Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 145/2007, 10 – 11 December 2007
EDITORIAL
ENLIGHTENMENT IS THE WAY
FORWARD
On the 24th of April 1970, The Gambia became a sovereign republic. This
should have given birth to a sovereign Gambian people who are fully conscious
that sovereignty resides in them; a Gambian people with a sense of belonging to
and ownership of the country; a people who are fully empowered to defend
their rights as a people with the utmost realisation that we are the architects
of our own destiny.
Reality however teaches us that while the sovereignty of a republic is
declared, the sovereignty of a people must be built by the minds and hands of a
people. A people become sovereign when they are in full control of the affairs
of their country; when they are capable of making informed choices to
determine how their affairs are to be managed, by whom, on what basis, to what
extent and at what cost.
To be a sovereign people is a conscious act. It calls for ownership of minds
by the people. This is inconceivable without clarity of vision of what it
means to own a country and what it demands to ensure that ownership is not
usurped through intimidation or inducement. The battle to be a sovereign people
is a battle against the culture of ignorance, the culture of silence, the
culture of impunity and the culture of autocracy and monarchy.
It is a battle to create a vocal, critical and conscious mass, who are
active initiators and participants in their own development rather than passive
objects or onlooker; a mass who see the promotion of their liberty and
prosperity as the object of all state institutions instead of providing resources to
enrich few lords at their expense; a mass who undertake to ensure that the
principles of a just and democratic society are embodied in constitutions and
other laws for the general observance of those vested with subsidiary powers
as representatives who are mandated to serve them.
Groundnut Price D7, 200 A Tonne
As Trade Season Kicks-Off Today
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Agribusiness Service and Producers’ Associations (ASPA), the
inter-professional body managing the groundnut sub-sector, has announced the groundnut
producer price of D7,200 dalasis per metric ton for the 2007/2008 marketing
season.
According to a release from ASPA Monday, December 10, is the official
commencement date for this year’s groundnut marketing season throughout The Gambia.
“This year’s price is an increase of D700 per metric ton over last year’s
price and compares quite favourably with what obtains in the sub-region,” the
release claims.
ASPA said this year’s producer price was arrived at using the officially
recognised producer price determination mechanism, which according to them, “
takes into account the World Market Price for Groundnut Products as well as
parameters and ratios relevant to the domestic marketing system”.
The release adds that Cooperative Marketing Societies (CPMS), private
traders and any agent wishing to participate in groundnut buying at primary (secco)
level should prepare their equipment and clean their seccos accordingly. The
release states: “ASPA wishes to remind all those wishing to participate in
this year’s groundnut marketing season that they must register with ASPA, be
issued with a registration certificate and be ready to comply with the
Eligibility Criteria for Participation in the 2007/2008 groundnut marketing, which
amongst other things requires prompt payment to the farmers for deliveries”.
Gilanfari Landmine Incident
Two Killed, One Injured
By Modou Jonga
A landmine explosion on Sunday, 2 December, 2007 at Gilanfari, a border
village in Foni Bintang District, near the Senegalese region of Casamance, has
led to the tragic death of two students, while the other sustained injuries.
The late students, Edrisa Badjie and Lamin Jammeh, both aged nine years, were
pupils of Tamba Kunda Lower Basic School. The injured student, Jainaba Badjie,
is eight years old and at Grade Three in the same school.
Speaking to this reporter on Friday, 7 December, Modou Badjie, a resident of
Gilanfari and an eyewitness, said that the two deceased students met their
tragic end while fetching sticks to fence their school. He explained that the
villagers were alerted to the landmine explosion by the sound they heard and
the screaming of the injured Jainaba Badjie, who managed to escape. He said
that the late Edrisa, who died instantly at the scene, was a Grade Six student
and a refugee from Bachigai, in Casamance, while the other one, Lamin
Jammeh, a Grade One student, was taken to the Bwiam Hospital but referred to the
RVTH, where he was later pronounced dead that Sunday evening. He also disclosed
that Jainaba Badjie, who sustained injuries around her neck and fingers, was
taken to RVTH but she was later discharged.
According to the eyewitness, the deceased boys were buried on Monday 3
December, 2007 at Farato and Kunkujang, respectively. Relatives of the two
students expressed shock and grief over the unfortunate incident that led to their
tragic death. They further described the two as dedicated and obedient.
On his part, the Alkalo of Gilanfari, Kawsu Badjie, said that the landmine
incident has sent a wave of fear and shock in his village. He added that the
scene was visited by the police. While noting that the area around the
landmine incident is labelled as a “no-go area’’ by the authorities, Mr. Badjie
urged the Government to ensure a speedy de-mining of the said area.
The Headmaster of Tamba Kunda Lower Basic School, Mr. Nfamara Tamba, also
confirmed the tragic death of his students. He said that the students of his
school were requested to fetch sticks to fence the school and expressed his
grief over the landmine incident and the tragic lost of young lives.
When the PRO for the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) was contacted, he expressed
regret over the incident, noting that GAF is very much concerned. He said that
panic among residents can arise from the incident, which may affect
activities in the area. The PRO revealed that land mine experts have been sent to the
affected areas and added that if the resources are available they will clear
the mines from the areas affected within Gambian territory.
Fatou Jaw Manneh’s Trial Back To Kanifing
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The sedition trial, involving the state and Journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh,
will again be heard at Kanifing Magistrates Court. Justice Mabel Maame Yamoa
made this ruling on Friday 7 December.
When the case was called, the state counsel, E.O Fagbenle, made an
application under Section 63 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which he said should be
invoked by the court and noting that the high court has power to determine the
jurisdiction of the trial.
The defence counsel, Lamin Jobarteh, objected to the counsel’s application,
arguing that it must be in the form of a motion and that Section 63 needs to
be certified.
Justice Yamoa granted the state counsel’s application. She therefore ruled
that the case had to be moved back to Kanifing Magistrates Court where it
started and that a good number of witnesses had already testified there.
Fatou Jaw Manneh first appeared in Kanifing Magistrates Court, on 4 April,
on different charges of sedition. On July 3, the trial Magistrate, Buba Jawo,
ruled that his court had no jurisdiction to continue the trial of the case
and transferred the matter to Banjul Magistrates Court, which he said had the
jurisdiction.
On Monday 6 August, Magistrate Imelda Mboto of Banjul Magistrates’ Court
also declined to hear the case, noting that the court had no jurisdiction to
hear the matter. She ruled that the accused should be tried at Brikama
Magistrates Court since the accused was arrested at the airport, which is under the
Brikama jurisdiction. The state then decided to appeal to the High Court to
determine the jurisdiction of the trial.
Now, Justice Yamoa at the High Court has finally ruled that the case be
tried at the Kanifing Magistrates Court.
NAMs Approve Appointment Of Ombudsman And Deputies
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The National Assembly has approved the appointment of the Ombudsman and two
deputy Ombudsmen on Tuesday. The Vice President, Isatou Njie-Saidy, presented
the motion seeking the approval of Alagie Sowe as Ombudsman, Elizabeth Renna
and Ebrima Mbye, as deputies to the Ombudsman, to parliamentarians. The Vice
President described the trio as persons of good character and standing in
the community, credentials of which are preconditions in the execution of the
task assigned to them by the Constitution and the Ombudsman Act.
Paul Mendy, the National Assembly Member for Kombo South and Chairman of the
Ombudsman Select Committee, in seconding the motion, urged his colleagues to
give their approval to the appointments.
Sulayman Joof, NAM for Serrekunda West, said the three persons have all
served the country in different areas before their appointments as Ombudspersons.
Babanding Daffeh of Kiang Central described the Omubudsman and his deputies
as people of “integrity” who have passed through different stages with vast
experiences.
The Majority Leader and Member for Serrekunda East, Fabakary Tombong Jatta,
said the creation of the office of the Ombudsman has provided an opportunity
for public officials to seek redress in their workplace.
The Minority Leader and Member for Kiang West, Momodou Sanneh said the
appointments are in the right direction, but also a challenge.
Gambia/Iran Agreement Ratified
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The National Assembly ratified the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of
Investments between the Gambia and Iranian governments on Tuesday December 4.
Abdou Kolley, the Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and Employment,
said the Gambia and Iran signed a Memorandum Of Understanding on Economic,
Trade, Investment and Technical Cooperation in Banjul July 1, 2006.
Mr. Colley, in tabling the Agreement, said that the Reciprocal Promotion and
Protection of Investments Agreement was signed during the fourth joint
ministerial commission held in Tehran in June 2007.
Adama Cham the member for Kombo North said the agreement is for the mutual
benefit of the two countries and that it will foster proper utilization of
economic resources, job creation and potential investment.
The majority leader and member for Serrekunda West, Fabakary Tombong Jatta,
said it is a timely agreement aimed at promoting favourable investment
conditions.
In Sheriff Minteh’s Murder Trial
Two Witnesses Testify
By Saikou Ceesay
Two witnesses testified in Sheriff Minteh’s murder trial, on Wednesday, 5
December, before Magistrate Kumba Sillah Camara of the Bundung Magistrates
Court.
In his testimony, PW2, Modou Musa Ceesay, a resident of Serrekunda London
Corner, told the court that he recognised the accused person and that he knew
the deceased as well. PW2 told the court that he could fully remember the
incident that transpired on 9 May 2007 between the deceased and the accused
person.
He said on that day while on his way going home, between 9pm-10pm, he
arrived at a junction where he met some people murmuring ‘Sheriff.’ But he
continued on his way home as it was dark. PW2 told the court that upon arrival at
the scene he found some paramilitary officers, the accused and Sheriff Minteh.
He told the court that Sheriff was shouting ‘leave me I have nothing with me.
’
PW2 said the paramilitary officers told him (PW2) that the deceased had
scattered cannabis all around on the ground; that at that juncture he put his
phone light on and someone else also put his torch light on to confirm the
claim. PW2 told the court that it was then that he heard Sheriff Minteh shouting: “
He has stabbed me.”
He told the court that he went to confirm it and he found both the accused
and the deceased at the scene. PW2 said as he arrived, he heard the deceased
calling the name George and saying: “This man has stabbed me.”
PW2 told the court that a crowd then started to gather at the scene. He said
the officers then went to confirm what George told them and it was at that
time that he left the scene. On his way, he said, he met with Mundaw, a sister
to the deceased. PW2 said he saw Mundaw holding the accused and telling him
in Mandinka “You will not escape. You killed my brother.” PW2 told the court
that there was pandemonium everywhere. He said the deceased was then taken
to a nearby compound. He further said that with the aid of the from both his
mobile phone and a torch light they were able to see where the deceased was
stabbed. He also said that the deceased was given some water to drink upon his
request before a green Mercedez Benz came and took him off to the hospital.
PW2 went on to say that the following morning he heard that the deceased,
Sheriff Minteh, had passed away.
In cross-examining the witness, Defense Counsel Tambadou asked PW2 whether
he knew Sheriff Minteh before 9 May, he replied in the negative.
When asked where he found the immigration officers, PW2 said he found them
at the shop before the junction. He said he never observed the accused holding
anything. He also said he never saw the deceased being stabbed.
Mundaw Minteh, PW3 and a resident of London Corner told the court that she
knew the accused at the scene where her younger brother was stabbed. She said
the deceased was her younger brother. She told the court that she could
remember 9th May when the incident happened between the deceased and the accused.
PW3 told the court that she had gone out and on her way back home she saw a
police vehicle at the door of a shop; that she then went into the compound
and asked her sister about Sheriff’s whereabouts but the sister told her that
Sheriff had gone home.
PW3 told the court that she then came to the compound gate and asked but
someone told her that two police officers chased Sheriff. She said that she was
told that one officer was in uniform but the other was not.
Continuing her testimony, PW3 told the court that before she met Sheriff,
she first met with Sheriff’s friend by the name of Rown who informed her that
Sheriff has been stabbed and was lying down on the street. PW3 said that she
then screamed and a crowd came from the compound to the scene. She told the
court that upon their arrival at the scene, they found the deceased lying on
the ground and that the accused was standing there.
PW3 said that in the presence of the accused, a friend of Sheriff, Rown
,told her that the accused stabbed the deceased. PW3 told the court that she then
grabbed the accused and Sheriff told her “Don’t allow him to escape, he is
the one who stabbed me.” PW3 revealed that at that juncture she and the
others started beating the accused before he escaped from them and entered a
compound.
PW3 told the court that she chased him. She informed the court that by then
the deceased was taken to Serrekunda hospital.
She also told the court that the accused was locked in a house until the
police officers came with their vehicles and took him away.
PW3 said she immediately rushed to the Serrekunda Health Centre but could
not see the deceased as he was put in an ambulance and taken to Banjul.
During cross-examination, Lawyer Tambadou asked the witness whether she had
seen the deceased after the incident, she cried and said, “Never again until
he was buried.”
When it was put to her that her testimony was hearsay since did not actually
witness the incident, she admitted that she was told many things except when
she met Sheriff lying on the ground.
When asked whether she was with a torch light, she replied in the negative,
noting that there was no street light. When asked whether Rown was Sheriff’s
best friend, she told the court that she did not know whether Rown is Sheriff’
s best friends because she was not staying in the same compound with the
deceased.
Earlier on, before the arrival of defence counsels, the magistrate expressed
her unhappiness with the way the defense counsels are handling the case. She
then asked the accused whether he had contacted the counsel and he replied
in the positive. But an hour later upon the arrival of one of the defense
counsels, Mr. Tambedou, the case was called again Mr Tambedou told the court that
he was lately informed about the case; that he was not informed in that last
sitting which was what led to his absence.
The case was adjourned to 12 December for the prosecution to call its next
witness to testify.
GCCI ON THE TRADE FAIR
By Amie Sanneh
The President of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Bai
Matarr Drammeh, has described logistics as the biggest challenge in this year’s
Trade Fair.
The GCCI Chair made these remarks on Saturday at a Press Conference to mark
the end of this year’s Trade Fair at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Mr. Drammeh said that they do not have Trade Fair grounds with security;
that they had to hire and pay for it. He added that the previous Trade Fair was
expensive but this year’s was more expensive. He admitted that the high cost
was reflected in the prices thus making them high.
Mr. Drammeh, however, said that they are not trying to make money out of the
Trade Fair but wanted to provide international opportunities for Gambian
businessmen. The GCCI Chair described the trade fair as generally successful. He
said they were able to get people and businessmen to participate in the
event. Mr. Drammeh added that contacts were made among businessmen, both
nationally and internationally.
The coordinator of the Trade Fair, Beatrice Allen, said the press conference
is to mark the end of the Fair and to also see the responses and reactions
that symbolize the process of the Trade Fair. She said that when they have a
complex, they will be organizing Trade Fairs every three months.
“In that case,” she said, “you will have everything in place and it will be
less expensive.’’
Mohammed Jagana, Chairman of the Fair, said the event is worth having very
often. He also described it as a successful one, noting that they had achieved
their objectives, likewise the businessmen. He said they were able to create
opportunities with the international market.
Also speaking at the press conference were some businesswomen at the Trade
Fair. Aja Mariam Jobe expressed her delight and said that the reason why
things were expensive is because of the stalls. She however appealed to GCCI to be
organizing Trade Fairs during Ramadan. She said there is security and people
were moving freely without any occurrence of theft. She also urged GCCI to
increase the duration of the event for them to auction their products for the
Tobaski and Christmas feasts.
Madam Jobe noted that many people want to go for auction sale in the markets
but always fear thieves. She said at the Trade Fair grounds such incidents
will not occur due to the security they have. She commended GCCI for organizing
such events and guaranteeing the security of their goods.
Marie Mbye, also a participant trader, suggested for the Chamber to create a
funding scheme of which, every month, businesspersons would pay a
contribution into an account so that when event comes up it would not be difficult and
that things will be less expensive.
In responding to the comments, the President of GCCI said they could not at
this stage, give any concrete response to the suggestion regarding the
increase of the number of days for the Trade Fair. However, he described it as a
wise suggestion but that it needs to be looked into very carefully. He noted
that they had made a contract with the management of the stadium already.
However, he promised to talk to them and find out if it would be possible to hold
it for the Tobaski and Christmas feasts.
In an interview with customers, one Mbenge Sarr described the Trade Fair as
a good thing but said that, for her, most of the goods displayed were
expensive. She however noted that many people think that during Trade Fairs goods
are expected to be cheaper.
One Alagie Jallow, who was also a customer, described it as a remarkable
event. He said he had bought electronic gadgets at a give away price. He said
that goods were less expensive than in their original shops. He however
commended GCCI for organizing such an event and urged them to be organizing such
events often.
At the end of the conference, GCCI promised to honour its partners and
sponsors with ‘Thank You’ letters and certificates which will be given out in
January at a Gala Dinner.
Headmaster Laments Water Shortage
By Modou Jonga
The Headmaster of Tamba Kunda Lower Basic School in the Foni Bintang
District of the Western Region, Mr. Nfamara Tamba, has decried the lack of water
supply at his school since its inception in 1994. Mr. Tamba complained that the
situation has seriously affected the learning process in his school where
three hundred and ten pupils are enrolled. The Tamba Kunda Lower Basic School
Headmaster further complained that his school depends on its water needs from a
public tap that is located very far away from the school. He also noted that
a water bucket is provided for each classroom but that the quantity of water
a bucket can hold is not sufficient to keep the pupils at the school
throughout a complete shift. Mr. Tamba pointed out that his house Jar is often used
to supplement the water supply for his pupils during break time.
While noting that the lack of water supply in a school can undoubtedly
affect effective learning in a school, Mr. Tamba said he had previously sought for
help from many organisations for the provision of water supply but without
success. He therefore urged relevant organisations, philanthropists and
individuals to provide his school with a water supply system. Mr. Tamba made
these remarks in an interview with this reporter on Friday, 7 December, 2007.
TRIAL OF CASAMANCE NINE
Accused Claims Statement Taken Under Duress
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The trial involving nine alleged MFDC insurgents continued at the Banjul
Magistrates Court, before B.Y Camara on Thursday, 6 December and during which
the Guinea Bissau government was mentioned. The proceedings was a trial within
a trial to determine whether the statements obtained from accused number
three, Nuha Jammeh, and another accused were made voluntarily after they had been
cautioned.
Giving his evidence in the mini trial, the second accused said he was taken
to the NIA for interrogation by the panel on 20th May. He said he was
handcuffed upon arrival at the NIA gate at around 3pm. Nuha said that the military,
NIA and police officers were present. He said one Musa Kinteh asked him
whether he was Nuha Jammeh and to which he answered in the positive. Nuha said
Musa Kinteh told him that after they had taken their lunch they would deal with
him to get him to say what they wanted from him.
He said he was asked about his stay in The Gambia and he told them that he
had no business in the Gambia except that his family had lived in the Gambia
since 1999. He said he told them that he had four children who were all born
in the Gambia. Nuha noted that he told them that apart from visiting his
family, his other business in the Gambia was to buy rice and other food items for
his MFDC comrades in the bush in Casamance.
“They told me that they have information about me; that somebody told them
that my presence in the Gambia is to give secret information to the Senegalese
government,” said Nuha. He pointed out that he denied the allegation that he
was spying in the Gambia upon which Musa Kinteh went to bring the cable for
a bicycle lock. “Musa Kinteh held me by my ear and took me to another place
where he showed me blood stains which he said were from Ebrima Colley, Sidat
Jarju and others,” lamented Nuha. He said Musa Kinteh threatened him that they
are NIAs; that he should say what they wanted him to say. “They told me what
Guinea Bissau had done to the MFDC Salif Sarjo’s faction. They asked me the
reasons why we are fighting against Salifu Sarjo’s faction. I told them we
have been trying to negotiate with Salif Sarjo but he refused the offer. I told
them our parents and elders, including Abbe Diamacoune , tried to persuade
Salif, but he refused.
They told me what I said is not the truth; that our reason was that
Senegalese government gave us money to fight against Salifu Sarjo. They also said
that Senegal gave money to Guinea Bissau which in turn gave us money to fight
Salif Sarjo,” Nuha narrated. Nuha Jammeh told the court that when Musa Kinteh
brought the cables, which they said they used to torture his, other colleagues
he became afraid and decided to yield. He said his statements were recorded
out of fear.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, E.O Fagbenle, Nuha said he
spoke the truth to the panellists at the NIA. He said he was not able to answer
their questions properly because he was scared. Nuha noted that he met Musa
Kinteh at the NIA on the 21st May but that Kinteh did not record his statement.
“You said you were not present at the panel on 21st May but on the 20th May,
which one is the truth,” asked E.O Fagbenle. Nuha said, “I was first
brought to the panel on the 20th and one Kajaga was asked to write my statement and
on the 21st I was brought back and Amadou Sanyang recorded my statement
instead of Kajaga”. He said he did not know the second name of Kajaga, only that
he heard them call him Kajaga. “I put it to you that you are only fabricating
names, that there is no name of Kajaga or Musa Kinteh at the panel that
investigated this case,” said Fagbenle. Nuha responded, “they are there at the
panel and I know other names like Jobe and a soldier called Bo Badjie, but the
rest I don’t know their names.” Nuha Jammeh asserted that they usually buy
food for his counterparts at the border village of Darsilami and that they do
put on civilian clothes. He admitted that he was a “rebel” in Casamance and
that Salif Sarjo is also a “rebel”. He said he is a fighter but that he is
afraid of guns because it kills. He denied being a camp commander of his
faction. He said his camp commander was arrested in the Gambia.
West African Journalists Make Recommendations On Election Coverage
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
West African journalists made recommendations for the media during the
coverage of electoral processes within the sub-region. Among the recommendations
are the issue of financial assistance to ensure autonomy of the media during
the electoral process; the establishment of seed money allowances to the press
to ensure the coverage of the election; building the capacity of journalists
and their training in the knowledge of the legal instruments and in ensuring
their safety; the establishment of codes of conduct and providing manuals
for election reporting; the enactment and passing of laws on the access to
public information; the promotion of civic education of the citizen about local
government and elections; the enactment of a genuine regulation of the media;
the strengthening of partnerships between local and sub-regional media houses
and award for journalists who excel in the field.
These recommendations were made in Dakar, at the Savana Hotel, on the 2
December, during a training programme on how to monitor elections and election
reporting within West Africa. The training was organised by Open Society
Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA).
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