October 10th, 2001 The Point Basse Benefits From Jammeh’s Cash Gifts Basse, the regional capital of URD, has recently benefitted from what many people called, “Jammeh’s world Bank” when the APRC flag bearer disbursed large amounts of cash, during his recent presidential campaign in the area. The APRC leader, Dr. Yahya Jammeh was said to have disburse over D10.000 to each of the six schools in Basse town. According to reliable sources, Mr. Jammeh also made several cash donations to many cultural groups and football teams while on a compaign tour durng which HE SPENT ALMOST FOUR NIGHTS IN ORDER TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM FOR HIS PARTY. (Emphasis mine: KB this substantiates what you said a day or two ago, and FJC denied) Talking to The Point in Basse, Kebba Sabally, a civil servant, observed that Jammeh should have reviewed his policy towards the farmers in purchasing their nuts, saying that disbursing cash to groups means nothing for Gambians. Mr. Sabally said that many people appreciated that “because they don’t know that enough is enough.” A senior school master, who pledged anomity, told this reporter that this gift was left for us to make the best use of it.” The gentleman was quick to say that Jammeh should equip schools and improve the condition of teachers,” instead of giving a public gift which later brings confusion in the school. Fatoumatta Jallow, a student, told The Point that Jammeh has done a lot for the students in Basse ‘therefore giving us money was a very good move. “ We can see our love in him.” Ms. Jallow further appealed for the perpetrators of the killing of the April 10 and 11th demonstration in which 14 people were officially killed to be brought to justice . She stressed that Jammeh should do all that is necessary, “if re-elected to power, to bring the culprits before the court as we the students of the Gambia shall never forget this awful saga in our generation”. Sulayman Keita, a trader said he defected from the ruling APRC to the UDP, on principles adding that he is deeply disappointed. Mr. Keita explained that the military came with a very clear manifesto to implement, ”but they are now ruling the country in a zigzag form, so we need change which is, now inevitable.” Sanjally Jobarteh, a resident of Basse Dampha Kunda, vowed that his people would effect change in the area which he claimed is 100% UDP. Mr. Jobarteh observed that before giving out money to people Jammeh should have done to level best to reduce the prices of commodies like sugar and rice in particular. He urged people to ask themselves how could Jammeh distribute Jammeh money while, ”many people found difficulty to buy a bag of rice today.” _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>> To view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>