 billion in November 2007, or 3.4 per
cent from end-September 2007. Private sector credit increased from D2.5
billion in November 2006 to D2.7 billion in November 2007 representing a modest
increase of 5.1 per cent. However, the high ratio of non-performing loans to
total loans of 13.1 per cent in September 2007 remains a cause for concern”
Two things should be of major concern to the monetary committee. One of
these is the domestic debt. According to the committee, “as at end-November
2007, the stock of domestic debt declined to D5.6 billion, or 3.8 per cent from
end September 2007. The maturity structure of Treasury bills, which accounts
for 84.7 per cent of the debt stock, continued to move from the short to the
long end. At end-November 2007, 364 days bills, 182 days bills and 91 days
bills accounted for 87.67 per cent, 25.47 per cent and 81.23 per cent of
outstanding Treasury bills. The yield of the 91-day and 182-day bills declined to
10.5 per cent and 11.6 per cent in November 2007 from 11.1 per cent and 12.2
per cent respectively in September 2007. However, the 364-day bill rose
slightly to 12.9 per cent from 12.7 per cent in September 2007.”
It means that government has a domestic debt of 5.6 billion. How this money
is to be paid and utilised will impact on the monetary system and the
economy. It may be converted into foreign exchange and sent abroad for security. It
may be utilised to speculate in the currency market. The committee should
study and find out how money from the payment of domestic debts is utilised. Is
it going to the productive base?
Finally, it is also important to know what banks are relying on to sustain
their profitability. Is it simply on the foreign exchange market or do they
have other products?
What happens if debt relief leads to reduction of purchase of foreign
currency by government? Is the absorptive capacity there for the private sector to
keep the market operating? The committee needs to look at the different
scenarios to avoid another exchange rate imbalance which stifles investor
confidence.
Groundnut Trade
Still Grounded After 1 Month
By Modou Jonga
More than a month after the official date of commencement of the 2007/2008
groundnut trade season on 10 December 2007, numerous seccos (groundnut buying
points) are still not cleared and remain dysfunctional. This poor development
has painted a bleak picture of the groundnut trade season and posed another
nightmare for farmers in the Western Region.
This reporter, over the weekend, visited the seccos at Bwiam, in Foni
Kansala district, Brikama, in Kombo Central and Gunjur, in Kombo South.
The buying point at Bwiam is still in a state of lack of preparedness for
the groundnut trade season as before. The secco is not cleared and there is no
prospect of groundnut buying this year. The buying points at Brikama and
Gunjur are also not functioning and look very much like they were when visited
earlier by this reporter on 14 December 2007. Despite a reported disbursement of
cash to seccos nationwide by the Gambia Groundnut Cooperation (GGC), the
places (seccos) visited by this reporter looked like ghost sites without any
trading activitiy and that the secco managers are invisible.
Residents of Bwiam, Brikama and Gunjur who claimed to be farmers lamented
their loss of faith in this year’s trade season, especially when they have seen
no sign of prospective groundnut buying.
Food Price Inflation Now 9.5%
Central Bank
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Food price inflation has accelerated from 0.25 per cent in December 2006 to
9.46 per cent in December 2007, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the
Central Bank of The Gambia revealed on Friday in a release issued at a news
briefing. Non food prices, on the other hand, increased by 1.55 per cent.
According to the release, “Core inflation which excludes prices of energy
and volatile food items also accelerated from 0.82 per cent in December 2006 to
6.02 per cent at end December 2007.” The statement cautioned that
inflationary pressures, which have risen in many countries, increase the risk of
imported inflation in the Gambia.
The release also stated that the inter-bank foreign exchange continued to be
vibrant and in the year to end-November 2007, transaction volumes increased
to D36.5 billion, representing an increase of 9.4 per cent from a year ago.
The Bank sees this as a reflection of strong inflows from inward remittances,
travel income, foreign direct investment and re-exports.
According to the release, last year the Dalasi appreciated in nominal terms
by 19.6 per cent against the Dollar, 9.3 per cent against the Euro and 17.5
per cent against the Pound Sterling.
The Bank forecasts a stable Dalasi in the medium term “premised on continued
implementation of prudent monetary and fiscal policies, increased foreign
currency inflows and the likelihood of reduced demand for foreign exchange by
Government in light of the HIPC and MDRI debt relief”. On the banking sector,
the MPC said the sector continues to function efficiently. It said: “Banks
have sufficient capital and liquidity to meet their commitments.”
The MPC indicated that the industry’s assets rose to D10.0 billion in
November 2007, or by 3.4 per cent from end-September 2007 and that the private
sector credit increased from D2.5 billion in November 2006 to D2.7 billion in
November 2007, representing a modest increase of 5.1 per cent.
The stock of domestic deb, as at end-November 2007, declined to 5.6 billion
dalasis or by 3.8 percent from end September 2007. The release pointed out
that the maturity structure of Treasury bills, which accounts for 84.7 percent
of the debt stock, continued to move from the short to the long end.
It is the view of the MPC that the near term outlook for the Gambian economy
is favourable, macro economic fundamentals remain strong and the
appreciation of the Dalasi is expected to contain inflationary pressures. It noted: “
Recent growth performance indicates that the Gambian economy proved remarkably
resilient over the past three years. Growth averaged 6.4 per cent in real
terms between 2003 and 2006.” Growth in 2007 is estimated at 6.9 per cent. The
MPC was however quick to caution that “There are risks to the forecast,
particularly relating to the marked increase in oil and food prices.”
ELECTION ETHICS AND PROHIBITIONS ON POLLING DAY
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has outlined what it described as
election campaign ethics and prohibitions on polling day, which all
political parties, candidates, their agents, workers and supporters should adhere to.
According to the IEC, the parties, candidates and their sympathizers should;
A: Carry out their campaign in keeping with high ethical and moral standards
and respect due to other political parties and candidates, the voters and
the generality of the Gambian people.
B: Ensure that pronouncements made by their party are honest and true, and
shall not campaign with the intention to mislead or disseminate wrong
information.
C: Conduct their campaign in a manner and spirit that will promote congenial
and peaceful atmosphere throughout the electoral process.
D: Not to post banners, posters, placards, drawings, billboards or similar
materials on public buildings, national monuments or religious institutions.
They shall not place any such materials on a private property without the
consent of the owner(s).
E: Not to insult or slander another candidate, no use of act language which
is inflammatory, defamatory or insulting or which constitutes an incitement
to public disorder, insurrection, hate, violence or war.
F: Not to use or abuse government property for political propaganda or
political purposes.
G: Not to campaign in public offices or educational institutions during
working hours or hours of instruction.
H: Not to hold campaign meetings within the premises of military units and
police stations at any time.
I: Not in any way disrupt, destroy or frustrate the campaign efforts of the
other political parties or candidates
J: Through their campaign activities, explicitly condemn or discourage the
use of violence or threats of violence, vandalism and public disorder.
K: Through their campaign activities seek to foster a spirit of tolerance
and multiculturalism among Gambians.
L: Refrain from actions or making speeches based on, or which may incite or
are calculated to incite sentiments or a sectional division, religious,
ethnic or regional nature.
M: Not to carry lethal or dangerous weapons during their campaign, and
should not use fire crackers or any other such explosive materials at public
meetings and shall actively condemn the use of such materials by their supporters.
N: Not to coerce or offer monetary or other kinds of inducement to any
person to vote for or against a particular political party or candidate or abstain
from voting.
O: Whenever they plan to hold a demonstration or procession, should submit a
written request to the commission indicating a date, time and place for the
holding of such events, at least three days in advance.
A contravention of any or all of these provisions may result in the
disqualification of the offender as may be prescribed by law. On any day on which
polling is to take place in an electoral division, the following shall be
prohibited in the area as enshrine under section 70 of the Election Decree of 1996.
A: The holding of public meetings, procession or demonstration.
B: The making of any speech or announcement in public place.
C: The use of any loudspeaker, loud hailer or other instruments of public
address.
D: Drumming or singing in a public place.
E: The display in any public place of a flag, banner or slogan.
F: Canvassing.
G: The ringing of a bell or the making of any sound resembling that of a
bell within the radius of five hundred metres of a polling station.
H: The riding or parking of a bicycle within the radius of five hundred
metres of a polling station.
I: The selling or distribution of alcoholic drinks.
J: Arriving at a polling station in a state of inebriation.
K: Forming groups around polling stations, except joining a queue to cast a
ballot.
L: Entering a polling station armed.
M: Carrying out any other activity tending to block or disturb the voting
process.
Two Women Called To The Bar
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Two women, Mam Amie Jobe and Jaarai Maane were on Friday, January11, sworn
into the bar by the Chief Justice at a ceremony held at his office.
Addressing the two newest members of the Bar, the Chief Justice, Abdou Karim
Savage, said no human knows everything and that the young lawyers should
learn more by tapping from the experience of their senior colleagues at the bar.
Justice Savage called on the two to continue developing their career by way
of research and scholarship, noting that the tides have changed and Gambians
are taking over the judiciary.
Ousainou Darboe, a senior member of the Bar, welcomed the new lawyers and
told them that the university was just a preparatory stage and that the time
has come for them to practice professionally in an undiluted manner.
Mr. Darboe reminded them that even though they will be representing clients
in court, the objective should be for justice to prevail.
The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Emmanuel Fagbenle, advised his
new friends to continue seeking knowledge and apply it in court with
confidence, in order to meet people’s expectation of perfect performance.
Mr. Fagbenle said that the prosperity of The Gambia should be a collective
responsibility because the country’s progress means the progress of each
individual.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE YEAR 1989, END TO THE COLD WAR
HOW DID IT OCCUR?
With Suwaibou Touray
In the last issue, we covered the 1989 PDOIS’ Enlightenment of the Farmers
Tour. We stopped where we indicated that the attempt by PDOIS to hold a
meeting at Sambang Wolof led to a struggle when the Alkalo refused to allow them to
hold a meeting there but that after the struggle, it was clear to him that
even the president did not have the authority to deny PDOIS the right to hold
a meeting anywhere in the country.
The end of 1989 witnessed an unprecedented change of the world’s social,
political and economic order. It came as a huge surprise to many political
observers of the period. And as Foroyaa put it, “It came like a thunder bolt from
the blue.”
By November 1989, the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) had
collapsed. This event raised a lot of questions as to the future of the world’s
economic and political situation, and how they would be restructured.
In The Gambia, many PDOIS supporters and other concerned people questioned
what it meant to say the Soviet Union has disintegrated.
Foroyaa wrote a lengthy supplement on the matter. It would be useful to cite
few things from the article for the benefit of our readers.
The Wind Of Change
“The wind can be gentle. It can also be devastating. It can be a calm breeze
that would caress windmills and bring forth water or carry away the chaff of
the coos and other grains of the peasants. It can also be a raging storm
that would leave in utter ruin the product of centuries of human civilization. A
political wave can also be like that gentle breeze or it can be like a
hurricane or cyclone. It all depends on the direction of the wind of change that
is considered to be a burning issue of the day,” Foroyaa wrote.
The paper also delved into the questions that were raised, such as,’ What
was to replace it? ’. Some felt that the language of discourse between the East
and West should change but the structures should remain the same. “Where do
we go from here?”. These were the questions being asked by many at the time.
Foroyaa asserted that what history teaches is that human beings do not
create society just as they wish; that society does not develop according to the
will of any given individual. It said human beings are actors and actresses on
the stage and the play that history provides. Foroyaa then went on to
analysed the play which gave rise to the then political drama in Eastern Europe.
THE BIRTH OF NATO AND WARSAW PACT
Foroyaa explained that there was a time when there was no Eastern or Western
bloc; that before the Second World War, Russia was an agricultural country
of poor peasants under a monarch by the name of Tsar Nicolars II. It wrote
that the many uprisings plus the weakening of his authority by Japanese forces
led him to accept the introduction of a people’s representative body called
the DUMA and the limited suffrage or right to vote was introduced.
Foroyaa explained the contradiction that existed at the time. The
contradiction it said was between the camp of central powers, comprising Germany,
Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the camp of the Allies comprising U.S,
Britain, France, Rumania, Belgium, Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, Portugal, Italy
and Japan. Foroyaa wrote that these are the two camps that fought the First
World War.
The Nature of Each Country
Bulgaria was under Tsar Ferdinand, Austria and Hungary were ruled by Francis
Joseph, Turkey was under Sultan Abdul Hamid until 1909 when he was ousted
and replaced by a government with a liberal constitution, and Germany was under
William II. These were the regimes in the camp of what was considered the
central powers.
THE ALLIED POWERS
The Allied power included the US, which had a constitution. However suffrage
was limited. Women did not have the right to vote until 1920. Afro-Americans
and illiterates, in general, did not have the right to vote. Britain had a
constitutional monarchy with a king, George V and a coalition cabinet headed
by Herbert Asquith. Only intellectuals were considered educated enough to
express their opinions on issues of national importance. After the ousting of
King Manuel (II), Portugal became a Republic just like France. Rumania was under
King Ferdinand. King Albert ruled Belgium, Japan was under an emperor.
Greece was under a King. Italy had a parliament. France also had a parliament.
What this has shown, Foroyaa wrote, is that most of the regimes on both
sides were monarchies, and therefore it was monarchs and leaders of parliaments
that were united to combat each other.
THE CAUSE OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR
According to Foroyaa, the major cause of the First World War was territorial
ambition. Germany and others wanted colonies to expand their sources of raw
materials and markets and to accumulate wealth to build up its armed forces
to take a dominant position in Europe. Britain and France, which had many
colonies, combined with the rest to defend their dominant positions in the
competition for colonies. According to research conducted by Foroyaa, two
fundamental developments during the First World War influenced world history.
First, the Tsar of Russia was overthrown in March, 1917 and a provisional
government was established briefly under IVOV and Kerensky; that by November,
7, 1917, the Bolsheviks under the Socialist Democratic Labour Party took over
power in Russia and proclaimed a state of the workers and peasants, even
though a civil war continued in Russia at the time.
The Bolsheviks accused the British, French and Germans of having the desire
to overthrow their new state which served the interest of the oppressed and
exploited peoples.
According to history, in the earlier phase, the influence of the Bolsheviks
did not cover the whole of Russia. What they had done was to sign a non
aggression treaty with Germany in 1918 and gained respite to build up their
influence. Germany also wanted peace with Russia in order not to stretch its forces
and concentrate them on the Western front.
Germany was, however, defeated in the First World War. It was learnt that
the workers of Germany, who were educated and who saw that the war was for
colonial domination had revolted before the regime could negotiate for peace. The
Kaiser, as the German leader was called fled to Holland, and a provisional
revolutionary administration was established which accepted the peace terms
spelt out by the Allies. Germany was required to remove her forces from all
invaded territories, surrender her fleet including aeroplanes, tanks, etc to her
conquerors.
By 1919, the victorious Allied Powers met in Versailles to draft a peace
treaty. The defeated powers were neither present nor consulted.
According to Foroyaa, apart from Britain, France, America and Italy the
other members of the Allied powers were considered to be insignificant. These
leaders, who include Clemenceau of France, Lloyd George of Britain, Wilson of
the United States and Orlando of Italy met to discuss how to share the gains of
victory. This was what developed the influential position of the United
States, Britain and France.
CONSOLIDATION OF RUSSIA
According to Foroyaa, after the war, the victors and Russia viewed each
other with much suspicion. The Bolsheviks felt that the Allied Powers wanted
their revolution to be crushed; that the Tsar had weakened Russia and that the
Allied Powers wanted Germany to crush them first; and that was why peace with
Germany was necessary.
The civil war and the intervention of foreign powers after the war and the
promotion of civil war in Russia justified the fears of the Bolsheviks that
the Allied Powers wanted them to be crushed.
The period 1918 to1920 was tough for the Bolsheviks but the country
experienced economic growth and the people’s control of power that was never known
under the Tsar.
From 1920 onwards, the influence of the Bolsheviks not only prevailed in
Russia, but even began to expand in other areas surrounding Russia.
THE USSR
By December 30th, 1922, Russia formed a federation with these Republics
known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. By 1924, Lenin passed away.
Stalin became leader of the Soviet Union. The soviet economy grew rapidly, thus
transforming Soviet Union, which was a backward small scale agricultural
country under the Tsar, into an industrial and agricultural power.
According to records of the period, growth in the USSR economy was
developing at a time when the economies of Britain and other capitalist countries were
heading towards depression. This increased the popularity of the Soviet
system among workers and intellectuals in advanced countries. So the propagation
of the theory that capitalist countries can only survive by exploiting the
peoples in colonies and dependencies and the need to rise up against their
colonial masters won the approval of many intellectuals and literate people in
the colonies.
According to Foroyaa, Socialism was becoming a universal force and workers’
power was the order of the day. This provoked union activities and workers’
strikes in countries like Britain.
For example, there was a general strike in Britain in 1926. Eventually, a
labour government had to be formed in 1929 to satisfy the demands of the
working population.
To be continued after the council election
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
“Too Late! He Lost Her”
Part 5
With Amie Sillah
Confrontation
Rugi and Ani invited Isha at the beach and confronted her. Rugi insulted and
cursed her person. Isha was taken aback by Rugi’s hostility. “You are a
gold digger! Leave Ismail alone! He is not your class. He can never marry you.
He has a fiancée in U.K. He will use and dump you. Remember, he is a playboy.
You are a gold digger! Hands off!” Isha cried. She felt betrayed by her best
friend. The duo left Isha at the beach and went away.
Isha Cried Her Heart Out
Isha went home and burst into tears. Her aunt became worried. She enquired
from her; “What is wrong my love? Has someone die?” She nodded the no sign. “
Then what is it? I am your aunt, speak to me?” She narrated her experience.
Her aunt went into flames. “Who is she? She is crossing the boundary. She has
to be stopped and now!”
Aunty Marie Protests To Ismail
Ismail came to visit Isha. He found her in a bad mood. She was seething with
anger. Her pride was wounded. She ignored Ismail. He was confused. “What
have I done again? Can I not visit a valuable friend?” Aunty Marie responded. “
Rugi insulted and cursed Isha. She called her a gold digger. My niece is not
a gold digger. You are the one following her not the other way round. Talk to
your naughty sister. I’ll not allow her harass my niece. Isha is innocent
and harmless. Rugi would have been taught her lesson if she met her match.”
Ismail was embarrassed and angry. He stooped down and begged Isha. “Forgive
me! I brought the attacks on you. You are harmless. I love you that’s why I
am following you. Rugi is bluffing. She can’t do anything. I’ll fix her. She
will never trouble you again. I promise. Let’s go to the car. I have
something for you. Smile now!” Ismail teased. He gave Isha a sophisticated Nokia set
with camera and recorder. She smiled and thanked him for the gift.
“Don’t do anything silly. I’ll handle naughty Rugi. She does not know her
size.” Ismail kissed Isha and left. Isha became excited.
Ismail Confronts Rugi
Ismail confronted Rugi. “Why did you hurt my girl? Hand off! You are not my
senior. How dear you? Leave us alone. Don’t you have a boyfriend? Are you not
in love? I am not your project. Leave me alone. Don’t upset me!” Rugi
retaliated. “What are you shouting at? That gold digger! To hell with her!”
Ismail was in rage. He slapped his sister. “What you slap me because of that
bitch? Go to hell and rot there!” Ismail went after her. Their mom came in and
protested. “Stop! Don’t kill my daughter for me! She is right. What is she but
a gold digger!” “I’ll get at Isha. I know what to do!” She vounched to
revenge.
The Duo Lure Isha
Isha is a peaceful girl. She feared trouble. Rugi and Anita lured her and
beat her up. She was threatened. “If you don’t leave Ismail alone we will have
you killed and nothing will come out of it!” She was warned. Isha was
embarrassed by physically being assaulted. She decided to give up Ismail’s
relationship. “It is not worth it. I cannot marry into a family that hates me this
much. In Africa, we marry a family not an individual. Look at Rugi! My best pal
has turned into my worst nightmare. I have no choice. I have to give up
Ismail.” Isha went to the beach to reflect. Ismail called but she refused to take
his call. Ismail loved and cherished Isha. He felt it. He became confused
and worried. He knew Rugi was behind the new development.
Is Enquires From Rugi
Ismail enquired from Rugi about Isha. “Am I her keeper?” She answered
Ismail rudely. Ismail shook his head and left the house.
Anita Frames Up Isha
Anita spoke to Ismail and tried to confuse him all the more. She pretended
to be concerned. “I understand Isha is refusing your calls. She is up to
something. She is still corresponding with Badara and she also has a boyfriend at
campus. I’ll check for you and give you a correct picture.” “Thanks for your
concern. I love Isha. I want her for a wife.” Anita pretended to be real.
Ismail naively believed her.
Ismail Searches For Isha
Ismail searched for Isha all the while. She now stayed at the students’
hostel. She remained incommunicado. She refused Ismail’s calls. He at last found
her by chance at her hostel. He protested. “Why are you not taking my calls
Isatou?” Ismail protested. “Go to your bride in London! I cannot marry into a
family that hates me so much. I am not safe with Rugi and your mom. Leave me
in peace. I am not a gold digger. I’ll qualify as a surgeon and will serve
my nation. Marriage is not for me now. I don’t want to be distracted by you
and your wicked family.” Ismail stooped and begged Isha. “Don’t do that to me!
I love you with all my heart. Don’t mind my family. They are negative and
class conscious. I love you. They can’t do anything about it.” Isha went to
the loo.
The Frame Up
She was called. Her mobile was answered by Ismail. He read the text, a frame
up lover wrote to her fixing a date. Ismail was furious. Isha came in. he
accused her for double dating. “You double time prostitute! You are cheating on
me. I am a fool. My family warned me but I refused to listen. What did you
tak me for? An idiot? I’ll show you my other side you whore!” He rejected
Isha and went away. He promised never to come back to her. “I hate her! I hate
her!” He lamented as he went away.
Isha Worries
“What have I done? I don’t know this socalled lover. This might be a frame
up from Rugi and Anita. They are bent on breaking our relationship. Ismail!
Do you believe this frame up? “Isha argued over the phone. “Why did you
refuse my calls? You were also dodging me. Why? I cannot dispute the evidence I
have gathered. Your lover sends you a text and I happened to be at a wrong
place at the wrong time. I am sorry. I distrust you now.” Ismail was adamant. He
swallowed the whole bait.
Anita Triumphs
Ismail’s pride is badly hurt. He felt cheated. He hated Isha with a passion.
Anita’s game is working. She wants to split them and then replaces Isha.
Anita seduced Ismail and slept with him pretending to nurse his wounds from Isha’
s betrayal. She then announced to Ismail that she is pregnant with his child
after a month’s interval. Ismail asked Anita what she intended to do. “I
intend to keep it. I am a catholic. I hate abortion. Both of us are yet to have
a child. I’ll keep it.” Ismail thought hard. He reflected on supposedly Isha’
s betrayal. “How can she do that to me? I have never seen Isha’s pants not
to talk about knowing her as a woman. She took me as a fool. I’ll accept the
pregnancy!” He got up and gave Anita a passionate lip kiss.
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Need Help
By Modou Jonga
The deaf and hard of hearing, who are part and parcel of society, definitely
need help as was made evident by the utterances of their leaders at their
Annual General Meeting.
The Gambia Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, on Sunday, 12
January, 2008 held its Annual General Meeting at its Brikama Regional Office.
The President of GADHOH, Mr. Abdoulie Njie, in his welcoming remarks, noted
that the AGM marks a milestone for the development of his Association. Mr.
NJie commended the Brikama Area Council, Regional Governor’s Office and its
partners for their support.
He noted that the communities should be sensitised on the plight of its
members.
Karamo Sanyang, the Chairman of GADHOH Western Region committee, noted that
the Annual General Meeting is the first of its kind and that in the last year
GADHOH was able to open a nursery school for deaf children. He noted that
twelve pupils were enrolled and that five were transferred to the deaf school
at Kanifing. Mr. Sanyang said a plot of land was jointly provided to the
GADHOH regional office by the office of the Regional Governor and the Brikama Area
Council. On the achievement of GADHOH over the year, Mr. Sanyang said
training on Information Technology, English Language and Organisational Development
was organized to equip its members with knowledge and skills to effectively
manage their affairs.
Speaking further, Mr. Sanyang noted that limited funds has undermined the
ability of the branch to carryout its activities, including mobility
constraints, in reaching out to deaf people in remote areas in the region. He also
revealed that classrooms in the nursery school are less spacious and are thus
overcrowded. He noted that students who wanted to register are told to wait as
there is limited space, noting that a more spacious and comfortable classroom
is needed.
He said unemployment is rife among its members due to the high illiteracy
rate amongst them.
While noting GADHOH’s desire to establish a training centre for deaf adults,
Mr. Sanyang urged parents to register their deaf children in its nursery
school. Pointing out the constraints of GADHOH, Mr. Sanyang complained that its
members are often isolated and discriminated against in society and lack
facilities to access timely and relevant information on television and radio.
He urged the government and its partners to help in making information
accessible to them through the provision of sign language interpreters.
While noting that two female students were enrolled to be trained as
interpreters, Mr. Sanyang revealed that a website has been opened to enhance GADHOH
correspondence.
Meanwhile, dilating on the constraints of the GADHOH, Mr. Sanyang lamended
the lack of funds which makes them unable to pay their staff. He noted two
teaching members of staff of its regional nursery school have not been paid
since November, 2006. Mr. Sanyang noted that the said staff have to rely only on
allowances to make ends meet.
On his part, Abdoukabir Drammeh, committee member of GADHOH, revealed that
his Association has a total membership of 155, out of which 92 are male while
63 are female; He urged society to change its attitude towards its members.
He countered the notion of their inferiority and said they have potentials to
excel like the hearing people.
Dilating on the GADHOH regional branch plan for 2008, Alvean Jones, VSO
volunteer noted that, they intend to engage in intensive home visits in the
western region. They also intend to engage in sign language classes, established a
deaf club, training of interpreters, fundraising activities and development,
among others.
Speaking at the meeting, Isatou Sanyang, Director of GADHOH Female Wing
urged members to engage in learning self-employment skills so as to be
self-reliant. She also urged the government and other parastatal bodies to provide
opportunities for their voice to be heard.
Mrs. Sanyang noted the resolve of GADHOH to work for the betterment of its
members. She urged for the unified and concerted efforts of its members.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Lamin Ceesay, Deputy Director of GADHOH.
RE: IEC URGED TO REGULATE POLITICAL PARTIES
In edition No. 5/2008, dated 11-12 January, 2008, Foroyaa published an
article entitled “IEC Urged To Regulate Political Parties.” This has attracted
the following response from Mr Dawda Jallow, Programme Officer, National
Council for Civic Education.
I write to make a point of correction to a story that appeared in your
Newspaper ISSN: 0796-08573 of 11-12 January 2008 captioned IEC Urged to Regulate
Political Parties. I have been misquoted by your reporter, Modou Jonga, for
having “called on the Independent Electoral Commission to intensify it efforts
in monitoring and regulating the registered political parties to be acting in
accordance with their respective constitutions”
It is important for me to place on record that I did not “call on the IEC”
to do anything. I was responding to a question and stated that it is in the
public interest that all political parties operate in a democratic way by
being transparent and there is no better way of ensuring that than by having them
to adhere to their respective constitutions, holding of annual congresses,
etc. It was at this point I mentioned that the only legally mandated
institution to regulate political parties in this country is the IEC since all parties
register with it.
This clarification is important to me because of the fact that I am at all
time aware of my mandate and in this case I knew I have no legal position to
serve as an adviser to the IEC let alone at a public forum and this is exactly
what the story has portrayed. By the copy of this letter, I wish to bring
this to the attention of the IEC and the WANEP the coordinators of the training
workshop.
Dawda A. Jallow
Programme Officer
IEC Countdown Towards Local Government Election
By Amie Sanneh
In the countdown to the Local Government Elections slated for January 24,
2008, the IEC held a two-day training session for election officers over the
weekend.
The training which was held at the Gambia Telecommunications and Media
Institute (GTMI) was meant to ensure that electoral officers are adequately
informed and equipped to perform their duties accurately, confidently and in
accordance with the law.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice Chairman, Malleh Sallah,
described the local government elections as important as both the presidential and
National Assembly elections. He added that the importance of the Local
Government Elections should be taken with all needed seriousness.
The IEC vice chair said the training is meant to take the participants
through a process of perpetuating the integrity, neutrality and transparency of
the polling process and that of the IEC.
He noted that some of the election officers will be conducting two elections
at one poling station, the election of Mayor and the election of
councillors. He described it as a difficult task but that with much attention and
steady mindedness they are sure of conducting peaceful and successful elections.
Mr. Sallah added that running elections is not easy and urged election
officers to be mature in carrying out their duties.
“For the purpose of fulfilling its mandate, the IEC has chosen to work with
you, as you have been identified to be trustworthy Gambians who will
undoubtedly carry out the electoral responsibilities that you may be given,” he
remarked.
Finally vice chair Sallah urged participants to comport themselves and carry
out their duties and responsibilities with the highest level of neutrality
and transparency.
The Director of Communications IEC, Joseph Colley who chaired the ceremony
said the training is divided into four topics, appointment and deployment,
conducting the polls, counting, tallying and conclusion and other notes.
Mr. Colley noted that they have constructed new polling booths and they will
pay more attention to them.
He explained that the participants present at the training are expected to
go out and train 2,000 polling staff. He said their emphasis on the training
will be on counting and tallying.
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