Dr. Sonko: It is indeed a pleasure reading your article. I had to hold back tears because I've not seen you for almost twenty-one years. I am proud of the fact that you've decided to contribute to the L. A person who switches political alliance like he changes his underwear cannot be trusted. Dr. Bolong Sonko has disappointed everyone who knew him. I understand the division between the Sonko family. In fact it goes back to the early 70's when Sir Dawda nominated Lawyer Drammeh as the PPP candidate. The then chief of your district was so infuriated that he pleaded with a family member to contest in the election. Sir Dawda then dismissed him from the chieftaincy. After the former chief's candidate won the election, there was a bitter division within the Sonko family. I remember this because Hon Sonko (Independent, Upper Nuimi) lived at Grant Street. The truth of the matter is, we should continue to speak on behalf of The Gambian people. I hope you will continue to write and join our family tree in our desire to kick fitna yahya jemus out. We are members of the same family, and must redouble our efforts as a unified organization. Please find attached a manifesto of GamCarolina. We are a nonprofit organization seeking unity and using our resources for the 2001 elections. On behalf of the organization, please send contributions payable to GamCarolina, C/O MLJ Conteh, VF Information Technology Information Services, 414 N. Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Please read the info below: CONSTITUTION OF THE GAMCAROLINA ORGANIZATION JULY 30, 2000 RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA GAMCAROLINA ORGANIZATION PREAMBLE Under the prevailing political circumstances in The Gambia: detention without trial, extermination of political opponents, trampling on press freedom, the absence of a free and fair judicial process, state monopoly of all political apparatus and the recent student unrest that left many dead, we the undersigned have resolved to establishing an organization for democratic change in The Gambia. The organization shall be called GamCarolina until otherwise change by the congress of its members and shall be registered under federal law as a nonprofit legal entity which means that it can sue and be sued. Article 1 The cornerstone of the organization shall be at all times, the promotion of freedom, human rights and a peaceful democratic change in The Gambia. We abhor all forms of political violence in The Gambia and we shall refrain from violence and all its forms at all times. LOCATION The headquarters of the organization shall be located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Its present address is 4022 Beaufain Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604. The headquarters may change elsewhere by ordinary resolution of the membership. DURATION The duration of GamCarolina is unlimited. A two-thirds majority may dissolve it. Article 11 OBJECTIVES 1. We shall concentrate on the year 2001 elections by advocating for a united opposition in restoring genuine democracy in The Gambia. 2. Bringing together all Gambians and non-Gambians who are interested in restoring democratic changes in The Gambia. 3. We shall work with various political organizations or non-governmental agencies whose main objectives are supporting peaceful democratic changes in The Gambia. 4. We shall not only support genuine democracy but also sound economic policies in The Gambia. Article 111 We oppose all and any form of ethnic/tribal, religious, or regional organizations, etc., because they help to promote division in our cohesive society. We know no language grouping because it undermines the very essence and credibility of our organization. A diverse and unified Gambia is our objective. Article 1 V Membership is open to all Gambians whose beliefs do not contravene the ideals expressed in Article 11 and 111 above and to all other nationals who share our objectives of a peaceful democratic change in The Gambia. Article V STRUCTURE Sec. 1. Structure and character determine a lot about an organization. We therefore, seek to establish one with exemplary leadership qualities that can proudly stand at all times to expose the regime's maladministration and human rights abuses without fear or favor, affection or ill will. Therefore, the organization shall consist of: (1) a President, (2) a Vice President, (3) a Secretary General, (4) Two Ex-Officio Members, (5) an Auditor General, and (6) a Treasure. Sec. 2. Responsibilities: The President is the head of the organization. He/she shall open and close the meetings, gatherings or any function(s) run by the organization. He/she has authority to delegate responsibility at all times provided that such delegation does not undermine the very foundation of our organization. The Vice President is the President's assistant and shall in the President's absence perform his/her duties. The Vice President is also responsible for logistics and will be planning programs and functions in connection with the President. The Treasurer and the Auditor General shall submit a financial statement to the Vice President before any meeting, gathering or function(s) so that the Vice President can be familiarized with the information. The Secretary General shall clerk all meetings, gatherings or functions and in his/her absence, the President can delegate himself/herself or some other person to take minutes. As a clerk, the Secretary General shall introduce the President, the Vice President and members of the executive committee in all functions. He/she shall correspond and disseminate information within and outside the organization. Ex-Officio Members - they are part of the executive membership without any official title. They shall compose of two members who will be elected by the membership. They shall attend executive meetings and be assigned additional responsibilities by the President. The Auditor General shall audit the accounts of the organization and communicate to the Vice President who shall familiarize members with the accounts. The Auditor shall make audit reports. The Treasurer shall take care of the organization's bookkeeping, journals, financial statements and quarterly reports. In short, all the organization's finances shall be entrusted in the care of the treasurer. Article V1 Financial strength and reliability must be maintained if we are to register progress. Therefore, each member shall contribute a membership fee of twenty dollars ($20) nonrefundable. There shall also be $20 and $10 monthly contributions for men and women respectively. These contributions will boost our financial standing and enable us to participate fully and meaningfully in The Gambia's democratic crusade. The organization shall have an account with a local bank in Raleigh, NC with up to four executive signatories. Only three signatories shall be required for withdrawal. Due to the prevailing political situation in The Gambia, we the members have agreed to meet every last Sunday of every month until otherwise change by the membership. Article V11 Democracy is an expensive endeavor and requires sacrifice and funding. To facilitate our ideals, we shall therefore tap all avenues to enable us to collect funds in our endeavor. We shall at appropriate times, send financial contributions to Gambian opposition parties, especially the year 2001 elections which is fast approaching to help them fight quasi-military dictatorship. We will encourage all the opposition parties in The Gambia to come together as a unifying force to get rid of this regime, especially during the coming elections. We shall also organize fund raising activities, for example, dinners, parties and yard sales and participate in all forms of demonstrations, protests, seminars, debates and symposia in our tough battle for change. Termination of Membership Membership shall be terminated under the following conditions: nonpayment of subscriptions for two months or not following the bylaws of the organization. Resignation- a member may terminate membership at any time by notifying the organization at the meeting. An executive member can resign after all the organization's papers are handed over and a 30-day notice is given to the organization. Amendments to the Constitution and Dissolution No resolution shall be valid unless passed by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present or represented. Dissolution of the organization shall be passed by two-thirds majority of the membership and notice shall be sent to all the members and organizations that have vested interest in our organization. All assets after dissolution of the organization shall be given to the opposition parties and non-governmental agencies that are fighting for a democratic change in The Gambia. Executives shall be elected by democratic means, simply by voting in an open process. Naphiyo, Comrade ML Jassey-Conteh ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface ----------------------------------------------------------------------------