Issue No. 98/2007, 22 – 23 August 2007
Editorial
Democracy and Sovereignty Means Having a Mind of One’s Own
Sierra Leone Leads the Way
After going through a violent conflict whose atrocities defied human
understanding, Sierra Leone is going through a period of democratic transition, the
extent of which defies human expectation and imaginations.
The two most significant developments in Sierra Leone is the remarkable
institutionalization of democracy. Freedom of expression is enlarged by
opposition parties owning radio stations.
In The Gambia, Citizen FM which was open to both the ruling party and the
opposition is off the air. The TV and Radio Station appears to be the property
of the APRC. Broadcasters even send congratulatory messages to the party
leader of the APRC in commemoration of the coup d’etat.
In the area of non state monopoly of the media, Sierra Leone has moved far
ahead of The Gambia. The second most remarkable development is the
independence of traditional and religious leaders who come together to counsel for peace
instead of singing praises to a ruling party. In this area too Sierra Leone
has moved far ahead of The Gambia.
The third most remarkable development is the independence of the Electoral
commission.
In The Gambia, three chairpersons of the electoral commission had been
removed unceremoniously and the last one spoke about going to the head state to
receive personal funds to conduct registration exercise. In this area too
Sierra Leone has moved far more ahead of The Gambia.
Furthermore, if Sierra Leone were to be The Gambia the opposition would have
been celebrating victory for having the highest number of votes but in
Sierra Leone one has to have 55% of the votes to be a president in the first
round. Today they are preparing to go to the second round to determine the
undiluted choice of the people.
There is absolutely no doubt that whoever wins it is all Sierra Leoneans who
can claim victory. The system is succeeding. No matter who becomes leader it
is certain that if he fails to deliver Sierra Leoneans will never hesitate
to show him the thumb down.
We are also following the dramatic development and would expect any new
leader to give President Kaba the respect he deserves. The AU, the Commonwealth
and the UN should never fail to tap his talents. It is very clear that he has
not manipulated the system of political succession in Sierra Leone and has
therefore sown the seed of peace and stability. It is left to each Sierra
Leonean to own his or her mind and refuse to be a tool of any leader.
7 Unionists at NIA
Seven leaders of the Dock and Maritime Workers Union were “invited” to the
NIA Headquarters for questioning. They are Malamin Ceesay – President, Amadou
Touray – Vice President, Landing Sanyang – Secretary General, Yusupha Ndow –
Trustee, Alagie Kebba Gassama – Adviser, Abdoulie Faal and Ousman Senghore.
Some went to the NIA Headquarters on Monday where they spent the night.
Others went to the headquarters on Tuesday. They were all released on bail on
Tuesday. The reason for the invitation is not known.
However, reports reaching Foroyaa suggest that the union leaders are being
persuaded to call off their strike which has been scheduled for 1 September.
Union leaders maintain that they want to sit and discuss with the GPA
management but the GPA management has refused to do so and has gone further to seize
their rights. They blame the GPA for the development. The Dock and Maritime
Workers Union has been in contradiction with The Gambia Ports Authority for a
long period on the issue of a suitable dock labour scheme.
From the perspective of the GPA Management the dockworkers should be
absorbed and become employees of the GPA. On the other hand, the Dock and Maritime
Workers Union has been advocating for an independent stevedoring association
which can organise dock labour and bargain with the GPA Management for wages.
The GPA has recently invited dockworkers for registration and recruitment.
Some dockworkers have been registered and recruited but others have refused to
do so.
Gov’t Shares in Gamtel Sold?
Gamtel is yet to clear the air on rumours of the sale of 50% of its shares
to “Spectrum”, a Lebanese owned company. When Foroyaa received information
from a reliable source, a fortnight ago, top management was approached but our
reporter was directed to the public relations officer who said at the time
that that was news to him. Several attempts have been made to confirm the
information but without success.
Repatriated Gambian Migrant in The Dock
By Modou Jonga
Following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the court, on a series of
occasion for the arrest of a twenty one year old repatriated Gambian migrant,
Bakary Ngum, (who was repatriated from Spain on 28 October, 2006), the accused
was on Tuesday 21 August 2007, arraigned in court under police escort from the
Brikama Police Station. The accused is said to have absconded out of the
jurisdiction of the said court for more than a month.
When the case was called before Magistrate E.F. M’bai, Prosecutor Inspector
629 Saine informed the court of the presence of the accused person who was
detained at the Brikama Police Station after he was arrested.
While applying for an adjournment, inspector Saine told the court that the
surety for the accused want to withdraw as a surety, but the Presiding
Magistrate urged for the prosecution to get to the office of the court registrar to
facilitate such withdrawal.
The accused person who pleaded not guilty is alleged to have conducted
himself in a manner that is conducive to the breach of the peace at the Banjul
International Airport, shortly after he was deported from Spain.
In Airport Trespass Trial
Accused Alleges Torture
By Modou Jonga
The first accused person in the Banjul International Airport trespass trial,
Mustapha Touray, on Tuesday 21 August 2007, has told the Brikama Magistrates’
Court that after his arrest at his residence in Yundum by Aviation Security
Personnel, he was handcuffed and tortured by CID personnel at Yundum police
station in Banjulinding, a day after his arrest.
The first accused made these remarks while entering his defence before
Magistrate E.F M’bai. According to the accused, he was informed of a theft case at
the Airport on 12 June 2007 concerning a handbag. He said his house was
later searched before he was whisked away to the Yundum police station. The
accused noted that he has consistently denied stealing the said bag and that
during his arrest he was repeatedly tortured inorder for him to admit committing
the said theft. He further told the court that his house was dug by the police
attached to Yundum police station who used a spade in order to recover the
purported stolen bag.
Speaking further, the accused told the court that he was detained and
tortured for three days, and that on the fourth day, he was informed by the police
that the passport and the air ticket of the complainant was seen.
While being cross examined by prosecutor Corporal 413 Sanyang, the accused
denied being at the Airport on 12th June, 2007 and that he gave his statement
to the police.
The accused persons, Mustapha Touray, Bakary Gomez, Lamin Janneh, Musa
Camara, Lamin Bojang, Omar Tiyana, Ebrima Tiyana, Essa Camara and Youba Krubally
are dragged to court by the state for allegedly violating section 90(1) of the
Civil Aviation Act 2004. The nine youths have pleaded not guilty to
illegally entering the Banjul International Airport on 12th June2007, with intent to
annoy, intimidate or insult people.
TAYAM Distributes 58,517 Insecticide Treated Nets
By Isatou Bittaye
Mr. Omar Ceesay, Acting Project Director of the Association of Youth Against
Malaria (TAYAM), has said that 58,517 insecticide treated nets (ITNs) have
been distributed this year. Mr. Ceesay made this statement in an interview
with Foroyaa on Monday at his office in Serrekunda. He said the nets have been
distributed to children under 5years, pregnant women and the “Differentially
able”, including refugees, are the target groups for ITNs in the three
administrative regions, that is Banjul, Kanifing Municipality and Western Region.
Mr. Ceesay added that the usage of ITNs has contributed in curbing malaria
mobility especially among the target groups. He said people are responding to the
usage of ITNs positively, noting that there is an increase within the global
fund. Mr. Ceesay indicated that sensitization on the usage of ITNs and
malaria in general has been carried out in the print and electronic media,
community groups, youth groups and Kabilos. He noted that the nets have been
distributed to the target groups free of charge and they are available in both
public and private health centers. Mr. Ceesay urged people who fall in the
category of target groups to go and collect the net at the health centers. According
to him, there is no provision for people who are outside the target groups,
but was quick to say that such people should purchase their nets and people
in his organization would dip the nets in the insecticide, free of charge for
them.
GADHOH MEETS THE PRESS
By Ebrima Dibbasey
On Monday 20 August 2007 The Gambia Association of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
organised a press conference at its headquarters in Banjul.
In opening the press conference Mr. Dodou Loum, the Executive Director of
GADHOH, welcomes the media representatives present. Mr. Loum outlined the
objectives of the press conference. He said their intention is to create a good
relationship between his association and the media. He said that the key
objective of his association is to raise the awareness of people about deafness. He
said in this pursuit the media cannot be left out.
He further said GADHOH is formed in 1992 and has registered 600 members,
with divisional branches at Brikama, Soma, Barra and Farafenni, plus a female
wing, youth wing, children and deaf clubs.
He further said GADHOH has 9 member staff working at their head office.
He said their friends in Ireland are helping them to build their head office
at Kanifing. At the end of the press conference they donated two bicycles to
the Barra and Brikama branches. Presentation of the bicycles was done by
Alvean Jones, VSO Volunteer working with GADHOH, while Mr. Karamo Sanyang,
Chairperson of the Brikama branch, thanked donors for their support. He said the
bicycles will help them to search for new members to join the association.
Other speakers included Amie Cham, Chairperson female wing, Lamin Ceesay,
Landing Badjie, Ousman Jallow, Serifo Conteh and Yaya Jabby.
HOUSE GUTTED BY FIRE IN ESSAU VILLAGE NBR
By Ousman MM. Jallow
The house of Hamadi Sowe, a resident of Essau village NBR, was ravaged by
fire. According to the victim, the inferno occurred on Wednesday 26 of July
2007, between 9pm – 10pm.
The fire was reportedly caused by a burning candle. The inferno had consumed
the entire household materials, including a cash amount of seventy thousand
CFA and twenty six thousand dalasi.
Hamadi Sowe, who was in a state of shock at the time of this interview, said
the valuables lost to the fire included D.V.D set, one Tiger Generator,
clothes and a set of arm chairs.
Hamadi Sowe is working under the judiciary as interpreter for NBR.
Mr. Sowe is calling on all philanthropic organizations and NGOs to help his
family in this trying time.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE
By Amie Sillah
Part 1
Doctor and Mrs Robberts were blessed with three beautiful girls. Kate or
Catherine was the eldest, followed by Charlotte then Monalisa shortened as Lisa.
Mrs. Robberts yearned for a son but to no avail. Dr. Robberts is not worried
to have a son. “A child is a child!” he consoled his wife. “God have given
us three lovely daughters we should thank him for that. What about couples
who are bless with none and they are still together and living happily.
Children are abound who need care and support. One can always adopt any child you
want.” Mrs. Robberts responded. “What about your kinsmen? They are taunting
you for lack of a son. They are urging you to marry a second wife. They are
seeing me as useless. I am not holding you. You can marry a second wife who will
bear you a son.” Madame urged her husband. Did doctor marry a second wife?
What happen to Mrs. Robberts. The girls grew up into beautiful damsels. What
become of each of them after the demise of their parents?
Read to find out.
A Happy Family
The Robberts are a happy family blessed with three beautiful daughters.
Catherine or Kate is the first daughter. She is followed by Charlotte. Monalisa
is the last born (Chat). Their parents dotted on them especially their dad
doctor Robberts. Mrs. Robberts or Mama Kate is obsessed with having a son.
Whenever she thinks of it she becomes moody. Daddy asked the girls to make their
wish after a thanks giving meal. Kate the eldest spoke. “Dad! Mum! I wish to
become a doctor to take care of the sick and to give advice to people to live
healthy.” “That’s excellent! I pray to God to grant your wish.” Then came
Charlotte’s turn. “Mum! Dad! I wish to become a barrister at law. To defend
people’s rights and to ensure justice is done.” “That’s excellent! I Pray
God grant your wish.” Then came the Chat, Monalisa. “Mum! Dad! I wish to
become a Business Administrator so that I’ll carry on Dad’s business acumen and
takes the Robberts flag to higher heights.” Dad was overwhelmed. He was
excited. He jumped high up and embraced Lisa. “I am happy that my last born ‘chat’
will carry on my profession. I was a bit worried that my business empire
would be left to rot. Thank you my abled colleague. Congratulations!”
Mama also made her wish. “I wish to have a son who would become a world
leader.” Dad made his wish. “I wish all my girls be blessed and God to grant
them their wish Amen!” “What about my wish.” Mama protested. “Let God grant
you your wish but to me it makes no difference. God have blessed us with three
lovely daughters. I thank Him for that. “They took a toast. There was fun,
laughter, merriment and happiness. The thanks giving food was a delicacy and
mouth watering. “We will all go shopping for Christmas tomorrow.” Dad
announced.
Shopping With Mum and Dad
They shopped at ‘Banjul’. Everybody bought something for herself, himself.
They also bought plenty of household items, clothes, shoes, jewelry and toys.
A happy family indeed!
Children Playing, Riding by the Pool
The girls played around the pool. They rode their bikes and have fun while
their parents watched and were part of the fun. Mama Kate called the girls to
come and have their midday milk. They all declined with the exception of
Monalisa. She came for her midday drink. “You are healthier than them. Your
sisters hardly eat these days. They have to be dewormed.” Mama Kate concluded.
Going to Church
Charlotte put on an excessive makeup. She delayed the family. Papa became
impatient. “Go and get your sister. What is she doing in her room? We are
already late for Church.” Catherine went to call her. “Give me five minutes! Am
coming.” Said Charlotte. She finally came down. Papa criticize her make up. “
You are vulgar. Just like a masquerade.” Mama Kate rubbed off Charlotte’s
make up. She also criticized her. “Concentrate on your education and not on
makeups. You are too young for it.” Charlotte sulked and blamed her parents.
Aunty Beatrice
Aunty Beatrice fondly called Aunty Bea is Doctor Robberts’ elder sister. She
is Mama Kate’s greatest adversary. She criticized her for not bearing a male
issue for doctor and putting a spell on him not to take a concubine or to
impregnate a woman outside. They are not on speaking terms. Whenever she
visits, Mama Kate refuses to attend to her. During this visit she met her sibling
Doctor Robberts. “Ayo! Where is your witch of wife? She still refuses to bear
you a son. What sort of wife is she? I never supported you marrying her. My
favourite was Maggie. She is now married with three sons and a daughter. Your
witch gave you three useless girls who will marry away vanishing your father’
s name. You are bewitched. I wanted to break the spell but you would not let
me.’ “Stop sister Bea! I don’t want to insult you. Leave my wife alone. I am
a doctor for God’s sake. I am the one carrying the male chromosome. If I don’
t release it to join my wife’s female chromosome she cannot bear a male
child. I love my children irrespective of their sex. Don’t come to my home and
cause harvoc. I love my wife; if it is your problem stop coming to my home. You
are welcome only if you don’t cause problem.” “Are you driving me from your
home because I tell you the truth?” Aunty Bea questioned. “Suit yourself!
Don’t break my peace! I need it badly after a hectic hospital work.” The
girls came from school. Mama Kate was at the family factory managing it.
The girls met a tense mood between their dad and his only sister and his
elder for that matter. “Whats happening dad?” “Good afternoon Aunty Bea.” “
What is good about the afternoon with your stubborn dad ignoring my good advice?”
The children were taken aback by Aunty Bea’s nasty mood. “Go to your
rooms. We will discuss later.” Dad ordered. The girls raised their eyebrows and
shook their heads. They rushed to their rooms.
Mama Kate Comes Home
The children narrated the experience to her. She cried and became very
depressed. “She is trouble. She always come to my home to torment us about a male
issue. She is not on speaking terms with me.” Mama Kate lamented.
Mama Kate and Her Husband
Mama Kate asked doctor to take on a concubine to give him a son. “I am a
Christian. I cannot marry a second wife. I cannot commit adultery in taking a
concubine. Forget about negative comments from every angle. I don’t care about
them. They cannot influence me to run my home.” “I am the woman. I care.”
Put in Mama Kate Robberts. “I value women darling! I value my daughters. I’ll
train them to any height. They’ll surely make it God’s willing.” Doctor
Robberts emphasized.
The Patriarchs Come To Doctor
His brothers were agitated by Aunty Bea to put more pressure on him. “Even
though I am his eldest sister but I am a woman. You are his brothers and
elders. Go to him and pressurized him to take in a mistress who will bear him a
son.” The brothers went to meet doctor. He quarreled with them and asked them
out of his house. Mama Kate heard them. She is hypertensive. She collapsed.
Disability Does not Mean Inability
OFFICIALS’ OF THE SECRETARIAT OF THE AFRICAN DECADE OF PERSONS WITH
DISABILITY VISIT THE GAMBIA
Continental United for Disabled People is making all efforts to mainstream
disability in national policies and programmes. Foroyaa’s reporter caught up
with a delegate who shed light on the mission in a follow up interview.
Foroyaa: Can you introduce yourself to our readership?
Mr. Faal: My name is Mohamed Faal. I am the Programme Manager in the
Secretariat of African Decade of Persons with Disability for West, North and Central
Africa.
Foroyaa: Where is your Regional Office located?
Mr. Faal: Our office is located in Dakar, Senegal.
Foroyaa: When did you arrive in The Gambia?
Mr. Faal: We arrived since the 28 July 2007, and I will be leaving sooner
than my colleague, Aida Sarr, who is the Assistant Program Assistant. She will
leave on the 4 August 2007.
Foroyaa: What is your mission to The Gambia?
Mr. Faal: Our mission is to meet The Gambia Government Authorities, disabled
peoples’ organisations, NGO Community and various stakeholders in the field
of disability, so as to inform them about African Decade Programmes and
activities, as this programmes are on- going and should be implemented in The
Gambia too. As you may already know The Gambia is part of the African Union (AU)
and this programme is designed by AU members.
Foroyaa: Since you arrived in The Gambia, which departments, authorities or
NGO’s have you met?
Mr. Faal: We have had a meeting with the SOS for Health and Social Welfare,
Mr. Tamsir Mbowe and Director of Social Welfare, Madam Fanta Ceesay, VSO
(Voluntary Service Overseas) VSO/DPO Steering Committee, where most of the
Disable Organisation leaders meet.
Foroyaa: What will be your first priority, inorder words, which areas are
you focusing on in your partnership for the implementation of the African
Decade for persons with disability?
Mr. Faal: First and foremost, we are doing work with your existing VSO/DPO
Steering Committee and we will expand it to include some of the key sectors.
In some African countries there are no such structures in place, but here we
are lucky to find this committee in place. Therefore, we believe we need to
have a multi polar approach if we are going to have sustainability. Secondly,
we will build the capacity of your steering committee; we will also conduct a
training for journalists, training of trainees and the formation of managed
committee. The African Decade Secretariat will cover the cost and the training
will be conducted before the end of the year. There will be a management
committee meeting in Dakar where representatives from the Management Committee
of The Gambia will attend.
Foroyaa: What does this African Decade of Persons with Disability mean?
Mr. Faal: In July 2001, in Lome, Togo, the Organisation of African Unity
(OAU), Assembly of heads of States and Governments in its 36th Session, declared
the African Decade of persons with Disability for the period 1999 to 2009.
Inorder to facilitate the implementation of the African Decade of Persons with
Disability, a continental plan of action was adopted by the African Union
(AU) Assembly of Heads of States and Governments at its 38th Session held in
Durban (South Africa) in July 2002.
Object 11 of the Decade Continental Plan of Action, urged all member states
to set coordinating, monitoring and evaluating mechanisms of the activities
to be implemented. The creation of the national coordinating bodies had been
recommended, to facilitate the establishment of the National Steering
Committee in the African Countries or to strengthen the existing ones.
Foroyaa: Why did the AU come up with this?
Mr. Faal: This is a programme of the African Union (AU). African Disabled
are under developed, marginalized and discriminated, their needs and
aspirations are not mentioned mostly in governments and Civil Society, therefore the AU
sees the need to mainstream and include disability issues in all member
countries. The overall aims of the Decade are stipulated in plans of action by
the Pan African Conference on the African Decade of Persons with Disability.
Foroyaa: What types of structures are in place to foster the smooth
implementation of this golden idea?
Mr. Faal: In 2003 the African Regional Consultation Conference agreed to
establish a secretariat to facilitate the implementation process of the Decade,
Mr. Faal further opined that the secretariat was launched in Cape Town, in
South Africa, in 2004 whose main mission is to empower governments, DSCS, DPOS
and developmental organisations, to work in partnership to include disability
issues and persons with disabilities into government programmes and policies
in all sectors of societies in Africa.
This will be done through capacity building, advocacy, lobbying,
coordination, monitoring and reporting.
Foroyaa: For one to work in the field of disability is a daunting challenge,
how will we make sure these noble objectives are achieved?
Mr. Faal: Really working in the field of disability is not an easy task,
considering the concepts and believes of the people with regard to disability
but I believe that when we are committed we will be able to make head way which
will be a creation of a viable society for all.
Foroyaa: What is your word of advice to disabled people’s organisations and
the Government?
Mr. Faal: DPOS should be more democratic, be accountable to their members
and have regular Annual General Meetings and accept changes of leadership. For
the Government, I am appealing for their support in the implementation
process of the programmes and activities of African Decade, as the programme was
designed by them the members states of the AU. All the development partners
like UN system in The Gambia, NGOs and Private Sectors should support and
encourage the empowerment process and contribute effectively and efficiently,
morally and financially.
Foroyaa: Thank you for spearing your valuable time and sharing your
knowledge for this interview.
Mr. Faal: It’s a pleasure.
SHERATON LAUNCHES KIDS’ MENU
By Annia Gaye
Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort last Friday launched kids menu with a selection
of children from the SoS village in Bakoteh. In a ceremony held at the hotel
in Brufut, the kids menu would be a cover design for children’s menu for the
hotel. Over 25 children under the age of twelve participated in the
competition in order for them to draw their favourite dish so as to determine the
best of the best. The lucky winner among the competitors was Isatou Njie Saidy,
11 year old child’s drawing will be designed to be used in front of the
children’s menu for the hotel. The panel of judges were drawn from The Gambia
Tourism Authority (GTA), Gambia Hotel Association (GHA), ASSET, Child Protection
Alliance (CPA) voice of the young and Tourism and Travel Association so as to
choose the best competitors.
Speaking at the launching, the General manager of Sheraton, who is the
initiator of the project stated that they wanted the children to create their own
menu rather than the hotel doing it. “We believe that they are in a best
position to decide what they want for themselves.” She further stated that they
wanted to be part of the community that is why they choose SoS children’s
village for them to do it for children.
Alieu Secka the Chairman of The Gambia Hotel Association said it was not an
easy task for them to choose the best, but noted that at the end they decided
to choose the best three of the most eye catching drawings in which Isatou
Njie Saidy, 11 years, won. Mr. Secka thanked Sheraton Gambia for taking such
an initiative for children.
Emmanuel Mendy, deputy Director of SoS children village expressed his
happiness that Sheraton has chosen the SoS children’s village to do the selection
of the best menu for kids for the hotel.
CPA Trains Local Government Authorities On Child Rights And Protection
By Annia Gaye
Child Protection Alliance (CPA) in collaboration with Action Aid The Gambia,
has organized a three day training workshop on Child Rights and Child
Protection for local government authorities from Banjul City Council (BCC),
Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and Brikama Area Council. The three-day training
started on Tuesday at the Kanifing Municipal Council Chambers. The training is
meant to discuss various child rights and protection issues in the country
and the role of local government in addressing the problem.
Speaking at the opening of the training workshop, the Secretary of State for
Local Government and Lands, Hon. Ismaila Sambou, said that children are “our
hope for a better and brighter world” and that “The world of children can
only be positively changed by a small group of thoughtful, committed and
dedicated men and women who sincerely believe in their mission.” He further stated
that the administration of Banjul, Kanifing and Brikama combined has the
highest population of children, therefore these administrative areas need to
become more Central in their planning and programming, so as to adequately
support vulnerable children and their families.
Hon. Sambou noted that children in towns and cities face situations that
compromise their childhood and also impair their lives. He said “Children are
abused and exploited by adults in positions of authority, and also by those
whose care and protection they are entrusted. He said that as a government, they
would continue to put children issues high on their agenda. He said local
governments have the responsibility to lead the way in the protection of
children in their spheres. He concluded by saying that “It is terrible that some
children are not having the time and space to enjoy their childhood. It would
be greater evil if we fail to take action to stop it.”
Delivering his remarks, the mayor of KMC, Alieu Momar Njie, mentioned that
the effects of sexual abuse and exploitation on children are profound, deep
and often permanent, noting that their self-esteem, confidence and trust are
undermined and dented. He further mentioned that normal physical and emotional
development of children is compromised and that the majority of sexually
abused and exploited children are denied their basic rights to education, leisure
and play. “They are inadequately protected,” he said.
Mr. Njie noted that to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation
requires action on the ground, in families, communities and local government
authorities that deal directly with communities. He said the local government
authorities would continue to work tirelessly and ardently towards achieving
the rights and protection that they acknowledged as being inherent and
inalienable dues of children. He called on local government authorities to join
forces and combat the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in The Gambia as
they owe it to the children who are abused and who are at risk of becoming
victims. Mr. Njie challenged LGAs to step up for public information campaign
against sexual abuse and exploitation of children. He informed the
participants that KMC already has a center for under-privileged children in partnership
with Standard Chartered Bank, and that the Department of Social Welfare had
also established recreational parks in Tallinding and Kotu. He concluded that
they would continue to shape their budget and development projects to cater
for children in The Gambia.
Other speakers were the president of the Voice of the Young, Lamin Ceesay,
acting deputy mayor of Banjul, Mr. Winston Shyngle, governor Abdou Badjie of
the Western region and Njundu Drammeh of Child Protection Alliance.
Magistrate Issues Ultimatum
By Modou Jonga
Magistrate EF M’bai had, on Tuesday, urged the prosecutor in the criminal
case involving the fourteen residents of Pirang who were recently dragged to
court following a land dispute in Pirang to proceed with the prosecution of the
case, failing which he will discharge the accused persons on 28 August.
When the case was called in the absence of some of the accused persons, the
prosecutor stood up and applied for a short adjournment, citing that his
first witness has fallen sick and is therefore unable to be in court. When asked
by the presiding magistrate to substitute the said witness with another
prosecution witness hence the case has been adjourned on numerous occasions, ASP
Camara said he has a reason for starting his case with the said witness.
While urging the accused persons to be in court on time, the presiding
Magistrate had also urged the prosecutor to be ready to proceed on the next
adjournment date, otherwise he will discharge the accused persons accordingly.
The fourteen residents of Pirang who were arrested on 28 July and charged
with two count criminal charges are Duta Drammeh, Sheriffo Drammeh, Lamin
Drammeh, Karamo Gassama, Sulayman Drammeh, Amidou Jenkies, Masanneh Drammeh, Omar
Gassama, Saja Drammeh, Lamin Ceesay, Yaya Drammeh, Baba Gassama, Alasana
Drammeh and Momodou Gassama.
On count one, the accused persons, are alleged to have committed criminal
trespass by entering the farm of M.G Fielder, with intent to intimidate or
annoy the latter on 28 July 2007 at the said place, contrary to section 285 of
the Criminal Code.
On count two, the fourteen are alleged to have willfully damaged the farm of
M.G Fielder by sowing corn in the said farm. They have all pleaded not
guilty to the preferred charges against them. The presiding Magistrate has in the
previous. Sitting 30 July 2007 ruled that the accused persons and their
agents should refrain from interfering in the said land till the final
determination of the case in court.
Two Athletes for World Champs
By Modou Nyang
Ansu Sowe and Fatou Tiyana are the only athletes that are to represent the
Gambia at the World Athletic Championships when the World’s elites gather in
Osaka, Japan this weekend.
Sowe, an established long and middle distance runner will feature in the
1,500 metres whilst Tiyana will do in the female 100 metres sprint. The 11th
edition of the World Games is to start on Saturday 25th and the only other
Gambians in Japan for the event are the Secretary General of the Gambia Athletic
Association (GAA) and Council member for Africa Commission, Alhagie Dodou Joof
and Fred Lloyd Evans President of the GAA. They are to attend the
International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) congress holding today, for elections
to fill positions at the high level of the Athletics World governing body.
The championships will run from Saturday 25th August to Sunday 2nd September.
The delegation from the Gambia left for Japan last Sunday and Sowe will jet
from Kenya to join them in Osaka, early enough to aclimatise to the weather
in the Far East before the competitions begin.
Ansu Sowe is currently based in Kenya, where he trains at the Kip Keino High
Altitude Training center under an Olympic Solidarity scholarship. He is
currently Gambia’s top most athletes, after Jaysuma Saidy ditched Gambian
nationality in favour of Norway. And young Fatou Tiyana, is a promising sprinter and
this is her first outing in a major world event which will add to her
growing experience.
SK West Nawettan Update
By Bakary Seedy Dampha
Manjai United shared points with Kanifing United on Sunday as Ajax won
Tigers FC by a lone goal at the Serrekunda West Nawettan.
Kanifing United where the better of the day against Manjai crating most of
the chances but failed to utilise them, whilst Manjai held fort the marauding
Kanifing attackers to collect a point.
In the other matches Saal-bi was playing Boyz United as we went to press and
today Gamstar will take on Dippakunda giants Pencha.
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